GOD Knows No Favorites

Hi! and happy good Tuesday to all of us, GUYS.  Our "food for the soul" today:

THE GOOD NEWS (28 February 2017)

"Keeping the law is worth many offerings.  Being faithful to the commandments is like a peace offering.

Returning kindness is an offering of fine flour; giving alms is a sacrifice of praise.

Renouncing sin pleases the LORD, and shunning injustice is a sacrifice of atonement.

Do not appear before the LORD with empty hands.  The commandment requires that you bring an offering.

When the offering of the righteous is burned on the altar, the fat drips down and a fragrant aroma rises to the Most High.

The sacrifice of the just man pleases GOD and will not be forgotten.  Honor the LORD with a generous heart and do not be stingy with the first fruit of your harvest.

Offer your gifts with a smiling face and when you pay your tithes do it gladly.

Give to the Most High as HE has given to you; give generously to the LORD according to what you have; the LORD will repay, HE will reward you sevenfold.

If you attempt to bribe HIM with gifts HE will not accept them; do not rely on offerings from dishonest gain.

The LORD is judge and shows no partiality." - Sirach 35:1-12

 

(We must generously assist in the cost of worship as long as it is not a way of forgetting our responsibilities concerning injustice in our world.  The LORD is pleased with our sacrifices but, above all, HE hears the prayer of the orphan and sees the tears of the widow.)

On-Site
On-Track 

Return To HIM And Give Up Sin

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

THE GOOD NEWS (27 February 2017)

"Their misdeeds cannot be hidden from HIM, all their sins are before the LORD.

HE holds a man's almsgiving dear as a priceless signet ring; HE cherishes a good deed like the apple of HIS eye.

One day HE will rise and reward them; HE will place their prize on their heads.

HE allows those who repent to return; HE comforts those whose hopes are fading." - Sirach 17:20-24 

(Repentance.)

On-Site

On-Track

I Will Never Forget You

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

THE GOOD NEWS (26 February 2017)

"But Zion said: 'YAHWEH has forsaken me,

MY LORD has forgotten me.'

Can a woman forget the baby at her breast

and have no compassion on the child of her womb?

Yet though she forget, I will never forget you."

- Isaiah 49:14-15

(YAHWEH's maternal love for HIS people.)

On-Site
On-Track

Let The Children Come To ME

Hi! and happy good weekend to all of us, GUYS.  Our "daily bread" this Saturday:

THE GOOD NEWS (25 February 2017)

"People were bringing their little children to HIM to have HIM touch them, and the disciples rebuked them for this.

When JESUS noticed it, HE was very angry and said, 'Let the children come to me and don't stop them, for the kingdom of GOD belongs to such as these.  Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of GOD like a child will not enter it.'  Then HE took the children in HIS arms and laying HIS hands on them, blessed them." - Mark 10:13-16 

(JESUS, despite having no children of HIS own, opens to everyone the richness of HIS heart.  HE marvels at the mystery of life that begins full of hope, and discovers the likeness of the FATHER in every unknown child.  How could JESUS, who asks us to have hope, forget that the children are also our hope?

Whoever does not receive the kingdom of GOD like a child.  We must be like children in order to enter the kingdom of GOD.  We must forget our wisdom and self-sufficiency, and the bitterness of past experience in order to receive GOD's gifts and words in wonder and simplicity.)

On-Site

On-Track

A Faithful Friend Is Beyond Price

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

THE GOOD NEWS (24 February 2017)

"A gentle word makes many friends, an agreeable tongue calls forth gracious replies.  Let your friends be many; but your counselors, one in a thousand!

If you would gain a friend, begin by testing him and do not put your confidence in him too quickly.  For there is the friend who is such when it suits him but he does not remain faithful in the time of your adversity.

There is the friend who becomes an enemy and, to your confusion, makes known why you quarreled.

There is the friend who shares your table but does not remain faithful when things go against you.  In times of prosperity he will be like your shadow and he will speak freely to those of your household.  But if you are humiliated, he will turn against you and will avoid meeting you.

Distance yourself from your enemies and be careful about your friends.

The faithful friend is a secure refuge; whoever has found one a treasure.  A faithful friend is beyond all price; hold him as priceless.  A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, and those who fear the LORD will find one.

Whoever fears the LORD will make true friends for, as a man is, such will his friend be." - Sirach 6:5-17 

(Here, we have a text concerning true friendship.  Ben Sira invites us not to be naïve or off guard.

We should reflect before confiding in a friend, but should also have the life-saving remedy which a true friend is, a grace that GOD grants to those who fear HIM.  Also see 12:8-18 and 37:1-15.)

On-Site
On-Track 

Rely Not On Wealth

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

THE GOOD NEWS (23 February 2017)

"Do not rely on your wealth.  Do not say, 'I am self-sufficient.'  Do not let yourself be carried away by greed and violence; they would make you their slave.

Do not say, 'Who can stop me?'  For the LORD has power to punish you.  Do not say, 'I have sinned and nothing has happened!'  For the LORD bides HIS time.

Do not be so sure of pardon when you are heaping sin upon sin.  Do not say, 'HIS compassion is great!  HE will forgive the vast number of my sins!'  For with HIM mercy but also anger; HIS fury will be poured out  on sinners.

Do not  delay your return to the LORD, do not put it off from day to day.  For suddenly the anger of the LORD will blaze forth and you will perish on the day of reckoning.

Do not rely on riches wrongfully acquired for they will be of no use to you on the day of wrath." - Sirach 5:1-8 

(At times, some Christians take advantage of GOD's infinite mercy to continue with their evil behavior.)

On-Site
On-Track

Tend The Flock Of GOD

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

THE GOOD NEWS (22 February 2017)

"I now address myself to those elders among you; I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of CHRIST, hoping to share the Glory that is to be revealed.  Shepherd the flock which GOD has entrusted to you, guarding it not out of obligation but willingly for GOD's sake; not as one looking for a reward but with a generous heart; do not lord it over those in your care, rather be an example to your flock.  Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will be given a crown of unfading glory." - 1 Peter 5:1-4 

The Good Shepherd

(In the varied counsels that follow, note what concerns the elders, leaders and pastors of the community.

In persecution Peter also sees a work of the devil, who does his best to discourage those who hope in CHRIST.

It is a proven fact that when we get ready to make an important decision or to make some commitment in the service of CHRIST, many unexpected obstacles arise.  The person who becomes intimidated loses everything.  When he tries again to take some step, the devil will increase his attacks.  These trials are common and to face them we need to be alert in our faith.)

On-Site
On-Track   

Prepare Yourself For Trials

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

THE GOOD NEWS (21 February 2017)

"My son, if you have decided to serve the LORD, prepare yourself for trials.  Keep your heart upright and remain resolute; do not be upset in the time of adversity.

Hold fast to the LORD, do not separate yourself from HIM so that you may be successful to the end of your days.  Accept all that happens to you, be patient when you are humbled, for as gold is tested in the fire, so those acceptable to GOD are tested in the crucible of humiliation.  Have confidence in HIM and HE will take care of you; follow the right path and hope in HIM.

You who fear the LORD, wait for HIS mercy and do not turn away lest you fall.  You who fear the LORD, trust HIM and you will not lose your reward.  You who fear the LORD, hope for all good things; hope for eternal joy and mercy.

Remember what happened to your ancestors.  Who has ever trusted in the LORD and been confounded?  Who has persevered in fear of the LORD and been abandoned?  Who has called upon HIM and not been heard?

For the LORD is compassion and loving-kindness; HE forgives our sins and saves us in time of distress." - Sirach 2:1-11 

(Those who want to serve GOD must be ready to face trials and contradictions.  Authentic trust in GOD is demonstrated when things do not turn out well.  Along with faith and perseverance, trust is the basic quality of the believer.)

On-Site

On-Track

The Word Of GOD Is The Foundation Of Wisdom

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

THE GOOD NEWS (20 February 2017)

"All wisdom comes from the LORD and endures with HIM forever.

The grains of sand, the drops of rain and the days of eternity, who can count them?

The height of heaven, the extent of the earth and the depths of the abyss, who can measure them?

Wisdom was created before all things and the prudent intellect before the beginning of time.

To whom was the source of Wisdom revealed?  Who has known her secret designs?

One alone is wise and greatly to be feared.  The One who is seated upon HIS throne.

