The Parable Of The Weeds

"JESUS told the people another parable, 'The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a man, who sowed good seed in his field.  While everyone was asleep, his enemy came, and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.'

When the plants sprouted and produced grain, the weeds also appeared.  Then, the servants of the owner came, and said to him, 'Sir, was it not good seed that you sowed in your field?  Where did the weeds come from?'

He answered them, 'This is the work of an enemy.'  They asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?'  He told them, 'No, when you pull up the weeds, you might uproot the wheat with them.  Let them grow together, until harvest; and, at harvest time, I will say to the workers: Pull up the weeds first, tie them in bundles and burn them; then gather the wheat into my barn.'" - Matthew 13:24-30 

(With the parable of the weeds, JESUS answers those who are scandalized at seeing evil everywhere.  Good and bad will be mixed till the end of the world.  Good and evil will always be found together in persons and institutions.

GOD respects people.  HE knows that temptation is often stronger than their good intentions and they need time to find and to choose steadily what is good.

GOD is patient.  The reconciliation of so many contradictory groups, forces and cultural currents active in the world will be attained only at the end of time.  In the meantime we are not to label any of them as "the" good ones and "the" bad ones.) 

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The Throne Of YAHWEH

"Come back, faithless people--it is YAHWEH who speaks--for I AM your master.  I will select one from a city and two from a family and bring you to Zion.  Then I will give you shepherds after MY own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and prudence.  And when you have increased and multiplied in the land in those days--it is YAHWEH who speaks--people will no longer speak of the Ark of the Covenant of YAHWEH; it will not be remembered or missed, nor shall it be made again!

Then they will call Jerusalem 'The Throne of YAHWEH' and all the nations will gather there to honor the name of YAHWEH; and no longer will they follow the stubbornness of their wicked hearts." - Jeremiah 3:14-17 

The New Jerusalem, GOD's Eternal City

(These words were probably proclaimed by Jeremiah after the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 587 B.C. and they contain promises of restoration.  They were inserted here in the book to tone down the pessimistic impression caused by so many condemnations.  In fact, these threats of punishment had to be completely carried out before GOD would offer new hope.)

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In Praise Of Ancestors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Unless The Seed Falls Into The Ground And Dies, It Remains Alone

"When YAHWEH brought the exiles back to Zion,

we were like those moving in a dream.

Then, our mouths were filled with laughter,

and our tongues with songs of joy.

Among the nations it was said,

'YAHWEH has done great things for them.'

YAHWEH had done great things for us,

and we were glad indeed.

Bring back our exiles, O YAHWEH,

like fresh streams in the desert.

Those who sow in tears

will reap with songs and shouts of joy.

They went forth weeping,

bearing the seeds for sowing,

they will come home with joyful shouts,

bringing their harvested sheaves."

- Psalm 126:1-6

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

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Who Is A GOD Like YOU?

"Shepherd your people with your staff, shepherd the flock of your inheritance that dwells alone in the scrub, in the midst of a fertile land.  Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as in the days of old, in the days when you went out of Egypt.

Show us YOUR wonders.  On seeing this, the nations will be put to shame, in the midst of all, their might.  People will lay their hands upon their mouths and they will not believe the news.

They shall lick the dust like snakes, like creatures that crawl upon the ground.  They will come, trembling out of their strongholds; they will be in fear of YOU.

Who is a GOD like YOU, who takes away guilt and pardons crime for the remnant of HIS inheritance?

Who is like YOU whose anger does not last?  For YOU delight in merciful forgiveness.

Once again YOU will show us your loving kindness and trample on our wrongs, casting all our sins into the depths of the sea.

Show faithfulness to Jacob, mercy to Abraham, as YOU have sworn to our ancestors from the days of old." - Micah 7:14-20 

(The psalm of hope which concludes the book was inserted here later, in the time of Exile.  The end is similar to Habakkuk 3:17: the just one knows that while evil reigns, he must continue hoping for GOD's justice.)

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To Do Justice, To Love Mercy, And To Walk Humbly With Your GOD

"Listen to what YAHWEH said to me, 'Stand up, let the mountains hear your claim, and the hills listen to your plea.'

Hear, O mountains, YAHWEH's complaint!  Foundations of the earth, pay attention!  For YAHWEH has a case against HIS people, and will argue it with Israel.

'O MY people, what have I done to you?  In what way have I been a burden to you?  Answer ME.

I brought you out of Egypt; I rescued you from the land of bondage; I sent Moses, Aaron and Miriam to lead you.

