By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, and honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17).
My students and I reviewed a section in our catechism titled: “Respecting Truth.” The chapter begins with the Genesis story of Cain and Abel and the 8th Commandment: “Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” The term “bear false witness” makes a clear case for protecting your reputation and not damaging your neighbors with untrue accusations. An incredible discussion followed after reading the material. The sincere dialogue from my students, who are brothers and my grandsons, was incredible. A conversation about respect and truth is important in our world, not just among children, but adults, as well!
The Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph No. 2464 states: Offenses against the truth express by word or deed a refusal to commit oneself to moral uprightness; they are fundamental infidelities to God and, in this sense, they undermine the foundation of the covenant.
God is the source of all truth — His Word and His Law! “His faithfulness endures for all generations” (CCC 2465). The Old Testament story of Adam and Eve’s first children Cain and Abel reminds us that the fallen nature of man continued to offend God with disrespect for truth and life! The Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9).
God begins by asking Cain a question even though He already knows the answer. God is offering Cain an opportunity to confess his jealous rage and his actions, which ended the life of his brother Abel. Not only does he lie about murdering his brother, but he also implies that God is wrong to even ask the question. Cain’s arrogance leads him down a destructive path of lies with no regard for human dignity or his relationship with God. How many times have we wondered, “Why is this person my problem?”
Truth in society and information shared in our media sources often reveal a lack of responsibility and a loss of common sense in our culture. We have a right to news based on truth, freedom and justice. The minds of people are persuaded by the information they receive. We have choices to make every day and a person of integrity will always allow truth to guide their actions.
The conversation about honesty should also include awareness of consequences and the need for reparation when we deceive others. Jesus said, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31).
A lie may promise something that isn’t real — that is how the evil one deceives. A child’s awareness of living truth comes from the witness of moral character in the people around them. As humans, we have a natural tendency to tell the truth. God has given us the “light of conscience” to guide our free will — therefore we have to be motivated to tell a lie. The effect of lying is often more damaging than we know, and no matter how one tries to justify the act … the lie is still a sin.
I always hope to be the person I needed when I was a child. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God and honor the emperor (1 Peter 2:17). Amen!
Zoe Cannon lives in Morgantown, Indiana, and is a member of Sts. Francis and Clare Parish in Greenwood, Indiana