Loyalty In GOD's Service

"Listen, O YAHWEH, and answer me, for I am afflicted and needy.

Preserve my life, for I am GOD-fearing; save your servant who trusts in YOU.

Have mercy on me, O YAHWEH, for I cry to YOU all day.

Bring joy to the soul of YOUR servant; for YOU, O YAHWEH, I lift up my soul.

YOU are good and forgiving, O YAHWEH, caring for those who call on YOU.

Listen, O YAHWEH, to my prayer, hear the voice of my pleading."

- Psalm 86:1-6

(This is a gentle psalm, a little muted in tone, without cries for help or loud shouts of anguish.  The psalmist, here, is making a sincere and true appeal to GOD to answer his prayer.  There are always enemies about; but GOD is not asked to destroy them [a refreshing change!].  HE is asked only to 'turn and take pity' on the persecuted.  GOD could scarcely resist it.  The psalmist never stops asking, and he is rightly sure that such a GOD could never stop giving. 

Whenever we live moments of anguish, whatever their cause, it will be good for us to confide our burden on another, on GOD, whose presence in this psalm, is comforting.  JESUS tells us in Matthew 11:24: 'Whatever you ask for a prayer full of faith, you will receive.'  We have this assurance from JESUS HIMSELF.  So, full of faith, let us also pray to GOD, for whatever we need, assured that it will be answered.)

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Do Not Be Afraid, I Have Conquered The World

"O YAHWEH, how great in number are my foes!

How numerous are they who rise against me!

How many are they who say of my soul:

'There is no help for him in GOD!'

But YOU are my shield, O YAHWEH,

my glory; YOU lift up my head.

Aloud I cry to YAHWEH,

and from HIS holy Hill HE answers me.

If I lie down to sleep,

again I awake, for YAHWEH supports me;

no fear of the thousands standing against me."

- Psalm 3:2-7

(The 'enemies' are always trying to undermine the psalmist's trust in GOD.  The psalmist sees their political or personal hostility as a test of his confidence in the shield that protects him.  It follows that though we and the psalmist have different enemies we are fighting in a common cause: to keep the supply-lines open between GOD and ourselves.  Difficulties from outside us and struggles within are not in themselves good things: they are only good challenges, opportunities, or urgent invitations to turn to the only place where help is to be found.

The psalm has a Christian projection in the exhortation of JESUS: "Do not be afraid, I have conquered the world" [John 16:33].  No matter what the odds against him, with his undeniable faith in GOD, the Christian will be a winner.  The believer will thus be able to face the present-day adversities.)

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Prophets And "The" Prophet

"HE will raise up for you a prophet like myself from among the people, from your brothers, to whom you shall listen.  Remember that in Horeb, on the day of the Assembly, you said: 'I am afraid to die and I do not want to hear the voice of YAHWEH again or see again that great fire.'  So YAHWEH said to me: 'They have spoken well.  I shall raise up a prophet from their midst, one of their brothers, who will be like you.  I will put MY words into his mouth and he will tell them all that I command.  If someone does not listen to MY words when the prophet speaks on MY behalf, I MYSELF will call him to account for it.  But any prophet who says in MY name anything that I did not command, or speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die." - Deuteronomy 18:15-20 

(I shall raise up a prophet from their midst.  This "prophet" means the whole series of prophets who will continue to address Israel, as can be seen at the end of the paragraph.  Yet, in the future, Israel was expecting a prophet greater than all others, a prophet who would lead the entire people as well as Moses had done.  When John the Baptist appeared, some asked: "Are you the prophet?" [John 1:21], and Christians understood that CHRIST was "the Prophet" [see Acts 3:22])

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Quiet Now! Be Still!

"On that same day, when evening had come, JESUS said to them, 'Let's go across to the other side of the lake.'  So they left the crowd, and took HIM along in the boat HE had been sitting in, and other boats set out with HIM.  Then a storm gathered and it began to blow a gale.  The waves spilled over into the boat, so that it was soon filled with water.  JESUS was in the stern, sleeping in a cushion.

They woke HIM up, and said, 'Master, don't YOU care if we drown?'  And rising up, JESUS rebuked the wind, and ordered the sea, 'Quiet now! Be still!'  The wind dropped, and there was a great calm.  Then JESUS said to them, 'Why are you so frightened?  Do you still have no faith?'

But they were terrified, and they said to one another, 'Who can this be?  Even the wind and the sea obey HIM!'" - Mark 4:35-41 

(In Jewish mentality the sea is a daily reminder of primitive chaos, it is there the marine monsters move around, monsters which only GOD, for HE is the all-powerful, can challenge: Leviatan and Rahab.  In commanding the sea: Quiet now! Be still!.  Just as HE does with the demons [Mark 1:25] JESUS affirms HIS divine power over the forces of evil.

Confronted with all the forms of evil that attack them, in the midst of tempests that arise, people, at times, wonder if GOD "does not sleep."  JESUS is there.  HE is not surprised by the disciples' fear of the tempest, but of their lack of faith; only trust in the victory of JESUS, Son of GOD, over the forces of evil, will allow them to overcome this fear.

