The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, May 23, 2001
The Sixth Week of Easter
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 17:15,22--18:1
Psalm 148:1-2,11-14
John 16:12-15
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
In today's first reading we hear Paul speak to the pagan Athenians.
He remarks about their religious practices and a shrine he has seen
"To a God Unknown." He continues by saying that because of the One
who was raised from the dead, God need not be unknown but in fact,
has been revealed. Sadly, we hear that, for the most part, the
Athenians rejected Paul's eloquent speech.
Reflecting on this story makes me wonder why even to this day, for
many, the God of Glory has remained an unknown God. What is happening
in the hearts and minds of people that fail to accept the gospel
message? And perhaps more important, what are we going to do about
it?
Curiously, after having made only a few converts, Paul left the area
and went to Corinth. If we're inclined to do nothing about spreading
the gospel message, and leave people to their own designs, we might
say that Paul's departure supports that kind of decision. In doing
so, we would make a sad mistake, thinking that Paul's efforts
accomplished nothing. We would fail to remember that it is God who
makes the seed of faith grow. We, for our part, are to sow it and
water it with our prayers, tears, petitions and good example.
Pray then, as we await again the promised Paraclete; we might do our
part and pray with such perseverance and fervor that the heart of the
Father might be moved again and again and again to send down the Holy
Spirit to create anew the face of the earth and the hearts of men.
Come Holy Spirit! Come!
- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds
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