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Truth

8/12/2022

2 Comments

 
The Greek caption says, “They all abandoned him and fled.” “They” were Jesus’ disciples running away from the Garden of Gethsemane while Jesus was being arrested. In fact, they didn’t stop running until they reached the relative safety of their home in Galilee.

We may want to condemn the disciples for their cowardice, but we should praise them for their truthfulness. After all, it was the disciples who told the story to others. Jesus had taught them not to hide their personal failures, not to portray themselves in the best possible light.  

Of course, succeeding generations of Christians wrote the disciples’ betrayal out of the story. It was said that Jesus had told the disciples to go to Galilee or that they actually stayed in Jerusalem after his crucifixion. But the truth is—they ran away.

 Early Quakers often spoke about Truth with a capital “T.” We, their latter-day descendants, should also capitalize truth in our lives. Whether we are giving a message in meeting or musing during worship sharing, we should share (when appropriate) the truth of our personal lives, both the good and the bad. By risking vulnerability and displaying transparency, we invite our fellow Quakers to seek the Truth in their own lives.

Nothing is gained by presenting a sanitized version of who we are. It’s spiritually deadening to disguise our inner selves, and it’s unhelpful to others. As John says in his Gospel, “…ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (KJV)

~ Richard Russell       
2 Comments
Donald Lathrop
8/18/2022 09:27:37 pm

Hi Richard,

Well done. Your remarks are right in tune with the sign I carried during our afternoon's regular vigil.

Alas, I borrowed the words from an Albany sign holder.

It simply said: "FIGHT TRUTH DECAY"

It seems relevant to all of us, but particularly to some in D.C. and Mara Largo today..

Peace,
Don

Reply
Richard Russell
8/19/2022 05:47:55 am

Hi, Don.

I really like your sign, "Fight Truth Decay." Whether Christianity, Buddhism, Humanism, or some other philosophy/religion, I know of no worthy spiritual path that does not hold truth to be a supreme value.

Our Washington politicians certainly need a conversion to true spirituality as opposed to an ersatz Christian Fundamentalism.

Richard

Reply



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    ​This blog was set up to post content of interest to Old Chatham Quaker members and attenders. Posts related to one's own personal spiritual journey, reports based on interviews with others, and reflections on Quaker-related topics are welcome. Posts by individuals are personal expressions and do not necessarily reflect those of the Meeting as a whole.
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