Delivered by Charlene Mahadi from the Parish of Maria Kusumah Karmel in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. Romans 9: 1-5; Rs psalm 147: 12-13.14-15.19-20; Luke 14: 1-6.
WITNESSING FOR JESUS CHRIST
Our meditation today is entitled: Witnessing for JesusChrist. When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Rome, he affirmed withconviction that he was "telling the truth and not lying" about hisfaith in Jesus Christ (Romans 9:1). This statement is not just a self-defense,but a testimony of someone who dares to let go of everything that used to behis pride.
As a devout Jew and educated in the law, Paul had anhonorable position among his people. However, when he came to know Christ, hiswhole life changed. He had to leave the comfort zone of his old tradition forthe sake of the gospel truth he found in Jesus. He embraced new life in Jesuswho converted him and led him to the truth.
Paul experienced a deep inner struggle because hisdecision of faith set him apart from his fellow countrymen. He grieved thatmany Jews rejected Christ, even though it was from them that the promise ofsalvation came. In that mental anguish, Paul realized that faithfulness toChrist should really lead people to take up the cross of separation —even ofthose we love. However, he did not stop in grief. He took the wound as anopportunity to testify, because for him to know Christ was far more preciousthan anything he had ever had.
This is where we learn that witnessing for Christ doesnot always mean speaking out loud or preaching in front of a multitude.Witnessing also means the courage to remain true to the truths of the gospeleven if we have to lose comfort, relationships, or the recognition of theworld. Paul shows that true faith does not stop at lip recognition, but ismanifested in a renewed life. In Christ, he found a new meaning: no longer tolive according to the law, but to live in liberating grace.
Jesus himself has shown that the truth and love thatHe brings will separate the believers and those who reject. His teaching on theSabbath day is a clear example: while many people blindly obey the rules, Jesusputs love and human salvation first. "The Sabbath was kept for man, notman for the Sabbath," He says (Mark 2:27). This Word reveals that truefaith is not a matter of ritual, but of a willing heart of love. Thus, thosewho follow Jesus must be prepared for a separation —between those who closethemselves off in the rules, and those who are open to saving love.
Like Paul, we too are called to testify for JesusChrist today. The modern world offers many things that seem interesting, butoften drown out the value of truth and love. To testify for Christ means todare to choose love in the midst of hatred, honesty in the midst of falsehood,and forgiveness in the midst of revenge. It is this kind of testimony thatkeeps Christ present in the world: not just through words, but through lifethat is a mirror of His love.
Let us pray. In the name of the Father ... O Almighty God,imbue us with Your Spirit who teaches us all truth. May we be more able to bearwitness to Your truth. Glory to the Father ... In the name of the Father ...
