Obedience to the Truth

 

Our obedience to the truth purifies us.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Wednesday of 8th Week in Ordinary Time II, May 29th, 2024
Texts: 1 Peter 1:18-25; Psalm 147; Mark 10:32-45 

The word, ‘obedience to the truth’, comes to mind in today’s first reading. St. Peter tells us that our obedience to the truth purifies us. He puts it thus: “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart.” Obedience to the truth does not only purify us it also brings about sincere love of the brethren.  

What is this truth? It is the word of God. Hence, he says, “You have been born anew, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God”. Here, he calls the purification a new birth. To be born anew is to be purified. Living the word of God purifies us, gives us a new birth. This word of God is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Hence, St.  Peter adds, “That word is the good news which was preached to you.” 

You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways

St. Peter also reminds us to consider how Jesus Christ ransomed us and our state before then. He puts it thus: “You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” This is because it strengthens our resolve to obey the truth, keep the word of God, live by the gospel.  

Today’s gospel reading tells us Jesus’ anticipation of His passion and our participation in it to share in His glory. He says, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." 

The need to share in His passion

Jesus Christ reminds us of the need to share in His passion so as to share in His glory. This is clear when He made it a condition for James and John who sought to share in His kingdom. He says, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" Being Christian is to say yes to the questions. We should always be ready to share in His passion, for it is the way to glory.  

Prayer  

We thank You, God our Father, for the gift of Your word, which gives purity and new birth to our souls; grant that we may always be obedient to the word, the truth. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke