One of the essential functions of the Holy Spirit is to communicate the truth directly to our hearts. This truth is embodied in Jesus, who said, “I am the Way the Truth and the Life” (cf. John 14:6). Continually, the truth helps inform our judgments and decisions. In the gospel, amidst the evil plans of the chief priests and the Pharisees, Caiaphas, the high priest, intervened with prophetic words. The scripture acknowledges that “He did not speak of his own accord, but as high priest, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the whole nation.” Divinely, the Holy Spirit communicated the truth to him, and he ‘cooperated’ with the Spirit of God. Like Jesus in today’s gospel, many people pass through unjust persecutions in families, schools, workplaces, communities, Churches etc. whose fate depends on what we say and how we say it. So, as we begin this new month, let us allow God’s Spirit to communicate the truth through us with courage, not minding the persons involved, the opportunities we stand to lose or gain, or whether we are listened to.

PRAYER: Lord, please give me the grace to discern the truth properly and the courage to speak it. Amen.