The First Public Reading Of The Law

"Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men, women and all the children who could understand what was being read.  It was the first day of the seventh month.  So he read it before the plaza in front of the Water Gate from dawn till noon, before the men, women and those children who could understand.  All the people were eager to hear the book of the law.

Ezra, the teacher of the law, stood on a wooden platform built for that occasion; and to his right were Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hikiah and Maaseiah; and to his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hasbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was in a higher place; and when he opened it, all the people stood.  Ezra praised YAHWEH the great GOD; and all the people lifted up their hands and answered, 'Amen!  Amen.'  And they bowed their heads to the ground.

The Levites Joshua, Bani and the rest of their brothers explained the law to the people who were standing.  They read from the book of the law of GOD, clarifying and interpreting the meaning, so that everyone might understand what they were hearing.

Then Ezra, the teacher of the law, said to the people, 'This day is dedicated to YAHWEH, your GOD, so do not be sad or weep.'  He said this because all wept when they heard the reading of the law.  Then he said to them, 'Go and eat rich foods, drink sweet wine and share with him who has nothing prepared.

This day is dedicated to the LORD, so do not be sad.  The joy of YAHWEH is our strength.'" - Nehemiah 8:2-10 

Ezra Reading The Book Of The Law

(This first public reading of the law marks a very important date of sacred history.  Until that time, the people of Israel lived their faith through praying and taking part in the temple ceremonies.  Decisions and preaching came to them through priests and prophets.  They did not feel the need to read the Scriptures.

Several books of our Scriptures were already in existence but they were kept in the temple or the kings' palace: they were not within reach of the people nor were they the foundation of their faith.  Now, however, new demands are made and they no longer have prophets as before.  Ezra understands that in the future, the Jewish community will grow through the reading, meditation on and interpretation of the sacred book.  Ezra himself tries to gather and complete the sacred books, and a new age begins wherein the Scriptures will be everyone's book and the basis of their faith.

This religious and cultural transition is similar in the Church in recent years.  People went to church: they prayed and they were taught, but Scripture was foreign to them.  However, now the Christian faith can only become strong through the word of GOD read and heard in the community.  Indeed we are behind time: this renewal should have started four centuries ago when Protestantism began.

The assembly gathered by Ezra will serve as the model for the religious life of the Jewish community.  The solemn worship in the Jerusalem temple is not suppressed but, from that time on, in every city the Jews will have a synagogue, that is, a meeting place where they will gather on the Sabbath to hear GOD's word and to sing psalms.)

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Fan Into A Flame The Gift Of GOD You Received

"From Paul, apostle of CHRIST JESUS, by the will of GOD, for the sake of HIS promise of eternal life, in CHRIST JESUS, to my dear son Timothy.

May grace, mercy and peace be with you, from GOD, the FATHER, and CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

I give thanks to GOD, whom I serve with a clear conscience, the way my ancestors did, as I remember you constantly, day and night, in my prayers.  I recall your tears, and I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.  I am reminded of your sincere faith, so like the faith of your grandmother Lois and of your mother Eunice, which I am sure you have inherited.

For this reason, I invite you to fan into a flame, the gift of GOD you received, through the laying on of my hands.  For GOD did not confer on us a spirit of fearfulness, but of strength, love and good judgment.  Do not be ashamed of testifying to our LORD, nor of seeing me in chains.  On the contrary, do your share in laboring for the gospel, with the strength of GOD." - 2 Timothy 1:1-8 

Paul And Timothy

(Fan into a flame the gift of GOD you received.  See 1 Timothy 4:14.  Paul tries to give his own energy to Timothy and he reminds him of GOD's love and promises.)

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Proclaim The Good News To All Creation

"Then HE told them, 'Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation.  The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; the one who refuses to believe will be condemned.  Signs like these will accompany those who have believed: in MY name they will cast out demons and speak new languages; they will pick up snakes, and if they drink anything poisonous, they will be unharmed; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.'" - Mark 16:15-18 

(The Good News is the seed that will be planted in the world and will flourish, in its proper time, in every field of human endeavor.  Salvation is not a matter of saving isolated souls or individual beings.  The Gospel is to be proclaimed to all creation in all activities and acts of those who have been renewed by baptism.  They are to be the yeast that transforms human history.)

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YOU Are The Son Of GOD!

"JESUS and HIS disciples withdrew to the lakeside, and a large crowd from Galilee followed HIM.  A great number of people also came from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, Transjordan, and from the region of Tyre and Sidon, for they had heard of all that HE was doing.

Because of the crowd, JESUS told HIS disciples to have a boat ready for HIM, to prevent the people from crushing HIM.  HE healed so many, that all who had diseases kept pressing toward HIM to touch HIM.  Even the people who had evil spirits, whenever they saw HIM, they would fall down before HIM and cry out, 'YOU are the Son of GOD.'  But HE warned them sternly not to tell anyone who HE was." - Mark 3:7-12

(For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS one and only Son, that whoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life.) 

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Not To Do Good Is To Do Evil, Not To Cure Is To Kill!

"Again, JESUS entered the synagogue.  A man, who had a paralyzed hand, was there; and some people watched JESUS: would HE heal the man on the Sabbath?  If HE did, they could accuse HIM.

