They Shall All Be Taught By GOD

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

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

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

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

(They shall all be taught by GOD.  Several texts from the prophets showed in what way Jewish religion should transcend itself.  GOD's Covenant celebrated in Mount Sinai had given the laws through which the conscience of GOD's people would be educated.  Then should come new times when GOD would teach each of HIS believers as HE did the great prophets [Isaiah 54:13; Jeremiah 31:34; Joel 3:1].  JESUS recalls these promises and interprets them.  It is not a matter of revelations given to everyone but of a mysterious call that directs us to JESUS.  In JESUS, the perfect mirror of GOD, we discover the will of the FATHER for us.  JESUS is the word of GOD and from now on the most authentic revelations can only send us back to HIM.)

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All Those Whom The FATHER Gives ME Will Come To ME, And Whoever Comes To ME, I Shall Not Turn Away

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

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

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

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The Bread That Comes Down From Heaven Is Not Something, But Someone, And That Is CHRIST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Then the Jews asked HIM, 'What shall we do?  What are the works that GOD wants us to do?'  And JESUS answered them, 'The work GOD wants is this: that you believe in the One whom GOD has sent.'" - John 6:28-29 

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

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Be Holy For I AM Holy

"So, then, let your spirit be ready.  Be alert, with confident trust, in the grace you will receive, when JESUS CHRIST appears.  Like obedient children, do not return to your former life, given over to ignorance and passions.  Imitate the one who called you.  As HE is holy, so you, too, be holy, in all your conduct, since Scripture says: Be holy for I AM holy." - 1 Peter 1:13-16 

(The logical consequences of baptism are developed.  We cannot go backward; giving in to the evils of the world would mean going back to the slavery from which CHRIST delivered us through HIS blood.)

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GOD Opposes The Proud But Gives HIS Grace To The Humble

"In the same way, let the younger ones among you respect the authority of the elders.  All of you must clothe yourselves with humility, in your dealings with one another, because GOD opposes the proud but gives HIS grace to the humble.

Bow down, then, before the power of GOD, so that HE will raise you up at the appointed time.  Place all your worries on HIM, since HE takes care of you.

Be sober and alert, because, your enemy, the devil prowls about, like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Stand your ground, firm in your faith, knowing, that our brothers and sisters, scattered throughout the world, are confronting similar sufferings.  GOD, the giver of all grace, has called you, to share in CHRIST's eternal glory, and after you have suffered a little, HE will bring you to perfection: HE will confirm, strengthen and establish you forever and ever.  Amen.

I have these few lines of encouragement, written to you by Silvanus, our brother, whom I know to be trustworthy.  For I wanted to remind you of the kindness of GOD, really present in all this.  Hold on to it.

Greetings from the community in Babylon, gathered by GOD, and from my son, Mark.

Greet one another with a friendly embrace.  Peace to you all who are in CHRIST." - 1 Peter 5:5-14 

(In persecution Peter also sees a work of the devil, who does his best to discourage those who hope in CHRIST.

It is a proven fact that when we get ready to make an important decision or to make some commitment in the service of CHRIST, many unexpected obstacles arise.  The person who becomes intimidated loses everything.  When he tries again to take some step, the devil will increase his attacks.  These trials are common and to face them we need to be alert in our faith.

To remind you of the kindness of GOD.  This kindness, or grace, means GOD's whole plan to save us, all that came to us through CHRIST.

Babylon: in the language of the Christians of the time indicates "the great city," the center of pagan religions, namely, Rome [see Revelation 17].  Rome already has a community, the Church, at the time that Peter writes.)

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If Their Project Or Activity Is Of Human Origin, It Will Destroy Itself

"But one of them, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law highly respected by the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin.  He ordered the men to be taken outside for a few minutes and then he spoke to the assembly.

'Fellow Israelites, consider, well, what you intend to do to these men.  For some time ago, Theudas came forward, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him.  But he was killed and all his followers were dispersed or disappeared.  After him, Judas, the Galilean, appeared, at the time of the census and persuaded many people to follow him.  But he, too, perished; and his whole following was scattered.  So, in this present case, I advise you to have nothing to do with these men.  Leave them alone.  If their project or activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.  If, on the other hand, it is from GOD, you will not be able to destroy it; and you might indeed, find yourselves fighting against GOD.'

The Council let themselves be persuaded.  They called in the apostles and had them whipped; and ordered them not to speak again of JESUS, the Savior.  Then they set them free.

The apostles went out from the Council, rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer disgrace for the sake of the Name.  Day after day, both in the temple and in people's homes, they continued to teach, and to proclaim, that JESUS was the Messiah." - Acts 5:34-42 

(Gamaliel was one of the most renowned among the masters of the law.  Here we see the open mind of this old Jewish teacher who knows that GOD's ways are not always the ways of humans.

If their project or activity is of human origin.  JESUS had said something similar [Matthew 15:13].  Yet that does not seem evident.  Are we not aware of many false doctrines that last?  If they have lasted for centuries, perhaps it is due to the fact that in spite of the error and the evil they sow, they contain useful or necessary principles for a given time, or for certain human groups.  Perhaps they make very important statements that the Church should proclaim but cannot or does not want to do.  Experience shows that the majority of humans are not ready to embrace the Christian faith: must GOD abandon them because of that?  Can we, who have CHRIST, say with certitude that such and such a one is not "the prophet."  Maybe GOD's will is that HE be the prophet of a certain group and help them in their searching for GOD [Acts 17:27].

Gamaliel was Paul's teacher in Jerusalem for doubtless three or four years, a little after these events [Acts 22:3].  Paul's conversion will  be providentially prepared through contact with this open and sincere man, and equally so through the death of Stephen [7:54-60].)

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He Who Will Not Believe In The SON Will Never Know Life, And Always Faces The Justice Of GOD

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

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

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

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GOD So Loved The World That HE Gave HIS Only Son That Whoever Believes In HIM May Not Be Lost, But May Have Eternal Life

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

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

(The Jews had been praying for GOD to come and expected HIM to condemn the world and to punish the bad.  HE, on the other hand, sent HIS own Son to the cross so that the world will be saved.

Other verses of the New Testament say that we should not love the world; which seems to contradict what we have just read: GOD so loved the world.  The reason for this contradiction is that the word world has several meanings.

First, the world means all of creation, which is good since it is GOD's work.  The center of this divine work is humankind, which has come under the influence of Satan [8:34 and 44].  Everything that sinful humanity creates--riches, culture, social life--is influenced, disfigured and used for evil.  Hence, GOD sent HIS Son so that the world will be saved.

 Yet, even though CHRIST's resurrection initiated invincible power over history, a strong current of evil continues, dragging along all who refuse to acknowledge the truth.  This evil current is sometimes called the world.  It would be more appropriate to say: the people who surrender themselves to the Master of the world.  The Scripture points to them in saying: Do not love the world, or You are not of the world [1 John 2:15; 4:6].)

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Praise Of GOD, King Of The World

"YAHWEH, reigns, robed in majesty;

YAHWEH is girded with strength.

The world now, is firm; it cannot be moved.

YOUR throne stands from long ago, O YAHWEH;

from all eternity YOU are.

The floods have lifted up, O YAHWEH,

the floods have lifted up their roaring,

the floods have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mightier than the thunder of great waters,

mightier than the breakers of the sea,

YAHWEH on high, is mighty!

YOUR decrees can be trusted;

holiness dwells in YOUR house,

day after day, without end, O YAHWEH."

- Psalm 93:1-5

(This is the first of the 'royal' psalms [93; 95-100] celebrating the kingship of GOD, creator and controller of our universe, whose eternal tranquility contrasts with the restless sea.  HE is so calm and silent that we might think HE sleeps.  But only GOD-made-man could sleep.  Even then, when the apostles cried to HIM, 'HE rebuked the wind and said to the sea: Peace!  Be still!  The wind ceased and there was made a great calm' [Mark 4:39].  'YOU are a king then?' said Pilate.  HE is indeed--though HIS kingship was hidden.  But now, HE sits at the right hand.  We are of HIS kingdom.  Let us sing to our LORD, ascended and enthroned in heaven.

