Exploring the Didache

By ERIC GIRTEN

THE CATHOLIC KITCHEN

My brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ,

I pray this note finds you well. Over the next several months, the article space graciously provided me here will be dedicated to providing you with, section by section, the Didache, a second-generation Christian text. It is thought to have been written in the time frame of around 70-100 AD, and provides a summation and insight into how our earliest Christian brothers and sisters were living the message of Jesus Christ. So, if you want a strong shot of Christianity; have become confused by the many messages out there; aren’t sure what you believe; have stopped going to church to hear a message you don’t necessarily understand; or just don’t really care anymore, take some time to pray with this 1,950-year-old document written by those who were separated by only 40-70 years from Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. That is equivalent to the time from the 1950s to the 1980s.

What do you have in common with these early Christian communities? How can you relate? You might be surprised. Just do some study on the social issues of the time and compare it with today.

I will lay it out for you without personal interference and suggest only here, at the beginning, that you compare it with your own Christian journey. Whether you pass on any lessons learned or insights gained to those around you is up to you. Christ’s Peace to you and yours.

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Chapter 1.

“The Two Ways; The First Commandment There are two ways, one of life and one of death; but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, your neighbour as yourself; and all things whatsoever you would should not occur to you, do not also do to another. And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there, if you love those who love you? Do not also the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone gives you a blow upon your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect. If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two. If someone takes away your cloak, give him also your coat. If someone takes from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able. Give to every one that asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he that gives according to the commandment; for he is guiltless. Woe to him that receives; for if one having need receives, he is guiltless; but he that receives not having need, shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what, and, coming into straits (confinement), he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape thence until he pay back the last farthing. Matthew 5:26 But also now concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.”