JESUS said to the man with the paralyzed hand, 'Stand here, in the center.'  Then HE asked them, 'What does the law allow us to do on the Sabbath?  To do good or to do harm?  To save life or to kill?'  But they were silent.

Then JESUS looked around at them with anger and deep sadness at their hardness of heart.  And HE said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.'  He stretched it out, and his hand was healed.  As soon as the Pharisees left, they met with Herod's supporters, looking for a way to destroy JESUS." - Mark 3:1-6 

(Here, what Mark wants to emphasize is not the miracle JESUS performs, but HIS attitude vis-à-vis the Sabbath.  This miracle confirms what HE has just said in 2:28.

The Pharisees considered it lawful to work on the Sabbath if it was a question of saving someone in danger of death.  JESUS is about to enlarge this ruling: for HIM, N

Some ask if JESUS was interested in the material advancement [well being] of people or only their spiritual progress.  Actually, it is impossible to separate one from the other.

JESUS, apparently, did not speak of the economy nor the social order, but HE did denounce our prejudices that prevent us from giving the world a true and just order.

People, then, have the capacity and the means to better their condition, but they use them poorly because they remain prisoners of principles or institutions that are considered sacred, and in order to preserve them they allow half the world to die.)

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The Son Of Man Is Master Even Of The Sabbath

"One Sabbath HE was walking through grain fields.  As HIS disciples walk along with HIM, they began to pick the heads of grain and crush them in heir hands.  Then the Pharisees said to JESUS, 'Look!  They are doing what is forbidden on the Sabbath!'

And HE said to them, 'Have you never read what David did in his time of need; when he and his men were very hungry?  He went into the House of GOD, when Abiathar was High Priest, and ate; the bread of offering, which only the priests are allowed to eat, and he also gave some to the men who were with him.  Then JESUS said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.  So the Son of Man is master even of the Sabbath.'" - Mark 2:23-28 

(It was normal that passersby, when hungry, would pick fruit or wheat.  The Pharisees were scandalized because JESUS' disciples did this on the Sabbath, a day when all work was prohibited.

The Sabbath was made for man.  No law, no matter how holy it is, should be applied in a way that would oppress a person.

The Son of Man  is master even of the Sabbath.  For the Jews, the observance of the Sabbath was the pillar of the Law established by GOD.  Who did JESUS think HE was?)

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New Wine, New Skin!

"One day, when the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist were fasting, some people asked JESUS, 'Why is it, that both the Pharisees and the disciples of John fast, but YOURS do not?'  JESUS answered, 'How can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?  As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.  But the day will come, when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.

No one saws a piece of new cloth on an old coat, because the new patch will shrink and tear away from the old cloth, making a worse tear.  And no one puts new wine into old wine skins, for the wine would burst the skins, and then both the wine and the skins would be lost.  But new wine, new skins!'" - Mark 2:18-22 

(Many religious leaders sympathized with JESUS.  How they would have liked that HE rekindle the faith of the nation!  JESUS HIMSELF did not feel that HIS primary task was to reorganize worship and bring people to the synagogues.

The Pharisees were fasting.  Fasting a sign of repentance, supported their prayers that GOD come and liberate HIS people.  GOD comes in the person of JESUS: joy and celebration are more appropriate than fasting.  The prophets had announced the wedding feast of GOD with HIS people when HE would come to visit us [Isaiah 62:4-5].  Because of this, in presenting HIMSELF as the bridegroom, JESUS identifies who HE really is.

What is the new wine?  It is of course the Gospel, and the enthusiasm because of the Holy Spirit that leads the disciples to every kind of madness to manifest the love of the FATHER and the freedom that they have acquired.  In order to understand this, let us read the Acts of the Apostles and the lives of the saints, who have marked Church history.

Old skins.  The Gospel does not fit into the molds of religion and likewise does not enter into those persons who hold onto them at all costs.  Mark wants us to catch the Gospel's novelty.  We have just seen JESUS welcoming sinners, now we wonder that HE doesn't come like religious groups with prayers and fasting.)

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Humanity Has Found The Way To Liberation And Salvation

"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.

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

- Psalm 98:1-6

(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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CHRIST Is Our High Priest

"For the word of GOD is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword.  It pierces, to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and judges the intentions and thoughts of the heart.  All creation is transparent to HIM; everything is uncovered and laid bare, to the eyes of HIM, to whom we render account.

We have a great high priest, JESUS, the Son of GOD, who has entered heaven.  Let us, then, hold fast to the faith we profess.  Our high priest is not indifferent to our weaknesses, for HE was tempted, in every way, just as we are, yet, without sinning.  Let us, then, with confidence, approach the throne of grace.  We will obtain mercy and, through HIS favor, help in due time." - Hebrews 4:12-16 

(For the Jews, the high priest--despite his personal defects--was a sacred person protecting the people from the punishment deserved by their sins.  The people needed not only leaders to govern them, but an advocate before GOD.  Aaron, Moses' brother, the first priest of the Jews, had been such a man.  His successors, the high priests, were to be the same.

This idea is developed here: the high priest is the people's representative before GOD, and he must be weak as they are but accepted by GOD.  CHRIST is just that and perfectly so.  Forgetting that JESUS is a man among humans is as serious for the faith as forgetting that HE is the Son of GOD.

