Read Rev. 10:8-11, Ps. 119:14,24,72,103,111,131, Luke 19:45-48
“So, I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it; it was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter.” (Revelation 10:10)
As we continue our readings from the book of Revelations today, we come across that part when John was given the scroll to eat. The scroll was sweet as honey on his lips but very bitter inside his stomach. What could taste so sweet in one’s mouth only to become bitter in the stomach? It is the word of God. It is the TRUTH. Truth indeed is bitter.
Yes, truth is bitter but what it does is always sweet. Truth is bitter but its bitterness like medicine brings healing, life, and eternal happiness. Jesus told us that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. When we come close to Jesus, we find the narrow way, the path least traveled. As we move on this narrow way, we would become disturbed by truth so as to help us wash away our imperfections and bring us to true life in heaven.
As John ate the scroll, we are called to feed on God’s word daily. Jesus himself said: “Man shall not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Cf. Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4, and Deuteronomy 8:3.) Of course, our feeding on everything that comes from the mouth of God entails that we take in the painful aspects as well.
As the book of Hebrews confirms: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).
Modern-day Christianity betrays the word of God by selecting and emphasizing only those aspects of the Bible that are about promises of glory, well-being, healing, and abundance.
If Jesus was to visit our churches today like he did in today’s Gospel passage, I bet there would be so much to throw away, so many buttocks to be flogged and so many money-changers to be driven out.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father may truth despite its bitterness never leave our lips. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of week 33 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Rev. 10:8-11, Ps. 119:14,24,72,103,111,131, Luke 19:45-48)
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu