6th week in Easter Time, Wednesday – 17th May 2023 – Acts 17,15.22-18,1; Jn 16,12-15
No Compromise
In the first reading, Paul speaks to the people of Athens. He explains to them that the divinity whom they do not “know” is now being revealed to them. This God is the creator and giver of life. This God is actually as close to them as the breath they breathe, for God gives them their breath. And they are children of this God. This God has been fully made “known” by Jesus, the one who has been raised from the dead. At this, Paul meets opposition with Stoic and Epicurean philosophers. The so called “intellectuals” of Athens were not willing to listen to him as they found his teaching rather strange. Very few accept the good news and become believers. It does not deter Paul for the lack of response from the majority of the Athenians. He knows that he must continue to announce the message of salvation. He tried to present his message in a language that would make sense to his hearers. He did not dilute or compromise his message, but he tried to express in a language that would give an opening to an audience totally unfamiliar with the Jewish scriptures. He realizes that sometimes those who claim to “know it all”, have no real knowledge of what is most important in life.
