Pontius
Pilate questioned Jesus, “What is the Truth?” Jesus, earlier in the
Gospel of John, responded to the question on “Truth”. Truth is not
simply a philosophical system, nor a trend, nor a mode that is here
today and gone tomorrow. The “Truth” is a “Person” and that person is
Jesus Christ, who stated unequivocally: “I am the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life…”
A blind man following a blind man will both end up by falling into the
pit. What are concrete ways in which we can be sure that we are
following the light of the Truth? Let’s see!
1. BIBLE. The Bible is truly the Word of God. St. Jerome stated poignantly, “Ignorance of Sacred Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” (
Vat. II, Dogmatic Constitution, Dei Verbum). The Bible should be
light and lamp for our steps and we should be reading, meditating and
praying with the Word of God every day!
2. POPE/VICAR OF CHRIST. However, it must be highlighted,
that to interpret the Bible properly, we must rely on an authoritative
source: that is the Person and the Teaching of the Holy Father, the
Pope. When the Holy Father speaks or writes on topics related to
faith, doctrine (dogma), and morals, then he is infallible. The reason
being, it is the Holy Spirit that is enlightening the Pope. The Holy
Spirit is the God of Truth.
3. MAGISTERIUM AND POPE. Furthermore, the Bishops teaching in
union with the Holy Father is another reliable source of truth.
Magisterium refers to the teaching office.
4. CONFESSOR/SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR. The confessor or spiritual
director must be in union with the Holy Father and the Magisterium. If
so, when being directed by one’s confessor/spiritual director, through
this channel also God will speak.
5. INSPIRATIONS. These must be tested in the light of what has
been stated above. Some Counter signs! Inspirations from the Holy
Spirit will never contradict the Word of God; they will not go against
the teaching of the Church. Furthermore, inspirations will not
contradict one’s “State of life”. Mother of 7, teen age school boy,
contemplative monk— all of these are in a different “State of life”.
Consequently, their actions should be in conformity with their specific
state of life.
May Our Lady of Good Counsel, attain for us a true hunger for the truth.
May we take positive action steps in our life to search for the truth,
study the truth, live the fullness of the truth, defend the truth and
love the Person who is the Truth— Jesus, THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE!
