6th Week of Easter 2023 - Wednesday - Meet people where they are

 Paul’s preaching in the Areopagus of Athens is a definitive moment in Paul’s evangelizing mission. 

The people of Athens were not jews, of course, nor were they atheists—they worshipped a multiplicity of gods. Paul calls them a “deeply religious people” for religious observance permeated every aspect of Athenian daily life. If you went to the marketplace, there was a little altar there at the entrance where you would make a sacrifice to Minerva, the goddess of commerce.  If you wanted a child, you made a sacrifice to Diana, goddess of fertility.  If you were going to war, you would make a sacrifice to Mars, god of war.

For the Athenians, if you wanted good health, protection, healthy babies, financial stability, you better keep the gods happy. In fact, in the first reading, we hear that the Greeks even had an altar to an unknown god, just in case they missed one.  

So Paul stands in the Areopagus, and gently but ardently tries to teach them about the one true God, responsible for creating and sustaining all things.  And you don’t have to go far to find him.  For in him we live and move and have our being. And in fact, the One True God became man. Of course he’s speaking about Jesus. And Paul, assures the Athenians Jesus provided confirmation of his message by his resurrection from the dead.  At the mention of the word ‘resurrection’, Paul’s audience is spontaneously divided into two camps.  Many people scoffed at him, but some were open to hearing more about this Resurrected Messiah.   

Paul certainly gives us a model for preaching to non-believers. Meet them where they are with the truth of the Gospel. Go out to them. Seek to respectfully understand what they value, their religious aspirations and practices and gods. Be respectful. But also demonstrate the fullness of truth of Christ. And invite them to consider it. You want proof about Christianity. Let me tell you about the proof: the saints, the miracles, the unity, the spiritual fruits, the deliverance from demons in Christ’s name, the endless works of charity inspired by the Gospel. Now some, like those in Athens will scoff, but some will be open to hearing more. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his apostles, “the Spirit of truth will guide you to all truth.”  The gift of the Spirit enables us to glorify God in our words and deeds, and to lead people to the Truth about Jesus. In fact, the Spirit leads us to people SO THAT we can lead them to truth. 

Don’t be afraid of those conversations with strangers. Take genuine interest in people—in their beliefs, their traditions. Be friendly. Learn their vocabulary and values. Meet them where they are. Again, we literally see Paul going into a place where sacrifice was offered to pagan Gods to speak to people about Jesus. That’s something for us to imitate. May the Holy Spirit who fills our lives, use us to lead others to the Truth of Christ for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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That all bishops, priests, catechists, and parents may be faithful in preaching and teaching the saving Gospel of Christ.

For an increase in the gifts of the Holy Spirit among all Christians, and for all who are persecuted for the faith. For those who do not believe in God and for those who have fallen away from the Church.

For all priests, that they may be ardent yet gentle preachers and faithful stewards of the sacred mysteries. For the sanctification of all priests: for the endurance to remain faithful to their calling amidst so many challenges, and for an increase in vocations to the ordained priesthood.

For the sick, the suffering, those in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice care, for the underemployed and unemployed, for the imprisoned, those with addictions, for those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, that the Spirit of Consolation may comfort them.

For the deceased members of our families, friends and parish, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for all those who fought and died for our freedom.

O God, who know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.