16/12/2023

The first reading for today is taken from the Book of Ecclesiasticus. This Book is not universally accepted  as Sacred Scripture but it is undeniably  an attempt by a person of great devotion to IAMIAM to understand how the Providence of God has resulted in what he is experiencing during his lifetime. Thus it is "Theology" rather than "Prophecy" which results from a direct awareness of the reciprocated Being of God.

Jewish tradition had accepted that the coming of the Messiah would be a fiery demonstration of ultimate power; the total glory of God on earth that would be a vindication of all that was recorded in the Scriptures. Without a shadow of doubt, God would be on Earth. The Lord of the Chosen People would silence all human boasting and the People of God would be seen to be triumphant.

The Jews of Jesus' time were politically and socially dominated by Gentiles. The Hellenization of the Middle-East was also the worldly reality in which Sirach lived and prayed at the Temple. He looks back to the earlier days of the Chosen People and tells all the world that there is no-one to match the power of IAMIAM manifested in his Prophet Elijah.

The religion of Jesus' disciples was still dominated by their special relationship with IAMIAM and had no inkling of what would soon become the message that they and their followers would preach to the whole world. His answer to their question, "Elijah has already come and they treated him as they pleased; the Son of Man will suffer similarly at their hands", was only partially understood at that time and it may still be so, today.

Dear Lord, the Son of Father, Son and Holy Spirit has brought the beginning of your final revelation to the whole world. Jesus has yet to complete his message. The disciples did not fully understand your words about yourself until the unheralded Resurrection shocked the apostles into understanding. The Church built on St Peter has never fully understood your declaration before Pilate "My Kingdom is not of this world". Help us to live now directed towards our ends guided by the one carried by Our Lady to be born in Bethlehem. May Mary's prayers continue to lead the Saints of your Kingdom in seeking pardon for the sins we sinners continue to create, and forgiveness for the souls in Purgatory  where there are only true believers. Amen.