Truth Passing By

At yesterday’s Mass for university students at the Holy See, Pope Benedict XVI made an appearance after the liturgy. As is expected on these occasions, chairs were tossed aside and the throngs of people pushed alongside the aisle, hoping to touch the Holy Father, or at least get in range for a good photo.
Much to the disappointment of the crowd, the Pope gave an address to the students, but did not pass through the main part of St. Peter’s Basilica. It took a bit of time for people to realize that Benedict had left the building and they all slowly trailed out of St. Peter’s to continue their evening. Unfortunately, many did not bother to listen to the Holy Father’s words, because they were busy jostling for a position where he might pass by.
The Holy Father spoke about his encyclical released this past week on hope, and talked about its applications for students. He spoke simply, but profoundly, on the need for students to pursue their spiritual lives and their studies with a sense of hope. It was certainly an apt message for Advent as students prepare for Christmas, but also to take a break from classes before the New Year.
The irony that many missed the Pope’s words, because they were busy trying to come into closer contact with him, seems an appropriate metaphor for the pursuit of truth in an event or even in the news. We are so busy hoping to find something in particular and, when we miss that, we also miss the true significance of the event. For those who came to this Papal Event open to the Holy Father’s words as well as his presence, they walked away fulfilled. Others left, disconsolate, because they did not find what they were looking for.
Just one more reminder to approach things for what they are and listen with a ready and receptive mind…