Dear Fellowship of the Burning Heart:

We live in the age of Internet, Wikipedia, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. We are fed a steady diet of information from various media sources through these channels. But with the advent of more and more cleaver ways to doctor the media and make fantasy seem real, we must constantly ask ourselves what is true, what is real, what is right.

We are aware that most are putting their “spin” on the situation, devising ‘hype” to garner an audience, and twisting the “facts” to fit their message. We sense that some are seeking to capture our attention, manipulate our emotions, and direct our intentions to further their cause. Sometimes, the attempt may seem so overt that we feel used or taken advantage of. Sometimes, the attempt is so subtle that it may escape our notice. It would be naïve to think that all of these purveyors of information are innocently seeking to inform and educate us concerning the “truth”. Some of us become skeptical and cynical, refusing to take any message at face value, questioning everything and everyone.

This is not a new development. Every age has faced its challenges in sifting through the messages to get to the truth. St. Paul wrote to Timothy, instructing him concerning the twisting of truth:

1 Timothy 1:3-7 As I exhorted you to stay at Ephesus when I was going into Macedonia, that you might charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine, neither to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than God’s stewardship, which is in faith– but the end of the charge is love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience and unfeigned faith; from which things some, having missed the mark, have turned aside to vain talking; desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor about what they strongly affirm.

He also warned Timothy that the situation would continue to deteriorate:

1 Timothy 4:1-2 But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;

He warned Timothy to stand firm against misinformation.

1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness.

He clearly describes to Timothy the kind of communication to avoid.

1 Timothy 6:3-5 If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.

He exhorts Timothy to be on his guard and scrutinize the message carefully.

1 Timothy 6:20-21 Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called; which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

He emphasizes to Timothy the nature and power of a message to affect people’s minds.

2 Timothy 2:14-18 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don’t argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear. Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness, and their word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.

He reminds Timothy that it is not more information people need, but the Truth, because some are:

2 Timothy 3:7 always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

He challenges Timothy to understand that some will not be willing to receive the truth, because they are only willing to hear what they want to hear.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.  

In this age as much as any, what we need is a SURE word, a TRUSTWORTHY message, a source you can COUNT ON. Fortunately, it exists. We want to hear “Thus says the Lord.”

St. Peter reminds us that the message we have received from God has been verified by “eyewitnesses” and is trustworthy.

2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

2 Peter 1:19 We have the more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts: