11/11/2024

There have been many occasions during her unexpectedly long life when the Church founded on St Peter has failed to act as the "elder" templated in his letter to Silas, by St Paul.

David too had known his own sin and not lived up to the image of righteousness which he praises in this morning's psalm.

I too have often sinned and been a poor example of living a life of faith.

This morning Jesus ensures that his disciples do not get taken in by their own self-regard. In our religious life, we can often get to the point when, misled by our own sincere enthusiasm, we have a strong faith but one that is becoming self-centered.

Such a one was the Pharisee who thanked God for his superiority to the sinning publican.

This morning Jesus, as always, keeps his people focused on reality. True Faith in God is always a target. We can never attain it by our own efforts for God is always beyond our comprehension. In our lives we can improve ourselves by never holding grudges, forgiving even the elders who lead us into temptation. 

We can always pray with the Apostles "Lord increase our Faith" and then contemplate the answer that is made to each of us for our Salvation comes only from God directly into our hearts.

Dear Lord, help me to pray. Let my mind and soul become ready for the bodily disintegration that is ever getting closer. I pray that I will not disgrace you on my death-bed and face the onset of Eternity with the Hope that your care of me inspires. My prayers are added to those of Mary, Angels and all the Saints as we become the Spiritual Unity that is Christ in heaven and on Earth and can thus only do the will of Our Father and  become greater than the "mustard-seed" that is my earthly target of Faith.  May the souls of the faithful rest in peace and we sinners on earth and in Purgatory receive your gift of boundless mercy with grateful thanks of joy. Amen