The Calf And The Dancing

"Moses then returned and came down from the mountain carrying in his hands the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets written on both sides, back and front.  These tablets were the work of GOD and the writing graven on the tablets was the writing of GOD.

When Joshua heard the noise of the people who were shouting he said to Moses, 'There is a sound of war in the camp.'  But Moses answered, 'It is not a victory song, nor the cry of defeat that I hear, but the sound of singing.'

When he drew near to the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burst forth and he threw down the tablets he was holding, shattering them at the foot of the mountain.  Then he seized the calf they had made and burned it in the fire, grinding it into a powder that he scattered over the surface of the water, and this he made the Israelites drink.

Moses said to Aaron, 'What did these people do to you that you brought such a great sin on them?'

And Aaron said, 'Don't let your anger be roused.  You know these people and how evil they are.  They said to me: 'Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him.'  I then said to them that whoever had gold was to give it over to me.  I threw it in the fire and out came this calf!'

The next day Moses said to the people, 'You have committed a very grave sin, but now I am going up to YAHWEH; perhaps I will obtain pardon for your sin.'

So Moses went towards YAHWEH and said, 'Ah!  These people have committed a very great sin; they made a god out of gold.  And now please forgive their sin...  If not, blot me out of the book YOU have written.'

YAHWEH said to Moses, 'Whoever has sinned against ME, I will blot him out from MY book.  Go now!  Lead the people where I told you.  MY angel will walk before you and on the day of punishment I will punish them for their sin.'" - Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34 

(On going down, Moses hears the irresponsible answer of Aaron who lays the blame on the people.  Aaron has acted like an opportunist priest, anxious to please the people, but quickly forgetting the mission he has received from GOD, not from the people.  Let us recall that Aaron was the patron and model of the Jewish priests.  The priests who wrote these pages kept the teaching of Moses and claimed his authority but they were humble enough to present Aaron, their ancestor, as a common and sinful man, whose deeds did not match his high status.

The unfaithful people will not easily pay for their sin.  The different accounts mixed in this chapter do not agree regarding what actually happened.  The men of the tribe of Levi were more faithful and helped Moses to re-establish his authority: they started killing the guilty ones.

Many details in this story came from those who wrote these pages centuries later.  They were influenced by what happened in the sanctuaries of Bethel and of Dan, where king Jeroboam had yearling calves placed as images of YAHWEH [1 Kings 12:26].)

On-Site 
On-Track

Give Your Servant An Understanding Heart

"It was in Gibeon, during the night, that YAHWEH appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, 'Ask what you want ME to give you.'

Solomon answered, 'YOU have shown YOUR servant David my father a great and steadfast love because he served YOU faithfully and was righteous and sincere towards YOU.  YOU have given him proof of YOUR steadfast love in making a son of his sit on his throne this day.  And now, O YAHWEH my GOD, YOU have made YOUR servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a young boy who does not know how to undertake anything.  Meantime, YOUR servant is in the midst of YOUR people whom YOU have chosen--a people so great that they can neither be numbered nor counted.

Give me, therefore, an understanding mind in governing YOUR people that I may discern between good and evil.  For who is able to govern this multitude of people of YOURS?'

YAHWEH was pleased that Solomon had made this request.  And HE told him, 'Because you have requested this rather than long life or wealth or even vengeance on your enemies; indeed, because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I shall grant you your request.  I now give you a wise and discerning mind such as no one has had before you nor anyone after you shall ever have." - 1 Kings 3:5-12

Solomon's Dream

(Solomon's "dream" is very famous.  Perhaps this dream is only a parable by which the author of the book describes Solomon's disposition when he began his reign.

Ask what you want.  This is GOD's offer to the young Solomon, HIS beloved one.  It is GOD's offer to any young person who is faced with responsibilities for the first time.  Life will not be a destiny imposed upon him or her; rather, one way or another, GOD will give people what they desire.  What do you seek?  [see John 1:38].

YOU have shown YOUR servant David my father a great and steadfast love.  The young king does not start from scratch.  He owes everything he has to his ancestors, and everything he has from them came from GOD.  Solomon knows that YAHWEH committed HIMSELF to David forever: "I shall never reject your children."

Give me an understanding mind in governing YOUR people.  Solomon is concerned about carrying out his responsibilities and does not want the people to be robbed of their expectations.