At the very instant when they discover this divine power in JESUS, the apostles are terrified, as was Moses at the burning bush [Exodus 3:1], and Isaiah at the time of his vision in the temple [Isaiah 6:5], as all those to whom GOD shows HIMSELF is a special way: more than a friend, more than a master, JESUS revealed HIMSELF to them in the truth of HIS being.  This fear in discovering GOD so close to them was greater than the fear they had felt during the tempest a few moments earlier.)

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Fan Into A Flame The Gift Of GOD You Received

"From Paul, apostle of CHRIST JESUS, by the will of GOD, for the sake of HIS promise of eternal life, in CHRIST JESUS, to my dear son Timothy.

May grace, mercy and peace be with you, from GOD, the FATHER, and CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

I give thanks to GOD, whom I serve with a clear conscience, the way my ancestors did, as I remember you constantly, day and night, in my prayers.  I recall your tears, and I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.  I am reminded of your sincere faith, so like the faith of your grandmother Lois and of your mother Eunice, which I am sure you have inherited.

For this reason, I invite you to fan into a flame, the gift of GOD you received, through the laying on of my hands.  For GOD did not confer on  us a spirit of fearfulness, but of strength, love and good judgement.  Do not be ashamed of testifying to our LORD, nor of seeing me in chains.  On the contrary, do your share in laboring for the gospel, with the strength of GOD." - 2 Timothy 1:1-8

Paul Laying On His Hands To Timothy

(Fan into a flame the gift of GOD you received.  Paul tries to give his own energy to Timothy and he reminds him of GOD's love and promises.  [See 1 Timothy 4:14])

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World-Wide Call To Praise GOD

"Alleluia!

Praise YAHWEH, all you nations;

all you peoples, praise HIM.

How great is HIS love for us!

HIS faithfulness lasts forever."

- Psalm 117:1-2

(Less than a quarter of a psalm, but all is there: goodness [grace, favor] and fidelity [truth] that is the truth of GOD.  We can pray with this psalm, keeping in our heart the ecumenical cause.)

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The Prophecy Of Nathan

"But that very night, YAHWEH's word came to Nathan, 'Go and tell MY servant David, this is what YAHWEH says: Are you able to build a house for ME to live in?  I have not dwelt in a house since I brought the Israelites up from Egypt to the present day.  But I went about with a tent for shelter.  As long as I walked with the Israelites, did I say anything to the chiefs of Israel whom I commanded to shepherd MY people Israel?  Did I say: Why have you not built me a house of cedar?

Now you will tell MY servant David, this is what YAHWEH of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the sheep, to make you commander of MY people Israel.  I have been with you wherever you went, cutting down all your enemies before you.  Now I will make your name great, as the name of the great ones on earth.  I will provide a place for MY people Israel and plant them that they may live there in peace.  They shall no longer be harassed, nor shall wicked men oppress them as before.  From the time when I appointed judges over MY people Israel it is only to you that I have given rest from all your enemies.  YAHWEH also tells you that HE will build you a house.

When the time comes for you to rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your son after you, the one born of you; and I will make his reign secure.  He shall build a house for MY name and I will firmly establish his kingship forever.  I will be a FATHER to him and he shall be MY son.  If he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod, as men do.  But I will not withdraw MY kindness from him as I did from Saul when I removed him out of your way.  Your house and your reign shall last forever before ME, and your throne shall be forever firm.'

Nathan repeated these words and related this vision to David." - 2 Samuel 7:4-17 

(GOD will be the one to make David a house.  House in Scripture refers to both persons and things belonging to someone.  David's "house" is his family, his servants, his counselors and officials.

I will provide a place for MY people Israel.  GOD chooses this moment for a decisive step in the development of HIS people.  Israel had been a people of twelve tribes since Joshua's time.  Now, it will be a nation organized in its own land, with a central and stable authority: the kings descending from David.

Now I will make your name great as the name of the great ones on earth.  YAHWEH has accompanied David in all his undertakings; but now HE makes use of him and his works to build something permanent for the salvation of humankind.

The same thing happened with Abraham [Genesis 17:7].

The same thing happened with Peter [Matthew 16:18].

The kingdom of GOD from now on will be the kingdom of David.

I will raise up your son after you.  GOD's promise points to Solomon, David's son and successor. and also to those who will come after.  To all appearances the promise was broken when, after four centuries, the kingdom of David was destroyed.  Nevertheless, it is JESUS, one of his descendants, who, much later, will fully realize what Nathan announced.  Several times in the Gospel, JESUS will be called Son of David [Mark 12:35.

JESUS will also be king, although not in the manner of this world's rulers.  HE will realize fully in HIS person what was merely sketched in the person of David:

- the shepherd who gathers together the scattered sheep;

- the conqueror who gives his people the peace he has won;

- GOD's deputy among people.

The way GOD gets ahead of David and answers him, gives us two remarkable lessons:

- As in David's case, very often people want to offer GOD something.  In reality we can never anticipate HIM; HE gives HIS favors even before we have begun to serve HIM.

- What pleases GOD is not so much the temples we build for HIM, as the spiritual temple which HE wants to build in people themselves--a project which HE will realize after many centuries through HIS church.)

