We’ve had a lot of memorable weeks lately, whether for
good or far from satisfactory. We had
almost gotten used to it until the election kicked things up a big notch, and
it rose from there. Tuesday was almost unbearable. But then, Wednesday, it
seemed like whatever the cloud cover of the sky, whatever the temperature, whatever
the extremely high figures of COVID-19 victims, it seemed like there was
sunshine, warmth, and a resurgence of hope, beginning early in the morning but
peaking about 12:45 pm. The sight of an African-Asian female and a white-haired
man standing on a platform in turn, and, with hands on religious texts, swore
oaths to serve the people of this country, uphold, protect, and defend the
Constitution. Suddenly it was easier to breathe – and to hope.
We heard a lot about truth in the words of various
speakers, including the newly-sworn-in President of the United States. He didn’t
give a sermon, nor did he give a disorganized, self-congratulatory praise-fest.
He spoke simply and honestly, talking to the hundreds watching in person and millions
via video, radio, and delayed feed. He swore to us, the people of this country
and the world, that he would do the best he possibly could to be a president
for all of us.
Before the inauguration, President Biden and his family
attended Mass at a church where they had worshipped over the years of his
political life in Washington. It wasn’t a show of attending church but rather a
real desire to be present in that sacred space, most probably after having made
a good confession and preparation to receive the Sacrament. He probably wasn’t
the first incoming President to act similarly, whether Roman Catholic,
Protestant, or Anglican. Still, it was reassuring and served as a signal that
this President took faith seriously.
The word I heard most clearly from his inaugural address
was the word “Truth.” Over the past few years, that word has become almost a
joke. When we swear an oath: “I swear (or affirm) that the evidence I am about
to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (oath
only: So help me God),” we think about the convictions of people who have not
told the truth under oath, usually with a prison sentence as punishment. Judges,
justices, senators, Congressional members, and others swear an oath to tell the
truth and preserve, protect, and defend the country, the Constitution, or both.
In all cases, truth is paramount.
“Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If
you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the
truth, and the truth will set you free’ ”(John 8:31-2). We hear the last part of that passage quite
often, but many don’t recognize the source or that Jesus said it to Jewish believers.
To the Jews, Torah is truth. We know that the Pentateuch (and the accompanying
Tanakh) is the story of the people of God from the beginning of time. Many
Christians accept these writings as 100% factual, but the Jews never considered
them in the same way. They aren’t facts but rather have profound truths that go
beyond mere stories or sayings. Truth
matters – whether it is truth in facts, transparency in communications, teachings,
or anything else.
I think Jesus would have enjoyed the saying attributed to
Mark Twain, “If you tell the truth you never have to remember anything.” Many times over the past few years, we’ve heard
something only to have it retracted or declared a fabrication of the media (or
some other group) within a short period. Repeat a lie often enough, and people
will begin to believe it, no matter how improbable it seems. Eventually, that
repeated lie will take on a life of its own – which can be injurious or even
fatal. Jesus and Mark Twain encouraged
honesty and transparency as a preventative for untruth and potential disaster.
I have a much lighter feeling about this country and hope
for a better future than I had a few days ago. A man standing on a podium on a
sunny but windy day spoke words that rang with truth and conviction, something
we haven’t heard in a long time. We need the optimism, determination, and belief
we heard on Wednesday. Maybe it will be as contagious as COVID-19 but in a
life-sustaining and positive way. Perhaps too, we might be able to believe what
we are told and be unified rather than splintered. I think Jesus would honestly
like that.
God bless.
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