04/06/2022

The account of Paul's appearance before the leading Jews in Rome has all the hallmarks of Pilate washing his hands and "letting them get on with it" for it was not only too complicated but also too bothersome to deal with these strange people from Palestine. As always, Paul emphasizes that he does not preach for money but because God wants the whole world to hear the "Good News".

Today, Elizabeth 2's jubilee, we see the results of that mission that are so different to its beginnings The successors to the Apostles are overburdend  with riches and the cares that accompany them; cares that distract them from the mission to know, love and serve.

I too can be lead away from God by cares for myself and family and evidence of corruption in the Church. St Peter asks; "What of this man?" St John is very careful to explain that Jesus had not promised that John would not die but that "If I want him to stay alive till I come, what is that to you?" God's ways are not man's and again Peter and his faults are reprimanded for an all too human response to his place in the Kingdom, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Dear Lord may I be always aware of my place in your Love and with true sincerity thank you for my life and my family. Let us all be true to your teaching and confirm here on Earth what we believe about your heavenly Kingdom. May your Mother and all the saints continue their prayer for us here on the earth of which they are aware and, with  God's grace, have overcome temptations.