Monday of the 4th week of Lent

Witness to joy, life, abundance

John 4:43-54

In the book of Isaiah, God creates a new heaven and a new earth where there is joy, long life, and fruitfulness.

Alas, in our world today there is sadness, people grow weary and get sick, and fruitfulness is gauged only by personal abundance while others suffer from poverty.

We would need witnesses in a deeper level; witnesses serving as hope for the suffering people of God.

In becoming witnesses, faithfulness to the Lord is absolute requisite.  Prayer integrated with life manifests an intimate union with Christ.

Second, witnesses recognize and form other witnesses.  The Church where we belong is composed of witnesses strengthening each other.

Finally, to be authentic witnesses, faith needs concrete action leading to life offered to all.  The sick became well, there is an abundance of homes and harvests mentioned in Isaiah's prophecy.  But the real fruitfulness is found in people's hearts as they cooperate with God's graces and offer their time, talents, and treasure in helping others.

In my 24 years as a priest, I don't have anything to brag about except 24 meaningful years of intimate, on-going relationship with Jesus.  He is the cause of the beauty of the priesthood.  He purifies it and brings it to perfection.  He fills it with his own love and compassion.

He also reveals to me how he works in his own body, the Church.  The Church makes the Eucharist; the Eucharist makes the Church, as I have learned.  True members support one another; they make possible the Body of Christ come alive.

Third, I can only witness to the very heart of God come alive and help people.  All I need to do is to always say "yes."  He is the One who gives life; I'm privileged to be there to witness it.