First Christians

When I look at your lives, some words written at the beginning of Christianity seem to apply once again: “For Christians are not distinguished from other men by country or language or the customs which they observe: for they do not dwell in cities of their own, nor do they use some strange language, nor lead a life marked out by any peculiarity. Their teaching has not been devised by any speculation or deliberation of inquisitive men; nor do they, like some, defend merely human doctrines. But, dwelling as they do in Greek or barbarian towns as falls to the lot of each one, and following native customs in clothing, food and the rest of their conduct, yet they display a wonderful and certainly striking method of life.”⁶

Christ’s example

But above all, let us consider Christ’s example: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him (Matt 2:1-3).

They are startled, they are surprised: they did not know that the Saviour was already in their midst. He is a king who passes unnoticed, a king who is God and passes unnoticed. Christ’s lesson to us is that we should live with those of our own social level, with those who share our profession or position, being unknown, as just one more among many.

Naturalness

Not unknown on account of our work. Nor unknown because you do not stand out in talent. But unknown because there is no need for them to know that you are souls dedicated to God. Let them experience it and feel that they are being helped to live cleanly and nobly, when they see your behaviour, which is full of respect for the legitimate freedom of everyone, when they hear from your lips words filled with doctrine, backed by your consistent example. But let your dedication to God’s service pass hidden, unnoticed, as Jesus’ first thirty years of life passed unnoticed.