By believing you may have life in his name
In yesterday’s post we reflected on us not having seen the resurrected Jesus in physical form. And that faith is believing based on the testimonies and witness statements of those who ate and drank with him after his resurrection. We likened this faith to an inheritance passed down from generation to generation. We read that Jesus said - ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’
Today we reflect on the last phrase of this week’s Gospel John 20: 19-31 ‘By believing you may have life in his name’. It does not end with our believing- it begins. Faith is not simply believing, it is a door into a whole new existence. By believing in their testimonies and witness statements we get something tangible- something that we can experience- a new life.
This new life is both physical and interior, it is mental, emotional, psychological and behavioral. It gives meaning and purpose to life, it empowers us to develop our gifts and talents, and it draws us into a relationship with God that transforms how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us.
This life reorients our priorities, reshapes our desires, and calls us into a community of love and service. It is not static but dynamic—growing, deepening, and becoming more fruitful. To believe is to begin a journey, to say yes to grace, and to open our lives to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit who forms Christ within us day by day.
Last weekend, on the retreat, I made a bold statement- that at the ripe age of 69years, I am embarking on becoming a gentleman - a gentleman evangelist. After the general round of laughter had subsided - one of the participants shared that the bends of an old tree cannot be straightened.
I explained that a gentleman means a change in my language and mannerisms- politeness and kindness- not in my core beliefs- it is a development of my new life in Christ. To believe we cannot change is to go against the core of Christianity. Believing is to open ourselves to change, a continuous change - of continuously becoming a part of the mystical body of Christ.
Friend, I invite us to believe in their testimonies and witness statements and in so doing begin a new life in Christ. And to embrace this new life of continuous change and development. And by the witness of our lives demonstrate to others the wonderful possibilities of a life in Christ.