All Should Work And Avoid Being Idle

"Regarding mutual love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because GOD, HIMSELF, taught you how to love one another.  You already practice it with all the brothers and sisters of Macedonia, but I invite you to do more.  Consider how important it is, to live quietly, without bothering others, to mind your own business, and work with your hands, as we have charged you.  In obeying these rules, you will win the respect of outsiders and be dependent on no one." - 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 

(Paul then gives a warning he will repeat at the end of this letter [5:14]: All should work and avoid being idle.  The community is disturbed by certain believers more inclined to attract attention with an enthusiastic show of faith rather than work; they discredit the Church in the eyes of pagans.  Paul, the good Jew and Pharisee he was, could earn his own living by manual labor.  He would not have understood how a believer could be without some qualification and unable to find an outlet, be it well or poorly considered and paid.)

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A Call To A Life Of Purity And Work

"For the rest, brothers, we ask you, in the name of JESUS, the LORD, and we urge you, to live in a way that pleases GOD, just as you have learned from us.  This you do, but try to do still more.  You know the instructions we gave you on behalf of the LORD JESUS: the will of GOD for you is to become holy and not to have unlawful sex.

Let each of you behave toward his wife as a holy and respectful husband, rather than being led by lust, as are pagans, who do not know GOD.  In this matter, let no one offend or wrong a brother.  The LORD will do justice in all these things, as we have warned and shown you.  GOD has called us to live, not in impurity but in holiness, and those who do not heed this instruction disobey, not a human, but GOD, HIMSELF, who gives you HIS Holy Spirit." - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 

(If we have given ourselves to CHRIST, that should surely make our life different from what we lived before.  The Jews who accepted baptism had a solid moral basis in the laws of the Old Testament.  On the other hand, the pagans had only the moral laws observed in their society.  Chastity, among others, was completely foreign to them.  They considered occasional sexual relationships a necessity of nature, having nothing to do with moral values.)

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May The LORD Increase More And More Your Love For Each Other And For All People

"What a consolation for us, brothers and sisters, in the midst of our troubles and trials, this faith of yours!  It is a breath of life for us, when you stand firm in the LORD.  How can we thank GOD enough, for all the joy that we feel before GOD, because of you?  Day and night, we beg of HIM, to let us see you again, that we may complete the instruction of the believers.

May GOD, our FATHER, and JESUS, our LORD, prepare the way for us to visit you.  May the LORD increase, more and more, your love for each other and for all people, as HE increases our love for you.  May HE strengthen you, internally, to be holy and blameless before GOD, our FATHER, on the day that JESUS, our LORD, will come with all HIS saints." - 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 

(May the LORD increase more and more your love for each other and for all people.  Love manifests itself first within the community and then it must be expanded to all people.

Note also Paul's constant preoccupation: his apostolic mission does not allow him to remain in any community.  He is always moving, leaving his work unfinished, but he entrusts his converts to the grace of GOD that does not suppress the freedom of the recent converts nor the work of the Tempter in the world.)

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Finish Off What Your Ancestors Began!

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You are like whitewashed tombs, beautiful in appearance; but, inside, there are only dead bones and uncleanliness.  In the same way, you appear religious to others, but you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness within.

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You build tombs for the prophets, and decorate the monuments of the righteous.  You say: Had we lived in the time of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the blood of the prophets.  So, you, yourselves, confess to be the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.  And now, finish off what your ancestors began!" - Matthew 23:27-32 

(We have on one side "the prophets" and on the other those who "kill the prophets."  Scripture shows us that the prophets meet with much opposition among the people of GOD and especially among its leaders.

There is a people of GOD and these people have necessarily its institutions which help it to be faithful to its mission.  In fact, these people follow their reflexes and social prejudices, and the whole institution, even if born of the Spirit, becomes heavy and hardens with time.  Prophets are readily condemned when they challenge peace and unity in mediocrity or even unfaithfulness to the word of GOD.

The Jewish people, harassed by foreigners, closed ranks around the temple, religious practice and the Pharisee group.  Moved by fear, the Jews did what any society would do when threatened: they became fanatically conservative and felt secure in the institutions GOD had given them in the past.  [We are at present experiencing the same phenomenon.  Our generation suddenly finds itself facing, in all areas, crises and threats for which it was not prepared; all our certitudes are questioned, and because of this we see emerging in all religions fundamentalist groups offering an appearance of safety by enclosing themselves in structures and systems of thought--or no thought--inherited from the past.]

The defenders of the Jewish community were not ready to listen to their prophet.  It was one thing to honor the prophets of the past and keep the sacred books, another to accept the criticism addressed to them by GOD, not in the sacred books, but from the lips of JESUS, the carpenter.

