They Will Be MY People And I Shall Be Their GOD

"The word of YAHWEH, the GOD of hosts was directed to me in this way, 'I AM intensely jealous for Zion, stirred by a burning anger for her sake.  YAHWEH says: I will return to Zion and live in her midst.  Jerusalem shall be called the city of faithfulness and the mountain of holiness.'

YAHWEH, GOD of hosts speaks, 'Old men and women will again sit in the squares, each with a stick in hand on account of their great age.  The squares of the city will be filled with girls and boys playing.'

YAHWEH, GOD of hosts declares, 'If that seems impossible in the eyes of those who have returned from exile, will it be impossible for ME as well?'--word of YAHWEH.

YAHWEH , GOD of hosts says, 'See, I AM going to save MY people, bringing them from the east and from the west; and they will live in JERUSALEM.  They will be MY people and I shall be their GOD, in truth and in justice.'" - Zechariah 8:1-8 

(GOD expresses all HIS love for the chosen people who are personified in their city, JERUSALEM.  HE promises prosperity and the happiness of salvation.  Above all, HE brings them to discover their role in the world:  to be a point for gathering all the people.

For us these are words of hope, but they also require us to behave in such a way that unbelievers may really become aware that GOD is present in us.  We can apply what was said about Isaiah 65 here: we must guide our countries toward this peace, full of rejoicing that only GOD can bring about.

They will be MY people and I shall be their GOD.  This is the typical messianic promise and the sign of the new Covenant.)

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Live In Faith And Love, With Endurance And Gentleness

"But you, man of GOD, shun all this.  Strive to be holy and godly.  Live in faith and love, with endurance and gentleness.  Fight the good fight of faith and win everlasting life, to which you were called, when you made the good profession of faith, in the presence of so many witnesses.

Now, in the presence of GOD, who gives life to all things, and of JESUS CHRIST, who expressed before Pontius Pilate the authentic profession of faith: preserve the revealed message to all.  Keep yourself pure and blameless, until the glorious coming of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD, who GOD will bring about at the proper time; HE, the magnificent sovereign, King of kings and Lord of lords.  To HIM, alone, immortal, who lives in unapproachable light, and whom no one has ever seen or can see, to HIM, be honor and power, for ever and ever.  Amen!" - 1 Timothy 6:11-16 

(The pastors of the Church should be the most aware of the danger.  Salvation for them will be to place themselves in the less secure areas of life and society, where an act of faith is constantly necessary to overcome difficulties and joyously accept sacrifices.  It is not in seeking first of all our personal fulfillment that we become GOD's agent and a witness of CHRIST, as HE HIMSELF has been the witness of the FATHER.

Paul calls upon Timothy to avoid all those dangers and remain true to faith and free from greed.  By doing so, he will be "a man of GOD," a witness of CHRIST.)

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The Son Of Man Will Be Betrayed Into The Hands Of Men.

"And all who saw it were astonished at GOD's wonderful work.

But while all were amazed at everything JESUS did, HE said to HIS disciples, 'Listen, and remember what I tell you now: The Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men.'  But the disciples didn't understand this saying; something prevented them from grasping what HE meant, and they were afraid to ask HIM about it." - Luke 9:43-45 

(Time is running out of JESUS.  HE now dedicates HIMSELF chiefly to preparing the group of apostles who will have the tremendous responsibility of continuing HIS work.  They did not understand about HIS death and resurrection: these things cannot be understood until they have happened.  They prefer not to question or know; leaving JESUS very isolated.)

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The Glory Of the New Temple

"On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, of the second year of the reign of Darius, this word of YAHWEH was sent through the prophet Haggai, 'Give this message to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the high priest, and to all the people:

Is there left among you one of those who saw this house long ago, in the time of its glory?  What do they think, of what they see now?  Is it not a very little thing?  But I say to you, Zerubbabel, Joshua and MY people: do not be discouraged.  Begin to work, for I AM with you, says YAHWEH.  Do not be afraid, for MY spirit is in your midst.

Thus says YAHWEH of hosts, within a short while, I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the continents.  Then I will shake all the nations; and bring in the treasures of the whole world.  I will fill this house with glory, says YAHWEH.  I will have as much silver and gold as I wish.  The renown of this temple will be greater than before, and in this place I will give peace,' says YAHWEH of hosts." - Haggai 2:1-9 

(With utter frankness, Haggai points out how modest was the work they have achieved.  It was better that way, since they did not build the temple for the sake of the temple to be proud of it; but rather, to show that they had surrendered to YAHWEH.

