On the wall of my office is a paper relief, made for me by my wife. Occasionally someone will ask me, "Is that new?" to which I reply, "It was new in 1985."
The image is of a fish - obvious symbol for a pastor's office. The words, cut into the paper, are a bit of a twist on an obvious saying. They are a re-statement of a verse which occurs in today's appointed Gospel lesson.
In John 8:32 we read, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." The truth does free us. We are freed from anxiety about our futures; we are free from worry about the morrow; we are free from doubts about our self-worth. Jesus speaks these words to those who refused to recognize him and thus were also unwilling or unable to grasp the significance of God's having set aside the heavens in order to make a home among us. If only they could embrace that truth - they would experience the freedom which comes to those who live in God's grace. But, as John 8 unfolds, we see they have taken another path.
Then comes the quote on my paper relief. It is from Pope John XXIII. It reads, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you miserable."
How miserable it is, as a pastor, to do all I can to assist those who come to my office, all the while realizing the freedom which has been offered to them. How miserable it is, to know the truth and to see so many continue to turn from the truth to embrace something else.
The truth is God hath provided all that is needed. But some of us horde and selfishly deny others a portion. The truth is God sees the value of each. But some experience abuse and rejection and persecution. The truth is God has set aside the heavens in order to make a home for us. But we build a life of our own, devoid of the markers of a faith-filled life.
The truth sets us free. The truth is all too often rejected or opposed or ignored.
Let me acknowledge that for many (perhaps most) of those who come to my office are struggling mightily to embrace the truth. They suffer the effects of living in a world where the truth has not been embraced. I offer these words not as a condemnation but as an invitation. As a pastor friend said, "A different life-story must be brought to the attention of those who struggle." There is another way. God invites us into that way.
Seek the truth; embrace the truth; live the truth. And if you are finding it difficult to know what is meant by "the truth," find a conversation partner or a study group who can help you in the search. Come to my office and look at that paper relief. Meditate on it. That is another invitation.
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