Facing Hard Truths with Grace
Life has a way of presenting us with challenges we’d rather not face. It could be the loss of a loved one, the betrayal of a trusted friend, a devastating diagnosis or losing the job that provides for our family. These experiences can shake us to our core. The harsh reality is, they hurt. No one can deny that. Yet as Catholics, we are not called to face these truths alone but with God. He reveals hard truths to help us grow, reconcile and awaken the gifts He’s placed within us that may have remained dormant.
Fr. Stanley, in his homily, reminded us that these are moments when we need divine intervention to shake us from complacency. We need someone like a prophet, who speaks truth even when it’s difficult to hear. These voices guide us, opening our eyes to what we cannot see ourselves. But how do we react when we hear these truths? Do we respond with defensiveness or humility?
In the first reading from Numbers 11:25-29, we hear about Joshua’s reaction to the actions of Eldad and Medad. They were prophesying, and Joshua felt it wasn’t appropriate, asking Moses to stop them. Moses, however, corrected him, wishing that all God’s people could prophesy. This correction allowed Joshua to grow into the great leader God had called him to be. Imagine if Joshua had resisted Moses’ guidance!
In the second reading from James 5:1-6, James is bold, he doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He confronts those who are wealthy, not because they’re rich, but because they’ve gained wealth at the expense of others. He exposes their pride, their selfishness, their indulgence. He calls them to change, to repent. And when they refuse, he warns them of the consequences. It’s a tough message, but James speaks the truth with the hope that people will turn back to God. The message is clear: refusing to face the truth doesn’t make it go away.
The Gospel of Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 takes it even further. Jesus warns His disciples not to stop someone who is casting out demons in His name, even if they are not part of their inner circle. “Whoever is not against us is for us,” He tells them, urging us to recognise the value of every good deed, even those done outside our group.
It also reminds us of the importance of the small, unnoticed acts of faith and charity. Think of how Jesus valued the widow who gave her last two coins. It wasn’t the amount, but the heart with which she gave, that mattered to Jesus. “Give, but give until it hurts,” as Mother Teresa once said.
But let’s reflect on this: What happens to us as a Church if we become poor? Will our faith remain strong, or will we falter? The real test isn’t when things are easy, but when we are stripped of our comforts and forced to rely solely on God. Just as the poor widow gave all she had, are we ready to do the same?
The tough question today is: How do we respond to someone who tells us a hard truth? Do we reject them? Do we push them aside and hide in our comfort zone? Or do we pause and reflect, allowing the discomfort to lead us toward growth? We often want to deny, blame others, or even negotiate our way out of facing the truth. But God calls us to surrender, to embrace the truth with humility, no matter how difficult it may be.
These truths, though bitter at times, are essential for our spiritual growth. Joshua accepted correction, and he was blessed. The wealthy ignored James, and they were condemned.
Are we willing to face the hard truths in our own lives? Will we accept them and grow, or will we remain indifferent, content with where we are? Like Joshua, we too can enter the Promised Land, but only if we are willing to listen, surrender and grow from the truths we face.
Today, let’s ask for the grace to accept these truths, to surrender to God’s plan, and to let Him shape us into the people He wants us to become.