C.S. 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 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 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.
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 8:31-42), particularly "The truth will set you free," the preaching highlights that authentic freedom is inseparable from a commitment to truth.