Todays readings: Wis 2:1a, 12-22;Ps 34:17-18, 19-20, 21, 23; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 One of the most memorable scenes from Aaron Sorkin's play A Few Good Men, made all the more unforgettable by Jack Nicholson in the film adaptation, is the courtroom exchange between Lt. Kaffee and Colonel Jessep. This fiery scene reaches its peak when Kaffee demands the truth. Jessep's explosive retort that Kaffee "can't handle the truth" is a classic and much parodied line but it points to a dark side of fallen human nature. Our reaction to the truth can often be a less than positive experience. Many of us have felt the paralysis that the realisation of a loved one's death can bring; the irritation that arises when our debating partner raises a point that we can not rebuff or deny; and the anger that is caused when we discover a previously unknown weakness in ourselves. It is no surprise that the first reaction that fallen man has to the truth of his nakedness is shame. Whilst our reaction to the truth may bring discomfort and a pain, this does not make the truth any less true. It is therefore no surprise that when Truth itself comes in the person of Jesus Christ, that as the Book of Wisdom predicts, "the very sight of him is a burden to us".
This fear of the truth however lies within our fallen nature. Our perception and understanding of Truth is limited and it seems strange to us. In this case we turn from Truth and raise our emotional boundaries but the Truth is not far and alien. It invites us to live with it and even in it. It calls us to relationship based on love and joy. The greatest mark and sign of this is found in Christ's death and resurrection. The Lenten season allows us to deepen our relationship with Truth. It helps us to realise that we have nothing to fear from the truth. That is is not a burden because God carries that burden for us. It allows us to break down those remnants of the fortresses that we have allowed to build up round our hearts and open them fully to the love of God. With confidence we can the say that "we can handle the Truth!"; because Truth can handle us
Your comments resonate for me. Dealing with the truth of our ives is difficult. No matter the effort or desire, I still find I fall into sin - selfishness, pride, etc - but despite this frustrating truth I still feel calmed in the feeling that God's grace will somehow still reach me if I admit the truth of my failings. I hope and pray.
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