Our first reading today narrates the well-known incident of Paul preaching in the Aeropagus of Athens. He boldly proclaims — somewhat diplomatically so as not to offend the Athenians with their many philosophies and ideologies, their gods and goddesses — the Resurrection of the Lord. The results were mixed, meager for the most part.
The Gospel, on the other hand, speaks of still another proclamation or announcement. As Jesus carries on with His farewell discourse, He somewhat concedes, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.” Nevertheless, He assures us that “the Spirit of truth... will announce to you the things to come.”
Such an announcement is not necessarily a new revelation. It is really more of making the revelation of Jesus Christ relevant for each future age, which is, come to think of it, what Paul does in the Aeropagus.
The freshness of our faith truly consists not so much in novelties or in a fanatical adaptation of the latest fads and gimmicks. As society surely evolves and meanders through trends and tendencies, we are continuously challenged to “repackage” time and again the timeless Gospel message. Why, also catechists and youth ministers can and should be cutting-edge in their methods and approaches, for instance. All this, while remaining loyal to God as the very Source of that message.
Through it all, the Holy Spirit is the one who will accompany and assure us. We cannot even be sure if our Gospel proclamation will automatically produce positive results. But with the Spirit right behind us, we will be certain that the centrifugal force of our proclamation will be stably anchored on the centripetal force of our fidelity to God. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB
Reflection Question:
How confident am I in proclaiming the Good News to the people I meet?
Give me, Lord, the boldness and the courage to proclaim Your message not just through my words, but most importantly through my actions.
St. Eneco, pray for us.
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