26/09/2023

The rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem is treated in the Old Testament as a unique event. Even the words of the proclamation, however, reveal that Darius was trying to rule his vast new empire by seeking the cooperation of all his subject peoples not only the Jews. It refers to IAIAM as the god whose  "name" dwells in Jerusalem. Similar building or renewal of temples took place all over his empire.

"History" in the Old Testament is an entirely one-sided view of the events of God's Providence that were experienced by all the peoples of that part of the world not only by the Jews. The terrible events of all wars are always committed by both sides and by men who have not had the courage to disobey evil commands. Our individual exculpating "If I hadn't somebody else would have done" carries no weight with God.

In our modern democracies we have the opportunity to vote for our leaders. The problem that we all face is that there are no political parties that advocate keeping to the "Will of God" and condemning  the comfort of Hedonism and the avarice of Mammon. 

The public face of our Church lost all moral authority when the sanctity of the Blessed Sacrament is lost by its distribution to unrepentant sinners. The Body of Christ is not magic it requires true intention by the Clergy in its confection with heaven and true yearning for forgiveness which requires confession and repentance by the recipient.

Today's Gospel tells us that all souls are equal. Even the Immaculate is still also a created being as we are. Once God has been seen all our created souls will have no emptiness until the End of Time brings us to a New Creation.

Dear Lord, let me be protected this day from all sin and let my heart be open to receive your grace. May the pains of death not overcome my longing for you. Let my readiness to accept punishment be shared by all who have shared my sin. May Mary's prayers and those of our brothers in Heaven be heard that your mercy still is available as we on Earth and in Purgatory seek it out.