In his priestly discourse during the Last Supper, Jesus intertwines the imminence of his death with the promise of the Holy Spirit. “I shall not leave you orphans,” he attests. Jesus speaks of the “comforter” who will come to dwell in the disciples forever. This, the “Spirit of truth,” will usher in a new mode of life among the apostles, witnessing to all that Christ has done and unfolding the mysteries that had hitherto been hidden. Yet how are we to understand this Spirit of truth? Who is He? And how does the Spirit kindle the indwelling presence of Christ in the soul?
The Spirit of Truth
The Comforter speaks to us through the language of truth. Truth knits together the elements of reality, anchoring us in the bedrock of existence. Truth is what is. Accordingly, the Spirit of truth calls all souls who earnestly search after truth. Yet still the question remains: how do we come to know this Spirit of Truth?
Recognizing Truth
I am reminded of a memorable scene from the film The Passion, in which Pilate, deeply unsettled by Jesus’ testimony, then discourses with his wife Claudia about the nature of truth. Ruminating over his words, Pilate then urges her to tell him if one can recognize truth when heard. She responds with tender honesty, saying simply, “If you will not hear truth, I cannot tell you.” It is something one just knows. In their mutual gaze, we discover on one side the angst of one who cannot discern truth apart from the noise of the world, and on the other, the serenity of one who abides naturally in truth.
Thus, even pagans like Pilate’s wife found themselves captivated by the story and person of Christ. Their own natural affinity for truth drew them irresistibly to him, He who was the “way, the truth, and the life.” Those steeped in the world, like Pilate, would fail to hear, but those who had attuned themselves to its voice would follow the call, join the early Christians, and ultimately receive the outpouring of the Spirit.
Mission of the Spirit
What is striking is that the Holy Spirit, this Spirit of Truth, speaks both to those not yet in the flock of Christ and to those already belonging to Him. Over years, it can gently stir and awaken souls on the outside who seek after truth, tilling the soil until it is ready to receive the Gospel. Yet the Holy Spirit also anoints the steady, faithful soul with a fresh outpouring of grace. As the readings today illustrate, it is this gift of the Spirit that engenders the indwelling presence of Christ in the soul. Jesus offers the breathtaking promise that He will not abandon us, but by virtue of the comforter, he will come to us. Like a great giver of life, the Spirit will envelop the soul on all sides: it invites, it stirs awake with the call of truth; it teaches and reveals Christ to the hungering soul, and finally leads the soul into the fire of love within the Blessed Trinity.
Today, let us bring to prayer a renewed desire to embrace the Spirit of truth. Let us invite the Spirit, the comforter, more fully into our soul. Consider all the echoes of truth woven throughout your journey of faith and allow them to gather and swell into the voice of Christ. Only then may we hallow him in our heart, and proclaim him to all who ask us the reason for our hope.
[Readings: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; 1 Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21]
