The Reality of Truth

Whenever an oath is taken by one there is an accounting of what was promoted. We could speak on the attributes of belief we share, but when it becomes a point of discomfort to hold fast to a promise, the next step may just encourage us to change the words we agreed to.

Through life man has learned to use the language of the street to cover any level of discontent. At first we seek the path of ease until the walk creates a stress that may cause us to find other routes. Even Pilate, when interrogating Jesus, as a judge he should have known what is right and considered the innocence of Jesus.

How easy it can become when accepting an oath until we find that many will not adhere to the same promise when they find the requirements are too strict. When we look into all the everyday articles of work, school, and especially marriage, the accountability can become overbearing. Perhaps that was why Pilate washed his hands to the final condemnation that sent Jesus to the Cross. No sense in allowing the proper criminal to go free and face scrutiny from King Herod later.

Take a look at what you agreed to when your job required a specific pattern of obedience, or your marriage and the vows you willingly shared with your spouse to be. All of us must take vows during our lives or forgo the next level of life we want. Is this why people change jobs on a regular basis or the divorce courts are always busy separating the matter of material items between the two who not too many years before agreed to follow?

Truth be known it is easier for most people to take an oath with a grain of salt, meaning there could be a clause or more that cancel the original promise

Lying is the most direct offense against the truth. To lie is to speak or act against the truth in order to lead someone into error. By injuring man’s relation to truth and to his neighbor, a lie offends against the fundamental relation of man and of his word to the Lord. (CCC 2483).

The right to the communication of the earth is not unconditional. Everyone must conform his life to the Gospel precept of eternal love. This requires us in concrete situations to judge whether or not it is appropriate to reveal the truth to someone who asks for it. (CCC 2488).

When Jesus told Pilate; “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” (Jn 18: 37 - 38). Truth be known, without it the world would be in a serious condition. Well, look at the current conditions with nations lying regarding the quest to take over a weaker nation and nothing but war is suddenly springing up. We are not too far from a nuclear war on our planet because lying is now becoming the status quo.

Ralph B. Hathaway