May 8, 2024 - Wed. of 6th Week of Easter
May you continue to grow in your awareness of Who GOD is and may your be willing to share that knowledge with others.
What has been one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of your life? It might be seeing a natural beauty like the Grand Canyon, or Lake Tahoe. It might be the birth of child. Others might mention an experience during a retreat. Each time we encounter a breath-taking event or have a moving experience in our life we are actually coming to an ever-deepening relationship with GOD. This should also be true when we open the Word of GOD and when we participate in the worship of our Triune GOD. GOD continues to touch our lives with awesome or awe-filled (“aweful” in its original sense) experiences. We begin again to come to a bit more of an understanding of how awesome is our GOD. Yet it cannot stop just with our experiencing GOD in a new way. We must be willing to share that experience with others so that they will be drawn deeper into the understanding and knowledge of the GOD Who loves.
May you continue to grow in your awareness of Who GOD is and may your be willing to share that knowledge with others.
What has been one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of your life? It might be seeing a natural beauty like the Grand Canyon, or Lake Tahoe. It might be the birth of child. Others might mention an experience during a retreat. Each time we encounter a breath-taking event or have a moving experience in our life we are actually coming to an ever-deepening relationship with GOD. This should also be true when we open the Word of GOD and when we participate in the worship of our Triune GOD. GOD continues to touch our lives with awesome or awe-filled (“aweful” in its original sense) experiences. We begin again to come to a bit more of an understanding of how awesome is our GOD. Yet it cannot stop just with our experiencing GOD in a new way. We must be willing to share that experience with others so that they will be drawn deeper into the understanding and knowledge of the GOD Who loves.
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050824.cfm
Saint Peter of Tarentaise:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-peter-of-tarentaise
Readings: Acts 17: 15, 22 -- 18: 1; Psalm 148: 1-2, 11-12,13, 14; John 16: 12-15
Once again, we are reminded that the GOoD News of Jesus is meant to be passed on, handed down (“traditionized”). It is something in which we have been invited to participate. We continue in our understanding of the GOD Who wants us to be joined with Jesus through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Then, we are asked to share with others what we have experienced. In the First Reading, St. Paul speaks to the people of Athens. He speaks of the “Unknown GOD” for Whom the Athenians have built a shrine. Paul explains to them that the Divinity Whom they do not “know” is the one and only GOD Who is not far from them. In the Gospel, Jesus once again reassures His disciples (including us) that the Spirit of Truth will make “known” to them (and us) even more about Who GOD is.
St. Paul makes use of a shrine in Athens on the Areopagus Hill, which is below the Acropolis (see photo to the right which I took in July 2018). The shrine is dedicated to the “Unknown GOD.” Paul tells the Athenians that the GOD Whom they do not “know” is now being revealed to them. This GOD is the creator and giver of life. He also mentions that even though they continually search for this GOD, this GOD is actually as close to them as the breath they breathe, for GOD gives them their breath (Pneuma = Ruah = Spirit = breath). And they are children of this GOD. This GOD has been fully made “known” by the One Who has been raised from the dead – Jesus.
St. Paul meets some opposition. Not many of the “intellectuals” of Athens are willing to listen to him because he speaks of things which they cannot fathom, such as people being raised from the dead. A few accept the GOoD News and become believers. It does not deter St. Paul. He knows that he must continue to announce the message of salvation. Paul is not distressed over the lack of response from the majority of the Athenians. Thus, he moves on to Corinth where he will find a more receptive audience. He realizes that sometimes those who claim to “know it all,” have no real knowledge of what is most important in life – “knowledge”– a relationship with a GOD Who is revealing the fullness of the GODhead to them.
In the Gospel, as He continues His Last Supper Discourse on the night before He dies, Jesus reassures His followers that they will come to a fuller “knowledge” (i.e., understanding of GOD’s plan and a relationship with GOD) when the Spirit of Truth comes upon them.
The Spirit will pick up where Jesus leaves off and will add to their ability to understand and spread the seeds of faith which Jesus has given to them. That is because this Spirit, the Holy Spirit of GOD, is one with Jesus and His Abba-Father. The Spirit is just a further revelation of the GOD Who is not fully known except through a continued process of divine self- revelation to us and our feeble minds and a growing in a personal relationship with Triune GOD and with other believers.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that in some ways, even though we have accepted the GOD Who is Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we still have an unknown GOD. We can never fully “know” GOD, at least intellectually. No matter how long we have been taught, studied, and had a relationship with GOD, GOD continues to make “known” to us even more about Who GOD is. In my own life, having been raised in the faith, educated in a Christian environment, and devoted myself to studying GOD’s Word, I am still in awe as I come to fuller “knowledge” (both “understanding of” and a deeper “relationship with” this GOD). This struck me when I was at a confirmation ceremony a few years ago and we ended the celebration with the singing of the song, Our God Is an Awesome God. The awesomeness of this GOD continually overwhelms me. I sometimes wrongly think that after all these years I would not come to new insights about Who GOD is, but I do. As I deepen my relationship with GOD, I see GOD in a new light. I experience in an even more powerful and mystifying way who I am in the sight of GOD. I am reminded of another song which says, “Humble [yourself] in the sight of the Lord. . .and He will lift you up.” As I am drawn even more into this mystery of GOD, the only response I can have is that of knowing how much I am loved and known by GOD, and how much I still need to love and know this GOD. The more I come to sit at the feet of the Master and learn from the Teacher and be guided by the Spirit of Truth, the more I am humbled, loved, and empowered. I sense the need to share this with others. I know that I can never fully express the awesomeness of this GOD Who is Love, but I want to try to help others come to a greater “knowledge” (awareness of GOD’s presence and further developing of their relationship with the GOD Who continues to want to be better “known” by us mortals).
“Our GOD is an awesome GOD. He reigns from heaven above, with wisdom, power, and love. Our GOD is an awesome GOD.” We cannot fully understand this GOD Who has not been, nor Who cannot be, known intellectually even to us who have been and are believers. Yet, we can “know” (in the sense of being in relationship with) GOD, but that, too, is an ongoing, never-ending process. This GOD is continuing to reveal the awesomeness that is GOD. This GOD only wants us (every one of the creatures GOD has made) to be in relationship with the Divine Awesomeness.
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, totally awesome. Through Your GOoDness, we can only begin, again and again, to understand You. You want us to grow in relationship with You Who are Abba, Son, and Holy Spirit You have continually revealed Yourself to us throughout the ages. We, as individuals and as a community, have heard Your Word proclaimed. We are drawn into a deeper relationship with You, especially as You have let us “know” You, in and through the teaching, ministry, and life of Jesus. Yet even that was not enough. You (Abba) and Your Son (Jesus) have sent us Your Holy Spirit to expand our “knowledge” – understanding and relationship with You. No matter how long we have traveled along the path with the Son, we still do not fully know You. You have been the Unknown GOD Who wants to be “known.” Even in eternity, we will continue to be amazed as we grow in fuller “knowledge” – relationship, and experience of Who You are. You are truly awesome. We praise You and thank You for wanting us to come into Your presence and “know” You. May we always be open to Your further revelation of Yourself to us as Your children, individually and as a whole. We lift up this prayer in the name of Jesus, Who is present with us, in and through the Holy Spirit, and Who is living and reigning with You, our GOD Whom we call Abba-Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: Awesome God by Michael W. Smith: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Krp4BqavVEw
Humbly Thyself in the Sight of the Lord:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU8MAQKSbEI
In Him We Live written by Carey Landry:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrQ8vjUFcqU
Pass It on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tadZ8nCLBsI
Don’t Let the Fire Die by Steven Curstis Chapman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQBISIkhJYQ
Video of the Day: Saint Peter of Tarentaise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3kXFQ144cw
© rjk, 12-06-22
Saint Peter of Tarentaise:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-peter-of-tarentaise
Readings: Acts 17: 15, 22 -- 18: 1; Psalm 148: 1-2, 11-12,13, 14; John 16: 12-15
Once again, we are reminded that the GOoD News of Jesus is meant to be passed on, handed down (“traditionized”). It is something in which we have been invited to participate. We continue in our understanding of the GOD Who wants us to be joined with Jesus through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Then, we are asked to share with others what we have experienced. In the First Reading, St. Paul speaks to the people of Athens. He speaks of the “Unknown GOD” for Whom the Athenians have built a shrine. Paul explains to them that the Divinity Whom they do not “know” is the one and only GOD Who is not far from them. In the Gospel, Jesus once again reassures His disciples (including us) that the Spirit of Truth will make “known” to them (and us) even more about Who GOD is.
St. Paul makes use of a shrine in Athens on the Areopagus Hill, which is below the Acropolis (see photo to the right which I took in July 2018). The shrine is dedicated to the “Unknown GOD.” Paul tells the Athenians that the GOD Whom they do not “know” is now being revealed to them. This GOD is the creator and giver of life. He also mentions that even though they continually search for this GOD, this GOD is actually as close to them as the breath they breathe, for GOD gives them their breath (Pneuma = Ruah = Spirit = breath). And they are children of this GOD. This GOD has been fully made “known” by the One Who has been raised from the dead – Jesus.