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David Whirled Round Dancing With All His Heart Before YAHWEH

"King David was told that YAHWEH had blessed the family of Obededom and all that belonged to him because of the Ark of GOD from the house of Obededom to the city of David, rejoicing.  After those who carried the Ark of YAHWEH had walked six paces, they sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.

David whirled round dancing with all his heart before YAHWEH, wearing a linen ephod, for he and all the Israelites brought up the Ark of YAHWEH, shouting joyfully and sounding the horn.

As the Ark of YAHWEH entered the city of David, Michal, Saul's daughter, looked out of the window; and when she saw king David leaping and whirling round before YAHWEH, she despised him in her heart.

They brought in the Ark of YAHWEH and laid it in its place, in the tent which David had pitched for it.  The David offered burnt and peace offerings before YAHWEH.  Once the offerings had been made, David blessed the people in the name of YAHWEH of Hosts, and distributed to each of them, to each man and woman of the entire assembly of Israel, a loaf of bread, a portion of meat and a raisin cake.  With this, all the people left for their homes." - 2 Samuel 6:12-19 

Let's Dance Liked David Danced!

(Let us imagine the transfer of the Ark.  There is a huge procession with thousands of people singing, dancing and playing music, with the king himself leading.  Sacrifices beyond count are offered.  It is a time of great joy, for the LORD is with HIS people.  It is the triumphal entry of the Ark of the Covenant into its rightful place--in the capital of the country.

David whirled round dancing with all his heart before YAHWEH.  David understands very well that to give thanks worthily to GOD, all this is very little.  He does not care what others think of him, when he is showing his joy to the LORD; so he sings and dances.

Michal despised David in her heart.  Michal, Saul's daughter, understood nothing, being more concerned about "what people will say," than about praising GOD.

In this passage, a great king teaches us real greatness and brings to mind examples from daily life: a young man or woman who having finished studies go back to the barrio, and remain as simple as before; a Christian who is not ashamed of his faith and practices it, whether people are looking or not.)

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David Is Anointed King Over Israel

"All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, 'We are your bone and flesh.  In the past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel.  And YAHWEH said to you, 'You shall be the shepherd of MY people Israel and you shall be commander over Israel.'  Before YAHWEH, king David made an agreement with the elders of Israel who came to him at Hebron, and they anointed him king of Israel.

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for forty years: he reigned over Judah, from Hebron, seven and a half years; and over Israel and Judah, from Jerusalem, for thirty-three years.

The king and his men set out for Jerusalem to fight the Jebusites who lived there.  They said to David, 'If you try to break in here, the blind and the lame will drive you away,' which meant that David could not get in.  Yet David captured the fortress of Zion that became the 'city of David.'

That day David said, 'Whoever wants to defeat the Jebusites, let him reach these lame and blind, David's enemies, through the tunnel for fetching water.'  From this came the saying, 'The blind and the lame shall not enter the house.'  David lived in the fortress, calling it the city of David, and proceeded to build the city around it, from the Millo and inside as well.  And David grew more powerful, for YAHWEH, the GOD of Hosts, was with him." - 2 Samuel 5:1-10 

(This is a great day for David and for Israel.  Those from the north acknowledge him as king, and the unity of all Israel is achieved.  The tribes in the north were separated from those in the south by the district of Jerusalem, which was in the hands of the Canaanites.  David conquers Jerusalem which becomes the capital of this united kingdom.

It is a definitive stage.  GOD turns Jerusalem into the visible center of his presence among people.

Later, the one and only temple of GOD will be in Jerusalem, and the true kings of the people of GOD will be those who rule in Jerusalem.  Jerusalem will be the image of the Church and Christians will know that after the Jerusalem of Palestine, GOD has promised them another Jerusalem--that of heaven [see Revelation 20 and 21].

Jerusalem is the image of heaven and, at the same time, of the church on earth.  Often, in the Scriptures, Jerusalem is called Zion, since this was the name of the more ancient part of Jerusalem.  It was also called the "city of David."

In the Scriptures, the unity achieved between the northern and southern tribes is a visible sign that they are living in GOD's grace: all unfaithfulness toward GOD leads to a division among people, and all such division is a sign against GOD.)

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Whoever Does Not Receive The Kingdom Of GOD Like A Child Will Not Enter It

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

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

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

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

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Plea For The Return Of GOD's Favor

"Listen, O Shepherd of Israel, YOU, who lead Joseph like a flock; YOU, who sit enthroned between the cherubim.

Shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.  Stir up YOUR might and come to save us.

Restore us, O GOD of hosts; make YOUR face shine upon us, that we may be saved.

O YAHWEH of hosts, how long will YOUR anger burn against the prayers of YOUR people?

YOU have fed them with the bread of woe, and have given them tears to drink in their sorrow.

YOU have made us the scorn of our neighbors and the laughingstock of our oppressors,..."

- Psalm 80:2-7

(Samaria was overrun in the year 721 B.C. and colonized with a mixed population of idolatrous immigrants: so many weeds in the garden of GOD.  What has HE done in HIS vineyard?  Understandably enough, there is no mention of the wild grapes this chosen vine had produced  

[Isaiah 5:1-7].  The psalmist dares to ask 'why'?  The prophet Amos could provide the answer: thirty years before this time, he had scourged the luxury and oppression of the ruling classes [Amos 6:4-7].  But we have to sympathize with the psalmist.  He has learnt the lesson that to brood over sins committed is a worthless exercise.)

