Immanuel

"Once again YAHWEH addressed Ahaz, 'Ask for a sign from YAHWEH your GOD, let it come either from the deepest depths or from the heights of heaven.'

But Ahaz answered, 'I will not ask, I will not put YAHWEH to the test.'

Then Isaiah said, 'Now listen, descendants of David.  Have you not been satisfied trying the patience of people, that you also try the patience of people, that you also try the patience of my GOD?  Therefore the LORD HIMSELF will give you a sign:

The Virgin is with child and bears a son and calls HIS name Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:10-14 

(The prophecy about the Virgin giving birth is one of the most important in the Scriptures even though it leaves some questions unanswered.

To support his warnings, Isaiah offers a miraculous sign to the king: Ask the LORD....  Ahaz piously refuses to hide his determination not to turn back.  Then, the prophet explodes in anger: these descendants of David whom GOD has always protected are useless: a descendant of David of another kind will be able to bring salvation to GOD's people.  YAHWEH is preparing to send HIM.  HIS mother [called here the Virgin] gives HIM the name HE will deserve.

Immanuel means GOD-with-us.  This child not only gives us GOD's blessings, or miraculous and divine liberation, but through HIM, GOD becomes present among humankind and the promises heard so many times come true: I will be their GOD and they will be MY people [Hosea 2:25; Ezekiel 37:27; Revelation 21:3].)

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Prayer In Old Age

"Be my rock of refuge; a stronghold, to give me safety; for YOU are my rock and my fortress.

Rescue me, O my GOD, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of cruel and violent people.

For YOU, O YAHWEH, have been my hope; my trust, O GOD, from my youth.

I have relied on YOU from birth: from my mother's womb YOU brought me forth.  My praise is of YOU continually.

I have become like a portent to many, but YOU are my strong refuge.

My mouth is filled with YOUR praise, announcing YOUR glory, day by day.

Do not cast me off in my old age, do not desert me when my strength fails.

For my enemies speak ill of me; awaiting my death, they set plans.

They say, 'GOD has forsaken him; let us pursue and seize him, for no one will rescue him.'

O GOD, be not far from me; my GOD, make haste to help me!

Let my accusers be destroyed in shame; let those who seek my ruin, be covered with disgrace and scorn.

Then, I may trust in YOU and praise YOU. 

My lips will proclaim YOUR intervention and tell of YOUR salvation all day, little though it is what I can understand.

I will come to YOUR strength, O YAHWEH, and announce YOUR justice, YOURS alone.

YOU have taught me from my youth and, until now, I proclaim YOUR marvels."

- Psalm 71:3-17

(An old man looks back on his life.  He was taught at his mother's knee to put his trust in GOD always.  He has not forgotten but has GOD forgotten him?  His enemies say 'yes'; he knows better.  And yet he is anxious.  Even a short life has its crisis and he has lived a long time, and GOD seems very far away.  Though the psalmist expresses himself in the conventional language, this does not conceal his very real distress.  We can imagine here the situation of Job himself.  One learns with age how powerfully the resilience of youth contributed even to religious optimism.  GOD, slowly and gently, teaches us to do without it.  This unconscious young confidence in ourselves having done its work is now removed.  If old age wishes it, GOD is closer than ever: the trust is purified.

Like the psalmist we too may have gone through the ups and downs of life and at times even feeling like Job.  But the faith of the psalmist never wavered.  He is confident that GOD will raise him up from the deepest depths.  If we also show faith like that of the psalmist, we will have nothing and nobody to fear.  And then, like St. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:20 and again in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we too will, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks to GOD at every moment.  This is the will of GOD, your vocation as Christians.")

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YAHWEH-Our-Justice

"YAHWEH further says, 'The day is coming when I will raise up a king who is David's righteous successor.  HE will rule wisely and govern with justice and righteousness.  That will be a grandiose era when Judah will enjoy peace and Israel will live in safety.  HE will be called YAHWEH-our-justice!'

'The days are coming,' says YAHWEH, 'when people shall no longer swear by YAHWEH as the living GOD who freed the people of Israel from the land of Egypt.  Rather, they will swear by YAHWEH as the living GOD who restored the descendants of Israel from the northern empire and from all the lands where HE had driven them, to live again in their own land!'" - Jeremiah 23:5-8 

(GOD promises lasting peace.  The new people of GOD will be more than a mere continuation of the old kingdom of Israel, and the new king will be more than the earthly kings [see how JESUS develops this point in John 10].

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

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The Blessing Of Jacob

"Gather around, sons of Jacob.  And listen to your father Israel!

Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength and the first fruits of my manhood! excelling in honor and excelling in power.

Restless a flowing water, you will excel no more for you went to your father's wife, on to my bed and defiled it.

Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence.  Let me not share their counsel!  Let my heart keep far from their company, for in anger they killed men, and hamstrung oxen at their pleasure.  A curse on their anger for it is fierce; a curse on their fury, so cruel!  I will divide them among Jacob, and scatter them among Israel.

Judah, your brothers will praise you!

You shall seize your enemies by the neck!

Your father's sons shall bow before you.

Judah, a young lion!