O MY people, remember what Balak, king of Moab, plotted, and what Balaam, son of Beor, answered him.  Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, how you have come to know YAHWEH's righteous paths.'

'What shall I bring when I come to YAHWEH and bow down before GOD the most high?  Shall I come with burnt offerings, with sacrifices of yearling calves?  Will YAHWEH be pleased with thousands of rams, with an overabundance of oil libations?  Should I offer my firstborn for my sins, the fruit of my body for my wrongdoing?'

'You have been told, O man, what is good and what YAHWEH requires of you: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your GOD.'" - Micah 6:1-8 

(O MY people what have I done to you?  In what way have I been a burden to you?  YAHWEH argues with HIS people.  We see GOD's love confronting HIS people's indifference.

Micah is addressing a people without understanding.  When they are in trouble or feel an inclination for religion, they think of expensive things:  sacrifices, offerings and even the sacrifice of their children, according to the Canaanite religions.

To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your GOD.  The answer is short and clear:

- do justice is Amos' message;

- to love mercy: see Hosea 2:21;

- to walk humbly with GOD: see Isaiah.)

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I Will Gather The Remnant Of MY Sheep

"'Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the sheep of MY pasture!'

This is the message of YAHWEH, GOD of Israel, to the shepherds in charge of MY people, 'You have scattered MY sheep and driven them away instead of caring for them.  Now I will deal with you because of your evil deeds.

I will gather the remnant of MY sheep from every land to which I have driven them and I will bring them back to the grasslands.  They will be fruitful and increase in number.  I will appoint shepherds who will take care of them.  No longer will they fear or be terrified.  No one will be lost.'

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!' - Jeremiah 23:1-6 

(Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter!  This new attack against evil leaders is the prelude to words of hope.

I will gather the remnant of MY sheep.  The destruction of the "physical" Israel prepares for the coming of the "spiritual" Israel.  People were used to seeing their leaders abuse power, and their rulers become richer.  But GOD is preparing for HIS people a shepherd who will look after the sheep.

They will call HIM YAHWEH-is-my-justice.

I will appoint shepherds who will take care of them.  As well as the just king, Jeremiah sees other shepherds: besides the only Shepherd, CHRIST, there is no room for others determined to be responsible for their brothers and sisters.

No longer will they fear.  GOD promises lasting peace.  The new people of GOD will be more than a mere continuation of the old kingdom of Israel, and the new king will be more than the earthly kings [see how JESUS develops this point in John 10].

Humankind hopes for unity in peace, and the Church now must offer the witness of different people gathered in CHRIST.  The reality, however, will be achieved only in the heavenly Jerusalem [Revelation 21:22].

Jeremiah expresses the same hope elsewhere, especially in 33:15-18.  In Ezekiel 34 we find the same image of the Good Shepherd preparing for what JESUS will say in John 10, Luke 15:4 and Matthew 9:36.)    

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Woe To Those Who Plot Wickedness And Plan Evil Even On Their Beds!

"Woe to those who plot wickedness and plan evil even on their beds!  When morning comes they do it, as soon as it is within their reach.

If they covet fields, they seize them.  Do they like houses?  They take them.  They seize the owner and his household; both, the man and his property.

This is why YAHWEH speaks, 'I AM plotting evil against this whole brood, from which your necks cannot escape.  No more shall you walk with head held high, for it will be an evil time.'

On that day, they will sing a taunting song against you; and a bitter lamentation will be heard, 'We have been stripped of our property in our homeland.  Who will free us from the wicked who allots our fields.'  Truly, no one will be found in the assembly of YAHWEH to keep a field for you." - Micah 2:1-5 

(HE denounces the exploiters, those who always have legal means to despoil little people.  We must not forget that the Scriptures had a code of laws--far ahead of any other nation--to defend the rights and the lives of the poor, the widows, etc.  See Deuteronomy 23:16.

Everyone, naturally, is furious with the prophet who disturbs the established injustice.)

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Illness And Cure Of Hezekiah

"In those days Hezekiah fell mortally ill and the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, went to him with a message from YAHWEH, 'Put your house in order for you shall die; you shall not live.'

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to YAHWEH, 'Ah YAHWEH!  Remember how I have walked before YOU in truth and wholeheartedly, and done what is good in YOUR sight.'  And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Then the word of YAHWEH came to Isaiah, 'Go and tell Hezekiah what YAHWEH, the GOD of his father David, says: I have heard your prayer and I have seen your tears.  See!  I AM adding fifteen years to your life and I will save you and this city from the power of the king of Assyria.  I will defend it for MY sake and for the sake of David MY servant.

