I Will Make You Fishers Of Men!

"As JESUS walked by the lake of Galilee, HE saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  HE said to them, 'Come, follow ME, and I will make you fish for people."

At once they left their nets and followed HIM.

HE went on from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.  JESUS called them.

At once, they left the boat, and their father, and followed HIM." - Matthew 4:18-22 

(At once, they abandoned their nets and followed HIM, which means leaving their family and work they began to live with HIM.  Like the masters of religion in HIS time, like the rabbis, JESUS instructed HIS first disciples, teaching them what they were to pass on to others in the Church.

Simon, Andrew, James and John.  JESUS already knew them: HE had met them where John the Baptist was preaching [John 1:35].  The first nucleus of disciples is this natural group of lake fishermen of which Peter seemed to be the leader.  They were most probably young men, ready to make a commitment at a time and in a culture where people were freer than we are from the constraints of work.

They did not yet know what the Reign of GOD would mean but they trusted JESUS to guide them.  This for them was the beginning of faith.)

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Not A Hair Of Your Head Will Be Destroyed!

"Before all these things happen, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you; you will be delivered to the synagogues and put in prison, and for MY sake you will be brought before kings and governors.  This will be your opportunity to bear witness.

So keep this in mind: do not worry in advance about what to say, for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.

You will be betrayed even by parents or brothers, by relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death.  But even though, because of MY name, you will be hated by everyone, not a hair of your head will perish.  By your patient endurance you will save your souls." - Luke 21:12-19 

(Scripture knows that GOD reveals HIMSELF not only in events that show HIS goodness, but also in other events that are obvious signs that there is a GOD doing justice.  Many times, those who mock GOD are struck with misfortunes which come as an answer to their insolence.)

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Many Will Come In MY Name

"While some people were talking about the temple, remarking that it was adorned with fine stonework and rich gifts, JESUS said to them, 'The days will come when there shall not be left one stone upon another of all that you now admire; all will be torn down.'  And they asked HIM, 'Master, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?'

JESUS said, 'Take care not to be deceived, for many will come in MY name, saying, 'I am HE; the time is near at hand!'  Do not follow them.  When you hear of wars and troubled times, don't be frightened; for all these things must happen first, even though the end is not so soon.'

And JESUS said, 'Nations will fight each other and kingdom will oppose kingdom.  There will be great earthquakes, famines and plagues; in many places strange and terrifying signs from heaven will be seen.'" - Luke 21:5-11 

The Destruction Of Jerusalem Foretold

(The prophets of the Scriptures spoke in a rather obscure way about the end of the history that would initiate GOD's universal kingdom.  According to them, all nations of the world would join forces to destroy the Holy City of Jerusalem, but right at the moment of greatest despair GOD would intervene in a triumphant way to establish HIS own kingdom [Isaiah 66:18; Ezekiel 38; Joel 4; Zechariah 14].

That is why, when JESUS speaks of the destruction of the temple, the apostles think of the end of time.  The answer of JESUS is clear; the tragedy that will end with the destruction of Jerusalem is near but that would not be the end of the world.

People, confused, are easily fooled by propaganda and ideologies.  Fear makes them blind and they persecute those who do not share their fanaticism.  That is why they hate the true believers.  At the same time, JESUS asked HIS followers to bear witness to HIM as the only Savior and to proclaim what the Gospel demands of the individual and of society.)

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HE Noticed A Poor Widow

"JESUS looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury of the temple.  HE also saw a poor widow, who dropped in two small coins.  And HE said, 'Truly, I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them.  For all of them gave an offering from their plenty; but she, out of her poverty, gave all she had to live on.'" - Luke 21:1-4 

[My Personal Reflection]  "A tithe of any of these: time, talent, or treasure, would make our GOD more than happy enough." 

(The poor widow was the only one from among so many worshipers who made retribution to GOD as HE deserves.  She was the personification of those uncountable poor, who have practically nothing but somehow find a way to give part of the little they have.  The humble person is capable of sacrificing part of his paid time to study or participate in common activities in order to help his companions.  The small salary he loses is worth much more than the big salary that wealthy people are not willing to lose.  GOD calls on the poor before anybody else, because only the poor give all that they have to live on.)

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I, MYSELF, Will Look After And Tend MY Sheep

"Indeed YAHWEH says this: I, MYSELF, will care for MY sheep and watch over them.  As the shepherd looks after his flock when he finds them scattered, so will I watch over MY sheep; and gather them from all the places where they were scattered in a time of cloud and fog.  I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from other countries.  I will lead them to their own land; and pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in all the valleys and inhabited regions of the land.  I will take them to good pastures on the high mountains of Israel.  They will rest where the grazing is good, and feed in lush pastures on the heights of Israel.  I, MYSELF, will tend MY sheep and let them rest, word of YAHWEH.  I will search for the lost and lead back the strays.  I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak; but the fat and strong will be eliminated.  I will shepherd MY flock with justice.

As for you, MY flock--says YAHWEH--I will distinguish between one sheep and another, and set apart rams and goats." - Ezekiel 34:11-17 

(I, MYSELF, will tend for MY sheep.  Now YAHWEH has rejected Israel's leaders who have disappeared in the catastrophe and promises to become Israel's pastor.  YAHWEH will be the good shepherd and HE names the responsibilities of a shepherd: to gather, protect and feed everyone, and to hold back the very powerful.

The time of cloud and fog, when GOD seemed distant and Israel was overwhelmed and without hope, are over.  Now YAHWEH will gather HIS people from among the nations.  The kingdom that GOD has prepared for the discouraged crowd will surpass all they could ever hope for.  Not only will they enjoy material prosperity, but will also live in peace and rest with GOD. 

As for you, I will distinguish between one sheep and another.  With these words the second part begins: GOD 's judgment.

On one hand, the fat sheep: those that took advantage of the unjust social order.  They were not satisfied with having a standard of living higher than the rest, but they trampled the rest of the pasture: they grew nothing on the best land in the country; they deposited abroad the money which would have stimulated economic development; they prevented the access of many to education and culture.

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I Recall The Evils I Did In Jerusalem

"When king Antiochus was making his way through the upper regions of Persia, he received news about Elymais, a city renowned for its wealth in silver and gold.  They kept in the wealthy temple of their city golden armor, breastplates and weapons, left there by the Macedonian king, Alexander, the son of Philip, the first sovereign of the Greeks.  So Antiochus went there.  But the inhabitants came out armed against him when they learned of his intention, so his attempt to take the city failed.  He had to turn back; and he returned much embittered to Babylon.

While he was still in Persia, it was reported to him that the armies sent to Judea had been defeated.  They told him that although Lysias had gone with a strong army, he had to flee before the Jews, who had been strengthened with the weapons and the abundant booty taken from the neighboring armies.  He heard, too, that the Jews had destroyed the abominable idol he had erected on the altar in Jerusalem; and had rebuilt the temple walls to the same height as before; and had also fortified the city of Beth-zur.

When he received this news, he was terrified and deeply upset.  He fell sick and became greatly depressed because things had not turned out the way he had planned.  So he remained overcome by this terrible anguish for many days.  He felt that he was dying, so he called his friends and said to them, 'Sleep has fled from my eyes and I am greatly crushed by my anxieties.  And I keep on asking why such grief has come upon me--I who was generous and well-loved when in power--and now I am so discouraged.

Now I remember the evils I did in Jerusalem, the vessels of gold and silver that I stole, the inhabitants of Judea I ordered to be killed for no reason at all.  I now know, that because of this, these misfortunes have come upon me; and I am dying of grief in a strange land.'" - 1 Maccabees 6:1-13 

King Antiochus Epiphanes, The Persecutor

(The end of Antiochus Epiphanes is presented as an example of how the persecutors die.  We find another story, different from this, in 2 Maccabees 9.)

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We Praise YOUR Glorious Name, O Mighty GOD!

"David praised YAHWEH before the entire assembly:

'May YOU be praised, YAHWEH GOD of Israel our ancestor, forever and ever!  YOURS, YAHWEH, is the greatness, the power, splendor, length of days, glory; for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is YOURS.  YOURS is the sovereignty forever, O YAHWEH, YOU are supreme ruler over all.  Riches and honor go before YOU;  YOU are ruler of all; in YOUR hand lie strength and power.  YOU are the one who gives greatness and strength to all.'" - 1 Chronicles 29:10-12 

(Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare HIS praise?)

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You Did Not Recognize The Time And The Visitation Of Your GOD!

"When JESUS had come in sight of the city, HE wept over it, and said, 'If only today you knew the ways of peace!  But now they are hidden from your eyes.  Yet days will come upon you, when your enemies will surround you with barricades, and shut you in, and press on you from every side.  And they will dash you to the ground and your children with you, and not leave stone upon stone within you, for you did not recognize the time and the visitation of your GOD.'" - Luke 19:41-44

 

(The discourse comprises words pronounced by JESUS in very diverse circumstances.  JESUS refuses speculation and reminds us that Christian history is one of persecution; HE encourages us to be faithful.)

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LORD, When YOUR Glory Appears, My Joy Will Be Full

"Hear a just cause, O YAHWEH,

listen to my complaint.

Give heed to my prayer,

for there is no deceit on my lips.

Let my defense come forth from YOU;

YOUR eye see what is right.

YOU have probed my heart,

searched me at night,

tested me by fire,

and YOU have seen no wickedness in me.

I have not sinned by my words

as others do;

I have kept YOUR word

and followed YOUR ways.

Hold firm my steps upon YOUR path,

that my feet may not stumble.

