Sermons

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 text uses the traditional perfume-making process of enfleurage as a metaphor for Christian baptism. Just as flowers' essence gradually infuses fat and alcohol to create perfume, baptism begins a lifelong process where believers absorb Christ's character and "aroma," becoming witnesses whose spirit reflects compassion, mercy, generosity, and courage.  As such Christians can develop a "smell test" to be able to assess the truth of what others tell them.

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.]

Rev. Pritcher recalls Orthodox Jewish neighbors who broke Sabbath rules to help with an emergency, mirroring Jesus healing on the Sabbath despite religious objections. Both examples show that rigid law-following can miss God's kingdom in action. A commitment to truth extends beyond simply knowing what is good and right. It insists there be an alignment between what one knows and what one does grounded in compassion.

Sometimes the more that we seek truth in today’s world, the more we can become overwhelmed by what we learn.  Seeking truth can heighten our anxiety, but as Rev. Pritcher points out, it can also offer consolation.  We always have reason to hope.

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.

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.