Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
(Daniel
3:14-20.91-92.95; John 8:31-42)
George Weigel wrote a
well-regarded biography of St. John Paul II.
He probably knows as much about the revered pope as anyone. Recently, Weigel commented that once St. John
Paul was asked which biblical verse had affected him the most. Weigel said the saint did not have to stop
and think. Immediately, John Paul II
answered, John 8:31: “’And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you
free.’” Jesus proclaims these words in
today’s gospel.
A basic truth of human
life is that men and women are sexual beings who are made to unify with one
person of the other sex. People cannot choose their gender, nor can they have
multiple unions. Making the most of
these truths by choosing wisely one’s spouse leads to fulfilling love. The couple can have a family, pursue careers,
and enjoy the variety of possibilities that life offers.
We live in an age when
many have forsaken the truth in order to live life in their own way. Some seek pleasure above all; others, power
or adventure. We must resist these
temptations. Living virtuously as people
with an eternal destiny, we will have wonderful experiences. If we seek him, we will come to know the
Lord. Then we will be ready to enjoy his
gracious love forever.
