Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima

(Acts 17:15.22-18:1; John 16:12-15)

The story of the apparitions at Fatima sound like nonsense to some.  Sophisticated people cannot accept the testimony of three country children about their encounter with the mother of God.  To these people the details of the revelation are pure fantasy.  In the same way the men at the Areopagus hear the testimony of Paul in the first reading today.

The story is written with a dramatic flair.  One can imagine Paul clearing his throat as he prepares to engage the Athenians in a philosophical discussion of Jesus.  Then the preacher begins his discourse by reminding the Athenians of their religious tradition. When he concludes, the people for the most part walk away in apathy to his testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Still today many non-believers have little patience to hear stories of Jesus.  If they will entertain thoughts of him at all, it will be because of the witness of Christians to his love.  When we care for one another and extend such love to those outside our circle of concern, people will take notice.  They will ask why we love others and discover the living effect of the resurrection.