29/10/2022

St Paul is happy in his life because he is proclaiming Christ, the Good News. He has been chosen and welcomed that choice of him by Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He has understood God's message revealed by the prophets to his ancestors. He knows that Christ is the completion of God's creation and that "it is good."

St Paul is only human and so is subject to the same split in our consciousness as we are. As I try to reflect on Scripture, for every positive thought there is the nagging voice at that the back of my mind that is simultaneously watching, not scoffing exactly but wondering how the words that magically appear from my brain, via my fingertips and keyboard would sound to another.

St Paul has been filled by the Holy Spirit and his "nagging voice" is one of holiness calling him to be with God in eternity for he knows that happiness will be perfection in the presence of the Evergreater Lord. As he writes, life is his present happiness for it is Christ working through him that secures him from the fear of defeat. He knows that he has been called to live a life for others and to praise and bear witness to God in this world. He welcomes his earthly life as the place and opportunity to do the will of the Father.

God's revelation to us is that we are all of us in his Love now. He is in the fullness of our allotted time ready for us be with him in Eternity where we each and every one will be equally honoured not as guests but in our rightful places prepared from the Beginning.

Dear Lord, you know what I am. I am still not living the life that that your Son and Apostles by word and example taught to us. May Mary and all the saints and angels too protect me by their prayers from the evil that ever assails me and may there be comfort for those near to death; may their hearts be open to the Grace of our Saviour and a sincere repentance be in their minds and on their lips.