Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Wednesday in the Fifth Week of Lent

John Rice

The Collect

Almighty God our heavenly Father, renew in us the gifts of your mercy; increase our faith, strengthen our hope, enlighten our understanding, widen our charity, and make us ready to serve you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings: Daniel 3:14–20,24–28, John 8:31–42 & Canticle [2] or 13

The truth will make you free. How many times have we heard that one or variations on a similar theme?

It is one of those sayings that pops up in our minds almost every day. But the devil is in the details. Speak the truth and most folks respect you. One enjoys inner peace and self-actualization. Other times, tell an acquaintance or a business client the truth and that will set you free alright. Right out the door!

It raises the question: is it worth it? How many people do we know that just can’t handle the truth? We logically understand that accepting the truth and growing from it is a gift. Yet being truthful can cause visceral emotional disruption. It can dissolve friendships just like that. Sure, honesty is the best policy. Yet doesn’t it sometimes seem better--or at least less complicated-- just to cooperate and graduate?

I can recall times in my life when I longed to tell someone the truth. The fact that I had not yet done so felt like a huge weight in my chest. The constant “processing” and reprocessing holds you back. It dominates thoughts and prevents you from functioning effectively with a light heart full of love.

So, it seems that living the Truth can often lead one into your own, personal fiery furnace. And, like Shadrack, Meshack and Abenego, we need the courage of our convictions and the guiding hand of an angel