“The Church must speak with Truth, and also with testimony… If a believer speaks about poverty, and leads the life of a Pharaoh – this cannot be done.”

“Seek not the favor of the multitude; it is seldom got by honest and lawful means. But seek the testimony of few; and number not voices, but weigh them.” ― Immanuel Kant: (1724 –1804: was a German philosopher who is considered the central figure of modern philosophy)

Gospel Text: (JN 15:26—16:4A)

Jesus said to his disciples:

“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,

the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,

he will testify to me.

And you also testify,

because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I have told you this so that you may not fall away.

They will expel you from the synagogues;

in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you

will think he is offering worship to God.

They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me.

I have told you this so that when their hour comes

you may remember that I told you.”

In today’s gospel Jesus says that His major witnesses are the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete or the Advocate and each one of us. The responsibility is given to us now by Jesus to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about His saving words and loving works but of course with the help of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit testifies to Christ because He continues the work of Christ and bears witness to Him. The Holy Spirit enlightens us on the truth of Christ’s message and the reality of His person. When we hear His word the Holy Spirit works on our hearts and minds. Our intellect grasps the meaning and our heart embraces His message allowing us to live it in our lives.

I’m sure you are very much familiar with St. Francis of Assisi. According to the book, Life of Francis d’Assisi, Francis once invited a young monk to join him on a trip to town to preach. Honored to be given the invitation, the monk readily accepted. All day long he and Francis walked through the streets, byways, and alleys and even into the suburbs. They rubbed shoulders with hundreds of people. At day’s end, the two headed back home.  Not even once had Francis addressed a crowd, nor had he talked to anyone about the gospel. Greatly disappointed, his young companion said, “I thought we were going into town to preach.”

Francis responded, “My son, we have preached. We were preaching while we were walking. We were seen by many and our behavior was closely watched. It is of no use to walk anywhere to preach unless we preach everywhere as we walk!