I call on YOU, YOU will answer me, O GOD;

incline YOUR ear and hear my word.

For YOU do wonders for YOUR faithful,

YOU save those fleeing from the enemy

as they seek refuge at YOUR right hand.

Keep me as the apple of YOUR eye;

under the shadow of YOUR wings hide me,

far from my violent pursuers,

from the onslaught of the wicked despoilers.

Their mouths speak arrogantly;

they have shut their hearts to mercy.

Now they surround me and track me down,

their eyes eager to see me overthrown.

Like lions made fierce by hunger,

they want only to kill and tear.

Arise, O YAHWEH, confront them, overthrow them!

May YOUR sword deliver me from the wicked.

O YAHWEH, strike them with YOUR hand

and give them no share with the living.

May their belly be filled

with what YOU have stored for them,

and their children have more than enough

to leave to their descendants.

As for me, righteous in YOUR sight,

I shall see YOUR face and, awakening,

gaze my fill on YOUR likeness."

- Psalm 17:1-15

(GOD is appealed to as a Judge.  Few would dare to do this but the psalmist is sure of HIS worthiness.  This assurance would be arrogant if there were no salutary self-mistrust--but there is.  Indeed, it is a constant source of surprise for those who think of Judaism as a 'religion of works,' to find how often the responsibility is thrown to GOD.  From the earliest days this responsibility has been perceived on a national scale.  Only GOD could restore the fortunes of HIS people.  But in this individual lament, as in so many others, GOD is asked to do all the work, not for the nation but for the lonely psalmist.  We are very near to the true conception of what we call 'grace,' to the idea of a GOD without whom we can do nothing and in whose strength we can do everything.

The Psalmist in living in righteousness, justly asks GOD for HIS protection and the eternal reward of seeing GOD's face.  JESUS has assured us of a treasure in heaven in Matthew 19:21, when we follow all the commandments and become CHRIST like.)

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I Will Leave The Young A Noble Example

"Eleazar, one of the prominent teachers of the law, already old and of noble appearance, was forced to open his mouth to eat the flesh of a pig.  But he preferred to die honorably than to live in disgrace, and voluntarily came to the place where they beat him to death.  He spat out bravely the piece of meat, as should be done by those who do not want to do things prohibited by the law, even to save their life.

Those in charge of this impious banquet took him aside, since they had known him for a long time, and tried to convince him to pretend to be eating the meat, but in reality, to eat something allowed by the law and prepared by himself.  In this way, he could escape death, and be treated with humanity for the sake of their long-time friendship.

But he preferred to make a noble decision worthy of his age, of his noble years, of his shining white hair, and of the irreproachable life he had led from childhood.  Above all, showing respect for the holy laws established by GOD, he answered that he would rather be sent to the place of the dead.  And he added, 'It would be unworthy to pretend at our age, and to lead many young people to suppose that I, at ninety years, have gone over to the pagan customs.  If I led them astray for the sake of this short life I would bring disgrace to my old age.  Even if I could now be saved from mortals, I cannot--whether living or dead--escape from the hands of the Almighty.  I prefer to bravely sacrifice my life now, as befits my old age.  So I shall leave an excellent example to the young, dying voluntarily and valiantly for the sacred and holy laws.'

Having said this, he gave himself over to death.

Those who escorted him considered his words foolishness, so their previous gentleness turned into harshness.

When he was almost at the point of death, he said groaning, 'The HOLY LORD, who sees all, knows that though I could have saved myself from death, I now endure terrible sufferings in my body.  But in my soul, I suffer gladly because of the respect I have for HIM.'  In his death, he left a noble example and a memorial of virtue and strength, not only to the young but to the whole nation." - 2 Maccabees 6:18-31 

Eleazar, A Prominent Teacher Of The Law

(How noble are Eleazar's words:

- he does not want to hide his faith;

- he prefers honor to life;

- above all he fears GOD;

- to die out of faithfulness to divine laws sets a noble example for young people;

- Eleazar suffers physically, but he dies happy.

We have in him the prototype, the model of martyrs.)

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Have Sight; Your Faith Has Saved You

"When JESUS drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road, begging.  As he heard the crowd passing by, he inquired what was happening, and they told him that JESUS of Nazareth was going by.  Then he cried out, 'JESUS, Son of David, have mercy on me!'  The people in front of  him scolded him.  'Be quiet!' they said, but he cried out all the more, 'JESUS, Son of David, have mercy on me!'

JESUS stopped, and ordered the blind man to be brought to HIM; and when he came near, JESUS asked him, 'What do you want ME to do for you?'  And the man said, 'LORD, that I may see!'  JESUS said, 'Receive your sight, your faith has saved you.'  At once the blind man was able to see, and he followed JESUS, giving praise to GOD.  And all the people who were there also praised GOD." - Luke 18:35-43 

The Blind Man Of Jericho

(GOD is the one who moves us to ask something of HIM.  The blind man understands that if he lets this opportunity go by, there will not be another chance, which is why he shouts all the more while the rest try to silence him.

Son of David! was a way of designating the Messiah.)

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You Are Children Of The Light

"You do not need anyone to write to you about the delay, and the appointed time for these events.  You know, that the day of the LORD will come like a thief in the night.  When people feel secure, and at peace, the disaster will suddenly come upon them, as the birth pangs of a woman in labor, and they will not escape.

But you, beloved, are not in darkness; so that day will not surprise you like s thief.  All of you are citizens of the light and the day; we do not belong to night and darkness.  Let us not, therefore, sleep as others do, but remain alert and sober." - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 

(The Day of the LORD will come like a thief in the night but believers are people of the light.  These words are rich in meaning.  Those who follow their evil desires are people of darkness, hiding to do evil.  While children of the light are beyond reproach, transparent before GOD and with nothing to hide from HIM.  The unbeliever sleeps and is off-guard while the believer keeps watch and stays awake: he likes to pray all night long until dawn as if waiting for the day to welcome CHRIST.  As for those who have died, they are not dead: they are only "asleep," ready to rise when the LORD comes.)

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Pray And Never Lose Heart

"JESUS told them a parable, to show them that they should pray continually, and not lose heart.  HE said, 'In a certain town there was a judge, who neither feared GOD nor people.  In the same town there was a widow, who kept coming to him, saying, 'Defend my rights against my adversary!'  For a time he refused, but finally he tght, 'Even though I never fear GOD nor care about people, this widow bothers me so much, I will see that she gets justice; then she will stop coming and wearing me out.'

And JESUS said, 'Listen to what the evil judge says.  Will not GOD do justice for HIS chosen ones, who cry to HIM day and night, even if HE delays in answering them?  I tell you, HE will speedily do them justice.  But, when the Son of Man comes, will HE find faith on earth?" - Luke 18:1-8

 

(If there is a just GOD, why does HE not do justice?  [Psalm 44:24; Hebrews 1; Zechariah 1:12; Revelation 6:10].  JESUS answers: Do you desire and ask for the justice of GOD with enough faith?  HE will undoubtedly do justice, but you will have to wait.

A judge who neither feared GOD nor people: many people upon seeing what is unjust and absurd in life, view GOD this way.  If we pray with perseverance, we will gradually discover that things are not as absurd as they seem, and we will come to recognize the face of the GOD who loves us in what happens.

Who cry to HIM day and night.  JESUS, who so insists on our responsibility to the world, is the one who also urges us to call on GOD day and night.  Why are people so readily divided [or why do we divide them] into prayers and doers?

Will HE find faith on earth?  JESUS confirms an opinion already found among the Jews of HIS days.  In the last days before Judgment, the power of evil will be so great that in many love will grow cold [Matthew 24:12].

In fact, with the first coming of JESUS, the Old Testament ended in seeming failure; few had believed in HIM and, later, most were influenced by the confusion, the false saviors and the violence which precipitated the fall of the nation forty years after the death of JESUS.)

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Let Them Know How Far More Excellent Is The LORD

"The natural helplessness of humans is seen in their ignorance of GOD.  The experience of good things did not lead them to the knowledge of HIM who is.  They were interested in HIS works, but they did not recognize the Author of them.

Fire, wind, air, the sphere of the stars, rushing water and the lights in the sky were held as the rulers of the world.

If, charmed by such beauty, they took them for gods, let them know how far superior is their Sovereign.  And if they were impressed by their power and activity, let them understand from this how much mightier is HE who formed them.  For the grandeur and beauty of creatures lead us to ponder on their Author, greater and more magnificent.

No doubt these people are not to be blamed severely, for possibly they strayed though they searched for GOD and desired to find HIM.  They pondered over the created things that surrounded them and were captivated by the sight of such beauty.

Even so they are not to be excused, for if they were able to explore the world, why did they not discover first the world's Sovereign?" - Wisdom 13:1-9 

(Materialists ignore GOD.  The proud believe they can achieve everything on their own.  They use things as their own, without giving them a deeper meaning and without seeing them as gifts from GOD.

Simple and humble people see the hand of GOD in everything.  The water, the wind, the mountains remind them of the Perfect Being who created them; even more do the riches they discover in their loved ones.  Human intelligence is meant to discover GOD who fills everything and is the end of everything.  Paul will say something very similar in Romans 1:19.)

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The Kingdom Of GOD Is Among You

"The Pharisees asked JESUS when the kingdom of GOD was to come.  HE answered, 'The kingdom of GOD is not like something you can observe, and say of it, 'Look, here it is!'  or 'See, there it is!' for the kingdom of GOD is within you.'

