The other morning, I was walking through the parking lot from my car to the
entrance of my work. I noticed that the birds were out and about, probably
because of worms and it being early in the morning...Just a guess.
While walking, I heard one bird singing and chirping in particular. I
often play "Guess the Type of Bird That's Singing" whenever I hear birds,
and I couldn't quite locate or identify the bird singing loudly. I ran
through my mind a list of local Texas birds that I've seen but wasn't
sure. I thought it was some bird like those brown and sleek ones that tend
to get bullied by the black ones that like to puff up and chase other birds
(...maybe I don't know all my bird species by name...), but then I finally
saw the bird making all the noise.
A mockingbird. Whose dominion was an electric pole at the time.
Then I verified that it really was a mockingbird because the mockingbird
proceeded to go through its repertoire of bird songs and rhythms. Only
mockingbirds can do so. The bird also flew up for a bit then landed back
down, but I clearly saw the distinctive white markings on its wings.
Mockingbirds are cool birds,and I like mockingbirds, because they are the
mix stations of the birdsong world, especially here in Texas.
But my life is Catholic, and what the heaven does an observance of a bird
singing have anything to do with "seeking truth," as this blog post is so
named. Well, let me tell you! ;-)
Lately, I've been reflecting on finding truth in the world. I think what
sparked my thoughts on seeking truth was my Facebook News Feed. Perhaps
I'm Facebook friends with impassioned individuals who are quick to post
things regarding various hot and viral topics in the political, social, and
moral spheres. And that's fine. Freedom of speech, right? Cool. Ease of
sharing through social media? Sure.
The News Feed is a great way to find out what's going on in the world or to
know what people care about enough to share with others. And that's pretty
cool. Mark Zuckerberg might be on to something. And you know, the same
goes for me too. I also post things about what's going on and post stuff
that I care about, as well. Inevitably, not everyone is of the same
opinion on certain things. And with our nation approaching an election and
the American Catholic Church at the forefront for several issues, things
are becoming more and more polarized and heated, especially online.
With that said, there are so many voices online. It's hard to discern who speaks truth regarding touchy issues. And there's always that personal bias of "I'll only post things that are in line with my opinion of something." Since it's so easy to share and comment on things online, the Internets is a very noisy place. Kind of like the parking lot of my work early in the morning with all the birds singing.
With all the "he said/she said"s floating around online, I have to cautiously be wary of what I read online and realize that it may not not necessarily be representative of the fullness of truth. There's a lot of bias out there. And the Catholic Church has many enemies and dissenters online. Not only that, I shouldn't be quick on my trigger finger and share something without being prepared for the repercussions or consequences that may arise from posting something on a touchy subject. I know that all too well (but that's another blog post...).
So, praise God I'm human. As a human, there's the innate desire to know and to seek Truth because ultimately Truth leads us to God or, at the very least, to have greater understanding of the world around us. But the world can be a twisted place and the beauty of Truth is often obscured or diminished.
With all the half-truths, partial-truths, and non-truths out there...it becomes almost refreshing to finally get the full story or full truth on something.
I'm beginning to be a little more critical of mainstream media as well...Did you know that this past January's March for Life in Washington DC was barely covered, if at all, by any major news outlet? Did you know that no major media outlet is covering how a growing number of United States Catholic Church institutions are suing the United States government because of the HHS Mandate and the infringement of religious liberty?...but yet the media jumps all over such stories as the Pope's butler leaking documents, the ongoing sex abuse cover up trial in Philadelphia, and other stories from a perspective that paints the Church in a bad light...when really, there's more to it all than how the media explains it.
Praise God I'm Catholic. Because as a Catholic...I know that the fullness of truth exists out there. Not just theological truths, but worldly truths as well. Truth cannot contradict truth. And as a Catholic...actually, not just as a Catholic...but as a human being...there's the desire to seek the truth.
And you know...sometimes to know what it is I'm looking for requires just a closer look. And I have to be willing to seek it.
...yes...it is, in fact, a mockingbird.
-JD
