YAHWEH, The King Of Israel Is With You; Do Not Fear Any Misfortune

"Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion; rejoice, O people of Israel!  Sing joyfully with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem!

YAHWEH has lifted your sentence and has driven your enemies away.  YAHWEH, the King of Israel is with you; do not fear any misfortune.

On that day, they will say to Jerusalem: Do not be afraid nor let your hands tremble, for YAHWEH your GOD is within you, YAHWEH, saving warrior.  HE will jump for joy on seeing you, for HE has revived HIS love.  For you HE will cry out with joy, as you do in the days of the feast.

I will drive away the evil I warned you about, and you will no longer be shamed." - Zephaniah 3:14-18 

(YAHWEH will be in Jerusalem to share HIS happiness with them.  The holy GOD suddenly shows that HE is like a young man in love who is not concerned about social considerations.

Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion; YAHWEH the King of Israel, is with you; do not fear any misfortune.  In the Gospel of Luke, the same words are addressed to Mary at the Annunciation: "Rejoice, the LORD is with you.  Do not fear, Mary, you will bear the Savior" [Luke 1:28].)

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The Promise Of A New Presence

"'A little while, and you will see ME no more; and then a little while, and you will see ME.'

Some of the disciples wondered, 'What does HE mean by, 'A little while, and you will not see ME; and then a little while, and you will see ME'?  And why did HE say, 'I go to the FATHER'?'  And they said to one another, 'What does HE mean by 'a little while'?  We don't understand.'

JESUS knew that they wanted to question HIM; so HE said to them, 'You are puzzled because I told you that in a little while you will see ME no more, and then a little while later you will see ME.

Truly, I say to you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices.  You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.'" - John 16:16-20 

(JESUS is in our midst, but to be aware of HIS presence requires faith.  HE HIMSELF said: "You will see me because you live and I also live [14:19]."  It is not important that we feel HIS presence, what matters is to persevere in HIS ways.  In order to attain mature faith, it is necessary that we be deprived of the consolation of HIS presence for more or less prolonged periods: a little while, and you will see ME no more.

For HIS disciples this happened for the first time at the moment of HIS death; later they saw HIM risen from the dead.  This will come true for us at the end of time, when we discover the glorious CHRIST whom we have awaited in faith.  No one should feel overconfident about feeling HIS presence, for example, after a conversion.  When everything seems easy, we should not look down on those who find it hard to believe or who have never felt the presence of GOD.  In a little while, perhaps, the LORD will leave us in darkness.

After JESUS rose from the dead, a real companionship would be established between HIM and HIS disciples: HE would speak to them clearly of the FATHER; they would ask in HIS name.)

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"All That The FATHER Has Is MINE; For This Reason, ...The Spirit Will Take What Is MINE..."

"I still have many things to tell you, but you cannot bear them now.  When he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into the whole truth.

For he will not speak of his own authority, but will speak what he hears, and he will tell you about the things which are to come.  He will take what is MINE and make it known to you; in doing this, he will glorify ME.  All that the FATHER has is MINE; for this reason, I told you that the Spirit will take what is MINE, and make it known to you." - John 16:12-15 

(The Acts of the Apostles records how the Spirit worked in the first disciples of JESUS.  Before granting miraculous powers, the Spirit gave them joy, peace and mutual love, as well as inner certainty that JESUS had risen and was among them.)

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What Is The Path Of Righteousness?

"But now I AM going to the One who sent ME, and none of you asks ME where I AM going; instead you are overcome with grief, because of what I have said.

Believe ME, it is better for you that I go away, because as long as I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.  But if I go away, I will send him to you, and when he comes, he will vindicate the truth before a sinful world; and he will vindicate the paths of righteousness and justice.

What is the world's sin, in regard to ME?  Disbelief.  What is the path of righteousness?  It is the path I walk, by which I go to the FATHER; and you shall see ME no more.  What is the path of justice?  It is the path on which the prince of this world will always stand condemned." - John 16:5-11 

(Starting from the day of Pentecost, the Spirit began to act in the Church, thus showing that he was the Spirit of CHRIST.  The unbelieving Jews thought that GOD was with them, but in reality HIS Spirit did not act among them.  So it was clear that they had sinned [16:9] for not believing in CHRIST.

What is the path of righteousness?  The righteous One is CHRIST and the righteous persons are those who believe in HIM without seeing HIM.)

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"If You Think I Am Faithful To The LORD, Come And Stay At My House."

"So, we put out to sea from Troas and sailed straight across to Samothrace Island; and the next day, to Neapolis.  From there, we went inland to Philippi, the leading city of the district of Macedonia, and a Roman colony.  We spent some days in that city.

On the Sabbath, we spent outside the city gate, to the bank of the river, where we thought the Jews would gather to pray.  We sat down and began speaking to the women who were gathering here.  One of them was a GOD-fearing woman, named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a dealer in purple cloth.

As she listened, the LORD opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying.  After she had been baptized, together with her household, she invited us to her house, "If you think I am faithful to the LORD, come and stay at my house."  And she persuaded us to accept her invitation. - Acts 16:11-15 

(Suddenly the text mentions we, that is to say, that Luke is beginning to relate his own involvement.  We must conclude that in Troas, Paul and Silas met Luke, a doctor from Antioch who was waiting for them.  He may have arrived by boat while the two missionaries were traveling inland.)

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The Living Water Is The Spirit Of GOD

"Then, HE showed me the river of life, clear as crystal, gushing from the throne of GOD, and of the Lamb.  In the middle of the city, on both sides of the river, are the trees of life, producing fruit twelve times, once each month, the leaves of which are for healing the nations.

No longer will there be a curse, the throne of GOD and of the Lamb will be in the city, and GOD's servants will live in HIS presence.  They will see HIS face, and HIS name will be on their foreheads.  There will be no more night.  They will not need the light of lamp, or sun, for GOD, HIMSELF, will be their light, and they will reign forever." - Revelation 22:1-5 

(There was a fountain of life in paradise.  Lost through sin, people were always searching for it.  Ezekiel had already written that the living water is the Spirit of GOD and JESUS promised it to the Samaritan woman.  Now it flows from the heart of GOD-Trinity, from the throne of GOD and of the Lamb [22:1].

And they will reign forever.  This is the final word and it is the seventh time it is said in Revelation.)

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The Hostile World

"If the world hates you, remember that the world hated ME before you.  This would not be so if you belonged to the world, because the world loves its own.  But you are not of the world, since I have chosen you from the world; because of this the world hates you.

Remember what I told you: the servant is not greater than his master; if they persecuted ME, they will also persecute you.  If they kept MY word, they will keep yours as well.  All this they will do to you on account of MY name, because they do not know the One who sent ME." - John 15:18-21 

(In spite of JESUS' having returned to HIS FATHER to initiate a more effective and universal presence among humankind, Satan continues to act with the power he has usurped.  The hatred of those who belong to Satan is directed against the believers and the Church.  Such helpers of Satan are called in John's gospel: the world.

Believers are destined to be hated by the world.  It often happens that when a person begins to live in a more Christian and responsible way, she meets with opposition and hatred from her own family.  No one knows what has aroused the hatred, but the devil does, who moves everything to discourage us.

Even in the Church we find those who are of the world and believe that they are serving GOD [16:2] when they persecute the true disciples of CHRIST.  Some who identify themselves with what they consider "the interests of the Church" can even persecute, and at times with malice, those who are Gospel-minded.  In realty they know neither JESUS nor HIS FATHER.

When our hope does not come from GOD, trials discourage us; but when our hope is rooted in GOD, we are strengthened and remain steadfast.)

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The Dawning Of New Hope

"My heart is steadfast, O GOD; my heart is steadfast.  I will sing and make music.

Awake, my soul; awake, O harp and lyre!  I will wake the dawn.

I will give thanks to YOU, O YAHWEH, among the peoples; I will sing praise to YOU among the nations.

For YOUR love reaches to the heavens, and YOUR faithfulness, to the clouds.  Be exalted, O GOD, above the heavens!  Let YOUR glory be over all the earth!"

- Psalm 57:8-12

(The 'morning' in the psalm often stands for the dawning of new hope.  The psalmist is awake, shouting so loud, that the personified Dawn, that is relief, will have to come.

This psalm could be the prayer of the one who waits, with total trust, for calamities to end.  The glory of the Most High fills the earth.)

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Remain In MY Love!

"As the FATHER has loved ME, so I have loved you.  Remain in MY love!  You will remain in MY love if you keep MY commandments, just as I have kept MY FATHER's commandments and remain in HIS love.

I have told you all this, that MY own joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete. - John 15:9-11 

(After making it clear that we depend totally on HIM, JESUS repeats HIS commandment of love.  There is a necessary order in building the Christian life.

If from the start we say: We should love our neighbor because this is the only commandment, we will achieve nothing; because each one understands love in his own way, while not having as yet interiorized the thinking of CHRIST.  Moreover, we need to receive from the source of all love the ability to love selflessly.  CHRIST asks us to first share HIS thinking: that is what the expression, keep MY commandments means.  Thus we become HIS friends, knowing HIM as a person who loves us and acts in us.  Later we will produce the authentic fruit of love, whose source is CHRIST.)

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The Vine And The Branches

"I AM the true vine and MY FATHER is the vine grower.  If any of MY branches doesn't bear fruit, HE breaks it off; and HE prunes every branch that does bear fruit, that it may bear even more fruit.

You are already made clean by the word I have spoken to you.  Live in ME as I live in you.  The branch cannot bear fruit by itself, but has to remain part of the vine; so neither can you, if you don't remain in ME.

I AM the vine and you are the branches.  As long as you remain in ME and I in you, you bear much fruit; but apart from ME you can do nothing.  Whoever does not remain in ME is thrown away, as they do with branches, and they wither.  Then they are gathered and thrown into the fire and burned.

If you remain in ME and MY words remain in you, you may ask whatever you want, and it will be given to you.  MY FATHER is glorified when you bear much fruit: it is then that you become MY disciples." - John 15:1-8  

(JESUS uses an image from the Scripture, but HE changes the original meaning, as HE did before when speaking of the Good Shepherd [John 10:1].  The vine represents the people of Israel.  Planted from selected stock, cared for by the LORD, it should have produced fruits of justice [Mark 12:1].

Now the true Vine has taken root.  CHRIST is the trunk from which the branches sprout, that is to say, all of us who live by HIM.  HE is also the entire plant, trunk and branches together: Christians are really the body of CHRIST.

Now JESUS does not say: The Christian community is the vine, but: I AM the vine.  So each of us has to consider how he is joined with JESUS through faith, prayer, and keeping HIS word.  Each one has to bear fruit.  JESUS does not specify what these fruits should be: whether service, understanding, action for social justice, or a life silently offered to GOD.  Rather HE insists that these fruits should come from the Spirit and bear HIS proper seal.  The success of the Church is not measured by its achievements, but by the progress of those who interiorize CHRIST's mystery and share in HIS cross and resurrection.)

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For The FATHER Is Greater Than I

"Peace be with you!  MY peace I give to you; not as the world gives peace do I give it to you.  Do not be troubled!  Do not be afraid!  You heard ME say, 'I AM going away, but I AM coming to you.'  If you loved ME, you would be glad that I go to the FATHER, for the FATHER is greater than I.

I have told you this now before it takes place, so that when it does happen you may believe.  There is very little left for ME to tell you, for the prince of this world is at hand, although there is nothing in ME that he can claim.  But see, the world must know that I love the FATHER, and that I do what the FATHER has taught me to do.  Come now, let us go." - John 14:27-31 

(For the FATHER is greater than I.  This does not contradict what John teaches throughout the whole Gospel about JESUS' divinity.  This is to be read together with 5:18; 10:30; 16:15, if we want to know something of the mystery of CHRIST, "true GOD," as spoken of in Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; and 1 John 5:20.

As early as the fourth century Saint Hilary, the great bishop and defender of the faith, wrote: "The FARTHER is greater because of being the one who gives.  As HE gives the Son all that HE HIMSELF is, yet the Son is not inferior to the FATHER."

Moreover, it is characteristic of the Son to deny HIMSELF so that HE may give glory to the FATHER, until the FATHER gives HIM back "the glory HE had before" as said in 17:5 and 6:62.

Because of this the apostles, who have seen HIM as a man among humans in the time of HIS humiliation, should now rejoice.)

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The Helper Will Teach You

"'Whoever keeps MY commandments is the one who loves ME.  If he loves ME, he will also be loved by MY FATHER; I too shall love HIM and show MYSELF clearly to him.'

Judas--not Judas Iscariot--asked JESUS, 'LORD, how can it be that YOU will show YOURSELF clearly to us and not to the world?'  JESUS answered him, 'If anyone loves ME, he will keep MY word and MY FATHER will love him; and WE will come to him and live with him.  But if anyone does not love ME, he will not keep MY words; and these words that you hear are not MINE, but the FATHER's who sent ME.

I told you all this while I AM still with you.  From now on the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the FATHER will send in MY name, will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I have told you.'" - John 14:21-26 

(The Helper [or Interpreter] will teach you.  The Spirit enables us to understand and interpret JESUS' words throughout all time.  Compare with 15:26.  The Holy Spirit proceeds as much from the FATHER as from the Son being, with them, only one GOD.

LORD how can it be that YOU will show YOURSELF clearly to us and not to the world?  Judas thought that JESUS meant HE would summon them for secret meetings, but JESUS really meant HE would make HIMSELF known to them through interior teaching and by letting them experience peace.)

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Praise Of GOD's Grandeur

"Compassionate and gracious is YAHWEH, slow to anger and abounding in love.

YAHWEH is good to everyone; HIS mercy embraces all HIS creation.

All YOUR works will give YOU thanks; all YOUR saints, O YAHWEH, will praise YOU.

They will tell of the glory of YOUR kingdom; and speak of YOUR power, that all may know of YOUR mighty deeds, YOUR reign, and its glorious splendor.

YOUR reign is from age to age; YOUR dominion endures, from generation to generation.

YAHWEH is true to HIS promises and lets HIS mercy show in all HE does."

- Psalm 145:8-13

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

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All Those Destined For Everlasting Life

"The following Sabbath almost the entire city gathered to listen to Paul, who spoke a fairly long time about the LORD.  But the presence of such a crowd made the Jews jealous.  So they began to oppose, with insults, whatever Paul said.

Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out firmly, saying, 'It was necessary, that GOD's word be first proclaimed to you, but since you now reject it, and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we turn to non-Jewish people.  For thus we were commanded by the LORD: I have set you as a light to the pagan nations, so that you may bring MY salvation to the ends of the earth.'

Those who were not Jews rejoiced, when they heard this, and praised the message of the LORD; and all those, destined for everlasting life, believed in it.  Thus the word spread, throughout the whole region.

Some of the Jews, however, incited GOD-fearing women of the upper class, and the leading men of the city, as well, and stirred up an intense persecution against Paul and Barnabas.  Finally, they had them expelled from their region.  The apostles shook the dust from their feet, in protest against this people, and went to Iconium, leaving; the disciples, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. - Acts 13:44-52 

(All those destined for everlasting life.  This expression does not condemn those who have not believed.  It simply states that the coming to faith was a gift for those believers: GOD entered their life and made them bearers of a current of divine life that would transform the world [John 17:3].)

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I Give You A New Commandment

"MY children, I AM with you for only a while; you will look for ME, but as I already told the Jews, now I tell you: where I AM going you cannot come.  I give you a new commandment: Love one another!  Just as I have loved you, you also must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are MY disciples, if you have love for one another.'" - John 13:33-35 

(I give you a new commandment.  That is to say, a commandment appropriate for the advent of a new era.  The Old Testament spoke of interior fidelity to GOD and love of neighbor, but this message often remained hidden among the complexities of the law.  Besides, there are many ways of loving: even a fanatically religious person can claim to be loving GOD.  In the New Testament JESUS says that love of GOD is the highest law.  The example given by the LORD during HIS earthly life reminds us of the way to love.

