“Apocryphal" is a Greek word that means "hidden away.” It refers to stories or writings not considered authentic. Some of the apocryphal gospels include:
• The Gospel of Thomas: Written in the mid-second century, this claims to contain 113 sayings of Jesus.
• The Gospel of Matthias: Written in about 150 A. D., it purportedly contains secret words of Jesus spoken to Thomas and written down by Matthias.
• The Gospel of Bartholomew: Written in the third or fourth century, it has the Risen Lord answering Bartholomew’s questions about the descent into hell. Also, Mary tells Bartholomew about the annunciation. Even Satan is interviewed about the fall of the angels.
• The Gospel of Judas: No copy of this has been preserved, but early writers talk about it. Apparently it taught that Judas, by a secret revelation, knew that the crucifixion would bring about the salvation of the world, and this was the reason for his treachery.
• The Gospel of Mary Magdalene: Written in about the third century, this supposedly contains teachings of Jesus after his Resurrection, which he passed on to Mary Magdalene.
Before time began, from all eternity, there flowed a life and love in the Trinity – between Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
When the Word became flesh, that life and love flowed in a human being – Jesus Christ.
Jesus has poured that life and love upon us.
Imagine God’s own love flowing within me. Jesus could not have been clearer about this:
• “Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.” (Jn 6:57)
• “I am the vine, you are the branches.” (Jn 15:5)
The first Letter of John is clear too: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God.” (4:7)
Because we have this life and love flowing within us, we can direct it toward others. Which is to say, we can bless them. “Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult. But on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called.” (1Peter 8:9)
Today, every day, I can silently bless others with God’s own love. Now that’s a whole different way of getting through a day.
Try it!