No Gift Higher Than Love

Hi! and happy holy and family day to all of us, GUYS.  For our first-thing-first this Sunday:

THE GOOD NEWS (31 January 2016)

"Be that as it may, set your hearts on the most precious gifts, and I will show you a much better way.

Now we have faith, hope and love, these three, but the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:13 

(Faith, hope, love.  Paul quite often joins these three "virtues", that is, the three movements in the Christian soul.  In no other place does he state this more clearly than here.  There is no authentic love without faith and hope.

The greatest of those is love.  Sometimes this sentence is used to misrepresent what is essential to Christian life.  For many say, "I do good to my neighbor, what else does GOD ask of me?  It would not be difficult to prove that such love is very limited, selfish and impure.  It is a "love" in which divine love lives in very cramped conditions and so is unable to transform our life.  We would need, first of all, great hope in a Christian sense that is a passion for eternal things and then the yielding of ourselves to the Spirit who would complete HIS work of love in us.  Love reaches its perfection when we are in GOD: I will know HIM as HE knows me.  As long as we do not see GOD, love is immature; that is the time when love must grow through faith and the knowledge of GOD's word; also through hope and perseverance as we follow JESUS poor, free and in the midst of trials.)   

A Model Of The Repentant Sinner

Hi! and happy weekend to al of us, GUYS.  For this Saturday's "food for the soul":

THE GOOD NEWS (30 January 2016)

"So YAHWEH sent the prophet Nathan to David.  Nathan went to the king and said to him, 'There were two men in a city: one was rich; the other, poor.  The rich man had many sheep and cattle, but the poor man had only one little ewe lamb he had bought.  He himself fed it and it grew up with him and his children.  It shared his food, drank from his cup and slept on his lap.  It was like a daughter to him.  Now a traveler came to the rich man, but he would not take from his own flock or herd to prepare food for the traveler.  Instead, he took the poor man's lamb and prepared that for his visitor.'

David was furious because of this man and told Nathan, 'As YAHWEH lives, the man who has done this deserves death!  He must return the lamb fourfold for acting like this and showing no compassion.'

Nathan said to David, 'You are this man!  It is YAHWEH, GOD of Israel, who speaks: 'I anointed you king over Israel and saved you from Saul's hands; I gave you your master's house and your master's wives; I also gave you the nation of Israel and Judah.  But if these were not enough, I would have given you even more.  Why did you despise YAHWEH by doing what displeases HIM?  You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife for yourself.  Yes, you killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.  Now the sword will never be far from your family because you have despised ME and taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite for yourself. 

Nathan And King David

Thus says YAHWEH:  Your misfortune will rise from your own house!  I will take your wives from you and give them to your neighbor who shall lie with them in broad daylight.  What you did was done secretly, but what I do will be done before Israel in broad daylight.'

David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against YAHWEH.'  Nathan answered him, 'YAHWEH has forgiven your sin; you shall not die.  However, because you have dared to despise YAHWEH by doing such a thing, the child that is born to you shall die.'  Then Nathan left and went to his house.

YAHWEH struck the child that Uriah's wife bore to David and it became sick.  David  entreated GOD for the child; he kept a strict fast  and lay on the ground the whole night.  The elders of his house asked him to rise from the ground but he refused.  Nor did he join them to eat." - 2 Samuel 12:1-17 

The Repentant Sinner, King David

( David will be a model of the repentant sinner.  Why did you despise the word of YAHWEH?  What has David done that GOD should choose him?  Everything in his life has been the work of YAHWEH'S love.  GOD chose a simple shepherd to make him king.  Even more, he chose this "king" from a small nation, to establish the permanent kingdom.  There are no excuses for David.

You did what displeases me.  David easily forgets that YAHWEH does not look for external ceremonies, but rather for purity of heart and justice to the neighbor. 

You killed Uriah and took his wife.  GOD brings into broad daylight what David had hidden from everyone and from his own conscience.

David's attitude: he humbly acknowledges his sin and accepts the consequences of his fault.  Psalm 51, the moving prayer of a repentant sinner, is attributed to him.

GOD's attitude:

          - GOD has forgiven your sin.  GOD remains faithful and keeps HIS promises to David's descendants.  More than that, Solomon, son of Bathsheba and David, will be the beneficiary of the promises mentioned: GOD will let grace pass through where sin had passed.

          - Your misfortune will rise from your own house.  In pardoning, GOD does not erase the consequences of the crime.

The child born out of love between David and Bathsheba falls sick and dies.  The king realizes that this is another sign to make him understand the gravity of his sin.  GOD is not vindictive nor does HE bear grudges.  HIS heart is not like ours.  HE is "slow to anger and no one surpasses HIM in kindness."

Another child is born of the same woman, now his wife; it is the future king Solomon, whom GOD chooses to succeed David.  In spite of his sin, GOD has not abandoned David.) 

