18/11/2023

The writer of Wisdom becomes lyrical as he recalls with joyful praise the deeds that God has done for the people of Israel who are pictured as lambs skipping with the delight that being alive brings to all creatures. He treats Exodus as a "new creation" but that won't happen until the End of Time when Jesus returns in Glory to Earth not as an infant but as the "powerful warrior" he is in the Resurrection; Father, Son and Holy Spirit; Kingdom, Power and Glory.

Jesus short parable of persistence winning against cruel adversity is told to emphasise how we can display great courage and perseverance when dealing with the problems of our earthly lives. 

Job is the Biblical example. The History of Man on Earth is made-up stories of real men and women, our ancestors, trekking hundreds of miles through hostile terrain to take possession of what they considered to be no man's property. The indigenous were not powerful enough to be considered as having property rights.

The Incarnate Word introduces this parable on an optimistic note; "Pray continually and do not lose Heart". Today the building of "St Peter's" is commemorated in the prayer of the Institutional Church. We cannot be seen by "The Son of Man" if we have no greater signs of "Faith on Earth" than the "built environment" which will in time crumble away. Our Faith has to be in the centre of our beings as we welcome God and pray "Our Father".

Dear Lord, let me not ignore your warnings and neglect to share my belief in your Love with my family and friends. Let my personal behaviour throughout this day be "Faith on Earth" The first Church on Earth was you and your Mother hidden away in Bethlehem and in Gaza. there were no buildings to "house" your Love. May Mary's prayers be united with all the saints and sinners created by you to look into our souls with the sharp sword of grace and use it cut away all the dross so that we can look back at you without shame. Let me become a "good and faithful servant".