Beloved Parishioners,

Everyone can testify that truth is a beautiful yet costly treasure. The Greek philosopher Plato once observed, “No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth.” History and Scripture confirm this sobering reality: to stand for truth is often to stand against the tide of comfort, convenience, and compromise.

Yet truth is not optional for us as Christians—for we follow Jesus who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). And He tells us plainly: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Think for a moment of Socrates, the Greek philosopher. Surrounded by pressure to renounce his teaching, he chose instead to remain faithful to his convictions. When condemned by the Athenian court, he accepted the cup of hemlock, preferring death to betraying his conscience. His life reminds us that truth is never cheap—it carries a cost, and it calls for loyalty, even when that loyalty leads to suffering and death.

The Bible, too, gives us countless witnesses. Jeremiah, the “weeping prophet,” proclaimed God’s word faithfully but was beaten, thrown into a cistern, and mocked by his own people (Jeremiah 38:6). John the Baptist lost his head for confronting Herod’s immorality (Mark 6:17–29). And above all, Jesus Christ Himself— “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6)—was crucified for proclaiming the Kingdom of God and exposing the lies of hypocrisy. Saint Paul understood this cost when he asked: “Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16). He endured beatings, imprisonment, and rejection because he refused to dilute the Gospel.

Even in our own times, the price of truth is still evident. In the American cultural landscape, many who dare to speak uncomfortable truths— whether in politics, faith, or society—face ridicule, censorship, and loss of reputation. History reminds us of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who gave his life for the truth of racial justice and human dignity; Rosa Parks, who endured scorn for standing on the truth of equality; and countless civil rights leaders, clergy, and believers who bore the weight of persecution for justice. The lesson is clear: truth demands courage. But as Christians, we cannot remain silent. Jesus prayed to the Father: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). We are not called to invent truth but to live it and bear witness to it—whether in our families, workplaces, parishes, or communities.

Though the cost of truth is high, its reward is eternal. Jesus promised: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:11–12).

Dear friends, America today needs Christians unafraid of the price tag attached to truth. Our nation longs for men and women willing to resist false peace, easy lies, and the comfort of self-preservation. As Saint Augustine reminds us in Civitas Dei, we do not live for the City of Man, built on self-interest, but for the City of God, built on self-giving love.

So let us persevere. Speak the truth with courage, but also with charity. Stand firm—not with arrogance, but with the humility of Christ who bore the cross. For in the end, truth never loses. Lies may dominate for a season, but truth belongs to God, and God always has the final word.

May the Spirit strengthen us to echo the words of Saint Paul: “We cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth” (2 Corinthians 13:8). And may our lives testify that while truth is costly, it is also liberating, life-giving, and worth every sacrifice.

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