David And Bathsheba

Hello! and happy TGIF to all of us, GUYS.  For our "daily bread" this Friday:

THE GOOD NEWS (29 January 2016)

"In the spring of that year, when kings usually set out to fight, David set out Joab, his officers and all the Israelite troops.  They slaughtered the Amonites and attacked Rabbah, while David remained in Jerusalem.

David And Bathsheba

One afternoon, David got up from his siesta and took a walk on the roof of the royal house.  From the rooftop, he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful.  David sent to inquire the woman, and was told, 'She is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah, the Hittite.'  So David sent messengers to have her brought to him; and he had intercourse with her after she had cleansed herself after her monthly period.  Then she returned to her house.

As the woman saw she was with child, she sent word to David, 'I am with child.'  

David then sent a message to Joab, 'Send me Uriah the Hittite.'  So Joab sent Uriah to David.  When Uriah came, David asked him about Joab, how the people were and how the war was proceeding; then he told Uriah, 'Go down to your house  and wash your feet.'

Uriah left the palace and the king had a portion from his table sent to him.  Uriah, however, did not go down to his house but slept by the door of the king's palace with all the servants of his lord.  David was told that Uriah did not go down to his house, and he said to him, 'have you not come from a journey?  Why did you not go down to your house?'  Uriah replied, 'The ark, the men of Israel and Judah are housed in tents while my lord Joab and his servants are encamped in the open country.  Shall I go to my house to eat and drink there and sleep  with my wife?  As you live, I will not do this!'  So David said to Uriah, 'Remain here today also and I will dismiss you tomorrow.'  Uriah therefore stayed in Jerusalem that day and the day after.  David invited him to table and he ate and drank until he was drunk.  When evening fell, however, he went to lie down on his couch with the guards of his lord instead of going down to his house.

The next morning, David wrote Joab a letter to be taken by hand by Uriah, in which he said, 'Place Uriah in the front row where the fighting is very fierce and then withdraw from him so that he may be struck down and die.'  When Joab was attacking the city, he assigned Uriah to a place which he knew was being defended by strong warriors.  And the defenders attacked the men of Joab.  Some of David's soldiers and officers were killed; Uriah the Hittite also died." - 2 Samuel 11:1-17 

Uriah The Hittite

(David's "sin" helps us to reflect on the weakness and wickedness of which even GOD's friends are capable.

We observe David's defects in several incidents.  He is impulsive and deceptive.  Here [in Chapter 11] everything contributes toward making his crime more odious.

     - Uriah is a foreigner who came to serve the king.

     - Uriah strictly observes the religious laws concerning war [to abstain from sexual relations], and he observes solidarity with his companions, while David abandons himself to passion far away from any danger.

     - David kills Uriah treacherously after having instructed him to bring the letter to Joab.

How could a book intended to preserve the memory of the model king dare to narrate this event without hiding anything that makes David's crime more odious and win greater sympathy for his victim?  An official historian of another people would never have done this. 

The Bible is not a book written to the glory of a king, or a people.  It is "revelation of GOD" in the clearest sense of the word.  In meditating on the word of GOD, one learns to know GOD but also to truly know oneself in the light of GOD: everyone of us is a sinner in need of the Savior GOD sends us.)

Parable Of The Lamp

Hello! and happy good Thursday to all of us, GUYS.  For our "daily bread" today:

THE GOOD NEWS (28 January 2016)

"JESUS also said to them, 'When the light comes, is it to be put under a tub or a bed?  Surely it is put on a lampstand.  Whatever is hidden will be disclosed, and whatever is kept secret will be brought to light.  Listen then, if you have ears!' 

And HE also said to them, 'Pay attention to what you hear.  In the measure you give, so shall you receive and still more will be given to you.  For to the one who produce something, more will be given, and from him who does not produce anything, even what he has will be taken away from him'." - Mark 4:21-25 

(Listen then, if you have ears.  JESUS warns us, "You waste your time if you only listen to ME yet do not allow what you hear to bear fruit.  The measure that you measure out will be the measure you receive.  That is to say, if you begin to act according to what you have learned, you will receive from GOD new strength and new knowledge.  If you do nothing, even your religious beliefs will be of no value to you, not even when you present yourself before GOD.  You read MY Gospel, but now challenge yourselves before you follow any further."

Whatever is hidden.  The word works secretly within the heart but when we discover the transformation that is at work in our life, we readily proclaim CHRIST and make known to others the secret that has made us happy.)

How Will You Measure Your Life?

The Seed Growing By Itself

Hi! and happy good mid-week to all of us, GUYS.  Today's "daily bread":

THE GOOD NEWS (27 January 2016))

"JESUS also said, 'In the kingdom of GOD it is like this.  A man scatters seed upon the soil.  Whether he is asleep or awake, be it day or night, the seed sprouts and grows, he knows not how.  The soil produces of itself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.  And when it is ripe for harvesting they take the sickle for the cutting: the time for harvest has come'." - Mark 4:126-29 

(In every period of time, people become impatient.  When will the kingdom of justice be realized?  Will violence and corruption soon come to an end?  JESUS answers: invisible forces are already at work; the world matures and the Kingdom grows on.

