Tuesday 28th April 2020
Third week of Easter
Acts 7:51-8:1, John 6: 30-35
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 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. 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 be economical and mild with the truth, and it has to be presented 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 doom.
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. God
grant us the grace to fear him and do his will rather than compromise our
faith. Amen. God help us
Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP
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