25/04/2022

The scriptures that are read at mass everyday are the true record of God's revelations to mankind. That is why we read them. St Mark tells us that Jesus gave his Apostles the mission of spreading his Good News to the whole world. I wonder how many of the "signs" of believers are to be seen this morning around the world. We all know that with  a few clicks  of the mouse we can be anywhere in the world and without moving I can find out what the weather is like in any place on earth. Will anybody today  be reporting the handling of snakes, drinking deadly poison, speaking with tongues?

I had never before thought of the Epistles read at mass as being real letters. I treated them as general instructions to the early Church. Today I realized that St Peter is writing to his friends. He is a real man and so are the recipients  with friends in common. They are personal messages which today would be via Twitter or Instagram. Paper has stood the test of time and these ancient "e-mails" are still with us and their messages are still true guidance for all the peoples of the World.

I do not know of any of the letters that have been preserved in the canons of scriptures that speak of the signs as recorded by St Mark. I have no doubts about  "Whose sins you shall forgive they are forgiven", I welcome the mercy that comes to us through the Sacraments of the Church but am I ready to try drinking "Domestos"?  Is this lack of faith or normal self-preservation?

Dear Lord I know the sins that I have committed and relive the shame when I remember them. I know my sins but only you can judge my faith, hope and charity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit strengthen my resolve to worship you from the deepest part of my being and let all my deeds be done in the knowledge of your presence. May Mary and all the saints add my intentions to theirs as we come together in praise of your glory.