They Did Not Understand

"And all who saw it were astonished at GOD's wonderful work.

But while all were amazed at everything JESUS did, HE said to HIS disciples, 'Listen, and remember what I tell you now: The Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men.'  But the disciples did not understand this saying; something prevented them from grasping what HE meant, and they were afraid to ask HIM about it." - Luke 9:43-45 

(Time is running out for JESUS.  HE now dedicates HIMSELF chiefly to preparing the group of disciples who will have the tremendous responsibility of continuing HIS work.  They did not understand about HIS death and resurrection: these things cannot be understood until they have happened.  They prefer not to question or know; leaving JESUS very isolated.)

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The Stars Fallen From Heaven

"War broke out in heaven, with Michael and his angels battling with the dragon.  The dragon fought back with his angels, but they were defeated, and lost their place in heaven.  The great dragon, the ancient serpent, known as the devil, or Satan, seducer of the whole world, was thrown out.  He was hurled down to earth, together with his angels.

Then, I heard a loud voice from heaven:

Now has salvation come,

with the power and the kingdom of our GOD,

and the rule of HIS anointed.

For our brothers' accuser has been cast out,

who accused them night and day, before GOD.

They conquered him, by the blood of the Lamb,

and by the word of their testimony,

for they gave up their lives, going to death.

Rejoice, therefore, O you heavens,

and you who dwell in them;

but woe to you, earth and sea,

for the devil has come to you, in anger,

knowing that he has but a little time."

- Revelation 12:7-12

Michael, The Archangel Casted Out Satan

(GOD's plan for the world has just been revealed: the Son of GOD must become a human and rise as the Savior of all people.  This mystery causes a double crisis: in the world of spirits [or angels] and in humankind.

The Jews imagined the angels were a huge army and they called their head Michael.  Similarly, the devil is presented as the head of the army of rebellious angels, the stars fallen from heaven.

The following chapters will reveal the devil at work in history.  He uses disguises and many substitutes.  However, those who are ready to suffer for the truth will recognize him: they conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by their courage in proclaiming HIM.)

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The LORD Takes Delight In HIS People

"Alleluia!

Sing to YAHWEH a new song,

sing HIS praise in the assembly of HIS saints.

Let Israel rejoice in his Maker;

let the people of Zion glory in their King!

Let them dance in praise of HIS name;

and make music for HIM with harp and timbrel.

For YAHWEH delights in HIS people;

HE crowns the lowly with victory.

The saints will exult in triumph;

even at night, on their couches,

let the praise of GOD be on their lips;

and in their hands, two-edged swords;

to wreak vengeance on the nations,

and punishment on the peoples;

to bind their kings in chains,

and their nobles in iron fetters;

to execute on them, the written sentence:

this is the glory of all HIS saints.  Alleluia!

- Psalm 149:1-9

(We join in the song of victory, the triumph of GOD, the crushing of the serpent's head; for we have our part in the victorious struggle, wearing the armor of GOD, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit.

The 'loyal ones' express their devotion in a rigorous way.  They oppose the unjust violent person, with a just violent person.  They execute the sentence dictated by GOD and that is their honor.  Their religious enthusiasm and their faith in GOD the creator is valid for us because the Gospel asks of us not to respond to violence with the violence of the sword [Matthew 26:52-54].  Our battle must be 'against the spirits and supernatural forces of evil' [Ephesians 6:12].  Evil and sin in our world are an affront to our Creator; the pain of the humble is the pain of the LORD.  We pray with this psalm, in union with all those who are hungry and thirsty for justice.  They are blessed.)

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Take Nothing For The Journey

"Then JESUS called HIS Twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to drive out all evil spirits and to heal diseases.  And HE sent them to proclaim the kingdom of GOD and to heal the sick.  HE instructed them, 'Don't take anything for the journey, neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and don't even take a spare tunic.  Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place.  And wherever they don't welcome you, leave the town and shake the dust from your feet: it will be as a testimony against them.'

So they set out, and went through the villages, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere." - Luke 9:1-6 

(JESUS begins a third stage of HIS ministry by organizing a mission throughout the province.  Before, the apostles accompanied JESUS but now HE sends them ahead of HIM.