It is helpful to look at the role of CHRIST, the high priest, at this time when the Church reminds us that all the faithful are associated with the priestly role of CHRIST.  We must represent humanity before GOD; we are consecrated to GOD for that purpose.

In the Eucharist we thank GOD in the name of everyone.  In daily life we must be instruments of the grace of GOD by being people who promote truth, encourage love and establish peaceful relationships.)

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'Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread!'

"... which we have heard and known, which our ancestors have told us.

We will not keep them hidden from our children; we will announce them to the coming generation: the glorious deeds of YAHWEH, HIS might and the wonders HE has done.

HE issued decrees for Jacob, and set up a law in Israel, which HE commanded our ancestors to teach their children,

so the next generation would learn, and teach their own children.

They would then, put their trust in GOD, and not forget HIS deeds and HIS commands.

And not be like their ancestors, stubborn and rebellious people, a people of inconstant heart, whose spirit was fickle."

- Psalm 78:3-8

(The lesson of past history beats the rhythm of Israel's history.  Divine generosity, human ingratitude, correction, renewed generosity, is an enlarged picture of the individual experience.  GOD rarely showed HIS hands in such a way that people are forced to recognize it, in the events of history.  This needs a thoughtful and grateful heart.  And even then, we easily forget.  In the past, GOD's people have found themselves threatened first by the sea, then by the desert.  Flood and drought, too much and too little, luxury and penury, have always been the enemies of the people of GOD: 'Give me neither poverty nor riches: give me only the food I need' is the sober prayer of the Book of Proverbs.  But when GOD rescues from the two extremes, there are still the dangers of mediocrity.  We can soon forget the urgent prayers in past crisis and the way GOD heard them.  But every day must be seen as a crisis in which GOD intervenes: 'Give us this day our daily bread!'

Sin is not the end of history; grace is!  For a Christian, rereading of the psalm, 1 Corinthians 10-11 can help us.  Our history is a school of life and prayer.  It is enough to remember what we have done and what GOD does.  This psalm can help us.)

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If Only You Would Hear GOD's Voice Today!

"Listen to what the Holy Spirit says: If only you would hear GOD's voice today!  Do not be stubborn, as they were in the place called Rebellion, when your ancestors challenged ME in the desert, although they had seen MY deeds for forty years.  That is why I was angry with those people and said: Their hearts are always going astray and they do not understand MY ways.  I was angry and made a solemn vow: They will never enter MY rest.

So, brothers, be careful, lest some of you come to have an evil and unbelieving heart, that falls away from the living GOD.  Encourage one another, day by day, as long as it is called today.  Let no one become hardened in the deceitful way of sin.  We are associated with CHRIST, provided we hold steadfastly to our initial hope, until the end." - Hebrews 3:7-14 

(Several times this letter will recall the warning given the Hebrew pilgrims in the desert: If only you would hear GOD's voice today!  The road is long and the believer grows tired when difficult times come, after the enthusiasm of the first days.  Supported by CHRIST's words, we must continue to hope for that which GOD promised, but which is invisible to our eyes.

The creation poem spoke of GOD's Rest after creating the world: this meant that the universe must come to a point of entering into the fullness of the mystery of GOD.  Human sorrow and work on this earth bring a person to her true end, which is "to rest" in the happiness of GOD.)

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CHRIST Saves Us Through Sharing Flesh And Blood, And Human Destiny

"And because all those children share one same nature of flesh and blood, JESUS, likewise, had to share this nature.  This is why HIS death destroyed the one holding the power of death, that is the devil, and freed those who remained in bondage all their lifetime, because of the fear of death.

JESUS came, to take by the hand, not the angels but the human race.  So, HE had to be like HIS brothers and sisters, in every respect, in order to be the high priest, faithful to GOD and merciful to them, a priest, able to ask pardon, and atone for their sins.  Having been tested through suffering, HE is able to help those who are tested." - Hebrews 2:14-18

(JESUS had to take this nature.  GOD uses human solidarity to save us.  CHRIST saves us through sharing flesh and blood, and human destiny.  In the same way, we are saved if we help in the liberation of the world, if we courageously accept our dependence on and solidarity with others.  To work side by side with others, to suffer and rejoice with them is a way of saving them.  W take the human race by the hand.)

e would like, at times, to escape our human condition and to be more independent: it seems to us that we would be better able to serve GOD, yet this dependence in the details of daily life is the means by which GOD wants us to

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The New World

"The angels were not given dominion over the new world of which we are speaking.  Instead, someone declared in Scripture: What is man, that YOU should be mindful of HIM, what is the Son of Man that YOU should care for HIM?  For a while YOU placed HIM a little lower than the angels, but YOU crowned HIM with glory and honor.  YOU have given HIM dominion over all things. 

When it is said, that GOD gave HIM dominion over all things, nothing is excluded.  As it is, we do not yet see HIS dominion over all things.  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 it 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, as we read: LORD, I will proclaim YOUR name to my brothers; I will praise YOU in the congregation." - Hebrews 2:5-12 

(The new world.  Actually the text says: the world to come.  This does not mean future times, or the end of the world, but the new and definitive times that began with the resurrection of CHRIST.

