ELABORATING AND DEEPENING GOD’S MESSAGE

1^ST READING - Acts 17:15, 22-18:1

P S A L M - Psalm 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14

R: Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

GOSPEL - John 16:12-15

These few remaining weekdays before the Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension on May 20 are a timely prelude. What we have in our Gospel readings are somehow conditioning us, making us ready for the “departure” of Jesus.

For instance, in today’s Gospel reading, taken from Jesus’ tender Farewell Discourse (John 13:31 to 17:26), He promises to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples, as though to make up for His future absence. As the “Spirit of truth,” the Holy Spirit “will guide us in all truth,” announcing “to [us] the things to come.” This doesn’t necessarily mean new revelations (as Jesus Himself is already the fullness of revelation). Rather, it is making such revelation of Jesus relevant for the future age.

No wonder, we read in today’s First Reading that St. Paul boldly speaks to the Athenians in the Areopagus (their supreme tribunal). Even if the results of Paul’s speech were meager in terms of conversions or new adherents to Christianity, the simple fact alone that he engages non-Christians with the message of Christ is already a big thing in itself.

As Jesus stated, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.” In consideration of our limited capacities, maybe He really intended not to tell us everything. But aside from the Holy Spirit who will assist us in grasping God’s message, we have the likes of St. Paul who elaborate and deepen it for us. Thank God for them, we need not worry about Jesus no longer being with us and speaking to us directly. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

REFLECTION QUESTION: Who are the people who have helped you or are helping you now in understanding God’s Word? Thank God for them.

Lord Jesus, thank You for evangelists in our midst. Grant them more wisdom, perseverance and patience to proclaim Your message to the ends of the earth.

St. Margaret of Cortona, pray for us.

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