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Bearing All Truth
Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you
cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will
guide you to all truth.” John 16:12–13
Even Jesus’ closest companions, who spent three years with Him
during His public ministry, could not bear the fullness of Truth
without the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth. This is a significant
reminder for us, who did not have the privilege of walking with
Jesus during His earthly ministry.
Imagine those three years: the disciples witnessed miracle after
miracle, listened to sermon after sermon, and enjoyed intimate
conversations with Jesus. Just being in His presence, observing how
He interacted with others, must have been profoundly inspiring.
Yet, even those formative years did not prepare them to bear all
that Jesus wished to reveal.
This shows us that understanding the fullness of Truth goes far
beyond human capacity. Only through the supernatural gift of the
Holy Spirit can we comprehend the deepest mysteries of faith.
What happens to a soul who receives the Holy Spirit and is guided
into “all truth?” That soul is transformed. The natural soul gives
way to a supernaturally elevated soul, becoming a new creation in
Christ. But this transformation requires something essential: the
old self must die. We must surrender our fallen nature to receive
the new life Christ offers. This requires great sacrifice because
we must let go of our old ways and embrace God’s grace. But every
sacrifice that leads to a life transformed by divine truth is worth
it.
Recall Jesus’ teaching: “No one pours new wine into old
wineskins…New wine must be poured into fresh wineskins” (Luke
5:37–38). For us to become fresh wineskins, ready to receive the
new wine of God’s grace, we must allow the Holy Spirit to change
us. This transformation might be startling at times. As the Spirit
works within us, opening our eyes to truths we could never imagine,
we begin to bear those truths that previously seemed unbearable.
This leads to wonder, awe, and praise of God.
Consider the example of Saint Stephen, the Church’s first martyr.
When Stephen spoke, the corrupt religious leaders “could not
withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke” (Acts
6:10). He didn’t rely on years of education or human effort to gain
knowledge; instead, the Spirit of Truth lived in him and spoke
through him. Stephen had become a fresh wineskin, and the new wine
of God’s truth poured forth from him in superabundance, even to the
point of giving his life for Christ.
Reflect today on the boundless truths that God desires to reveal to
you through the Holy Spirit. No amount of human learning can
compare to the depth of wisdom available to those who become new
creations in Christ. What areas of your life still resist the
Spirit’s transformative work? What old wineskins must you cast
aside to receive the new wine of divine grace? By surrendering to
the Holy Spirit, you allow God to lead you into the fullness of
Truth. As this truth fills your heart, it will draw you into deeper
awe and praise for the mysteries of faith, preparing you to bear
witness to the world as a disciple of Christ.
Lord of all Truth, You desire to reveal to me Your very self,
yet I am unable to bear the fullness of Who You are and all that
You wish to reveal. Please transform me by the outpouring of the
Holy Spirit so that I become a new creation more fully able to
receive the fullness of divine Truth. Jesus, I trust in
You.
Image: Veni Sancte Spiritus by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND
2.0.
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