“The simple and ever identical truth“
“I reckon prosperity, O men, to consist in nothing else than in living according to truth. But we do not live properly, or according to truth, unless we understand the nature of things. It escapes them apparently, that he who has by a true faith come forth from error to the truth, has truly known himself, not, as they say, as being in a state of frenzy, but as free from the unstable and (as to every variety of error) changeable corruption, by the simple and ever identical truth.“
Saint Justin Martyr, quotation taken from: The Writings of Justin Martyr, the apocryphile press 2007, p. 302
Today, on the 14th April, is the traditional feast day of Saint Justin Martyr, a witness of the ancient Church who was executed by the Roman authorities in the year 165. In a text called The Martyrdom of the Holy Martyrs it is described why and how he and his companions suffered as martyrs in Rome:
“Rusticus the prefect pronounced sentence, saying, ‘Let those who have refused to sacrifice to the gods and to yield to the command of the emperor be scourged, and led away to suffer the punishment of decapitation, according to the laws.‘ The holy martyrs having glorified God, and having gone forth to the accustomed place, were beheaded, and perfected their testimony in the confession of the Saviour.“
The Martyrdom of the Holy Martyrs, in: The Writings of Justin Martyr, the apocryphile press 2007, p. 306
Saint Justin Martyr was a philosopher – seeking truth and wisdom. He kept wearing the garb of a philosopher after his conversion to show all his fellow philosophers that he had found the one true philosophy. Surely, this lover of truth, was assisting me in my search for the truth…
Born as the son of Roman parents in the early second century in a city in Samaria, which in our time is the city of Nablus, he was a student of the philosophical schools of Socrates and Plato – before he found “the way, the truth, and the life“ (John 14: 6), Jesus Christ.
“At last he became acquainted with Christianity, being at once impressed with the extraordinary fearlessness which the Christians displayed in the presence of death, and with the grandeur, stability, and truth of the teachings of the Old Testament. From this time he acted as an evangelist, taking every opportunity to proclaim the gospel as the only safe and certain philosophy, the only way to salvation. It is probable that he travelled much. We know that he was some time in Ephesus, and he must have lived for a considerable period in Rome. Probably he settled in Rome as a Christian teacher. While he was there, the philosophers, especially the Cynics, plotted against him, and he sealed his testimony to the truth by martyrdom.“
Introductory Note to: The Writings of Justin Martyr, the apocryphile press 2007, p. 160
He became an apologist for the Catholic faith, ready to defend the truth of the faith with rational arguments in debates with the men of his time. At the city of Ephesus, he went into a religious dialogue with a Jewish man by the name of Trypho. To the Gentiles he preached Moses the prophet and Jesus the Messiah, while trying to show where and how their own philosophers have had partial insight into the truth – and where and how they lead men astray.
“The time, then, ye men of Greece, is now come, that ye, having been persuaded by the secular histories that Moses and the rest of the prophets were far more ancient than any of those who have been esteemed sages among you, abandon the ancient delusion of your forefathers, and read the divine histories of the prophets, and ascertain from them the true religion; for they do not present to you artful discourses, nor speak speciously and plausibly – for this is the property of those who wish to rob you of the truth – but use with simplicity the words and expressions which offer themselves, and declare to you whatever the Holy Ghost, who descended upon them, chose to teach through them to those who are desirous to learn the true religion. (…) it follows as the one thing that remains for you to do, that, renouncing the error of your fathers, ye read the prophecies of the sacred writers, not requiring from them unexceptionable diction (for the matters of our religion lie in works, not in words), and learn from them what will give you life everlasting.“
Justin’s Hortarory Address to the Greeks, in: The Writings of Justin Martyr, the apocryphile press 2007, p. 287-288
Every time I come across Saint Justin I remember my baptism, even though not consciously as if were able to see it before my eyes. I was baptized, in the year 1986, on the 1st June in an evangelical Lutheran assembly, being just a few months old. Since the reform of the liturgy some decades ago, Saint Justin is remembered on the 1st June.
