We Share In The Divine Nature

"... may grace and peace abound in you, through the knowledge of GOD and of JESUS, our LORD.

HIS divine power has given us everything we need for life and piety.  First, the knowledge of the One who called us through HIS own glory and Might, by which we were given the most extraordinary and precious promises.  Through THEM, you share in the divine nature, after repelling the corruption and evil desires of this world.

So, strive with the greatest determination, and increase your faith, with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with moderation, moderation with constancy, constancy with piety, piety with mutual affection, mutual affection with charity." - 2 Peter 1:2-7 

(Christians tempted to become complacent are told two things:

- GOD's call is such a great favor that we cannot really understand it;

- it is not enough to have been called to believe: we must confirm this election by a truly holy life that prepares us to enter heaven.

You share in the divine nature.  This paragraph, with the text of St. John, is the strongest expression of what we are and what we shall be.  We have not merely been called to a good way of life that will be rewarded, to love a GOD who will be grateful to us.  JESUS has come to reveal who we are: HIS brothers and sisters, members of a unique humanity that is to become part of the eternal mystery of GOD.  HE was made human so that we become all that GOD is, nothing less.)

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Receive The Holy Spirit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"LORD Who Is To Betray YOU?"

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

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

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

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

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The First Condition To Be Fulfilled By A Shepherd In The Church

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ecumenism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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'Happiness Lies More In Giving Than In Receiving.'

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

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

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

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

(In verses 28-30, we have the warning of divisions and heresies in the Church: the same message will reappear in the Pastoral Letters [2 Timothy 3:1-9].  We are used to seeing Christians divided.  For Paul, it was unthinkable.  When he speaks of "the Churches of CHRIST" [Romans 16:4 and 16; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 11:16], he is only thinking of the local communities who communicate among themselves and all accept without discussion the same faith and tradition of the apostles.  Paul alludes to what awaits him: all that we can do is to follow CHRIST, who has won HIS Church at the price of HIS own blood [verse 28].  Only in heaven will a leader of the Church find rest and retirement [20:32].

In verses 33-35 Paul takes up the resignation discourse of Samuel [1 Samuel 12:3].  How quickly can a person be self-serving and look after self in any apostolic work.)

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Paul's Farewell To The Ephesian Elders

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

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

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

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

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

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The Journey Of GOD's People

"Arise, O GOD, scatter YOUR enemies; let YOUR foes flee before YOU.

As smoke is blown by the wind, so blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish  before YOU.

But let the righteous be glad and exult before GOD; 

let them sing to GOD and shout for joy.

Sing to GOD, sing praises to HIS name; open the way, to HIM who rides upon the clouds; YAHWEH is HIS name.  Rejoice in HIS presence.

FATHER of orphans and protector of widows--such is our GOD in HIS holy dwelling.

HE gives shelter to the homeless, sets the prisoners free; but keeps the rebels in their jail."

- Psalm 68:2-7

(This is the most picturesque--and obscure--of all the psalms.  In the liturgy, it particularly celebrates the Ascension of CHRIST.  And no wonder: it is a hymn fit for the climax victory of GOD, fighting for HIS people and there is wild joy, running through it.  

This psalm is adequate to celebrate our liberation, as we journey toward the Promised Land.)

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GOD Has Put All Things Under The Feet Of CHRIST

"May the GOD of CHRIST JESUS our LORD, the FATHER of glory, reveal HIMSELF to you, and give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation, that you may know HIM.

May HE enlighten your inner vision, that you may appreciate the things we hope for, since we were called by GOD.

May you know how great is the inheritance, the glory, GOD sets apart for HIS saints;

may you understand, with what extraordinary power, HE acts in favor of us who believe.

HE revealed HIS almighty power in CHRIST when HE raised HIM from the dead, and had HIM sit at HIS right hand in heaven, far above all rule, power, authority, dominion, or any other supernatural force that could be named, not only in this world, but in the world to come as well.

