Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
“It was in Antioch that they were first called Christians.” This line from the Acts of the Apostoles identifies how long the name Christian has been in existence. Perhaps more important than how long the name has been in existence is the nature of the name and what it implies: Followers of Christ. Words and particularly names had more importance in a society in which truth and meaning were more frequently conveyed by speaking than with written words. Calling oneself a Christian implied a commitment to a lifestyle that attracted some and repulsed others. The name did not imply a casual affiliation or a passing lifestyle but a dedication to belief that had consequences in thoughts, words, and actions. For many, the word “Christian” evokes simply civil behavior or a casual adherence to certain practice. We may need to reflect on the nature of the word, the commitment it demands, and the courage to life as followers of Christ.