Soul Food : The Power of Testimony

The Power of TeSTimony

One Monday, I was having lunch with a group of priest-friends after playing some rounds of bowling. It was our day off and all of us were dressed rather casually. When we asked for the bill, we were surprised to be informed that somebody already paid for it. When we inquired who it was, the manager told us a woman was intrigued by the sight of us young men collectively making the sign of the cross before taking our meals. Knowing from the manager that we were priests, she offered to pay our bill without our knowledge. The moral of the story? If you want free lunch, you know what to do.

That is the power of testimony. Sometimes we give our testimony unknowingly. At times we need to do it consciously.Every Sunday, a man and his neighbor would usually come out of the door at about the same time. One is going to play golf, the other goes to Sunday Mass. Every time, the man would invite the other to join him for a round of golf. The other would politely decline. After a series of tries, the golfer said, “You know, I always ask you to join me for golf every Sunday. How come you never invited me to join you in Church?” At times, we “believers” tend to keep our faith to ourselves. We tend to be timid in inviting others to the faith. Today in the Gospel, Jesus challenges the Christian to be a powerful testimony for all the world to see. Unless we are willing to do this, a great aspect of our Christianity is missing. Christianity began when a small group of impassioned men shared to the world the Christ event. Evangelization is not about numbers. It is about passion, it is about being excited in the faith. Fr. Joel O. Jason

Reflection Question:

Does your practice of the faith manifest excitement and enthusiasm? What areas of your faith is suffering lukewarmness and dryness? Today, pray for the renewed outpouring of the Spirit in your life.

Lord, help me to become true witnesses of Your Word so that I may proclaim Your glory through the depths of my faith in You. Amen.

St. Liudger, Bishop, pray for us.