Last Instructions

Hi! and happy good Thursday to all of GUYS.  Today's "food for the soul" for all of us:

THE GOOD NEWS (31 March 2016)

"Then JESUS said to them, 'Remember the words I spoke to you when I was still with you: Everything written about ME in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.'  Then HE opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

And HE went on, 'You see what was written: the Messiah had to suffer and on the third day rise from the dead.  Then repentance and forgiveness in HIS name would be proclaimed to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  Now you shall be witnesses to this.  And this is why I will send you what MY FATHER promised.  So remain in the city until you are invested with power from above.'

JESUS led them almost as far as Bethany; then HE lifted up HIS hands and blessed them.  And as HE blessed them, HE withdrew (and was taken to heaven. They worshipped HIM).  They returned to Jerusalem full of joy and were continually in the Temple praising GOD." - Luke 24:44-53

JESUS' Last Appearance To The Apostles After Resurrection

(JESUS uses these encounters to clarify the meaning of HIS brief and intense mission for HIS apostles.  HE saves us from sin, which means nothing less than reordering history to resurrect humankind.

Everything written about ME in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.  What the prophets announced, about a savior who would be rejected by HIS people and take the sin of HIS people upon HIMSELF, had to be fulfilled.  What sin?  Everyone's sins, of course, but also the violence of the whole Jewish society at the time of JESUS.  This was the sin that brought HIM to the cross.

As a matter of fact, this way of death and resurrection was not reserved only for JESUS, but for HIS people also.  In that precise period, Israel, subject to the Roman Empire, had to accept the death of its earthly ambitions: autonomy, national pride, the religious superiority of the Jews over other people... in order to rise as the people of GOD scattered among nations and to become the agent of salvation.  A minority took the way JESUS pointed out and this was the beginning of the Church.

Repentance and forgiveness.  Christian conversion is not passing from one party to another, from one religious group to another: it is a recasting of  the person.  Persons are part of a society, a world, a history.  Therefore the preaching to the nations means also the education of the nations and even international society.  This is something that takes longer then ten or a hundred years.

You shall be witnesses to this.  JESUS calls HIS apostles to be the official witnesses of  HIS Gospel and those who judge authentic faith.

Remain in the city.  The apostles are not able to begin immediately missionary work.  They will first dedicate themselves to strengthening fellowship and the fervor of the community of the disciples, as they wait for the time chosen by the FATHER to give them the power coming from above.

I will send you what my FATHER promised.  JESUS could not affirm HIS divine authority and the unity of the three divine persons more powerfully.

HE withdrew: this was the last of JESUS appearances to the group of disciples.

And so concludes Luke's first book.  His second book, The Acts of the Apostles, follows the Gospels and it begins exactly where the Gospel ends.)

Holy Spirit Descends Upon The Apostles

Peter And John Cure A Lame Man

Hi! and happy good mid-week to all of us, GUYS.  For our "daily bread" today:

THE GOOD NEWS (30 March 2016)

"Once when Peter and John were going up to the Temple at three in the afternoon, the hour of prayer, a man crippled from birth was being carried in.  Every day they would bring him and put him at the temple gate called 'Beautiful'; there he begged from those who entered the Temple.

When he saw Peter and John on their way into the Temple, he asked for alms.   Then Peter with John at his side looked straight at him and said, 'Look  at us.'  So he looked at them, expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said, 'I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you:  In the name of JESUS of Nazareth, the Messiah, walk!'

Then he took the beggar by his right hand and helped him up.  At once his feet and ankles became firm, and jumping up he stood on his feet and began to walk.  And he went with them into the Temple walking and leaping and praising GOD.

All the people saw him walking and praising GOD; they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, and they were all astonished and amazed at what had happened to him." - Acts 3:1-10 

(We might sometimes think that JESUS cured all the sick.  This is not true, since HE did not heal this cripple who was in the Temple every day.  This new sign brings about another proclamation.

Why are you amazed at this?  The miracle was done in the Name of JESUS, that is, by the Power over every creature that JESUS received from the FATHER at the time of HIS resurrection.  JESUS was in their midst as the servant of the LORD [Isaiah 42:1; 52:13], but speaking of HIS Name was a way of stating HIS divinity [Mark 16:17; Philippians 2:9].)

Save Yourselves From This Crooked Generation

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

THE GOOD NEWS (29 March 2016)

"Let Israel then know for sure that GOD has made LORD and CHRIST this JESUS whom you crucified.

When they heard this, they were deeply troubled.  And they asked Peter and the other apostles, 'What shall we do, brothers?'

Peter answered, 'Each of you must repent and be baptized in the name of JESUS CHRIST, so that your sins may be forgiven.  Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise of GOD was made to you and your children, and to all those from afar whom our GOD may call.'

With many other words Peter gave the message and appealed to them saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation.'  So those who accepted his word were baptized; some three thousand persons were added to their number that day." - Acts 2:36-41 

"Save yourselves from this crooked generation."    Baptism In The Name Of JESUS CHRIST.

(What shall we do?  Repent.  In those days, to repent and to be converted meant to share the life of the infant Church which showed to the nation the way of salvation taught by JESUS.  The Church did not appear as a new religion opposed to Judaism, but a center of more authentic life.

Repent.  Peter uses these words of JESUS at the beginning of his speech [Matthew 4:17] - the Church is beginning to fall into the steps of JESUS - now it is no longer a question of receiving the baptism of John the Baptist, which was only a ritual of purification, highlighting the desire to repent.  We must receive baptism "in the Name of JESUS".

Save yourselves from this crooked generation.  This means that the entire generation was missing the unique opportunity they were given.  For GOD asked them to take the most decisive step in Sacred History; even Roman oppression could be overcome by a people able to put the Gospel into practice.  At the same time JESUS made them discover the love of GOD the FATHER for which the whole Bible had prepared them.

Some three thousand were added to their number.  They already knew of JESUS, but were not committed to HIM.  They were converted by the common action of the Holy Spirit and the apostles.  A church in which signs of the Spirit acting could not be seen could not say that JESUS lives in her midst.)  

JESUS Appears To The Women

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

THE GOOD NEWS (28 March 2016)

"They left the tomb at once in holy fear, yet with great joy, and they ran to tell the news to the disciples.

Suddenly, JESUS met them on the way and said, 'Peace.'  The women approached HIM, embraced HIS feet and worshiped HIM.  But JESUS said to them, 'Do not be afraid.  Go and tell MY brothers to set out for Galilee; there they will see ME.' 

While the women were on their way, the guards returned to the city and some of them reported to the chief priests all that had happened.  The chief priests met with the Jewish authorities and decided to give the soldiers a good sum of money, with this instruction, 'Say that HIS disciples came by night while you were asleep, and stole the body of JESUS.  If Pilate comes to know of this, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.'  The soldiers accepted the money and did as they were told.  This story has circulated among the Jews until this day." - Matthew 28:8-15

(Suddenly JESUS met them on the way.  It is obvious that Matthew is combining two different events; one, the discovery of the empty tomb, and the other, which happened later on, the apparition of JESUS to Mary Magdalene alone as related in John 20:11-18.

Set out for Galilee.  Why did JESUS say this date if HE was going to appear later that same day in Jerusalem? [Luke 24:13-42].  It is not clear.  Probably the evangelists combined several apparitions to simplify their narration.  Anyway, time was needed for the apostles to believe in the Resurrection and understand something about it.  After the two apparitions in Jerusalem, in which JESUS tried to convince them that HE was not a phantom or a spirit, they would have to return to their provinces and environments, far away from the city that had caused them such trauma, in order to ponder what they had experienced.  In Galilee, JESUS will manifest HIMSELF differently, making them understand that HE is already glorified, that HIS existence is earthly no more.

A woman, Mary Magdalene, conveys the message, in order to indicate that, in the Church, not everything will come from the authorities.  GOD communicates with whomever HE wishes, giving prophetic messages to simple people and to women.

The resurrection of CHRIST is the pivotal point of the Gospel; yet Matthew reports it briefly.  Why?  Because when Matthew wrote his Gospel, the Resurrection was considered too great an event to put into writing: rather, it should be proclaimed and witnessed to by the Spirit at work in the Christian communities.

Are we in a different situation?  The Church that talks of the Risen CHRIST should never be a powerful Church but a Risen Church.  If the Church finds itself in a situation where there is no apparent hope of salvation, yet it is revived by the power of GOD; if in each generation the Church seems doomed to die because of its ancient structures, its worldly ways or the persecution it undergoes, yet it is nevertheless given new energies and new apostles by the LORD, then the Church is a witness that the LORD has risen and has given her the power to rise.)

The Risen CHRIST

Seek The Things That Are Above

Hi! and happy EASTER SUNDAY to all of us, GUYS.  Today's first-thing-first:

THE GOOD NEWS (27 March 2016)

"So, then, if you are risen with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where CHRIST is seated at the right hand of GOD.  Set your mind on the things that are above, not on earthly things.  For you have died and your life is now hidden with CHRIST in GOD.  When CHRIST, who is your life, reveals HIMSELF, you also will be revealed with HIM in Glory." - Colossians 3:1-4 

(Here we have what was said about baptism which joins us to CHRIST and makes us share in all HIS wealth.  Since CHRIST left this earth, we leave it too: what is best in our lives, what motivates us to do things is neither visible, nor is it of the earth.  GOD alone knows the riches  of the believer's heart, even when her life seems tarnished by various faults and weaknesses: one day GOD will manifest the goodness, the "glory" which we do not yet see [Matthew 25:31-46].

Put to death what is earthly in your life.  It is not that we have to kill ourselves, but to destroy egoism, wickedness, envy, excessive confidence in self, for sin is there.  Being free of a religion of commandments should not make us less aware of what is required in a new life.  It means being still more perfect [Matthew 5:20 and 48].)

The LORD Has Risen!

Hello! and happy good Holy Saturday (Latin: Sabbatum Sanctum), also known as Great Sabbath or Black Saturday or Easter Eve, to all of us, GUYS.  Our first-thing-first this Easter Eve:

"On the Sabbath the women rested according to the commandment, but the first day of the week, at dawn, they went to the tomb with the perfumes and ointments they had prepared.  Seeing the stone rolled away from the opening of the tomb, they entered and were puzzled to find that the body of the LORD JESUS was not there.

Two men in dazzling garments appeared beside them.  In fright the women bowed to the ground.  But the men said, 'Why look for the living among the dead?  (You won't find HIM here.  HE is risen.)  Remember what HE told you in Galilee, that the Son of Man had to be given into the hands of sinners, be crucified, and rise on the third day.'  And they recalled JESUS' words.

Returning from the tomb, they informed the Eleven and their companions.  Among the women who brought the news were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James.  But however much they insisted, those who heard did not believe the seemingly nonsensical story.  Then Peter got up and ran to the tomb.  All he saw there on bending down were the linen cloths.  He went home wondering." - Luke 24:1-12 

(The LORD JESUS: with this expression, not found in the rest of the Gospel but very much in use in the early Church, Luke shows us that the Risen JESUS has entered a kind of existence which is different from that of HIS mortal life.  Let us remember the following:

     1)  None of the Gospels describe the Resurrection of JESUS: it was an event that could not be seen.

     2)  The apostles' preaching about the Risen JESUS is based on two facts: the empty tomb and the appearances [see commentary on Matthew 28:1].

     3)  Before the Gospels were written, Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, in the year 57, gave a list of JESUS' appearances [1 Corinthians 15:3].

     4)  Although the four Gospels agree on the essentials, there are, nevertheless, differences as to the order of the appearances and the place where they occurred.  Luke does not mention appearances in Galilee.  Matthew gives the impression that all that was important took place in Galilee, and that the Ascension took place there as well.  Paul speaks first of an appearance to Peter and does not mention the appearance to Mary Magdalene.  An in-depth study of the texts sheds some light on these discrepancies: they did not want to reveal everything, and at times preferred to modify details of the place or the chronology to fit the demands of their book and for the purpose of teaching.

     5)  As for JESUS' ascension, it was not a "trip" to heaven; HE was already "in heaven," in the sense that HE shared the glory of GOD from the moment of HIS Resurrection. The Ascension is simply the last of HIS appearances [see commentary on Acts 1:9].)

    

HE Learned Through Suffering What Obedience Was!

Hello! and holy Good Friday to all of us, GUYS.  Our first-thing-first this day of passion and death of our LORD, JESUS CHRIST:

THE GOOD NEWS (25 March 2016)

"CHRIST, in the days of HIS mortal life, offered HIS sacrifice with tears and cries.  HE prayed to HIM who could save HIM from death, and HE was heard because of HIS humble submission.  Although HE was Son, HE learned through suffering what obedience was, and once made perfect, HE became the source of eternal salvation for those who obey HIM." - Hebrew 5:7-9 

JESUS, In The Garden Of Gethsemane

(HE offered HIS sacrifice with tears and cries.  In the Bible, these words are used to express the insistent prayer of the oppressed children of GOD: they cry to GOD in such a loud voice that HE listens to them.  Thus, the night before HIS death, JESUS identified with men and women who suffer and do not want to die.)

"Into your hands I commend my spirit."