St. Paul meets some opposition. Not many of the “intellectuals” of Athens are willing to listen to him because he speaks of things which they cannot fathom, such as people being raised from the dead. A few accept the GOoD News and become believers. It does not deter St. Paul. He knows that he must continue to announce the message of salvation. Paul is not distressed over the lack of response from the majority of the Athenians. Thus, he moves on to Corinth where he will find a more receptive audience. He realizes that sometimes those who claim to “know it all,” have no real knowledge of what is most important in life – “knowledge”– a relationship with a GOD Who is revealing the fullness of the GODhead to them.
In the Gospel, as He continues His Last Supper Discourse on the night before He dies, Jesus reassures His followers that they will come to a fuller “knowledge” (i.e., understanding of GOD’s plan and a relationship with GOD) when the Spirit of Truth comes upon them.
The Spirit will pick up where Jesus leaves off and will add to their ability to understand and spread the seeds of faith which Jesus has given to them. That is because this Spirit, the Holy Spirit of GOD, is one with Jesus and His Abba-Father. The Spirit is just a further revelation of the GOD Who is not fully known except through a continued process of divine self- revelation to us and our feeble minds and a growing in a personal relationship with Triune GOD and with other believers.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize that in some ways, even though we have accepted the GOD Who is Abba-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we still have an unknown GOD. We can never fully “know” GOD, at least intellectually. No matter how long we have been taught, studied, and had a relationship with GOD, GOD continues to make “known” to us even more about Who GOD is. In my own life, having been raised in the faith, educated in a Christian environment, and devoted myself to studying GOD’s Word, I am still in awe as I come to fuller “knowledge” (both “understanding of” and a deeper “relationship with” this GOD). This struck me when I was at a confirmation ceremony a few years ago and we ended the celebration with the singing of the song, Our God Is an Awesome God. The awesomeness of this GOD continually overwhelms me. I sometimes wrongly think that after all these years I would not come to new insights about Who GOD is, but I do. As I deepen my relationship with GOD, I see GOD in a new light. I experience in an even more powerful and mystifying way who I am in the sight of GOD. I am reminded of another song which says, “Humble [yourself] in the sight of the Lord. . .and He will lift you up.” As I am drawn even more into this mystery of GOD, the only response I can have is that of knowing how much I am loved and known by GOD, and how much I still need to love and know this GOD. The more I come to sit at the feet of the Master and learn from the Teacher and be guided by the Spirit of Truth, the more I am humbled, loved, and empowered. I sense the need to share this with others. I know that I can never fully express the awesomeness of this GOD Who is Love, but I want to try to help others come to a greater “knowledge” (awareness of GOD’s presence and further developing of their relationship with the GOD Who continues to want to be better “known” by us mortals).
“Our GOD is an awesome GOD. He reigns from heaven above, with wisdom, power, and love. Our GOD is an awesome GOD.” We cannot fully understand this GOD Who has not been, nor Who cannot be, known intellectually even to us who have been and are believers. Yet, we can “know” (in the sense of being in relationship with) GOD, but that, too, is an ongoing, never-ending process. This GOD is continuing to reveal the awesomeness that is GOD. This GOD only wants us (every one of the creatures GOD has made) to be in relationship with the Divine Awesomeness.
- The personal question/action for today: When have I experienced the awesomeness of GOD? What caused me to sense this awesomeness? What did this experience do to help me better understand the GOD Who wants to be “known” by me? How have I shared, or can I share, the awesomeness of GOD with at least one other person today? This week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, totally awesome. Through Your GOoDness, we can only begin, again and again, to understand You. You want us to grow in relationship with You Who are Abba, Son, and Holy Spirit You have continually revealed Yourself to us throughout the ages. We, as individuals and as a community, have heard Your Word proclaimed. We are drawn into a deeper relationship with You, especially as You have let us “know” You, in and through the teaching, ministry, and life of Jesus. Yet even that was not enough. You (Abba) and Your Son (Jesus) have sent us Your Holy Spirit to expand our “knowledge” – understanding and relationship with You. No matter how long we have traveled along the path with the Son, we still do not fully know You. You have been the Unknown GOD Who wants to be “known.” Even in eternity, we will continue to be amazed as we grow in fuller “knowledge” – relationship, and experience of Who You are. You are truly awesome. We praise You and thank You for wanting us to come into Your presence and “know” You. May we always be open to Your further revelation of Yourself to us as Your children, individually and as a whole. We lift up this prayer in the name of Jesus, Who is present with us, in and through the Holy Spirit, and Who is living and reigning with You, our GOD Whom we call Abba-Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: Awesome God by Michael W. Smith: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Krp4BqavVEw
Humbly Thyself in the Sight of the Lord:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU8MAQKSbEI
In Him We Live written by Carey Landry:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrQ8vjUFcqU
Pass It on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tadZ8nCLBsI
Don’t Let the Fire Die by Steven Curstis Chapman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQBISIkhJYQ
Video of the Day: Saint Peter of Tarentaise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3kXFQ144cw
© rjk, 12-06-22