The Defenders Of The Faith

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You do not forget the mint, anise and cumin seeds when you demand the tenth of everything; but then, you forget what is most fundamental in the law: justice, mercy and faith!  You should have done these things without neglecting the others.  Blind guides!  You strain out a mosquito, but swallow a camel.

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You fill the plate and the cup, with theft and violence, and then pronounce a blessing over them.  Blind Pharisee!  Purify the inside first, then the outside, too, will be purified." - Matthew 23:23-26 

(How could JESUS call such men hypocrites when they were so versed in the knowledge of the Scriptures?

In the language of JESUS, the word "hypocrite" equally denotes what is superficial as well as the one who makes light of what is of GOD.  Obviously not all the Pharisees were hypocrites; but JESUS denounces a frequent deformation in the religious elite.  HE calls us to be wary of those institutions born of possessors of wealth and culture who aspire to direct others--and the Church--without having learned from the poor or practiced true humility.

The mystery of GOD is so deep that no one can present himself as HIS lieutenant.  The Pharisees trained, taught and gained many followers in the faith but their fasts and alms were already rewarded.  Pride and love of money were given their place.) 

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What Gift Is Worthy Of Our GOD, Our King?

"Sing to YAHWEH a new song,

sing to YAHWEH, all the earth!

Sing to YAHWEH, praise HIS name;

proclaim HIS salvation, day after day.

Recall HIS glory among the nations,

tell all the peoples HIS wonderful deeds.

How great is YAHWEH and worthy of praise!

Above all gods, HE is to be feared.

For all other gods are worthless idols,

but YAHWEH is the one who made the heavens."

- Psalm 96:1-5

(What can we bring to GOD, the LORD of the world?  What gift is worthy of our GOD, our King?  Before anything else we bring HIM praise, adoration and delighted recognition of what HE is.  We proclaim the glory of the Creator, on behalf of all creation, and we wish our praise to resound throughout the whole of creation.

The psalmist suggests that we 'bring gifts.'  If we do it with a sincere heart, then all our gifts of prayer and worship and good deeds and trust and faith and mercy and kindness and devotion will be accepted with love, and in HIS love we will forever stay.

More than on the splendor of the universe, human society is founded on justice that glorifies GOD: there is joy in creation when GOD establishes HIS kingdom among us.  Yes, joy of the universe, until then devastated by our exaggerated ambitions.  Joy of nations that have discovered why they exist!

As we continue to express our desire for the reign of GOD to come to the world, we can pray with this psalm.)

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Will You Also Go Away?

"After hearing this, many of JESUS' followers said, 'This language is very hard!  Who can accept it?'

JESUS was aware that HIS disciples were murmuring about this, and so HE said to them, 'Does this offend you?  Then how will you react when you see the Son of Man ascending to where HE was before?  It is the spirit that gives life, not the flesh.  The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.  But among you there are some who do not believe.'

From the beginning, JESUS knew who would betray HIM.  So HE added, 'As I have told you, no one can come to ME unless it is granted by the FATHER.'

After this many disciples withdrew and no longer followed HIM.  JESUS asked the Twelve, 'Will you also go away?'  Peter answered HIM, 'LORD, to whom shall we go?  YOU have the words of eternal life.  We now believe and know that YOU are the Holy One of GOD.'" - John 6:60-69 

(This language is very hard.  How could JESUS' listeners believe that HE, the "Son of Joseph,"  had come from GOD?  And today how can we believe that we need the Eucharist?  JESUS tells us why HE came: The Son of GOD came down to us, so that later HE would ascend to where HE was before.  HE came from GOD to communicate to us the very life of GOD and then to bring us to the bosom of GOD [John 14:12].

The truth is that by CHRIST's resurrection, our world has already started its renewal.  For when the Son of Man entered the glory of HIS FATHER, HE carried on HIS shoulders the whole of creation that HE wanted to renew and consecrate.  Clothed in our humanity, the Son of GOD has ascended to where HE was before: the first of our race has achieved full union with GOD.

Although, to all appearances, life goes on as before, we believe that the renewed world has been activated.  The Spirit is at work within gigantic disturbances that continually agitate and shake the whole of humanity.  CHRIST is invincibly consecrating this world.  HE enables humanity to arrive at maturity by means of innumerable crises and deaths that prepare for a resurrection.

JESUS' listeners could not understand the mystery of the Son of GOD and HIS humiliations.  JESUS wanted to dispossess HIMSELF of HIS divine glory by becoming human and dying like a slave [see John 1:14 and Philippians 2:6], so that later the FATHER would enable HIM to ascend to where HE came from.  It is likewise a test of our faith to believe that GOD continually works among us in our world.  In spite of our unresponsiveness, GOD still loves us; the Church is so unworthy, yet GOD uses it to fulfill HIS plan; history is so destructive, yet it is preparing us for the fulness of the kingdom.

It is the spirit that gives life, not the flesh.  JESUS spoke of giving us HIS flesh, but this should not be understood as a continuation of the Jewish religion, in which the meat of sacrificed animals was eaten.  In Hebrew culture, flesh and blood denote "the world below," where humankind moves and where one has no access to communication with GOD.  The Eucharist is different.  This is the body, or flesh, of the risen CHRIST transformed by the Spirit, which acts in us spiritually and brings us into communion with GOD.

LORD, to whom shall we go?  Many of JESUS' followers left but, in the name of those who remained, Peter pledged his fidelity [see Matthew 16:13].)

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The Coming Age Of Peace And Justice

"Would, that I hear GOD's proclamation,

that HE promise peace to HIS people,

HIS saints--lest they come back to their folly.

Yet, HIS salvation is near to those who fear HIM,

and HIS glory will dwell in our land.

Love and faithfulness have met;

righteousness and peace have embraced.

Faithfulness will reach up from the earth

while justice bends down from heaven.

YAHWEH will give what is good,

and our land will yield its fruit.

Justice will go before HIM,

and peace will follow along HIS path."

- Psalm 85:9-14

(This psalm, written when the Israelites had returned from captivity in Babylon, adopts the most universal terms of the human vocabulary: liberty, life, joy, salvation, love, justice, peace, and happiness.  This return of the exiled Jews, however, was only one step toward authentic liberation.  Nothing is definitive and each phase in the realization of GOD's plan, leads us to another stage.  GOD's people are forever being called to go further ahead.  Even the actual reign of the risen CHRIST and the work of salvation accomplished by the Church, are only an image of the eternal kingdom.  GOD loves our earth.  When we feel troubled and discouraged by what is ugly around us, let us come back to the declaration of this psalm: YOU have favored YOUR land, O LORD; justice bends down from heaven; glory will dwell in our land.  Salvation comes from GOD, but is brought by a man, CHRIST, freely welcomed by a woman in the name of humanity.  With the Incarnation, it is not possible to believe in GOD, without believing in humankind.)

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You Will See The Heavens Opened!

"Philip found Nathanael and said to him, 'We have found the one Moses wrote about  in the law, and the prophets: HE is JESUS, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.'

Nathanael replied, 'Can anything good come from Nazareth?'  Philip said to him, 'Come and see.'  When JESUS saw Nathanael coming, he said of him, 'Here comes an Israelite, a true one; there is nothing false in him.'  Nathanael asked him, 'How do YOU know me?'  And JESUS said to him, 'Before Philip called you, you were under the fig tree, and I saw you.'

Nathanael answered, 'Master, YOU are the Son of GOD!  YOU are the king of Israel!'  But JESUS replied, 'You believe because I said, 'I saw you under the fig tree.'  But you will see greater things than that.

Truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened, and the angels of GOD ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.'" - John 1:45-51

(These two disciples recognized JESUS.  It would be more exact to say that JESUS recognized those whom the FATHER had entrusted to HIM.  Thus HE recognized Nathanael  when he was under the fig tree.  Among the Jews, this expression referred to a teacher of the law engaged in teaching religion, since ordinarily they taught under the shade of a tree.  In the same way, JESUS recognized Simon whom the FATHER chose to be the first Rock of the Church [Matthew 16:13].

You will see the heavens opened.  Jacob has seen the heavens open and the angels of GOD forming a living bridge between heaven and earth: this is an image of the communion with GOD which people seek in vain with their various religions.  These may give us some external knowledge of GOD and satisfy our religious instincts.  Even if we interiorize our search for GOD, we are sinful people who cannot find HIS inner presence without being called by HIM.

The only bridge between GOD and humankind is CHRIST: Son of GOD become man, both GOD and human.  Later, in referring to this text [John 1:51] JESUS will declare that HE is the Gate to heaven, because in HIM, GOD has embraced humanity.) 

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A New Heart

"I will make known the holiness of MY great name, profaned among the nations because of you; and they will know that I AM YAHWEH, when I show them my holiness among you.

For I will gather you from all the nations and bring you back to your own land.  Then I shall pour pure water over you and you shall be made clean--cleansed from the defilement of all your idols.  I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.  I shall remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  I shall put MY spirit within you  and move you to follow MY decrees and keep MY laws.  You will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you shall be MY people and I will be your GOD." - Ezekiel 36:23-28 

(I shall give you a new heart.  Many think it impossible to change the human heart.  Because some have no hope of changing human beings, they accept people as they are, preferring to overlook mediocrity and sinfulness.  Others become bitter about everything and everyone.

The new heart is precisely what GOD offers in this text, quite similar to Jeremiah 31:31 and Ezekiel 11:19.  The experience of the Jewish people showed that human beings  are weak and unable to follow the commandments.  Yet if an individual knows GOD personally, to the point of sharing intimately in GOD's life, is there no possibility of change and renewal?

This is the meaning of the word conversion.  To be converted means to come back to GOD after having been away from HIM.  First, there is a change that takes place in the heart, that is to say, in the innermost part of the human being.  Then, there is a change of mentality and attitude.  In fact, it is GOD who converts people, by loving them, attracting them and giving them HIS Spirit, which transforms them into new beings.  I will take away your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  This will be the new Covenant.

