When the Truth Hurts

Readings: Jeremiah 26:1-9, Ps. 69:5,8-10,14, Matthew 13:54-58

“Prophets are not without honour except in their own country and their own house.” (Matthew 13:57)

While Jesus faces rejection from his countrymen in today’s Gospel passage, Jeremiah is almost lynched by the priests, prophets and people in today’s First Reading. Dear friends, when the truth hits us, it is either we look inward and fight our sinfulness (repent from sin), or we turn around to fight the person who is telling us the truth. Like the people in today’s readings, we often prefer the more convenient option: fighting the preacher. We do this by challenging them, questioning their authority, using derogatory terms, arguing with them or even through physical attacks. This was the experience of Jeremiah (during the reign of King Jehoiakim) and Jesus (in his hometown).

- A clear conscience fears no accusation. When we are guilty, the truth sounds like an insult or a personal attack. This happens because God’s Word is alive. It is “sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it can judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him, no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13).

- If listening to God’s Word makes you uncomfortable, consider it a call to repentance. Truth, like medicine, is bitter, but it brings healing. Instead of fighting it, accept its bitterness, and it will set you free (cf. John 8:32). Run away from preachers who tell you what you like to hear instead of telling you the truth as it is. Nowadays, we love listening to preachers who demonise our political officeholders. Meanwhile, the bitter truth is that we are far worse than them.

- We live in the times St. Paul spoke about when he wrote: “For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their desires and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). We tell lies, cheat others and steal every slight opportunity, yet we expect those to whom we have entrusted our commonwealth to behave like saints. We all deserve this suffering.

- Familiarity breeds contempt. Sadly, those who appear to be closest to God are often the ones who resist the truth. In the case of Jeremiah, the attack was led by the priests and prophets. This reminds us of the tussle between the prophet Amos and Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. They said to Jeremiah: “You shall die…” because Jeremiah was bold enough to tell them that “This house (the temple) shall be like Shiloh.” They failed to pay attention to the other part of the message where Jeremiah said: “If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law which I have set before you…”

- The worst form of blindness is the inability to recognise one’s blindness. Priests are often the most difficult people to correct because we feel that having been empowered to perform liturgical functions, we are superior, holier or more knowledgeable than others. A few days ago, we heard Jeremiah say: “For both prophet and priest ply their trade throughout the land, and have no knowledge.” (Jeremiah 14:18). The moral decadence that Jeremiah sought to correct was a consequence of the failure of the priests and prophets to live up to their responsibilities.

- For Jesus, his countrymen (those who watched Him grow) could not fathom that “a mere son of a carpenter” could suddenly become so wise and powerful. They had a choice to make: either to accept the truth about Jesus’ divinity or to treat Him as an imposter. Unfortunately, they chose the more convenient option; they resorted to the fallacy of “argumentum ad hominem” by speaking of His so-called brothers and sisters. Many Christians still quote passages to argue that Mary had other children, forgetting that those who said this thought of Jesus as an imposter. To say Jesus had biological brothers and sisters is to deny His divinity.

- Finally, the book of Hebrews tells us that, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6). Without faith, it is impossible to please God or obtain His divine intervention (miracles) in our lives. Due to their refusal to recognise Jesus’ Divinity, Matthew tells us, “He did not do many deeds of power there.” (Matthew 13:58)

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the wisdom to recognise and apply the truth and the humility to accept corrections. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of week 17 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Jeremiah 26:1-9, Ps. 69:5,8-10,14, Matthew 13:54-58).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu