24/08/2023

I really do not have a good knowledge of the Scriptures. I have learnt most by listening to Mass readings and references by authors to their sources. I once took the trouble to check and write out the references made by one writer on one page. His page turned into more than ten when the cited references were written out in full. Writers such as Pope Benedict repeat and interpret the whole of scripture.

Visions have always been difficult for me. How can the vastness described by John be contained in the sight of man? The modern camera lens can  capture vast distances and scenes like the parting of the Red Sea, for example, which I know that, if I had been present, I would only have seen what was in front of my nose and not the front, back and top of the destruction of the pursuing Egyptians that I saw in the cinema.

The world always deceives us. It will pass away. We are all to some extent captives of the media. Most of us spend too much time in front of the TV. It has become a substitute for life and is the opposite of Jesus' description of St Bartholomew for it is only deceit. A video of the Blessed Sacrament Exposed is not the Real Presence in my mobile or living room and trivializes the passion and death of Our Lord.

God never deceives us. His New Covenant promises us a home with him after our time on earth. His Resurrection is the first fruits of the New Being. It is the  true body of the true man and true God that died on the cross. Incarnate Son was present body and soul with the fulness of God, Father Son and Holy Spirit, in Palestine for those days after the Resurrection. This was not a "vision" of the Lord but his supernatural reality.We all have the opportunity won for us by our Saviour to share this New Life that is not a "vision" but the reality of God's Infinite Love.

Dear Lord help me to avoid all sin today; Let me be truly thankful for all the gifts that I have received. Keep all my children and grand children safe during their time on earth and let them come to the awareness of your Love that is the only lasting good that we can find on earth. May Mary and all the saints' infinite prayer bring your Mercy to the Holy Souls in Purgatory and to the repentant sinners confined to time on earth.