Eye Witness
I don’t know about you, but I’m a person who needs to find things out for myself and I’m usually not satisfied until I have the facts. I’m comfortable taking someone else’s word about a good restaurant, but not for something as important as eternal life.
Reflecting on the Apostle John’s message, I am reminded that as we begin Year 2017 A.D., these words he wrote in 85-90 A.D. contain some of the most powerful and poignant testimonies of our faith. That’s because John was there – an eyewitness to the teaching, healing, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
However, John wasn’t the only one. The risen Christ appeared to over 500 people over 40 days before He ascended into heaven. Can you imagine how that changed their lives? That experience was so profound that these eyewitnesses were willing to die and suffer persecution for what they had seen: proof of a resurrected (not resuscitated) body, and guarantee of eternal life. I believe I can take their word for what they saw.
Aren’t we a fact-checking culture based on scientific evidence? We can trust that our Gospel writings are based on truth, supported by manuscript and archaeological evidence and not hearsay. We can trust that Christ’s church has denounced heresies in thoughtful deliberation and discernment throughout the centuries, carefully tending the pillar of salvation we hold dear – that God so loved the world He sent His son to die for us.
Have you ever wanted to explain what you believe to someone of another faith, an atheist or agnostic? Where would you begin?
What do you think John means when he says “This is the one who came by water and blood – Jesus Christ?”
What do you think John means when he refers to Jesus as the one who overcomes the world?
Ellen H. Burleigh
RCIA Candidate
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