The Story Of Hannah

"When the child was weaned, Hannah took him with her along with a three-year-old bull, a measure of flour and a flask of wine, and she brought him to YAHWEH's house at Shiloh.  The child was still young.

After they had slain the bull, they brought the child to Eli.  Hannah exclaimed, 'Oh, my LORD, look!  I am the woman who was standing here in YOUR presence, praying to YAHWEH.  I asked for this child and YAHWEH granted me the favor I begged of HIM.  I think YAHWEH is now asking for this child.  As long as he lives, he belongs to YAHWEH.'

And they worshiped YAHWEH there." - 1 Samuel 1:24-28 

(It all started with an ordinary couple living a familiar drama in a hill town.

The woman, in an inferior situation, as it will always be in Israel, is only worth the children she bears.  A man has as many wives as he is able to maintain.  Elkanah loves Hannah.  YAHWEH listens and not only gives a son to Hannah but also a prophet for HIS people.

GOD likes to choose HIS servants precisely from those families who have no hope of having children.  It is GOD who gives life to the dead and hope to those who have none.  The same happens with the birth of Isaac and John the Baptist [Luke 1:5].  In the book of Isaiah is a poem which starts with these words: 'Rejoice, O barren woman who has not given birth!' [Isaiah 54:1].)

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A Springtime Of Annunciation: Love Comes To Seek The Beloved

"She

The voice of my lover!  Behold he comes, 

springing across the mountains,

jumping over the hills,

like a gazelle or a young stag.

Now he stands behind our wall,

looking through the windows,

peering through the lattice.

My lover speaks to me,

He

'Arise, my love, my beautiful one!

Come the winter is gone,

the rains are over.

Flowers have appeared on earth;

the season of singing has come;

the cooing of doves is heard.

The fig tree forms its early fruit,

the vines in blossom are fragrant.

Arise, my beautiful one,

come with me, my love, come.

O my dove in the rocky cleft,

in the secret places of the cliff,

let me see your face,

let me hear your voice.

Your face--how lovely!

Your voice--how sweet!'"

- Song of Songs 2:8-14

(A springtime of annunciation: love comes to seek the beloved.  Finished are the trials that seemed to have no end and no sense.  The lover is pleased to sing the beauty of his beloved.

Here faith is required of the reader: we have just closed a paper telling us of millions of galaxies blown like a bubble of soap fifteen thousand million years ago, and then the Song speaks of HIM seeking a love among the innumerable descendants of the little "homo habilis."  Is it true?  Possible?  These hundreds of thousands of centuries and suns are perhaps but a cloud of smoke which hides at a different depth the mystery of the Supreme Person, the source of love.  A love that is not only human, for while experiencing it HIMSELF, at the same time HIS Spirit lights its flame in us.) 

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The Virgin Is With Child

"Once again YAHWEH addressed Ahaz, 'Ask for a sign from YAHWEH your GOD, let it come either from the deepest depths or from the heights of heaven.'

But Ahaz answered, 'I will not ask, I will not put YAHWEH to the test.'

Then Isaiah said, 'Now listen, descendants of David.  Have you not been satisfied trying the patience of people, that you also try the patience of my GOD?  Therefore the LORD HIMSELF will give you a sign:

The Virgin is with child and bears a son and calls HIS name Immanuel." - Isaiah 7:10-14 

(The prophecy about the Virgin giving birth is one of the most important in the Scriptures even though it leaves some questions unanswered.

To support his warnings, Isaiah offers a miraculous sign to the king: Ask the LORD....  Ahaz piously refuses to hide his determination not to turn back [cf. verse 12].  Then, the prophet explodes in anger: these descendants of David whom GOD has always protected are useless: a descendant of David of another kind will be able to bring salvation to GOD's people.  YAHWEH is preparing to send HIM.  HIS mother [called here the Virgin: gives HIM the name HE will deserve [cf. verse 14].  Before this future king may bring peace, HE will be raised humbly [verse 15].  Before that Ahaz's and his followers absurd politics would certainly bring total ruin to the country.)

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An Old Man Looks Back On His Life

"Be my rock of refuge; a stronghold, to give me safety; for YOU are my rock and my fortress.

Rescue me, O my GOD, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of cruel and violent people.

For YOU, O YAHWEH, have been my hope; my trust, O GOD, from my youth.

I have relied on YOU from birth: from my mother's womb YOU brought me forth. My praise is of YOU continually.

I have become like a potent to many, but YOU are my strong refuge.

My mouth is filled with YOUR praise, announcing YOUR glory, day by day.

Do not cast me off in my old age, do not desert me when my strength fails.

For my enemies speak ill of me; awaiting my death, they set plans.

They say, 'GOD has forsaken him; let us pursue and seize him, for no one will rescue him.'

O GOD, be not far from me; my GOD, make haste to help me!

Let my accusers be destroyed in shame; let those who seek my ruin, be covered with disgrace and scorn.

Then, I may trust in YOU and praise YOU.

My lips will proclaim YOUR intervention and tell of YOUR salvation all day, little though it is what I can understand.

I will come to YOUR strength, O YAHWEH, and announce YOUR justice, YOURS alone.

YOU have taught me from my youth and, until now, I proclaim YOUR marvels.

- Psalm 71:3-17

(An old man looks back on his life.  He was taught at his mother's knee to put his trust in GOD always.  He has not forgotten but has GOD forgotten him?  His enemies say 'yes'; he knows better.  Even a short life has its crisis and he has lived a long time, and GOD seems very far away.  Though the psalmist expresses himself in the conventional language, this does not conceal his very real distress.  We can imagine here the situation of Job himself.  One learns with age how powerfully the resilience of youth contributed even to religious optimism.  GOD, slowly and gently, teaches us to do without it.  This unconscious young confidence in ourselves having done its work is now removed.  If old age wishes it, GOD is closer then ever: the trust is purified.

Like the psalmist we too may have gone through the ups and downs of life and at times even feeling like Job.  But the faith of the psalmist never wavered.  He is confident that GOD will raise him up from the deepest depths.  If we also show faith like that of the psalmist, we will have nothing and nobody to fear.  And then, like St. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:20 and again in 1Thessalonians 5:16-18, we too will, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks to GOD at every moment.  This is the will of GOD, your vocation as Christians.")

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"The Day Is Coming When I Will Raise Up A King Who Is David's Righteous Successor."

"YAHWEH further says, 'The day is coming when I will raise up a king who is David's righteous successor.  HE will rule wisely and govern with justice and righteousness.  That will be a grandiose era when Judah will enjoy peace and Israel will live in safety.  HE will be called YAHWEH-our-justice!'

'These days are coming,' says YAHWEH, 'when people shall no longer swear by YAHWEH as the living GOD who freed the people of Israel from the land of Egypt.  Rather, they will swear by YAHWEH as the living GOD who restored the descendants of Israel from the northern empire and from all the lands where HE had driven them, to live again in their own land!'" - Jeremiah 23:5-8 

(GOD is preparing for HIS people a shepherd who will look after the sheep.  They will call HIM YAHWEH-is-our-justice: this is a way of contrasting HIM with the king of the time, Zedekiah, which means YAHWEH-is-my-justice.)

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The Blessing Of Jacob

"Gather around, sons of Jacob.  And listen to your father Israel!

Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength and the first fruits of my manhood! excelling in honor and excelling in power.

Restless as flowing water, you will excel no more for you went to your father's wife, on to my bed and defiled it.

Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence.  Let me not share their counsel!  Let my heart keep far from their company, for in anger they killed men, and hamstrung oxen at their pleasure.  A curse on their anger for it is fierce; a curse on their fury, so cruel!  I will divide them among Jacob, and scatter them among Israel.

            Judah, your brothers will praise you!

            You shall seize your enemies by the neck!

            Your father's sons shall bow before you.

            Judah, a young lion!

            You return from the prey, my son!

            Like a lion he stoops are crouches,

            and like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?

            The scepter shall not be taken from Judah,

            nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,

            until he comes to whom it belongs,

            and who has the obedience of the nations." - Genesis 49:2-10

(Jacob's blessings do not go to his sons but to the twelve tribes bearing their names.  The future destiny of these tribes will vary greatly.  Jacob's blessing is a way of saying that these destinies were known to GOD beforehand and that they were part of HIS plan of salvation which benefits everyone, but does not give the same gift to everyone.

The two tribes of Judah and Joseph dominate.  This ancient prophecy seems to say that Judah would live apart from others until the coming of "the one the people would obey."  This text, however, is not clear in the original manuscripts.  Did they wish only to celebrate the coming of king David, or was it the announcement of a great destiny for the kingdom of Judah, or was it the expectation of a savior-king?  Actually the kings of the people of GOD and JESUS here is considered as the heir of the promises made to Abraham and Jacob.)

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Cry Out With Joy, O Daughter Of Zion; YAHWEH, The King Of Israel, Is With You; Do Not Fear Any Misfortune

"Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion; rejoice, O people of Israel! Sing joyfully with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem!

YAHWEH has lifted your sentence and has driven your enemies away. YAHWEH, the King of Israel is with you; do not fear any misfortune.

On that day, they will say to Jerusalem: Do not be afraid nor let your hands tremble, for YAHWEH your GOD is within you, YAHWEH, saving warrior. HE will jump for joy on seeing you, for HE has revived HIS love. For you HE will cry out with joy, as you do in the days of the feast.

