Handling Truth

The Spirit of Truth will guide us to the Truth.

12 “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 [a]But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.-John16:12-15

Life is really full of mysteries. We cannot understand why some things happen such as a sudden death to somebody so young, or a failed dream for somebody so promising. We ask God, "Why?" And yes, God answers. But can we handle the truth? Can we really handle all truths? If the truth may be so overpowering, God has sent the Spirit to guide us through it. Truth, no matter how helpful or menacing it may be, will always be beneficial if we allow the Spirit to guide us through it.

The Gate

Jesus is the Gate.

1 [a]“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold[b] through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. 2 But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 [c]When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. 5 But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” 6 Although Jesus used this figure of speech,[d] they did not realize what he was trying to tell them.7 [e]So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 [f]All who came [before me] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.-John10:1-10

Yesterday, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Today, Jesus is the Gate. Let's pretend we do not yet know that He is the Good Shepherd. If Jesus is the Gate in today's Gospel, then who is the shepherd that went through the gate? Or who are the shepherds that He opened the gate for? Or how can He identify the true shepherd? The true shepherds who went through the gate are the many people who possess the heart and identity of Jesus - the Good Shepherd. Thus Jesus knew them because they are like Him too! Although these shepherds are mostly identified with priests, for me, I identify them also with the men and women who possess the heart and mind of Jesus, and also helps in their own capacity in shepherding the flock - spreading the Good News, catechism especially for the young, pastoral work in poor areas, spiritual counseling, etc.

Jesus said, "... I am the gate for the sheep." Here, Jesus speaks lovingly to us, His flock. As the Gate, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus is the Way to eternal life. Jesus is the Truth and speaks the Truth. Jesus gives Life and Meaning to our own existence.

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Grounded in Truth

Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

35 Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
36 [a]While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38 Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? 39 [b]Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of baked fish; 43 he took it and ate it in front of them.
44 He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. 46 [c]And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day 47 and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.-Luke24:35-48

To be a credible witness, one must be at the very heart of a scene or a situation. If a person makes a story out of lies, sooner or later s/he cracks to pressure as questions come pouring in. One government official is publicly making himself known as part of his preparation for the national election next year. I thought that he was a good leader. But, accusations of corruption come pouring in left and right to such an extent that I cannot possibly believe easily that he's innocent anymore. When one is grounded in lies, the path out of it is always restricted and very difficult.

Jesus personally showed Himself to His disciples. The disciples saw, interacted and touched the resurrected Jesus Himself. Thus, the disciples and us - Christians - through living Jesus' life in our very own existence are credible witness that He is the Messiah, the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets' testimonies. We are credible witnesses because our testimony that Jesus is the Messiah is grounded in pure truth.

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Nicodemuses

A deeper understanding.

7 Do not marvel that I said to you, `You must be born anew.'
8 The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit."
9 Nicode'mus said to him, "How can this be?"
10 Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand this?
11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony.
12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?
13 No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up,
15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."-John3:7-15

The Nicodemuses of this world seek for something, for knowledge or for truth that can be tangibly seen, heard or touched. Sometimes, if an answer is given to them but contrary to their expectations, either they turn away or go deeper down 'the rabbit hole.' Jesus is inviting us all to accept one truth - He is the Lord and Savior. Why, then, is this truth so difficult for some? What are they seeking exactly?

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Doubting Thomas

Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples[a] were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.[b] The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 [c][Jesus] said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 [d]And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. 23 [e]Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” 28 [f]Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 [g]Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of [his] disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written that you may [come to] believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.-John20:19-35

Thomas' reaction is possibly normal. Though personally, if I am Thomas, I would have believed since some women and other disciples apart from the 12 have already testified to this truth. Yet, despite so many witnesses, Thomas refused to believe possibly because he is the type who will only believe in something he has seen, heard, tasted, smelled and touched.

Today, we cannot see Jesus physically albeit indirectly and in spirit only. But His invitation to Thomas is extended to us - Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed. We belong to the post-glorification disciples, meaning, we believe in Jesus though we have not experienced Him in history and for real. However, because of the testimonies from one generation to the next, we have come to believe. Jesus is empowering us to proclaim the Good News through many means - witnessing, proclaiming, evangelizing, teaching, etc.

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Credible Witnesses

Believe!

9 When he had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
12 After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. 13 They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.
14 [But] later, as the eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. 15 He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.-Mark16:9-15

There are things that are too good to be true, too good that it cannot be true. And there are things that are too good to be false, too good to be false. In the gospel reading, the disciples have trouble accepting the beautiful testimonies that Jesus is alive. After all, resurrection is something unproven during their time. But in succeeding readings, we can all see their transformation as their minds and hearts are opened to the truth - that Jesus is what the Law and the prophets are talking about, and He rose from the dead. Yes, the first of mankind resurrected and shared with us the promised eternal life. Seeing with their own eyes and experiencing Jesus concretely made the disciples true and credible witnesses to the truth.

