People Said That John The Baptist Has Been Raised From The Dead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Luke explains why the people of Nazareth rejected JESUS:

- First, because of their pride: a stranger easily dazzles us, but we fiercely deny that one of us could stand out or be our teacher: who is this but Joseph's Son?

- Secondly, because of their selfishness: they do not agree that GOD's benefits should be shared with others.  So JESUS reminds them that the prophets of old did not limit their favors to their compatriots alone [see 1 Kings 17:7 and 2 Kings 5].)

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As Clay In The Potter's Hand So Are You In MY Hands

"This is the word of YAHWEH that came to Jeremiah: 'Go down to the potter's house and there you will hear what I have to say.'

So I went to the potter's house and found him working at the wheel.  But the pot he was working on was spoiled in his hands, so he reworked it all over again into another pot that suits his desire.

Meanwhile YAHWEH sent me HIS word, 'People of Israel, can I not do with you what this potter does?  As clay in the potter's hand so are you in MY hands.'" - Jeremiah 18:1-6 

(In several parts of the Scriptures, the comparison with the potter serves to show that GOD is absolute master and directs the lives of all according to HIS will: individuals as well as nations [see Isaiah 29:16 and Romans 9:20].  Here the same comparison is used to provide another teaching which complements the first: namely that we are free.)

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If There Is No Time To Listen To Others, What Is Life Worth?

"As JESUS and HIS disciples were on their way, HE entered a village, and a woman called Martha welcomed HIM to her house.  She had a sister named Mary, who sat down at the LORD's feet to listen to HIS words.  Martha, meanwhile, was busy with all the serving, and finally she said, 'LORD, don't YOU care that my sister has left me to do all the work?  Tell her to help me!'

But the LORD answered, 'Martha, Martha, you worry and are troubled about many things, whereas only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her.'" - Luke 10:38-42 

(Many things seem to be necessary in a family: cleaning, preparing meals, looking after the children.  If there is no time to listen to others, what is life worth?  Perhaps we do many things in the service of GOD and our neighbor; only one thing nevertheless is necessary for us all: being available for JESUS when HE is present.

Martha is working and worrying and does not have time to be with JESUS.  JESUS is peace and the person who does not attend to HIM in peace does not receive HIM.  There is a way of serving and working feverishly which leaves us empty, whether it is at home or in the community; instead JESUS wants us to find HIM in our daily work.

Our prayer can also be a way of fidgeting like Martha: when we fret in saying prayers, when we use a lot of words to present our worries to the LORD a hundred times over; when the person responsible for the celebration becomes nervous and overly concerned about the perfection of the singing or the homily.

To pray is to take the time to listen, to meditate in silence on the work of GOD, it is to slow our desires, so as to pay attention only to GOD, secretly present, and slip into HIS will. 

Mary has chosen the better part.  She followed only her instinct, but JESUS sees more: HE will not be there much longer, and in any case HIS presence among us is always brief.  Mary has been able to take hold of these brief moments when JESUS could be hers, and she is HIS while listening to HIM.)  

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"Where Is Their GOD?"

"Do not remember against us the sins of our fathers.

Let YOUR compassion hurry to us, for we have been brought very low.

Help us, GOD, our savior, for the glory of YOUR name; forgive us, for the sake of YOUR name.

Give not the nations a chance to say, 'Where is their GOD?'  Before YOUR eyes , let them know that YOU avenge the blood of YOUR servants.

Listen to the groans of the prisoners; by the strength of YOUR arm, deliver those doomed to die.

Return our neighbors sevenfold, O YAHWEH, the taunts with which they have taunted YOU.

Then we, YOUR people, the flock of YOUR pasture, will thank YOU forever.  We will recount YOUR praise from generation to generation."

- Psalm 79:8-13

(This psalm almost certainly refers to the fall of Jerusalem in the year 586 B.C.  There is a confession of guilt--the guilt of an earlier generation.  It is interesting that this ingredient should enter the solution of the problem of suffering: Has this man sinned--or his parents?  And, indeed, we may blame our ancestors, for some of our condition, so long as we realize that we may, and do, contribute to the unhappiness of our children.  We are the context into which they will be born, for better or for worse.  

As long as there are captives and blood is poured in this our land, whenever we live under the weight of guilt, it is a good time to pray with this psalm.)

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JESUS Taught All These Things To The Crowds By Means Of Parables

"JESUS offered them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field.

It is smaller than all other seeds, but once it is fully grown, it is bigger than any garden plant; like a tree, the birds come and rest in its branches,'

HE told them another parable, 'The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast that a woman took, and hid in three measures of flour, until the whole mass of dough began to rise.'

