The World Needs Witnesses
Being a witness demands integrity between word and action…. between what one claims and how one lives.
Peter, James and John would never be the same after they saw the Transfiguration.
Now we did not see this event with our own eyes.
But we know it by something just as reliable: the eyes of faith.
The world needs and (despite itself) demands such witnesses more than any other.
The requirements for a Catholic witness are the same as those in the secular world.
It is the personal nature of the testimony that makes all the difference.
To be an effective Catholic witnesses you must bear witness personally — that is, from yourown love of Jesus Christ.
People are not going to be convinced if you say, “Well, that’s what I heard.”
They only believe when they sense that you are a witness indeed — someone who personally loves the Lord.
And that personal witness can come only if you are transfigured by your faith.
Book knowledge of Christ will not transfigure you.
Your faith must go deeper — it must get personal.
The Person and truths to which you witness must transfigure you completely.
You give witness of your transfiguration primarily by your actions.
Your actions bear witness to Him……they give silent witness.
Of course….on the flip side of the coin..... if a witness lacks integrity — if their actions contradict what they say…. then no amount of words will ever compensate.
Indeed….. words about the Good News without a life demonstrating the Good News not only do no good — they give scandal.
The Catholic Church suffers greatly when her members speak of Christ but do not act like they really love Christ.
So…………………...what kind of witness are you?
• Do your kids and grandkids see you going to Confession?
• Do they see you getting dressed up for Church?
• Do they see you coming to Mass on time?
• Do they hear you praying the words of the Mass?
• Do they hear you singing?
• Do they see you sitting as close to Our Blessed Lord in the tabernacle as you can?
• Do they see you keeping holy the Lord’s Day….…or just one hour of it?
• Do they see you going to Stations of the Cross…or the Rosary once a month?
• Do they hear you praying before meals?
Being a true witness to Christ involves the entirety of one’s life.
And so maybe on this 2nd Sunday of Lent we would do well to recall the Greek word for witness: “martyr.”
A martyr is one who witnesses to Christ by their life —
Every witness must be a martyr —
Every witness must give their life… and every part thereof… to make Christ known.
Lent is the time for Catholics to put words into action -- to follow His path to a deeper and more committed life of faith……………to become a better witness.