Tuesday 3 February 2015

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter

Have you experienced extreme anger or even rage before? There are many reasons why a person may experience such extreme anger or even rage, but one reason that is especially difficult is when a person is confronted with the truth or exposed for who he or she really is. In reaction to facing the truth or being exposed, such persons may resort to extreme anger or even rage to try and cover up, or divert attention with the hope that people would become confused or afraid to pursue the matter further, or in some cases such persons may even resort to greater crimes to get rid of any evidence, witnesses or any other means, thinking that by doing so, they would not be exposed further or "lose face." But the fact is, the truth will prevail, and the truth will come back to haunt such persons in one way or another at a different time.

This reaction of extreme anger or rage was evident among the officials, members of the Sanhedrin and the high priest in today's reading. They knew that what the apostles were preaching about Jesus and about what these people had done is the truth. But due to their pride, their arrogance, their refusal to admit their wrongdoing, their determination to "save face" and because they were more interested in preserving their status quo, these officials, members of the Sanhedrin and the high priest became so infuriated when confronted with the truth that they wanted to put the apostles to death. But these apostles remained unflinched in their commitment to the truth and even said: "Obedience to God comes before obedience to men." The apostles were prepared to die rather than keep quiet or hide the truth, since it is a duty and a privilege to preach the Good News to all.

What about us? Are we more interested in saving our skin and keeping quiet, even though it is obvious that the truth must be known? Who are we trying to serve? Do we value only things here on earth, or are we willing to sacrifice even our lives, so that we would gain eternal rewards?

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