06/04/2022

Today the readings begin with a prayer for compassion and acceptance of our penance which leads us to devotion. Devotion is what I strive after but I am still missing the mark as I am full of the "self" that shuts out God. As I lie in my bed I try to pray but I am soon drifting off into some reverie of past or imagined sins. 

The main readings today both contain dialogues about God. The king who thinks he has all worldly power, for the world tells him so, is confronted by open rebellion that is based on a belief that God is "ever-greater". Jesus continues to explain to the Jews that he is "Truth", true liberty,  but his listeners are convinced that they have no need to be made free; they are descendants of Abraham and inheritors of a Covenant.Jesus tells them their inner wishes and that they only desire to kill him. Jesus tells them that "sin" is slavery but openenss to the Word, to God makes us free as only living with God can make us.

Nebucadnezzar is shocked by the reports of the happenings at the place of torture and amazed to see a fourth figure also surrounded by the flames and he makes praise to the God who has saved His holy ones.

Jesus' will is totally at one with the Father's and so he can say "I came not because I chose but because I was sent by him". His choice is  agony, torture and death as a "true man" to lead sinful man to the Way, the Truth and the Life of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Dear Lord your words are Truth and they are Life let me sincerely clear my soul of sin and understand that you have saved us and forgiven our sins even though I/we continue to block out the graces that you have so freelly offered to all mankind. May Mary and all the saints continue to offer their prayers for all sinners and provide comfort to the sick and the dying here on earth and to the suffering Holy Souls awaiting final forgiveness.