In the First Reading, we see in Paul’s letter how broken people struggle to see each other as worthy. Paul struggles with the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and knows that there are those who will kill him for speaking the truth. When Paul is saved from a crowd that meant to destroy him, he hears Jesus speak to him, telling him to continue to spread his truth.
The reading in Acts recounts times fraught with turmoil and unrest as society tries to figure out whom to believe. How similar does this sound to what American society is dealing with right now? When I read this week’s readings, I couldn’t stop thinking about the vast difference in people’s beliefs and actions in today’s world. We are on opposite sides of the spectrum on a variety of subjects, but especially how Jesus would want us to treat others. How does one’s truth face up to the actual teachings of Jesus? Many believe that the bible is the one truth, yet it was written by men that are fallible. It is up to us to sift out what is man’s truth and what is God’s truth.
The topic of truth and whose truth is right or “God’s” way is very different from what we see Jesus pray about in the Gospel Reading of John, “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” Jesus is praying for each of us to find him in each other. The hope that we see ourselves in each other and in turn through God’s eyes. This is a prayer of understanding and a shared experience so that we can finally know that we are a reflection of God’s love. For me the reading always come back to hope and love, yet the juxtaposition of judgement and othering is hard to combat from the society’s turmoil. But just as Paul was put to the test in front of the Sanhedrin, we must continue to speak of God’s love, God’s hope, and God’s faith in us all. That is the truth that will and can set us on the path of forgiveness and salvation.
From the wisdom of a young girl, faced with her own death and the death of her loved ones:
“It’s really a wonder that I haven’t dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” ― Anne Frank
Keep believing in truth, love, and hope.
Desiree Nownes
Dr. Desiree Nownes has spent 30 years on a Jesuit campus. Beginning her education at Regis University in Denver, she relocated to Omaha in July 2000. Over the last 25 years, she has had the privilege of serving in various roles and currently holds the position of Assistant Vice Provost for Student Life. She collaborates with a dedicated team, engaging students in meaningful conversations about their identity and aspirations. Together, they welcome students and assist them in understanding the institution’s expectations and values. Dr. Nownes is deeply passionate about her work and the individuals she collaborates with. Dr. Nownes has also had the privilege to co-teach the Creighton Colleagues Program and has experienced firsthand the camaraderie and engagement that the program fosters through the Ignatian lens.
Education
• Regis University (Denver, CO) – B.A., Criminal Justice, Sociology
• Creighton University (Omaha, NE) – M.S., Counseling, Student Affairs
• Creighton University (Omaha, NE) – Ed.D., Interdisciplinary Leadership
