The Parable Of The Weeds

"JESUS told the people another parable, 'The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a man, who sowed good seed in his field.  While everyone was asleep, his enemy came, and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.

When the plants sprouted and produced grain, the weeds also appeared.  Then, the servants of the owner came, and said to him, 'Sir, was it not good seed that you sowed in your field?  Where did the weeds come from?'

He answered them, 'This is the work of an enemy.'  They asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?'  He told them, 'No, when you pull up the weeds, you might uproot the wheat with them.  Let them grow together, until harvest; and, at harvest time, I will say to the workers: Pull up the weeds first, tie them in bundles and burn them; then gather the wheat into my barn.'" - Matthew 13:24-30 

(With the parable of the weeds, JESUS answers those who are scandalized at seeing evil everywhere.  Good and bad will be mixed till the end of the world.  Good and evil will always be found together in persons and institutions.

GOD respects people.  HE knows that temptation is often stronger than their good intentions and they need time to find and to choose steadily what is good.

GOD is patient.  The reconciliation of so many contradictory groups, forces and cultural currents active in the world will be attained only at the end of time.  In the meantime we are not to label any of them as "the" good ones and "the" bad ones.) 

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GOD-Love Is The Source Of Love And Faith

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

Those who do not love have not known GOD, for GOD is love.

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

This is love: not that we loved GOD, but that, HE first loved us and sent HIS Son, as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Dear friends, if such has been the love of GOD, we, too, must love one another.

No one has ever seen GOD, but if we love one another, GOD lives in us, and HIS love comes to its perfection in us.

How may we know that we live in GOD and HE in us?  Because GOD has given us HIS Spirit.

We ourselves have seen, and declare, that the FATHER sent HIS Son to save the world.  Those who confess that JESUS is the Son of GOD, GOD remains in them, and they in GOD .

We have known the love of GOD and have believed in it.  GOD is love.  The one who lives in love, lives in GOD, and GOD in him." - 1 John 4:7-16 

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

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

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

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

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

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Baptized And Risen

"In CHRIST JESUS, you were given a circumcision, but not by human hands, which removed completely from you the carnal body: I refer to baptism.  On receiving it, you were buried with CHRIST; and you also rose with HIM, for having believed in the power of GOD, who raised HIM from the dead.

You were dead.  You were in sin and uncircumcised at the same time.  But GOD gave you life with CHRIST.  HE forgave all our sins.  HE cancelled the record of our debts, those regulations which accused us.  HE did away with all that, and nailed it to the cross.  Victorious through the cross, HE stripped the rulers and authorities of their power, humbled them before the eyes of the whole world, and dragged them behind HIM, as prisoners." - Colossians 2:11-15 

(Paul has just said that a Christian has wisdom and is on a way of knowledge.  He now reminds us that our entry into the Church has been much more than an exterior rite.  Through baptism, we have become part of this renewal of the world brought about by the death and resurrection of JESUS.

Paul had been circumcised, and knew from experience that it did not save him.  We can be fairly sure baptism did not also miraculously free him of his aggressiveness and weaknesses, but he began to live his human existence differently.  He had been liberated, among other things, of what weighed heavily on him: religion with all its commandments.  Religion for him was not, as it is for some who like principles, a defensive shield as necessary as a policeman: religion was for him a reminder of a debt toward GOD, something that made love and real trust impossible.  JESUS in dying had nailed to the cross all kinds of fears of GOD; at the same time HE did away with all the moral principles and pressures ["powers and authorities"] that smother our free response to GOD.

In some countries, many people are baptized but baptism scarcely changes their life and generally speaking they do not belong to communities seeking to renew their faith.  It is not enough for us to admit that we are poor Christians, that we have not really buried the sinner within us.  Our resurrection depends, first of all on faith in GOD who resurrected JESUS, who has pardoned us, and prepared everything so that we may live our life.) 

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Here Is The Blood Of The Covenant...

"Moses came and told the people all the words of YAHWEH and all HIS laws.  The people replied with one voice: 'Everything that YAHWEH has said, we shall do.'

Moses wrote down all the words of YAHWEH, then rose early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve raised stones for the twelve tribes of Israel.

He then sent young men from among the sons of Israel to offer burnt offerings and sacrifice bullocks as peace offerings to YAHWEH.

And Moses took half the blood and put it in basins; and with the other half of the blood he sprinkled the altar.

He then took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people.  They said, 'All that YAHWEH said we shall do and obey.'

Moses then took the blood and sprinkled it on the people saying, 'Here is the blood of the Covenant that YAHWEH has made with you in accordance with all these words.'" - Exodus 24:3-8 

The Last Supper

(The most important events of the Scriptures are at times the most briefly related.  At the foot of Mount Sinai the Covenant which would govern the life of Israel was signed.

Two scenes depict the celebration of the Covenant.  First, Moses and the elders of Israel witness the Glory of YAHWEH over Mount Sinai.  Later, upon Moses' return, the people seal the Covenant by means of a solemn sacrifice.

 Here is the blood of the Covenant...  According to the custom of the time, both parties to the contract were sprinkled with the blood of the victims.  Since the altar represented YAHWEH, it received this sprinkled blood on HIS behalf.  These details should be remembered when we read what JESUS declares at the Last Supper, "This is the blood of the Covenant which will be shed for the multitude" [Mark 14:24].)

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Their Bodies Were Buried In Peace But Their Memory Lives Through Generations

"Let us now glorify illustrious men, the ancestors of our people.

The LORD gave them great glory according to his own greatness from the beginning.

Some ruled kingdoms and were renowned for their achievements, others were wise and able to counsel, or spoke as prophets.

They led the people with their warnings or with their knowledge of the popular writings.

Some cultivated music and poetry, others were rich and powerful men living peacefully in their homes.

All were highly respected in their days and honored by the people they lived with.

The names of some lived on and people still praise them today; others are not remembered and have disappeared as if they never existed.  It is the same for their children.

But now consider the godly men whose good deeds have not been forgotten.  Those who came after them benefited from the rich legacy they left; their race remained faithful to the Covenant, their children followed their example.  Their family will endure forever and never will its glory be tarnished.  Their bodies were buried in peace but their memory lives through generations.  People will speak of their wisdom and the assembly will celebrate their praise." - Sirach 44:1-15 

Moses

(After the hymn to GOD whose glory is revealed through HIS creation, the author will present to us GOD's work in HIS chosen people, Israel.

In his poem of praise of the ancestors, we have a glimpse of all the famous people of Israel: kings, liberators, prophets, sages, poets.  The author notes that there are many courageous and just people who died and whose deeds and virtues will not be recorded after them.  He knows that even if all the descendants of a famous man disappear, as in the case of Moses, the people of Israel hold on to the promises of eternity.  In this book there is still no sign of faith in a resurrection of persons [except possibly in 48:11 and all hope is fixed on the future of the chosen people].)

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Leaders--To Serve

"Then the mother of James and John came to JESUS with her sons, and she knelt down, to ask a favor.  JESUS said to her, 'What do you want?'  And she answered, 'Here, YOU have my two sons.  Grant, that they may sit, one at YOUR right hand and one at YOUR left, in YOUR kingdom.'

JESUS said to the brothers, 'You do not know what you are asking.  Can you drink the cup that I AM about to drink?'  They answered, 'We can.'  JESUS replied, 'You will indeed drink MY cup; but to sit at MY right or at MY left is not for ME to grant.  That will be for those, for whom MY FATHER has prepared it.'

The other ten heard all this, and were angry with the two brothers.  Then JESUS called them to HIM and said, 'You know, that the rulers of nations behave like tyrants, and the powerful oppress them.  It shall not be so among you: whoever wants to be great in your community, let him minister to the community.  And if you want to be the first of all, make yourself the servant of all.  Be like the Son of Man, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give HIS life to redeem many.'" - Matthew 20:20-28 

(JESUS feels full of courage and confidence, as HE HIMSELF walks ahead of them to Jerusalem, where HIS punishment awaits HIM.  Prompted by James' and John's request, HE tries to convince HIS followers that success in his kingdom does not consist in prestige and power, but in following the way of JESUS, their leader.

What makes a leader?  How should a leader be?  How do leaders act, the head of a team, of a family?  The heads of state smile at crowds and embrace a child who renders them homage, but who serves and who is to be served?  JESUS has come to serve and HIS service to humanity will be HIS voluntary death: "HE made HIMSELF obedient, took the condition of a slave and died on the cross" [Philippians 2:8].)