The LORD HIMSELF created Wisdom.  HE looked on her and knew her value.  HE poured her out over all HIS works; upon all mortal beings, in accordance with HIS goodness.  HE lavished her on those who love HIM." - Sirach 1:1-10 

The Foundation Of Wisdom

(In this poem, the author professes his faith.  To those who think they are more modern because they seek human wisdom and doctrine, he simply declares that true wisdom consists in trusting GOD and fearing HIM.

He often speaks of fearing the LORD just as the Psalms do.  This is different from the fear of pagans who imagine a resentful GOD.

To fear GOD is to see HIM always present and to take decisions in HIS presence.  Whoever knows GOD is near fears to offend HIM because he is aware of HIS love and fidelity.  To fear GOD signifies to respect HIM and to be mindful of HIM before all else.

Fearing the LORD is the opposite of fearing what others will say, fearing to be made fun of, or fear of failure.  Those who fear the LORD give more importance to what GOD says, what HE promises when HE invites us to seek HIM and to save others.)

On-Site

On-Track

You Are The Temple Of GOD

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

THE GOOD NEWS (19 February 2017)

"Do you not know that you are GOD's temple, and that GOD's Spirit abides within you?  If anyone destroys the temple of GOD, GOD will destroy him.  GOD's temple is holy, and you are this temple." - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 

(CHRIST is the new Temple that takes the place of the temple of the Jews [John 2:19 and Mark 15:38].  The Temple of GOD is CHRIST because in HIM abides all the divine Mystery.  The Temple of GOD is likewise the Church because in her the Holy Spirit is working.  The Temple of GOD is also each home and each believer because the Spirit lives in each one of them.)

On-Site

On-Track

The Question About Elijah

Hello! and happy good weekend to all of us, GUYS.  Our "daily bread" this Saturday:

THE GOOD NEWS (18 February 2017)

"Finally they asked HIM, "Why then do the teachers of the Law say that Elijah must come first?'  JESUS answered them, 'Of course, Elijah will come first so that everything may be as it should be...  But, why do the Scriptures say that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be despised?  I tell you that Elijah has already come and they have treated him as they pleased, as the Scriptures say of him.'" - Mark 9:11-13 

The New Elijah

(On going down the mountain, the apostles feel uneasy, 'Why did Moses and Elijah speak of the imminent death of JESUS?" They cling to their illusions, finding support in the Bible which said that Elijah had to return to earth to prepare the way before the Messiah would come, so that HE should not encounter any opposition [Malachi 3:1 and 4:23].

JESUS asserts what HE had said many times: HE has to be rejected.  Not all that is written in the Bible is to be understood literally.  Elijah was not to return personally from heaven, but rather John the Baptist had already come as the new Elijah [Luke 1:16].)

On-Site

On-Track

He Must Deny Himself

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

THE GOOD NEWS (17 February 2017)

"Then JESUS called the people and HIS disciples and said, 'If you want to follow me, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.  For if you choose to save your life, you will lose it; and if you lose your life for MY sake and for the sake of the Gospel, you will save it.

What good is it to gain the whole world but destroy yourself?  There is nothing you can give to recover your life." - Mark 8:34-37 

(It is necessary to lose oneself:

- to lose oneself like Abraham, who in his old age went to strange lands;

- to lose oneself like Moses, who agreed to be the leader of an irresponsible people;

- to lose oneself like Mary, who entered a path wherein no one could understand or help her;

- to rid oneself of this temporary existence so as to be reborn of GOD, like Ignatius the martyr.  Condemned to be eaten by lions, he said, "I am the wheat of GOD; may I be ground by the teeth of wild animals to be converted into the pure bread of CHRIST.  My passions are crucified in me; there is no carnal fire that can burn me; a fountain has sprouted in me that murmurs and speaks from within: come to the FATHER."

Take up your cross.  JESUS tells us that to follow HIM is to follow the same path that took HIM to the cross.  To reach maturity it is necessary to renounce our life; in other words, we must risk ourselves for something noble instead of being concerned about our own future, we must find a life-style that will help us excel in the way of love; and we must accept that our life may be a failure according to others' way of thinking [Luke 17:33; John 12:23-25].

Taking up our cross by accepting freely the sacrifices that the FATHER sends each day, we receive from that moment something even more profound happiness [Mark 10:30].

Think of what JESUS says: from ME, for ME, and not: from GOD, for GOD.  For GOD has come in the person of JESUS to knock on our door and to propose to us very specific commitments.)

