22.01/2026

I am coming to the end of my life. Jesus lived for less than half the time that I have already lived. His explicit teaching is that we should never accept our life in this world as the sole reality. 

"My Kingdom is not of this world".

He teaches us that we should learn how to make our worldly lives a prayer of thanks for life which enables us to recognise the LOVE of  "Our Father" and to live in the wonder of HIS material creation by following the pathway walked by HIMSELF and to actively seek out the guidance of the HOLYSPIRIT.

Throughout the Old Testament although informed by revelation, the Jews never maintain the "Love thy neighbour as thyself" that is essential if we are "to give to God the things that are God's".

In this morning's Gospel Jesus directly confronts "Unclean Spirits" who seem to recognise the Incarnation. He orders them to take no part in revelation. In other Gospel readings Jesus also encounters "Legion" millions of other evil spiritual beings, devils who are all unseen but active in this world.

The Crucifixion releases Sacramental Grace into this material world and Baptism is our initial source of this grace as protection against devil, world and flesh but our misuse of our freedom, image and likeness  allows evil to flourish in this world. It is not the "unclean and unseen spirits " that disfigure creation but our failure to stop their takeover of our beings and thus bring them into the world where humanity has become the place where the "non-being" that evil is can become manifest.

Dear Lord, help me to resist the assaults made by the Devil which are often disguised as activity which seems innocent but in reality captivates souls into sinful self-satisfaction. You know that I am really trying to do your will in these last days of my life. I am sorry that I have lost faith in your appointed guardians of Sacramental Grace but am grateful that the New Holy Family can never be corrupted by the things of this world and pray that my prayers be joined with those of Mary and John to defeat the snares of the Devil who still prowls like a hungry lion seeking whom he can devour.