The Beauty (and Enormity) of Truth

Readings: Isaiah 29:9-14, James 1:17-21, John 16:4-15

Truth. Five little letters that can turn a civilization on its ear. Or set us free. Or instantaneously alienate us from those who, as the famous movie line states, "Can't handle the truth."

Truth in our society has become rare; nevertheless, we hear the word tossed about ad nauseum in newspapers, magazines, online, on television, on the radio. A word easy to say, but seemingly difficult to live.

To be truthful takes a great deal focus. Our greatest teacher of perfect truth shares with us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like lifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of first fruits he created. My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you" (James 1:17-21).

These words were written long ago, yet they resonate a timeless message. We were all born with the ability to know truth; yet through the darker side of mankind, we have fallen time and again in our inability to just be honest about who we are, what we do, what we need, what matters to us. As a result, there is pain. We have taken a beautiful planet and turned it ugly through greed, lies, one-upmanship, and needing to be #1. And, as a result, we are paying dearly.

"The Lord says: These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men. Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish" (Isaiah 29: 13-14). Man is fallible--pure truth cannot be men's or women's words alone--they have to be channeled through us from God to be pure. How often we forget or ignore this.

John 16:13 gives us beautiful hope, however: "But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth."

The next time we are engaged in a conversation with others, or even with ourselves, we need to ask the Spirit of truth to guide us. 

We can handle the truth...we just need to get re-acquainted with it.

Peace be with you.