Ave Maria Meditations
At the very least, a Christian is a person who is baptized and who may have received a ministry in the Church. There’s also what might be called the “half Christian”.
I am half Christian when I am indifferent and without passion for the work of the Church. I am half Christian when my choices are irrational and indecisive, when I am a fair-weather Christian, when I am cowardly and hesitate to commit myself for fear of complications and failure. I am half Christian when I am cunning and ready to compromise with sin, and when I do not dare to tell the truth.
I am an authentic Christian when I direct my choices toward the Lord, when I fear Him and His judgment alone. I am an authentic Christian when I accept slander, unjust accusations, hatred, and rejection, but refuse to accept compromising myself by conducting my life according to godless demands. I am an authentic Christian when I maintain a courageous hope, an ardent faith, and heroic charity.
Venerable Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thaun
