Seeking Truth

This Dominican reflection explores Jesus' "High Priestly Prayer" from John 17, focusing on his plea to "consecrate them in the truth." The author argues that "truth" has been corrupted in modern times, becoming a tool of power rather than genuine meaning. Drawing from Thomas Aquinas and Dominican tradition, they offer three definitions: truth as aligning one's mind with reality, truth as honest speech, and truth as faithful relationship. The piece calls for reclaiming truth's authentic meaning.

CS. Lewis admired his wife's desire for truth above all else, highlighting its crucial importance. Modern society increasingly bends truth to fit desires, a dangerous trend Lewis prophetically warned against. The story of the Magi exemplifies humanity's inherent quest for objective truth, a delightful pursuit leading to Christ, the source of truth. We must prioritize truth over personal desires to avoid the "abolition of man" and embrace reality.

People often express uncertainty in their language, reflecting a broader societal reluctance to assert truths. The rejection of objective truth can initially feel liberating but, according to Hans Urs von Balthasar, ultimately leads to disorientation and a sense of meaninglessness. True freedom lies in embracing truth, which provides structure and opens us to a deeper understanding of reality and the divine.

This reflection explores the underlying reasons for humanity's desire to explore space, drawing parallels between President Trump's Mars ambition and President Kennedy's moon landing announcement. It posits that space exploration is a fundamentally human endeavor driven by a desire to encounter the inherent goodness of creation and to contemplate the Creator--i.e. the pursuit of truth. The reflection highlights the historical connection between astronomy and Christian theology, suggesting that studying the cosmos is a way to understand God's work and our place within it.

The traditional "three kings" visiting Jesus are actually "magi," likely Zoroastrian priests from the East, skilled in astronomy. Their journey, guided by a celestial event, led them to Jerusalem, surprising Herod. The gospel highlights their scholarly observation and contrasts it with Herod's political motives, suggesting a harmony between faith and reason in seeking truth.

Imagine a virtual reality machine offering a perfect, personalized dream life. Imagine, however, entering means never leaving. The preaching questions whether one would choose this permanent virtual existence, suggesting a fundamental human desire for truth, even in an imperfect world.  The biblical character of Bartimaeus exemplifies this desire for truth.

The modern emphasis on freedom can sometimes sideline the importance of shared truth and lead to fragmented, individualistic worldviews. Drawing on Jesus' words from the Gospel (John 8:31-42Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, "If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples.You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."They answered him, "We are Abraham's seed, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How do you say, 'You will be made free?'"Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin.A bondservant doesn't live in the house forever. A son remains forever.If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.I know that you are Abraham's seed, yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you.I say the things which I have seen with my Father; and you also do the things which you have seen with your father."They answered him, "Our father is Abraham." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham.But now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham didn't do this.You do the works of your father." They said to him, "We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father, God."Therefore Jesus said to them, "If God were your father, you would love me, for I came out and have come from God. For I haven't come of myself, but he sent me.), particularly "The truth will set you free," the preaching highlights that authentic freedom is inseparable from a commitment to truth.