On-Site
On-Track   

I Set MY Bow In The Clouds

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

THE GOOD NEWS (16 February 2017)

"GOD said, 'This is the sign of the covenant I make between ME and you, and every animal living with you for all future generations.  I set MY bow in the clouds and it will be a sign of the covenant between ME and the earth.  When I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember the covenant between ME and you and every kind of living creature, so that never again will flood-waters destroy all flesh.  When the rainbow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between GOD and every living creature of every kind that exists on the earth.'  GOD said to Noah, 'This is the sign of the covenant I have made between ME and all has life on the earth.'" - Genesis 9:12-17 

(GOD has not made HIMSELF known to all human groups as HE has done for Israel and later for Christians.  But to every human in every country, HE gives signs of HIS providence and HIS goodness through daily events: this is what HE expresses when HE invites Noah's descendants to see in the rainbow a reminder of HIS covenant with them.

I set MY bow in the clouds.  Hang up one's bow was, at that time, making peace.  The rainbow then is the sign of reconciliation between GOD and humankind.)

On-Site
On-Track

HE Took The Blind Man By The Hand

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

THE GOOD NEWS (15 February 2017)

"When they came to Bethsaida, JESUS was asked to touch a blind man who was brought to HIM.  HE took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village.  When HE had put spittle on his eyes and laid HIS hands upon him, HE asked, 'Can you see anything?'  The man, who was beginning to see, replied, 'I see people!  They look like trees, but they move around.'  Then JESUS laid HIS hands on his eyes again and the man could see perfectly.  His sight was restored and he could see everything clearly.

Then JESUS sent him home saying, 'Do not return to the village.'" - Mark 8:22-26

JESUS And The Blind Man

(When a person, blind from birth, regains his sight, it takes time for him to gradually focus on objects and to understand what his new eyes see, JESUS again laid HIS hands on this blind man's eyes.

The same is true in the spiritual realm.  JESUS does not let us see everything at once, but conversion is realized bit by bit.

Do not return to the village.  If so, all the people would go looking for JESUS to see HIM and touch HIM and clamor for a miracle.  JESUS came instead for an authentic encounter with people.)

On-Site

On-Track

Watch Out

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

THE GOOD NEWS (14 February 2017)

"The disciples had forgotten to bring more bread and had only one loaf with them in the boat.  Then JESUS warned them, 'Keep your eyes open and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.'  And they said to one another, 'HE saw that we have no bread.'

Aware of this, JESUS asked them, 'Why are you talking about the loaves you are short of?  Do you not see or understand?  Are your minds closed?  Have you eyes that don't see and ears that don't hear?  And do you not remember when I broke the five loaves among five thousand?  How many baskets full of leftovers did you collect?'  They answered, 'Twelve.'  And having seven loaves for the four thousand, how many wicker baskets of leftovers did you collect?'  They answered, 'Seven.'  Then JESUS said to them, 'Do you still not understand?'" - Mark 8:14-21 

JESUS And HIS Apostles

(JESUS tells HIS apostles to beware of the Pharisee's spirit [of becoming like the Pharisees] but they do not listen, being more concerned about the food.

JESUS says: Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, meaning their teaching [Matthew 16:12].  JESUS fears that HIS disciples, because of being common people, would let themselves be impressed by the knowledge and fame of the Pharisees, and HE warns them that these people build religion on the wrong basis.

JESUS agreed with the Pharisees on the general way of understanding the Bible, but not the spirit of many among them.  As "master" HE chose a way opposed to theirs.  Instead of a teaching that comes  from above HE became part of a natural group of quite simple people and formed them through action.  HE made them reflect on what they saw, on what they did, and above all on what GOD was doing among them as they worked with HIM.)

On-Site

On-Track

No Sign Will Be Given

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

THE GOOD NEWS (13 February 2017)

"The Pharisees came and started to argue with JESUS.  Hoping to embarrass HIM, they asked for some heavenly sign.  Then HIS spirit was moved.  HE gave a deep sigh and said, 'Why do the people of this present time ask for a sign?  Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this people.'  Then HE left them, got into the boat again and went to the other side of the lake." - Mark 8:11-13 

JESUS Argues With The Pharisees

(They want a miracle that will undoubtedly be the work of GOD.