How many seeds are cast to the wind?  A new style, a new song, a new device, a radio program.  Some seeds have grown and taken root, producing fruits that mobilize people.  Let us recognize the humble beginnings of the work of GOD: good willed people meeting together to solve a community problem; a gesture of kindness in a closed, unfriendly environment; a first attempt to smile at life after a great disappointment.  The seed grows, and the person who has welcomed the word walks more confidently on the path where GOD leads.) 

GOD Did Not Give Us A Spirit Of Bashfulness

Hello! and happy Tuesday to all of us, GUYS.  For our "food for the soul"  today:

THE GOOD NEWS (26 January 2016)

"From Paul, apostle of CHRIST JESUS by the will of GOD, for the sake of HIS promise of eternal life in CHRIST JESUS, to my dear son Timothy.

May grace, mercy and peace be with you from GOD the FATHER and CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

I give thanks to GOD whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my ancestors did, as I remember you constantly, day and night, in my prayers.  I recall your tears and I long to see you that I may be filled with joy.  I am reminded of your sincere faith, so like the faith of your grandmother Lois and of your mother Eunice, which I am sure you have inherited.

For this reason I invite you to fan into a flame the gift of GOD you received through the laying on of my hands.  For GOD did not confer on us a spirit of bashfulness, but of strength, love and good judgment.  Do not be ashamed of testifying to our LORD, nor of seeing me in chains.  On the contrary, do your share in laboring for the Gospel with the strength of GOD." - 2 Timothy 1:1-8

Paul and Timothy

(Fan into a flame the gift you received.  Paul tries to give his own energy to Timothy and he reminds him of GOD's love and promises.

The sound doctrine... the precious deposit... which you have heard from me.  The doctrine of the faith cannot be altered, but neither can it be in storage.  It must be lived, which brings into play our creativity as well as that of the Holy Spirit that lets it be rediscovered each day.

He is capable of taking care of all I have entrusted to him.  These words invite us to remember the exact meaning of the word "faith."  In Hebrew, for the Old Testament, the word "faith" had the same root as "to be firm", or "to lean on something."  In Greek, the word that has become "faith" signifies both the trust that could be had in a debtor, and the guarantee given to the creditor.  So Paul considers all his apostolic life as the deposit he has placed in GOD's hands.  Like Paul a person of faith is not deceived by the mirages of a happy life but prefers to use his life in an often thankless labor and persevere as if he already saw what couldn't yet be seen [Hebrew 11:27].)

Proclaim The Good News To All Creation

Hi! and happy good first day of the week to all of us, GUYS.  For our "daily bread" this Monday:

THE GOOD NEWS (25 January 2016)

"Then HE told them, 'Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation.  The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; the one who refuses to believe will be condemned.  Signs like these will accompany those who have believed: in MY Name they will cast out demons and speak new languages, they will pick up snakes and, if they drink anything poisonous, they will be unharmed.  They will lay their hands on the sick and they will be healed." - Mark 16:15-18 

(Proclaim the goods news to all creation.  The Good News is the seed that will be planted in the world and will flourish, in its proper time, in every field of  human endeavor.  Salvation is not a matter of saving isolated souls or individual beings.  The Gospel is to be proclaimed to all creation in all activities and acts of those who have been  renewed by baptism.  They are to be the yeast that

transforms human history.)

A Very Important Date Of Sacred History

Hello! and happy holy and family day to all of us, GUYS.  Our first-thing-first this Sunday:

THE GOOD NEWS (24 January 2016)

The Book Of The Law

"Ezra brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all the children who could understand what was being read.  It was the first day of the seventh month.  Ezra read the book before all of them from early morning until midday in the square facing the Water Gate; and all who heard were attentive to the Book of the Law.

Ezra, the teacher of the Law, stood on a wooden platform built for that occasion and to his right were Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hikiah and Maaseiah; and to his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hasbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was in a higher place; and when he opened it, all the people stood.  Ezra blessed YAHWEH, the great GOD; and all the people lifted up their hands and answered, 'Amen! Amen!'  And they bowed their heads to the ground. 

Ezra Reading The Book Of The Law

The Levites Joshua, Bani and the rest of their brothers explained the Law to the people who were standing.  They read from the Book of the Law of GOD, clarifying and interpreting the meaning, so that everyone might understand what they were hearing.

Then Ezra, the teacher of the Law, said to the people, 'This day is dedicated to YAHWEH, your GOD, so do not be sad or weep.'  He said this because all wept when they heard the reading of the Law.  Then he said to them, 'Go and eat rich foods, drink sweet wine and share with him who has nothing prepared.