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"Why Do YOU Speak To Them In Parables?"

"Then HIS disciples came to HIM and said, 'Why do YOU speak to them in parables?'

JESUS answered, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but not to these people.  For the one who has will be given more; and he will have in abundance.  But the one who does not have will be deprived of even what he has.  That is why I speak to them in parables; because they look and do not see; they hear; but they do not listen or understand,

In them, the words of the prophet Isaiah are fulfilled: However much you hear, you do not understand; however much you see, you do not perceive.

For the heart of this people has grown dull.  Their ears hardly hear and their eyes dare not see.  If they were to see with their eyes, hear with their ears and understand with their heart, they would turn back and I would heal them.

But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.

For I tell you, many prophets and righteous people have longed to see the things you see, but they did not see them; and to hear the things you hear, but they did not hear them....'" - Matthew 13:10-17 

(To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom.  To you who took CHRIST's call seriously and decided to follow HIM.  Because you came to be the co-workers of CHRIST, the FATHER will reveal to you HIS secrets.

The quotation from Isaiah that follows may shock us due to the fact of our not fully understanding Hebrew expressions.  Does JESUS speak in parables because the audience does not want to understand, or so that they will not understand?  It could be both at the same time.

For the one who has will be given more.  Here has means produce, bear as does the tree that "has" fruit.  It will be given to those who are fruitful.)

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The Family Of JESUS

"While JESUS was talking to the people, HIS mother and HIS brothers wanted to speak to HIM, and they waited outside.  So someone said to HIM, 'YOUR mother and YOUR brothers are standing outside; they want to speak with YOU.'

JESUS answered, 'Who is MY mother?  Who are MY brothers?'  Then HE pointed to HIS disciples and said, 'Look!  Here are MY mother and MY brothers.  Whoever does the will of MY FATHER in heaven is MY brother and sister and mother.'" - Matthew 12:46-50 

(If they were true brothers of JESUS, sons of Mary, the Gospel would say: "HIS mother and the sons of HIS mother," for this was the Jewish manner of speaking.)

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On My Bed At Night I Looked For The One I Love

"On my  bed at night

I looked for the one I love,

I sought HIM without finding HIM;

I called HIM and HE did not answer.

I will rise and go about the city,

through the streets and the squares;

I will seek the love of my heart...

I sought HIM without finding HIM;

the watchmen came upon me,

those who patrol the city.

'Have you seen the love of my heart?'

As soon as I left them,

I found the love of my heart.

I held HIM and would not let HIM go

till I had brought HIM to my mother's house

to the room of her who conceived me."

- Song of Songs 3:1-4

(On my bed at night I looked for the one I love.  Love keeps us awake.  Mary Magdalene goes through the entire city looking for JESUS and, for the first time, passersby laugh at her.  She comes into the house without seeing the porter and he does not dare stop her; she knew that she would reach JESUS.  I held HIM and would not let HIM go, but one day JESUS will say to her: "Do not hold on to ME" [John 20:17].)

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I Complete In My Own Flesh What Is Lacking In The Sufferings Of CHRIST

"At present, I rejoice when I suffer for you; I complete, in my own flesh, what is lacking in the sufferings of CHRIST, for the sake of HIS body, which is the church.  For I am serving the church since GOD entrusted to me the ministry to make the word of GOD fully known.  I mean that mysterious plan that, for centuries and generations, remained secret, and which GOD has now revealed to HIS holy ones.

GOD willed to make known to them the riches, and even the glory, that HIS mysterious plan reserved for the pagan nations: CHRIST is in you, the hope for glory.

This CHRIST, we preach.  We warn, and teach everyone true wisdom, aiming to make everyone perfect, in CHRIST." - Colossians 1:24-28 

(After CHRIST's death something would be lacking in the salvation of the world, if JESUS' followers and apostles did not, in their turn, meet with trials and sufferings.  Working for the Church means suffering for the Church; to work for the rule of justice is to suffer for the sake of justice.

HIS mysterious plan: see Ephesians 3.5.  We must not forget that in those days, no one even thought of the common destiny of humanity: they did not even speak of humanity.  Moreover, neither the Greeks nor the Romans looked beyond their actual existence.  Paul is amazed by the generosity of GOD whose promises are for all people, without distinction.  We, too, are offered nothing less than a share in the glory of GOD, that is to say, all the riches found in HIM.)

