Friday – St. Agatha

Gospel – Mark 6:14-29

Speak The Truth

Basilica of Annunciation, Nazareth

In one episode of the long-running sci-fi series, Doctor Who gives what amounts to a closing speech to his companions.  The words that ring ‘true’ today are these: “Speak the truth and be kind; above all else, be kind.”

John the Baptist does indeed speak the truth, but it certainly does not come across as kind.  He is blunt and to the point, telling people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.  It is a necessary part of his mission to call people back to repentance.  And that is what he is doing with Herod, telling him in no uncertain terms that marrying his brother’s wife is wrong!

Herod seems to be on the other side of the truth, saying only what he thinks people want to hear.  He is interested only in his popularity and his power.  He is a prideful man, only concerned with his image and his reputation.  Sounds familiar!  In the end, even though he seems to be drawn to John’s words, he gives in to his baser temptations and fears and has John beheaded.

We seem to be living in a world where truth is abundant (the truth is out there and hopefully inside us as well) but actually listening to it, acknowledging it as such and living a truthful life is in very short supply. Whether it’s out of fear or pride, we falter at times.  Face it, we are all imperfect beings.  But even today John the Baptist calls us to repentance!  We are called to acknowledge our sins and seek forgiveness. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWxI6HRcEz0&list=RDEM4ubyPOV-Q2koOGHTTHAo9Q&index=18


Lie number one - you're supposed to have it all together
And when they ask how you're doing
Just smile and tell them, "Never better"

Lie number 2 - everybody's life is perfect except yours
So keep your messes and your wounds
And your secrets safe with you behind closed doors

Truth be told, the truth is rarely told

I say I'm fine, yeah I'm fine oh I'm fine, hey I'm fine but I'm not
I'm broken
And when it's out of control I say it's under control but it's not
And you know it
I don't know why it's so hard to admit it
When being honest is the only way to fix it
There's no failure, no fall
There's no sin you don't already know
So let the truth be told

There's a sign on the door, says, "Come as you are" but I doubt it
'Cause if we lived like it was true, every Sunday morning pew would be crowded
But didn't you say the church should look more like a hospital
A safe place for the sick, the sinner and the scarred and the prodigals
Like me

There's no sin you don't already know
So let the truth be told

Can I really stand here unashamed
Knowin' that your love for me won't change?
Oh God if that's really true
Then let the truth be told

 

Music by Matthew West performing “Truth Be Told” (Live at The Caverns). (C) 2019 Provident Label Group LLC, a division of Sony Music Entertainment

We are called to seek the truth, speak the truth and live the truth.  We pray today to the Creator for the strength and the grace to follow the Lord who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

My Creator, today let me know Truth!  Let me live Truth!  Let me risk Truth!  Let me make the Truth sweet!  Help me to make my words good and honest and compassionate.  Let Your Spirit fill my words and my actions.  Let my thoughts be Truth!

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