27/04/2024

The preaching of Paul and Barnabas was not accepted by the Jews of Antioch (Isparta) and so they moved on to Iconium ( Konya). Jesus had warned that his message would not be received as good news by everybody, but only by the elect.

I am always worried by "predestination" which could have the meaning that no matter how I strive sincerely to follow the Gospel the result, my eternal reward or punishment, has already been decided by God and I can do nothing about it.

Whenever this topic comes into my mind I have to comfort myself with the truth that Father, Son and Holy Spirit have not given spiritual life to anyone with the intention of inflicting damnation on them. The sin that Jesus saves us from has always been freely chosen by the sinner.

The great community sins that are  dominating our world today. Gaza, Yemen, Haiti, Burma, abortion, homosexuality, gender choice, coverup by bishops are all committed in the first instance by one human person choosing to defy God.

As I write this, the chain of sin that is resulting in another death in Gaza, can only be broken by  individual combatants refusing to obey orders. Jesus sought pardon for his executioners. He had previously told his disciples on their first mission to shake from their feet, the dust of towns that did not listen to the good news; he did not order any other punishment.

Nothing is impossible for God so we all have to implore him to fill the hearts of us all with the wonder that John's Gospel reveals to the whole world. The "Love" that is Father, Son and Holy Spirit has taken on the flesh of Mary to become "God with us", "The Way, the Truth and the Life" and that "Whatever you ask for in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask for anything in my name, I will do it."

Dear Lord, Help me know your will for me and do it. Help me to avoid the sin that surrounds me and save me from the snares that I always encounter even as I focus all my being on you. May my prayers be joined to those of Mary and all the saints and let me live out my lifetime with my heart open to your loving mercy, Dear Jesus save me from myself and let your Mercy overpower all the evil that we choose to thus pollute the creation which you Love. Maranatha Lord, Jesus come soon!