Do not be afraid, for MY spirit is in your midst.  We already pointed out that Spirit achieves union.  Here the prophet emphasizes that Spirit removes our fears.

I will fill this house with glory: the very poverty of the temple invites GOD to hasten the time of HIS visitation, to fill it with HIS glory.  In a short time, YAHWEH will end this transitory world, in which the Jews are living, and will establish HIS kingdom.)

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The Helmet Of Salvation And The Sword Of The Spirit

"Alleluia!

Sing to YAHWEH a new song,

sing HIS praise in the assembly of HIS saints.

Let Israel rejoice in his MAKER;

let the people of Zion glory in the King!

Let them dance in praise of HIS name;

and make music for HIM with harp and timbrel.

For YAHWEH delights in HIS people;

HE crowns the lowly with victory.

The saints will exult in triumph;

even at night, on their couches,

let the praise of GOD be on their lips;

and in their hands, two-edged swords;

to wreak vengeance on the nations,

and punishment on the peoples;

to bind their kings in chains,

and their nobles in iron fetters;

to execute on them, the written sentence:

this is the glory of all HIS saints.  Alleluia!

- Psalm 149:1-9

(We join in the song of victory, the triumph of GOD, the crushing of the serpent's head; for we have our part in the victorious struggle, wearing the armor of salvation and the sword of the spirit.

The 'loyal ones' express their devotion in a rigorous way.  They oppose the unjust violent person, with a just violent person.  They execute the sentence dictated by GOD and that is their honor.  Their religious enthusiasm and their faith in GOD the Creator is valid for us because the Gospel asks of us not to respond to violence with the violence of the sword [Matthew 26:52-54].  Our battle must be 'against the spirits and supernatural forces of evil' [Ephesians 6:12].  Evil and sin in our world are an affront to our Creator; the pain of the humble is the pain of the LORD.  We pray with this psalm, in union with all those who are hungry and thirsty for justice.  They are blessed.)

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The Mission

"Then JESUS called HIS Twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to drive out all evil spirits and to heal diseases.  And HE sent them to proclaim the kingdom of GOD and to heal the sick.  HE instructed them, 'Don't take anything for the journey, neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and don't even take a spare tunic.  Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place.  And wherever they don't welcome you, leave the town and shake the dust from your feet: it will be as a testimony against them.'" - Luke 9:1-6 

(JESUS has begun HIS mission, HE forms and sends out missionaries.

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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Jerusalem, Elected Home Of GOD

"I rejoiced with those who said to ME,

'Let us go to the house of YAHWEH!'

And now we have set foot

within your gates, O Jerusalem!

Jerusalem, just like a city,

where everything falls into place!

There, the tribes go up,

the tribes of YAHWEH, the assembly of Israel,

to give thanks to YAHWEH's name.

There stand the courts of justice,

the offices of the house of David."

- Psalm 122:1-5

(Joy of the pilgrim who reaches his goal at last--Jerusalem, elected home of GOD, venerable in the tradition of Israel.  Here is a deep sense of homecoming and of pride in that home.  We of the world-wide 'Israel of GOD' have no city to house us all; we are 'of the household of the faith' [Galatians 6:10].  But we have the brothers and sisters whom JESUS promised to those in HIS company [Mark 9:30]; we have a home which we call 'the Church.'  It stands scarred with years of siege but, by GOD's grace, compact and dignified by the marks of resistance.  We may take pride in it because the strength of its walls is from GOD.  It will never have peace from without; let us pray and work for its peace within, which is 'the love of brethren.')

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Song Of The Returned Exiles

"When YAHWEH brought the exiles back to Zion,

we were like those moving in a dream.

Then, our mouths were filled with laughter,

and our tongues with songs of joy.

Among the nations it was said,

'YAHWEH has done great things for them.'

YAHWEH had done great things for us,

and we were glad indeed.

Bring back our exiles, O YAHWEH,

like fresh streams in the desert.

Those who sow in tears 

will reap with songs and shouts of joy.

They went forth weeping, 

bearing the seeds for sowing,

they will come home with joyful shouts,

bringing their harvested sheaves."

- Psalm 126:1-6

(Israel's drought will turn to fertility.  Her own labor of sowing will achieve its harvest.  'The field is the world' [Matthew 13:38] and the field whitens for a harvest of souls gathered to eternal life [John 4:35ff; Matthew 13:30].  But the sowing is in tears: 'Unless the seed falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone' [John 12:24ff].  The seed is the Word--the Word made flesh and crucified.  The tears are HIS, the joys ours: 'YAHWEH has done great things for us!'  And yet we, too, have our crucifixion.  If we want to turn suffering into hope, tears into songs, we can pray with this psalm.)

