First Reading: Acts 4:13-21; Psalm: 118. R. v. 21a; Gospel: Mk 16:9-15

OPENNESS OF HEART

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

There are times we find ourselves caught in the middle of affirmation and denial. It could be that moment when certain truths are very obvious to us yet we find it very difficult to openly affirm it and at the same time cannot deny it. This definitely will take us to nowhere. Truth is as clear as daylight; even when we tend to suppress or deny it, it speaks for itself.  

See how the Jewish leaders struggled to affirm the truth of the gospel. When they conferred with one another to decide the fate of Peter and John whom they arrested because of the healing of the crippled man, they said: “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is manifest to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.” (Acts 4:16). They knew that the works of the apostles were from God but wouldn’t profess it openly. It was so obvious. Even the man who was healed was standing before them yet they remained impassable.

When God reveals himself to us through wondrous works; it is only right that we acknowledge it. To do this is to give honour to God. We should not allow ill feelings destroy us. When it comes to our relationship with God, we need to be careful when we resist clearly revealed truths. This hinders the possibility of repentance. It is a sin against the Holy Spirit because we resist God and refuse conversion. And in this case, we cannot be forgiven because we willingly chose to remain in sin. In Jesus Christ, God revealed all the truths we needed to know. Rejecting these truths is equal to doom.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, grant us a humble and a docile heart. Amen.