The Spirit of Truth Comes
Yesterday we reflected on Jesus’ description of the Holy Spirit as ‘The Advocate’ today we explore the meaning of another of his descriptions ‘The Spirit of Truth’. In an era of ‘fake news’ this title takes on added meaning. In John 14:17, Jesus says, ‘The Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him.’ This is a strong condemnation of our times.
In this scripture, Jesus highlights the world’s inability to recognize or accept the Spirit of Truth. The modern world, with its vast media networks and information systems, often prioritizes perspective and spin over objective truth. The result is a pervasive landscape of ‘fake news’ where truth becomes subjective and elusive.
This is not new, in John 18: 38 Pontius Pilate responded to Jesus reply that he came to bear witness to the truth with the damning words ‘What is truth?’. This distortion leads to confusion, division, and mistrust among people. As followers of Christ, we are called to navigate this challenging environment with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, The Spirit of Truth.
Jesus continues in John 15: 17 by saying ‘But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.’ This indicates that the Holy Spirit is not just a passive presence but an active force guiding believers toward truth. The Holy Spirit's role is to reveal the truth about God, ourselves, and the world around us.
The Spirit of Truth enlightens our minds and hearts to perceive God’s reality beyond the world’s distortions. It helps us to see through the superficial layers of misinformation and recognize the deeper truths that align with God’s word.
As believers in Christ, we are witnesses to the truth. Our lives should reflect the honesty and integrity of the Spirit of Truth. By living truthfully and authentically, we can provide a counter-narrative to the deceptive practices prevalent in society.
This makes us aware that personally in our daily lives falsehood surrounds us. What is the deception we are being fed? What are the false narratives being told to us to keep us in bondage? This calls for discernment. This calls us to connect with the Spirit of Truth that dwells within.
We connect with the Spirit of Truth within through Prayer, Christian Meditation, the Sacraments, listening and surrounding ourselves with authentic, genuine persons. And how do we recognize such people? A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit, by their fruits you shall know them.” (Matt. 7:15–20.). Brothers and Sisters let us align ourselves with the Spirit of Truth that dwells within and among true believers.
NOTICE BOARD
This call to rely on the Spirit of Truth propels my pastoral ministry. My pastoral ministry has two channels - physically in parish work and an online presence through this newsletter and the website. Support me in the soft launch of the
Leadership at Work Membership Program LINK.
and
Bible Reading & Study Guide Membership Program LINK
and