Isaiah then said, 'Bring a fig cake to rub on the ulcer and let Hezekiah be cured.'

Hezekiah asked, 'What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of YAHWEH?'  Isaiah answered, 'This shall be for you a sign from YAHWEH, that HE will do what HE has promised.  See!  I shall make the shadow descending on the stairway of Ahaz go back ten steps.'  So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had covered on the stairway." - Isaiah 38:1-22 

(This incident must have taken place before the 701 siege.  Here we see king Hezekiah sick and worried about his health.

Isaiah offers to cure him on GOD's behalf and adds the promise to protect and defend the Holy City.  YAHWEH's perspective is much broader than that of the pious Hezekiah.  If GOD cures him it is with a view to HIS own plan of salvation for all.)

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Come To ME!

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

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

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

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

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Everything Has Been Entrusted To ME By MY FATHER

"Everything has been entrusted to ME by MY FATHER.  No one knows the Son except the FATHER; and no one knows the FATHER except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal HIM." - Matthew 11:27 

(GOD does what is needed for people to have always and in all places thousands of ways of knowing HIM.  In this life it is only through JESUS that we have the revelation of the FATHER.

Must we translate "learn from ME for I AM..." or "learn from ME that I AM..."?  The humility of JESUS reveals to us the humility of GOD who never seeks to put us down or intimidate us, but instead always wants to raise us to HIM.  Such humility does not prevent HIM from being GOD, and HE may exact everything from us because HE does not use external force: HIS influence reaches to the depths of the heart.  See Luke 10:21.)

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The Invincible City Of GOD

"Great is YAHWEH,

most worthy of praise in the City of GOD,

HIS holy mountain.

Beautifully elevated, it is the joy of all the earth

--Mount Zion, heavenly mountain,

the City of the great King.

Here, within her lines of defense,

GOD has shown HIMSELF to be a sure fortress.

The kings assembled together,

advanced toward the city,

But as soon as they saw it, they were astounded;

they panicked and took to flight.

Seized with fear, they trembled,

like a woman in travail,

or like the ships of Tarshish,

shattered by a strong wind from the east."

- Psalm 48:2-8

(The pagans may speak of the mountains of the terrifying and inaccessible gods, but the small hill of Zion is dignified by the presence of the one GOD.  It is a homely place.  For all its insignificance, it can look down on every high place on earth [Psalm 68:17].  There is a strong sense of national pride in this psalm.  The assertions of innocence is softened by the free acknowledgment that all comes from GOD.  It is accompanied, too, by a full acceptance of moral responsibility.  The Temple is a place to ponder GOD's love for HIS people, but it is here also, that HIS commands must be joyfully received.

What are the places of the presence of GOD?  The outskirts of the city?  Refugee camps?  Sick or maimed bodies?  We need to tell the text generation where our GOD is.  GOD is our Guide.  So, no matter how complex our lives become, we have no need to fear.  For, GOD will guide us through to our destination.)

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I Have Not Come To Bring Peace, But A Sword

"Do not think that I have come to establish peace on earth.  I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.  For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.  Each one will have as enemies, those of one's own family.

Whoever loves father or mother more than ME, is not worthy of ME.  And whoever loves son or daughter more than ME, is not worthy of ME.  And whoever does not take up his cross and follow ME, is not worthy of ME.  Whoever finds his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life, for MY sake, will find it.

Whoever welcomes you, welcomes ME; and whoever welcomes ME, welcomes HIM who sent ME.  The one who welcomes a prophet, as a prophet, will receive the reward of a prophet; the one who welcomes a just man, because he is a just man, will receive the reward of a just man.  And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones, because HE is MY disciple, I assure you, he will not go unrewarded.

When JESUS had finished giving HIS twelve disciples these instructions, HE went on from there, to teach and to proclaim HIS message in their towns, - Matthew 10:34-11:1 

(Do not think that I have come to establish peace.  The peace of the believer comes from the certainty of being loved by GOD: the angels of Bethlehem said so: Luke 2:14.

JESUS gives no peace to the world, because the rest of the world is made up of confusion, half-truths, people who live midway between greed and fear of risking.  The peace of the world, whether in a family or in society, veils unjust conditions imposed by the strongest, or a shared mediocrity.  The Gospel awakens everywhere a critical spirit; so that the presence of only one Christian living by the truth is enough to worry many persons: John 3:20.

The Gospel moves us to make decisions with greater freedom, disregarding the criticism of those close to us whenever we are convinced that they cannot understand the Gospel values which motivate us.

Moreover, the devil stirs up persecutions against those who convert to scare them and make them turn away.

He is not worthy...JESUS addresses this to others besides missionaries or persons with an exceptional mission.  Each one must break away from forms of dependency within the family, which do not nurture the human and spiritual growth of the members.  One who loves CHRIST finds a thousand one opportunities to free himself from activities, entertainments and worries about his own family, which keep both him and the family at a mediocre level.)

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The Mission

"JESUS then went around the villages, teaching.  HE called the Twelve to HIM, and began to send out two by two, giving them authority over evil spirits.  And HE ordered them to take nothing for the journey, except a staff: no food, no bag, no money in their belts.  They were to wear sandals and were not to take an extra tunic.

And HE added, 'In whatever house you are welcomed, stay there until you leave the place.  If any place doesn't receive you, and the people refuse to listen to you, leave after shaking the dust off your feet.  It will be a testimony against them.'

So they set out to proclaim that this was the time to repent.  They drove out many demons and healed many sick people by anointing them." - Mark 6:7-13 

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

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

Oil was used at the time as a remedy, but JESUS gives it a new meaning: the healings bring more than just well being, they are also the sign of spiritual healing, the reconciliation of people with GOD.

JESUS concern to form communities of believers is already present.  HE sends HIS disciples out two by two so that the message will not be from one person only, but the expression of a group united in one mission.  JESUS tells them to stay under one roof with one family so that this may be a center radiating faith.)   

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Praise Of GOD, King Of The World

"YAHWEH reigns, robed in majesty;

YAHWEH is girded with strength.

The world now, is firm; it cannot be moved.

YOUR throne stands from long ago, O YAHWEH;

from all eternity YOU are.

The floods have lifted up, O YAHWEH,

the floods have lifted up their roaring,

the floods have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mightier than the thunder of great waters,

mightier than the breakers of the sea,

YAHWEH on high, is mighty!

YOUR decrees can be trusted;

holiness dwells in YOUR house,

day after day, without end, O YAHWEH.

Psalm 93:1-5

(This is the first of the 'royal' psalms [93; 95-100] celebrating the kingship of GOD, creator and controller of our universe, whose eternal tranquility contrasts with the restless sea.  HE is so calm and silent that we might think HE sleeps.  But only the GOD-made-man could sleep.  Even then, when the apostles cried to HIM, 'HE rebuked the wind and said to the sea: Peace!  Be still!  The wind ceased and there was made a great calm' [Mark 4:39].  'YOU are a king then?' said Pilate.  HE is indeed--though HIS kingship was hidden.  But now, HE sits at the right hand.  We are of HIS kingdom.  Let us sing to our LORD, ascended and enthroned in heaven.

The LORD of history and of nature is much stronger than awesome historical conflicts.)

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Straight Are The Ways Of YAHWEH: The Just Walk In Them, But The Sinners Stumble

"Return to your GOD, YAHWEH, O Israel!

Your sins have caused your downfall.

Return to YAHWEH with humble words.  Say to HIM,

'Oh, YOU who show compassion to the fatherless,

forgive our debt, be appeased.

Instead of bulls and sacrifices,

accept the praise from our lips.

Assyria will not save us:

no longer shall we look for horses,

nor ever again shall we say 'Our gods'

to the work of our hands.'

I will heal their disloyalty

and love them with all MY heart,

for MY anger has turned from them.

I shall be like dew to Israel,

like the lily will he blossom.

Like a cedar, he will send down his roots;

his young shoots will grow and spread.

His splendor will be like an olive tree,

his fragrance, like a Lebanon cedar.

They will dwell in MY shade again,

they will flourish like the grain,

they will blossom like a vine,

and their frame will be like Lebanon wine.

What would Ephraim do with idols,

when it is I who hear and make him prosper?

I AM like an ever-green cypress tree;

all your fruitfulness comes from ME.

Who is wise enough to grasp all this?

Who is discerning and will understand?

Straight are the ways of YAHWEH:

the just walk in them, but the sinners stumble."

- Hosea 14:2-10

(The book of Hosea ends with these encouraging words.  After the trials, Israel will seek YAHWEH who will allow HIMSELF to be found.  Humanity's reconciliation with GOD will be an authentic marriage and it will be accompanied by a reconciliation of humanity with nature.  This was already said in 2:17-22 and will be developed in the Song of Songs which will use some images taken from Hosea.)

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I AM GOD And Not Human

"I loved Israel when he was a child; out of Egypt I called MY son.  But the more I have called, the further have they gone from ME--sacrificing to the Baals, burning incense to the idols.

