Truth is too beautiful to shut down

The most prominent scandal last year – even currently – is the almost universal effort to shut down Truth. We’ve gotten a mixed bag of ‘scientific’ claims about the virus, election claims about the winner, reasons why we don’t need to go to Church, why to keep distant from others, rationale for isolating the elderly, and how we should play our ‘responsible’ part.

Sounds like a giant fish tale. Confusion and suspicion have mushroomed everywhere. Some businesses must close, others can be open. We are seeing lack of harmony, proportionality, and agreement. But one thing radical officials have agreed upon – God, Church, sacramental occasions, and holy seasons are fairly ‘nonessential.’ Ah yes, health risks.

The pandemic hasn’t actually seemed like one. Historical pandemics have fatally claimed large chunks of populations. The election fraud thrives, as does the fawning (even by Catholics) over a supposed cafeteria-Catholic candidate. Huge tech companies censor online speech. We’re bombarded with caring for the environment over caring for others or our own souls. And the Vatican’s novel idea of an inspiring Nativity scene? It was a nightmare, crafted in an art school in my grandparents’ native Italian region, Abruzzo. What a horrid representation from such a beautiful place. What is going on – even in the Church?

No earthly leader is our answer. Only God and His Truth can and will prevail – but we need to hang on for the rough ride with faith, hope, and love for God and others. He’ll do the rest. When a prelate speaks or endorses doctrinal or moral falsehood – we need to recognize it and oppose it. When they lavish our churches with ugliness and lies about Catholic teaching and history, it’s our job to see it and refute it. It’s our duty to pass on only His glorious Truth, generation to generation. But we have to recognize and protect it now.

One Sunday before Christmas, when we missed an earlier Mass, we went to a later one at our parish. And what a surprise we got.

A nice virus-benefit has been the disappearance of their garish guitar/drum ensemble … they’re in hiding. Upon entering the Church, we heard a 250-year-old Catholic organ cantata by J.S. Bach, one I hadn’t heard in years. Its celestial cascades on multiple keyboards, with thunderous pedaling, shook the floors and lifted my heart out of orbit. Masked, astonished people looked up at the organist with glassy eyes, like they’d come alive after a war. Such a majestic, musical tribute to Christ brought them to tears. It was like overhearing a heavenly symphony, just before being invited into eternity. We could have rested endlessly in such incredible splendor.

We praised the magnificent music to our pastor, who told us their emphasis now is on traditional Catholic compositions – many originally commissioned for the Mass – complete with classically trained cantors and an outstanding organist. Such beauty and Truth permeates the ages, beckoning wearied souls to Christ.

To God alone be the glory, with the help of Jesus. (J.S. Bach’s inscription on all his music, sacred and secular.) L

CHRISTINE VALENTINE-OWSIK is Legatus magazine’s editor.