Witness

Jesus said to his disciples, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

            There is a story about a young man who wanted to go to university. Since his family was poor, getting the money to pay for his education was a problem. His marks were average so his chances of getting a scholarship were not good. Although he worked part-time throughout High School, he was not able to save much money. If he took out a student loan, his father would have to co-sign it which would put another financial burden on his family. What he did not know was that his father was aware of his desire to go to school and had for years been working overtime at his factory and putting the extra money aside rather than spending it on himself. When the young man completed High School, his father told him the money was there for him to go to university. Clearly, this sacrifice was an effective way for the father to show his love for his son.

            In this text from John, Jesus teaches his disciples people will know they are his disciples by the love they have for one another. By doing so, he shows such devotion is a powerful witness to their faith.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament love was associated with several qualities.

One characteristic was the desire to be in relationship with the beloved. A second feature was an intense and lasting affection for that person. Another element of love was the showing of mercy or compassion towards a loved one. These qualities could exist in different relationships such as between a husband and wife, parent and child, relatives or friends. They were also identified with the bond formed between God and the Jewish people. Actions made love real. Jacob’s desire for Rachel was indicated when he agreed to serve her father Laban for seven years. Jonathan showed his love for David by protecting his friend from Saul’s anger. Joseph’s intention to extend mercy to his brothers so overwhelmed him it required him to leave their presence. These expressions of love had an effect on the one who initiated them, the recipient and those who witnessed them.

            John’s account of Christ’s teaching about the New Commandment identified the power of its public witness. Within the Jewish tradition, the command to love one’s neighbour had already been established. Jesus added a sacrificial quality to this love when he inserted the phrase “as I have loved you”. When he washed the feet of his disciples Jesus provided them with an example of this kind of love by sacrificing his dignity. Even Jewish slaves were not required to wash the feet of their masters. He would supply them with a more powerful sign of it when he sacrificed his life on the cross for the sins of humanity. Only in this way could the fullness of God’s love be expressed. These examples set a new standard for Christ’s disciples. As he sacrificed everything for them, so now they must offer up everything for others through concrete actions. The value of this kind of love would be recognized by the one giving it, because it tested one’s commitment to the beloved; receiving it, because it made one feel esteemed; and those who witnessed it because it demonstrated a willingness to place the good of another ahead of one’s own interest. It was this public dimension of sacrificial love which would provide non-believers with an effective witness to the Christian faith.

            During the Easter Season, Catholics have an opportunity to ponder how well their actions demonstrate their commitment to a sacrificial love for others. During Lent, individuals frequently make sacrifices, like not eating desert, as a penance for their sins. Yet, they do so grudgingly and the effectiveness of its public witness is limited. Other people will gladly give up the last piece of desert to allow someone else to enjoy it. Their attitude presents this act of sacrificial love in a far more positive light. During Holy Week, we recall the events surrounding the Passion and Death of Jesus, the perfect example of sacrificial love. At Easter, we remember the hope and joy which accompanies his Resurrection. Christ’s disciples are called to share the good news of what these events mean for humanity. They can do so successfully through the smallest sacrifices when they are done with a positive attitude. Placing the good of another person ahead of one’s convenience or comfort is counter-cultural in our individualistic society. It gets noticed for this reason. Yet, it follows the example of Jesus who even forgave his executioners as he was dying on the cross. It demands great commitment and attention to the small events in life to make this practice part of one’s routine and not dependent on one’s mood. Although our sacrifices may not be as great as Christ’s, when offered in a positive spirit, they can have a powerful effect.

            One way to assist Catholics in achieving this goal is to focus on the dignity of the person being helped. For many individuals, charitable deeds often consist of providing financial support or volunteer hours to a worthy cause. When the money comes from their excess income or spare time, the sacrificial element of the action is reduced. It can make the person being assisted seem anonymous. By contrast, when the money comes from not going out to dinner or the time from choosing to work in a soup kitchen rather than playing golf, the deed becomes more personal and likely to get noticed. It enables the giver to develop a relationship with the person helped. It is a tangible sign the dignity of those in need are more important than our own wants. In this way, we give public witness to this distinctive quality of Christian love.

May 19, 2019