This article by Eve Tushnet explores alternative forms of Christian kinship beyond traditional marriage, including intentional communities like the Church of the Sojourners, covenant friendships, godparenting relationships, and celibate partnerships. It argues that marriage as the sole recognized adult commitment weakens possible societal bonds and that diverse forms of love and care can strengthen communities. There are multiple lasting ways of "being true" to another.
This sermon uses Jesus's healing command "ephphatha" (be open) to explore truthful speech. Drawing on Greek concept "parrhesia" - frank, dangerous truth-telling to power - the preacher connects this to Jesus and Paul as truth-tellers. Addressing Catholic Church abuse scandals, the sermon calls for becoming a "confessing church" rather than secret-keeping, emphasizing collective responsibility for institutional sins and the need for public penance, transparency, and authentic truth-telling as Christian duty.
Using Luke's account of Jesus reading Isaiah, the preacher examines how Jesus omitted vengeance from his message, disappointing crowds who expected violent revolution. This connects to modern political rhetoric, emphasizing integrity between words and actions while serving the common good rather than echoing anger. The sermon concludes with Ukrainian translator Natalia Dmitruk's act of defiance during fraudulent elections, illustrating how truthful voices can inspire justice movements and embody gospel values.
This sermon explores the prevalence of lying in daily life and contrasts it with Jesus's embodiment of truth before Pilate. Fr. Foley argues that like Pilate, we often "wash our hands" of inconvenient truths. He calls Christians to live authentic truth through love of neighbor, even when costly.
This reflection explores the apparent contradiction between God's unconditional love (Psalm 139) and Jesus's harsh judgment of hypocrites--those whose actions do not align with what they say. Rice notes that God's judgment targets those who hide behind masks, trying to earn love through performance rather than accepting they are already beloved. Using Byron Katie's insights, the piece suggests we often act from fear to manipulate others' affection, but God's love is unconditional and unearnable—we simply need to remove our masks and accept this truth.
This philosophical reflection argues that truth remains a fundamental value across cultures and throughout history. Drawing from Greek philosophy, Roman thought, and Christian theology, the author contends that truth is essential for meaningful relationships, just society, and spiritual life. The piece warns against "post-truth" attitudes that undermine moral and civil order.
One can reframe the Good Samaritan parable by focusing on the scholar who questions Jesus. The preacher explores how we all struggle with self-justification and confirmation bias, especially in our information-saturated world. Like the scholar, we need courage and humility to question our assumptions, practice "cognitive hygiene," and remain open to transformation through genuine listening.
Fr. Goergen explores truth as something we must live and embody, not just know intellectually. Drawing on Gandhi's example and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' insights, it emphasizes that seeking truth requires honest conversation, humility, and listening to others. Truth-seeking is collaborative, requiring us to step outside our own perspectives through respectful dialogue.
This reflective piece explores the author's kinship with "Doubting Thomas" (called Didymus) as they both grapple with skepticism in an era of misinformation. While questioning is valuable, the author realizes that excessive doubt can become paralyzing. Like Thomas, they must eventually move beyond endless foundation-testing to build a life of faith and action. [Prepared for the Feast of St. Thomas celebrated each year on July 3rd in Catholic calendar.]
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.