Thus has GOD put all things under the feet of CHRIST and set HIM above all things, as head of the church, which in HIS body, the fulness of HIM, who fills all in all." - Ephesians 1:17-23 

(Far above all power.  In Paul's days, neither Jews nor Christians doubted that the world was governed by supernatural powers, "angels."  They called them: Rulers, Powers, Authorities, Dominion, and Paul was saying to them: all these Powers are inferior to CHRIST.  In our days we express ourselves differently.  Nevertheless, we see the universe subject to the laws of nature, to the forces of matter and of life.  It is also subject to obscure forces: collective prejudices, vice and fanaticism.  These ruled the world, preventing the emergence of humanity, until the coming of CHRIST: see Galatians 3:23.

GOD has put all things under the feet of CHRIST.  This means the same as the words of our creed: "JESUS is seated at the right hand of GOD."  It means that in rising, CHRIST, the GOD-Human became the First in the universe.  All things under HIS feet except humankind.

Paul adds: "HE made HIM head of the Church".  CHRIST acts differently in two areas: in the world, where HE is the invisible center in charge; in the Church, of which HE is the head, where HE can show the riches of HIS Spirit.)

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You Will Ask In MY Name

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

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

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

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

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

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To GOD, King Of The World

"Clap your hands, all you peoples;

acclaim GOD with shouts of joy.

For YAHWEH, the Most High, is to be feared;

HE is a great king all over the earth.

HE brings people under our dominion

and puts nations under our feet.

HE chose our inheritance for us--

the pride of Jacob whom HE loves!

GOD ascends amid joyful shouts,

YAHWEH amid trumpet blasts.

Sing praises to GOD, sing praises!

Sing praises to our King, sing praises!"

- Psalm 47:2-7

('YOUR kingdom come,' we pray, and yet GOD's kingdom has already come.  But we are thinking of our own acceptance of it, our practical acknowledgment of GOD's sovereignty.  However, there is always comfort in throwing responsibility on GOD, as nations, their king and military leader once did.  Hence the note of joy in this psalm, and GOD 'goes up' to the sound of it.  No doubt, this refers to the procession with the Ark, brought up the Temple hill.  For us there is another 'ascension.'  The glorified body of CHRIST has thrown off the chains of place and time, and has power to lead us always and everywhere.  This is surely a psalm for the feast of the Ascension.

For as long as we express the desire of the Our FATHER: 'YOUR kingdom come' we could pray with this psalm, St. Paul [1 Thessalonians 16-18] says, 'Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks to GOD at every moment.  This is the will of GOD, your vocation as Christians.'  And, as Christians, we have added reasons to rejoice because of the Ascension of our LORD and HIS promise to take us to HIM.)

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JESUS In Our Midst

"A little while, and you will see ME no more; and then a little while, and you will see ME.

Some of the disciples wondered, 'What does HE mean by, 'A little while, and you will not see ME'?  And why did HE say, 'I go to the FATHER'?'  And they said to one another, 'What does HE mean by 'a little while'?  We don't understand.'

JESUS knew that they wanted to question HIM; so HE said to them, 'You are puzzled because I told you that in a little while you will see ME no more, and then a little while later you will see ME.

Truly, I say to you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices.  You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy." - John 16:16-20 

(JESUS is in our midst, but to be aware of HIS presence requires faith.  HE HIMSELF said: "You will see ME because you live and I also live [14:19]."  It is not important that we feel HIS presence, what matters is to persevere in HIS ways.  In order to attain mature faith, it is necessary that we be deprived of the consolation of HIS presence for more or less prolonged periods: a little while, and you will see ME no more.

For HIS disciples this happened for the first time at the moment of HIS death; later they saw HIM risen from the dead.  This will come true for us at the end of time, when we discover the glorious CHRIST whom we have awaited in faith.  No one should feel overconfident about feeling HIS presence, for example, after a conversion.  When everything seems easy, we should not look down on those who find it hard to believe or who have never felt the presence of GOD.  In a little while, perhaps, the LORD will leave us in darkness.