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The Twelve Apostles

"Then JESUS went up into the hill country, and called those HE wanted, and they came to HIM.  HE appointed Twelve to be with HIM, and HE called them 'apostles.'  HE wanted to send them out to preach; and HE gave them authority to drive out demons

These are the twelve: Simon, to whom HE gave the name Peter; James son of Zebedee, and John his brother, to whom HE gave the name Boanerges, which means 'men of thunder'; Andrew, Philip, Bartolomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed HIM." - Mark 3:13-19 

(It was in the mountain that Moses and Elijah met GOD: it was there that GOD gave them their mission [Exodus 19; 1 Kings 19].  It is on the mountain that JESUS calls those who will be in a special way associated with HIS own mission: they will be with HIM , they will proclaim the word and drive out demons.

Mark tells us here what the Church is: a community assembled by JESUS close to HIM, where people hear the word of GOD and are freed from the slavery of the demon.

On the other hand are the countless afflicted who seek relief, and on the other the group of the Twelve whom JESUS asks to be HIS co-builders in the kingdom of GOD.)

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YOU Are The Son Of GOD

"JESUS and HIS disciples withdrew to the lakeside, and a large crowd from Galilee followed HIM.  A great number of people also came from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, Transjordan, and from the region of Tyre and Sidon, fro they had heard of all that HE was doing.

Because of the crowd, JESUS told HIS disciples to have a boat ready for HIM, to prevent the people from crushing HIM.  HE healed so many, that all who had diseases kept pressing toward HIM to touch HIM.  Even the people who had evil spirits, whenever they saw HIM, they would fall down before HIM and cry out, 'YOU are the Son of GOD.'  But HE warned them sternly not to tell anyone who HE was." - Mark 3:7-12 

(In this way, Isaiah's prophecy was fulfilled:

Here is MY servant, whom I have chosen; the one I love, and with whom I AM pleased.  I will put MY spirit upon HIM; and HE will announce MY judgment to the nations.

HE will not argue or shout, nor will HIS voice be heard in the streets.  The bruised reed HE will not crush, nor snuff out the smoldering wick until HE brings justice to victory, and in HIM, all the nations will put their hope.)  

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What Does The Law Allow Us To Do On The Sabbath?

"Again, JESUS entered the synagogue.  A man, who had a paralyzed hand, was there; and some people watched JESUS: would HE heal the man on the Sabbath?  If HE did, they could accuse HIM.

JESUS said to the man with the paralyzed hand, 'Stand here, in the center.'  Then HE asked them, 'What does the law allow us to do on the Sabbath?  To do good or to do harm?  To save life or to kill?'  But they were silent.

Then JESUS looked around at them with anger and deep sadness at their hardness of heart.  And HE said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.'  He stretched it out, and his hand was healed.  As soon as the Pharisees left, they met with Herod's supporters, looking for a way to destroy JESUS." - Mark 3:1-6 

(Here, what Mark wants to emphasize is not the miracle JESUS performs, but HIS attitude vis-à-vis the Sabbath.  This miracle confirms what HE has just said in 2:28.

The Pharisees considered it lawful to work on the Sabbath if it was a question of saving someone in danger of death.  JESUS is about to enlarge this ruling: for HIM, not to do good is to do evil, not to cure is to kill.

Some ask if JESUS was interested in the material advancement [well-being] of people or only in their spiritual progress.  Actually, it is impossible to separate one from the other.

JESUS, apparently, did not speak of the economy nor the social order, but HE did denounce our prejudices that prevent us from giving the world a true and just order.

People, then, have the capacity and the means to better their condition, but they use them poorly because they remain prisoners of principles and institutions that are considered sacred, and in order to preserve them they allow half the world to die.)

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The Sabbath Was Made For Man, Not Man For The Sabbath

"One Sabbath HE was walking through grain fields.  As HIS disciples walked along with HIM, they began to pick the heads of grain and crush them in their hands.  'Look!  They are doing what is forbidden on the Sabbath!'

And HE said to them, 'Have you never read what David did in his time of need; when he and his men were very hungry?  He went into the House of GOD, when Abiathar was High Priest, and ate; the bread of offering, which only the priests are allowed to eat, and he also gave some to the men who were with him.'  Then JESUS said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.  So the Son of Man is master even of the Sabbath.'" - Mark 2:23-28 

(It was normal that passersby, when hungry, would pick fruit or wheat.  The Pharisees were scandalized because JESUS' disciples did this on the Sabbath, a day when all work was prohibited.

The Sabbath was made for man.  No law, no matter how holy it is, should be applied in a way that would oppress a person.

The Son of Man is master even of the Sabbath.  For the Jews, the observance of the Sabbath was the pillar of the Law established by GOD.  Who did JESUS think HE was?)

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New Wine, New Skin!

"One day, when the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist were fasting, some people asked JESUS, 'Why is it , that both the Pharisees and the disciples of John fast, but YOURS do not?'  JESUS answered, 'How can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?  As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.  But the day will come, when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.

