29/05/2024

In the Gospel reading for today we are accompanying Jesus on his final visit to Jerusalem. Jesus is in front of the group of us. We are not sure of what is going to happen. Jesus now speaks to the Apostles, the group of 12 whom he has already chosen for some special task. We are not happy to become the unchosen ones but we are still mesmerized by the teaching and person of Jesus and wait for their private meeting to conclude.

In the meeting Jesus announces the reason that he is choosing to go to Jerusalem at this time. The Apostles do not really take in the cruel reality of Jesus' words to the extent that James and John try to gain an advantage over their colleagues and ask Jesus for a special favour. The other ten are as indignant about this as we are that we have not been chosen to attend the private meeting.

In the Epistle, Peter is preaching some years after the Resurrection. The events of which he has been a part are still fresh in his mind. Where there was a daze there is now clarity. The words which none of them had completely understood had become the reality which it was his joy to proclaim to the whole world. 

His friend Jesus whom he had deserted had proved himself to be the Resurrected Christ who brings the total forgiveness of God to all the world, even to those who deny him in some way. In that forgiveness we can find the purity that allows us to live in Love as the true brothers we are created to be. We are all freed from the shackles we create for our selves by selfish jealousy for we are all equally able to accept the unifying Love that is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

"For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many."

Dear Lord, as I typed the above I was sure that I was open to your guidance and to the Truth that you brought to Earth in your Incarnate Word. I can be saved from my sins because I can open my heart to receive the strength that is your grace. Even your foundation on St Peter may wither like the beauty of the flowers but the prayers of the Love that stayed with you to the end of your human life in Mary and her friends and in John her new son will remain with the Word until the end of time. Help me to also remain in your love till death the inevitable end of my life brings me to judgement. May your Mercy be upon me and all other sinners living and dead. Amen