Here may be seen the difference between Jeremiah and Ezekiel.  Ezekiel has been given a pastoral task from GOD: he had to form over long years those who were to rebuild Israel.  Ezekiel  is preparing the near future.  I will bring you back to your land: how often Ezekiel will repeat this.  He is in the line of Moses; after him, Ezekiel is one who had to lead the people of Israel.  His duties as a pastor prevented him from seeing that a new heart would mean a radical change in the history of Israel: even if the Jews reentered their country, the time of their kingdom had passed and their national hopes would no longer matter.  Jeremiah, on the contrary, who did not bear the same responsibility, lived the tragedy to the full, and in such moments could see that the history of Israel--GOD's people on GOD's earth--was nearing its end: the Gospel had to come.)

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To The GOD Of Glory And Compassion

"Alleluia!

Praise, O servants of YAHWEH,

praise the name of YAHWEH!

Blessed be the name of YAHWEH

now and forever!

From eastern lands to the western islands,

may the name of YAHWEH be praised!"

- Psalm 113:1-3

(The psalmist urges the people to offer praise to the ALMIGHTY LORD of heaven and earth.  GOD calls them HIS friends, raising them up to HIS own height.

What distinguishes GOD from humans is not the infinity of HIS creation, but HIS way of being with us, HIS preference for what many despise.  GOD likes to choose poor instruments, to achieve HIS great deeds of grace.

Our GOD does not remain isolated in heaven.  HE has become one of us, identified with those who are helpless.  With the present psalm, let us exalt the Name of the LORD, great and sublime.)

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It Is Easier For A Camel To Go Through The Eye Of The Needle!

"JESUS said to HIS disciples, 'Truly I say to you: it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Yes, believe ME: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for the one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.'

On hearing this, the disciples were astonished and said, 'Who, then, can be saved?'  JESUS looked at them and answered, 'For human beings it is impossible, but for GOD all things are possible.'

Then peter spoke up and said, 'YOU see, we have given up everything to follow YOU.  What, then, will there be for us?'

JESUS answered, 'You, who have followed ME, listen to MY words: on the Day of Renewal, when the Son of Man sits on HIS throne in glory, you, also, will sit, on twelve thrones, to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.  As for those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or property for MY Name's sake, they will receive a hundredfold, and be given eternal life.  Many who are now first, will be last, and many who are now last, will be first.'". - Matthew 19:23-30 

(There is the question that bothers us most for all that touches money affects us deeply, and it is there that the Gospel shocks us: it is easier for a camel...

The call of the rich young man has always been considered the model of the religious, apostolic vocation.  Without effective, voluntary poverty a person will never attain union with GOD that is the goal of the true religious.  Besides, as long as the apostles share the life of comfortable people, they will be able to be their friends but they will never have deep conversions nor will they during this time reach the immense world of the poor.

The problem of poverty is also at the heart of the family in today's world: for the greater number, believers or non-believers, the joys and blessings that GOD showers on a large family will only be given to those who have ceased to evaluate everything according to the criteria of money and security.) 

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Ezekiel's Wife Dies

"The word of YAHWEH came to me in these terms, 'Son of man, I AM about to suddenly take from you the delight of your eyes, but you are not to lament or weep or let your tears flow.  Groan in silence and do not mourn for the dead; wear your turban, put on your sandals, do not cover your beard or eat the customary food of mourners.'

I spoke to the people in the morning and my wife died that evening.  The next morning I did as I had been commanded.  Then the people said to me: 'Explain to us the meaning of your actions.'  I said to them, 'The word of YAHWEH came to me in these terms: 'Say to Israel: I AM about to profane MY Sanctuary, your pride, the delight of your eyes for which you long.  The sons and daughters you left behind will also fall by the sword, but you will do as I have done: you will not cover your beard or eat the customary food of mourners; you will keep your turbans on your heads and sandals on your feet.  You will not lament or weep.  Instead, because of your sin, you will waste away and groan among yourselves.  Ezekiel will be a sign for you.  Do as he did; and when this happens, you will know that I AM YAHWEH.'" - Ezekiel 24:15-24 

(Once again, the prophet uses his own situation to announce the fall of Jerusalem which will lose its wealth and its inhabitants.

The prophet's personal trial in his marriage can be compared to similar occurrences of other prophets.  The prophets discover that GOD is the true Spouse.  GOD's passionate and faithful love for HIS people is the model for married love.  Since prophets become the mouthpiece and the representative of GOD, all that they do become a sign.  Thus, they cannot seek a happy marriage as long as Israel, YAHWEH's bride, turns her back on her GOD.

And so, before Jeremiah, another prophet, Hosea, only knew the suffering of the betrayed husband in his home and he had to constantly forgive his adulterous wife [Hosea 3:1].  Jeremiah will have neither wife nor children; it is not fitting for him to marry at the very time the first covenant is being destroyed.  Later, neither John the Baptist, nor the apostle John, nor Paul will marry: this will become a sign.  Thus, they will help us understand that they only live for the coming marriage of CHRIST and HIS glorified Church, of which marriage is only an image.)  

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Wisdom Is The Image Of The Son Of GOD

"Wisdom  has built her house

set upon seven pillars;

she has slaughtered her beasts,

prepared her wine and laid her table.

Next, she sent her servants to call

from the central square of the city,

'Pass by here, you who are fools.'

To the senseless she says,

'Come, eat and drink

of the bread and wine I have prepared.

Give up your foolishness and you will live;

take the straight path of discernment.'"

