Bearing Witness

Today’s Gospel Text:   But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me; 27 and you also are witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning.

16 "I have said all this to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do this because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you of them. John 15:26-16:4a

Reflection: Every Christian is called to be a witness of Christ but the fact is that not all are witnesses of Christ Jesus.

What does it take to be a witness of Christ Jesus?

There are two things that are evident from the gospel in order to be a witness of Christ Jesus:

1) One needs to be having the help of the Holy Spirit to bear witness to Christ in their lives. (vs. 26)

In other words not just the Holy Spirit, which many claim that they have received in baptism but also his constant help and guidance, his witnessing quality to work in their lives.

The Holy Spirit constantly bears witness to Christ in us. It is an ongoing work which has begun in us in baptism and yet not if we do not allow him to speak to us about the Christ first revealed to us in his incarnation.  

2) One needs to be with Christ (vs. 27)

In other words, seeking the company of the one who is with us as Emmanuel; which means seeking his face daily through prayer and in and through his sacramental presence so easily available to us.

It also means learning at his feet with the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts in the ways of Christ Jesus.

If one does that then there are signs that will accompany them to confirm their calling as witness. These sign s are not just miracles and healings but also persecution for the faith.

“They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.”  (vs. 16:2)

Let us ask ourselves in the light of the above: Are we witnesses of Christ Jesus and thus are we true Christians or are we pseudo-Christians?

Prayer:  Lord we know that we cannot bear witness to unseen realities without encountering them in our daily lives. Teach us to be guided by your Spirit of truth.

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