You return from the prey, my son!

Like a lion he stoops and crouches,

and like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?

The scepter shall not be taken from Judah,

nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,

until he comes to whom it belongs,

and who has the obedience of the nations."

 - Genesis 49:2-10

(Jacob's blessings do not go to his sons but to the twelve tribes bearing their names.  The future destiny of these tribes will vary greatly.  Jacob's blessing is a way of saying that these destinies were known to GOD beforehand and that they were part of HIS plan of salvation which benefits everyone, but does not give the same gift to everyone.

The two tribes of Judah and Joseph dominate.  This ancient prophecy seems to say that Judah would live apart from others until the coming of "the one the people would obey."  This text, however, is not clear in the original manuscripts.  Did they wish only to celebrate the coming of king David, or was it the announcement of a great destiny for the kingdom of Judah, or was it the expectation of a savior-king?  Actually the kings of the people of GOD and JESUS after them were to come from the tribe.  Judah here is considered as the heir of the promises made to Abraham and Jacob.)

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Where Did John's Baptism Come From? From Heaven Or From People?

"JESUS had entered the temple and was teaching, when the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the Jewish authorities came to HIM, and asked, 'What authority have YOU to act like this?  Who gave YOU authority to do all this?'

JESUS answered them, 'I will also ask you one question.  If you answer ME, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.'  Where did John's baptism come from?  From heaven or from people?'

They discussed this among themselves, saying, 'If we say, 'From heaven,' HE will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?'  And if we say, 'The baptism of John was merely something human', we've got to beware of the people, for all consider John to be a prophet.'  So they answered JESUS, 'We do not know.'

And JESUS said to them, 'Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.'" - Matthew 21:23-27 

(JESUS is what we would call today a simple layman.  HE respects the priests of the people of GOD and their high priest.  HE shows however that if they want others to be accountable, for their part they must be ready to take a stand on the things of GOD when the people need this.  They had been and were unwilling to give such a response in the case of John the Baptist.)

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JESUS And John The Baptist

"When John the Baptist heard in prison about the deeds of CHRIST, he sent a message by his disciples, asking him, 'Are YOU the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'

JESUS answered them, 'Go back and report to John what you hear and see: the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are brought back to life, and the poor hear the good news; and how fortunate is the one who does not take offense at ME!'

As the messengers left, JESUS began to speak to the crowds about John: 'When you went out to the desert, what did you expect to see?  A reed swept by the wind?  What did you go out to see?  A man dressed in fine clothes?  People who wear fine clothes live in palaces.  What did you really go out to see?  A prophet?  Yes, indeed, and even more than a prophet.  He is the man of whom Scripture says: I send MY messenger ahead of YOU, to prepare the way before YOU.

I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has arisen from among the sons of women; and yet, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.'" - Matthew 11:2-11

(The visit of the disciples of John will help us to understand what JESUS brings and what cannot be expected of HIM.

And the poor hear the good news...  JESUS' message includes a preferential love of GOD for the poor and for those who share with them in their poverty.  The Gospel is not for them also, but for them first.  This text is to be read together with Luke 1:52; 4:18; 6:20; 10:23.

It would be wrong to interpret this text as thinking that GOD only asks of us to catechize less instructed people, or those of lower condition in life.  In the time of JESUS the Pharisees already thought their duty was to teach simple and uneducated people; JESUS instead sent HIS apostles, poor among the poor, to enable them to discover the presence and working of GOD the FATHER.  The concrete life of the rural and urban poor is the context in which fundamental experiences occur that will renew the world and the spiritual life of everyone.

No one greater than John the Baptist has arisen.  This verse refers to a prophet or to a political leader.)

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Prophet Elijah

"Then came the prophet Elijah, like a fire, his words a burning torch.

He brought a famine on the people and in his zealous love had them reduced in number.

Speaking in the name of the LORD he closed the heavens, and on three occasions called down fire.

How marvelous you were, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds!  Who could ever boast of being your equal?  By the word of the Most High you brought a dead man back to life; you brought kings to destruction and thrust famous men from their beds.

You heard a rebuke at Sinai and sentences of punishment at Horeb; you anointed kings to be avengers and prophets to succeed you.

You were taken up by a whirlwind of flames in a chariot drawn by fiery horses.

It was written that you should be the one to calm GOD's anger in the future, before it broke out in fury, to turn the hearts of fathers to their sons and to restore the tribes of Jacob.

Happy are those who will see you and those who die in love, for we too shall live. - Sirach 48:1-11

(In this text, as in Malachi 3:23, we find the Jewish belief that Elijah would return in the days of the Messiah.  For the Jews, Elijah was the man who raised the dead and who had been preserved from death by GOD.  Ben Sira hopes to regain life to see the happy days of salvation.)

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Your Peace Would Have Been Like A River, Your Righteousness Like The Waves Of The Sea

"Thus says YAHWEH, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I, YAHWEH, your GOD, teach you what is best for you; I lead you in the way that you must go.

Had you paid attention to MY commandments, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

Your descendants would have been like the sand, and those born of your stock like its grains, their names never cut off nor blotted out from MY presence." - Isaiah 48:17-19 

(In this text the prophet looks at Israel's past, reminding us of what we read about the lost Paradise.  If they had obeyed, GOD's desire to lavish HIS blessings upon them would have been fulfilled, as well as GOD's promises to Abraham.

But GOD will intervene again as the Redeemer of HIS people.)

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"The Kingdom Of Heaven Is Advancing Forcefully."

"I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has arisen from among the sons of women; and yet, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven is something to be conquered; and violent men seize it.

Up to the time of John, there was only prophesy: all the prophets and the law.  And if you believe ME, John is indeed that Elijah, whose coming was predicted.  Let anyone with ears listen!" - Matthew 11:11-15 

(No one greater than John the Baptist has arisen.  This verse refers to a prophet or to a political leader.

The kingdom of heaven is something to be conquered; and violent men seize it.  This sentence could also be translated: "The kingdom of heaven is advancing forcefully."  The kingdom of GOD is the moving force that makes history progress, taking advantage of both gentle and violent changes in human life.  The believers are called to participate actively in this constant transformation.  Death and resurrection are at work among us and all over the world.)

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Only GOD Is Good; And Good Is The Authority Of CHRIST

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

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

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

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

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The Parable Of The One Hundred Sheep

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

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

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Orchestra Of Praise To GOD, King Of The World

"Sing to YAHWEH a new song, for HE has done wonders; HIS right hand, HIS holy arm, has won victory for HIM.

YAHWEH has shown HIS salvation, revealing HIS justice to the nations.

HE has not forgotten HIS love, nor HIS faithfulness to Israel.  The farthest ends of the earth all have seen GOD's saving power.

All you lands, make a joyful noise to YAHWEH, break into song and sing praise, with melody of the lyre and with music of the harp."

- Psalm 98:1-4

(Our LORD founded the kingdom of GOD on earth; and yet we pray: 'YOUR kingdom come.'  The work of our redemption has been accomplished, but we still pray for this salvation, to be perfected throughout the world: GOD has come; but we look for HIS final coming, to take possession of HIS kingdom.

Sing to the LORD a new song.  Humanity has found the way to liberation and salvation.  It is in the coming of CHRIST, GOD-made-man and in HIS resurrection.

For the LORD came down to earth, showed us HIS love and also by HIS death and resurrection, the path to eternal salvation.)

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Grace And Fidelity

"And we know, that whatever was written in the past, was written for our instruction, for both perseverance and comfort, given us by the Scripture, sustain our hope.  May GOD, the source of all perseverance and comfort, give to all of you, to live in peace in CHRIST JESUS, that you may be able to praise, in one voice GOD, FATHER of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD.

Welcome, then, one another, as CHRIST welcomed you for the glory of GOD.  Look: CHRIST put HIMSELF at the service of the Jewish world, to fulfill the promises made by GOD to their ancestors; here, you see GOD's faithfulness.  The pagans, instead, give thanks to GOD for HIS mercy, as Scripture says: Because of that, I will sing and praise YOUR name among the pagans." - Romans 15:4-9 

(In this twofold attitude of GOD toward the Jews and the "nations," that is to say non-Jews, Paul sees a manifestation of the two great qualities that prophetic tradition attributes to GOD: grace and fidelity.  What Paul is saying here certainly goes beyond the case of Jews and non-Jews.  Two applications of this can be given.

First, for the Christian community.  As JESUS stated to the Pharisees, we know that no elitist group by itself constitutes JESUS' Church.  It can only be in the truth if it constantly has two groups, on one hand, those who have matured in fidelity, inheriting the faith and sacrifices of their parents and persevering in the community and on the other hand, those who come from the outside and who have undergone a strong personal conversion.  Naturally, this creates conflicts and it requires sacrifices from everyone but this is where GOD likes to work.

In addition, this text helps us to understand that GOD only reveals HIMSELF to a minority while at the same time, GOD was saving all human beings.)

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"This Is The Way, Walk In It."

"O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem, you will weep no more.  When you cry, HE will listen; when HE hears, HE will answer.

When the LORD has given you the bread of anguish and the water of distress, HE, your teacher will hide no longer.  Your own eyes will see HIM, and your ear will listen to HIS words behind you: 'This is the way, walk in it.'

You will see the uncleanliness of your idols and images overlaid with silver and gold.  You will throw them out like a menstrual cloth.  'Away with you then!' you will say to them.

HE will then give rain for the seed you sow and make the harvest abundant from the crops you grow.  On that day your cattle will graze in wide pastures.  Your beasts of burden will eat silage tossed to them with pitchfork and shovel.

For on the day of the great slaughter, when fortresses fall, streams of water will flow on every mountain and lofty hill.

The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun seven times greater, like the light of seven days, when YAHWEH binds up the wounds of HIS people and heals the bruises inflicted by HIS blows." - Isaiah 30:19-26 

(GOD loves us and teaches us.  This poem speaks of all the marvels to be discovered when meeting GOD through tears.

You will see the uncleanliness of your idols.  People have become aware that they were serving false gods.  Idolatry does not only mean keeping carved gods, but more trusting people, serving institutions and envying the things that these images represent.)