JESUS taught all these things to the crowds by means of parables; HE did not say anything to them without using a parable.  This fulfilled what was spoken by the Prophet: I will speak in parables.  I will proclaim things kept secret since the beginning of the world." - Matthew 13:31-35 

(With the parable of the mustard seed JESUS shows us that the kingdom of GOD must be a sign; it has to be something very noticeable in the world.

Any spiritual aspiration, cultural innovation or revolutionary movement must be expressed concretely, through one or several institutions, to make it a clearer and more visible entity.  Likewise JESUS projects HIS Church as the bearer [not the owner] of the kingdom of GOD.  Church means: "Assembly of those called together."  Two of the characteristics of this Church are indicated here:

- firstly, it must be very visible and fruitful for the world, like a tree giving shade to birds;

- secondly, it must be immersed in human reality.

Believers are not to separate themselves from those who do not believe, for they are the yeast of the world.

JESUS does not want an "invisible Church," that is an emotional fellowship and spiritual communion among all those in the whole world who believe in HIM.  HE wants a gigantic tree [in another place JESUS says: a city built on a hill], so that everyone can recognize that the seed was good and full of life.  We need organized Christian communities, a hierarchy... Nevertheless the believers are not to enclose themselves in their chapels or little communities or to spend all their energies working for "their" Church.  They must be useful and fruitful in the world together with all people of goodwill.

Let them be yeast for the dough, not small separate and finer dough.  The yeast transforms human history, not by bringing all people into the Church, but by infusing into human activity the spirit that gives life to humankind.  

JESUS taught all these things to the crowds by means of parables.  On reading Matthew 13:12, we might think that JESUS speaks in parables in order to hide HIS teaching.  Here we find another explanation that corrects and completes the first.  JESUS spoke in parables because that was the best method to convey a teaching relevant for all times.)

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Who Shall Separate Us From The Love Of GOD?

"We know that in everything, GOD works for the good of those who love HIM, whom HE has called, according to HIS plan.  Those whom HE knew beforehand, HE has also predestined, to be like HIS Son, similar to HIM, so, that, HE may be the Firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  And so, those whom GOD predestined, HE called; and those whom HE called, HE makes righteous; and to those whom HE makes righteous, HE will give HIS glory." - Romans 8:28-30 

(In the last pages Paul has described GOD's action in us through HIS Spirit.  In fact, the providence of the FATHER covers all the events of our lives.  Nothing happens in the world, in our family, in our lives merely by chance or because it was so destined.

Those whom HE knew beforehand.  Paul stresses the FATHER's personal attention for each one of us.  GOD knows us in CHRIST from the beginning of the world: children known before they are born, but also destined for a unique place in creation!

On reading this verse some have thought that we are not really free, and that those elected by GOD are saved automatically.  In fact, we do not read that some are elected for salvation, others not.  Paul only says that they are elected to know CHRIST, which is not the same as salvation.

The kingdom of GOD extends much farther than the Church.  The great majority of humankind do not know CHRIST and the Gospel.  Yet GOD knows how to lead and save them, for the sacrifice of CHRIST saves all humankind.  Paul is addressing believers and reminds them that to believe in CHRIST is a great personal grace; let them not be discouraged.

HE called... makes righteous.  Whatever be the way we come to know CHRIST, it is a personal call of GOD who gives us the opportunity to believe.

GOD set us on a solid basis with HIMSELF.  That goes far beyond an ordering on a moral level for those who needed it--and besides such an ordering does not guarantee that we always keep to the right path.  More deeply something has been achieved in us, something has been sown in the world: we are the bearers of innumerable orderings from which a new conscience will originate and appear in humanity, during our lifetime or centuries later.)

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For We, The Living, Are Given Up Continually To Death

"However, we carry this treasure in vessels of clay, so that this all-surpassing power may not be seen as ours, but as GOD's.  Trials of every sort come to us, but we are not discouraged.  We are left without answer, but do not despair; persecuted but not abandoned, knocked down but not crushed.  At any moment, we carry, in our person, the death of JESUS, so, that, the life of JESUS may also be manifested in us.  For we, the living, are given up continually to death, for the sake of JESUS, so, that, the life of JESUS may appear in our mortal existence.  And as death is at work in us, life comes to you.

