14/10/2021

St Paul whose faith in God never wavers, tells us that it is "Faith" that will bring us to salvaton. He does not tell us to avoid the rule for Life which is the example of living that Jesus gives us during his time on earth.I think that Paul's words are true by human wisdom; it is Faith that is the fount of all good deeds. Why would I bother to modify my behaviour to follow rules that curtail my selfish desires if I did not believe?

Faith is not to be found in outward show. Tombs, temples churches, liturgical observations are nothing if our faith is weak. We have to follow the "The Rule of Faith" and not lose ouselves in externals.

I have to question every one of my thoughts,  prayers deeds and keep them not in a straight jacket of "Law"but ask whether or not they meet St Paul's rule of faith and love through Jesus, living, dead and resurrected. Jesus is our Faith and he does not need anything from us except sincere hearts and minds open to receive the grace that has been won for us in an infinity of abundance by the Incarnation, Life, Death and Resurrection. 

Dear Lord you know me in totality of my being. Let me take care of my soul which you have justified. Let me avoid all sin and come to see you in your glory. 

 

 13/10/2021

Today both Jesus and St Paul condemn sinful living in no uncertain terms. St Paul tells us that we must repent from our sins and turn our being to the Truth that is God. He warns that there will be a judgement day which he calls the "day of God's anger" and that each of will then be judged according to the way we have lived our life on earth. He raises some questions about "judgement", however. We are forbidden to judge. What can this mean? He must be talking directly to some members of the Roman community he is writing to for we do have to judge if we are to avoid sinful companions and teaching.

Jesus is more targeted in his condemnation of the Pharisees and Lawyers who do judge others but ignore their own lack of love and toleration. There is no apology to the lawyer who complains about the insult;. only an even more direct condemnation.

I judge everyday; I condemn the clergy who although reading these passages of scripture everyday continue in their hypocrisy and vice. I condemn myself for the sins I have committed and the harm done to other people. I know that I do not have a full awareness of the horror that sin is to the perfect love of the Trinty.

Dear Lord, let me forgive those who trespass against me to be able to receive the free grace of your pardon that comes first to Jews then to Greeks and then to our whole world.

 12/10/2021

What does St Paul mean when he says that he is not ashamed of the Gospel that he preaches? He goes on to condemn the men who have failed to accept God even though they can see the wonders of creation. He condemns phlosophers who have come to love their own thoughts rather than recognize God as the creator of all. Impiety and depravity are the prisons that enclose Truth. So why is it that he says he is not ashamed to preach and live the Truth? Has he recently been mocked for his preacing? Has he been heckled by sophisticated layabouts. Has some superior "Hawkins of his day"chosen to argue against the possibility of the "Resurrection"? 

Jesus again offends the professional preachers of his day by not practising the minutiae of their faith. I often feel sorry for the Pharisees who were like me trying to do their best in a difficult situation. The man Jesus who so often offended them is God. How would I be if Jesus was still walking the Earth. How would I know that as a truth if the only sign was still the sign of Jonah.

I am not ashamed of what I write and think each morning but do know that no matter how poorly written those thoughts are reaching out to Heaven where they are understood for what they really are.

Dear Lord I place myself and all whom I know into your hands and ask for the endurance to come to a death that can be seen as embracing eternal life. Help me Lord Jesus to pray.

 11/10/2021

The mission entrusted to St Paul through his trust in the revelations made to him was carried out with a total obedience to the Will of God. His message was that God had made clear to all humanity that His was the Power and the Glory; that the Son Jesus had risen to a new life from being dead to bring a reconciliation with God for all nations not only the Chosen People. Paul's message was the resurrection that also awaits us all if we too can commit to God. 

The revelations made to Paul are to be found in his letters; the history of Jesus is recorded by the Evangelists in the New Testament and today we see Jesus facing up to the problems presented to his teaching by our lack of commitment. We have listened to his words, observed his way of life, heard of his miracles but still demand a "sign". Thus we refuse God's gift to us of freedom to choose the holy way and reject the Father of Lies. The Ninevites understood and trusted Jonah. Why do we falter in our belief in Jesus and the Way that he shows to us?

Dear Lord, let me be true to my own words and let me be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit who is the essence of the Love that is the Holy Trinity.

 10/10/2021

Jesus' answers are sometimes enigmatical and require thoughtful responses. Don't call me "good" for only our Father in Heaven is good. Jesus' answer asks as if he is disavowing his Sonship or if not, what is he saying? Our Pope will be remembered for his "Who am I to judge?"In this answer he opens up the question that has been asked and debated since the Ascension of Jesus. Without the physical presence of Jesus in the world  who can we turn to for guidance?

Jesus words directed to the Apostles make it clear that the responsibility for guiding and guarding his children on earth is with those first intimate followers. They were chosen to do this and had done what had sadden the rich young man; they had left everything to walk in his footsteps.

Are we 2000 years later too rich to enter the Kingdom? The avowers of poverty live in huge buildings that could accommodate hundreds of refugees.The successors of the Apostles are overly concerned with managing the "patrimony" of the Church and keeping their heads down to avoid giving offence to liberals both secular and religious. 

The few Faithful that are left to attend the Liturgy are scanadalised by the weekly sacrilege  of the  Sacrament distributed to public sinners and usually prefer not to think about it.

I have lost my children to the world and so my family and I are truthfully in God's hands I can complain about "Church" but know that I am this "Church". God forgive me.

            For men it is impossible but not for God, for everything is possible to God.

Dear Lord let me again this day strive to be without sin and let not  seeking   wisdom become a substitute for loving and obeying you.

 

 9/10/2021

Today's Gospel reading is a one liner. It is the anonymous voice hailing the Mother of God. It is praise of Jesus in his humanity. It is awe at the humility of God who shares our Humanitity. We cannot bear to approach the ever greatness that is God. Our total universe is but a speck to him. There is absolutely no need for me to search for words. I should just accept that I can pray. 

The Lord speaking in the Old Testament is the same God who gives us "The Golden Rule" and the Lord's Prayer. He is totally in charge of his creation. Within that creation I have the freedom to follow his way or reject it. I choose to try to follow it but know that without the obedience shown by Our Lady I will continue to stumble as I go through life.

Dear Lord,  this day let me put myself totally within the Love and Humanity you have chosen for yourself; to ask for the care of all the Saints and Mary. You know what it is I ask through the Father Son and Holy Spirit. Hear my prayer.

 08/10/2021

Jesus' words  for us at the end of today's Gospel are a stark warning about the steadfastness of evil. Especially after a cleansing our devil will not give up but will find other ways to attack our souls. How many of us after hearing those words have tried to find some Hope in them? Jesus forceful preaching continues to offer the only sign; being, the sign of Jonah.

As with all of Jesus teaching it has to be understood in the greater context of his Mission as revealed and recorded from the memories of the original apostles and disciples. Jesus tells us that we must be together in our opposition to evil. The dangers which we face are powerfuly united against us. 

I have remembered this passage everytime that I have sinned again aftrer confession. To find a realistic Hope I have to remember the Way, the Truth and the Life and return to Father Son and Holy Spirit never forgetting the aid of God's Mother who was praised by the anonymous voice from the crowd later in the same Gospel.

Dear Lord, you know how difficult it is for me to keep my mind on you. Let me be cleansed of all sin and send you angel to guard me against the asaults which are always as close to me as the air I breath.