The new world is where the risen CHRIST is.  It is the homeland we are hoping for.  This new world has already come to us: a believer who lives in the Spirit constantly has experiences which are not of the earth even if in the beginning he is not aware of it.

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.)

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"Follow ME, And I Will Make You Fish For People."

"After John was arrested, JESUS went into Galilee and began preaching the Good News of GOD.  HE said, 'The time has come; the kingdom of GOD is at hand.  Change your ways and believe the Good News.'

As JESUS was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, HE saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  And JESUS said to them, 'Follow ME, and I will make you fish for people.'  At once, they abandoned their nets and followed HIM.  JESUS went a little farther on, and saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee; they were in their boat mending their nets.  Immediately, JESUS called them and they followed HIM, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men." - Mark 1:14-20 

(The time has come.  What does that mean?  The time fixed by GOD has come to an end [Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:10], the time of preparation has ended, and the manifestation of GOD announced by the prophets has already begun.

Change your ways and believe the Good News.  GOD does not expect works on the part of human beings but calls them to faith.  Be rid of all that hampers you, of all that prevents you from seeing and believe!  Believe that it is HE, and HE alone who is able to save you!

At once, they abandoned their nets and followed HIM, which means leaving their family and work they began to live with HIM.  Like the masters of religion in HIS time, like the rabbis, JESUS instructed HIS first disciples, teaching them what they were to pass on to others in the Church.

Simon, Andrew, James and John.  JESUS already knew them: HE had met them where John the Baptist was preaching [John 1:35].  The first nucleus of disciples is this natural group of lake fishermen of which Peter seemed to be the leader.  They were most probably young men, ready to make a commitment at a time and in a culture where people were freer than we are from the constraints of work.

They did not yet know what the Reign of GOD would mean but they trusted JESUS to guide them.  This for them was the beginning of faith.)

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GOD Was Reconciling Humankind With HIMSELF

"Peter then spoke to them, 'Truly, I realize that GOD does not show partiality, but in all nations HE listens to everyone who fears GOD and does good.  And this is the message HE has sent to the children of Israel, the good news of peace HE has proclaimed, through JESUS CHRIST, who is the LORD of all.  No doubt you have heard of the event that occurred throughout the whole country of the Jews, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism John preached.  You know how GOD anointed JESUS, the Nazorean with the Holy Spirit, and power.  HE went about doing good, and healing all who were under the devil's power, because GOD was with HIM;..." - Acts 10:34-38 

(Peter presents JESUS.  JESUS' life was that of an authentic prophet, who comes to continue the work of previous prophets, spokespersons of GOD's word.  But, in JESUS, GOD was offering the good news of peace, that is, GOD was reconciling humankind with HIMSELF, once and for all.  We are easily reminded of one of Paul's central points: see Romans 5:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 and Ephesians 2:14-16.

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The Whole World Lies In Evil

"Through HIM we are fully confident that whatever we ask, according to HIS will, HE will grant us.  If we know that HE hears us whenever we ask, we know that we already have what we asked of HIM.

If you see your brother committing sin, a sin which does not lead to death, pray for him, and GOD will give life to your brother.  I speak, of course, of the sin which does not lead to death.  There is also a sin that leads to death; I do not speak of praying about this.  Every kind of wrongdoing is sin, but not all sin leads to death.

We know, that we belong to GOD, while the whole world lies in evil.  

We know, that the Son of GOD has come and has given us power to know the truth.  We are in HIM who is true, HIS Son JESUS CHRIST.  HE is the true GOD, and eternal life.

My dear children, keep yourselves from idols." - 1 John 5:14-21 

(I do not speak of praying about this.  This sentence is somehow short, John implies: "with the certainty that GOD will give life to the sinner."  The will of GOD remains a mystery, whatever be the confidence we have in HIM.

The whole world lies in evil.  As has already been mentioned, this world belongs to GOD who made it good.  Nevertheless, this world is not simply a building site wherein we work.  It is first the place where the evil one competes with GOD.  The evil one does not side with any group, atheist or materialist or whatever else, but everywhere transforms the best things into destroying idols--even among those looking for a more perfect life: keep yourselves from idols.  This warning of John at the end of this letter has special importance; it invites us to remain in the truth of the Word-of-GOD-made-man without allowing anything contrary to it, to enter.  For the Church this is a permanent temptation--as well as for every Christian community--to make itself the center of everything, so that what matters is to recruit and to last.  Then when institutions believe that unity is assured by increasing authority, political and financial support are sought and mission is replaced with buildings.  There are a thousand ways of eluding what is provisional while the Spirit always feels more at ease with what is provisional.  In so doing, the Christian community, the whole Church becomes a thick wall between GOD and humans, all the more becoming an "idol" in wishing to be holy, obeyed and infallible in all its decisions.  The Word became flesh, and the Church can only be the sacrament of GOD if she remains weak and vulnerable.)

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HE Would Often Withdraw To Solitary Places And Pray

"One day, in another town, a man came to JESUS covered with leprosy.  On seeing JESUS, the man bowed down to the ground, and said, 'LORD, if YOU want to, YOU can make me clean.'

