CHRISTIAN LIFE - B

What is Christian Life

I.  Apostolic Commission.

      When the Apostles received their commission from Christ, the words of Christ were: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

     1.     The first part is to make disciples or true followers from all nations. How? By baptizing them. Through Baptism, man receives the fruits of Redemption, heals the wound caused by the fall of Adam and man receives sanctifying grace, making him a child of God.

     2.    However, Christ knew that man has a fallen nature, making him weak and foolish most of the time. It was impossible for man to keep the graces he had received at Baptism. He certainly would lose them soon. This situation must be remedied.

     3.     So, Christ made provisions for the preservation of man's God-given graces  and, if he loses these, for their restoration in these words: ". . .teach them to obey everything I have commanded." The commands of Christ is the way to maintain and/or regain the graces received at Baptism. These commands of Christ is Christian Life.

St. Cyprian: On Works and Alms 1-5 CSEL 3, 373-7

(05-01-03)