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This People Honors ME With Words

"The LORD then said: 'This people say they are loyal to ME; they honor ME with lip-service, while their hearts stay afar.  The worship they offer ME is useless, these are no more than traditions and human rules.

Because of this I will surprise them once more; the wisdom of the wise will be useless and the understanding of their prudent men will be at a loss.'" - Isaiah 29:13-14 

(If we cease to be seekers of GOD, if we have not orientated our life to allow GOD to enter, our religion quickly becomes a collection of beliefs and practices similar to what all social groups have, which became like elements of a school program.  JESUS will recall it in Mark 7:6.)

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Song Of Victory

"On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:

We have a strong city,

HE HIMSELF has set up

walls and fortifications to protect us.

Open the gates!

Let the righteous nation enter,

she who is firm in faithfulness.

You keep in perfect peace 

the one of steadfast mind,

the one who trusts in YOU.

Trust in YAHWEH forever,

for YAHWEH is an everlasting Rock.

HE brought down those who dwell on high,

HE laid low to the lofty city,

HE razed it to the ground,

leveled it to the dust,

Now it is trampled

the poor and the lowly tread upon it."

- Isaiah 26:1-6

(A thanksgiving to YAHWEH who has done away with the presence of the oppressor.  HIS citadel, installed, it would seem, in Jerusalem itself had been completely destroyed.)

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The Banquet Of The Elect

"On this mountain YAHWEH SABAOTH will prepare for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, meat full of marrow, fine wine strained.

On this mountain HE will destroy the pall cast over all peoples, this very shroud spread over all nations, and death will be no more.  The LORD YAHWEH will wipe away the tears from all cheeks and eyes; HE will take away the humiliation of HIS people all over the world:

for YAHWEH has spoken.

On that day you will say: This is our GOD.  We have waited for HIM to save us, let us be glad and rejoice in HIS salvation.  For on this mountain the hand of YAHWEH rests." - Isaiah 25:6-10 

(The text recalls that this victory is only one stage: the great hope is "the banquet of the elect" after the judgment when GOD will destroy death.  John will use these images in Revelation 7:17 and 21:4.)

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Little Ones Live Their Faith In Simple Ways But They Know That None Of Their Sacrifices Are Lost

"At that time, JESUS was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and said, 'I praise YOU, FATHER, LORD of heaven and earth, for YOU have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and made them known to little ones.  Yes, FATHER, such has been YOUR gracious will.  I have been given all things by MY FATHER, so that no one knows the Son except the FATHER, and no one knows the FATHER except the Son, and he to whom the Son chooses to reveal HIM.'

Then JESUS turned to HIS disciples and said to them privately, 'Fortunate are you to see what you see, for I tell you, that many prophets and kings would have liked to see what you see, but did not see it; and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.'" - Luke 10:21-24 

(What are these things that GOD has revealed to the little ones but the mysterious power of the Gospel to transform people and show them the truth?  The apostles marvel at the power coming from the name of JESUS [Mark 16:17].  JESUS underlines the defeat of the Adversary, Satan.

The learned and the clever think they know, but do not know what is essential.  They speak of a GOD who is no more than a shadow of the true GOD as long as they do not recognize HIM in JESUS.  They do not know where the world is heading because they do not see GOD's power is working wherever JESUS is being proclaimed.

The little ones, on the other hand, have understood.  Before they saw themselves as a sacrificed generation.  For the little ones are used to sacrificing themselves for their children from generation to generation, or they are sacrificed by powers, under the pretext of bringing happiness to their descendants.  They did not live for themselves; rather they were preparing a place for others.  Now the little ones, namely, the humble believers, have everything if they have JESUS, the FATHER has given everything to HIM.

Little ones live their faith in simple ways but they know that none of their sacrifices are lost.  It is JESUS who reveals the FATHER to us and, knowing HIM in truth, we also share in HIS control over events.  Our desires and our prayers are powerful because we have come to the center from which GOD directs the forces saving humankind: because we work for eternity, our names are already written in heaven.

To evangelize does not mean to try to sell the Gospel but rather to prove its power to heal people from their demons.  We need not become activists in order to accomplish that.  We must admit that we have no power in these things and we must give thanks to GOD who enabled us to see, to hear and to communicate HIS salvation.

Fortunate are you to see... Stop being envious of famous people, kings and prophets of the past.  You who are alive now, and who are neither kings nor prophets, have been given the better part.)

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The Remnant

"On that day the Shoot of YAHWEH will be beautiful and glorious; and the fruit of the earth will be honor and splendor for the survivors of Israel.

Those who are left in Zion and remain in Jerusalem will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem.

When the LORD washes away the filth of the women of Zion and purges Jerusalem of the bloodstains in its midst with the blast of searing judgment, the blast of fire.

Then will YAHWEH create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over its assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of fire by night.