JESUS is an educator.  HE not only teaches HIS followers, HE has them share in HIS mission.  HIS apostles must also proclaim their faith and perform healings as the Master does.  By doing this, they put into practice what they have discovered of the kingdom of GOD.  The disciples should be first to believe what they themselves proclaim: GOD makes HIMSELF present.  Because of this, they must live day by day, trusting in the FATHER's Providence, not frightened but always conscious of GOD's mission and power.)

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Hear The Word Of GOD And Act On It

"Then HIS mother and HIS relatives came to HIM, but they could not get to HIM because of the crowd.  Someone told HIM, 'YOUR mother and YOUR brothers are standing outside and wish to meet YOU.'  Then JESUS answered, 'MY mother and MY brothers are those who hear the word of GOD and do it.'" - Luke 8:19-21

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

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May GOD Be With Him

"In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, YAHWEH willed to fulfill the word HE had said through the prophet Jeremiah.  So HE moved the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, to issue the following command and send it out in writing to be read aloud everywhere in his kingdom: 'Thus speaks Cyrus, king of Persia: YAHWEH, the GOD of heavens, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has ordered me to build HIM a temple in Jerusalem, in the land of Judah.  To everyone belonging to HIS people, may his GOD be with him!  Let them go up to Jerusalem with the help of their GOD and, there, build the house of YAHWEH, the GOD of Israel; the GOD who is in Jerusalem.  In every place where the rest of the people of those places help them for their journey with silver, gold and all kinds of goods and livestock.  Let them also give them voluntary offerings for the house of YAHWEH which is in Jerusalem.'

Then they rose up--the heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, the priests and the Levites, and all those whose spirit GOD had stirred up--and they decided to go and build the house of YAHWEH.  And all their neighbors gave them all kinds of help: gold, silver, livestock and precious objects in great quantity, besides every kind of voluntary offering." - Ezra 1:1-6 

The Temple Of GOD In Jerusalem

(We note that only those who accept "being liberated" will be sent home.  There can be no liberation or external help for the indifferent.

Those who return are those whose spirit has been aroused by GOD.)

Cyrus, King Of Persia

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MY Thoughts Are Not Your Thoughts

"Seek YAHWEH while HE may be found;

call to HIM while HE is near.

Let the wicked abandon his way,

let him forsake his thoughts,

let him return to YAHWEH for HE will have mercy,

for our GOD is generous in forgiving.

For MY thoughts are not your thoughts,

MY ways are not your ways, says YAHWEH.

For as the heavens are above the earth,

so are MY ways higher than your ways,

and MY thoughts above your thoughts."

- Isaiah 55:6-9

(Allow yourselves to be conquered by the love of the LORD who is forming you even more than you can imagine.  Paul will use similar language in his letter to the Romans [5:1-11].)

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To HIM Be Honor

"Now, in the presence of GOD, who gives life to all things, and of JESUS CHRIST, who expressed before Pontius Pilate the authentic profession of faith: preserve the revealed message to all.  Keep yourself pure and blameless, until the glorious coming of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD, who GOD will bring about at the proper time; HE, the magnificent sovereign, King of kings and Lord of lords.  To HIM, alone, immortal, who lives in unapproachable light, and whom no one has ever seen or can see, to HIM, be honor and power, for ever and ever.  Amen!" - 1 Timothy 6:13-16 

(It is not in seeking first of all our personal fulfillment that we become GOD's agent and a witness of CHRIST, as HE HIMSELF has been the witness of the FATHER.

Paul calls upon Timothy to avoid all these dangers and remain true to faith and free from greed.  By doing so, he will be "a man of GOD," a witness of CHRIST.)

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The Women Who Followed JESUS

"JESUS walked through towns and countryside, preaching and giving the good news of the kingdom of GOD.  The Twelve followed HIM, and also some women, who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary called Magdalene, who had been freed of seven demons, Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward; Suzanna; and others, who provided for them out of their own funds." - Luke 8:1-3 

(No spiritual master would have spoken to a woman in public: women were not even admitted to the synagogues.  Nevertheless, JESUS did not pay the least attention to such universally accepted prejudices.  Various women took JESUS' words and attitude as a call to freedom.  They even joined the circle of HIS intimate friends while ignoring the gossip.  Here we have a fundamental testimony about the freedom of the Gospel.

JESUS was truly human, and as such HE belonged to a race and a culture: HE was a Jew of HIS time and HIS gospel was attuned to the culture that HE shared.  Yet JESUS did not adopt the inhuman traits of HIS culture; nor did HE accept the prejudices of the Jews of HIS time with regard to women, to public sinners, to pagans and so on, nor did HE share their views in regard to the Sabbath.  HIS gospel is a leaven that changes cultures for the better; in many respects HIS way of life goes against the mainstream of cultures.

Mary of Magdala [Magdala was a village on the shore of Lake Tiberias] will be at the foot of the cross along with Mary, the wife of Cleophas, the mother of James and Joset.  These two women, along with Joanna, will receive the first news of the Resurrection [Luke 24:10].)

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HE Saw A Man Named Matthew

"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 

(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 mercy plan sees to the salvation of all.

Levi is probably the apostle Matthew.  In this case, like Simon, named Peter by JESUS, Levi would have been given the name of Matthew; in Hebrew Mattai means gift of GOD.)

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Know How To Behave

"I give you these instructions, although I hope I will see you soon.  If I delay, you will know how you ought to conduct yourself in the household of GOD, that is, the Church of the living GOD, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.  How great, indeed, is the mystery of divine blessing!

HE was shown in the flesh

and sanctified by the spirit;

presented to the angels

and proclaimed to all nations.

The world believed in HIM:

HE was taken up in glory!" - 1 Timothy 3:14-16 

(This short paragraph reminds us that, if indeed we are in charge of the Church of GOD, we are neither its founders nor its masters.  The Church was born through a merciful intervention of GOD, when HE decided that HIS Son should identify with the human race, as is expressed in this short poem.

Here we use divine blessing for a word that we translated elsewhere as "piety" or "religion" [see 2:2; 4:7; 6:3; 5, 6; 2 Timothy 3:5 and Titus 1:1].  In those years, the word was mostly used to mean a loving attitude toward the FATHER and neighbors, characteristic of true believers who simply imitate GOD's example.

The Church is the pillar and foundation of the truth.  We must understand this phrase as referring to the concepts of that time: from above, from a world in which everything is truth, GOD lowers HIS Truth to the earth, as a column or a visible sign on which we can lean.  In spite of all the infidelities of the Church, GOD uses it to preserve true knowledge of the FATHER, the Son and the Spirit in the world.  Without this knowledge, people cannot be free, nor can humanity reach its maturity.)

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HE Was Moved With Pity For Her

"A little later, JESUS went to a town called Naim.  HE was accompanied by HIS disciples and a great number of people.  As HE reached the gate of the town , a dead man was being carried out.  He was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; there followed a large crowd of townspeople.

On seeing her, the LORD had pity on her and said, 'Don't cry.'  Then HE came up and touched the stretcher, and the men who carried it stopped.  JESUS then said, 'Young man, I say to you, wake up!'  And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and JESUS gave him to his mother.  A holy fear came over them all, and they praised GOD saying, 'A great prophet has appeared among us.  GOD has visited HIS people.'  This news spread throughout Judea and the surrounding places." - Luke 7:11-17 

(No one has ever attributed power over death to any person.  Only JESUS conquers death and HE does so very simply.

JESUS only knew this young man through his mother and it is for her that HE has restored him to life.  To be a widow without children is the height of distress [see Ruth], and it will be the lot of Mary.

The woman represents suffering humanity.  "You will suffer because of your children": this was said after the first sin.  Humanity cannot avoid accompanying the dead after depriving them of their reasons for living.  Humanity buries their young with tears, while continuing to kill them.)

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Prayer In Time Of Danger

"Hear my cry for mercy as I call to YOU for help, as I lift up my hands toward YOUR innermost Sanctuary.

Drag me not away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who mouth words of peace while they sow mischief and confusion.

Punish them for their evil designs and wicked deeds; give them their due reward.  Since they have no regard for the works of YAHWEH, HE will tear them down and never let them rise again.

Blessed be YAHWEH!  HE has heard my cry for help.

YAHWEH is my strength, my shield; my heart was sure of HIM; I have been helped and my heart exults; with my song I give HIM thanks.

YAHWEH is the strength of HIS people, the saving refuge of HIS anointed.

