Those whom I love, I rebuke and chastise. Therefore, be zealous and do penance. (Rv 3:19)
ἐγὼ ὅσους ἐὰν φιλῶ ἐλέγχω καὶ παιδεύω· ζήλευε οὖν καὶ μετανόησον.
Ego, quos amo, arguo et castigo. Aemulare ergo et paenitentiam age.
The Greek verb ἐλέγχω (elenchō) has several meanings. It can be translated as: “to prove, demonstrate something,” “to judge, accuse,” “to admonish, rebuke,” or “to test, exercise.” In the New Testament, it most often describes actions taken in response to sin (e.g., Mt 18:15; Lk 3:19). Its purpose is not merely to point out wrongdoing, but above all to call for conversion.
In the Gospel of John, this verb also appears in the context of “bringing to light” or “exposing” (Jn 3:20). It is not about accusation or negative reprimand, but about revealing the truth—bringing someone’s actions into the light to see them as they are. This action does not aim to expose weakness or cause humiliation but is an invitation to transformation.
Today’s Word reminds us that at the heart of this divine action is God’s love. God, caring for us, places us in truth—not to shame us, instill fear, or guilt, but so that we may recognize our errors and choose the path of conversion. It is not a severe reprimand, but a call to grow in love and zeal. It is an expression of concern that leads to a fuller life in a relationship with Him.
