And You Do This - Why?

Beads of Joy 12-13-10

And You Do This - Why?
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

How seriously strong, bold and solid are you when it comes to sharing the truth? Are you willing to lose friends? Maybe even be singled out and possibly hated by those in complete opposition of your faith? How far are you truly willing to go? Many of you know me well enough now, if you don't just read back into the blog index, and you will know where I stand. We really need to be bold, without fear, and be willing enough to take a "hit" for it; and still refuse to move or budge from your stance. Today we are reflecting on Matthew 21:23-27 (The Authority of Jesus Questioned). How dare the chief priests and elders question Jesus. But Jesus is wise, He won't be outwitted or tricked, without the truth being revealed. They tried to corner Him with a question, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" And wham, right back at them, "Jesus answered them, "I also will ask you a question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men?" These pushy chief priests and elders feared answering our Lord's question, dodging the truth made it impossible for them to answer Jesus, so they didn't.

Oh how I would have loved to hear that conversation. Truth in it's simplest, unchanged form, revealing all that is obvious and honest in content, is often hidden and avoided by many. A mere glance into our own political times clearly shows how people in public office avoid, run from, or just plain out disregard the truths of their own actions or words. We are God's children, truth is what we live for, truth is what runs in our veins. We can't, and shouldn't avoid the truth in all things. And once we know that and we really desire to live it and share it with others, we must remain bold and not change our position to please others. Our position in that which God has taught us, must remain the same at all times. God promises us what the world can not give us, no matter it claims. Let us look at God's word for some reflection into truth, "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." John 3:20-21. Do you live a life like an open book? We all have secrets, but none of us have secrets held from God.

Let us further this biblical approach on what it is God says about truth. In my research I found that "truth" is spoken of about 137 times in the Bible, depending upon your translation. "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32, a rather popular scripture. Here are a few other scriptures to help you see why "truth" is so important. "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment." Proverbs 12:19, "To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile;" Romans 2:7-9. Please take the time to spend time, as much time as you can, in scripture. Study, learn, and live God's word every single day.

So where does all this all go for us in our lives? I like to present challenges and ideas for all of us to make our lives better in God's sight. We know we are not perfect, not by any means, but we know that in God's mercy we are embraced by His love. Let us take the only natural next step when someone stands up for us; by standing up for them. What are you afraid of? What matters so much in your life, that you must deny Him and offended Him, by not defending Him? I live a life in my faith that I don't feel I need to apologize, I don't intend to be mean or rude, just truthful. Sometimes truth cuts deep, and sometimes truth makes it impossible for us to justify sin we are entwined into in our lives. I will be the first to admit my own faults, and my own sins. If we all focus on what we have done and do our best to fix it, ask for forgiveness and make it right with God, we will live a life of truth. And the truth we live with God will indeed set us free.

BE BOLD my brothers and sisters. Be Bold.

Being bold, ain't being mean
The truth is what makes you strong,
Truth will all one day will be seen
And eternity it will last forever long.


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple