Do Not Rely On Wealth

"Do not rely on your wealth.  Do not say, 'I am self-sufficient.'  Do not let yourself be carried away by greed and violence; they would make you their slave.

Do not say, 'Who can stop me?'  For the LORD has power to punish you.  Do not say, 'I have sinned and nothing has happened!'  For the LORD bides HIS time.

Do not be so sure of pardon when you are heaping sin upon sin.  Do not say, 'HIS compassion is great!  HE will forgive the vast number of my sins!'  For with HIM is mercy but also anger; HIS fury will be poured out on sinners.

Do not delay your return to the LORD, do not put it off from day to day.  For suddenly the anger of the LORD will blaze forth and you will perish on the day of reckoning.

Do not rely on riches wrongfully acquired for they will be of no use to you on the day of wrath." - Sirach 5:1-8 

(At times, some Christians take advantage of GOD's infinite mercy to continue with their evil behavior.)

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Separate Churches

"John said to HIM, 'Master, we saw someone who drove out demons by calling upon YOUR name, and we tried to forbid him, because he does not belong to our group.'  JESUS answered, 'Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in MY name can soon after speak evil of ME.  For whoever is not against us is for us.'" - Mark 9:38-40 

(While JESUS prepares HIS apostles, whom HE wants to leave in charge of HIS Church, others preach the Gospel and expel demons.  In the same way nowadays, outside the Catholic Church, the Church of the apostles, others of diverse Christian denomination do apostolic work.

This evangelization outside the Church, at times against the Church, offers a challenge.  If others evangelize, it is perhaps because the Church does not reach a great number of people: GOD wants others to do what we do not.  The proliferation of separate churches is for the Catholic Church a call to reform.

For the Church finds itself paralyzed for want of a true spirit of poverty and because of its massive structures which no longer allow simple people to find there the fresh life-giving air of the Gospel.

In addition, a missionary sense is often completely absent: too many Catholics are not ready to leave their own practices and little groups, with the end result that the Church is seemingly absent in a great number of places, especially in the urban masses and among immigrants.

With that how can we condemn those who by their missionary action allow a great number of people to meet JESUS CHRIST in fervent and welcoming communities, even if not everything there is authentic?

In saying this we do not forget the many riches of Christian tradition which have often been lost by those who left the Church, especially the certitude that everything human must be redeemed and saved, and the joyful and humble way of believing and doing the will of the FATHER of which Mary is the finest symbol.

Several things seem to us out of place in these churches: the miracle used as an instrument of propaganda, the pressures on the sick, the threatening with punishments from GOD...  Many enclose themselves in their cults, far from the "world," making ecumenism impossible, that is the dialogue and common seeking with other Christians.

There is, however, no room for envy or hatred: who can harm us if we do the work of GOD?)  

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Fear GOD In Time Of Trials

"My son, if you have decided to serve the LORD, prepare yourself for trials.  Keep your heart upright and remain resolute; do not be upset in the time of adversity.

Hold fast to the LORD, do not separate yourself from HIM so that you may be successful to the end of your days.  Accept all that happens to you, be patient when you are humbled, for as gold is tested in the fire, so those acceptable to GOD are tested in the crucible of humiliation.  Have confidence in HIM and HE will take care of you; follow the right path and hope in HIM.

You who fear the LORD, wait for HIS mercy and do not turn away lest you fall.  You who fear the LORD, trust in HIM and you will not lose your reward.  You who fear the LORD, hope for all good things; hope for eternal joy and mercy.

Remember what happened to your ancestors.  Who has ever trusted in the LORD and been confounded?  Who has persevered in fear of the LORD and been abandoned?  Who has called upon HIM and not been heard?

For the LORD is compassion and loving-kindness; HE forgives our sins and saves us in time of distress." - Sirach 2:1-11 

(Those who want to serve GOD must be ready to face trials and contradictions.  Authentic trust in GOD is demonstrated when things do not turn out well.  along with faith and perseverance, trust is the basic quality of the believer.)

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Wisdom Comes From GOD

"All wisdom comes from the LORD and endures with HIM forever.

The grains of sand, the drops of rain and the days of eternity, who can count them?

The height of heaven, the extent of the earth and the depths of the abyss, who can measure them?

Wisdom was created before all things and the prudent intellect before the beginning of time.

To whom was the source of Wisdom revealed?  Who has known her secret designs?

One alone is wise and greatly to be feared.  The One who is seated upon HIS throne.

The LORD HIMSELF created Wisdom.  HE looked on her and knew her value.  HE poured her out over all HIS works; upon all mortal beings, in accordance with HIS goodness.  HE lavished her on those who love HIM." - Sirach 1:1-10 

(In this poem, the author professes his faith.  To those who think they are more modern because they seek human wisdom and doctrine, he simply declares that true wisdom consists in  trusting GOD and fearing HIM.)

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We All Have A Double Heritage

"Scripture says that Adam, the first man, became a living being; but the last Adam has become a life-giving spirit.

The spirit does not appear first, but the natural life, and afterward comes the spirit.  The first man comes from the earth and is earthly, while the second one comes from heaven.  As it was with the earthly one, so is it with the earthly people.  As it is with CHRIST, so with the heavenly.  This is why, after bearing the image of the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one." - 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 

(We all have a double heritage: by nature we are in solidarity with the human race in the person of Adam--man, animal and earthly--but we also belong to this human community which mysteriously forms itself around CHRIST who is Spirit, source of life and who comes from heaven.  Baptism has not made us pass from one to another.  Moreover, faithful as we may be, our Adam will continue to grow and increase in weight, with his weakness and temptations, but at the same time our inner being will be strengthened, this embryo of a celestial person, waiting for its true birth.)

