Power and truth

Today's readings offer different examples of how people of faith are perceived by people with political power.

In the first reading (Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24), the prophet Jeremiah is at first denounced as a traitor but then is accepted.

In the Gospel (Matthew 14:1-12), we hear of John the Baptist's execution for having spoken "an inconvenient truth" about people in high places.

Also, in verses unfortunately omitted from today's selection (Jeremiah 26:18-19) we have the example of a political class that understands the importance of its moral and spiritual underpinnings.

Micah of Moresheth used to prophesy
in the days of Hezekiah, king of Judah....
Did Hezekiah, king of Judah, and all Judah
condemn him to death?

Did they not rather fear the LORD
and entreat the favor of the LORD... ?

May you and I not be afraid in speaking truths that are unpopular or inconvenient to those in power.

May we persevere and remain faithful in the face of rejection and opposition.

May all of us recognize that our freedom and our prosperity ultimately depend upon the truths established by the Creator.