Catholics are necessarily at war with this age. That we are not more conscious of the fact, that we so often endeavor to make an impossible peace with it -- that is the tragedy. You cannot serve God and Mammon.

Summary

This quote suggests that Catholics are fundamentally opposed to the values and beliefs of contemporary society. The tragedy lies in the realization that Catholics often try to compromise or find a middle ground with the prevailing norms, despite the inherent conflict. The quote alludes to the biblical notion that one cannot simultaneously worship God and material wealth (symbolized by Mammon). Thus, it implies that Catholics should stand firmly in their beliefs and be aware of the clash between their faith and the values of the present age.

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