Breakthroughs--Becoming Free

"As they went on their way, a man said to HIM, 'I will follow YOU wherever YOU go.'  JESUS said to him, 'Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay HIS head.'

To another, JESUS said, 'Follow ME!'  But he answered, 'Let me go back now, for, first, I want to bury my father.'  And JESUS said to him, 'Let the dead bury their dead; as for you, leave them, and proclaim the kingdom of GOD.'

Another said to HIM, 'I will follow you, LORD, but let me say goodbye to my family.'  And JESUS said to him, 'Whoever has put his hand to the plow, and looks back, is not fit for the kingdom of GOD.'" - Luke 9:57-62 

In contrast with JESUS' customary understanding attitude about human nature, here we see JESUS very demanding with the disciple who wants to follow HIM: JESUS cannot waste HIS time in forming those who are not ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of the Gospel.  One does not follow JESUS in order to "obtain" freedom; JESUS must be followed in freedom.

Leave them and proclaim the kingdom of GOD.  When a call from JESUS reaches you, it is the complete will of GOD for you in this precise moment.  Leave there your excuses, your duties: perhaps these would be duties only in a world of the dead.  GOD has provided that others, perhaps HIS angels, will see to them.)

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Peter's Faith; JESUS Promises

"After that, JESUS came to Caesarea Philippi.  HE asked HIS disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?'  They said, 'For some of them, YOU are John the Baptist; for others Elijah, or Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.'

JESUS asked them, 'But you, who do you say I AM?'  Peter answered, 'YOU are the Messiah, the Son of the living GOD.'  JESUS replied, 'It is well for you, Simon Barjona, for it is not flesh or blood that has revealed this to you, but MY FATHER in heaven.

And now I say to you: You are Peter; and on this Rock I will build MY Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it.

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you unbind on earth shall be unbound in heaven.'" - Matthew 16:13-19 

(One parable of the kingdom of GOD already foretold the Church [Matthew 13:31-33].  This present text openly refers to the Church:

- it tells us what its foundation is: faith in JESUS, the CHRIST and Son of GOD;

- it focuses on the primacy of Peter among all the apostles;

- it suggests that the Church will always need a visible head.  This is the successor of Peter, the pope.)

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I, MYSELF, Will Tend MY Sheep And Let Them Rest

"Indeed YAHWEH says this: I, MYSELF, will care for MY sheep and watch over them.  As the shepherd looks after his flock when he finds them scattered, so I will watch over MY sheep; and gather them from all the places where they were scattered  in a time of cloud and fog.  I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from other countries.  I will lead them to their own land; and pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in all the valleys and inhabited regions of the land.  I will take them to good pastures on the high mountains of Israel.  They will rest where the grazing is good, and feed in lush pastures on the heights of Israel.  I, MYSELF, will tend MY sheep and let them rest, word of YAHWEH.  I will search for the lost and lead back the strays.  I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak; but the fat and strong will be eliminated.  I will shepherd MY flock with justice." - Ezekiel 34:11-16 

(The time of cloud and fog, when GOD seemed distant and Israel was overwhelmed and without hope, are over.  Now YAHWEH will gather HIS people from among the nations.  The kingdom that GOD has prepared for HIS discouraged crowd will surpass all they could ever hope for.  Not only will they enjoy material prosperity, but will also live in peace and rest with GOD.  I, MYSELF, will let them rest.

I MYSELF will tend for MY sheep.  Now YAHWEH has rejected Israel's leaders who have disappeared in the catastrophe and promises to become Israel's pastor.  YAHWEH will be the good shepherd and HE names the responsibilities of a shepherd: to gather, protect, and feed everyone, and to hold back the very powerful.) 

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The Old Testament Is A Story Of People's Sin And GOD's Mercy

"Alleluia!

Give thanks to YAHWEH, for HE is good, for HIS love endures forever.

Who can count YAHWEH's mighty deeds, or declare all HIS praises?

Blessed are they who always do just and right.

Remember me, O YAHWEH, when YOU show favor to YOUR people; rescue me when YOU deliver them; let me see the triumph of YOUR faithful; let me share the joy of YOUR nation; and join YOUR people in praising YOU.

- Psalm 106:1-5

(It is not only praise that the remembrance of our past calls forth: the story of the Old Testament is a story of people's sin and GOD's mercy, and 'we have sinned like our ancestors'.  We join with our ancestors in confessing it.  To have sinned is not fatal; but to fail to acknowledge it, is.  This cuts us from the people of GOD, the people redeemed, the people of GOD's mercy.

