12THE SUNDAY CATECHESIS: WHEN TRUTH IS PAINTED…

Dearest friends, it is increasingly becoming obvious that our world is morally sinking because a number of Christians (Pastors and Faithful) are not ready to bear WITNESS to the TRUTH. Thus, many are sacrificing truth on the altars of POSITION, FAME and RICHES. Well, the fact remains that whenever a Christian fails to bear witness to the Truth or tries to paint the Truth, he/she LOSES his/her IDENTITY and becomes WORTHLESS. Thus, Jesus said: “YOU are the SALT of the earth. But if salt LOSES its saltiness, with what will it be salted? It is NO longer USEFUL at all, except to be cast out and trampled under by men” (Cf. Matt 5:13).

But what becomes of a Christian who bears witness to the Truth only with the LIPS but contradicts this Truth in his/her LIFESTYLE? Indeed, such situation is scandalously harmful. Thus, the Council Fathers affirm:

All CHRISTIANS by the example of their LIVES and the witness of the WORD, wherever they live, have an obligation to manifest the new man which they put on in BAPTISM, and to reveal the power of the Holy Spirit by whom they were strengthened at CONFIRMATION… (Cf. Ad Gentes n. 11).

Therefore, to salvage our corroding world, we all must pray the Holy Spirit to reawaken in us the gift of FORTITUDE; which is a moral virtue that enables one to conquer FEAR, even fear of DEATH, and to face trials and persecutions (Cf. CCC n. 1808).

Finally, beloved friends, in our resolve to renew our Christian commitment to witnessing to the Truth, Jesus himself encourages us thus: “Do NOT be AFRAID of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul” (Cf. Matt 10:28). Again he reminds us thus: “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father, who is in heaven. But whoever will have denied me before men, I also will deny before my Father, who is in heaven” (Cf. Matt 10:32-33).

May the Blessed Virgin Mary always support us with her powerful intercession. Amen🙏🏼

Happy Sunday and remain blessed!

(Cf. CATECHESIS ‘NKUZI NKE OKWUKWE’ FOR THE 12TH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR (A)
READINGS: R1: Jer 20:10-13, R2: Rom 5:12-15, Gosp. Matt 10:26-33)