A Catholic bishop on Wednesday urged the Church’s social action workers to stand firmly for truth despite rejection, saying fidelity often brings resistance rather than approval.
Reflecting on the Gospel during Mass at the Diocesan Shrine of San Agustin in Tanza, Cavite, Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan recalled how Jesus was rejected in his hometown despite teaching with wisdom and authority.
“Rejection does not always mean error; sometimes it means fidelity,” Bagaforo told the participants of the 42nd National Social Action General Assembly (NASAGA), stressing that truth is not measured by popularity.
The former president of Caritas Philippines stressed Jesus refused to dilute his message even when confronted by doubt from people who believed they knew him well.
Bagaforo said that familiar voices often face stronger resistance because people are more comfortable receiving corrections from outsiders than from those close to them.
He cited the Gospel account that Jesus performed few miracles in Nazareth because of the people’s lack of faith.
“Not because he lacked power, but because closed hearts block God’s work,” he said.
The bishop said Jesus responded to rejection not by abandoning his mission, but by moving forward with integrity and perseverance.
Bagaforo urged social action workers to remain faithful even when their efforts are ignored or mocked, saying those who face resistance for acting justly walk the same difficult road taken by Christ.
He also called for humility and perseverance, saying truth bears fruit in God’s time, even when first rejected.
“If we experience resistance when we try to live honestly, justly, and faithfully, we are not alone. We are walking the same road as Christ,” he said.
