I was challenged in the subject of English throughout my high school years. But when we got to Greek mythology I was an enthusiastic standout student. The clash of the Titans, Ulysses, etc.... Athens the capital city
of Greece, has been continuously inhabited for over 7000 years. It provides the backdrop for various myths and
legends for ancient Greeks. Its name
derives from the goddess of wisdom, Athena, who became the city's patron
goddess after a contest with Poseidon.
The two gods competed for who would get the honor of becoming the patron
god of the city and offered gifts to the Athenians. Poseidon hit the ground with his trident and
created a spring, showing that he would offer significant naval power. Athena, on the other hand, offered the olive
tree, a symbol of prosperity and peace.
The Athenians, led by King Cecrops I, decided to take Athena's gift,
thus making her the patron goddess.[1]
This is also the backdrop in
which Paul is preaching. For centuries the
Athenians worshiped and attempted to please the many Gods of sky, seas, seasons,
harvest, war, and the dead. There was a
god for everything. It’s just the way
things were. Paul’s preaching of this "Unknown
God" (Acts 17:23) who is “the Lord of heaven and earth, who gives life and
breath and everything” (Acts 17:24), is met with, “We should like to hear you
on this some other time.” (Acts 17:32)
Changing a culture is
difficult. Lou Gerstner, former CEO of
IBM, wrote: “The hardest part of a business transformation is changing the
culture - the mindset and instincts of the people in the company.” One key to driving cultural change is the
leader must embody the new culture in their actions, words, and behaviors. Anything less will be perceived as hypocrisy
and lack of commitment to the cultural change.[2]
In today’s Gospel, Jesus
gives us an understanding of the Trinity as one of continual self-giving,
outpouring, and sharing of truth and clarity.
All that belongs to the Father also belongs to Jesus, thanks to the
Spirit of Truth (Holy Spirit). All this
is given to us freely. What is offered
is truth and clarity on the grandest of scales—from the infinite perspective
and all knowings of our eternal God.
It should move us beyond our small-minded “personal truth” and
individual preferences that lead us to self-centered and self-serving actions.
God’s truth pushes us to expand our understanding and experience of God,
others, and all creation as relational in nature, for the Trinity is limitless
self-giving and outpouring.
While we search for the
truth and clarity in our lives, we remember that our leader (Jesus) gave
everything. We are his living and visible
disciples who are called to tell His story of hope, mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation.
He promised to send His Advocate to aid
us and to be ever-present on our lifelong journey to continue His mission of cultural
change, which is a culture of light moving us past just the ways things are.
[2]
Business Insider. 9
Keys To Driving Cultural Change, by David Shedd, David Shedd's Blog April
19, 2011.
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