Nevertheless, Solomon has in mind other forms of "wisdom" that were appreciated in those days:

- to prepare for himself a long and quiet life, not to have problems or troubles, and to be spared the sacrifices required by a noble life;

- wealth, enjoyment of life, "to be comfortable";

- the death of his enemies, i.e., strength that leads to victory, satisfaction of one's personal pride.

I now give you a wise and discerning mind: I will also give you what you have not asked for.  This is the same teaching of JESUS in Matthew 6:33.)

On-Site
On-Track   

The Raising Of Lazarus

"Many Jews had come to Martha and Mary, after the death of their brother, to comfort them.

When Martha heard that JESUS was coming, she went to meet HIM, while Mary remained sitting in the house.  Martha said to JESUS, 'If YOU had been here, my brother would not have died.  But I know that whatever YOU ask from GOD, GOD will give YOU.'  JESUS said, 'Your brother will rise again.'

Martha replied, 'I know that he will rise in the resurrection, at the last day.'  But JESUS said to her, 'I AM the resurrection.  Whoever believes in ME, though he die, shall live.  Whoever lives and believes in ME will never die.  Do you believe this?'

Martha then answered, 'Yes, LORD, I have come to believe that YOU are the CHRIST, the Son of GOD, HE who is coming into the world.'" - John 11:19-27 

(I have come to believe that YOU are the CHRIST.  What more extraordinary profession of faith is there than Martha's!  It is like Peter's [Matthew 16:16], and in a short while it will be Mary who will tell about the resurrection to the same apostles.  Truly the Gospel is not male chauvinist, nor does it enthrone ecclesiastical hierarchy.)      

On-Site

On-Track

The Parable Of The Sower

"Now listen to the parable of the sower.

 When a person hears the message of the kingdom, but does not take it seriously, the devil comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.  This is the seed that fell along the footpath.

The seed that fell on rocky ground stands for the one who hears the word, and accepts it at once with joy.  But such a person has no roots, and endures only for a while.  No sooner is he harassed or persecuted because of the word, than he gives up.

The seed that fell among the thistles is the one who hears the word; but then, the worries of this life and the love of money choke the word; and it does not bear fruit.

As for the seed that fell on good soil, it is the one who hears the word and understands it; this seed bears fruit and produces a hundred, or sixty, or thirty times more." - Matthew 13:18-23 

(Who will welcome the word of GOD?  This has nothing to do with intelligence or ability to reflect, or interest in religious things: those who are open to hope receive the word.

The seed that fell along the footpath are those not interested in the word they have received, perhaps because they cannot see further than their own interests [they are selfish], or perhaps they have taken another direction in life.

Next come those who do not dare to face contradiction and are easily discouraged and cowed: these are soon burnt.  Yet to hope means to be firm despite any obstacle.  If GOD puts us on a road in life, this road will lead somewhere.  Hope is courage and endurance.

Next are those that fell among the thistles.  They are believers, but the fruits to be harvested along the difficult path seem not to satisfy them.  They want to "save their lives," to serve GOD and Money at the same time.  They are dragged down by their aim of winning material success, and hope in the kingdom of GOD becomes but a flimsy desire for them.)

On-Site

On-Track 

Blessed Are Your Eyes, Because They See

"Then HIS disciples came to HIM and said, 'Why do YOU speak to them in parables?'

JESUS answered, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but not to these people.  For the one who has will be given more; and he will have in abundance.  But the one who does not have will be deprived of even what he has.  That is why I speak to them in parables; because they look and do not see; they hear; but they do not listen or understand.'

In them, the words of the prophet Isaiah are fulfilled: However much you hear, you do not understand; however much you see, you do not perceive.

For the heart of these people has grown dull.  Their ears hardly hear and their eyes dare not see.  If they were to see with their eyes, hear with their ears and understand with their heart, they would turn back, and I would heal them.

But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.

For I tell you, many prophets and righteous people have longed to see the things you see, but they did not see them; and to hear the things you hear, but they did not hear them."  - Matthew 13:10-17 

(To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom.  To you who took CHRIST's call seriously and decided to follow HIM.  Because you came to be the co-workers of CHRIST, the FATHER will reveal to you HIS secrets.

