"What Kind Of Man Is HE? Even The Winds And The Sea Obey HIM."

"JESUS got into the boat and HIS disciples followed HIM.  Without warning, a fierce storm burst upon the lake, with waves sweeping the boat.  But JESUS was asleep.

 The disciples woke HIM up and cried, 'LORD save us!  We are lost!'  But JESUS answered, 'Why are you so afraid, you of little faith?'  Then HE stood up and rebuked the wind and sea; and it became completely calm.

The disciples were astonished.  They said, 'What kind of man is HE?  Even the winds and the sea obey HIM.'" - Matthew 8:23-27 

(In Jewish mentality the sea is a daily reminder of primitive chaos, it is there the marine monsters move around, monsters which only GOD, for HE is the all-powerful, can challenge: Leviathan and Rehab.  In commanding the sea: Quiet now!  Be still!.  Just as HE does with the demons [Mark 1:25] JESUS affirms HIS divine power over the forces of evil.

Confronted with all the forms of evil that attack them, in the midst of tempests that arise, people at times, wonder if GOD "does not sleep."  JESUS is there. HE is not surprised by the disciples' fear of the tempest, but of their lack of faith; only trust in the victory of JESUS, Son of GOD, over the forces of evil, will allow them to overcome this fear.)

On-Site

Preach The Word

"In the presence of GOD and CHRIST JESUS, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by the hope I have of HIS coming, and HIS kingdom, I urge you to preach the Word, in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, or advising, always with patience, and providing instruction.  For the time is coming, when people will no longer endure sound doctrine, but, following their passions, they will surround themselves with teachers to please their itching ears.  And they will abandon the truth to hear fables.  So be prudent, do not mind your labor, give yourself to your work as an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." - 2 Timothy 4:1-5 

(Preach the Word: this is Paul's last advice.  It must be the first concern of the Church and of any church leader.)

On-Site 

Whoever Does Not Take Up His Cross And Follow ME, Is Not Worthy Of ME

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

Whoever welcomes you, welcomes ME; and whoever welcomes ME, welcomes HIM who sent ME.  The one who welcomes a prophet, as a prophet, will receive the reward of a prophet; the one who welcomes a just man, because he is a just man, will receive the reward of a just man.  And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones, because he is MY disciple, I assure you, he will not go unrewarded." - Matthew 10:37-42 

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

On-Site

"I Am Not Worthy To Have YOU Under My Roof..."

"When JESUS entered Capernaum, an army captain approached HIM, to ask HIS help, 'Sir, my servant lies sick at home.  He is paralyzed and suffers terribly.'  JESUS said to him, 'I will come and heal him.'

The captain answered, 'I am not worthy to have YOU under my roof.  Just give an order and my boy will be healed.  For I myself, a junior officer, give orders to my soldiers.  And if I say to one, 'Go!' he goes; and if I say to another, 'Come!' he comes; and if I say to my servant, 'Do this!' he does it.'

When JESUS heard this, HE was astonished; and said to those who were following HIM, 'I tell you, I have not found such faith in Israel.  I say to you, many will come from east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of heaven; but the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown out into extreme darkness; there, they will wail and grind their teeth.'

Then JESUS said to the captain, 'Go home now.  As you believed, so let it be.'  And that moment, his servant was healed.

JESUS went to Peter's house and found Peter's mother-in-law in bed with fever.  HE took her by the hand and the fever left her; she got up and began to wait on HIM.

Toward evening, they brought to JESUS many people possessed by evil spirits; and with a word, HE drove out the spirits.  HE also healed all who were sick.  In this way, what was said by the prophet Isaiah was fulfilled: HE bore our infirmities and took on HIMSELF our diseases." - Matthew 8:5-17 

(This captain of a foreign army earned the esteem of the Jews.  The man is really troubled: will JESUS consent to go to a pagan's house and "become impure"? [John 18:28].  The captain goes one step further: JESUS does not have to come to his house.  While other sick people seek to be touched by the Master thinking that JESUS possesses some healing power, this man, has instead grasped that JESUS has the very power of GOD and does not need to go to the sick servant: it would not be any more difficult to give a command from a distance to a life that was slipping away.)

On-Site

An Act Of Courage

"When JESUS came down from the mountain, large crowds followed HIM.

Then a leper came forward.  He knelt down before HIM and said, 'Sir, if YOU want to, YOU can make me clean.'  JESUS stretched out HIS hand, touched him and said, 'I want to, be clean again.'  At that very moment, the man was cleansed from his leprosy.  Then JESUS said to him, 'See that you do not tell anyone; but go to the priest, have yourself  declared clean, and offer the gift that Moses commanded as evidence for them.'" - Matthew 8:1-4 

(In this new section of his Gospel [8:1-9:35] Matthew has placed a collection of miracles.  For him, these miracles are not only extraordinary events: they contain lessons on what a disciple of JESUS is.  To begin with: the cure of a leper; on the part of JESUS this is an act of courage, and an act that openly violates the law of purity [see Mark 1:40].)

On-Site  

Wise And Foolish Builders

"Therefore, anyone who hears these words of MINE, and acts according to them, is like a wise man, who built his house on rock.  The rain poured down, the rivers flooded, and the wind blew and struck that house.  But it did not collapse, because it was built on rock.  But anyone who hears these words of MINE, and does not act accordingly, is like a fool who built his house on sand.  The rain poured, the rivers flooded, and the wind blew and struck that house; it collapsed, and what a terrible collapse that was!" - Matthew 7:24-27

(Anyone who hears these words of MINE.  JESUS means those who listen to HIS words and are converted: they believe themselves already saved.  If they do not use their initial enthusiasm to build their lives on solid foundations, such as scriptural meditation, generosity, resistance to evil inclinations, sharing in the Christian community--then everything will tumble down later.)

On-Site 

The Ways Of GOD Are Unsearchable, HIS Wisdom Is An Abyss

"O YAHWEH, YOU know me:

YOU have scrutinized me.

YOU know when I sit and when I rise;

beforehand, YOU discern my thoughts.

YOU observe my activities and times of rest;

YOU are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is formed in my mouth,

YOU know what it is all about, O YAHWEH.

From front to back YOU hedge me around,

shielding me with YOUR protecting hand.

YOUR knowledge leaves me astounded,

it is too high for me to reach.

Where else could I go from YOUR Spirit?

Where could I flee from YOUR presence?

YOU are there, if I ascend the heavens;

YOU are there, if I descend to the depths.

If I ride on the wings of the dawn,

and settle on the far side of the sea,

even there, YOUR hand shall guide me,

and YOUR right hand shall hold me safely.

Shall I say, 'Let darkness hide me,

I prefer the night as my light?'

But darkness, for YOU, is not dark;

and night, for YOU, shines as the day.

It was YOU who formed my inmost part

and knit me together in my mother's womb.

I thank YOU  for these wonders YOU have done,

and my heart praises YOU, for YOUR marvelous deeds.

Even my bones were known to YOU

when I was being formed in secret,

fashioned in the depths of the earth."

- Psalm 139:1-15

(Our thoughts may sweep and soar over the world, over the bewildering profusion of the galaxies, and know that GOD is there, wherever our mind's eye looks--and that HE is also in the depths of our own soul.

The human architecture is so divine that it carries the imprint of GOD.  The adventures of this wonderful work of GOD which is the human being are affectionately cared for, by the divine care.  Isn't it irrational for anyone to hate the LORD, since, all good things come from HIM?  The ways of GOD are unsearchable, HIS wisdom is an abyss [cf. Romans 11:33], GOD gets close to us and embraces us, not to condemn us, but to guide our feet toward HIS love.  If we want to taste divine love and appreciate the dignity of man, it will do us good, to pray with this magnificent psalm.)

On-Site 

Do Not Give What Is Holy To The Dogs, Or Throw Your Pearls Before Pigs

"Do not give what is holy to the dogs, or throw your pearls before pigs.  They might trample on them, and then turn on you and tear you to pieces." - Matthew 7:6 

(JESUS addressed this warning to HIS followers living in a hostile world.  They should not tell everything to everyone.  GOD has given each of us wonderful gifts: we must not share them with everyone at once, believing that it will bring them to faith.)

On-Site

Do Not Judge; And You Will Not Be Judged

"Do not judge; and you will not be judged.  In the same way you judge others, you will be judged; and the measure you use for others will be used for you.  Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, and not see the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, 'Come, let me take the speck from your eye,' as long as that plank is in your own?  Hypocrite, remove the plank out of your own eye; then, you will see clearly, to remove the speck out of your brother's eye." - Matthew 7:1-5 

(No doubt when JESUS spoke these words it was with the same meaning as in 5:43.  Usually those who consider themselves as good, or belonging to the group of the converted, judge and criticize those of a different standing.  It is a form of pride that spiritual authors call the "fault of beginners."  So strongly inscribed is it in human nature that many among the "just" of the Scriptures have expressed their disapproval of the "sinner" who did not observe the Law of GOD.  Contrariwise the new law tells us not to consider ourselves superior or be judges of those who take a different road, or who are led by GOD to do so.  Do not judge.  We must exercise good judgment in order to distinguish between the good and evil around us.  Though it is a factor of success never to displease anyone, we must have the courage to tell others the wrong that they do.  Here "to judge" means to condemn.

When we look at our own lives, we realize that those who helped us grow were those who supported and understood us, not those who judged and condemned us.

Do not judge.  See Romans 2:1; 14:4; 1 Corinthians 5:12; James 4:11.)

On-Site 

There is Nothing Hidden That Will Not Be Made Known

"There is nothing covered that will not be uncovered.  There is nothing hidden that will not be made known.  What I AM telling you in the dark, you must speak in the light.  What you hear in private, proclaim from the housetops.

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

Whoever acknowledges ME before others, I will acknowledge before MY FATHER in heaven.  Whoever rejects ME before others, I will reject before MY FATHER in heaven." - Matthew 10:26-33 

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

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

Whoever acknowledges ME.  After stressing the sovereign power of HIS FATHER, JESUS puts HIMSELF on the same level: HE will decide our eternal fate.  JESUS refers not only to recognizing HIM in the ultimate sense, that is, by not denying our Christian faith before others; HIS words also convey a day-by-day demand.  We must not be ashamed to act or talk as people of faith, to go public about our Christian convictions when necessary.)

On-Site

If CHRIST Brought GOD's Salvation Twenty Centuries Ago, Why Are So Many People Still Waiting For The Good News Of Their Liberation?

"Their descendants shall be known among the nations

and their offspring among the people.

All who see them will acknowledge that they are a race YAHWEH has blessed.

I rejoice greatly in YAHWEH,

my soul exults for joy in my GOD,

for HE has clothed me in the garments of HIS salvation,

HE has covered me with the robe of HIS righteousness,

like a bridegroom wearing a garland,

like a bride adorned with jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its growth,

and as a garden makes seeds spring up,

so will the LORD YAHWEH make justice and praise

spring up in the sight of all nations.

- Isaiah 61:9-11

(The prophet recalls the mission he received from GOD, to announce to the Jewish pioneers who returned to Jerusalem that GOD would bless their efforts.  The ruins would be rebuilt; the people would come back in great numbers from the countries where they were exiled; those who doubt or are discouraged must persevere because, soon, GOD will come to visit HIS people.

Speaking in the synagogue of Nazareth, JESUS read this text and said: "Today it is being fulfilled" [Luke 4:21].  And the people who heard HIM were saying: "GOD has visited HIS people."

And yet, we who come after HIM wonder: If CHRIST brought GOD's salvation twenty centuries ago, why are so many people still waiting for the good news of their liberation?

It is because the Gospel is a seed and the resurrection does not immediately bring about the transformation of the world.  If the Jewish people endured fifteen centuries of searching and trials before their Savior came, how will other people obtain the definitive Peace of the kingdom of GOD without first passing through the great trials preceding CHRIST's return?  We are already quite blessed to have HIM in our midst and HIS spirit upon us.)

On-Site

Come To ME, All You Who Are Weary And Burdened, And I Will Give You Rest

"Come to ME, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I AM gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest.  For MY yoke is easy; and MY burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30 

(I will not relieve you of your load but by placing MY yoke on you, I give you the means of carrying the load.

