VERITAS vos liberabit is a Latin phrase that means “the truth will set you free.” We learned this phrase from our parents and teachers when they taught us about the Bible.
It was Jesus who first said this reflected in the Gospel of John. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” after saying, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciple.”
This is a powerful statement echoed throughout history. The truth liberates us from our ignorance, fears, and injustices.
So, what’s in ignorance?
Ignorance often traps us, hindering our ability to navigate life fully. We become imprisoned with misleading beliefs that limit our capacity for sound decision-making.
Knowing the truth provides a guiding force that enables us to act with integrity, think wisely, and make sound judgments. When we know the truth, we are not easily deceived or manipulated. With the political noise surrounding us, especially as elections approach, making decisions based on reality rather than assumptions and misinformation is crucial.
Searching for the truth can be a real struggle, particularly in the political arena. Everyone has stories, and narratives often feature obvious twists and turns. We cannot solely rely on intuition; rather, our curiosity should lead us to the truth.
What about fears?
Fear can separate us from the truth. When we are afraid of something, whether it is failure, rejection, or change, we often avoid confronting unpleasant truths. We prefer to stay in a comfortable illusion rather than face reality. We stop growing and improving.
Fears can easily control us, clouding our judgment, distorting our perception, and preventing us from confronting reality. They hinder our growth and freedom, ultimately making us unhappy.
And what about injustices?
Injustice creates barriers that limit our ability to achieve our goals and live freely. Biased laws and policies, along with a fear of speaking the truth or fighting for rights, can leave us feeling entombed, forever silenced.
True freedom comes from acknowledging the truth. It liberates us, transforming ignorance into awareness, fears into calmness, and injustices into equality. This is the foundation of real freedom.
So, we seek for truth to be truly free. Seeking truth requires an open mind capable of logical analysis and reliance on evidence. It also demands strong faith, as it serves as the foundation for everything.
Above all, we must seek inner truth. By reflecting on our actions, knowledge, fears, and biases, we cultivate a higher level of self-awareness. With this awareness, we become resistant to deception and manipulation, allowing us to be truly free.
Let us return to the Gospel of John, where Jesus said, “The truth will set you free”. The truth encompasses the words of Jesus.
If we abide by His teachings — especially when He was asked about the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second: Love your neighbor as yourself” — imagine the beautiful and peaceful world we could create.
Veritas vos liberabit.