true confessions
"This man deserves death; he has prophesied against this city." —Jeremiah 26:11
Jeremiah prophesied the truth against Jerusalem, although he risked his life in doing so. John the Baptizer told Herod and Herodias the truth about their adultery. For this, John was beheaded (Mt 14:4ff). Jesus, Who is the Truth (Jn 14:6), came into the world "to testify to the truth" (Jn 18:37). He spoke the truth in love (Eph 4:15), and was executed by crucifixion.
Are you walking in the truth? (see 1 Jn 1:6) Are you fighting for the truth even to death? (Sir 4:28; Jude 3) Do you say with Paul: "We cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the sake of the truth" (2 Cor 13:8)?
To be men and women of truth, we must be committed totally to the Truth, Jesus Himself (see Jn 18:37). We must "share in His sufferings by being formed into the pattern of His death" (Phil 3:10). We must be decide to be consecrated in the truth as Jesus was on Calvary (Jn 17:19).
Are you in the Truth? Only then will you be free (Jn 8:32).
Prayer: Father, by obedience to the truth may I be purified for a genuine love of my brothers and sisters (1 Pt 1:22).
Promise: "Mark well; if you put me to death, it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves, on this city and its citizens." —Jer 26:15
Praise: John shared his faith in Jesus at work for the first time. Initially, he was rejected, but later a coworker sought him out and was converted.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our booklet, The Truth Will Set You Free.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, January 29, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 5, 1996