By Shiju Joseph csc –
Readings: Acts 4: 32-37; Jn 3: 7b-15
Jesus declared that when he would be lifted up, he will attract many to himself. Being ‘lifted up’ was a euphemism for surrendering to the will of his Father through a death that would expose his vulnerability. It was in this total surrender and vulnerability, not in his might and rank, that Jesus relied for becoming a witness himself.
This was proven in the life of the first Christian community too. More than the physical healings and powerful signs what would attract others to Christian faith was the cheerful surrender of the Christian people and a willingness to become vulnerable by giving up their securities.
No amount of powerful works that I can do will be able to match the witness that I can give to Christ’s role in my life when I am able to live in one heart and mind with my brothers and sisters in ‘one heart and soul’. May our cheerful and loving life together – be it in families or communities – be our primary mode of proclamation. May our faith in the risen Lord overflow into the joy of sharing everything, and our life itself, among those we live with.