by Rev. Herbert Nichols

The readings this week focus on the mission and the purpose given to the Twelve, and in turn to all Christians in all centuries: "you are to be my witnesses."

But they are not ready to be my witnesses. They are still in a state of fright, even panic when they thought they were seeing either a ghost or hallucination.

In our age we are very much like these first disciples, unable to recognize his presence, rather imagining God as some spiritual entity floating like a cloud that appears and disappears.

The first reading from Acts is the preaching of Peter, the same Peter who had denied Jesus, who was too afraid to stand by the cross on Good Friday; but as the rooster crowed and he caught the look in Jesus eye, it was one only of love and forgiveness.

"Peace be to you. Your sins are forgiven." Three times, Jesus had said those words; an unparalleled experience of forgiveness and reconciliation. Even the invitation to Thomas: "Touch me if you must; but do not persist in your unbelief."

In today’s gospel recognition comes through the breaking of the bread -- surely ghosts and hallucinations do not eat -- but there is something more significant in the sharing of a meal whether it’s a candy bar or a wedding banquet or the Eucharist, the banquet of God’s love, the continuation of His presence throughout the ages.

In the second reading, it is John who speaks of having the love of God made perfect in us, perfecting us, granting total forgiveness and reconciliation. Yet, there are still the day to day difficulties of life that remain, the psychological effects of our actions.

Conversion, therefore, is not just a mental or verbal activity; but one that is only successful when carried out with an attitude that is evidenced by consistent behavior in all that we do.

The gospel commission for us to be witnesses demands first of all recognition of who Jesus is. If we fail to recognize Jesus present in the Eucharist, then we can only fail to understand and participate in the life of the risen Lord.

It’s almost like being locked in a time warp, man in eternal Lent waiting for the forgiveness of our sins. Lent is not permanent. Easter is. "Though you act of ignorance; by acknowledging them and not denying them; you become perfected through them."

Obviously we cannot be eye-witnesses; nor are we necessarily called to be martyrs. But we give witness whenever we exercise patience toward another person; whenever we encourage someone; whenever we he1p to grow in responsibility; whenever we forgive any wrong committed against us.

If our heart is filled with resentment and anger and rage; if we belittle and envy and slander others; if responsibility is an attitude that does not exist in our own lives, but only one of judgementalism; perceiving mercy and forgiveness as attitudes only for wimps; then being a witness for Christ is practically impossible.

Until we are ready to surrender our will, the ability and the willingness to witness is the truest test of love. It is the mission and the power that He has given us.

For this is how they will know that you are my disciples, by the love you have for one another.