First Reading (Acts 17,15.22-18,1)
Reading from the Acts of the Apostles:
In those days, those who led Paul took him to Athens. From there, returning, they gave Silas and Timothy the order to come to him as soon as possible. And they left. Standing in the middle of the Areopagus, Paul said: “Men of Athens, in everything I see that you are extremely religious. Indeed, passing by and observing your places of worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown God’ Well, this God that you worship without knowing is exactly the one I announce to you.
The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in sanctuaries made by human hands. Nor is he served by human hands, as if he needed anything; for it is he who gives everyone life, breath and everything else. From one man he made the entire human race to dwell on the entire face of the earth, having fixed previously established times and the limits of their habitation. This is what he did, so that they would seek God and see if they would discover Him, even if they groped. He is not far from each one of us, for in Him we live, move and have our being, as some of your poets have said: ‘We are of the race of God Himself’.
Being, therefore, of the race of God, we should not think that divinity is similar to gold, silver or stone, worked by the art and imagination of man.
But God, without taking into account the times of ignorance, now announces to men that everyone and everywhere repent, for he has established a day in which he will judge the world with justice, through the man he appointed, before everyone, offering a guarantee by raising him from the dead.”
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some scoffed, and others said, “We’ll hear you talk about that another time.” So Paul left their midst. Some, however, joined him and embraced faith. Among them was also Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (John 16,12-15)
— Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: “I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to understand them now. However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will lead you to the full truth. For he will not speak of himself, but whatever he hears he will say; and even things to come he will declare to you. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. Everything the Father has is mine. Therefore, I said that what he will receive and announce to you is mine.”
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
My brothers and sisters in Christ, peace and grace be with you!
Today, I would like to begin our reflection with a simple question, but deeply relevant to our lives: have you ever felt lost amidst the complexities and challenges of the world in which we live? Maybe you feel like a lone traveler, sailing uncharted seas, searching for answers and guidance. If so, know that you are not alone. Our spiritual journey often leads us to question, seek deeper understanding, and find a way through uncertainty.
In the biblical passages we have just heard, we find a message of hope and guidance. In the first reading, we are introduced to the apostle Paul, who is in Athens, a city known for its culture and philosophy. Paul realized that the Athenians were religious, worshiping a multitude of gods, but he also found an altar dedicated to the unknown God. He saw this as an opportunity to share the Gospel message.
Paul, with wisdom and humility, begins to speak to the people, connecting with their beliefs and everyday experiences. He uses the culture and religiosity of the Athenians to build a bridge, an opportunity to transmit the truth of the Gospel. Paul recognizes that although they do not know the true God, they have a spiritual thirst. He reminds them that it is the God who created them, who lives and breathes in each of them.
My friends, like the Athenians, we often find ourselves searching for something greater, something that gives meaning to our existence. We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with conflicting information and ideas. It’s easy to feel lost, questioning our purpose and what’s true. But Paul shows us that the answer lies in our search for God, the unknown God who is present in our lives, even when we don’t realize it.
Throughout history, the Church has been a beacon of hope and guidance for those who are lost. It offers us a spiritual compass, anchored in the Holy Scriptures, to guide us on our journey. In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises to send the Spirit of Truth to guide us into all truth. He assures us that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us the things we cannot understand on our own.
Imagine a traveler in a dense forest, without a map or compass. He feels lost, not knowing where to go. But then, a light shines through the trees and an experienced guide appears. He extends his hand and offers guidance, showing the safe path. This is how the Holy Spirit is in our lives. He is our divine guide, our counselor and friend, who leads us to a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
However, my brothers and sisters, it is not enough to simply receive this divine guidance. We must also respond to this call and act in accordance with the truth revealed to us. The Gospel message is not just an abstract theory, but a living, transforming reality. It is a call to live as disciples of Christ, in action and in word.
Remember that God gave us unique gifts and talents, to be used for the benefit of others and for the glory of his name. We are called to be salt and light in this world, to illuminate the dark paths and to add flavor to the lives of those around us. We should not hide these gifts, but share them generously with others.
My dear ones, how can we do this? How can we live according to the truths we find in Scripture? Allow me to offer some practical suggestions:
First, dedicate time daily to prayer and reading the Scriptures. Just as a pilot trusts his navigation instrument, we must trust the Scriptures as our spiritual guide. Find a quiet moment in your lives to connect with God, to hear His voice and allow His Word to penetrate your hearts.
Second, cultivate meaningful relationships with other Christians. The journey of faith is not to be walked alone. We need each other for encouragement, support, and accountability. Find a faith community where you can grow together, share your experiences, and learn from each other.
Third, be witnesses of God’s love in your everyday life. We don’t need to preach elaborate sermons to share the Gospel. Instead, live your lives in ways that reflect the love of Christ. Be kind, compassionate and generous. Demonstrate God’s love through your daily actions and be a living example of what it means to follow Christ.
Fourth, be courageous in your faith. The world around us often challenges us and makes us question our beliefs. But remember that we have the Holy Spirit within us, strengthening and empowering us. Don’t be afraid to share your faith and stand up for what is true, even when it is difficult. Have the courage to live according to the principles of the Gospel, even when it means swimming against the current.
Lastly, my beloved ones, remember that our spiritual journey is an ongoing quest. As we grow and mature in our faith, we can discover new truths and perspectives. Be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in your lives, allowing Him to guide you in new directions and challenge your preconceptions. Be willing to learn and adapt, trusting that God is always leading us to a deeper understanding of His love and will.
Today, my dear brothers and sisters, I invite you to embrace this spiritual journey. Let yourselves be guided by the Holy Spirit in all areas of your lives. Open your hearts to the truth of Scripture and allow it to transform your lives. And, above all, live as witnesses of God’s love, radiating His grace and hope to the world around you.
May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you on your spiritual journey. May the word of God be a light on your path and a support in your difficulties. And may you always be reminded that you are not alone on this journey, but have a community of faith that supports and loves you.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
