"Charity rejoiceth in the truth."
Everything that is done to promote the cause of truth is a source of sincere joy to those who have in their hearts the spirit of true charity. It matters not whether the success is due to their own efforts or those of others; they are always glad at the advance of truth, and the defeat of error. How do I testify my joy when truth prevails, when heresy is crushed, when souls are converted to God? Do I say a Te Deum or Magnificat, or thank God with all my heart on these joyful occasions?
Charity also finds pleasure in the truth being known. It has no wish to conceal anything. Those who have it in their hearts make no attempt to hide the truth concerning themselves. They are willing to be known as they really are with all their defects and imperfections. They are even glad their faults should be manifested, as far as the manifestation tends to the glory of God and the edification of their neighbor. I will examine myself to see what progress I have made in charity.
Do I rejoice in the truth being known about myself, even in matters that may humble my pride?
Do I rejoice in the truth when I find that I have misjudged or misunderstood my neighbors, and that they are very different from what I thought them to be, and far better than myself? Do I rejoice in the truth when I am shown to be wrong in some opinion, and when others set me right? Do I rejoice in the truth when I am brought face to face with my own weakness and nothingness and find that I cannot trust in myself but have to trust to God alone?
- text from Charity, Meditations for a Month by Father Richard Frederick Clarke, SJ