The Eucharist

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

THE GOOD NEWS (24 March 2016)

"This is the tradition of the LORD that I received and that in MY turn I have handed on to you; the LORD JESUS, on the night that HE was  delivered up, took bread and, after giving thanks, broke it, saying, 'This is MY body which is broken for you; do this in memory of ME.'  In the same manner, taking the cup after the supper, HE said, 'This cup is the new Covenant in MY blood.  Whenever you drink it, do it in memory of ME.'  So then, whenever you eat of this bread and drink from this cup, you are proclaiming the death of the LORD until HE comes." - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

(The Eucharist is the center and heart of the life of the Church, which is, before all else, a communion with GOD and with others.  The Church is not only an instrument for spreading the Good News, but the place here on earth where people can already experience the union between themselves and CHRIST.

You are proclaiming the death of the LORD until HE comes.  All the Eucharists celebrated around the world each day and every minute of the day, remind us that the death of CHRIST fills up the time until HIS coming.

History cannot cease, nor civilization be stagnant as happened in past centuries.  Not only does technical progress force us to advance, but also the requirements of justice springing from the death of the innocent [and here GOD is the innocent] destroy the established order.  JESUS' death does not allow the world to rest or have peace.  The Church reminds us of the death of CHRIST, not to preserve the past, but to draw from this unique event new energy for both reconciling and condemning.)

The Last Supper

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

THE GOOD NEWS (23 March 2016)

"Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went off to the chief priests and said, 'How much will you give me if I hand HIM over to you?  They promised to give him thirty pieces of silver, and from then on he kept looking for the best way to hand HIM over to them.

On the first day of the Festival of the Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to JESUS and said to HIM, 'Where do YOU want us to prepare the Passover meal for YOU?  JESUS answered, 'Go into the city, to the house of a certain man, and tell him: 'The Master says: MY hour is near, and I will celebrate the Passover with MY disciples in your house.'

The disciples did as JESUS had ordered and prepared the Passover meal.

When it was evening, JESUS sat at table with the Twelve.  While they were eating, JESUS said, 'Truly, I say to you: one of you will betray ME.'  They were deeply distressed and asked HIM in turn, 'YOU do not mean me, do YOU, LORD?

HE answered, 'He who will betray ME is one of those who dips his bread in the dish with ME.  The Son of Man is going as the Scriptures say HE will.  But alas for that one who betrays the Son of Man; better for him not to have been born.'  Judas, who was betraying HIM, also asked, 'YOU do not mean me, Master, do YOU?'  JESUS replied, 'You have said it'." - Matthew 26:14-25 

(During the Passover supper JESUS wanted to clarify the meaning of HIS imminent Passion.  HE was headed toward a death which HE freely accepted, a death that would save the world.  What would "HIS" salvation be?  It would bring human history to its fulfillment: peoples and races needed to mature, to confront one another and finally to be united in one body.  The world would pass through a thousand crises and deaths in order to come to the resurrection.  Within such a history GOD could spread and distribute the riches of HIS Spirit and bring to holiness HIS elect.  JESUS had presented a message that should guide humanity, but a people of GOD was also needed, a yeast, a minority who would feel committed to GOD's work, and to whom GOD would commit HIMSELF.

To understand the meaning of the LORD's Supper, it is necessary to read JESUS' farewell speeches to HIS apostles, which John situates on this very night of Holy Thursday [John 14-17].  JESUS came not only to preach but also to spread HIS Spirit among HIS believers.  In the future HE would be present and empower them in a special way whenever they would gather to celebrate the Holy Supper.  John explains this in John 6 and Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:17.)

Christian Love

Hi! and good Holy Tuesday to all of us, GUYS.  For our "daily bread" today:

THE GOOD NEWS (22 March 2016)

"MY children, I AM with you for only a little while; you will look for ME, but, as I already told the Jews, so now I tell you: where I AM going you cannot come.  Now I give you a new commandment: love one another.  Just as I have loved you, you also must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are MY disciples, if you have love for one another.

Simon Peter said to HIM, 'LORD, where are you going?'  JESUS answered, 'Where I AM going you cannot follow ME now, but afterwards you will.'  Peter said, 'LORD, why can't I follow YOU now?  I am ready to give my life for YOU.'  JESUS answered, 'To give your life for ME! Truly, I tell you, the cock will not crow before you have denied ME three times." - John 13:33-38 

(I give you a new commandment.  That is to say a commandment appropriate for the advent of a new era.  The Old Testament spoke of interior fidelity to GOD and love of neighbor, but the message often remained hidden among the complexities of the Law.  Besides, there are many ways of loving: even a fanatically religious person can claim to be loving to GOD.  In the New Testament JESUS says that love of GOD is the highest law.  The example given by the LORD during HIS earthly life reminds us of the way to love.

Love that is like GOD's aims at liberating our neighbor and enabling her to fully develop her GOD-given gifts.  Love like the LORD's helps the neighbor become what GOD wishes her to be, by passing through death to resurrection.

Moreover, when we go deeper into the mystery of divine love revealed to us through JESUS, our love becomes merged with the eternal love of GOD that alone, in the end, shall permeate all we do.  True love comes from GOD and makes us return to unity within GOD.

Time and again, JESUS points out the unique importance of Christian love.  Later, HIS apostles and the Church would sum up HIS teaching on love: Love of GOD is shown through love of our neighbor, love of our neighbor depends on love of GOD.  What is it really to love GOD?  The great saints and mystics of the Church tell us that love of GOD is not "to feel GOD," to feel devotion or affection for GOD.  Christian love lies not in  sentiment or feelings [though on some occasions we might feel affection or devotion, which is helpful]; to love GOD is to be determined to do what GOD wishes at each moment of our lives.  What GOD wishes of us regarding our neighbor is that we render loving service and forgiveness.)

Here Is MY Servant

Hello! and good first day of the Holy Week to all of us, GUYS.  For our first-thing-first this Holy Monday:

THE GOOD NEWS (21 March 2016)

"Here is MY servant whom I uphold,

MY chosen one in whom I delight.

I have put MY spirit upon HIM,

and HE will bring justice to the nations.

HE does not shout or raise HIS voice

proclamations are not heard in the streets.

A broken reed HE will not crush,

nor will HE snuff out the light

of the wavering wick.

HE will make justice appear in truth.

HE will not waver or be broken

until HE has established justice on earth;

the islands are waiting for HIS law.

Thus says GOD, YAHWEH,

who created the heavens and stretched them out,

who spread the earth and all that comes from it,

who gives life and breath to those who walk on it:

I, YAHWEH, have called YOU for the sake of justice;

I will hold YOUR hand to make YOU firm;

I will make YOU as a covenant to the people,

and as a light to the nations,

to open eyes that do not see,

to free captives from prison,

to bring out to light those who sit in darkness.
- Isaiah 42:1-7

Christian Jerusalem, Israel

(Here is the first of the songs of the Servant of YAHWEH.  The other poems of the Servant are in 49:1; 50:4; 52:13.

The servant is at times Israel, in other passages it is the minority of the faithful, conscious of their vocation, who try to struggle against the indifference of the majority.  It would also signify the prophet [or prophets] who share with the faithful the word of GOD.

The Minority Faithful

In different passages of the Gospel JESUS assures HIS disciples that they are the "sons of the prophets," and the Apostles, in their turn would understand that the Servant after all and before all others, is JESUS [Matthew 12:8; Acts 3:13; 4:27].  JESUS, Servant of HIS FATHER and Son of HIS maid servant [Psalm 116:16 and Luke 1:38].

Imitate The Humility Of JESUS

Hi! and happy holy and family day to all of us, GUYS.  Today's first-thing-first:

THE GOOD NEWS (20 March 2016)

"Though HE was in the form of GOD, HE did not regard equality with GOD as something to be grasped,

but emptied HIMSELF,

taking on the nature of a servant, made

in human likeness,

and in HIS appearance found as a man.

HE humbled HIMSELF by being obedient

to death,

death on the cross.

That is why  GOD exalted HIM

and gave HIM the Name which outshines all names,

so that at the Name of JESUS all knees should bend

in heaven, on earth and among the dead,

and all tongues proclaim that CHRIST JESUS is the LORD

to the glory of GOD the FATHER."

- Philippians 2:6-11

(In a hymn which is a sort of creed, Paul proposes the example of CHRIST: HIS path from GOD to man, from rich to poor, from first to last, from master to servant.

The LORD JESUS desired to identify with the most humble, the most afflicted, the most despised.  Such were JESUS' attitudes and they must be those of HIS followers, the Christians.  A desire to identify with the most humble and to share with them is the motivation for a truly evangelical life.

In this we must differ from the majority of people who are mainly interested in their personal or family fulfillment.  Their ambitions are legitimate, and who among us does not share from at least partly?  Yet they have been devalued by CHRIST by the simple fact that HE took the opposite way.