Thus it was that the prominent Jews let the moment when GOD visited them slip by--following the path that would lead their nation to ruin.

The example of the Jewish nation must serve as a warning to us.  Are our Christian communities, confronted today by a major crisis, able to build a poorer and more demanding Church?  Will they be less preoccupied with their personal survival rather than giving the Gospel to the world?)

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The Beginning Of The Church Of Thessalonica

"You will know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not in vain.  We had been ill-treated and insulted in Philippi but, trusting in our GOD, we dared announce to you the message of GOD, and face fresh opposition.  Our warnings did not conceal any error or impure motive, nor did we deceive anyone.  But, as GOD had entrusted HIS gospel to us, as to faithful ministers, we were anxious to please GOD, who sees the heart, rather than human beings.  We never pleased you with flattery, as you know, nor did we try to earn money, as GOD knows.  We did not try to make a name for ourselves among people, either with you, or anybody else, although we were messengers of CHRIST, and could have made our weight felt.

On the contrary, we were gentle with you, as a nursing mother, who feeds and cuddles her baby.  And so great is our concern, that we are ready to give you, as well as the gospel, even our very lives, for you have become very dear to us." - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 

(As a nursing mother who feeds and cuddles her baby.  Such was Paul's tenderness.  Paul recalls the work and energy he spent to convince, to call each one personally.  The conversion of a single person demands perseverance, weariness and struggles for the apostle.

All the Christians of Paul's time know that the mother Church in Jerusalem has been the first to suffer heavy persecution.  For the Thessalonians, it was also an honor to have remained steadfast in the face of persecution.)

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The Gospel We Brought You Was Such Not Only In Words

"We give thanks to GOD, at all times, for you, and remember you in our prayers.  We constantly recall, before GOD, our FATHER, the work of your faith, the labors of your love, and your endurance, in waiting for CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

We remember, brothers and sisters, the circumstances of your being called.  The gospel we brought you was such, not only in words.  Miracles, the Holy Spirit, and plenty of everything, were given to you.  You, also, know how we dealt with you, for your sake.

In return, you became followers of us, and of the LORD, when, on receiving the word, you experienced the joy of the Holy Spirit, in the midst of great opposition.  And you became a model for the faithful of Macedonia and Achaia, since, from you, the word of the LORD spread to Macedonia and Achaia, and still farther.  The faith you have in GOD has become news in so many places, that we need say no more about it.  Others tell, of how you welcomed us, and turned from idols, to the LORD.  For you serve the living and true GOD, and you wait for HIS Son, from heaven, whom HE raised from the dead, JESUS, who frees us from impending trial." - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 

(Faith, endurance, love.  For us, sometimes hope [or: endurance] goes unnoticed between faith and love.  For Paul it has two important meanings:

- Those who hope bear trials and persecutions with patience and perseverance.  That is why Paul speaks of faith, perseverance and love.  As we know from the Gospel, hope is not an easy optimism; it is the capacity to endure when faced with trials.

-  The person with hope looks forward to the glorious coming of CHRIST who will judge this world and take us to the next one.  HE frees us from impending trial.  In those years, all believers were convinced that judgment was imminent and that they would witness CHRIST's coming.

The gospel we brought you was such not only in words.  There were many signs, miracles, and other manifestations in Thessalonica.  Perhaps GOD increased the signs in view of the coming persecution; since very soon there would not be many with adequate formation to orient the community.  In fact the Gospel cannot be proclaimed without GOD doing something to confirm it [Mark 16:17].  JESUS criticized those who came to HIM to see miracles, but HE performed miracles throughout HIS ministry.  Let us not say: "I do not need miracles to believe."  Human beings as we are, we will have quite a different enthusiasm if we see that GOD is beside us, doing the incredible to confirm HIS word.)

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For The LORD Corrects Those HE Loves And Chastises Everyone HE Accepts As A Son

"Do not forget the comforting words that Wisdom addresses to you as children: My son, pay attention when the LORD corrects you and do not be discouraged when HE punishes you.  For the LORD corrects those HE loves and chastises everyone HE accepts as a son. 

What you endure, is in order to correct you.  GOD treats you like sons, and what son is not corrected by his father?  If you were without correction, which has been received by all, [as is fitting for sons], you would not be sons, but bastards.  Besides, when our parents, according to the flesh, corrected us, we respected them.  How much more should we be subject to the FATHER of spirits, to have life?  Our parents corrected us as they saw fit, with a view to this very short life; but GOD corrects us, for our own good, that we may share HIS holiness.