I will drive away the evil I warned you about, and you will no longer be shamed." - Zephaniah 3:14-18 

(Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion; YAHWEH, the King of Israel, is with you; do not fear any misfortune. In the Gospel of Luke, the same words are addresses to Mary at the Annunciation: "Rejoice, the LORD is with you. Do not fear, Mary, you will bear the Savior" [Luke 1:28].)

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"Why Do The Teachers Of The Law Say That Elijah Must Come First?"

"The disciples asked HIM, 'Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?'  JESUS answered, 'So it is: first comes Elijah; and he will restore all things.  But I tell you, Elijah has already come; and they did not recognize him; and they treated him as they pleased.  And they will also make the Son of Man suffer.'

Then the disciples understood that JESUS was referring to John the Baptist." - Matthew 17:10-13 

Elijah

(It is a fact that many persons throughout history have been considered as prophets or even as "the" prophet, but none of them have pretended to have a witness from GOD in HIS favor, other than his own successes.  JESUS counted on witnesses, beginning with John the Baptist.  In all biblical revelation faith is supported by these witnesses.  Here it is Moses, the founder of Israel, and Elijah, father of prophets, who recognize JESUS.

Here, however, JESUS appears as the one for whom Moses and Elijah were waiting, the one for whom they had prepared, even if for this moment they can console HIM for HE still carries the weakness of our human condition.)

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If You Had Obeyed MY Law!

"Thus says YAHWEH, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I, YAHWEH, your GOD, teach you what is best for you; I lead you in the way that you must go.

Had you paid attention to MY commandments, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

Your descendants would have been like the sand, and those born of your stock like its grains, their names never cut off nor blotted out from MY presence." - Isaiah 48:17-19 

(The prophet looks at Israel's past, reminding us of what we read about the lost Paradise.  If they had obeyed, GOD's desire to lavish HIS blessings upon them would have been fulfilled, as well as GOD's promises to Abraham.

But GOD will intervene again as the Redeemer of HIS people.)

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No One Greater Than John The Baptist Has Arisen

"I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has arisen from among the sons of women; and yet, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven is something to be conquered; and violent men seize it.

Up to the time of John, there was only prophesy: all the prophets and the law.  And if you believe ME, John is indeed that Elijah, whose coming was predicted.  Let anyone with ears listen!" - Matthew 11:11-15 

John The Baptist

(No one greater than John the Baptist has arisen.  This verse refers to a prophet or to a political leader.

The kingdom of heaven is something to be conquered... This sentence could also be translated: "The kingdom of heaven is advancing forcefully."  The kingdom of GOD is the moving force that makes history progress, taking advantage of both gentle and violent changes in human life.  The believers are called to participate actively in the constant transformation.  Death and resurrection are at work among us and all over the world.)

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Only GOD Is Good; And Good Is The Authority Of CHRIST

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

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

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

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

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The Stray Sheep

"What do you think of this?  If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them strays, won't he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside, and go to look for the stray one?  And I tell you, when he finally finds it, he is more pleased about it, than about the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  It is the same with your FATHER in heaven.  Your FATHER in heaven doesn't want even one of these little ones to perish." - Matthew 18:12-14 

(The parable of the one hundred sheep is also found in the Gospel of Luke [15:1].  It teaches us several things: JESUS' special concern for sinners and those who stray and, therefore, the missionary dimension of HIS apostolate.  In fact, JESUS came "to seek and save the lost" [Luke 19:10], "I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners" [Matthew 9:13].  This attitude should impel our parishes and Christian communities to constantly reach out to the unchurched and marginalized, instead of just working with those who already are in touch with the Church.)

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Which Is Easier To Say: 'Your Sins Are Forgiven' Or 'Get Up And Walk'?

"One day, JESUS was teaching and many Pharisees and teachers of the law had come from every part of Galilee and Judea, and even from Jerusalem.  They were sitting there, while the power of the LORD was at work to heal the sick.  Then some men brought a paralyzed man who lay on his mat.  They tried to enter the house to place him before JESUS, but they couldn't find a way through the crowd.  So they went up on the roof, and, removing the tiles, they lowered him on his mat into the middle of the crowd, in front of JESUS.

When JESUS saw their faith, HE said to them, 'My friend, your sins are forgiven.'  At once the teachers of the law and the Pharisees began to wonder, 'This man insults GOD!  Who can forgive sins, but GOD alone?'

But JESUS knew their thoughts and asked them, 'Why are you reacting like this?  Which is easier to say: 'Your sins are forgiven' or 'Get up and walk'?  Now you shall know, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.'  And JESUS said to the paralyzed man, 'Get up, take your mat and go home.'  At once, the man stood before them.  He took up the mat he had been lying on, and went home praising GOD.

