2nd Sunday of Easter
In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 5, verse 12 to 16, St. Peter proclaimed God’s word and gave testimony to the risen Christ, curing the sick and those disturbed by unclean spirits; and adding great numbers of men and women to the faith.
In the second reading, St. John in the Book of Revelation, chapter 1, verse 9 to 11a, 12 to 13, and 17 to 19 shares his distress for the kingdom, and the endurance he has in Jesus, as he found himself on the island called Patmos because he proclaimed God’s word, witnessed for Jesus and gave testimony to Him.
Then in the gospel reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John, chapter 20, verse 19 to 31, Jesus visits His disciples and apostles who were scared for fear of the Jews, gives them His Peace and sends them out to witness for Him saying, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Then He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Witnessing to or for Christ seems to be the message of today’s readings. So what exactly does it mean to witness to or for Christ? According to our Christian tradition and belief, Witnessing for Christ is that act of sharing our personal experience, testimony and faith in Him with the world; and living out His life and gospel in the world. This means sharing with others how Christ has touched or transformed our lives and how we have grown to know Him better.
How do we share our personal experience, or testimony, and our faith in God with the world? Sharing our personal experience, testimony or faith in God involves telling others of how we became better Christians; how God has impacted our lives; and how important He is to us?
How can we be like Christ and how can we live out His gospel in the world? We can be like Christ and live out His gospel in the world today by showing Christ in our examples and actions; and by being Christ’s light in the world when we live out His love and truth in everything we do.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, as we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday today, let us witness for Christ today by sharing His gospel with the world in thought, word and deed; and by inviting others to experience His love and mercy in their own lives like we did.