No sign will be given to them.  JESUS refuses to prove HIS authority by multiplying miracles.  People who love truth and seek what is right will recognize the seal of GOD in the deeds of JESUS - and of HIS followers - no matter how many speak ill of them.) 

On-Site

On-Track

Life And Death Are Set Before Man

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

THE GOOD NEWS (12 February 2017)

"If you wish, you can keep the commandments and it is in your power to remain faithful.

HE has set fire and water before you; you stretch out your hand to whichever you prefer.

Life and death are set before man: whichever a man prefers will be given him.

How magnificent is the wisdom of the LORD!  HE is powerful and all-seeing.

HIS eyes are on those who fear HIM.  HE knows all the works of man.

HE has commanded no one to be godless and has given no one permission to sin." - Sirach 15:15-20 

(This poem clearly declares that human beings are free and responsible.  In his letter [1:13], James will recall the first sentence of this paragraph.  In Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Moses already told his people: "Life and death are before you; choose."

At times the Bible seems to say that GOD pushes a person to sin in order to punish him later [see Exodus 10:27; 2 Samuel 24:1]; yet there is no doubt that humans are free.  The Israelites were so convinced that nothing is done without GOD, that they had trouble explaining how someone can sin without this being GOD's will.  Even though they lacked the words to express it, they always saw human beings as persons responsible for their actions.)

On-Site

On-Track  

You Are The Highest Honor Of Our Race!

Hello! and happy good weekend to all of us, GUYS.  Our "daily bread" this Saturday:

THE GOOD NEWS (11 February 2017)

"Uzziah said to her, 'My daughter, may the Most High GOD bless you more than all women on earth.

And blessed be the LORD GOD, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has led you to behead the leader of our enemies.

Never will people forget the confidence you have shown; they will always remember the power of GOD." - Judith 13:18-19 

Mary, Crushing The Head Of The Serpent

(May the Most High GOD bless you more than all women on earth.  Luke will remember these words and will adapt them for Mary [Luke 1:42].  With Luke we easily see in Judith's victory the image of another victory in which Mary "crushed the head of the serpent" in perfectly welcoming the Son of GOD and HIS patient work to redeem the world from the Devil's hands, as the Bible had announced [Genesis 3:15].  The hymn we refer to: You are the glory of Israel speaks more truly of Mary than of Judith.)

Judith, With The Head Of The Leader Of The Enemies

On-Site
On-Track

Blessed Are Those Whose Sins Are Forgiven

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

THE GOOD NEWS (10 February 2017)

"Blessed is the one whose sin is forgiven,

whose inequity is wiped away.

Blessed are those in whom the LORD sees no guilt

and in whose spirit is found no deceit.

When I kept my sin secret,

my body wasted away,

I was moaning all day long.

YOUR hand day and night lay heavy upon me;

draining my strength, parching my heart

as in the heat of a summer drought.

Then I made known to YOU my sin

and uncovered before YOU my fault,

saying to myself,

'To the LORD I will now confess my wrong.'

And YOU, YOU forgave my sin,

YOU removed my guilt.

So let the faithful ones pray

to YOU in time of distress;

the overflowing waters will not reach them.

YOU are my refuge;

YOU protect me from distress

and surround me with songs of deliverance."

- Psalm 32:1-7

.

(It is good to clarify what was not really sin but caused guilt.  On the other hand, nothing is gained in denying a fault and still less a sin.  In Christian language, sin signifies that we committed a wrong not with a law but towards someone we love.

Our well-being, in the truest meaning of the word, depends on the quality of our relationship with GOD: what sin has destroyed will only be restored by trust in GOD who pardons the humble and the repentant.  When we ask GOD to heal someone, we do not separate health of body from health of soul.

Buried sin ruins our conscience.  Confession is always a liberation.)

On-Site

On-Track

The Two Of Them Become One Flesh

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

THE GOOD NEWS (09 February 2017)

"YAHWEH GOD said, 'It is not good for Man to be alone; I will give him a helper who will be like him.'  Then YAHWEH GOD formed from the earth all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air and brought them to Man to see what he would call them; and whatever Man called every living creature, that was its name.

