Truth

We live in a modern age full of scientific and technological wonders, but at times it seems that the very concept of ‘truth’ is under threat. Some commentators have even suggested we live in a post-truth age. The good news is that amongst the noise of social media opinions, data and commentary, we still have a source of Truth that has stood the test of time; the love of God, the reality of Jesus and the revelation of relationship found in the Bible.

In our first staff spirituality module this year, Bishop Greg challenged us to consider the role truth plays in our lives. He asked us to consider 3 questions:

• Do I live justly and honestly?
• Do I live towards goodness?
• Do I live in a way that cares for people?

These are the filters through which we might consider the way we are living our lives, but in a rapidly changing world it can often be hard to discern exactly which direction to take, or choice to make. Bishop Greg says that we will know when we are on track or have made the correct decisions because we “blossom and grow”. Another useful tool that helps us have fullness of life is the list of St Ignatius’ Rules for Discernment. These rules can be helpful in moving towards a deeper relationship with God.

Let us conclude this section with the words of St. Mark the Ascetic; “He who speaks rightly should recognize that he receives the words from God. For the truth belongs not to him who speaks, but to God who is energizing him.”