HE did not claim equality with GOD:  the mystery of GOD's Son who became a mortal man and gave up GOD's Glory, although HE could have preserved it even in HIS human life.  Since CHRIST was to be the New Man, glorified by GOD and placed above everything, HIS being subject to misery and limitations was a way of being reduced to nothingness.

GOD exalted HIM.  The humiliation and obedience of CHRIST were the condition for receiving HIS glory.  HE gave HIM the Name [of GOD], that is, HE made HIM fully enjoy in HIS human nature the divine Power [or Name].)

JESUS Born Of A Virgin Mother

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

THE GOOD NEWS (19 March 2016)

"Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and from her came JESUS, who is called the CHRIST - the Messiah.

There were then fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, and fourteen generations from David to the deportation to Babylon, and fourteen generations from the deportation to Babylon to the birth of CHRIST.

This is how JESUS CHRIST was born.  Mary HIS mother had been given to Joseph in marriage but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

Then Joseph, her husband, made plans to divorce her in all secrecy.  He was an upright man, and in no way did he want to discredit her.

While he was pondering over this, an angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.  She has conceived by the Holy spirit, and now she will bear a son.  You shall call HIM 'JESUS' for HE will save HIS people from their sins.'

All this happened in order to fulfill what the LORD had said through the prophet.  The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and HE will be called EMMANUEL which means: GOD-with-us.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the LORD had told him to do and he took his wife to his home." - Matthew 1:16-24

(JESUS is not the son of Joseph.  The beginning of the paragraph intends to remind us that JESUS is both a legitimate son of David through Joseph and the Son of GOD conceived through the Holy Spirit by a virgin-mother.

These short and almost bashful sentences do not dare to unveil the mystery of Mary, the virgin through whom life on earth touches GOD and offers itself as an oblation.  A messenger breaks through the night and speaks with silent words: the world is open to the active presence of GOD.

Mary was engaged.  Engagements gave to the Jewish people practically every right of marriage, especially conjugal rights.  The only difference was that women continued to live under the parents' tutelage and in their parental home.  The Jews were markedly a "macho" society. A woman necessarily belonged to a man, either to her father, her husband, or her son. Mary was already the wife of Joseph, but she could not be under his authority until he brought her to his home.

The virginity of Mary was not in keeping with the Jewish mentality that gave first place to fecundity.  It was not so unusual that Joseph would accept such a situation.  At this time certain Jews belonging to the party of the Essenes lived celibacy, as did the monks.

Joseph made plans to divorce her secretly.  The Gospel is not precise as to his reasons for so doing.  In any case it is unthinkable that people might have doubted Mary's fidelity.

The intervention of the angel in the Gospel is not to reassure Joseph but to inform him of his role in the plan of GOD.  You shall call HIM "JESUS', and you will receive HIM as your son.  Joseph was a "descendant of David" and JESUS adopted by Joseph would be a legitimate descendant of David. Most probably Mary did not even belong to the tribe of Judah, which was that of David, but like her cousin Elizabeth, she belonged to a family of priests of the tribe of Levi.) 

JESUS Claims To Be The Son Of GOD

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

THE GOOD NEWS (18 March 2016)

"The Jews then picked up stones to throw at HIM; so JESUS said, 'I have openly done many good works among you which the FATHER gave ME to do.  For which of these do you stone ME?'

The Jews answered, 'We are not stoning YOU for doing a good work but for insulting GOD; YOU are only a man and you make YOURSELF GOD.'Then JESUS replied, 'Is this not written in your Law: I said you are gods?  So those who received this word of GOD were called gods and the Scripture is always true.  Then what should be said of the one anointed and sent into the world by the FATHER?  AM I insulting GOD when I say: I AM the Son of GOD'?

If I AM  not doing the works of MY FATHER, do not believe ME.  But if I do them, even if you have no faith in ME, believe because of the works I do, and know that the FATHER is in ME and I in the FATHER.'

Again they tried to arrest HIM, but JESUS escaped from their hands.  HE went away again to the other side of the Jordan, to the place where John had baptized, and there HE stayed.

Many people came to HIM and said, 'John showed no miraculous signs, but he spoke of this man and everything he said was true.'  And many became believers in that place." - John 10:31-42 

(In the Bible angles are sometimes called sons of GOD, and JESUS remarks that the rulers are called gods.  Because of this, JESUS did not like to be proclaimed Son of GOD.  HE speaks forcefully in saying: the FATHER is in ME and I in the FATHER: equal to equal.  At the same time that HE stresses HIS divine power, HE also affirms HIS total dependence on the FATHER.  In this we recognize GOD the Son.)