JESUS plays with the two words yoke and load, for the Jews used to call "load" the divine teachings imparted to pupils, and "yoke" the balancing of the teacher's sentences, which should be learned by heart.

JESUS, the patient and humble teacher, enables us to see the mercy of GOD in our lives and in our own cross.  HE shows us the love of GOD even in the requirements of the law.  Only GOD is good; and good is the authority of CHRIST.)

On-Site  

To Pray Is Not To Talk Much, But To Surrender Our Lives Into GOD's Loving Hands

"When we pray, do not use a lot of words, as the pagans do; for they believe that, the more they say, the more chance they have of being heard.  Do not be like them.  Your FATHER knows what you need, even before you ask HIM,

This then, is how you should pray:

Our FATHER in heaven,

holy be YOUR name,

YOUR kingdom come,

YOUR will, be done

on earth, as in heaven.

Give us today, our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts,

as we forgive those who are in debt to us.

Do not bring us to the test, 

but deliver us from the evil one.

If you forgive others their wrongdoings, your FATHER in heaven will also forgive yours. If you do not forgive others, then your FATHER will not forgive you." - Matthew 6:7-15 

(The value of prayer does not lie in the quantity of words and the mere repetition of formulas, as if accomplishing a task.  The value of prayer lies chiefly in our inner attitude of faith and love of GOD.  We should try to lift our mind and heart to GOD as a FATHER and a friend, a GOD who loves us and is always waiting for us to share a silent moment with HIM.  To pray is not to talk much, but to surrender our lives into GOD's loving hands.)

On-Site

Confident Prayer In Distress

"How great is the goodness which YOU have stored for those who fear YOU, which YOU show, for all to see, to those who take refuge in YOU!

In the shelter of YOUR presence, YOU hide them from human wiles; YOU keep them in YOUR dwelling, safe from the intrigues of wagging tongues.

Blessed be YAHWEH for HIS wonderful love!  HE has strengthened my heart.

I said in my fright: 'I have been cut off from YOUR sight!'

Yet, when I was crying, YOU heard; when I called for mercy, YOU listened.

Love YAHWEH, all you HIS saints!  YAHWEH preserves HIS faithful; but HE fully requites the arrogant."

- Psalm 31:20-24

(This psalm has so many nuances and so many different perspectives that, whoever prays with it, can remain wherever he feels more comfortable.  At the end of the psalm, love prevails.

The psalmist appears to be in a state of desperation.  At times, we too can identify ourselves with such a situation.  However, he does not give up hope when he asks the LORD to, "Save me in YOUR love" in the very last words.  There also are prophetic words in this psalm as JESUS HIMSELF in Luke 23:46 utters the words, "Into YOUR hands I commend MY spirit."  JESUS once again shows us the way, even at the last hour.  Our hope and trust in the LORD can be restored by repeatedly praying with this psalm.)

On-Site 

Naboth's Vineyard

"Then YAHWEH spoke to Elijah of Tishbe, 'Go down to meet Ahab, king of Israel, in Samaria.  He is taking possession of the vineyard of Naboth.  Say to him: 'Have you killed and have taken possession at the same time?'  Then give him this word of MINE: 'Dogs shall lick your blood in the very place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth.'

Ahab then said to Elijah, 'Who, better than my enemy, could find me here and now!'  Elijah answered, 'I have come to you because you have done what YAHWEH abhors.  This is YAHWEH's word:  I will bring disgrace on you.  I will sweep you away and cut off every male of your family, from the lowliest to the greatest.  Your family will disappear like the families of Jeroboam and Baasa, because you have offended ME and have dragged Israel into sin.'  There is another word of YAHWEH to Jezebel: 'The dogs shall devour Jezebel within the territory of Jezreel.'  If anyone of Ahab's line dies in the city, he shall be devoured by dogs; if in the green country, the birds of the air shall feed on him.'

There was no one like Ahab, urged by his wife Jezebel, in doing what YAHWEH abhorred.  He did terrible things and ran after unclean idols just as the Amorites had done, from whom YAHWEH had taken the land to give it to Israel.

