18/07/2020

Jesus teaches that if a brother is at fault we must point it out to him. Ignoring sin only builds up Satan and allows our brother to continue to follow the "primrose path". Jesus also teaches that before we confront a brother with his sin we must be sure that we "take the plank out". Today many priests will be reading the same readings at mass. Given the state of Christ's Church in these Isles one cannot but wonder what they think these scriptures mean to them. 

Each of us can judge himself by the standards set out for us by the "Good Shepherd". And his standards are the Father's and ours too by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls us to holiness; a holiness that guided by the Holy Spirit is the same as His and the Father's.

There is hope for us in the Church as Jesus is more aware than we are of the failings of the institution he founded on Peter. Our hope is in the promise of Christ. "I will be with you always even to the end of time" We do not need anything more than this as no matter how weak the tenants of the sheepfold are, the owner loves and supports each one of us sheep.

Dear Lord may I this day put all my trust in you and in the prayers of Our Lady and of all the saints aware that the institution is faltering but the Word is standing for ever.