- Proverbs 9:1-6

(We will easily discover the image of CHRIST in these few verses.  Wisdom is the image of the Son of GOD.  

We find the invitation to the banquet in Matthew 22:4.  Rich and poor, sensible and foolish people, all are called to change their lives.

The bread and the wine which Wisdom gives will one day be the body and blood of CHRIST [see John 6].

GOD is always present in our lives; HE gives HIMSELF and nourishes us.  We are invited to open our hands to take what HE offers.  Each day, HE gives us what we need to solve the problems of humanity now.)

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JESUS And The Children

"Then little children were brought to JESUS, that HE might lay HIS hands on them and pray for them.  But the disciples scolded those who brought them.  JESUS then said, 'Let the children be!  Don't hinder them from coming to ME; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are humble, like these children.'  JESUS laid HIS hands on them and went away," - Matthew 19:13-15 

(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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The Fountains Of Salvation

"'... HE is the GOD of my salvation;

in HIM I trust and am not afraid,

YAHWEH is my strength: HIM I will praise,

the one who saved me.'

You will draw water with joy

from the very fountain of salvation.

Then you will say: 'Praise to YAHWEH,

break into songs of joy for HIM,

proclaim HIS marvelous deeds among the nations

and exalt HIS Name.

Sing to YAHWEH: wonders HE has done

let these be known all over the earth.

Sing for joy, O people of Zion,

for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.'"

- Isaiah 12:2-6

(Here we have a song of thanksgiving.  About the fountains of salvation, see Isaiah 55:1 and the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4:1.)

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GOD's Patience And Man's Ingratitude

"But they challenged and rebelled against GOD the Most High, and disobeyed HIS decrees.

They were unfaithful, like their ancestors, deceitful and crooked, as a twisted bow.

They angered HIM with their high places; they aroused HIS jealousy with their idols.

Filled with wrath, GOD rejected Israel.

HE abandoned HIS dwelling at Shiloh, the tent where HE dwelt among humans.

HE lead HIS glory into captivity, HIS Ark, into the hand of the enemy.

HE gave HIS people over to the sword, so furious was HE at HIS inheritance."

- Psalm 78:56-62

(The lesson of past history beats the rhythm of Israel's history.  Divine generosity, human ingratitude, correction, renewed generosity, is an enlarged picture of the individual experience.  Sin is not the end of history; grace is!  Our history is a school of life and prayer.  It is enough to remember what we have done and what GOD does.  This psalm can help us.)

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CHRIST Gave Us The Way

"But no, CHRIST has been raised from the dead, and HE comes before all those who have fallen asleep.  A human being brought death; a human being also brings resurrection of the dead.  For, as in Adam all die, so, in CHRIST, all will be made alive.  However, each one in his own time: first CHRIST, then CHRIST's people, when HE comes.

Then, the end will come, when CHRIST delivers the kingdom of GOD the FATHER, after having destroyed every rule, authority and power.  For HE must reign and put all enemies under HIS feet.  The last enemy to be destroyed will be death."  - 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 

(Whoever shares the faith of the apostles has accepted Resurrection as a fact.  Paul immediately goes to the consequences for us: shall we also enter another life?

For as in Adam all die.  The myths of various religions in the past projected onto some mysterious personage our own condition, but were unable to do more than give a meaning to life.  They could not change it.  Faith instead tells us that the Son-of-GOD-made-human has lived among us and lived for all of us.  Let us leave aside our individualistic vision in which each one sees no more than his own destiny: for GOD the entire venture of creation and salvation is that of Adam, one and multiple at the same time.  JESUS who is HIMSELF Man has lived it fully for us all.

Then the end will come, when CHRIST delivers the kingdom to  GOD the FATHER.  Here again, let us leave aside simplistic images.  Let us remember that there is only one GOD.  Here, the Son is the word of GOD made flesh who has taken on HIS shoulders the whole history of humankind.  HE who is eternally returning to the FATHER from whom HE is born brings to the eternity of GOD all creation.  There will not be a re-beginning of history.  GOD will be all in all, we will receive GOD from GOD and we will have all, finally becoming ourselves.  That, surely, surpasses all we could have imagined, but Paul adds: The last enemy to be destroyed will be death.  John will say the same in Revelation [21:4].)

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"I Did Not Come To Call The Righteous, But Sinners."

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

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

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The Son Of Man

"While JESUS was in Galilee with the Twelve, HE said to them, 'The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill HIM.  But HE will rise on the third day.'  The Twelve were deeply grieved.

When they returned to Capernaum, the temple tax collectors came to Peter and asked him, 'Does your master pay the temple tax?'  He answered, 'Yes.'

Peter then entered the house; and immediately, JESUS asked him, 'What do you think, Simon?'  Who pay taxes or tribute to the kings of the earth: their sons or strangers and aliens?'  Peter replied, 'Strangers and aliens.'  And JESUS told him, 'The sons, then, are tax-free.  But, so as not to offend these people, go to the sea, throw in a hook, and open the mouth of the first fish you catch.  You will find a coin in it.  Take the coin and give it to them for you and for ME.'" - Matthew 17:22-27 

(Several times JESUS announced HIS death: see 16:21; 20:17.  Never did HE present it as a misfortune that might counteract HIS mission.  John will say that JESUS looked for it as the means for giving glory to HIS FATHER and reconciling humankind [John 17].  JESUS speaks of HIMSELF in the third person: the Son of Man, because HE looks at HIS destiny as an outsider.  This is the will of HIS FATHER, and HE is not concerned about HIMSELF.

