THEY RECOGNISED THEM AS COMPANIONS OF CHRIST

Peter and John healed a cripple and boldly proclaimed the gospel to the amazement and edification of the people. The people recognized that Peter and John had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Their miracle and virtues constituted incontrovertible evidence that they had been with Jesus. Some of the Pharisees and the elders must have seen Peter and John with Jesus; walking with Jesus; working with Jesus. The miracle and the virtues of these apostles became demonstrative proof that, indeed, they had been with Jesus; they were disciples of Jesus.

Christians baptized in the name of Christ; washed in the blood of the Lamb; enlightened by the Word of God; abundantly nourished by the Sacraments and strengthened by grace are recognizable as those who have been with Christ. By their choice of words, conduct, life style, virtues, works of mercy and charity, they are recognized as companions of Christ. Jesus says: by their fruits you will know them (Matt 7:20). Christians are clearly recognizable by the fruits of the Holy Spirits abundantly radiant in their lives. They are recognizable when they live up to their billings.

Perhaps one of the daunting challenges Christianity is facing today is that the world is unable to recognize Christians as those who have been with Christ. Some Christians are indistinguishable from the rest of the people. When Christians are not recognized because of lack of evidence of intimacy with Christ, they may be held in contempt. To be recognized as being with Christ, our light must shine for all to see. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven (Matt 5:16).

Before a Christian is recognized, he has to recognize Jesus in the Word of God, in the breaking of bread, in the poor and vulnerable and in the events of life. Andrew recognized Jesus under the tree, Zaccheus recognized Jesus on top of a tree, the two disciples recognized Jesus at the breaking of the bread, and Peter recognized the risen Lord at the sea of Tiberias. A Christian must recognize Jesus before he can be recognized as being with Jesus. To be recognized, a Christian must possess fundamental and irreducible core virtue of intimacy with Jesus in silent prayer.