So Man gave names to all the cattle, the birds of the air and to every beast of the field.  But he did not find among them a helper like himself.  Then YAHWEH GOD caused a deep sleep to come over Man and he fell asleep.  HE took one of his ribs and filled its place with flesh.  The rib which YAHWEH GOD had taken from Man HE formed into a woman and brought her to the man.  The man then said, 'Now this is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh.  She shall be called woman because she was taken from man.'  That is why man leaves his father and mother and is attached to his wife, and with her becomes one flesh.  Both the man and his wife were naked and were not ashamed." - Genesis 2:18-25 

(They become one flesh:  in Hebrew it means that they form one single being.  This union of the couple is part of their mission.  It is not a provisional agreement to enjoy each other, but the union of a family in which GOD's work is accomplished.  Therefore the family will be fruitful and the two will give back to the large human family the treasure of humanity which they received from it.

We cannot reread this phrase without recalling the way it will be taken up in the Gospel [Matthew 19:15].  JESUS words on marriage are among HIS least understood words.

Yet the will of GOD was clear in this ancient text: the years of common life, the efforts to listen to each other, to understand and make decisions together, the capacity to forgive and persevere in fidelity, the shared risk in giving birth and educating a family: those are the means which, little by little, transform the man and the woman, enabling them to gain maturity and a sense of their responsibility.  And it is precisely that which GOD wishes to find in them at the end of their life when HE will be all for all.

They were naked and were not ashamed.  In Hebraic culture, nakedness leaves us defenseless.  Thus here, we should understand that the man and the woman accept each other as they are without taking advantage of their respective weaknesses.)

On-Site
On-Track    

From That Tree You Shall Not Eat

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

THE GOOD NEWS (08 February 2017)

"On the day that YAHWEH GOD made the earth and the heavens, there was not yet on the earth any shrub of the fields, nor had any plant yet sprung up, for YAHWEH GOD had not made it rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the earth, but a mist went up from the earth and watered the surface of the earth.

Then YAHWEH GOD formed Man, dust drawn from the clay, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and Man became alive with breath.  GOD planted a garden in Eden in the east and there he placed Man whom HE had created.  YAHWEH GOD caused to grow from the ground every kind of tree that is pleasing to see and good to eat, also the tree of Life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

A river flowed from Eden to water the garden and from there it divided to form four main streams.  The name of the first river is Pishon.  It is the one that flows around all the country of Havilah where there is gold, and the gold of that country is good; bidellium and onyx stone are there.  The name of the second river is Gihon.  It is the one that flows around all the land of Cush.  The name of the third river is Tigris.  It is the one that flows to the east of Assyria.  The fourth river is the Euphrates.

YAHWEH GOD took Man and placed him in the garden of Eden to till it and take care of it.  Then YAHWEH GOD gave an order to Man saying, 'You may eat of every tree in the garden, but of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, you will not eat, for on the day you eat of it, you will die.'" - Genesis 2:5-17 

The Garden Of Eden

(Notice how YAHWEH, the good craftsman and artist that HE is, works the clay with HIS own hands, looking at the one who is still unable to know HIM and preparing him to receive from HIS "blowing" both breath and life or the human soul. 

Adam is placed in the garden to cultivate it: humanity will be built up at the same time as it takes possession of the world.  It will have to toil for many centuries in order to develop, to know itself and to know what it can do.

What is the meaning of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?  Good and evil mean this: what is good and useful and what is not.  So this tree is the tree of wisdom, of the art of living and of being happy.  GOD opens up a road of wisdom before humankind, but human beings are free.  Will they refuse to travel that road, not to be the ones who know and decide authoritatively what will be good for them?)

On-Site
On-Track

O LORD, Our GOD, How Wonderful YOUR Name In All The Earth!

Hi! and happy good Tuesday to all of us, GUYS.  Our "food for the soul" today:

THE GOOD NEWS (07 February 2017)

"When I observe the heavens,

the work of YOUR hands,

the moon and the stars YOU set in their place -

what is the mortal that YOU be mindful of him,

the son of man, that YOU should care for him?

Yet YOU made him a little lower than the angels;

YOU have crowned him with glory and honor.

YOU made him rule over the works of YOUR hands;

YOU have put all things under his feet -

sheep and oxen without number

and even the beasts of the field,

the birds of the air, the fish of the sea,

and all that swim the paths of the ocean."

- Psalm 8:4-9

(Our liberal culture knows only individuals, "human beings" eager to enjoy life at the level of their fortune and good health.

