05/10/2024

Yesterday I did try to read the Book of Job. I knew what I was trying to do as I struggled to maintain interest. 

Today Jesus thanks God that his revelation does not require the wisdom of the "learned and the clever", "the Scribes and the Pharisees" to be accepted. St Paul did not manage to inspire the elite Athenian scholars of his day but he did convert the humble textile workers and dye makers. St Francis did not talk or write about the "Word of God", he searched for it, obeyed and followed it to the end of life.

Jesus, Paul and Francis. Three servants of IAMFATHERSONHOLYSPIRIT.

Jesus is man by choice. A choice that it is impossible for us to comprehend. The creator puts himself at the mercy of his creation. He accepts life on Earth and faces the sinful inhumanity of man.

Saul is one of "the learned and the clever". His learning tells him that the rabble in the Portico of Solomon are "blasphemers" The blinded persecutor is chosen to open the eyes of the world to the Light of Christ

Francis is born into a world of privilege. Standing naked he declared his intention to abandon his birthright, his patrimony and become a child of God.

Each one of us has also shared the naked poverty of Jesus' birth, the straitjacket of culture that God ripped off St Paul and the effects of wealth that oppressed St Francis and still oppresses us and the Church.

During the lifetimes of our last 5/6 popes great evil, both public and private, has flourished in our world and simultaneously there has been a flourishing of  "the learned and the clever" in Monasteries and Universities.

Where do we find God in this modern world?

There is no "Christian" since the 4th century who has not heard "Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church". We have also all heard the similitude about the camel and the eye of a needle and the words of this morning's Gospel "I bless you Father for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children" many, many times.

Our Churches are losing "children" both literally and figuratively and the buildings are as near empty as are the hearts of many pastors.

There can be no Synodal, "journeying together on the way, truth and life" for the Institution which has been enslaved for centuries by the "Patrimony of St Peter" until all the wealth that has been acquired is completely abandoned. 

"Mere children" are "simplistic" as are all the friends of Jesus.

Dear Lord, Help us all to "put on love" to be the armour to guard us from Mammon which has never been vanquished in the centuries since you lived among us. The materialism of "patrimony" is still choking the Holy Spirit at the seat of your foundation on St Peter. The Church of the Spirit to be shared by John and your mother can still exist in the hearts of all who are open to receive the never ending grace which you poured out with your blood on Calvary. You shocked Saul into Apostleship. I ask that you do the same to those convening to talk about "Church" and let there be a new light unmixed with egoism that shines out from the Synod. Wow!! Please shock us all. Maranatha, come Lord Jesus come!!