This day is dedicated to the LORD, so do not be sad.  The joy of YAHWEH is our strength'." - Nehemiah 8:2-10

(The first public reading of the Law marks a very important date of sacred history.  Until that time, the people of Israel lived their faith through praying and taking part in the Temple ceremonies.  Decisions and preaching came to them through priests and prophets.  They did not feel the need to read a Bible.  Several books of our Bible were already in existence but they were kept in the Temple or the kings' palace: they were not within reach of the people nor were they the foundation of their faith.  Now, however, new demands are made and they no longer have prophets as before.  Ezra understands that in the future, the Jewish community will grow through the reading, meditation on and interpretation of the sacred book.  Ezra himself tries to gather and complete the sacred books, and a new age begins wherein the Bible will be everyone's book and the basis of their faith.

This religious and cultural transition is similar in the Church in recent years.  People went to church; they prayed and they were taught, but the Bible was foreign to them.  However, now the Christian faith can only become strong through the word of GOD read and heard in the community.  Indeed we are behind time: this renewal should have started four centuries ago when Protestantism began.

The assembly gathered by Ezra will serve as the model for the religious life of the Jewish community.  The solemn worship in the Jerusalem Temple is not suppressed, but, from that time on, in every city the Jews will have a synagogue, that is, a meeting place where they will gather on the Sabbath to hear GOD's word and to sing psalms.)

The Sacred Book Today

JESUS' True Family

Hello! and happy good weekend to all of us, GUYS.  For our "food for the soul" this Saturday:

"Then HIS mother and HIS brothers came.  As they stood outside, they sent someone to call HIM.  The crowd sitting around JESUS told HIM, 'YOUR mother and YOUR brothers are outside asking for YOU.'  HE replied, 'Who are MY mother and MY brothers?'

And looking around at those who sat there, HE said, 'Here are MY mother and MY brothers.  Whoever does the will of GOD is brother and sister and mother to ME'." - Mark 3:31-35 

(JESUS lost HIS relatives but found HIS true brothers and sisters.  When we commit ourselves to GOD's work, we discover new brothers and sisters and a mother, Mary, of whom the Gospel says, "Happy are you for having believed that GOD's promises would be fulfilled."  JESUS does not say, "He is my father," for the FATHER is one and HE is in Heaven.)

David Spares Saul

Hi! and happy TGIF to all of us, GUYS.  For our "daily bread" this Friday:

"So Saul took three thousand picked men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men to the east of the Wild Goat crags. When he came to the sheepfolds along the way, he entered a cave to relieve himself.

Now David and his men were far back in the cave.  David's men said to him, 'This is the day which YAHWEH spoke of: look I will deliver your enemy into your hands and you will do with him as you see fit.'  So David moved up  and stealthily cut off an end of Saul's robe, and he said to his men, 'Let me not lay my hands on my master, for he is YAHWEH's anointed.'  With these words, David restrained  his men and did not allow them to attack Saul.  Saul then left the cave and went on his way.

Then David himself stepped out of the cave and called after Saul, 'My master, the king!'  When Saul looked back, David knelt and then bowed to the ground in homage and asked him, 'Why do you listen to those who say that I want to harm you?  Look, today you have seen that YAHWEH delivered you into my hands in the cave, and I was told to kill you but I held myself back and I said: 'I will not lift my hands against my master who is YAHWEH's anointed.'  My father, look at this end of your robe which I am holding!  I cut off the end of your robe but did not kill you.  Now you may know that I mean you no harm or treason.  I have done you no wrong and yet you are hunting me down to kill me.  May YAHWEH be judge between you and me and may HE exact justice from you in my case, but I shall do you no harm. 

As the saying goes, 'From the wicked comes wickedness'; as for me, my hand shall not harm you.  But who is it you are after, O king of Israel?  Are you pursuing a dead dog?  A flea?  May YAHWEH be judge between you and me.  May HE see and uphold my cause and deliver me from your hands.

After David had spoken these words, Saul asked, 'Is that your voice, my son David?'  He wept aloud and said to David, 'You are right and I am wrong, for you have repaid with kindness the harm I have inflicted on you.  This day you have shown your righteousness to me by not taking my life when YAHWEH  put me into your hands.  For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go unharmed?  May YAHWEH reward you for what you have done for me today.  Now I know for certain that you shall reign and the kingdom of Israel will be firm in your hand." - 1 Samuel 24:3-21

(David's respect for "the anointed one" of the LORD [since Saul had been anointed by Samuel], gives evidence of his faith.

Persons instructed in the Scriptures know that leaders share with GOD duties and power which exceed the capabilities and the rights of a human being.  Though we should replace evil or ineffective leaders, we must respect their person and the fearful responsibility GOD has delivered into their hands.

GOD will do me justice.  This is not the grudging complaint of someone who did not even try to defend himself but the certainty of one who fights  for what seems to him to be just, but recognizes that GOD alone is the master of history.  In particular cases, he renounces his rights as a way of showing his full confidence in GOD.  This is what JESUS says in Matthew 5:38-42.)

In GOD, I Trust Without Fear

Hello and happy good Thursday to all of us, GUYS. For our today's "food for the soul":

THE GOOD NEWS (21 January 2016)

"O GOD, show your mercy to me, for my foes are in hot pursuit; they press their attack on me all the time.