All the Jews paid a tax for the maintenance of the temple.

The collectors approach Peter as owner of the house where JESUS also lives.

JESUS observes the law, but takes this opportunity to give a hint as to who HE is: the collectors do not realize they are addressing "the Son."  Notice how the LORD has control over all creatures even fish, and see also HIS intimate solidarity with Peter.

The coin mentioned in 27 was worth the temple tax.  Matthew may have had a special interest for this story because at the time he wrote Christians of Jewish origins were wondering whether they should be still paying this tax.)

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"That Is Enough, YAHWEH, Take Away My Life For I Am Dying."

"He himself disappeared into the desert going on a day's journey.  Then he sat down under a broom tree and prayed to die, 'That is enough, YAHWEH, take away my life for I am dying.'

He lay down and went to sleep under the broom tree.  Then an angel touched him and said, 'Get up and eat.'  Elijah looked and saw, at his head, a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water.  He ate and drank, and went back to sleep.  The angel of YAHWEH came a second time to him, saying, 'Get up and eat, for the journey is too long for you.'  He got up, ate and drank, and on the strength of that food, he traveled for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of GOD." - 1 Kings 19:4-8 

(Thus, the miracle does not miraculously solve the problems of faith.  The conversion of the people will be a long and painful work.

We can see on the map how Elijah crossed the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah from north to south.  Carmel is 250 kilometers from Beersheba, the last town before the desert south of Judah.

The journey is too long for you.  Elijah only looks for the entrance to the desert to save himself, but GOD brings him much farther.  He is given a mysterious bread which recalls the manna of the Hebrews in the desert and foretells the eucharistic bread which JESUS will give for our spiritual journey [John 6:8].

He traveled for forty days and forty nights [see Exodus 24:18].  Elijah goes to encounter YAHWEH.  JESUS HIMSELF will go to the desert as a necessary proof and we, too, at certain moments need "to go to the desert" [sometimes GOD HIMSELF puts us in the desert: Hosea 2:16].  Elijah's solitary journey shows the itinerary which those who seek GOD have to undertake.  However, much as we need the support of our spouse, of our companions, of the Church, each one makes his or her own journey, and GOD calls people personally to seek this encounter with HIM.)   

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The Upright Will Live By His Faithfulness

"But YOU, are YOU not YAHWEH from past ages?  YOU, my holy GOD, YOU cannot die.  YOU have set these people to serve YOUR justice and YOU have made them firm as a rock, to fulfill YOUR punishment.

YAHWEH, YOUR eyes are too pure to tolerate wickedness and YOU cannot look on oppression.  Why, then, do YOU look on treacherous people and watch in silence while the evildoer swallows up one better than himself?

YOU treat human beings like the fish in the sea, like reptiles who are nobody's concern.  This nation catches all on its hook, pulls them out with its net and piles them up in its dragnet.  Pleased and delighted at their catch, they offer sacrifices to their net and burn incense to their dragnets, since these supplied them with fish in plenty and provided them with food in abundance.  Will they continue, then, to constantly empty their nets, slaughtering nations without mercy?

I will stand in my watchtower and take up position on my battlements; I will see what HE replies, if there is an answer to my question.

Then YAHWEH answered me and said,

'Write down the vision, inscribe it on tables so it can be easily read, since this is a vision for an appointed time; it will not fail but will be fulfilled in due time.  If it delays, wait for it, for it will come, and will not be deferred.  Look:

I don't look with favor on the one who gives way; the upright, on the other hand, will live by his faithfulness.'" - Habakkuk 1:12-2:4 

(Why does YAHWEH use such means as the Chaldean invasion to restore HIS justice?   One day it will be clear that the good and the evil ones are not treated the same.  Those who remain faithful will be saved.

The divine answer remains mysterious.  Later, GOD will clearly reveal how HE rewards the just beyond this life.  Before that moment comes it was difficult to clarify the mystery: Apparently the misfortunes which were announced as GOD's punishment affected everyone equally.  After Habakkuk, Jeremiah asked the same question [Jeremiah 12:1]; faced with the unbelief of his companions, Ezekiel tried to reaffirm the justice of YAHWEH towards everyone [Ezekiel 18]; the Book of Job looks for the solution; but its answer will only be partial.)

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Unless The Grain Of Wheat Falls To The Earth And Dies...

"Truly, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.

Those who love their life destroy it,  and those who despise their life in this world save it even to everlasting life.

Whoever wants to serve ME, let him follow ME; and wherever I AM, there shall MY servant be also.  If anyone serves ME, the FATHER will honor him." - John 12:24-26 

(Unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies.  JESUS will die and the universal Church will be born.  JESUS allows HIS lifeless body to be laid in the earth; on rising from the tomb, HIS same body, now glorified, will also embrace the believers united to  HIM.  The life that is now HIS will be communicated to all the children of GOD.

