The priest began by highlighting a historical mystery that continues to intrigue theologians and church historians: how Christianity managed to spread so effectively across the globe, especially during the early days of the Roman Empire, when being a Christian was a crime. Despite persecution, Christianity reached every corner of the world, and the priest explored some reasons behind this phenomenon.
Firstly, he noted how Christianity treated women with dignity, in stark contrast to the Roman Empire. At the time, boys were often valued more than girls, and in some cases, baby girls were abandoned or left to die in the wilderness if a family already had a daughter. Christianity, however, upheld the value of every life, offering a starkly different perspective on human dignity.
Secondly, the faith offered people a sense of community and identity as followers of Christ. Unlike the societal hierarchies of the time, Christianity was inclusive, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds into its fold.
And being a Christian was not forced on people. It was a deliberate choices that people made. Some made this choice knowing they could be killed for this choice.
Fast forward to today, the priest observed that being a Christian has become, for some, no different than joining a book club. While there are still individuals who make a deliberate and sometimes sacrificial choice to follow Christ, the communal aspect of the faith has been diluted.
Modern technology has promised independence, tempting us to believe we can thrive in isolation. However, the priest warned that just as a part of the body cannot survive when disconnected from the whole, so too do individuals struggle when they separate themselves from the body of Christ, the Church.
He cautioned against bringing the mindset of status and prestige into faith communities, where titles and roles can overshadow the true purpose of fellowship. He lamented that this often reduces the church to little more than a social club, stripping it of its spiritual essence.
To illustrate his point, the priest shared a story about a former student from his university days. This young man, brilliant and full of ambition, he said, once confided that he was drawn to power and prestige. However, he eventually realized the cost of such pursuits would be on his soul. Recognizing the vanity of those ambitions, this student made a complete 360 turnaround, dedicating his life to theology. Now pursuing a Ph.D. in the field, he is also a teacher at a Jesuit high school. Despite earning a modest salary in this job, he finds joy and fulfillment in his work and his deliberate efforts to build a true Christian community alongside his fiancée. When asked if he would be interested in bring a professor in a university one day, he said it would require competition and cut-throat to do so and he's not interested. Wow!
The priest used this story to remind us that we, too, must make deliberate choices daily to be part of the body of Christ and His Church. Faith requires intention and a willingness to connect with others in true fellowship, not for status but for spiritual growth and unity.
The homily left me reflecting on the importance of community, humility, and the deliberate pursuit of a life centered on Christ. While my words may not fully capture the richness of the message, I hope they convey some of its essence.
Wishing you a blessed Sunday!
God bless you,
Pal Ronnie
Happy Sunday
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