22/07/2023

Today's mass readings commemorate St Mary Magdalen. We know her name as she is one of the three Maries who stayed with St John at the foot of the cross where hung the lifeless corpse of Jesus. She was overcome by her grief and only aware of the vast emptiness that had filled her being in the presence of the bloody and disfigured  body of her dead Master.

All the disciples had suffered along with their Rabbi. We too suffer like a "dry and weary land without water" when we become separated from our Saviour who was tortured throughout the horror of  Good Friday until the unimaginable pain that called out "Eli, Eli lama sabachthani", a greater desolation than any human being could ever experience.

For the people who saw, spoke and ate with the Risen Lord there is always mystery in this unique experience. They see him, do not recognise him and then really do recognise all in the same moment. The disciples remembrances of the Resurrection are in no way redacted to present the spectacular Apocalyptic Visions of an Ezekiel or a Daniel. They are authentic in the minimalism of  the awe they portray.

The witnesses see a reality that is beyond human belief. Their brains at first refuse the data presented by their eyes but this data is simultaneously converted by the eyes of Faith to be the supreme event of human history. They can only worship. Today's witness, Mary Magdalen calls out "Rabbuni" as her being is responds to the Glory that is the Lord.

This "Glory" is still with us today. God's resurrected reality is the Blessed Sacrament. 

This is why Peter's Church has got never to ignore its own failings and pray to be filled with holy priests who really do join Jesus in the confecting of the Blessed Sacrament. We all have to fill our beings with Love and drive out Devil, World and Flesh but without Sacraments that are doubtlessly authentic we are hindered rather than helped by descendants of those who not only witnessed the Risen Lord but were also commissioned by him and entrusted with the confecting and care of the Sacrament.of His Love.

Dear Lord, I know that at this moment I am sincerely "lifting my mind and heart to you". I also know that, in a moment of temptation, this faithful love can disappear from my being as it has done in the past. It is up to me to curb whatever human pride I have as I re-read my prayers and to trust the "eyes of Faith"to keep me focused on knowing, loving and serving. May Mary your Mother who stood with today's Mary suffering along with you as you "bled-out" on the cross continue to pray with her and all the saints that as the lance pierces your heart, the blood and water of forgiveness and Mercy pour out over the dry and weary land that is today the greater part of your Church. Save us dear Lord!