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Faith Is The Assurance Of What We Hope For, Being Certain Of What We Cannot See!

"Faith is the assurance of what we hope for, being certain of what we cannot see.  Because of their faith, our ancestors were approved.

By faith, we understand that the stages of creation were disposed by GOD's word, and what is visible came from what cannot be seen.

Because of Abel's faith his offering was more acceptable than that of his brother Cain, which meant he was upright, and GOD, HIMSELF, approved his offering.  Because of this faith he cried to GOD, as said in Scripture, even after he died.

By faith, Enoch was taken to heaven, instead of experiencing death: he could not be found, because GOD has taken him.  In fact, it is said, that before being taken up, he had pleased GOD.  Yet, without faith, it is impossible to please HIM: no one draws near to GOD, without first believing, that HE exists, and that HE rewards those who seek HIM earnestly.

By faith, Noah was instructed of events which could not yet be seen and, heeding what he heard, he built a boat, in which to save his family.  The faith of Noah condemned the world, and he reached holiness, born of faith." - Hebrews 11:1-7 

(Doubts overcome those who isolate themselves.  Why do we not look at those who have gone before us, not just one or the other but the mass of witnesses: all cannot be illusory.  

Faith is the assurance of what we hope for, being certain of what we cannot see.  The examples chosen show that faith cannot remain within us as an intimate conviction.  What matters is to act according to faith and make decisions inspired by faith.  That is why this chapter offers so many biblical examples of men and women who risked everything for faith.  We cannot understand the obedience of Abraham unless he had trust in GOD against all hope.  The same when Moses gave up a promising future for the impossible task of leading his people: his faith made him act in the present as if he saw what was invisible [verse 27].

These heroes of the faith died without having seen what GOD promised; it would seem that many have failed but their successors will discover that it is they who have made authentic history.  The author addresses the Christians saying: "We are people of faith and we shall save our soul," which means:  we shall fulfill all that is in us, and await what GOD has reserved for us in eternity.)

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When The Chief Shepherd Appears, You Will Be Given A Crown Of Unfading Glory

"I now address myself to those elders among you; I, too, am an elder, and a witness to the sufferings of CHRIST, hoping to share the glory that is to be revealed.  Shepherd the flock which GOD has entrusted to you, guarding it, not out of obligation, but, willingly, for GOD's sake; not as one looking for a reward, but with a generous heart; do not lord it over, those in your care, rather be an example to your flock.  Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will be given a crown of unfading glory." - 1 Peter 5:1-4 

(In the varied counsels that follow, note what concerns the elders, leaders and pastors of the community.

In persecution Peter also sees a work of the devil, who does his best to discourage those who hope in CHRIST.

It is a proven fact that when we get ready to make an important decision or to make some commitment in the service of CHRIST, many unexpected obstacles arise.  The person who becomes intimidated loses everything.  When he tries again to take some step, the devil will increase his attacks.  These trials are common and to face them we need to be alert in our faith.

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Peter's Profession Of Faith

"JESUS set out with HIS disciples for the villages around Caesarea Philippi; and on the way HE asked them, 'Who do people say I AM?  And they told HIM, 'Some say, YOU are John the Baptist; others say, YOU are Elijah or one of the prophets.'

Then JESUS asked them, 'But you, who do you say I AM?'  Peter answered, 'YOU are the Messiah.'  And HE ordered them not to tell anyone about HIM.

JESUS then began to teach them that the Son of Man had to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law.  HE would be killed, and after three days rise again.  JESUS said all this quite openly, so that Peter took HIM aside and began to protest strongly.  But JESUS, turning around, and looking at HIS disciples, rebuked Peter, saying, 'Get behind ME, Satan!  You are thinking not as GOD does, but as people do.'" - Mark 8:27-33 

(Here the Gospel already foretells the tragic end.  For the first time, the apostles take account of who their Master is.

YOU are the Messiah.  CHRIST is a Greek word that means the Messiah in Hebrew.  They both mean: the anointed or consecrated one.  This term designated the long-awaited Savior.  The apostles discover that JESUS is the Messiah, the Liberator, but HE teaches them that the Son of Man (the Human One) has to suffer many things.

Why does JESUS call HIMSELF the Son of Man?  For two reasons: first, because one page in Scripture speaks of the Son of Man who gloriously comes from GOD to judge all people and to rule all the nations [Daniel 7:13].  Second, because JESUS is the perfect Human and bears the destiny of humanity.

JESUS had to suffer, because this is the fate of sinners.  HE had to suffer and be rejected by the authorities, because this is the destiny of those who proclaim the truth.  HE had to freely go to HIS death because self-sacrifice is the only means for the salvation of the world.)

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Cure Of The Blind Man At Bethsaida

"When they came to Bethsaida, JESUS was asked to touch a blind man who was brought to HIM.  HE took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village.  When HE had put spittle on his eyes and laid HIS hands upon him, HE asked, 'Can you see anything?'  The man, who was beginning to see, replied, 'I see people!  They look like trees, but they move around.'  Then JESUS laid HIS hands on his eyes again and the man could see perfectly.  His sight was restored and he could see everything clearly.

Then JESUS sent him home, saying, 'Do not return to the village.'" - Mark 8:22-26 

(When a person, blind from birth, regains his sight, it takes time for him to gradually focus on objects and to understand what his new eyes see.  JESUS again laid HIS hands on this blind man's eyes.

The same is true in the spiritual realm.  JESUS does not let us see everything at once, but conversion is realized bit by bit.

Do not return to the village.  If so, all the people would go looking for JESUS to see HIM and touch HIM and clamor for a miracle.  JESUS came instead for an authentic encounter with people.)

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Beware Of The Yeast Of The Pharisees

"The disciples had forgotten to bring more bread, and had only one loaf with them in the boat.  Then JESUS warned them, 'Keep your eyes open, and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.'  And they said to one another, 'HE saw that we have no bread.'

Aware of this, JESUS asked them, 'Why are you talking about the loaves you are short of?  Do you not see or understand?  Are your minds closed?  Have you eyes that don't see and ears that don't hear?  And do you not remember when I broke the five loaves among five thousand?  How many baskets full of leftovers did you collect?'  They answered, 'Twelve.'  And having distributed seven loaves to the four thousand, how many wicker baskets of leftovers did you collect?'  They answered, 'Seven.'  Then JESUS said to them, 'Do you still not understand?'" - Mark 8:14-21 

(JESUS tells HIS apostles to beware of the Pharisee's spirit [of becoming like the Pharisees] but they do not listen, being more concerned about the food.

JESUS says: Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, meaning their teaching [Matthew 16:12].  The Pharisees saw JESUS as a popular worker-wonder who threatened their authority as a religious and popular leader of the people.  Since the disciples had forgotten to bring more bread, they missed JESUS' point about the leaven of the Pharisees.  JESUS fears that HIS disciples, because of being common people, would let themselves be impressed by the knowledge and fame of the Pharisees, and HE warns them that these people build religion on the wrong basis.

JESUS agreed with the Pharisees on the general way of understanding the Scriptures, but not the spirit of many among them.  As "master" HE chose a way opposed to theirs.  Instead of a teaching that comes from above HE became part of a natural group of quite simple people and formed them through action.  HE made them reflect on what they saw, on what they did, and above all on what GOD was doing among them as they worked with HIM.)

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Why Do They Demand A Sign?

"The Pharisees came and started to argue with JESUS.  Hoping to embarrass HIM, they asked for some heavenly sign.  Then HIS spirit was moved.  HE gave a deep sigh and said, 'Why do the people of this present time ask for a sign?  Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this people.'  Then HE left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side of the lake." - Mark 8:11-13 

(The Pharisees do not see the fruits of JESUS' teaching.  They do not see the thousands of anonymous disciples who are rediscovering hope who are gradually transformed.  They do not see that GOD had visited the poor.  JESUS is going to clash more and more with this powerful group, the most respected in Jewish society and a question comes to our mind: if JESUS came today, wouldn't HE shock many people who think they are the pillars of the Church?

In fact, the reproach that JESUS addresses to the Pharisees is often found in those who turn to respected religious institutions.  First, we start with a desire for moral perfection that is unconsciously linked to our need to be acknowledged by society.  We are aware of our own responsibility.  This is a good thing and it was at the heart of Phariseism.  This may be a starting point.  But as time goes by, we fail to realize that we have become more attached to our own virtues than to GOD: love would have steeped us in humility.

Fully convinced of their own merits [their "righteousness," Luke 18:9], the Pharisees seek a type of sanctity based on rules, alms and services and in return for their merits, they expect GOD to treat them in a special way.  We are along way from grace and from the Gospel since we can only encounter GOD if we accept our weaknesses and GOD's forgiveness.  Then, we truly and humbly love GOD and we feel we are the brothers and sisters of the poorest and of sinners.

Our belonging to a real or alleged elite brings us to cultivate our own image, therefore appearances, as we are more removed from the world of "sinners" and ordinary people [as if by chance, Pharisee means separated].  This more "select" milieu offers a chance to every ambition and from then on, as JESUS says, hypocrisy rules.)  

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

"Well, then, if CHRIST is preached as risen from the dead, how can some of you say, that there is no resurrection of the dead?  If there is no resurrection of the dead, then CHRIST has not been raised.  And if CHRIST  has not been raised, our preaching is

empty, and our belief comes to nothing.  And we become false witnesses of GOD, attesting that HE raised CHRIST, whereas HE could not raise HIM, if indeed, the dead are not raised.  If the dead are not raised, neither has CHRIST been raised.  And if CHRIST has not been raised, your faith gives you nothing, and you are still in sin.  Also, those who fall asleep, in CHRIST, are lost.  If it is only for this life, that we hope in CHRIST, we are the most unfortunate of all people.

But no, CHRIST has been raised from the dead, and HE comes before all those who have fallen asleep." - 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 

(How can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  Paul begins with the Resurrection of JESUS as a fact: and from that he then draws consequences: our own resurrection.

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

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

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Second Miracle Of The Loaves

"Soon afterward, JESUS was in the midst of another large crowd, that obviously had nothing to eat. So HE called HIS disciples and said to them, 'I feel sorry for these people, because they have been with ME for three days and now have nothing to eat.  If I send them to their homes hungry, they will faint on the way; some of them have come a long way.'

HIS disciples replied. 'Where, in a deserted place like this, could we get enough bread to feed these people?'  HE asked them, 'How many loaves have you?'  And they answered, 'Seven.'

Then HE ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground.  Taking the seven loaves and giving thanks, HE broke them, and handed them to HIS disciples to distribute.  And they distributed them among the people.  They also had some small fish.  So JESUS said a blessing, and asked that these be shared as well.

The people ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.  Now those who had eaten were about four thousand in number.  JESUS sent them away, and immediately got into the boat with HIS disciples, and went to the region of Dalmanutha." - Mark 8:1-10 

(This second account of the multiplication of the loaves is not a repetition of the first account.  It is obvious that oral transmission of these two events leads to shape them according to the same pattern, but they have different meaning.

The first time, between Tiberias and Capernaum [that is right at the center of JESUS' work in Galilee] the people, more numerous and more urgent, approach JESUS to make HIM their liberator [John 6].  JESUS refuses, but later that afternoon HE multiplies the loaves--a clear sign that HE is the Messiah foretold by the prophets.  The next day JESUS, in HIS turn, demands that they take HIM for what HE is, and this produces the rejection [John 6:60].

Later JESUS journeys to the boundaries of Galilee, where most of the population are pagans.  They also want to hear JESUS.  There, on the other side of the shore, the eastern part, JESUS offers them bread as a farewell meal after they followed HIM for two days through the desert land.

The two accounts of the multiplication of loaves differ in several points like the number of loaves and the number of participants.  The baskets for example, mentioned in Mark 6:43 refer to the stiff osier basket of the Jews, and in 8:8 to the wicker basket or the Greek's folding bag.

The number 12 records the twelve tribes of Israel and the Twelve apostles, while the number 7 records the "seven pagan nations" which occupied Canaan and the seven deacons of the early Church. 

These differences underline the will of Mark to take into account the real situation of the Church at the time he wrote: having been born in Jewish milieu, it was developing among Greek nations.  This is why, for the first multiplication the evangelists say, "JESUS pronounced a blessing", and in the second, "JESUS gave thanks".  Because the first was the word used for Eucharist  among Jewish Christian communities, and the latter was used in Greek speaking churches.  This duality is stressed in Matthew 16:5 and still more in Mark 8:9.

The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves [or the two multiplications of loaves] holds on important place in the synoptic Gospels because it points out JESUS as the Messiah.)

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Faith Leans On The Word Of GOD, Not On Miracles

"Again, JESUS set out: from the country of Tyre HE passed through Sidon and, skirting the sea of Galilee, HE came to the territory of Decapolis.  There, a deaf man, who also had difficulty in speaking, was brought to HIM.  They asked JESUS to lay HIS hand upon HIM.

JESUS took HIM  apart from the crowd, put HIS fingers into the man's ears, and touched HIS tongue with spittle.  Then, looking up to heaven, HE said with a deep sigh, "Ephphata!" that is, "Be opened!"

And immediately, his ears were opened, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak clearly.  JESUS ordered them not to tell anyone about it; but the more he insisted, the more they proclaimed it.  The people were completely astonished and said, "HE has done all things well; HE makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak." - Mark 7:31-37 

(They asked JESUS to lay HIS hand upon him.  This was a way of invoking divine power but JESUS did not have to ask.  By HIS gesture HE showed that HE had within HIMSELF, within HIS human person, all the health and welfare that we need, and HE communicated this to the sick one.

JESUS groaned (see 8:12).  Why?  Because the man before HIM is an impressive symbol of those who have eyes and ears but neither see nor hear.  The people bring HIM the deaf-mute, and ask HIM to heal HIM, but they themselves remain deaf.

JESUS ordered them not to tell anyone.  How far JESUS is from the organizers of a "Miracle Crusade"!  An unexpected miracle may help us discover the loving presence of GOD, but as soon as we begin to wait for them, we turn away from the Gospel.  The devil knows this and so tempted JESUS in the desert [Matthew 4:6]:  See the warnings of Deuteronomy to people anxious to see miracles [Deuteronomy 13].  Faith leans on the word of GOD, not on miracles [John 4:48]).

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The Blessings Of Home

"Blessed are you who fear YAHWEH

and walk in HIS ways.

You will eat the fruit of your toil;

you will be blessed and favored.

Your wife, like a vine,

will bear fruits in your home;

your children, like olive shoots,

will stand around your table.

Such are the blessings bestowed

upon the man who fears YAHWEH.

May YAHWEH praise you from Zion.

May you see Jerusalem prosperous

all the days of your life."

- Psalm 128:1-5

(With sound instinct, it asks GOD, for a Jerusalem of GOD-fearing, happy homes.  Men and women have their own part in building it--our psalm complements its predecessor's emphasis upon GOD's prevailing work.  But what is Jerusalem to us?  The new Jerusalem for which we pray is 'the Church of the firstborn' [Hebrews 12:23].  In her, the promises of the Old Testament are fulfilled and its prayers made sublime: it is around 'the table of the LORD' that the Spouse of CHRIST seats her ever-growing family [1 Corinthians 10:21; Ephesians 5:32].  Pray GOD for the happiness and peace of his family.)

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Purity And Impurity

"JESUS then called the people to HIM again and said to them, 'Listen to ME, all of you, and try to understand.  Nothing that enters a person from the outside can make that person unclean.  It is what comes from within that makes a person unclean.  Let everyone who has ears listen.'

When JESUS got home and was away from the crowd, HIS disciples asked HIM about this saying, and HE replied, 'So even you are dull?  Do you not see that whatever comes from outside cannot make a person unclean, since it enters not the heart but the stomach, and is finally passed out?'

Thus JESUS declared that all foods are clean.

And HE went on, 'What comes out of a person is what defiles him, for evil designs comes out of the heart: theft, murder, adultery, jealousy, greed, maliciousness, deceit, indecency, slander, pride and folly.  All these evil things come from within and make a person unclean.'" - Mark 7:14-23  

(An important practice of Judaism was to keep oneself clean: one could not participate in worship without being in a state of ritual purity.  This word "purity" did not have the same meaning we give it today.  The clean person was one who was not contaminated even inadvertently by things prohibited by law.  For example, pork and rabbit were considered unclean; they could not be eaten.  A menstruating woman or a person with hemorrhoids were considered unclean for a certain number of days: no one could even touch them.  A leper was considered unclean until cured.  If a bug fell in oil, the oil was considered unclean, and would have to be thrown away.