Love that is like GOD's aims at liberating our neighbor and enabling her to fully develop her God-given gifts.  Love like the LORD's helps the neighbor become what GOD wishes her to be, by passing trough death to resurrection.

Moreover, when we go deeper into the mystery of divine love revealed to us through JESUS, our love becomes merged with the eternal love of GOD that alone, in the end, shall permeate all we do.  True love comes from GOD and makes us return to unity within GOD.)

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Paul In The Capital Of Pisidia

"From Paphos, Paul and his companions set sail and came to Perga in Pamphylia.  There, John left them and returned to Jerusalem, while they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia.  On the Sabbath day they entered the synagogue and set down.  After the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent this message to them, 'Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the assembly, please speak up.'

So Paul arose, motioned to them for silence and began, 'Fellow Israelites and, also, all you who fear GOD, listen.  The GOD of our people Israel chose our ancestors; and after HE had made them increase during their stay in Egypt, HE led them out by powerful deeds.  For forty years HE fed them in the desert; and after HE had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, HE gave them their land as an inheritance.  All this took four hundred and fifty years.  After that, HE gave them Judges, until Samuel the prophet.  Then they asked for a king; and GOD gave them Saul, son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin; and he was king for forty years.  After that time, GOD removed him and raised up David  as king, to whom HE bore witness saying: I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after MY own heart, who will do all I want him to do.

It is from the descendants of David that GOD has now raised up the promised Savior of Israel, JESUS.  Before HE appeared, John proclaimed a baptism of repentance for all the people of Israel.  As John was ending his life's work, he said: 'I am not what you think I am, for, after me, another one is coming, whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.'" - Acts 13:13-25 

(Once the mission began, Paul becomes the obvious leader.  They do not stay in Cyprus; they leave behind groups of believers who have been hastily instructed.

When they arrive on the continent, at the inhospitable area of Perga, John Mark leaves them.  Paul's daring plans may have scared him.  They go through the mountain range of modern Turkey and reach the heart of the province of Pisidia--Antioch [which must not be confused with the other Antioch].

Luke gives all the details of the events at Antioch in Pisidia, because they were typical of the situations Paul was going to face in various parts of the Roman empire.

Paul speaks at the Sabbath gathering in the "synagogue" [house of prayer of the Jews].  The worship involves psalms and biblical readings [obviously, from the Old Testament].  Then, one or several of the leaders make comments.  Since Paul is a visitor, out of deference, they ask him to speak.

Paul's discourse, this return to the history of Israel may seem to us to hold little interest, as was the case for Peter's [Chapter 2] and Stephen's [Chapter 7].  But it was Jewish way of preaching, and for all these emigrants, there was nothing more interesting than being reminded of this history that they knew by heart and which gave them their identity in the midst of other people.  So Paul presents this history, highlighting a series of facts that gives it meaning and clearly leads to CHRIST.  Paul shows that GOD's promises to Israel have been fulfilled in the resurrection of CHRIST.)

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The Triumph Of A Good Harvest

"May GOD be gracious and bless us;

may HE let HIS face shine upon us;

that YOUR way be known on earth

and YOUR salvation, among the nations.

May the peoples praise YOU, O GOD;

may all the peoples praise YOU!

May the countries be glad and sing for joy,

for YOU rule the peoples with justice;

and guide the nations of the world.

May the peoples praise YOU, O GOD,

may all the peoples praise YOU!

The land has given its harvest;

GOD, our GOD, has blessed us.

May GOD bless us and be revered,

to the very ends of the earth."

- Psalm 67:2-8

(The occasion of this happy song is a successful harvest, but the psalmist can rise above selfish considerations.  The triumph of a good harvest--or industrial prosperity--should make one think of places, where the harvest fails.  GOD is the same GOD there, and man no less HIS image.  If GOD rules the whole world with justice, man must try to imitate HIM.  Ecumenism and economics are sometimes the same thing.  The blessing of the psalm takes us to the Ephesians [Ephesians 1:3].  We can pray with this psalm, to give thanks to GOD for the goods of the earth.)

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To The GOD Of Glory And Compassion

"Alleluia!

Praise, O servants of YAHWEH,

praise the name of YAHWEH!

Blessed be the name of YAHWEH

now and forever!

From eastern lands to the western islands,

may the name of YAHWEH be praised!

YAHWEH is exalted over the nations;

HIS glory above the heavens.

Who is like YAHWEH our GOD,

who sits enthroned on high,

but also bends down to see

on earth as in heaven?

HE lifts up the poor from the dust

and the needy from the ash heap.

HE makes them sit with princes, 

with rulers of HIS people."

- Psalm 113:1-8

(The psalmist urges the people to offer praise to the Almighty LORD of heaven and earth.  GOD calls them HIS friends, raising them up to HIS own height.

What distinguishes GOD from humans is not the infinity of HIS creation, but HIS way of being with us, HIS preference for what many despise.  GOD likes to choose poor instruments, to achieve HIS great deeds of grace.

Our GOD does not remain isolated in heaven.  HE has come down to earth.  HE has become one of us, identified with those who are helpless.  With the present psalm, let us exalt the Name of the LORD, great and sublime.)

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The Exile's Nostalgia For GOD's Temple

"As a deer longs for flowing streams,

so my soul longs for YOU, O GOD.

My soul thirsts for GOD, for the living GOD.

When shall I go and see the face of GOD?

Day and night, my tears have been my food,

as people ask me, day after day,

'Where is your GOD?'"

- Psalm 42:2-4

(Long for GOD, as a deer longs for flowing streams, and our happiness will last forever and not just for long.)

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I And The FATHER Are ONE

"MY sheep hear MY voice and I know them; they follow ME and I give them eternal life.  They shall never perish, and no one will ever steal them from ME.  What MY FATHER has given ME, is greater than all things else.  To snatch it out of the FATHER's hand, no one is able!  I and the FATHER are One.'" - John 10:27-30 

(When Scripture speaks of the Shepherd, it usually refers to GOD HIMSELF, the only king of Israel, but sometimes means the King-Messiah sent by GOD.  JESUS spoke of only one shepherd.  Though distinct from the FATHER, HE is one with HIM.)

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How Can I Repay YAHWEH For All HIS Goodness To Me?

"How can I repay YAHWEH 

for all HIS goodness to me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation

and call on the name of YAHWEH.

I will fulfill my vows to YAHWEH

in the presence of all HIS people.

It is painful to YAHWEH 

to see the death of HIS faithful.

O YAHWEH, I am YOUR servant,

truly YOUR servant, YOUR handmaid's son.

YOU have freed me from my bonds.

I will offer YOU a thanksgiving sacrifice;

I will call on the name of YAHWEH."

- Psalm 116:12-17

(This psalm is a simple prayer of thanks to GOD, after an escape from death by sickness, accident or malice.  It became part of the Hallel or 'Hymn of Praise' [Psalm 113-118] sung at the Paschal supper.

We can pray with this psalm, when we have overcome mortal dangers or solved personal conflicts.  It is good for everything to remain in the sphere of the love of GOD, in whom we believe.)

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Goodness And Fidelity That Is The Truth Of GOD!

"Alleluia!

Praise YAHWEH, all you nations;

all you peoples, praise HIM.

How great is HIS love for us!

HIS faithfulness lasts forever."

- Psalm 117:1-2

Ecumenical Council

(Less than a quarter of a psalm, but all is there: goodness [grace, favor] and fidelity [truth] that is the truth of GOD.  We can pray with this psalm, keeping in our heart the ecumenical cause.)

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"I AM The Bread Which Comes From Heaven."

"No one can come to ME unless he is drawn by the FATHER who sent ME; and I will raise him up on the last day.  It has been written in the Prophets: They shall be taught by GOD.  So whoever listens and learns from the FATHER comes to ME.

For no one has seen the FATHER except the One who comes from GOD; HE has seen the FATHER.  Truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

I AM the bread of life.  Though your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, they died.  But here you have the bread from heaven, so that you may eat of it, and not die.

I AM the living bread from heaven; whoever eats of this bread will live forever.  The bread I shall give is MY flesh, and I will give for the life of the world.'" - John 6:44-51 

(The second part of the discourse: JESUS becomes our bread when we eat HIS body in the sacrament of the Eucharist.)

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All Those Whom The FATHER Gives ME Will Come To ME

"JESUS said to them, 'I AM the bread of life; whoever comes to ME shall never be hungry, and whoever believes in ME shall never be thirsty.  Nevertheless, as I said, you refuse to believe, even when you have seen.  Yet all those whom the FATHER gives ME will come to ME,  and whoever comes to ME, I shall not turn away.  For I have come from heaven, not to do MY own will, but the will of the One who sent ME.

And the will of HIM who sent ME is that I lose nothing of what HE has given ME, but instead that I raise it up on the last day.  This is the will of the FATHER, that whoever sees the Son and believes in HIM shall live eternal life; and I will raise him up on the last day.'" - John 6:35-40 

(Not all those who take pride in belonging to the true religion come to CHRIST, but only those whom the FATHER knows.  Though the church embraces many people of all descriptions, only those to whom the FATHER has given this grace will find their way to the controversial and humble CHRIST.  While acknowledging the value of the sacraments and good works, we should not forget what JESUS taught: none of our own efforts can substitute for the grace of being chosen by the FATHER who calls us to know HIS Son in truth.)

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The Bread Of Life; To Believe In The Son Of GOD

"They then said, 'Show us miraculous signs, that we may see and believe YOU.  What sign do YOU perform?  Our ancestors ate manna in the desert; as Scripture says: They were given bread from heaven to eat.'

JESUS then said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven.  MY FATHER gives you the true bread from heaven.  The bread GOD gives is the One who comes from heaven and gives life to the world.'  And they said to HIM, 'Give us this bread always.'

JESUS said to them, 'I AM the bread of life; whoever comes to ME shall never be hungry, and whoever believes in ME shall never be thirsty.'" - John 6:30-35 

(Here begins the first part of the discourse: JESUS becomes our bread when we believe in HIM.

In the past, when the Israelites wandered in the desert and lacked everything, GOD gave them a provisional meal, the manna.  They had to give thanks to HIM for HIS gifts.  But if GOD is only our benefactor and we go to HIM seeking favors, we end up concerned only for what GOD gives us; we will hardly thank HIM, and later will continue to ask and complain.

