24/08/2022

The God-given Bartholemew found by Philip but already known by Jesus, is counted among the Apostles by John. "What good can come out of Nazareth?" is attributed to  him. The remark arises out of typical human rivalry between nearby towns and villages; Nathanael/Bartholomew was from Cana. Jesus promises him a vision of God's eternity with everything in this world known by God; this awareness is personified by "angels" the touches of God received by human souls; the spiritual beings that were the first of God's creation. Gabriel it was that revealed God's purpose to Mary and together with all the heavenly host sang of the Nativity to the shepherds of Bethlehem.

None of us know of the guardianship we have received from our own angel. We do not even know the  name of this spiritual being except that it has been created by God and is thus like Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the same way that is all creation but without matter.

The Apostles are the foundation stones of our Church. They witnessed the risen Lord. They had lived walked and talked with Jesus. They had been awe-inspired to the extent of leaving home and families behind in order to be with this man. They had had huge expectations and had received the great "failure" of Calvary with despair. The Resurrection was more than they had ever anticipated. They then realised that  it was to spread this "Good News that that they had been chosen.

Today the descendants of the Apostles are cluttered with management problems;each day they are faced with the problems of living in a world where the false values of the fallen angels have swamped out that Faith that drove their originals to spread the Good News Each fallen priest and Bishop adds to the pain and disbelieve of those God has put into their care.

Dear Lord awaken your church leaders to their true purpose which is to assure their people that what God wants of the living is Faith, Hope and Love. What need have you, the Evergreater, of vast Bascilicas and human art.? I pray again that with your help I might keep my sight fixed firmly on the Heavenly Jerusalem where all souls are in the glory of your presence. May Mary continue in her support of all who are sick and troubled in this life especially caring for the poor souls who are hving to flee their homes because of the wickedness of Sinful Humanity.