TRUE / TRUTH
In Sacred Scripture, the concept of “true” and “truth” carries profound spiritual significance, pointing to that which is eternal, heavenly, and divine. While the worldly realm is marked by imperfection, the divine represents the genuine and perfect reality. This understanding is beautifully encapsulated in the words of Jesus Christ, who declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6).
The Gospel of John, in particular, emphasizes the intimate connection between truth and the person of Jesus. The evangelist proclaims that the Word made flesh is “full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14), highlighting Christ’s role as the embodiment and revealer of divine truth.
Catholic teaching expands on this biblical foundation, recognizing truth as a fundamental aspect of God’s nature and His revelation to humanity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms that man is naturally inclined toward truth and has a moral obligation to seek it, especially religious truth. This pursuit of truth is not merely an intellectual exercise but a journey toward conformity with Christ, who is Truth incarnate.
The Church understands truth as the conformity of intellect with reality. This definition underscores the objective nature of truth, countering relativistic notions that truth can vary from person to person. As Christians, we are called to recognize that truth exists independently of our perceptions or feelings about it.
In the Catholic tradition, the sources of divine truth are twofold: Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. While the Bible contains the inspired word of God, it is through the living Tradition of the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, that the full meaning of Scripture is understood and articulated. This understanding is reflected in the Church’s teachings, life, and worship.
REFLECTION
The pursuit of truth has profound implications for Christian living. As disciples of Christ, we are called to “live in the truth,” which means leading lives in conformity with the Lord’s example. This commitment to truth should manifest in our actions and speech through the virtue of truthfulness, which guards against duplicity and hypocrisy.
For us as Christians, the call to embrace and live out the truth presents both a challenge and an opportunity. In a world often characterized by relativism and subjective interpretations of reality, we are invited to anchor ourselves in the objective truth revealed in Christ and safeguarded by the Church. This requires a continual effort to deepen our understanding of Scripture and Church teachings, as well as a willingness to conform our lives to the truth we discover.
Moreover, our commitment to truth should inspire us to be bearers of truth in our interactions with others. This means not only speaking truthfully but also living authentically, allowing the truth of Christ to shine through our words and actions. In doing so, we become instruments of God’s truth in the world, drawing others to the fullness of truth found in Christ and His Church.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us remember that truth is not merely an abstract concept but a Person – Jesus Christ. By cultivating a deep relationship with Him through prayer, Scripture study, and participation in the sacraments, we open ourselves to a transformative encounter with Truth itself. May we, like the Blessed Virgin Mary, who pondered God’s truth in her heart, become faithful custodians and witnesses of divine truth in our time.