09/07/2023

In trying to live the rest of my life in harmony with the teachings of Jesus and guided by the accrued wisdom that is in the readings from Scripture chosen by the Church to be part of the Liturgy, sometimes I realise how very little I know. The reading from Zechariah is obviously chosen as it can be read as an anticipation of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.The scholars call this type of reference to Jesus found in the Old Testament a "type". But I know nothing about the times and the prophet himself.

St Paul is himself. His conversion is not a "type"; it is the real thing. He is a living person who has had the anointed King whose kingdom is not of this world, Jesus the Messiah thrust into his very being.  God's Kingdom is not part of our physical universe. Our physical bodies are programmed by our instincts. Christ has brought the Holy Spirit into our lives and now our souls are supported directly by God. It is this Spiritual Self that should direct our lives, overcoming our instincts if they lead us away from the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Jesus is also not a "type" but the real thing. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. IAMIAM. His body is not created but begotten in the same way as all other bodies except that Theotokos, Mary, was herself eternally protected from original sin. The fulness of God's Being is unknowable but for us who come to him with the weakness and trust of a toddler for his/her mother he is always Our Father who has "compassion for all of his creatures" for "he is gentle and humble in heart". 

Dear Lord may I be sustained throughout this day in Hope, Faith and Charity. May I become able to genuinely put all my trust in you. May all sinners accept the mercy which you offer to all mankind. May these prayers be added to those of Mary and all the Saints that forgiveness which never can be earned by our own efforts fall like St Therese' "roses" from heaven with the Mercy that is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.