If a Christian Would Visit…
In 5 weeks, we will be taking a group of 14 to visit Italy. Our Italy is not like the Italy one visits just for fun. We will go to pray and learn about the past. We are going to grasp our heritage. One of the places we usually visit – of course! – are the Catacombs. My favorite ones are the Catacombs in Naples because there you can really grasp how Christians worshipped and what they believed. It is an extraordinary experience. As I think about those early Christians I wonder… If one of them would come to one of our meetings, would they recognize the Church?
First of all… In those first church meetings there was basically no singing. Usually, meetings were held at night, or very early in the morning since most Christians were slaves or poor people who had to toil for their living 12 hours a day or more. Also, when you are hiding, it is not a good idea to make a lot of noise. Therefore, singing was done quietly, almost always just one hymn at the end of the meetings to memorize basic Christian truths. Musicians, good musical instruments, paid staff, projectors… a lot of the things that are so important today when we meet, were totally useless then.
Also… there was no Bible. Teachers who knew personally Paul, Peter, or even Jesus, would come and tell stories about what Jesus did or taught. They could speak for hours about Jesus’ teachings and listening to them, the certainty that the Kingdom has indeed come would kindle in the listening hearts.
What Christians did find when they met together was real love. People would eat together sharing their lives and stories. No differences of status were allowed when they met as a Church. In the same place, the owner would sit with their slaves as they worshiped together. There was no welfare. But Christians felt secure because their bond was more powerful than the bond of family. Being a Christian meant you belonged. And that belonging meant it was not just you anymore.
Don’t get me wrong… I love to sing and worship. I love to have a Bible. But I just wonder. I wonder if we, having so much, are being deprived of what really matters.
Comments
Greetings Fanny,
So good to hear from you. I am excited to hear you are taking a group to Italy. My friend Mary and I went with you and Gianni back in 2016. It was a trip of a lifetime in fact Mary and I often talk about it. You and Gianni are exceptional people and we enjoyed spending time with you and meeting all of the wonderful ladies that went with us.
It’s sounds like your family has grown, I too have grandchildren 3 beautiful granddaughters. I take care of my youngest Mila Capri she is our miracle baby, born premature weighing only 3 lbs. She is doing wonderful and will be a year old October 20 she is a blessing from God.
Mary and I are both retired now and love it. Please keep us in mind for future trips we still love to travel and have been to Germany and Ireland pre-covid.
Enjoy your Italy trip !!
Warm regards,
Lynne Edwards
Dear Lynne:
Great memories from our travels together!
We are planning a couple of trips next year! I will certainly send you the information. Hopefully, we can travel together again.
A big hug and many blessings!
Fanny