The quotation from Isaiah that follows may shock us due to the fact of our not fully understanding Hebrew expressions.  Does JESUS speak in parables because the audience does not want to understand, or so that they will not understand?  It could be both at the same time.

For the one who has will be given more.  Here has means produce, bear as does the tree "has" fruit.  It will be given to those who are fruitful.

The kingdom of heaven.  We already said that "Heaven" was a Jewish expression referring to GOD.  The kingdom of heaven is the kingdom of GOD, as the FATHER of heaven is GOD the FATHER.  Not realizing this, many have mistakenly thought that the Gospel announced only the kingdom of GOD in Heaven after our present life.  Actually JESUS came to tell us that GOD had come to rule among us.)

On-Site

On-Track 

In Praise Of Ancestors

"Let us now glorify illustrious men, the ancestors of our people.

The LORD gave them great glory according to HIS own greatness from the beginning.

Some ruled kingdoms and were renowned for their achievements, others were wise and able to counsel, or spoke as prophets.

They led the people with their warnings or with their knowledge of the popular writings.

Some cultivated music and poetry, others were rich and powerful men living peacefully in their homes.

All were highly respected in their days and honored by the people they lived with.

The  names of some lived on and people still praise them today; others are not remembered and have disappeared as if they never existed.  It is the same for their children.

But now consider the godly men whose good deeds have not been forgotten.  Those who came after them benefitted from the rich legacy they left; their race remained faithful to the Covenant, their children followed their example.  Their family will endure forever and never will its glory be tarnished.  Their bodies were buried in peace but their memory lives through generations.  People will speak of their wisdom and the assembly will celebrate their praise. - Sirach 44:1-15

 

(After the hymn to GOD whose glory is revealed through HIS creation, the author will present to us GOD's work in HIS chosen people, Israel. 

In his poem of praise of the ancestors, we have a glimpse of all the famous people of Israel: kings, liberators, prophets, sages, poets.  The author notes that there are many courageous and just people who died and whose deeds and virtues will not be recorded after them.  He knows that even if all the descendants of a famous man disappear, as in the case of Moses, the people of Israel hold on to the promises of eternity.  In this book there is still no sign of faith in a resurrection of persons [except possibly in 48:11 and all hope is fixed on the future of the chosen people].)  

On-Site
On-Track

Those Who Sow In Tears Shall Reap Rejoicing

"When YAHWEH brought the exiles back to Zion,

we were like those moving in a dream.

Then, our mouths were filled with laughter,

and our tongues with songs of joy.

Among the nations it was said,

'YAHWEH has done great things for them.'

YAHWEH had done great things for us,

and we were glad indeed.

Bring back our exiles, O YAHWEH,

like fresh streams in the desert.

Those who sow in tears

will reap with songs and shouts of joy.

They went forth weeping,

bearing the seeds for sowing,

they will come home with joyful shouts,

bringing their invested sheaves."

- Psalm 126:1-6

(Israel's drought will turn to fertility.  Her own labor of sowing will achieve its harvest.  'The field is the world' [Matthew 13:38] and the field whitens for a harvest of souls gathered to eternal life [John 4:35ff; Matthew 13:30].  But the sowing is in tears: 'Unless the seed falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone' [John 12:24ff].  The seed is the Word--the Word made flesh and crucified.  The tears are HIS, the joys ours: 'YAHWEH has done great things for us!'  And yet we, too, have our crucifixion.  If we want to turn suffering into hope, tears into songs, we can pray with this psalm.)

On-Site
On-Track  

"Happy Are The People Who Know How To Praise."

"Then Moses and the people sang this song to YAHWEH:

I will sing to YAHWEH, the glorious one,

horse and rider HE has thrown into the sea.

YAHWEH is my strength and my song,

and HE is my salvation.

HE is my GOD and I will praise HIM.

YAHWEH is a warrior; YAHWEH is HIS name.

The chariots of Pharaoh and his army

HE has hurled into the sea;

his chosen officers were drowned in the Red Sea.

The deep covers them;

they went down like a stone. 

YOUR hand, O YAHWEH, glorious and powerful,

YOUR right hand, O YAHWEH, shatters the enemy."

- Exodus 15:1-6

(The first canticle of Moses is a shout of joyful thanksgiving.  It is, at the same time, a profession of faith.  The psalmist says: "Happy are the people who know how to praise."