For the glory of YAHWEH will be a canopy and a pavilion for all, a shade from the scorching heat by day, a refuge from the storm and rain." - Isaiah 4:2-6 

(In the turbulent history of nations, GOD allows a small and insignificant people to take shape.  From among them a chosen group called "Remnant" appears and takes root.  As a pyramid is gradually reduced to a point, so is this remnant reduced, until it becomes only one man, the Savior.  Here, HE is called the fruit of the earth.  HE is also called Shoot, because HE will be the sprout for the new humanity.

Notice here, as in 1:27, that the kingdom of GOD begins with a "judgment."  This means that human beings alone cannot build the lasting city.  Isaiah denounces at the same time the sin of individuals and the sin of the nation.  No nation can present itself as the kingdom of GOD on earth.  The Jewish people directed by the law of Moses, and the kingdom of David consecrated by GOD, only represented the first phase of sacred history.  They would have to give up their ambitions and their human limitations [a kingdom of GOD in Palestine!] to receive from GOD a new covenant: see Jeremiah 31:31.  It is CHRIST who judges the world [John 12:31] and who pardons its sins [John 20:22].

Also, as in 2:2, the kingdom of GOD is a place where GOD becomes present to HIS people: see the Cloud and the pillar of fire in Exodus 13:21.

Above Mount Zion which symbolizes the Church, GOD will be a shade from the scorching heat by day.

- HE will provide rest for the weary: "Come to ME and I will refresh you" [Matthew 11:28].

- The new trends in the world can harm the unwary and the isolated but not those who live in the church community.

It seems however, that only a small remnant is assembled there on Mt. Zion.  Let us not say that only a small number of the elect [in which we number of course], will be saved for eternity.  It is better to say that the Church in this world will always seem to be a small remnant; likewise in what is called the Church or people of GOD, only a small number will live the promises of GOD [Luke 12:32].) 

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Let Us Discard Everything That Belongs To Darkness, And Let Us Put On The Armor Of Light

"You know what hour it is.  This is the time to awake, for our salvation is, now, nearer than when we first believed; the night is almost over, and day is at hand.  Let us discard, therefore, everything that belongs to darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.  As we live in the full light of day, let us behave with decency; no banquets with drunkenness, no promiscuity or licentiousness, no fighting or jealousy.  Put on, rather, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and do not be led by the will of the flesh nor follow its desires." - Romans 13:11-14 

(You know what hour it is.  This is the time to awake.  Paul was just recalling the duties of a Christian in this world and he already turns to the opposite direction: beware of settling down in this world.  The Christian is always awaiting the coming of CHRIST.

During the first thirty years of the Church, all waited for the imminent return of JESUS.  When it became clear to them that history was being extended, they began thinking more of each one's last end: it was then that they would meet CHRIST.  In the present century we have come to realize that history is going towards an end and that we not only have to be ready for the last hour, but that we must also work for the evangelization of the world.  The Gospel is the power that, directly or indirectly, brings all human history to maturity; by living holy and responsible lives we hasten the coming of the kingdom of GOD [2 Peter 3:11-12].)

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How Beautiful Are The Feet Of The Messenger Of Good News!

"You are saved, if you confess with your lips that JESUS is LORD, and, in your heart, you believe that GOD raised HIM from the dead.  By believing from the heart, you obtain true righteousness; by confessing the faith with your lips, you are saved.  For Scripture says: No one who believes in HIM will be ashamed.  Here, there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; all have the same LORD, who is very generous with whoever calls on HIM.  Truly, all who call upon the name of the LORD will be saved.

But how can they call upon the name of the LORD without having believed in HIM?  And how can they believe in HIM, without having first heard about HIM?  And how will they hear about HIM, if no one preaches about HIM?  And how will they preach about HIM, if no one sends them?  As Scripture says: How beautiful are the feet of the messenger of good news.  Although, not everyone obeyed the good news, as Isaiah said: LORD, who has believed in our preaching?  So, faith comes from preaching, and preaching is rooted in the word of CHRIST.

I ask: Have the Jews not heard?  But, of course, they have.  Because the voice of those preaching resounded all over the earth, and their voice was heard, to the ends of the world." - Romans 10:9-18 

(The text applies Psalm 19:4 to the preaching of the Gospel.  The psalm is adequate to revise one's life in the presence of GOD in creation and in the Law.  JESUS in the Gospels has taught us how to pray.  If we add the psalm to our morning prayer, it will make us feel great and ready to start the day well.)

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The Signs Of The Times

"And JESUS added this comparison, 'Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.  As soon as their buds sprout, you know that summer is near.  In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of GOD is near.  Truly, I tell you, this generation will not pass away, until all this has happened.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." - Luke 21:29-33 

(GOD the FATHER can communicate to JESUS certain prophecies but HE cannot tell HIM , for example: "the end of the world will take place on the 12th of July of the year 2049" because the date is not fixed; it depends on how we make the kingdom of GOD mature through our efforts and prayers [2 Peter 3:14].

Modern science shows that time does not pass at the same time for two persons if one is moving and the other is still; much less equal is the pace of time between GOD and us.  GOD knows the time as it can be known in eternity, but this does not mean that it corresponds with a certain date in our calendar.

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The Coming Of The Son Of Man

"When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that the time has come down when it will be reduced to a wasteland.  If you are in Judea, flee to the mountains!  If you are in Jerusalem, leave!  If you are outside the city, don't enter it!

