Looking back over the past few months, as we have reflected on the early history of Christianity in Northern and Eastern Africa, we find lessons from our faith journey today. The final days of the flourishing Christian presence in Northern Africa were contrasted with the ability to preserve the Christian influence in Ethiopia. Enculturation 
 
Ethiopia's experience underscores the importance of Christianity blending with the local culture to sustain conversion over centuries. As mentioned last week, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church didn’t just transplant foreign rituals and beliefs; it intertwined them with local traditions and customs. This cultural adaptation made Christianity not just a religion but an integral part of Ethiopian identity. Suppose Catholicism is to grow in what is currently a predominately Protestant African American community. In that case, we must embark on a similar path of intertwining our Catholic faith with African American culture so that people can experience it as an integral part of Black-American identity.
 
By respecting and incorporating local traditions, Ethiopian Christianity became more relatable and meaningful to the people. This approach ensured that the faith was not seen as an alien imposition but as something that resonated with their existing beliefs and practices. It’s a powerful lesson in the importance of cultural sensitivity and integration in religious missions today.
 
Education and Catechesis
 
The Ethiopian experience highlights the critical role of formal education in spreading Christianity. Monastic schools and institutions were established, becoming centers of learning and spiritual growth. Education played a pivotal role in deepening the understanding and commitment of converts. It moved people beyond mere ritualistic practice to profoundly comprehend Christian teachings. 
 
Similarly, Catholic schools and adult catechesis are essential not only for mastery of knowledge and skills that make the student a meaningful contributor to society but also for conveying a Catholic understanding of the importance of family and community and the dignity of the human person, regardless of one’s faith or beliefs.
 
Non-Isolation or Sectarianism
 
Ethiopia’s experience also reveals the importance of connecting with the wider Christian world. Ethiopia maintained diplomatic and religious ties with other Christian kingdoms despite its geographic isolation. These connections provided moral and material support, reinforcing Ethiopia's Christian identity. Isolation leads to stagnation and vulnerability. Similarly, Catholic parishes can not afford to be sectarian or isolated from one another. We have much to offer each other, which will lead to the growth and diversity of the Body of Christ.
 
Faithfulness Even When It Is Unpopular
 
In Northern Africa, Christians discovered that the true test of faith was not in times of comfort and social acceptance but in moments of adversity and persecution. The ease with which some contemporary Christians abandon their faith when it no longer aligns with societal norms or political correctness echoes the choices faced by those who abandoned their faith under social, economic, and political pressure 1,300 years ago in Northern Africa when being a Christian led to marginalization. If faith is merely an accessory to one's social identity, it becomes fragile and easily discarded in the face of hardship.
 
Yet, the stories of those who clung to their faith despite persecution stand as a potent reminder of the essence of discipleship. These martyrs comprehended that faith is not a tool for social advancement but a profound commitment that must be renewed daily. Their legacy challenges modern Christians to foster a faith that transcends social convenience and is deeply rooted in an unwavering relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit, following the example of our Blessed Mother.