Daily Gospel Reflection for April 20, 2017

Today's Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

Last year, I was giving a talk to the 200 children in our parish religious education program and I asked them, “When you hear the word ‘witness’, what do you think of?”

“A car accident!” was the first reply.

“Someone stealing something!” came next.

“Anyone have a more positive answer?” I questioned.

“How about a court case?” was the third answer.

“I guess that could go either way...”

After thanking the students for their answers, I said this: “Witnessing involves two parts. The first part is indeed seeing something with your own eyes, like a car accident or someone stealing something. But the second part of being a witness means that you have to go out and tell someone what you saw. Otherwise, no one else will know!”

We read in today’s Gospel, “You are witnesses of these things.” The early disciples were sent out to tell others what they saw. Just as these disciples were commanded to preach to all the nations, we today are charged with the same mission.

We are called to share with others all the things that we have seen and heard.

I challenge myself to be a better witness all the time. I see God’s marvelous work in so many ways, whether it be in my family and friends, my relationships, or my work in youth and young adult ministry.

But how often do I tell others about these marvelous works? Or what about the people who don’t know God? Or those who have a wavering belief in Him?

Who we are communicates far more eloquently than what we say or what we do.

I pray that we all strive to be better witnesses and instruments of God’s love and mercy.

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Ponder:

How easy is it for you to recognize Jesus in the people you meet and the places you go? Are you reflecting Christ in the way you live your life?

Pray:

God, our Father: give us the courage to go out and make disciples of all nations, and to be better instruments of your love and mercy. Amen.

Clayton Imoo is husband to Gail and father to Sean, Jacob, and Kayla. He has served as the Director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver for the past 14 years. He speaks, plays music, creates YouTube videos, and writes a blog on family, faith and the Vancouver Canucks at www.claytonimoo.com.