For these will be the days of its punishment, and all that was announced in the Scriptures will be fulfilled.  How hard will it be for pregnant women, and for mothers with babies at the breast!  For a great calamity will come upon the land, and wrath upon this people.  They will be put to death by the sword, or taken as slaves to other nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled upon by the pagans, until the time of the pagans is fulfilled.

Then there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations, perplexed when they hear the roaring of the sea and its waves.  People will faint with fear at the mere thought of what is to come upon the world, for the forces of the universe will be shaken.  Then, at that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

So, when you see things begin to happen, stand erect and lift up your heads, for your deliverance is drawing near." - Luke 21:20-28 

(For a great calamity will come upon the land.  Luke foretells the destruction of the Jewish nation more clearly than Matthew and Mark do.

Until the time of the pagans is fulfilled.  Luke divides history into two ages.  One corresponds to the Old Testament: that was the time when Sacred History was almost the same as the history of Israel.  Then, after JESUS, came the time of the nations.  The destruction of the Jewish nation and the dispersal of its people inaugurated a new era, which would be mostly the history of the evangelization and education of the nations by the Church.  We could call that period the times of the New Testament, which will end with the great crisis concluding human history.)

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JESUS Asks HIS Followers To Bear Witness To HIM

"Before all these things happen, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you; you will be delivered to the synagogues and put in prison, and for MY sake you will be brought before kings and governors.  This will be your opportunity to bear witness.

So keep this in mind: do not worry in advance about what to say, for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.

You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death.  But even though, because of MY name, you will be hated by everyone, not a hair of your head will perish.  By your patient endurance you will save your souls." - Luke 21:12-19 

(People, confused, are easily fooled by propaganda and ideologies.  Fear makes them blind and they persecute those who do not share their fanaticism.  This is why they hate the true believers.  At the same time, JESUS asks HIS followers to bear witness to HIM as the only Savior and to proclaim what the Gospel demands of the individual and of society.)

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The End Of The World

"While some people were talking about the temple, remarking that it was adorned with the stonework and rich gifts, JESUS said to them, 'The days will come when there shall not be left one stone upon another of all that you now admire; all will be torn down.'  And they asked HIM, 'Master, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?'

JESUS said, 'Take care not to be deceived, for many will come in MY name, saying, 'I AM he; the time is near at hand!'  Do not follow them.  When you hear of wars and troubled times, don't be frightened; for all these things must happen first, even though the end is not so soon.'

And JESUS said, 'Nations will fight each other and kingdom will oppose kingdom.  There will be great earthquakes, famines and plagues; in many places strange and terrifying signs from heaven will be seen.'" - Luke 21:5-11 

(The prophets of the Scriptures spoke in a rather obscure way about the end of the history that would initiate GOD's universal kingdom.  According to them, all nations of the world would join forces to destroy the Holy City of Jerusalem, but right at the moment of greatest despair GOD would intervene in a triumphant way to establish HIS own kingdom [Isaiah 66:18; Ezekiel 38; Joel 4; Zechariah 14].

That is why, when JESUS speaks of the destruction of the temple, the apostles think of the end of time.  The answer of JESUS is clear; the tragedy that will end with the destruction of Jerusalem is near but that would not be the end of the world.

This discourse contains JESUS' warnings about the destruction of the Jewish nation that would occur 30 years later, but what HE said regarding these agents clarifies the meaning of the conflicts that occur at present in the whole world.)

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Only The Poor Give All That They Have To Live On

"JESUS looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury of the temple.  HE also saw a poor widow, who dropped in two small coins.  And HE said, 'Truly, I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them.  For all of them gave an offering from their plenty; but she, out of her poverty, gave all she had to live on.'" - Luke 21:1-4 

(The poor widow was the only one from among so many worshipers who made retribution to GOD as HE deserves.  She was the personification of those uncountable poor, who have practically nothing but somehow find a way to give part of the little they have.  The humble person is capable of sacrificing part of his paid time to study or participate in common activities in order to help his companions.  The small salary he loses is worth much more than the big salary that wealthy people are not willing to lose.  GOD calls on the poor before anybody else, because only the poor give all that they have to live on.)

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David Is Anointed King Over Israel

"All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, 'We are your bone and flesh.  In the past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel.  And YAHWEH said to you, 'You shall be the shepherd of MY people and you shall be commander over Israel.'  Before YAHWEH, king David made an agreement with the elders of Israel who came to him at Hebron, and they anointed him king of Israel." - 2 Samuel 5:1-3 

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

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

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

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

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

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Last Days Of Antiochus Epiphanes

"When king Antiochus was making his way through the upper regions of Persia, he received news about Elymais, a city renowned for its wealth in silver and gold.  They kept in the wealthy temple of their city golden armor, breastplates and weapons, left there by the Macedonian king, Alexander, the son of Philip, the first sovereign of the Greeks.  So Antiochus went there.  But the inhabitants came out armed against him when they learned of his intention, so his attempt to take the city failed.  He had to turn back; and he returned much embittered to Babylon.

