On Standing Up to the Truth
Excerpt of Lectio Divina’s Reflection on the Gospel reading for the Monday of the 3rd Week of Advent (Matthew 21:23-27)
In today’s Gospel reading, we see how the religious leaders opposed Jesus and rejected His claim to divine authority. Their view of religion did not match with God’s word because their hearts were set on personal gain rather than truth and submission to God’s plan and design for their lives.
In His priestly prayer, Jesus said “I have given them your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:13). God’s word is the truth, and because of that we will face opposition and disapproval by people. Faced with opposition and disapproval, St. Paul exhorted “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Are you willing to take a stand for the truth, even when it might cost you personally because of opposition or disapproval of others?
Prayer:
“Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let your light shine in my heart and in my mind that I may grow in understanding the truth of your word and find joy and freedom in living according to it.”