Stretching out HIS hand, JESUS touched the man and said, 'Yes, I want to.  Be clean.'  In an instant, the leprosy left him.  Then JESUS instructed him, 'Tell this to no one.  But go, and show yourself to the priest.  Make an offering for your healing, as Moses prescribed; that will serve as evidence for them.'

But the news about JESUS spread all the more; and large crowds came to HIM, to listen and to be healed of their sickness.  As for JESUS, HE would often withdraw to solitary places and pray." - Luke 5:12-16 

(Make an offering for your healing.  The same law that demanded that a leper be isolated [Leviticus 13:45], provided that if the leper was healed, he could, after examination by the priests be reintegrated into the community.  Because leprosy was seen as GOD's punishment, healing meant that GOD had forgiven the sinner who was to express his gratitude with a sacrifice.

HE would often withdraw to solitary palaces and pray.  Luke mentions JESUS' prayer several times [3:21; 6:12; 9:28...] JESUS did not withdraw only to be still, but because, on each occasion, prayer was a necessity for HIM.)

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Faith Comes From GOD

"So, let us love one another, since HE loved us first.

If you say, 'I love GOD.' while you hate your brother or sister, you are a liar.  How can you love GOD, whom you do not see, if you do not love your brother, whom you see?  We received from HIM, this commandment: let those who love GOD also love their brothers.

All those, who believe that JESUS is the Anointed, are born of GOD; whoever loves the FATHER, loves the Son.  How may we know, that we love the children of GOD?  If we love GOD and fulfill HIS commands, 

for GOD's love requires us to keep HIS commands.  In fact, HIS commandments are not a burden

because all those born of GOD overcome the world.  And the victory, which overcomes the world, is our faith." - 1 John 4:19-5:4 

(GOD-Love is the one who asks us to believe in HIS Son, and faith is a victory.  John wrote the Book of Revelation to give hope to persecuted believers, showing them the victory they share with CHRIST simply because they believe in HIM.  John repeats the same thing here in a different way.

Our greatest victory is to attain our inheritance as children of GOD and to reach the eternal life of GOD HIMSELF.  Those who believe in CHRIST have already come to the Truth, to GOD.

How may we know that we love the children of GOD?  John already told us: the person who loves GOD also loves his brothers and sisters.  Here, however, John expresses it the other way around: those who love their brothers and sisters are known by the fact that they love GOD.

Many things are called love; there may be something of love in all of them, more or less.  The love of GOD for us and the love that HE gives us toward other people cannot be confused with other loves.  The love springing from an authentic communion with GOD does not resemble sentimental love, blind and fickle.  Rather, it is effective, both in the sense that it liberates others and it transforms us in CHRIST.)

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JESUS Walks On The Water

"Immediately, JESUS obliged HIS disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of HIM to the other side, toward Bethsaida, while HE HIMSELF sent the crowd away.  And having sent the people off, HE went by HIMSELF to the hillside to pray.

When evening came, the boat was far out on the lake, while HE was alone on the land.  JESUS saw HIS disciples straining at the oars, for the wind was against them; and before daybreak HE came to them, walking on the lake, and HE was going to pass them by.

When they saw HIM walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw HIM and were terrified.  But, at once, HE called to them, 'Courage!  It is I; don't be afraid!'  Then JESUS got into the boat with them, and the wind died down.  They were completely astonished, for they had not really grasped the fact of the loaves; their minds were dull." - Mark 6:45-52 

(JESUS obliged them to get into the boat.  Why?  John's Gospel explains this [John 6:15].  Because the people, enthused by the miracle, wanted to make HIM a king and liberator sent by GOD.  Even the apostles were eager for this to happen.)

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GOD-Love Is The Source Of Love

"My dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from GOD.  Everyone who loves, is born of GOD and knows GOD.

How did the love of GOD appear among us?  GOD sent HIS only Son into this world, that we might have life, through HIM.

This is love: not that we loved GOD, but that, HE first loved us and sent HIS Son, as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." - 1 John 4:7-10 

(Here we have the beginning of the third part of the letter:  GOD-Love is the source of love and faith.

GOD is love.  The supreme revelation, characteristic of the Christian faith.  Other religions know of a GOD who is good and compassionate: no other religion has known that the dynamism of love moves the entire creation and that its source lies in GOD-Love. 

In this beautiful text John insists on the inseparability of love of GOD and love of our neighbor.  We all know this, but sometimes we might wonder why it is so.  John gives us the paramount reason; love comes from GOD.  If we can love GOD, it is because GOD loved us first; if we love each other it is because GOD's love extends among us.

John also links love of GOD and faith in GOD: a true Christian believer is somebody who begins by "believing in GOD's love, and that GOD is love.

HE first loved us: through HIS eternal predestination [Ephesians 1:4], the sending of HIS Son and through HIS sacrifice [Romans 5:8].  If we are authentically loving, we never feel superior nor that we have merits, as do those who boast of their good works.  We simply realize that the love of GOD works through us.

The lives of those who dedicate themselves lovingly to serving the abandoned, the sick, the elderly, and those no longer useful to society are justified and so are the lives of those who withdraw from ordinary life to dedicate themselves more totally to a more intimate love of GOD.)

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Do Not Trust Every Inspiration

"Then, whatever we ask, we shall receive, since we keep HIS commands and do what pleases HIM.

