First Reading: Rm 6:19-23; Psalm: 1. R. v. Ps 40:5ab; Gospel: Lk 12 49-53

THE PARADOX OF TRUTH

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

What would our reaction be like when certain truths that could cost us our jobs or happiness are said or made public? Some of our successes and achievements in life are built on the foundation of dubious deals and crimes that can leave us come crashing down when revealed. How many of us would accept the truth that could bring down all that we have achieved for years? Truth is not as easy as it sounds. Not many of us would accept to be told the truth because not many us are honest and just in our dealings in life. A lot of people live and thrive under the cover of lies such that the voice of truth becomes a huge threat that rattles their comfort zones.

Truth is divisive; but ideally it shouldn’t be so. But being that we live in a world of imperfect people, truth would divide us so as to unite and perfect us. Jesus said that he has not come to bring peace but division in the world. This statement of Jesus is so true because righteousness and sin are in conflict. It was for this reason that Jesus came to conquer the iniquity of man by the truth of the gospel and by his death so that we can all be reconciled in truth.

One beautiful thing that the truth of the gospel and the death of Jesus did in our world was reconciliation. But this reconciliation started with division. Jesus was hated, rejected and killed because he preached the truth. The post resurrection Church was divided by persecution because of the truth of the gospel. But then, gradually the faith began to grow and the truth prevailed. We can learn from this. Standing for the truth is the earmark of every Christian. This will hurt, divide and may even cause us physical harm. But thereafter, the light of truth will never go out wherever it is beamed. Truth always prevails. 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, may we always and everywhere witness to the truth of the gospel.  Amen.