04/08/2026
[SSVP Reflection - August]
In John 1:29-34 John the Baptist gave a breath- taking testimony- “I have seen for ourselves, and can testify, that the Father has sent the Son as Saviour of the world.”
Essentially, John was saying that he’s seen it with his own eyes- Jesus is the Messiah, the one God promised to send.
What about us? Can we say it like John the Baptist said it? Do we have the courage and conviction to give such a testimony that we have seen - through our eyes of faith that He is the Son of God sent to save us! But of course some of us will be somewhat paralysed by fear, hesitation or unfavourable circumstances and deem that it is not the right time to make such a proclamation. Indeed, we have lots of fearful questions like: What difference can I make? I am only one person! This may sound justifiable but let us take a look at what God said about what just one person could do.
Moses was just one person. But God used him to free the Hebrews from captivity by Egyptians to a land God had promised them. Next, God gave His nation their Ten Commandments through the man Moses. David was also one man - a boy in fact yet he rid Israel of a giant. Peter was also just one man but he led thousands of people to the Lord at one time.
We would also say this - Not us surely? Are we good enough to make such a powerful declaration since we can’t even tell others about God and about the things of God?
But then as a Christian we must level up as we are all called not to hide our faith or keep it as a private matter but to evangelise like the first disciples to “make disciples of all nations.” And like the first disciples we are called to embrace the Lord’s invitation with joy. Perhaps, we should be reminded what Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew 10:17-25 “Do not worry how to speak or what to say …. when the time comes, you will be given what you will say. For the words you will speak will not be yours; they will come from the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Indeed we all should do the transmission of our faith and to testify like St John had done because it increases the foundation of our faith. Just know that if we do it, it’s not done on our own power but on the divine power that’s always available to us if we ask for it. In 2 Peter 1:10-11, he said “Brothers, you have been called and chosen….”
Yes, we should not hesitate. Because as we actively testify, we embody the mission of Christ in our world. This is also encouraged by Pope Leo XIV as he insisted that the transmission of the faith is a matter of great urgency in our time because many are no longer coming to church.
Despite our fears we are called to trust God and to trust in God’s promises. God is at work at all times; every moment in God’s time, even when we do not feel ready or when the situation seems unfavourable. So respond generously to the Lord’s call. Boldly, say “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
To position ourselves there are some simple ways. Those 6 below are the areas that stand out to shape our hearts, help us to grow in strength, holiness and courage to go out to give this powerful testimony to our neighbour, our friends, and maybe those standing in line next to us, to everyone. We should tell them that we have seen and believed that Jesus is God and Son of God sent to us. We should tell them He changed our lives and can change theirs. We can tell them about His power and about His love for all of us. And how He gave the greatest sacrifices for us and them.
Daily take time off to find solitude to think and pray and allow God to be in control and put our values in proper order.
Remind ourselves constantly that we have been given a great commission to spread the Word of God to everyone. (Matthew 28:28-20)
Nurture an intimate and vibrant relationship with Jesus so as to have a personal encounter with Him, testifying His impact on our lives. In this way, we can proclaim that He is our Messiah, the one God promised to send.
Invite the Holy Spirit to our lives as it’s by the action of the Holy Spirit we will be able to say and testify. To invite the Holy Spirit check whether there is anything that blocks the Holy Spirit’s presence, like our sins and worries. Pray for the Holy Spirit like this: “Holy Spirit come into my life. Guide me, comfort me, and help me live according to God’s Will. Amen.”
Have a firm grasp of God’s Word.
Last but not least, live a good, clean, Christian life.
Finally, a takeaway question and a prayer:
Is Jesus challenging us now to do something? What does He want us to do? Are we willing to do it?
Sum up all that we felt and thought in the last few minutes and offer it as a prayer to God the Father, or to Jesus, or to the Holy Spirit.
Scripture texts to pray:
Dt 31:1-8 “Be strong, stand firm ….for Yahweh, your God is going with you.
Psalm 27 “Put your hope in Yahweh, be strong, let your heart be bold….”
Luke 22: 31-34 “I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail, and once you have recovered, you in your turn must strengthen your brothers.”
From SSVP Faith Formation and Development Team
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