HIS command is, that we believe in the name of HIS Son JESUS CHRIST, and that, we love one another, as HE has commanded us.

Whoever keeps HIS commands remains in GOD and GOD in him.  It is by the Spirit of GOD has given us, that we know HE lives in us.

My beloved, do not trust every inspiration.  Test the spirits, to see, whether they come from GOD, because many false prophets are now in the world.

How will you recognize the Spirit of GOD?  Any spirit recognizing JESUS as the CHRIST, who has taken our flesh, is of GOD.  But any spirit that does not recognize JESUS, is not from GOD, it is the spirit of the antichrist.  You have heard of his coming, and even, now, he is in the world.

You, my dear children, are of GOD, and you have already overcome these people, because the one who is in you, is more powerful than he who is in the world.

They are of the world and the world inspires them, and those of the world listen to them.

We are of GOD, and those who know GOD, listen to us, but those who are not of GOD, ignore us.  This is how we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of falsehood as well." - 1 John 3:22-4:6 

(To believe in the name, that is to say, in the divinity of CHRIST.

John underlined the role of the Holy Spirit to guide us in the truth, but now he is dealing with the case of the prophets who do not speak according to the faith received from the apostles through the Church.

There have always been conflicts between those in authority and those who speak freely.  It should be clear that no inspired person would ever be able to speak against the traditional faith of the Church.  What if it deals with ways of being or doing in the Church?  Must we always support the people in charge in all circumstances?  That would be to forget that the Gospel forms free people.  We must never blindly follow the opinion of the pope, or the bishop, or the majority.  It is our responsibility to think for ourselves and to evaluate according to the criteria of the Gospel.

Can we then favor those who seem to be guided by the Spirit?  If the Holy Spirit really inspires them, however much they may criticize what must be criticized, they will never attempt to divide the Church.  The community may expel them, but they will not become responsible for the break.  Even when the local community rejects them, they will never be willing to separate themselves from the universal communion of the Church, which, with time, always recognizes true prophets.)  

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GOD's Plan Calling All People To Become A Single Body

"You may have heard of the graces GOD bestowed on me, for your sake.  By a revelation, HE gave me the knowledge of HIS mysterious design, as I have explained in a few words.  On reading them, you will have some idea of how I understand the mystery of CHRIST.

This mystery was not made known to past generations, but only now, through revelations, given to holy apostles and prophets, by the Spirit.  Now, the non-Jews share the inheritance; in CHRIST JESUS, the non-Jews are incorporated, and are to enjoy the Promise.

This is the Good News." - Ephesians 3:2-6 

(Paul emphasizes what he has meditated on in jail, what seems most new in the work of CHRTIST: this is the "mystery," or GOD's plan calling all people to become a single body, without any racial distinctions.  JESUS proclaimed this equality [Matthew 20], but the early Christians needed several divine interventions before they were convinced [Acts 10].)

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Praise To GOD, Creator And Shepherd

"All you lands, acclaim YAHWEH!

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

Know that YAHWEH is GOD; HE created us, and

we are  HIS people, the sheep of HIS fold.

Enter HIS gates with thanksgiving, HIS courts

will praise.  Give thanks to HIM and praise HIS name.

For YAHWEH is good; HIS love lasts forever;

and HIS faithfulness, through all generations."

- Psalm 100:1-5

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

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Keeping The Commandment Of Love Is What Distinguishes GOD's Children

"My little children, do not be led astray; those who do what is right are upright, just as JESUS is upright.  But those who sin belong to the devil, for the devil sins from the beginning.

This is why the Son of GOD was shown to us, HE was to undo the works of the devil.

Those born of GOD do not sin, for the seed of GOD remains in them; they cannot sin, because they are born of GOD.

What is the way to recognize the children of GOD, and those of the devil?  The one, who does not do what is right, is not of GOD; so, too, the one who does not love his brother or sister." - 1 John 3:7-10 

(Keeping the commandment of love is what distinguishes GOD's children.

Most people are accustomed to thinking that the world is divided into two opposed factions.  Some see good people on the one hand, and bad people on the other.  Others see only liberals and conservatives.  Others see black and white.  John tells us what is the dividing line between people: those who love and those who do not love.  Because believers are in the camp of those who love, they will be persecuted.  Their companions and compatriots will not forgive believers for not sharing their own hatred and sectarianism.)

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I Saw The Spirit Coming Down On HIM, Like A Dove From Heaven, And Resting On HIM

"The next day, John saw JESUS coming toward him, and said, 'There is the Lamb of GOD, who takes away the sin of the world!  It is HE of whom I said: A man comes after me, who is already ahead of me, for HE was before me.  I myself did not know HIM, but I came baptizing to prepare for HIM, so that HE might be revealed in Israel.'

And John also gave this testimony, 'I saw the Spirit coming down on HIM, like a dove from heaven, and resting on HIM.  I myself did not know HIM, but GOD, who sent me to baptize, told me, 'You will see the Spirit coming down, and resting on the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'  Yes, I have seen!  And I declare that this is the Chosen One of GOD!'" - John 1:29-34 

(There is the Lamb.  In the language of the Jews, the word "Lamb" can mean both servant and lamb.  JESUS is the Servant of GOD spoken of by the prophets, who was to sacrifice HIMSELF for HIS brothers and sisters.  HE is also the true Lamb that replaces the Paschal Lamb [Mark 14:12].

