Speaking the Truth

By Greg Zambrano

Reading the Clarion Herald recently after my child brought home a copy from school, I saw so many names of people coming in to the Catholic Church on the Easter Vigil.

I can tell it is not an easy journey. So much time, dedication and tears have transpired to enter the church. The person that comes in the Catholic Church is in search of the truth and desires to be in full communion with Christ.

Often, I watch military movies with my kids so they can get an idea of the world their father was in before they were born. Most of the time we have to watch only parts of the movie because it can get to be too much.

At the end of the movie, “A Few Good Men,” Lt. Daniel Kaffee (portrayed by Tom Cruise) demands for the truth. He urges Colonel Nathan Jessep (Jack Nicholson) to come clean and to make it “crystal clear” if, under his command, he ordered a code red? He famously responds, “You Can’t  Handle the Truth!”

Hollywood actors usually aren’t the first people we think about in issues of Catholic spirituality. It is best to first search the saints for virtues and exemplary behavior. But, watching this attention-grabbing scene on TV is a way I would seek to find the truth and not just give up when lack of inspiration sets in.

In 1 Peter 2:2, “Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation: and in verse 3 “for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”

Catechumens inspire us, and we should encourage them in return. May this Easter season give us the fire and desire to keep on seeking the truth and salvation of our Lord, Jesus Christ.