Reflection
Consecrate them in the truth.
John 17:11-19
The disregard for facts today in the pursuit of power, fame or wealth surrounds us and makes us skeptical and cynical. Claims to the truth appear to divide rather than to unite us. Disregard for what is factual and avowal of the opposite confuses and misguides us. We need to reflect on how to discern truth and speak honestly and without fear. We need to speak words that overcome divisions and build union. Jesus prayed that we be “consecrated in truth”, that our words be not for our own selfish goals. Detached tolerance of others words can be patronizing and condescending, but seeking to live truthfully can be transformative.
Prayer
May I speak the truth that sets me free.
Action
How can I seek the truth in situations? How can I cut through false rhetoric and posturing and call it what it is? Do I participate in this? Do I adhere to it? What standard can I use to measure my understandingof what is true?
Suggested Reading
“I gave them your word, and the world hated them,
because they do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world
but that you keep them from the evil one.
They do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”
John 17:11-19
Loving the truth means not only affirming it, but rather living it, bearing witness to it in your work. … The issue is not that of being or not being a believer. The issue here is being or not being honest with yourself and with others.
Pope Francis
Morality is the basis of things and truth is the substance of all morality.
Mahatma Gandhi
The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.
John F. Kennedy
In a time of universal deceit – telling the truth is a revolutionary act.
George Orwell
All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
Arthur Schopenhauer
People will generally accept facts as truth only if the facts agree with what they already believe.
Andy Rooney
The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.
Robert H. Schuller
Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth.
Mahatma Gandhi
Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.
Henri Frederic Amiel
Truth exists; only lies are invented.
Georges Braque