Memorial of Saint Justin, martyr
In recent years, we have had agnostics and even atheists join our RCIA process. They are encouraged to come as they are and participate with an open mind and a willingness to be guided by the Spirit. This past year, we had a candidate who grew up Southern Baptist although he was never baptized. Since then, he became an atheist, an agnostic and a Buddhist. Along the way, he met a Catholic woman and he decided to investigate the Catholic faith. At the beginning of our RCIA process, he still considered himself a Buddhist. This Easter, he was baptized Catholic. Rarely have I encountered such a learned young person who had explored so many theological points of view.
Today’s readings were chosen for the feast of St. Justin who came to faith through a similar journey. Justin investigated many philosophical paths before he encountered an old man who told him about Christianity. Like the Athenians in today’s first reading, Justin heard the gospel preached and decided to investigate the faith further. What really cemented Justin’s commitment to faith was the fearless conduct of Christians who were facing execution for living their beliefs. Their faith of God the Father clearly showed, ‘In him we live and move and have our being.’ (Acts 17:28a) The clarity of their faithful discipleship converted many.
How does our discipleship communicate our steadfast belief in the Lord? Have we embraced the preaching of Jesus and Paul or are we putting off their message for another time? Jesus sent us the Spirit of Truth to guide us to that which is true. The same Spirit that guided Paul and the Apostles moved Justin’s life to lead him to faith. How is the Spirit of Truth guiding us? If we listen closely to all of the experts of our culture, we realize that they cannot all be telling the truth. More importantly, are we listening to the one message that the Spirit keeps putting in our path? The message may not be pretty or make us feel comfortable but it may be that our listening to it could change our lives.
Lord, help us to hear the guidance of your Spirit of Truth this day. In our listening, charge us to be like Justin and go forth with a zeal for your Word to be steadfast examples that lead others to the Spirit of Truth. Amen. Alleluia!
-Michael Montgomery