This was what happened with the Israelites who, after receiving the manna, rebelled against GOD and died in the desert.  Material things, although they may come from heaven, do not make us better nor do they give us true life.

For this reason, GOD now proposes something new.  The bread that comes down from heaven is not something, but someone, and that is CHRIST.  That true bread communicates eternal life to us, but to receive it, it is necessary to take a step, that is, to believe in CHRIST and to make a personal commitment to HIM.)

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Which Are The Works That GOD Wants Us To Do?

"Next day, the people, who had stayed on the other side, realized that only one boat had been there, and that JESUS had not entered it with HIS disciples; but rather, the disciples had gone away alone.  Other boats from Tiberias landed near the place where all these people had eaten the bread.  When they saw that neither JESUS nor HIS disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for JESUS.

When they found HIM on the other side of the lake, they asked HIM, 'Master, when did YOU come here?'

JESUS answered, 'Truly, I say to you, you look for ME, not because of the signs which you have seen, but because you ate bread and were satisfied.  Work then, not for perishable food, but for the lasting food which gives eternal life.  The Son of Man will give it to you, for HE is the one on whom the FATHER has put HIS mark.'" - John 6:22-29 

(The discourse begins with a question from the Jews.  Which are the works that GOD wants us to do?  JESUS replies: The Work that GOD wants is that you believe.  The FATHER does not demand "works," that is, the practices of a religious law, but rather, faith.  In the previous chapter, JESUS declared that HIS work is to raise people up.  Here HE indicates our work: to believe in the Messenger of the FATHER.)

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The Praise Addressed To GOD Now Goes To The Lamb

"I went on looking; I heard the noise of a multitude of angels, gathered around the throne, the living creatures and the elders, numbering millions of millions, crying out with a loud voice: 

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain to receive

power and riches, wisdom and strength,

honor, glory and praise.

Then, I heard the voice of the whole universe, heaven, earth, sea, and the place of the dead; every creature cried out:

To HIM who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb,

be praise, honor, glory and power, for ever and ever.

And the four living creatures said, Amen, while the elders bowed down and worshiped." - Revelation 5:11-14 

(Let us note how on the day of the resurrection, the same praise previously addressed to GOD now goes to the Lamb: in being raised up, CHRIST appears with the glory befitting HIM: that of GOD.)

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The Choosing Of Assistants

"In those days, as the number of disciples grew, the so-called Hellenists complained against the so-called Hebrews, because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.  So the Twelve summoned the whole body of disciples together, and said, 'It is not right, that we should neglect the word of GOD to serve at tables.  So, friends, choose from among yourselves seven respected men, full of Spirit and wisdom, that we may appoint them to this task.  As for us, we shall give ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.'

The whole community agreed; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit; Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenus and Nicolaus of Antioch, who was a proselyte.  They presented these men to the apostles, who, first prayed over them, and then, laid hand upon them.

The word of GOD continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; and even many priests accepted the faith. - Acts 6:1-7 

(JESUS did not spell out for HIS apostles how they were supposed to organize the Church.  And a conflict arose between two social groups: The Jews, called Hebrews, had never left their land and they spoke Aramaic.  The Hellenists were those who had lived abroad and who usually spoke Greek.  They may have followed the Essene movement and refused to participate in temple rituals.  They felt uncomfortable with the liturgy and community life and their frustrations were growing.  In fact, the apostles identified more readily with the Hebrews and it became necessary to give some autonomy to the Hellenists with their own people being in charge.  This was probably the birth of a Greek-speaking church, with a Greek liturgy.

The community chose seven men.  Since their authority had to come from CHRIST, it had to be passed on by the apostles.

The candidates must be filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, because they are not only entrusted with material services.  And even if it were only for material services the Church would have much to suffer from competent administrators who lacked the Spirit of the Gospel.  Were these seven men the first deacons?  Luke mentions nothing beyond service, and "deacon" denotes servant, usually steward.  In fact, this term, "deacon," will from the start give the meaning of every ministry in the Church: ministry means "service" [1 Corinthians 12:15].  Ministers are at the service of the community assembled by the Spirit to witness to the salvation given by JESUS.  All through the centuries, the ministers of the Church would be tempted to misuse the role entrusted to them for the good of the community.  Many will take advantage of their "service" to put themselves over the community: they will let others serve and honor them and will not hesitate to be called princes of the Church.  What is true for those called to a high rank in the hierarchy is equally true for all those priests or lay people entrusted with lesser responsibilities: all must remember the words of JESUS [Luke 22:24-27].)

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Praise Of GOD, Creator And Lawgiver

"The heavens declare the glory of GOD;

the firmament proclaims the work of HIS hands.

Day talks it over with day;

night hands on the knowledge to night.

No speech, no words, no voice is heard--

but the call goes on, throughout the universe,

the message is felt to the ends of the earth."

- Psalm 19:2-5

(The splendor of heaven gives us a glimpse of the glory of GOD.  We are also aware of HIS presence, when we meditate on HIS commandments, which are light and joy for the soul.

Romans 10:18 applies verse 4 of the psalm to the preaching of the Gospel.  This psalm is adequate to revise one's life in the presence of GOD in creation and in the Law.  JESUS in the Gospels has taught us how to pray.  If we add this psalm to our morning prayer, it will make us feel great and ready to start the day well.)

