11/08/2023

There are many people in the world that are far cleverer than I am. There are some who are too clever for their own good. I am sure that the words attributed to Jesus in today's Gospel made a lot more sense in the previous translation than they do in today's. How is it possible to save one's life by losing it? As I come to death's door it is my soul that will be present for judgement. My body is lifelessly still present on earth where my bios came to an end.

When Jesus spoke to the disciples about "rising from the dead" they did not understand until it happened and even then reports of the Resurrection were disbelieved. We can be sure that Thomas was not the only doubter among the disciples.

The priest's homily has to interpret the "Word" contained in the Scriptures. In the Gospel readings of long ago I remember "life" being contrasted with "soul".  "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, but suffer the loss of his own soul" ?

The pride of the "clever ones" tells us that the concept of "Soul" was not in the Jewish mind of Jesus and his disciples. "Soul" only comes into the Church as a result of contact with Hellenic Civilisation. This  would require hours for the priest to explain to the congregation the reasons for  changing "soul" to "life" and would be a complete waste of time as our minds still accept the  "life" that has to be saved as "soul".

Dear Lord help me to have a mind that can try to understand but does so in complete humility. Let me boast only of the greatness of the Living God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and let my Soul overcome all desire to sin by only longing to do your will on earth and come into your heavenly presence after the punishment I have made necessary for myself. May Mary and all the saints who are glorified with you continue to plead for the Mercy that all on Earth and in Purgatory need to save their souls from Hell.