Unless the grain dies.  This is the law for all life that will be fruitful [Mark 8:34].  The first believers were already saying: "The blood of the martyrs is a seed.")

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My Son Was Lost And Is Found

"Create in me, O GOD, a pure heart;

give me a new and steadfast spirit.

Do not cast me out of YOUR presence

nor take YOUR holy spirit from me.

Give me again, the joy of YOUR salvation;

and sustain me, with a willing spirit.

Then I will show wrongdoers YOUR ways

and sinners will return to YOU.

Deliver me, O GOD, from the guilt of blood;

and of YOUR justice, I shall sing aloud.

O YAHWEH, open my lips,

and I will declare YOUR praise.

YOU take no pleasure in sacrifice;

were I to give a burnt offering,

YOU would not delight in it.

O GOD, my sacrifice is a broken spirit;

a contrite heart, YOU will not despise."

- Psalm 51:12-19

(This is the finest of the 'penitential psalms.'  Man stands guilty and unafraid before GOD.  Indeed, he sees his guilt, as a reason for mercy and an excuse for hope.  A deep sense of sin is already a step toward the sanctity of GOD.  It opens the door for HIS eager mercy.  But our LORD takes us even further than the psalmist.  HE teaches us to cry not 'GOD!' but 'FATHER!'  HE bids us think of that father, who ran to meet the son who had left him, the father who took the son in his arms and kissed him: 'My son was lost and is found' [Luke 15:24].  Our trust in the FATHER's forgiveness generously given should exceed that of the psalmist.

It is good to pray with this psalm, when we feel overwhelmed by our guilt, be it against GOD or against our brothers and sisters, and we seek the goodness of GOD, who justifies us.

When we receive the sacrament of reconciliation, we meet JESUS HIMSELF, the Savior who intercedes, and the FATHER who pardons.  Each of our confessions is a joyful celebration of GOD's mercy and a source of renewal.)

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"Even Puppies Eat The Crumbs Which Fall From Their Master's Table!"

"Leaving that place, JESUS withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  A Canaanite woman from the area, came and cried out, 'LORD, Son of David, have pity on me!  My daughter is tormented by a demon.'  But JESUS did not answer her, not even a word.  So HIS disciples approached HIM and said, 'Send her away!  See how she is shouting after us.'

The JESUS said to her, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel.'

But the woman was already kneeling before JESUS, and said, 'Sir, help me!'  JESUS answered, 'It is not right to take the bread from the children and throw it to puppies.'  The woman replied, 'That is true, sir, but even puppies eat the crumbs which fall from their master's table.'  Then JESUS said, 'Woman, how great is your faith!  Let it be as you wish.'  And her daughter was healed at that moment." - Matthew 15:21-28 

(How great is the faith of the Canaanite woman?  Hoping that we also should be!)

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Tombs Were Opened And Several Holy People Who Had Died Were Raised To Life!

"O YAHWEH, the nations will revere YOUR name, and the kings of the earth YOUR glory,

when YAHWEH will rebuild Zion and appear in all HIS splendor.

For HE will answer the prayer of the needy and will not despise their plea.

Let this be written for future ages, 'YAHWEH will be praised by a people HE will form.'

From HIS holy height in heaven, YAHWEH has looked on the earth to hear the groaning of the prisoners, and free those condemned to death.

Then the name of YAHWEH will be declared in Zion, and HIS praise in Jerusalem,

when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship HIM." 

- Psalm 102:16-23

(The LORD indeed freed those condemned to death when JESUS cried out again in a loud voice and gave up HIS spirit [Matthew 27:50].  At that time, 'tombs were opened and several holy people who had died were raised to life' [Matthew 27:52].  Therefore, unlike the Psalmist wo seems very hurt and afflicted, let us rejoice and give thanks and book our place in heaven.)

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The Foundation Of Faith

"Indeed, what we taught you about the power, and the return of CHRIST JESUS our LORD, was not drawn from myths or formulated theories.  We, ourselves, were eyewitnesses of HIS majesty, when HE received glory and honor from GOD, the FATHER, when, from the magnificent glory, this most extraordinary word came upon HIM: 'This is MY beloved Son, this is MY Chosen One.'  We, ourselves, heard this voice from heaven, when we were with HIM on the holy mountain.

Therefore, we believe most firmly in the message of the prophets, which you should consider rightly, as a lamp shining in a dark place, until the break of day, when the Morning Star shines in your hearts." - 2 Peter 1:16-19 

(What we taught you... was not drawn from myths or formulated theories.  Faith is not based on reasons and theories.  we believe in what the apostles saw and in the prophets' words.  It is true that through the centuries the understanding of the consequences of faith has developed, situating it within the realities of life, there has also been a constant effort to express what faith is in the language of our day.  Nevertheless we continue holding and believing the mystery of CHRIST in the way the apostles believed and understood it.)

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Put On The New Self

"I say to you, then, and with insistence I advise you, in the LORD: do not imitate the pagans, who live an aimless kind of life.  Their understanding is in darkness, and they remain in ignorance, because of their blind conscience, very far from the life of GOD.  As a result of their corruption, they have abandoned themselves to sensuality, and have eagerly given themselves to every kind of immorality.