My accusers  pursue me all day long, many attack me.  But when I am afraid, O Mighty One, I put my trust in you.

In GOD whose word I praise, in GOD  I trust without fear.  What can mortals do against me?

All day long they hatch their evil plans, plotting mischief to injure my cause.

They conspire and lurk around, watching my every move, bent upon taking my life.

They must not be allowed to go unpunished; therefore, O GOD, in YOUR fury bring the nations down.

YOU have a record of my laments; my tears are stored in your wineskin.  Are they not written on YOUR scroll?

My enemies turn back when I call on YOU for help; now I know that GOD is for me.

In GOD whose word I praise, in GOD I trust without fear.  What can mortals do against me?

I am bound to YOU by bows, O GOD; I shall offer my thanksgiving." - Psalm 56:2-13 

(Prayer of the millions of oppressed who live, and no doubt will die crushed.  YOU, LORD, have gathered our tears.)

Human Advancement And The Sabbath

Hello!  and happy good mid-week to all of us, GUYS.  For our "food for the soul" this Wednesday:

THE GOOD NEWS (20 January2016)

"Again JESUS entered the synagogue.  A man who had a paralyzed hand was there and some people watched JESUS:  Would HE heal the man on the Sabbath? If HE did they could accuse HIM.

JESUS said to the man with the paralyzed hand, 'Stand here in the center.'  Then HE asked them, 'What does the Law allow us to do on the Sabbath?  To do good or to do harm?  To save life or to kill?'  But they were silent.

Then JESUS looked around at them with anger and deep sadness because they had closed their minds.  And HE said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.'  He stretch it out and his hand was healed.  But as soon as the Pharisees left, they met with Herod's supporters, looking for a way to destroy JESUS." - Mark 3:1-6 

(Here, what Mark wants to emphasize is not the miracle JESUS performs, but HIS attitude vis-à-vis the Sabbath.  This miracle confirms what HE has just said in 2:28.

The Pharisees considered it lawful to work on the Sabbath if it was a question of saving someone in danger of death.  JESUS is about to enlarge this ruling:  for HIM, not to do good is to do evil, not to cure is to kill. 

Some ask if JESUS was interested in the material advancement [well-being] of people or only in their spiritual progress.  Actually, it is impossible to separate one from the other.

JESUS, apparently, did not speak of the economy nor the social order, but HE did denounce our prejudices that prevent us from giving the world a true and just order.

People, then, have the capacity and the means to better their condition, but they use them poorly because they remain prisoners of principles or institutions that are considered sacred, and in order to preserve them they allow half the world to die.)

Samuel Annoints David

Hello!  and happy good Tuesday to all of us, GUYS.  For our today's "daily bread":

THE GOOD NEWS (19 January 2016)

"YAHWEH asked Samuel, 'How long will you be grieving over Saul whom I have rejected as king of Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way to Jesse the Bethlehemite for I have chosen my king from among his sons.'

Samuel asked, 'How can I go?  If Saul hears of this, he will kill me!'  YAHWEH replied, 'Take a heifer with you and say, I have come to sacrifice to YAHWEH.'  Invite Jesse to the sacrifice and I will let you know what to do next. You shall anoint for me the one I point out to you.'

Samuel did what YAHWEH commanded and left for Bethlehem.  When he appeared, the elders of the city came to him asking, fearfully, 'Do you bring us peace?'  Samuel replied, 'I come in peace; I am here to sacrifice to YAHWEH.  Cleanse yourselves and join me in the sacrifice.  He also had Jesse and his sons cleansed and invited them to the sacrifice.

As they came, Samuel looked at Eliab the older and thought, 'This must be YAHWEH's anointed.'  But YAHWEH told Samuel, 'Do not judge by his looks or his stature for I have rejected him.  YAHWEH does not judge as man judges; humans see with the eyes; YAHWEH sees the heart.'

Jesse call his son Abinadab and presented him to Samuel who said, 'YAHWEH has not chosen this one either.'  Jesse presented Shammah and Samuel said, 'Nor has YAHWEH chosen this one.'  Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel who said, 'YAHWEH has chosen none of them.  But are all your sons here?'  Jesse replied, 'There is still the youngest, tending the flock just now.'  Samuel said to him, 'Send for him and bring him to me; we shall not sit down to eat until he arrives.'  So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him to Samuel.  He was a handsome lad with ruddy complexion and beautiful eyes.  And YAHWEH spoke, 'Go anoint him for he is the one.'  Samuel then took the horn of oil and anointed him in his brothers' presence.  from that day onwards, YAHWEH's Spirit took hold of David.,  Then Samuel left for Ramah." - 1 Samuel 16:1-13 

Samuel Anoints David

(How long will you be grieving over Saul?  Sometimes, we remain grounded, immobile, longing for the past, when events in life are pushing us forward to change plans and directions.

Samuel goes to Bethlehem to meet the one whom GOD has chosen.  Bethlehem is the city of David's family.  There, JESUS will be born ten centuries later.

