A heartfelt homily on living without deceit, connected to John 1:47-51 and the feast of the Archangels, touching family and religious life. (29-5-25)
Praise be to Jesus Christ
There was a rigorous teacher in a small school. Everyone in the class feared this teacher. If a mistake was found, harsh words and punishments were followed. So when homework was given, many children quietly copied from others to escape the teacher’s anger. One day, a child could not finish the homework. The easiest way was to copy, like the others did. But the child’s heart was troubled. Finally, with trembling hands, the child carried the book to the teacher and said with tears, “I tried, but I failed.” The whole class fell silent. Everyone expected the teacher’s loud voice of anger. But instead, for the first time, the teacher’s face softened. The teacher said, “You are honest. That is more important to me than a perfect answer.” That one sentence struck the child more than any lesson in the classroom.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus looks at Nathanael and says, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no deceit in him.” That word “deceit” is powerful. To live without deceit means to be open and straightforward before God and people. But this is hard. In our homes, we sometimes wear masks. In our communities, we sometimes say one thing while feeling another. At work, we often pretend to be what we are not. This double life drains our spirit.
Even Jesus hated and questioned this hypocritic life. God has created us in His own image and likeness. Modifying the true self looses our originality leaving us artificial and mechanical. Being good doesn’t means to please others but being genuine. It also does not mean to expose ourselves without control. But it is a matter of self-control too. Jesus showed mercy to the needy but he raised voice against the injustice also. Our acts call us for an introspection of the fruit of our behaviour. We can stand for the truth even if people around you mocks but your conscience does not prick you.
The Old Testament gives us the story of Jacob, who deceived his father and brother. Yet God accepted him. God slowly changed him into a new man and gave him a new name, Israel. When Jesus sees Nathanael, a son of Israel, He says, “Here is one without deceit.” A new Jacob has appeared, a man standing in the light of truth. Being truly the truth, He does not judge anybody but He offers a room for improvement. open mindedness towards our fellow beings can turn them to the right path than labelling them as deceit and hypocritic. Let the living model of our life speak more than than the words.
On this feast of the Archangels, we remember that truth is part of heaven itself. Michael stood against the deceit of Satan. Gabriel brought God’s word of truth to Mary. Raphael guided and healed Tobit’s family with honesty and light. Heaven has no lies. Truth is its very breath. 
Saint Teresa of Avila said, “God loves a soul that is simple and sincere more than many clever prayers spoken with pride.” This touches our daily life. In families, deceit breaks trust. A husband who hides his worries remains restless. A wife who hides her pain remains wounded. In religious life, the community grows heavy and cold if we are not open with one another. But when truth is spoken, even if it hurts, it heals.
Remember Mahatma Gandhi’s famous saying, “Truth never damages a cause that is just.” As we know, lies may look easier in our daily lives, but they leave the heart uneasy. Truth is often complicated, but it always brings peace.
At the end, we can ask ourselves: can Jesus look at me and say, “Here is a child without deceit”? Just as the teacher in the story looked at the trembling student and said, “You are honest. That is more important than a perfect answer,” so does Jesus look at us when we stand before Him in truth.
Lord Jesus Christ, help me live an honest life without deceit. Amen
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God Bless…
Today’s reflection is not that good… would you please give more attention 😭
The Truth is Always bitter,what to do??? Nirmal Mary SAB,
A much needed homily for today’s world❤️🙏🏽
Great reflection