"The Last Days Already Came And You Were Looking For Riches!"

"So, now, for what concerns the fortunes that are coming upon you.  Your riches are rotting, and your clothes, eaten up by the moths.  Your silver and gold have rusted, and their rust grows into a witness against you.  It will consume your flesh, like fire, for having piled up riches, in these, the last days.

You deceived the workers who harvested your fields, but, now, their wages cry out to the heavens.  The reapers' complaints have reached the ears of the LORD of hosts.  You lived in luxury and pleasure in this world, thus, fattening yourselves for the day of slaughter.  You have easily condemned, and killed the innocent since they offered no resistance." - James 5:1-6 

(The rich will lose all they have stockpiled through injustice.  Just as serious as having stolen from the salaries of workers and having condemned those who spoke of justice is the sin against hope.  "The last days already came and you were looking for riches!"  The last days are those that began with the coming of CHRIST, with the kingdom already here.  James sees the second coming of the LORD as if it was imminent and it is the only way to rightly judge riches.

What was taking place in the poor civilization of James' time is happening again today.  The prosperity of a quarter of the world depends on the system that leaves two billion people in misery.

In our countries money destroys hope in the Christian meaning of the word; life is considered as a fortune to be enjoyed by oneself, without accepting responsibilities, beginning with the transmission of life.  Far removed from us, the safeguarding of our privileges involves, like a series of cascades, the unjust death of millions of people because of famine, oppression and wars.)

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They Conquered Him, By The Blood Of The LAMB

"War broke out in heaven, with Michael and his angels battling with the dragon.  The dragon fought back with his angels, but they were defeated, and lost their place in heaven.  The great dragon, the ancient serpent, known as the devil, or Satan, seducer of the whole world, was thrown out.  He was hurled down to earth, together with his angels.

Then, I heard a loud voice from heaven:

Now has salvation come,

with the power and the kingdom of GOD,

and the rule of HIS anointed.

For our brothers' accuser has been cast out,

who accused them night and day, before GOD.

They conquered him, by the blood of the Lamb,

and by the word of their testimony,

for they gave up their lives, going to death.

Rejoice, therefore, O you heavens,

and you who dwell in them;

but woe to you, earth and sea,

for the devil has come to you, in anger,

knowing that he has but a little time." 

- Revelation 12:7-12

(GOD's plan for the world has just been revealed: the Son of GOD must become a human and rise as the Savior of all people.  This mystery causes a double crisis: in the world of spirits [or angels] and in humankind.

The Jews imagined the angels were a huge army and they called their head Michael.  Similarly, the devil is presented as the head of the army of rebellious angels, the stars fallen from heaven.

The following chapters will reveal the devil at work in history.  He uses disguises and many substitutes.  However, those who are ready to suffer for the truth will recognize him: they conquered him by the  blood of the Lamb and by their courage in proclaiming HIM.)

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A Time For Everything

"There is a given time for everything and a time for every happening under heaven:

A time for giving birth, a time for dying; a time for planting, a time for uprooting.

A time for killing, a time for healing; a time for knocking down, a time for building.

 A time for tears, a time for laughter; a time for mourning, a time for dancing.

A time for throwing stones, a time for gathering stones; a time for embracing, a time to refrain from embracing.

A time for searching, a time for losing; a time for keeping, a time for throwing away.

A time for tearing, a time for sewing; a time to be silent, and a time to speak.

A time for loving, a time for hating; a time for war, a time for peace.

What profit is there for a man from all his toils?

Finally I considered the task GOD gave to the humans.  HE made everything fitting in its time, but HE also set eternity in their hearts, although they are not able to embrace the work of GOD from the beginning to the end." - Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 

(In this chapter, Ecclesiastes looks at all aspects of the human condition, one after the other, beginning with surest: death. 

So, if all that humans build must be destroyed, what is left to them?  That each of us must die, this we can accept, and it is not absurd if the world continues to be.  Instead it is impossible to think that one day all must stop and forever die.

Yet this is the only perspective left to us from a materialist view of the universe.  There will not even be someone to remember that humans did exist, suffer and love: no one can face such an eventuality.)

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Vanity Of Vanities. All Is Vanity!

"All is meaningless--says the Teacher--meaningless, meaningless!

What profit is there for a man in all his work for which he toils under the sun?

A generation goes, a generation comes and the earth remains forever.  The sun rises, the sun sets, hastening towards the place where it again rises.  Blowing to the south, turning to the north, the wind goes round and round and after all its rounds it has to blow again.

All rivers go to the sea but the sea is not full; to the place where the rivers come from, there they return again.

All words become weary and speech comes to an end, but the eye has never seen enough nor the ear heard too much.

What has happened before will happen again; what has been done before will be done again: there is nothing new under the sun.

If they say to you, 'See, it's new!' know that it has already been centuries earlier.

There is no remembrance of ancient people, and those to come will not be remembered by those who follow them." - Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 

(All is meaningless!  Meaningless!  We are used to the ancient translation of this verse: "Vanity of vanities.  All is vanity!"  Actually, the first word of the book designates in Hebrew a wisp of straw.  It is without weight and flies away at the slightest breeze, like vanity, a nothing.  It is also what escapes our grasp: it is a future that is uncertain and illusory, or something which does not satisfy our spirit, on which we can build nothing; it is "disconcerting," it "has no sense."