If contaminated even by no fault of his own, the person had to purify himself, usually with water, sometimes paying for sacrifices.

JESUS removes off from these rites their sacred value: nothing is unclean in all GOD's creation; touching the sick, a corpse or a bloodstained object does not offend GOD.  GOD is not bothered if we eat this or that.  Sin is always something that comes from the heart and not something we do unintentionally.

It is true that Scripture teaches these concepts of purity and impurity, but these laws were written many centuries ago and not everything Scripture says is valid for all times.  Though the teachings of the Scriptures GOD educated HIS nation, but the laws HE gave them from the beginning, when they were barbaric and uneducated, are no longer necessary for a community which has a solid religious foundation.)

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True Cleanness

"One day, the Pharisees gathered around JESUS, and with them were some teachers of the law who had just come from Jerusalem.

They noticed that some of HIS disciples were eating their meal with unclean hands, that is, without washing them.  Now the Pharisees, and in fact all the Jews, never eat without washing their hands, for they follow the tradition received from their ancestors.  Nor do they eat anything, when they come from the market, without first washing themselves.  And there are many other traditions they observe; for example, the ritual washing of cups, pots and plates.

So the Pharisees and the teachers of the law asked HIM, 'Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders, but eat with unclean hands?'

JESUS answered, 'You shallow people!  How well Isaiah prophesied of you when he wrote: This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.  The worship they offer me is worthless, for what they teach are only human rules.  You even put aside the commandment of GOD to hold fast to human tradition.'

And JESUS commented, 'You have a fine way of disregarding the commandments of GOD in order to enforce your own traditions!  For example, Moses said: Do your duty to your father and your mother, and: Whoever curses his father or his mother is to be put to death.  But according to you, someone could say to his father or mother, 'I already declared Corban (which means "offered to GOD") what you could have expected from me.'  In this case, you no longer require him to do anything for his father or mother; and so you nullify the word of GOD through the tradition you have handed on.  And you do many other things like that." - Mark 7:1-13 

(No group, not even the Church, can sustain itself without traditions and customs.  Yet even when they are good traditions, they are still made by humans.  For example, the way the mass is celebrated, celebrations, novenas, etc.  All that past popes, bishops, and Christian communities have done can be changed, we understand that they are not essential.

What does not change is GOD's teaching.  Where can it be found?  In the Scriptures and in JESUS' teachings.  Yet there is a way of understanding JESUS as the apostles did.  This is called the Tradition of the Apostles, and the Church, founded by the apostles, guards this Tradition, that is, their spirit.  Let us not confuse the traditions of Catholics with the Tradition of the Church.

We often make little effort to enter into the spirit and Tradition of the Church, however, clinging instead to antiquated and mediocre traditions.  Why are so many Christians today scandalized when the Church frees itself from these antiquated rites?  JESUS gives us the reason: they cling to these rites because they are incapable of believing.  External religion replaces the authentic faith they do not possess.  They hang onto these things because these are all they have, and if they lost that, GOD no longer has any meaning for them.)

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Let Them Touch Just The Fringe Of HIS Cloak

"Having crossed the lake, they came ashore at Gennesaret, where they tied up the boat.  As soon as they landed, people recognized JESUS, and ran to spread the news throughout the countryside.  Wherever HE was, they brought to HIM the sick lying on their mats; and wherever HE went, to villages, towns or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplace, and begged HIM to let them touch just the fringe of HIS cloak.  And all who touched HIM were cured." - Mark 6:53-56 

(As many as touched HIM, healing many in Gennesaret.)

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You Will Catch People

"One day, as JESUS stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, with a crowd gathered around HIM listening to the word of GOD, HE caught sight of two boats, left at the water's edge by fishermen, now washing their nets.  HE got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked HIM to pull out a little from the shore.  There HE sat, and continued to teach the crowd.

When HE had finished speaking, HE said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.'  Simon replied, 'Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing.  But if you say so, I will lower the nets.'  This they did, and caught such large number of fish that their nets began to break.  They signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them.  They came, and they filled both boats almost to the point of sinking.

Upon seeing this, Simon Peter fell at JESUS' knees, saying, 'Leave me, LORD, for I am a sinful man!'  For he ands his companions amazed at the catch they had made, and so were Simon's partners, James and John, Zebedee's sons.

JESUS said to Simon, 'Do not be afraid.  You will catch people from now on.'  So they brought their boats to land and followed HIM, leaving everything." - Luke 5:1-11 

(JESUS invites HIMSELF aboard Peter's boat,  and Peter is willing to render HIM this service.  JESUS looks for more: even though many are ready to assist HIM, HE seeks those who are willing to totally surrender to HIS work.  The listeners are many, but HE needs apostles.

Miracles are another way in which JESUS teaches.  The miracle reported here is GOD's word for future apostles.  Lower your nets; the nets were at the breaking point; you will catch people...

Leave me, LORD, for I am a sinful man.  Such is the fear of the one who discovers that GOD has entered into his inner life: this is a first act of faith in the divinity of JESUS.  Yet JESUS calls on sinners to save sinners.

Leaving everything, they followed HIM.  It is not that they had much, but it was their whole life: work, family and their whole past as fishermen.

Apostle means sent.  CHRIST is the one who chooses HIS apostles and sends them in HIS name.  Where will HE find someone to send except among those who are willing to cooperate with HIM?  One begins to be an apostle or at least to cooperate with CHRIST, when one looks for something more than performing good works for the benefit of the parish, when one feels responsible for people: fisher of people.

Here Luke may have combined two different events: the call of the disciples briefly presented in Mark 1:16 and the miraculous catch.  John also relates a miraculous catch [John 21] but he places it after the resurrection.  We have good reason to think we are dealing with the same miracle, but it suited John to combine it with the appearance of the risen JESUS to the apostles, which occurred later in the same place.)