With this psalm, we recognize ourselves sinners before GOD, sinners as our parents, and we expect to be saved by grace.)

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A Good Tree Always Produces Good Fruit

"Beware of false prophets: they come to you in sheep's clothing; but inside, they are voracious wolves.  You will recognize them by their fruits.  Do you ever pick grapes from thorn bushes; or figs, from thistles?

A good tree always produces good fruit.  A rotten tree produces bad fruit.  A good tree cannot produce bad fruit; and a rotten tree cannot bear good fruit.  Any tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  So, then, you will know them by their fruit." - Matthew 7:15-20 

(Prophets wore a sheepskin by way of a cloak: a wolf could hide in one.  The world has always had a number of "false prophets," usually prophets of easy life, and if the word of GOD condemns them, many would say that their words have been misinterpreted.  It would be well however to ask ourselves why our holy and sacred liberalism tends to sow death in all domains and smothers in so many the ability to believe and hope.

Do you ever pick grapes from thorn bushes?  JESUS invites us to look at the facts before coming to conclusions.  We find it hard to carefully observe the reality in which we live.  We prefer to discuss and debate about ideas rather than to analyze particular situations.  JESUS, accustomed to manual labor, distrusts ideas and theories.)

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Enter Through The Narrow Gate

"Enter through the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the road, that leads to destruction, and many go that way.  How narrow is the gate that leads to life; and how rough, the road; few there are, who find it." - Matthew 7:13-14 

(Enter through the narrow gate.  Maybe someone was asking JESUS: "Who, then, can be saved?" [Matthew 19:25].  In no instance did JESUS say whether those who would share in eternal life would be many or few.  HE did say many times that very few would be chosen from among the many called.  That means that among the many people privileged to meet HIM, very few would experience the Gospel's riches and bring forth fruit in themselves and for others.  The chosen or approved are those who persevere and strive for perfect freedom.

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many go that way.  They stray from leading a life in which JESUS is everything for them.  They waste the gifts of GOD entrusted to them and apparently become useless for the kingdom.  Yet, even so, they are not deprived of GOD's mercy.)

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'Whoever Believes Has Eternal Life.'

"If only YOU would slay the wicked, O GOD,

and drive away from me the violent!

They rebel false-heartedly,

YOUR foes blaspheme YOUR name.

I hate those who hate YOU, O YAHWEH,

and loathe those who defy YOU.

I hate them deeply;

they have become my foes.

Search me, O GOD, and know my heart;

try me, and know my thoughts.

See if my steps are going astray,

and lead me in YOUR eternal way."

- Psalm 139:19-24

(This wisdom meditation about the knowledge and the presence of GOD, perhaps, had its beginning in the face of the pressure of evildoers; someone has been unjustly accused, perhaps as idolatrous, and he appeals to GOD.  In this environment, he composes his poem.  

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

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You Are Proclaiming The Death Of The LORD Until HE Comes

"This is the tradition of the LORD that I received, and, that, in my turn, I have handed on to you; the LORD JESUS, on the night that HE was delivered up, took bread and, after giving thanks, broke it, saying, 'This is MY body which is broken for you; do this in memory of ME.'  In the same manner, taking the cup after the supper, HE said, 'This cup is the new Covenant, in MY blood.  Whenever you drink it, do it in memory of ME.'  So, then, whenever you eat of this bread and drink from this cup, you are proclaiming the death of the LORD, until HE comes." - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 

(All the Eucharists celebrated around the world each day and every minute of the day, remind us that the death of CHRIST fills up the time until HIS coming.  JESUS' death does not allow the world to rest or have peace.  The Church reminds us of the death of CHRIST, not to preserve the past, but to draw from this unique event new energy for both reconciling and condemning.)

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Set Your Heart First On The Kingdom

"Do not worry, and say: What are we going to eat?  What are we going to drink? or: What shall we wear?  The pagans busy themselves with such things; but your heavenly FATHER knows that you need them all.  Set your heart, first, on the kingdom and righteousness of GOD; and all these things will also be given to you.  Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:31-34

(It is a matter of concrete realities: the kingdom means the transparency of GOD in our life; HIS justice is a "putting in order" under HIS attention of all that we are and all that we do.  A risk to run for a young person, or a couple: to begin to think of the future, family and apostolic activity according to the criteria of the Gospel, no longer under pressure of Malthusian fear or the race to maintain their life-style.)

