15/10/2023
The first reading fills my mind with the goodness of God. The mountain is the superabundance of our Creator God who is touching our earth with only good things, a superabundance of the goods of creation. Isaiah is inspired by his inner vision to give glory to God for the greatness of his creation.
The song of the Shepherd King gives praise to God for the peace revealed by his care. All Christians have to love this image of the Good Shepherd and we all know that it is Jesus who carries the crook and staff to guide and protect us.
St Paul who well knew the God of Power and Might, the IAMIAM revealed in the scriptures had had an Earthly encounter with the Resurrection, the Incarnate, Son begotten not made. He had literally been blinded by the Light of Christ, recognised the authority of the Father and filled with the Holy Spirit.
From that time he was propelled into his mission he lived the life of Christ which he recognised in his being. He thanks the Philippians for their gift but is not being ungracious when he tells them that the Christ in him is all that he needs.
It is a reminder of how Jesus himself did not stop his preaching just because his family wanted to see him.
Today's parable is familiar to all Christians. It explains how it is that Jesus was present with the people of Israel in the first century of enlightened time. God is not to be ignored and even though the chosen guests refuse their invitation we who have been dragged in from the highways and byways have to be also ready in our souls for the call of the Lord.
Dear Lord, help me to accept you into my heart so that I may pray with integrity. You know how a petty annoyance has so distracted me that I am ashamed to continue as I am forcing prayer and not feeling it grow in my heart. May Mary, Theotokos, who carried you as a human mother pray that I may calm the distractions in my soul and walk calmly behind you into the peace you have created us all to know and enjoy. You are the Good Shepherd.