This expression is repeated in the book like a refrain, but with different meanings according to the context: that is why we have recourse to different translations.

There is nothing new under the sun.  The prophets had seen the world led by GOD toward a happy future.  Other cultures, however, had the notion that the world only keeps on repeating the same events, with kingdoms, wars, success and failure.  For them, nothing was happening which could give people the fulfillment of their desires.

With such convictions, a person might try to forget what is taking place in a world where all is illusion, but that is not the case of Ecclesiastes.  Like every good Jew, he is firmly rooted in reality; he lives at a time that is without conflict and also without prophets or great hope.  In such conditions, it is wisdom to ignore the illusions of activism.

Under the sun: these words will come back as a refrain: humans toil and pass as a shadow while the sun remains.  The sun is like an image of GOD who endures and who alone does things "with a view to eternity.")

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JESUS Sends The Twelve On A Mission

"Then JESUS called HIS Twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to drive out all evil spirits and to heal diseases.  And HE sent them to proclaim the kingdom of GOD and to heal the sick.  HE instructed them, 'Don't take anything for the journey, neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and don't even take a spare tunic.  Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place.  And wherever they don't welcome you, leave the town and shake the dust from your feet: it will be as a testimony against them.'

So they set out, and went through the villages, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere." - Luke 9:1-6 

(JESUS has begun HIS mission, HE forms and sends out missionaries.

Apostles mean "sent" and "mission" also means "being sent."  The FATHER has sent HIS Son to earth, and the Son, in turn, sends HIS apostles.  The FATHER sends messengers of HIS word, but HE also sends HIS Spirit to touch the hearts and minds of those who listen.  Through the Spirit they recognize the word of GOD in the poor preaching of these messengers who have received no great instruction.  The Spirit will give signs: healings and astounding graces supporting the witness of the missionaries.)

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"MY Mother And MY Brothers Are Those Who Hear The Word Of GOD And Do It."

"Then HIS mother and HIS relatives came to HIM; but they could not get to HIM because of the crowd.  Someone told HIM, 'YOUR mother and YOUR brothers are standing outside and wish to meet YOU.'  Then JESUS answered, 'MY mother and MY brothers are those who hear the word of GOD and do it.'" - Luke 8:19-21 

(JESUS lost HIS relatives but found HIS true brothers and sisters.  When we commit ourselves to GOD's work, we discover new brothers and sisters and a mother, Mary, of whom the gospel says, "Happy are you for having believed that GOD's promises would be fulfilled."  JESUS does not say, "HE is MY FATHER," for the FATHER is one and HE is in Heaven.)

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Who Shall Abide In GOD's Sanctuary?

"Those who walk blamelessly

and do what is right,

who speak truth from their heart

and control their words,

who do no harm to their neighbors

and cast no discredit on their companions,

who look down on evildoers

but highly esteem GOD's servants;

who, at all costs, stand by a pledged word,

who do not lend money at interest

and refuse a bribe against the innocent.

Do this, and you will not be shaken."

- Psalm 15:2-5

(Beyond the image of the Temple, the believer pines to be with GOD, to be one with GOD.  Those who harbor this passionate desire, expressed as a question must be honest, sincere and upright.  These are the three general conditions.  The following three conditions are related to the conduct toward one's neighbor.  Those who wish to be with GOD, must be on the side of the friends of GOD, against the enemies of GOD who have been rebuked by GOD--and respect the covenant that consecrates the promised action.  These three actions join GOD and neighbor together.  Two other actions have an economic-legal reach.  Keeping these commandments without the perfume of love is just mechanical fulfillment.)

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You Pray With The Wrong Motive

"Wherever there is jealousy and ambition, you will also find discord, and all that is evil.  Instead, the wisdom that comes from above is pure and peace-loving.  Persons with this wisdom show understanding, and listen to advice; they are full of compassion and good works; they are impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers, who sow peace, reap a harvest of justice.

What causes these fights and quarrels among you?  Is it not your cravings, that make war within your own selves?  When you long for something you cannot have, you kill for it, and when you do not get what you desire, you squabble and fight.  The fact is, you do not have what you want, because you do not pray for it.  You pray for something, and you do not get it, because you pray with the wrong motive, of indulging your pleasures.  You adulterers!  Don't you know, that making friends with the world makes you enemies of GOD?  Therefore, whoever chooses to be the world's friend becomes GOD's enemy." - James 3:16-4:3 

(You pray with the wrong motive.  James tells us that prayer obtains for us things that enable us to respond to GOD's plan.  Our prayers will not be heard if love for the world takes place of GOD in our hearts.)

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Unshakable Confidence In GOD

"My enemies turn back when I call on you for help; now I know, that GOD is for me.

In GOD, whose word I praise; in GOD I trust, without fear.  What can mortals do against me?

I am bound to YOU by vows, O GOD; I shall offer my thanksgiving.

For YOU have rescued my soul from death and my feet from stumbling; that I might walk in GOD's presence, in the light of the living."