All correction is painful at the moment, rather than pleasant; later, it brings the fruit of peace, that is, holiness, to those who have been trained by it.

Lift up, then, your drooping hands, and strengthen your trembling knees; make level the ways for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but healed." - Hebrews 12:5-13 

(The FATHER of spirits.  In Numbers 16:22,  Moses begs the GOD of the spirits of all humankind: it is as way of saying that, since GOD knows the inner core of all people, HE knows their misery and HE will not punish them severely.)

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The New Jerusalem

"Then, one of the seven angels came to me, one of those with the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues.  And he said, 'Come, I am going to show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.'  He took me up, in a spiritual vision, to a very high mountain, and he showed me the holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, from GOD.  It shines with the glory of GOD, like a precious jewel, with the color of crystal-clear jasper.

Its wall, large and high, has twelve gates; stationed at them are twelve angels.  Over the gates are written the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel.  Three gates face the east; three gates face the north; three gates face the south and three face the west.  The city wall stands on twelve foundation stones, on which are written the names of the twelve apostles of the lamb." - Revelation 21:9-14 

(Second vision of the heavenly Jerusalem: GOD's temple.  There are two images at the heart of the Scriptures: the wedding banquet and the temple.  After Jerusalem, the new bride, it is now the holy city, GOD's temple.  People no longer need a temple when GOD is permanently present among them: reality replaces shadows.)

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'HE Has Sent ME To Give Good News To The Poor, To Announce Freedom To Prisoners...'

"Blessed are they whose help is the GOD of Jacob,

whose hope is in YAHWEH their GOD,

maker of heaven and earth, the sea and all they contain.

YAHWEH is forever faithful;

HE gives justice to the oppressed

and gives food to the hungry.

YAHWEH sets the prisoners free.

YAHWEH gives sight to the blind;

YAHWEH straightens the bent.

YAHWEH protects the stranger;

sustains the widow and the orphan.

YAHWEH loves the virtuous;

but HE brings to ruin the way of the wicked.

YAHWEH will reign forever,

your GOD, O Zion,

from generation to generation.  Alleluia!"

- Psalm 146:5-10

(GOD shows the faithfulness of HIS love, for all those who are weak and inclined to seek their salvation in the powerful.  Also, for those who are in a situation of disadvantage because of others [oppressed, hungry, or captive] or because of illness [blind or fainting] or because of other circumstances of life [migrants, orphans and widows] benefit from the loving faithfulness of a GOD.  The programmatic discourse of JESUS, in the synagogue of Nazareth: 'HE has sent ME to give Good News to the poor, to announce freedom to prisoners...' [cf. Luke 4:17-22], updates the theme of this psalm.  GOD is the one who liberates the poor.  The more we are convinced of this, the more shall we try to share the LORD's thoughts, placing our lives at the service of the marginalized, the hungry and the humiliated.)

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The Wedding Feast

"Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is prepared, but the invited guests were not worthy.  Go instead to the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding feast.'

The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, good and bad alike, so that the hall was filled with guests.

The king came in to see the wedding guests, and he noticed a man not wearing a wedding garment.  So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in without the wedding clothes?'  But the man remained silent.  So the king said to his servants, 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.'" - Matthew 22:8-13 

(The text points this out: You, Christians, who are already inside the Church, do you wear the new garment--a life of justice, honesty and trustworthiness?

Let us not believe that the surprised guest who was not properly dressed for the occasion was some kind of poor person.  No, for it was customary during those times to supply all guests with the robe they should wear at the banquet.  This one could have put on the robe but did not, so he had nothing to answer.)

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We Thank GOD For The Blessings Received And We Enkindle Our Trust In HIM

"The KING rejoices in YOUR strength, O YAHWEH, and exults in YOUR saving help.

YOU have granted HIM HIS desire; YOU have not rejected HIS request.

YOU have come to HIM with rich blessings; YOU have placed a golden crown upon HIS head.

When HE asked, YOU gave HIM life--length of days forever and ever.

HE glories in the victory YOU gave HIM; YOU shall bestow on HIM splendor and majesty.

YOU have given HIM eternal blessings, and gladdened HIM with the joy of YOUR presence."

- Psalm 21:2-7

(This is another psalm that requires transposition.  But now, the victory is won and we think of the ascended CHRIST, in HIS immortal and glorified body.  But the war is not over yet: the spoils have to be safely guarded in.  CHRIST has not retired to enjoy HIS triumph. HE sits at the right hand of GOD, but GOD is everywhere.  So CHRIST is still Emmanuel, GOD with us.  HE is much more with us because the restrictions of space and time, have been taken from HIS body.  This indeed is what the Ascension means: not a going but a more powerful coming, not a withdrawal but an active presence.  So we have no reason to fear!  GOD is in charge and need we look for more?  For all this, our psalm is a great thanksgiving song.

