Living in Truth

Luke 19:45-47 -- Living in Truth

Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, "It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves." And every day he was teaching in the temple area. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death[.]

Being true to ourselves, true to what our conscience tells us is right and good in the context of our faith, is a serious challenge. Truth is the enemy to those who live lives of falsehood. And if I am honest, I fall into this category at times. I like to believe that which is comforting and self-confirming. But what is true, what is of God, is often antagonistic to my personal preference, especially when my desires put last the love of others.  In his commentary on this passage, Frank Doyle states:

Jesus is an example of the true prophet. He speaks as a messenger of God and is indeed God’s own Son. He stands as a counter-witness to all that is against truth, love and justice and as such inevitably incurs the anger and hostility of those who have power, power based on falsehood, on self-interest, corruption and injustice.

Our Church, in its communities and through individuals, is called on to continue that mission of counter-witness. It will win us the support and admiration of some but also the hostility, the anger and even the violence of others. This is something we should not at all be surprised at nor something we should try to avoid. Our only concern must be always to speak the truth in love.

God will take care of the rest. Because, ultimately, truth, love and justice will prevail.

Doyle’s point is that we cannot have truth our way, the way of self-service, power, and personal gain. Truth should never include dishonesty, injustice, and self-interest. Instead, truth entails honesty, self-giving love, and putting the other person first. And everything Jesus exemplifies with his life and teaching, points to this truth. But his is not an easy truth to live, for truth is often of high personal cost. 

As I realize my own short-comings, I know that my way is often not Christ’s way. And I pray for God’s grace to change me, to transform my life into a life where I see, understand, and live more truthfully. 

Peace, 

Stan

Doyle, Frank. “Living Space Friday of Week 33 of Ordinary Time – Gospel: Sacred Space.” 

Living Space , Irish Jesuits, https://livingspace.sacredspace.ie/o1336g/.