22/10/2022

St Paul does not only preach the "Good News", passing on to us the Grace of God's time on earth, he also lays out a skeleton on which to build the Church, Jesus' lasting sacrificial and sacramental presence in human time. Our Church today has still the same basic functions to bear witness to the infinity of God's Paternal Love, to preach and teach the obedience of the Word and to be open to the Spirit who guards our conscience from the pride of self-love that can overcome our best intentions. 

When I look at the behaviour of our Church condemned by God and man, I know that I cannot share in the joy that Jerusalem, that City of God, inspires in the heart of the psalmist. I do not know how the clergy of England and Wales can read the Word of God and lead the Liturgy without first making a public act of confession for it is all of the "office-holders" described by Paul who are co-guilty in "cover-up" and lies.

 Where is there a crying out for reform that would first divest the Church of its possessions, "that tainted thing" and then completely avoid pandering to sinful societal trends? These are the end times. The sign of these "end times" is Jesus who has come to the vineyard with the last message from his Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Mary, our mother, pondered in her heart the events, to which she was co-central and knew the truth of God. We know that we must have lost the essence of our Faith when denial of sinfulness and self-preservation in office are the hallmark of the inheritors of the Apostolic Mission.

I think neither Westminster nor Birmingham have yet responded to the published report. If they think that their leadership roles put them above UK Law let them come out and say so rather than continue with the umming/aahing that characterised their non-response to cross examination.

Dear Lord you know what is good in your Church in England and Wales. I know that I have no room to shout either in my belief or practice, but I am literally bowing in shame and embarrassment at the lack of courage shown by your priests when brought before the tribunal for questioning. They should not have tried to excuse the inexcusable and delivered all the guilty ones including themselves up to "Pilate" for punishment. You our guiltless one suffered for us, but they the guilty ones went home for a "nice cup of tea". May Mary implore your forgiveness for my lack of respect for those who having chosen a public life of service to you have not been able to bear witness to that commitment when needed.