Word to the Wise
Thursday, March 15, 2018 - 4th Week of Lent - Thurs
[Exod 32:7-14 and John 5:31-47]"If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true." [John]
One of the overarching traits of the Gospel According to John is the use of legal terms. "Judgment," "testimony," "verdict," "witnesses," are examples of words that one will find in the text. Our very word, "crisis," comes from the Greek word meaning to judge, and Jesus' ministry, death and resurrection is seen in this gospel as a moment of "crisis" in that people are faced with the truth and a response will be either belief or non-belief.
Today's gospel scripture comes from the discourse and dialogue that follow Jesus' healing of the sick beggar. Jesus is challenged by his adversaries to show how he can defy the sabbath with his "work." What authority does he have? Who can testify on his behalf? He replies that there are at least three "witnesses," (he needed at least two in Jewish law): John the Baptist, the "signs" he was working, and God, through the scriptures. The ultimate testimony will come with Jesus' resurrection.
Most of us probably do not think of faith as the outcome of a confrontation. Yet,for those who are outside our faith and are experiencing it through our "witness," there is a challenge. Is Jesus the one whom God has sent? If so, is Christianity a valid witness to him, and in particular, is the Catholic Church a viable and compelling witness? The answer will not be found in the catechism but in the flesh and blood witness of committed people. Pope Paul VI (soon to be canonized) wrote a wonderful document, Evangelii nuntiandi (The Gospel to be proclaimed), in which he said that people no longer want to hear words about faith. They want to see living witnesses to faith. Can Jesus count on us to testify on his behalf that he is the one whom God has sent? AMEN