Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Reverence is a word I find easier to describe than to define. Reverence can be experienced in many places. Adoration is an experience that first comes to mind in thinking about reverence. By placing ourselves before the Blessed Sacrament, we can experience the presence of the risen Lord in way that is beyond explanation.
Reverence is a sense a respect that moves our entire being to take pause and enter into the present moment in a way that draws us beyond the present. At the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” reverence is almost palpable. The soldiers that draw the duty of Guarding the Tomb are the best of the best. Their record must be exemplary in order to apply. Then they train intensely and may not serve until they are able to repeatedly execute their duty without missing a step. With the precision of movements, the power of the ritual of the ‘Changing of the Guard’, and when the bugler sounds of taps, all are drawn into this reverential moment in a way that drives most to prayer.
Paul’s preaching in Athens was likely in the main plaza where many of the best Greek philosophers had stood. This preaching had to be nearly the best in his life. And he did what a great preacher does in order to reach his audience; he made a connection between himself and something important to those with whom he spoke. Recognizing the altar inscribed “To an Unknown God” and then affirming his audience for unknowingly worshiping the God he came to describe to them. Despite the brilliance of Paul’s message not all were receptive to the truth he shared.
Jesus came to share the truth, yet he knew that they could not handle all the truth, all at once. Instead he promised them an Advocate. This Advocate would guide the disciples until the end of time; and to this day the Holy Spirit attempts to guide the faithful. Yet sometimes the truth is more than we can bear, and we scoff at the Spirit’s promptings. Those who acknowledge and live the guidance of the Spirit will glorify God. Do our lives glorify the Lord, or do we unknowingly worship a truth that is of our own making?
Loving God, continue to send Your Advocate to guide us away from the ungodly things, we unknowingly worship, and lead us back into Your loving embrace! We prayer this through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen. Alleluia!
-Michael Montgomery