Happy Easter! The Reading says “Be Catholic!”
Today’s Reading fits in with one of Catholic Fundamentalism’s positions. Ten of Jacob’s sons founded what would become the Kingdom of The Northern Tribes. Remnants of those tribes were among the first to whom Jesus preached.
Around 720 B.C., most in those tribes were deported into the North. Those tribes spread all through the world. Some headed for Europe where they became known as Scythians, Goths, Celts, etc. Others went to Africa and Asia. Many of us, from all races, colors, and places, are descended from them and the children they had with many, many other peoples. We who recognize our common genetic heritage are specifically called to be Catholic.
This is why, in so many of our ancient common languages, the words for “brother” and “cousin” are the same. There is no distinction.
Today’s reading includes Psalm 118: 1-2
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.”
He did not say, “Let the world say “His mercy endures forever.” but that the house of Israel say “His mercy endures forever.”
This does not lessen the salvation that is available to all who believe and obey. Today’s Reading explains. All who recognize that we of Israel’s spiritual family ancestry are also, automatically, the sons and daughters of Israel. We should all strive to be better Catholics.