But it is not for this, that you have followed CHRIST.  For, I suppose, that you heard of HIM, and received HIS teaching, which is seen in JESUS HIMSELF.  You must give up your former way of living, the old self, whose deceitful desires bring self-destruction.  Renew yourselves, spiritually, from inside, and put on the new self, or self, according to GOD, that is created in true righteousness and holiness." - Ephesians 4:17-24 

(The old self and the new self.  This image of Paul opposes two kinds of life that co-exist in every society and in a certain sense, in each of us.  Conversion has not installed us in a state of perfection; even if we are at peace with GOD in a very real sense [Romans 5:1] unity is not in us.  We experience temptation and struggle; our decisions both small and great lead us in one of two directions, either the old self hopelessly ruined and a slave of selfishness, or a person transfigured by love.

The self according to GOD.  GOD created Man in HIS image, but the one who is truly this image is the risen CHRIST, conqueror of sin and of death.  Here, as elsewhere in Scripture, Man is both CHRIST and humanity at the same time, and it is each one of us at our place in the 'Body."  all that we admire in CHRIST is also for our benefit.

The white garment that adults put on at baptism denotes the change of life that they are beginning.  The renewal may also take place after a retreat or when GOD unexpectedly makes us abandon a routine Christian life devoid of ambition.  Then we put on CHRIST with discovered faith.

Paul immediately points out some of the moral requirements of this daily renewal: frankness, sobriety, cleanliness of language and imagination.  Christian faith does not allow us to live in a carefree way, as did the oriental religions in the time of Paul.  There much was said about renaissance and knowledge of mysteries, but nothing about the slavery of sex and the evil of social life.

Old self, new self correspond with other expressions of Paul: "according to the flesh" or "according to the Spirit" [Romans 8:5]; "children of darkness" or "children of light" [Ephesians 5:8]; "slaves of sin" or "persons free in CHRIST" [Galatians 5:1].)

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John The Baptist Beheaded

"At that time, the reports about JESUS reached king Herod.  And he said to his servants, 'This man is John the Baptist.  John has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in John.'

Herod had, in fact, ordered that John be arrested, bound in chains and put in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip.  For John had said to Herod, 'It is not right for you to have her as your wife.'  Herod wanted to kill him but he did not dare, because he feared the people, who regarded John as a prophet.

On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced among the guests; she so delighted Herod that he promised under oath to give her anything she asked for  The girl, following the advice of her mother, said, 'Give me the head of John the Baptist, here, on a dish.'

The king was very displeased, but because he had made his promise under oath, in the presence of his guests, he ordered it to be given to her.  So he had John beheaded in prison, and his head brought on a dish and given to the girl.  The girl then took it to her mother.

Then John's disciples came, took his body and buried it.  Then they went and told JESUS." - Matthew 14:1-12 

(King Herod.  This refers to Herod Antipas, son of the other Herod who reigned when JESUS was born.

King Herod respected John, but he was prisoner of his milieu and of his vices.  As king of Galilee, his misconduct constituted a public counter-witness.

All through the Scriptures we see prophets stressing the particular responsibility of those who wield power. If they have to lead the people, they must be, by the rectitude of their life, and example; John the Baptist could not speak of justice without reproaching Herod for his infidelity.

People said that John the Baptist has been raised from the dead.  They considered John a martyr and believed he would rise from the dead to punish Herod.  Some associated JESUS with John--JESUS performed miracles that John had not done.  Others, less informed, thought JESUS was an apparition of John.)  

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HE Works With The Power Of The Spirit

"HE went to HIS hometown and taught the people in their synagogue.  They were amazed and said, 'Where did HE get this wisdom and these special powers?  Isn't HE the carpenter's son?  Isn't Mary HIS mother and aren't James, Joseph, Simon and Judas HIS brothers?  Aren't all HIS sisters living here?  Where did HE get all these things?'  And so they took offense at HIM.

JESUS said to them, 'The only place where prophets are not welcome is HIS hometown and in HIS own family.'  And HE did not perform many miracles there because of their lack of faith." - Matthew 13:54-58 

(JESUS returns home in the company of John's followers who become HIS own disciples [John 1:35] and HE performs HIS first sign in Cana [John 2:1].  This miracle launches HIS ministry.  From Capernaum, where JESUS lives in the house of Simon and Andrew, near the lake, JESUS begins to preach in the synagogues of Galilee [Mark 1:35] and HIS words impress people because HE works with the power of the Spirit, namely, HE speaks with authority and HIS miracles confirm HIS works.

HE began teaching in the synagogues.  JESUS does not begin by preaching to the crowds who know nothing of HIM; instead, for months HE makes HIMSELF known in the synagogues.)

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At The Potter's House

"This is the word of YAHWEH that came to Jeremiah: 'Go down to the potter's house and there you will hear what I have to say.'

So I went to the potter's house and found him working at the wheel.  But the pot he was working on was spoiled in his hands, so he reworked it all over again into another pot that suits his desire.

Meanwhile YAHWEH sent me HIS word, 'People of Israel, can I not do with you what this potter does?  As clay in the potter's hand so are you in MY hands." - Jeremiah 18:1-6 

(In several parts of the Scriptures, the comparison with the potter serves to show that GOD is absolute master and directs the lives of all according to HIS will: individuals as well as nations [see Isaiah 29:16 and Romans 9:20].  Here the same comparison is used to provide another teaching which complements the first: namely that we are free.)