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The Lamp Of The Body Is The Eye

"The lamp of the body is the eye; if your eyes are sound, your whole body will be full of light.  If your eyes are diseased, your whole body will be full of darkness.  If, then, the light in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" - Matthew 6:22-23 

(Here eye is the conscience.  To be bright-eyed signifies generosity, to be dark-eyed signifies meanness.  JESUS emphasizes what HE has just said: a misinformed conscience leads us astray and turns us in on ourselves.)

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To Pray Is Not To Talk Much, But To Surrender Our Lives Into GOD's Loving Hands

"When you pray, do not use a lot of words, as the pagans do; for they believe that, the more they say, the more chance they have of being heard.  Do not be like them.  Your FATHER knows what you need, even before you ask HIM.

This, then, is how you should pray;

Our FATHER in heaven,

holy be YOUR name,

YOUR kingdom come,

YOUR will, be done

on earth, as in heaven

Give us today, our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts,

as we forgive those who are in debt to us.

Do not bring us to the test,

but deliver us from the evil one.

If you forgive others their wrongdoings, your FATHER in heaven will also forgive yours.  If you do not forgive others, then your FATHER will not forgive you. - Matthew 6:7-15 

(The value of prayer does not lie in the quantity of words and the mere repetition of formulas, as if accomplishing a task.  The value of prayer lies chiefly in our inner attitude of faith and love of GOD.  We should try to lift our mind and heart to GOD as a FATHER and a friend, a GOD who loves us and is always waiting for us to share a silent moment with HIM.  To pray is not to talk much, but to surrender our lives into GOD's loving hands.)

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GOD Loves A Cheerful Giver

"Remember: the one who sows meagerly will reap meagerly, and there shall be generous harvests for the one who sows generously.  Each of you should give as you decided personally, and not reluctantly, as if obliged.  GOD loves a cheerful giver.  And GOD is able to fill you with every good thing, so that you have enough of everything, at all times, and may give abundantly for any good work.

Scripture says: HE distributed, HE gave to the poor, HIS good works last forever.  GOD, who provides the sower with seed, will also provide him with the bread he eats.  HE will multiply the seed for you and also increase the interest on your good works.  Become rich in every way, and give abundantly.  What you give will become, through us, a thanksgiving to GOD." - 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 

(Here again Paul speaks of the collection as if he had not done so in the previous chapter.  Some think that at the same time Paul was writing to the Corinthians to invite them to give [Chapter 8], he wrote another message for the churches of Achaia, which was the province of Corinth: this message may have been placed here later, at the end of the letter, because the theme is the same [Chapter 9].)

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Although HE Was Rich, HE Made HIMSELF Poor, To Make You Rich, Through HIS Poverty

"Now, I want you to know about a gift of divine grace among the Churches of Macedonia.  While they were so afflicted and persecuted, their joy overflowed, and their extreme poverty turned into a wealth of generosity.  According to their means--even beyond their means--they wanted to share, in helping the saints.

They asked us for this favor, spontaneously, and with much insistence, and, far beyond anything we expected, they put themselves at the disposal of the LORD, and of us by the will of GOD.  Accordingly, I urged Titus to complete, among you, this work of grace, since he began it with you.  You excel in everything: in the gifts of faith, speech and knowledge; you feel concern for every cause and, besides, you are first in my heart.  Excel, also, in this generous service.

This is not a command; I make known to you the determination of others, to check the sincerity of your fraternal concern.  You know well, the generosity of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD.  Although HE was rich, HE made HIMSELF poor, to make you rich, through HIS poverty." - 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 

(The saints are the Christians of Jerusalem.  In the year 48 there was a famine in Judea and in Jerusalem [Acts 11:28] due to the poor harvest of the previous year, a sabbatical year [during which the Jews did not sow so that the earth could rest].  To remedy this situation of shortage, economic aid for the Christians of Jerusalem was organized.  Later, Paul promised to keep the Jerusalem community in mind during his missions among the pagans [Galatians 2:10].  Here, Paul exhorts the Churches in Corinth and in the province to take up this collection they had agreed upon.

Paul does not use the word collection in these chapters.  Instead he speaks of the liberality and the greatness of generous giving; of the blessed work of grace.  It is more a gift for the one who gives than for the one who receives.

Paul takes great care that the collection, involving large amounts, should be duly taken up.  It must be collected and held by people who enjoy the confidence of the community.)

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Do Not Oppose Evil With Evil

"You have heard, that it was said: An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.  But I tell you this: do not oppose evil with evil; if someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn and offer the other.  If someone sues you in court for your shirt, give him your coat as well.  If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him.  Give when asked, and do not turn your back on anyone who wants to borrow from you." - Matthew 5:38-42 

 

(An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.  We read this in the Scriptures because in the world of that time it was a wholesome maxim [Deuteronomy 19:18-21].  It claimed to put a limit to the thirst for vengeance and reminded judges and the community itself of the duty to defend its members against those who abuse the weak.

