‘Truth decay’ and ‘truth control’

A dentist friend of mine said to me that the greatest problem in our country today is “truth decay.” And an engineer friend of mine added “truth control!”

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In today’s Gospel (Matthew 10:26-33) Jesus tells His disciples not to be afraid for “nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, no secret that will not known.” More than ever, let these words of Jesus ring out loud and clear to the Filipino people that truth shall prevail in the end. On the other hand, let Jesus’ words be a warning to those who hide, manipulate, or block truth for their own interest and agenda in order that their wickedness will not be made known.

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Someone once said that truth is tough. It can be kicked, slammed, hidden or beaten black and blue, but it cannot be broken. It will stay. It will surface. A lie, on the other hand, is fragile, for it has to sustain its previous lies. It has to remember, and it has to be always on guard. Consequently, he or she who holds the truth is at peace. He or she may have to suffer for it, because truth hurts, but he or she is free. But he or she who lies suffers more, because he or she is never at peace and is imprisoned by the very lies he or she has woven.

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It is scary to stand for the truth, and to stand by the truthful, but the assurance is that God is on the side of the truth and of the truthful. Unfortunately, the truthful side is not a comfortable side because it is often laden with persecution, harassment, intimidation, and even death. But the bottom line is: Did I stand for the truth? Did I stand by the truthful? Ultimately, did I stand for Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life?

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In these very uncertain times, anything can happen. Anyone of us who stands for the truth can be persecuted by those who are desperately trying to preserve their lies. We take courage in Jesus’ words: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. “ So be it. Let it play. Thy will be done, Lord. Our only consolation is that we stood for the truth, we stood by the truthful, and we did not deny Jesus Himself who is the way, the truth, and the life!

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The words “Be not afraid” occur in the Bible more than 365 times. Jesus addresses the three basic fears we face as adults: fear of truth, fear of death, and fear of our unworthiness. On all counts, Jesus is telling us: Do not be afraid to face and tell the truth for I am with you; do not be afraid to face death, for I am with you; do not be afraid of your unworthiness, because I love you. It is His presence then that casts away all our fears. I was right then when, as a little boy, I ran to His presence whenever I was afraid.

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I’ve quoted it before, and I quote it again: “Face the light, and the shadow is behind you. Turn your back to the light, and the shadow is in front of you.” Do you have any fear lurking in your life right now? Face it, and 50 percent of the problem will already be solved. As long as you continue to deny, postpone and procrastinate in facing your fears and shadows, you will always be anxious and fearful.

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Happy Father’s Day! I remember our Papa. He was a simple man. He did not have the three G’s of guns, goons, and gold, but he taught us by his words and life example, the three G’s of God, goodness, and guts. He always told us that if we have God and goodness, we will have the guts to face the world and whatever lies ahead. Parents, teach your children not to lean on worldly powers and riches, but to hold on to God and goodness. They will be okay long after you are gone if you teach them to hold on to God.

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Remember this song? “Be brave little one, make a wish for each sad little tear. Hold your head up, though no one is near, someone’s waiting for you. Don’t cry little one, there’ll be a smile where a frown used to be. You’ll be part of that life that you see, someone’s waiting for you. Always keep a little prayer in your pocket and you’re sure to see the light, soon there’ll be joy and happiness, and your little world will be brighter. Have faith little one, till your hopes and your wishes come true. You must try to be brave little one, someone’s waiting for you.” (“Someone’s Waiting for You” by Shelby Flint) Sing it to yourself, sing it to your loved ones, and let God sing this song to you today to cast away your shadows and fears.

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As a priest, I have been at the deathbed of so many people through the years, and I have seen fear written in the faces of each one of them. Some more, some less. More for those who lived a sinful life. Less for those who lived a simple life. Minimize your greed, and you minimize your fears.

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Think about it: “The earth weighs 6.6 septillion tons. Don’t make it heavier by carrying a heavier heart!” Today, please find time to surrender and unload to God the burdens, especially the fears in your heart. It is time to “delete” all the negatives from your “inbox.” Pray. It helps. It works.

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help me not to be involved in “truth decay,” and “truth control.” Amen.

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momentswithfrjerry@gmail.com

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