Authentic Testimony

Gospel: John 5: 31-47

Teachings and laws are important things.  They provide us with structure, and sometimes they inspire us with noble ideals.  However, at the end of the day, teachings and laws are mere words spoken aloud or dwelling on the written page.  They have no real meaning or existence outside the mind of people.  They exist as mere abstractions and as such are ephemeral.  

When teachings and laws are embodied in actions, deeds, and works, then they have real concrete existence in the world.  Jesus serves as the embodied Word of God in the world, the definitive expression of God's existence in the universe, the incarnate sacrament of God's love, mercy, and compassion.  That which was abstract and existing only in word and mind is now enfleshed and real for all to see in deeds of love and mercy.  

The only authentic way to give testimony about Jesus is to live as he lived - to embody in our deeds the love and mercy of God that Jesus embodied.  Evangelization efforts, new or otherwise, all fail because they are just words, ideas, abstractions.  They don't affect people's lives in fundamental ways.  Only a life of loving works can genuinely give witness to God's presence in the world.