Do not oppose evil with evil.  JESUS asks us to approach an adversary in the same way as this adversary may be approaching us: who is the wicked one?

Offer the other cheek: be the first to be free of the web of violence.  As in judo, surprise the other by making the very move he was not expecting: he may then see that he was mistaken.  JESUS has no doubt that this renunciation of violence and of our own interests obliges the FATHER to intervene and come to our aid.  Do not forget that JESUS wants us to "see GOD" at work in our lives.

If someone forces you to go one mile.  JESUS speaks to farmers who are humiliated and oppressed by foreign armies.  Many times they are obliged to carry the burden of the soldiers.  Their usual reaction is resigned submission concealing hatred and desire for revenge.  Would they be capable of responding to such a counsel?  It is certain that had they practiced it, they might have saved their nation from destruction.)

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YAHWEH Created Me First, At The Beginning Of HIS Works

"YAHWEH created me first, 

at the beginning of HIS works.

HE formed me from of old,

from eternity, even before the earth.

The abyss did not exist when I was born,

the springs of the sea had not gushed forth,

the mountains were still not set in their place

nor the hills, when I was born

before HE made the earth or countryside,

or the first grains of the world's dust.

I was there when HE made the skies

and drew the earth's compass on the abyss,

when HE formed the clouds above

and when the springs of the ocean emerged;

when HE made the sea with its limits,

that it might not overflow.

When HE laid the foundations of the earth,

I was close beside HIM,

the designer of HIS works,

and I was HIS daily delight, 

forever playing in HIS presence,

playing throughout the world

and delighting to be with humans."

- Proverbs 8:22-31

(YAHWEH created me first, at the beginning of HIS works.  Note the poetic way of presenting wisdom as if it were someone, as if it were a daughter of GOD.  I was HIS daily delight, forever playing in AHIS presence; playing throughout the world.  Such figures of speech contain a religious discovery of the last centuries before CHRIST.

For a very long time Scripture insisted on the fact that there is only one GOD and that HE has nothing to do with the countless gods of the pagans.  Now believers sense that there is something missing in their knowledge of YAHWEH.  How can GOD be a source of life and love if HE is locked up in HIS solitude?  Thanks to the Scriptures, believers know that besides being the Almighty and Holy GOD, the LORD becomes present to HIS people, in the temple and the Cloud, and that HE reveals HIMSELF to the prophets to whom HE sends HIS Spirit.

Thus, in the last books of the Old Testament, the authors speak of the Spirit, the Wisdom, the Power, the Providence of GOD and something different from HIM, like characters sharing GOD's mysterious life and through whom HE is involved in human affairs.

This is a way of preparing for the great revelation which will happen with the coming of JESUS.  GOD is one in three persons and from the beginning HIS eternal Son "through whom all things were made" and who came to live among us was with the FATHER [see John 1:1-4; Colossians 1:15 and Hebrews 1:2-3].

Thus Wisdom is a figure of CHRIST.  Christians came to see it as an image of their mother, Mary.  In fact, more than any other creature, she was present in GOD's plans from the beginning and deserves to be called "Throne of Wisdom" since she was so intimately united with the Son, the Wisdom of GOD.)   

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"In A General Way, Don't Take Oaths."

"You have also heard that people were told in the past: Do not  break your oath; an oath sworn to the LORD must be kept.  But I tell you this: do not take oaths.  Do not swear by the heavens, for they are GOD's throne; nor by the earth, because it is HIS footstool; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great king.  Do not even swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black.  Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes' and your 'No' mean 'No.'  Anything else you say comes from the evil one." - Matthew 5:33-37 

(Do not take oaths.  This sentence must not be understood: "You shall never take an oath", but: "In a general law, don't take oaths."

Many invoke the name of GOD on any occasion.  It is because they truly know HIM and have HIM in mind?  If we use HIS name casually, it is because we do not experience the weight of HIS presence.  What a lack of respect to call on GOD to testify to our sincerity when we do not even recognize all that is false and unclean within us!

Anything else you say comes from the devil, and even the preoccupation of defending and justifying oneself in the eyes of others.  See also Matthew 23:16; James 5:12.)

