The Apostles were never afraid to tell it like it is. In fact, there are quite a few places in Scripture that many would find offensive. Today is one of those. Listen to what St. John says in our second reading today from 1 John 2: “Those who say ‘I know him,’ but do not keep his commandments are liars, and the truth is not in them.” Ouch! Nobody likes to be called a liar, right?
But, as one might expect, St. John is right on the money. When we claim to be God-fearing Christian people, but then turn around and do something that completely goes against His teaching, we are liars. We can be so duplicitous, can’t we? For that hour in Church, we’re all smiles and handshakes and back slaps and silver-tongued angels. But the moment we get into our cars in the parking lot and roll up the windows so that no one can hear us…well, watch out! Mr. Hyde pops into the picture real quick!
It doesn’t have to be that way. With lots of prayer and practice, we can become the same people outside of church as we are inside. We can say, “I know him,” and live our lives like we really do. But we can’t do it on our own. We can’t just know of Him or about Him. We have to know Him. Do you know the difference?
Father, help us to know you better today, and every day hereafter. Amen.
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