Truth about man cannot be reached by mere science, Pope tells university students

Vatican City, Dec 14, 2004 / 22:00 pm

During the annual Mass for university students and faculty members from Roman and other European universities with Pope John Paul II yesterday evening in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope reiterated that the full truth about man can be reached by looking at “Christ’s gaze of love,” and not only by science.

"As 'sentinels of the morning',” said the Pope to the university students, “you wish to be vigilant - today, during these weeks of Advent, and throughout life - to be ready to welcome the Lord Who comes."

"Dear university students," he said, "we are in the year of the Eucharist and, in preparation for World Youth Day, you have been reflecting on the theme 'Eucharist and the Truth about Man'. This is a demanding theme. In fact, before the Eucharistic mystery, we are moved to verify the truth about our faith, our hope and our love.”

He said that “we cannot remain indifferent when Christ says: 'I am the living bread, come down from heaven'. Into our minds comes the question He asked: 'Do you believe it is I? Do you really believe?' In light of His words: 'Whoever eats this bread will have eternal life', we cannot not ask ourselves about the meaning and value of our daily lives."

In the face of the greatest love, that of Christ "Who sacrificed Himself for the life of the world", said the Holy Father, we must ask ourselves:  "Is my humanity, my existence filled with the love of God and love for my neighbor? Or is it rather imprisoned in the oppressive cycle of selfishness?"

The Holy Father said that the search for "truth about man is not reached only by the means that science offers us," but also "thanks to Christ's gaze filled with love.”

“It is He, the Lord,” he continued, “Who comes to us in the mystery of the Eucharist. Never stop looking for Him and you will discover in His eyes an attractive reflection of the goodness and beauty that He Himself has placed in our hearts with the gift of His Spirit."

The Pope concluded by recalling that "during Advent, a prayerful time of waiting which prepares us for Christmas, Mary, the Virgin of Hope, is especially present. I entrust you to her so that you prepare yourselves to receive Christ who comes to establish His kingdom of love, justice and peace."