Honor Your Father And Your Mother

"Children, obey your parents, for, this is right: Honor your father and your mother.  And this is the first commandment that has a promise: that you may be happy and enjoy long life in the land.  And you, fathers, do not make rebels of your children, but educate them, by correction and instruction, which the LORD may inspire.

Servants, obey your masters of this world with fear and respect, with simplicity of heart, as if obeying CHRIST.  Do not serve, only when you are watched, or in order to please others, but become servants of CHRIST, who do GOD's will, with all your heart.  Work willingly, for the LORD, and not for humans, mindful that the good each one has done, whether servant or free, will be rewarded by the LORD.

And you, masters, deal with your servants in the same way, and do not threaten them, since you know that they, and you, have the same LORD, who is in heaven, and HE treats all fairly." - Ephesians 6:1-9 

(Paul reminds children that GOD asks for obedience, and parents that they must not neglect their duty as educators. Parents have the difficult task of leading their children to true freedom, teaching them first to obey a law, to serve rather than be served, to share rather than demand. Later, they will show them how to follow the calls of the Spirit, well beyond what is considered good or bad all around them. Paul reminds the slave of his nobility. Let him live without servility: this is the first step toward genuine liberation.)

On-Site

On-Track 

What Is The Kingdom Of GOD Like?

"And JESUS continued, 'What is the kingdom of GOD like?  What shall I compare it to?  Imagine a person who has taken a mustard seed, and planted it in his garden.  The seed has grown, and become like a small tree, so that the birds of the air shelter in its branches.'

And JESUS said again, 'What is the kingdom of GOD like?  Imagine a woman who has taken yeast, and hidden it in three measures of flour, until it is all leavened.'" - Luke 13:18-21 

(At the conclusion of HIS Galilean ministry, JESUS invites optimism: although the results are few, a seed has been sown and the kingdom of GOD is growing.)

On-Site
On-Track 

The Healing On A Sabbath Day

"JESUS was teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath, and a crippled woman was there.  An evil spirit had kept her bent for eighteen years, so that she could not straighten up at all.  On seeing her, JESUS called her and said, 'Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.  Then HE laid HIS hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight and praised GOD.

But the ruler of the synagogue was indignant, because JESUS had performed this healing on the Sabbath day, and he said to the people, 'There are six days in which to work.  Come on those days to be healed, and not on the Sabbath!'

But the LORD replied, 'You hypocrites!  Everyone of you unties his ox or his donkey on the Sabbath, and leads it out of the barn to give it water.  And here you have a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound for eighteen years.  Should she not be freed from her bonds on the Sabbath?'

When JESUS said this, all HIS opponents felt ashamed.  But the people rejoiced at the many wonderful things that happened because of HIM." - Luke 13:10-17 

(The word untie was used by the Jews to express that someone's sin or penalty was canceled.  It also meant freeing an animal from its yoke.  JESUS frees the human person and invites us to follow HIS example.

We should not be surprised at the indignation of the chief of the synagogue.  Since he had never been able to help his sick sister, he must have felt discredited by JESUS' move.  Would it not be the same with us?  It never occurred to JESUS to ask the authorities for permission to save people.)

On-Site
On-Track

The Blind Man Of Jericho

"They came to Jericho.  As JESUS was leaving Jericho with HIS disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.  On hearing that it was JESUS of Nazareth passing by, he began to call out, 'Son of David, JESUS, have mercy on me!'  Many people scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder. 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'

JESUS stopped and said, 'Call him.'  So they called the blind man, saying, 'Take heart!  Get up, HE is calling you!'  He immediately threw aside his cloak, jumped up and went to JESUS.

Then JESUS asked him, 'What do you want ME to do for you?'  The blind man said, 'Master, let me see again!'  And JESUS said to him, 'Go your way, your faith has made you well.'  And, immediately, he could see, and he followed JESUS along the road." - Mark 10:46-52 

(GOD is the one who moves us to ask something of HIM.  The blind man understands that if he lets this opportunity go by, there will not be another chance, which is why he shouts all the more while the rest try to silence him.

Son of David!  was a way of designating the Messiah.)

On-Site
On-Track

We Shall Become The Perfect Creation

"But to each of us, divine grace is given, according to the measure of CHRIST's gift.  Therefore, it is said: When HE ascended to the heights, HE brought captives and gave HIS gifts to people.

HE ascended, what does it mean, but, that HE had also descended to the lower parts of the world?  HE, HIMSELF, who went down, then ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.  As for HIS gifts, to some, HE gave to be apostles; to others, prophets, or even evangelists; or pastors and teachers.  So, HE prepared those who belong to HIM, for the ministry, in order to build up the Body of CHRIST, until we are all united, in the same faith and knowledge of the Son of GOD.  Thus, we shall become the perfect Man, upon reaching maturity, and sharing the fulness of CHRIST.

