A Church that Dares to Witness

The alleluias of Easter morning still echo in our churches. But if we really listen to the Bible texts in the Sundays that follow, we hear something else too: a call.

Jesus Calls

In these weeks after the Resurrection, we are not just remembering what happened to Jesus, we are watching what happens to those who believed in him. The Acts of the Apostles describes the bold, risky, joy-filled beginnings of the Christian community. These first believers had seen the Risen Christ and they couldn’t keep silent. Even when they were warned. Even when they were condemned. Even when they were beaten. They rejoiced to be found worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. These first believers were not naïve. They were convinced. But what had changed them? The answer is simple: they had met the Risen One. Not just in spirit, but face to face. Thomas, whose doubt melted into awe when he touched Jesus’ wounds. Peter, who returned to his old fishing nets, only to be met by Jesus on the shore, offering him breakfast, forgiveness, and a new mission: “Feed my sheep”

The Church Calls

The early Church wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t powerful. But it was alive. It was a community shaped by: bold witnesses who dared to speak the name of Jesus out loud, even when it cost them. It was shaped by encounter that came to faith through doubt, failure, and grace. It was shaped by service as they cared for one another, sharing their goods and their lives. And what about us today? Is our faith quiet and private or do we speak and act “in the name of Jesus”? Do we help create community, or do we remain strangers in the pews? Do we dare to carry the Resurrection into our neighborhoods, our families, our workplace? Easter is not a day; it’s a season, it’s a mission. The tomb is empty. Christ is risen. And the world still needs a Church that believes it, lives it, and dares to speak it out loud.