On Not Being an Obnoxious Christian

Following in the footsteps of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus:

...Some of us today may feel a particular affinity with these two disciples. Many of us move largely (maybe even exclusively) in secular circles, among people who consider Christianity a pre-modern phenomenon and Catholicism a widespread aberration connected with medieval folk mores, superstitions, and outdated sexual norms (and, being so obviously "organized," Catholicism certainly could not be very "spiritual").

For how many of us have churchgoing habits, prayers, spiritual reading, charitable practices, etc., that are for the most part secret -- not just unostentatious, but carried out deliberately in such a way as not to attract attention, so that we might as well be classified as "secret disciples"? How many of us take special precautions to make sure that our regular Christian practices and even beliefs are not noticed among our numerous friends and associates who hold only "politically correct" secular habits (e.g., about observance of Sundays or holy days) and, in the best scenario, would react to our opinions (about contraception, abortion, etc.), if they were known, with polite silence, or simply change the subject?

Like Nicodemus or Joseph, we might argue, probably justifiably, that we can "do most good" by remaining in our present position or occupation, doing what we can to keep the real evil stuff at bay and to promote the good, true, and beautiful in all its various forms. We visualize Nicodemus speaking up respectfully at the meetings of the Pharisees, reminding them that they need to exercise "due process" in applying the laws. He no doubt reminded his colleagues about Jesus' frequent references concerning respect for the Mosaic law and the prophets, and he certainly would have emphasized that Jesus was no threat to their jurisdiction or their authority.

We also think of Joseph of Arimathea, "not consenting to their plan of action," probably using his influential position consistently to mollify the anger and resentment that he saw emerging among his compatriots; and, with his wealth, probably contributing substantially but anonymously to the purse that Judas carried, helping toward the sustenance of the growing band of believers.

Needless to say, we "Nicomadenians" who feel relatively more similarities with these two disciples than with some others may appear to lack the mettle of the fervent evangelists and martyrs who are celebrated in the New Testament, and about whom we hear throughout history and even in our contemporary world. But we can remind ourselves (with some justification) that the Spirit has an inexhaustible supply of gifts to mete out; and no doubt a gift like Nicodemianism is valid and commendable -- nothing to be ashamed of.

Now this is not to deny the fundamental importance of being willing to take a stand, be bold, and so on. That's just not the only way to live the faith. Many notes go to make up the song of the Christian life, each being played at the right moment at the right level of volume. Oftentimes, we are not called to stand on a street corner crying out against the sins of the age. Usually, we are called to quietly live our lives well, love our neighbor, love God above all, and die quietly, beloved and missed. We are called to live well, not necessarily loudly.