Save YOUR people, and bless YOUR inheritance, be their shepherd and carry them forever."

- Psalm 28:2-9

(The psalmist often worries that the LORD will confuse him with wicked people--as if GOD may overlook him.  The fear has its pathos but we must not take the idea too seriously.  The devout will use any trick or promises, hoping GOD will hear his or her pleading.  GOD surely understands these human ways.  JESUS was once pleased with the faith and quick wit of the Canaanite woman [Matthew 15:26-28].  We may notice too the identification of the wicked, with such hypocrites as sometimes, we ourselves are: a show of politeness is not charity, 'one may smile and smile and yet be a villain.'

Those who complain about the silence of GOD and nonetheless continue to believe, can pray with this psalm.  JESUS in Mark 11:24, has told us, 'whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it shall be done for you.')

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None Of Us Lives For Oneself

"In fact, none of us lives for himself, nor dies for himself.  If we live, we live for the LORD, and if we die, we die for the LORD.  Either in life or in death, we belong to the LORD; it was for this purpose that CHRIST both died and came to life again, to be LORD, both of the living and of the dead." - Romans 14:"7-9 

(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.)

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I Was Mercifully Treated

"This saying is true and worthy of belief: CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first.  Because of that, I was forgiven; CHRIST JESUS wanted to display HIS utmost patience, so that I might be an example for all who are to believe, and obtain eternal life.  To the King of ages, the only GOD, who lives beyond every perishable and visible creation--to HIM, be honor and glory forever.  Amen!" - 1 Timothy 1:15-17 

(CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners.  The new masters remain with their theories instead of facing the reality of sin.  It is the reality of our sin that makes the grace of GOD a grace, and our salvation a true salvation.) 

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HE Learned Obedience

"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." - Hebrews 5:7-9 

(HE offered HIS sacrifice with tears and cries.  In Scripture, 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.)

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HE Emptied HIMSELF

"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

(HE did not regard 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].)   

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Seek What Is Above

"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.

Therefore, put to death what is earthly in your life, that is immorality, impurity, inordinate passions, wicked desires and greed, which is a way of worshiping idols.  These are the things that arouse the wrath of GOD.

For a time, you followed this way and lived in such disorders.  Well then, reject all that: anger, evil intentions, malice; and let no abusive words be heard from your lips.

Do not lie to one another.  You have been stripped of the old self and its way of thinking; to put on the new, which is being renewed, and is to reach perfect knowledge, and the likeness of its creator.  There is no room for distinction between Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, foreigner, slave or free, but CHRIST is all, all in all." - Colossians 3:1-11

(Here we have what was said about baptism which join 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].

See Ephesians 4:20-24 where Paul develops the same idea of the new self created in CHRIST and of the old self which must be abandoned.

While the old self  is  self-centered, enslaved by passions, the new self is characterized by a communal attitude, a constant concern for others.  He lives with a thankful heart.)

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Walk In HIM

"If you have accepted CHRIST JESUS  as LORD, let HIM be your doctrine.  Be rooted and built up in HIM; let faith be your principle, as you were taught, and your thanksgiving, overflowing.

See that no one deceives you with philosophy or any hollow discourse, these are merely human doctrines, not inspired by CHRIST, but by the wisdom of this world.  For in HIM, dwells the fullness of GOD, in bodily form.  HE is the head of all cosmic power and authority, and, in HIM, you have everything.

In CHRIST JESUS, you were given a circumcision, but not by human hands, which removed completely from you the carnal body: I refer to baptism.  On receiving it, you were buried with CHRIST; and you also rose with HIM, for having believed in the power of GOD, who raised HIM from the dead.

You were dead.  You were in sin and uncircumcised at the same time.  But GOD gave you life with CHRIST.  HE forgave all our sins.  HE canceled the record of our debts, those regulations which accused us.  HE did away with all that, and nailed it to the cross.  Victorious through the cross, HE stripped the rulers and authorities of their power, humbled them before the eyes of the whole world, and dragged them behind HIM, as prisoners." - Colossians 2:6-15 

(Paul has just said that a Christian has wisdom and is on a way of knowledge.  He now reminds us that our entry into the Church has been much more than an exterior rite.  Through baptism, we have become part of this renewal of the world brought about by the death and resurrection of JESUS.

