02/06/2025

In this morning's Gospel reading taken from the farewell discourse given at the Last Super, the Apostles  thank Jesus for his plain speaking. "Take heart for I have overcome the world". 

Nothing could be plainer than these words spoken by Jesus but this was mere hours before he is to complete his human life on the cross by hanging with all his blood being poured out by his pierced heart. 

St John's Gospel, however, was written towards the end of his long life and by the time it was written the Temple was no more and there was a Christian Presence throughout the Roman Empire. Those who had shared the life, abandoned him at his passion and become completely converted by the Resurrection had come to realise that these events which they had witnessed during their lifetimes, were the presence of Incarnate Son of IAMFATHERSONNHOLYSPIRIT.

Those who met in the Portico of Solomon did not learn a "creed" but came there to associate with those who had personally known "Godwithus" and prepare for His return. The converts Paul met at Ephesus had never heard of the Holy Spirit and therefore had not been baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as recorded in Matthew's Gospel.

I do know that I have often been untrue to my Faith but I have never doubted the words of the Gospels.

I have no trouble at all in believing Jesus' words, his comments, on the  St Thomas event but I have never had an inkling of the  the physical signs of the Holy Spirit although I hope that the whole of my prayer life is a result of 

Come Holy Spirit

fill the hearts of your faithful

and kindle within them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.

And you shall renew the face of the earth.