26/04/2024

The majority of those addressed by Paul in the Antioch that is in Central Anatolia are Jews and he makes no allowance for the "Godfearers", the gentiles who had attached themselves to the Synagogue. In fact being known as "Godfearers" implies not only adherence to the Jewish way of life but also knowledge of the scriptures for the two are inseparable.

Paul speaks to them as one people who have been saved by the perfect Sacrifice of the Son which is prefigured by the uncompleted sacrifice offered by their Father Abraham and he refers them to words of the Second Psalm.

This same second psalm is allotted to be the Responsorial Psalm for use in the Roman Liturgy for today. Jesus told us to listen to the Pharisees but "not do as they do". The much corrupted Church that was founded on Peter still has the message of eternal life and a liturgy prepared over centuries by men who were striving to live a life of holiness as did Our Lord.

St Thomas who has completely accepted Jesus as God, "My Lord and my God", still needs empirically rational certitude and points out to God that if he doesn't tell them the destination how can they know the way and so Jesus reveals for all time that "The Way, The Truth and The Life" is its own destination; it is the righteousness that is the never changing Eternity where we can all be part of the New Life that is the Resurrection.

Dear Lord, at this moment I am hoping that I can sincerely atone for my sins and cover myself with your Mercy asking to be forgiven and to resist any form of temptation. Let me live this day in your peace and not become the cause of sin in others. May Mary and the Saints in heaven include me in the prayer that it is to be in your presence and completed in the Love that is the Glory of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Help me by your Grace.