Today’s readings beautifully illustrate how God gradually reveals Himself and His plan to the world, guiding us step by step into the fullness of His divine love and truth. Let us open our hearts to see that God's revelation unfolds through history, through His creation, and through His relationship with us.
In the first reading, we see Paul and Barnabas boldly proclaiming the Good News in Lycaonia. Despite facing opposition, their perseverance reminds us that God's plan for salvation is not always immediately understood or embraced. How many of us have family members who are having a difficult time with their spiritual walk of faith, simply because certain truths do not make sense to them? They seem beyond our reach, and yet, God’s intervention is usually never too far away. The healing of the crippled man at Lystra reveals how God's power can manifest unexpectedly, drawing people's attention to Himself. The crowds, witnessing this miracle, mistakenly think that Paul and Barnabas are themselves gods come down to earth. But the apostles quickly redirect their praise to the true God—the Creator of heaven and earth—who reveals Himself through His creation and acts of mercy.
This story illustrates that God's revelation often begins with signs and wonders, with moments that catch our attention and challenge our understanding. These moments can all be described, quite simply, as beautiful. How does God draw us in through his many beautiful miracles? God gradually reveals Himself through His creation—the rains, the seasons, the nourishment He provides—reminding us that everything we have and are comes from Him. As the psalmist proclaims, “Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give glory,” we are called to recognize that all good gifts point us back to the Creator.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples that He will reveal Himself to those who love Him and keep His commandments. The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, is sent by the Father to teach and remind us of all that Jesus has said. Here, we see the ongoing revelation of God's plan—Jesus’ presence among us is an invitation for a personal relationship. The Spirit continues to guide us, revealing God's love in our daily lives and helping us understand His will.
God’s revelation is a process—gradual, patient, and lovingly persistent. As the true Father that he is, he accompanies us through a process of maturation, patiently, tenderly and with devoted attention. He reveals Himself through creation, through the words of Scripture, through His Son, and through the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Just as the apostles were entrusted with the mission to proclaim the Gospel, we too are called to be witnesses to God's ongoing revelation in our lives.
God's plan is not fully revealed all at once. We need to keep this in mind. Like the early Christians, we may encounter moments of clarity and moments of confusion. But in every step, God is right by our side. He reveals Himself in ways that draw us closer to Him, urging us to love Him and keep His commandments.
Let us pray for the grace to be attentive to God's gradual self-revelation in our lives, to recognize His presence in creation, in our relationships, and especially in the Word and Sacraments. May we be faithful witnesses to His love, sharing the Good News with others, and giving all glory to God alone.
Amen.
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