Breaking the Word

6^th week in Easter Time, Wednesday – 17^th 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.

6^th week in Easter Time, Tuesday – 16^th May 2023 – Acts 16, 22-34; Jn 16,5-11

God’s Mysterious Protection

In the first reading, God sets Paul and his companions free from their incarceration by means of an earthquake. This narrative story once again indicates how God can write straight with crooked lines. He acts in mysterious ways for those who preach the gospel. God allows an earthquake to shake the jail, opening the jail gates, and loosening the chains and stakes holding the prisoners. God uses the whole experience to bring safety for Paul and his companions, and at the same time brings salvation to the jailer and his family. The responsible jailer, after the frightening earthquake, felt the possibility of escape of his prisoners, and so tried to kill himself. But when he went to check, on seeing Paul and Silas, fell trembling at their feet. He began to realize that the so called dangerous criminals were in fact messengers of God. In deep gratitude, the jailer asked what he should do to be saved. Paul showed him that the real way of Salvation is to have faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Immediately though late at night, the jailer had Paul’s and his companion’s wounds dressed after which the new converts were baptized. Jailer then brought them to his own house and shared a meal of joyful conversion. This meal of thanksgiving is truly a eucharistic meal.