Then, no longer shall we be like children, tossed about by any wave, or wind of doctrine; and deceived by the cunning of people, who drag them along into error.  Rather, speaking the truth, in love, we shall grow in every way, toward HIM, who is the head, CHRIST.  From HIM, comes the growth of the whole body, to which a network of joints gives order and cohesion, taking into account, and making use of, the function of each one.  So, the body builds itself, in love." - Ephesians 4:7-16 

(Here, Paul returns to an important problem in communities where the style was still very free, we might say very charismatic, since the community counted on the unpredictable action of the Spirit through the charisms of different members.  It is necessary that all in their own vocation work for the building up of the one body.  Paul enthusiastically names all that we have in common through CHRIST and the action of the Spirit.  It is not merely a temple that is constructed [see Chapter 2:19-22]; it is the Body of CHRIST, of the Perfect Man, the mature one, in which CHRIST expresses HIS fulness.

JESUS of Nazareth lived humbly until HIS death only once, but having been made the Head of humanity through HIS resurrection, HE suffers everywhere; HE works in every field of human activity; gives HIS life in every possible way; HE gathers in HIMSELF every form of love, and lives the whole diversity of human existence in the person of HIS members.

Then no longer shall we be children.  Paul suggests that the Ephesians are still children, at least from time to time, when they allow themselves to be influenced by some trend of opinion.  He invites them to become a mature community, capable of being led by the truth, and of building itself up through love.  We too should ask ourselves if we have really gone beyond the time when the "faithful" constantly waited for others to think for them, guide them and push them.)

On-Site
On-Track   

You Superficial People!

"JESUS said to the crowds, 'When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, 'A shower is coming';  and so it happens.  And when the wind blows from the south, you say, 'It will be hot'; and so it is.  You superficial people!  You understand the signs of the earth and the sky, but you don't understand the present times.  And why do you not judge for yourselves what is fit?  When you go with your accuser before the court, try to settle the case on the way, lest he drag you before the judge, and the judge deliver you to the jailer, and the jailer throw you into prison.  I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.'" - Luke 12:54-59 

(When you see a cloud.  The signs which are seen around JESUS are enough for everyone to understand that now is the time announced by the prophets, when people must be converted and Israel must acknowledge its Savior: tomorrow will be too late.

When you go with your accuser before the court.  In Matthew's Gospel this refers to reconciliation between brothers and sisters.  Luke, instead, uses this phrase in reference to our conversion.  We are on our way to GOD's judgment and it is the same as going before the authorities; therefore we must take advantage of the time given to us to straighten out our situation.  We must not waste this moment when we can be saved from Judgment by believing in CHRIST's message.)

On-Site

On-Track

I Have Come To Bring Fire

"I have come to bring fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!  But I have a baptism to undergo, and what anguish I feel until it is finished!

Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth?  No, I tell you, but rather division.  From now on, in one house five will be divided: three against two, and two against three.  They will be divided, father against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." - Luke 12:49-53 

(I have come to bring fire.  Must we think of fire as referring to something precise such as love, the Gospel or the gift of the Holy Spirit?  It is better to stay with the image of fire that purifies, burns all that is old, gives warmth and fosters life; fire of the judgment of GOD destroying all that is not surrendered to its reforming action.

JESUS comes to remake the world and to bring the jewels that will remain for eternity out of the rubble.  Those who follow JESUS must participate in this work of salvation directed at a situation combining work, violence, suffering as well as great dreams wise or mad.

I have a baptism to undergo...  JESUS is the leader and will be the first one to face death as a means of obtaining resurrection.  This step, as 'agonizing' for JESUS as it is for us, is the baptism of fire [see Luke 3:16] that introduces us into a glorious and eternal life.  It is the true baptism of which the others, baptisms of water and Spirit, are only a preparation [Romans 6:3-5].

I have come to bring division.  This is followed by words of JESUS that are so upsetting for those who expect of HIM a peaceful life.  JESUS is a source of division among nations and social groups.  Often people have tried to use religion as cement for national unity or family peace.  It is true that faith is a factor in peace and understanding; but it also separates those who are truly alive from those others, be they relatives or friends, who cannot have all that is now the most important to these true believers.  Many times, the wound and the scandal of this separation are so painful for them, that they turn into our persecutors.

The Gospel does not put this world on the road to an earthly paradise, but it challenges it to grow.  The death of JESUS brings into full light what was hidden in hearts [Luke 2:35]; likewise it reveals the lies and the violence underlying our societies, just as it revealed those which underlay the Jewish society of HIS time.)

On-Site
On-Track   

The Son Of Man Will Come At An Hour You Do Not Expect

"Pay attention to this: If the master of the house had known at what time the thief would come, he would not have let his house be broken into.  You also must be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.

Peter said, 'LORD, did you tell this parable only for us, or for everyone?'  And the LORD replied, 'Imagine, then, the wise and faithful steward, whom the master sets over his other servants, to give them wheat at the proper time.  Fortunate is this servant if his master, on coming home, finds him doing his work.  Truly, I say to you, the master will put him in charge of all his property.