I learned about this connection in 2018 or 2019, in the days of my conversion to Catholicism anyways, and ever since I‘ve been considering him one of my patron saints. But even though I read some of his writings back then, including his description of the Eucharistic celebration which can easily convince one how ancient the belief in Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist is, I feel as if I have not contemplated on this connection and have not honored him enough yet.
Beginning “the Way of Life“
Baptism is the beginning of our “life in Christ“, of walking on “the Way of Life“, even if you are still rolling around in diapers, or are nothing but a little crawling toddler. It means to be “born of the Spirit“ (John 3: 6).
“‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.‘”
John 3: 3; 5
“‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.‘“
Traditionally und usually, catechumens, that is those of the age of reason who have completed their time of learning concerning “the Way“ (Acts 9: 2), are incorporated into the Church by making their profession of faith and receiving the sacraments of Holy Baptism (and of Holy Confirmation as well as the Holy Eucharist) during the Paschal Vigil.
“Today in all the rites, Latin and Eastern, the Christian initiation of adults begins with their entry into the catechumenate and reaches its culmination in a single celebration of the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. In the Eastern rites the Christian initiation of infants also begins with Baptism followed immediately by Confirmation and the Eucharist, while in the Roman rite it is followed by years of catechesis before being completed later by Confirmation and the Eucharist, the summit of their Christian initiation.“
Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1233
The Catechism clearly teaches that infant baptism requires that the learning – the catechesis, the instruction “in the Way“ – which could not take place before baptism has to be absorbed later on. Concerning the baptism of infants, the Church states:
“Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children also have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which all men are called. The sheer gratuitousness of the grace of salvation is particularly manifest in infant Baptism. The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth.“
Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1250-1252
“Christian parents will recognize that this practice also accords with their role as nurturers of the life that God has entrusted to them.“
“The practice of infant Baptism is an immemorial tradition of the Church. There is explicit testimony to this practice from the second century on, and it is quite possible that, from the beginning of the apostolic preaching, when whole ‘households‘ received baptism, infants may also have been baptized.“
The catechumens in the ancient Church would have received some sort of instruction very similar to the one we find in a document from the 1st century called The Didache, or The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles to the nations.
“There are two ways, one of life and one of death, and there is a great difference between the two ways. The way of life is this. First of all, you shall love the God who made you. Second, love your neighbor as yourself. And all things you would not want done to you, do not do to another person.“
Excerpts taken from: The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles to the nations, known as The Didache
“Never forsake the Lord‘s commandments. But you shall guard the things which you have received, neither adding to them nor taking away from them. Confess your sins in church, and do not go to prayer with a guilty conscience. This is the Way of Life.“
“Beware, lest anyone lead you astray from this way of righteousness, for he teaches apart from God. For if you can bear the whole yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you cannot, do as much as you can.“
Before we turn to some excerpts from the First Apology of Saint Justin Martyr addressed to the Roman emperor Titus just a couple of years before his martyrdom, between 150-160 A.D. – excerpts which tell us about the assemblies and the administration of the sacraments in the ancient Church – , we will look at a couple of passages from the Didache relating to the same topic, as it is of even earlier origin.
“Maranatha“ – hints at the communal and liturgical life of the ancient Church recorded in The Didache
The document called The Didache, known under various titles such as The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles to the nations, is usually dated to the time period of 80-90 A.D, and was probably written in Syria.
It contains instructions concerning the doctrine and the liturgical practices of the Church. Before the canon of the New Testament was officially solidified, some biblical canons included the text of the Didache. It was a well-known and appreciated writing in the early Church. For example, Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, who was bishop of Alexandria in the 4th century, recommended the studying of this document to converts.
The Didache can be divided up into several parts: It begins with some basic teachings on Christian theology and morality (The Two Ways), proceeds to the administration of several sacraments (Instruction for Catechumens), deals with issues pertaining to communal life (Life in the Community), and closes with an apocalyptic section (The Lord Is Coming).