Individuals, being "pots of earth among other pots of earth," struggle to affirm their own identity.  They dream of being totally independent.  This psalm on the contrary emphasizes the dignity of the human person which awakens at the call of GOD and develops under HIS watchful eye.

The universe reveals the glory and the beauty of GOD.  In becoming one of us, the Son of GOD has put humans above all material creation and emphasized the fundamental equality of all humans.)

On-Site

On-Track  

May The LORD Be Glad In HIS Works

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

THE GOOD NEWS (06 February 2017)

"When you send forth YOUR spirit,

they are created,

and the face of the earth is renewed.

May the glory of the LORD endure forever;

may the LORD rejoice in HIS works!

HE looks on the earth, and it quakes;

HE touches the mountain, and it smokes.

I will sing to the LORD all my life;

I will sing praise to GOD while I live.

May my song give HIM pleasure,

as the LORD gives me delight.

May sinners vanish from the earth,

and may the wicked be no more.

Bless the LORD, my soul!"

- Psalm 104:30-35

(This psalm has a deeply human touch: everything exists for the benefit of humanity.  Humankind is called to be the consciousness that understands the universe and is able to admire it, the voice that praises the Creator, the artisan called to beautify it and organize it for the service of people, all people.  Our psalms and songs of praise would be useless if they did not express human effort to build a world reflecting the purity and infinite riches of GOD.)

On-Site
On-Track 

Light Shall Rise For You

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

THE GOOD NEWS (05 February 2017)

"Fast by sharing your food with the hungry,

bring to your house the homeless,

clothe the man you see naked

and do not turn away from your own kin.

Then will your light break forth as the dawn

and your healing come in a flash.

Your righteousness will be your vanguard,

the Glory of YAHWEH your rearguard.

Then you will call and YAHWEH will answer,

you will cry and HE will say, I AM here.

If you remove from your midst the yoke,

the clenched fist and the wicked word,

if you share your food with the hungry

and give relief to the oppressed,

then your light will be like noon.

- Isaiah 58:7-10

(Unfastening the thongs of the yoke.  Here we have a glimpse of the tremendous effort demanded of all in order to do away with every form of slavery: from the small privileges that working companions compete for, to the laws that keep entire groups marginated.  It includes breaking the yoke of husbands' domination over their wives and the disputes between neighbors when no one dares to take the first step.

It is not enough to be converted to GOD "from the heart," for conversion comes about by changing both persons and structures.  These make us share in the injustices and sins of the society in which we live.  An incredible number of sins - corruption, prostitution, violence - are linked to colonialism and the economic and cultural dependence that go with it.

Sharing your food with the hungry: and that on a world scale for human kind is one, the only Adam of whom CHRIST is the head.

Your light will break forth as the dawn.  We see the leaders of the nations come together, discuss and study in order to solve the urgent problems of humanity.  No light breaks forth.  It is a known fact that the research of a scientist does not bring him directly to great discoveries.  Rather, he often finds the solution suddenly where he did not expect it.  In the same way, human problems resist theoretical solutions, but unexpected ways will be found when every nation and every segment of society willingly shares and no longer oppresses others.)  

On-Site

On-Track

Obey Your Leaders

Hello! and happy good weekend to all of us, GUYS.  Our "daily bread" this Saturday:

THE GOOD NEWS (04 February2017)

"Let us, then, continually offer through JESUS a sacrifice of praise to GOD, that is the fruit of lips celebrating HIS name.  Do not neglect good works and common life, for these are sacrifices pleasing to GOD.  Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are concerned for your souls and are accountable for them.  Let this be a joy for them rather than a burden, which would be of no advantage for you.

Pray for us, for we believe our intentions are pure and that we only want to act honorably in all things.  Now I urge you all the more to pray for me that I may be given back to you the sooner.

May GOD give you peace, HE who brought back from among the dead JESUS our LORD, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, whose blood seals the eternal covenant.

HE will train you in every good work, that you may do HIS will, for it is HE who works in us what pleases HIM, through JESUS CHRIST, to whom all glory be for ever and ever.  Amen!" - Hebrew 13:15-21 

(We can draw another lesson, as well: believers must leave the holy area, that is, a comfortable and respected life, in order to seek the Kingdom of Justice to which little care is given.  Believers oppose the present world, and "are not of this world"; and they refuse to enjoy this world as if it were their final homeland.)  

On-Site
On-Track