Importance of Consecrating oneself in Truth

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 7th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 17:11b-19*

*First Reading - Acts 20:28-38*

*Importance of Consecrating oneself in Truth*

*Jesus says "Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth"*

*1) Meaning of the Consecration*

Consecration means 

officially making something holy and able to be used for religious ceremonies

Consecration makes a thing or a person, to be separated from the rest of the things or people for a special purpose 

In simple words, A person or a thing set apart or kept apart for a holy purpose

*2) All Christians are consecrated Persons*

The sacrament of Baptism makes us consecrated persons. 

We are consecrated through the Holy Oils and the seal of Baptism makes us consecrated persons forever.

Once the consecration which takes place in the Baptism, can't be erased, but we remain consecrated persons forever. 

*3) Consecration In Truth*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about consecrating oneself with the Truth 

So far we have heard about consecrating through the Holy Oils. But Jesus speaks about consecrating oneself in Truth 

What is the importance of this? 

*God is Truth* Truth is another name for God. Wherever there is Truth, there is God and wherever there is God, there is Truth 

*I Am the Truth* Jesus boldly says that I am the Truth and Life. 

So consecrating oneself in Truth means, one is consecrated, or made holy by God Himself. 

There is a presence of Jesus in the consecrated persons.

*4) Effects of consecration in Truth*

Once a person is consecrated in Truth, the Truth works in the person 

It is the Truth that guides and shows the way 

It is the truth that enlightens and brightens ones path 

It is the Truth that gives us courage and hope 

So all the good and holy things take place once a person is consecrated in Truth

*5) Ways of Consecrating the Person in Truth*

The Sacrament of Baptism is the foundations for the consecration in Truth 

The Sacrament of Confirmation makes this consecration firm and strong 

The sacrament of penance, Eucharist and anointing of the Sick 

The sacrament of Holy orders is a special sacrament which makes people sacred for sacred or religious purpose 

The sacrament of Matrimony

All these sacraments are nothing but the various ways through which we are consecrated in Truth.

*6) Ways of Living our Consecrated Life*

As we know that all of us are consecrated in Truth. We need to live this consecration in our day today life. Following are the some of the ways 

Living our life according to the values of Christ

Commitment in doing our work and mission 

Following the principles of Truth, justice, and fighting for the same 

The values like humility, sharing, sacrificed, forgiveness, service, Martyrdom, are some of the visible and powerful ways to live our consecrated life in Truth

*7) Am I living my life according to the Consecration?*

There is no doubt that we are consecrated persons

But the question is am I living my life according to this consecration? 

What is the role of Truth in my life? 

Is Truth ruling my life or I rule the Truth according to my whims and fancies or selfish motives? 

*Think about it*

*Let's remember that we are consecrated in Truth - it means consecrated in God.*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*