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March 20, 2021Searching for knowledge, searching for truth resonate in the words of today’s readings. “I knew their plot because the LORD informed me; “How important is it for to be in the know? Knowledge and understanding are key for us. What is happening? What is on my mind as I search for truth and knowledge throughout my life? “I knew their plot…” gives me the opportunity to protect myself from harm. Knowledge is for safety, protection, and survival. Knowledge is also power that feeds our ego. Where do we get this knowledge we crave? “... at that time, you, O LORD, showed me their doings.”
The facts, just give me the facts that I may trust them and know what to do. What is the source of knowledge so that we can decide if we can trust the information? “Facts” and beliefs throughout history seem to have been overturned more than a few times. A trusted Greek philosopher Claudius Ptolemy stated the sun, planets and stars orbited around earth. That was the “fact” and knowledge. The earth was believed to be the center of the universe. Not until Aristarchus and Copernicus who thought the earth orbited around the sun, did some knowledge and “facts” turn upside down. Just as the earth was once considered the center of the universe, if we put ourselves in the center and believe others revolve around us, we can miss the truth. When we are not self-centered, we can be open to the truth of God. Human truths leave us wanting, but divine truths revealed by God are everlasting.
The responsorial psalm reminds us where to look for the truth, “O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.” There is the truth; there in the Lord our God. In the Gospel of John, the crowd hears the words of Jesus. They review the “facts,” revisiting the Old Testament. How are the facts interpreted? Is it about Jesus’ birthplace or where he grew up? “So, a division occurred in the crowd because of him.” Another fact is brought up by Nicodemus who reminds the Pharisees of the Jewish law. Confusion and division continue. “Then each went to his own house.” They left not knowing. They left still searching for the truth. Lent is a time to be humble, to let false beliefs die and continue our search for eternal truths. May our Lord give us the grace to be patient as we seek His Truth!
