21/03/2023

Ezekiel's vision of the Temple is so exact that models of it can be made. John's Gospel is so accurate an account of God's purpose in the Incarnation that the writer is "The Theologian". 

All the Scriptures are inspired by God. St Paul's teaching that is recorded in his letters comes from God. St Paul did not have the benefit of knowing the pre-resurrection Jesus but once he had overcome the Apostles' initial mistrust questioned all who had known Jesus and was able with his  scholar's intellect inspired by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word that is confirmed by the Jesus of the Gospels.

The first Christians knew only the Psalms and the other texts that proclaim the Glory of God and the holiness of His people Israel. The first generation were inspired by their recollections of what they had seen and heard. "Chinese Whispers" is not only a game but also the reality of our human memory. Each eye-witness of an event can retain a memory of that event that differs from person to person. The first witnesses also expected that the beloved Lord would return as he promised and were not encouraged by that expectation to record their experience which still filled their hearts.

The first Church was centred around the Jewish Liturgical Blessing that became a remembrance of the Last Supper. It is noteworthy that none of the disputes in the Acts about how to get around the problem (for Jews) of sharing a meal with the ritually unclean "Pagans" mentioned the Temple sacrifice. It was not until the fourth century, by which time hundreds of texts claiming divine inspiration were in circulation, that the Church found it necessary to confirm the authenticity of the books that are today our New Testament.

It is known that John's writings were composed late in his life. They were truly recollections in tranquility of the moments of his own experience that he knew had been touched the Evergreater, Father Son and Holy Spirit. He had also cared for Mary the only human, other than her son, born without sin. They must have talked together. What they said has not been recorded.

Dear Lord, let us today accept your grace as did the first Christian. Let us all accept the New Testament for what it is, the Truth of God which is Father, Son and Holy Spirit for us to know, love and obey for what we are has been justified on earth two thousand years ago. May Mary continue to lead all the Angels, Apostles and Saints in Heaven in the praise and glory that we the forgiven and penitent on earth and in Purgatory hope to join when decided by you.