17/01/2024

Today's reading from the Acts is a straightforward recording of what the Roman authorities did in response to St Paul's formal, as a citizen, appeal to the Emperor.

St John expands on the mission given by Jesus to the Church he founds on St Peter.Three times he asks the same question. Is this a purely rhetorical device or can we hear Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each triune person, asking and emphasizing that our first duty is to love God and to prove it in this world by taking care of all our neighbours,

The triple repetition upset Peter. Was he being doubted in his sincerity? Jesus who was with them was unmistakeably the Incarnate Son of God. His very presence confirmed the reality of the Resurrection. His wounds proclaimed New Life for our bodies after death. Peter was upset as he knew how easily, such a short time before, he had, also three times, denied that he even knew Jesus.

"Love" is a simple word but it is infinite in its significance and ever greater than my ability to understand it. We have to stand wordlessly before the cross on Calvary and look with wonder on the disfigured body of the Son of God and choose to share in the Love that unites the women, Mary, John, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is for this we have come into the world.

Dear Lord, you know how my ego is so hard for me to contain. I try to pray in humility but as you know,  I always begin to admire my own words. Help me to be silent and open to the Holy Spirit so that I can receive the gifts that you pour out onto the souls that sincerely try to do your will. May the prayers of Mary and the Saints for sinners bear fruit on earth and release from Purgatory for the Holy Souls.Amen