“Man of truth” is someone who has been reached by the truth, or better yet, someone who has been demolished by the truth. The truth came and uncovered his lies, deceit, unreality, and his disorderly self-esteem.
It could be assumed that to such a man, the truth was not convenient, since it came to wear down his existence and to demolish everything. Nevertheless, he clings to the truth that breaks him (like Jacob in the valley), because he perceives in her the exit to his hidden misfortune. The others do not know that after his smile there is weeping, that after an external joy hides heavy bitterness.
Now the truth has displaced the lies. Then, this man can now be called a man of truth. He is not the man that glories in himself for his supposed capacities or the man that, full of self-righteousness and a refined education, looks down on others who are less fortunate. “Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor” (Psalms 39:5). “There is none who does good” (Psalms 14:1-3).
The man, who proclaims his goodness, seeks only to be praised by men. Fame interests him-he cannot live without it- and, like such a theater actor, the applauses are of a great necessity such as eating or breathing. “Let us invent something, lie if it is necessary, but we must remain standing at all cost.” It is not strange if he finishes exhausted in that permanent effort.
The man of truth on the contrary, hurries to acknowledge his mistakes, to fix the wrong that was caused; he humbles himself with sincerity even if it puts at risk his reputation. The truth has made him brave, he cannot undergo deceit. He has had an encounter with the truth; he knows that before God there are no hidden thoughts! He is interested in his God’s approval even if that means getting into a permanent conflict with men. The smile from heaven is his only comfort.
To a man of truth, lies are left behind. Like the darkness gives rise to a new dawn, the Sun of Righteousness shines now on him. What a relief it is not to have to try and please others! What a relief it is to be authentic, real! That is why the Wise says: “Buy the truth, and do not sell it!” (Prov. 23:23).
Christ is the Truth. His presence manifested the unreality, the deceit and the deceitfulness of those who presumed to be truthful. Christ uncovered the man who would praise himself in prayer. Christ brought light to the heart of those who would see the speck in the eyes of others without seeing the plank in their own eyes. Christ in us is the incarnated truth. A glorious exchange occurred in us, our lies for His truth.
Who, therefore, is a man of truth? It is he who has truly found Christ, the Truth.
(Translation:
Betsy Calvo, USA).