We have received the same spirit of faith referred to in Scripture, that says: I believed and so I spoke.  We also believe, and so we speak.  We know that HE, who raised the LORD JESUS, will also raise us, with JESUS, and bring us, with you, into HIS presence.  Finally, everything is for your good, so that grace will come more abundantly upon you, and great will be the thanksgiving for the glory of GOD." - 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 

(We carry this treasure in vessels of clay.  Usually, GOD carries out HIS plans by using inadequate instruments.  Graham Greene became famous for his book "The Power and the Glory" in which we see a priest achieving heroic things despite his many personal faults.

For we, the living, are given up continually to death.  The apostle's death is necessary so that his work may live.  When a good job has been done in one sector of the Church, there has to come the hour of persecution, or of obedience to leaders whose authority we cannot reject, in spite of the fact that they may be unjust or mistaken.  Nothing grows without having died first.)

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The New Jerusalem

"Come back, faithless people--it is YAHWEH who speaks--for I AM your master.  I will select one from a city and two from a family and bring you to Zion.  Then I will give you shepherds after MY own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and prudence.  And when you have increased and multiplied in the land in those days--it is YAHWEH who speaks--people will no longer speak of the Ark of the Covenant of YAHWEH; it will not be remembered or missed, nor shall it be made again!

Then they will call Jerusalem 'The Throne of YAHWEH' and all the nations will gather there to honor the name of YAHWEH; and no longer will they follow the stubbornness of their wicked hearts." - Jeremiah 3:14-17 

(These words were probably proclaimed by Jeremiah after the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 587 B.C. and they contain promises of restoration.  They were inserted here in the book to tone down the pessimistic impression caused by so many condemnations.  In fact, these threats of punishment had to be completely carried out before GOD would offer new hope.)

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Man's Malice: GOD's Goodness

"YOUR love, O GOD, reaches the heavens; YOUR faithfulness, to the clouds.

YOUR justice is like the mighty mountains; YOUR judgment, like the unfathomable deep.  

YOU preserve, O YAHWEH, humans and beasts.

How precious, O GOD, is YOUR constant love!  Mortals take refuge in the shadow of YOUR wings.

In YOUR house they find rich food and they drink from YOUR spring of delight.

For with YOU is the fountain of life, in YOUR light we see light.

Bestow on YOUR faithful, YOUR love; and give salvation to the upright of heart."

- Psalm 36:6-11

(Those who need help to face the mystery of sin will do well in praying this psalm.  Love will conquer hatred.)

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The One Who Is In CHRIST Is A New Creature

"Indeed, the love of CHRIST holds us, and we realize, that, if HE died for all, all have died.  HE died for all, so, that, those who live, may live no longer for themselves, but for HIM, who died, and rose again for them.  And so, from now on, we do not regard anyone from a human point of view; and even if we once knew CHRIST personally, we should now regard HIM in another way.

 

For that same reason, the one who is in CHRIST is a new creature.  For him, the old things have passed away; a new world has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 

(There are many ways of understanding faith: for each one of us, one or other aspect of Christian life makes more of an impact.  What Paul sees in CHRIST is the great messenger and artisan of reconciliation.

His first conviction is that, with the death of CHRIST, a new age has begun for divided humanity.  If HE died for all, all have died, namely, the whole history and wisdom of people before HIM have been surpassed and now GOD works among us in other ways.

The one who is in CHRIST is a new creature: first because the barriers that divide and separate people no longer exist for him [see Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 2:14-16].  Also because it is not human desires that guide him, but the Spirit of GOD who recreates him at every instant [Galatians 5:13-21].)

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"Whoever Does The Will Of MY FATHER In Heaven Is MY Brother And Sister And Mother."

"While JESUS was talking to the people, HIS mother and HIS brothers wanted to speak to HIM, and they waited outside.  So someone said to HIM, 'YOUR mother and YOUR brothers are standing outside; they want to speak with YOU.'

JESUS answered, 'Who is MY mother?  Who are MY brothers?'  Then HE pointed to HIS disciples and said, 'Look!  Here are MY mother and MY brothers.  Whoever does the will of MY FATHER in heaven is MY brother and sister and mother.'" - Matthew 12:46-50 

(HIS mother and HIS brothers.  If they were true brothers of JESUS, sons of Mary, the Gospel would say: "HIS mother and the sons of HIS mother," for this was the Jewish manner of speaking.)

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You Have Been Told, O Man, What Is Good And What YAHWEH Requires Of You!

"Listen to what YAHWEH said to me, 'Stand up, let the mountains hear your claim, and the hills listen to your plea.'

Hear, O mountains, YAHWEH's complaint!  Foundations of the earth, pay attention!  For YAHWEH has a case against HIS people, and will argue it with Israel.