Here are some excerpts from the Didache that speak to the question how the early Church assembled, prayed, fasted, and administered the sacraments:
“Confess your sins in church, and do not go to prayer with a guilty conscience.“
Excerpts taken from: The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles to the nations, known as The Didache
“Concerning baptism, baptize in this way. Having instructed him in all of these teachings, baptize the catechumen in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in running water. But if you do not have running water, then baptize in other water. And if you cannot in cold water, use warm. But if you have neither, then pour water on the head three times, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And before the baptism, let both the baptizer and the catuchumen fast, and also any others who are able. And be sure that the catechumen fasts a day or two before.“
“Do not let your fasts fall on the same days as the hyprocrites, for they fast on Mondays and Thursdays. Keep your fast on Wednesdays and Fridays.“
“Do not pray as the hypocrites either, but pray as the Lord commanded in His Gospel: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, for thine is the power and the glory unto ages of ages. Pray this way three times a day.“
“Now concerning the eucharistic thanksgiving, give thanks in this way. First, as concerning the cup: We give you thanks, our Father, for the holy vine of your son David, which you made known to us through your Son Jesus. Yours is the glory unto ages of ages.
Then as regards the broken bread: We give you thanks, our Father, for the life and knowledge which you made known to us through your Son Jesus. Yours is the glory unto ages of ages. As this broken bread was scattered upon the mountains and being gathered together became one, so may your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom. For yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ unto ages of ages.
Do not let anyone eat or drink of this Eucharist who has not been baptized into the name of the Lord, for concerning this the Lord has said, ‘Do not give the holy things to the dogs.‘
And after you have been filled, give thanks as follows: We give you thanks, holy Father, for your holy name, which you have made to dwell in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which you have made known unto us through your Son Jesus. Yours is the glory unto ages of ages. You, Almighty Master, created all things for your name‘s sake, and gave food and drink to men for their enjoyment, that they might give you thanks. And you have given us spiritual food and drink and eternal life through your Son. Most of all, we give you thanks that you are powerful. Yours is the glory unto ages of ages. Remember, Lord, your Church, and deliver it from all evil and to perfect it in Thy love. Gather it – the sanctified one – together from the four winds into your kingdom which you have prepared for it. For yours is the power and the glory unto ages of ages. May grace come and may this world pass away. Hosanna to the God of David. If any man is holy, let him come; if any man is not, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.
But permit the prophets to offer thanksgiving as much as they desire.“
“And concerning the ointment, give thanks as follows: We give you thanks, our Father, for the fragrant ointment which you have made known to us through your Son Jesus. Yours is the glory unto ages of ages. Amen.“
“Gather together each Sunday, break bread and give thanks, first confessing your sins, that your sacrifice may be pure. And let no man, having a disagreement with his brother, join you until they have been reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be defiled. For it was this sacrifice that was spoken of by the Lord: ‘In every place and at every time offer me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great king, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations.‘“
“Appoint for yourselves bishops and deacons who are worthy of the Lord: men who are meek and not lovers of money, and who are honest and proven. For they also perform the service of the prophets and teachers. Therefore, do not hold them in contempt, for they are honorable men along with the prophets and teachers.“
“But say your prayers, and give your alms, and do everything according to the Gospel of our Lord.“
“Watch over your life. Do not let your lamps burn out, nor your waist be ungirded, but be ready, for you do not know when our Lord is coming. And gather together frequently, seeking what is necessary for your souls, for all your years of faith will count for nothing unless you are perfected in the last days. In the last days, false prophets and corrupters will multiply, and the sheep will turn into wolves, and love will be turned into hate.“
“The Lord shall come and all his saints with him. Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven with power and dominion to repay each man according to his works, with justice, before all men and the angels. Amen.“
Morning hymn, evening hymn, Paschal hymn and Communion hymn from the 1st – 4th century
“Every day I will bless you; I will praise your name forever; yes, forever and ever. In your goodness, O Lord, keep me from sin today. You are blessed, O Lord, the God of our fathers, Your name is praised and glorified forever. Amen.“
Morning hymn dating back to 1st – 3rd century; evening hymn dating back to the 1st – 2nd century; Paschal hymn dating back to the 2nd – 3rd century; Communion hymn dating back to the 4th century
