Permission To Cross The Street

Over the arches of the triple doorway of the Cathedral of Milan there are three inscriptions. One is a beautifully carved wreath of roses, and beneath it the words, “All that pleases is but for a moment.” Another is a sculptured Cross with these words below: “All that troubles is but for a moment.” And over the central doorway these words are inscribed …

THAT ONLY IS IMPORTANT WHICH IS ETERNAL.

In today’s Gospel Lesson, the hour of Jesus’ execution is fast approaching. And so, in the presence of His disciples, Jesus raises His eyes to Heaven and prays to the Father for the power to give eternal life to His people. “And eternal life is this,” Jesus says, “to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (Jn. 17:3).

To know God, to be in union with God, to share in God’s eternal life, that only is of ultimate importance. And that’s the kind of life…