Who Do You Trust?

Dear Parishioners,

With the current 24-hour news cycle, it appears that we are constantly bombarded with news and information—both in the legacy media and by bloggers on the internet. Very often there is a rush to be first at reporting an incident rather than be totally accurate in content. At other times, those “reporting” attempt to create/promote various stories to manipulate the outcome or favored perspective.

Repeatedly, there is often a glaring bias in reporters’ views. Try switching cable channels—from Fox to CNN to MSNBC—and you will notice the obvious difference in reporting. Objectivity too often seems lost. Far too often stories in the press contain inaccuracies, quotes are taken out of context, significant facts are omitted and people are left with a barrage of sound-bites. Is this good journalism? My biggest frustration is when the facts are distorted or purposely omitted. We seem to be lied to constantly and nobody seems able to do anything about it. Don’t we deserve the truth?

In Church matters, we see bishops and cardinals taking sides. Actions coming from the Vatican are questioned as heterodox and divisive. Pope Francis vs. Archbishop Vigano? Sexual cover-ups and financial improprieties are the subject of investigative reports and of gossip behind closed doors. Things seem an unholy mess.  

If I continue this line of thought into US politics, I find it difficult to trust too many of the candidates—especially with the US presidential election just around the corner. Obvious adversaries somehow become ardent supporters of one another. Are we supposed to believe in some miraculous reconciliation without some consideration of possible future political appointments or favors?

One presidential candidate’s very own words state how good a Catholic he is, while at the same time unapologetically supporting abortion on demand, same-sex marriage, in vitro fertilization, contraception, etc. Something just doesn’t jive here. His current mental capacity and possible family corruption are concerning topics worthy of further investigation.  

The other party’s candidate is described by his adversaries as a tyrant, a convicted felon, an insurrectionist, a narcissist, or even the reincarnation of Hitler. In contrast, his supporters see him as a strong leader, a tireless worker and a victim of political persecution. 

Exactly where is the truth in all these matters?

When searching for the truth, we need to look to Jesus.  We need to ponder the Gospel teaching and its eternal wisdom:

 

And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God. (Jn. 3: 19-21)

When no wrong is done, there is absolutely nothing to hide. There is no need for continual silence, stalling tactics, deflection, or cover-ups. This is true in politics, church management, and in a person’s personal life and morality. 

May God please save us and have mercy on us. 

In Him alone do I trust.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Jesus I Trust in You