Seeing is Believing

May 7 Wednesday of the 3rd week of Easter: 

A thought for those who want to bear prophetic witness through lifestyle

Acts 8:1-8; Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7; John 6:35-40

“Everyone who sees the Son and believes in him...” John 6:40

The Greek-speaking laity, not the Apostles, were forced out of Jerusalem. Wherever they went, people “saw and believed.” Their enthusiasm for the Good News, more than the miracles Phillip worked, was the “sign” that revealed the life of Jesus in them. And still today, the Church grows or decreases, flourishes or is sterile, in proportion to the enthusiasm of the laity.

 

The charism and the commission to be a “prophet” comes with Baptism. It is common to the laity, not proper to the clergy. Only through the laity is Jesus made present throughout the whole world—in family and social life, business and politics. Only through the visible enthusiasm and witness of the laity will the Holy Spirit “renew the face of the earth.” People believe what they see. If they do not see Jesus alive in their parents and peer groups, co-workers and colleagues, they will not believe. The role of the clergy is to service the saved. The role of the  laity is to save all those they service.

If they don’t, nobody will.

PRAY: “Be present to your people, Lord, in all you have graced with the gift of faith.”

PRACTICE: Wherever you are, live and give the Good News.