On hearing these words, Ahab tore his clothes and put on sackcloth.  He fasted as he lay in sackcloth and moved around despondently.  Then YAHWEH said to Elijah the Tishbite, 'Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself?  Because of this I will not bring about the disaster during his reign; during his son's reign disgrace will fall on his family.'" - 1 Kings 21:17-29 

(Have you killed and have taken possession at the same time?  Ahab's crime is no worse than David's who had Uriah killed so that he could take his wife [2 Samuel 12].  Elijah goes to Ahab in the manner that Nathan had gone to rebuke David.)

On-Site  

Do Not Oppose Evil With Evil

"You have heard, that it was said: An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.  But I tell you this: do not oppose evil with evil; if someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn and offer the other.  If someone sues you in court for your shirt, give him your coat as well.  If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him.  Give when asked, and do not turn your back on anyone who wants to borrow from you." - Matthew 5:38-42 

(An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.  We read in the Scriptures because in the world of that time it was a wholesome maxim [Deuteronomy 19:18-21].  It claimed to put a limit to the thirst for vengeance and reminded judges and the community itself of the duty to defend its members against those who abuse the weak.

Do not oppose evil with evil.  JESUS asks us to approach an adversary in the same way as this adversary may be approaching us: who is the wicked one?

Offer the other cheek: be the first to be free of the web of violence.  As in judo, surprise the other by making the very move he was not expecting: he may then see that he was mistaken.  JESUS has no doubt that this renunciation of violence and of our own interests obliges the FATHER to intervene and come to our aid.  Do not forget that JESUS wants us to "see GOD" at work in our lives.

If someone forces you to go one mile.  JESUS speaks to farmers who are humiliated and oppressed by foreign armies.  Many times they are obliged to carry the burden of the soldiers.  Their usual reaction is resigned submission concealing hatred and desire for revenge.  Would they be capable of responding to such a counsel?  It is certain that had they practiced it, they might have saved their nation from destruction.)

On-Site    

We Form One Body

"The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a communion with the blood of CHRIST?  And the bread that we break, is it not a communion with the body of CHRIST?  The bread is one, and so we, though many, form one body, sharing the one bread." - 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 

(And the bread that we break, is it not a communion with the body of CHRIST?  Paul will return to speak of the Eucharist in 11:18.  This communion through the body and blood of the Risen CHRIST, besides being a personal encounter with CHRIST, makes of all of us one body.  We form one body.  This does not only mean that we feel united, but that the Risen CHRIST unites us to HIMSELF and, so doing, gives the community new strength.)

On-Site  

Do Not Break Your Oath; An Oath Sworn To The LORD Must Be Kept

"You have also heard that people were told in the past: Do not break your oath; an oath sworn to the LORD must be kept.  But I tell you this: do not take oaths.  Do not swear by the heavens, for they are GOD's throne; nor by the earth, because it is HIS footstool; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great king.   Do not even swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black.  Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes' and your 'No' mean 'No.'  Anything else you say comes from the evil one." - Matthew 5:33-37 

(Do not take oaths.  This sentence must not be understood: "You shall never take an oath", but: "In a general way, don't take oaths."

Many invoke the name of GOD on any occasion.  Is it because they truly know HIM and have HIM in mind?  If we use HIS name casually, it is because we do not experience the weight of HIS presence.  What a lack of respect to call on GOD to testify to our sincerity when we do not even recognize all that is false and unclean within us!

Anything else you say comes from the devil, and even the preoccupation of defending and justifying oneself in the eyes of others.  See also Matthew 23:16; James 5:12.)

On-Site

Triumphant Trust In GOD

"Hear my voice when I call, O YAHWEH, 

have mercy on me and answer.

My heart says to you,

'I seek YOUR face, O YAHWEH.'

Do not hide YOUR face from me

nor turn away YOUR servant in anger.

YOU are my protector, do not reject me;

abandon me not, O GOD my savior!

Though my father and mother forsake me,

yet will YAHWEH receive me.

Teach me, O YAHWEH YOUR way;

lead me along a straight path.

Save me from the plot of my enemies,

for false witnesses have risen against me

to pin me down in their violence.

I hope, I am sure,

that I will see the goodness of YAHWEH

in the land of the living.

Trust in YAHWEH, be strong and courageous

yes, put your hope in YAHWEH!"

- Psalm 27:7-14

(In the struggles of this life, the believer is not discouraged, but clings to the hope the LORD has in store for us at the end of the conflict.  A trust without limits: Though my father and mother forsake me, yet will the LORD receive me.  To such a GOD, the psalmist can say: One thing I seek... (to) dwell in the house of the LORD.  All the struggles, trials and temptations will not let us forget the house of the LORD at the end of the road.) 

On-Site

When You Enter The House, Wish It Peace!

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

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

When you enter the house, wish it peace.  If the people are worthy people, your peace will rest on them; if they are not worthy people, your blessing will come back to you." - Matthew 10:7-13 

(The successors of the apostles will be missionaries like them.  They will not be primarily the administrators of an established Church, but living poorly among the poor, they will establish new Churches [see 1 Corinthians 3:10; 12:28].  The new chapter will speak of a mission, the major responsibility of a Christian community.)

On-Site  

More Perfect Law

"Do not think that I have come to annul the law and the prophets.  I have not come to annul them, but to fulfill them.  I tell you this: as long as heaven and earth last, not the smallest letter or dot in the law will change, until all is fulfilled.

So then, whoever breaks the least important of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be the least in the kingdom of heaven.  On the other hand, whoever obeys them, and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:17-19 

(Here begins the presentation of the new Law.  It is far from what is often sought in a religion: practices to observe, fasts, prayers, good works with which one wins salvation.  JESUS says little about this because Scripture has dealt at length with the subject, and the study of Scripture itself shows that these laws and practices are always linked to a certain culture, and have to be adapted to the times.)

On-Site

Our Mission: To Be The Light Of The World And Salt Of The Earth

"You are the salt of the earth.  But if salt has lost its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It has become useless.  It can only be thrown away and people will trample on it.

You are the light of the world.  A city built on a mountain cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and covers it; instead, it is put on a lamp stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, your light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do, and praise your FATHER in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16 

(JESUS has just designated those who are called to the kingdom.  First of all HE will clarify their mission: to be the light of the world and not merely a light in the world.  This does not mean that all people are to enter the Church, but that the Church has to be salt and light to the world.  Scripture mentions salt as the element that preserves food.  The covenant of salt was the Covenant of GOD with those who were to serve HIM forever [Numbers 18:19].  Soo the disciples of JESUS are called salt of the earth because through them the world benefits from the lasting Covenant with GOD.  They must continually enkindle in the world the desire and struggle for true justice and perfection, and not allow human societies to become satisfied with mediocrity.

You are the light: JESUS does not mean "You are the best in the world," but "GOD has chosen you to be a minority and through you HE will make HIMSELF known."  You will experience, [both you and the Church] much that you would perhaps prefer to avoid, but which will be for the world, a sign from GOD.

Children of light: Ephesians 5:8; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:4.)

On-Site

Prayer For The Beginning Of A Difficult Task

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains--

from where shall come my help?

My help comes from YAHWEH,

maker of heaven and earth.

Will HE let your foot slip,

the one watching over you?

Will  HE slumber?

No, the guardian of Israel

neither slumbers nor sleeps.

YAHWEH is your guardian; YAHWEH is at your

side; and you, in HIS shade;

Sunstroke will not be for you by day,

nor the spell of the moon, by night.

YAHWEH guards you from every evil;

HE will protect your life.

YAHWEH watches over your coming and going,

both now and forever."

- Psalm 121:1-8

(The pilgrim lifts his face toward the Temple on the height of Zion.  It is the earthly home of the one GOD, tireless guardian of Israel.  We, too, journey 'to Mount Zion, the city of the living GOD, the heavenly Jerusalem' with which the old Jerusalem of stone, cannot compare.  'We have here no lasting city and we are looking for the one to come' [Hebrews 13:14].

GOD is faithful, HE watches by day and by night.  On the road to Emmaus, JESUS accompanies them but they do not recognize HIM.  'If GOD is with us, who could be against us?'  Prayers for the beginning of a difficult task: a conversion, a vocation, the beginning of a family, risks taken for the good of all.)

On-Site 

Do Not Love The World, Or You Are Not Of The World

"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." - John 3:16-18 

(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 HIS 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].)

On-Site

Preach The Word

"In the presence of GOD and CHRIST JESUS, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by the hope I have of HIS coming, and HIS kingdom, I urge you to preach the word, in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, or advising, always with patience, and providing instruction.  For the time is coming, when people will no longer endure sound doctrine, but, following their passions, they will surround themselves with teachers to please their itching ears.  And they will abandon the truth to hear fables.  So be prudent, do not mind your labor, give yourself to your work as an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

As for me, I am already poured out as a libation, and the moment of my departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, with which the LORD, the just judge, will reward me, on that day, and not only me, but all those who have longed for HIS glorious coming." - 2 Timothy 4:1-8 

(Preach the Word: this is Paul's last advice.  It must be the first concern of the Church and of any church leader.

Paul knows that he will not be freed and that he will be condemned to death.  He embraces his own sacrifice just as JESUS did.

We find the comparison of the soldier and the athlete that Paul liked so much.  In those days athletes received a crown of laurels as a symbol of immortality: As for me, I am already poured out as a libation, and the moment of my departure has come.)

On-Site       

Whose Son Is The CHRIST?

"As JESUS was teaching in the temple, HE said, 'The teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the Son of David.  How can that be?  For David, himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, declared: The LORD said to my LORD 'Sit at MY right hand, until I put YOUR enemies under YOUR feet!'  If David, himself, calls HIM LORD, in what way can HE be his Son?'

Many people came to JESUS, and listened to HIM gladly." - Mark 12:35-37 

(If David calls HIM LORD, how can HE be his son?  The Messiah, Son of GOD.)

On-Site

The LORD, Our GOD, Is One LORD; And You Shall Love The LORD, Your GOD, With All Your Heart, With All Your Soul, With All Your Mind And With All Your Strength

"A teacher of the law had been listening to this discussion and admired how JESUS answered them.  So he came up and asked HIM, 'Which commandment is the first of all?'

JESUS answered, 'The first is: Hear Israel!  The LORD, our GOD, is One LORD; and you shall love the LORD, your GOD, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind with all your strength.  And after this comes a second commandment: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no commandment greater than these two.'

The teacher of the law said to HIM, 'Well spoken, Master; YOU are right when YOU say that HE is one, and there is no other besides HIM.  To love HIM with all our heart, with all our understanding and with all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves is more important than any burnt offering or sacrifice.'

JESUS approved this answer and said, 'You are not far from the kingdom of GOD.'  And after that, no one dared to ask HIM any more questions." - Mark 12:28-34 

(You shall love the LORD, your GOD.  This first commandment is not among the Ten Commandments of Moses, which only speak of "serving GOD."  We do read it in Deuteronomy 6:4.

To love GOD is not a commandment like others, because the commandments show specific actions that should be undertaken or avoided, i.e., you shall rest on the day of the LORD, or you shall not commit adultery.  On the other hand, when it comes to loving GOD there is no limit.

The commandments of the Scriptures [especially the Ten Commandments of Moses] merely express in a clear manner the demands of our conscience.  It should not be necessary to tell us not to steal, and not to slander others.  Nevertheless, it is necessary to teach this to children and to unscrupulous persons.  Paul says, "The law was not intended for the good, but for those who do evil" [1 Timothy 1:9].

It is the reason why the love of GOD is not presented in the New Testament as a commandment, but as the fruit of the Spirit that GOD gives to HIS sons and daughters: Romans 8, 15 and 22.  GOD is the first to be loved [Matthew 6:9-10; 1 John 4:17] most specially in the person of HIS Son: 2 Corinthians 5:16; 1 Peter 1:8.  There is no authentic love of neighbor without the love of GOD: 1 John 5:2.

You shall love the LORD, with all your heart.  You shall love HIM more than you love your loved ones.  You shall long for HIM, you shall forget yourself so that, in everything, you search for what HE wants most from you.

You shall love the LORD, with all your mind.  You shall devote the best of your intelligence to knowing HIM.  Looking into your own life, you shall understand how much HE has guided you.  You shall try to understand how the kingdom of GOD is coming through world and daily events.  Praying and reading the Scriptures regularly, you shall ask GOD to give you HIS own Spirit so that you may understand HIM better.

You shall love the LORD, with all your strength.  Since you are very weak in this, you shall ask for HIS help and strive to unite with the true servants of GOD, using the means that the Church makes available to you.

The commandment to love your neighbor as you love yourself comes second, because it cannot be understood or fulfilled without love of GOD.  For GOD asks for more than solidarity with one's neighbor, or concern for those who are suffering.  We should make an effort to look at our brothers and sisters in the same way that the FATHER does.  We should give them what the FATHER wants for them.  Among so many good things we could do for our neighbor, we should select those that the Holy Spirit inspires us to do.  All this requires that we first know and love GOD.)

On-Site

Our Eyes Look To YAHWEH Our GOD, Till HE Shows Us HIS mercy

"To YOU, I lift up my eyes;

to YOU, whose throne is in heaven.

As the eyes of servants look

to the hand of their master,

as the eyes of maids look

to the hand of their mistress,

so our eyes look to YAHWEH our GOD,

till HE shows us HIS mercy.

- Psalm 123:1-2

(The exiles returned from Babylon to a ruined city and a neglected land.  This short hymn expresses the trust that upheld this 'remnant of Israel.'  The mute appeal of the 'eyes' marks the simplicity of the psalm.  It is so simple, indeed, that it would scarcely seem to need adapting to a true Christian heart.  The eyes that we turn to GOD are the eyes of a child sure that it is loved, they are not the eyes of an anxious servant.  Bidding us say: 'FATHER!' our LORD would have us think of ourselves, as children.  Let us sing this psalm like a child.)

On-Site

"Give Back To Caesar What Is Caesar's, And To GOD, What Is GOD's."

"They sent to JESUS some Pharisees with members of Herod's party, with the purpose of trapping HIM by HIS own words.  They came and said to JESUS, 'Master, we know that YOU are truthful, YOU are not influenced by anyone, and YOUR answers do not vary according to who is listening to YOU, but YOU truly teach GOD's way.  Tell us, is it against the law to pay taxes to Caesar?  Should we pay them or not?'

But JESUS saw through their trick and answered, 'Why are you testing ME?  Bring ME a silver coin and let ME see it.'  They brought HIM one and JESUS asked, 'Whose image is this, and whose name?'  They answered, 'Caesar's.'  Then JESUS said, 'Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to GOD, what is GOD's.'

And they were greatly astonished." - Mark 12:13-17 

(The trap is as follows: they ask about the tax that the Jews are obliged to pay to Caesar, emperor of Rome, for the Jews have been colonized by the Romans and are under their rule.

The Pharisees and partisans of Herod, who are political enemies, join together.  The Pharisees oppose Roman domination; the partisans of Herod, on the other hand, accept it.  If JESUS says they are to pay, the Pharisees will discredit HIM before the people.  If HE says no, the partisans of Herod will have HIM arrested by the Romans.

For the Pharisees, to pay taxes to Caesar, a foreign ruler and pagan, was like denying GOD, the true LORD of Israel.  They identified the Jewish National Party with the cause of GOD.  This carried grave consequences, since they thought that to serve GOD they must crush those of the opposition party.  Since faith asks of us total obedience, people who confuse political militancy with faith begin to justify, little by little, everything their party does, even its lies and crimes.

The Caesar of Rome was not GOD, although he pretended to be.  He had imposed his authority on them and the use of Roman coins, but could not demand the obedience of conscience that was due only to GOD.  Neither was he "the enemy of GOD," as the Pharisees thought, and to serve the kingdom of GOD it was not necessary to refuse him taxes and civil obedience.

What is Caesar's can be understood: 'what belongs to Caesar."  Rather it means: "the kind of things which fall under his rule."  With HIS answer 'to Caesar what belongs to him, to GOD..." JESUS separates religion and politics in cultures--Jewish and Roman alike--where politics always looked for religious justification.  From now on, religion should not be manipulated for political purposes, nor should religion confuse its political opponents with the enemies of the kingdom.)

On-Site