Psalm 56:10-14

(We can only know what GOD thinks of human suffering from HIS Son, GOD's Word to us.  When JESUS saw Martha weeping HE started to cry HIMSELF [John 11:33-34.  But in the end, GOD 'will wipe all the tears away' and there will be no more crying [Revelation 21:4].

It is good to pray with this psalm, on the face of so much suffering and so many tears that don't find a human answer.

This is a prayer of the millions of oppressed who live, and no doubt will die crushed.  'YOU, LORD, have gathered our tears!')

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What I Want Is Mercy, Not Sacrifice

"As JESUS moved on from there, HE saw a man named Matthew, at his seat in the custom-house; and HE said to him, 'Follow ME!'  And Matthew got up and followed HIM.  Now it happened, while JESUS was at table in Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners joined JESUS and HIS disciples.  When the Pharisees saw this, they said to HIS disciples, 'Why is it, that your master eats with sinners and tax collectors?'

When JESUS heard this, HE said, ''Healthy people do not need a doctor, but sick people do.  Go, and find out what this means: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice.  I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" - Matthew 9:9-13 

(To enter the family of GOD, we must change some of our values.  This conversion is not as conspicuous as participation in devotional practices but is much more valuable.  First, we must liberate ourselves from prejudices by which we classify people.  Let us stop dividing people into good or bad; those we can greet and those we cannot; those we can love and help and those we cannot.  Let us learn that GOD does not hate the rich or the uneducated, those on the left or those on the right, for GOD's merciful plan sees to the salvation of all.)

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How Can Some Of You Say That There Is No Resurrection Of The Dead?

"Well, then, if CHRIST is preached as risen from the dead, how can some of you say, that there is no resurrection of the dead?  If there is no resurrection of the dead, then CHRIST has not been raised.  And if CHRIST has not been raised, our preaching is empty, and our belief comes to nothing.  And we become false witnesses of GOD, attesting that HE raised CHRIST, whereas HE could not raise HIM, if indeed, the dead are not raised.  If the dead are not raised, neither has CHRIST been raised.  And if CHRIST has not been raised, your faith gives you nothing, and you are still in sin.  Also, those who fall asleep, in CHRIST, are lost.  If it is only for this life, that we hope in CHRIST, we are the most unfortunate of all people." - 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 

(Paul begins with the Resurrection of JESUS as a fact: and from that he then draws consequences: our own resurrection.

We hear it said at times, even among believers that the Resurrection of JESUS is not an historical fact.  This is true in the sense that Resurrection escapes the historical dimension.  We know and we believe it because there are witnesses, and in no other way does history proceed.  Nevertheless there is a vast difference: history deals with testimonies on which we have some ideas: a war, a meeting between two people, an invention.  On the contrary, for the Resurrection of JESUS, the witnesses can only speak of apparitions of JESUS or meetings with HIM.  This experience led them to believe something much greater: JESUS had begun a life about which we have no idea, even sharing the power of GOD!  We, then, in this very special case, shall believe not only what they saw but also what they believe, and that is in no way comparable with historical processes.  But all the same, JESUS' Resurrection and coming in glory is a fact.)

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"We Piped You A Tune And You Wouldn't Dance; We Sang Funeral Songs And You Wouldn't Cry."

"And JESUS said, 'What comparison can I use for the people?  What are they like?  They are like children sitting in the marketplace, about whom their companions complain, 'We piped you a tune and you wouldn't dance; we sang funeral songs and you wouldn't cry.'

Remember John: he didn't eat bread or drink wine, and you said, 'He has an evil spirit.'  Next, came the Son of Man, eating and drinking; and you say, 'Look, a glutton for food and wine, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.'  But the children of Wisdom always recognize her work.'" - Luke 7:31-35 

(They are like children sitting... They do everything at the wrong time; they reproach John for his austerity and JESUS for HIS lack of austerity.  There is no "one" way of serving GOD; there is no "one" model of holiness, "one" style of Christian life.  GOD acts in thousands of ways throughout history, encouraging at a given time what HE will censure later in another milieu.  The extreme asceticism of hermits in the desert or that of the ancient Irish monks has been a richness for Christianity.  Modern Christianity that appears more human may look easier to follow but the demands of the cross are always there.  JESUS went further than John but HE needed John: the Gospel is heard with pleasure but is not taken seriously as long as repentance and sacrifice are brushed aside.  Perhaps the renewal of our faith today is waiting for prophets and for movements that dare to  question a culture and a society that has become sterile.) 

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"You Are Bought With A Great Price, Not With Gold Or Silver, But With The Precious Blood Of CHRIST!"

"All you lands, acclaim YAHWEH!

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

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

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

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

- Psalm 100:1-5

The Calvary

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

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The Power Of GOD

"When JESUS had finished teaching the people, HE went to Capernaum.

A Roman military officer lived there, whose servant was very sick and near to death, a man very dear to him.  So when he heard about JESUS, he sent some elders of the Jews to persuade HIM to come and save his servant's life.  The elders came to JESUS and begged HIM earnestly, saying, 'He deserves this of YOU, for he loves our people and even built a synagogue for us.'