No one sews a piece of new cloth on an old coat, because the new patch will shrink and tear away from the old cloth, making a worse tear.  And no one puts new wine into old wine skins, for the wine would burst the skins, and then both the wine and the skins would be lost.  But new wine, new skins!'" - Mark 2:18-22 

(Many religious leaders sympathized with JESUS.  How they would have liked that HE rekindle the faith of the nation!  JESUS HIMSELF did not feel that HIS primary task was to reorganize worship and bring people to the synagogues.

The Pharisees were fasting.  Fasting, a sign of repentance, supported their prayers that GOD come and liberate HIS people.  GOD comes in the person of JESUS: joy and celebration are more appropriate than fasting.  The prophets had announced the wedding feast of GOD with HIS people when HE would come to visit us [Isaiah 62:4-5].  Because of this, in presenting HIMSELF as the bridegroom, JESUS identifies who HE really is.

What is the new wine?  It is of course the Gospel, and the enthusiasm because of the Holy Spirit that leads the disciples to every kind of madness to manifest the love of the FATHER and the freedom that they have acquired.  In order to understand this, let us read the Acts of the Apostles and the lives of the saints, who have marked Church history.

Old skins: The Gospel does not fit into the molds of religion and likewise does not enter into those persons who hold onto them at all costs.  Mark wants us to catch the Gospel's novelty.  We have just seen JESUS welcoming sinners, now we wonder that HE doesn't come like religious groups with prayers and fasting.)

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Food Is For The Stomach... The Body Is For The LORD!

"Food is for the stomach, as the stomach is for food, and GOD will destroy them both.  Yet the body is not for fornication, but for the LORD; and the LORD is for the body.  And GOD, who raised the LORD, will also raise us with HIS power.

Do you not know that your bodies are members of CHRIST?  And you would make that part of HIS body become a part of a prostitute?  Never!  But you will know that when you join yourselves to a prostitute, you become one with her.  For Scripture says: The two will become one flesh.  On the contrary, anyone united to the LORD becomes one spirit with HIM.

Avoid unlawful sex entirely.  Any other sin a person commits is outside the body; but those who commit sexual immorality sin against their own body.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, given by GOD?  You belong no longer to yourselves.  Remember at what price you have been bought, and make your body serve the glory of GOD." - 1 Corinthians 6:13-20 

(Paul contrasts what is purely biological in our body with what makes up our whole person.  To eat and drink are requirements of the stomach [modern language: body].  In sexual union the body is given [modern language: person].  This is why the believer who belongs to CHRIST cannot give himself to a prostitute.)

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CHRIST Has Not Retired To Enjoy HIS Triumph

"The king rejoices in YOUR strength, O YAHWEH, and exults in YOUR saving help.

YOU have granted him his desire; YOU have not rejected his request.

YOU have come to him with rich blessings; YOU have placed a golden crown upon his head.

When he asked, YOU gave him life--length of days forever and ever.

He glorifies in the victory YOU gave him; YOU shall bestow on him splendor and majesty.

YOU have given him eternal blessings, and gladdened him with the joy of YOUR presence.

- Psalm 21:2-7

(The victory is won and we think of the ascended CHRIST, in HIS immortal and glorified body.  But the was is not over yet: the spoils have to be safely guarded in.  CHRIST has not retired to enjoy HIS triumph.  HE sits at the right hand of GOD, but GOD is everywhere.  So CHRIST is still Emmanuel, GOD-with-us.  HE is much more with us because the restrictions of space and time, have been taken from HIS body.  This indeed is what the Ascension means: not a going but a more powerful coming, not a withdrawal but an active presence.  So we have no reason to fear!  GOD is in charge and need we look for more?  For all this, our psalm is a great thanksgiving song.

The Messiah is crowned with "glory and dignity" [Hebrews 2:9] and HE has been glorified [John 13.31].  With this psalm. we thank GOD for the blessings received and we enkindle our trust in HIM.)

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If A Human Being Is Injured, GOD Is Injured!

"Blessed is the people who know YOUR praise.  They walk in the light of YOUR face.  They celebrate all day,YOUR name and YOUR protection lifts them up.

YOU give us glory and power; and YOUR favor gives us victory.  Our king is in the hands of YAHWEH; the GOD of Israel is our shield."

- Psalm 89:16-19

(Here is a good psalm to pray in times of national or international conflict.  If a human being is injured, GOD is injured.  The love of GOD is faithful.  Despite everything, the love of GOD cannot turn back.)

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The Marginalized

"A leper came to JESUS and begged HIM, 'If YOU want to, YOU can make me clean.'  Moved with pity, JESUS stretched out HIS hand and touched him, saying, 'I do want to; be clean.'  The leprosy left the man at once and he was made clean.  As JESUS sent the man away, HE sternly warned him, 'Don't tell anyone about this, but go and show yourself to the priest; and for the cleansing, bring the offering ordered by Moses; in this way, you will give to them your testimony.'

