18/08/2024

It is quite easy for us today to follow in the mass readings the revelations that have guided us for nearly 2000 years into the understanding that supports our recognition of the "signs of the times", our place in the  Providence of God.

We are intelligent beings but only when we use our brains to accept and follow the guidance that is recorded in Old and New Testaments. The wisdom  of the first reading opens up our beings to perceive the bounty that is being aware of Our Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the joy of prayer revealed in the Psalm.

In Ephesus, the newly born Christians are living in the midst of pagan splendour and face all the same temptations that dominate our so-called "post-christian" civilisations in these times. He tells them and us to do more than just sing the praises of God, our words must become part of our being, lodged in our hearts.

St John who, has had more than thirty years to reflect on the deeds he witnessed when he walked with Jesus in Galilee; more than thirty years of caring for the Mother of Our Lord, writes with the truth in words that are directly from Jesus.

"I am the living bread come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever and the bread that I shall give is my flesh for the life of the world".

The Resurrection and the sealing by the Holy Spirit complete  the teaching in this world of the Incarnate Word, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. John and Mary knew this in their hearts. They had survived in this world always aware of the Mystical Body of Christ and we can still join with that New Holy Family in their eternal prayer even though we are far from the "outward signs of inward grace".

It is only God who knows the reason for the Incarnation. His foundation on St Peter has also not ever been true to his "My Kingdom is not of this world" declared before Pilate. It is only God who knows when he will return to Earth. I can only repeat in hope the cry of the first Christians. "Maranatha Lord. Come Lord Jesus Come".

Dear Lord, you know how I have wasted your grace throughout my lifetime. Let me atone for my sins here on Earth and then please keep a place in Purgatory open for me to undergo my deserved punishment. Help me to show by the signs of my life that I have the integrity of being that comes from doing your will and being open to your grace. May my prayers join those led by Mary present with you and all the saints in that "moment" of heavenly joy that begins in death but never ends for you our creator are God of the living and only have love for we sinners both on Earth and in Purgatory.