Daily Reflections - May 6,2013

WITNESSES OF TRUTH

 

Did you ever think of the Holy Spirit as a lawyer? Well, that is what Jesus calls Himself: “When the Advocate comes whom I shall send...” We often see the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, or metaphorically, water and wind. But a lawyer? (No offense meant here!)

Being a Christian is tough business. It is a dirty world out there and you are going to need all the help you can get. It won’t be through your efforts alone that you can live as a faithful Christian. You will need to cooperate with God’s grace, but in the end it is the Holy Spirit who is the agent of mission. When a Christian takes his place in the world, he must be prepared for an ordeal. Satan hates us with a vengeance and will do anything to dissuade, disappoint and destroy the followers of Jesus. A trial awaits us, whereby good and evil are fought in a daily battle. We need an aid, a counselor and an advocate. He will stand beside us as a steady witness, guiding us in wisdom and truth. This is why we find in the Gospel the encouraging words of Jesus. Be strong. Be wise. Be faithful. Jesus is telling the disciples now so that, when the time comes, they won’t be so shaken.

How often do we fall into the temptation of giving false witness when the Spirit is one of truth? How often do we cover it up with “white lies”? Is there such a thing? A lie is a lie, a false witness and dishonesty. How often do we try to excuse ourselves from dishonesty, convincing ourselves that it doesn’t really matter? Does it?

The Lord invites us to a life of honesty and integrity. No more lying. Say it as it is. Let us rid ourselves of the habit of lying and being deceitful. The more secure we are in the love of God, the less time we have to make petty excuses and cover up ourselves by lying to one another. Jesus wants us to testify — not falsely, but to the truth. Let us examine ourselves today and, if need be, repent of the times we have given false witness to others, to ourselves and, most of all, to God. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you dishonest or honest? Do you need to repent of lying and giving false witness?

 

Lord, You take delight in Your people. May I find favor in Your sight. Let Your Spirit of truth guide and govern me. Amen.