In our time of incredible deception — AI blogs, conspiracy theories, deep-fake art, errant podcasts, inflamed YouTubists, media bias, twisted Tweets, fake Facebookers, political deception — all ends of the cultural spectrum need to remember how important the actual truth is: that Christ said reality — not what we want to believe, not what we speculate, not what is generated by click-bait artists (including Catholic ones)  proclaim the truth to be — but the Truth Period.

And that’s only attained, in the long run, by asking the Holy Spirit, Who is the Spirit of Truth (and nothing but the truth).

When we consistently and persistently invoke Him, we find the truth is not complicated. Whether in the public arena or our own personal circumstances a,d dilemmas, the truth is not complicated.

We are the ones who complicate everything.

It’s a cliche to speak of deception in the Big Media. That’s a given. Usually, it’s better described as “bias.”

But in our time, on all sides, we are dealing with outright fabrication — especially in alternative forms of the media.

Anyone with a microphone and the computer or phone camera tapped on can claim whatever they want — and may see go “viral” (the more outlandish, the better; even Staples sells large microphones now, for this purpose).

The truth gives us peace. The truth leads not to anger. The truth leads to compassion. The truth leads to righteous — God;y — action.

The truth is as elusive in political campaigns as in jailhouse interviews.

Woe to a society — and world — built on a house of cards!

Exodus 2 Chronicles 18:15: “Then the king said to Him, “How many times must I adjure you to speak to me nothing but the truth in the Name of the Lord?”

Plead all day (Psalm 25:5): “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.”

“Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom (Pslam  51:6).

In John 16:13, Jesus introduces the concept of the “Spirit of truth,” saying, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” This passage reflects the belief that truth is not static or merely doctrinal but is dynamically revealed through the Holy Spirit. It suggests an ongoing, evolving understanding of truth that is guided by spiritual presence and discernment.

Do we daily send forth to the Lord heartfelt pleas for the truth — casting away our own preconceptions and biases? Or have we been swept away by the zeitgeist of our times?

Anger. Fantasy.

Bias. Even from certain pulpits, truth has become a rare commodity.

Watchwords of our time.

Don’t simply assume you already know the accuracy of certain situations.

Pray. Assume nothing — but the goodness of Christ. Pray more. Pray as you listen to YouTube. Do you experience peace or unsettlement?

“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers,” says John 4:23.

As stated before: the truth sets you free, not what you want the truth to be.