Amazement seized the people and they praised GOD.  They were filled with a holy fear, and said, 'What wonderful things we have seen today!'" - Luke 5:17-26 

(There were many Pharisees and teachers of the law.  The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were not against JESUS yet, but being men who had received much religious formation, they were the first to wonder about JESUS' religious claims: was HE only faithful believer respectful of GOD's law or was HE promoting a new sect?  JESU took advantage of their presence to show that HE was not simply a disciple of Moses and the prophets, but the master of them all.

We easily understand why the teachers of the law were scandalized.  How could this man without studies or title, stand up to them as if HE were a teacher?  They were looking for the coming of a GOD who would confirm their teaching and acknowledge their merits.  JESUS, however, was in the midst of common folk and did not pay attention to the authority of the masters of the law who looked down on them.  Since the teachers of the law could not believe, their only recourse was to oppose JESUS.)

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Knowledge And Discernment

"... and when I pray for you, I pray with joy.  I cannot forget all you shared with me in the service of the gospel, from the first day, until now.  Since GOD began such a good work, in you, I am certain, that HE will complete it in the day of CHRIST JESUS.

This is my hope for you, for I carry you all, in my heart: whether I am in prison, or defending and confirming the gospel, you are with me and share the same grace.

GOD knows, that I love you dearly, with the love of CHRIST JESUS, and in my prayers, I ask that your love may lead you, each day, to a deeper knowledge and clearer discernment, that you may have good criteria for everything.  So you may be pure of heart, and come, blameless, to the day of CHRIST, filled with the fruit of holiness, that comes through CHRIST JESUS, for the glory and praise of GOD." - Philippians 1:4-11 

(Knowledge and discernment...  A good heart and generosity are not everything in Christian life.  We are not saved, we do not reach our true stature, we are not remade as GOD would like us to be, unless clarity has guided generosity.  It is the same for world salvation.  GOD calls us to discover new ways.  We need to reflect, to be attentive, what we could call "revision of life," in order to discover what is positive and negative in our daily life, work relationships, social duties, leisure.  This reflection, however, is not sufficient: among GOD's gifts, there is spiritual knowledge that gives us a fresh vision of the order of values and of the will of GOD.)

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"I Am The Handmaid Of The LORD, Let It Be Done To Me As You Have Said."

"In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from GOD, to a town of Galilee called Nazareth.  He was sent to a virgin, who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

The angel came to her and said, 'Rejoice, full of grace, the LORD is with you!'  Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean.

But the angel said, 'Do not fear, Mary, for GOD has looked kindly on you.  You shall conceive and bear a son; and you shall call him JESUS.  HE will be great, and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High.  The LORD GOD will give HIM the kingdom of David, HIS ancestor; HE will rule over the people of Jacob forever; and HIS reign shall have no end.'

Then Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be, since I am a virgin?'  And the angel said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born of you shall be called Son of GOD.  Even your relative, Elizabeth, is expecting a son in her old age, although she was unable to have child; and she is now in her sixth month.  With GOD nothing is impossible.'

Then Mary said, 'I am the handmaid of the LORD, let it be done to me as you have said.'  And the angel left her." - Luke 1:26-38 

(Only Mary could make known the mystery of JESUS' conception to the primitive church.  How could she express such an inner experience and how would it be reported?

Therefore, in writing, Luke had to use biblical words and forms that would allow us to understand the mysterious encounter of Mary with GOD.

I am the handmaid of the LORD.  In saying this, Mary does not lower herself with false humility; instead she expresses her faith and her surrender.  From her will be born the one who will be both the servant announced by the prophets [Isaiah 42:1; 50:4; 52:13] and the only Son [Hebrews 1].)

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"As You Have Believed, So Let It Be."

"As JESUS moved on from there, two blind men followed HIM, shouting, 'Son of David, help us!'  When HE was about to enter the house, the blind men caught up with HIM; and JESUS said to them, 'Do you believe that I AM able to do what you want?'  They answered, 'Yes, sir!'

Then JESUS touched their eyes and said, 'As you believed, so let it be.'  And their eyes were opened.  Then JESUS gave them a stern warning, 'Be careful that no one knows about this.'  But as soon as they went away, they spread the news about HIM through the whole area." - Matthew 9:27-31 

(Two blind men followed HIM shouting.  In what manner, if they were blind?  Stumbling and being carried by others perhaps.  When you sin, shout to the LORD and keep on looking for CHRIST.)

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"Not Everyone Who Says To ME, 'LORD! LORD!' Will Enter The Kingdom Of Heaven..."

"Not everyone who says to ME, 'LORD!  LORD!' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of MY heavenly FATHER.  Many will say to ME on that day, 'LORD, LORD, did we not speak in YOUR name?  Did we not cast out devils and perform many miracles in YOUR name?  Then I will tell them openly, 'I have never known you; away from ME, you evil people!'