But it may be that the steward thinks, 'My Lord delays in coming,' and he begins to abuse the male servants and the servant girls, eating and drinking and getting drunk.  Then the master will come on a day he does not expect, and at an hour he doesn't know.  He will cut him off, and send him to the same fate as the unfaithful.

The servant who knew his master's will, but did not prepare and do what his master wanted, will be soundly beaten; but the one who does unconsciously what deserves punishment, shall receive fewer blows.  Much will be required of the one who has been given much, and more will be asked of the one who has been entrusted with more." - Luke 12:39-48 

(The Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.  We should not think that this refers only to the day of death, nor should we be afraid of GOD's judgment if we live in HIS grace.  JESUS tells us about the master returning from the wedding, who is so happy that he reverses the usual order and begins to serve his servants.  If we have been serving GOD for years, how could we not reach another phase of spiritual life in which it would seem that GOD is concerned only in giving and feasting with us?

Peter said: This new paragraph is aimed at those who hold responsible positions in the Church.

My Lord delays in coming.  Those in responsible positions may betray their mission.  More often, they make the mistake of seeing only to the good functioning of the institution and they forget that CHRIST is coming.

GOD comes all the time through events that, unexpectedly, ruin our plans.  Therefore, the Church must not rely too much on planning its activity: who knows what GOD has in store for us tomorrow?  Instead the Church should see to its prayers and its availability so that the LORD will let her be in the best situation when HE shakes up our little universe.

Be awake to admire, rejoice in and discover the presence of GOD and HIS blessings that enlighten our lives.)

On-Site
On-Track   

Be Ready!

"Be ready, dressed for service, and keep your lamps lit, like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding.  As soon as he comes and knocks, they will open the door to him.  Happy are those servants whom the master finds wide-awake when he comes.  Truly, I tell you, he will put on an apron, and have them sit at table, and he will wait on them.  Happy are those servants, if he finds them awake when he comes at midnight or daybreak!" - Luke 12:35-38 

(JESUS develops the parable of the servant expecting his master's return.  This servant is here contrasted with the rich of the preceding paragraph [12:13] who was only concerned about a long and comfortable life.  The servant works for GOD.

Happy are those servants whom the master finds wide-awake.  Wide-awake, that is, concerned about tomorrow's world.  Wide-awake also means being aware of the truth; we do not consent to call "good" evil, and 'evil' good; we do not forgive ourselves for allowing evil and we are not intimidated before injustice.)

On-Site
On-Track

By Grace You Have Been Saved!

"You were dead through the faults and sins.  Once, you lived through them, according to this world, and followed the Sovereign Ruler who reigns between heaven and earth, and who goes on working, in those who resist the faith.  All of us belonged to them, at one time, and we followed human greed; we obeyed the urges of our human nature and consented to its desires.  By ourselves, we went straight to the judgment, like the rest of humankind.

But GOD, who is rich in mercy, revealed HIS immense love.  As we were dead through our sins, HE gave us life, with CHRIST.  By grace, you have been saved!  And HE raised us to life, with CHRIST, giving us a place with HIM in heaven.

In showing us such kindness, in CHRIST JESUS, GOD willed to reveal, and unfold in the coming ages, the extraordinary riches of HIS grace.  By the grace of GOD, you have been saved, through faith.  This has not come from you: it is GOD's gift.  This was not the result of your works, so you are not to feel proud.  What we are, is GOD's work.  HE has created us, in CHRIST JESUS, for the good works HE has prepared, that we should devote ourselves to them." - Ephesians 2:1-10 

(The path of humans without CHRIST leads to death.

We obeyed the urges of our human nature and consented to its desires.  There is no need to seek a clearer affirmation of what we call original sin.  Paul does not speak of a fault committed before our personal sins, and in addition to the sins we are responsible for.  It is a flaw easily seen in the human condition and in all our acts; it is the liabilities of our life insofar as GOD has not taken us in hand.

The account of Genesis [Chapters 2-3] has placed in the past this "original" sin, as well as creation.  It is a way of speaking proper to Hebrew culture.  In fact both our creation by GOD and our revolt against HIM are a part of our daily reality.

HE raised us to life with CHRIST.  Actually an authentic conversion is experienced as a resurrection.  Paul is saying more: nothing can stop GOD's merciful plan.  HE sees beyond time and has already raised us with CHRIST.  We are seated with HIM in heaven, that is to say, assured of victory.)

On-Site
On-Track

HE Makes HIMSELF An Offering For Sin

"Yet it was the will of YAHWEH to crush HIM with grief.

When HE makes HIMSELF an offering for sin,

HE will have a long life and see HIS descendants.

Through HIM the will of YAHWEH is done.

For the anguish HE suffered,

HE will see the light and obtain perfect knowledge.

MY just servant will justify the multitude;

HE will bear and take away their guilt."

