First Reading: Jer 20:10-13; Psalm: 18. R. v. 6; Gospel: Jn 10:31-42

WHEN TRUTH BECKONS

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Jesus has never put in so much effort in converting a people as much as he did in converting the Jews. We read in the gospel of today how he tried to convince his people to believe in him but they hardened their hearts. Jesus pointed out that the good works he did was enough to convince them to believe that he was from God but his people neither believed in his works nor in him. They closed their hearts completely on anything concerning Jesus. This happened during the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem.

Disappointed, Jesus left their presence and went away across the Jordan to the place where John first baptised. And surprisingly many came to him and believed in him there. So although some among the Jews rejected Jesus despite Jesus’ efforts to make them believe; many on the other hand accepted him without Jesus saying anything to them. For the works of Jesus truly testified that he was from God.   

There are two reactions to truth. It is either we accept or we reject it. But there are consequences to these choices. When we accept the truth, we are at peace. But we cannot be at peace when we reject the truth because the truthfulness of truth will continually haunt us. Those who eventually came to believe in Jesus as narrated in today’s gospel could not resist the truthfulness of truth. They said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” Truth has permeating power. If we are open, it will fill our heart. And if we are rigid, it will haunt us still.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, may we be docile to your word and accept the truth that it offers. Amen.