Abram Becomes Abraham

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

THE GOOD NEWS (17 March 2016)

"Abram fell face down and GOD said to him, 'This is my covenant with you: you will be the father of a multitude of nations.  No longer will you be called Abram, but Abraham, because I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.  I will make you more and more famous; I will multiply your descendants; nations shall spring from you, kings shall be among your descendants.  And I will establish a covenant, an everlasting covenant between MYSELF and you and your descendants after you; from now on I will be your GOD and the GOD of your descendants after you, for generations to come.  I will give to you and your descendants after you land you are living in, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession and I will be the GOD of your race.'

GOD said to Abraham, 'For your part, you shall keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you, generation after generation." - Genesis 17:3-9

(Abram means venerated father, and Abraham: father of a multitude.  In changing the name of HIS servant, GOD enables him to begin a new life and to really become what his new name expresses.  JESUS will proceed in the same way with the first leader of HIS church [John 1:42].)

The Children Of Truth

Hello! and happy good mid-week to all of us, GUYS.  For our "daily bread" this Wednesday:

THE GOOD NEWS (16 March 2016)

"JESUS went on to say to the Jews who believed in HIM: 'You will be MY true disciples if you keep MY word.  Then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.'  They answered HIM, 'We are the descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves of anyone.  What do YOU mean by saying: You will be free?'

JESUS answered them, 'Truly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave.  But the slave doesn't stay in the house forever; the Son stays forever.  So, if the Son makes you free, you will be really free.

I know that you are the descendants of Abraham; yet you want to kill ME because MY word finds no place in you.  For MY part I speak of what I have seen in the FATHER's presence, but you do what you have learned from your father.' 

They answered HIM, 'Our father is Abraham.'  Then JESUS said, 'If you were Abraham's children, you would do as Abraham did.  But now you want to kill ME, the one who tells you the truth - the truth that I have learned from GOD.  That is not what Abraham did; what you are doing are the works of your father.'

The Jews said to HIM, 'We are not illegitimate children; we have one FATHER, GOD.'  JESUS replied, 'If GOD were your FATHER you would love ME, for I came forth from GOD, and I AM here.  And I didn't come by MY own decision, but it was HE HIMSELF who sent ME." - John 8:31-42 

(JESUS spoke to the Jews who believed in HIM.  Those Jews believed in JESUS according to their own view of HIM, very much like the Jews whom Paul would oppose in Galatians 3-4 did.  From JESUS' discussions with those who claimed to have the true religion, we can surmise how JESUS would confront us were HE to pass among us today.

JESUS would not reproach us so much for our sins, as for our continuing to live in sin.  Sins are evil deeds that at times may be excusable; often we repent of them as soon as we have committed them.  To be in sin, on the other hand, is to live in falsehood; it is to persist stubbornly in a certain pride, an attachment to our own judgments.  This attitude prevents us from entering into the ways of GOD, even though to all appearances we live in upright life and proclaim our faith.

JESUS is not a banner for every social group, whether known as Catholic or by some other name, with which we go to fight other groups.  HE has come as a king of the kingdom of truth.  Those who seek the truth are HIS, whatever their ideas may be.  Rather, those who live in truth are HIS.

For those Jews the world was divided into two groups: the sons of Abraham, that is themselves, and the rest.  They boasted of their ancestry and forgot that in GOD's eyes, each one is what he is.

JESUS comes to them as a witness to the truth; and HIS presence alone obliges all to examine themselves.  The truth JESUS speaks of is not a doctrine that HIS followers should impose by force.  Propagandists with arguments and biblical quotations are not needed, but witnesses who speak from their experience.  JESUS says: The truth will make you free, and: the Son will make you free.  Our truth consists in living in accordance with our vocation as children of GOD.

The believer who knows he is loved by GOD and consequently endeavors to be authentic is already in the truth, even if he retains some prejudices common to his milieu, or is unconsciously guided by some lies or illusions in his way of living.)  

I AM The Light Of The World

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

THE GOOD NEWS (14 March 2016)

"JESUS spoke to them again, 'I AM the Light of the world; the one who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have light and life.'  The Pharisees replied, 'Now you are speaking on your own behalf, your testimony is worthless.'

Then JESUS said, 'Even though I bear witness to MYSELF, MY testimony is true, for I know where I have come from and where I AM going.  But you do not know where I came from or where I AM going.

