"Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us
and not to the world?"
Why do we accept what Jesus has to say when the world at large rejects him? It's a bit of a mystery. It isn't something better about us. Furthermore, Jesus does in fact make this offer to all peoples. He offers us the grace to love him and to keep his word. By grace we can accept his invitation to believe in him, to love him, and to keep his word. Many people are so interested in doing things contrary to the word of Christ that they can't even hear his initial invitation of love. Many of them are so preoccupied with idols that they can't recognize Christ when he comes to them.
"The gods have come down to us in human form."
They called Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes,"
because he was the chief speaker.
And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city,
brought oxen and garlands to the gates,
for he together with the people intended to offer sacrifice.
Yet, in some sense this used to be our lot as well:
And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (see First Corinthians 6:11).
We all have idols in our lives to a greater or lesser degree, so we should sympathize rather than feel separate or superior.
how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God (see First Thessalonians 1:9).
There are many reasons why we miss the offer of Jesus to come to him, to love him and to let ourselves be loved. But no matter the reason, Jesus is in fact revealing himself to the world. He meets us where we are. He helps us to understand at a deeper level who he is and what he is offering.
when they heard this and rushed out into the crowd, shouting,
"Men, why are you doing this?
We are of the same nature as you, human beings.
We proclaim to you good news
that you should turn from these idols to the living God,
who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them.
Like Paul and Barnabas, he may work through nature to convey this truth.
he did not leave himself without witness,
for he gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons,
and filled you with nourishment and gladness for your hearts.
Or he may use any variety of other means. All of creation is his. It all gives glory to him. The Holy Spirit is always at work to teach us everything and to remind us of all that Jesus says (he knows we're forgetful).
"I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit
whom the Father will send in my name—
he will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you."
As he teaches us, let us learn to step aside, to not take it pridefully, so that we too can proclaim the glory of God to the nations.
Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name give glory
because of your mercy, because of your truth.
Why should the pagans say,
"Where is their God?"
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