- Isaiah 53:10-11

(HE makes HIMSELF an offering for sin.  In several passages of the Scriptures we are invited to adopt this same attitude when we suffer unjustly [1 Peter 1:20; 4:13].  CHRIST alone has perfectly fulfilled this redemptive mission from the beginning to the end of HIS life [Hebrews 10; John 2:29; Romans 5:6].

MY just servant will justify the multitude: that is to say, HE will make them just and holy.  The Hebrew text reads "the many," which means the multitude.  JESUS refers to this text at the Last Supper: "MY blood poured out for many," or for everyone [Mark 14:24].  There JESUS clearly says that HIS death is the free and perfect sacrifice foretold in this song.)

On-Site
On-Track

The Sin Against The Spirit

"I tell you, whoever acknowledges ME before people, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of GOD.  But the one who denies ME before others will be denied before the angels of GOD.

There will be pardon for the one who criticizes the Son of Man, but there will be no pardon for the one who slanders the Holy Spirit.

When you are brought before the synagogues, and before governors and rulers, don't worry about how you will defend yourself, or what to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you have to say." - Luke 12:8-12 

(To slander [or: to blaspheme] the Holy Spirit is to attribute to a bad spirit a work that is manifestly good.  Those who systematically attribute bad intentions to good work done by others, by the Church, by other parties, sin against the Holy Spirit.  The one who recognizes the truth but not GOD is better off than the one who says he believes in GOD but does not recognize the truth.)

On-Site
On-Track 

Sealed With The Holy Spirit

"By a decree of HIM, who disposes all things,

according to HIS own plan and decision,

we, the Jews, have been chosen and called,

and we were awaiting the Messiah,

for the praise of HIS glory.

You, on hearing the word of truth,

the gospel that saves you,

have believed in HIM.

And, as promised, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit,

the first pledge of what we shall receive,

on the way to our deliverance, as a people of GOD,

for the praise of HIS glory."

- Ephesians 1:11-14

(We have been chosen and called.  Paul speaks for himself and in the name of the Jewish people chosen to be the people of GOD.

Sealed with the Holy Spirit.  The Jews were branded, "sealed" in the flesh by the circumcision ritual that showed they belonged to GOD.  Christians, on the other hand, had received the Holy Spirit who acted in them: from the Spirit come faith, hope and love, the many forms of service, the gift of knowledge, miracles and healings.  These gifts are the most obvious proof that they have become children of GOD.  These gifts are only a foretaste of all the marvels that GOD has in store for us.

You now...  Here Paul means the pagan people like the Ephesians, whom he is addressing.   And so, the fulness of time had come, that is to say the time of the Gospel proclaimed to the entire world so that everyone could receive the gifts of the Spirit.

This page clarifies some essential points of faith.)

On-Site
On-Track

Preach The Word

"In the presence of GOD and CHRIST JESUS, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by the hope I have of HIS coming, and HIS kingdom, I urge you to preach the word, in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, or advising, always with patience, and providing instruction.  For the time is coming, when people will no longer endure sound doctrine, but, following their passions, they will surround themselves with teachers to please their itching ears.  And they will abandon the truth to hear fables.  So be prudent, do not mind your labor, give yourself to your work as an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

As for me, I am already poured out as a libation, and the moment of my departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, with which the LORD, the just judge, will reward me, on that day, and not only me, but all those who have longed for HIS glorious coming." - 2 Timothy 4:1-8 

The Crown Of Righteousness

(Preach the Word: this is Paul's last advice.  It must be the first concern of the Church and of any church leader.

Paul knows that he will not be freed and that he will be condemned to death.  He embraces his own sacrifice just as JESUS did.

We find the comparison of the soldier and the athlete that Paul liked so much.  In those days athletes received a crown of laurels as a symbol of immortality: As for me, I am already poured out as a libation, and the moment of my departure has come.)

On-Site
On-Track   

A Curse Is On You, Pharisees!

"A curse is on you, Pharisees!  To the temple you give a tenth of all, including mint and rue and other herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of GOD.  These ought to be practiced, without neglecting the other obligations.  A curse is on you, Pharisees, for you love the best seats in the synagogues and to be greeted in the marketplace.  A curse is on you, for you are like tombstones of the dead which can hardly be seen; people don't notice them, and make themselves unclean by stepping on them.

Then a teacher of the law spoke up and said, 'Master, when YOU speak like this, YOU insult us, too.'  And JESUS answered, 'A curse is on you also, teachers of the law.  For you prepare unbearable burdens and load them on the people, while you yourselves do not move a finger to help them." - Luke 11:42-46 

(Here we read about the reproaches JESUS addressed to the Pharisees on various occasions.  If Luke like Matthew has kept these very hard words of JESUS, it was perhaps a reminder that the Gospel goes much further than the vision of the Pharisees, so concerned, as they claimed, for the service of GOD.  Some of them were part of the first Christian community, and were influential [Acts 15:5].  Doubtless, the hostile attitude adopted by the party of the Pharisees in the following years accounts for the remembrance of these reproaches.  These are surely others and deeper reasons for the many warnings we read in Scripture about Pharisees.

