Daily Meditation - Saturday 14June 2008 - TRUTH AND ACCEPTING ITS CONSEQUENCES

[BarbaraTherese]

Saturdays are
traditionally dedicated
to
Our Lady and her Immaculate Heart

Mass Readings and Meditation

Readings

Meditation

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Matthew 5:33-37

*Let your “Yes” mean “Yes,” *

and your “No” mean “No.”
(Matthew 5:37)
Have you ever asked someone a question and felt like you were not getting a straight answer?

• Perhaps they became defensive and even began to swear that they were telling you the truth,
• but you remained unconvinced.
• A good example of this is Peter’s denial of Jesus.
• When asked if he was a disciple,
• he said, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.”
• Finally, he gave way to the pressure surrounding him—but with a lie: “I do not know this man” (Mark 14:66-71).

Why can it be so hard for us to be truthful?

• Is it because we are afraid or insecure?
• Or maybe it’s hard sometimes to face the consequences of the truth.
• In contrast to Peter’s denial was Jesus’ response when he was asked if he was the Messiah.
• Jesus simply replied, “I am” (Mark 14:62).

By giving such an answer, Jesus signed his own death warrant. Fear did not overcome him because he had placed himself in his Father’s hands and knew that God’s word could never be overcome.

• At the Last Supper, Peter said he would willingly die for Jesus,
• but his bravado and enthusiasm soon left when he saw how meekly Jesus surrendered to his captors.
• Peter discovered the sad truth that he could not follow Jesus to the cross solely by the power of his own resolve.
• It was only after Pentecost that he received the power of the Spirit and began to preach the gospel with boldness
• —even in the face of punishment and death.

As we surrender our hearts and minds to the Spirit,

• we too can master our emotional life and experience a godly wholeness and integrity.
• The reality of heaven, the promises of a faithful God,
• and a healthy fear of sin will work together to form in us the simple commitment to the truth that Jesus showed.
• So keep asking the Spirit to mold you into the image of Christ. The world is waiting for your witness!

“Thank you, Holy Spirit, for your work in my life. Help me speak in truth and with integrity. I want to be steadfast in your word and become a clearer reflection of your love and mercy.”
*