[Mrs. Don-o]

The quote from the Catechism makes it clear that self-defense, even by an act of lethal force, is not forbidden by the Gospel of Christ.

But there's more to it than that. It's a closely-reasoned article, and it deserves a very careful read.

[Hostage]

But know that Jesus commanded the presence of swords for defense only.

The presence of swords in the Garden of Gethsemane was to deter the Temple Guards from arresting all disciples and to agree to arrest only Jesus.

Jesus knew what would happen before it happened. To spread the Gospel, the disciples needed to be protected. In prison, they would be killed or they would be tried and then killed.

The swords were present to ensure the disciples remained free to spread the Gospel.

[dsc]

“But there’s more to it than that. It’s a closely-reasoned article, and it deserves a very careful read.”

Theology for grown-ups, these days an avis most rara.