The word “witness” is a curious one for its double meaning. A witness is someone who sees or hears something, usually what he or she is not supposed to see or hear. In addition, witnesses are people who speak out on what they see in a deeper sense. They speak to societal injustice and call upon us to turn society around.
The root meaning of the word “martyr” is witness, the willingness to live for one’s faith and face the consequences of doing so. Thus that double meaning of the word witness makes sense. We see what others do, whether when we’re not supposed to or when their lives are in the open. And the witness of others spurs us to be witnesses as well.
We are called to witness for our faith in many ways. Sometimes it is stocking a food pantry or even just helping a neighbor clean up after a bad storm. We are also called to witness with our resources, money and material goods, sharing them with those who have so little. Countries are called to witness to their professed ideals as well. How is it that America witnessing global poverty witnesses to its ideals?
Prayer for the Day
You love us, O God, not because of our merits
But as a parent loves a child, unconditionally;
Hold us and push us to reach out to the world around,
So we are true witnesses to your word.
Fill our minds with the light of truth, our hearts with the grace of love,
Our deeds with the power of your Spirit.
In the name of him who showed us how to live in truth,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Not for ourselves alone are we born.
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman philosopher and writer (106 BCE-43 CE)
We only have what we give
Isabel Allende, Chilean-American novelist and writer
May your kindness, pray, console me, as befits your utterance to your servant.
May your mercies befall me that I may live, for your teaching is my delight.
Psalm 119: 76-77 (Trans. Robert Alter)