A man comes after me.  In history, JESUS appears after John, but being the word of GOD, HE existed before all creatures.  HE also precedes, that is to say, all--including John the Baptist--are guided by HIS light.)

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John The Baptist Presents JESUS, The Lamb Of GOD

"This was the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites to ask him, 'Who are you?'  John recognized the truth, and did not deny it.  He said, 'I am not the Messiah.'  

And they asked him, 'Then who are you?  Elijah?'  He answered, 'I am not.'  They said, 'Are you the Prophet?'  And he answered, 'No.'  Then they said to him, 'Tell us who you are, so that we can give some answer to those who sent us.  How do you see yourself?'  And John said, quoting the prophet Isaiah, 'I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the LORD!'

Those who had been sent were Pharisees; and they put a further question to John, 'Then why are you baptizing, if you are not the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?'  John answered, 'I baptize you with water, but among you stands one whom you do not know; although HE comes after me, I am not worthy to untie the strap of HIS sandal.'

This happened in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing." - John 1:19-28 

(The authorities wondered: "Who is this who on his own initiative has begun to preach?"  At that time, various Jewish groups "baptized," or bathed, as a means of purification and to hasten the coming of the Messiah.

Regarding John the Baptist's preaching and baptism, see Luke 3:10.

The Messiah is the name the Jews gave to the expected Savior.  They also expected the Prophet, but it was not clear whether or not the Prophet would be someone other than the Messiah.  It was believed that the prophet Elijah would reappear before the Messiah's arrival [Mark 9:11].)

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GOD Saves Us By Becoming One Of Us

"But when the fullness of time came, GOD sent HIS Son.  HE came, born of woman, and subject to the law, in order to redeem the subjects of the law, that we might receive adoption, as children of GOD.  And because you are children, GOD has sent into your hearts, the spirit of HIS Son, who cries out: Abba! that is, FATHER!

You, yourself, are no longer a slave, but a son or daughter, and yours is the inheritance, by GOD's grace." - Galatians 4:4-7 

(We must see in this obedience of CHRIST born of woman and subject to the law a fundamental disposition of the plan of salvation: GOD saves us by becoming one of us.  The same is now true of the Church, which saves people rather than giving to them or "being interested in them."  The Church cannot bring them a permanent and transforming salvation if it does not share in their very condition.

This is the reason why the LORD wants Third World churches to bear the cross of the people of their continents: their marginalization, their sufferings and humiliations, in order to lead them to authentic salvation.  When there are only middle-class churches following occidental or Roman patterns, these churches are unfaithful to their mission.)

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Reject The Antichrist

"My dear children, it is the last hour. You were told, that an antichrist would come; but several antichrists have already come, by which, we know, that it is, now, the last hour.

They went out, from us, though they did not really belong to us.  Had they belonged to us, they would have remained with us.  So, it became clear, that, not all of us were really ours.

But you have the anointing from the Holy One, so that all of you have true wisdom.

I write to you, not because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you already know it, and lies have nothing in common with the truth." - 1 John 2:18-21 

(The fourth criterion: to be sure we are walking in the Light, we must reject the antichrist and remain steadfast in the faith and in what faith teaches.  The believers of John's days knew that before the glorious return of CHRIST, an antichrist would appear.  John says: the person who denies that JESUS is the CHRIST already is an antichrist.  Today there are still many people who make a distinction: on one hand the man JESUS, lost in the midst of legend and on the other hand an idealized CHRIST adored by believers.  John says: "The one who has come in history, HE HIMSELF is eternal GOD.")

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Duties Towards Parents

"For the LORD established that children should respect their father; HE confirmed the right of the mother over her children.

Whoever honors his father atones for his sins; he who gives glory to his mother prepares a treasure for himself.

Whoever honors his father will receive joy from his own children and will be heard when he prays.

Whoever glorifies his father will have a long life.  Whoever obeys the LORD gives comfort to his mother.  He serves those who brought him to birth as he would serve the LORD.

Honor your father in word and deed so that his blessing may come on you.  For a father's blessing secures the future of his children, but a mother's curse destroys them at their roots.

Do not rejoice at the humiliation of your father because his dishonor is no glory for you.  For a man's glory comes from his father's reputation; a mother who is not respected is a disgrace to her children.

My child, take care of your father in his old age, do not cause him sorrow as long as he lives.

Even if he has lost his mind, have patience; do not be disrespectful to him while you are in full health.

For kindness done to one's father will never be forgotten, it will serve as reparation for your sins." - Sirach 3:2-14 

(This is the best commentary on Moses' commandment concerning children's responsibilities toward their parents.  To honor our parents means: to respect, to be understanding and to offer material assistance in their difficulties.)

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The World Must Constantly, And In New Ways, Discover The Power Of Love

"How can we know that we know HIM?  If we fulfill HIS commands.

If you say, 'I know HIM,' but do not fulfill HIS commands, you are a liar and the truth is not in you.  But if you keep HIS word, GOD's love is made complete in you.  This is how we know that we are in HIM:

                  he who claims to live in HIM, must live as HE lived.

