Speaking Truthfully

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.

Jeremiah's question highlights God's focus on practical truthfulness in people's lives. The prophet depicted a society riddled with deceit, leading to broken trust, infidelity, and denial of God's hand. In contrast, God values and approves of sincerity and genuine faith. Truthful individuals, though sometimes hidden, have a powerful influence, capable of securing God's favor and even impacting communities. Hypocrisy is futile and harmful, while truthfulness is essential for genuine connection with God and others.

The sermon contrasts "all talk, no action" with integrity. Using the Gospel story of Jesus and the centurion, it illustrates how both understood that true words require action. When we align our words and deeds, we access divine power that surpasses worldly authority.

The article focusses on age of instant digital communication, unjust, uncharitable, or untrue speech can spread far and wide and bring destructive consequences within the human community. It mentions Thomas Aquinas examines injuries inflicted upon a neighbor through another's speech and Aquinas's treatment as sins against commutative justice. It also mentions Aquinas anticipates the spiritual teaching of the early seventeenth-century bishop of Geneva, Francis de Sales.