Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Franz Gassner SVD – Macau
29th Week in Ordinary Time
Prof. Peter Adamson of King’s College London and LMU Munich makes the statement on his podcast no. 101: “Father Figures: Introduction to Ancient Christian Philosophy,” “The birth of Jesus and of a faith which accepted him as a Messiah had no immediate impact on the history of philosophy. But in due course it would have an impact exceeded by no other single historical event.”
We are privileged to be born into the era Anno Domini (A.D.), “The Year of the Lord,” or “After Christ,” profiting from the historical impact of God’s incarnation and the opportunities and windows opened by “this single historical event,” with no historical comparison. Paul speaks of “the mystery of Christ which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations” (Eph 3:5).
Oftentimes as Christians we live rather ignorant of this unique event and mystery; we are too complacent or satisfied, or not duly aware of what’s going on in history. It is good to reflect deeper on historical developments, but especially on the deep mystery we are called to be part of every day and year of our life.
For instance, Europe was called to be a “faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time.” But, despite its great developments, Europe also often failed to respond to its true call to stewardship (colonialism etc.).
This holds true for all of us as Christians at all times. Let us not fall short of our calling, learning from our true Master and getting prepared properly, in order to bear good fruits of faith, hope, and love in time: “Happy/Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.”
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