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I Believed And So I Spoke

"However, we carry this treasure in vessels of clay, so that this all-surpassing power may not be seen as ours, but as GOD's.  Trials of every sort come to us, but we are not discouraged.  We are left without answer, but do not despair; persecuted but not abandoned, knocked down but not crushed.  At any moment, we carry, in our person, the death of JESUS, so, that, the life of JESUS may also be manifested in us.  For we, the living, are given up continually to death, for the sake of JESUS, so, that, the life of JESUS may appear in our mortal existence.  And as death is at work in us, life comes to you.

We have received the same spirit of faith referred to in Scripture, that says: I believed and so I spoke.  We also believed, and so we speak.  We know that HE, who raised the LORD JESUS, will also raise us, with JESUS, and bring us, with you, into HIS presence.  Finally, everything is for your good, so that grace will come more abundantly upon you, and great will be the thanksgiving for the glory of GOD." - 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 

(We carry this treasure in vessels of clay.  Usually, GOD carries out HIS plans by using inadequate instruments.  Graham Greene became famous for his book "The Power and the Glory" in which we see a priest achieving heroic things despite his many personal faults.

For we, the living, are given up continually to death.  The apostle's death is necessary so that his work may live.  When a good job has been done in one sector of the Church, there has to come the hour of persecution, or of obedience to leaders whose authority we cannot reject, in spite of  the fact that they may be unjust or mistaken.  Nothing grows without having died first.)

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Portrait Of An Apostle

"Since this is our ministry, mercifully given to us, we do not weaken.  We refuse to stay with half-truths through fear; we do not behave with cunning, or falsify the message of GOD, but, manifesting the truth, we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone, in the sight of GOD.

In fact, if the gospel we proclaim remains obscure, it is obscure only for those who go to their own destruction.  The god of this world has blinded the minds of these unbelievers, lest they see the radiance of the glorious gospel of CHRIST, who is GOD's image.  It is not ourselves we preach, but CHRIST JESUS, as LORD;  and, for JESUS' sake, we are your servants.  GOD, who said, Let the light shine out of darkness, has also made the light shine in our hearts, to radiate, and to make known the glory of GOD, as it shines in the face of CHRIST." - 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 

(It is worthwhile underlining some features of the portrait of an apostle as Paul sketches it:

- We do not lose heart.

- We do not proceed with trickery nor do we falsify GOD's message.

- We are more than your servants.

- We display for everyone to discover in us the glory of GOD that shines in CHRIST's face.

- We carry the death of JESUS so that HIS life may be revealed in us.

- We believe and that is why we speak.)

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On HIS Word, The World Depends

"Extol YAHWEH, our GOD; worship at HIS footstool.  Holy is HE!  And mighty!

Among HIS priests were Moses and Aaron; and Samuel, among those who called on HIS name.  They called to YAHWEH, and HE answered them.

In the pillar of cloud HE spoke to them; and they kept HIS statutes and the decrees HE gave them.

O YAHWEH our GOD, YOU responded to them; YOU were a patient GOD for them; but YOU punished their wrongs.

Extol YAHWEH our GOD; worship at HIS holy mountain.  Holy is YAHWEH our GOD!"

- Psalm 99:5-9

(Our GOD is Almighty, infinitely above our world--but not remote from it.  On HIS word, the world depends.  HIS law is the rule of life.  And the Church is the place of contact between the Holy GOD and people called to be holy.

Holiness does not mean evasion from the world, but commitment to it.  Those who pray this psalm, desire the Name of GOD to be sanctified and the world to be transformed by divine holiness.)

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Salt And Light

"You are the salt of the earth.  But if salt has lost its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It has become useless.  It can only be thrown away and people will trample on it.

You are the light of the world.  A city built on a mountain cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and covers it; instead, it is put on a lamp stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, your light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do, and praise your FATHER in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16 

(JESUS has just designated those who are called to the kingdom.  First of all HE will clarify their mission: to be the light of the world and not merely a light in the world.  This does not mean that all people are to enter the Church, but that the Church has to be salt and light to the world.  Scripture mentions salt as the element that preserves food.  The covenant of salt was the Covenant of GOD with those who were to serve HIM forever [Numbers 18:19].  So the disciples of JESUS are called salt of the earth because through them the world benefits from the lasting Covenant with GOD.  They must continually enkindle in the world the desire and struggle for true justice and perfection, and not allow human societies to become satisfied with mediocrity.

You are the light: JESUS does not mean "You are the best in the world," but "GOD has chosen you to be a minority and through you HE will make HIMSELF known."  You will experience, [both you and the Church] much that you would perhaps prefer to avoid, but which will be for the world, a sign from GOD.

Children of light: Ephesians 5:8; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:4.)