Entering the New Covenant is a free gift form GOD.  It is also a gift from GOD to possess a good knowledge of Christian doctrine, or exercise a special ministry in the Church, or belong to a Christian group committed for their faith.  Nevertheless there is always the danger to behave as an elite group, thus losing the true humility that should lead us to occupy the last places, where we really should be.) 

On-Site
On-Track 

Faith, Working Through Love

"CHRIST freed us, to make us really free.  So remain firm, and do not submit, again, to the yoke of slavery.  I, Paul, say this to you: if you receive circumcision, CHRIST can no longer help you.  Once more, I say, to whoever receives circumcision: you are now bound to keep the whole law.  All you, who pretend to become righteous through the observance of the law, have separated yourselves from CHRIST, and have fallen away from grace.

As for us, through the Spirit and faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.  In CHRIST JESUS, it is irrelevant, whether we be circumcised or not; what matters is, faith, working through love." - Galatians 5:1-6 

(Paul does not want converts to be circumcised.  See how firmly he speaks to them: this would be a falling away from grace.  Why?  It was not a sin, Paul could well have tolerated without encouraging it.

Yet for Paul, you cannot preach the Gospel in an authentic way without taking stances that upset others.  Again "the truth of the Gospel" is not only in the formulas of dogma: it is also in the stand you take, showing how free we are.  If the Gospel is liberation, the apostles should adopt, at least on certain points, positions that disturb and shock.  JESUS gave an example in violating the holiest of laws, that of the Sabbath, when it was not necessary to do so.)

On-Site
On-Track   

"People Of The Present Time Are Troubled People."

"As the crowd increased, JESUS spoke the following words: 'People of the present time are troubled people.  They ask for a sign, but no sign will be given to them except the sign of Jonah.  As Jonah became a sign for the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be a sign for this generation.  The Queen of the South will rise up on Judgment Day with the people of these times and accuse them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and here, there is greater than Solomon.  The people of Nineveh will rise up on judgment Day with the people of these times and accuse them, for Jonah's preaching made them turn from their sins, and here, there is greater than Jonah...'" - Luke 11:29-32 

Jonah And The Ninevites

(The Ninevites, being sinners, received no other divine sign than the coming of Jonah, who invited them to repent.  JESUS' contemporaries believe they are "good" because they belong to the people of GOD, and they do not realize that the hour has come for them to repent as well.

The people of Nineveh will rise up with these people and accuse them.  JESUS again uses the traditional image of collective judgment where each one excuses himself by pointing out that others have done worse.  This image retains a deep truth: all that GOD has given to each one of us should produce fruits for all humanity.)

On-Site
On-Track  

I Preferred Her To Any Jewel Of Inestimable Value

"I prayed and understanding was given to me; I asked earnestly and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.

I preferred her to scepters and thrones and I considered wealth as nothing compared to her.

I preferred her to any jewel of inestimable value, since gold beside her is nothing but a few grains of sand, and silver but mud.  I loved her more than wealth and beauty and even preferred her to light, because her radiance never dies.

She brought with her all other good things, untold riches in her hands. - Wisdom 7:7-11 

(All this page is an invitation to seek Wisdom as one would seek a spouse: we remember that at this time sovereign rulers would "espouse" such and such divinity which allowed them at times to take possession, in the name of their spouse, of the treasures in its temple [2 Maccabees 1:14].  Seeking the Wisdom of GOD is no different from what we do when we speak of union with CHRIST: we must not forget that HE is uncreated Wisdom.  This communion is not a matter of something sentimental: it is the costly and never-ending search for the one who is the Truth.)

On-Site
On-Track 

Blessed Is The One Who Gave YOU Birth!

"As JESUS was speaking, a woman spoke from the crowd and said to HIM, 'Blessed is the one who gave YOU birth and nursed YOU!'  JESUS replied, 'Truly blessed are those who hear the word of GOD, and keep it as well.'" - Luke 11:27-28 

(This woman envies the mother of JESUS and is full of admiration for HIS way of speaking.  She is mistaken if she thinks that JESUS relatives can be proud on HIS account, and she is wasting her time if she admires HIS words instead of making them her own.  So JESUS turns her towards the FATHER, whose word HE gives, and to herself, whom GOD invites to the family of HIS sons and daughters.

As for Mary, the mother of JESUS, the one who believed [1:45], she kept all the words and deeds of the LORD in her heart [Luke 2:51].)

On-Site
On-Track

Righteousness Or Justification

"Understand, then, that those who follow the way of faith are sons and daughters of Abraham.

The Scriptures foresaw that, by the way of faith, GOD would give true righteousness to the non-Jewish nations.  For GOD's promise to Abraham was this: In you shall all the nations be blessed.  So, now, those who take the way of faith receive the same blessing as Abraham, who believed; but those who rely on the practice of the law are under a curse, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who does not always fulfill everything written in the law.