Paul had been circumcised, and knew from experience that it did not save him.  We can be fairly sure baptism did not also miraculously free him of his aggressiveness and weaknesses, but he began to live his human existence differently.  He had been liberated, among other things, of what weighed heavily on him: religion with all its commandments.  Religion for him was not, as it is for some who like principles, a defensive shield as necessary as a policeman: religion was for him a reminder of a debt toward GOD, something that made love and real trust impossible.  JESUS in dying had nailed to the cross all kinds of fears of GOD; at the same time HE did away with all the moral principles and pressures ["powers and authorities"] that smother our free response to GOD.

In some countries, many people are baptized but baptism scarcely changes their life and generally speaking they do not belong to communities seeking to renew their faith.  It is not enough for us to admit that we are poor Christians, that we have not really buried the sinner within us.  Our resurrection depends, first of all on faith in GOD who resurrected JESUS, who has pardoned us, and prepared everything so that we may live our life.)

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CHRIST In You, The Hope For Glory

"At present, I rejoice when I suffer for you; I complete, in my own flesh, what is lacking in the sufferings of CHRIST, for the sake of HIS body, which is the church.  For I am serving the church since GOD entrusted to me the ministry to make the word of GOD fully known.  I mean that mysterious plan that, for centuries and generations, remained secret, and which GOD has now revealed to HIS holy ones.

GOD willed to make known to them the riches, and even the glory, that HIS mysterious plan reserved for the pagan nations: CHRIST is in you, the hope for glory.

This CHRIST, we preach.  We warn, and teach everyone true wisdom, aiming to make everyone perfect, in CHRIST.  For this cause I labor and struggle, with the energy of CHRIST working powerfully in me.

I want you to know how I strive for you, for those of Laodicea, and for so many who have not met me personally.  I pray, that all may be encouraged.  May you be established in love, that you may obtain all the riches of a full understanding, and know the mystery of GOD, CHRIST HIMSELF.  For, in HIM, are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." - Colossians 1:24-2:3 

(I complete in my own flesh what is lacking in the sufferings of CHRIST.  After CHRIST's death something would be lacking in the salvation of the world, if JESUS' followers and apostles did not, in their turn, meet with trials and sufferings. Working for the Church means suffering for the Church; to work for the rule of justice is to suffer for the sake of justice.

HIS mysterious plan: see Ephesians 3:5.  We must not forget that in those days, no one even thought of the common destiny of humanity: they did not even speak of humanity.  Moreover, neither the Greeks nor the Romans looked beyond their actual existence.  Paul is amazed by the generosity of GOD whose promises are for all the people, without distinction.  We, too, are offered nothing less than a share in the glory of GOD, that is to say, all the riches found in HIM.

I want you to know how I strive for you.  This struggle of Paul signifies labor and prayer.  It would be very tempting [and it is the temptation of the Colossians] to make Christianity an attractive religion, with beautiful explanations, leaving people hanging on to their dreams and passions, a religion that does not attack the sin rooted in our way of life and in our society.  To join the attack we must first be convinced that it is in CHRIST that we find the whole mystery of GOD.)

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The Prophet--Watchman Of The People

"For your part, son of man, I have set you as a watchman for Israel; and when you hear MY word, you must give them MY warning.  When I say to the wicked: 'Wicked man, you shall die for sure,' if you do not warn the wicked man to turn from his ways, he will die because of his sin; but I will also call you to account for his blood.  If you warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin; but you, yourself, will be saved.

Son of man, you know the people of Israel say: 'We are wasting away because of our sin, and our wrongdoing is weighing us down.  How can we live?'  Say to them: As I live, word of YAHWEH, I do not want the wicked to die, but, rather, that they turn from their ways and live.  Turn! turn from your wicked ways!  Why, O Israel, should you die?" - Ezekiel 33:7-11 

(In time of misfortune, the wicked lose all hope; but the prophet, who always announced misery, raises his voice to encourage conversion and to share GOD's thinking: I do not want the wicked to die but rather that they turn from their ways and live!... Why, O Israel, should you die?)

