Friday of the 7th week of Easter year A
Theme: Witnessing for Christ
Today the church celebrates the memorial of St. Philip Neri, a man of great faith, who witnessed with his life for Christ. Witnessing for Christ is one of the main attributes of disciples of Christ. In the 1st reading of today from the Acts of the Apostles, we continue to see the challenges of St. Paul, because of his witnessing for Christ. Witnessing for Christ comes with its own discomfort, just like Jesus Christ himself encountered in his short time on earth. Even in our own time the situation has not changed, that is why we must be courageous as we continue to witness for Christ in our own time. As a result of the love of God, St. Philip Neri had abandoned the opportunity for business and embraced the things of God. This was a great sacrifice that he made, at that point in time in his life. He gave God a chance in his life, and his life was generally influenced by his love for things of God and humanity.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, just like the different saints we celebrate in the church witnessed for Christ in different ways, we are also encouraged to do the same in our own time. However, it is important to note that witnessing for Christ, is not without sacrifices and discomforts from time to time. We see that in the lives of the saints we celebrate in the church. But they remained steadfast and did not give up because they were focused on the bigger picture, which is eternal life. In the same way dearly beloved in Christ, as we witness for Christ, we must be strong and resolute as we encounter challenges and difficulties. Just trust in God and remain resolute, knowing fully well that at the end of the tunnel there will be light. Always draw strength from the fact that there will always be a Good Friday before Easter Sunday, no pain no gain.
Dear friends in Christ, we are all encouraged to promote the kingdom of Christ in our own little way. This can be done in different ways, it may be done verbally, by living a good life, by been the voice of the voiceless, by giving hope to the hopeless and in so many other ways. By so doing, we will be witnessing for Christ. As we continue to strive to witness for Christ in our world, may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.