The liberated people had no reason to glory in themselves at this victory which belonged to GOD and to Moses, the man of faith.  It is proper for them only to give thanks to GOD.

Revelation will recall this canticle [Revelation 15:3] in the vision of the elect and martyrs of CHRIST, saved from their weakness and crowned with glory.

The ancient religions [and also modern people] celebrate feasts in accordance with the rhythm of nature: feasts of the moon, of summer, of rain, of birth.  On the other hand, the feasts in the Scriptures celebrate the marvels which GOD did to save them.  If it is good to praise GOD for the wonders of nature, even more should we recognize HIM in the events of history.  Let us give thanks to GOD, before anything else, for the great and small events that show HIS Reign coming among us.)

On-Site

On-Track

The SPIRIT HIMSELF Intercedes

"Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes for us, without words, as if it groans.  And he, who sees inner secrets, knows the desires of the Spirit, for he asks for the holy ones, what is pleasing to GOD." - Romans 8:26-27

 

(We do not know how to pray.  We often think that we pray only when we are saying something and asking for things.  Paul shows that words are not as important as the deep desire of the Spirit of GOD within us.

The Spirit intercedes for us.  It is good to present our problems and worries to GOD, using words that the Spirit inspires.  And still better when the Spirit invites us to remain in silent prayer and GOD communicates HIS peace to us.)

On-Site

On-Track

The One Who Is In CHRIST Is A New Creature

"Indeed, the love of CHRIST holds us, and we realize, that, if HE died for all, all have died.  HE died for all, so, that, those who live, may live no longer for themselves, but for HIM, who died, and rose again for them.  And so, from now on, we do not regard anyone from a human point of view; and even if we once knew CHRIST personally, we should now regard HIM in another way.

For that same reason, the one who is in CHRIST is a new creature.  For him, the old things have passed away; a new world has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 

(There are many ways of understanding faith: for each one of us, one or another aspect of Christian life makes more of an impact.  What Paul sees in CHRST is the great messenger and artisan of reconciliation.

His first conviction is that, with the death of CHRIST, a new age has begun for divided humanity.  If HE died for all, all have died, namely, the whole history and wisdom of people before HIM have been surpassed and now GOD works among us in other ways.

We do not regard anyone from the human point of view.  To begin with, Paul accepts persons with different criteria and is not guided [as are many Corinthians] by the appearance of fine speakers.  And his affectivity has been renewed in the measure that he has been possessed by CHRIST: he loves them as GOD loves them and as GOD would like them to be.

Even if we once knew CHRIST personally... [Paul says: "If we have known HIM in the flesh" or, as HE was in HIS humanity.]  He no longer sees CHRIST as a Galilean preacher, enclosed in the context of Jewish life, but rather dominating history.  Without a doubt he is also alluding to certain adversaries who consider themselves superior to him because they have known JESUS or belong to HIS family.  He says to them: "we must" [which means: you must] see HIM differently:  do not see HIM as your cousin!

The one who is in CHRIST is a new creature:  first because the barriers that divide and separate people no longer exist for HIM [see Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 2:14-16].  Also because it is not human desires that guide HIM, but the Spirit of GOD who recreates HIM at every instant [Galatians 5:13-21].) 

 

 

On-Site

On-Track

Have You Not Read What David Did?

"It happened that, JESUS was walking through the wheat fields on a Sabbath.  HIS disciples were hungry; and they began to pick some heads of wheat, to crush and to eat the grain.  When the Pharisees noticed this, they said to JESUS, 'Look at YOUR disciples!  They are doing what is prohibited on the Sabbath!'

JESUS answered, 'Have you not read what David did, when he and his men were hungry?  He went into the House of GOD, and they ate the bread offered to GOD, though neither he nor his men had the right to eat it, but only the priests.  And have you not read in the law, how, on the Sabbath, the priests in the temple desecrate the Sabbath, yet they are not guilty?

I tell you, there is greater than the temple here.  If you really knew the meaning of the words: It is mercy I want, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent.

