Our Christian consistency

WE should not be afraid to show our Christian identity at

all times and in all situations. We should not be Christian by name

only, but also by our thoughts, desires and deeds, and in all aspects

of our life. We should not be Christian in good times only, but also,

and most especially, in bad times. We should not be Christian only in

our sacred moments, but also in our mundane activities.

             This does not mean that we have to flaunt our Christian

identity or to exude some kind of a triumphalistic aura. In fact, we

have to be most natural and discreet about it. But it should not be

hidden because of fear or shame.

  

            Remember Christ saying: “Everyone who confesses Me before

men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. But whoever

denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in

heaven.” (Mt 10,32-33)

  

            That Christ is the Son of God who became man to redeem us

means that God in Christ through the Holy Spirit identifies himself

with each one of us at all times. This is the basis for keeping a

consistency in our Christian identity.

  

            This is what our Catechism teaches us clearly:

“Christ enables us to live in him all that he himself lived, and he

lives it in us. ‘By his Incarnation, he, the Son of God, has in a

certain way united himself with each man.” (Catechism 521)

  

            We have to understand that everything in our life can only

have its proper meaning and purpose when referred to Christ. Our

mundane activities and concerns can only acquire their ultimate

meaning and divine value when related to Christ. Even our weaknesses,

errors, failures and sins can only be taken care of properly when

referred to Christ.

  

            We need to spread this truth of our faith, so crucial in

our life, as widely as possible. Let’s listen to St. Paul in this

regard: “Preach the word. Be prepared in season and out of season.

Reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but

with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit

their own desires.” (2 Tim 4,2-3)

  

            This means that we have to learn how to relate Christ to

everything in our life, and vice-versa, how to relate everything to

him. We have to show how Christ is relevant and necessary in all these

things, how he gives meaning and purpose to them, how he purifies and

elevates them to the supernatural order that is also proper to us,

since we are called to it.

  

            This is not going to be an easy task. And we have to avoid

trying short-cuts, falling either to the extremes of rationalism

(reason alone with no faith) or of fideism (faith alone with no

reason).

             We need to consider the temper of the times and the

lifestyle and cultures of the people. We have to identify the many

elements that either favor or work against this fundamental truth of

our faith, and act accordingly.

  

            The main idea is to help everyone to maintain their

Christian consistency at all times.