John Paul II was telling us to love life, while preparing us for the day of Christ’s death and resurrection. Preparing us for his death, the Pope wrote, “The Commandment, “You shall not kill!” always requires respecting and promoting human life, from its beginning to its natural end.” And, he was explaining: “It is a command that applies even in the presence of illness and when physical weakness reduces the person’s ability to be self-reliant. If growing old, with its inevitable conditions, is accepted serenely in the light of faith, it can become an invaluable opportunity for better comprehending the Mystery of the Cross, which gives full sense to human existence.” Thus, he did not abdicate- said the Archbishop. That is why he always humbly accepted doctors’ recommendations; although, he did not always like them. He was suffering, but fighting. Suffering and fighting in front of the entire world, he wanted to help us to understand the mystery of the cross; not only during Lent; but especially at that time we were walking with him through this desert. All the way to Passover.
