21/12/2024

I cannot express with my words the childish longing that takes over my whole being in these last days before Christmas. It is the same as that incompleteness that I experience as I wait on Holy Saturday for the Resurrection.

I am not good at waiting. I used to hate the last days at home before returning to work. Nothing in my life has been worse than the knowledge that I had to get on a train, wait in a departure lounge, be imprisoned in an aircraft and then be away from home for weeks at a time.

God knows the results of my "coping" with that self-chosen ordeal and I have to marvel how it was that with his grace I have survived many sinful and reckless escapades that could have brought about my early demise and shame to my family.

Today I know that within four days we will celebrate with joy the birth of Our Saviour who is Christ the King. He has been with us, Emanuel, for nine months as a developing human child in the womb of  his Virgin Mother Mary, Theotokos and on next Wednesday. he for whom the unborn John, jumped for joy will begin to breathe the same air as we do.

In those days this supernatural joy was only known, not understood, by very few people. Since those days there have been very many of us who "understand" but do not truly become part of the crucified Jesus who is the only thing about this season that is "not just for Christmas".

It is the babe in the manger who brings for us the certainty of righteousness that is possible only when we acknowledge the truth of IAMFATHERSONHOLYSPIRIT and live, no matter our circumstances only as God wills. 

Jesus, the Love that comes from God, overpowers any sinful weakness arising from the world, the flesh or the devil. We have all been created with freedom but live only to join with Our Father in the revelation that is Divine Love.

Dear Lord, you know that I have failed to do your will many, many times and thus supported evil in this world. I am truly sorry and hope to continue to avoid sin. You know that I have never experienced suffering that is not of my own making. Bring comfort to those who suffer in innocence. I have to thank you for the joy that is my home and family truly aware that this is your gift to me. May all their hearts become open to receive your grace and may these prayers bring your  help to them. May my prayers be joined to those of Mary and all the saints as they exist in eternal being which is beyond all human understanding but in its completeness waits for nothing. May all we sinners on earth live on in true repentance and may the punishment that is purgatory be received by the Holy Souls with gratitude as Mercy, aware that is not the Justice that we all truly deserve.