21/04/2025

Today Jesus tells us that HEISBREADFROMHEAVEN. His interlocuters had asked for the bread from heaven that had fed their forefathers in the desert, the "manna" on which they had survived during their learning period under the guidance of Moses.

Some of those who "in those times" demanded signs could become the first believers who worshipped with and learnt from the Apostles and some could be those who actually stoned Stephen.

We are their descendants in faith and can acknowledge how within our own beings we too can demand signs. We look for signs of Eternity in the events of this world. There have been many reports of "Eucharistic Miracles" throughout the centuries. 

Years ago I was impressed by Pascal's thought that the continued existence of the Jews could be considered as sign for the existence of God. It may be false but it is not a stupid idea. 

It is sure that Jesus taught that God does not have favourites and each of us has the ability to accept the gifts that we are given as proportionate to our needs and more importantly we have the freedom to choose to live in our own beings with the good of others as our first principal. 

This is how Jesus lived and died and in today's Gospel the first Martyr Stephen emphasises this Christlike living and dying for  others "Lord do not hold this sin against them". Jesus definitely taught us that believers are his own family but before us Israelites who had been guided by God's prophets  became the instruments through whom the perfect sacrifice was made.

I know that on Calvary there were two sinless truly human beings but one freely offered himself in atonement for all Sin. Even the accusers and executioners of Christ can be forgiven. 

We must not condemn anyone for the circumstances of their birth. God does not have favourites. "Go out and teach all nations" means that believers have the obligation to spread  the Good News by their way of life, becoming living Gospels and by their words. Our race and nation is totally of this world and has nothing to do with the Kingdom of God.

We are all known by IAMFATHERSONHOLYSPIRIT as his frequently wayward children but who can all return to him when we ask:

‘What must we do, to be doing the works of God?’

 Jesus answered them,

‘This is the work of God,

that you believe in him whom he has sent.

for it was on Calvary that he created his Spiritual Church of Love the New Holy Family in which as brothers and sisters, we can all follow the Way, Truth and Life.

                                            "Woman behold your son. Son behold your mother."