Archbishop's column

Last week, I wrote about St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. One of the great ironies of Christian history is the fact that Saul of Tarsus, who after his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus was to become "the first Christian theologian" and one of the Church's greatest missionaries, was present at the stoning of Stephen as an opponent of those who were followers of Jesus (cf. Acts 7:58).

During these weeks between Easter and Pentecost, I am writing about those women and men who were witnesses to the Lord's resurrection. Our faith is not based on abstract concepts. It is grounded in the eyewitness testimony of those who actually encountered the risen Jesus and then shared their experience with us.

Those of us who have had a profound personal encounter with Jesus are compelled to share that experience with others. We have "seen the Lord," and so our faith is deepened and enriched. We share this experience with others, and as a result others have their faith strengthened and renewed.

"Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into His glory? Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them what referred to Him in all the Scriptures." Luke 24:25-27 

Although the Lord made Peter the head of the Apostles, He knew Peter had faults -- he was impulsive, outspoken and sometimes fearful, even cowardly, in the face of danger. Jesus didn't choose Peter because he was perfect. He chose Peter because He loved him.

St. Paul believed that it was of "first importance" to remind the Church of Corinth, and all of us, that there were real eyewitnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Our faith is not a matter of speculation or vague ideas. The Lord is actually risen, and we have the testimony of many eyewitnesses to assure us that this mysterious, life-changing event really happened.