Word to the Wise
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - St. Pius V - Dominican Friar and Pope
[Acts 17:15, 22-18:1 and John 16: 12-15]You Athenians, I see that in every respect you are very religious. For as I walked around looking carefully at your shrines, I even discovered an altar inscribed, "To an unknown God.' What therefore you unknowingly worship, I proclaim to you.
I have always been fascinated by St. Paul's speech to the crowd in Athens at the open forum. It's worth reading more than once. Notice that the name of Jesus is not even mentioned! He does mention that God will 'judge the world with justice' "through a man he has appointed, and he has provided confirmation for all by raising him from the dead." Notice the mixed reaction as well - some scoff but others say, "We should like to hear you on this some other time." And some do and join the faith. Paul's courage and confidence to speak to a crowd that was more "sophisticated" shows the versatility of his talents. Perhaps that came from growing up in a Roman province and being acquainted with polytheism. He would also be familiar with the rhetorical style of public speaking that Greek culture had made popular. He even quotes from a Greek author, "For 'in him we live and move and have our being,' as even some of your poets have said, 'For we too are his offspring.'" I believe that many Catholics run for cover anytime a secular-minded person starts asking questions. Our science-worshiping culture intimidates. But this is precisely the public forum in which lay persons should be involved! We do have to know our faith and, as the First Letter of Peter puts it, "be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us." The reactions may be mixed, but we may hear those important words, "We should like to hear you on this some other time." This makes all the effort worthwhile. Try it sometime! AMEN
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