08/11/2022

St Paul makes it very clear that God has not just, as it were, "turned on" salvation by Jesus' life, death and Resurrection. We who have accepted the preaching of the Apostles are still the free-willed image and likeness of the first creation and we have to put into practice what we have been taught by the Love that is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

The way of life experienced by Jesus and the first Christians was then the same as that which we know today. Everything we do as a human being is still the same as was done in the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem and of the whole Empire of Rome. There is still for all mankind "a time to reap and a time to sow." The only difference between then and now is brought about by technological innovation and the increase in wealth

One of the great sins of those times was the killing of unwanted children by the practice of exposure. We all know the various technological ways in which we bring this about today. Not only do we kill babies but disguise the fact of the murder that it is by euphemisms that turn it into a "medical procedure".

The family relationship of all humans has to be within the teaching of the Commandments. The "golden rule" is our surety against the egotism that treats the other as a rival and does not open itself to the Love that has been lavished on us by our Father. St Paul is much derided for his moral stance and yet all that he says is a part of God's revelation and it is not just for our benefit but is also, as Jesus tells us, our duty.

Dear Lord let my egotistical self-seeking be curbed by the grace and Love that is your being poured out throughout creation. There is nothing that has tempted me unknown but resisted by Jesus. Grant me the grace not only to trust in you but also to know that Mary and all the saints in heaven are united in prayer for all of us, living and awaiting Mercy that is ever greater as the being of Father Son and Holy Spirit.