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Fortunate - The Persecuted

"Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you because you are MY followers.  Be glad and joyful, for a great reward is kept for you in GOD.  For that is how this people persecuted the prophets who lived before you." - Matthew 5:11-12 

(Matthew, like Luke, develops this last beatitude, for, no matter wherever we are, we cannot live the Gospel without suffering persecution.)

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"Receive The Holy Spirit! Those Whose Sins You Forgive, They Are Forgiven;..."

"On the evening of that day, the first day after the Sabbath, the doors were locked where the disciples were, because of their fear of the Jews.  But JESUS came, and stood among them, and said to them, 'Peace be with you!'  Then HE showed them HIS hands and HIS side.  The disciples, seeing the LORD, were full of joy.

Again JESUS said to them, 'Peace be with you!  As the FATHER has sent ME, so I send you.'  After saying this, HE breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit!  Those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; those whose sins you retain, they are retained.'" - John 20:19-23 

(Just as in the first creation GOD infused life into Adam, so, too, JESUS' breath communicates life to the new spiritual creation.  CHRIST, who died to take away the sin of the world, now leaves to HIS own the power to forgive.

Thus the hope of the Biblical people has been realized.  GOD led them in such a way that they felt the universal presence of sin, and so they offered animals in the temple uninterruptedly to appease GOD.  That river of blood failed to destroy sin, and the priests themselves offered sacrifices for their own sins before praying to GOD for the others.  Ceremonies and rites had no power to purify the heart or to give the Holy Spirit.

Now, in the person of JESUS risen from the dead, a new world has begun.  Although humanity may continue to sin, already the first of its sons and daughters, the "eldest brother of them all" is sharing fully the holy life of GOD.

Those who strive for the spiritual life, suffer above all from a keen awareness of the universal presence of sin.  They grieve deeply at not yet having attained total liberation from sin.  Hence they recognize the forgiveness of sin as the greatest gift given to the Church.

The capacity to forgive is the only power able to release the great tensions within humankind.  Although it does not easily conquer hearts, it is an invaluable secret and the Church should consider it as its own particular treasure.

One who does not know how to forgive does not know how to love.  On making us aware of sin and purifying us from it, the Church helps us demonstrate a more authentic love for the neighbor.)   

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The Last Of The Witnesses Of CHRIST

"Peter looked back and saw that the disciple JESUS loved was following as well, the one who had reclined close to JESUS at the supper, and had asked HIM, 'LORD who is to betray YOU?'  On seeing HIM, Peter asked JESUS, 'LORD, what about him?'  JESUS answered, 'If I want him to remain until I come, is that any concern of yours?  Follow ME!'

Because of this, the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die.  Yet JESUS did not say to Peter, 'He will not die,' but, 'Suppose I want him to remain until I come back, what concern is that of yours?'

It is this disciple who testifies about the things and has written these things down, and we know that his testimony is true.  But JESUS did many other things; if all were written down, I think the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." - John 21:20-25 

St. John the Evangelist

(The Gospel ends with a prediction of the different fates that will be Peter's and John's.  Peter died a martyr's death in Rome in the year 66 or 67 A.D.; John was still living in the year 90 A.D.  He was the last of the witnesses of CHRIST and many thought he would not die until the LORD would come again: hence, the Gospel insists that JESUS had not made such a promise.)

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"Feed MY Sheep!"

"After they had finished breakfast, JESUS said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love ME more than these do?'  He answered, 'Yes, LORD, you know that I love YOU.'  And JESUS said, 'Feed MY lambs.'

A second time JESUS said to him, 'Simon, son of John, do you love ME?'  And Peter answered, 'Yes, LORD, you know that I love YOU.'  JESUS said to him, 'Look after MY sheep.'  And a third time HE said to him, 'Simon, son of John, do you love ME?'

Peter was saddened because JESUS asked him a third time, 'Do you love ME?' and he said, 'LORD, YOU know everything; YOU know that I love YOU.'

JESUS then said, 'Feed MY sheep!  Truly, I say to you, when you were young, you put on your belt and walked where you liked.  But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will put a belt around you, and lead you where you do not wish to go.'

JESUS said this to make known the kind of death by which Peter was to glorify GOD.  And HE added, 'Follow ME!'" - John 21:15-19 

(The triple questioning of Peter by JESUS may be thought of as the undoing of the triple denial during JESUS' passion.  Peter, too, being the shepherd of the shepherds, is a forgiven sinner.  JESUS entrusts the whole Church to him: the same as in Matthew 16:18.  Do you love ME?  This is the first condition to be fulfilled by a shepherd in the Church.