JESUS went with them.  HE was not far from the house, when the Roman officer sent friends to give this message, 'SIR, do not trouble YOURSELF, for I am not worthy to welcome YOU under my roof.  YOU see, I didn't approach YOU myself.  Just give the order, and my servant will be healed.  For I myself, a junior officer, give orders to my soldiers, and I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes; and to the other, 'Come!' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this!' and he does it.'

On hearing these words, JESUS was filled with admiration.  HE turned and said to the people with HIM, 'I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.'  The people, sent by the captain, went back to his house; there they found that the servant was well." - Luke 7:1-10 

(This captain of a foreign army earned the esteem of the Jews.  The amazing thing was not that he should have contributed to the building of the synagogue, but rather that the Jews should have accepted it from him.  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?  That was why he sent his Jewish friends to JESUS.

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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Faith Is Shown In Action

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, to profess faith, without showing works?  Such faith has no power to save you.  If a brother or sister is in need of clothes or food, and one of you says, 'May things go well for you; be warm and satisfied,' without attending to their material needs, what good is that?  So, it is, for faith without deeds: it is totally dead.

Say to whoever challenges you, 'You have faith and I have good deeds; show me your faith apart from actions and I, for my part, will show you my faith in the way I act.'" - James 2:14-18 

(It is necessary to have faith to be saved, but following CHRIST cannot be theoretical; it must be shown in action, in deeds.  CHRIST HIMSELF says the same thing in Matthew 7:21: "Not everyone who says, 'LORD, LORD,' will enter the kingdom of heaven."

Let us look at the two examples that James takes from the Old Testament and let us compare them with Hebrews 11:31, and above all with Romans 4 [Galatians 3].  It seems that James and Paul draw opposite teachings from the same examples.  Paul says: Abraham was justified by faith and not by following the law.  James on the other hand, says that they were saved by putting their faith into practice.  Actually, in speaking of practices, Paul is thinking about the religious rites and observances of the Jews that are useless for salvation, and  he says that faith is at the root of all Christian life.  James, in speaking of practices, is thinking about deeds inspired by love.  Paul said the same when he wrote: "Faith works through love" [Galatians 5:6].

These apparently contrary affirmations of James and Paul were widely discussed at the beginning of the Reformation, when certain commentators bluntly affirmed that a person is saved by faith alone.  Yet it would not be sufficient to show how we can achieve reconciliation between the words of Paul and James.  There is clearly with them quite different ways of seeing and feeling and that is due as much to the diversity of human temperaments as to the richness of the Christian experience, which is not always the same for everyone.  These real differences that we find even among the apostles encourage us to accept that others may think and express their faith in ways different from our own.)

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CHRIST Offered HIS Sacrifice With Tears And Cries

"CHRIST, in the days of HIS mortal life, offered HIS sacrifice with tears and cries.  HE prayed to HIM, who could save HIM from death, and HE was heard, because of HIS humble submission.  Although HE was Son, HE learned, through suffering, what obedience was, and, once made perfect, HE became the source of eternal salvation, for those who obey HIM." - Hebrew 5:7-9 

(In Scripture, the words of JESUS CHRIST above are used to express the insistent prayer of the oppressed children of GOD: they cry to GOD in such a loud voice that HE listens to them.  Thus, the night before HIS death, JESUS identified with men and women who suffer and do not want to die.) 

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Whoever Looks At It Shall Live

"From Mount Hor they set out by the Red Sea road to go around the land of Edom.  The people were discouraged by the journey and began to complain against GOD and Moses, 'Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?  There is neither bread nor water here and we are disgusted with this tasteless manna.'

YAHWEH then sent fiery serpents against them.  They bit the people and many of the Israelites died.  Then the people came to Moses and said, 'We have sinned, speaking against YAHWEH and against you.  Plead with YAHWEH to take the serpents away.'

Moses pleaded for the people and YAHWEH said to him, 'Make a fiery serpent and set it on a standard; whoever has been bitten and then looks at it shall live.'

So Moses make a bronze serpent and set it on a standard.  Whenever a man was bitten, he looked towards the bronze serpent and he lived." - Numbers 21:4-9 

(With regard to this bronze serpent, two quite different questions may be asked.  The first: what is the historical origin of this account?  An easy answer: near the Sinai mines a healing god was honored and little bronze serpents were offered in thanksgiving.  The stories of travelers must have inspired the narrative.  But the important question is the second: what does this page of the holy book intend to say?

The people complained.  The Israelites complain again: this is the inner rebellion of those who do not accept sacrifices and will not exert themselves in order to become better and who would rather blame others.

Make a fiery serpent.  A strange command to the Israelites, but the bronze serpent will be a prophetic sign:  GOD intends to cure the sin with the very instrument of the sin.

Whoever looks at it shall live: another prophetic statement.  Sinners  will not have to follow strict prescriptions: let them merely look with faith at the sign GOD sends for their healing.  JESUS will say: 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross] so that whoever believes in HIM may have eternal life' [John 3:14].

The story of the serpent is one of those biblical images with a hidden meaning, and people had to wait for the day when CHRIST would give them meaning.  The same is true of the story of Melchizedek [Genesis 4] and the story of Joseph.

The same is true in our own lives; in our past there have been some incidents which we did not understand at that time.  Why did this happen to me?  Some day, the light of CHRIST will reveal the meaning.) 