The Messiah is crowned with "glory and dignity" [Hebrews 2:9] and HE has been glorified [John 13:31].  With this psalm, we thank GOD for the blessings received and we enkindle our trust in HIM.)

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"For Human Beings It Is Impossible, But For GOD All Things Are Possible."

"JESUS said to HIS disciples, 'Truly I say to you: it will be hard for one who is  rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Yes, believe ME: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for the one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.'

On hearing this, the disciples were astonished and said, 'Who, then, can be saved?'  JESUS looked at them and answered, 'For human beings it is impossible, but for GOD all things are possible.'

Then Peter spoke up and said, 'YOU see, we have given up everything to follow YOU.  What, then, will there be for us?'

JESUS answered, 'You, who have followed ME, listen to MY words: on the Day of Renewal, when the Son of Man sits on HIS throne in glory, you, also, will sit, on twelve thrones, to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.  As for those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or property for MY Name's sake, they will receive a hundredfold, and be given eternal life.  Many who are now first will be last, and many who are now last, will be first.'" - Matthew 19:23-30 

(Finally there is the question that bothers us most for all that touches money affects us deeply, and it is there that the Gospel shocks us: it is easier for a camel...

The call of the rich young man has always been considered the model of the religious, apostolic vocation.  Without effective, voluntary poverty a person will never attain union with GOD that is the goal of the true religious.  Besides, as long as the apostles share the life of comfortable people, they will be able to be their friends but they will never have deep conversions nor will they during this time reach the immense world of the poor.

The problem of poverty is also at the heart of the family in today's world: for the greater number, believers or non-believers, the joys and blessings that GOD showers on a large family will only be given to those who have ceased to evaluate everything according to the criteria of money and security.)   

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Salvation Is Always A Gift Of GOD

"It was then, that a young man approached HIM and asked, 'Master, what good work must I do to receive eternal life?'  JESUS answered, 'Why do you ask ME about what is good?  One, only, is good.  If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments?'  The young man said, 'Which commandments?'  JESUS replied, 'Do not kill; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and mother.  And love your neighbor as yourself.'

The young man said to HIM, 'I have kept all these commandments.  What do I still lack?'  JESUS answered, 'If you wish to be perfect, go, sell all that you possess, and give the money to the poor; and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come back and follow ME.'

On hearing this, the young man went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth." - Matthew 19:16-22 

(JESUS faces a question.  HE discloses three aspects and gives three answers:

One only is good.  This man has been captivated by the personality of JESUS, and JESUS, as always, directs him to the FATHER.  There is, in fact, a distortion to Christian faith, dangerous as it is subtle: to speak only of JESUS: "JESUS sees you..." "JESUS loves you..." JESUS is love..." as if we were not living for GOD.  Love of the FATHER is and working for HIS kingdom.  First of all it needs to be free, and the rich can only be free through voluntary poverty.

The man also wanted to know how to receive eternal life [the text says in Hebrew style "to have in heritage"] and JESUS will clearly state at the end, that even if we obey the commandments, we do not "merit" eternal life: salvation is always a gift of GOD.)

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Have You Already Shed Your Blood In The Struggle Against Sin?

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

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

(Three reasons for remaining steadfast under testing:

- think about JESUS and HIS sufferings;

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

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

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For The Kingdom Of Heaven Belongs To Those Who Are Humble

"Then little children were brought to JESUS, that HE might lay HIS hands on them and pray for them.  But the disciples scolded those who brought them.  JESUS then said, 'Let the children be!  Don't hinder them from coming to ME; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are humble, like these children.'  JESUS laid HIS hands on them and went away." - Matthew 19:13-15 

(JESUS, despite having no children of HIS own, opens to everyone the richness of HIS heart.  HE marvels at the mystery of life that begins full of hope, and discovers the likeness of the FATHER in every unknown child.  How could JESUS, who asks us to have hope, forget that the children are also our hope?

Whoever does not receive the kingdom of GOD like a child.  We must be like children in order to enter the kingdom of GOD.  WE must forget our wisdom and self-sufficiency, and the bitterness of past experience in order to receive GOD 's gifts and words in wonder and simplicity.)

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JESUS Speaks About Divorce

"Some Pharisees approached HIM.  They wanted to test HIM and asked, 'Is a man allowed to divorce his wife for any reason he wants?'