'O MY people, what have I done to you?  In what way have I been a burden to you?  Answer ME.

I brought you out of Egypt; I rescued you from the land of bondage; I sent Moses, Aaron and Miriam to lead you.

O MY people, remember what Balak, king of Moab, plotted, and what Balaam, son of Beor, answered him.  Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, how you have come to know YAHWEH's righteous paths.'

'What shall I bring when I come to YAHWEH and bow down before GOD the most high?  Shall I come with burnt offerings, with sacrifices of yearling calves?  Will  YAHWEH be pleased with thousands of rams, with an overabundance of oil libations?  Should I offer my firstborn for my sins, the fruit of my body for my wrongdoing?'

'You have been told, O man, what is good and what YAHWEH requires of you: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your GOD.'" - Micah 6:1-8 

(O MY people, what have I done to you?  In what way have I been a burden to you.  YAHWEH argues with HIS people.  We see  GOD's love confronting HIS people's indifference.

Micah is addressing a people without understanding.  When they are in trouble or feel an inclination for religion, they think of expensive things: sacrifices, offerings and even the sacrifice of their children, according to the Canaanite religion.

To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your GOD.  The answer is short and clear:

- do justice is Amos message;

- to love mercy: see Hosea 2:21

- to walk humbly with GOD: see Isaiah.

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We Do Not Know How To Pray

"Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes for us, without words, as if with groans.  And he, who sees inner secrets, knows the desires of the Spirit, for he asks for the holy ones, what is pleasing to GOD." - Romans 8:26-27 

(We do not know how to pray.  We often think that we pray only when we are saying something and asking for things.  Paul shows that words are not as important as the deep desire of the Spirit of GOD within us.

The Spirit intercedes for us.  It is good to present our problems and worries to GOD, using words that the Spirit inspires.  And still better when the Spirit invites us to remain in silent prayer and GOD communicates HIS peace to us.)  

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Woe To Those Who Plot Wickedness And Plan Evil Even On Their Beds!

"Woe to those who plot wickedness and plan evil even on their beds!  When morning comes they do it, as soon as it is within  their reach.

If they covet fields, they seize them.  Do they like houses?  They take them.  They seize the owner and his household; both, the man and his property.

This is why YAHWEH speaks, 'I AM plotting evil against this whole brood, from which your necks cannot escape.  No more shall you walk with head held high, for it will be an evil time.'

On that day, they will sing a taunting song against you; and a bitter lamentation will be heard, 'We have been stripped of our property in our homeland.  Who will free us from the wicked who allots our fields.'  Truly, no one will be found in the assembly of YAHWEH to keep a field for you." - Micah 2:1-5 

(HE denounces the exploiters, those who always have legal means to despoil little people.  We must not forget that the Scriptures had a code of laws--far ahead of any nation--to defend the rights and the lives of the poor, the widow, etc.  See Deuteronomy 23:16.

Everyone, naturally, is furious with the prophet who disturbs the established injustice.)

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Canticle Of Hezekiah

"Once I said: In the noontime of my life I go;

I am sent to the land of the dead,

for the rest of my years.

I said: Never again shall I see YAHWEH 

in the land of the living;

never again shall I see the inhabitants of the earth.

Like a shepherd's tent, my dwelling

has been pulled down and thrown away;

like a weaver, YOU rolled up my life

and cut it from the loom:

from day to night YOU made me waste away.

I have cried for help until morning.

Like a lion, HE has broken all my bones.

I have uttered shrill cries

like a swallow or a crane,

I have moaned like a dove.

My eyes all the while are growing weary

as I look up to the heavens:

Come and help me, O LORD!

For I am troubled.

But how can I speak

and what shall I say to HIM,

If HE HIMSELF is doing this to me?

I will have to walk all my years

bearing this anguish of my soul.

O LORD, give me back my health

and give me back my life!"

- Isaiah 38:10-16

(Hezekiah's canticle is a psalm of thanksgiving like those we find in the Book of Psalms.  It expresses the profound feelings of the believers of the Old Testament for whom dying meant losing everything and who tried to convince GOD that HE would gain nothing in letting HIS faithful disappear forever.)

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"Learn From ME For I AM..." Or "Learn From ME That I AM..."?

"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 

(Must we translate "learn from ME for I AM..." or "learn from ME that I AM..."?  The humility of JESUS reveals to us the humility of GOD who never seeks to put us down or intimidate us, but instead always wants to raise us to HIM.  Such humility does not prevent HIM from being GOD, and HE may exact everything from us because HE does not use external force: HIS influence reaches to the depths of our heart.  See Luke 10:21.