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Moses' Departure Was The Beginning Of A Great Venture

"The Israelites left Rameses for Succoth, about six hundred thousand of them on the march, counting the men only, and not the children.

A great number of other people of all descriptions went with them, as well as sheep and cattle in droves.

With the dough they had brought with them from Egypt, they made cakes of unleavened bread.  It had not risen, for when they were driven from Egypt they could not delay and had not even provided themselves with food.

The Israelites had been in Egypt for four hundred and thirty years.  It was at the end of these four hundred and thirty years to the very day that the armies of YAHWEH left Egypt.

This is the watch for YAHWEH who brought Israel out of Egypt.  This night is for YAHWEH, and all the Israelites are also to keep vigil on this night, year after year, for all time. - Exodus 12:37-42 

(In reality, those who left with Moses could not have been more than some two hundred persons, including wives and children.  Let us not forget that these were shepherds who could not survive with less than ten animals per person.  A group of two hundred persons required some two thousand sheep and donkeys.  The wells of Sinai and their oases did not permit the transit of more numerous flocks.  Maybe these exaggerations originated from a popular version of the events, but otherwise they were intentional.  The priests who wrote that paragraph were conscious that the people of Moses initiated the long march of GOD's people all along the history, and this is the message they wanted to transmit to us: Moses' departure was the beginning of a great venture.)

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JESUS, LORD Of The Sabbath

"It happened that JESUS was walking through the wheat fields on a Sabbath.  HIS disciples were hungry; and they began to pick some heads of wheat, to crush and to eat the grain.  When the Pharisees noticed this, they said to JESUS, 'Look at YOUR disciples!  They are doing what is prohibited on the Sabbath!'

JESUS answered, 'Have you not read what David did, when he and his men were hungry?  He went into the House of GOD, and they ate the bread offered to GOD, though neither he nor his men had the right to eat it, but only the priests.  And have you not read in the law, how, on the Sabbath, the priests in the temple desecrate the Sabbath, yet they are not guilty?

I tell you, there is greater than the temple here.  If you really knew the meaning of the words: It is mercy I want, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent.

Besides, the Son of Man is LORD of the Sabbath.'" - Matthew 12:1-8 

(This chapter records the conflicts of JESUS with the Pharisees regarding the Sabbath.  Why does the Gospel make so much of these conflicts?  Perhaps because at the time of JESUS the heavy load of religious obligations was a formidable obstacle for those searching for GOD.  It may have been also because the Christians lost no time making new laws to which they gave an exaggerated importance.  If JESUS deliberately violated the most sacred of the laws given by GOD to Moses, what about our ecclesiastical laws not guaranteed by the word of GOD?  In the name of man-made laws, adapted to a context that is not ours, Christian communities have at times been paralyzed and we let millions of people look for churches where they have the communities and pastors they have been deprived of.)

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Take MY Yoke Upon You And Learn From ME

"Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I AM gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest.  For MY yoke is easy; and MY burden is light." - Matthew 11:29-30 

(Must we translate "learn from ME for I AM..." or "learn from ME that I AM..."?  The humility of JESUS reveals to us the humility of GOD who never seeks to put us down or intimidate us, but instead always wants to raise us to HIM.  Such humility does not prevent HIM from being GOD, and HE may exact everything from us because HE does not use external force: HIS influence reaches to the depths of our heart.  See Luke 10:21.)

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Everything Has Been Entrusted To ME By MY FATHER

"Everything has been entrusted to ME by MY FATHER.  No one knows the Son except the FATHER; and no one knows the FATHER except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal HIM." - Matthew 11:27 

(GOD does what is needed for people to have always and in all places thousands of ways of knowing HIM.  In this life it is only through JESUS that we have the revelation of the FATHER.)

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JESUS Began To Denounce The Cities In Which HE Had Performed Most Of HIS Miracles

"Then JESUS began to denounce the cities in which HE had performed most of HIS miracles, because the people there did not change their ways.  'Alas for you Chorazin and Bethsaida!  If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, the people there would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.  But I assure you, for Tyre and Sidon; it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.  And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven?  You will be thrown down to the place of the dead!  For if the miracles which were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would still be there today!  But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.'" - Matthew 11:20-24 

(Chorazin and Bethsaida: these two cities were the seats of higher schools of religion but had not received the Gospel.  Tyre and Sidon: two pagan cities, cursed by the prophets.)

