It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians

 

Our scripture readings for today's reflection can be found at Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | USCCB

During this Easter season, the first readings at Mass continue with the development of the early church as told by Luke in the Acts of the Apostles. These readings from Acts are very inspirational to me as a deacon and follower of Jesus Christ. 

We see in the beginning of this reading from Acts that the early followers were scattered as a result of the persecution that arose because of the killing of St. Stepehen, the first martyr and deacon of the early church. Yet they continued to proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ to the Greaks in Antioch and many came to believe and follow Jesus Christ as their savior.

The courage and faith they had in God, even with the persecutions that they encountered is a great example of how we are to live out our faith. We may never face death as a result of our faith in Jesus Christ, but there are times when in our society that being a Christian can be difficult. We, like the early Christians, are called to be counter cultural. Further, we are called to share our faith in Jesus Christ even when it's not convenient or comfortable. In every situation in our life, in all our relationships with others, we have to remember that we are called to love God with all our mind and hearts and to love those in our lives as God loves us. This is not always easy, but it's what we are called to do.

Let us be proud of the name "Christian" and like those first followers of Jesus Christ always be ready to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.