Didache

 The Didache is the oldest book/catechism/constitution, etc. of information, that we have.  It has been dated as around 50 A.D..  It contains the teachings of the twelve apostles.  It was found by the Metropolitan Philotheos Bryennios in a Greek manuscript in Constantinople.  Although, it has been moved to a safer place.  Think of it.  This is older than the Gospel of John and some of the synoptic letters. 

Inside is a manual of instruction for the community on how to prepare catechumen for baptism.  Catechumen is Greek for people taking instructions in the faith.  It also gives the form of the rite to be used and other practical advice.

IOW, it is a manual that outlines teachings, rites, and instructions.  Here are the instructions for the Rite of Reconciliation (Confession).

In the church you shall acknowledge your transgressions, and you shall not come near for your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life. . . . But every Lord’s day gather yourselves together and break bread and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. – Didache 4, 14 (50 A.D).

Christian Engagement

Today's the big day--election day.  I am so happy it's over.  I am so very tired of the election commercials on TV.  I think everyone else is too.  No one talks about it.  People are so divided that we are afraid to bring the subject up.  Personally, I voted by mail, a month ago.  I honestly don't remember my voting choices.  I am so done.

No matter who wins, Jesus is still my King. I think we have to act like Christians, in the beginning.  Think how they began.  They were Jews who followed Christ, subject to the Roman Empire.  The Jews were throwing them out of the temple.  They didn't belong anywhere.  They were a minority.  They had no influence.

I'll say it again.  They had no influence.  How did they change the world?  They stayed true to Jesus.  They loved each other.  They served the poor, cared for the sick, they took in unwanted babies. They worshipped wherever, even in the catacombs. And somehow, their witness won over populations.

Christianity wasn't accepted until the Emperor Constantine accepted it and decriminalized it in the fourth century.  I'll repeat that, too--fourth century.  

Have patience and the humility to accept that you are only doing a small but important part making the Kingdom of God.  Have faith.

 

How It Began

 Think about this.  The early Christians didn't think they were starting a new religion.  They were practicing Jews.  So, we'd be Jews too, if the early Christians weren't thrown out of the temples.

The early Christians were adding the name of Jesus and using Messianic terms.  All four Gospels relate the Passover, to us Christians--the Last Supper.  The Last Supper was the first Mass. 

Think of the couple on the road to Emmaus and Jesus joining them.  They don't know who He is.  As they walk, Jesus explains the Last Supper: Luke 24: 27-31.  Isn't this what we do at Mass?  Walk in, say a pray, sit and listen to the Scriptures, prepare a meal, eat it, clean up. pray, say our goodbyes. 

Think of the Emmaus couple recognizing Jesus at their meal.  That's our realization of Jesus' True Presence, in the Eucharist--the bread and wine.  

From early Christianity, that's how Christians recognized each other-sharing the meal.

Picture of the Beginning

Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy)

Reading 1ACTS 2:42-47

They devoted themselves
to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life,
to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone,
and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
All who believed were together and had all things in common;
they would sell their property and possessions
and divide them among all according to each one’s need.
Every day they devoted themselves
to meeting together in the temple area
and to breaking bread in their homes.
They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart,
praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.
And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Studium:

The infant church is growing by leaps and bounds.  The apostles carry on their Jewish traditions of relating to God, prayer, community, plus the most important--the Eucharist.  The community is ideal.  Note how they all chip in to help each other.

Meditatio:

Lord, the early Christians really felt the Holy Spirit.  I need that fire.  I want that love.  Send it down upon me, Lord.

Oratio:

May I imitate the zeal for evangelization that the early Evangelist had.

Contemplatio:

Come, Holy Spirit, come.

Resolutio:

I need to write more about You, My Love.