And JESUS said to HIS disciples, 'The time is at hand, when you will long to see one of the glorious days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.  Then people will tell you, 'Look there!  Look here!'  Do not go with them, do not follow them.  As lightning flashes from one end of the sky to the other, so will it be with the Son of Man; but first HE must suffer many things, and be rejected by this generation." - Luke 17:20-25 

(When will the kingdom of GOD come?  It does not come as a revolution or the change of the seasons each year: it is at work in people who have received the Good News.  Those who believe already enjoy the kingdom.)

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Rise Up, O GOD, Bring Judgment To The Earth!

"Give justice to the weak and the orphan;

defend the poor and the oppressed.

Rescue the helpless and the needy;

deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Without knowledge and understanding,

they walk about in darkness;

all the earth's foundations are shaken.

'You are gods,' I said,

'you are all sons of the Most High.'

But now, you will die like the others;

you will all fall, like any mortal."

- Psalm 82:3-7

(GOD presides over every court, however eminent the judges.  It is possible that the judges mentioned here are the 'beggarly elemental spirits,' dictatorial 'beings that by nature are no gods' [Colossians 2:8ff] but in effect, are worshipped by so many.  The stars, for example, have their devotees still, and horoscopes are popular.  From this text, JESUS gently vindicated HIS own claim to be Son of GOD, with authority delegated by HIS FATHER.  HE would not blind HIS interlocutors with revelation.  Time was needed, before the full meaning of this pregnant title could be declared.

This is a psalm for those who are not in agreement with social chaos and expect someone to do them justice.)

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Grace And Mercy Are With HIS Holy Ones

"Indeed GOD created man to be immortal in the likeness of HIS own nature, but the envy of the devil brought death to the world, and those who take his side shall experience death.

The souls of the just are in the hands of GOD and no torment shall touch them.

In the eyes of the unwise they appear to be dead.  Their going is held as a disaster; it seems that they lose everything by departing from us, but they are in peace.

Though seemingly they have been punished, immortality was the soul of their hope.  After slight affliction will come great blessings, for GOD has tried them and found them worthy to be with HIM; after testing them as gold in the furnace, HE has accepted them as a holocaust.

At time of HIS coming they will shine like sparks that run in the stubble.  They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD will be their king forever.

Those who trust in HIM will penetrate the truth, those who are faithful will live with HIM in love, for HIS grace and mercy are for HIS chosen ones." - Wisdom 2:23-3:9 

(Those who take his side shall experience death.  Those who do evil begin to experience death.  There is a physical wearing down caused by vice [alcoholism, licentiousness], but there is an even greater deterioration of enthusiasm, generosity and trust.  "The person who sows for the benefit of his own flesh shall reap corruption and death from the flesh" [Galatians 6:8].

The text considers what JESUS will do; that behind a mass of evil that tear humanity, and behind our disbelief there is a presence of "the Enemy" [see Matthew 13:39; Hebrews 2:14-15].

The souls of the just are in the hands of GOD.  This is the great revelation in this book.  In the previous books of the Scriptures, the soul only means the breath of a person, that is to say, the life in him which disappears at death.  Now, the soul means the person who does not die when the body does.

Their going is held as a disaster.  Whether the just dies in the hands of violent people, or naturally die as we all do, the end of their lives seems to contradict GOD's goodness.  It is a scandal that death can overcome the just.  [We know that the just are those who fulfill the hopes that GOD placed in them.]  It is only the body which dies.  They are alive before GOD as JESUS will also state [Luke 20:38].

But they are in peace.  They will forever enjoy what they hoped for here on earth.  That is to say, we only see one side of death: we shall never know how everyone experienced his departure, even less how he awakened in GOD's world.

At the time of judgment we will see that the just are the only ones who have been truly alive.  The death of the friends of GOD brings peace to those who were at their side.  Through their death the martyrs bring the triumph of the cause for which they lived.)

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Love Justice

"Love justice, you who rule over the world!  Think rightly of GOD, seek HIM with simplicity of heart, for HE reveals HIMSELF to those who do not challenge HIM and is found by those who do not distrust HIM.

Crooked thinking distances you from GOD; and HIS Omnipotence, put to the test, confounds the foolish.

Wisdom does not enter the wicked nor remain in a body that is enslaved to sin.  The Holy Spirit who instructs us shuns deceit; it keeps aloof from foolishness and is ill at ease when injustice is done.

Wisdom is a spirit, a friend to man, and will not leave the blasphemous unpunished, because GOD knows his inner most feelings, truly sees his thoughts and hears what he says.

For GOD's spirit has filled the whole world; and HE who holds together all things, knows each word that is spoken." - Wisdom 1:1-7 

(GOD is more present to us than we are to ourselves.  We need not look very far for authentic wisdom: it appears as spirit coming from GOD that becomes present to us interiorly but is only revealed to the just.

