The Truth...

I'm practically starving for it.

I’ve been thinking about starling chicks today - how hungry they are. I can relate. I’m bewildered by the fire hose of surreality in the news. Not knowing what’s real; longing for something that’s true (which is to say life-giving and sane).

Sorry to bring it up, but last week’s White House Correspondents Dinner is a good example. While the band kept playing and some crawled under tables, others rushed (or were rushed) out of the ballroom. But one woman stopped to tuck a couple wine bottles under her arm on her way out. If I’m being honest, I might’ve done the same thing (and I don’t even drink wine!). How else do you respond when nothing makes sense? We’re officially in a post-truth society.

I’m reflecting on this event and the starlings and on John 14:1-14, which I’m preaching on this Sunday. Jesus is trying to reassure his disciples (living under Roman occupation) that, while he is going away, it will be better for them (and the universe). God will give them the Holy Spirit, who will be with them and dwell in them. The disciples don’t feel equipped at all. “Where are you going? How will we get there?” Jesus says, you know the way; I am the way. I’ve got you.

I don’t know how all this fits together but, like a starling, I’ve got my head tilted back, longing to eat a little truth. Come, Holy Spirit. Feed us.