David, Jesse's son, is tending the flock when they send for him.  He is a shepherd before he becomes king.  In the Bible, the shepherd  is the image of the perfect king who, rather than acting like an important man, attends to persons and serves them as the shepherd does his sheep.  JESUS, King and Savior, will introduce HIMSELF as the good Shepherd whom the prophets were dreaming of.

Humans see with the eyes; YAHWEH sees the heart.  In the adolescent David, there is yet no evidence of the moral qualities, intelligence and courage which he will display as military chief and politician.  Still, GOD knows whom HE chooses.  In order to bring HIS work to completion, GOD does not choose those who pretend to be greater than they are.

In any human group, it is necessary to discover the values of each person and not allow oneself to be deceived by appearances.  It is very important for Christian communities that those with responsibility know how "to look into the heart" of brothers and sisters, whether they be the quiet ones or those who show much zeal.  Then it will not be long before they find the persons needed to animate the community, and can bypass the ambitious ones.)

Saul Is Rejected As King

Hi! and happy good first day of the week, GUYS.  Our "daily bread" this Monday:

THE GOOD NEWS (18 January 2016)

"Samuel then told Saul, 'Enough!  Let me tell you what YAHWEH said to me last night.'  Saul replied, 'Please tell me.'  So Samuel went on and said, 'Though you had no confidence in yourself, you became chief of the tribes of Israel, for YAHWEH wanted to anoint you king over Israel.  Then HE sent you with this command, 'Go.  Completely crush the Amalekite offenders, engaging them in battle until they are destroyed.'  Why then did you not obey the voice of YAHWEH but instead swooped down on the spoil, doing what was evil in HIS sight?'  To this, Saul replied, 'I have obeyed the voice of YAHWEH and have carried out the mission for which HE sent me.  I have captured Agag, king of Amalek and completely destroyed the Amalekites.  If my men spared the best sheep and oxen from among those to be destroyed, it was in order to sacrifice them to YAHWEH, your GOD, in Gilgal.'  Samuel then said,

'Does YAHWEH take as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obedience to HIS command?  Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission better than the fat of rams.  Rebellion is like the sin of divination, and stubbornness like holding onto idols.  Since you have rejected the word of YAHWEH, HE too has rejected you as king'." - 1 Samuel 15:16-23 

(For a long time, it has been a subject of reflection and discussion for the people of GOD to know what, in GOD's eyes is more important:  the offering of sacrifices or keeping the Law? 

GOD is coming to judge HIS people.  HE condemns those who replace the obedience of the heart with offerings and material sacrifices, and those who recite the commandments instead of practicing them.)

To Us A Child Is Born

Hello! and happy holy and family day to all of us, GUYS.  Our first-thing-first this Sunday:

THE GOOD NEWS  (17 January 2016)

"The people who walk in darkness

have seen a great light.

A light has dawned

on those who live in the land of the shadow of death.

For a child is born to us,

a son is given us;

the royal ornament is laid upon his shoulder,

and his name is proclaimed:

'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace'."

- Isaiah 9:1, 5

(The poem may have been composed in 732 when the king of Assyria destroyed Israel, kindred and enemies at the same time.  According to their custom, the Assyrians took many of the people to the other end of their empire.  They resided in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali which, centuries later, would become Galilee.  Dispersed among the pagans, they were coming out of sacred history to enter into darkness.

Israel Falls To The Assyrians

The liberation promised to them is presented as a crushing victory of the LORD, inaugurating a reign of peace, related to EMMANUEL.

The people who walk in darkness...  The Gospel [Matthew 4:16] sees in that people the crowds whom JESUS addresses: 

     - a people dominated by every kind of oppressors;

     - a people seeking light and without hope.

A child is born:  in growing up HE will lose nothing of HIS child-like qualities, but will do away with the pride of nations.

Without doubt this child is the one named EMMANUEL in 7:15.  Here again, HIS name signifies what GOD will do through HIM.  Through HIM GOD will be revealed as "Wonderful Counselor which means HE whose "counsel," whose plans are marvelously wise.  GOD "Father" as he was for David.  "Strong GOD" as he was for Jacob.  The "Prince of Peace," HE is still GOD but HE will be so in giving the victory to HIS king, HIS "messiah," as HE did for David.

As was already the case for EMMANUEL, GOD-with-us, these appellations which seem at first said for GOD could be equally applied to the future king who will be "HIS" king, which usually expressed with the word MESSIAH.  In any case it prophetically announces what in fact would happen.  GOD HIMSELF will come in the person of JESUS.

In the Bible, many promises appear as if they would happen immediately.

Abraham is promised a son and Isaac is born; but the true heir is CHRIST.  Abraham is promised a land for his children who will, in fact, occupy Canaan; but the true land is the kingdom of GOD.  David is promised an heir and a lasting kingdom, but CHRIST is the definitive king, not Solomon.) 

