| "And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free" John 8:32 |
Once recognized and explored, the sense of wonder provokes the person to inquiry, to a search for truth. He initiates questions to understand
himself, life, the world, and existence: Who am I? Where did I come from? What is my purpose? Why do I exist? Is there meaning to
life? Where can I find meaning and purpose? Where is all of this going? How will this all end?
These questions lead to even deeper questions beyond the person: Am I here alone? Is there a God? Did he create me? Is he good? How
can I know him? And talk to him? Does he love me? How can I love him? What is love? Is God listening to me? Why is he so hidden
from me? Do other people have answers? Do they know God? Do they love me? Will they help me? Can I help them? Are they listening?
As he asks questions and hopes for answers, the human person begins to recognize the full extent of reality and the natural order of
existence. He starts to understand that God is love, that he is intimately with him, and cares for creation. The person sees that truth is within
him, but also beyond him. He begins to understand that he has not, and cannot, create truth. It is a gift from God, and a means for humanity
to know God, ourselves, and the created order around us. The person is not abandoned to create his own “reality.” Such a misunderstanding
is a dangerous combination of barbarism and fantasy.
Once the person comes to a fuller awareness of truth, he feels a call to conversion and a vocation to be transformed by the truth. He must
enter the drama and challenge of approaching the truth, discerning its claims, and integrating its life within him. The slow, and sometimes
painful, process of ordering his beliefs, thoughts, and emotions to the truth, can give the person a greater sense of peace. This acceptance
and living in the truth is a harmonious thriving within the order and nature of existence. It provides a true creativity and blessed joy to the
person.
In his difficult task of wrestling with the truth, the person realizes his weakness and need for help. He asks God the Creator for assistance.
The Lord Jesus, God Incarnate, answers the plea. He comes to save and help humanity. The Lord Jesus solemnly declares: “I am the
Truth” (Jn 14:6). In him, the fullness of truth is found and given. When the person embraces the Lord Jesus, he finds the impetus to love
and share the truth. It becomes a part of him, and he becomes a greater part of creation. The person begins to share in the divine nature
itself. He realizes that life is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived. He is blessed with authentic freedom, which allows his
body to rejoice and his spirit to soar.
himself, life, the world, and existence: Who am I? Where did I come from? What is my purpose? Why do I exist? Is there meaning to
life? Where can I find meaning and purpose? Where is all of this going? How will this all end?
These questions lead to even deeper questions beyond the person: Am I here alone? Is there a God? Did he create me? Is he good? How
can I know him? And talk to him? Does he love me? How can I love him? What is love? Is God listening to me? Why is he so hidden
from me? Do other people have answers? Do they know God? Do they love me? Will they help me? Can I help them? Are they listening?
As he asks questions and hopes for answers, the human person begins to recognize the full extent of reality and the natural order of
existence. He starts to understand that God is love, that he is intimately with him, and cares for creation. The person sees that truth is within
him, but also beyond him. He begins to understand that he has not, and cannot, create truth. It is a gift from God, and a means for humanity
to know God, ourselves, and the created order around us. The person is not abandoned to create his own “reality.” Such a misunderstanding
is a dangerous combination of barbarism and fantasy.
Once the person comes to a fuller awareness of truth, he feels a call to conversion and a vocation to be transformed by the truth. He must
enter the drama and challenge of approaching the truth, discerning its claims, and integrating its life within him. The slow, and sometimes
painful, process of ordering his beliefs, thoughts, and emotions to the truth, can give the person a greater sense of peace. This acceptance
and living in the truth is a harmonious thriving within the order and nature of existence. It provides a true creativity and blessed joy to the
person.
In his difficult task of wrestling with the truth, the person realizes his weakness and need for help. He asks God the Creator for assistance.
The Lord Jesus, God Incarnate, answers the plea. He comes to save and help humanity. The Lord Jesus solemnly declares: “I am the
Truth” (Jn 14:6). In him, the fullness of truth is found and given. When the person embraces the Lord Jesus, he finds the impetus to love
and share the truth. It becomes a part of him, and he becomes a greater part of creation. The person begins to share in the divine nature
itself. He realizes that life is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived. He is blessed with authentic freedom, which allows his
body to rejoice and his spirit to soar.
Clarification on Truth
The human person is a marvelously unique and blessed creation. As a union of body and soul,
he stands as the source of unity for the spiritual and material worlds of existence. Finding both
worlds in his nature, he is a frontier being who integrates and elevates all of creation to God.
In this effort, the person sees the beauty of existence and encounters the mystery of life. This
engagement leads him to experience a sense of wonder and awe. The person without wonder
does not ask questions or seek answers, but to the one who is open to beauty and goodness, the
sense of awe compels questions and a search for answers.
he stands as the source of unity for the spiritual and material worlds of existence. Finding both
worlds in his nature, he is a frontier being who integrates and elevates all of creation to God.
In this effort, the person sees the beauty of existence and encounters the mystery of life. This
engagement leads him to experience a sense of wonder and awe. The person without wonder
does not ask questions or seek answers, but to the one who is open to beauty and goodness, the
sense of awe compels questions and a search for answers.