12/02/2024

James' letter was probably written shortly after the destruction of the Temple and is to encourage the Jewish Christians who then felt doubly afflicted and confused not only by the failure of their "Messiah" to act as they had anticipated but also by the destruction of the only place in the world where sacrifice could be made to IAMIAM. 

The main community of Jewish Christians had been warned about the coming horror of blood and hate and had re-established themselves in comparative safety in Perea across the Jordan. The whole of Palestine was in turmoil and the faith of all believers, traditional Jews and followers of the "Way" must have been "tested to destruction".

If I make a few clicks of my mouse I will be able to see the modern version of this ancient slaughter being wrecked out on Gaza. A few more clicks will bring up Auschwitz. We wring our hands at the horror of it all and return to our task in hand.

In my case the task in hand is to raise my mind and heart to Father, Son and Holy Spirit in prayer. Some in Gaza are still praying and doing God's will in saving and caring for the sick and the wounded but others are priding themselves on the success of their force of arms (the deaths for which they are responsible).The belligerents of both sides show equally their contempt for God.

When confronted with the arrogant disbelief of the Pharisees, Jesus sighed a sigh of deep disappointment. Many of us, too, are deeply disappointed that The Institutional Church founded by Jesus on St Peter has throughout History been no better than the now largely atheistic Chosen People and the forces of Islam fighting it out today. 

Our Church has from the very beginning been so involved in the things of this world that it has failed to teach each one of us that we have been created to live by invoking the loving care of Our Father and sharing in that Love with all people. 

The wickedness in this world is not the Will of God but is created by each soul that refuses to do that Will. We have to govern our lives in the knowledge that we are each of equal importance to the Father who so loved the world that he gave up his only begotten son that we might be saved. There is nothing that is as great as God and nothing better for us to do than conforming ourselves to his will.

Dear Lord, let my heart remain open to receive your Love throughout this day. I know that Mary who sat at your feet chose the better part but I know that I should be doing more to bring my family to salvation. Help all, over whom you have continuously sighed, to understand that words can only mean anything when produced by a sincere heart. May Mary your mother plead for your intervention in Gaza although you want us to make choices for you in freedom as you did for us. I am praying for a "sign" as do all Pharisees. May we begin to do your will on Earth as do the Saints of Heaven and protect me from my own hypocrisy and that of others. Amen