Come to ME.  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 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.)    

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Events And Daily Life Are Also A Source Of Prayer

"On that occasion, JESUS said, 'FATHER, LORD of heaven and earth, I praise YOU; because YOU have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to simple people.  Yes, FATHER, this was YOUR gracious will.

Everything has been entrusted to ME by MY FATHER.  No one knows the Son except the FATHER; and no one knows the FATHER except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal HIM.'" - Matthew 11:25-27 

(JESUS' prayer impressed the disciples.  In this text it is a short prayer, prompted by the most recent events; events and daily life are also a source of prayer.

YOU have hidden these things.  Intelligent people are not excluded from the faith, of course, but it is the glory of GOD that faith should not seem to be the privilege of the wise and the intelligent; human wisdom never gives what is essential and often hides it.  There were in Palestine at the time some wise people and many others who pretended to be so, but they were rarely seen among the disciples of JESUS.

Everything has been entrusted to ME.  GOD does what is needed for people to have always and in all places thousands of ways of knowing HIM.  In this life it is only through JESUS that we have the revelation of the FATHER.)

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Chorazin And Bethsaida

"Then JESUS began to denounce the cities in which HE had performed most of HIS miracles, because the people there did not change their ways.  'Alas for you Chorazin and Bethsaida!  If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, the people there would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.  But I assure you, for Tyre and Sidon; it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.  And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven?  You will be thrown down to the place of the dead!  For if the miracles which were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would still be there today!  But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.'" - Matthew 11:20-24 

(Chorazin and Bethsaida: these two cities were the seats of higher schools of religion but had not received the Gospel.  Tyre and Sidon: two pagan cities, cursed by the prophets.)

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Against An Unthinking People

"Hear the warning of YAHWEH,

rulers of Sodom.

Listen to the word of GOD, 

people of Gomorrah.

'What do I care,' says YAHWEH

'for your endless sacrifices?

I AM fed up with your burnt offerings,

and the fat of your bulls.

The blood of fatlings, and lambs and he-goats

I abhor, when you come before me and

trample on MY courts.

Who asked you to visit ME?

I AM fed up with your oblations.

I grow sick with your incense.

Your New Moons, Sabbaths and meetings,

evil with holy assemblies,

I can no longer bear.

I hate your New Moons and appointed feasts.

They burden ME.

When you stretch out your hands

I will close MY eyes;

the more you pray,

the more I refuse to listen,

for your hands are bloody.

Wash and make yourselves clean.

Remove from MY sight

the evil of your deeds.

Put an end to your wickedness

and learn to do good.

Seek justice and keep in line the abusers;

give the fatherless their rights

and defend the widow.'"

- Isaiah 1:10-17

(What do I care for your endless sacrifices?  It is characteristic of the prophets to condemn external worship that does not express a true surrender to GOD.  The sacrifices and the festivals in question here were required by the law of GOD; yet GOD says that HE detests them, because when done without proper dispositions, they are a lie [see Psalm 40:7 and 50:16, also, Matthew 5:23].

Give the fatherless their rights.  The Mosaic commandments condemned theft [Exodus 20:14].  The prophets denounce a social system which crushes the lowly.

Some people are fond of great ceremonies, others of their own devotions and prayers and still others, of doing generous and philanthropic works.  When doing this, we may be covering up the injustice we do every day.)

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The Word Of GOD Appears Personified

"As the rain and the snow come down

from the heavens and do not return

till they have watered the earth,

making it yield seed for the sower

and food for others to eat,

so is MY word that goes forth out of MY mouth:

it will not return to ME idle,

but it shall accomplish MY will,

the purpose for which it has been sent."

- Isaiah 55:10-11

(Here the word of GOD appears personified.  It is already much more than the words spoken by the prophets.  This word which comes from the FATHER and returns to HIM will be presented by the apostle John in the first page of his Gospel: it is CHRIST.  See also in 45:8)

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'HE Rebuked The Wind And Said To The Sea: Peace! Be Still! The Wind Ceased And There Was Made A Great Calm.'

"YAHWEH reigns, robed in majesty;

YAHWEH is girded with strength.

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

YOUR throne stands from long ago, O YAHWEH;

from all eternity YOU are.

The floods have lifted up, O YAHWEH,

the foods have lifted up their roaring,

the floods have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mightier than the thunder of great waters,

mightier than the breakers of the sea,

YAHWEH on high, is mighty!

YOUR decrees can be trusted;

holiness dwells in YOUR house,

day after day, without end, O YAHWEH."

