My Thoughts on 05/05/2020

In today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles it says that it was at Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians”. When someone makes a criticism of our behaviour they might say: “that isn’t very christian of you”. We might have been unloving, thoughtless or uncaring in some way. Yet we know that a loving and caring disposition is not the prerogative of Christian. There are many people who are loving, caring and thoughtful who have no religious affiliation.

What does it mean to be a Christian today? If we are baptised then we become a child of God and given the gift of eternal life and are part of God’s family the Church. Many people who are baptised do not grow up as a christian. A Christian is a disciple or follower of Jesus.

Throughout the reading of the Acts of the Apostles we see unfolded before us the followers of Jesus living a life of discipleship. What marks the followers of Jesus were three things; a loving affective relationship with Jesus through prayer, being part of a community centred on the Eucharist and a life of love of others through care and mission.

It is the Holy Spirit that enables us to live this life in Christ. Come Holy Spirit enlighten my heart and mind that through your power may I live the life of a follower of Jesus Christ.