“O joyful Light of the holy glory of the immortal Father, the heavenly, the holy, the blessed Jesus Christ, now that we have come to the setting of the sun, and see the light of evening, we praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: God. It is right at all times to worship you with joyful voices, O Son of God and Giver of life: for which the whole world glorifies You.“
“Christ is risen: Hades is in ruins. Christ is risen: the demons are fallen: Christ is risen: the angels rejoice. Christ is risen: the tombs are empty. Christ is risen from the dead indeed, the first among those who have fallen asleep. Glory and power are his forever and ever. Amen.“
“This is his blood, who took flesh of the holy Virgin: Jesus Christ. This is his blood, who was born of the God-bearing holy one: Jesus Christ. This is God‘s blood, who was seen by men and from whom demons fled: Jesus Christ. This is his blood, who offered himself a sacrifice for our sins: Jesus Christ.“
“The flesh and blood of that Jesus“ – descriptions of the communal and liturgical life of the ancient Church as given by Saint Justin Martyr in his First Apology to the Roman emperor Titus
“I will also relate the manner in which we dedicated ourselves to God when we had been made new through Christ; lest, if we omit this, we seem to be unfair in the explanation we are making. As many as are persuaded and believe that what we teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly, are instructed to pray and to entreat God with fasting, we praying and fasting with them. Then they are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated in the same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated. For, in the name of God, the Father and Lord of the universe, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, they then receive the washing with water. For Christ also said, ‘Except ye be born again, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.‘ (…) And for this (rite) we have learned from the apostles this reason. Since at our birth we were born without our own knowledge or choice, by our parents coming together, and were brought up in bad habits and wicked training; in order that we may not remain the children of necessity and of ignorance, but may become the children of choice and knowledge, and may obtain in the water the remission of sins formerly committed, there is pronounced over him who chooses to be born again, and has repented of his sins, the name of God the Father and Lord of the universe (…). And this washing is called illumination, because they who learn these things are illuminated in their understandings.“
The Writings of Justin Martyr, the apocryphile press 2007, p. 183-186
“But we, after we have thus washed him who has been convinced and has assented to our teaching, bring him to the place where those who are called brethren are assembled, in order that we may offer hearty prayers in common for ourselves and for the baptized (illuminated) person, and for all others in every place, that we may be counted worthy, now that we have learned the truth, by our works also to be found good citizens and keepers of the commandments, so that we may be saved with an everlasting salvation. Having ended the prayers, we salute one another with a kiss. There is then brought to the president of the brethren bread and a cup of wine mixed with water; and he taking them, gives praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, and offers thanks at considerable length for our being counted worthy to receive these things at His hands. And when he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all the people present express their assent by saying Amen. This word Amen answers in the Hebrew language to (so be it). And when the president has given thanks, and all the people have expressed their assent, those who are called by us deacons give to each of those present to partake of the bread and wine mixed with water over which the thanksgiving was pronounced, and to those who are absend they carry away a portion. And this food is called among us (the Eucharist), of which no one is allowed to partake but the man who believes that the things which we teach are ture, and who has been washed with the washing that is for the remission of sins, and unto regeneration, and who is so living as Christ enjoined. For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but in like manner as Jesus Christ, our Saviour, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likeweise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh.“
“And we afterwards continually remind each other of these things. And the wealthy among us help the needy; and we always keep together; and for all things wherewith we are supplied, we bless the Maker of all through His Son Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Ghost. And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the president verbally instructs, and exhorts to the imitation of these good things. Then we all rise together and pray, and, as we before said, when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought, and the president in like manner offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people assent, saying Amen; and there is a distribution to each, and a participation of that over which thanks have been given, and to those who are absent a portion is sent by the deacons. And they who are well to do, and willing, give what each thinks fit; and what is collected is deposited with the president, who succours the orphans and widows, and those who, through sickness or any other cause, are in want, and those who are in bonds, and the strangers sojourning among us, and in a word takes care of all who are in need.“
Saint Justin Martyr, pray for us!