'Therefore, anyone who hears these words of MINE, and acts according to them, is like a wise man, who built his house on rock.  The rain poured down, the rivers flooded, and the wind blew and struck that house.  But it did not collapse, because it was built on rock.  But anyone who hears these words of MINE, and does not act accordingly, is like a fool who built his house on sand.  The rain poured, the rivers flooded, and the wind blew and struck that house; it collapsed, and what a terrible collapse that was!'" - Matthew 7:21-27 

(Many will say to ME on that day.  Matthew probably quotes this sentence pointing out to the charismatic prophets who disturb his communities by not obeying precepts that are addressed to everyone.

Whether we teach or work miracles, these abilities and ministries given us for the good of the community do not assure us that we are in the grace of GOD.  True faith works through love [Galatians 5:6] and moves us to fulfill all the law: James 2:8.

Anyone who hears these words of MINE.  JESUS means those who listen to HIS words and are converted: they believe themselves already saved.  If they do not use their initial enthusiasm to build their lives on solid foundations, such as scriptural meditation, generosity, resistance to evil inclinations, sharing in the Christian community--then everything will tumble down later.)

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Thanksgiving

"On this mountain YAHWEH Sabaoth will prepare for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, meat full of marrow, fine wine strained.

On this mountain HE will destroy the pall cast over all peoples, this very shroud spread over all nations, and death will be no more.  The LORD YAHWEH will wipe away the tears from all cheeks and eyes; HE will take away the humiliation of HIS people all over the world:

for YAHWEH has spoken:

On that day you will say: This is our GOD.  We have waited for HIM to save us, let us be glad and rejoice in HIS salvation.  For on this mountain the hand of YAHWEH rests. 

Moab instead  will be trodden down, as straw trodden down on a dunghill. - Isaiah 25:6-10 

(The text is a thanksgiving to YAHWEH who has done away with the presence of the oppressor.  HIS citadel, installed, it would seem, in Jerusalem itself had been completely destroyed.  This recalls that this victory is only one stage: the great hope is "the banquet of the elect" after the judgment when GOD will destroy death.  John will use these images in Revelations 7:17 and 21:4.)

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JESUS Gives Thanks To The FATHER

"At that time, JESUS was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and said, 'I praise YOU, FATHER, LORD of heaven and earth, for YOU have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and made them known to little ones.  Yes, FATHER, such has been YOUR gracious will.  I have been given all things by MY FATHER, so that no one knows the Son except the FATHER, and no one knows the FATHER except the Son, and HE to whom the Son chooses to reveal HIM.'

Then JESUS turned to HIS disciples and said to them privately, 'Fortunate are you to see what you see, for I tell you, that many prophets and kings would have liked to see what you see, but did not see it; and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.'" - Luke 10:21-24 

(What are these things that GOD has revealed to the little ones but the mysterious power of the Gospel to transform people and show them the truth?  The apostles marvel at the power coming from the name of JESUS [Mark 16:17].  JESUS underlines the defeat of the Adversary, Satan.

The learned and the clever think they know, but do not know what is essential.  They speak of a God who is no more than a shadow of the true GOD as long as they do not recognize HIM in JESUS.  They do not know where the world is heading because they do not see how GOD's power is working wherever JESUS is being proclaimed.

Fortunate are you to see... Stop being envious of famous people, kings and prophets of the past.  You who are alive now, and who are neither kings nor prophets, have been given the better part.)

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I Am Not Worthy To Have YOU Under My Roof

"When JESUS entered Capernaum, an army captain approached HIM, to ask HIS help, 'Sir, my servant lies sick at home.  He is paralyzed and suffers terribly.'  JESUS said to him, 'I will come and heal him.'

The captain answered, 'I am not worthy to have YOU under my roof.  Just give an order and my boy will be healed.  For I myself, a junior officer, give orders to my soldiers.  And if I say to one. 'Go!' he goes; and if I say to another, 'Come!' he comes; and if I say to my servant, 'Do this!' he does it.'

When JESUS heard this, he was astonished; and said to those who were following HIM, 'I tell you, I have not found such faith in Israel.'" - Matthew 8:5-10 

(The man is really troubled: will JESUS consent to go to a pagan's house and "become impure"? [John 18:28].  The captain goes one step further: JESUS does not have to come to his house.  While other sick people seek to be touched by the Master thinking that JESUS possesses some healing power, this man, has instead grasped that JESUS has the very power of GOD and does not need to go to the sick servant: it would not be any more difficult to give a command from a distance to a life that was slipping away.)

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A Call To A Life Of Purity And Work

"May the LORD increase, more and more, your love for each other and for all people, as HE increases our love for you.  May HE strengthen you, internally, to be holy and blameless before GOD, our FATHER, on the day that JESUS, our LORD, will come with all HIS saints.