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The Treasure And The Pearl

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, hidden in a field.  The one who finds it, buries it again; and so happy is he, that he goes and sells everything he has, in order to buy that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a trader, who is looking for fine pearls.  Once he has found a pearl of exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it." - Matthew 13:44-46 

(The parables of the treasure and the pearl invite us not to let opportunities pass by, when the kingdom of GOD comes to us.

Some have been waiting for years for that word, or person or sign of hope that would give new meaning to their lives.  One day they found it.  Sometimes it was found through simple things: a forgiving word, a friendly smile, a first commitment offered to them and accepted.  Then they understood that this was the way to gain all they were waiting for, and they entered the kingdom happily.

The parable says: he buries it again.  Ordinarily it is GOD who hides the treasure again after having shown it to us, for it will be really ours when we have worked for it and persevered.

Everything must be sold.  We have to divest ourselves of all those habits, pleasures... that occupy our hearts without filling them.  When trials come upon us like a frosty, icy night, we should not forget the treasure we have once seen, until we recover it.  Plato, the great pagan philosopher, said, "It is during the night that it is beautiful to believe in the light."

"The pearl" is, in a certain sense, CHRIST HIMSELF.  HE alone gives meaning to all the sacrifices of a Christian life.  These are not really "sacrifices," but the search for a love that has already been proven.)

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Do Not Break YOUR Covenant With Us!

"...This you will say to them: Let my eyes shed tears night and day without ceasing!  For with a great wound has the virgin daughter of my people been wounded, a most grievous wound.

If I go into the country, I see those slain by the sword.  If I enter the city I see the ravages of famine.  For the prophet and the priest did not understand what was happening in the land.'

Have YOU then rejected Judah forever?  Do YOU abhor Zion?  Why have YOU wounded us and left us with no hope of recovery?

We hoped for salvation but received nothing good; we waited for healing, but terror came!

YAHWEH, we know our wickedness and that of our ancestors, and the times we have sinned against you.

For YOUR name's sake do not despise us; do not dishonor the throne of YOUR glory.  Remember us.  Do not break YOUR Covenant with us!

Among the worthless idols of the nations, are there any who can bring rain, or make the skies send showers?

Only in YOU, YAHWEH our GOD, do we hope, for it is YOU who do all this." - Jeremiah 14:17-22 

(Jeremiah appears weak and bitter, as the one who does not give YAHWEH's answer.  A true prophet is not accepted by HIS own people whereas those who provide opium for the people are praised.)

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The Mustard Seed And The Yeast

"JESUS offered them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field.

It is smaller than all other seeds, but once it is fully grown, it is bigger than any garden plant; like a tree, the birds came and rest in its branches.'

HE told them another parable, 'The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast that a woman took, and hid in three measures of flour, until the whole mass of dough began to rise.'

JESUS taught all these things to the crowds by means of parables; HE did not say anything to them without using a parable.  This fulfilled what was spoken by the Prophet: I will speak in parables, I will proclaim things kept secret since the beginning of the world." - Matthew 13:31-35 

(With the parable of the mustard seed JESUS shows us that the kingdom of GOD must be a sign; it has to be something very noticeable in the world.

Any spiritual aspiration, cultural innovation or revolutionary movement must be expressed concretely, through one or several institutions, to make it a clearer and more visible entity.  Likewise JESUS projects HIS Church as the bearer [not the owner] of the kingdom of GOD.  Church means: 'Assembly of those called together.'  Two of the characteristics of this Church are indicated here:

- first it must be very visible and fruitful for the world, like a tree giving shade to birds;

- secondly, it must be immersed in human reality.

Believers are not to separate themselves from those who do not believe, for they the yeast of the world.

JESUS does not want an "invisible Church," that is an emotional fellowship and spiritual communion among all those in the whole world who believe in HIM.  HE wants a gigantic tree [in another place JESUS says: a city built on a hill], so that everyone can recognize that the seed was good and full of life.  We need organized Christian communities, a hierarchy...  Nevertheless the believers are not to enclose themselves in their chapels or little communities or to spend all their energies working for "their" Church.  They must be useful and fruitful in the world together with all people of goodwill.

Let them be yeast for the dough, not small separate and finer dough.  The yeast transforms human history, not by bringing all people into the Church, but by infusing into human activity the spirit that gives life to humankind.)

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The Multiplication Of Loaves

"A man came from Baal-shalishah bringing bread and wheat to the man of GOD.  These were from the fist part of the harvest, twenty loaves of barley and wheat.  Elisha told him, 'Give the loaves to these men that they may eat.'

His servant said to him, 'How am I to divide these loaves among one hundred men?'  Elisha insisted, 'Give them to the men that they may eat, for YAHWEH says: 'They shall eat and have some left over.'  So the man set it before them; and they ate and had some left, as YAHWEH had said." - 2 Kings 4:42-44 

(We should compare the multiplication of the loaves with the two multiplications at the hand of JESUS; they are related in very similar ways and, yet, each has a different meaning [see especially John 6].)

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