The process of conversion to the Faith may be compared to the ascent to Jerusalem of the ancient Israelite pilgrims, who as they came nearer to the Temple uttered that cry of joy recorded in Psalm 122, “I rejoiced when they said to me, we will go into the house of the Lord.” This psalm expresses the gladness of heart experienced by so many converts as they embrace the Catholic Faith, sometimes after even a lifetime of study or wandering or doubt. But after our conversion, after we become members in fullness of His Church — what then? What is our next step?

In my 16 years as a Catholic, I have come to understand these words with an increasing appreciation of their wisdom and truth. Often wise priests console their penitents in the confessional to commit the past to God’s mercy, knowing that we cannot change what has already taken place. When we muse over our past sins or failures, such wise confessors encourage us to let go of our past and place it into the merciful hands of God.

Clement of Rome & the Didache: A New Translation and Theological Commentary by CHN resident linguist Kenneth Howell Ph.D. now available at CHResources. The Letter to the Corinthians by Clement of Rome and the Didache are two of the most important documents from the earliest days of Christianity, revealing the way in which Christians were implementing and living out the Faith taught by Jesus and passed on by the Twelve Apostles.