Yet, it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; yet, little did they realize that it was I who cared for them.  I led them with cords of human kindness, with leading strings of love, and I became for them as one who eases the yoke upon their neck and stoops down to feed them.

If they refuse to return to ME, they will have to go back to Egypt and be ruled by an Assyrian king.  Swords will flash in their cities, slaughtering their sons, putting an end to all their plans.

They insist on turning away from me; they cry out because the yoke is upon them and no one lifts it.  How can I give you up, Ephraim?  Can I abandon you like Admah or make you like Zeboiim?  MY heart is troubled within ME and I AM moved with compassion.  I will not give vent to MY great anger; I will not return to destroy Ephraim, for I AM GOD and not human.  I AM the Holy One in your midst; and I do not want to come to you in anger." - Hosea 11:1-9 

(Israel is GOD's spoiled child.  In former days GOD brought them out of Egypt, and ever since then, has been calling them and trying to draw them to HIMSELF, but they continue their depraved ways which bring punishment upon them.

I AM GOD and not human.  Our setbacks which seem to be GOD's punishment are, in fact, what GOD considers the most suitable ways to teach us [see Hebrew 12:7; 2 Maccabees 6:16; Wisdom 11:23].)

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GOD's Faithfulness To HIS Promise

"Sing to HIM, sing HIS praise, proclaim all HIS wondrous deeds.

Glory in HIS holy name; let those who seek YAHWEH rejoice.

Look to YAHWEH and be strong; seek HIS face always.

Remember HIS wonderful works, HIS miracles and HIS judgments,

you descendants of HIS servant Abraham, you sons of Jacob, HIS chosen ones!

HE is YAHWEH our GOD; HIS judgments reach the whole world."

- Psalm 105:2-7

(The psalmist summarizes in this one psalm the goodness and greatness of GOD, as he knew it from the Old Testament.  He connects with his past to seek GOD's presence and praise HIM.  We are the people whom GOD has redeemed, but in redeeming us, GOD was keeping the promise which HE made 'to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his seed.'

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

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I Believe In GOD, Though I Do Not See HIM

"There, in heaven, is our GOD;

whatever HE wishes, HE does.

Not so, the hand-made idols,

crafted in silver and gold.

They have mouths that cannot speak,

eyes that cannot see,

ears that cannot hear,

noses that cannot smell.

They have hands but cannot feel,

feet, but cannot walk;

neither can they make a sound in their throat.

Their makers will be like them;

so will all who trust in them.

O, Israel trust in YAHWEH;

HE is your help and your shield!

You, family of Aaron, trust in YAHWEH;

HE is your help and your shield!"

Psalm 115:3-10

(Our GOD is not helpless idol.  HE is the living GOD--alive and in constant activity.  That we are alive is the result of HIS action.  As if the river were to run backwards, as if the solid mountains were to jump up and down--so astonishing it is that GOD should come to people, to make them share HIS life.

"I believe in GOD, though I do not see HIM," a Jewish man wrote in the ghetto of Warsaw.  In times that are hostile to faith, it is good for us to pray with this psalm.)

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HE Fulfills The Wish Of Those Who Fear HIM; HE Hears Their Cry And Saves Them

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HE fulfills the wish of those who fear HIM; HE hears their cry and saves them.

- Psalm 145:2-9, 19

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

In verse 19 the psalmist says, 'HE fulfills the wish of those who fear HIM; HE hears their cry and saves them.'  Did JESUS not do just that?  In Luke 23:42 one of the criminals said to JESUS, 'JESUS remember me when YOU come into YOUR kingdom.'  And JESUS in verse 43 replied, 'Truly, you will be with ME today in paradise.'  Therefore, all we have to do is ask believing that HE will grant it to us and we will receive all that we ask for.)

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I Was Given A Thorn In My Flesh

"However, I better give up, lest somebody think more of me than what is seen in me, or heard from me.  Lest I become proud, after so many and extraordinary revelations; I was given a thorn in my flesh, a true messenger of Satan, to slap me in the face.  Three times, I prayed to the LORD that it leave me, but HE answered, 'MY grace is enough for you; MY great strength is revealed in weakness.'

Gladly, then, will I boast of my weakness, that the strength of CHRIST may be mine.  So I rejoice, when I suffer infirmities, humiliations, want, persecutions: all for CHRIST!  For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 

(I was given a thorn in my flesh.  Many hypotheses have been offered on what this thorn could be: an illness perhaps [2 Corinthians 1:8; Galatians 4:13] of which the unforeseen relapses reduced him to powerlessness?  Or a temptation of the "flesh," a late consequence of his moral education as rigid as the commandments of the law?  What is certain is that we all aspire to a state of peace in which we feel sure of ourselves, but GOD for HIS part, whatever the richness of HIS gifts, refuses to grant it [1 Corinthians 2:5; 4:7].)