While he was still in Persia, it was reported to him that the armies sent to Judea had been defeated.  They told him that although Lysias had gone with a strong army, he had to flee before the Jews, who had been strengthened with the weapons and the abundant booty taken from the neighboring armies.  He heard, too, that the Jews had destroyed the abominable idol he had erected on the altar in Jerusalem; and had rebuilt the temple walls to the same height as before; and had also fortified the city of Beth-zur.

When he received this news, he was terrified and deeply upset.  He fell sick and became greatly depressed because things had not turned out the way he had planned.  So he remained overcome by this terrible anguish for many days.  He felt that he was dying, so he called his friends and said to them, 'Sleep has fled from my eyes and I am greatly crushed by my anxieties.  And I keep on asking why such grief has come upon me--I who was generous and well-loved when in power--and now I am so discouraged.

Now I remember the evils I did in Jerusalem, the vessels of gold and silver that I stole, the inhabitants of Judea I ordered to be killed for no reason at all.  I now know, that because of this, these misfortunes have come upon me; and I am dying of grief in a strange land.'" - 1 Maccabees 6:1-13 

(The end of Antiochus Epiphanes is presented as an example of how the persecutors die.  We find another story, different from this, in 2 Maccabees 9.)

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Judas Purifies The Temple

"Then Judas and his brothers said: 'Our enemies are defeated, so let us go up and purify the Holy Place and consecrate it again.'  And all the army assembled and went up to Mount Zion.  There, they found the Sanctuary abandoned, the altar profaned, the gates burned, bushes growing in the courtyard as in a forest or on a mountain, and the rooms destroyed.  They tore their garments and wept bitterly.  Some sprinkled ashes on their heads, while others prostrated themselves on the ground.  They sounded the trumpets and cried aloud to Heaven.

Then Judas chose men to fight against the defenders of the Citadel until he had purified the temple.  He chose blameless priests, who showed great zeal for the law, and had them purify the temple and bring the stones of the abominable altar of the pagans to an unclean place.

They held a council to decide on what should be done with the altar of the holocausts which had been defiled.  And they decided to destroy it, so that shame brought about by the pagans might not remain with it.  They deposited the stones of the said altar in a convenient place on the temple hill, until a prophet should appear to settle the matter.

Then they took uncut stones as the law prescribed, and built a new altar like the former one.  They repaired the Sanctuary, and the interior of the house, and consecrated the courts.

They made new sacred vessels and brought in the lamp stand, the altar of incense and the table.  They burned incense on the altar, and lit the lamps on the lamp stand, and these began to shine in the temple.  They placed the bread on the table and hung up the curtains--bringing to completion all that had been decided.

On the twenty-fifth day of the month of Chislev, in the year one hundred and forty-eight [in the year 164 B.C.] they arose at dawn and offered the sacrifice prescribed by the law on the new altar of holocausts which they had built.  It was precisely at that same time and date that the pagans had profaned it before; but now they consecrated it with songs, accompanied by zithers, harps and cymbals.  All the people fell prostrate and blessed Heaven that had given them happiness and success.

They celebrated the consecration of the altar for eight days, joyfully offering holocausts and celebrating sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise.  The front of the temple was adorned with crowns of gold and shields; and the gates and the rooms had been restored and fitted with doors.

There was no end to the celebration among the people; and so the profanation of the temple by the pagans was forgotten.  Finally, Judas, his brothers and the whole assembly of Israel agreed to celebrate the anniversary of the consecration of the altar annually for eight days, from the twenty-fifth of the month of Chislev, in high festivity." - 1 Maccabees 4:36-59 

(Because of Judas victories, Antiochus Epiphanes IV signs a treaty by which he grants autonomy to the Jewish province [April 164 B.C.].  The Jews are triumphant and their first concern is to purify the temple which had been profaned by the pagans [December 167 B.C.].

The Jews are aware of being different from other people.  It is GOD who decides the future.  In a given moment, they solve what is most urgent while waiting for a prophet to indicate to them what they must do.  Yet, the situation is paradoxical.  There were prophets at other times when the Israelites refused to listen to them.  Now that they want to hear a message, there are no prophets, and there will be no prophet until John the Baptist.) 

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If Only Today You Knew The Ways Of Peace!

"When JESUS had come in sight of the city, HE wept over it, and said, 'If only today you knew the ways of peace!  But now they are hidden from your eyes.  Yet days will come upon you, when your enemies will surround you with barricades, and shut you in, and press on you from every side.  And they will dash you to the ground and your children with you, and not leave stone upon stone within you, for you did not recognize the time and the visitation of your GOD.'" - Luke 19:41-44 

(In this discourse the Gospel uses the style of apocalyptic books.  In this kind of literature signs announced great events.

The discourse comprises words pronounced by JESUS in very diverse circumstances.  JESUS refuses speculation and reminds us that Christian history is one of persecution; HE encourages us to be faithful.)

