Wednesday May 13, 2026

Acts 17:15-22

‘Men of Athens, I have seen for myself how extremely scrupulous you are in all religious matters, because I noticed, as I strolled round admiring your sacred monuments, that you had an altar inscribed: To An Unknown God. Well, the God whom I proclaim is in fact the one whom you already worship without knowing it.

Right after my first vows I was sent to go evangelize among the Bush-Men or Basarwa as we called them in a place called Hukuntsi right in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. Oh I was ready to go convert them! My novice master saw the excitement and eagerness in me and as he loaded my vehicle up, he called me to the side. He placed his hands on my shoulders and in his beautiful Irish accent he said “Brother Robert, remember this, before you get there know that God is already there..”

I very quickly learned that when you get somewhere, you have to kiss the ground and the people. That is, be willing to learn. I brought nothing to the Bush-Men. Instead they ministered to me in ways that have changed my life.

St Paul recognized that people in Athens had more spirituality in them than he had ever imagined. Have you ever thought that your child would be your teacher? Today open yourself to the lessons that Mother Earth, the universe, your spouse, children and friends bring to you. Lessons that challenge and grow you. God is all over your life. Listen and learn!!!