18/6/2024

The psalm this morning is our plea for forgiveness. "My offences, truly I know them, my sin is always before me, against you only have I sinned, what is evil in your sight I have done". As I write these words each day, I am aware that the most important subjective element has to be sincerity. Nobody can fool God.

The story of Ahab and Jezebel portrays a fierce and vengeful God. The Jews of the Old Testament knew that God was all powerful and interpreted all worldly events, natural and manmade as resulting from their relationship with God. They anticipated that Ahab and his wife would receive immediate punishment that would match the wickedness of their crimes. 

The Old Testament not only revealed God's power and justice but also the mercy that would be his answer to our repentance. The Incarnate Word, Jesus, completes the revelation. He not only expounds the moral law but teaches us about the nature of God himself, the reason why we should aim for holiness. He is the Son of the Father and their Love is the Holy Spirit; three persons but one God. 

Three thousand years have passed since the days of Ahab. All existence is in the Providence of God, but all human beings are free to choose how to act. Ahab chose to listen to the advice of Jezebel. She chose to oppose IAMIAM. 

Every moment of history originates from human choice.That is why Our Crucified Lord prayed for his executioners to be forgiven. God really does know everything and we have to live always aware of that. I have to treat all others as I would have them treat me for if I cannot forgive my brother how can God forgive me?

Dear Lord, let my heart be always open to your grace. Let me share in the prayers of Mary and all the saints. Forgive me for all past sins and help me to live this day aware that your Holy Spirit is always the unseen presence of Father, Son and Holy Spirt within our world which we do not hate but try to keep in its proper place. Its norms must be denied whenever they oppose your will. We must oppose without hate. We can do so with the help of your grace.