Holy Week has begun and the forty-day journey with Rebuilt Faith: A Handbook for Skeptical Catholics is complete. It has been a transformative experience so these additional “bonus” days are another gift. The title of this bonus day is Know Your Testimony. A number of years ago, I was asked to offer a character witness at a trial of a young person. Needless to say, I was quite nervous and tentative about what to say. I needed to know my testimony and remind myself to just testify truthfully. When I got on the witness stand to give testimony, I was asked several questions and dismissed. Five minutes later, I was done.
I think most of us not only are hesitant to give testimony, we also are unaware of the importance of our testimony. In my personal experience, when someone shares their story of God’s presence in their life, it brings me closer to them and to God. Our stories are different, but always the common denominator is God’s love and mercy.
Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope. —1 Peter 3:15
Michael White and Tom Corcoran shared five reasons we can use to explain our reason for our faith in Jesus. They come out of our personal experiences. Some of the reasons may seem intellectual and others are heartfelt or experiential. They offer these questions for reflection:
When was a time you saw the goodness or mercy of God in your life?
Was there ever an experience when you felt the presence and power of God in a palpable way?
People are attracted to God in various ways. Which of the ways in today’s reflection speak to your heart?
Everyday of my life, I experience the mercy of God. Last week, as many cancer survivors do, I underwent a six-month cat scan to check for any cancer reoccurrence. The combination of prayers, care of health care professionals, and God’s mercy … I am good to go. Did I feel worried and anxious? Yes. Did I question God’s love and mercy? No. God’s mercy touches me in ways I can’t imagine.
I am attracted to God in each of the reasons sited by the authors at one time or another. Life changing events are the most pronounced for me. Throughout my life, from family stories to my recent health challenges have brought me closer and closer to the Creator. I also appreciate God’s beauty in nature and the cosmos. To think that God created everything from the smallest insect to the stars and planets is beyond human imagination. That leads to faith. That’s my testimony.