JESUS replied, 'Have you not read, that, in the beginning, the Creator made them male and female?  And the Creator said: Therefore, a man shall leave father and mother, and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one body.  So, they are no longer two, but one body.  Let no one separate what GOD has joined.'

They asked HIM, 'Then why did Moses command us to write a bill of dismissal in order to divorce?'  JESUS replied, 'Moses knew the hardness of your hearts, so he allowed you to divorce your wives; but it was not so in the beginning.  Therefore, I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, unless it be of immorality, and married another, commits adultery.'

The disciples said, 'If that is the condition of a married man, it is better not to marry.'  JESUS said to them, 'Not everybody can accept what you have just said, but only those who have received this gift.  There are eunuchs born so, from their mother's womb.  Some have been made that way by others.  But there are some who have given up the possibility of marriage, for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.  Let the one who can accept it, accept it.'" - Matthew 19:3-12 

(Every human society has had its laws on marriage, and it was the same for Israel.  There was then a law on divorce, in harmony with the difference of status accorded by society to man and woman; it was in Scripture [Deuteronomy 24:1].  JESUS does not want to be involved in the discussions of teachers and interpreters of the law: HE opposes this law with another word of Scripture which presents GOD's point of view regarding human attitudes which HE tolerates.

In doing this JESUS shows how HE brings the Law to "perfection" [5:17], but clearly this "Law of GOD" can only be heard by those who have received the Spirit from JESUS, a fact that is emphasized in the reaction of the disciples.

Better not to marry.  JESUS does not apologize for these demanding words.  HE only proposes something more difficult to understand.  HE praises those to whom have been given to choose celibacy as a way of life for love of the kingdom.

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CHRIST Gave Us The Way

"But no, CHRIST has been raised from the dead, and HE comes before all those who have fallen asleep.  A human being brought death; a human being also brings resurrection of the dead.  For, as in Adam all die, so, in CHRIST, all will be made alive.  However, each one in his own time: first CHRIST, then CHRIST's people, when HE comes.

Then, the end will come, when CHRIST delivers the kingdom to GOD the FATHER, after having destroyed every rule, authority and power.  For HE must reign and put all enemies under HIS feet.  The last enemy to be destroyed will be death." - 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 

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

For as in Adam all die.  The myths of various religions in the past projected onto some mysterious personage our own condition, but were unable to do more than give a meaning to life.  They could not change it.  Faith instead tells us that the Son-of-GOD-made-human has lived among us and lived for all of us.  Let us leave aside our individualistic vision in which each one sees no more than his own destiny: for GOD the entire venture of creation and salvation is that of Adam, one and multiple at the same time.  JESUS who is HIMSELF Man has lived it fully for us all.

Then the end will come, when CHRIST delivers the kingdom to GOD the FATHER.  Here again, let us leave aside simplistic images.  Let us remember that there is only one GOD.  Here, the Son is the word of GOD made flesh who has taken on HIS shoulders the whole history of humankind.  HE who is eternally returning to the FATHER from whom HE is born brings to the eternity of GOD all creation.  There will not be a re-beginning of history.  GOD will be all in all, we will receive GOD from GOD and we will have all, finally becoming ourselves.  That, surely, surpasses all we could have imagined, but Paul adds: The last enemy to be destroyed will be death.  John will say the same in Revelation [21:4].)

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Living Together In The Church

"If your brother has sinned against you, go and point out the fault to him, when the two of you are alone; and if he listens to you, you have won back your brother.  If he doesn't listen to you, take with you one or two others, so that the case may be decided by the evidence of two or three witnesses.  And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembled Church.  But if he does not listen to the Church, then regard him as a pagan, or a tax collector.

I say to you: whatever you bind on earth, heaven will keep bound; and whatever you unbind on earth, heaven will keep unbound." - Matthew 18:15-18 

(If your brother has sinned...  JESUS had told Peter before: Whatever you tie on earth will be tied in Heaven.  HE declares it now for the whole Church.  The believers must attempt to settle their suits among themselves, knowing that CHRIST is among them, as signified in HIS name Emmanuel: GOD-with-us.

The text of 18:15 is doubtful.  Perhaps it was written if your brother or sister has sinned, go... in which case it would refer to the effort of the Christian community to correct one who has gone astray.)  

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JESUS Came "To Seek And Save The Lost"

"What do you think of this?  If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them strays, won't he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside, and go to look for the stray one?  And I tell you, when he finally finds it, he is more pleased about it, than about the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  It is the same with your FATHER in heaven.  Your FATHER in heaven doesn't want even one of these little ones to perish." - Matthew 18:12-14 

(The parable of the one hundred sheep is also found in the Gospel of Luke [15:1].  It teaches us several things: JESUS special concern for sinners and those who stray and, therefore, the missionary dimension of HIS apostolate.  In fact, JESUS came "to seek and save the lost" [Luke 19:10], "I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners" [Matthew 9:13].  This attitude should impel our parishes and Christian communities to constantly reach out to the unchurched and marginalized, instead of just working with those who already are in touch with the Church.)

