Today is the sixth day of the Pentecost Novena. Both the first reading and the Gospel reading are concerned with truth. St. Paul warns his disciples that men will distort the truth and attempt to lead them astray (Acts 20:30). Jesus likewise mentions in the Gospel reading that He has guarded His disciples and that they will need further protection (Jn 17:11-12). Jesus then consecrates Himself so that His disciples will be consecrated in truth (Jn 17:19).
The next day, Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" (see Jn 18:38) The secular culture makes everything relative, in an attempt to obscure the truth and promote its own agenda. Yet the Scriptures are greatly concerned with revealing and preserving the truth. Jesus is the Truth (Jn 14:6). "The Spirit is Truth" (1 Jn 5:6). The Spirit will guide us to all truth (Jn 16:13). God's Word is Truth (Jn 17:17).
To a world with so much deceit, Jesus proclaims: "The reason why I came into the world is to testify to the truth. Anyone committed to the truth hears My voice" (Jn 18:37). The Church is "the pillar and bulwark of truth" (1 Tm 3:15). Immerse yourself in the Word of God and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (Jn 8:32).
| PRAYER: | Father, You are so concerned about me following the truth that You sent Your Son and Spirit, and gave the Church to protect me from error. May I be as devoted to the truth as You are. |
| PROMISE: | God "gives power and strength to His people. Blessed be God!" –Ps 68:36 |
| PRAISE: | St. Justin's First Apology, written about 150 AD, outlines the familiar format of the Mass. The essence of liturgical worship has not changed. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College