You judge by human standards; as for ME, I don't judge anyone.  But if I had to judge, MY judgment would be valid for I AM not alone: the FATHER who sent ME is with ME.  In your Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid; so I AM bearing witness to MYSELF, and the FATHER who sent ME bears witness to ME.'

They asked HIM, Where is your FATHER?'  JESUS answered, 'You don't know ME or MY FATHER; if you knew ME, you would know MY FATHER as well.'

JESUS said these things when HE was teaching in the Temple area, in the place where they received the offerings.  No one arrested HIM, because HIS hour had not yet come." - John 8:12-20 

(JESUS is the light for all people of all times.  GOD guided the Hebrews in the desert by means of a luminous cloud.  HE guides us through HIS Son; whoever follows JESUS will not walk in darkness.

Light means many good things:  the welcome light of dawn after a night of darkness; the electric lights which illumine our homes while darkness reigns outside; the street lights which shine for everyone, poor and rich alike; the light that triumphs over the dark forces of evil and ignorance.  CHRIST is all that and more for whoever follows HIM.  HE is the light by which we live with wholeness and integrity, and through whom we learn to attribute to material things and human activities their proper value.

By the light of CHRIST a person triumphs over all inner darkness.  We are conscious of only a small part of our inner self; we often obey impulses not under our control that come from our nature.  Good intentions animate us, and we have a clean heart [so we think], but we do not realize that actually we often obey the call "of flesh and blood," as the Bible puts it.  If we live in the light, the light will gradually illumine our innermost being.

Part of the human condition aggravated by sin is the absence of light for seeking and discerning what is good.  Therefore, in serious matters, it is not wise to simply follow our first impulse.  We need to be continuously enlightened through prayer, listening to the word of GOD, studying the teaching of the Church, and accepting the good advice of our brothers and sisters.  By these means JESUS enlightens our conscience.)

  

The Adulteress

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

THE GOOD NEWS (13 March 2016)

"As for JESUS, HE went to the Mount of Olives.

At daybreak JESUS appeared in the Temple again.  All the people came to HIM, and HE sat down and began to teach them.

Then the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery.  They made her stand in front of everyone. 

'Master,' they said, 'this woman has been caught in the act of adultery.  Now the Law of Moses orders that such women be stoned to death; but YOU, what do YOU say?  They said this to test JESUS, in order to have some charge against HIM.

JESUS bent down and started writing on the ground with HIS finger.  And as they continued to ask HIM, HE straightened up and said to them, 'Let anyone among you who has no sin be the first to throw a stone at her.'  And HE bent down again, writing on the ground.

As a result of these words, they went away, one by one, starting with the elders, and JESUS was left alone with the woman standing before HIM.  Then JESUS stood up and said to her, 'Woman, where are they?  Has no one condemned you?  She replied, 'No one.'  And JESUS said, 'Neither do I condemn you; go away and don't sin again'." - John 8:1-11 

(The selection 8:1-11 is not found in most ancient manuscripts of John's Gospel.  Many think that this selection is from other sources.  Perhaps it did belong to the Gospel of Luke [compare 8:2 and Luke 21:38] and was later inserted in John's text.

If JESUS showed such respect to the sinner and refused to condemn her, as humans would, was it because HE did not consider her fault grave?  No, it was because GOD uses different ways than people do to bring sinners to repentance and to purify them through suffering.

There is a big difference between telling a person his ideas or deeds are wrong or sinful, and condemning him.  We usually condemn the person; we do not make room for change and mercy.  In this Gospel episode JESUS is both demanding and merciful towards the woman.)
  

Free Me From My Persecutors

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

THE GOOD NEWS (12 March 2016)

"O LORD, my GOD, in YOU I take shelter; deliver me and save me from all my pursuers, lest lions tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me.

O LORD, my GOD, if my hands are stained with guilt - if with evil I have repaid good, if I have plundered unjustly my opponent, let the enemy hound me, let him crush me to the ground and lay down my glory in the dust.

Arise, O LORD, in YOUR wrath; rise up against the fury of my foes.  Awake, O my GOD and judge the nations, for the time of judgment has come.

Let the nations gather around YOU; and YOU take YOUR seat high above them.

Proclaim, O LORD, my righteousness; YOU see that I am blameless.

Bring to an end the power of the wicked, but affirm the just, O righteous GOD, searcher of mind and heart.

YOU cover me as a shield, O GOD, for YOU protect the upright.

A righteous judge is GOD, HIS anger ever awaiting those who refuse to repent. - Psalm 7:2-12

FATHER GOD, The Merciful

(A cry that comes from the depth of the soul, demanding justice.)