Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
The Easter season continues but the thrill of the Resurrection seems to less and less obvious in the readings. One reason for this is because we are preparing for another big event in the history of the Church – Pentecost. A second reason is because, at some point the Resurrection has cease to be an isolated event that happens once a year. On the contrary it needs to be integrated with the rest of life, and indeed, in all of creation. There are so many ways that the life of God reflected in world around us – but only to those who are willing to see.
This point is brought out well in today’s first reading. Paul’s eyes were wide open as he entered into one of the cultural centers of the ancient world - Athens. Before witnessing to the people of Athens, he observed the culture and realized that the Greeks were very religious. Paul “even discovered an altar inscribed, ‘To an Unknown God.’”(Acts17:23b) Paul used the knowledge of this shrine and the Athenian style of discussion as a platform from which to witness. It is into this context that Paul weaves theological lessons that begin to sow the seeds of faith. Paul’s witness uses imagery that shows the world as being created by God and that the order in the world is a reflection of the creator.
This reflection of the creator is a reflection of divinity. Understanding iconography even a little bit could help illustrate the idea these readings convey. An icon is a religious image, yet the image is not just artwork on which to gaze. An icon is more like a window that opens to a reality which is deeper than we can almost imagine. Paul understands this more than anyone else as he uses the shrine to the “unknown god” to make a deeper point – the “known God,” Jesus Christ.
Perhaps, this is what Jesus means when he says in today’s gospel, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.” (Jn 16:12) We must begin, then, to pray with great anticipation for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on us, so that like Paul, we too may be able to take those around us from the profane to the sacred, from the unknown to the known, from death to life.
Contemplate how the Lord is calling you to witness today. In what ways are we being called to be observers and listeners first? As you go about the day, ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide. Then our lives will express the truth of God. “Advocate, open our minds and hearts so that we become an icon along with all of creation that gives praise and glory to You. Amen. Alleluia.”
-Michael Montgomery