The  LORD of history and of nature is much stronger than awesome historical conflicts.)

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The Prayer Of The Community

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

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

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

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

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

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Faith, Hope, And Love For CHRIST: The Three Virtues Urging Christians, Go Together

"Let us praise GOD, the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for HIS great mercy.  In raising JESUS CHRIST from the dead, HE has given us new life, and a living hope.  The inheritance that does not corrupt, nor goes bad, nor passes away, was reserved for you, in heaven, since GOD's power shall keep you faithful, until salvation is revealed, in the last days.

There is cause for joy, then, even though you may, for a time, have to suffer many trials.  Thus will your faith be tested, like gold in a furnace.  Gold, however, passes away, but faith, worth so much more, will bring you, in the end, praise, glory and honor, when JESUS CHRIST appears.

You have not, yet, seen HIM, and, yet, you love HIM; even without seeing HIM, you believe in HIM, and experience a heavenly joy beyond all words, for you are reaching the goal of your faith: the salvation of your souls." - 1 Peter 1:3-9 

(This passage could be the preaching of a leader of a Christian community, addressed to adults who have just been baptized.  In those days people were more preoccupied than they are now about their salvation after death.  To those being baptized, the apostles spoke of the inheritance of GOD which was reserved for them and had been won by CHRIST in HIS resurrection: The inheritance that does not corrupt nor goes bad nor passes away.

The newly baptized knew that their Christian faith was threatened and persecuted.  To ask for baptism meant to commit oneself to CHRIST until death.

You have not yet seen HIM...  Faith, hope, and love for CHRIST: the three virtues [or powers] urging Christians, go together.  CHRIST came to glory through suffering.  The Christian follows the same path and already knows true joy in the midst of trials.)

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Proclaim The Good News To All Creation

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

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

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

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

(Proclaim the Good News to all creation.  The Good News is the seed that will be planted in the world and will flourish, in its proper time, in every field of human endeavor.  Salvation is not a matter of saving isolated souls or individual beings.  The Gospel is to be proclaimed to all creation in all activities and acts of those who have been renewed by baptism.  They are to be the yeast that transforms human history.)

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Peter And John Are Arrested

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

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

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke up, 'Leaders of the people!  Elders!  It is a fact, that we are being examined today for a good deed done to a cripple.  How was he healed?  You, and all the people of Israel, must know, that this man stands before you cured, through the name of JESUS CHRIST, the Nazorean.  You had HIM crucified.  But GOD raised HIM from the dead.  JESUS is the stone rejected by you, like builders, which has become the cornerstone.  There is no salvation in anyone else; for there is no other Name given to humankind, all over the world, by which we may be saved.'" - Acts 4:1-12 

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

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

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

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

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A Celebration Of Human Dignity And Divine Greatness

"O YAHWEH, our YAHWEH,

how great is YOUR name throughout the earth!

And YOUR glory in the heavens above.

Even the mouths of children and infants

exalt YOUR glory in front of YOUR foes

and put to shame enemies and rebels.

When I observe the heavens,

the work of YOUR hands,

the moon, and the stars YOU set in their place--

what is man, that YOU be mindful of him;

the son of man, that YOU should care for him?

Yet YOU made him a little less than a god;

YOU crowned him with glory and honor

and gave him the works of YOUR hands;

YOU have put all things under his feet--

sheep and oxen without number,

and even the beasts of the field,

the birds of the air, the fish of the sea,

and all that swim the paths of the ocean."

- Psalm 8:2-9

(This psalm is a lyrical reflection on the making and endowment of man: 'Let us make man in our own image... let him have dominion over the fish, the birds, the beasts' [Genesis 1:26].  He is little less than a god because he has a share in GOD's dominion.  He is much greater than the stars because, child though he is before the Eternal GOD, he has a voice for praise.

Everything speaks to us about GOD, whose Name is admirable, just as HIS works are.  It is a childlike adequate language to praise our great Master [cf. Matthew 21:16].  See how the apostles apply to JESUS the words of this psalm: Matthew 21:16; 1 Corinthians 15:27; Ephesians 1:22; Hebrews 2:6-8.  No one can build himself if he has not yet sought his mission in the world.  We are nothing without our brothers and sisters who struggle or vegetate in the anthills of the entire world.  Wherever there is a human being, he or she is tenderly cared for by GOD.  This psalm can be sung as a celebration of human dignity and divine greatness.)   

