05/01/2023

John's story of  Jesus' gathering the 12 Apostles differs in his Gospel from that in the Synoptics . The truth of each Gospel, however, is not in the place of each word but in the Holy Spirit who fills them with God's being here on earth. There are in the Gospels touches of plain humanity. We see this in the squabbles about potential places in the Kingdom that break out intermittently and today Philip displays the Judean capital's scorn for the the uncouth, provincial town of Nazareth.

John's letter emphasises the fact that we can feel at ease in our own beings. The happiness promised to us by Father, Son and Holy Spirit need not only be ours after death. It can be experienced here on earth.  Those of us who can live without sin and can examine their own consciences in the the total light that is the Love of God can be without fear as they continue their lives on Earth.

We bury Benedict today. His has been a long and fruitful life. Hitler Youth to Pope is a journey that will never again be made. So he is a unique human. In heaven there is no marriage or giving in marriage, it is the spiritual fulfilment of our souls and I suppose that there is no higher or lower as God is all in all. I pray for his soul in hope that he has been welcomed by Father Son and Holy Spirit and that his  earthly teaching and preaching have not been in vain.

Dear Lord, I pray that I may be able to scour my conscience in my remaining years not because of fear, but  because you have given me the opportunity to be the spotless Adam of your creation. Let me become a part of your Church on earth that is succoured by the prayers of your Mother, Mary and all the saints who are with you as sinless Souls no matter what has been their place on earth.