In the ancient world, Athens was a centre of civilization. Here, St. Paul does not describe God from his own point of view. Instead, Paul's starting point is the local culture. Paul tells the Athenians that God is already present in their society. They are groping in the dark to discover this creator God more fully, yet God's voice is not yet clearly heard. Paul gives them hope, "... indeed he is not far from each one of us."

The people seem to accept this message. However, when Paul mentions the resurrection from the dead, this no longer seems reasonable to them. It is beyond their experience and imagination. It seems absurd.

Why then do Christians today believe that Jesus is alive? For many, it is because they have had a personal experience of Jesus's power in their lives. It may have been a miracle witnessed, a prayer answered, a blessing received or simply a subtle inner voice. A Christian is someone who has somehow discovered God in the dark.

Today, many others are still searching, still groping to find God. We are invited to carry on Paul's mission - Christ's mission - whether through public speeches, simple acts of kindness or quiet service.