When Truth Gets You in Trouble

Reflection Date: March 27, 2026 | Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Daily Readings: Jeremiah 20:10-13; John 10:31-42

Children of God:
During the time of Jesus, stoning was one of the most severe punishments in Jewish law. 

It was reserved for crimes that were considered serious offenses against God and the community. 

For example, adultery could be punished by stoning according to the law in Leviticus. 

Blasphemy, or speaking against the name of God, also carried the penalty of stoning. 

Idolatry, or worshiping false gods, was another offense that could bring such punishment. 

A rebellious son who openly rejected parental authority could also face this severe penalty under the ancient law. 

False prophets who led people away from God were likewise subject to stoning. 

The punishment was public and involved members of the community throwing stones at the offender. 

It reflected the seriousness of protecting the holiness of God and the moral order of society. 

But in practice, the punishment often revealed how quickly people judged others. 

It also showed how religious anger could sometimes overpower mercy and careful discernment.

In the gospel of John, the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders became intense. Some people picked up stones to throw at him. 

They believed he committed blasphemy because he spoke about his unity with the Father. 

Jesus responded calmly and asked them why they wanted to stone him. He reminded them of the good works he performed in the name of the Father. 

Yet many of them refused to listen. They focused only on the accusation that he made himself equal with God. 

Despite their anger, Jesus continued to speak about his mission and his relationship with the Father.

What are our inspirations for today?

First, People sometimes reject the truth when it challenges their beliefs.

Jesus performed many works that revealed God’s presence. He healed the sick, comforted the suffering, and spoke about God with authority. These actions showed the goodness of his mission.

Yet some people ignored these signs. They focused on their own interpretation of the law and their expectations about the Messiah. 

Because Jesus did not fit their expectations, they rejected him.

Even today, people sometimes resisted truths that disturbed their comfort. 

When the message of Jesus challenged pride, selfishness, or injustice, some people preferred to ignore it instead of reflecting on it.

Second, Faith grows when people recognize God’s work.

Not everyone rejected Jesus. Some people listened carefully to his words. They saw his actions and recognized that God was at work through him.

Toward the end of the story, Jesus went to the region beyond the Jordan where John the Baptist once preached. 

Many people there remembered John’s testimony about Jesus.

They said that John performed no signs, but everything he said about Jesus proved true. 

Because of this reflection, many people believed in Jesus (John 10:41-42). 

Their faith grew because they looked honestly at what God was doing.

As we reflect today, we ask ourselves: When the message of Jesus challenges my habits or opinions, do I listen with humility or react with resistance? Do I recognize the presence of God in the good works happening around me? How can I become more open to the truth that Jesus reveals in my life today?

Children of God:
The people who believed in Jesus paid attention to his actions and to the testimony of John the Baptist. 

Their openness allowed them to see God at work. 

This same invitation stands before us today. 

We can choose rejection or reflection when the message of Christ challenges us. 

When we open our hearts, faith grows stronger. Let us remain open to the truth that Christ reveals in our lives.