Nearly 2000 years ago, a man called Jesus lived in Israel. We believe that he was the Son of God.
He preached and gave witness to a profound message of love. He forgave sins, healed the sick and performed miracles. He spoke of a Kingdom of eternal peace in the life to come after death.
Yet he startled his listeners by announcing that this Kingdom was already making its presence felt, right then and there, wherever people were willing to open their hearts.
The effect that Jesus had on people's lives was astonishing. His followers, many of them the poor and outcasts of society, experienced a newfound freedom and hope in his presence. Others, particularly those in authority, were threatened by Jesus. His teaching was too radical for them. He was betrayed and put to death by crucifixion.
In the wake of Jesus' death, his followers scattered. They were confused, angry and frightened that they too would be destroyed. But then an extraordinary thing happened: Jesus was raised from the dead! He appeared to his followers in a new bodily way - alive in the Spirit of God and with messages of hope and love.
After forty days Jesus ascended into Heaven.
His followers continued to feel his presence in their lives. To them, the kingdom of God was a day-to-day reality. It was not just something they looked forward to in the eternal life to come, but it was also already happening in their midst on earth!
In response, they committed themselves to living a life worthy of such a gift. They understood that they had to take the message of Jesus to the world. They were the first Christians.
Catholics Though the Ages
