Rejected for Speaking the Truth

"People (like the Scribes and Pharisees) didn't like to listen to Jesus because He was speaking the Truth. They didn't like to hear the Truth because the Truth hurts... It was one of the reasons why they rejected Him," said Fr. Eric Santos last Friday in his homily during the Mass.

Fr. Eric went on to explain the readings and how the First Reading relates to the Gospel and Jesus.  He related how the experience of Joseph, son of Jacob/Israel, is in a way similar to Jesus’ experience of rejection.  Both of them were rejected for telling the truth.  There were people around them who heard the truth they have spoken and because of that, these people plotted against them.  Then, in the end, they saved the same people who betrayed them or caused them harm.

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”  Matthew 21:42

These same things still happen in our modern world today.  There are people who simply choose to follow Jesus’ example and are rejected for speaking the truth.  There are Christians who simply choose to be vocal about their beliefs and who choose to be bold enough to admit their stand on certain issues in our society today but they are persecuted for doing this.  This isn’t surprising for if the Master suffered, it follows that His followers will also suffer.  Manny Pacquiao and Miriam Quiambao are the celebrities that came to my mind as I listened to the homily.  They simply shared their beliefs about homosexuality and yet people were so fast in speaking against them as if they committed a crime.  I admired their courage to speak about their beliefs in this modern world where many Christians hesitate to declare the truth about what they believe in for fear that people would say something against them.  Some Christians are so cautious to lose the approval of people; yet are not as cautious in offending God or hurting Him.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:33, “Everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”

The Truth will remain the Truth whether we proclaim it or not.  The Truth will be revealed whether we choose to be bearers of the Truth or not.  This Lent, may we allow the Truth to transform us to be more like Christ.  May we choose to be vessels of the Truth and not refuse to be mouthpieces of God.

Let’s ask ourselves this question: What truth from God am I denying and refusing to transform me? 

Author's note: This was published today at The Feast Sucat Bulletin.

 

Update: Ths post is linked to the Catholic Bloggers Network Monthly Link-up Blitz for the month of March.