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Persevere In Faith

"You,  yourselves, were once estranged, and opposed to GOD, because of your evil deeds, but now, GOD has reconciled you, in the human body of HIS son, through HIS death, so that you may be without fault, holy and blameless before HIM.  Only stand firm upon the foundation of your faith, and be steadfast in hope.  Keep in mind the gospel you have heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, and of which, I, Paul, became a minister." - Colossians 1:21-23 

Paul Preaching The Colossians

(Paul now requires the Colossians to keep their feet on the ground.  Do not waste your time imagining struggles between celestial beings and evil ones.  The struggle is here below and costs blood and life.  This is why Paul reminds his readers what he himself is suffering because of the Gospel.

The body of CHRIST is the place where the peace of all humanity with GOD, and peace between individuals and nations can be achieved [Ephesians 2:11].

That you may be without fault, holy and blameless before HIM.  If the ritual of baptism is important, what is even more important is for us to welcome the word of GOD that gives us life.)

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With Delight I Rejoice In The LORD

"But I put my trust in YOUR unfailing love,

my heart will rejoice on seeing YOUR salvation.

I will sing to YAHWEH,

for HE has been good to me!"

- Psalm 13:6

(The death and resurrection of CHRIST, who bore our sins, is GOD's admission that the triumph of sin would have affronted HIS own honor.  And so we pray to GOD to safeguard HIS own honor in ourselves.  We seem to be the custodians of it, and yet only from GOD HIMSELF do we have the strength to guard it.  This was not the psalm that JESUS began on the cross, but it might equally well have been.)

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Depart From Me, LORD!

"One day, as JESUS stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, with a crowd gathered around HIM listening to the word of GOD, HE caught sight of two boats, left at the water's edge by fishermen, now washing their nets.  HE got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to pull out a little from the shore.  There HE sat, and continued to teach the crowd.

When HE had finished speaking, HE said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.'  Simon replied, 'Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing.  But if YOU say so, I will lower the nets.'  This they did, and caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.  They signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them.  They came, and they filled both boats almost to the point of sinking.

Upon seeing this, Simon Peter fell at JESUS' knees, saying, 'Leave me, LORD, for I am a sinful man!'  For he and his companions were amazed at the catch they had made, and so were Simon's partners, James and John, Zebedee's sons.

JESUS said to Simon, 'Do not be afraid.  You will catch people from now on.'  So they brought their boats to land and followed HIM, leaving everything." - Luke 5:1-11 

(JESUS invites HIMSELF aboard Peter's boat, and Peter is willing to render HIM this service.  JESUS looks for more: even though many are ready to assist HIM, HE seeks those who are willing to totally surrender his work.  The listeners are many, but HE needs apostles.

Miracles are another way in which JESUS teaches.  The miracle reported here is GOD's word for future apostles.  Lower your nets; the nets were at the breaking point; you will catch people...

Leave me, LORD, for I am a sinful man.  Such is the fear of the one who discovers that GOD has entered into his inner life: this is a first act of faith in the divinity of JESUS.  Yet JESUS calls on sinners to save sinners.

Leaving everything, they followed HIM.  It is not that they had much, but it was their whole life: work, family and their whole past as fishermen.

Apostle means sent.  CHRIST is the one who chooses HIS apostles and sends them in HIS name.  Where will HE find someone to send except among those who are willing to cooperate with HIM?  One begins to be an apostle, or at least to cooperate with CHRIST, when one looks for something more than performing good works for the benefit of the parish, when one feels responsible for people: fisher of people.

Here Luke may have combined two different events: the call of the disciples briefly presented in Mark 1:16 and the miraculous catch [John 21] but he places it after the resurrection.  We have good reason to think we are dealing with the same miracle, but it suited John to combine it with the appearance of the risen JESUS to the apostles, which occurred later in the same place.)

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The Crowds Tried To Prevent HIM

"Leaving the synagogue, JESUS went to the house of Simon.  His mother-in-law was suffering from high fever, and they asked HIM to do something for her.  Bending over her, HE rebuked the fever, and it left her.  Immediately, she got up and waited on them.

At sunset, people suffering from many kinds of sickness were brought to JESUS.  Laying HIS hands on each one, HE healed them.  Demons were driven out, howling as they departed from their victims, 'YOU are the Son of GOD!'  HE rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, for they knew HE was the Messiah.