For the rest, brothers, we ask you, in the name of JESUS, the LORD, and we urge you, to live in a way that pleases GOD, just as you have learned from us.  This you do, but try to do still more.  You know the instructions we gave you on behalf of the LORD JESUS:..." - 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2 

(May the LORD increase more and more your love for each other and for all people.  Love manifests itself first within the community and then it must be expanded to all people.

Note also Paul's constant preoccupation: his apostolic mission does not allow him to remain in any community.  He is always moving, leaving his work unfinished, but he entrusts his converts to the grace of GOD that does not suppress the freedom of the recent converts nor the work of the Tempter in the world.

If we have given ourselves to CHRIST, that should surely make our life different from what we lived before.  The Jews who accepted baptism had a solid moral basis in the laws of the Old Testament.  On the other hand, the pagans had only the moral laws observed in their society.  Chastity, among others, was completely foreign to them.  They considered occasional sexual relationships a necessity of nature, having nothing to do with moral values.)

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Be On Your Guard

"Be on your guard: don't immerse yourselves in a life of pleasure, drunkenness and worldly cares, lest that day catch you unaware, like a trap!  For, like a snare, will that day come upon all the inhabitants of the earth.  But watch at all times and pray, that you may be able to escape all that is going to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man." - Luke 21:34-36 

(Be on your guard.  After speaking about the imminent end of Jerusalem [vv. 28-32], Luke speaks of that day which will conclude human history with the coming of CHRIST, the Judge.

This invitation is not only addressed to those who will know that day, but it is for everyone, throughout the history of the Church.  Once more he invites us to watch and pray while the world is asleep [see Ephesians 6:18].

That you may be able to stand: to avoid errors and deceit [2 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 3:13] during the trials preceding CHRIST's coming.  The Our Father expresses the same concern.  Those who are expecting the coming of the kingdom pray: do not put us to the test.

In fact, vigils and prayers do more than just prevent possible falls.  When the believer and the Church are more awake, they cooperate more in the development of the divine plan and hasten the coming of the LORD.)

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Praise Of GOD, Creator And Law Giver

"The heavens declare the glory of GOD;

the firmament proclaims the work of HIS hands.

Day talks it over with day;

night hands on the knowledge to night.

No speech, no words, no voice is heard--

but the call goes on, throughout the universe,

the message is felt to the ends of the earth."

- Psalm 19:2-5

(The splendor of heaven gives us a glimpse of the glory of GOD.  We are also aware of HIS presence, when we meditate on HIS commandments, which are light and joy for the soul.

Romans 10:18 applies verse 4 of the psalm to the preaching of the Gospel.  This psalm is adequate to revise one's life in the presence of GOD in creation and in the Law.  JESUS in the Gospels has taught us how to pray.  If we add this psalm to our morning prayer, it will make us feel great and ready to start the day well.) 

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Praise To GOD, Creator And Shepherd

"Serve YAHWEH with gladness; come before HIM with joyful songs.

Know that YAHWEH  is GOD; HE created us, and we are HIS people, the sheep of HIS fold.

Enter HIS gates with thanksgiving, HIS courts with praise.  Give thanks to HIM and praise HIS name.

For YAHWEH is good; HIS love lasts forever; and HIS faithfulness, through all generations."

- Psalm 100:2-5

(The psalm bids us rejoice in GOD, because we are utterly HIS.  From the psalmist, the glad reflection provokes an outburst of gratitude.  From those who know the Cross it should bring about a cry of wonder that GOD should have brought, what was already HIS own--that we should belong to HIM doubly.  'You are bought with a great price,' writes St. Paul; 'not with gold or silver,' Peter says, 'but with the precious blood of CHRIST' [1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18].  This psalm was born again on Calvary.  We must remember that as we sing it!)

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YOUR Kingdom Come

"Sing to YAHWEH a new song, for HE has done wonders; HIS right hand, HIS holy arm, has won victory for HIM.

YAHWEH has shown HIS salvation, revealing HIS justice to the nations.

HE has not forgotten HIS love, nor HIS faithfulness to Israel.  The farthest ends of the earth  all have seen GOD's saving power.

All you, lands, make a joyful noise to YAHWEH, break into song and sing praise, with melody of the lyre and with music of the harp.

With trumpet blast and sound of the horn, rejoice before the King, YAHWEH!

Let the sea resound and everything in it, the world and all its people.

Let rivers clap their hands, hills and mountains sing with joy before YAHWEH, for HE comes to rule the earth.  HE will judge the world with justice, and the peoples, with fairness."

- Psalm 98:1-9

(Our LORD founded the kingdom of GOD on earth; and yet we pray: 'YOUR kingdom come.'  The work of our redemption has been accomplished, but we still pray for this salvation, to be perfected throughout the world: GOD has come; but we look for HIS final coming, to take possession of HIS kingdom.

