07/04/2024

Today's readings are all about that first Church which grew out of the Resurrection. Those disciples and Apostles had seen, listened to and even, as in the case of Thomas, touched the Risen Lord. Their experience was empirical and had taken place in this world.

In Jerusalem this "World" was dominated by the Temple. Although the Roman Empire had the ultimate power, the Jewish leaders and people still served IAMIAM, and looked to the Law and the Prophets as the road that should be followed in this World to reach the righteousness demanded by the Law of Moses.

Some of the disciples and all of the Apostles had spent three years listening to Jesus. They had misinterpreted much of what he had taught and had expected a Messiah who would rule them in this World.

I cannot imagine how the Crucifixion on Calvary had affected them. This had been followed by the totally incredible New Life that was the Resurrection of the corpse that had been their Rabbi. They were bursting out of themselves by the wonder and questioning that irrupted in their souls and gave thanks for this to God in the Temple.

Jesus tells us today that he knows and blesses us and that we can overcome our World and the Disappointment of our "Temple" by faith in his Resurrection and in the eternal New Life he will bring at the end of time.

Dear Lord you know how wonderful are many of the works of man in this world. I pray that your Holy Spirit can ensure that we are not captivated by the marvels that mankind creates and thus loose sight of you. I pray that we who are not in churches today but who are praying with sincere hearts can be part of the the Church of Love that is your spiritual body supported on earth and in Purgatory from Heaven by the prayers of Mary and all the saints. May I be true to you this day and may all of "mine" listen to the Holy Spirit who never ceases to call mankind to righteousness of spirit not wealth of body. Amen