12/08/2023

Today Moses encourages the Israelites by promises of the goods of this Earth which they will obtain thanks to the Love and Covenant God has with the descendants of Abraham.

Jesus is "true man and true God". Moses knows only One God. IAMIAM is total "being". He is and we have to love him to the extent of writing his name on our foreheads so that we are always aware that  we are because HE IS. His providence for Israel deprives other nations of their birthright. This is a recorded fact. It happened three thousand years ago and is happening again in my lifetime. 

Jesus knows the writings that we now call "The Old Testament". They are the scrolls he read from in the Synagogue. He does not ever refer to the history of the displaced peoples or hint at the injustice done to other tribes. He does, however, express dissatisfaction with his own nation. He also continues and concludes the revelations made throughout the Old Testament.

"My kingdom is not of this world" "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar and to God the things that are God's". In these words Jesus is telling us to not be overcome by the quest for a position in this world. Many Popes and Bishops have either not understood or ignored the straight forward meaning of Our Lord's words. The worldly behaviour of the institution founded on St Peter by the Son of God even in the days of Christendom has lead many of us into the "temptation" Our Lord's directive on prayer pleads not to happen.

When Jesus walked on earth he was "true man" so his faith was perfect. Anything he asked the Father on earth was done. Jesus tells us that if our faith were perfect we too would be able to achieve what seems impossible.

Dear Lord you know how I "wobble" when I challenge myself with your "hard  sayings" or "hard deeds". Modern "ethnic cleansing" is a hateful act. I can convince myself that Moses is "wise after the event" but I would rather be able read the Old Testament with the confidence that I do the New. Help me to understand the workings of your Providence in the Holy Land. May the prayers of Mary the perfect woman whose every prayer must be heard and granted as were the prayers of her Son continue to pray for your loving Mercy to be poured over all the weak and sinful souls, such as I am, who need to atone for our sins and to avoid new ones.