Christ, our Source of Truth

To one degree or another, every one of us is a teacher. Mostly, by our example, but also by our words. With the relatively recent expansion of the various forms of media, this fact is becoming more and more evident. The world is filled with teachers. Therefore, it is also filled with students. In a certain sense, one is both teacher and student in the midst of other students and teachers.

Before anyone can become a teacher, he must first be a student. For example, a little child is a student and everyone around him is his teacher, whether they know it or not. We even continue to be students as we get older, following the example and teachings of those around us. We are, as it were, students in the school of life. This school is precious, fragile, and brief. And because of this, we want to have the best of teachers for all the courses taught in this life.

Who is the best teacher in this school? Let us cut to the chase: It is the one who will teach us the truth in its fullness. The school of life is too important to waste time with a teacher who does not teach the truth. What, precisely, do we want to learn? First and foremost, the truth about God. Then, we want to know the truth about life - it's meaning and purpose. We also want to learn the truth about morality (i.e. "What is the good that I should do? What is the evil that I should avoid?").

A long time ago, someone proposed the idea that there is no such thing as truth. According to this individual, nothing is certain; everything is relative, that is, things change from person to person. God existed only if you believed he existed; the purpose of life is what you decided it to be; certain attitudes and behaviors were good only if you believed they were good; they were evil only if you believed they were evil. In short, each person could become like a god of his own universe. Many men and women, even to this day, embraced this idea. It seemed quite attractive, even quite liberating. However, it has brought nothing good in its wake.

Take, for example, morality. If you do not believe that certain actions should always be avoided, or that certain actions should always be done, then you do not have a defined moral goal for your day. You might decide that you will do anything as long as you do not get into too much trouble. In this way, you become an easy student of those teachers who do not teach the truth. They will have a profound effect - perhaps even control - over your moral decisions. Among the young, the clearest example of this is what we call "peer-pressure." We must be aware, though, that this continues well into adulthood. There are many examples of this, but it is especially evident in the realm of business and politics.

Dear brothers and sisters, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Best Teacher. He teaches truth. Some find His doctrines- which He gives to us in the Scriptures and in the teachings of the Catholic Church - to be too difficult. But what is better? To live by truth, or to live by falsehood? Isn't it a frustrating thing to go in the attractive direction of the false teachers for years, only to find out that it was the wrong way? That is far more painful than making the heroic effort to follow the way of truth. Fortunately, in this regard, God is merciful.

If you do not already have one, get a good Bible. Let me suggest that you read one of the Gospels straight through in one sitting. You will begin to hear the words of the Good Teacher Jesus Christ. And you will come to understand that the truth is real and that it is good for you.

God bless you.