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The Son Of Man Will Be Delivered Into The Hands Of Men

"While JESUS was in Galilee with the Twelve, HE said to them, 'The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill HIM.  But HE will rise on the third day.'  The Twelve were deeply grieved." - Matthew 17:22-23 

(Several times JESUS announced HIS death: see 16:21; 20:17.  Never did HE present it as a misfortune that might counteract HIS mission.  John will say that JESUS looked for it as the means for giving glory to HIS FATHER and reconciling humankind [John 17].  JESUS speaks of HIMSELF in the third person: the Son of Man, because HE looks at HIS destiny as an outsider.  This is the will of HIS FATHER, and HE is not concerned about HIMSELF.)

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Do Not Be Afraid Little Flock!

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your FATHER to give you the kingdom.  Sell what you have and give alms.  Get yourselves purses that do not wear out, and an inexhaustible treasure in the heavens, where no thief comes and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Luke 12:32-34 

(Do not be afraid little flock.  Nowhere in the Gospel does JESUS lead us to believe that with time most people will be converted.

We know that the non-Christian world is numerically much more important than the "Christian" world and it grows more rapidly.  When large numbers in the "Christian" world give up the practice of religion, we understand that the Church is both a sign and a little flock.

JESUS asks each one of us to be detached from earthly things and HE also asks the same of the flock.  What matters for the church is not the building of powerful institutions nor the holding of key posts in society "for the greater glory of GOD."  A Church which awaits the return of the Master is careful to be ready to pack their bags, wherever it may be, when the LORD will send them out and ask them to become missionary again.

Sell what you have and give alms.  Are ordinary people convinced that the Church has done this?  Christians rejoice when their bishop and pastors condemn injustice and remind them of the rights of the working class and the marginalized.  It is not enough for us to preach to others.  GOD asks justice of the world and poverty of HIS Church.  Our call for justice will not be heard as long as the Church does not accept for herself the whole Gospel.)

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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." - 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 

(Paul does not use the work collection in this chapter.  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 amount, should be duly taken up.  It must be collected and held by people who enjoy the confidence of the community.)

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Whoever Chooses To Save His Life Will Lose It

"Then JESUS said to HIS disciples, 'If you want to follow ME, deny yourself.  Take up your cross and follow ME.  For whoever chooses to save his life will lose it, but the one who loses his life, for MY sake, will find it.  What will one gain by winning the whole world, if he destroys his soul?  Or what can a person give, in exchange for his life?

Know, that the Son of Man will come, in the glory of HIS FATHER with the holy angels, and HE will reward each one according to his deeds.  Truly, I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death, before they see the Son of Man coming in HIS kingdom.'" - Matthew 16:24-28 

(Whoever chooses to save his life will lose it.  JESUS draws attention to the great option of every human life: we cannot discover GOD; we cannot make a success of life without sacrificing it.  All the rest is idle talk.  The option terrifies us in the same measure that life for us seems promising.  It is also the reason why marriage and family frighten many.

Christian freedom and happiness are found only in the joyous acceptance of the will of GOD which invites us to listen to HIS Son and follow HIM down the road and paths that HE traveled.)   

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"But You, Who Do You Say I AM?"

"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.'" - Matthew 16:13-17 

(Faith in the Son of GOD, which Peter, among the apostles is the first to proclaim, really comes from GOD.  This faith is not a human opinion, or a sentimental attachment.  It does not come from flesh and blood, an expression that for the Jews meant what is purely human, what a human being does and understands by his own capacity.  The words with which JESUS greets Peter, it is well for you Simon Barjona, are true for all the believers.  For it is the FATHER who has chosen us and has brought us to CHRIST: see John 6:37; 6:44.)

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"It Is Not Right To Take The Bread From The Children And Throw It To The Puppies."

"Leaving the place, JESUS withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  A Canaanite woman from the area, came and cried out, 'LORD, Son of David, have pity on me!  My daughter is tormented by a demon.'  But JESUS did not answer her, not even a word.  So HIS disciples approached HIM and said, 'Send her away!  See how she is shouting after us.'

Then JESUS said to her, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel.'

