Philosophy lacks resonance

The Roman Catholic Lectionary presents texts today which identify the passion of people for philosophical probing of the great questions which surround our existence. The book of Acts recounts the experience of Paul in Athens in discussion with Greek philosophers in front of the Areopagus. Friar Jude Winkler comments that Paul presents an understanding of Stoic philosophy, an important element of Greek spiritual thought. Paul has difficulty with these thinkers when he introduces the idea of Resurrection in the midst of those convinced that our existence is that of soul trapped by the body. We can, at times, be less appreciative and thankful for our body than followers of Jesus who took on human form should be. The truth about God is a pursuit which according to the Gospel of John requires the assistance of the Spirit of God to create a resonance with us which is greater than words or philosophy can express yet is the Life which brings Father, Son and Spirit to abide, Present, in our humanity.