My dear friends, I am not writing you a new commandment, but reminding you of an old one, one you had from the beginning.  This old commandment is the word you have heard.

But, in a way, I give it as a new commandment, that is true in HIM, and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light already shines. 

If you claim to be in the light, but hate your brother, you are still in darkness.

If you love your brothers and sisters, you remain in the light, and nothing in you will make you fall.  But if you hate your brother, you are in the dark, and walk in darkness, without knowing where you go, for the darkness has blinded you." - 1 John 2:3-11 

(The second criterion for love of GOD: to obey the commandments that are summarized in love.  Do we perhaps pretend to know GOD sand to believe?  If so, it must be measured by the love we have for others.

An old commandment, because it is the first one we learned in the Church; a new commandment, because the world must constantly, and in new ways, discover the power of love.)

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'If GOD Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?'

"...had not YAHWEH been on our side,

when people rose up against us,

then, they would have swallowed us alive;

such was their anger against us.

A bit more, and the flood would have engulfed us;

the torrent would have swept over us;

the raging waters would have swept us away.

Blessed be YAHWEH,

who did not let us be devoured.

Like a bird, our soul escaped

from the snare was broken and we were freed.

Out help is in the name of YAHWEH,

who made heaven and earth."

- Psalm 124:2-8

(Our adversary, the devil, goes around like a roaring lion: like a man swept away by a flood, like a child in a trap.  How helpless we are, how lost--except for GOD!

'If GOD is for us, who can be against us?'  Paul asks [Romans 8:31].  When we live at the limit of our smallness, the liberator of our life arises: GOD as helper.  HE sustains us.  We give thanks to HIM.

With admiration and gratitude, the people of GOD remember how they overcame their trials because GOD was with them.  An invitation to give thanks!  If we have not the heart to thank GOD, it is because we do not know how to discover the wonders in our own lives and in the world.  It is strange that in the communities of the poor and the persecuted, the prayers of thanksgiving are interminable.) 

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The Word

"This is what has been, from the beginning, and what we have heard, and have seen with our own eyes, what we have looked at, and touched with our hands, I mean the Word who is Life...

The Life made itself known.  We have seen Eternal Life and we bear witness; and we are telling you of it.  It was with the FATHER and made HIMSELF known to us.

So, we tell you, what we have seen and heard, that you may be in fellowship with us, and us, with the FATHER, and with HIS Son, JESUS CHRIST.

And we write this, that our joy may be complete." - 1 John 1:1-4 

(The Word. John will not speak about miracles, or revelations, or secrets jealously kept by some members.  The truth that he relates to us is both simpler and more divine than all this: GOD, the Eternal Life, has come to live with us.

Life became visible.  Do not look for miracles or miraculous powers.  Do not expect fantastic revelations about the beyond.  Life was revealed as the gift of the FATHER, the rebirth of a humanity without hope, the divine smile, the unexpected visit of the one seeking to share HIS life with humans [Proverbs 8:31].  We will not find life merely in books, but through communion with those who have seen and experienced it before us, and who became HIS Church.)

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The Story Of Stephen

"Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.  Some persons then came forward, who belonged to the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia and Asia.  They argued with Stephen.  But they could not match the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.  

When they heard this reproach, they were enraged; and they gnashed their teeth against Stephen.  But he, full of the Holy Spirit, fixed his eyes on heaven and saw the glory of GOD, and JESUS at GOD's right hand; so he declared: 'I see the heavens open, and the Son of Man at the right hand of GOD.'

But they shouted and covered their ears with their hands, and rushed together upon him.  They brought him out of the city and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul.  As they were stoning him, Stephen prayed saying: 'LORD JESUS, receive my spirit.'" - Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 

Martyrdom Of Stephen

(Philip will be mentioned in Acts 8:5 and 21:8.  Stephen is the only one remembered here.

Being a Hellenist, Stephen did not share the blind faith of the Jewish people in their temple and its rituals.  He understood that the Church had to become free from the patterns of the past and move away from the Jews, if they refused to believe.

Stephen's long discourse before the Sanhedrin [the Great Council] is an outstanding summary of the Old Testament.  It emphasizes the increasing initiatives of GOD who calls, gives, promises, corrects and saves.  Confronting this untiring love is the permanent rebellion of Israel who despises GOD and rejects those HE sends.  The prophet Hosea, eight centuries before CHRIST, already expressed the drama of the rejected love of GOD by HIS people [Hosea 11:1-4].  Stephen proclaims it again: this drama reached its culmination when JESUS, the Son-of-GOD-made-man, was nailed to the cross [Acts 2:23; 3:15; 4:10].

Stephen dies as CHRIST did.  He becomes the first martyr [martyr means witness].  He is a witness to CHRIST because he proclaims HIM, but even more so because he does as CHRIST did, he forgives his murderers.

Like Peter after Pentecost, Stephen still hopes for a conversion of the Jewish people: a minority at least will be converted.  This hope will fade in time with the persecutions raised against the Church.  The murder of Stephen would be the first sign leading the converted Jews to understand that apostolic work must be undertaken beyond the frontiers of the Jewish fortress.

The only way to escape from this return to "the Synagogue" is to do what the first Christians did after Stephen's death: leave our beloved nest for the mission of proclaiming the whole Gospel.)

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