23/02/2024

Many of us try to see the "Will of God" or indeed "Acts of God" in present or past events in our lives or in history. Some Christians believe that God's dealings with mankind throughout the Old and New Testaments show that all events in our lives are beyond our control and thus all of us are predetermined to be saved or damned.

In this passage from the Old Testament God makes sure that Ezekiel teaches that we all should know that we have the freedom to change the course of our lives by either opting for or against the Love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God is not in Time. In His Eternity He is more aware of everything Past Present and Future and of all the unrealised possibilities as I am now aware of this keyboard. (I think that I should never refer to God in a past-tense as everything "is" in his timeless presence.) He knows but does not predetermine that the Chosen People showed ( in human time) themselves unworthy of the trust he places in them.

The Love that Father, Son and Holy Spirit have for this Creation ensures that we are all capable of "Being Holy, for I am Holy" and God empties himself of his infinite power/being and is born as we are to be the only offering able to offset the sinfulness that began with Adam and Eve.

It is my sins and the sins accumulated by mankind that need to be recognised by their perpetrators before they can be forgiven. Jesus warns his disciples to beware of the scribes and Pharisees and we too can only look back with disbelieving horror at the behaviour of our priests and prelates who have rarely been examples of Apostolic virtue. 

I cannot bear to think how that culpability is continued in the Church entrusted by the Saviour to lead us and to join with him in Heaven as together the Sacraments, Gods presence in time, are prepared to strengthen our souls who face a daily and deathly struggle against, the devil, the world and the flesh for possession of our souls.

Dear Lord help me to grow in prayerfulness and let me withstand all temptations. Let Mary and the saints share with all the world the grace within which they are in heaven. Help me to understand your Word for I know you do not wish to deceive anyone but have created us all to use our freedom to recognise and return your love. Help me and my family to learn how to know, love and serve and let me feel no anger towards anyone