Care for the Truth

Misinformation is a Problem

Misinformation is a lie that sounds like it could be true and useful information. But when you listen to it, you are deceived and your behavior and decisions are compromised as a result. When you believe fake news you make choices that are bad for your own self interest, and bad for the well being of others.

Expulsion from Paradise by Michelangelo

The original example of misinformation happened in the Bible in the Garden of Eden. God told Adam and Eve to eat anything they wanted to, except from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Then the serpent came along, and uttered the first fake news. His fake news was highly effective because it sounded reasonable, but was deeply untrue and hurtful. He persuaded Eve and then Adam to eat the fruit by arguing that the fruit was good to eat, and that they would be more like God. In reality, they didn’t get immediately sick, but were forced out of the garden. They lost their innocence and the only knowledge they gained was that they had been deceived by evil.

CoronaVirus is like Misinformation

One current example of misinformation is the Novel CoronaVirus. Why? All around the virus are little proteins sticking out like spikes. You have probably seen a picture or graphic. The proteins on these “spikes” are like misinformation. They appear to be something friendly and useful to certain cells of your body. So your cell allows it to attach and once attached the virus injects its genetic material into your cell. This genetic material is aggressive and destructive. It replicates itself meanwhile destroying your body’s cells in the process, and then it spreads to other cells. A virus and misinformation are contagious and destructive. 

Ecce Homo by Hieronymus Bosch

Another example of misinformation is the betrayal, arrest, and trial of Jesus Christ. Jesus was a very unusual person, who many people did not understand. He was loving, merciful, and kind, but he did break social conventions which angered people. So lies or misinformation was spread about him. It was said that he meant to harm people, that he disrespected God, and God’s laws. The misinformation was effective because it seemed like a reasonable explanation for someone so unusual. 

Jesus, a completely innocent and loving person, God’s own son, was killed. That is what we remember tonight. Jesus was betrayed and arrested in a garden because of misinformation. Adam and Eve were tricked by the snake also in a garden. They both happened in a garden! The entire human race at this moment feels like we have been kicked out of a garden. Just a few weeks ago we enjoyed the abundance and a booming economy. But because of the deception of the Novel CoronaVirus, we have been thrust into a more difficult and painful existence.

Truth is the Solution to Misinformation

There is a solution to misinformation and deception. It’s avoiding lies and embracing the truth. We are all asked to shelter in place to avoid exposure. This is like avoiding a toxic person who tries to hassle you with lies and deception. It’s a very good idea to avoid them, and maintain boundaries. 

Immunity is also a solution, but more difficult to attain. A person is immune to a virus when they have built up antibodies. These allow your body to learn and recognize the deception of a virus and to destroy it before it attacks. Immunity is like recognizing a lie or misinformation and rejecting it. Some people who have survived COVID-19 are donating plasma from their blood to help share antibodies and hopefully immunity with others. But what does all this have to do with Good Friday?

The Crucifixion by Pietro Perugino

Jesus is the Truth

Did you notice where Jesus was crucified according to the reading from St. John’s gospel? He was in a garden...again. It all happened in a garden. Jesus gave his life for us on the cross in a garden. Jesus’ cross is the new tree of eternal life. Jesus is the fruit of the tree of eternal life. All those who eat this fruit will live forever. Jesus is the very Word of God made flesh. He is the embodiment of truth. He cannot be deceived or thwarted by misinformation. Previously God removed us from the garden, because of our sin, and because we were deceived. Now God offers us a remedy. God plants a new tree of life: Jesus Christ. The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ broken and shed for you. He gives us spiritual antibodies to be immune from the power of sin, death, and the devil. Jesus is the Word of God. God’s Word is true and a remedy to misinformation and deception. 

Care for the Truth

So what should you do and what shouldn’t you do? Let me be 100% clear. Having faith in Jesus will not spare you from the biological contagious destruction of COVID-19. Don’t be foolish! Faith in Jesus, will give you salvation, eternal life, and the forgiveness of sins so that no matter what you face in life or death nothing can separate you from God’s love. 

Consider Joseph of Arimathea as a biblical example of how to practice your faith. Joseph cared for the body of Jesus even after Jesus died. He bought spices and linens to care for the body. He took time and followed protocol, even asking permission from the local authority Pontius Pilate to take care of the body. He secured a place to bury Jesus with dignity, in a garden. Follow Joseph’s example! Care for your body. Invest in, and use your appropriate personal protection equipment. Bodies, flesh, and blood matter to God. The truth matters to God. When you see the dignity and worth of every single person, both alive and dead, you will do the right thing, and not be deceived. You will listen to the truth. You won’t fall victim to misinformation. Amen.