Truth

Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” 
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 
Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” ~ John 18.3738

Jesus Christ Superstar(2000)

Trial Before Pilate

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ~ Jesus, the Christ

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. 

~ Buddha

In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same. 

~ Albert Einstein

In a time of universal deceit - telling the truth is a revolutionary act. 

~ George Orwell

Lets play truth or dare 

Or just dare because 

Nobody tells the truth anymore

~  One Tree Hill

The Bishop's Candlesticks

I have included this story, The Bishop's Candlesticks, in two previous Nick's Bytes posts. I was reminded of it during an online dialogue yesterday and have decided to post it again.

The Bishop’s Candlesticks

But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. 

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. ~ Luke 6. 27-34 (NRSV)

I still do a lot of blogging these days. Since my movement is restricted by a need for oxygen and a bum leg, much of my awake time is spent writing blogs. I suppose one could say that blogging has become my media of ministry. For example, a while back a blogger posted about an incident that had him questioning whether he had done a good deed or been scammed. That reminded me of a decision I made many years ago: not to be concerned about being conned, and so I wrote an article about it.

I have been scammed and conned by many folks, often when I knew what they were up to, but their need seemed great even though their method of seeking assistance was false. I believe that some folks do not feel they are worth asking for assistance, so they make up a story to justify the aid they are seeking. 

I made decision to give unconditionally to these folks after I read Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables and thus gained a new understanding of the 6th Chapter of Luke. The story in Les Misérables that so enlightened me I have labeled “The Bishop’s Candlesticks.” Here is that story as I remember it:

The protagonist, Jean Valjean, after being imprisoned for about 20 years for stealing bread to feed his family, is released but, as an ex-convict, can find no work and is himself on the verge of starvation when he comes upon the residence of a bishop and seeks food from the Bishop’s servants. The Bishop himself invites Valjean into his home and provides him the hospitality of dinner at his own table and a bed for the night. When it comes time to retire, the bishop sends Valjean up to his room with one of the two very expensive silver candlesticks that grace the bishop’s dining table to light his away.

The following morning the servants of the Bishop awaken him with the revelation that not only has their guest departed before breakfast, but he has taken the costly candlestick with him. Later the same morning the police arrive at the Bishops residence with Valjean in custody and inform the bishop that they found the ex-con in possession of the candlestick that was recognized as belonging to the bishop. They asked the bishop to identify the candlestick so that they may charge Valjean with the theft.

The Bishop speaks directly to Valjean rather than the police. He says that he is sorry that Valjean, his guest, departed before sharing a fine breakfast with the him. The Bishop then hands Valjean the mate to the candlestick he had stolen, saying, “You forgot this, my friend. I gave you both candlesticks. What good is one without the other?”

The police release Valjean, who at that moment is changed by forever by the Bishop’s benevolence. He leaves with both candlesticks, walks to a nearby town, sells them, and using the proceeds, becomes a wealthy factory owner, known for his honesty, generosity, and just dealings who eventually becomes mayor of the town.

Of course, there is much more to the book, but this story that I have told many times. I usually use it as a story that I tell without commenting upon it, thus allowing those who hear it glean whatever they need.

Blessed  are those who have ears to hear and faith to act. Amen.

You may be interested in my recommendations below:

October will be a very difficult month financially for my Kitty Kids and me

Please click below

A Message to the Greedy and Selfish of the 1%, their Stooges and Lackeys, including the Tea and (new) Republican Parties from the Prophet Amos

Hear this, you that trample on the needy,   and bring to ruin the poor of the land,
saying, ‘When will the new moon be over   so that we may sell grain;and the sabbath,   so that we may offer wheat for sale?We will make the ephah small and the shekel great,   and practise deceit with false balances,
buying the poor for silver   and the needy for a pair of sandals,   and selling the sweepings of the wheat.’
  The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob:Surely I will never forget any of their deeds.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Did you hear him say "Blessed are the greedy?"

Or, "Blessed are the selfish?"

Or, "Blessed are they who serve the 1%?"

I didn't.

Let anyone with ears to hear listen!