nothing but the truth
"Jesus answered: 'I too will ask a question. If you answer it for Me, then I will tell you...' " —Matthew 21:24
Santa Claus is coming to town! Our culture tells us that we'll get nothing from Santa if we were naughty instead of nice.
Jesus Christ is coming to town! Today's Gospel tells us that we'll get nothing from Jesus if we aren't interested in the truth.
For the chief priests and elders, giving a truthful answer to Jesus' question wasn't even a consideration (Mt 21:25ff). They were interested only in the politically correct solution to the sudden predicament Jesus thrust upon them. As a result, Jesus gave them nothing (Mt 21:27).
Balak, king of Moab, wanted Balaam, the professional "curser," to curse Israel so he could defeat the Israelites (Nm 22:4-6). Although the Lord revealed to Balak through Balaam that He would not allow the Israelites to be cursed (Nm 22:12ff), Balak was not interested in God's truth, but only in his own agenda. As a result, not only did God give Balak nothing, but, to Balak's dismay (Nm 24:10), He blessed the Israelites abundantly (Nm 24:3ff).
Pontius Pilate wanted an answer from Jesus, and Jesus changed the subject to the truth (Jn 18:37). " 'Truth!' said Pilate. 'What does that mean?' " (Jn 18:38) Pilate received nothing from Jesus. Similarly, when Herod questioned Jesus, he had no interest in the truth at stake. Therefore, Jesus had absolutely nothing to give Herod (Lk 23:9).
It's your turn. Jesus Christ is coming to town. Jesus the Truth (Jn 14:6) will have nothing but the truth to give you. How much will you get from Jesus this Christmas?
Prayer: Father, I commit myself to the truth so as to hear Your voice (Jn 18:37).
Promise: "A Star shall advance from Jacob, and a Staff shall rise from Israel." —Nm 24:17
Praise: St. Lucy's life was miraculously preserved until, like Jesus, her appointed time had come.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard Walling, July 7, 2004
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004