People of the Way & People of the Pillars

People of the Way & People of the Pillars

Would it be a hyperbolic leap to say that there is (or could be) a credible semblance between the early Christians and present-day Maryknoll Affiliates?  Before the Edit of Milan 313 AD, when Christianity became the religion of the empire, the early Christians were known by many as the People of the Way. That “Way” was not a strict adherence to a set of doctrines, or a long list of beliefs, or emphasis on majestic liturgies. It was a way of life, characterized by a deep sense of joy and peace, of care for the other, and of a strong sense of equality among all (Galatians 3:28-29, neither Jew nor Greek, nor slave or free,). They were few, not wealthy, and not in positions of political power. For outsiders looking in, they were different. “Look how they love one another!” Most of you reading this are aware of all the above.

Today, so much about Christianity (other institutionalized religions too) is aligned with power (empire) and wealth. For many, it is a belief and belonging system that offers a degree of prestige and a pretty much homogenous tribe that shares a given worldview. Thankfully, this Christianity of empire is not embraced by Affiliates or by Maryknollers.

Affiliates are sometimes referred to as People of the Pillars. Herein lies the possible similarity to the early Christians. While Affiliates are generally not persecuted as were the early Christians, our commitment is very much a way of life. Living out the four pillars makes that visible.

Spirituality – not just a belief system, but a living relationship with God, with each other, with justice, and with Mother Earth
Community – a caring people of vision, not division. See how they love one another.
Global Vision – an expansive and inclusive way of embracing our world, not nationalism whatever the nefarious variety
Action – the concrete initiatives we take to live out our vision
 
Hopefully these words aren’t idealized, preachy or slick. Whatever is to follow for us as Affiliates* and for however many years we have left (5 or 500), we hope, like the People of the Way, to live them with deep conviction, joy and peace. This might extend our years as a Movement and it might invite new, younger people to join. But the primary reason remains, this is who we say we are.
 
* The upgraded title & theme for MAC 2027 is: Growing Into a New Era Rooted in Maryknoll