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We Should Pray For Rulers

"First of all, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for rulers of states, and all in authority, that we may enjoy a quiet and peaceful life, in godliness and respect.  This is good and pleases GOD.  For HE wants all to be saved, and come to the knowledge of truth.  As there is one GOD, there is one mediator between GOD and humankind, CHRIST JESUS, HIMSELF human, who gave HIS life for the redemption of all.  This is the testimony, given in its proper time, and of this, GOD has made me apostle and herald.  I am not lying, I am telling the truth: HE made me teacher of the nations regarding faith and truth.

I want the men, in every place, to lift pure hands, in prayer, to heaven, without anger and dissension." - 1 Timothy 2:1-8 

(I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made.  Paul wants Christians to be in solidarity with their compatriots, loyal toward their nation and praying for them.  In spite of its sins and superstitions, the pagan world was religious.  Religion accompanied their every action.  This explains why, some years later, Christians were persecuted as rebels and traitors because they did not worship the emperor, nor his gods.  Perhaps this insistence on prayer for rulers is due to the fact that the paragraph was written when there already was some suspicion about Christians: it was necessary to remove these suspicions.

Faithfulness to CHRIST does not prevent loyalty to the nation unless the nation becomes an idol, and this happens when, in the name of the nation, people are asked to obey its rulers blindly.  We cannot give up criticizing their errors, nor stop considering as our brothers and sisters those who do not agree with us.

We should pray for rulers. Does that mean that we cannot look for more honest and better rulers?  Of course, we can: see Romans 13.)

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The Splendor Of Heaven Gives Us A Glimpse Of The Glory Of GOD

"The heavens declare the glory of GOD;

the firmament proclaims the work of HIS hands.

Day talks it over with day;

night hands on the knowledge to night.

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

but the call goes on, throughout the universe,

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

- Psalm 19:2-5

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

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

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The Women Who Followed JESUS

"JESUS walked through towns and countryside, preaching and giving the good news of the kingdom of GOD.  The Twelve followed HIM, and also some women, who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary called Magdalene, who had been freed of seven demons; Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward; Suzanna; and others, who provided for them out of their own funds." - Luke 8:1-3 

(No spiritual master would have spoken to a woman in public: women were not even admitted to the synagogues.  Nevertheless, JESUS did not pay the least attention to such universally accepted prejudices.  Various women took JESUS' words and attitude as a call to freedom.  They even joined the circle of HIS intimate friends while ignoring the gossip.  Here we have a fundamental testimony about the freedom of the Gospel.

JESUS was truly human, and as such HE belonged to a race and a culture: HE was a Jew of HIS time and HIS gospel was attuned to the culture that HE shared.  Yet JESUS did not adopt the inhuman traits of HIS culture; nor did HE accept the prejudices of the Jews of HIS time with regard to women, to public sinners, to pagans and so on, nor did HE share their views in regard to the Sabbath.  HIS gospel is a leaven that changes cultures for the better; in many respects HIS way of life goes against the mainstream of cultures.

Mary of Magdala [Magdala was a village on the shore of Lake Tiberias] will be at the foot of the cross along with Mary, the wife of Cleophas, the mother of James and Joset.  These two women, along with Joanna, will receive the first news of the Resurrection [Luke 24:10].)

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Let No One Reproach You On Account Of Your Youth

"Let no one reproach you on account of your youth.  Be a model to the believers, in the way you speak and act, in your love, your faith and purity of life.  Devote yourself to reading, preaching and teaching, until I come.

Do not neglect the spiritual gift conferred on you with prophetic words, when the elders laid their hands upon you.  Think about it, and practice it, so that your progress may be seen by all.  Take heed of yourself, and attend to your teaching.  Be steadfast in doing this, and you will save both yourself and your hearers." - 1 Timothy 4:12-16 

(Faced with all these false teachers, Timothy must be an example of a true apostle.

Let no one reproach you on account of your youth.  Usually in the Christian communities and in the Jewish ones, the leaders were older men.  This is why they were called "elders" or "presbyters" [which means the same thing].  Timothy, who is visiting the church on behalf of Paul, has authority over these elders, even though he is much younger than they are.  The example of his sincere faith and profound knowledge of the Scriptures will be his strength.