How can we express the nearness of the in-accessible and holy GOD?  Here the author speaks of Providence, Wisdom, Justice, the Spirit of GOD.  He speaks of them as if they were persons sent by GOD to look after us.  In fact, it is a way of presenting GOD HIMSELF who, though HE preserves HIS mystery, is close to people and to events.)

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Unfading Is Wisdom

"Wisdom is luminous and never tarnished; she willingly lets herself be seen by those who love her, and known by those who look for her.  She hastens to meet those who long for her.  Seek her in the morning and you will not be disappointed; you will find her sitting at your door.

To meditate on Wisdom is understanding fully grown; whoever is on the watch for her will be free of anxiety.  She goes in search of those who are worthy of her, graciously meets them on the way and is present in their every thought." - Wisdom 6:12-16

 

(As we said in the introduction of Ecclesiastes, it was common to attribute the Books of Wisdom to Solomon.  This can also be seen in this book: the author pretends to be Solomon and puts the words about wisdom on Solomon's lips.  "No true wisdom without religious truth.")

Solomon, King Of Israel

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I Will Praise YOUR Name Forever, LORD

"I will praise YOU, day after day; and exalt YOUR name forever.

Great is YAHWEH, most worthy of praise; and HIS deeds are beyond measure.

Parents commend YOUR works to their children and tell them YOUR feats.

They proclaim the splendor of YOUR majesty and recall YOUR wondrous works.

People will proclaim YOUR mighty deeds; and I will declare YOUR greatness.

They will celebrate YOUR abundant kindness, and rejoice in singing of YOUR justice.

Compassionate and gracious is YAHWEH, slow to anger and abounding in love.

YAHWEH is good to everyone; HIS mercy embraces all HIS creation.

All YOUR works will give YOU thanks; all YOUR saints, O YAHWEH, will praise YOU.

They will tell of the glory of YOUR kingdom; and speak of YOUR power."

- Psalm 145:2-11

(When we reflect on what GOD has done for us, we remember that this is what GOD has always done; our lives are borne along on the unending stream of divine love.  To the eternal GOD, eternal praise be given.

The central place of the 'reign of GOD' unites this psalm with the core of the preaching of JESUS 'the Kingdom of GOD' [cf. Mark 1:13-14] which must continue to grow in our society.  That is why, it is necessary to pray with this psalm while we pray: 'YOUR kingdom come.')

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You Yourselves Are Full Of Goodness

"As for me, brothers and sisters, I am convinced, that you have goodwill, knowledge, and the capacity to advise each other; nevertheless, I have written boldly in some parts of this letter, to remind you of what you already know.  I do this, according to the grace GOD has given to me, when I was sent to the pagan nations.  I dedicated myself to the service of the Good News of GOD, as a minister of CHRIST JESUS, in order to present the non-Jews to GOD, as an agreeable offering, consecrated by the Holy Spirit.  This service of GOD is, for me, a cause of pride, in CHRIST JESUS.

Of course, I would not dare to speak of other things, but what CHRIST, HIMSELF, has done, through me, my words and my works, with miracles and signs, by the power of the Holy Spirit--so, that, non-Jews may obey the faith.  In this way, I have extended the Good News to all parts, from Jerusalem to Illyricum.

I have been very careful, however, and I am proud of this, not to preach in places where CHRIST is already known, and not to build upon foundations laid by others.  Let it be as Scripture says: Those not told about HIM will see, and those who have not heard will understand." - Romans 15:14-21 

(Here we see how gentle Paul was.  He has the authority of an apostle of CHRIST and is able to solve the problems of the Church of Rome.  Yet, he takes great care not to create divisions or rivalries, and he shows respect for the founders and leaders of the Roman community.

As a minister of CHRIST JESUS.  This term must not be interpreted as meaning what we understand by the Church's priests.  The first Christians did not use the word priest to designate their ministers, in order not to confuse them with the Jewish or pagan ministers who offered victims to GOD.  Here, however, Paul compares himself to them.  He does not present burnt offerings to GOD, but instead, he presents the pagans and reconciles them to GOD.  This is the new and spiritual worship [12:1] that the apostles offer to GOD.

Still today there is danger of forgetting the difficult and often misinterpreted work of reconciling persons who have become both liberated and aware of their human worth.  Only those who dedicate themselves to this evangelization can rightly celebrate the Eucharist.)

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HE Was Speaking About The Temple Of HIS Body

"As the Passover of the Jews was at hand, JESUS went up to Jerusalem.  In the temple court HE found merchants selling oxen, sheep and doves, and money-changers seated at their tables.  Making a whip of cords, HE drove them all out of the temple court, together with the oxen and sheep.  HE knocked over the tables of the money-changers, scattering the coins, and ordered the people selling doves, 'Take all this away, and stop making a marketplace of MY FATHER'S house!'