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Whoever Loses His Life, For MY Sake, Will Find It

"Whoever loves father or mother more than ME, is not worthy of ME.  And whoever loves son or daughter more than ME, is not worthy of ME.  And whoever does not take up his cross and follow ME, is not worthy of ME.  Whoever finds his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life, for MY sake, will find it." - Matthew 10:37-39 

(JESUS addresses this to others besides missionaries or persons with an exceptional mission.  Each one must break away from forms of dependency within the family, which do not nurture the human and spiritual growth of the members.  One who loves CHRIST finds a thousand and one opportunities to free himself from activities, entertainments and worries about his own family, which keep both him and the family at a mediocre level.)

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MY Commands Are Not Beyond Your Reach

"For you shall turn to YAHWEH, your GOD, with all your heart and with all your soul, and observe HIS commandments and norms, in a word, everything written in this book of the law.

These commandments that I give you today are neither too high nor too remote for you.  They are not in heaven that you should say: 'Who will go up to heaven to get these commandments that we may hear them and put them into practice.'  Neither are they at the other side of the sea for you to say: 'Who will cross to the other side and bring them to us, that we may hear them and put them into practice.'

On the contrary, MY word is very near you; it is already in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can put it into practice." - Deuteronomy 30:10-14 

The Good Samaritan

(These commandments are neither too high nor too remote for you: obedience to the will of GOD is the most natural way for those who are sincere.  MY word is very near you so that you can put it into practice; yet, no one will do so until he has received the "circumcision of the heart," i.e., YAHWEH will make you pure and holy.  See Ezekiel 36:26-27.

Few pages in the Scriptures emphasize so much and in such a persuasive way, the love of the LORD, a jealous love coming from HIS desire to make us happy: YAHWEH your GOD will circumcise your heart so that you may love HIM and live happily.  YAHWEH will again be pleased to treat you well.

It is already in your mouth.  This means: You know it by heart.)

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"Consider Where The Greater Threat Comes From, From GOD Or People?"

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but have no power to kill the soul.  Rather, be afraid of HIM who can destroy both body and soul in hell.  For a few cents you can buy two sparrows.  Yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your FATHER knowing.  As for you, every hair of your head has been counted.  Do not be afraid: you are worth more than many sparrows!" - Matthew 10:28-31 

(We are cowards and JESUS is aware of this.  HE has already said, 'Do not fear," when HE invited us not to look for security in money.  Now, dealing with the fear of repression, HE adds, "If you cannot free yourselves from cowardice, consider where the greater threat comes from, from GOD or people?'

This is the only time JESUS refers to "fear of GOD."  When the Old Testament mentioned fear of GOD, it generally meant giving due respect to GOD.  Respect is far from fear.  Respect is an attitude proper to a free person.  GOD does not threaten to throw us into hell; rather HE reminds us that to lose HIM is to lose ourselves also, and this is hell.)

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I Send You Out Like Sheep Among Wolves

"Look, I send you out like sheep among wolves.  You must be as clever as snakes and as innocent as doves.  Be on your guard with people, for they will hand you over to their courts, and they will flog you in their synagogues.  You will be brought to trial before rulers and kings because of ME, so that you may witness to them and the pagans.

But when you are arrested, do not worry about what you are to say, or how you are to say it; when the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say.  For it will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your FATHER, speaking through you." - Matthew 10:16-20 

(Matthew here puts advice that JESUS gave to HIS witnesses on how to confront persecution.  JESUS HIMSELF spent long weeks hidden away and HIS first missionaries probably had to take similar precautions.  In relating these instructions Matthew has perhaps adapted them a little to the situation of Christians of his time; he has not invented them.)

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Freely Have You Received, Freely Give

"Go, and proclaim this message:  The kingdom of heaven is near.  Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons.  Freely have you received, freely give.  Do not carry any gold or silver or money in your purses.  Do not take a traveling bag, or an extra shirt, or sandals, or a walking stick: workers deserve to be compensated.

When you come to a town or a village, look for a worthy person, and stay there until you leave.