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The Days Are Coming When The Plowman Will Overtake The Reaper And The Treader Of Grapes Overtake The Sower

"On that day, I shall restore the fallen hut of David and wall up its breaches, and raise its ruined walls; and so build it as in the days of old.

They shall conquer the remnant of Edom, and the neighboring nations, upon which my name has been called.  Thus says YAHWEH, the one who will do this.

YAHWEH says also, 'The days are coming when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes overtake the sower.  The mountains shall drip sweet wine and all the hills shall melt.

I shall bring back the exiles of MY people Israel; they will rebuild the desolate cities and dwell in them.  They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will have orchards and eat their fruit.  I shall plant them in their own country and they shall never again be rooted up from the land which I have given them,' says YAHWEH your GOD." - Amos 9:11-15 

(The text was written after the exile of Israel--we have the promise of the future reuniting of the two kingdoms, Israel and Judah, into a single people of GOD.  The apostle James will refer to this promise, to show that GOD wills to extend the salvation earned by JESUS to all the nations, and not only to Israel [see Acts 15:16].  Notice that James quotes this text in a different form from what it is here.  This is due to the fact that the apostles were using the Greek translation of the Scriptures, which many times changed the meaning, not to be unfaithful to the primitive text but rather because, in the course of time, the Jews had a better understanding of the will of GOD.  For example, here Amos is speaking about Israel "conquering the nations" which, at the time, seemed to be a great favor from GOD.  The Jews who later translated the Scriptures into other languages spoke of the "nations seeking GOD" because, in the meantime, the prophets had meditated deeply on GOD's plan.)

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Not Hunger For Bread Or Thirst For Water, But For Hearing The Word Of YAHWEH

"Hear this, you, who trample on the needy, to do away with the weak of the land.  You who say, 'When will the new moon or the Sabbath feast be over that we may open the store and sell our grain?  Let us lower the measure and raise the price; let us cheat and tamper with the scales, and even sell the refuse with the whole grain.  We will buy up the poor for money and the needy for a pair of sandals.'

YAHWEH, the pride of Jacob, has sworn by HIMSELF, 'I shall never forget their deeds.'

Shall not the land tremble because of this, and all who dwell in it mourn, while it rises up and heaves like the Nile and settles back again like the river of Egypt?

YAHWEH says, 'On that day, I will make the sun go down at noon; and darken the earth in broad daylight.

I will turn your festivals into mourning and all your singing into wailing.  Everyone will mourn, covered with sackcloth; and every head will be shaved.  I will make them mourn, as for an only son, and bring their day to a bitter end.'

YAHWEH says, 'Days are coming when I will send famine upon the land; not hunger for bread or thirst for water, but for hearing the word of YAHWEH.

Men will stagger from sea to sea, wander to and fro, from north to east, searching for the word of YAHWEH; but they will not find it...'" - Amos 8:4-12 

(Amos describes the greed of the merchants and of the rich, the exploitation of the needy, the luxury of the wealthy, the bribing of judges, etc.

Not hunger for bread or thirst for water, but for hearing the word of YAHWEH, in a little while, those who refuse to listen, because they lack nothing, will be so afflicted that they will long to hear a word of consolation from GOD, and that word will not come.  The prophet's words were to be fulfilled in several ways.  We can read into them the prediction of the hunger and thirst for GOD's word, which, in later times, would be the hallmark of the believer.)

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They Praised GOD For Giving Such Power To Human Beings

"JESUS got back into the boat, crossed the lake again, and came to HIS hometown.  Here, they brought to HIM a paralyzed man, lying on a bed.  JESUS saw their faith and said to the paralytic, 'Courage, MY son!  Your sins are forgiven.'

Some teachers of the law said within themselves, 'This man insults GOD.'  JESUS was aware of what they were thinking; and said, 'Why have you such evil thoughts?  Which is easier to say: 'Your sins are forgiven' or 'Stand up and walk'?  But that you may know, that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins,' HE said to the paralyzed man , 'Stand up!  Take you stretcher and go home!'  The man got up, and went home.