JESUS left at daybreak and looked for a solitary place.  People went out in search of HIM, and finding HIM, they tried to dissuade HIM from leaving.  But HE said, 'I have to go to other towns, to announce the good news of the kingdom of GOD.  That is what I was sent to do.'  And JESUS continued to preach in the synagogues of Galilee." - Luke 4:38-44

 

(JESUS is a model missionary.  HE no sooner gathers a few believers together than they want to keep HIM for themselves, either because they see in HIM a true prophet, or want to form a true community under HIS guidance. 

JESUS, however, leaves the task of shepherding [in the sense of guiding a specific community] to others, because HE has many more people in mind still awaiting the Gospel.)

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News Of HIM Spread

"JESUS went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee, and began teaching the people at the Sabbath Meetings.  They were astonished at the way HE taught them, for HIS word was spoken with authority.

In the synagogue, there was a man possessed by an evil spirit, who shouted in a loud voice, 'What do you want with us, JESUS of Nazareth?  Have YOU come to destroy us?  I recognize YOU: YOU are the Holy One of GOD.'  Then JESUS said to him sharply, 'Be silent and leave this man!'  The evil spirit then threw the man down in front of them, and came out of him without doing him harm.

Amazement seized all these people, and they said to one another, 'What does this mean?  HE commands the evil spirits with authority and power.  HE orders, and you see how they come out!'  And news about JESUS spread throughout the surrounding area." - Luke 4:31-37 

(With the same authority JESUS drives out demons.  This act also contains a message: JESUS delivers us from the influence of the Devil, who strives to destroy those created in the likeness of GOD.

This "Master of this world" [John 14:30] is present in all human business and culture to deceive human purposes and converts any progress into new slavery.

The Devil notices at once those who are capable of weakening or destroying his empire.  Then he awakens the bad, the mediocre, the foolish and the ill fated against them.  This is why wherever JESUS goes the Devil also appears.)

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We Shall Always Be With The LORD

"Brothers and sisters, we want you not to be mistaken about those who are already asleep, lest you grieve as do those who have no hope.  We believe that JESUS died and rose; it will be the same for those who have died in JESUS.  GOD will bring them together, with JESUS, and for HIS sake.

By the same word of the LORD, we assert this: those of us who are to be alive at the LORD's coming, will not go ahead of those who are already asleep.  When the command by the archangel's voice is given, the LORD, HIMSELF, will come down from heaven, while the divine trumpet call is sounding.  Then, those who have died in the LORD, will rise first; as for us who are still alive, we will be brought along with them, in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the celestial world.  And we will be with the LORD forever.

So then, comfort one another with these words.: - 1 Thessalonians 13-18 

(Lest you grieve as do those who have no hope.  The Thessalonian community is made up of Christians who are all recent converts with little experience.  For years they had accepted the fate of being born to die.  Now, on the contrary, they awaken each day with the assurance of overcoming death: CHRIST will come soon and take them to the heavenly kingdom.  They are grieved nevertheless over their dead relatives whom CHRIST will not be able to save.  This is what they thought because Greek culture had difficulties believing in a resurrection of the dead.

Those who are already asleep.  Those who have died are not dead, but they are asleep, waiting for the time of the resurrection, the time of rising as new persons transformed by CHRIST: we will all be transformed.  The word "cemetery" comes from a word meaning sleeping place.

GOD will bring them together with JESUS.  Paul supposes that he and his readers will be alive when CHRIST returns and he describes the event according to the cultural expressions of the time.  Let us not forget that up to time of Galileo, everyone thought that heaven had its place in the universe, very high above and that GOD, although a spirit, was in some way present there.

We will be with the LORD forever.  That is essential and always true even if it does not mean that JESUS will come on a beautiful cloud to the sound of heavenly trumpets.  We already have some experience of the LORD's presence in our earthly life, but then there will be nothing but this presence and this joy.

This brief message of hope leaves obscure essential questions concerning the resurrection of the dead.  Paul will fully deal with this subject later on in 1 Corinthians 15.  There he will show that resurrection is first a transformation of our whole being through the energies flowing from the resurrected CHRIST.

Comfort one another.  The way of celebrating funerals in the Church must comfort the dead person's relatives and strengthen their faith in the resurrection.  There is no room for expressions of despair which JESUS HIMSELF scorned [see Mark 5:40]: these are peculiar to people who consider the separation to be final.  A funeral Mass without any spectacular display, when the fervent prayer of the community is experienced, produces a great impact on people who are indifferent.)  

