Today more than ever we need the Spirit of truth so as not to fall into ideological blindness or be subjected to the tyranny of falsehood.
We live in societies that try to present as true that which is false and as moral that which is immoral; disrespect is called sincerity and shadowy manipulations behind people’s backs become political strategies.
The powerful try to impose their cynical discourse as a tool of domination; they invent historical narratives that falsify the facts so as to dominate the people’s conscience; those in power present themselves as messianic leaders in order to ensure their popularity.
“Today, in the midst of so many lies and confusion, we need the Spirit of truth that Jesus promised us.” Bishop @silviojbaez #HolySpirit #Truth
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When we are blinded by ideologies or resist love, the Spirit makes us understand that arrogance, hardheaded attitudes, and egotism do no good to anyone—instead, they distance us from God (cf. Jn 15:9).
When we go down the paths of power and pursue the quest for money or popularity, the Spirit straightens our path and leads us to the way of the cross, which is the way of generous and self-sacrificing love for others (cf. Jn 15:10).
Only the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, can make us walk in the truth.
The Holy Spirit will make us reproduce in our existence the gestures of Jesus that gave hope and healed life. The Holy Spirit will make us remember and live the words that Jesus pronounced in the town squares and on the roads, enlightening, comforting, and forgiving.
“The Spirit is the living memory of Jesus in our hearts.” Bishop @silviojbaez #HolySpirit #memory
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To us, Jesus’ disciples who live in the world but who aren’t of the world (cf. Jn 17:14-15), he assures us that we’re not alone—he hasn’t left us helpless orphans at the mercy of the risks of worldliness and the hostility of evil.
We aren’t orphans, so let’s not live as orphans. Let’s open our hearts to the Spirit—the tenderness and strength, the consolation and truth of God.
With the Spirit of God, our lives will become a smile, solidarity, compassion, and forgiveness. With him, we will be passionate witnesses of light, sowers of peace, and prophets of hope.
Silvio José Báez, o.c.d.
Auxiliary Bishop of Managua
Homily, 14 May 2023 (excerpts)
Image credit: Fr Lawrence Lew, O.P. / Flickr (Some rights reserved)
Translation from the Spanish text is the blogger’s own work product and may not be reproduced without permission.
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