The Struggle between Love and Truth
Why is this important?
In my last post I said that I would like to look more deeply at one of the characteristics of a synodal Church:
“A synodal Church confronts honestly and fearlessly the call to a deeper understanding of the relationship between love and truth.” (para. 27)
I understand that it was the subject of considerable conversation among the Synod participants in October of 2023.
Why is this important?
Because it speaks to priorities. What is the most important action we can take? To love someone (no matter what)? Or to tell them the truth (even if it hurts)? Do these priorities have to take us to different places?
It’s easier to love someone when they are doing what you think they should be doing. Following God’s rules, the Church’s rules, society’s rules, your rules. It’s not so easy when they are not.
I think back to my experiences of parenting. My husband and I wanted to raise our kids to be good people, kind and reliable. Willing to do their best and their part - as family members, friends, employees (and employers), and citizens. To not take their gifts and opportunities for granted.
How did we come up with these criteria? Did we get them from our parents and grandparents? From our neighborhoods? Our schools? The Church?
We need to have standards, but who gets to set the standards? I have been praying about this and thinking about it over the past few days.
The thought I have is to prioritize Jesus, his ways and his words. After all, we Catholics are Christians, right? Two of his statements immediately come to mind:
“I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6
“Love one another as I have loved you . . . by this everyone will know that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35
Do we really have to choose between truth and love? Or is that just a choice thrust upon us by our partisan, winner-take-all times? The all-or-nothing, liberal or conservative ways that people trying to control the narrative use to control others, to control us?
What side are we on?
Do we have to allow people to “herd” us to one side or the other? Or can we walk the middle path, with humility and compassion.
What do you think?
Yes...