TUESDAY 20TH APRIL 2021
THIRD WEEK OF EASTER
Acts 7:51-8:1
John 6: 30-35
TRUTH IS BITTER, BUT BETTER
Have you ever been persecuted for saying the truth? Have you been brought to limelight for doing what is right or condemning what you know is evil and unjust? One obvious truth is that human beings do not like to hear the truth even when it stares at them in the face. Truth hurts. In the first reading of today, we hear Stephen preach the truth to a people who had closed their minds to the truth. Stephen was not interested in knowing how the elders and the scribes were feeling about his preaching, he did not notice that their eyes were turning red in annoyance during his speech. He was only interested in saying the truth that he was looking up to heaven and saw Jesus sitting at the right hand of God. His witness to the truth cost him his life today. Those who are afraid of persecution and death cannot walk the path of truth.
It is true that sometimes it is good to present truth euphemistically, and in a noble way, nevertheless, when you are afraid to witness to the truth for fear of being rejected and persecuted, you are already on your way to compromising your values.
In the gospel reading, we see Jesus not economical with the truth that he is the bread of life. He did not care whether many of his followers will leave him or whether he will be reported to the scribes and pharisees. It is more profitable to speak the truth and die, than to be alive, covered in the shadows of lies and deception.
Lord, grant us the grace to fear you and do your will rather than compromise our faith. Amen.
Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP
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