WHAT IS CHRISTIANITY?
Christians of the first and second generation never thought that a new religion was being born with them. In fact they didn’t know what name to call that movement that was growing unexpectedly. They were still going about impacted by the memory of Jesus, whom they felt alive in their midst.
That’s why the groups that gathered together in cities like Corinth or Ephesus started to call themselves «churches», that is, communities that are being formed, called together by a same faith in Jesus. In other areas, Christianity was called «the way». One writing from the year 80 which is called the Letter to the Hebrews says that it is a «new and living way» to deal with life. The path «inaugurated» by Jesus that should be run «with eyes fixed on him».
There’s no doubt about it. For these first believers, Christianity wasn’t actually a religion, but a new way of living. What’s first for them wasn’t living within a religious institution, but learning together how to live like Jesus in the midst of a huge empire. Here was their energy. This was what they could offer everyone else.
In this climate are understood well the words that the fourth Gospel puts on Jesus’ lips: «I am the way, the truth and the life». This is the point of departure for Christianity. A Christian is a man or woman who in Jesus goes about discovering the clearest path of living, the truth that most truly directs them, the secret that gives most hope to life.
This path is very concrete. Little does it serve to feel oneself conservative or declare oneself progressive. The option we must make is something else. Either we organize our lives in our own way or we learn to live from Jesus. We need to choose.
Indifference towards those who suffer, or compassion all the way. Only well-being for myself and my group, or a more human world for all. Intolerance and exclusion of those who are different, or an open and welcoming attitude toward all. Forget about God, or communication trusting in the Father of all. Fatalism and resignation, or final hope for all creation.
José Antonio Pagola
Translator: Fr. Jay VonHandorf
