For some of us, truth is the ultimate security in life: to know and to believe the facts—what is actually happening—to store these up, to become a source of knowledge and insight. Some of us are so sick and tired of falsity, particularly in the political realm, that we cannot bear to hear politicians speaking. Some of us are selective about the truths we want to hear or believe, and we filter
out everything that doesn’t confirm our own ideas.
When Jesus speaks about himself as “the Truth” (John 14:6), and his Spirit as the Spirit of Truth, he is not referring merely to facts and figures, propositions and statements. He means the very foundation of our being, the story of our creation and existence, our origin and our dependence, what makes us who we are. Ultimately, he is speaking about God, THE FACT of the universe, of
existence, God who is what is (Exodus 3:14).
The promised Spirit of Truth helps us to know who Jesus is and who we are in relation to the broader narrative of creation, redemption, and sanctification —the story of God. The Spirit offers us a whole new grand narrative, or worldview, leading us into a more intimate relationship with God. This is the complete truth promised by Jesus.
Which lies and falsehoods really anger me? Do I yearn to know who I truly am? How does the Spirit of Truth console and comfort me?
Reflections by Peter Knox SJ