- Psalm 93:1-5

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

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

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Straight Are The Ways Of YAHWEH: The Just Walk In Them, But The Sinners Stumble

"Return to your GOD, YAHWEH, O Israel!

Your sins have caused your downfall,

Return to YAHWEH with humble words.  Say to HIM,

'Oh, YOU who show compassion to the fatherless,

forgive our debt, be appeased.

Instead of bulls and sacrifices,

accept the praise from our lips.

Assyria will not save us:

no longer shall we look for horses,

nor ever again shall we say 'Our gods'

to the work of our hands.'

I will heal their disloyalty

and love them with all MY heart,

for MY anger has turned from them.

I shall be like dew to Israel,

like the lily will he blossom.

Like a cedar, he will send down his roots;

his young shoots will grow and spread.

His splendor will be like an olive tree,

his fragrance, like a Lebanon cedar.

They will dwell in MY shade again,

they will flourish like the grain,

they will blossom like a vine,

and their fame will be like Lebanon wine.

What would Ephraim do with idols,

when it is I who who hear and make him prosper?

I AM like an ever-green cypress tree;

all your fruitfulness comes from ME.

Who is wise enough to grasp all this?

Who is discerning and will understand?

Straight are the ways of YAHWEH:

the just walk in them, but the sinners stumble."

- Hosea 14:2-10

 

(The book of Hosea ends with these encouraging words.  After the trials, Israel will seek YAHWEH who will allow HIMSELF to be found.  Humanity's reconciliation with GOD will be an authentic marriage and it will be accompanied by a reconciliation of humanity and nature.  This was already said in 2:17-22 and will be developed in the Song of Songs which will use some images taken from Hosea.)

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I AM GOD And Not Human

"I loved Israel when he was a child; out of Egypt I called MY son.  But the more I have called, the further have they gone from ME--sacrificing to the Baals, burning incense to the idols.

Yet, it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; yet, little did they realize that it was I who cared for them.  I led them with cords of human kindness, with leading strings of love, and I became for them as one who eases the yoke upon their neck and stoops down to feed them.

If they refuse to return to ME, they will have to go back to Egypt and be ruled by an Assyrian king.  Swords will flash in their cities, slaughtering their sons, putting an end to all their plans.

They insist on turning away from ME; they cry out because the yoke is upon them and no one lifts it.  How can I give you up, Ephraim?  Can I abandon you like Admah or make you like Zeboiim?  MY heart is troubled within ME and I AM moved with compassion.  I will not give vent to MY great anger; I will not return to destroy Ephraim, for I AM GOD and not human.  I AM the Holy One in your midst; and I do not want to come to you in anger." - Hosea 11:1-9 

(Israel is GOD's spoiled child.  In former days GOD brought them out of Egypt, and ever since then, has been calling them and trying to draw them to HIMSELF, but they continue their depraved ways which bring punishment upon them.

I AM GOD and not human.  Our setbacks which seem to be GOD's punishment are, in fact, what GOD considers the most suitable ways to teach us [see Hebrews 12:7; 2 Maccabees 6:16; Wisdom 11:23].)

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The Goodness And The Greatness Of GOD

"Sing to HIM, sing HIS praise, proclaim all HIS wondrous deeds.

Glory in HIS holy name; let those who seek YAHWEH rejoice.

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

Remember HIS wonderful works, HIS miracles and HIS judgments,

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

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

- Psalm 105:2-7

(The psalmist summarizes in this one psalm the goodness and the greatness of GOD, as he knew it from the Old Testament.  He connects with his past to seek GOD's presence and praise HIM.  We do not live in isolation from our material environment nor do we from our historical past, and the historical books of the Scriptures, like the Creation, provide material for praise.  We are the people whom GOD has redeemed, but in redeeming us, GOD was keeping the promise which HE made 'to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his seed.'

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

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With Their Silver And Gold They Fashioned Idols To Their Own Ruin

"Without MY approval they set up kings and without MY blessing appointed leaders.  With their silver and gold they fashioned idols to their own ruin.

To ME, Samaria, your calf is loathsome; and MY anger blazes against you.  How long will you remain defiled?  The calf is yours, Israel, a craftsman has made it; it is not GOD and will be broken into pieces.  As they sow the wind, they will reap the whirlwind.  Stalk without flower, it will never yield flower, or if they do, foreigners will devour it.

Israel lived apart as a wild donkey, but he was eaten up.  Now, they are among pagans, as a worthless object.  Ephraim went to Assyria with gifts.  Now, they have been given up to the nations; and I shall gather them.  For, in no time, they have been left with no prophets, or kings, or leaders.

