What is Truth?

I was one of about fifty million people who watched, last Sunday evening, Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Meghan and Harry. Since then, I have joined in a number of conversations, most of which seem to be centred on what is the truth? Did someone in the palace or “the firm” really say that? If so, who said it?

It reminds me of Jesus being questioned by Pontius Pilate after his arrest when Pilate looks and Jesus and says, “What is truth?” Or when Thoreau, the American naturalist and philosopher says, “Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.” President Trump left many of us wondering about truth with his phrase, “fake news.” His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani claimed that “truth isn’t truth” and Kellyanne Conway his counsellor presented the public with “alternative facts.”

We know that lies, deceit and untruths are not healthy for us in the end. As the comedy program “I Love Lucy” reminded us so many times, a small little lie can quite quickly grow into a whole bunch of lies. Lucy also found out how quickly the truth can cut through all the lies.

I am sure it would be a lengthy discussion to define truth, so I am left asking myself where to I go in life to find truth? In the Gospels we get hints at what Jesus said was his mission. In one instance Jesus says, “I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth; everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37). Jesus also said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” (John 14:6)

In the midst of the cacophony of voices in our world calling me to believe this or that, I find that listening to the voice of Jesus points me in the direction of truth. As I hear Jesus speaking in the pages of scripture, I find guidance for setting my moral compass. Perhaps this is why previous generations were so intent on reading the Bible. In it, they found the wisdom of the ages speaking to them, giving them guidance on how to live in a world which was very challenging.

I have found it beneficial, especially during this time of COVID 19, to read a small portion of the Bible and then to just sit back and meditate or reflect upon what it is saying to me and how I am experiencing the world that day. Psalm 46:10 tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.” Sometimes when we are being faced with conflicting stories in life, it is good just to be still, to take a deep breath and to know that God is with us.

Blessings for the coming week,

Michael