Besides, the Son of Man is LORD of the Sabbath.'" - Matthew 12:1-8 

(This chapter records the conflicts of JESUS with the Pharisees regarding the Sabbath.  Why does the Gospel make so much of these conflicts?  Perhaps because at the time of JESUS the heavy load of religious obligations was a formidable obstacle for those searching for GOD.  It may have been also because the Christians lost no time making new laws to which they gave an exaggerated importance.  If JESUS deliberately violated the most sacred of the laws given by GOD to Moses, what about our ecclesiastical laws not guaranteed by the word of GOD?  In the name of man-made laws, adapted to a context that is not ours, Christian communities have at times been paralyzed and we let millions of people look for churches where they have the communities and pastors they have been deprived of.)

On-Site
On-Track  

MY Yoke Is Easy

"Come to ME, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I AM gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest.  For MY yoke is easy; and MY burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30 

(I will not relieve you of your load but by placing MY yoke on you, I give you the means of carrying the load.

JESUS plays with the two words yoke and load, for the Jews used to call "load" the divine teachings imparted to pupils, and "yoke" the balancing of the teacher's sentences, which should be learned by heart.

JESUS, the patient and humble teacher, enables us to see the mercy of GOD in our lives and in our own cross.  HE shows us the love of GOD even in the requirements of the law.  Only GOD is good; and good is the authority of CHRIST.)

On-Site

On-Track 

The LORD Is Kind And Merciful

"Praise YAHWEH, my soul; all my being, praise HIS holy name!

Praise YAHWEH, my soul, and do not forget all HIS kindness; HE forgives all your sins and

heals all your sickness; HE redeems your life

from destruction and crowns you with love and

compassion; HE gives fulfillment to your years,

and renews your youth like the eagle's.

YAHWEH restores justice and secures the rights of the oppressed.

HE has made known HIS ways to Moses; and

HIS deeds, to the people of Israel."

- Psalm 103:1-7

(The Christian lives joyfully in the paradox that our GOD is higher than the heavens, and yet, is close to us in love and mercy.  Our gratitude for HIS mercy merges naturally into a hymn of praise, for HIS greatness.  When we think how great HE is, it is not to think how far away HE is, but how much HE loves us to come down to us.

GOD is a FATHER full of mercy.  Is it necessary to quote a text from the New Testament?  A good one is that of the prodigal son [Luke 15:11-32] or the prayer of JESUS on the cross [Luke 23:34 or Romans 8:31-34].  They show us the depth of GOD's love, mercy and forgiveness.  Let us praise the LORD, together with everything created: in moments of joy, as well as in hours of sadness, both when we have strength or when we live in fragility.)

On-Site

On-Track

Woe To You

"Then JESUS began to denounce the cities in which HE had performed most of HIS miracles, because the people there did not change their ways.  'Alas for you Chorazin and Bethsaida!  If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, the people there would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.  But I assure you, for Tyre and Sidon; it will be  more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.  And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven?  You will be thrown down to the place of the dead!  For if the miracles which were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would still be there today!  But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.'" - Matthew 11:20-24 

Remains Of The Cursed Cities

(Chorazin and Bethsaida: these two cities were the seats of higher schools of religion but had not received the Gospel.  Tyre and Sidon: two pagan cities, cursed by the prophets.)

On-Site

On-Track

Our Help Is In The Name Of The LORD

"Had not YAHWEH been on our side--

let Israel say--

had not YAHWEH been on our side,

when people rose up against us,

then, they would have swallowed us alive;

such was their anger against us.

A bit more, and the flood would have engulfed us;

the torrent would have swept over us; the raging waters would have swept us away.

Blessed be YAHWEH,

who did not let us be devoured.

Like a bird, our soul escaped

from the snare of the fowler;

the snare was broken and we were freed.

Our help is in the name of YAHWEH,

who made heaven and earth."

- Psalm 124:1-8

(Our adversary, the devil, goes around like a roaring lion: like a man swept away by a flood, like a child in a trap.  How helpless we are, how lost--except for GOD!

'If GOD is for us, who can be against us?'  Paul asks [Romans 8:31].  When we live at the limit of our smallness, the liberator of our life arises: GOD as helper.  HE sustains us.  We give thanks to HIM.

With admiration and gratitude, the people of GOD remember how they overcame their trials because GOD was with them.  An invitation to give thanks!  If we have not the heart to thank GOD, it is because we do not know how to discover the wonders in our lives and in the world.  It is strange that in the communities of the poor and the persecuted, the prayers of thanksgiving are interminable.)

