AUDIENCE: MAN'S NEED TO SEEK THE FACE OF GOD

VATICAN CITY, JAN 13, 1999 (VIS) - "The face of God the Father, the desire of man" was the theme of John Paul II's catechesis during today's general audience held this morning in the Paul VI Hall.

The various religious traditions give witness to "man's unavoidable need to seek the face of God" said the Pope. For this reason, "the Church respectfully looks at the efforts which other religions make to discover the face of God, distinguishing in their beliefs what is acceptable from that which is incompatible with Christian revelation."

Thus, he continued, "the perception of God as universal Father of the world and of people should be considered as a positive religious intuition. The idea of a divinity dominated by absolute power and whims cannot be accepted."

The Holy Father stated that "seeking the face of God is a necessary path which must be travelled with sincerity of heart and constant commitment. Only the heart of the just can rejoice in seeking the face of the Lord, and on him can shine thus the face of God the Father."

Jesus, he concluded, "manifests himself as the 'Son' and offers himself as the only way to the Father. ... The person wishing to meet the Father should necessarily believe in the Son. Through Him, God is not limited in assuring us provident paternal aid, but rather gives us his very life, making us 'sons in the Son."

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