02/02/2023

St John's letter continues to warn us of the dangers that are brought to us by false prophets. Jesus is the Anointed One of God and if this is denied we have become liars. I know that I have never denied anything that is revealed of God by the Church and Scripture and I have taken pains to understand this revelation

The reality of denial, however, is not only in thinking and speaking but is to be found in the depths of the conscience that warns and refuses to condone sinful actions. When I act in denial of  my own conscience, I sin and thus deny everything in my life that has been revealed of Father Son and Holy Spirit.

My conscience is not my own. It is another of God's creations that make up the unity of my being. It is the non-animal part of my humanity. It is the image and likeness of God's freedom given to all humans, it is the freedom to control not only the body but also the soul which can thus lead us into the presence of God.

There is no place for evil in a man fully ordered to good by an obedient conscience and although I fail to fulfill my own words each new beginning is filled with the hope that this time I will do well. 

Pope Benedict has now to face the Father. He was a man who worked diligently to encourage and bolster up millions by sharing his faith through his gift for writing and teaching. Now he will know the answer to a question that  has come frequently come into my mind when reading his and his Friend Balthasar's writings. "How is it that a Church blessed with such powerful and believing intellects should contain within it so many priests and prelates who are unable to devout themselves sincerely to  caring for the souls in their charge?"

Every human has to complete one task for himself. We have to ensure that our own souls are ready for the invitation to the wedding feast and we can only do this by our obedient acceptance of the Love poured out for us on Calvary.

Dear Lord may this day be a fulfilment of hope, a reward of faith and an epiphany of Love. Guard me and mine in the shadow of your wings. May Mary's prayers be felt in the hearts of  thy children here on earth  and for the Holy Souls may there be continued hope that their penance will do what our faith has taught us it will.