Devote yourself to reading, preaching and teaching until I come.  This counsel is always valid.  To be steadfast in reading and study is what costs most in the majority of liberal professions.  Very few people are courageous enough to persevere in study once they have passed their examinations.  This is so, even in the Church.  The "pastors", clergy and lay, are constantly tempted in thinking such and such an activity is pastorally useful, that leisure is "relaxing" even at the cost of postponing study and meditation on the word.  The Church is always lacking people able to express their faith creatively--a gift that springs from spiritual knowledge and habitual contact with the word of GOD: smiles, goodwill and psychology cannot replace this charism.

Do not neglect the spiritual gift.  If someone was named to a ministry or an official position in the church, this was considered as a spiritual gift: for example, presbyters, deacons, bishops, prophets.  While other gifts, such as healing the sick, came directly from the Holy Spirit, ministries were received through a laying on of hands.  An apostle or a prophet would lay his hands on the candidate to transfer to him the authority that he had received in a similar way.  Thus, in the Church, every leader receives his authority from CHRIST through a succession of people going back to the apostles.

On this occasion the prophets present would also address the candidate with exhortations and warnings [see 1:18].) 

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The Church Is The Pillar And Foundation Of The Truth

"I give you these instructions, although I hope I will see you soon.  If I delay, you will know how you ought to conduct yourself in the household of GOD, that is, the Church of the living GOD, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.  How great, indeed, is the mystery of the divine blessing!

HE was shown in the flesh

and sanctified by the spirit;

presented to the angels

and proclaimed to all nations.

The world believed in HIM:

HE was taken up in glory!"

- 1 Timothy 3:14-16

(The short paragraph reminds us that, if indeed we are in charge of the Church of GOD, we are neither its founders nor its masters.  The Church was born through a merciful intervention of GOD, when HE decided that HIS Son should identify with the human race, as is expressed in this short poem.

Here we use divine blessing for a word that we translated elsewhere as "piety" or "religion" [see 2:2; 4:7; 6:3; 5, 6; 2 Timothy 3:5 and Titus 1:1].  In those years, the word was mostly used to mean a loving attitude toward the FATHER and neighbors, characteristic of true believers who simply imitate GOD's example.

The Church is the pillar and foundation of the truth.  We must understand this phrase as referring to the concepts of that time: from above, from a world in which everything is truth, GOD lowers HIS Truth to the earth, as a column or a visible sign on which we can lean.  In spite of all the infidelities of the Church, GOD uses it to preserve true knowledge of the FATHER, the Son and the Spirit in the world.  Without this knowledge, people cannot be free, nor can humanity reach its maturity.)

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Only JESUS Conquers Death And HE Does So Very Simply

"A little later, JESUS went to a town called Naim.  HE was accompanied by HIS disciples and a great number of people.  As HE reached the gate of the town, a dead man was being carried out.  He was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; there followed a large crowd of townspeople.

On seeing her, the LORD had pity on her and said, 'Don't cry.'  Then HE came up and touched the stretcher, and the men who carried it stopped.  JESUS then said, 'Young man, I say to you, wake up!'  And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and JESUS gave him to his mother.  A holy fear came over them all, and they praised GOD saying, 'a great prophet has appeared among us.  GOD has visited HIS people.'  This news spread throughout Judea and the surrounding places." - Luke 7:11-17 

(No one has ever attributed power over death to any person.  Only JESUS conquers death and HE does so very simply.

JESUS only knew this young man through his mother and it is for her that HE has restored him to life.  To be a widow without children is the height of distress [see Ruth], and it will be the lot of Mary.

The woman represents suffering humanity.  "You will suffer because of your children": this was said after the first sin.  Humanity cannot avoid accompanying the dead after depriving them of their reasons for living.  Humanity buries their young with tears, while continuing to kill them.)

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Whatever You Ask In Prayer, Believe That You Have Received It, And It Shall Be Done For You

"Hear my cry for mercy as I call to YOU for help, as I lift up my hands toward YOUR innermost Sanctuary.

Drag me not away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who mouth words of peace while they sow mischief and confusion.

Punish them for their evil designs and wicked deeds; give them their due reward.  Since they have no regard for the works of YAHWEH, HE will tear them down and never let them rise again.

Blessed be YAHWEH! HE has heard my cry for help.

YAHWEH is my strength, my shield; my heart was sure of HIM; I have been helped and my heart exults; with my song I give HIM thanks.

YAHWEH is the strength of HIS people, the saving refuge of HIS anointed.

Save YOUR people, and bless YOUR inheritance, be their shepherd and carry them forever."

