22/04/2023

Our God knows all of us. He knows us as individuals and as "nations", the physical race into which we all are born. Our souls, however are "persons" and known and loved by our names. In our belief, we are all Jews for God's revelation was made to the descendants of Abraham and perfected in Jesus the Incarnation, Life, Death and Resurrection in Palestine. Our souls are the eternal element of our being and belong to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Jesus had told his friend Martha at Bethany that Mary had chosen the "better part" by sitting at his feet listening to him. The "Commonwealth" that was the first Church grew spontaneously without a "business plan". The rapidity of this growth had lead to problems. There were two separate groups in the Church, which were defined not by blood but by language.

The Apostles knew that the Lord had given them a mission to proclaim the Resurrection and the Parousia that was to come. For them this was the "better part"and so the business of sharing out food and goods was an intrusion, a distraction from their prayers and preaching.

Jesus had founded the "Church"but had left its earthly structure up to his Apostles. I always remember how he had stopped the mother of James and John when she had canvassed on behalf of her sons. He had, however,  made it clear how his grace was to be distributed on earth. Baptism was to be in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit and his preparation for his execution at the Last Supper was to be his ever present memorial, the Holy Eucharist, our thanksgiving for the forgiveness he had won for us on the cross.

The Sacraments are the obvious "better part" for they concern our souls and the way to Eternal Life and they are the eternal God-given heart of our Church. It is the structure of the man-made institution and  its administration that has always been the source of the problems that have always been with us even in the "us and them" disputes of those first months in Jerusalem.

Dear Lord, may all Bishops and Priests be always aware that it is  their own souls and the souls of the people they have been entrusted with that is their responsibility. May Mary and all the Saints pray that all clergy seek holiness and thus inspire rather than disappoint their charges. May we sinners on Earth be open to your forgiveness and may the Holy Souls in Purgatory be purged by your Mercy.