Witnessing is the focal point of our life, the heart of Jesus’ teaching to his disciples in view of his mission in the world.
To evangelise “is neither to fulfil a function nor to proselytise, but above all to bear witness to Jesus by one’s life” – Pope Francis emphasises.
Jesus as the ultimate model of witness.
Jesus is the true revelation of the Father. He reveals him not only in words but in his whole life. His gestures, miracles, silences, words, everything in Jesus is a way of showing us the Father.
We could say that Jesus came not only to save us but to bear witness to the Father.
This witness grows and strengthens in the daily encounter with the Father, where it is centred on a constant and profound dialogue, a constancy in seeking his will and a desire to configure his life to that of the Father.
Jesus Christ so identifies himself with the Father that he responds: “Philip, I have been with you so long, and yet you do not know me? He who has seen me has seen the Father”. In other words, he knows that his life, his words and his works are fully configured to his Father, so much so that he is able to affirm that whoever has seen him has seen the Father.
Jesus himself is a teacher of witness. The Lord gave the disciples a programme, according to which they were first to bear witness to the Gospel in Jerusalem, then in Judea and Samaria, and finally to the ends of the earth. It was a progressive plan. The way in which the apostles fulfilled this missionary scheme becomes one of the major messages of the book of Acts. It is therefore the “model” of all witnessing and gives us the possible tools to do the same.
The first command of the Risen One was none other than to proclaim: “Do not be afraid. Go, tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there you will see me”. And to the whole community he asks them, “Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
1. The Church and the experience of Pentecost
When asked what was the real change in the disciples with the experience of Pentecost, we can affirm that it was “the proclamation”. They received the gift of the Holy Spirit and with it, not only the possibility for all to understand the message, but also the courage to proclaim it. This change in the community is noticeable, first we see a fearful and closed community and then disciples who go out to bear witness to what they have seen and heard.
Without the grace of the Holy Spirit, proclamation is not possible. He alone is the one who gives the necessary strength and the words to carry it out.
The whole apostolic witness is centred on the action of the Spirit, without whom nothing would have been possible.
The Holy Spirit enables us to understand and assimilate the truth of the Gospel. In John 14:26, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit as our Comforter and Teacher: “But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you”. The Holy Spirit enlightens and guides us in understanding the Scriptures, revealing to us the truth and depth of God’s love manifested in Jesus Christ. As we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, the Holy Spirit reveals to us the beauty of the Gospel and gives us discernment to live and proclaim it with wisdom.
In addition, the Holy Spirit empowers us and enables us to be bold witnesses. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells his disciples: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit strengthens us and fills us with courage to speak and act in the name of Jesus. He enables us to overcome fear and timidity, and encourages us to proclaim the truth of the Gospel with passion and conviction. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, our words and actions become instruments of transformation and a living witness to God’s love.
2. Witness as an engine of conversion
Evangelisation is witnessing to my personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
Often, as a Church, we have given priority to catechesis and formation, much more than to the personal encounter. If we were asked: “What led you to conversion?”, the answer is likely to be “an experience” and not formation.
Who of us met a saint in person?
We are likely to answer that none of us had the chance, but if we talk about holiness as a model of witness, perhaps the answer is different.
I have had the grace to meet saints in my life who have made me question deep things in myself. These “saints” changed not only my way of thinking, but my relationship with God and the Church.
Once in a homily I asked myself if by what I shared with people any of them could be converted, the answer was “one” but if I went further in the question and changed it to “if by how I live any of them could be converted” it is likely that none of them would answer.
So conversion, in almost all cases, comes from an encounter with a witness to the Gospel, with the wonder of knowing that someone has shown me, in part, the face of God and I have come to know him.
But how is such a thing possible? It requires “Putting on the Spirit of Jesus Christ”. Without the reality of becoming one with him, witnessing is impossible.
In my life everything must speak of Christ, my time, my words, my ways, my work… everything must be a reflection of him.
Our very Community Life must even be a clear testimony of the Lord, and as a way of evaluation we can ask the people who work with us what they think of us? And this answer will be a measure of how closely linked to the Gospel our Community is.
3. Our Christian witness today
In the digital age in which we live, technology has transformed the way we relate, communicate and interact with the world around us. Social media, mobile devices and online platforms have become powerful tools for sharing information, connecting people and spreading messages. In this context, Christian witness also faces unique challenges and opportunities. But how can we address these challenges and take advantage of the opportunities to be effective witnesses for Christ in the digital age?
I. The challenges of Christian witness in the digital age
Information saturation:
In the digital age, we are exposed to a constant barrage of information and content. This can make it difficult for our Christian message to stand out and reach people in a meaningful way. We need to be aware of this reality and look for creative ways to present the Gospel in a relevant and engaging way.
The superficiality of interactions:
Social media and online platforms foster a culture of quick and superficial interactions. This can make it difficult to convey a deep and meaningful Christian witness. We need to be intentional in our online interactions, looking for opportunities to deepen conversations and share our witness authentically.
Polarisation and conflict:
Online platforms often become spaces where opinions become polarised and conflict escalates. It is important that, as Christian witnesses, we strive to maintain a posture of love, respect and humility in our online interactions. Our witness should reflect the love and reconciliation of Christ, even in the midst of differences.
II. The opportunities for Christian witness in the digital age
Global reach:
The digital age gives us the opportunity to reach people around the world with the Gospel message. Through social media, blogs and other online platforms, we can share our witness and the good news of Jesus with people we would not otherwise be able to reach. We must seize this opportunity to take the message of hope and salvation to all nations.
Connection and community:
Despite the superficiality that can exist in online interactions, there is also an opportunity to build meaningful virtual communities. We can connect with other believers, share our faith experiences and encourage each other as we grow in Christ. We should take advantage of these platforms to strengthen our faith and build others up in faith, especially those who are not part of “our world”.
Creativity and variety of formats:
The digital age gives us a wide range of formats and tools to share our witness. We can use images, videos, podcasts and other media to effectively communicate the love of Christ. We must be creative and take advantage of these resources to reach different audiences and make a significant impact. “Ti Spedisco in Convento
III Principles for effective Christian witness in the digital age.
Authenticity:
In a digital world full of masks and falsehoods, it is crucial that our witness be authentic and genuine. We must
share our personal experiences of encountering Christ and how he has transformed our lives.
Wisdom in the use of social media:
Social media can be powerful tools for sharing our witness, but it can also be a source of distraction and temptation. We must be wise in our use of these platforms, setting healthy boundaries and avoiding comparison, gossip or addiction. Our online presence should reflect Christian values and glorify God.
Prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit:
Christian witness in the digital age depends not only on our skills or strategies, but on the work of the Holy Spirit in us and in those we reach. We must engage in constant prayer, seeking the Spirit’s guidance and relying on His power to transform lives through our witness.
Focus on Jesus and His love:
Ultimately, our witness must point to Jesus and His redeeming love. We must highlight His work on the cross and His ability to transform lives. Our primary goal is not to impress others with our words or knowledge, but to point to Christ as the only way to salvation and true hope.
In conclusion, Christian witness in the digital age presents unique challenges and opportunities. As we face the saturation of information, the superficiality of online interactions and conflicts, we must remember that we also have the opportunity to reach people around the world, build meaningful virtual communities and use a variety of formats to share the love of Christ. By following principles such as authenticity, wisdom, prayer and a focus on Jesus, we can be effective witnesses in the digital age and bring the light of Christ through our words and actions online.
Fr. Hugo Vera CM