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The One Sent By GOD Speaks GOD's Words, And Gives The Spirit Unstintingly

"HE who comes from above is above all; he who comes from the earth belongs to the earth, and his words belong to the earth.  HE who comes from heaven speaks of the things HE has seen and heard; HE bears witness to these things, but no one accepts HIS testimony.  Whoever does receive HIS testimony acknowledges the truthfulness of GOD.

The one sent by GOD speaks GOD's words, and gives the Spirit unstintingly.  The FATHER loves the Son and has entrusted everything into HIS hands.  Whoever believes in the Son lives with eternal life; but he who will not believe in the Son will never know life, and always faces the justice of GOD." - John 3:31-36 

(Those who do not recognize the Son of GOD remain in the situation humanity was in when expelled from Paradise.  If they are not able to receive the witness of "GOD the Son who is one with the FATHER," they will never solve the contradictions in their lives or in the world in which they live; and they cannot but mistrust GOD.)

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HE Sent HIS Own SON To The Cross So That The World Will Be Saved

"Yes, GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only Son that whoever believes in HIM may not be lost, but may have eternal life.  GOD did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world; instead, through HIM the world is to be saved.  Whoever believes in HIM will not be condemned.  He who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of GOD.

This is how Judgment is made: Light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For whoever does wrong hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, for fear that his deeds will be seen as evil.  But whoever lives according to the truth comes into the light, so that it can be clearly seen that his works have been done in GOD." - John 3:16-21 

(In this plan, there was something very difficult to accept: that the Son of Man would have to die on the cross and to rise from the dead [be lifted On High means the same].  JESUS reminds them of the serpent in the desert.  This episode in the Scriptures [Numbers 21] prefigured what would happen to JESUS.  Of course, the Jews did not grasp the meaning of this message; in fact, they passed over all the predictions of the sufferings of their Savior without understanding them.

They had to revise their ideas about other matters, also.  The Jews had been praying for GOD to come and expected HIM to condemn the world and to punish the bad.  HE, on the other hand, sent HIS own Son to the cross so that the world will be saved.)

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An Attempt To Share Everything

"The whole community of believers was one in heart and mind.  No one claimed private ownership of any possessions; but rather, they shared all things in common.  With great power, the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the LORD JESUS, for all of them were living in an exceptional time of grace.

There was no needy person among them, for those who owned land or houses, sold them and brought the proceeds of the sale.  And they laid it at the feet of the apostles, who distributed it, according to each one's need.  This is what a certain Joseph did.  He was a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas, meaning: 'The encouraging one.'  He sold a field which he owned and handed the money to the apostles." - Acts 4:32-37 

(Here we might understand that this sharing had become a rule in the early Church.  In fact, if we pay attention to 4:36 and 5:4 it becomes clear that everyone admired what some of them did.

JESUS did not ask for this; yet they were doing it, inspired by the desire of every true believer to remove all divisions between brothers and sisters, especially those created by money.  Placing everything in common, however, requires not only a spirit of detachment, but also a sense of responsibility and organization.  The believers in Jerusalem lived at a time when work and foresight were not very important, and they soon consumed what they had, without being concerned about working, and eventually became the "poor of Jerusalem."  Paul was to organize collections in other churches in order to assist them [Galatians 2:10; Romans 15:25; 2 Corinthians 8].)    

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The Prayer Of The Community

"As soon as Peter and John were set free, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and elders had said to them.

When they heard it, they raised their voices as one, and called upon GOD, 'Sovereign LORD, maker of heaven and earth, of the sea and everything in them, YOU have put these words in the mouth of David, our father and YOUR servant, through the Holy Spirit: Why did the pagan nations rage and the people conspire in folly?  The kings of the earth were aligned; and the princes gathered together against the LORD and against HIS Messiah.

For indeed, in this very city, Herod, with Pontius Pilate and the pagans, together, with the people of Israel, conspired against YOUR holy servant, JESUS, whom YOU anointed.  Thus, indeed, they brought about whatever YOUR powerful will had decided, from all time, would happen.  But now, LORD, see their threats against us; and enable YOUR servants to speak YOUR word with all boldness.  Stretch out YOUR hand, to heal, and to work signs and wonders, through the name of JESUS, YOUR holy servant.'

When they had prayed, the place where they were gathered together shook; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of GOD boldly." - Acts 4:23-31 

(We can meditate on the way this church gathering develops: an event [the arrest] is shared by all.  For them this confrontation with the authorities is something new.  They connect what happened with the word of GOD.  In this case they refer to Psalm 2; then they begin common prayer and ask for courage to continue to do GOD's works.) 

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So An Ever-Increasing Number Of Men And Women, Believed In The LORD

"Many miraculous signs and wonders done among the people, through the hands of the apostles.  The believers, of one accord, used to meet in Solomon's Porch.  None of the others dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem.  So, an ever-increasing number of men and women, believed in the LORD.  The people carried the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and on mats, so, that, when Peter passed by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.  The people gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those who were troubled by unclean spirits; and all of them were healed." - Acts 5:12-16

(All the Jews believed in GOD who spoke through the prophets.  It was easy for them to believe in the prophets of the past after the religious authorities acknowledged them and placed their warnings in all the books of the Scriptures.  But it was quite a different thing to recognize JESUS as the prophet that GOD had sent them but whom they had rejected.  The text states that to believe in the LORD and join the community are two inseparable steps.  A person cannot belong to JESUS without belonging to the new people HE has brought to life through water and the Spirit.)