However, as soon as the man went out, he began spreading the news everywhere, so that JESUS could no longer openly enter any town.  But even though HE stayed in the rural areas, people came to HIM from everywhere." - Mark 1:40-45 

(JESUS leaves Capernaum to announce the Good News to the most isolated and ignored families in the whole country.  There HE finds the lepers.  At that time leprosy was considered as a contagious disease.  Because of this, lepers had to live on the outskirts of the towns, far from the rest of the population.  There was also a belief that leprosy was an affliction from GOD, and the Jewish religion declared lepers unclean.

By JESUS act, the flesh of the leper becomes clean.  As a result of this, from that time on, he would be like others and people would no longer avoid him.  Both people and the law of GOD would acknowledge his dignity.

The Good News does not remain mere words but it effects a change.  From then on, they would no longer be marginalized people.

Don't tell anyone.  Very often, particularly in the Gospel of Mark, JESUS gives this order to those who have just been cured of an evil.  We must note, however, that JESUS does not give this order when HE is outside Israel territory; and that the order is not given after the transfiguration.

JESUS imposed this silence during the first part of HIS public life because most of the people expected a warlike and vengeful Messiah.  JESUS did not want any ambiguity about HIS mission.  Only when JESUS had sufficiently distanced HIMSELF from this popular image of the Messiah, would HE begin to reveal, first to HIS disciples, the mystery of HIS person.

For this same reason Mark, who differs from Matthew, rarely uses the expression "Son of GOD."  Mark reserves it for the privileged moments of JESUS' revelation to people: HIS baptism and transfiguration, and at the conclusion of the passion on the lips of the centurion.)

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JESUS Heals Many

"On leaving the synagogue, JESUS went to the home of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.  As Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever, they immediately told HIM about her.  JESUS went to her and, taking her by hand, raised her up.  The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

That evening, at sundown, people brought to JESUS all the sick and those who had evil spirits: the whole town was pressing around the door.  JESUS healed many who had various diseases, and drop out many demons; but HE did not let them speak, for they knew who HE was.

Very early in the morning, before daylight, JESUS went off to a lonely place where HE prayed.  Simon and the others went out also, searching for HIM; and when they found HIM, they said, 'Everyone is looking for YOU.'  Then JESUS answered, 'Let us go to the nearby villages so that I may preach there too; for that is why I came.'

So JESUS set out to preach in all the synagogues throughout Galilee; HE also cast out demons." - Mark 1:29-39 

(Peter's simple faith is manifested.  JESUS enters the house, bringing with HIM peace and health.  JESUS shows us how to visit the sick.  What a natural thing to do when Mass ends--to go see the sick.  The care and love of our Christian sisters and brothers attracts GOD's favors upon them.

That evening at sundown.  Let us not forget that it is the Sabbath, the weekly day of rest.  For the Jews days are counted from the time of sunset and night precedes day as shown in Genesis 1:5.  Everyone observes the Sabbath, just as JESUS does and there is such haste to bring the sick to HIM that they begin to do so in the evening as soon as the Sabbath is over.

The apostles knew GOD since childhood through the Scripture's teachings; perhaps they had not discovered GOD within their own lives but prayed to GOD as to a distant stranger.  When they joined JESUS, they immediately understood that there was something extraordinary about HIM.  They were especially taken with HIS apparent intimacy with GOD.  The most extraordinary thing they noted in HIS manner  and actions was HIS intimate and faithful union with HIS FATHER.

Living with JESUS, they begin to desire to know the FATHER more fully, something like JESUS knows HIM [Luke 11:1; John 14:8; 15:15].)

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Hannah's Prayer

"And this is the song of Hannah:

'My heart exults in YAHWEH,

I feel strong in my GOD.

I rejoice and laugh at my enemies

for you came with power to save me.

The bow of the mighty is broken,

but the weak are girded with strength.

The well-fed must labor for bread,

but the hungry need work no more.

The childless wife has borne seven children,

but the proud mother is left alone.

YAHWEH is LORD of life and death.

HE brings down to the grave and raises up.

YAHWEH makes poor and makes rich,

HE brings low and HE exalts.

HE lifts up the lowly from the dust,

and raises the poor from the ash heap;

they will be called to the company of princes,

and inherit a seat of honor.

The earth to its pillars belongs to  YAHWEH

and on them HE has set the world.'"

- 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8

Hannah, The Mother Who Prayed

(In her thanksgiving song, Hannah makes herself the spokesperson of all the despised people of the world.

YAHWEH is the GOD who saves the abandoned.  HE rejects those who put their trust in their arm and in their bow, in the food assured for their household, i.e., in themselves and their possessions.  HE manifests HIS glory in shifting the differences existing between people [as in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Luke 16:25]. 

YAHWEH brings down to the grave and raises up.  The song of Hannah has a prophetic vision.  Like Hannah, we ought to be proud of our GOD, even more than in the material progress of our society which blesses the rich and the powerful.

This text condemns those who seek to advance in society and promote their own welfare with the sole purpose of ensuring their family's future.  One who sides with the weak will be saved.  Whereas others feel ashamed of their poor background, as laborers or farmers or of the undeveloped condition of their country, the believer knows that the poor and the hungry contribute to the salvation of the world.  Where everything is wanting, it is easier to discover the value of human persons, and to understand that no world is worthy of humankind except one where food and dignity are given to all.)