On-Site
On-Track  

MY Word Shall Not Return To ME Void

"As the rain and the snow come down

from the heavens and do not return

till they have watered the earth,

making it yield seed for the sower

and food for others to eat,

so is MY word that goes forth out of MY mouth:

it will not return to ME idle,

but it shall accomplish MY will,

the purpose for which it has been sent."

- Isaiah 55:10-11

It's All About JESUS

(Here the word of GOD appears personified.  It is already much more than the words spoken by the prophets.  This word which comes from the FATHER and returns to HIM will be presented by the apostle John in the first page of HIS Gospel: it is CHRIST.)

On-Site
On-Track

Do Not Fear

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but have no power to kill the soul.  Rather, be afraid of HIM who can destroy both body and soul in hell.  For a few cents you can buy two sparrows.  Yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your FATHER knowing.  As for you, every hair of your head has been counted.  Do not be afraid: you are worth more than many sparrows!" - Matthew 10:28-31 

(We are cowards and JESUS is aware of this.  HE has already said, "Do not fear," when HE invited us not to look for security in money.  Now, dealing with the fear of repression, HE adds, "If you cannot free yourselves from cowardice, consider where the greater threat comes from, from GOD or people?"

This is the only time JESUS refers to "fear of GOD."  When the Old Testament mentioned fear of GOD, it generally meant giving due respect to GOD.  Respect is far from fear.  Respect is an attitude proper to a free person.  GOD does not threaten to throw us into hell; rather HE reminds us that to lose HIM is to lose ourselves also, and this is hell.)

On-Site
On-Track  

Be Simple As Doves

"Look, I send you out like sheep among wolves.  You must be as clever as snakes and as innocent as doves.  Be on your guard with people, for they will hand you over to their courts, and they will flog you in their synagogues.  You will be brought to trial before rulers and kings because of ME, so that you may witness to them and the pagans.

But when you are arrested, do not worry about what you are to say, or how you are to say it; when the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say.  For it will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your FATHER, speaking through you.

Brother will hand over his brother to death, and a father his child; children will turn against their parents and have them put to death.  Everyone will hate you because of ME, but whoever stands firm to the end will be saved.

When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next.  I tell you the truth, you will not have passed through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes." - Matthew 10:16-23 

The Christian Persecution

(Matthew here puts advice that JESUS gave to HIS witnesses on how to confront persecution.  JESUS HIMSELF spent long weeks hidden away and HIS first missionaries probably had to take similar precautions.  In relating these instructions Matthew has perhaps adapted them a little to the situation of Christians of his time; he has not invented them. 

We have just spoken of witnesses, and martyr in Greek means: witness.  Some of these martyrs were before long glorified, but the majority remain unknown.  They have often been disfigured by calumny [5:11; Luke 21:17] isolated even from the Christian community and later eliminated.  In certain cases entire Christian communities were massacred as in the time of the Roman empire.  Today in certain countries such atrocities continue without the media even mentioning it. 

Maybe we must recognize that martyrdom is a grace and is not given to everyone,  Many would be ready to give their life for CHRIST, but confronted with situations of violence or corruption, they do not see the necessity to expose a scandal and so submit in order to avoid the worst.  Others, on the contrary, understand that GOD is asking them to witness to the Good News that is opposite to what is imposed.  In so doing they face the repression by which Society defends itself.  Revelation affirms that the murder of witnesses advances Salvation History.

In reality, JESUS does not only speak of those who are massacred.  Far more numerous and doubtless nearer to us are those who have had to conquer fear of being HIS witnesses on the streets, in schools and in every area of this perverted and evil world [Galatians 1:4; Philippians 2:15].

Do not worry.  The witnesses of JESUS do not work on their own, and the more they are identified with JESUS in persecution and in prison, the more they are assisted by the Spirit.  By worrying while preparing their legal case, they would hinder the freedom of the Spirit and also lose the peace that the Spirit grants the persecuted.)

On-Site
On-Track  

Remember The Marvels The LORD Has Done

"Then HE sent a famine and ruined the crop that sustained the land, HE sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave;

his feet in shackles, his neck in irons; till what HE foretold came to pass, and YAHWEH's word proved HIM true.