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Proclaim The Good News To All Creation

"After JESUS rose early on the first day of the week, HE appeared first to Mary of Magdala, from whom HE had driven seven demons.  She went and reported the news to HIS followers, who were now mourning and weeping.  But when they heard that HE lived, and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

After HE showed HIMSELF in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country.  These men also went back and told the others, but they did not believe them.

Later JESUS showed HIMSELF to the Eleven while they were at table.  HE reproached them for their unbelief, and hardness of heart, in refusing to believe those who had seen HIM after HE had risen.

Then HE told them, 'Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation.'" - Mark 16:9-15 

(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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The Jewish Leaders Judge Peter And John; The Holy Spirit Judges The Leaders Of The Jews

"While Peter and John were still speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them.  They were greatly disturbed, because the apostles were teaching the people, and proclaiming that resurrection from the dead had been proved, in the case of JESUS.  Since it was already evening, they arrested them and put them in custody until  the following day.  But despite this, many of those who heard the Message, believed; and their number increased to about five thousand.

The next day, the Jewish leaders, elders and teachers of the law assembled in Jerusalem.  Annas, the High Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who were of the high priestly class were there.  They brought Peter and John before them; and began to question them, 'How did you do this?  Whose name did you use?'

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke up, 'Leaders of the people!  Elders!  It is a fact, that we are being examined today for a good deed done to a cripple.  How was he healed?  You, and all the people of Israel, must know, that this man stands before you cured, through the name of JESUS CHRIST, the Nazorean.  You had HIM crucified.  But GOD raised HIM from the dead.  JESUS is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.  

There is no salvation in anyone else; for there is no other Name given to humankind, all over the world, by which we may be saved.'" - Acts 4:1-12 

(The Jewish leaders judge Peter and John.  The Holy Spirit judges the leaders of the Jews.

These leaders believe they possess the truth because they are learned and have authority.  It is impossible for them to back down before ordinary men who refute their statements.  Meanwhile Peter points out how strange it is to be arrested for having healed a sick man.

These leaders were Sadducees and they did not believe in the resurrection of the dead: Acts 23:6.

This text suggests that all of us can be the witnesses of CHRIST and of the truth, if we are determined to be involved.  Oftentimes, because we only rely on our own strength instead of counting on the Spirit of CHRIST, we remain silent before our co-workers or our leaders.)

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HE Sends HIM To Bless

"While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, struck with astonishment, came running to them in Solomon's Porch, as it was called.  When Peter saw the people, he said to them,

'Fellow Israelites, why are you amazed at this?  Why do you stare at us, as if it was by some power or holiness of our own, that we made this man walk?  The GOD of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob, the GOD of our ancestors has glorified HIS servant JESUS, whom you handed over to death and denied before Pilate; when even Pilate had decided to release HIM.  You rejected the Holy and Just One; and you insisted that a murderer be released to you.  You killed the Master of life, but GOD raised HIM from the dead; and we are witnesses of this.  It is HIS Name, and faith in HIS Name, that has healed this man, whom you see and recognize.  The faith that comes through JESUS has given him wholeness in the presence of all of you.

Yet, I know that you acted out of ignorance, as did your leaders.  GOD has fulfilled, in this way, what HE had foretold through all the prophets, that HIS Messiah would suffer.

Repent, then, and turn to GOD so that your sins may be wiped out; and the time of refreshment may come by the mercy of GOD, when HE sends the Messiah appointed for you, JESUS.  For HE must remain in heaven, until the time of the universal restoration, which GOD spoke of long ago, through HIS holy prophets.

Moses foretold this, when he said: The LORD GOD will raise up for you a prophet, like me, from among your own people; you shall listen to HIM in all that HE says to you.  Whoever does not listen to that prophet is to be cut off from among HIS people.

In fact, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel onward, have announced the events of these days.  You are the children of the prophets, and heirs of the Covenant that GOD gave to your ancestors, when HE said to Abraham: All the families of the earth will be blessed through your descendant.  It is to you, first, that GOD sends HIS Servant; HE raised HIM to life, to bless you, by turning each of you from your wicked ways.'" - Acts 3:11-26 

(Why are you amazed at this?  The miracle was done in the Name of JESUS, that is, by the Power over every creature that JESUS received from the FATHER at the time of HIS resurrection.  JESUS was in their midst as the servant of the LORD [Isaiah 42:1; 52:13], but speaking of HIS name was a way of stating HIS divinity [Mark 16:17; Philippians 2:9].

I know that you acted out of ignorance.  Yet Peter demands that they admit their guilt.  All of us must confess similar guilt in the injustices and crimes of out times.

HE must remain in heaven.  The coming of JESUS inaugurated the "last days" in which the Gospel reconciles humanity with GOD, and changes human consciousness thus speeding up the course of history which, in the end, forces humankind to solve their problems together.  Humanity is on its way to the coming of CHRIST and the restoration of the world, namely, the Resurrection.

HE sends HIM to bless.  This blessing comes to those who accept reconciliation with GOD upon seeing the love HE revealed to us in JESUS.  the blessing is not for us alone, rather, through us--the people of GOD--it reaches all the families of the earth.)

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