The dialogue between JESUS and Peter expresses what being a Christian is all about.  JESUS asks us every day if we love HIM in a special and exclusive way: Do you love ME more than these do?  We answer, "Yes," despite our miseries, as Peter did; JESUS then invites us to follow HIM anew, out of love, and to share with HIM the responsibility of caring for the people of GOD.  There is no better way of following JESUS than by giving up our lives for HIS mission.)

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Prayer Of JESUS For The New Holy People

"'I pray not only for these, but also for those who through their word will believe in ME.  May they all be one, as YOU FATHER are in ME and I AM in YOU.  May they be one in US, so that the world may believe that YOU have sent ME.

I have given them the glory YOU have given ME, that they may be one as WE are one: I in them and YOU in ME.  Thus they shall reach perfection in unity; and the world shall know that YOU have sent ME, and that I have loved them, just as YOU loved ME.

FATHER, since YOU have given them to ME, I want them to be with ME where I AM, and see the glory YOU gave ME, for YOU loved ME before the foundation of the world.

Righteous FATHER, the world has not known YOU, but I have known YOU, and these have known that YOU have sent ME.  As I revealed YOUR name to them, so will I continue to reveal it, so that the love with which YOU loved ME may be in them, and I also may be in them.'" - John 17:20-26 

(In our times, we have a better understanding of these past difficulties.  Many Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants are attempting to unite as believers.  At the same time, however, new problems have arisen within each Church.  Today Christians disagree and are split, not only in their political options, but also in their understanding of CHRIST and their views on how HIS message is best delivered in our time.

Ecumenism, that is, efforts to reconcile in truth and bring the Churches together, demands that we overcome the new dissensions that threaten the internal unity of the Church.  All of us must work so that the unity of all Christians may be realized as CHRIST desires, and by the means HE wants.  In any case, nothing can be done without obeying the truth and doing the truth.  In no way can we disregard Peter's charism of unity that is granted to Peter's successors.)  

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'Happiness Lies More In Giving Than In Receiving.'

"Keep watch over yourselves, and over the whole flock the Holy Spirit has placed into your care.  Shepherd the Church of the LORD that HE has won, at the price of HIS own blood.  I know that, after I leave, ruthless wolves will come among you and not spare the flock.  And, from among you, some will arise, corrupting the truth, and inducing the disciples to follow them. 

Be on the watch, therefore, remembering that, for three years, night and day, I did not cease to warn everyone, even with tears.  Now, I commend you to GOD, and to HIS grace-filled word, which is able to make you grow and gain the inheritance that you shall share with all the saints.

I have not looked for anyone's silver, gold or clothing.  You, yourselves, know, that these hands of mine have provided for both my needs and the needs of those who were with me.  In every way, I have shown you that by working hard one must help the weak, remembering the words that the LORD JESUS HIMSELF said, 'Happiness lies more in giving than in receiving.'

After this discourse, Paul knelt down with them and prayed.  Then, they all began to weep and threw their arms around him and kissed him.  They were deeply distressed because he had said that they would never see him again.  And they went with him even to the ship." - Acts 20:28-38 

(We have the warning of divisions and heresies in the Church: the same message will reappear in the Pastoral Letters [2 Timothy 3:1-9].  We are used to seeing Christians divided.  For Paul, it was unthinkable.  When he speaks of "the Churches of CHRIST" [Romans 16:4 and 16; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 11:16], he is only thinking of the local communities who communicate among themselves and all accept without discussion the same faith and tradition of the apostles.  Paul alludes to what awaits him: all that we can do is to follow CHRIST, who has won HIS Church at the price of HIS own blood.  Only in heaven will a leader of the Church find rest and retirement.

Paul takes up the resignation discourse of Samuel [1 Samuel 12:3].  How quickly can a person be self-serving and look after self in any apostolic work.)

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Paul's Farewell To The Ephesian Elders

"From Miletus, Paul sent word to Ephesus, summoning the elders of the Church.  When they came to him, he addressed them, 'You know how I lived among you, from the first day I set foot in the province of Asia; how I served the LORD in humility, through the sorrows and trials that the Jews caused me.  You know, that I never held back from doing anything that could be useful for you; I spoke publicly and in your homes; and I urged Jews, and non-Jews, alike, to turn to GOD and believe in our LORD JESUS.

But now, I am going to Jerusalem, chained by the Spirit, without knowing what will happen to me there.  Yet, in every city, the Holy Spirit warns me, that imprisonment and troubles await me.  Indeed, I put no value on my life; if only I can finish my race;  and complete the service to which I have been assigned by the LORD JESUS, to announce the good news of GOD's grace.

