Witnesses For Christ

"You are witnesses of these things." (Lk 24:48)  Jesus spoke these words after appearing to the Apostles,  showing them his wounds, letting them touch him, eating with them, and explaining why he had to suffer and die. It was a full lesson, but since people rarely come back from the dead, Jesus had to pull out all the stops to convince them they weren't dreaming, but that he had truly risen from the dead and was fully alive.  They saw, heard, and touched, so that fully convinced, they could go out and convince others.  They were his witnesses, but we too, having seen with the eyes of faith, carry this same obligation to be witnesses. How pertinent are these words in an age of growing disbelief, and active persecution from the beheading of Christians to mockery and ridicule!  How do we bear witness to Jesus in this antagonistic climate?  With hearts willing to stand up and even suffer for our faith. With hearts strengthened by a strong relationship with Jesus built on prayer, reflection and sacrifice. With the same trust that turned the Apostles from fear to fearlessness.  It was the coming of the Holy Spirit which enabled them to go out and bear witness.  Come, Holy Spirit, fill us with zeal and conviction...with the fire of your love!.
Bro. Rene