HIS disciples recalled the words of Scripture: Zeal for your house devours me like fire.

The Jews then questioned JESUS, 'Where are the miraculous signs which give YOU the right to do this?'  And JESUS said, 'Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.'  The Jews then replied, 'The building of this temple has already taken forty-six years, and will YOU raise it up in three days?'

Actually, JESUS was referring to the temple of HIS body.  Only when HE had risen from the dead did HIS disciples remember these words; then they believed both the Scripture and the words JESUS had spoken." - John 2:13-22 

(JESUS had not yet begun HIS preaching.  HE went to the temple of Jerusalem that was the heart of the Jewish nation and the symbol of their religion [Mark 11:12].  The temple, however, was not immune from corruption and lust for power.  In the temple the people had to make use of the priests' services to offer their sacrifices.  The priests' authority and power derived from the temple.  The temple was the place where the community's offerings and gifts were brought; and there the chief priests disposed of this treasure.  Besides this, they also received the taxes that the sellers and money changers paid.

Zeal for your house consumes me as fire and those who insult you insult me as well.  This is taken from Psalm 69.  Actually the hatred of the chief priests for JESUS would bring HIM to HIS death. 

The apostles could not understand these words: for at that time nothing was more sacred to them than the temple and the Scripture.  Later, they would know that the most ordinary word of JESUS had as much weight as the whole of Scripture.  They would also understand that JESUS is the true Temple.  Until then, people constructed temples and looked for places where they could meet GOD and obtain HIS favors.  Now GOD has made HIMSELF present in JESUS: it is HE who delivers GOD's riches to us.)  

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Love Does No Evil To The Neighbor

"Do not be in debt to anyone.  Let this be the only debt of one to another: Love.  The one who loves his or her neighbor fulfills the law.  For the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not covet, and whatever else, are summarized in this one: You will love your neighbor as yourself.  Love cannot do the neighbor any harm; so love fulfills the whole law." - Romans 13:8-10 

(The love for one's neighbor is the basis of Christian morality and to the degree that it tries to imitate the love of the FATHER, perfect and merciful and it is a response to the love with which GOD first loved us.  Love is the power which the Holy Spirit communicated to us and it is nourished by contemplating CHRIST's limitless love.)

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We Are One Body In CHRIST

"The same with us; being many, we are one body in CHRIST, depending on one another.  Let each one of us, therefore, serve, according to our different gifts.  Are you a prophet?  Then give the insights of faith.  Let the minister fulfill his office; let the teacher teach, the one who encourages, convince.

You must, likewise, give, with an open hand, preside with dedication, and be cheerful in your works of charity.

Let love be sincere.  Hate what is evil and hold to whatever is good.  Love one another and be considerate.  Out do one another, in mutual respect.  Be zealous in fulfilling your duties.  Be fervent in the spirit, and serve GOD.

Have hope and be cheerful.  Be patient in trials and pray constantly.  Share with other Christians in need.  With those passing by, be ready to receive them.

Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not wish evil on anyone.  Rejoice with those who are joyful, and weep with those who weep.  Live in peace with one another.  Do not dream of extraordinary things; be humble and do not hold yourselves as wise." - Romans 12:5-16 

(From the way he speaks about Christian community, Paul lets us know that in his time it was not organized as in our churches today.  In the early Church not everything depended upon priests educated apart from the common people and sent to the Christian communities from outside.  As we said in Acts 14:23, the community elected a council of elders or presbyters, approved by the apostles.  The most respected among them were the "prophets."  The body of presbyters, who had authority over the Church, were those who celebrated the Eucharist.

Everybody's gifts were taken into account by the organization, which considered also as gift the ability to serve in the Church. 

Throughout history the Church has had to change its organization and constantly adjust itself to new social structures and cultural development.

Give with an open hand.  Paul passes from the good discharge of ministries to the ministry of love for others.)

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Invite The Poor

"JESUS also addressed the man who had invited HIM, and said, 'When you give a lunch or a dinner, don't invite your friends, or your brothers and relatives, or your wealthy neighbors.  For surely they will also invite you  in return, and you will be repaid.  When you give a feast, invite instead the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind.  Fortunate are you then, because they cannot repay you.  You will be repaid at the resurrection of the upright.'" - Luke 14:12-14 

(Everyone of us seeks to be near those who are above us, we think we benefit more from being connected with those who are superior than with those who are inferior.

JESUS' warning points to one of the main causes of injustice.  We all share in the guilt when we decide with whom it is more beneficial to be associated; consequently everyone tries to climb higher, always leaving the weakest in the most isolated and helpless position.

It would be a strange sight to see public official pay more attention to the poorly dressed, or to see the poorest areas supplied with water and power before the residential districts, or to see doctors go to the rural areas to practice.)

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In YOU, LORD, I Have Found My Peace

"O YAHWEH, my heart is not proud

nor do I have arrogant eyes.