I now feel sure, that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom of GOD, will ever see me again.  Therefore, I declare to you, this day, that my conscience is clear with regard to all of you.  For I have spared no effort in fully declaring to you GOD's will.'" - Acts 20:17-27 

(Paul returns to Palestine.  He had a presentiment or he knew by a revelation of the Holy Spirit that another phase of his life was about to begin: the years of prison and trials.  So he wished to say goodbye to all the leaders of the Church in the Roman province of Asia.  He did not know all of them well, since the evangelization of this province had been the work of his team of assistants [20:4].  These leaders are called elders and inspectors [or "episcopes," from which we have bishops].  

Paul gives his own example and develops the obligations of "pastors" in the Church.  He then invites them not to enclose themselves in the role of president or administrator of the community: they must prepare it for difficult times.  Let them compare themselves with Paul and ponder on the sacrifices that the apostolic task demands of him.  It is good for them to rely on another--an apostle of course--when they are confronted with difficulties?)

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You Will Have Trouble In The World; But, Courage! I Have Overcome The World

"The disciples said to HIM, 'Now YOU are speaking plainly and not in veiled language!  Now we see that YOU know all things, even before we question YOU.  Because of this we believe that YOU came from GOD.'

JESUS answered them, 'You say that you believe?  The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave ME alone.  Yet I AM not alone, for the FATHER is with ME.

I have told you all this, so that in ME you may have peace.  You will have trouble in the world; but, courage!  I have overcome the world.'" - John 16:29-33 

(The naïve response of the apostles in this text underlines by contrast what JESUS expressed in verse 25.  JESUS did not mean that HE would return in visible form to teach, not in parables, but more clearly; JESUS referred rather to the spiritual knowledge of HIMSELF and HIS words that the disciples were to receive from the Spirit.)

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Repentance And Forgiveness

"'So, it was written: the Messiah had to suffer, and on the third day rise from the dead.  Then repentance and forgiveness in HIS name would be proclaimed to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  And you are witnesses of these things.  And that is why I will send you what MY FATHER promised.  So, remain in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.'

JESUS led them almost as far as Bethany; then HE lifted up HIS hands and blessed them.  And as HE blessed them, HE withdrew, and was taken to heaven.  They worshiped HIM, and then returned to Jerusalem full of joy; and they were continually in the temple, praising GOD." - Luke 24:46-53 

(Repentance and forgiveness.  Christian conversion is not passing from one party to another, from one religious' group to another: it is a recasting of the person.  Persons are part of a society, a world, a history.  Therefore, the preaching to the nations means also the education of the nations and even international society.  This is something that takes longer than ten or a hundred years.

You are witnesses of these things.  JESUS calls HIS apostles to be the official witnesses of HIS Gospel and those who judge authentic faith.

Remain in the city.  The apostles are not able to begin immediately missionary work.  They will first dedicate themselves to strengthening fellowship and the fervor of the community of the disciples, as they wait for the time chosen by the FATHER to give them the power coming from above.

I will send you what MY FATHER promised.  JESUS could not affirm HIS divine authority and the unity of the three divine persons more powerfully.

HE withdrew: this was the last of JESUS' appearances to the group of disciples.

And so, concludes Luke's first book.  His second book, The Acts of the Apostles, follows the Gospels and it begins exactly where this gospel ends.)    

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Whatever You Ask The FATHER In MY Name, HE Will Give You

"When that day comes you will not ask ME anything.  Truly, I say to you, whatever you ask the FATHER in MY name, HE will give you.  So far, you have not asked for anything in MY name; ask, and receive, that your joy may be full.

I have taught you all these things in veiled language, but the time is coming when I shall no longer speak in veiled language, but will speak to you plainly about the FATHER. 

When that day comes, you will ask in MY name; and it will not be necessary for ME to ask the FATHER for you, for the FATHER HIMSELF loves you, because you have loved ME, and you believed that I came from the FATHER.  As I came from the FATHER, and have come into the world, so I AM leaving the world, and going to the FATHER." - John 16:23-28 

(I will speak to you plainly... The naïve response of the apostles in verse 29 underlines by contrast what JESUS expressed in verse 25.  JESUS did not mean that HE would return in visible form to teach, not in parables, but more clearly; JESUS referred rather to the spiritual knowledge of HIMSELF and HIS words that the disciples were to receive from the Spirit.

You will ask in MY name.  Through a spiritual knowledge of JESUS, the believers will know what they should ask of HIM and HE will give it to them.  In the same manner, they will know the things that GOD does not want to give, and because of that they will neither desire nor ask for them.)

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