Sing to the LORD a new song.  Humanity has found the way to liberation and salvation.  It is in the coming of CHRIST, GOD-made-man and in HIS resurrection.

For the LORD came down to earth, showed us HIS love and also by HIS death and resurrection, the path to eternal salvation.)

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Signs Before The Destruction Of Jerusalem

"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 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.

This discourse contains JESUS' warnings about the destruction of the Jewish nation that would occur 30 years later, but what HE said regarding these agents clarifies the meaning of the conflicts that occur at present in the whole world.

When you hear of wars.  This does not mean that GOD leaves the world in the hands of evil.  It is more a delivery than a failure, because humanity is maturing and the nations encounter more complex problems in their life and development.  The crisis suffered by the Jewish nation in the time of JESUS was similar to that experienced by other civilizations: something dies and something is born.

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 asks 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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The Widow's Mite

"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 

(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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The Son Of Man

"I continued watching the nocturnal vision:

One like a son of man came on the clouds of heaven.  HE faced the One of Great Age and was brought into HIS presence.

Dominion, honor and kingship were given HIM and all the peoples and nations of every language served HIM.  HIS dominion is eternal and shall never pass away; HIS kingdom will never be destroyed." - Daniel 7:13-14

(On the clouds of heaven: this cloud is the sign of the divine presence.

The One of Great Age: this refers to GOD, and the white hair is a sign of HIS majesty.  Let us not forget that, in fact, GOD is ageless and is in a unique moment, an ever present now.

A son of man, namely, a human: at first, this mysterious person referred to the whole people of GOD [v. 27].  If GOD wanted to give HIS kingdom to people, HE would, in fact, give it in a personal way to the one who is the model, the savior and the head of everyone and of all humankind.  JESUS is the Man [John 19:5], or, to follow the Jewish way of speaking, the son of man.

The son of man comes from the divine clouds, and so JESUS applied the prophecy to HIMSELF to point to HIS divine origin when HIS accusers were seeing HIM in the weakness of the human condition [Matthew 26:64].)

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"Bend YOUR Heavens, O YAHWEH, And Come Down."

"Blessed be YAHWEH, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle--my loving GOD, my fortress; my protector and deliverer, my shield; where I take refuge; who conquers nations and subjects them to my rule.

O YAHWEH, what are humans that YOU should be mindful of them, the race of Adam, that YOU should care for them?

They are like a breath; their days pass like a shadow on earth.

Bend YOUR heavens, O YAHWEH, and come down; touch the mountain and make it smoke.

Flash forth lightning and rout the foe; shoot YOUR arrows and scatter them.

From above, reach down and draw me out of the deep waters, from the hands of foreigners, whose mouths speak falsehood, whose words are full of deceit.

I will sing a new song to YOU, O GOD; I will make music on the ten-stringed harp, for YOU, who give victory to kings and deliver David, YOUR servant."

- Psalm 144:1-10

(Our LORD, the Son of Man, shared our weakness, shared our struggle; but in doing so, HE showed us that GOD's strength shows itself most clearly in our weaknesses, bringing us joy and salvation.

The new heavens and the new earth take us beyond the psalm [cf. Revelation 21:1-4; 2 Peter 3:13; Romans 8:19-23].  The people of GOD, who expect the new kingdom, are being formed in the womb of history.  It would be good for us not to forget exemplary lives; they will give us courage.  Above all, it would be good for us to place our eyes in the LORD, who is the initiator and fulfiller of our faith.

It seems like GOD answered the psalmist's prayer when he says, 'Bend YOUR heavens, O YAHWEH, and come down.'  For in John 1:1, 'In the beginning was the Word and in John 1:14, 'And the Word was made flesh.'  Then, in Luke 2:12 an angel of the LORD said, 'Today a Savior has been born to you in David's town; HE is the Messiah and the LORD.'  JESUS showed us the way.  HE taught us to pray.  HE has taught us to love.  HE has guided us through the narrow path.  In short, if only we have faith and believe, we will be with HIM one day, in heaven.)

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"Take The Small Book And Eat; Although It Be Sweet As Honey In The Mouth, It Will Be Bitter To Your Stomach."

"And the voice I had heard from heaven, spoke again, saying to me, 'Go near the angel who stands on the sea and on the land, and take the small book open in his hand.'  So, I approached the angel and asked him for the small book; he said to me, 'Take it and eat; although it be sweet as honey in your mouth, it will be bitter to your stomach.'

I took the small book from the hand of the angel, and ate it.  It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, it turned bitter in my stomach.  Then, I was told, 'You must, again, proclaim GOD's words, about many peoples, nations, tongues and kings.'" - Revelation 10:8-11 

(As to the small book, it contains new events that will accompany the spread of the Gospel.  This means that CHRIST's coming does not put an end to history, nor does it bring heaven on earth.