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Do To Others As You Would Have Others Do To You

"Do to others as you would have others do to you.  If you love only those who love you, what kind of grace is yours?  Even sinners love those who love them.  If you do favors to those who are good to you, what kind of grace is yours?  Even sinners do the same.  If you lend only when you expect to receive, what kind of grace is yours?  For sinners also lend to sinners, expecting to receive something in return." - Luke 6:31-34 

(Here, as in Matthew 5:43, JESUS does not refer mainly to personal resentment and friendships, but to opposition in the social, political or religious order: treating differently the people of one's group or party and those of the opposite side.  We love and respect those of our own group and are only moderately concerned about the rights of others: they are probably sinners and even in the best of circumstances of small interest...

JESUS invites us to overcome such differences: what counts is the individual and when my neighbor needs me, I must forget his color or whatever label has been given him.

If you lend only when you expect to receive.  Once again, we are dealing with a social attitude: people who look for friends among those who can promote their social climbing and who avoid all who might be a burden because they are people without influence: Luke 14:12.) 

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Blessings And Woes

"Then, looking at HIS disciples, JESUS said,

'Fortunate are you who are poor, for the kingdom of GOD is yours.

Fortunate are you, who are hungry now, for you will be filled.

Fortunate are you, who weep now, for you will laugh.

Fortunate are you, when people hate you, when they reject you and insult you and number you among criminals, because of the Son of Man.  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven.  Remember, that is how the ancestors of the people treated the prophets.

But alas for you, who have wealth, for you have been comforted now.

Alas for you, who are full, for you will go hungry.

Alas for you, who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.

Alas for you, when people speak well of you, for that is how the ancestors of the people treated the false prophets.'" - Luke 6:20-26 

(Matthew adapts the beatitudes for the members of the church of his time.  Luke, on the other hand, puts the beatitudes here just as JESUS proclaimed them to the people of Galilee.  In the words of JESUS, the beatitudes were a call and a hope addressed to the forgotten of the world, beginning with the poor among HIS people, heirs of GOD's promise to the prophets.

In contrast with these beatitudes, Luke presents lamentations recalling those of Isaiah [65:13-14].  They are lamentations as used for the dead, not maledictions.  For the rich forget GOD and become impermeable to grace.  These lamentations are a sign of the love of GOD for the rich, as are the beatitudes for the poor, for HE loves them all, but in a different way.  To the first HE affirms that HE will destroy the structures of injustice, and to the others HE gives a warning: richness brings death.

The beatitudes do not speak of the conversion of the rich, nor do they say that the poor are better, but they promise a reversal.  The kingdom signifies a new society: GOD blesses the poor but not poverty.)

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Not One Of Those The FATHER Gave HIM Has Been Lost

"At this time, JESUS went out into the hills to pray, spending the whole night in prayer with GOD.  When day came, HE called HIS disciples to HIM, and chose Twelve of them, whom HE called 'apostles': Simon, whom HE named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alpheus and Simon called the Zealot; Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who would be the traitor.

Coming down the hill with them, JESUS stood in an open plain.  Many of HIS disciples were there, and a large crowd of people, who had come from all parts of Judea and Jerusalem, and from the coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon.  They gathered to hear HIM and to be healed of their diseases.  And people troubled by unclean spirits were cured.  The entire crowd tried to touch HIM, because of the power that went out from HIM and healed them all." - Luke 6:12-19 

The Twelve

(JESUS keeps those whom HE loves the most in HIS prayer.  The success of HIS mission will depend upon them; other people's faith will rest on them.  JESUS does not want their call to be HIS own will: before calling them, HE wants to be certain that HE is doing the FATHER's will [Hebrews 5:8].  For the simple reason that CHRIST chose them and entrusted HIS Church to them, they will be tested in a thousand ways [Luke 22:31].  Therefore JESUS wants to safeguard them through the power of HIS prayer [John 17:9].  The day before HIS death HE will have the consolation that not one of those the FATHER gave HIM has been lost [John 17:12].)

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Why Do You Ask ME To Do Something Forbidden On The Sabbath?

"On  another Sabbath, JESUS entered the synagogue and began teaching.  There was a man with a paralyzed right hand, and the teachers of the law and the Pharisees watched HIM: Would JESUS heal the man on the Sabbath?  If HE did, they could accuse HIM.

But JESUS knew their thoughts, and said to the man, 'Get up, and stand in the middle.'  Then HE spoke to them, 'I want to ask you: what is allowed by the law on the Sabbath?  To do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?'  And JESUS looked around at them all.

Then HE said to the man, "Stretch out your hand.'  He stretched it out, and his hand was restored, becoming as healthy as the other.  But they were furious, and began to discuss with one another how they could deal with JESUS.) - Luke 6:6-11 

(JESUS could have said to the man: "Why do you ask me to do something forbidden on the Sabbath?  Come back tomorrow to be healed."  JESUS does not avoid the confrontation because Gospel means liberation and we become free when we admit that there is nothing sacred in a society that attempts to impose its own standards.  The law of rest [Sabbath] is one of the fundamental laws of the Scripture but that does not prevent the possibility of this law causing oppression and for that reason it must at times be dispensed with.

