What is Truth?

“Melbourne, Australia, September 12, 2019, A law passed in the Australian state of Victoria would require priests to reveal or violate the Seal of Confession if anything in the confession gave them a reason to suspect occurrences of child abuse.  This new law would carry a sentence of up to three years in prison if not revealed.”  This is taken in part from a news release on-line.  Without copying the report per vatem I wanted to use this in addressing the abuse of truth in the Catholic Church.

Respect for the Truth!  Canon 983.1 of the code of canon law, and the CCC # 2490 states “The secret of the sacrament of reconciliation is sacred, and cannot be violated under any pretext.  The sacramental seal is inviolable; therefore, it is a crime for a confessor in any way to betray a penitent by word or in any other manner or for any reason.”  Catholics should understand this canon and feel safe in the confessional.   

During the interrogation of Jesus by Pilate Jesus said; “You say I am a king.  For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.  Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”  Pilate said to him; “What is truth?”  (Jn. 18: 37b - 38).

A second item that is absolute is the Transubstantiation.  See my latest article “The Holy Eucharist / Absolutely Real Flesh, Absolutely Real Blood”.  There is no doubt many Catholics (I hate to use the word many) approach the altar for communion not sure what they are partaking of.  Protestants believe this is just a memorial of the Passion of Christ.  But, real flesh and blood?  

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”  The jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”  Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.”  “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.”  “For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.”  “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.”  (Jn. 6: 51 - 56).

Do you often wonder why most (if not all) TV evangelists never speak on Jn. 6?  This is all Catholic doctrine.  John’s Gospel is called “The Book of Signs” because herein we learn that Jesus is God.  Each sign stands out as proof of this, if you read into the teaching of this gospel.  Another reason why non-catholics should not approach the altar for Holy Communion at weddings and funerals.  That becomes a contradiction to their beliefs (or unbeliefs on the true presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist). 

What is Truth?  Look at the Reformation and since then thousands of Protestant denominations have risen, with none holding on to the most basic and prolific doctrines that are truth.  Jesus Christ left the Church in Peter’s hands and told him in no uncertain terms, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.”  “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.”  (Mk. 16: 15 - 16).  

From the CCC # 215; The sum of your word is truth; and every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.”  “And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true; this is why God’s promises always come true.  God is Truth itself, whose words cannot deceive.  This is why one can abandon oneself in full trust to the truth and faithfulness of his word in all things.  The beginning of sin and man’s fall was due to a lie of the tempter who induced doubt of God’s word, kindness, and faithfulness.” 

CCC # 216; “God’s truth is his wisdom, which commands the whole created order and governs the world.  God, who alone made heaven and earth, can alone import true knowledge of every created thing in relation to himself.”

What is Truth?  The Roman Catholic Church, it’s dogmas and the Catechism of the Catholic Church which everyone should at least have when questions on doctrines arise.  Our baptism demands more than just a sacramental sign.   

Ralph B. Hathaway, September 2019