Reflection
We can be immensely intolerant of those who differ from us. Different religious or political groups claim special insights. At the present time, claims to the truth appear to divide rather than to unite us. . The disregard for facts today in the pursuit of secular and religious power, fame or wealth surrounds us and makes us skeptical and cynical. If we are to be disciples of Jesus, we need to reflect on how to be bearers of the truth that overcomes divisions and builds union. Jesus asked that we be “consecrated in truth”, that our standards would not be for our own selfish goals but to witness to the truth of his life, that we would live aware of God’s presence within us. Tolerance alone is not enough. It can be patronizing and condescending, but seeking to live in truth can be transformative.
Prayer
May I find the truth that sets me free.
Action
How can I seek the truth in situations? How can I cut through false rhetoric and posturing? Do I participate in this? Do I adhere to it? What standard can I use to measure my view of what is true?
Suggested Reading
Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be consecrated in truth.
John 17:11-19
Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through fear.
Catherine of Siena
Morality is the basis of things and truth is the substance of all morality.
Mahatma Gandhi
Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty istelling the truth to other people.
Spencer Johnson
The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.
John F. Kennedy
Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world would do this, it would change the earth.
William Faulkner
In a time of universal deceit – telling the truth is a revolutionary act.
George Orwell
All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
Arthur Schopenhauer