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They Were Like Sheep Without A Shepherd

"The apostles returned and reported to JESUS all they had done and taught.  Then HE said to them, 'Let us go off by ourselves into a remote place and have some rest.'  For there were so many people coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat.  And they went away in the boat to a secluded area by themselves.

But people saw them leaving, and many could guess where they were going.  So, from all the towns, they hurried there on foot, arriving ahead of them.

As JESUS went ashore, HE saw a large crowd, and HE had compassion on them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.  And HE began to teach them many things." - Mark 6:30-34 

(They were like sheep without a shepherd [Numbers 27:17; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34; Zechariah 11:4-17; 12:8].  This refers to people who had not yet found true community, and JESUS had pity on them.  The prophet Ezekiel reproached the leaders of Israel for being bad pastors, but today he might reproach us for failing to be pastors and prophets in the midst of our world.  Why should we so often wait for priests, religious or a few handpicked lay people to take the initiative of assembling new communities?  Why are we so timid in proposing to "those who are outside" the light of faith that we have gratuitously received and allow them to discover in the group or community this richness?)

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Words Of Encouragement

"Let mutual love continue.  Do not neglect to offer hospitality; you know. that some people have entertained angels without knowing it.  Remember prisoners, as if you are with them in chains, and the same for those who are suffering.  Remember, that you also have a body.

Marriage must be respected by all, and husband and wife, faithful to each other.  GOD will punish the immoral and the adulterous.

Do not depend on money.  Be content with having enough for today, for GOD has said: I will never forsake you or abandon you, and we shall confidently answer: The LORD is my helper, I will not fear; what can man do to me?  Remember your leaders, who taught you the word of GOD.  Consider their end, and imitate their faith.  CHRIST JESUS is the same today, as yesterday, and forever." - Hebrews 13:1-8 

(Faith is great, but it is lived in the little things of daily life.  The persecuted people to whom this letter is addressed need not undertake new tasks.  They will manifest their faith through an upright and generous life.  They will also have to accept their situation of being marginalized, sharing the shame of CHRIST.)

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Strive To Be Holy

"Strive for peace with all, and strive to be holy, for without holiness, no one will see the LORD.

See that no one falls from the grace of GOD, lest a bitter plant spring up and its poison corrupt many among you.  Let no one be immoral or irreligious, like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.  You know, that later, when he wished to get the blessing, he was rejected, although he pleaded with tears." - Hebrews 12:14-17 

(After this long invitation to live by faith, the author intends to deal with more practical matters.  In fact, he immediately returns to the exceptional gift that is faith in CHRIST.  He reminds his readers of what they experienced in baptism when they received the gifts of the Spirit.)

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Is HE Not The Carpenter?

"Leaving that place, JESUS returned to HIS own country, and HIS disciples followed HIM.  When the Sabbath came, HE began to teach in the synagogue, and most of those who heard HIM were astonished.  But they said, 'How did this come to HIM?  What kind of wisdom has been given to HIM, that HE also performs such miracles?  Who is HE but the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joset and Judas and Simon?  HIS sisters, too, are they not here among us?'  So they took offense at HIM.

And JESUS said to them, 'Prophets are despised only in their own country, among their relatives, and in their own family.'  And HE could work no miracles there, but only healed a few sick people, by laying HIS hands on them.  JESUS HIMSELF was astounded at their unbelief." - Mark 6:1-6 

(What kind of wisdom has been given to HIM.  Many people say that because CHRIST was GOD HE knew all things, but divine knowledge is nothing less than GOD HIMSELF.  HE knows all at once in an instant that never ends--this is eternity.  On the other hand, humans think in ideas, and do not embrace all at the same time.  That is why, from birth, JESUS had to learn from experience and discover.  Yet HE had a clear awareness that HE was the Son, although at the beginning HE did not have the words to think or express this.

JESUS received HIS human learning from Mary, Joseph, and HIS neighbors in Nazareth.  HE acquired HIS wisdom from the Scriptures and the culture of HIS people.  Yet the FATHER gave HIM HIS Spirit to judge as GOD does and to recognize GOD in all things.  For HIM [as for us now] what was important was not accumulating data and experiences but to be able to appreciate all that occurred.  JESUS, inspired by the Spirit, felt all the realities of life in a different way: this was wisdom.

Who is HE but the carpenter?  The term the Gospel uses is craftsman.  There is no further specification.  Yet the first Christians of Palestine asserted that JESUS was a carpenter.

Prophets are despised only in their own country.  After living with HIM so long and treating HIM like anyone else, how could they suddenly show respect and have faith in HIM?)  

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Accept The Correction Of The LORD

"What a cloud of innumerable witnesses surround us!  So, let us be rid of every encumbrance, and especially of sin, to persevere in running the race marked out before us.

Let us look to JESUS, the founder of our faith, who will bring it to completion.  For the sake of the joy reserved for HIM, HE endured the cross, scorning its shame, and then, sat at the right of the throne of GOD.  Think of JESUS, who suffered so many contradictions from evil people, and you will not be discouraged or grow weary.  Have you already shed your blood in the struggle against sin?" - Hebrews 12:1-4 

(Three reasons for remaining steadfast under testing:

- think about JESUS and HIS sufferings;

- think about "the communion of saints," that is to say, the mysterious bonds uniting all believers;

- think of the trial as a test coming from the FATHER.)

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Remembering The Heroes Of Faith

"Do I need to say more?  There is not enough time to speak of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, as well as Samuel and the prophets.  Through faith, they fought and conquered nations, established justice, saw the fulfillment of GOD's promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the sword, were healed of their sicknesses; they were weak people, who were given strength, to be brave in battle and repulse foreign invaders.