But the woman was already kneeling before JESUS, and said, 'Sir, help me!'  JESUS answered, 'It is not right to take the bread from the children and throw it to the puppies.'  The woman replied, 'That is true, sir, but even puppies eat the crumbs which fall from their master's table.'  Then JESUS said, 'Woman, how great is your faith!  Let it be as you wish.'  And her daughter was healed at that moment." - Matthew 15:21-28 

(Although JESUS came to save all, HIS FATHER desired that HE not go beyond HIS own country.  Nevertheless, on certain occasions HE encountered pagans, and more than once admired their simplicity and faith.

The Gospel has not kept all that JESUS said and did, but we see nothing there that could be a call to "change one's religion" nor a threat for those who take a road other than that of Christianity.  JESUS leaves them on the path along which the FATHER leads them and invites them to thank the one and only GOD and shows them how near the FATHER is to them through HIS Son.

The Jews usually looked down on pagans with marked contempt: they were the sons, the pagans were the dogs.  JESUS answered the afflicted woman repeating this well-known scornful saying.  HE said this to test the woman's faith: would she insist when it appeared that even GOD would reject her?)

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What We Taught You... Was Not Drawn From Myths Or Formulated Theories

"Indeed, what we taught you about the power, and the return of CHRIST JESUS our LORD, was not drawn from myths or formulated theories.  We, ourselves, were eyewitnesses of HIS majesty, when HE received glory and honor from GOD, the FATHER, when, from the magnificent glory, this most extraordinary word came upon HIM: 'This is MY beloved Son, this is MY Chosen One.'  We, ourselves, heard this voice from heaven, when we were with HIM on the holy mountain.

Therefore, we believe most firmly in the message of the prophets, which you should consider rightly, as a lamp shining in a dark place, until the break of day, when the Morning Star shines in your hearts." - 2 Peter 1:16-19 

(Faith is not based on reasons and theories.  We believe in what the apostles saw and in the prophets' words.  It is true that through the centuries the understanding of the consequences of faith has developed, situating it within the realities of life; there has also been a constant effort to express what faith is in the language of our day.  Nevertheless we continue holding and believing the mystery of CHRIST in the way the apostles believed and understood it.)

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We Lack Dynamism To Evangelize And Change The World

"But MY people did not listen;

Israel did not obey.

So I gave them over to their stubbornness

and they followed their own counsels.

If only MY people would listen,

if only Israel would walk in MY ways,

I would quickly subdue their adversaries

and turn MY hand against their enemies.

Those who hate YAHWEH would cringe before HIM,

and their panic would last forever.

I would feed you with the finest wheat 

and satisfy you with honey from the rock."

- Psalm 81:12-17

(This psalm urges us to listen to the voice of the LORD, because idols are with us, even today.  'We lack dynamism to evangelize and change the world: this is because, we still have idols even in our apostolic planning.  GOD HIMSELF in the Transfiguration tells in Matthew 17:5, 'This is MY Son, the Beloved, MY Chosen One.  Listen to HIM.'

GOD keeps HIS promise.  If only we would listen, we would have food for body and soul.)

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Put To Death What Is Earthly In Your Life

"So then, if you are risen with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where CHRIST is seated at  the right hand of GOD.  Set your mind on the things that are above, not on earthly things.  For you have died and your life is now hidden with CHRIST in GOD.  When CHRIST, who is your life, reveals HIMSELF, you also will be revealed with HIM in glory.

Therefore, put to death what is earthly in your life, that is immorality, impurity, inordinate passions, wicked desires and greed, which is a way of worshiping idols.  These are the things that arouse the wrath of GOD.

For a time, you followed this way and lived in such disorders.  Well then, reject all that: anger, evil intentions, malice; and let no abusive words be heard from your lips." - Colossians 3:1-8 

(Here we have what was said about baptism [2:12] which joins us to CHRIST and makes us share in all HIS wealth.  Since CHRIST left this earth, we leave it too: what is best in our lives, what motivates us to do things is neither visible, nor is it of the earth.  GOD alone knows the riches of the believer's heart, even when her life seems tarnished by various faults and weaknesses: one day GOD will manifest the goodness, the "glory" which we do not yet see [see Matthew 25:31-46].

Put to death what is earthly in your life.  It is not that we have to kill ourselves, but to destroy egoism, wickedness, envy, excessive confidence in self, for sin is there.  Being free of a religion of commandments should not make us less aware of what is required in a new life: it means being still more perfect [Matthew 5:20 and 48].)

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King Herod Respected John The Baptist

"At that time, the reports about JESUS reached King Herod.  And he said to his servants, 'This man is John the Baptist.  John has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in John,'

Herod had, in fact, ordered that John be arrested, bound in chains and put in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip.  For John had said to Herod, 'It is not right for you to have her as your wife.'  Herod wanted to kill him but he did not dare, because he feared the people, who regarded John as a prophet.