The Story Of Saul

Hi! and happy weekend to all of us, GUYS.  For our "food for  the soul" this Saturday:

"There was a man from the tribe of Benjamin whose name was Kish.  He was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a valiant Benjaminite.

Then Samuel took a vial of oil and poured it on Saul's head.  And kissing Saul, Samuel said, 'YAHWEH has anointed you to rule over and to lead HIS people Israel.  And this will be YAHWEH's sign to you that HE has anointed you." - 1 Samuel 9:1-10:1 

(Here the story of Saul's vocation begins.  Saul sets out to look for his father's mules and, on the way, encounters something he did not expect.

The young Saul, just like many other Israelites, goes to Samuel.  For them the prophet is a seer, a diviner, and they go to him for a solution to their economic problems.  We should not find this strange.  For centuries, those who were addicted to the science of the stars also attended consultations concerning the future.  Reading horoscopes was their way of earning a living.  Science later departed from those practices.

In the same way in the early history  of Israel, the prophet hardly seems different from a soothsayer, an astrologist and others who claim to know what ordinary folk cannot know; people come to consult them as does Saul for any trouble they have.  But soon prophetism  in Israel will find its own way; the prophet will be the one who calls people to conversion.  When this chapter was written, the passage was already made and the verse makes it clear that if before, people spoke of "seer", they now speak of "prophet".

Samuel anoints Saul with anointing oil.)

King Saul

JESUS Forgives And Cures A Paralytic

Hi! and happy TGIF to all of us, GUYS.  For our Friday's "daily bread":

THE GOOD NEWS (15 January 2016)

"After some days JESUS returned to Capernaum.  As the news spread that HE was at home, so many people gathered that there was no longer room even outside the door.  While JESUS was preaching the Word to them, some people brought a paralyzed man to HIM. 

The four men who carried him couldn't get near JESUS because of the crowd, so they opened the roof above the room where JESUS was and, through the hole, lowered the man on his mat.  When JESUS saw the faith of these people, HE said to the paralytic, 'My son, your sins are forgiven.'

Now, some teachers of the Law who were sitting there wondered within themselves, 'How can HE speak like this insulting GOD?  Who can forgive sins except GOD?'

At once JESUS knew through HIS spirit what they were thinking and asked, 'Why do you wonder?  Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man:  'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say:  'Rise, take up your mat and walk?'  But now you shall know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.'

And HE said to the paralytic, 'Stand up, take up your mat and go home.'  The man rose and, in the sight of all those people, he took up his mat and went out.  All of them were astonished and praised GOD saying, 'We have never seen anything like this!" - Mark 2:1-12 

(With this miracle on the paralytic cured and forgiven, JESUS gives three answers at the same time:  to the sick man, to his friends and to the Pharisees.

When JESUS saw the faith of these people.  These are the friends of the paralytic, and JESUS rewards their faith.

Apparently the paralytic did nothing more than consent to their advice.  At once, JESUS tells him - your sins are forgiven.  What a strange thing to say!  How can JESUS forgive sins if the man is not conscious of any fault and, at the same time, repentant and awaiting forgiveness?  Certainly during his long infirmity, this man had asked himself why GOD was punishing him [the people of his time believed sickness was a punishment from GOD].  Many texts of the Old Testament emphasize the complex connection between sin and illness.  It is often illness that makes us conscious of our state of sinfulness, and for HIS part JESUS does not want to heal unless there is reconciliation with GOD.

JESUS acts like GOD:  HE looked at the sinner, rectified the complexes of culpability and pardoned before healing.

Later the Pharisees arrive.  When JESUS forgave the paralytic, the simple people did not realize how scandalous HIS words were.  They did not have enough religious formation to realize immediately that only GOD could give absolution.  It was the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law who were scandalized.  Their indignation is justified because neither they, nor the others, nor the disciples, yet understand that JESUS is the true Son of GOD.  JESUS silences them:  If I restore health in the same way GOD does, should not I also forgive in the way GOD does?

JESUS disconcerts those who ask who HE is.  Better still, HE shows  that only HE can save the whole person, body and soul.

Happy this man who was assured of HIS pardon through the glance and the words of JESUS!  GOD is HE who lives and loves and we need to meet HIM so that forgiveness can be authentic - HIS eyes meeting our eyes.  Because of this, GOD had to become human - JESUS forgives sins because HE is a son of man and from HIM we receive the pardon both of GOD and of people within the Christian community.)  

The Philistines Capture The Ark

Hello! and happy good Thursday to all of us, GUYS.  For today's "food for the soul":

THE GOOD NEWS (14 January 2016)

"At that time Samuel was a prophet of Israel.  The Israelites went out to battle against the Philistines.  They encamped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines encamped at Aphek.  The Philistines then drew up in battle formation.  They attacked Israel and after a fierce struggle, Israel was defeated, leaving about four thousand men dead on the battlefield.  When the troops retreated to their camp, the elders of Israel asked, 'Why has YAHWEH allowed us to be defeated by the Philistines?  Let us take the ark of GOD from Shiloh and bring it here so that YAHWEH may be with us and save us from our enemies.  So the people sent messengers to Shiloh to take the ark of YAHWEH who is seated on the cherubim.  Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, accompanied the ark.