Some women recovered their dead by resurrection, but there were others--persecuted and tortured believers--who, for the sake of a better resurrection, refused to do what would have saved them.  Others suffered chains and prison.  They were stoned, sawn in two, killed by the sword.  They fled, from place to place, with no other clothing than the skins of sheep and goats, lacking everything, afflicted, ill-treated.  These people, of whom the world was not worthy, had to wander through wastelands and mountains, and take refuge in the dens of the land.

However, although all of them were praised because of their faith, they did not enjoy the promise, because GOD had us in mind, and saw beyond.  And HE did not want them to reach perfection, except with us." - Hebrews 11:32-40 

(The selection of heroes of faith gives a place of honor to leaders and valiant people who have wished to free and serve their people.  In so doing they were perhaps unconsciously seeking their real homeland.  How many people today, unbelievers perhaps, shunned by the churches, are in fact on the road to the City of GOD when they sacrifice themselves in preparing for the future of the world!  They are the Hebrews of the modern world and GOD is not ashamed of being called their GOD.

These heroes of the faith died without having seen what GOD promised; it would seem that many have failed but their successors will discover that it is they who have made authentic history.  The author addresses the Christians saying: "We are people of faith and we shall save our soul," which means: we shall fulfill all that is in us, and await what GOD has reserved for us in eternity.)

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No Gift Higher Than Love

"Be that as it may, set your hearts on the most precious gifts, and I will show you a much better way.

If I could speak all the human and angelic tongue, but had no love, I would only be sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.  If I had the gift of prophecy, knowing secret things, with all kinds of knowledge, and had faith great enough to remove mountains, but had no love, I would be nothing.  If I gave everything I had to the poor, and even give up my body to be burned, if I am without love, it would be of no value to me.

Love is patient, kind, without envy.  It is not boastful or arrogant.  It is not ill-mannered, nor does it seek its own interest.  Love overcomes anger and forgets offenses.  It does not take delight in wrong, but rejoices in truth.  Love excuses everything, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love will never end.  Prophecies may cease, tongues be silent and knowledge disappear.  For knowledge grasps something of the truth and prophecy as well.  And when what is perfect comes, everything imperfect will pass away.  When I was a child, I thought and reasoned like a child, but when I grew up, I gave up childish ways.  Likewise, at present, we see dimly, as in a mirror, but, then, it shall be face to face.  Now, we know, in part, but then I will know as I am known.  Now, we have faith, hope and love, these three, but the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 

(I will show you a much better way.  As the Corinthians marveled at the spectacular and wonderful things worked by the Spirit, Paul tells them that the only important thing is the ability to love.

Love or charity?  At the beginning both words meant the same thing.  Later on, the word "charity" came to mean the help given in the form of alms, although the giving of alms alone is not real love.  On the other hand, for many people, true love is only that of man and a woman.  So it is irrelevant whether we say charity or love, but we have rather to clarify what love really is.  Paul does just that in the present text.

If I could speak... if I had...  To love is more important than performing miracles, more important than doing great things for others and dying for a cause, all of which can be done without love.

When I was a child.  Already Paul outlines what he will explain in Chapter 15 when he speaks of our life after the Resurrection.  Just as the caterpillar must completely change itself to become a butterfly [not merely by sprouting wings], and just as a child's game has no sense for an adult, so will it be for our present life: work, study, love, our understanding of GOD and the world, the life of the Church--all will be no more than a forgotten past.  Paul experienced a love of GOD that invaded him and divinized his least desires, and he knew it was already GOD's possession of him, which would be eternal: love would never end.

Faith, hope, and love.  Paul quite often joins these three "virtues," that is the three movements in the Christian soul.  In no other place does he state this more clearly than here.  There is no authentic love without faith and hope..

The greatest of these is love.  Sometimes this sentence is used to misrepresent what is essential to Christian life.  For many say, "I do good to my neighbor, what else does GOD ask of me?'  It would not be difficult to prove that such love is very limited, selfish and impure.  It is a "love" in which divine love lives in very cramped conditions and so is unable to transform our life.  We would need, first of all, great hope in a Christian sense that is a passion for eternal things and then the yielding of ourselves to the Spirit who would complete his work of love in us.  Love reaches its perfection when we are in GOD.  I will know him as he knows me.  As long as we do not see GOD, love is immature; this is the time when love must grow through faith and the knowledge of GOD's word;' also through hope and perseverance as we follow JESUS poor, free and in the midst of trials.)

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I Send MY Messenger To Prepare The Way

"Now I AM sending MY messenger ahead of ME, to clear the way; then, suddenly, the LORD, for whom you long, will enter the Sanctuary.  The envoy of the Covenant which you so greatly desire, already comes, says YAHWEH of hosts.  Who can bear the day of HIS coming and remain standing when HE appears?  For HE will be like fire in the foundry and like the lye used for bleaching.

HE will be as a refiner or a fuller.  HE will purify the sons of Levi and refine them, like gold and silver.  So YAHWEH will have priests who will present the offering as it should be.  Then YAHWEH will accept with pleasure the offering of Judah and Jerusalem, as in former days." - Malachi 3:1-4 

John The Baptist

(Now I AM sending MY messenger.  To those complaining that GOD does not reveal HIS justice nor reward sufficiently those who serve HIM, Malachi responds by declaring that the LORD will come soon.  He announces the coming of a messenger of GOD who will be responsible for preparing the way for HIM, and that will be the sign of HIS coming soon.

