The word witness appropriately has two meanings. It can refer to someone who has seen an event firsthand or someone who testifies to the truth of an event. As Christians, we must be witnesses in both senses of the word.

In plotting to kill Lazarus, the Jewish authorities recognised the value of his witness. He had seen firsthand the power of God, which could raise even the dead from the tomb. His life was a living testament to this power. Thus, many who saw him believed in Christ.

Mary was also a witness. Her witness took the form of worship. In anointing Christ with the costly ointment, she testified to his worth. The English word ‘worship’ comes from an Old English word: ‘worthship’.

We cannot be eyewitnesses to the life of Christ in a strict sense. But we can be witnesses of the power and impact that Christ has had in our lives. Indeed, while the testimony of both Lazarus and Mary is recorded in Scripture, they can no longer provide a living testament to Christ’s power and worth. We are called to be his modern-day witnesses.

Authentic witness has the power to transform the world. If we have experienced the power of God in our lives, perhaps calling us out of the tomb of meaninglessness and raising us to new life and hope, then it is up to us to be a living witness. If we have found freedom in Christ and come to understand his value, then let us proclaim his worth by pouring out our lives, like costly ointment, in love and service. Thus, just as the witness of Lazarus and Mary was so powerful in their day, we too may bring many to know the love and power of Christ today.

by Fr Michael Grace