Chapel Say WHAT?

Since this IS a blog about Truth, I shall be honest: Chapel at OC and I do not always get a long. I have probably slept through as many as I have participated in. That (while in some people's mind may ultimately count against my salvation) is beside the point. Today was a monumentous occasion: Not only did I stay awake, and pay attention... I TOOK NOTES.

I did so because today's speaker was dead on with what I'm shooting for with In Nomine Veritas.

Let me give you a quick rundown of what his message was:

Truth is a totally dynamic concept, and difficult to understand. This is because Truth is NOT (as some might think) a collection of data, where you have all the information that adds up to equal Truth. Sorry kids, doesn't really work that way. Our biggest mistake is thinking that Truth is something we learn. In reality, Truth is something we EXPERIENCE. It's something we have to live, something that is found by individuals in their own ways.

In John 18:37-38, a showdown takes place between two powers, with a profound resolution.

"'You are a king, then!' said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." "What is truth?" retorted Pilate."

Pilate's question is one that every human asks at some point in life. Little did Pilate know, he was about to destroy the physical manifestation of the answer to his question. I think Pilate realized that something was different about Jesus. John's account shows him trying with all his power to set Jesus free. Now, some would contend that Pilate merely has a strong sense of justice in the face of the ridiculous charges brought against Jesus, but I contend that there is something more to Pilate. In his brief encounter with Christ, I think Pilate understands that this is more than a man, that what he says carries a power beyond this world. But, because God's plan had to be fulfilled, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified.

I said earlier that Pilate destroyed his answer. I say this because Jesus explicitly gives the answer to his question in John 14:5-6.
"Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"  Jesus answered, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the father except through me."

Pilate wondered, "What is Truth?" Jesus answers "I am Truth." If we seek the answers to life, if we really want to discover Truth, there is only one source, and that is Christ. When we accept him, and his message, we are transformed. We are transformed by Truth.


And now for a little bit of housekeeping:
Not all of my posts will be like this. I just did it because it fit in with my theme. A lot of the time it will be just commentary on life, as I try to "figure it out" and such. Or it'll be the funny stuff that happens in a college student's life. Also, I'm going to try to post daily or at least every other day. Knowing me, that rate will decrease over time, but at least I'm setting goals...

Anyway, hope everyone has a blessed week. I'm off to stuff my face with pizza.

Grace and Peace be with you,
The Wayfaring Stranger

And So Our Story Begins...

Let it be known: this is my first attempt at blogging.

I decided to create this blog on a whim. I've never been one for journaling or anything of the like. I've tried to keep a journal on two occasions. Both were monumental failures. However, I live in a very technological world. Maybe this medium will be better suited to me. Let's give it a try.

I am creating this chronicle as a record of what I deem to be my lifelong quest: the search for Truth. Truth is truly the most elusive thing on the face of the planet. It is difficult to recognize, painful to hear, and hesitantly spoken. As humans, we aren't fond of truth. It is biased, hard, and never a matter of opinion. In other words, everything human society doesn't want to be.

I have often said that I would rather be hurt by the Truth than protected by a lie. I truly believe this. As hard as it can be, I don't want a modified version of anything. Give it to me straight. I can take it. Now, let me clarify something: I've been lied to many times, and I've told my share of lies. That's what it is to be human. I'm talking more about the truths of life and faith. Those are the truths I crave.

The title of this blog (for those of you who don't know Latin) is "In the Name of Truth".  My goal with this is to explore life, and find the Truth in it all. I won't always have the answers, and will likely end up with more questions than I started with. I encourage you (assuming anyone actually reads this) to take this journey with me. Ask questions. Don't accept everything you hear or see. Search for the Truth in everything.

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free."  John 8:32

Strength and Peace be with you, and all for His Truth.

The Wayfaring Stranger