11/03/2024

I have always had the vague idea that John's Gospel differs from the others in that it is more like a memoir and commentary written long after the events than a journalistic narrative as are the other three. I must have picked up this idea from sermons that I have listened to and books that I have read but it is vague as I have never studied the Bible in a systematic way.

In this morning's Gospel Jesus is remembered on his return from a visit to Jerusalem as coming  back into Galilee. John comments that although Jesus had previously remarked that the Nazarenes had showed no respect for him, he still returned to Galilee and this time was well received as his words and deeds in Jerusalem had also been witnessed by Galileans who had  been present for the feast.

At Cana the "court official" asks for Jesus to cure his son who was sick in Capernaum. Jesus gently reminds him that it is not right to put our God to the test. Jesus shows in his life on Earth that it is possible for us to live a life of righteousness. Our Father knows all of his creation and the official's son who is certainly more than a sparrow,  is cured. 

It is not by the signs and portents that are sought by the Jews, or intellectual discourse dear to the hearts of the Greeks that we will come to the never ending life of heaven but by keeping our minds and hearts uncluttered by the things of this world and by being open to receive every word from the mouth of God for he has created us to receive the Love that is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Dear Lord, let me be guided this day only by your Love. Let those events of long ago which were the result of your incarnate presence on earth be remembered with the gratitude that can never be enough to respond to you, the Ever-greater. May Mary join her prayers with those of all the saints that we can come to the purity of atonement that will be the result of Purgatory for all sinners who begin their repentance in their Earthly lives.