Wednesday May 20, 2009

Wednesday May 20, 2009 of the Sixth Week of Easter
Readings: ACTS 17: 15, 22- 18: 1 Psalm 148: John 16: 12-15
Psalm Response: “Heaven and Earth are full of Your glory”

The people of the Areopagus were educated Greeks and followers of the many philosophers who loved controversy and discussion of issues about whih they could engage in banter.
They often welcomed strangers to speak to them so they could argue pro and con, not really caring which side they were on.
Paul was such a speaker! He tried some of their own philosophical means to draw their attention and perhaps convince them of his premise.
He praised their sanctity by pointing out the many gods they depicted with statues and idols. One in particular to the “unknown god”, struck his fancy .Using it as a starting point, Paul segued into a dissertation about the ONE GOD whom he proposed who had been crucified, buried and after three days in the tomb was resurrected. The Greek word for “ resurrection “ is “Anastasia”. With that, they scoffed at his introduction of yet another god and advised him in a derogatory manner, they would hear more about that another time; as much to say,” Tell me another!”
He was, however, able to convince a small cadre of adherents to join him in his mission to the gentiles.
The psalmist generates praise from any source. God doesn’t discriminate and often uses unlikely sources to bring about the understanding of His teachings. He could even use YOU!
Jesus’ final words to His disciples, encourages them to remain steadfast. He confirms His divinity and also that of the Holy Spirit by affirming the Holt Spirit’s will is also His and the Father’s.
In our limited capacity, it sometimes is difficult to be able to fathom the intent of the passages we read day in and day out. That is why Christ established Hs Church to be sure the message is straight-foward and requires an authority to He, Himself established.