When you enter the house, wish it peace.  If the people are worthy people, your peace will rest on them; if they are not worthy people, your blessing will come back to you.

And if you are not welcomed, and your words are not listened to, leave that house or that town, and shake the dust off your feet.  I assure you, it will go easier for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than it will for the people of that town." - Matthew 10:7-15 

(To reject the messengers is to ignore the call of the FATHER and to lose the greatest opportunity of one's life.)

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JESUS Sends Out The First Missionaries

"JESUS called HIS Twelve disciples to HIM, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out, and to heal every disease and sickness.

These are the names of the Twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon, the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, the man who would betray HIM.

JESUS sent these Twelve on mission, with the instructions: 'Do not visit pagan territory and do not enter a Samaritan town.  Go, instead, to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.

Go, and proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven is near...'" - Matthew 10:1-7 

(Till then, JESUS had spoken only in synagogues around Capernaum.  Now HE attracts fame and followers and begins to draw multitudes.  In that moment HE establishes the group of the Twelve.  HE needs them to prepare meetings, to spread HIS doctrine, to multiply the miraculous signs effected among the sick.

At the same time, JESUS is planning HIS Church and wants to give it a head: this will be the group of the apostles.  They will be the witnesses of JESUS among people, so HE teaches them a way of living a common life that will serve as a pattern for the Church.

Apostles mean "sent" and "mission" also means "being sent."  The FATHER has sent HIS Son to earth, and the Son, in turn, sends HIS apostles.  The FATHER sends messengers of HIS word, but HE also sends HIS Spirit to touch the hearts and minds of those who listen.  Through the Spirit they recognize the word of GOD in the poor preaching of these messengers who have received no great instruction.  The Spirit will give signs: healings and astounding graces supporting the witness of the missionaries.)

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"The Harvest Is Abundant, But The Workers Are Only Few."

"As they were going away, some people brought to JESUS a man who was dumb, because he was possessed by a demon.  When the demon was driven out, the dumb man began to speak.  The crowds were astonished and said, 'Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.'  But the Pharisees said, 'HE drives away demons with the help of the prince of demons.'

JESUS went around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom; and HE cured every sickness and disease.  When HE saw the crowds, HE was moved with pity; for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Then HE said to HIS disciples, 'The harvest is abundant, but the workers are only few.  Ask the master of the harvest to send workers to gather his harvest.'" - Matthew 9:32-38 

(With this paragraph that briefly summarizes the ministry of JESUS in Galilee, Matthew intends to show that indeed the kingdom of GOD is there: evil has been given a fatal blow.

HE was moved with pity, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.  See Numbers 27:17; Ezekiel 34:5; Zechariah 10:3; John 4:35; Mark 6:34; and Luke 10:2.

JESUS asks each of us to serve humankind with our own talents.  HE needs also workers for the harvest of the kingdom, that is, to gather into the Church those who receive a call from GOD.  "Pray," says JESUS, "and you will perhaps hear GOD's call."

Of course, each Christian community prays to GOD and the Spirit brings forth the charisms and ministers and pastors that are needed.  Here JESUS asks us to pray for workers in the mission field: they are and always will be too few, especially those who evangelize and build the Church among the poor.)

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She Touched The Edge Of HIS Cloak

"While JESUS was speaking to them, an official of the synagogue came up to HIM, bowed before HIM and said, 'My daughter has just died, but come and place YOUR hands on her, and she will live.'  JESUS stood up and followed him with HIS disciples.

Then a woman, who had suffered from a severe bleeding for twelve years, came up from behind and touched the edge of HIS cloak; for she thought, 'If I only touch HIS cloak, I will be healed.'  JESUS turned, saw her and said, 'Courage, MY daughter, your faith has saved you.'  And from that moment, the woman was cured.

When JESUS arrived at the official's house and saw the flute players and the excited crowd, HE said, 'Get out of here!  The girl is not dead.  She is only sleeping!'  And they laughed at HIM.  But once the crowd had been turned out, JESUS went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up.  The news of this spread through the whole area." - Matthew 9:18-26 

(This woman was considered by the Jews as unclean because of her illness [Leviticus 15:19].  She would also make "unclean" anyone who touched her.  Because of this, she was prohibited by the law mingling with others but dared enter into the crowd, and touch JESUS' cloak.