Ephraim built many altars; but his altars made him more guilty.  I wrote out for him the numerous precepts of MY law; but they look on them as coming from foreigners.

They offer sacrifices to ME because they are those who eat the meat; but YAHWEH does not accept their sacrifices, for HE is mindful of their sin and remembers their wickedness.  They will return to Egypt." - Hosea 8:4-13 

(The prophet is like a guard [see Ezekiel 3:17].  Hosea condemns the kings who do not come from GOD since they were self-appointed: only David's sons in the south were the chosen ones of GOD.  Moreover, they were never concerned about representing GOD before the people, nor about fulfilling HIS designs.

Then we have the condemnation of the golden calves placed in Bethel to honor YAHWEH [see 1 Kings 12:28].

External practices and sacred banquets following the sacrifice do not make GOD forget their sin.

Hosea looks at Israel's past.  You will return to Egypt, namely, you will be captive again.) 

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I Will Espouse You In Faithfulness; And You Will Come To Know YAHWEH

"So I AM going to allure her,

lead her once more into the desert,

where I can speak to her tenderly.

Then I will give back her vineyards,

make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.

There, she will answer ME, as in her youth,

as when she came out of the land of Egypt.

On that day, YAHWEH says,

you will call ME my husband,

and never again: my Baal.

I will take the names of Baals from her lips

and no longer will they be invoked.

That day, on her behalf, I will make a Covenant

with beasts of the field and birds of the air,

with creatures creeping upon the ground.

I will wipe out the sword and war in the land;

I will make people rest safe and secure.

You will be MY spouse forever,

betrothed in justice and integrity;

we will be united in love and tenderness.

I will espouse you in faithfulness; 

and you will come to know YAHWEH."

- Hosea 2:16-22

(So I AM going to allure her, lead her once more into the desert, where I can speak to her tenderly.  YAHWEH is going to deprive Israel of everything so they will again be poor as they were in the desert in the days of Moses.  Thus they will know that everything comes from GOD and will put their trust in HIM.  I was better off then than now.  This is what the prodigal son will also say in Luke 15:17.

She will no longer call ME my LORD.  Here Hosea uses the word my Baal.  In Hebrew, Baal means Lord.  This was the name given to the Canaanite gods, but the Israelites also honored YAHWEH with this title.  However, YAHWEH does not want to be a "Baal" among many, but "The" only husband.

That day on her behalf I will make a Covenant with beasts of the field.  After the trials, Hosea foresees a happy period when YAHWEH would give the land back to HIS renewed people.  There will be no more hostile forces from nature, no more wars.  I will make people rest safe and secure.

You will be MY spouse forever.  GOD is offering HIS people a new Covenant, a new alliance with HIM: Not a new religion with different commandments, but rather a personal relationship born of a purified and renewed heart [Jeremiah 31:31].

John refers to this union "in enduring love" in John 1:17: JESUS is the one who brought it to humankind.)

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Your KING Comes, Riding On A Donkey

"Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion!

Shout for joy, daughter of Jerusalem!

For your KING is coming, just and victorious,

humble and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of the donkey.

No more chariots in Ephraim,

no more horses in Jerusalem,

for HE will do away with them.

The warrior's bow shall be broken when HE dictates peace to the nations.

HE will reign from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth."

- Zechariah 9:9-10

(Announcing a humble Messiah.  When HE solemnly enter Jerusalem, JESUS will fulfill this prophecy literally [see Matthew 21:5].)

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"Nations Seeking GOD"

"On that day, I shall restore the fallen hut of David and wall up its breaches, and raise its ruined walls; and so build it as in days of old.

They shall conquer the remnant of Edom, and the neighboring nations, upon which MY name has been called.  Thus says YAHWEH, the one who will do this.

YAHWEH says also, 'The days are coming when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes overtake the sower.  The mountains shall drip sweet wine and all the hills shall melt.

I shall bring back the exiles of MY people Israel; they will rebuild the desolate cities and dwell in them.  They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will have orchards and eat their fruit.  I shall plant them in their own country and they shall never again be rooted up from the land which I have given them,' says YAHWEH your GOD." - Amos 9:11-15 

(In this text--written after the exile of Israel--we have the promise of the future reuniting of the kingdoms, Israel and Judah, into a single people of GOD.  The apostle James will refer to this promise, to show that GOD wills to extend the salvation earned by JESUS to all the nations, and not only to Israel [see Acts 15:16].  Notice that James quotes this text in a different form from what it is here.  This is due to the fact that the apostles were using the Greek translation of the Scriptures, which many times changed the meaning, not to be unfaithful to the primitive text but rather because, in the course of time, the Jews had a better understanding of the will of GOD.  For example, here Amos is speaking about Israel "conquering the nations" which, at the time, seemed to be a great favor from GOD.  The Jews who later translated the Scriptures into other languages spoke of the "nations seeking GOD" because, in the meantime, the prophets had meditated deeply on GOD's plan.)

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You Are Of The Household Of GOD

"Now, you are no longer strangers or guests, but fellow citizens of the holy people: you are of the household of GOD.  You are the house, whose foundations are the apostles and prophets, and whose cornerstone is CHRIST JESUS.  In HIM, the whole structure is joined together, and rises, to be a holy temple, in the LORD.  In HIM, you, too, are being built, to become the spiritual Sanctuary of GOD." - Ephesians 2:19-22 

(You are of the household of GOD.  In biblical language this means: to belong to GOD's family.  From there, Paul moves on to another image: you are the household, namely, the true Temple of GOD.  The community of believers form the Temple, or better, is being transformed into the Temple of GOD.

This imposing vision of the Church and our unity in the Church will perhaps astonish many Christians of today who are usually more aware of their responsibilities towards the world than towards our antiquated Church.  Yet, of what Spirit shall we be bearers, and shall we do this work if we are not supported by a community?  Solidarity with those who share our options and our culture cannot replace participation in the Christian community.  There are probably many things in the Christian community we are not happy with.  However, it would be a bad sign if we were unable to recognize in it the truth that is missing in our non-Christian friends, and without which we would lose our reason for living.)

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Which Is Easier To Say: 'Your Sins Are Forgiven' Or 'Stand Up And Walk'?

"JESUS got back into the boat, crossed the lake again, and came to HIS hometown.  Here, they brought to HIM a paralyzed man, lying on a bed.  JESUS saw their faith and said to the paralytic, 'Courage, MY son!  Your sins are forgiven.'

Some teachers of the law said within themselves, 'This man insults GOD.'  JESUS was aware of what they were thinking; and said, 'Why have you such evil thoughts?  Which is easier to say: 'Your sins are forgiven' or 'Stand up and walk'?  But that you may know, that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins,' HE said to the paralyzed man, 'Stand up!  Take your stretcher and go home!'  The man got up, and went home.

When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe, and praised GOD for giving such power to human beings." - Matthew 9:1-8 

(They praised GOD for giving such power to human beings.  This formula is rather clumsy.  The crowd is astonished to see how GOD's saving power is manifest among people, and through a man, JESUS.  Matthew has no wish to separate the Church from CHRIST: every Christian community received the gifts of GOD for healing and reconciliation.  It is known that the ministers of the Church have special authority to pardon, but the grace of GOD also flows in many other very different channels [1 Corinthians 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11].  When we establish relations of mercy and trust, and accept fraternal correction humbly, when there is mutual forgiveness between spouses, CHRIST is the one who forgives and pardons, and what is forgiven among us on earth, is forgiven in heaven [Matthew 18:18].)

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The Demoniacs And The Pigs

"When JESUS reached Gadara, on the other side, HE was met by two men, possessed by devils, who came out from the tombs.  They were so fierce that no one dared to pass that way.  They cried out, 'Son of GOD, leave us alone!  Have YOU come here to torment us before the time?'

Some distance away there was a large herd of pigs feeding.  So the demons begged HIM, 'If YOU drive us out, send us into that herd of pigs.'  JESUS ordered them, 'Go!'  So the demons left the men and went into the pigs.  The whole herd rushed down the cliff into the lake and was drowned.

The men in charge of the pigs ran off to the town, where they told the whole story; and also what had happened to the men possessed with the demons.  The whole town went out to meet JESUS; and when they saw HIM, they begged HIM to leave their region." - Matthew 8:28-34 

(JESUS overcame the raging sea and disembarking on the pagan shore of the lake HE confronts the demon.  It is to say that the possessed has partnership with death and with impurity to which it is attached [Numbers 19:11]; but no one, absolutely no one is able to master him.  This adversary, however, bows low recognizing the superiority of JESUS, Son of GOD the Most High, who forces HIM to reveal HIS name.  JESUS will free this possessed man: the demon, author of every "impurity" is sent to his own kingdom.  Pigs are in fact, in Jewish tradition, a type of impure animal, and the sea into which they cast themselves is the symbol of the empire of evil.)

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