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HE Sent HIS People

"Peter then spoke to them, 'Truly, I realize that GOD does not show partiality, but in all nations HE listens to everyone who fears GOD and does good.  And this is the message HE has sent to the children of Israel, the good news of peace HE has proclaimed through JESUS CHRIST, who is the LORD of all.  No doubt you have heard of the event that occurred throughout the whole country of the Jews, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism John preached.  You know how GOD anointed JESUS, the Nazorean with the Holy Spirit, and power.  HE went about doing good, and healing all who were under the devil's power, because GOD was with HIM;..." - Acts 10:34-38  

(HE sent HIS people.  Peter presents JESUS.  JESUS' life was that of an authentic prophet, who comes to continue the work of previous prophets, spokespersons of GOD's word.  But, in JESUS, GOD was offering the good news of peace, that is, GOD was reconciling humankind with HIMSELF, once and for all.)

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Prisoner Of CHRIST

"You may have heard of the graces GOD bestowed on me, for your sake.  By a revelation, HE gave me the knowledge of HIS mysterious design, as I have explained in a few words.  On reading them, you will have some idea of how I understand the mystery of CHRIST.

This mystery was not made known to past generations, but only now, through revelations, given to holy apostles and prophets, by the Spirit.  Now, the non-Jews share the inheritance; in CHRIST JESUS, the non-Jews are incorporated, and are to enjoy the promise.

This is the Good News,..." - Ephesians 3:2-6 

(Prisoner of CHRIST.  Paul writes this letter from his prison in Rome, but he does not say: prisoner "for the cause" of CHRIST.  He is prisoner of CHRIST, for he cannot escape from CHRIST's continual hold on him, nor from the apostolate that GOD has destined for him [1 Corinthians 9:16].

Paul emphasizes what he has meditated on in jail, what seems most new in the work of CHRIST: this is the "mystery," of GOD's plan calling all people to become a single body, without any racial distinction.  JESUS proclaimed this equality [Matthew 20], but the early Christians needed several divine interventions before they were convinced [Acts 10].

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Who Has Overcome The World?

"Who has overcome the world?  The one who believes that JESUS is the Son of GOD.

JESUS CHRIST was acknowledged through water, but also through blood.

Not only water, but water and blood.

And the Spirit, too, witnesses to HIM, for the Spirit is truth.

There are, then, three testimonies: the Spirit, the water and the blood, and these three witnesses agree.

If we accept human testimony, with greater reason must we accept that of GOD, given in favor of HIS Son.  If you believe in the Son of GOD, you have GOD's testimony in you.

But those who do not believe, make GOD a liar, since they do not believe HIS words when HE witnesses to HIS Son.

What has GOD said?  That HE has granted us eternal life, and this life is in HIS Son.  The one who has the Son has life, those who do not have the Son of GOD do not have life.

I write you, then, all these things, that you may know, that you have eternal life, all you, who believe in the name of the Son of GOD." - 1 John 5:5-13 

(The text points out three complementary aspects of the Christian experience, which are first seen in JESUS HIMSELF.  John characterizes them with three words:

- water: water is the symbol of cleanliness and of new life.

- blood: the blood of the sacrifice, the painful atonement for sin, the blood of martyrs.

- Spirit: the uncontainable power that animates CHRIST's witnesses; the amazing creativity of the people and institutions that are rooted in faith.

These three witness to JESUS CHRIST and they also characterize Christian salvation.  We can easily see that they correspond to the three sacraments of baptism, Eucharist and confirmation.

In the conclusion, John repeats what he said throughout the letter: you who believe, appreciate what you have.  Do not underestimate the step you took in accepting CHRIST.  Explore and look for the riches which are meant for you and which are found in "HIM who loves us" [Revelation 1:5].)

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The One Who Hates His Brother Is A Murderer

"For this is the message taught to you, from the beginning: we must love one another.  Do not imitate Cain, who killed his brother, for he belonged to the Evil One.  Why did he kill him?  Because he, himself, did evil, and his brother did good.

So, be not surprised, brothers, if the world hates us; we love our brothers and sisters, and with this, we know, that we have passed from death to life.  The one who does not love, remains in death.

The one who hates his brother is a murderer, and, as you know, eternal life does not remain in the murderer.

This is how we have known what love is: HE gave HIS life for us.  We, too, ought to give our life for our brothers and sisters.

If anyone enjoys the riches of this world, but closes his heart when he sees his brother or sister in need, how will the love of GOD remain in him?  My dear children, let us love, not only with words and with our lips, but in truth and in deed.

Then, we shall know that we are of the truth, and we may calm our conscience in HIS presence.  Every time it reproaches us, let us say: GOD is greater than our conscience, and HE knows everything. 

When our conscience does not condemn us, dear friends, we may have complete confidence in GOD. - 1 John 3:11-21 

(The one who hates his brother is a murderer.  All murders and massacres spring from hatred and grudges.  When war suddenly devastates a country, it is due to the fact that many people were resentful toward others, and others, in even greater numbers, refused to make sacrifices to settle their difficulties and tensions.

