There was a time, not entirely gone, when the revered figure of Jesus Christ constituted a unifying factor in European culture. Indeed, up to the middle of the 20th century, the European identity had not yet assumed the cultural unity and distinction that it now displays. Rather, it was the nations composing the continent that were grasped and these nations were termed European mostly to the extent that they occupied a portion of the old continent.
When globalisation was still an uncoined term and "Europe" was not much more than a designation of convenience utilised in times of war between adjoining nations, the only effective factor that united the peoples of Europe was Christianity, albeit in nefariously antagonistic expressions (now happily being overcome).
Christianity was the main cultural agent of what eventually came to be acknowledged as a distinctive European civilisation. Nevertheless, the metaphorical corridors of power entertained what was mostly only an ideological and ceremonial version of Christianity.
The modern papacy, comforted as it understandably could not fail to be by the entrenchment of Christianity in popular culture, was very much aware of the flimsiness of the Christian ethos in the politics of European nations. Tell Benedict XV and Pius XII!
In what is now the European Union, Christianity substantially remains at the core of European culture but, whereas formerly, this could be acknowledged and sponsored without fear of ridicule, now it may not be spelled out and advanced without fear of being blamed with fomenting social tension. On these islands, we have it from the horse's mouth that it is offensive to speak of "Catholic Malta" even though it is impossible to grasp anything about Malta without reference to its Catholic heritage.
Voices in the European Parliament assure the citizens of Europe that Christians are as free as adherents of other religions, or of no religions, to promote "their" vision of Europe. But mention the Catholic Church and "skeletons", real and Harry Potteresque, take to the stage, with a sprinkling of Pope-bashing, Bible defacement and Christ-desecration added to taste. All, of course, in the name of art, human rights and freedom.
So be it. A setback this may be, but a challenge it most certainly is. If Jesus of Nazareth and Christianity are unwelcome vocabulary in contemporary Europe, it is at least great to know it. Hostility, whether active or passive, is not new to the Christian faith, It is its best ground for growth. In his inauguration homily four years ago, Pope Benedict XVI had recalled the wolves mentioned by Christ. The habitat of wolves, in fact, is Christianity's most fertile territory.
It is not the banner on the roof that counts - though may it continue to flutter - but the mustard seed that lies buried in the ground. The banner may be blown to shreds but, for those who want to see it, the seed is growing.
The Letter to Diognetus is relevant and contemporary reading.