| Each New Year challenges us to set resolutions. For 2008 it seems appropriate to propose a resolution that includes a deeper commitment to embracing and living the truth.
We live in an era where truth is often suppressed, quieted for what is thought to be a greater good, or manipulated so that it is neither truth nor "untruth." Exposed to this long enough, living and speaking the truth becomes challenging. We struggle with what is more important: Should the truth be known, examined and discussed, so that change may occur? O should it be laid quietly aside to "work itself out," risking the possibility that in time, the truth becomes known in a way that negatively affects many?
Weavings, A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life dedicated its entire issue of May/June 2006 to the topic of truth. The authors offered diverse thoughts; many referred to Jesus' words in John's Gospel: "If you live according to my teaching, you are truly my disciples: then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (8:31-32).
Allowing the truth to be spoken, examined and embraced despite the difficulty of working through it brings a family closer to living as Jesus taught.
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Reading through the journal recently I thought about the instances in 2007 when the truth was twisted to be less than the full truth and how this generated mistrust. It is as if the truth is not as important as keeping the status quo --- that is, keeping the government, the institution and even the family as it is. Perhaps it is because we fear the truth might hurt us, when the opposite is true. Yes, in the short term it might be painful to face a difficult truth; but in the end, as Jesus tells us, it does set us free.
Over this past year, we faced the issue of whether or not the United States participated in torturing prisoners to gain knowledge about past or future acts of terrorism. The truth remains elusive, but if there is to be any resolution, and any change for the better, the truth must be known.
The same could be said for parish life. A parish that is experiencing problems and either refuses to discuss them or flat out denies them confuses everyone. Focusing on the truth, bringing it out into the open and following Jesus' words --- to live according to his teachings as disciples, with love and compassion as well as honesty --- is a good plan, a simple mission statement that alleviates the angst caused by pushing the truth aside. 
And, this holds absolutely true for family life. Allowing the truth to be spoken, examined and embraced despite the difficulty of working through it brings a family closer to living as Jesus taught. Doing the opposite --- denying or distorting the truth or even re-creating it by putting family members in the role of scapegoats --- brings distrust, suspicion and discord more severe than addressing the situation honestly (and, one would hope, lovingly).
It is not too late to begin speaking the truth. Maybe 2008 is the year the truth will set you free.
Anne Hansen is a member of the Camarillo Catholic community. Her e-mail address is familymail@aol.com.
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