BEARING EFFECTIVE WITNESS: THE FRUIT OF BEING WITH JESUS

HOMILY OF MONDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER YEAR B

Acts 16:11-15, John 15:26-16:4a

THEME: BEARING EFFECTIVE WITNESS: THE FRUIT OF BEING WITH JESUS

“When the counsellor 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; and you also are my witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27

We cannot bear witness to what we do not experience. It is gossiping or rumour mongering when we bear witness to what we never encounter. Such witnessing can never make lasting impact. When we see with the eyes of others, we can only attest to what they tell us that they have seen. Personal encounter with Jesus is the basis of true witnessing.

More so, effective witnessing is the product of the Holy Spirit’s work. He is the one who helps us to understand the truth of the gospel so as to pass it across with all accuracy. He imprints the word of God in our hearts and gives us divine knowledge which no man can dispute. We can encounter Jesus in his word, if and only if we are truly disposed for his worship.

Lydia, in the first reading was a worshiper of God. She was among the women who the apostles ministered to in Philipi. “The Lord opened her heart to listen to what was said by Paul.”Acts 16:14.  However, after her baptism, she offered to minister to the needs of the apostles.

Unlike any other knowledge we may have, the knowledge of God in us becomes useful or meaningful when we are eager to share it, either by our words or by our deeds.

Moreover, what we suffer in Jesus name is part of our witnessing.

The Lord further said,

“The hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.” John 16:1

Truly, it is only those who have genuine encounter with the Lord that can bear witness to him by suffering and persecution. If we have no reason to fight, our impetus cannot be strong. No one can die for what he or she is not convinced of.

May the lord touch our hearts that we bear effective witness to his wonders through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.