After JESUS rose from the dead, a real companionship would be established between HIM and HIS disciples: HE would speak to them clearly of the FATHER; they would ask in HIS name.)

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HE Will Take What Is MINE And Tell It To You: Everything That The FATHER Has Is Also MINE

"I still have many things to tell you, but you cannot bear them now.  When HE, the Spirit of truth comes, HE will guide you into the whole truth.

For HE will not speak of HIS own authority, but will speak what HE hears, and HE will tell you about the things which are to come.  HE will take what is MINE and make it known to you; in doing this, HE will glorify ME.  All that the FATHER has is MINE; for this reason, I told you that the Spirit will take what is mine, and make it known to you." - John 16:12-15 

("The Spirit" is not a poetic figure: it is Someone.  Starting from the day of Pentecost, the Spirit began to act in the Church, thus showing that HE was the Spirit of CHRIST.  The unbelieving Jews thought that GOD was with them, but in reality HIS Spirit did not act among them.  So it was clear that they had sinned for not believing in CHRIST.)

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A Miraculous Deliverance

"So they set the crowd against them; and the officials tore the clothes off Paul and Silas and ordered them to be flogged.  And after inflicting many blows on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to guard them safely.  Upon receiving these instructions, he threw them into the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to GOD, and the other prisoners were listening.  Suddenly, a severe earthquake shook the place, rocking the prison to its foundations.  Immediately, all the doors flew open and the chains of all the prisoners fell off.  The jailer woke up to see the prison gates wide open.  Thinking that the prisoners had escaped, he drew his sword to kill himself, but Paul shouted to him, 'Do not harm yourself!  We are all still here.'

The jailer asked for a light, then rushed in, and fell at the feet of Paul and Silas.  After he had secured the other prisoners, he led them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'  They answered, 'Believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and you, and your household, will be saved.'  Then they spoke the word of GOD to him and to all his household.

Even at that hour of the night, the jailer took care of them and washed their wounds; and he, and his whole household, were baptized at once.  He led them to his house, spread a meal before them and joyfully celebrated with his whole household his new found faith in GOD." - Acts 16:22-34 

(In Roman jails there was a main room and in the center of the pavement a grill closed the opening through which the most dangerous prisoners were thrown into an underground cell.  They throw Paul and Silas there.  They are perfectly free in spite of their chains.  Though they have been beaten and are wounded, they feel like praising GOD.  In the silence of the night, the jailers and the other prisoners listen to them praying and singing hymns.

GOD is also listening.  How many similar episodes, wherever a witness of Christian freedom has been at the risk of one's life and liberty!

We who take the time, and rightly so to prepare for Baptism, might be surprised by this very swift Baptism of a whole family.  It could be said that it was a special case: let us stress also that all this happened in a very different world from our own.)

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JESUS Enables Us To Discover The Intimate Mystery Of GOD

"From the FATHER, I will send you the Spirit of truth.  When this Helper has come from the FATHER, HE will be MY witness, and you, too, will be MY witnesses, for you have been with ME from the beginning." - John 15:26-27 

(In making us children of HIS FATHER, JESUS enables us to discover the intimate mystery of GOD.  In GOD there is communion among the three persons: the FATHER, the SON and THEIR common SPIRIT.

We speak of THEIR common SPIRIT, because JESUS said both: The FATHER will give you another Helper [14:16] and: The Helper which I will send you [15:26].  Now HE says: HE will take what is MINE and tell it to you: everything that the FATHER has is also MINE [16:15].)

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In The Body HE Was Put To Death, In The Spirit HE Was Raised To Life

"... but bless the LORD CHRIST in your hearts.  Always have an answer ready, when you are called upon, to account for your hope, but give it simply and with respect.  Keep your conscience clear, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your upright, Christian living.  Better to suffer for doing good, if it is GOD's will, than for doing wrong.  Remember how CHRIST died, once, and for all, for our sins.  HE, the just one, died for the unjust, in order to lead us to GOD.  In the body, HE was put to death, in the spirit, HE was raised to life,..." - 1 Peter 3:15-18  

(In the body HE was put to death, in the spirit HE was raised to life.  [The text says, "HE died according to flesh."]  This means that HE died because HE had accepted and really taken on our mortal condition, but HE had to be repossessed by the Spirit of GOD.  It is a reaffirmation of the double nature of CHRIST.  Compare with Romans 1:4.)

