Denver Catholic

24 APRIL 2023 | DENVER CATHOLIC This different way of life was noticed by the surround- ing pagans, and they wondered about it. The sociologist Rodney Stark noted in his book, The Rise of Christianity, that Christian courage in the face of death particularly caught their attention. Christians were not only willing to die for their faith through persecution, but also accepted the risk of disease to care for the sick, even when they had been aban- doned by their families. They cared for the poor, Christian and pagan alike, and treated women, children and slaves with greater dignit y, including recovering abandoned new- borns. Christians clearly believed in something more pow- erful than any myth or philosophy and proved their faith through their actions. Conversion began through relationships: family connec- tions, neighbors and colleagues. Mike Aquilina describes this dynamic of the Church 's growth: "The common narra- tive, however, is a story of friendship. There was, as far as we know, no talk of evangelistic methods or institutional programs in the underground Church ... it seems that Chris- tians converted the world simply by befriending their next- door neighbors and persevering in friendship" (Friendship and the Fathers: How the Early Church Evangelized). Likewise, Michael Green also points to how the Church 's growth "was in realit y accomplished by means of informal missionar- ies," engaging people in a natural and enthusiastic way "in homes and wine shops, on walks, and around market stalls ... Having found treasure, they meant to share it with others, to the limit of their abilit y" (Evangelism in the Early Church, 243-44). Despite persecution and derision as a marginal group, whose views contradicted the prevalent ethos of ancient culture, the Church grew by leaps and bounds. People wanted more. They sought meaning and purpose beyond what the myths and mystery cults could offer, and found a happiness more genuine than material pleasure. They could see Christians had something they lacked. They observed it every day and began asking questions. They came to know Jesus through their conversations with Christians. When they were ready, they were brought before the local priest for examination and, if deemed ready, they became catechumens, starting off a more serious time of prepara- tion through instruction, prayer and moral growth. After years of testing, they would then be examined and elected by the bishop, and they would begin an even more intense period of purification during Lent to prepare to receive the sacraments during the Easter Vigil. Only then could the new converts, the neophytes, be admitted to the fullness of the Mass and communit y life within the Church. Personal witness worked as a means of conversion even in difficult circumstances. This witness provides a model for us, as our culture begins to look more and more like the ancient world, lost and confused, seeking for greater pur- pose. As Catholic Christians, we can offer direction if we ourselves become true witnesses of Christ by living a differ- ent way of life. 24 APRIL 2023 | DENVER CATHOLIC Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." ACTS 2:38

• Cover