It is plainly written that no one becomes righteous in GOD's way, by the law: by faith the righteous shall live.  Yet the law gives no place to faith, for according to it: the one who fulfills the commandments shall have life through them.

Now CHRIST rescued us from the curse of the law, by becoming cursed HIMSELF, for our sake, as it is written: there is a curse on everyone who is hanged on a tree.  So the blessing granted to Abraham, reached the pagan nations in, and, with CHRIST, and we received the promised Spirit, through faith." - Galatians 3:7-14 

(Righteousness or justification.  Like in Romans Paul will use this word abundantly.  It means that through faith we are set right with GOD and our self is re-ordered so as to enter HIS ways.)

On-Site
On-Track

You Begin With The Spirit And End Up With The Flesh

"How foolish you are, Galatians!  How could they bewitch you after JESUS CHRIST has been presented to you as crucified?  I shall ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by the practice of the law, or by believing the message?  How can you be such fools: you begin with the Spirit and end up with the flesh!

So, you have experienced all this in vain!  Would that, it were not so!  Did GOD give you the Spirit, and work miracles among you because of your observance of the law, or because you believed in HIS message?" - Galatians 3:1-5 

(A good number of these Galatians are of Jewish origin, the others already have some notion of the Old Testament given that it is read in Church meetings [the New Testament does not yet exist].  Paul then will recall first their own experience in baptism, when they received the Spirit; he will later interpret this experience in reading the Old Testament.

You begin with the Spirit and end up with the flesh.  This phrase has a double meaning.  First the Galatians experienced the working of the Holy Spirit and HIS miracles and now they want to receive circumcision  in the flesh.  In another sense, they started with the truth of GOD that was in JESUS: that is "the Spirit."  Now they go back to Jewish observances which, though they come from GOD, many times remained, as any religious practice, at a human level: the flesh.

Let us not think that such prejudices have disappeared.  There are some who think they are Catholics because they have been baptized at birth: they forget that without faith, Baptism is meaningless.)

On-Site
On-Track

LORD, Teach Us To Pray

"One day, JESUS was praying in a certain place; and when HE had finished, one of HIS disciples said to HIM, 'LORD, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.'  And JESUS said to them, 'When you pray, say this:

FATHER, may YOUR name be held holy,

may YOUR kingdom come;

give us, each day, the kind of bread we need,

and forgive us our sins; for we also forgive all who do us wrong;

and do not bring us to the test.'" - Luke 11:1-4

(The apostles already knew how to pray and they prayed in common, as all the Jews did, in the synagogue and at key times during the day.  Yet, in living close to JESUS they discovered a new way to live in close fellowship and they felt a need to address the FATHER differently.  JESUS waited for them to ask HIM to teach them how to pray.)

On-Site
On-Track

To Reveal In Me HIS Son

"You have heard of my previous activity in the Jewish community; I furiously persecuted the Church of GOD and tried to destroy it.  For I was more devoted to the Jewish religion than many fellow Jews of my age, and I defended the traditions of my ancestors more fanatically.

But one day, GOD called me, out of HIS great love, HE, who had chosen me from mother's womb; and HE was pleased to reveal, in me, HIS Son, that I might make HIM known among the pagan nations.  Then, I did not seek human advice nor did I go up to Jerusalem, to those who were apostles before me.  I immediately went to Arabia, sand from there, I returned, again, to Damascus.  Later, after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to meet Cephas, and I stayed with him for fifteen days.  But I did not see other apostle except James, the LORD'S brother.  On writing this to you, I affirm before GOD that I am not lying.

After that, I went to Syria and Cilicia.  The churches of CHRIST in Judea did not know me personally; they had only heard of me: 'He, who once persecuted us, is now preaching the faith he tried to uproot.'  And they praised GOD because of me." - Galatians 1:13-24 

The Apostle Paul

(To reveal in me HIS Son.  Paul has not only "seen" CHRIST, he discovered HIM intimately present in himself.  The risen CHRIST, Word and Wisdom of GOD, gave HIM in a unique illumination all the truth of faith [not all the truths which are only partial aspects which we may discover in different stages of life].

The case of Paul, whom CHRIST called directly, is special.  Yet we see that Paul did not impose himself on the Church.  CHRIST sent him to ask Ananias for baptism.  Later he saw "Cephas" [the Aramean name for Peter], recognized head of the Church, and James, responsible for the Church of Jerusalem.  This "union" or "communion" is indispensable for acting in the name of the Church.

Paul says: James, Cephas and John acknowledge the graces GOD gave me:  they recognized that the Spirit of GOD was in Paul's work.  The leaders in the Church do not impose a personal policy, but they try to recognize the call of the Holy Spirit.)

On-Site

On-Track

There Is No Other Gospel!

"I am surprised at how quickly you have abandoned GOD, who called you, according to the grace of CHRIST, and have gone to another gospel.  Indeed, there is no other gospel, but some people, who are sowing confusion among you, want to turn the gospel of CHRIST upside down.

