Jesus, the Truth (Jn 14:6), stood for the truth. He paid for this stand with His life, as His opponents used deceit, lies, and intimidation of witnesses to condemn Him to death. St. Stephen stood for the truth (Acts 6:8ff). He paid for this stand with his life, as his opponents likewise used similar tactics to condemn him to death.
The Catholic Church stands for the truth, regardless of whether or not the truth is "politically correct." The Church proclaims the truths that Jesus is really present in the Holy Eucharist, that marriage is only between one man and one woman, that homosexual acts and fornication are always sinful, that abortion is murder, that the poor have a special dignity and must be defended, that contraception is sinful and contrary to God's plan, and other unpopular truths.
In this culture of death and throughout human history, those dedicated to a cause contrary to the truth have generally refused to repent and humbly submit themselves to the truth. These opponents of the truth instead change the language to "call evil good, and good evil" (Is 5:20). These people try to intimidate others into exchanging "the truth of God for a lie" (Rm 1:25).
People of God, imitate Jesus and St. Stephen. "Even to the death fight for truth, and the Lord your God will battle for you" (Sir 4:28). The truth is not negotiable. Speak the truth in love (see Eph 4:15). "The truth will set you free" (Jn 8:32).
| PRAYER: | Father, "we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the sake of the truth" (2 Cor 13:8). Give Your Church and its members Your very own strength. |
| PROMISE: | "This is the work of God: have faith in the One Whom He sent." –Jn 6:29 |
| PRAISE: | Antonio gave up a lucrative pension, retired early, sold his home and possessions, and moved out of state so that he and his wife could minister full-time with a Christian community. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College