Paragraphs 3:1-2 and 4:22-24 complement each other, and point to John the Baptist.  The Gospel will recall them in Luke 1:17; 7:27; John 3:22.  Also see Mark 9:11)

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The Seed Growing By Itself

"JESUS also said, 'In the kingdom of GOD it is like this: a man scatters seed upon the soil.  Whether he is asleep or awake, be it day or night, the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.  The soil produces of itself; first, the blade; then, the ear; then the full grain in the ear.  And when it is ripe for harvesting, they take the sickle for the cutting: the time for the harvest has come.'" - Mark 4:26-29 

(In every period of time, people become impatient.  When will the kingdom of justice be realized?  Will violence and corruption soon come to an end?  JESUS answers: invisible forces are already at work; the world matures and the kingdom grows on.

How many seeds are cast to the wind?  A new style, a new song, a new device, a radio program.  Some seeds have grown and taken root, producing fruits that mobilize people.  Let us recognize the humble beginnings of the work of GOD: a good willed people meeting together to solve a community problem; a gesture of kindness in a closed, unfriendly environment; a first attempt to smile at life after a great disappointment.  The seed grows, and the person who has welcomed the word walks more confidently on the path where GOD leads.)

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Whatever Is Hidden Will Be Disclosed, And Whatever Is Kept Secret Will Be Brought To Light

"JESUS also said to them, 'When the light comes, is it put under a basket or a bed?  Surely it is put on a lamp stand.  Whatever is hidden will be disclosed, and whatever is kept secret will be brought to light.  Listen then, if you have ears!'

And HE also said to them, 'Pay attention to what you hear.  In the measure you give, so shall you receive, and still more will be given to you.  For to the one who produces something, more will be given; and from him who does not produce anything, even what he has will be taken away from him.'" - Mark 4:21-25 

 

(Listen then, if you have ears.  JESUS warns us, "You waste your time if you only listen to ME yet do not allow what you hear to bear fruit.  The measure that you measure out will be the measure you receive.  That is to say, if you begin to act according to what you have learned, you will receive from GOD new strength and new knowledge.  If you do nothing, even your religious beliefs will be of no value to you, not even when you present yourself before GOD.  You read MY Gospel, but now challenge yourselves before you follow any further."

Whatever is hidden.  The word works secretly within the heart but when we discover the transformation that is at work in our life, we readily proclaim CHRIST and make known to others the secret that has made us happy [Ephesians 2:4; Colossians 3:3; Philippians 2:10].)

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Sometimes We Feel Trapped, As If In Prison, By The Problems Of Life

"YAHWEH said to my LORD,

'Sit at MY right hand

till I make YOUR foes YOUR footstool.'

From Zion YAHWEH will extend YOUR mighty scepter;

and YOU will rule in the midst of YOUR enemies.

YOURS is royal dignity 

from the day YOU were born in holy majesty.

Like dew from the womb of the dawn,

I have begotten YOU.

YAHWEH has sworn,

and HE will not take back HIS word:

'YOU are a priest, forever,

in the order of Melchizedek.'"

- Psalm 110:1-4

(Sometimes we feel trapped, as if in prison, by the problems of life.  This psalm is a flash of lightning illuminating the prison and showing us an unexpected escape towards heaven.  In spite of some obscure expressions, the overall meaning is clear: from Zion will come, the one who will be victorious over all the hostile powers.  The struggle will be hard, but GOD will finally ask HIM to sit at HIS right; and all will be subject to HIM.  Our LORD is the Son the GOD.

We can pray with this psalm, evoking the political consciousness of authority.  A Christian reading asks for the psalm, to be deprived of its violence.  CHRIST is king and priest, but king 'of justice, love and peace;' the priest who entered the sanctuary through HIS own blood and has opened up for us access to the sanctuary.  Let us pray for the people of GOD, who are kingly and priestly people.)

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'Here Am I! Send Me'

"With resolve I waited for YAHWEH; HE listened and heard me beg.

Out of the horrid pit HE drew me; out of deadly quicksand, HE settled my feet upon a rock and made my steps steady.

HE put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our GOD.  Many will see and be awed and put their trust in YAHWEH.

Blessed is the one who relies on YAHWEH and does not look to the proud, nor go astray after false gods.

How numerous, O YAHWEH, are YOUR wonderful deeds!  In YOUR marvelous plans for us YOU are beyond compare!  How many they are--I cannot tell them or count their number.

Sacrifice and oblation YOU did not desire; this, YOU had me understand.  Burnt offering and sin offering YOU do not require.

Then I said, 'Here I come! as the scroll says of me.  To do YOUR will is my delight, O GOD, for YOUR law is within my heart.'

In the great assembly I have proclaimed YOUR saving help.  My lips, O YAHWEH, I did not seal--YOU know that very well.

I have not locked up in my heart YOUR saving help, but have spoken about it--YOUR deliverance and YOUR faithfulness;

I have made no secret of YOUR truth and of YOUR kindness in the great assembly."

- Psalm 40:2-11

(The Epistle to the Hebrews [10:5-7] invites us to hear verses 7-9 of this psalm as if CHRIST HIMSELF were speaking them.  And it is true that we could recite verses 1-11 along with HIM and in HIS name, thanking GOD for all that HE has done.

The psalmist gives us assurance that no matter who we are and what our economic condition, if we love GOD, HE will always and forever be by our side.  The words of Isaiah, 'Here am I!  Send me' [Isaiah 6:8], are echoed in this psalm and JESUS in Luke 4:21 said, "Today these prophetic words come true, even as you listen."  And, the words of JESUS CHRIST our Savior will come true, if only we listen and obey!

Those who have experienced divine love and tenderness will feel impelled to announce it, as a great message, even at the cost of their own lives.) 

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