15 May 2023

Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter

A witness gives testimony to what they have seen and heard, to what they know to be true. In today’s first reading, Paul testifies to Jesus before the women at Philippi, and as a result, Lydia and her household come to believe and be baptized. Paul had encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, and he has also seen the Spirit’s work throughout his journeys, so he is a credible witness. But ultimately, Paul’s words have effect because through Paul, the Spirit testifies to Jesus.

As disciples who have been given to share in the same Spirit, we too are called to testify to Jesus Christ, both in words and in our way of life. At times our testimony will be welcomed, as in Lydia’s case, but at other times, we will be rejected, persecuted, and even killed, as Jesus reminds the disciples at the Last Supper in today’s Gospel.

Today, let us consider the ways we are called to testify to Christ in the Spirit, asking for boldness and courage in our mission.