I contend it is time to “redirect fire.” No more defensive mode. No more half-hearted apologies. No more shame. It’s time to take offensive - charitably and respectfully - but with conviction. It’s time to challenge challengers.

As members of one true Church founded by Jesus Christ, what possible reason do we have for being on defensive? Why do we feel compelled to prove our beliefs when they comprise entire deposit of sacred revelation? As Catholics, we lack nothing in our journey toward salvation. The Catechism beautifully reminds us of our heritage by quoting Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism (Unitatis Redintegratio):

“For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which is universal help toward salvation, that fullness of means of salvation can be obtained. It was to apostolic college alone, of which Peter is head, that we believe that our Lord entrusted all blessings of New Covenant, in order to establish on earth one Body of Christ into which all those should be fully incorporated who belong in any way to People of God.” [Emphasis mine]

We are blessed with over 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition. We have great martyrs and Saints, powerful Sacraments, insightful Synods and Councils, a splendid Catechism and inspired writings of Fathers and Doctors of Church. Moreover, it is only under authority of Successor of Peter that world has been able to experience God’s Word in Sacred Scripture. Being beneficiaries of this rich legacy does not mean we should be judgmental or smug. Our baptism, however, demands that we beckon others to discover truth.

Instead of being on defensive, we should be challenging others why they are not part of one true Church. With a heritage so deep and wide, who could possibly order Catholic Church to “explain herself?” Why would someone not want to be immersed in fullness of Christian revelation? What keeps millions from joining us in mining treasures of this ancient faith?

That charge has been leveled against Jews for two- thousand years. It has led to horrible, brutal persecutions, culminating in Nazi Holocaust and death of Six Million Jews.

The Holocaust brought about deep theological soul- searching within Christianity. It led to a revised view of circumstances involving Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus, a more appreciative understanding of Jewish faith, and a more respectful approach to Jewish-Christian relations.

Now comes Mel Gibson's highly controversial film, "The Passion of Christ," (premiere date: Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2004). According to concerned Jewish and Christian leaders, film resurrects Christ-killer charge with a passion.

It is time to retire Christ-killer charge, once and for all. The Jews did not kill Jesus. The Romans killed Jesus.

The most obvious evidence is form of execution - crucifixion - ordered by Pontius Pilate, Roman procurator of Judea. Crucifixion was not a Jewish form of capital punishment.

The New Testament suggests that Pontius Pilate was willing to release Jesus, but that Jews wanted him dead. It was other way around. Pilate saw Jesus as a dangerous messianic revolutionary, who had to be destroyed.

Pilate was a schemer and manipulator. He had full control over Jewish High Priest, who held office at Pontius Pilate's discretion. He, Pilate, had final control - since he kept High Priest's officiating robes under lock and key in Tower of Antonia. The High Priest needed these robes to officiate at major holidays, like Passover. If he did not do Pilate's bidding, robes were not released to him, and he was replaced by a more malleable High Priest (Source: "Man's Religions," by John B. Ross [p. 574].)

Pilate was not confused, conflicted, considerate, stymied person pictured in New Testament. He was a harsh, brutal and cruel ruler. There was great unrest at time in Holy Land. People were being oppressed by Rome and craved liberation from Roman rule. They yearned for promised, triumphant Messiah.