I am not engrossed in ambitious matters,

nor in things too great for me. 

I have quieted and stilled my soul,

like a weaned child, on its mother's lap;

like a contented child is my soul.

Hope in YAHWEH, O Israel,

now and forever.

- Psalm 131:1-3

Charles De Foucauld

(A perfect expression of the childlike trust and peace which should be the attitude of the children of GOD!  But, not one that is achieved without effort--'I have quieted and stilled my soul'.

The prayer of Charles de Foucauld, "FATHER, I place myself in YOUR hands," is a beautiful paraphrase of this psalm.)

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The LORD Will Not Abandon HIS People

"Fortunate the one YOU correct, O YAHWEH, the one YOU teach YOUR law;

YOU give them relief from distress, while a pit is dug for the wicked.

YAHWEH will not reject HIS people, nor will HE forsake HIS heritage.

Justice will return to the just; and the upright will follow, in its wake.

Who stands up for me against the wicked?  Who stands by me against the evildoers?

Had YAHWEH not helped me, I would have fallen into the silence of death.

No sooner did I say, 'My foot is slipping,' YOUR kindness, O YAHWEH, held me up."

- Psalm 94:12-18

(We must sometimes ask ourselves 'is it all worthwhile?'  Religion doesn't seem to make much difference, certainly doesn't seem to make us any happier.  But in spite of all difficulties, we know that GOD does care.  HE has redeemed us.  And if we believe in redemption, then, we must believe in judgment.  HE cares for us, and HE cares about us: what people do does matter.  But the difficulties are still there, and we need this vehement act of faith in GOD who cares.)

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I Speak The Truth In CHRIST

"I tell you, sincerely, in CHRIST, and my conscience assures me in the Holy Spirit, that I am not lying: I have great sadness and constant anguish for the Jews.  I would even desire, that, I myself, suffer the curse of being cut off from CHRIST, instead of my brethren: I mean, my own people, my kin.  They are Israelites, whom GOD adopted, and on them, rests HIS glory.  Theirs, are the Covenants, the law, the worship and the promises of GOD.  They are descendants of the patriarchs, and from their race, CHRIST was born, HE, who, as GOD, is above all distinctions.  Blessed be HE forever and ever: Amen!" - Romans 9:1-5 

(Paul, being a Jew, shares the worries of the few Jews who have believed in CHRIST.  Why did the chosen people not recognize their Savior?  If they were a chosen nation, why were so few selected?

It is the same worry of Catholic families when their children do not go to church or when teenagers declare they have lost their faith.  It is the same uneasiness we feel in the course of a mission: those who habitually go to church are perhaps the hardest to lead to conversion and are the ones that most obstruct the evangelization of outsiders.

Faith is not transmitted in heritage from father to son, mother to daughter.  There have certainly been times and cultural systems where a whole nation followed the same religion and apparently shared the same faith.  The Book of Acts shows how on several occasions the conversion of the head of the family brought about the baptism of the whole household [Acts 11:14; 16:33].  Faith however will always be a grace of GOD.  In our days people have acquired complete autonomy and live in a world where all beliefs meet: faith can no longer be a family possession.)

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They Are At Peace

"The souls of the just are in the hands of GOD and no torment shall touch them.

In the eyes of the unwise they appear to be dead.  Their going is held as a disaster; it seems that they lose everything by departing from us, but they are in peace.

Though seemingly they have been punished, immortality was the soul of their hope.  After slight affliction will come great blessings, for GOD has tried them and found them worthy to be with HIM; after testing them as gold in the furnace, he has accepted them as a holocaust.

At the time of HIS coming they will shine like sparks that run in the stubble.  They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD will be their king forever.

Those who trust in HIM will penetrate the truth, those who are faithful will live with HIM in love, for HIS grace and mercy are for HIS chosen ones." - Wisdom 3:1-9 

Judgment Day

(The souls of the just are in the hands of GOD.  This is the great revelation in this book.  In the previous books of the Scriptures, the soul only means the breath of a person, that is to say, the life in him which disappears at death.  Now, the soul means the person who does not die when the body does.

Their going is held as a disaster.  Whether the just die in the hands of violent people, or naturally die as we all do, the end of their lives seems to contradict GOD's goodness.  It is a scandal that death can overcome the just.  [We know that the just are those who fulfill the hopes that GOD placed in them.]  It is only the body which dies.  They are alive before GOD as JESUS will also state [Luke 20:38].

But they are in peace.  They will forever enjoy what they hoped for here on earth.  That is to say, we only see one side of death: we shall never know how everyone experienced his departure, even less how he awakened in GOD's world.

At the time of judgment we will see that the just are the only ones who have been truly alive.  The death of the friends of GOD brings peace to those who were at their side.  Through their death the martyrs bring the triumph of the cause for which they lived.)

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