Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
(Acts 17:15.22-18:1; John 16:12-15)
In his First Letter to the Corinthians St. Paul writes of
his intention in Corinth. He explains
that he did not come preaching wisdom but Christ crucified. This admission corresponds perfectly with his
experience related in today’s reading from Acts.
In this famous passage Paul tries to engage the Athenians
in rational discourse. He begins by
noting the place in the Greek pantheon of “an Unknown God.” He proceeds to claim that this God is the
uncreated Creator of all things whom Israel worships. He concludes by relating the story of Jesus. His listeners, however, brush him off with
what amounts to saying that his ideas are interesting. Paul has had enough with logic. From Athens he will proceed to Corinth where
he will use a completely different approach.
We will find ourselves at times in a situation similar to
Paul’s in Athens. We want desperately to
convince others of the principles of our Catholic faith but find them resisting
our efforts. We are wiser to state what
we believe and defend it not by reason but by the deeds that merit eternal
life.