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The Ten Pounds

"JESUS was now near Jerusalem, and the people with HIM thought that GOD's reign was about to appear.  So as they were listening to HIM, JESUS went on to tell them a parable.  HE said, 'A man of noble birth went to a distant country in order to be crowned king, after which he planned to return home.  Before he left, he summoned ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds of silver.  He said, 'Put this money to work until I get back.'  But his compatriots, who disliked him, sent a delegation after him with this message, 'We do not want this man to be our king.'

He returned, however, appointed as king.  At once he sent for the servants, to whom he had given the money, to find out what profit each had made.  The first came in, and reported, 'Sir, your pound of silver has earned ten more pounds of silver.'

The master replied, 'Well done, my good servant!  Since you have proved yourself faithful in a small matter, I can trust you to take charge of ten cities.'  The second reported, 'Sir, your pound of silver earned five more pounds of silver.'  The master replied, 'And you, take charge of five cities!'

The third came in, and said, 'Sir, here is your money, which I hid for safekeeping.  I was afraid of you, for you are an exacting person: you take up what you did not lay down, and you reap what you did not sow.'

The master replied, 'You worthless servant, I will judge you by your own words!  So you knew I was an exacting person, taking up what I did not lay down, and reaping what I did not sow?  Why, then, did you not put my money on loan, so that, when I got back, I could have collected it with interest?'

Then the master said to those standing by, 'Take from him that pound, and give it to the one with ten pounds.'  But they objected, 'Sir, he already has ten pounds!'

The master replied, 'I tell you, everyone who has will be given more; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.  As for my enemies who did not want me to be their king, bring them in, and execute them right here in front of me!'

So JESUS spoke, and then HE passed on ahead of them, on HIS way to Jerusalem. - Luke 19:11-28 

(Galileans go to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover and JESUS goes with them.  HE knows that death awaits HIM: they, nonetheless, are convinced that HE will be proclaimed king and liberator of Israel.

In HIS parable JESUS invites them to hold onto another hope.  HE will rule on HIS return from a faraway land [HIS own death] at the end of history.  Meanwhile, HIS people are in charge of riches, which HE has given them and which they must multiply.  They should not wait in idleness for HIS return, since HIS enemies will take advantage of HIS absence to struggle against HIS influence.  JESUS' servants will participate in HIS triumph to the degree that they have worked.

This page is closely connected with the parable of the talents [Mark 25:14].  Two differences are pointed out in what follows.

For one thing, in the introduction and in the conclusion JESUS refers to HIS country's political life.  The country depended on the Roman Empire and its kings had to be acceptable to the Roman government that protected them.

On the other hand, the parable insists on GOD's justice: everyone receives according to his merit.  Heavenly happiness is not something that can be distributed equally.  Everyone will know GOD and will share HIS riches to the degree that one has been able to love throughout life.  Every step we take by way of obedience, sacrifice and humility, develops our capacity to receive GOD and to be transformed by HIM.)

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"Do Not Be Afraid, I Have Conquered The World."

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

How numerous are they who rise against me!

How many are they who say of my soul:

'There is no help for him in GOD!'

But YOU are my shield, O YAHWEH,

my glory; YOU lift up my head.

Aloud I cry to YAHWEH,

and from HIS holy Hill HE answers me.

If I lie down to sleep,

again I awake, for YAHWEH supports me;

no fear of the thousands standing against me.

Arise, O YAHWEH!

Deliver me, O my GOD!

YOU strike all my enemies on the jaw,

YOU have broken the teeth of the wicked."

- Psalm 3:2-8

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

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

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Son Of David!

"When JESUS drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road, begging.  As he heard the crowd passing by, he inquired what was happening, and they told him that JESUS of Nazareth was going by.  Then he cried out, 'JESUS, Son of David, have mercy on me!'  The people in front of him scolded him, 'Be quiet!' they said, but he cried out all the more, 'JESUS, Son of David, have mercy on me!'

JESUS stopped, and ordered the blind man to be brought to HIM; and when he came near, JESUS asked him, 'What do you want ME to do for you?'  And the man said, 'LORD, that I may see!'  JESUS said, 'Receive your sight, your faith has saved you.'  At once the blind man was able to see, and he followed JESUS, giving praise to GOD.  And all the people who were there also praised GOD." - Luke 18:35-43 

(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)

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Humanity Has Found The Way To Liberation And Salvation

"... with melody of the lyre and with music of the harp.

With trumpet blast and sound of the horn, rejoice before the King, YAHWEH!

Let the sea resound and everything in it, the world and all its people.

Let rivers clap their hands, hills and mountains sing with joy before YAHWEH, for HE comes to rule the earth.  HE will judge the world with justice, and the peoples, with fairness."

- Psalm 98:5-9

(Our LORD founded the kingdom of GOD on earth: and yet we pray: 'YOUR kingdom come.'  The work of our redemption has been accomplished, but we still pray for this salvation, to be perfected throughout the world: GOD has come; but we look for HIS final coming, to take possession of HIS kingdom.

Sing to the LORD a new song.  Humanity has found the way to liberation and salvation.  It is in the coming of CHRIST, GOD-made-man and in HIS resurrection.

For the LORD came down to earth, showed us HIS love and also by HIS death and resurrection, the path to eternal salvation.)

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