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Peter And John Cure A Lame Man

"Once when Peter and John were going up to the temple, at three in the afternoon, the hour for prayer, a man, crippled from birth, was being carried in.  Every day, they would bring him and put him at the temple gate called 'Beautiful;' there, he begged from those who entered the temple.

When he saw Peter and John on their way into the temple, he asked for alms.  Then Peter, with John at his side, looked straight at him and said, 'Look at us.'  So he looked at them, expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said, 'I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you: In the name of JESUS of Nazareth, the Messiah, walk!'

Then, he took the beggar by his right hand and helped him up.  At once, his feet and ankles became firm, and, jumping up, he stood on his feet and began to walk.  And he went with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising GOD.

All the people saw him walking and praising GOD; they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were all astonished and amazed at what had happened to him." - Acts 3:1-10 

(We might sometimes think that JESUS cured all the sick.  This is not true, since HE did not heal this cripple who was in the temple every day.  This new sign brings about another proclamation.

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

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Repent

"Let Israel, then, know for sure, that GOD has made LORD and CHRIST this JESUS, whom you crucified.

When they heard this, they were deeply troubled.  And they asked Peter and the other apostles, 'What shall we do, brothers?'

Peter answered: 'Each of you must repent and be baptized in the name of JESUS CHRIST, so that your sins may be forgiven.  Then, you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise of GOD was made to you and your children, and to all those from afar, whom our GOD may call.'

With many other words Peter gave the message; and appealed to them, saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation.'  So, those who accepted his word were baptized; some three thousand persons were added to their number that day." - Acts 2:36-41 

(Repent.  Peter uses these words of JESUS at the beginning of his speech [Matthew 4:17]--the Church is beginning to fall into the steps of JESUS--now it is no longer a question of receiving the baptism of John the Baptist, which was only a ritual of purification, highlighting the desire to repent.  We must receive baptism "In the Name of JESUS."

What shall we do?...  Repent.  In those days, to repent and to be converted meant to share the life of the infant Church which showed to the nation the way of salvation taught by JESUS.  The Church did not appear as a new religion opposed to Judaism, but as a center of more authentic life.)

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Peter Addresses The Crowd

"Then Peter stood up with the Eleven and, with a loud voice, addressed them, 'Fellow Jews and all foreigners now staying in Jerusalem, listen to what I have to say.  These people are not drunk as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning.  Indeed what the prophet Joel spoke about has happened:

In the last days, GOD says, I will pour out MY Spirit on every mortal.  Your sons and daughters will speak through the Holy Spirit; your young men will see visions and your old men will have dreams.

In those days I will pour out MY Spirit even on MY servants, both men and women, and they will be prophets.

I will perform miracles in the sky above and wonders on the earth below.  The sun will be darkened and the moon will turn red as blood, before the great and glorious Day of the LORD comes.

And then, whoever calls upon the Name of the LORD will be saved." - Acts 2:14-21 

(This is the first proclamation of JESUS' resurrection.  Peter, once again, aware of his responsibility in the group of the Twelve, speaks on behalf of all.  He cites the texts of the Old Testament: Joel, the Psalms, etc. and demonstrates their fulfillment in JESUS and in the nascent Church.

I will pour out MY Spirit.  The FATHER sends the Spirit of JESUS to all people; HE makes of all people HIS prophets, HIS witnesses.

I will perform miracles in the sky...  Peter continues quoting the prophet Joel who announces the day of YAHWEH, that is to say, in the Old Testament, the day of GOD's judgment.)

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Seek The Things That Are Above

"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." - Colossians 3:1-4 

(Here we have what was said about baptism [2:12] which join 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].)

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The Risen Church

"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to visit the tomb.  Suddenly there was a violent earthquake: an angel of the LORD descending from heaven, came to the stone, rolled it from the entrance of the tomb, and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning and his garment white as snow.  When they saw the angel, the guards were struck with terror.

