We are witnesses!

Every age has seen its own witnessing spirit. The word ‘Martyr’ in Greek means one who bears witness (to Christ). That was the standard in which the witnessing spirit was lived out in the early Church. We come across the stylytes and other people reduced the death sentence to life sentence which is even more excruciating in the early Church after the persecution. Witnessing to Christ’s love is not so much in death, rather in life: thus the Church in the Middle Ages saw the ascent of the spiritual journey, the dark night of the soul, radical Religious life in poverty, chastity and obedience. ‘What is the nature of today’s witnessing’ seems to be a scary question to ask. Living our life as Christians seem more of a burdensome work or a service done to the Mother Church.

We are witnesses to what?

1. To Christ and His Resurrection:
We are strengthened by the spirit of the Resurrection of Christ not just in Easter season but throughout our Christian life. Our foundation as a Church is built on Christ’s Resurrection. Jesus is risen so also our status as fallen people. God joined us in the person of Jesus in sin, now it is our turn to join God in purity and open heart. It’s the New Life that Jesus won for us: we can’t afford to live in old life is sin and death. Resurrection of Jesus is the resurrection of the Church. We witness that every time we break the word and bread.

2. To repentance and forgiveness of sins:
Our Creed proclaims what we believe. We don’t lie that too in front of the whole church. All our repentance many think involve only our efforts and matanoia: that is not the whole truth. All the greatest sinners have taught us that it is God who initiates the process of conversion. Sinners feel ashamed of the mercy and compassion of God – the reflection of the Prodigal Son among the pigs, would compel us to be part of God, the rest haven’t felt the famine or still spending the wealth of the Prodigal Father.

3. To Gospel and Mission of the Church:
The people witnessed the preaching ministry of Jesus which brought a lot of healing to hearts and bodies. In Jesus preaching had a firm connection with life. What are Christians known for today? What are we so proud of in Christianity? What is so special about this person named Jesus? Every moment we live as people of principles and values we proclaim the gospel. All these questions have clear answers. Gospel doesn’t start with others or with a book rather it starts from our personal life. We witness our own lives when we stand as representatives of the Church and its Mission.

We are witnesses!