16/05/2023

The first centuries of the Church are characterised by the speed of its growth. Today we hear of the gaoler who was ready to "fall on his sword" but was saved from suicide by Paul's intervention. He and his whole family were baptised. I have to ask myself what it was he was converted to. 

There is no way that he could have been "baptised" into the whole of Paul's knowledge of the Old Testament, and his personal experience on the road to Damascus. Paul's mission is to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. He certainly did this. In today's reading he did this in a most spectacular way.

John's Gospel helps me to have a glimmering of how the amazing success of St Paul and the other Apostles came about. Jesus, the Incarnate Word, has finished the Mission he has accepted from the Father. God has been present in the World as a real human being for thirty-three years. 

Sins have been wiped-out and the road we are to follow to the joy of being in the unending  Love of the Father has been shown by the crucified/resurrected Way Truth and Life who with Father will fill the souls of those left behind and all who are to come with the Holy Spirit.

Paul prays preaches and writes. Peter prays preaches and writes. The evangelists pray listen, preach, reflect and write.The Church for the last 2000 years has been praying reflecting writing and teaching. But without the Holy Spirit we would all be lost for it is by seeking out and opening our souls to the Holy Spirit that we believe and obey Father Son and Holy Spirit.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit never change. Christ, today, yesterday and tomorrow  Why have so many of us abandoned our souls to the Prince of this world. Life in this world for many is a great happiness but it always ends. We all can come to the end of our lives secure in the knowledge that we are, even in this life, in the care of the Good Shepherd and we will know him in the next world just as, more importantly he will know us.

Dear Lord, you know what I am thinking. I have to be me but try to be for others as were you on Earth and on the Cross. You did so much for the early Church and we are thankful for your enlightenment. May true sanctity become again the hallmark of your pastors so that my faith in their ministry can become as secure as my faith in  you. May Mary's prayers bring comfort to all the suffering in this world and also to the sinners in Purgatory. All of us can only live by your Merciful sending of the Holy Spirit.  We it is who have to recognise what is usually the small quiet voice of conscience. Save us Lord by your almighty power. Amen