When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe, and praised GOD for giving such power to human beings." - Matthew 9:1-8 

(They praised GOD for giving such power to human beings.  This formula is rather clumsy.  The crowd is astonished to see how GOD's saving power is manifest among people, and through a man, JESUS.  Matthew has no wish to separate the Church from CHRIST: every Christian community received the gifts of GOD for healing and reconciliation.  It is known that the ministers of the Church have special authority to pardon, but the grace of GOD also flows in many other very different channels., [1 Corinthians 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11].  When we establish relations of mercy and trust, and accept fraternal correction humbly, when there is mutual forgiveness between spouses, CHRIST is the one who forgives and pardons, and what is forgiven among us on earth, is forgiven in heaven [Matthew 18:18].)

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This People Approached ME In Words; They Honor ME With Lip-Service, While Their Hearts Stay Afar

"Seek GOD and shun evil, that you may live.  Then YAHWEH, the GOD of hosts, as you have claimed, will be with you.

Hate wickedness and love virtue, and let justice prevail in the courts; perhaps YAHWEH, the GOD of hosts, will take pity on the remnant of Joseph.

YAHWEH, GOD of hosts thus says: 'In every square, wailing will be heard, in every street, cries of anguish.  Farmers will be summoned to lament, and professional mourners, to weep noisily.  There will be lamentation in every vineyard, for I will pass through your midst, says the LORD.'...

'I hate, I reject your feasts, I take no pleasure when you assemble to offer ME your burnt offerings.  Your cereal offerings, I will not accept!  Your offerings of fattened beasts, I will not look upon!

Away with the noise of your chanting, away with your strumming of harps.  But let justice run its course like water, and righteousness be like an ever-flowing river....'" - Amos 5:14-17, 21-24 

(GOD's complaints about HIS people sound like those of another time expressed through Isaiah: This people approached ME in words; they honor ME with lip-service, while their hearts stay afar [Isaiah 29:13].

Since the previous disasters were not enough to teach Israel to straighten its ways, Amos announces another disaster.  Its nature is not specified, since what is unknown usually causes greater fear.

Perhaps YAHWEH, the GOD of Hosts, will take pity on the remnant of Joseph.  This is the first time the word remnant appears in the Scriptures.  The people of Israel were formed by the descendants of Abraham, the man of faith.  The prophets realize that they are heading for ruin because of their lack of faith; their provinces are taken away from them, their children die.  Yet, GOD will reserve a small group, the Remnant of Israel.  They will return to an authentic faith, and will be the "shoot" of the New People of GOD.

Ephraim, Joseph, Jacob, Israel: all these names refer to the same nation.)

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You Are Of The Household Of GOD

"Now, you are no longer strangers or guests, but fellow citizens of the holy people: you are of the household of GOD.  You are the house, whose foundations are the apostles and prophets, and whose cornerstone is CHRIST JESUS.  In HIM, the whole structure is joined together, and rises, to be a holy temple, in the LORD.  In HIM, you, too, are being built, to become the spiritual Sanctuary of GOD." - Ephesians 2:19-22 

(You are of the household of GOD.  In Biblical language this means: to belong to GOD's family.  From there, Paul moves on to another image: you are the household, namely, the true Temple of GOD.  The community of believers form the Temple, or better, is being transformed into the Temple of GOD.

This imposing vision of the Church and our unity in the Church will perhaps astonish many Christians of today who are usually more aware of their responsibilities towards the world than towards our antiquated Church.  Yet, of what Spirit shall we be bearers, and shall we do this work if we are not supported by a community?  Solidarity with those who share our options and our culture cannot replace participation in the Christian community.  There are probably many things in the Christian community we are not happy with.  However, it would be a bad sign if we were unable to recognize in it the truth that is missing in our non-Christian friends, and without which we would lose our reason for living.)

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You Do This, And I Must Be Quiet? Do You Think I AM Like You?

"But GOD says this to the wicked;

'What right have you to mouth MY laws,

or to talk about MY Covenant?

You hate MY commands

and cast MY words behind you.

You join a thief when you meet one;

you keep company with adulterers.

You have a mouth of evil

and a deceitful tongue.

You speak ill of your brother,

and slander your own mother's son.

Because I was silent while you did these things,

you thought I was like you.

But now I rebuke you

and make this charge against you.

Give this a thought, you, who forget GOD;

lest I tear you to pieces with no one to help you.

Those who give with thanks, offerings, honor ME;

but the one who walks blamelessly,

I will show him the salvation of GOD.'"

- Psalm 50:16-23

(GOD is coming to judge HIS people.  HE condemns those who replace the obedience of the heart, with offerings and material sacrifices, and those who recite the commandments, instead of practicing them.

Those who love GOD and hate their brothers and sisters are liars [1 John 4:20] and atheists.  While we pray this psalm, we can listen to the following question: "You do this, and I must be quiet?  Do you think I AM like you?" [21].  May these questions resound in us and let us honor GOD with a sacrifice of praise, made fitting by a good relationship with our neighbor.)

