我們是基督徒

今天的讀經一提及在斯德望殉道後，因迫害而四散的人經過各地宣講福音。這事傳到了耶路撒冷教會，就打發巴爾納伯到安提約基雅去。在安提約基雅，門徒最先被稱為「基督徒」。

「基督徒」的這稱號很快被傳開去，原因是很多猶太人不願意承認耶穌是默西亞。這稱號帶來的往往是嘲弄和侮辱。我們有太多聖人聖女因不肯背棄這稱號而甘願捨身。

在現實生活中，我們未必如他們般遭到生命上的威脅，但圍繞我們的文化不斷在慫恿我們：「背負這身份的代價太大，不如放棄吧。」願我們不要放棄，記著：為義而受迫害的人是有福的。(瑪竇福音 5:10)

The first reading of today mentions that following St. Stephen's death, disciples were scattered due to persecution. They went to preach the Good News. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

The name "Christian" spread quickly because many Jews did not wish to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. This name often brings about mockery and humiliation. There were so many saints who would rather give up their lives than to give up being called "Christian".

Our lives might not be threatened, but the secular culture keeps convincing us: "The price for this name is too great, let's give up." May we hold on to this name, remember: "Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake" (Matthew 5:10)