John must eat the book, an expression that we already found in Ezekiel [2:8-3:4].  It is both sweet and sour: the voice is sweet, but the task is difficult.  Thus we understand that the history of Israel, imaged by the book of the seven seals [5:1], was not all of sacred history but only its first part, the Old Testament.)

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The Pain Of The Humble Is The Pain Of The LORD

"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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Final Summons To Praise

"Alleluia!

Praise GOD in HIS Sanctuary;

praise HIM, in the vault of heaven.

Praise HIM, for HIS mighty deeds;

praise HIM, for HIS own greatness.

Praise HIM with trumpet blast;

praise HIM with lyre and harp.

Praise HIM, with dance and tambourines;

praise HIM with pipe and strings.

Praise HIM with clashing cymbals;

praise HIM with clanging cymbals.

Let everything that breathes, sing praise to YAHWEH.

Alleluia!"

- Psalm 150:1-6

(The psalms have shown us prayers of petition, lament, instruction, warning and exhortation: but above all and in all, they are praises of GOD.  This praise will absorb every being, in a final diapason.

The last word of everything, created and redeemed, is this: 'Alleluia!'  We have entered into eternal celebration, into eternal joy.  This psalm refers us to Revelation 19:1-10, and to the triumphal songs in heaven.  Our community, our people, anticipates the heavenly 'Alleluia' when they sing the praise of GOD on this earth.)

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The Power Of JESUS

"JESUS entered Jericho and was passing through it.  A man named Zaccheus lived there.  He was a tax collector and a wealthy man.  He wanted to see what JESUS was like, but he was a short man and could not see him because of the crowd.  So he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree.  From there he would be able to see JESUS, who was going to pass that way.  When JESUS came to the place, HE looked up and said to him, 'Zaccheus, come down quickly, for I must stay at your house today.  So Zaccheus climbed down and received HIM joyfully.

All the people who saw it began to grumble, and said, 'HE has gone as a guest to the house of a sinner.'  But Zaccheus spoke to JESUS, 'Half of what I own, LORD, I will give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much.'  Looking at him JESUS said, 'Salvation has come to this house today, for he is also a true son of Abraham.  The Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.'" - Luke 19:1-10 

(Everyone in Jericho was pointing a finger at Zaccheus: how could a man involved in dirty deals, [like he was] be converted?  What punishment would GOD send to him?  Instead of punishing him, GOD comes to his home.

JESUS shows that HE is guided by the Spirit when HE spots Zaccheus among so many people, and when HE understands at that very moment, that on that day HE has come to Jericho above all, to save a rich man.

Zaccheus knows that he is the object of envy and hatred.  He is not all bad: although his hands are dirty, he has not lost the sense of what is good and he admires the prophet JESUS secretly.  GOD is able to save him because of his good desires.  The favor JESUS does to him compels him to manifest the human and good qualities hidden in him.

It is said that he received JESUS joyfully: a joy that shows the transformation that has taken place in him.  After that, he will have no trouble in rectifying his evil deeds.  The he will share and reestablish justice.

The people are indignant, and in that they imitate the Pharisees; they believe that JESUS should share their prejudice and even their resentment.  JESUS is not a demagogue; the crowd's lack of understanding does not matter to HIM any more than that of the Pharisees.  Once again, JESUS shows HIS power, HE destroys evil by saving the sinner.)   

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Two Ways Of Living

"Blessed is the man 

who does not go where the wicked gather,

or stand in the way of sinners,

or sit where the scoffers sit!

Instead, he finds delight in the law of YAHWEH

and meditates day and night 

on HIS commandments.

He is like a tree beside a brook

producing its fruit in due season,

its leaves never withering.

Everything he does is a success.

But it is different with the wicked.

They are like chaff

driven away by the wind.

The wicked will not stand when judgment comes,

nor the sinners when the righteous assemble.

For YAHWEH knows the way of the righteous

but cuts off the way of the wicked."

- Psalm 1:1-6

(The sharp contrast between the virtuous and the wicked is characteristic of the Hebrew thought and its uncompromising literary expression.  The psalmist was conscious of the mixture of good and bad in himself and in others around him.  As St. Paul said much later--and he spoke for everyone--'I can want to do what is right, but I am unable to do it' [Romans 7:18].  Aware of this tension in ourselves, we recite this psalm with a feeling of hypocrisy.  This is no proclamation of one's own virtue but a constant self-reminder that we all have a choice.  We may never reach the extremes either of virtue or of vice, but we are at every moment making for one or the other.  It is salutary to remind ourselves what the end of each road is.  It is better still to remember that we have a powerful companion along the virtuous road, but along the wicked one, we are alone.) 

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