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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 bought 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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The Dawning Of New Hope

"My heart is steadfast, O GOD; my heart is steadfast.  I will sing and make music.

Awake, my soul; awake, O harp and lyre!  I will wake the dawn.

I will give thanks to YOU, O YAHWEH, among the peoples; I will sing praise to YOU among the nations.

For YOUR love reaches to the heavens, and YOUR faithfulness, to the clouds.  Be exalted, O GOD, above the heavens!  Let YOUR glory be over all the earth!"

- Psalm 57:8-12

(The vehemence of the psalmists is a constant surprise.  Heaven knows what some of them must have gone through.  Even their joy seems to shine through tears.  This individual lament, followed by thanksgiving, is similar in form and content to the preceding psalm and to many others.  Nevertheless, there is more triumphant joy in the conclusion.  The 'morning' in the psalm often stands for the dawning of new hope.  The psalmist is awake, shouting so loud, that the personified Dawn, that is relief, will have to come.

This psalm could be the prayer of the one who waits, with total trust, for calamities to end.  The glory of the Most High fills the earth.)

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Love One Another As I Have Loved You!

"As the FATHER has loved ME, so I have loved you.  Remain in MY love!  You will remain in MY love if you keep MY commandments, just as I have kept MY FATHER's commandments and remain in HIS love.

I have told you all this, that MY own joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete.  This is MY commandment: Love one another as I have loved you!  There is no greater love than this, to give one's life for one's friends; and you are MY friends, if you do what I command you.

I shall not call you servants any more, because servants do not know what their master is about.  Instead, I have called you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from MY FATHER.

You did not choose ME; it was I who chose you and sent you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.  And everything you ask the FATHER in MY name, HE will give you.

This is MY command, that you love one another." - John 15:9-17 

(After making it clear that we depend totally on HIM, JESUS repeats HIS commandment of love.  There is a necessary order in building the Christian life.

If from the start we say: We should love our neighbor because this is the only commandment, we will achieve nothing; because each one understands love in his own way, while not having as yet interiorized the thinking of CHRIST.  Moreover, we need to receive from the source of all love the ability to love selflessly.  CHRIST asks us to first share HIS thinking: that is what the expression, keep MY commandments means.  Thus we become HIS friends, knowing HIM as a person who loves us and acts in us.  Later we will produce the authentic fruit of love, whose source is CHRIST.)

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The Success Of The Church Is Not Measured By Its Achievements

"I AM the true vine and MY FATHER is the vine grower.  If any of MY branches doesn't bear fruit, HE breaks it off; and HE prunes every branch that does bear fruit, that it may bear even more fruit.

You are already made clean by the word I have spoken to you.  Live in ME as I live in you.  The branch cannot bear fruit by itself, but has to remain part of the vine; so neither can you, if you don't remain in ME.

I AM the vine and you are the branches.  As long as you remain in ME and I in you, you bear much fruit; but apart from ME you can do nothing.  Whoever does not remain in ME is thrown away, as they do with branches, and they wither.  Then they are gathered and thrown into the fire and burned.

If you remain in ME and MY words remain in you, you may ask whatever you want, and it will be given to you.  MY FATHER is glorified when you bear much fruit: it is then that you become MY disciples." - John 15:1-8 

(JESUS uses an image from the Scripture, bust HE changes the original meaning, as HE did before when speaking of the Good Shepherd [John 10:1].  The vine represents the people of Israel.  Planted from selected stock, cared for by the LORD, it should have produced fruits of justice [Mark 12:1].

Now the true Vine has taken root.  CHRIST is the trunk from which the branches sprout, that is to say, all of us who live by HIM.  HE is also the entire plant, trunk and branches together: Christians are really the body of CHRIST.

The vine was the people of Israel, and what mattered more to them was the collective conduct of the community as one body.  What mattered was not the individuals but Israel.  Now JESUS does not say: The Christian community is the vine, but: I AM the vine.  So each of us has to consider how HE is joined with JESUS through faith, prayer, and keeping HIS word.  Each one has to bear fruit.  JESUS does not specify what these fruits should be: whether service, understanding, action for social justice, or a life silently offered to GOD.  Rather HE insists that these fruits should come from the Spirit and bear HIS proper seal.  The success of the Church is not measured by its achievements, but by the progress of those who interiorize CHRIST's mystery and share in HIS cross and resurrection.)

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For The FATHER Is Greater Than I

"Peace be with you!  MY peace I give to you; not as the world gives peace do I give it to you.  Do not be troubled!  Do not be afraid!  You heard ME say, 'I AM going away, but I AM coming to you.'  If you loved ME, you would be glad that I go to the FATHER, for the FATHER is greater than I.

I have told you this now before it takes place, so that when it does happen you may believe.  There is very little left for ME to tell you, for the prince of this world is at hand, although there is nothing in ME that HE can claim.  But see, the world must know that I love the FATHER, and that I do what the FATHER has taught ME to do.  Come now, let us go." - John 14:27-31 

(For the FATHER is greater than I.  This does not contradict what John teaches throughout the whole Gospel about JESUS' divinity.  This is to be read together with 5:18; 10:30; 16:15, if we want to know something of the mystery of CHRIST, "true GOD," as spoken of in Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; and 1 John 5:20.

As early as the fourth century Saint Hilary, the great bishop and defender of the faith, wrote: "The FATHER is greater because of being the one who gives.  As HE gives the Son all that HE HIMSELF is, yet the Son is not inferior to the FATHER."

Moreover, it is characteristic of the Son to deny HIMSELF so that HE may give glory to the FATHER, until the FATHER gives HIM back "the glory HE had before" as said in 17:5 and 6:62.  Because of this the apostles, who have seen HIM as a man among humans in the time of HIS humiliation, should now rejoice.)

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LORD, How Can It Be That YOU Will Show YOURSELF Clearly To Us And Not To The World?

"'Whoever keeps MY commandments is the one who loves ME.  If he loves ME, he will also be loved by MY FATHER; I too shall love him and show MYSELF clearly to him.'

Judas--not Judas Iscariot--asked JESUS, 'LORD, how can it be that YOU will show YOURSELF clearly to us and not to the world?'  JESUS answered him, 'If anyone loves ME, he will keep MY word and MY FATHER will love him; and WE will come to him and live with him.  But if anyone does not love ME, he will not keep MY words; and these words that you hear are not MINE, but the FATHER's who sent ME.

I told you all this while I AM still with you.  From now on the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the FATHER will send in MY name, will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I have told you.'" - John 14:21-26 

(LORD, how can it be that YOU will show YOURSELF clearly to us and not to the world?  Judas thought that JESUS meant HE would summon them for secret meetings, but JESUS really meant HE would make HIMSELF known to them through interior teaching and by letting them experience peace.

The Helper [or Interpreter] will teach you.  The Spirit enables us to understand and interpret JESUS' words throughout all time.

The Holy Spirit whom the FATHER will send in MY name.  Compare with 15:26.  The Holy Spirit proceeds as much from the FATHER as from the Son being, with them, only one GOD.)

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See, I Lay In Zion A Chosen And Precious Cornerstone; Whoever Believes In HIM Will Not Be Disappointed

"HE is the living stone, rejected by people, but chosen by GOD, and precious to HIM; set yourselves close to HIM, so that, you, too, become living stones, built into a spiritual temple, a holy community of priests, offering spiritual sacrifices that please GOD, through JESUS CHRIST.  Scripture says: See, I lay in Zion a chosen and precious cornerstone; whoever believes in HIM will not be disappointed.

This means honor, for you who  believed, but for unbelievers, also the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone and it is a stone to stumble over, a rock which lays people low.  They stumble over it, in rejecting the word, but the plan of GOD is fulfilled in this." - 1 Peter 2:4-8 

(GOD's presence in HIS people is the stone which stands out and on which, all those who neither saw nor took notice of HIM, stumbled [Isaiah 8:14].  In another sense, JESUS is the stone rejected by the builders, which becomes the foundation of a new building: this is the new people of GOD that arises from the remnant of Israel and then extends to all nations.  Christians are the stones of this Church: living stones because each one shares the life of GOD, and because each one has an active part to play in the Church, the body of CHRIST [Ephesians 4:12-16].)

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I Have Set You As A Light To The Pagan Nations, So That You May Bring MY Salvation To The Ends Of The Earth

"The following Sabbath almost the entire city gathered to listen to Paul, who spoke a fairly long time about the LORD.  But the presence of such a crowd made the Jews jealous.  So they began to oppose, with insults, whatever Paul said.

Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out firmly, saying, 'It was necessary, that GOD's word be first proclaimed to you, but since you now reject it, and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we turn to non-Jewish people.  For thus we were commanded by the LORD: I have set you as a light to the pagan nations, so that you may bring MY salvation to the ends of the earth.'

Those who were not Jews rejoiced, when they heard this, and praised the message of the LORD; and all those, destined for everlasting life, believed in it.  Thus the word spread, throughout the whole region. 

Some of the Jews, however, incited GOD-fearing women of the upper class, and the leading men of the city, as well, and stirred up an intense persecution against Paul and Barnabas.  Finally, they had them expelled from their region.  The apostles shook the dust from their feet, in protest against this people, and went to Iconium, leaving the disciples, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit." - Acts 13:44-52 

(All those destined for everlasting life.  This expression does not condemn those who have not believed.  It simply states that the coming to faith was a gift for those believers.  GOD entered their life and made them bearers of a current of divine life that would transform the world [John 17:3].

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Do Not Be Troubled! Trust In GOD And Trust In ME!

"'Do not be troubled!  Trust in GOD and trust in ME!  In MY FATHER's house there are many rooms; otherwise, I would not have told you that I go to prepare a place for you.  After I have gone and prepared a place for you, I shall come again and take you to ME, so that where I AM, you also may be.  Yet you know the way where I AM going.'

Thomas said to HIM, 'LORD, we don't know where YOU are going; how can we know the way?'  JESUS said, 'I AM the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the FATHER but through ME.'" - John 14:1-6 

(JESUS' ascension to the FATHER was not just an individual achievement, but opened for all of us a way to our house, not situated high above us, but in GOD.  There are many mansions that means that there is also a place for us: not just one mansion for everybody, but a place for each one, because Heaven is not like a performance which is the same for everyone in the audience.  GOD's radiance will draw from each one the resonance only HE can bring forth.  Each one will be in his own mansion, being in communion with all.

Now, knowing what is the goal, we should walk towards this definitive communion.  "I AM the way," says JESUS.  HE became human precisely so that we might see the FATHER in HIM.  HE followed HIS way, so disconcerting for us, so that, meditating on HIS actions, we would progress towards the truth.  Although in the beginning we may not understand HIM well, with time, we will discover the LORD and understand that HIS way is ours.  Passing through the cross and death, we will achieve our own truth and arrive at life.)

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The One Who Shares MY Table Will Rise Up Against ME

"'Truly, I say to you, the servant is not greater than his master, nor is the messenger greater than HE who sent HIM.  Understand this, and blessed are you, if you put it into practice.

I AM not speaking of you all, because I know the once I have chosen, and the Scripture has to be fulfilled which says: The one who shares MY table will rise up against ME.  I tell you this now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you may know that I AM HE.

Truly, I say to you, whoever welcomes the one I send, welcomes ME; and whoever welcomes ME, welcomes the One who sent ME.'" - John 13:16-20 

(This act reminds us at once of the sacraments of Baptism and Penance.  There, bonds of humility and mercy are forged both for the one who purifies and for those purified.  Henceforth the apostles will do what their LORD did before them, since HE will send them in HIS name to forgive sins.  They are not to act as hierarchical officials or judges granting pardon to sinners but to take the first step in humility and mercy, in order to likewise purify those who approach the Supper of the LORD.)

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Harvest Song

"May GOD be gracious and bless us;

may HE let HIS face shine upon us;

that YOUR way be known on earth

and YOUR salvation, among the nations.

May the people praise YOU, O GOD;

may all the peoples praise YOU!

May the countries be glad and sing for joy,

for YOU rule the peoples with justice;

and guide the nations of the world.

May the peoples praise YOU, O GOD,

may all the peoples praise YOU!

The land has given its harvest;

GOD, our GOD, has blessed us.

May GOD bless us and be revered,

to the very ends of the earth."

- Psalm 67:2-8

(The occasion of this happy song is a successful harvest, but the psalmist can rise above selfish considerations.  The triumph of a good harvest--or industrial prosperity--should make one think of places, where the harvest fails.  GOD is the same GOD there, and man no less his image.  If GOD rules the whole world with justice, man must try to imitate HIM.  Ecumenism and economics are sometimes the same thing.  The blessing of the psalm takes us to the beginning of the letter to the Ephesians [Ephesians 1:3].  We can pray with this psalm, to give thanks to GOD for the goods of the earth.)

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JESUS Claims To Be The Son Of GOD

"The time came for the feast of the Dedication.  It was winter, and JESUS walked back and forth in the portico of Solomon.  The Jews then gathered around HIM and said to HIM, 'How long will YOU keep us in doubt?  If YOU are the Messiah, tell us plainly.'  JESUS answered, 'I have already told you, but you do not believe.  The works I do in MY FATHER's name proclaim who I AM, but you don't believe because, as I said, you are not MY sheep.

MY sheep hear MY voice and I know them; they follow ME and I give them eternal life.  They shall never perish, and no one will ever steal them from ME.  What MY FATHER has given ME, is greater than all things else.  To snatch it out of the FATHER's hand, no one is able!  I and the FATHER are One.'" - John 10:22-30 

(When Scripture speaks of the Shepherd, it usually refers to GOD HIMSELF, the only king of Israel, but sometimes means the King-Messiah sent by GOD.  JESUS spoke of only one shepherd.  Though distinct from the FATHER, HE is one with HIM.

In the Scriptures angels are sometimes called sons of GOD, and JESUS remarks that the rulers are called gods.  Because of this, JESUS did not like to be proclaimed Son of GOD.  HE speaks forcefully in saying: the FATHER is in ME, and I in the FATHER:  equal to equal.  At the same time that HE stresses HIS divine power [vv. 15, 18, 29, 38], HE also affirms HIS total dependence on the FATHER.  In this we recognize GOD the Son.)

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Long For GOD, As A Deer Longs For Flowing Streams

"As a deer longs for flowing streams,

so my soul longs for YOU, O GOD.

My soul thirsts for GOD, for the living GOD.

When shall I go and see the face of GOD?

Day and night, my tears have been my food,

as people ask me, day after day,

'Where is your GOD?'"

- Psalm 42:2-4

(Ask GOD for the desire for heaven.   We, too, like the Levite, are exiles here below, as long as we do not see the face of GOD.  It is good that we are not too quickly satisfied with a few beautiful ceremonies.

Long for GOD, as a deer longs for flowing streams, and our happiness will last forever and not just for long.)

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What Merit Would There Be In Taking A Beating, When You Have Done Wrong?

"What merit would there be in taking a beating, when you have done wrong?  But if you endure punishment when you have done well, that is a grace before GOD.

This is your calling: remember CHRIST, who suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in HIS way.  HE did no wrong and there was no deceit in HIS mouth.  HE did not return insult, for insult, and, when suffering, HE did not curse, but put HIMSELF in the hands of GOD, who judges justly.  HE went to the cross, bearing our sins on HIS own body, on the cross, so that we might die to sin, and live an upright life.  For, by HIS wounds, you have been healed.  You were like stray sheep, but you have come back to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls." - 1 Peter 2:20-25 

(Here we are invited to be model citizens, workers, and spouses.  If we are slandered, that is one more occasion to show the beauty of Christian life and that those who slander us are wrong.  If the authorities begin to persecute us, this is not an excuse to disobey the laws.)

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Peter Visits The Churches

"Meanwhile, the Church had peace.  It was building up throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, with eyes turned to the LORD, and filled with comfort from the Holy Spirit.

As Peter traveled around, he went to visit the saints who lived in Lydda.  There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed, and had been bedridden for eight years.  Peter said to him, 'Aeneas, JESUS CHRIST heals you; get up and make your bed!'  And the man got up at once.  All the people living in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the LORD.

There was a disciple in Joppa named Tabitha, which means Dorcas, or Gazelle.  She was always doing good works and helping the poor.  At that time, she fell sick and died.  After having washed her body, they laid her in the upstairs room.

As Lydda is near Joppa, the disciples, on hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, 'Please come to us without delay.'

So Peter went with them.  On his arrival, they took him upstairs to the room.  All the widows crowded around him in tears, showing him the clothes that Dorcas had made while she was with them.  Peter made them all leave the room; and then, he knelt down and prayed.  Turning to the dead body, he said, 'Tabitha, stand up.'  She opened her eyes, looked at Peter and sat up.  Peter gave her his hand and helped her up.  Then he called in the saints and widows, and presented her to them alive.  This became known throughout all of Joppa; and many people believed in the LORD because of it." - Acts 9:31-42 

   

(Peter appears in his role of "inspector" of the churches [the word bishop means inspector].

It is said here that he visits the saints.  In the years prior to CHRIST, the word "saints," namely, those consecrated to GOD, was used especially to designate the new people of GOD since the coming of the Messiah [see Daniel 7:27].  Christians are the new people of GOD since they are the Church [see 5:11]; they are also the saints.

The raising of Tabitha is similar to what JESUS did.  It is an echo of the Resurrection of CHRIST, as the raising of Lazarus [John 11] or the widow's son had been [Luke 7:11].

GOD wished to grant these signs to strengthen faith in JESUS' resurrection.  Besides the people who had been witnesses of HIS Resurrection, it was necessary that, in various places, the communities could see for themselves that GOD "raises the dead" [see Hebrews 11:19].  Similar resurrections have been seen in the Church even in recent years.)   

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All Must Be Just, Loyal And Respectful Of Others, Even When They Have Faults

"Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as you should do in the LORD.  Husbands, love your wives and do not get angry with them.  Children, obey your parents in everything, because that pleases the LORD.  Parents, do not be too demanding of your children, lest they become discouraged.

Servants, obey your masters in everything; not only while they are present, to gain favor with them, but sincerely, because you fear the LORD.  Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly, working for the LORD, and not for humans.  You well know, that the LORD will reward you with the inheritance.  You are servants, but your LORD is CHRIST." - Colossians 3:18-24 

(The brief counsel given to spouses will be largely developed in Ephesians 5:21-33.  Paul would not accept the attitude of many Christians who say: "Religion has nothing to do with what I do in my home, my work, my leisure, or in politics."  On the contrary, Paul insists that Christians live all of this before the LORD, for the LORD and in the LORD.

This is why Paul preaches the same ethics to everyone: men, women, slaves [we would say bosses and workers]; all must be just, loyal and respectful of others, even when they have faults.  We should struggle to bring about change and defend our rights; but we must lead these struggles and live our commitments according to the Spirit of CHRIST.  Very often what we ask for in order to change the world is less important than the way in which we ask it, and it is often there that a Christian will give a witness that only she can give.  Let others be successful whatever the means that are taken and whatever the disastrous consequences for society: see on this subject the Sermon on the Mount [Matthew 5-7].)

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