04/01/3025

I know that I am not a biblical scholar. I sometimes regret this in the same way I regret not having put my mind to Science during my schooldays. 

I am reminded of this today as I am taking note for the first time in my life of the historical discrepancy between John and the other Gospels in this account of the first meeting between Jesus and those who were to become the core of his "Church".

I have always liked to picture "Our Lord" walking on the beach at Capernaum and out of the blue summoning the fishermen to follow him. That they did so has always filled me with awe at the charisma of Jesus. Jesus did not have the same effect on his own family who were so ashamed by his  claim to be the "Jubiliee" in person at their local Synagogue that they declared that he was mad.

John's account of how the two pairs of brothers became the first disciples does not have the drama  of the fishermen instantly leaving their boats, nets and families. It is, however, more in keeping with the continuity of the narrative that begins with the Annunciation in that the brothers were disciples of "The Baptist" and thus were aware that their "voice crying in the wilderness" was preparing the way for one much greater than he. They had found the Messiah who is IAMFATHERSONHOLYSPIRIT.

Dear Lord, help me to consolidate my faith. Help me to understand the message that is your life and works. Faith comes before understanding because we are all enabled to live righteously by making a personal choice. No-one can understand you who are the "Ever-greater" but you know each one of us and always respond when we totally commit ourselves to your offer of salvation that began publicly in Capernaum so many years ago. It was to forgive the sins of the devil, world and flesh that you walked among us so we can all turn to you and say "forgive us our trespasses" and we can also love our neighbour by making sure that we completely forgive those "who trespass against us". Let my prayers join the chorus of praise led by Mary and all the Saints that channels your forgiveness to all sinners on Earth and in Purgatory.