21/06/2023

St Paul continues to encourage the Corinthians then and Christians of all times to ensure that the gifts falling to us from God's providence are shared equally throughout the world. The material wealth of the world has grown unbelievably since the Incarnate Person of God, Jesus, shared in the human life of his creation. Inherited wealth and human work means that there is no need for any one to be homeless or hungry. There is absolutely no need for this, but the poor are always with us.

Yesterday a computer pioneer came to my mind because his software was giving me grief. Jesus tells us not to publicize our good deeds by any sort of self-glorification. The billionaires who are fond of their foundations in this world should take note and try to understand exactly what Jesus means by "they have had their reward". 

Our Church which has a pile of money, art and very valuable real estate has always faced difficulties in trying to manage this wealth. Judas was the first finance officer and since then all attempts at maintaining or growing the "Patrimony of St Peter" have resulted in following the precepts of this world and an institutional Church the public face of which is less than holy.

I worry that this prayer, which is my daily response to the Scriptures read at Mass, is a pathetic attempt to justify in secret what all the Pharisees then and now do in Synagogues and at other public places. I want to pray in my secret room which is my heart and truly turn over my life to the Providence of the Father, the Mercy won by Jesus and Inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Dear Lord you know how soon I can lose equilibrium of soul that you show to me when I am trying to worship. I cannot deceive you. Now is always the favourable time and it is now that I can ask for pardon for all sins which I have forgotten but which are one with the lance that pierced your side. I cannot imagine that pain. May Mary who witnessed and compassioned  all your pain plead for your Mercy to protect me from further sinning and to reserve for me a place with the Holy Souls in Purgatory.