Acknowledgement and Denial Before the Angels of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Twenty Eighth Week:  Saturday*

*Gospel :  Luke 12: 8-12*

*First Reading : Ephesians 1:15-23*

*Responsorial Psalm : 8: 2-7*

*Acknowledgement and Denial Before the Angels of God*

*1) What does Jesus mean by acknowledgement and denial?*

Jesus invites us to examine our relationship with Him. Our faith is not merely something we keep in our hearts; it is something that should be visible in our words, decisions, relationships, and way of life. Acknowledgement means openly accepting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, while denial means refusing to identify ourselves with Him or rejecting His truth through our words or actions.

Acknowledgement is more than saying, “I believe in Jesus.” It means allowing Jesus to influence how we live. Similarly, denial is not limited to saying, “I do not know Jesus.” We can also deny Him through our behaviour when we knowingly reject His teachings.

For example:

- When we defend a person who is being treated unjustly, we acknowledge Jesus.

- When we remain silent because we are afraid to stand for the truth, we may deny Him.

- When we forgive someone who has hurt us, we acknowledge Jesus.

- When we attend Mass but practise dishonesty in our daily dealings, our actions contradict the Jesus we profess.

Our Christian identity must be visible not only in our prayers but also in our conduct.

*2) What is the meaning of acknowledgement?*

Acknowledgement means recognizing Jesus publicly, faithfully, and practically.

*A) Acknowledgement through our words* : We acknowledge Jesus when we are not ashamed to profess our Christian faith. We speak about God with sincerity and bear witness to the Gospel when appropriate.

Peter acknowledged Jesus by declaring, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). However, Peter later denied Jesus three times when he was afraid (Luke 22:54–62). This teaches us that even a person who professes great faith can fall when fear becomes stronger than conviction.

*B) Acknowledgement through our actions* : Our actions often speak louder than our words. A person may carry a Bible, wear a cross, attend daily Mass, and say many prayers. But if that person cheats others, humiliates the poor, spreads hatred, or refuses to forgive, the person's actions contradict the faith professed. Jesus reminds us that our lives must reflect His love.

*C) Acknowledgement through our courage* : Sometimes acknowledging Jesus requires courage. We may have to oppose corruption, defend the vulnerable, speak the truth, or refuse to participate in wrongdoing. A student who refuses to cheat in an examination, an employee who rejects a dishonest practice, or a person who stands beside someone being humiliated is giving witness to Christian values. Acknowledgement does not mean imposing our beliefs on others. It means witnessing to Christ with courage, humility, respect, and love.

*3) What is the meaning of denial?*

Denial is the refusal to stand with Jesus, His truth, or His values. It can happen in different ways.

*A) Denial through fear* : Peter loved Jesus, but when he feared being arrested or associated with Him, he denied knowing Him. We may behave similarly when we hide our Christian identity to gain acceptance or avoid criticism.

*B) Denial through indifference* : When we see someone suffering but refuse to help, we may deny the love of Christ through our indifference. Jesus identifies Himself with those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, sick, and imprisoned (Matthew 25:35–40).

*C) Denial through hypocrisy* : We deny Jesus when our public religious identity contradicts our private behaviour. We may speak about honesty while practising dishonesty, preach forgiveness while holding grudges, or teach charity while exploiting others.

*D) Denial through deliberate rejection* : Sometimes we know what is right but deliberately choose what is wrong because it benefits us. When we repeatedly reject the Gospel in our decisions, we distance ourselves from Christ.

An important distinction: not every failure, moment of fear, or struggle means that we have deliberately denied Jesus. Peter's story shows that failure can be followed by repentance, forgiveness, and renewed commitment.

*4) What does it mean that Jesus will acknowledge us before the angels of God?*

Jesus promises that those who acknowledge Him before others will be acknowledged by Him before God's angels. This points towards the final judgement and the fulfilment of our relationship with Christ. Our earthly life has an eternal significance. The way we respond to Jesus matters, and He calls us to remain faithful to Him. The angels of God represent the heavenly court and God's presence. Jesus is assuring His disciples that their faithful witness is not forgotten, even when the world rejects or persecutes them.

There is also a profound contrast here:

- People may reject us, but Christ can welcome us.

- People may fail to appreciate our sacrifices, but God sees them.

- People may ridicule our faith, but our faithfulness matters in eternity.

*Reflection:* We often spend our lives trying to gain recognition from people. Jesus invites us to seek something greater: to live in such a way that we remain faithful to Him and receive His approval.

*5) Practical implications for our lives* 

*In the family* : Acknowledge Jesus through patience, forgiveness, fidelity, and respect. A Christian family is not one without problems, but one that seeks to solve problems in the spirit of Christ.

*At the workplace* : Acknowledge Jesus by being honest, responsible, fair, and compassionate. Our professional conduct can become a powerful witness to the Gospel.

*In society* : Acknowledge Jesus by respecting human dignity, defending the weak, refusing discrimination, and working for peace and justice.

*In the Church* : Acknowledge Jesus through sincere prayer, active service, unity, and concern for the poor. Church membership must lead to a Christ-centred life.

*6) Five deeper reflections on acknowledgement and denial* 

*Silence can sometimes become denial* : There are times when silence is wise, especially when speaking would cause unnecessary harm. But when we remain silent simply because we are afraid to defend the truth or a vulnerable person, our silence can become a denial of our Christian responsibility.

The question is not whether we speak loudly, but whether we have the courage to speak when love and justice require it.

*We can acknowledge Jesus at the altar and deny Him outside the church* : We may receive Jesus in the Eucharist and sing His praises during Mass. Yet, after leaving the church, we may refuse to forgive a neighbour, speak cruelly to a family member, or treat a poor person without dignity. This creates a contradiction between worship and life. The Jesus we receive at the altar must become visible in the way we treat people outside the church.

*Fear can make a believer deny what the heart believes* : Peter's denial teaches us that loving Jesus does not automatically make us courageous. Fear, pressure, and the desire for acceptance can weaken even sincere faith. Therefore, we must pray not only for faith but also for courage to live that faith.

*Our choices are a daily profession of faith* : Acknowledgement is not limited to dramatic moments such as persecution or public testimony. Every ordinary decision can become a profession of faith. When we choose truth over lies, forgiveness over revenge, generosity over selfishness, and service over pride, we acknowledge Jesus through our lives.

*Jesus does not want only our public identity; He wants our whole heart* : It is possible to appear religious before people while remaining far from God inwardly. Jesus calls us to a faith that is genuine, consistent, and rooted in love. Our goal is not merely to look like Christians but to become more Christlike.

*7) A final question for personal examination*

Do I acknowledge Jesus only in church, or also in my daily life?

Am I ashamed to identify myself as a Christian when I face opposition?

Have my words or actions denied the values Jesus taught?

When I fail, do I return to God with repentance, like Peter?

Do I allow the Holy Spirit to guide my conscience and strengthen my witness?

The Good News is that a past denial need not be the final word. Peter's life reminds us that a person who has failed can repent, be forgiven, and become a courageous witness to Christ.

Jesus does not ask us to be perfect before we begin following Him. He asks us to be faithful, to repent when we fail, and to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*