14/06/2022

The Old Tesament reading today contains some fearful language and images. The sin of Ahab will cause him to be blotted out; the dogs will lick his blood. God is portrayed as totally vengeful but just. After Ahab's contrition God becomes again  God of mercy and compassion.

Jesus continues with his teaching of love and mercy. Loving our enemies is the "new" in the new Testament. The question "who is my neighbour?" is answered by the parable of "The Good Samaritan". Jesus tells us that anyone who does not accept the evidence of God in Jesus is against us. This negativity directed against God, Father Son and Holy Spirit comes from our enemies who, perhaps unknowingly, are the slaves of evil.

We must have no hate in us and the proof of this is love of our enemies and the measure of this love is our own forgiveness of those who wish us harm. I do not have to ignore the evil that is done to the world by those who refuse to know God. The vast wealth that has captured mankind in the grip of Mammon is the product of evil. The increasing value of corruptible matter is the province of Jesus' "tax-collectors" and condemned by him in the "widows mite" and the clearing out of the foreign exchange dealers and other business men from the Temple.

So many of us in this world are unable to avoid its attractions but this too like my body will pass away. I will have to answer for the sins of my life trusting in the Love that is God. Today I am alive  and must live without hate which can even be simply annoyance at another's grinding her teeth.

Dear Lord you showed us the mark of your love by the manner of your death. The nail hammerers just got on with their job following military discipline but you forgave them on account of their ignorance.Our world today is not ignorant but chooses to condemn you again by a point blank refusal to follow your revelation of the Good. Fogive us our trespasses and let the Holy Spirit inspire us to be totally free from hate. May Mary and all the saints continue to support the people of this world especially those who have the reponsibility of doing your will as the successors of your Apostles.