26/01/2022

Mark who certainly has been told about Jesus' teaching by the Apostles even if he did not witness it himself, reveals that the parables were told to the people and sometimes explained to the Apostles and very close disciples. This is not done with the intent of creating an inner core of devotees in possession of a hidden knowledge. Jesus guides all of us for it is his intent not to lose any of us given to him by the Father. 

Imperial Rome was full of mystery cults so much so that the river of Antioch, the Orontes, was flowing into the Tiber according to one of the Classical Roman authors. Rome, where Paul was held under house arrest was a huge building site with the still extant ruins visible to this day, was also a centre of learning along with Antioch and Alexandria. 

Paul's teaching of  Jesus was already with a form of structure and meetings of the Apostles recorded by Luke had established among other things questions of dietary laws and even basic liturgy before the Church had moved on from the Synagogue. Prayer was guided by the the Psalms of David and by the reenactment of the "Last Supper" which had confirmed the priesthood of the Apostles explained by the teaching of John.

All of our Bishops who read or hear today's Scriptures can be assured that Paul is still supporting and encouraging them as he did Timothy and Titus.  They must not lose sight of their only purpose, guiding the flocks along the right paths behind the Good Shephed, and they must avoid the lure of power and riches of this world which choke out the Grace that comes from God and allow them to produce nothing, Zero Zilch!

Dear Lord I too need to keep in mind your words especially "otherwise they may be forgiven" which is beyond my understanding of the Love which is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Let me live this day in peace let your Holy Motther and all your Saints support us in this world as they share your Glory  in Eternity.