May the Risen Lord grant you grace and peace in the Holy Spirit.
Is our life a spark or a park? Is there truth in our life?
It is on 17th May 2023. We celebrate the memorial of Bernardine of Siena, Priest. We reflect on Acts 17:15, 22-18:1 and John 16:12-15.
The Catechism No. 736 teaches us, “We live by the Spirit”; the more we renounce ourselves, the more we “walk by the Spirit.”
In the first reading, St. Paul reaches Athens and tried to reach out to the hearts of the Philosophers and the erudite audience.
Paul presented a theology that accommodated the quest and query of God by all human beings and pointed out that the shadow of belief is the idol worship that will be challenged by the judgement of God through the person of Jesus who rose from the dead. Paul was either challenged or ignored by the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in Athens.
Preaching and Philosophy are tiny dots of truth that attempt to connect with God. A sound Philosophy delivers profound preaching based on Theology.
The conflict between them sparks insight and inspiration on the Truth. Philosophy and Proclamation need to contribute to lead us to have profound Theology.
“When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, “We should like to hear you on this some other time.” But some did join him and became believers. (Acts. 17:32,34).
Truth touches and triggers the heart that seeks God. When truth disturbs our philosophy of life, we try to evade the truth for the time being, but we will have to face it anyhow. Are we trying to avoid the Truth because it questions our core philosophy of life?
We all have an unknown spot in our minds, hearts and lives that needs the light of God.
Some psychologists speak of Hidden Area or Self where we hide our information from others.
However sensitive and personal the information might be hidden from others but not from God.
Our philosophy and natural theology are not sufficient to believe in God. We need faith in Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The responsorial Psalm praises, “Heaven and earth are filled with your glory.” (Ps.148).
In the Gospel, Jesus continues to introduce the Spirit of Truth. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (Jn. 16:13).
Our spiritual life will be void without the guidance and presence of the Holy Spirit.
It is our spiritual endeavour to listen to the prompting and guidance of the Holy Spirit in everything we do or say.
May the Lord enlighten us to experience the truth in Jesus. May you have a good day. God bless you.