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.