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YOU Duped Me, O LORD!

"YAHWEH, YOU have seduced me

and I let myself be seduced.

YOU have taken me by force and prevailed.

I have become a laughingstock all day long;

they all make fun of me,

for every time I speak

I have to shout, 'Violence!  Devastation!'

YAHWEH's word has brought me

insult and derision all day long.

So I decided to forget about HIM

and speak no more in HIS name.

But HIS word in my heart becomes like a fire

burning deep within my bones.

I try so hard to hold it in,

but I cannot do it."

- Jeremiah 20:7-9

(This "confession" recalls the one in Chapter 15.  The Bearer of the Truth is rejected and mocked simply because he speaks by virtue of a personal mission which the people do not accept.  Let us not forget that Jeremiah lived six centuries before JESUS, long before there was any thought of the beyond, so we will have a better understanding of why he cries for divine justice.

YOU have taken me by force: is there anything more understandable if GOD is Love?

But HIS word is like a fire in my bones.  What is really amazing is the irresistible power of GOD's word.  It is more difficult to resist it than to face human opposition.  Paul will declare, in a fairly similar way, that he cannot evade the responsibility of preaching the Gospel [1 Corinthians 9:16].  This text forces us to revise and deepen the very simplistic ideas we have concerning our freedom: being faithful to the most demanding mission is also to be free.)

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Fraternal Charity

"Regarding mutual love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because GOD, HIMSELF, taught you how to love one another.  You already practice it with all the brothers and sisters of Macedonia, but I invite you to do more.  Consider how important it is, to live quietly, without bothering others, to mind your own business, and work with your hands, as we have charged you.  In obeying these rules, you will win the respect of outsiders and be dependent on no one." - 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 

A Example Of Fraternal Charity

(Paul never ceases telling us we are free.  He passes over liturgical rules, customs proper to Jewish people--reminders of the past--all that kept believers in a religion of obedience to laws.  He reaffirms fundamental moral rules that are valid at all times and in all places, especially when one has entered through the Gospel the age of spiritual maturity.)

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The Ten Bridesmaids

"This story throws light on what will happen in the kingdom of heaven: Ten bridesmaids went out with their lamps to meet the bridegroom.  Five of them were foolish, and five were sensible.

The careless bridesmaids took their lamps as they were, and did not take extra oil.  But those who were sensible, took flasks of oil with their lamps.  As the bridegroom delayed, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep.

But at midnight, a cry rang out, 'The bridegroom is here, come out and meet him!'  All the maidens woke up at once, and trimmed their lamps.  Then the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, 'Give us some oil, for our lamps are going out.'  The sensible ones answered, 'There may not be enough for us and for you.  You had better go to those who sell, and buy some for yourselves.'

When the bridegroom came, the foolish maidens were out buying oil, but those who were ready went with him into the wedding feast, and the doors were shut.

Later the other bridesmaids arrived and called out, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!'  But he answered, 'Truly I do not know you.'

So stay awake, for you do not know the day nor the hour." - Matthew 25:1-13

 

("The Ten Bridesmaids" is the most beautiful parable on fidelity.  The ten girls followed the custom of waiting through the night for the bridegroom is late, something that should astonish no one.  The bride is not mentioned: perhaps they will discover at the end that there was no other than themselves.

They all grew drowsy and fell asleep.  Once the sun has set, all is dark and nothing more can be done [John 9:4].  No further work except fidelity of heart [Deuteronomy 5:2]: oil will be needed to keep the flame alive.

Here as on other places, the Gospel shows us that more than conversion and enthusiasm is needed: it is necessary to last.  Being sure of having a reserve of oil is to take the means that enable us to persevere in our vocation.

JESUS speaks to the believers of all times.  For them one day or another fidelity becomes burdensome: "I did not know to what I was committing myself."  There lies the grandeur of fidelity.  It cannot be known in advance; giving one's hand to GOD is a jump into the unknown.  Only through this perseverance can we be saved [Matthew 24:13], in other words, find ourselves.

The LORD demands faithfulness and perseverance from those HE has chosen: this is how we save a world that seeks truth everywhere and does not know to which LORD to surrender.)

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