But even if we, ourselves, were giving you another gospel, different from the one we preached to you, or if it were an angel from heaven, I would say: GOD's curse be on him!  As I have said, I now say again: if anyone preaches the gospel in a way other than you received it, fire that one!  Are we to please humans or obey GOD?  Do you think that I try to please people?  If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of CHRIST.

Let me remind you, brothers and sisters, that the gospel we preached to you is not a human message, nor did I receive it from anyone, I was not taught of it; but it came to me, as a revelation from CHRIST JESUS." - Galatians 1:6-12  

(I am surprised at how quickly you have abandoned GOD... and have gone to another gospel.  There are many ways of preaching the Gospel and making of it a different one, no longer the Good News given by GOD through JESUS.  Some of the Galatians who were of Jewish origin did not understand it.  The style of life, in appearance more religious, that they were trying to impose on the community, was in fact a way of doubting JESUS, who alone is Savior.

The one we preached to you.  Astonishing words for us who are used to receiving different points of view: was Paul then infallible?  He knew he was bearer, not only of the word of GOD, but also of the "truth of the Gospel."  In fact the faith of the Church has always been the faith of the apostles: we believe in JESUS as the apostles believed, understood and taught.  It is impossible to make this a subject of discussion without departing from the Christian faith.  The doctrine received from the apostles and guarded by the Church is what we call Tradition.

The enemies of  Paul criticize his authority saying that he was not an apostle like those JESUS had chosen.  Paul will then briefly recall his itinerary: see on this subject Acts 9:1-31.)

On-Track
On-Site

There Is No Oher Way To Human Liberation Than The Way Of The Cross!

"But JESUS, who suffered death, and for a little while, was placed lower than the angels, has been crowned with honor and glory.  For the merciful plan of GOD demanded that HE experience death, on behalf of everyone.

GOD, from whom all come, and by whom all things exist, wanted to bring many children to glory, and HE thought it fitting to make perfect, through suffering, the initiator of their salvation.  So, HE who gives, and those who receive holiness, are one.  HE, HIMSELF, is not ashamed of calling us brothers and sisters,..." - Hebrew 2:9-11 

(All the history of JESUS is then both HIS and ours.  HE thought it fitting to make perfect through suffering the initiator of their salvation.  There is no other way to human liberation than the way of the cross.  Those who are eager to free others must be tested, some through opposition, others through indifference.  Suffering is a good teacher and it tests the strength of our surrender.

It is on the cross of CHRIST that we must discover the love of the FATHER for HIS Son, since HE did not "condemn HIM" to suffer on earth, but rather, by way of suffering, HE called HIM to be the Savior and model for everyone.) 

On-Site
On-Track

Now My Eyes Have Seen YOU

"This was the answer Job gave to YAHWEH:

I know that YOU are all powerful;

no plan of YOURS can be thwarted.

I spoke of things I did not understand,

too wonderful for me to know.

My ears had heard of YOU,

but now my eyes have seen YOU.

Therefore I retract all I have said,

and in dust and ashes I repent."

- Job 42:1-6

(Job's questions about suffering and death have not been answered, but now we realize that it was not essential.  GOD has responded.  GOD has revealed HIMSELF and Job has begun to live as someone who has been miraculously freed from his loneliness.  The words addressed by GOD to him seem reproachful, but Job feels better off with a thousand reproaches than with nothing.

What Job needed was not a revelation, since GOD gave him intelligence to investigate these human questions.  What he lacked was to see GOD, and this is the great yearning of the entire Scriptures: "Show us your face and we will be saved" [Psalm 80:8].)

On-Site
On-Track 

The Ways Of GOD Are Unsearchable, HIS Wisdom Is An Abyss

"YOUR eyes saw the course of my days;

they were all recorded in YOUR book,

before any of them came to be.

How difficult it is to grasp YOUR thoughts, O GOD!

Their number cannot be counted.

If I tried to do so, they would outnumber the sands;

I am never finished with YOU.

If only YOU would slay the wicked, O GOD,

and drive away from me the violent!

They rebel false-heartedly, 

YOUR foes blaspheme YOUR name.

I hate those who hate YOU, O YAHWEH,

and loathe those who defy YOU.

I hate them deeply;

they have become my foes.

Search me, O GOD, and know my heart;

try me, and know my thoughts.

See if my steps are going astray,

and lead me in YOUR eternal way."

- Psalm 139:16-24

(The human architecture is so divine that it carries the imprint of GOD.  The adventures of this wonderful work of GOD which is the human being are affectionately cared for, by the divine care.  Isn't it irrational for anyone to hate the LORD, since all good things come from HIM?  The ways of GOD are unsearchable, HIS wisdom is an abyss [cf. Romans 11:33].  GOD gets close to us and embraces us, not to condemn us, but to guide our feet toward HIS love.  If we want to taste divine love and appreciate the dignity of man, it will do us good, to pray with this magnificent psalm.