On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced among the guests; she so delighted Herod that he promised under oath to give her anything she asked for.  The girl, following the advice of her mother, said, 'Give me the head of John the Baptist, here, on a dish.'

The king was very displeased, but because he had made his promise under oath, in the presence of his guests, he ordered it to be given to her.  So he had John beheaded in prison, and his head brought on a dish and given to the girl.  The girl then took it to her mother.

Then John's disciples came, took his body and buried it.  Then they went and told JESUS." - Matthew 14:1-12 

(King Herod.  This refers to Herod Antipas, son of the other Herod who reigned when JESUS was born.

King Herod respected John, but he was prisoner of his milieu and of his vices.  As king of Galilee, his misconduct constituted a public counter-witness.

All through the Scriptures we see prophets stressing the particular responsibility of those who wield power.  If they have to lead the people, they must be, by the rectitude of their life, an example; John the Baptist could not speak of justice without reproaching Herod for his infidelity.

People said that John the Baptist has been raised from the dead.  They considered John a martyr and believed he would rise from the dead to punish Herod.  Some associated JESUS with John--JESUS performed miracles that John had not done.  Others, less informed, thought JESUS was an apparition of John.)

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"The Only Place Where Prophets Are Not Welcome Is His Hometown And In His Own Family."

"HE went to HIS hometown and taught the people in their synagogue.  They were amazed and said, 'Where did HE get this wisdom and these special powers?  Isn't HE the carpenter's son?  Isn't Mary HIS mother and aren't James, Joseph, Simon and Judas HIS brothers?  Aren't all HIS sisters living here?  Where did HE get all these things?'  And so they took offense at HIM.

JESUS said to them, 'The only place where prophets are not welcome is his hometown and in his own family.'  And HE did not perform many miracles there because of their lack of faith." - Matthew 13:54-58 

(JESUS returns home in the company of some of John's followers who become HIS own disciples [John 1:35] and HE performs HIS first sign in Cana [John 2:1].  This miracle launches HIS ministry.  From Capernaum, where JESUS lives in the house of Simon and Andrew, near the lake, JESUS begins to preach in the synagogues of Galilee [Mark 1:35] and HIS words impress people because HE works with the power of the Spirit, namely, HE speaks with authority and HIS miracles confirm HIS words.)

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The Kingdom Of Heaven Is Like A Big Fishing Net

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a big fishing net, let down into the sea, in which every kind of fish has been caught.  When the net is full, it is dragged ashore.  Then they sit down and gather the good fish into buckets, but throw the bad away.  This is how it will be at the end of time, the angels will go out to separate the wicked from the just, and to throw the wicked into the blazing furnace, where they will weep and gnash their teeth." - Matthew 13:47-50 

(The Church has given the kingdom to those who entered, but some of them belong to the visible family of the chosen ones, without having the spirit of the kingdom.

By speaking of the net, JESUS reminds us that the first activity of the Church must be mission: "to catch people."  Many of them surely will not persevere, but a Church that closes itself would die.

How we would like to have a perfect Church made of upright persons, in which each one would discover the gifts of GOD!  CHRIST, however, did not want a Church like that, nor is that the way for the Church to save the world.)

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"It Is During The Night That It Is Beautiful To Believe In The Light."

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, hidden in a field.  The one who finds it, buries it again; and so happy is he, that he goes and sells everything he has, in order to buy that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a trader, who is looking for fine pearls.  Once he has found a pearl of exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it." - Matthew 13:44-46 

(The parables of the treasure and the pearl invite us not to let opportunities pass by, when the kingdom of GOD comes to us.

Some have been waiting for years for that word, or person or sign of hope that would give new meaning to their lives.  One day they found it.  Sometimes it was found through simple things: a forgiving word, a friendly smile, a first commitment offered to them and accepted.  Then they understood that this was the way to gain all they were waiting for, and they entered the kingdom happily.

The parable says: he buries it again.  Ordinarily it is GOD who hides the treasure again after having shown it to us, for it will be really ours when we have worked for it and persevered.

Everything must be sold.  We have to divest ourselves of all those habits, pleasures...  that occupy our hearts without filling them.  When trials come upon us like a frosty, icy night, we should not forget the treasure we have once seen, until we recover it.  Plato, the great pagan philosopher, said, "It is during the night that it is beautiful to believe in the light."

"The pearl" is, in a certain sense, CHRIST HIMSELF.  HE alone gives meaning to all the sacrifices of a Christian life.  These are not really "sacrifices," but the search for a love that has already been proven.)

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