06/05/2023

The Synagogue of Pisidian Antioch was one of many congregations of devout Jews who were living throughout the World. The "world" then being the Empire ruled from Rome. There were many such synagogues as there were also in Palestine. They were not formed as a "missionary" activity but there to meet the religious needs of the Chosen People who were scattered throughout the Empire for various reasons.

 The world of the First Century was the Pax Romana where strong men had been tamed by  stronger men and it was possible to travel in safety along Roman Roads or through "Our Sea" from Spain to Persia. St Paul of all the Apostles was aware of this multi-cultural world. His appeal "Civis Romanus sum" made in Jerusalem tells us that Paul knew not only the Scriptures but was also aware of the Human ( Roman) Rights of a "Citizen of whatever race," and that these "rights" were accepted and deferred to throughout the Roman World.

The Gospel passage we read today is the one we read Wednesday of this week, the Feast of Sts Philip and James. St John's recollection of the events that set his life on the path he followed until his death  are the "words" spoken by Jesus confirmed by John's own deeds and the growth of the Church. The teachings of Paul and the other Apostles and the arguments and discussions, many of them fiery, he was part of or witnessed would also have formed  part of his memories. Most of all his Faith would have developed during his care of the Virgin Mary, Theotokos who would have continued to ponder the words and wonder of what had happened since that revelation made to her by Gabriel the Messenger of God.

Dear Lord all that you willed for our Salvation happened during the lifetime of your Mother Mary. All of your revelation is to be found in the Sacred Scriptures. May the hearts of all who read/hear your words today be open to receive them into their whole being. May Mary of whose body you became part, be for us all the Mystic Light that reveals the Truth of your Being , Father, Son and Holy Spirit and The Way to be followed in repentance for our sins so that we can be faithful children of our Brother Jesus' Dad who is to be praised by all beings, obeyed, thanked and is the source of all Love and Mercy that we share and pass on to each other in the Peace that  will shelter us from all harm and evil.