the problem of truth and love
"A dispute arose between Pharisees and Sadducees which divided the whole assembly." —Acts 23:7
We must be men and women of the truth, for God is the Truth (Jn 14:6) and the Holy Spirit guides us to all truth (Jn 16:13). The Church is "the pillar and bulwark of truth" (1 Tm 3:15), and God's "word is truth" (Jn 17:17). Thus, Jesus' disciples are "consecrated in truth" (Jn 17:19).
Men and women of truth must stand up for the truth and "even to the death fight for truth" (Sir 4:28). However, we must do this in love (see Eph 4:15), for without love, we gain nothing even in living and dying for the truth (see 1 Cor 13:3). Those who fight for the truth without having love are zealots. Those who think they are loving without being men and women of the truth are self-deceived and destructive to themselves and others.
Only the Holy "Spirit of truth" (Jn 16:13), Who is also the Spirit of love (see Gal 5:22), can give us the wisdom to insist on the truth in a loving way and to insist on love being based on truth. How can we maintain the common good and protect innocent people from being victimized? How can we stop Planned Parenthood and so many other pro-death organizations from killing many more millions of babies? How can we do this in love and without violence, even psychological violence? We need the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit of truth and love. Come, Holy Spirit!
Prayer: Father, on this seventh day of the Pentecost novena, give me the love to die not only for the truth but also for those who oppose the truth.
Promise: "That night the Lord appeared at Paul's side and said: 'Keep up your courage!' " —Acts 23:11
Praise: St. Norbert led an undisciplined life until he had a dramatic conversion to Christ in 1115 A.D. Once ordained, he began preaching to the priests of his day.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Holy Spirit Our Hope, order, listen to, or download our CD 81-3 or DVD 81 on our website.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018
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