- Psalm 28:2-9

(The psalmist often worries that the LORD will confuse him with wicked people--as if GOD may overlook him.  The fear has its pathos but we must not take the idea too seriously.  The devout will use any trick or promises, hoping GOD will hear his or her pleading.  GOD surely understands these human ways.  JESUS was once pleased with the faith and quick wit of the Canaanite woman [Matthew 15:26-28].  We may notice too the identification of the wicked, with such hypocrites as sometimes, we ourselves are: a show of politeness is not charity, 'one may smile and smile and yet be a villain.'

Those who complain about the silence of GOD and nonetheless continue to believe, can pray with this psalm.  JESUS, in Mark 11:24, has told us, 'whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it shall be done for you.')

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CHRIST JESUS Came Into The World To Save Sinners

"I give thanks to CHRIST JESUS, our LORD, who is my strength, who has considered me trustworthy, and appointed me to HIS service, although I had been a blasphemer, a persecutor and a fanatical enemy.  However, HE took mercy on me, because I did not know what I was doing when I opposed the faith; and the grace of our LORD was more than abundant, together with faith and love that are in CHRIST JESUS.

This saying is true and worthy of belief: CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first.  Because of that, I was forgiven; CHRIST JESUS wanted to display HIS utmost patience, so that I might be an example for all who are to believe, and obtain eternal life.  To the King of ages, the only GOD, who lives beyond every perishable and visible creation--to HIM, be honor and glory forever, Amen!" - 1 Timothy 1:12-17 

(CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners.  The new masters remain with their theories instead of facing the reality of sin.  It is the reality of our sin that makes the grace of GOD a grace, and our salvation a true salvation.)

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HE Did Not Regard Equality With GOD

"Though HE was in the form of GOD,

HE did not regard equality with GOD as something to be grasped,

but emptied HIMSELF,

taking on the nature of a servant, made in human likeness,

and, in HIS appearance, found, as a man,

HE humbled HIMSELF by being obedient, to death,

death on the cross.

That is why GOD exalted HIM

and gave HIM the name which outshines all names,

so, that, at the name of JESUS all knees should bend

in heaven, on earth and among the dead,

and all tongues proclaim, that CHRIST JESUS is the LORD,

to the glory of GOD the FATHER."

- Philippians 2:6-11

(HE did not regard equality with GOD: the mystery of GOD's Son who became a mortal man and gave up GOD's glory, although HE could have preserved it even in HIS human life.  Since CHRIST was to be the New Man, glorified by GOD and placed above everything, HIS being subject to misery and limitations was a way of being reduced to nothingness.

GOD exalted HIM.  The humiliation and obedience of CHRIST were the condition for receiving HIS glory.  HE gave HIM the name [of GOD], that is, HE made HIM fully enjoy in HIS human nature the divine Power [or name].

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For The Measure You Give Will Be The Measure You Receive Back

"Don't be a judge of others and you will not be judged; do not condemn and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you, and you will receive in your sack good measure, pressed down, full and running over.  For the measure you give will be the measure you receive back." - Luke 6:37-38 

(The attitude of the person who judges his brothers and sisters is the very opposite of mercy.)

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'Alleluia!'

"Alleluia!

Praise GOD in HIS Sanctuary;

praise HIM, in the vault of heaven.

Praise HIM, for HIS mighty deeds;

praise HIM, for HIS own greatness.

Praise HIM with trumpet blast;

praise HIM with lyre and harp.

Praise HIM, with dance and tambourines;

praise HIM with pipe and strings.

Praise HIM with clashing cymbals;

praise HIM with clanging cymbals.

Let everything that breathes, sing praise to YAHWEH

Alleluia!"

- Psalm 150:1-6

(The psalms have shown us prayers of petition, lament, instruction, warning and exhortation: but above all and in all, they are praises of GOD.  This praise will absorb, more and more, our being, absorb every being, in a final diapason.

The last word of everything, created and redeemed, is this: 'Alleluia!'  We have entered into eternal celebration, into eternal joy.  This psalm refers us to Revelation 19:1-10, and to the triumphal songs in heaven.  Our community, our people, anticipates the heavenly 'Alleluia' when they sing the praise of GOD on this earth.)

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GOD Blesses The Poor But Not Poverty

"Then, looking at HIS disciples, JESUS said,

'Fortunate are you who are poor, for the kingdom of GOD is yours.

Fortunate are you, who are hungry now, for you will be filled.

Fortunate are you, who weep now, for you will laugh.

Fortunate are you, when they reject you and insult you and number you among criminals, because of the Son of Man.  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven.  Remember, that is how the ancestors of the people treated the prophets.

