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TODAY’S WORD…

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If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness,

we lie and do not live out the truth.

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– 1 John 1:6 (NIV)

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REFLECTION…

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Truth or truthfulness is the virtue which consists in showing oneself true in deeds and truthful in words, and in guarding against duplicity, dishonesty, and hypocrisy. 1

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St. Thomas Aquinas tells us that "men could not live with one another if there were not mutual confidence that they were being truthful to one another." 2

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The disciple of Christ consents to "live in the truth,"

that is, in the simplicity of a life in conformity with the Lord’s example,

abiding in His truth.

That is why "if we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness,

we lie and do not live out the truth." 3

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Simplicity.

Jesus, during the first thirty years of His life,

was always the model of perfect simplicity.

When He began to preach the Good News

He did not carry out a noisy, spectacular activity.

Jesus is simplicity itself in His birth,

in the presentation in the Temple,

and when He manifests His Divinity through the miracles which God alone can work.

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Our Saviour shuns all show and vain-glory and false theatrical gestures.

He makes Himself accessible to all:

to the incurably sick and the most abandoned

who come to Him trustingly to beg the remedy for their infirmities;

to the Apostles who ask Him the meaning of the parables;

to the little children who embrace Him confidently.

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Simplicity, which is not to be at all confused with stupidity, is a sign of humility.

Simplicity is radically opposed to anything false, artificial or deceitful.

Simplicity is also a very necessary virtue for our dealings with God,

for spiritual guidance

and for our daily life with those around us.

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Simple and faithful trust, humble and joyous assurance are the proper dispositions of faith of a true Christian.

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1 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2468

2 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2469

3 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2470

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord, help me walk with humility and with joy, hope and trust…in Your light, and in Your truth.

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[*] Today’s reflection is sourced mainly from the seven-volume work “In Conversation with God” by Padre Francisco Fernández Carvajal.