Homily: May 2, 2023, Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter (Kristianos)

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Today’s first reading ends with this: “…and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.”

The English term ‘Christians’ means ‘Christ believer or follower’. The language used in Antioch was Greek and in Greek, the disciples were called ‘Kristianos’. Is there a difference?

‘Kristianos’ is a diminutive form of Christ. In scripture, Christ is known as ‘the anointed one’. Thus, ‘Kristianos’ would be translated as ‘little Christs’ or ‘little anointed ones’.

So, the disciples were more than mere believers or followers, they were seen as ‘Christ’ in smaller forms, anointed, consecrated, holy, sacred. They were not the Messiah, but they were seen as representations of the Messiah, doing what He did, to save, by preaching the good news.

We read, “They were proclaiming the Lord Jesus….and taught a large number of people.” They were tirelessly preaching the word to all. Nothing could stop them from spreading the good news of Jesus, not even persecution. 

We too are Christians. But are we just passive believers? Silent followers? Or are we truly ‘little Christs’? 

There is a lot in our identity as ‘Christians’. We are the anointed ones. And for what are we anointed? Luke 4:18 we read: “The spirit of the lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring the good news to the poor.”

Yes, we are anointed to preach the good news to all. The moment we were baptized, we were anointed with this life mission. When was the last time you made a deliberate effort to tell someone about Jesus?

Would others know us by our actions, words and way of living? Can they see us as ‘little Christs’?

Let us be faithful to our identity. Let us live out our calling and be authentic disciples. May God grant us the grace to live like Christ. Amen.

Fr. Nivin Scaria 

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