Brothers and Sisters,

Today, we celebrate the third Sunday of Easter. Our Scripture readings of today’s mass speak of the disciples giving witness to the risen Christ. The first reading speaks of Peter proclaiming, “This is the Jesus God has raised up and we are his witnesses.” The Psalmist proclaims, “Yahweh is all I have” and “Yahweh will lead me to life” (Responsorial Psalm). The second reading speaks of Peter proclaiming, “our life has been redeemed by the life and death of Christ.”  And the Gospel speaks of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus meeting the risen Lord and returning to Jerusalem and giving witness to the resurrection.

Witnessing was a command, not a choice… “You will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The disciples boldly testified, “we were eyewitnesses from the beginning” (Luke 1:2). Pope Francis said, “Christianity is not a school of ideas or a collection of beautiful temples and lovely art; it is a living people who follow Jesus and gives witness to

him every day. We are not a religion of ideas, of pure theology, of beautiful things and commandments. No, we are a people who follow Jesus Christ and gives witness to Jesus Christ  and this witness sometimes ends up being giving one's life."

A witness testifies to what is seen or heard and verifies what is true. In court, a witness must swear to “tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God." Isaiah says, “the Lord says, I will make you a light to the nations.” He witnesses to what he heard. John the Baptist says, “I saw the spirit come down like a dove from heaven and rest upon him.” He witnesses to what he saw. It takes humility and courage to step aside and give witness to someone else and to let another have the first place.

Several factors may prevent us from witnessing. Cultural pressure makes people hesitant. Many assume that witnessing creates intolerance. Witnessing about the cross of Christ is foolishness to those who don’t believe. The fear of losing friends silences a witness. The insecurity of not having the right answers for other religions prevents some from sharing their faith. In many parts of the world, persecution is a threat. Other times a lack of conviction prevents us from witnessing. The failure to live a consistent Christian life negates a convincing witness. We must pray that God make us all faithful witnesses and have the courage to give witness.

To read more of this Sunday’s reflection, please click on the links below….