Luke 9:43-45
After Jesus prophesied his coming passion and death, the apostles were deeply troubled. Yet, despite their confusion, they did not try to clarify the thing with Jesus because, as the gospel says, they were afraid. Afraid of what? Commentators suggest that the apostles feared to know the consequences of the Lord's inevitable sacrifice to their life as disciples. They asked no question because they didn't want to know the painful truth – that they, too, would soon suffer the same fate with their Master.
Indeed, it is true that one of the fears of people is to know the truth. For example, we are afraid to know the real status of our health, and for this, we sometimes would refuse to go to the doctor for a medical check up. We are also afraid to know the truth about ourselves, and so, we would not ask feedbacks from people. Psychologists would even tell us that one of the reasons why people are afraid to be alone, to pray and to reflect deeply is the subconscious fear of knowing their real selves, their insecurities and wounds.
Today, we are called to possess the virtue of courage to face the truth. Jesus categorically declared: “The truth will set us free.” It is only in facing the truth that we could see the things in us that need improvement. It is likewise in knowing the truth that we could face death with courage and prepare for that inevitable meeting with the loving and merciful Lord.