But alas for you, who have wealth, for you have been comforted now.

Alas for you, who are full, for you will go hungry.

Alas for you, who laugh now for you will mourn and weep.

Alas for you, when people speak well of you, for that is how the ancestors of the people treated the false prophets.'" - Luke 6:20-26 

(Matthew adapts the beatitudes for the members of the church of his time.  Luke, on the other hand, puts the beatitudes here just as JESUS proclaimed them to the people of Galilee.  In the words of JESUS, the beatitudes were a call and a hope addressed to the forgotten of the world, beginning with the poor among HIS people, heirs of GOD's promise to the prophets.

The beatitudes do not speak of the conversion of the rich, nor do they say that the poor are better, but they promise a reversal.  The kingdom signifies a new society: GOD blesses the poor but not poverty.

When people speak well of you [see 1 Corinthians 4:8].  The contrast between groups of people who are persecuted and those who are well thought of can exist within the Church itself.  Many problems can remain unsolved and even mission itself be blocked because of influential groups and persons who want for nothing and know how to obtain official benedictions.  JESUS recalls the example of the prophets.)

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Baptized And Risen

"If you have accepted CHRIST JESUS as LORD, let HIM  be your doctrine.  Be rooted and built up in HIM; let faith be your principle, as you were taught, and your thanksgiving, overflowing.

See that no one deceives you with philosophy or any hollow discourse; these are merely human doctrines, not inspired by CHRIST,  but by the wisdom of this world.  For in HIM, dwells the fullness of GOD, in bodily form.  HE is the head of all cosmic power and authority, and, in HIM, you have everything.

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 canceled 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 rules and authorities of their power, humbled them before the eyes of the whole world, and dragged them behind HIM, as prisoners." - Colossians 2:6-15 

(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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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.  For this cause I labor and struggle, with the energy of CHRIST working powerfully in me.

I want you to know how I strive for you, for those of Laodicea, and for so many who have not met me personally.  I pray, that all may be encouraged.  May you be established in love, that you may obtain all the riches of a full understanding, and know the mystery of GOD, CHRIST HIMSELF.  For, in HIM, are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." - Colossians 1:24-2:3 

(I complete in my own flesh what is lacking in the sufferings of CHRIST.  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.

I want you to know how I strive for you.  This struggle of Paul signifies labor [1:28-29] and prayer [4:2 and Romans 15:30].  It could be very tempting [and it is the temptation of the Colossians] to make Christianity an attractive religion, with beautiful explanations, leaving people hanging on to their dreams and passions, a religion that does not attack the sin rooted in our way of life and in our society.  To join the attack we must first be convinced that it is in CHRIST that we find the whole mystery of GOD.)

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Whoever Does Not Follow ME, Carrying His Own Cross, Cannot Be MY Disciple

"One day, when large crowds were walking along with JESUS, HE turned and said to them, 'If you come to ME, unwilling to sacrifice your love for your father and mother, your spouse and children, your brothers and sisters, and indeed yourself, you cannot be MY disciple.  Whoever does not follow ME, carrying his own cross, cannot be MY disciple.

Do you build a house without first sitting down to count the cost, to see whether you have enough to complete it?  Otherwise, if you, have laid the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone will make fun of you: 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'

And a king wages war against another king, does he go to fight without first sitting down to consider whether his ten thousand can stand against the twenty thousand of his opponent?  And if not, while the other is still a long way off, he sends messengers for peace talks.  In the same way, none of you may become MY disciple, if he doesn't give up everything he has." - Luke 14:25-33 

(JESUS thinks about people who, after becoming enthusiastic about HIM and giving up their personal ambitions to dedicate themselves to the work of the Gospel, turn back to seek what ordinary people see as a more "normal" and secure life.  JESUS needs disciples who commit themselves once and for all.

Why this comparison with the king going to war?  Because the person who frees himself for the service of the Gospel is, in fact, a king to whom GOD will give greater rewards than anyone else would give [see Mark 10:30].  He must also know that the fight is against the "owner" of this world, the devil, who will stop him with a thousand unexpected tests and traps.  Had he not totally surrendered, the disciple would surely fail and be worse off than if he had not even begun.

If he doesn't give up everything he has.  JESUS asks some people to give up their loved ones and their family problems.  To all HE shows that we shall never be free to answer GOD's call, if we do not want to rethink our family links, our use of time and all that we sacrifice in order to live "like everyone else."

Unwilling to sacrifice your love for your farther and mother, your spouse and children...  This is found in Matthew 10:37.  Luke adds: your wife.)

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That You May Be, Without Fault, Holy And Blameless Before HIM

"You, yourselves, were once estranged, and opposed to GOD, because of your evil deeds, but now, GOD has reconciled you, in the human body of HIS Son, through HIS death, so that you may be without fault, holy and blameless before HIM.  Only stand firm upon the foundation of your faith, and be steadfast in hope.  Keep in mind the gospel you have heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister." - Colossians 1:21-23 

(Paul now requires the Colossians to keep their feet on the ground.  Do not waste your time imagining struggles between celestial beings and evil ones.  The struggle is here below and costs blood and life.  This is why Paul reminds his readers what he himself is suffering because of the Gospel.

The body of CHRIST is the place where the peace of all humanity with GOD, and peace between individuals and nations can be achieved [Ephesians 2:11].

That you may be, without fault, holy and blameless before HIM [see James 1:18-21 and John 15:3].  If the ritual of baptism is important, what is even more important is for us to welcome the word of GOD that gives us life.

Many young people flee marriage, partly because they fear a risk [total fidelity is indeed a way of losing one's life: Mark 8:35], partly because they consider that their love is their own business.  Paul shows that CHRIST's love for us, however personal it may be, never forgets HIS love for all those who make up HIS body.  It is an example: married Christians are invited to have their place in the transformation of the world through the radiation of their love and their service to others.)    

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Praise To GOD, Creator And Shepherd

"All you lands, acclaim YAHWEH!

Serve YAHWEH with gladness; come before HIM with joyful songs.

Know that YAHWEH is GOD; HE created us, and we are HIS people, the sheep of HIS fold.

Enter HIS gates with thanksgiving, HIS courts with praise.  Give thanks to HIM and praise HIS name.

For YAHWEH is good; HIS love lasts forever; and HIS faithfulness, through all generations.

- Psalm 100:1-5

(The psalm bids us rejoice in GOD, because we are utterly HIS.  From the psalmist, the glad reflection provokes an outburst of gratitude.  From those who know the Cross it should bring about a cry of wonder that GOD should have brought, what was already HIS own--that we should belong to HIM doubly.  'You are brought with a great price,' writes St. Paul; 'not with gold or silver,' Peter says, 'but with the precious blood of CHRIST' [1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18].  This psalm was born again on Calvary.  We must remember that as we sing it!)

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HE Transferred Us To The Kingdom Of HIS Beloved Son

"Because of this, from the day we received news of you, we have not ceased praying to GOD for you, that you may attain the full knowledge of HIS will, through all the gifts of wisdom and spiritual understanding.

May your lifestyle be worthy of the LORD and completely pleasing to HIM.  May you bear fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of GOD.

May you become strong, in everything, by a sharing of the glory of GOD, so that you may have great endurance and persevere in joy.

Constantly give thanks to the FATHER, who has empowered us to receive our share in the inheritance of the saints, in HIS kingdom of light.  HE rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of HIS beloved Son.  In HIM, we are redeemed and forgiven." - Colossians 1:9-14 

(Faith opens for us the way to true knowledge: precisely what the Colossians are looking for; through this faith GOD has already placed us in the kingdom of light.

HE transferred us to the kingdom of HIS beloved Son.  While the Colossians are interested in an invisible world of supernatural forces, where luminous powers battle with those of darkness [see Ephesians 1:21], Paul immediately clarified the situation; there is nothing other than the Power of Darkness and the Kingdom of the Son.)

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JESUS Is A Model Missionary

"Leaving the synagogue, JESUS went to the house of Simon.  His mother-in-law was suffering from high fever, and they asked HIM to do something for her.  Bending over her, HE rebuked the fever, and it left her.  Immediately, she got up and waited on them.

At sunset, people suffering from many kinds of sickness were brought to JESUS.  Laying HIS hands on each one, HE healed them.  Demons were driven out, howling as they departed from their victims, 'YOU are the Son of GOD!'  HE rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, for they knew HE was the Messiah.

JESUS left at daybreak and looked for a solitary place.  People went out in search of HIM, and finding HIM, they tried to dissuade HIM from leaving.  But HE said, 'I have to go other towns, to announce the good news of the kingdom of GOD.  That is what I was sent to do.'  And JESUS continued to preach in the synagogues of Galilee." - Luke 4:38-44   

(JESUS is a model missionary.  HE no sooner gathers a few believers together than they want to keep HIM for themselves, either because they see in HIM a true prophet, or want to form a true community under HIS guidance.

JESUS, however, leaves the task of shepherding [in the sense of guiding a specific community] to others. because HE has many more people in mind still awaiting the Gospel.) 

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"In Truth, I Tell You."

"JESUS went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee, and began teaching the people at the Sabbath meetings.  They were astonished at the way HE taught them, for HIS word was spoken with authority.

In the synagogue, there was a man possessed by an evil spirit, who shouted in a loud voice, 'What do YOU want with us, JESUS of Nazareth?  Have YOU come to destroy us?  I recognize YOU: YOU are the Holy One of GOD.'  Then JESUS said to him sharply, 'Be silent and leave this man!'  The evil spirit then threw the man down in front of them, and came out of him without doing him harm.

Amazement seized all these people, and they said to one another, 'What does this mean?  HE commands the evil spirits with authority and power.  HE orders, and you see how they come out!'  And news about JESUS spread throughout the surrounding area." - Luke 4:31-37 

(Mark has shown us how JESUS began HIS public life: HE became part of a movement of conversion that had shaken everyone at the call of John the Baptist.  It was then that JESUS began preaching and met HIS first disciples.

Mark will now give us a "day" in the life of JESUS.  Through HIS words and actions a power that impresses every witness becomes manifest.  At the beginning of HIS ministry, JESUS preaches in the synagogues.  The synagogue is the Jewish house of prayer.  People gather each Saturday for the chanting of the Psalms and the reading of the Scriptures.  The one in charge preaches and invites others to join.  This is where JESUS reveals HIMSELF.  HE is not like the teachers of the law who repeat, interpret, and give others' opinions.  JESUS speaks on HIS own and HE speaks with authority, "In truth, I tell you."

With the same authority JESUS drives out demons.  This act also contains a message: JESUS delivers us from the influence of the Devil, who strives to destroy those created in the likeness of GOD.

This "Master of the world" [John 14:30] is present in all human business and culture to deceive human purposes and converts any progress into new slavery.)

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Comfort One Another

"Brothers and sisters, we want you not to be mistaken about those who are already asleep, lest you grieve as do those who have no hope.  We believe that JESUS died and rose; it will be the same for those who have died in JESUS.  GOD will bring them together, with JESUS, and for HIS sake.

By the same word of the LORD, we assert this: those of us who are to be alive at the LORD's coming, will not go ahead of those who are already asleep.  When the command by the archangel's voice is given, the LORD, HIMSELF, will come down from heaven, while the divine trumpet call is sounding.  Then, those who have died in the LORD, will rise first; as for us who are still alive, we will be brought along with them, in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the celestial world.  And we will be with the LORD forever.

So then, comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 

(This brief message of hope leaves obscure essential questions concerning the resurrection of the dead.  Paul will fully deal with this subject later on in 1 Corinthians 15.  There he will show that resurrection is first a transformation of our whole being through the energies flowing from the resurrected CHRIST.

Comfort one another.  The way of celebrating funerals in the Church must comfort the dead person's relatives and strengthen their faith in the resurrection.  There is no room for expressions of despair which JESUS HIMSELF scorned [see Mark 5:40]: these are peculiar to people who consider the separation to be final.  A funeral Mass without any spectacular display, when the fervent prayer of the community is experienced, produces a great impact on people who are indifferent.) 

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The City Of The Living GOD

"What you have come to, is nothing known to the senses: nor heat of a blazing fire, darkness and gloom and storms, blasts of trumpets or such a voice that the people pleaded, that no further word be spoken.  For they could not endure the order that was given: Every man or beast reaching the mountain shall be stoned.  The sight was so terrifying, that Moses said: I tremble with fear.

But you came near to Mount Zion, to the City of the living GOD, to the heavenly Jerusalem, with its innumerable angels.  You have come to the solemn feast, the assembly of the firstborn of GOD, whose names are written in heaven.  There is GOD, Judge of all, with the spirits of the upright, brought to perfection.  There is JESUS, the mediator of the new Covenant, with the sprinkled blood that cries out more effectively than Abel's." - Hebrews 12:18-24 

(You came near to Mount Zion.  This mountain on which Jerusalem was built was for the Jews the image of the heavenly city.  At the time of their baptism the believers experienced to different degrees a transformation giving them a joyful awareness of belonging to GOD.  They experienced it in a community context where they became one in the family of GOD, of saints and angels.  Perhaps they came to know something of this mysterious center where the destiny of the world is decided and where JESUS HIMSELF is present.  They must not forget later the experiences given them in enlightened times.)

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