Dear Friends,
As we move through these turbulent and uncertain days, it seems an appropriate moment to reflect together on Jesus’ radical teaching about speaking truth to power. In a world that often feels divided, where voices of justice are sometimes drowned out by those in authority, we turn to the life and words of Jesus for guidance and strength.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus did not shy away from speaking truth to the powerful of his time—whether they were religious authorities, political leaders, or those who wielded control over the lives of the marginalized. He called out hypocrisy, injustice, and the exploitation of the vulnerable, even when it meant risking his own safety. Jesus’ message was always one of love, but it was not a message that ever compromised on the need for justice and truth.
Jesus did not mince words when he confronted the leaders of his time, whether they be religious or political, he called them out for their self-righteousness and their exploitation of the people. He spoke against the ways they burdened the poor and oppressed, warning them that their position of power would not protect them from the consequences of their actions.
And yet, in speaking truth to power, Jesus was not motivated by anger or a desire to tear down, but by a deep love for all of God’s children. He sought to awaken hearts and minds to the truth, not just about the world around them, but about the nature of God’s justice and love. His message was always an invitation—to repent, to turn toward a life of compassion, humility, and peace.
As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same. In our own time, we see so many ways in which power is used to oppress, to marginalize, and to silence voices that seek justice. Whether in our local communities or in Washington, D.C., we are reminded that speaking truth to power is not just a political act—it is a deeply spiritual one. It is an act of witness to the Kingdom of God, which calls us to stand alongside the poor, the oppressed, the voiceless, the marginalized, the unseen, the frightened.
This is not easy work. Jesus did not promise it would be. But he also gave us the strength to speak with boldness, to seek justice with humility, and to love even those who may stand in opposition to us. Speaking truth to power, as Jesus showed us, is an act of love that can change hearts and transform systems. It is a way of embodying the hope of the Gospel in a world that desperately needs it.
Let us remember that truth is not merely a set of facts to be defended, nor a particular political ideology, but a powerful force that moves us toward a world where all will be seen, heard, and valued. Let us be bold, let us be compassionate, and let us be people of truth.
Love and light-
Jeffrey Albright
Senior Warden