It is the same for the most sacred laws of the Church: at a given moment they might be an obstacle to the Gospel and, if that be the case, Christian conscience, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, must find a solution for the time being.  As long as people are subject to an order, to laws and authorities which are considered sacred and which no one thinks of criticizing, those people are neither free nor true sons and daughters of GOD.  [See 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; 8:4-5; Colossians 2:20-23.]

A respect for GOD that would destroy our critical sense would not be in keeping with the Gospel; a religion preventing us from seeking the truth and from questioning every area of human restlessness would not be the true one.  To study the Scriptures without daring to know and take into account the contributions of modern science for fear that our very naïve vision of sacred history would fall apart, would be to sin against the Spirit.)

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Whoever Makes A Distinction Between Persons Is Not Christian

"My brothers and sisters, if you truly believe in our glorified LORD, JESUS CHRIST, you will not discriminate between persons.  Suppose a person enters the synagogue where you are assembled, dressed magnificently and wearing a gold ring; at the same time, a poor person enters dressed in rags. If you focus your attention on the well-dressed and say, 'Come and sit in the best seat,' while, to the poor one you say, 'Stay standing, or else sit down at my feet,' have you not, in fact, made a distinction between the two?  Have you not judged, using a double standard?

Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters, did GOD not choose the poor of this world to receive the riches of faith, and to inherit the kingdom, which HE has promised to those who love HIM? - James 2:1-5 

(Distinction of class, of color: there is never a reason for showing favoritism and not respecting the rights of each person, for making her wait or treating her less well.  There is at stake an instinct for justice that is linked with faith.

James speaks of distinctions within the Church and alas!  Often it is there that they tenaciously cling.  If in many countries the Church is much frequented by those who are socially well off, better educated, it is surely because of its choices: our practices have cast aside others until they are no longer seen.

Did GOD not choose the poor of this world to receive the riches of faith?  The apostles who are our undisputed masters in faith were poor with regard to money and influence, but they were sufficiently rich in faith to sign it with their blood.

James says that the rich profane the name of CHRIST.  He speaks perhaps of the rich unbelievers who ridicule the simple faithful, or perhaps of the wealthy Christians whose way of life draws criticism of the name of CHRIST.  They profane the name of CHRIST and bring contempt on the Church.

James invites the Church to examine itself on the way we treat each other in our institutions: with whom are the pastors of the Church usually found, who are those with whom they feel at ease and in whom they confide.  What terrible truth would be revealed by an investigation of these points!)

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But You, Bethlehem Ephrata, From You Shall I Raise The One Who Is To Rule Over Israel!

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrata, so small that you are hardly named among the clans of Judah; from you shall I raise the one who is to rule over Israel.  For HE comes forth from of old, from the ancient times.

YAHWEH, therefore, will abandon Israel until such time as she, who is to give birth, has given birth.  Then the rest of HIS deported brothers will return to the people of Israel.

HE will stand, and shepherd HIS flock with the strength of YAHWEH, in the glorious Name of YAHWEH, HIS GOD.  They will live safely, while HE wins renown to the ends of the earth.  HE shall be peace.

     When the Assyrian invades our land

     and sets foot on our territory,

     we will raise against  him

     not one, but seven shepherds;

     eight warlords. - Micah 5:1-4 

(But you, Bethlehem Ephrata, from you shall I raise the one who is to rule over Israel.  That is to say, that the Messiah will come from the line of David whose roots are in Bethlehem.  It is not clear if the Messiah must be born in Bethlehem, in spite of the fact that Micah seems to contrast this peaceful king, born in a rural area, with the useless kings of the capital.  Later, many believed that the Messiah had to be born in Bethlehem: see John 7:42.  Matthew's Gospel shows how this prophecy was fulfilled with the birth of JESUS [Matthew 2:6].)

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Do Not Judge Before The Time, Until The Coming Of The LORD

"Let everyone, then, see us as the servants of CHRIST, and stewards of the secret works of GOD.  Being stewards, faithfulness shall be demanded of us; but I do not mind if you, or any human court, judges me.  I do not even judge myself; my conscience, indeed, does not accuse me of anything, but that is not enough for me to be set right with GOD: the LORD is the one who judges me.

Therefore, do not judge before the time, until the coming of the LORD.  HE will bring to light whatever was hidden in darkness, and will disclose the secret intentions of the hearts.  Then, each one will receive praise from GOD." - 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 

(The new law tells us not to consider ourselves superior or be judges of those who take a different road, or who are led by GOD to do so.  Do not judge.  We must exercise good judgment  in order to distinguish between the good and evil around us.  Though it is a factor of success never to displease anyone, we must have the courage to tell others the wrong that they do.  Here "to judge" means to condemn.

When we look at our own lives, we realize that those who helped us grow were those who supported and understood us, not those who judged and condemned us.  [See Romans 2:1; 14:4; 1 Corinthians 5:12; James 4:11].)

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GOD Catches The Wise In Their Own Wisdom

"Do not deceive yourselves.  If anyone of you considers himself wise in the ways of the world, let him become a fool, so that he may become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness  in GOD's eyes.  To this, Scripture says: GOD catches the wise in their own wisdom.  It also says: The LORD knows the reasoning of the wise, that it is useless.

