“But when the spirit of truth comes He will lead you to the complete truth”

As I was ushered into the small air-conditioned office by the young receptionist, I couldn’t help noticing the sign on the wall. The words on this sign were: “Remember to keep the Sabbath holy”.

Curious and a bit intrigued by this bold religious message in a medical office, I couldn’t resist asking the pleasant man seated behind his desk about his religious affiliation.

I wasn’t surprised when he informed me that he was formerly a Catholic who had converted to the Seventh Day Adventist faith. With this admission, there followed almost an hour of delightful, respectful sharing and dialogue on this person’s genuine search for truth.

What was very significant for me was the openness and willingness on the part of that gentleman to set aside his business concerns to share his insights of truth.

His tone and manner emphasised his genuine respect for my views and perspectives as a Catholic. As I listened attentively, I became more and more aware of the sensitivity of the speaker.

With this mutual sharing of faith experiences, there was no contest – no attempt to dominate the other because of different interpretations of scriptural truths or to score points in defending one’s religious position.

Dialogue is an essential tool that can be used in so many aspects of our daily lives. In business, social, religious or personal affairs we can build those essential bridges to connect to others.

In today’s Gospel we note that Jesus is describing and revealing to us the extraordinary life of God himself - a divine relationship based on the communion of three divine persons.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you to all truth, and further on “He will glorify me, since all he tells will be taken from mine…”

This glimpse of the very innermost life of God – of communion and interchange - a life of complete trust, total sharing and giving, is a model of perfection for us as humans. This model gives us the supreme example of what dialogue should be based on.

At this time we can also focus on the heritage we have gained through our colonial ancestors who chose the name of our country based on this divine mystery.

How many times have I heard this nation of ours referred to as being a “blessed” one? Or how many of us do feel convinced that God is a “Trini”? Perhaps we are right! If we do believe in the Blessed Trinity then God may indeed be a Trinbagonian!

This is indeed, a time for us to reflect on our role as Church for this nation. How can we promote dialogue as a significant tool for building bridges among our peoples?

A basic approach is a willingness to listen. A spirit of dialogue can open doors to fostering a better community spirit when it is skillfully employed by those in leadership

Dialogue is more than just mere discussion. It goes far deeper than this. This is why the Trinitarian model of unity in diversity becomes the most revered foundation for fostering bonds within all human relationships.

True, it may seem to be a utopian ideal yet it is Jesus himself who reveals that the spirit of truth will guide, enlighten and lead us. In leading us the Spirit will help us to discover the way and path to dialogue with others.

Can we as Church, guided and “led by the spirit of truth” bring that rich and transforming message of the Gospel to our nation? Can the sublime model of Trinitarian love be our constant basis for promoting dialogue within churches, communities or groups?

Yes, today there is much to celebrate - both as a Church and as a nation.

Let us pray

Lord, there is so much that we must thank you for as a Church, as a nation, as individuals.

We thank you for the gift of your Son, who has revealed to us the divine mystery of the most holy Trinity.

We thank you for the gift of divine love, the spirit of truth who strengthens, guides and enlightens us.

Lord, we pray for both the Church and the nation as a whole. Help us to use dialogue as a way to enrich our lives and to deepen our relationship with others.
Amen

Gospel Meditations for June are by Dianne Diaz, just another average, ordinary Catholic, who finds deep joy in preparing this Gospel Meditation.