Sometimes, we need to believe in something though it may seem impossible and unrealistic at all, for everything is possible with God.

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Truth Beknown

Two encounters.

8 Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce[a] this to his disciples. 9 [b]And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”[c] 11 While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. 12 They assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy [him] and keep you out of trouble.” 15 The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present [day].-Matthew28:8-15

Roman soldiers are really soldiers by profession. Each soldier is already a formidable unit. Surely a single soldier can bring down men who never knew serious battle in their entire lives. Some say that if a soldier is caught sleeping, he will be punished by death. And yet, the soldiers agreed to all these. They agreed to spread stories that Jesus' disciples came by night and stole him while they were sleep. That is, they risk facing death and shaming themselves for being outwitted by unseasoned men. Not really a good choice.

Jesus is inviting us to rejoice in the truth that He triumphed over death and sin. Despite the lies that the soldiers and elders have spread, the truth was never quenched. So let us spread this truth especially to those who are in need of Christ's Light.

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Fullness of Life

Believe the works of Jesus.

31 The Jews again picked up rocks to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.” 34 [a]Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? 35 If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and scripture cannot be set aside, 36 can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated[b] and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; 38 but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize [and understand] that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” 39 [Then] they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power.40 He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. 41 Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign,[c] but everything John said about this man was true.” 42 And many there began to believe in him.-John10:31-42

As I shared in my previous reflection, the people cannot easily accept Jesus because they are not open to Him and their hearts are hardened all along. Today, Jesus is encouraging these people to believe His works. If Jesus' words are difficult to accept, at least believe in His works.

Truly it is difficult to accept some people easily especially if they do not conform to our expectations and standards. Sometimes, both good words and works are dumped simply because it came from an unlikely person. Or, are dumped and trashed simply because it is not in accordance to what we really want all along. Good Reasoning slowly fades as people prefer Practical Reasoning that easily bends according a person's preference. "Why suffer if you can have an easier way out," some people say. Jesus is inviting us to listen to His truth. The truth and the fullness of life can only be found in Him and through Him.

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Testify and Testimony

He testified!

33 “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

36 “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me.-John5:33-36

From the time of Moses, up to the time of the prophets, and until John the Baptist, they all testified to the truth. And what is the truth? The truth that God is with us, pained by our sins, chastises gently, and gathers us back to Him. Yes, He loves us. The prophets shone like a lamp that gives light. They gave us enlightenment through their prophecies, sacrifices, teachings and miracles. And, the prophets showed the way - the way closer to God through repentance and turning away from sins.

The prophets testified to the truth, showed the way and shone like the light. The prophets came into existence to prepare us for the coming of Jesus. Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life. Jesus is The Way, and His Way is marked with Love and Light. Jesus is The Truth, and His Truth is Love. Jesus is The Life, and the Life that He gives to those who go to Him is marked with Love, Peace and Contentment, a life of Light!

Jesus is inviting us all to be witnesses of Him who gives us Life wherever we go, but it is not only through proclaiming the Word alone. Rather, the best way to be present-day witnesses of Jesus is through our Christ-like day-to-day interaction and existence with our neighbors through love, peace and respect amongst so many others.

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The Big Yes

The "Yes" that changed it all.

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!"

29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.

30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,

33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end."

34 And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?"

35 And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing will be impossible."

38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.-Luke1:26-38

As I read the Gospel reading, I was touched by its beauty. It was a story of a young girl who said "Yes" to God's invitation through the Angel Gabriel. It was a story of two miracles - a barren and past-childbearing woman having a child at last, and a young virgin girl having a child through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a story of how salvation started. Before, everybody rejoiced at this miracle event. We are saved! Now, as we progressed scientifically, technologically and philosophically, as our minds continue to explore unchartered truths, many of us question if this miracle event happened at all. Thus, questioning Jesus' existence at all. Worse, questioning God's existence.

Many great events happened in history. Some we still remember, others faded to obscurity. Sometimes these stories turn a different path - Events become History, History becomes Legend, Legend becomes Myth, and Myth becomes a Tale for kids alone to hear.

As followers of Jesus, we are tasked to be active participants in spreading our salvation story. This can be done, not only through repentance and reconciliation with God during the Twin Seasons of Advent and Christmas, but by being active participants in the cycle of Jesus' birth, ministry, death and resurrection through our continuous renewal, resurrection and conversion. The story becomes alive if we live it out at present. Also, the constant retelling of how it all started through Mary should be remembered always. Let's not turn our salvation story into a mere historical event only, or a legend, or a myth, or a fairytale, rather, let us not be afraid to believe and to show that it is the Truth that we have been waiting for. Let us not downgrade Mary because the mission is hers and hers alone. Without her "Yes," salvation might not have happened at all.

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