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To The One Who Had Much, Nothing Was In Excess; To The One Who Had Little, Nothing Was Lacking

"You excel in everything: in the gifts of faith, speech and knowledge; you feel concern for every cause and, besides, you are first in my heart.  Excel, also, in this generous service.

This is not a command; I make known to you the determination of others, to check the sincerity of your fraternal concern.  You know well, the generosity of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD.  Although HE was rich, HE made HIMSELF poor, to make you rich, through HIS poverty.

I only make a suggestion, because you were the first, not only in cooperating, but in beginning this project a year ago.  So complete this work and, according to your means, carry out what you decided, with much enthusiasm.  When there is a good disposition, everything you give is welcomed, and no one longs for what you do not have.  I do not mean that others should be at ease and you burdened.  Strive for equality; at present, give from your abundance what they are short of, and, in some way, they, also, will give from their abundance, what you lack.  Then, you will be equal and what Scripture says shall come true: To the one who had much, nothing was in excess; to the one who had little, nothing was lacking." - 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 

(Paul exhorts the Churches in Corinth and in the province to take up this collection that they had agreed upon.

Paul does not use the word collection in these chapters.  Instead he speaks of the liberality and the greatness of generous giving; of the blessed work of grace.  It is more a gift for the one who gives that for the one who receives.)

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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 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.'... 

Then JESUS said to the captain, 'Go home now.  As you believed, so let it be.'  And at that moment, HIS servant was healed. - Matthew 8:5-10, 13 

(This captain of a foreign army earned the esteem of the Jews.  He must have been a good man.  He knew the Jews' prejudices too well to have dared to personally approach this JESUS of whom they spoke.  Indeed, up to what point did JESUS share HIS compatriots' pride?  Would HE respond to the petition of a Roman official?  

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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Let Our Experience Be That Of The Poor And The Humble

"I will praise YAHWEH all my days;

HIS praise will be ever on my lips.

My soul makes its boast in YAHWEH;

let the lowly hear and rejoice.

Oh, let us magnify YAHWEH ;

together, let us glorify HIS name!

I sought YAHWEH, and HE answered me;

from all my fears HE delivered me.

They who look to HIM are radiant with joy,

their faces never clouded with shame.

When the poor cry out, YAHWEH hears

and saves them from distress.

YAHWEH's angel encamps and patrols,

to keep safe those who fear HIM.

Oh, see and taste the goodness of YAHWEH!

Blessed is the one who finds shelter in HIM!"

- Psalm 34:2-9

(This is a song for martyrs: the LORD sets them free from all their terrors.  It is also a song for the small martyrdoms of every day, whether volunteered or simply accepted.  

Let our experience be that of the poor and the humble.  GOD is near to those who have no other support but HIM.  When there will be no assurance, GOD will be obliged, to take charge of those to whom HE owes fidelity.)

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Wise And Foolish Builders

"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!'

When JESUS had finished this discourse, the crowds were struck by the way HE taught, because HE taught with authority, unlike their teachers of the law." - Matthew 7:21-29 

(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 wo 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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Do You Ever Pick Grapes From Thorn Bushes?

"Beware of false prophets: they come to you in sheep's clothing; but inside, they are voracious wolves.  You will recognize them by their fruits.  Do you ever pick grapes from thorn bushes; or figs, from thistles?

A good tree always produces good fruit.  A rotten tree produces bad fruit.  A good tree cannot produce bad fruit; and a rotten tree cannot bear good fruit.  Any tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  So then, you will know them by their fruit. - Matthew 7:15-20  

(Most probably Matthew gives us these words of JESUS for the benefit of certain believers in the early Church who considered themselves as charismatic prophets.  They may well have received gifts of the Spirit but have degenerated since then.  In a wider sense JESUS' words address all who encourage division, untruth and violence, even when they pretend to serve a just cause.

Prophets wore a sheepskin by way of a cloak: a wolf could hide in one.  The world has always had a number of "false prophets," usually prophets of easy life, and if the word of GOD condemns them, many would say that their words have been misinterpreted.  It would be well however to ask ourselves why our holy and sacred liberalism tends to sow death in all domains and smothers in so many the ability to believe and hope.

Do you ever pick grapes from thorn bushes?  JESUS invites us to look at the facts before coming to conclusions.  We find it hard to carefully observe the reality in which we live.  We prefer to discuss and debate about ideas rather than to analyze particular situations.  JESUS, accustomed to manual labor, distrusts ideas and theories.)

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