First Reading: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

From recent experiences we know now what happens when we put ecclesiastical leaders and personages on pedestals. The implosion is never pretty and in our case, it has been followed by so many aftershocks that we walk very gingerly on the ground unsure when the next earthquake is coming. We need to have the humility of Peter before us, be open to the Holy Spirit and understand God has no favourites.



Second Reading: 1 John 4:7-10

There is an echo here of John 3:16, God sending his only Son. If we believe, we have life. We have life if we believe. Richard Dawkins et al would strongly disagree. He would say you can admire the garden without having to believe there are fairies at the end of it. So many in our age agree with him. By our love can we change their restless hearts?



Gospel Reading: John 15: 9-17

We talk about the complete package. Other colloquialisms we are familiar with are the whole nine yards, the whole kit and caboodle. A high form of praise is to say someone is ‘the real deal’. Utility companies advertise ‘bundles’, a group of services you can avail of for one agreed price. A
question to pose to ourselves is ‘what is the complete package, the “bundle” Jesus offers me?’ and by following them we will be liberated in love not enslaved in fear. That’s joy you can’t buy online! It’s a lot more than a paltry nine yards! It’s infinite.