Faith drove her to break the law of  "purification" and to risk scandal.  The woman did not know who JESUS was, but had faith that GOD would cure her through HIM.

The religiosity of this woman is akin to what we call today "popular Catholicism."  As seen in this woman, popular Catholicism is ill-instructed, yet shows a strong religious sense and trust in GOD.  It is superficial and naïve, expecting great results from touching images and religious things--CHRIST's garment in this case.  Like JESUS, we should respect the religious expressions of popular Catholicism while at the same time trying, like HIM, to help people discover deeper dimensions of their faith.)

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The World Has Been Crucified To Me

"For me, I do not wish to take pride in anything, except in the cross of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD.  Through HIM, the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Let us no longer speak of the circumcised and of non-Jews, but of a new creation.  Let those who live according to this rule receive peace and mercy: they are the Israel of GOD!  Let no one trouble me any longer: for my part, I bear in my body the marks of JESUS.

May the grace of CHRIST JESUS our LORD be with your spirit, brothers and sisters.  Amen.  - Galatians 6:14-18 

(The world has been crucified to me.  Paul has chosen a different way.  He goes on his way, without a home, persecuted by some, despised by others, feared by those who cannot stand his example of complete abnegation, nor his mingling with so many people whom they consider inferior.  This is to follow CHRIST to the cross.)

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Anthology Of Praise

"Alleluia!

Praise the name of YAHWEH.  O servants of YAHWEH, praise HIM, you, who serve in the house of YAHWEH, in the courts of the house of our GOD.

Praise YAHWEH, for HE is good; praise HIS name, for it is beautiful;

for YAHWEH has chosen Jacob as HIS own, Israel as HIS possession.

I know that YAHWEH is great, that our YAHWEH is above all gods.

Whatever YAHWEH pleases, HE does--in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in their depths.

- Psalm 135:1-6

(GOD, the living GOD, has cast out the prince of this world, has broken the power of the kingdom of evil, and formed for HIMSELF a holy nation, a kingdom of priests.

GOD shows HIS mercy each day, lets us know HIS Name.  That is why we can continue the blessing initiated in the Temple of Jerusalem, praying with this psalm.

The psalmist is all praise for GOD, and encourages us to do likewise.  JESUS in John 4:23 tells us to worship in spirit and truth for that is the kind of worship GOD wants.  St. Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, 'You must discern the will of GOD, what is good, what pleases, what is perfect.'  If we are true disciples of CHRIST, we will know the truth and the truth will set us free [John 8:32].)

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"Why Is It That Your Master Eats With Sinners And Tax Collectors?"

"As JESUS moved on from there, HE saw a man named Matthew, at his seat in the custom-house; and HE said to him, 'Follow ME!'  And Matthew got up and followed HIM.  Now it happened, while JESUS was at table in Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners joined JESUS and HIS disciples.  When the Pharisees saw this, they said to HIS disciples, 'Why is it, that your master eats with sinners and tax collectors?'

When JESUS heard this, HE said, 'Healthy people do not need a doctor, but sick people do.  Go, and find out what this means: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice.  I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" - Matthew 9:9-13 

(To enter the family of GOD, we must change some of our values.  This conversion is not as conspicuous as participation in devotional practices but is much more valuable.  First, we must liberate ourselves from prejudices by which we classify people.  Let us stop dividing people into good or bad; those we can greet and those we cannot.  Let us learn that GOD does not hate the rich or the uneducated, those on the left or those on the right, for GOD's  merciful plan sees to the salvation of all.)

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"I Believe In GOD, Though I Do Not See HIM."

"Not to us, O YAHWEH, not to us,

but to YOUR name be the glory;

for the sake of your love and faithfulness.

Why should the pagans say,

'Where is your GOD?'

There, in heaven, is our GOD;

whatever HE wishes, HE does.

Not so, the hand-made idols,

crafted in silver in gold.

They have mouths that cannot speak,

eyes that cannot see,

ears that cannot hear,

noses that cannot smell.

They have hands but cannot feel,

feet, but cannot walk;

neither can they make a sound in their throat.

Their makers will be like them;

so will all who trust in them.

O Israel, trust in YAHWEH;

HE is your help and your shield!"