Because of this, let no one boast about human beings, for everything belongs to you; Paul, Apollos, Cephas--life, death, the present and the future.  Everything is yours, and you, you belong to CHRIST, and CHRIST is of GOD." - 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 

(Everything is yours and you belong to CHRIST.  We have here a decisive word on Christian freedom.

On the other hand, remember what non-believing philosophers have said: People created GOD out of their own misery.  Whatever was lacking in order for them to feel great and happy, they attributed to a superior being, who had everything.  In worshiping HIM, they felt identified with HIM and forgot their own misery.  This theory is not completely false: in fact people make idols for themselves, be they singers, athletes or politicians; and they feel happy when their idols have and do everything they themselves cannot do or have.  They die for causes not their own and they feel proud of people and institutions that exploit them.  A Christian is wary of authority becoming idols: he exists and thinks for himself.  Even in the Church he is face to face with GOD with no other intermediary but CHRIST, and he does not indulge in the cult of personalities.)

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JESUS Is A Model Missionary

"Leaving the synagogue, JESUS went to the house of Simon.  His mother-in-law was suffering from high fever, and they asked HIM to do something for her.  Bending over her, HE rebuked the fever, and it left her.  Immediately, she got up and waited on them.

At sunset, people suffering from many kinds of sickness were brought to JESUS.  Laying HIS hands on each one, HE healed them.  Demons were driven out, howling as they departed from their victims, 'YOU are the Son of GOD!'  HE rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, for they knew HE was the Messiah.

JESUS left at daybreak and looked for a solitary place.  People went out in search of HIM, and finding HIM, they tried to dissuade HIM from leaving.  But HE said, 'I have to go to other towns, to announce the good news of the kingdom of GOD.  That is what I was sent to do.'  And JESUS continued to preach in the synagogues of Galilee." - Luke 4:38-44 

(JESUS is a model missionary.  HE no sooner gathers a few believers together than they want to keep HIM for themselves, either because they see in HIM a true prophet, or want to form a true community under HIS guidance.

JESUS, however, leaves the task of shepherding [in the sense of guiding a specific community] to others, because HE has many more people in mind still awaiting the Gospel.)

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The Spirit Teaches Us Wisdom

"GOD has revealed it to us, through HIS Spirit, because the Spirit probes everything, even the depth of GOD.

Who, but HIS own spirit, knows the secrets of a person?  Similarly, no one, but the Spirit of GOD, knows the secrets of GOD.  We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from GOD and, through HIM, we understand what GOD, in HIS goodness, has given us.

So we speak by human wisdom, but in a language taught by the Spirit, explaining a spiritual wisdom to spiritual persons.  The one who remains on the psychological level does not understand the things of the Spirit.  They are foolishness for him; and he does not understand, because they require a spiritual experience.  On the other hand, the spiritual person judges everything, but no one judges him.  Who has known the mind of GOD so as to teach HIM?  But we have the mind of CHRIST." - 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 

(Christian faith proposes that which no human doctrine, no religion could have given us.  At times, comparing ourselves with those who follow a spiritual way outside Christianity, it would seem that we are saying the same thing with different words.  This is partly true regarding our attitudes and our choices in life, but we should not be afraid to confess the riches GOD has given us in CHRIST: HIS Spirit gives us what no one has ever penetrated.

Such knowledge is not intellectual, it is a gift of the Spirit that sows and develops in us the one and only truth.  It is very difficult to give an explanation of a truly spiritual experience.  We can only speak of wisdom to those who have attained a certain spiritual level.  That is why Paul tells the Corinthians that most of them are unable to criticize him.

The one who remains on the psychological level.  [Paul says precisely: "the psychic man"] does not reach the truth of CHRIST.  However the spiritual person, not necessarily the intellectual person, knows by gift of GOD the things of GOD.

The spiritual person judges everything but no one judges him.  He who sees has no way of convincing the blind person that there are colors.  He sees them, however, and knows that if the blind person does not see them, it is not because the thing is doubtful, but because the blind person has neither eyes nor criteria for that.  It is the same with the spiritual person and the carnal one.)

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I Myself Came Weak, Fearful And Trembling

"When I came to reveal to you the mystery of GOD's plan, I did not count on eloquence or on a show of learning.  I was determined, not to know anything among you, but JESUS, the Messiah, and a crucified Messiah.  I, myself, came; weak, fearful and trembling; my words, and preaching, were not brilliant, or clever to win listeners.  It was, rather, a demonstration of spirit and power, so, that, your faith might be a matter, not of human wisdom, but of GOD's power." - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 

(I myself came weak, fearful and trembling.  Paul indeed must have felt weak when for the first time he was bringing the Gospel to a brilliant Greek city well used to slavery and immorality.  We experience the same feelings towards the evangelization of the modern world; preparation is important but what is it to prepare ourselves?  Paul invites us to accept the mystery of the cross and to find there the strength of the Spirit.

It was a demonstration of spirit and power.  The power of spirit, the power of prayer, the power of suffering.  The Spirit is poured out after JESUS has suffered and died.  With HIM, we can expect everything.  Healings and miracles are worthless [and the devil takes advantage of them] unless they affirm faith in JESUS crucified, acting through the humble, and present in the poor.)