As soon as the ark of YAHWEH entered the camp, the Israelites began to cheer so loudly that the earth resounded.  The Philistines heard the shouting and asked, 'What does this loud shout in the camp of the Hebrews mean?  And they were told that the ark of YAHWEH had been brought to the camp.

The Philistines were overcome with fear.  They exclaimed, 'A god  has come into the camp.  Woe to us!  For nothing like this happened before.  Woe to us!  Who can save us from the power of these mighty gods?  These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all sorts of plagues - and in the desert.  Take courage and conduct yourselves like men, O Philistines, lest you become slaves to the Hebrews the way they have been slaves to you.  Be manly and fight.'

So the Philistines fought and Israel was defeated.  Everyone fled to his home.  It was a disastrous defeat; thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel were killed.  The ark of GOD was captured and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain." - 1 Samuel 4:1-11 

(In their war against the Philistines, the Israelites seek the protection of YAHWEH.  They look for the Ark, thinking that, when it is with them, YAHWEH will be obliged to grant them victory.  And since the human being often doubts his GOD, he relies on his lucky charms. 

GOD is not concerned with the sacred Ark, nor is HE at the service of an irresponsible people.  instead, HE wants to educate them by making them pay the price for their unfaithfulness.  For this reason, GOD does not respond to them and the sacred Ark is lost.) 

The Ark Of The Covenant

GOD Calls Samuel

Hello! and happy good mid-week to all of us, GUYS.  For our "food for the soul" this Wednesday:

THE GOOD NEWS (13 January 2016)

"The boy Samuel ministered to YAHWEH under Eli's care in a time in which the word of YAHWEH was rarely heard; visions were not seen.

One night Eli was lying down in his room, half blind as he was.  The lamp of GOD was still lighted and Samuel also lay in the house of YAHWEH near the ark of GOD.  Then YAHWEH called, 'Samuel!  Samuel!'  Samuel answered, 'I am here!'  and ran to Eli saying, 'I am here, did you not call me?'  But Eli said, 'I did not call, go back to sleep.'  So he went and lay down. 

Then YAHWEH called again, 'Samuel! and Samuel stood up and went to Eli saying, 'You called me; I am here.'  But Eli answered, 'I did not call you, my son.  Go back to sleep.'

Samuel did not yet know YAHWEH and the word of YAHWEH had not yet been revealed to him.  But YAHWEH called Samuel for the third time and, as he went again to Eli saying, 'I am here for you have called me,' Eli realized that it was YAHWEH calling the boy.  So he said to Samuel, 'Go, lie down, and if HE calls you again, answer:  'Speak, YAHWEH, your servant listens.'

Then YAHWEH came and stood there calling as HE did before, 'Samuel!'  'Samuel!'  And Samuel answered, 'Speak, for your servant listens.'  Then YAHWEH spoke to Samuel, 'Look, I am about to do something in Israel which will scare everyone who hears about it.  On that day I will carry out what I told Eli regarding his family.  All will be fulfilled from beginning to end.  For I told him that I was about to sentence his family forever.  He himself knew that his sons were blaspheming GOD, but he did not stop them.  This is why I have cursed the family of Eli.  Their sin shall never be atoned for by sacrifice or by any offering.'

Samuel lay down until morning and rose up early.  Then he opened the doors of YAHWEH's house.  Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli, but Eli called him and said, 'Samuel, my son.'  Samuel answered, 'I am here.'  Eli asked, 'What did YAHWEH tell you?  Do not hide it from me.  Fear the punishment of GOD if you hide from me even one thing HE told you.'  So Samuel told him everything to the end and Eli said, 'HE is YAHWEH.  Let HIM do what seems good to HIM.'

Samuel grew; YAHWEH was with him and made all HIS words become true.  All Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, knew that Samuel was really YAHWEH's prophet." - 1 Samuel 3:1-20 

(GOD's call to Samuel is personal and direct.  The answer of the child Samuel prepares him for greater things.

How seriously Eli, in spite of his age and function, regards Samuel!  He knows that spiritual maturity has nothing to do with physical age and he accepts GOD's reproaches relayed through this boy.

The Bible also underlines the responsibility of those who do not discipline their children.  The father's duty to educate and correct his children, even by punishing them, instead of leaving them to do what they want, was taught in Israel.  As the conscience of the child is not yet fully awake, the future liberty of the young person as a mature adult has to be ensured through the discipline of a "Law".

The call of Samuel reminds us that every person has a vocation, i.e., that GOD calls individuals and destines them to accomplish their own irreplaceable tasks.  In our society many are looked upon merely as work force and receive little appreciation.  Since they have no duty or responsibility of which they can be proud, they rightly feel frustrated.  They do not feel themselves "called" or needed for something big.  So they lack one of the more important drives to build their future.  In directing ones life, each one has to ask:  "What does GOD want of me?")