The king sent for him; set him free; the ruler of the peoples released him.  He put him in charge of his household and made him ruler of all his possessions,..." - Psalm 105:16-21

(The psalmist summarizes in this one psalm the goodness and the greatness of GOD, as he knew it from the Old Testament.  He connects with his past to seek GOD's presence and praise HIM.  We do not live in isolation from our material environment, nor do we from our historical past, and the historical books of the Scriptures, like the Creation, provide material for praise. 

When praying with this psalm, we can unite our history to the history of salvation and remember that, while the covenant is a mandate, it is also the Word of GOD and therefore it is an eternal and holy covenant.  If we are unfaithful, GOD is still faithful.)

On-Site

On-Track

JESUS Sent Out The Twelve

"JESUS called HIS Twelve disciples to HIM, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out, and to heal every disease and sickness.

These are the names of the Twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon, the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, the man who would betray HIM.

JESUS sent these Twelve on mission, with the instructions: 'Do not visit pagan territory and do not enter a Samaritan town.  Go, instead, to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.

Go, and proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven is near.'" - Matthew 10:1-7 

(Apostles mean "sent" and "mission" also means "being sent."  The FATHER has sent HIS Son to earth, and the Son, in turn, sends HIS apostles.  The FATHER sends messengers of HIS word, but HE also sends HIS Spirit to touch the hearts and minds of those who listen.  Through the Spirit they recognize the word of GOD in the poor preaching of these messengers who have received no great instruction.  The Spirit will give signs: healings and astounding graces supporting the witness of the missionaries.

The successors of the apostles will be missionaries like them.  They will not be primarily the administrators of an established Church, but living poorly among the poor, they will establish new Churches [see 1 Corinthians 3:10; 12:28].

Do not visit pagan territory.  Let us not forget that many pagan communities were established in Galilee together with the Jewish ones.  JESUS follows HIS FATHER's plan of salvation as described in the Scriptures. The Savior should first gather the strayed sheep of Israel, and then bring salvation to all the pagan nations: Isaiah 49:6; 60:1-10; Zechariah 14:16; Matthew 15:24.)

On-Site

On-Track

Some Man Wrestled With Jacob

"He took them and sent them across the stream and likewise everything he had.  And Jacob was left alone.

Then a man wrestled with him until daybreak.  When the man saw that he could not get the better of Jacob, he struck him in the socket of his hip and dislocated it as he wrestled with him.

The man said, 'Let me go, for day is breaking.'  But Jacob said, 'I will not let you go until you have given me your blessing.'  The man then said, 'What is your name?'  'Jacob' was the reply.  He answered, 'You will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have been strong-with-GOD as you have been with men and have prevailed.'

Then Jacob asked him, 'What is your name?'  He answered, 'Why do you ask my name?'  And he blessed him there.  So Jacob called the place Penuel, saying 'I have seen GOD FACE TO FACE and survived.'  The sun rose as he passed through Penuel, limping because of his hip.

That is why to this day the Israelites do not eat the sciatic nerve which is in the hip socket because the sciatic nerve in Jacob's hip had been touched." - Genesis 32:23-33 

Jacob Wrestling With GOD

(Then a man wrestled with him until daybreak.  It is a struggle between GOD and Jacob.  At the end GOD confirms HIS blessing on Jacob. 

Occasionally we discover ourselves better in sleep than when we are awake.  This is what happens with Jacob in his night struggle with GOD.  He understands that his labors and trials have been more than a confrontation with society and men; they have been a wrestling with GOD.  GOD promises success but will not grant it until Jacob exhausts all his strength.

Because Jacob understands better the reason for so many trials and delays, he personally addresses the one who blocks his way and who, alone, can change Esau's disposition.  Jacob becomes strong against GOD; he does not ask for a favor, a little help, but instead he demands that he keep his promises: I will not let you go until you have given me your blessing.

Jacob's prayer does not show the resigned attitude characteristic of a believer, according to some.  Praying does not consist only in accepting GOD's will as a thing written in advance in heaven, or in asking for the strength to accept it: praying consists also in putting pressure on GOD, confident in HIS promises and knowing that HE listens to us.  If we could not have some part in the divine decisions concerning us and the governing of the world, the Covenant would be a fraud.  

