YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH WILL MAKE YOU FREE (Jn 8:32)

“Jesus prays, ‘sanctify them’, that is, ‘perfect them and make them holy. And do this in the truth’, that is, in me, your Son, who am the truth (Jn 14:6).

It is like saying: Make them share in my perfection and holiness (sanctity). And thus he adds, ‘your word’, that is, your Word, is the truth. The meaning is then: Sanctify them in me, the truth, because I, your Word, am the truth.

Or, we could say this: Sanctify them, by sending the Holy Spirit. And do this in the truth, that is, the knowledge of the truths of the faith and of your commandments: ‘You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free’ (John 8:32). For we are sanctified by faith and the knowledge of the truth: ‘the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe’ (Rm 3:22).

The righteousness of God through faith for all who believe

He adds, ‘your word is truth’, because the truth of God’s words is unmixed with falsity: ‘All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them’ (Pr 8:8). Further, his word teaches the uncreated truth.

Another interpretation: In the Old Testament everything set aside for divine worship was said to be sanctified: ‘Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel to serve me as priests’ (Ex 28:1). Accordingly he says, ‘sanctify them’, that is, set them aside, in truth, that is, to preach your truth, because your word, which they are to preach, is truth.”

– St Thomas Aquinas

 

THEN YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE (Jn 8:31-32)

• “Learn to love the scriptures for they contain the truth about God.

• ‘Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.’ (John 8:31-32)

• What is truth? For many truth is relative. It is subjective and solely based on experience. Jesus taught that truth isn’t relative, subjective or based on experience. Neither is it an idea or simply a teaching but it is, in fact, a person – and that person is Jesus of Nazareth. For he said: ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life’ (John 14:6). He also taught that truth liberates: ‘you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free’ (v.32). Jesus sent the Holy Spirit with the express purpose of leading us into God’s truth: ‘When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth’ (John 16:13). When we read the scriptures we sit at God’s feet and learn from him, the fount of all truth.

• Lord, today I walk in the light of your truth. Teach me to immerse myself in your holy scriptures and to build my life on the solid rock of your word.

• Our Father…, Ten Hail Marys…, Glory be…

• Today my prayer is for… ”
– This short meditation was published in “A Lenten Journey of Prayer for 2013” by AlivePublishing. For information about their booklets please visit http://www.alivepublishing.co.uk (external link).