The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for JESUS, who was crucified.  HE is not here, for HE is risen as HE said.  Come, see the place where they laid HIM; then go at once and tell HIS disciples that HE is risen from the dead, and is going before you to Galilee.  You will see HIM there.  This is my message for you.'

In fear, yet with great joy, the women left the tomb and ran to tell the news to HIS disciples.

Suddenly, JESUS met them on the way and said, 'Rejoice!'  The women approached HIM, embraced HIS feet and worshiped HIM.  But JESUS said to them, 'Do not be afraid!  Go and tell MY brothers to set out for Galilee; there, they will see ME.'" - Matthew 28:1-10 

(This first paragraph is still in apocalyptic style, with its resplendent angel and another earthquake.  The Gospel refuses to describe a triumphal departure of JESUS, as his readers would have preferred.  The risen JESUS is only seen by those who believe: the women who look for HIM will see HIM, the soldiers and rulers who do not seek HIM will not understand.

The evangelist mentions the names of Mary of Magdala and the other Mary, the mother of James and of Joseph [Matthew 13:55], two of the "brothers of JESUS" [Matthew 13:55], HIS closest cousins.  [She is a relative of Mary, the mother of JESUS, John 19:25].

Suddenly, JESUS met them on the way.  It is obvious that Matthew is combining two different events; one, the discovery of the empty tomb, and the other, which happened later on, the apparition of JESUS to Mary Magdalene alone as related in John 20:11-18.

A woman, Mary Magdalene, conveys the message, in order to indicate that, in the Church, not everything will come from the authorities.  GOD communicates with whomsoever HE wishes, giving prophetic messages to simple people and to woman.

The resurrection of CHRIST is the pivotal point of the Gospel; yet Matthew reports it briefly.  Why?  Because when Matthew wrote his Gospel, the Resurrection was considered too great an event to put into writing: rather, it should be proclaimed and witnessed to by the Spirit at work in the Christian communities.

Are we in a different situation?  The Church that talks of the Risen CHRIST should never be a powerful Church but a Risen Church.  If the Church finds itself in a situation where there is no apparent hope of salvation, yet it is revived by the power of GOD; if in each generation the Church seems doomed to die because of its ancient structures, its worldly ways or the persecution it undergoes, yet it is nevertheless given new energies and new apostles by the LORD, then the Church is a witness that the LORD has risen and has given her the power to rise.)

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Through HIS Punishment, We Are Made Whole

"It is now when MY servant will succeed; 

he will be exalted and highly praised.

Just as many have been horrified

at his disfigured appearance:

'Is this a man?  He does not look like one,'

so will nations be astounded,

kings will stand speechless,

for they will see something never told,

they will witness something never heard of."

- Isaiah 52:13-15

(It is the fourth and last song of the Servant of YAHWEH; it is here that the prophet, known as the "second Isaiah," proclaims his whole message, and it is perhaps the last word of the Old Testament referring to Redemption.  The prophet delivers to Israel the meaning of trials and shows what will be its mission.  Israel has been placed at the center of the world history.  It will have no rest until the other nations have discovered through its sufferings the only true GOD.  The only title of Israel is to be GOD's servant, and it will not reach glory nor be saved before its mission has brought death.

Israel then, would necessarily be the victim, and, if GOD was to send a Savior, he too would be a victim.)

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"So, Then, Whenever You Eat Of This Bread And Drink From This Cup, You Are Proclaiming The Death Of The LORD, Until HE Comes."

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

(You are proclaiming the death of the LORD until HE comes.  All the Eucharists celebrated around the world each day and every minute of the day, remind us that the death of CHRIST fills up the time until HIS coming.

History cannot cease, nor civilization be stagnant as happened in past centuries.  Not only does technical progress force us to advance, but also the requirements of justice springing from the death of the innocent [and here GOD is the innocent] destroy the established order.  JESUS' death does not allow the world to rest or have peace.  The Church reminds us of the death of CHRIST, not to preserve the past, but to draw from this unique event new energy for both reconciling and condemning.)

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The Last Supper

"On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to JESUS and said to HIM, 'Where do YOU want us to prepare the Passover meal for YOU?'  JESUS answered, 'Go into the city, to the house of a certain man, and tell him, 'The Master says: MY hour is near, and I will celebrate the Passover with MY disciples in your house.'

The disciples did as JESUS had ordered, and prepared the Passover meal.

When it was evening, JESUS sat at table with the Twelve.  While they were eating, JESUS said, 'Truly I say to you: one of you will betray ME.'  They were deeply distressed, and they asked HIM, one after the other, 'YOU do not mean me, do YOU, LORD?'

HE answered, 'The one who dips his bread with ME will betray ME.  The Son of Man is going as the Scriptures say HE will.  But alas for that one who betrays the Son of Man: better for him not to have been born.'  Judas, the one who would betray HIM, also asked, 'YOU do not mean me, Master, do you?'  JESUS replied, 'You have said it.'" - Matthew 26:17-25 

(During the Passover JESUS wanted to clarify the meaning of HIS imminent Passion.  HE was headed toward a death which HE freely accepted, a death that would save the world.  What would "HIS" salvation be?  It would bring human history to its fulfillment: people and races needed to mature, to confront one another and finally to be united in one body.  The world would pass though a thousand crises and deaths in order to come to the resurrection.  Within such a history GOD could spread and distribute the riches of HIS Spirit and bring to holiness HIS elect.  JESUS had presented a message that should guide humanity, but a people of GOD was also needed, a yeast, a minority who would feel committed to GOD's work, and to whom GOD would commit HIMSELF.)

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YAHWEH Called Me From MY Mother's Womb

"Listen to me, O islands,

pay attention, people from distant lands.

YAHWEH called me from my mother's womb;

HE pronounced my name before I was born.

HE made my mouth like a sharpened sword.

HE hid me in the shadow of HIS hand.

HE made me into a polished arrow

set apart in HIS quiver.

HE said to me, 'You are Israel, MY servant,

Through you I will be known.'

I have labored in vain, 'I thought, and spent my strength for nothing.'

Yet what is due me was in the hand of YAHWEH,

and my reward was with my GOD.

I am important in the sight of YAHWEH,

and my GOD is my strength.

And now YAHWEH has spoken,

HE who formed me in the womb to be HIS servant,

to bring Jacob back to HIM,

to gather Israel to HIM.

HE said: 'It is not enough that you be MY servant,

to restore the tribes of Jacob,

to bring back the remnant of Israel.

I will make you the light of the nations,

that MY salvation will reach to the ends of the earth.'"

- Psalm 49:1-6

(YAHWEH called me from my mother's womb.  These were Jeremiah's words [1:5].  All that follows can be interpreted both of the believing minority or of the one who fully lives in prophetic vocation.  Is the servant a single person, or is he a people of prophets?  The apostles of JESUS quickly understood that the present text applied first to HIM.  HE is the word and the two edged sword [Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 19:15].

Paul in turn will take for himself these verses: Galatians 1:15; Acts 13:47; 2 Corinthians 10:4, 12:8.  This double interpretation, personal and collective, should not surprise us for the unique Savior is never a lonely savior.  JESUS wanted to be identified with those who believe, who suffer and persevere to prepare for the salvation of the world.)   

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A New Order Willed By GOD

"Here is MY servant whom I uphold,

MY chosen one in whom I delight.

I have put MY spirit upon him,

and he will bring justice to the nations.

He does not shout or raise his voice.

Proclamations are not heard in the streets.

A broken reed he will not crush,

nor will he snuff out the light

of the wavering wick.

He will make justice appear in truth.

He will not waiver or be broken

until he has established justice on earth;

the islands are waiting for his law.

Thus says GOD, YAHWEH,

who created the heavens and stretched them out,

who spread the earth and all that comes from it,

who gives life and breath to those who walk on it:

I, YAHWEH, have called you for the sake of justice;

I will hold your hand to make you firm;

I will make you as a Covenant to the people,

and as a light to the nations,

to open eyes that do not see,

to free captives from prison,

to bring out to light those who sit in darkness."

- Isaiah 42:1-7

(The servant is at times Israel, in other passages it is the minority of the faithful, conscious of their vocation, who try to struggle against the indifference of the majority.  It would also signify the prophet [or prophets] who share with the faithful the word of GOD.

In different passages of the Gospel JESUS assures HIS disciples that they are the "sons of the prophets," and the Apostles, in their turn would understand that the Servant after all and before all others, is JESUS [Matthew 12:8; Acts 3:13; 4:27].  JESUS, Servant of HIS FATHER and Son of HIS maidservant [Psalm 116:16 and Luke 1:38].

The prophet had just celebrated the victories of Cyrus.  Those victories actually only prepared another victorious step forward, of a people of believers who, freed from captivity in Babylon, would declare to the world their faith and their hope.

This minority is the Covenant of the nation: thanks to these faithful believers GOD continues to be present among this Jewish people where a majority do not listen to HIM.  It is this same people that will re-establish the Covenant with GOD.  It will then give to the nations [the people of the East], and to the islands [the western world] justice, that is to say a new order willed by GOD.)

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"No One But The Spirit Of GOD Knows The Secrets Of GOD... And Through HIM We Understand What GOD In HIS Goodness Has Given Us."

"The LORD YAHWEH has taught me

so I speak as HIS disciple

and I know how to sustain the weary.

Morning after morning HE wakes me up

to hear, to listen like a disciple.

The LORD YAHWEH has opened my ear,

I have not rebelled,

nor have I withdrawn.

I offered my back to those who strike me,

my cheeks to those who pulled my beard;

neither did I shield my face

from blows, spittle and disgrace.

I have not despaired,

for the LORD YAHWEH comes to my help.

So, like a flint I set my face,

knowing that I will not be disgraced."

- Isaiah 50:4-7

("Who is the prophet talking about, himself or another?"  [Acts 8:34].  Actually the servant could be as in 49:1 the faithful minority, but it could also be, perhaps, the prophet himself, or who knows, a "Prophet" who is to come?  The author refuses to choose between servant and servants.

Former prophets met with the same opposition.  Moses had to endure a rebellious people; Jeremiah had been persecuted and imprisoned [see Jeremiah 20:7 and 37].  On the basis of these examples, we see a profile and mission of the perfect servant of YAHWEH.  This will be JESUS, but every one of HIS prophets can apply all these words to himself or herself.

Note the beginning of the poem.  The Servant will be able to transmit the word and to encourage on behalf of GOD because he himself listens every morning and keeps his ears open.  To sustain those who are tired, we must be taught by GOD: the true prophet is a person of prayer, open to the spirit of GOD.  "No one but the spirit of GOD knows the secrets of GOD... and through HIM we understand what GOD in HIS goodness has given us" [1 Corinthians 2:11-12].)

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In The Restored Israel The Division Would Be Removed And Healed: There Would Be One People And One Shepherd

"'You shall then say to them: Thus says YAHWEH: I AM about to withdraw the Israelites from where they were among the nations.  I shall gather them from all around and bring them back to their land.  I shall make them into one people on the mountains of Israel; and one king is to be king of them all.  They will no longer form two nations or be two separate kingdoms, nor will they defile themselves again with their idols, their detestable practices and their sins.  I shall free them from the guilt of their treachery; I shall cleanse them; and they will be for ME a people, and I shall be GOD for them.  MY servant David will reign over them, one shepherd for all.  They will live to MY laws and follow and practice MY decrees.  They will settle in the land I gave to MY servant Jacob where their ancestors lived.  There, they will live forever, their children and their children's children.  David, MY servant, will be their prince forever.

I shall establish a Covenant of peace with them, an everlasting Covenant.  I shall settle them; and they will increase; and I shall put MY Sanctuary in their midst forever.  I shall make MY home at their side; I shall be their GOD and they will be MY people.  Then the nations will know that I AM YAHWEH who makes Israel HOLY, having MY Sanctuary among them forever.'" - Ezekiel 37:21-28 

(The Jewish nation's "original sin" was its division since Solomon's death.

In the restored Israel the division would be removed and healed: there would be one people and one shepherd [see John 10:16].

Even after the exiles came back from Babylon, Israel understood that she had to gather her children who had emigrated all over the world.  JESUS, likewise, intended to gather all the scattered children of GOD [John 11:52], since HE did not come for the Jews alone, but for all those who do not belong to the flock also [John 10].

If we reflect on this extensive mission of JESUS' disciples, it becomes evident that the word "assemble" does not mean to gather together all the nations into one, or impose on them the same institutions.  For them it is a matter of forming one living body where all that is human and the uniqueness of each one may flourish.  Such a unity is a gift of GOD: to have reached it would mean that we have arrived at the end of history.

Meanwhile, to truly become the New People of GOD, the Church must be one even in its visible structure.  To become divided is to revert to the sin of Jeroboam.)

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David's Gratitude For Victory

"I love YOU, O YAHWEH, my strength.

YAHWEH is my rock, my fortress,

my deliverer and my GOD.

HE is the rock in whom I take refuge.

HE is my shield, my powerful savior, my stronghold.

I call on YAHWEH, who is worthy of praise: HE

saves me from my enemies!

A deadly flood surrounded me,

devilish torrents rushed at me;

caught by the cords of the grave,

I was brought to the snares of death.

But I called upon YAHWEH in my distress,

I cried to my GOD for help; and from HIS temple 

HE heard my voice,

my cry of grief reached HIS ears."

- Psalm 18:2-7

(Here, a picture of GOD, as the great master of creation, appears side by side with that of GOD, as the jealous guardian of HIS servant David, who was king enough to serve the King of kings.  For once we have no difficulties identifying the 'enemies.'  The stormy history of David is well known to us.  But the historical situation will not help.  Again we have to take the words to ourselves, and the 'enemies' we pray against have intangible arrows.  We need the shield of GOD and all the warlike but spiritual apparatuses that St. Paul asks for: 'the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit, that is the Word of GOD' [Ephesians 6:16-17].)

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GOD's Faithfulness To HIS Promise

"Look to YAHWEH and be strong; seek HIS face always.

Remember HIS wonderful works, HIS miracles and HIS judgments,

you descendants of HIS servant Abraham, you sons of Jacob, HIS chosen ones!

HE is YAHWEH our GOD; HIS judgments reach the whole world.

HE remembers HIS Covenant forever, HIS promise to a thousand generations, the Covenant HE made with Abraham, the promise HE swore to Isaac."

- Psalm 105:4-9

(When praying with this psalm, we can unite our history to the history of salvation and remember that, while the covenant is a mandate, it is also the Word of GOD and therefore it is an eternal and holy covenant.  If we are unfaithful, GOD is still faithful.)

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The Children Of Truth

"JESUS went on to say to the Jews who believed in HIM, 'You will be MY true disciples, if you keep MY word.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'  They answered HIM, 'We are the descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves of anyone.  What do YOU mean by saying: You will be free?'

JESUS answered them, 'Truly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave.  But the slave doesn't stay in the house forever; the Son stays forever.  So, if the Son makes you free, you will be really free." - John 8:31-36  

(JESUS is not a banner for every social group, whether known as Catholic or by some other name, with which we go to fight other groups.  HE has come as a king of the kingdom of truth.  Those whose seek the truth are HIS, whatever their ideas may be.  Rather, those who live in truth are HIS.

For those Jews the world was divided into two groups: the sons of Abraham, that is themselves, and the rest.  They boasted of their ancestry and forgot that in GOD's eyes, each one is what he is.

JESUS comes to them as a witness to the truth; and HIS presence alone obliges all to examine themselves.  The truth JESUS speaks of is not a doctrine that HIS followers should impose by force.  Propagandists with arguments and biblical quotations are not needed, but witnesses who speak from their experience.  JESUS says: The truth will set you free, and: the Son makes you free.  Our truth consists in living in accordance with our vocation as children of GOD.

The believer who knows he is loved by GOD and consequently endeavors to be authentic is already in the truth, even if he retains some prejudices  common to his milieu, or is unconsciously guided by some lies or illusions in his way of living.)

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