At the crossroads of life, pressed between the possibilities of becoming stagnant or surpassing himself, the believer knows that GOD will bring him beyond himself if he asks for it with faith.)

 
On-Site
On-Track

Your Faith Has Saved You!

"Then a woman, who had suffered from a severe bleeding for twelve years, came up from behind and touched the edge of HIS cloak; for she thought, 'If I only touch HIS cloak, I will be healed.'  JESUS turned, saw her and said, 'Courage, MY daughter, your faith has saved you.'  And from that moment, the woman was cured." - Matthew 9:20-22 

(She touched the edge of HIS cloak.  As a good Jew, JESUS had fringes on HIS cloak [Numbers 15:38; Matthew 23:5].

The woman was considered by the Jews as unclean because of her illness [Leviticus 15:19].  She would also make "unclean" anyone who touched her.  Because of this, she was prohibited by the law from mingling with others but dared enter into the crowd, and touch JESUS' cloak.

Faith drove her to break the law of "purification," and to risk scandal.  This woman did not know who JESUS was, but had faith that GOD would cure her through HIM.

The religiosity of this woman is akin to what we call today "popular Catholicism."  As seen in this woman, popular Catholicism is ill-instructed, yet shows a strong religious sense and trust in GOD.  It is superficial and naïve, expecting great results from touching images and religious things--CHRIST's garment in this case.  Like JESUS, we should respect the religious expressions of popular Catholicism while at the same time trying, like HIM, to help people discover deeper dimensions of their faith.)

On-Site
On-Track 

Rejoice Heartily!

“Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion!
Shout for joy, daughter of Jerusalem!
For your king is coming, just and victorious,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
No more chariots in Ephraim,
no more horses in Jerusalem,
for HE will do away with them.
The warrior’s bow shall be broken when HE dictates peace to the nations.
HE will reign from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth."
- Zechariah 9:9-10

 (Announcing a humble Messiah. When HE solemnly enters Jerusalem, JESUS will fulfil this prophecy literally [see Matthew 21:5].)

On-Site
On-Track

Praise The LORD For HE Is Good!

"Alleluia!

Praise the name of YAHWEH.  O servants of YAHWEH, praise HIM, you, who serve in the house of YAHWEH, in the courts of the house of our GOD.

Praise YAHWEH, for HE is good; praise the name, for it is beautiful;

for YAHWEH has chosen Jacob as HIS own, Israel as his possession.

I know that YAHWEH is great, that  our YAHWEH is above all gods.

Whatever YAHWEH pleases, HE does--in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in their depths.

- Psalm 135:1-6

(GOD, the living GOD, has cast out the prince of this world, has broken the power of the kingdom of evil, and formed for HIMSELF a holy nation, a kingdom of priests.

GOD shows HIS mercy each day, lets us know HIS Name.  That is why we can continue the blessing initiated in the Temple of Jerusalem, praying with this psalm.

The psalmist is all praise for GOD, and encourages us to do likewise.  JESUS in John 4:23 tells us to worship in spirit and truth for that is the kind of worship GOD wants.  St. Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, 'You must discern the will of GOD, what is good, what pleases, what is perfect.'  If we are true disciples of CHRIST, we will know the truth and the truth will set us free [John 8:32].) 

On-Site

On-Track

I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice

"As JESUS moved on from there, HE saw a man named Matthew, at his seat in the custom-house; and HE said to him, 'Follow ME!'  And Matthew got up and followed HIM.  Now it happened, while JESUS was at table in Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners joined JESUS and HIS disciples.  When the Pharisees saw this, they said to HIS disciples, 'Why is it, that YOUR master eats with sinners and tax collectors?'

When JESUS heard this, HE said, 'Healthy people do not need a doctor, but sick people do.  Go, and find out what this means: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice.  I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.' - Matthew 9:9-13 

JESUS And Matthew

(To enter the family of GOD, we must change some of our values.  This conversion is not as conspicuous as participation in devotional practices but is much more valuable.  First, we must liberate ourselves from prejudices by which we classify people.  Let us stop dividing people into good or bad; those we can greet and those we cannot; those we can love and help and those we cannot.  Let us learn that GOD does not hate the rich or the uneducated, those on the left or those on the right, for GOD's merciful plan sees to the salvation of all.)

On-Site

On-Track