Peter Ireorji, MSP - Homily Thursday, April 4, 2019

Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true.” John spoke the truth about “the one to come” Jn 5:31-33. He reminded his listeners that, “I am not worthy to untie his sandals,” and to “listen to him.” John stands between the people and Jesus, pointing to the one who gives life. According to John we are to believe Jesus’ words. It is not easy to believe in Jesus, because such a belief calls for a radical change in one’s life’s orientation. Belief in Jesus will mean a movement from selfishness to selfless, domination to service and fear to love and not many are inclined to make this change. Most of us are content to live our lives insulated from others and preferring to live as islands rather than as community. However, as the Gospel text makes clear there is no middle ground and if one is not willing to live the kind of life that Jesus invites us to as his disciples, then one is a non-believer. As Christians our task is to be advocate for Jesus like John. With our lives we stand between God and the world we live in and we testify! We point to the one who is merciful. We testify to the one who gives life. We point to Jesus who is God. Living in and for Christ is the best testimony we can ever have. Shalom!