In September, Stephen Colbert devoted an episode of “The Late Show” to Pope Francis’ visit. Joining him were four prominent Catholics: Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Maria Shriver, comedian Jim Gaffigan and journalist Andrew Sullivan. I felt Gaffigan was the best witness to our faith. “The reason I’m a Catholic is the notion of mercy. Because I am such a horrible person, I need to know that there’s someone forgiving me,” he said.
We know the term “witness” from cop shows and courtroom dramas. It’s first person testimony of the truth as the witness understands it. “Witness” is a popular term among evangelical Christians. You may witness during a worship service when you share a particular way God has blessed you recently. Your testimony strengthens fellow Christians with similar struggles.
More importantly, our Protestant brethren look for chances to “witness” to nonbelievers, whether it’s at a baby luau or on national TV. Many denominations sponsor workshops in which participants practice explaining their faith in order to be prepared for these opportunities. They also discuss the hard questions which seem to unmask Christianity as naïve or intolerant.
Hawaii Catholics have such an opportunity right now in monthly sessions at St. Stephen’s Diocesan Center and on the neighbor islands in 2016. Check out www.catholichawaii.org/evangelization or email Kristina DeNeve, diocesan adult formation director at kdeneve@rcchawaii.org.
Workshops are great, but we can also train on our own. For more than 30 years I’ve been asked, “Why did you become a Catholic?” My evolving answer? I believe in the sacraments. If grace is for everyone, it must come sometimes through actions and objects anyone can receive. I especially love the Eucharist and want to worship with those who give it the most reverence.
The next most frequent question I hear is, “Why are you a Christian?” I’m a Christian because I know how we all ought to behave. I just can’t manage it for more than an hour or so. I believe God sent Jesus to show that he forgives our failures. He sends his Holy Spirit to help us fail less often.
My third most common witness is a pro-life one. Is abortion murder? Yes. Should women be jailed for it? No. I believe in gentle, persistent persuasion through education and practical support. The best defense for the unborn is consistent compassion toward all human beings at every stage of life. The more we do for the disabled, the elderly, the poor and the criminal, the better chance we have of ending abortion.
Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, we won’t be able to say more than a sentence or two in defense of our faith before someone changes the subject. That’s okay. Like the sower in Mark 4:1-20, we cast our seed widely and leave the growth to God.
Often we witness without realizing it. We come to the picnic late because we had to go to Mass. We discuss immigration, ecology and war in terms of the greatest good. We live less well than our colleagues because we give more generously to the poor and needy. We have a reputation for honesty, modest dress and courteous language.
We can prepare to witness by regularly reading Scripture and Christian publications like this one. We’ll find passages and issues that trouble or confuse us. In struggling for answers for ourselves, we’re also finding ways to explain our faith to others. Praying for specific nonbelievers is also important.
Jesus commanded us all to, “Go therefore and make disciples …” (Matthew 28:19-20). If we truly believe, we need to get to work on our witness.
Kathleen welcomes comments. Send them to Kathleen Choi, 1706 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo 96720, or email: kathchoi@hawaii.rr.com.