-Psalm 115:1-9

(This is a psalm of trust.  We must constantly denounce the idols of ordinary people, as well as the idols of those who pretend to be free of every prejudice.

"I believe in GOD, though I do not see HIM," a Jewish man wrote in the ghetto of Warsaw.  In times that are hostile to faith, it is good for us to pray with this psalm.)

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The True Temple Of GOD

"Now, you are no longer strangers or guests, but fellow citizens of the holy people: you are of the household of GOD.  You are the house, whose foundations are the apostles and prophets, and whose cornerstone is CHRIST JESUS.  In HIM, the whole structure is joined together, and rises, to be a holy temple, in the LORD.  In HIM, you, too, are being built, to become the spiritual Sanctuary of GOD." - Ephesians 2:19-22 

(You are of the household of GOD.  In biblical language this means: to belong to GOD's family.  From there, Paul moves on to another image: you are the household, namely, the true Temple of GOD.  The community of believers form the Temple, or better, is being transformed into the Temple of GOD.

This imposing vision of the Church and our unity in the Church will perhaps astonish many Christians of today who are usually more aware of their responsibilities towards the world than towards our antiquated Church.  Yet, of what Spirit shall we be bearers, and shall we do this work if we are not supported by a community?  Solidarity with those who share our options and our culture cannot replace the participation in the Christian community.  There are probably many things in the Christian community we are not happy with.  However, it would be a bad sign if we were unable to recognize in it the truth that is missing in our non-Christian friends, and without which we would lose our reason for living.)

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Prayer Of A Person Of Integrity

"Prove me, O YAHWEH, put me to the test; examine my soul and my heart.

For YOUR love is ever before my eyes, and I live in truth and faithfulness.

I do not associate with the deceitful nor do I go with hypocrites;

I hate the party of the corrupt and avoid the company of the wicked.

I wash my hands free of guilt and walk in procession round YOUR altar,

singing hymns of praise and thanksgiving and proclaiming YOUR wondrous deeds.

O YAHWEH, I love the house where YOU dwell, the place of YOUR glory.

Let me not share the fate of sinners, nor lose my life with the violent; their hands are guilty of crimes, their hands are weighed down with bribes.

But I will walk in integrity, redeem me, O GOD , be gracious to me.

My foot stands firm in the straight path, I will praise YOU, O YAHWEH, in YOUR assemblies."

- Psalm 26:2-12

(How can I sing this psalm?  Do I really walk 'along the straight path?'  Surely the psalmist is exaggerating.  Dare he challenge GOD's scrutiny?  After all, the psalmist himself asks for mercy: he feels he needs it.  We certainly do.

Paul has an experience, similar to the ones described in the psalm: even if you have a good conscience, that is not enough to justify you [1 Corinthians 4:4].  This psalm is not for one who glories in his own works, but for those who subject themselves to the scrutinizing and purifying regard of GOD, for those who trust GOD.

Let us make our own the prayer of the just that reaffirms his fidelity.  Let us not count on our own merits, like the Pharisee.  Let us rather give thanks for this new person that we have become through baptism: CHRIST has purified and has enriched us.)

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GOD Is A FATHER Full Of Mercy

"Praise YAHWEH, my soul; all my being, praise HIS holy name!

Praise YAHWEH, my soul, and do not forget all HIS kindness; HE forgives all your sins and heals all your sickness; HE redeems your life from destruction and crowns you with love and compassion; HE give fulfillment to your years, and renews your youth like the eagle's.

YAHWEH restores justice and secures the rights of the oppressed.

HE has made known HIS ways to Moses; and HIS deeds, to the people of Israel.

YAHWEH is gracious and merciful, abounding in love and slow to anger; HE will not always scold nor will HE be angry forever.  HE does not treat us according to our sins, nor does HE punish us as we deserve.

As the heavens are high above the earth, so great is HIS love for those fearing HIM;..."

- Psalm 103:1-11

(The Christian lives joyfully in the paradox that our GOD is higher than the heavens, and yet, is close to us in love and mercy.  Our gratitude for HIS mercy merges naturally into a hymn of praise, for HIS greatness.  When we think how great HE is, it is not to think how far away HE is, but how much HE loves us to come down to us.

Let us praise the LORD, together with everything created: in moments of joy, as well as in hours of sadness, both when we have strength or when we live in fragility.)  

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