In the closing verse, the psalmist wants to be led to eternal life.  Fortunately for us, JESUS tells us, 'Whoever believes has eternal life' [John 6:47] and again, 'I AM the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the FATHER but through ME' [John 14:6].)

On-Site

On-Track

With My Own Eyes I Shall See HIM!

"Have pity my friends, have pity,

for GOD's hand has struck me!

Why do you hound me as GOD does?

Will you never have enough of my flesh?

Oh, that my words were written, 

or recorded on bronze

with an iron tool, a chisel

or engraved forever on rock!

For I know that my Redeemer lives,

and HE, the last, will take HIS stand on earth.

I will be there behind my skin,

and in my flesh I shall see GOD.

With my own eyes I shall see HIM--

I and not another.  How my heart yearns!"

- Job 19:21-27

The Story Of Job

(Here, Job again strongly expresses his faith: I know that my Redeemer lives... and in my flesh I shall see GOD.

The very justice of GOD demands that HE speak after all the speakers.  GOD often waits for HIS servants to die to justify them, but in the end HE will come as Redeemer or Liberator: all will see and hear [Wisdom 5].  Such was the hope of the oppressed just of whom Scripture speaks, and of JESUS HIMSELF.

In fact, Job himself is not an oppressed person waiting to be liberated.  What is more important for him is not to prevail in reasoning with his adversaries, but to see GOD and hear HIM.)

On-Site
On-Track

Prayer In Desolation

"My eyes have grown dim with grief; spreading out my hands to YOU, I call upon YOU everyday, O YAHWEH.

Are YOUR wonders meant for the dead?  Will ghosts rise to give YOU thanks?

Is YOUR love and faithfulness remembered among those gone to the netherworld?

Are YOUR wonders known in the dark; YOUR salvation, in the land of oblivion?

But to YOU, O YAHWEH, I cry for help; every morning I pray to YOU.

O YAHWEH, why do YOU reject me; why do YOU hide YOUR face?"

- Psalm 88:10-15

(This psalm ends in an incomparable sad note.  The psalmist seems very dejected, frustrated and helpless.  One is so used to hearing him complain about his 'enemies.'  When he does not, his silence is audible.  The complaint is directed to GOD, but if GOD is an enemy, what hope is there?  In this psalm, there is no ray of light.  It is a cry in the dark.  The inhuman enemy is sickness in a lonely old age: only GOD, whose messenger it is, can make the message bearable.

It would seem that knowing CHRIST, we couldn't sink into despair.  There are, however, days when heaven is closed for us, as it was for JESUS in HIS agony.

The 'why?' of the psalm is heard on the cross [cf. Matthew 27:46].  The answer will come at dawn [cf. 1 Peter 3:18; 1 Corinthians 15:54].  This supplication of a dying person can  be sung by all those who are dying or live in the silence of GOD.  Let's not forget that, at dawn, our supplication will rise up to meet GOD.)

On-Site
On-Track

"This Is The Work Of GOD?"

"I AM sending an angel before you to keep you safe on the way and bring you to the place I have made ready.

Be on your guard in his presence and listen to him; do not resist him for he will not pardon your wrongdoing, for MY name is in him.

If you listen to him and do what I say, I will be the enemy to your enemies and the opponent of your opponents.  MY angel will go before you and bring you to the land of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites; all these I will destroy." - Exodus 23:20-23 

(See, I AM sending an angel before you.  It is very difficult to speak adequately of GOD's Providence for us.  Am I to say every moment: "This is the work of GOD?"  Here Scripture speaks of the "angel" that GOD sent before Israel.  It is a way of saying that GOD protected and guided HIS own people, availing HIMSELF of countless, visible and invisible intermediaries.)

On-Site
On-Track

Who Is The Greatest?

"One day, the disciples were arguing about which of them was the most important.  But JESUS knew their thoughts, so HE took a little child and stood him by HIS side.  Then HE said to them, 'Whoever welcomes this little child in MY name, welcomes ME; and whoever welcomes ME, welcomes the one who sent ME.  And listen: the one who is found to be the least among you all, is the one who is the greatest.'

Then John spoke up, 'Master, we saw someone who drives out demons by calling upon YOUR name, and we tried to forbid him, because he doesn't follow YOU with us.'  But JESUS said, 'Don't forbid him.  He who is not against you is for you.'" - Luke 9:46-50 

(Mark remarks that JESUS took a child in HIS arms: something unusual for people of that time since children did not count, and religious teachers only urged that they be well disciplined.  The model of religion seemed to be a serious man who did not laugh, did not run, did not look at people in lower positions, especially women and children.  Oftentimes, such a mentality is seen in those who criticize child baptism and first communion.

JESUS does not answer the apostles' question: Who is the greatest?  Because what matters is not to become great, but to be close to CHRIST.  In order to receive CHRIST, we must welcome HIM in the person of the little ones.)

On-Site
On-Track