Funny how society judges your success by your lack of failures, problems, or difficulties. “That person is well-balanced” they’ll say of someone who has known few if any difficulties.
And yet, Pentecost is all about receiving the Spirit of Truth. Our culture often echos those words spoken by Pilot, “What is truth?” When we are open to the Spirit of Truth, life ceases to be “normal” or even “balanced”. We find ourselves faced with all sorts of challenges, and at crossroads which demands us to choose: truth or convenience.
Many spiritual writers compare life to two paths: the visible, tangible, and tactile road, often superficial, often empty, with success, money, fame as its goal; and the spiritual, often elusive, intuitive, less trod road, that isn’t sure of itself, so is always seeking and therefore deeply reflective. Sometimes we try to combine the two, looking for a spirituality that is romantic, “good feeling”, and esoteric. Often we too judge spiritual progress by its lack of difficulties, as if obstacles signaled insincerity or lack of dedication.
Yet, the Spirit of Truth isn’t seeking that which is calm, but “troubled waters.” Sometimes, an abundance of trials are sure signs of a soul’s dedication, not vice versa.
In a day and age where appearances and visual images control, even within the Church, living from the Spirit of Truth poses quite a challenge. Still, only by remaining true to yourself, will you find the Light which enlightens all.