"The Quality of Our Witness"

Our witnessing to Christ is so pale, so low-keyed – to put it mildly! In saying this, the idea is not that we should go looking for ways to make ourselves really obnoxious, to bring on the desired persecution that would make us more like the kind of witnesses Jesus speaks of in today’s Gospel reading.

But it does seem that our faith in the Lord could permeate us more fully, be more influential in our lives, at least to the extent that others see it as intrinsic to our identity as Christians, as those who bear the name of Christ. We may not be called to ring doorbells, pass out religious literature, or preach in the mall on Saturday afternoon, but in some way a genuine belief in the Lord requires that we let it flow over into some visible, audible consequences. We might suggest to a despairing, inconsolable neighbor that he or she be open to prayer or a spiritual retreat; we might tell another miserable friend why we hope, why we have joy amid difficulties. We might put more effort into finding something worthwhile and fruitful to read for a confused or uninformed friend. We could invite a neglected acquaintance to a welcoming parish liturgy. We might meet the cynicism of fellow employees with some trust in the possibility of change, improvement. Sincere thoughtfulness, tender concern and treating others as genuine persons with human feelings like our own are other forms of witness. Truly, the ways of witnessing are as varied as our lives and opportunities. Through prayer and the Eucharist we are joined to the Great Consoler and strengthened to be consolers in our daily life.

Prayer for the Sixth Week of Easter

O God of life, You have promised to make your home with those who hear Your Word and put it into practice. Send Your Spirit to remind our hearts of all that Jesus has taught us and to make us effective and joyful witness of Your loving design for the whole of Your creation. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen!