23/08/2023

The  trees of the first reading are all reluctant to accept the responsibility that is part of the authority of kingship. Their basic argument is that as trees they are much too useful in their produce to give up their "treeness" to become king. The thorn bush of the desert does not have any valuable properties except its ability to burst quickly into flames. It is an almost dead plant with very little sap and very little nourishment except for the goats which thrive on the edges of deserts.

Are we to take from this the idea that our rulers are the least productive of our societies? Or is it that they are to be feared as the fire that can easily catch hold of them will destroy even the ancient forests of the Lebanese mountains.

Jesus leaves us with no difficulty. He is Lord of All. His Mercy cannot be dribbled out. On Calvary he poured out his blood. He did not die a little bit but gave up the total life of God incarnate, a sacrifice far greater than the guilt of our sins.

Our God of Mercy and Compassion freely gives all his Mercy to each one of us. A "yes" to his offer even with our dying breath will be rewarded with the same sight of God as that known by the the greatest of the saints. There is no greater joy than the presence of the Lord and no greater joy on earth to work for the Lord especially when known only to God.

Dear Lord, you know how difficult I have found it today to understand  your OT Word. You know also of how I have rebelled as did the first comers to the vineyard. Let me truly know that I only AM because of your grace. Let my being sing with Mary's whose complete "yes" to your will brings about a Church that returns your love in fullness of spirit.