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Who Shall Abide In GOD's Sanctuary?

"Those who walk blamelessly

and do what is right,

who speak truth from their heart

and control their words,

who do no harm to their neighbors

and cast no discredit on their companions,

who look down on evildoers

but highly esteem GOD's servants;

who, at all costs, stand by a pledged word,

who do not lend money at interest

and refuse a bribe against the innocent.

Do this, and you will not be shaken."

- Psalm 15:2-5

(Beyond the image of the Temple, the believer pines to be with GOD, to be one with GOD.  Those who harbor this passionate desire, expressed as a question must be honest, sincere, and upright.  These are the three general conditions.  The following three conditions are related to the conduct toward one's neighbor.  Those who wish to be with GOD, must be on the side of the friends of GOD, against the enemies of GOD who have been rebuked by GOD--and respect the covenant that consecrates the promised action.  These three actions join GOD and neighbor together.  Two other actions have an economic-legal reach.  Keeping these commandments without the perfume of love is just mechanical fulfillment.)

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See Whom GOD Has Called

"Brothers and sisters, look and see whom GOD has called.  Few among you can be said to be cultured or wealthy, and few belong to noble families.  Yet GOD has chosen what the world considers foolish, to shame the wise; HE has chosen what the world considers weak, to shame the strong.  GOD has chosen common and unimportant people, making use of what is nothing, to nullify the things that are, so, that, no mortal may boast before GOD.  But, by GOD's grace, you are in CHRIST JESUS, who has become our wisdom from GOD, and who makes us just and holy and free.  Scripture says: Let the one who boasts boast of the LORD." - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 

(The Church of Corinth is formed of ordinary people: this is their strength.  Everybody has his place and his mission in the Church.  Ordinary people and poor communities, often persecuted and calumniated, have a primary role in the evangelization of the world.  GOD wants them to evangelize the rich and at times, even the hierarchy.)

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CHRIST Did Not Send Me To Baptize

"For CHRIST did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim HIS gospel.  And not with beautiful words!  That would be like getting rid of the cross of CHRIST.  The language of the cross remains nonsense for those who are lost.  Yet for us who are saved, it is the power of GOD, as Scripture says: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and make fail the foresight of the foresighted.  Masters of human wisdom, educated people, philosophers, you have no reply!  And the wisdom of this world?  GOD let it fail.

At first, GOD spoke the language of wisdom, and the world did not know GOD through wisdom.  Then GOD thought of saving the believers, through the foolishness that we preach.

The Jews ask for miracles and the Greeks for a higher knowledge, while we proclaim a crucified Messiah.  For the Jews, what a great scandal!  And for the Greeks, what nonsense!  But HE is CHRIST, the power of GOD, and the wisdom of GOD, for those called by GOD among both Jews and Greeks.

In reality, the "foolishness" of GOD is wiser than humans, and the "weakness" of GOD is stronger than humans." - 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 

The Folly Of The Cross

(CHRIST did not send me to baptize.  When the Church is fully absorbed in its own problems, Paul reminds them of their mission: Is our first concern to preach the Gospel, or to dispute for the posts of guides and ministers of the community?

Even if these Christians in Corinth are not great "intellectuals," as good Greeks that they are, they enjoy fine discourses and want to be seen as cultured persons.  Empire people are in search of esoteric doctrines and some people in the Church see in faith the means of acceding to a higher knowledge.  So Paul will tell them that all Christian wisdom is contained in the cross.

That would be like getting rid of the cross of CHRIST.  The cross should be present in the message we preach and in the way we preach it.

Moreover in evangelization it will always cost us to work with poor resources in a world subject to media.  We need to count on the grace of GOD because we are weak and without titles of prestige.  It will cost us to remind our communities of the poverty of JESUS and to be criticized by those who are well off in the world.)

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Our Lives Are Borne Along On The Unending Stream Of Divine Love

"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."

- Psalm 145:2-7

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

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

The psalmist is all praise for GOD as indeed, we too, should be.  He extols GOD's love and mercy and even how HE saves those who cry for HIS help.)

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Be Not Scared Of Them Or I Will Scare You In Their Presence!

"But you, get ready for action; stand up and say to them all that I command you.  Be not scared of them or I will scare you in their presence!

See, I will make you a fortified city, a pillar of iron with walls of bronze, against all the nations, against the kings and princes of Judah, against the priests and the people of the land.  They will fight against you but shall not overcome you, for I AM with you to rescue you--it is YAHWEH who speaks.'" - Jeremiah 1:17-19 

Jeremiah, The Rejected Prophet

(Be not scared of them or I will scare you in their presence!  This is an amazing revelation of the demanding love of YAHWEH.  HE has decided to make this lad HIS chosen one and forces him to overcome and forget his human weakness.

I AM with you to rescue you.  YAHWEH repeats what HE said to Moses when HE called him [Exodus 3:12] and what HE will also say to Paul [Acts 26:17].  Moreover, Jeremiah is assured that the LORD destined him for this mission, of which he had never thought, and which frightens him.  Later, the same will be said of John the Baptist [Luke 1:15], of CHRIST [see Isaiah 49] and of Paul [Galatians 1:15].)

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