The practice of love never weakens us as can happen with other forms of sacrifice done without love.  Rather, it transforms us into GOD's likeness and we are no longer fearful or distrustful of HIM.

Every time it [conscience] reproaches us.  Doubtless John wishes to say that GOD knows and judges us better than we can ourselves.  HE does it with a love that is lacking in us.  We should beware of the guilt feelings for faults which we have regretted and doubtless repaired: this form of anguish encloses us within ourselves instead of turning to GOD who knows what to do with ruined lives and make them new again.)

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What Is The Way To Recognize The Children Of GOD, And Those Of The Devil?

"My little children, do not be led astray; those who do what is right are upright, just as JESUS CHRIST is upright.  But those who sin belong to the devil, for the devil sins from the beginning.

This is why the Son of GOD was shown to us, HE was to undo the works of the devil.

Those born of GOD do not sin, for the seed of GOD remains in them; they cannot sin, because they are born of GOD.

What is the way to recognize the children of GOD, and those of the devil?  The one, who does not do what is right, is not of GOD; so, too, the one who does not love his brother or sister." - 1 John 3:7-10 

(Keeping the commandment of love is what distinguishes GOD's children.

Most people are accustomed to thinking that the world is divided into two opposed factions.  Some see good people on the one hand, and bad people on the other.  Others see only liberals and conservatives.  Others see black and white.  John tells us what is the dividing line between people: those who love and those who do not love.  Because believers are in the camp of those who love, they will be persecuted.  Their companions and compatriots will not forgive believers for not sharing their own hatred and sectarianism.)

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We Shall Be Like HIM!

"You know, that HE is the Just One: know, then, that anyone living justly is born of GOD.

See what singular love the FATHER has for us: we are called children of GOD, and we really are.  This is why the world does not know us, because it did not know HIM.

Beloved, we are GOD's children, and what we shall be has not, yet, been shown.  Yet, when HE appears in HIS glory, we know, that we shall be like HIM, for, then, we shall see HIM as HE is.  All who have such a hope, try to be pure, as HE is pure.

Anyone who commits a sin, acts as an enemy of the law of GOD; any sin acts wickedly, because all sin is wickedness.  You know, that HE came to take away our sins, and that there is no sin in HIM.  Whoever remains in HIM, has no sin, whoever sins, has not seen, or known HIM." - 1 John 2:29-3:6

 

(Here begins the second part of the letter: we are GOD's children and we must live as such.  How do we prove that we are GOD's children?  According to the same criteria that we have already seen: breaking away from sin, keeping the commandment of love, proclaiming our faith.  There are many ways of saying we are GOD's children.  One person might simply think: "GOD loves people" means that human beings have great dignity.  Here John calls our attention to two points:

- you are sons and daughters, but in order to become like GOD, do not seek anything else but to be perfect as GOD is perfect;

- you are children who will return to the FATHER.  Do you really think about the unique and transcendent end for which GOD has chosen you?  Being aware of this, let us understand that GOD purifies us in a thousand ways, because only in this way can we attain our goal.

We shall be like HIM: sharing all that GOD is and somehow becoming GOD with GOD [see 1 Corinthians 13:13].  Those who now bear their lives of suffering with CHRIST will be transfigured like HIM [Mark 9:2-3; Colossians 3:4].  Then the universe will reach its goal, having the children of GOD as its center [Romans 8:19] or better, the New Creature.)

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John The Baptist Presents JESUS, The LAMB Of GOD

"This was the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites to ask him, 'Who are you?'  John recognized the truth, and did not deny it.  He said, 'I am not the Messiah.'

And they asked him, 'Then who are you?  Elijah?'  He answered, 'I am not.'  They said, 'Are you the Prophet?'  And he answered, 'No.'  Then they said to him, 'Tell us who you are, so that we can give some answer to those who sent us.  How do you see yourself?'  And John said, quoting the prophet Isaiah,  'I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the LORD!'

Those who had been sent were Pharisees; and they put a further question to John, 'Then why are you baptizing, if you are not the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?'  John answered, 'I baptize you with water, but among you stands one whom you do not know; although HE comes after me, I am not worthy to untie the strap of HIS sandal.'

This happened in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing." - John 1:19-28 

The Lamb Of GOD

(The authorities wondered: "Who is this who on his own initiative has begun to preach?"  At that time, various Jewish groups "baptized," or bathed, as a means of purification and to hasten the coming of the Messiah.

Regarding John the Baptist's preaching and baptism, see Luke 3:10.

The Messiah is the name the Jews gave to the expected Savior.  They also expected the Prophet, but it was not clear whether or not the Prophet would be someone other than the Messiah.  It was believed that the prophet Elijah would reappear before the Messiah's arrival [Mark 9:11].)

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The Blessing

"Then YAHWEH spoke to Moses saying, 'Speak to Aaron and his sons and say to them: This is how you shall bless the people of Israel; you shall say:

May YAHWEH bless you and keep you!

May YAHWEH let HIS face shine on you, and be gracious to you!

May YAHWEH look kindly on you, and give you HIS peace!

In that way shall they put MY name on the people of Israel and I will bless them.'" - Numbers 6:22-27

 

(Blessing of Moses which St. Francis of Assisi always used.)

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