We live in a culture that, for the most part, sees truth as relative and values as mere social constructs. From this perspective, it is a short step to seeing right and wrong as entirely malleable, dictated only by personal whim, instinct, or desire. There is nothing new about such a perspective. Herod exemplifies this attitude—he is fascinated by John’s preaching and personal integrity but not moved by it. We see a similar attitude in Pontius Pilate, who dismissively asks, ‘What is truth?’ (John 18:38)

St John the Baptist was an ardent servant of the truth. He understood that truth is not a social abstraction but rather grounded in God. Thus, he undertook his ministry of calling all to repentance—that is, to turn away from sin and, consequently, towards truth. The pinnacle of his ministry is his encounter with Truth incarnate—Jesus Christ the Lord. In the end, he gives his life as a witness to the truth about the sanctity of marriage.

As Christians, we are called to be living witnesses to the truth. While always remaining respectful of the conscience of others, we must not fall into the relativism of our culture. Rather, through a proclamation of the truth that is both gentle and firm, and by the integrity of our lives, we bear daily witness to Christ, who declared, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’ (John 14:6)

To be servants of the truth can be costly, no doubt. But what is the cost of denying the existence of truth itself?

by Fr Michael Grace