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April 25, 2019Be witnesses: Give testimony. God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses (Acts 3:15). You are witnesses of these things (Luke 24:48).
The Gospel of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles are attributed to the same biblical author. No wonder we have this common theme today: a call to be witnesses. How am I a witness? And what do I witness to?
The first reading and the gospel speak about the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and challenge us to be witnesses of that basic foundation of our faith. Jesus conquers death, is risen; He is alive, He is real, and His power is at work within us.
In the gospel, Jesus appeared to his disciples and ate with them. My mom just passed away a little more than a month ago. When you lose someone you love so much you long to be with that person again. In my longing, I recently dreamed about her. I was overwhelmed with joy. It was such a precious moment that I can remember every detail of that dream. That makes me think of the joy the Apostles must have felt when they saw the Risen Lord. They were able to eat together again; to touch their master, teacher, and friend once more. That was a precious and joyous moment. It must have been what drove the disciples to give that testimony, even to the extent of risking their lives. They became willing to give up their very lives to be faithful to be witnesses to the Crucified and Risen Lord. What are WE willing to give up being a witness? Do we testify by words and deeds on behalf of Christ who suffered and died out of love for you and me?
We may fall short. Let us, therefore, ask for His grace, mercy, and wisdom to experience the great joy of these 50 days of Easter. May that “ALLELUIA HE IS RISEN” radiate and shine for others. HAPPY EASTER!
