"We Are People Of Faith And We Shall Save Our Soul."

 "Do I need to say more?  There is not enough time to speak of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, as well as Samuel and the prophets.  Through faith, they fought and conquered nations, established justice, saw the fulfillment of GOD's promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the sword, were healed of their sicknesses; they were weak people, who were given strength, to be brave in battle and repulse foreign invaders.

Some women recovered their dead by resurrection, but there were others--persecuted and tortured believers--who, for the sake of a better resurrection, refused to do what would have saved them.  Others suffered chains and prison.  They were stoned, sawn in two, killed by the sword.  They fled, from place to place, with no other clothing than the skins of sheep and goats, lacking everything, afflicted, ill-treated.  These people, of whom the world was not worthy, had to wander through wastelands and mountains, and take refuge in the dens of the land.

However, although all of them were praised because of their faith, they did not enjoy the promise, because GOD had us in mind, and saw beyond.  And HE did not want them to reach perfection, except with us." - Hebrews 11:32-40 

(These heroes of the faith died without having seen what GOD promised; it would seem that many have failed but their successors will discover that it is they who have made authentic history.  The author addresses the Christians saying: "We are people of faith and we shall save our soul," which means: we shall fulfill all that is in us, and await what GOD has reserved for us in eternity.)

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Married Life Or Family Life Can Present Many Obstacles To Spiritual Freedom And Apostolic Desires

 "I would like you to be free from anxieties.  He who is not married is concerned about the things of the LORD and how to please the LORD.  While he who is married is taken up with the things of the world and how to please his wife, and he is divided in his interests.

Likewise, the unmarried woman and the virgin are concerned with the service of the LORD, to be holy in body and spirit.  The married woman, instead, worries about the things of the world and how to please her husband.

I say this for your own good.  I do not wish to lay traps for you, but to lead you to a beautiful life, entirely united with the LORD." - 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 

(Paul then points out that all Christian commitments are likely to cause division for those who wish to live according to the logic of their Baptism, seen as a total consecration to CHRIST.  Married life or family life can present many obstacles to spiritual freedom and apostolic desires: see the words of JESUS in Mark 10:29.)

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Quiet Now! Be Still!

 "On that same day, when evening had come, JESUS said to them, 'Let's go across to the other side of the lake.'  So they left the crowd, and took HIM along in the boat HE had been sitting in, and other boats set out with HIM.  Then a storm gathered and it began to blow a gale.  The waves spilled over into the boat, so that it was soon filled with water.  JESUS was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.

They woke HIM up, and said, 'Master, don't you care if we drown?'  And rising up, JESUS rebuked the wind, and ordered the sea, 'Quiet now!  Be still!'  The wind dropped, and there was a great calm.  Then JESUS said to them, 'Why are you so frightened?  Do you still have no faith?'

But they were terrified, and they said to one another, 'Who can this be?  Even the wind and the sea obey HIM!'" - Mark 4:35-41 

(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 Rahab.  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.

At the very instant when they discover this divine power in JESUS, the apostles are terrified, as was Moses at the burning of the bush [Exodus 3:1], and Isaiah at the time of his vision in the temple [Isaiah 6:5], as all those to whom GOD shows HIMSELF in a special way: more than a friend, more than a master, JESUS revealed HIMSELF to them in the truth of HIS being.  This fear in discovering GOD so close to them was greater than the fear they had felt during the tempest a few moments earlier.)

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The Seed Growing By Itself

 "JESUS also said, 'In the kingdom of GOD it is like this: a man scatters seed upon the soil.  Whether he is asleep or awake, be it day or night, the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.  The soil produces of itself; first, the blade; then, the ear; then the full grain in the ear.  And when it is ripe for harvesting, they take the sickle for the cutting: the time for the harvest has come.'

JESUS also said, 'What is the kingdom of GOD like?  To what shall we compare it?  It is like a mustard seed which, when sown, is the smallest of all the seeds scattered upon the soil.  But once sown, it grows up and becomes the largest of the plants in the garden; and even grows branches so big, that the birds of the air can take shelter in its shade.'

JESUS used many such stories, in order to proclaim the word to them in a way that they would be able to understand.  HE would not teach them without parables; but privately, to HIS disciples, HE explained everything." - Mark 4:26-34 

(In every period of time, people become impatient.  When will the kingdom of justice be realized?  Will violence and corruption soon come to an end?  JESUS answers: invisible forces are already at work; the world matures and the kingdom grows on.

How many seeds are cast in the wind?  A new style, a new song, a new device, a radio program.  Some seeds have grown and taken root, producing fruits that mobilize people.  Let us recognize the humble beginnings of the work of GOD: good willed people meeting together to solve a community problem; a gesture of kindness in a closed, unfriendly environment; a first attempt to smile at life after a great disappointment.  The seed grows, and the person who has welcomed the word walks more confidently on the path where GOD leads.)

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Whatever Is Hidden Will Be Disclosed And Whatever Is Kept Secret Will Be Brought To Light

 "JESUS also said to them, 'When the light comes, is it put under a basket or a bed?  Surely it is put on a lamp stand.  Whatever is hidden will be disclosed and whatever is kept secret will be brought to light.  Listen then, if you have ears!"

And HE also said to them, 'Pay attention to what you hear.  In the measure you give, so shall you receive, and still more will be given to you.  For the one who produces something, more will be given; and from him who does not produce anything, even what he has will be taken away from him.'" - Mark 4:21-25 

(Listen then, if you have ears.  JESUS warns us, 'You waste your time if you only listen to ME yet do not allow what you hear to bear fruit.  The measure that you measure out will be the measure you receive.  That is to say, if you begin to act according to what you have learned, you will receive from GOD new strength and new knowledge.  If you do nothing, even your religious beliefs will be of no value to you, not even when you present yourself before GOD.  You read MY Gospel, but now challenge yourselves before you follow any further.'

Whatever is hidden...  The word works secretly within the heart but when we discover the transformation that is at work in our life, we readily proclaim CHRIST and make known to others the secret that has made us happy [Ephesians 2:4; Colossians 3:3; Philippians 2:10].)

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Do We Not Often Receive The Sacrament Of Pardon? How Then Can We Affirm That CHRIST's Sacrifice Has Freed Us?

 "So, whereas every priest stands, daily, by the altar, offering, repeatedly, the same sacrifices, that can never take away sins, CHRIST has offered, for all times, a single sacrifice for sins, and has taken HIS seat at the right hand of GOD, waiting, until GOD puts HIS enemies as a footstool under HIS feet.  By a single sacrifice HE has brought those who are sanctified to what is perfect forever.

This also was testified by the Holy Spirit.  For after having declared: This is the Covenant that I will make with them in the days to come--says the LORD--I will put MY laws in their hearts and write them on their minds.  HE says: Their sins and evil deeds I will remember no more.  So, if sins are forgiven, there is no longer need of any sacrifice for sin." - Hebrews 10:11-18 

(The sacraments we receive--and the pardon we receive in the Church--are never more than the application of the present moment of that which has been done once and for all.  For a baptized person, there is no further rite, commitment, new baptism [baptism with a lot of water, baptism "in the spirit"...] that can give more.  All has been given in JESUS.  John does not hesitate to say that whoever is in CHRIST does not sin [John 3:6]: he does not commit a sin that leads to death [1 John 5:17].  Only sins that cause a total rupture with CHRIST can bring us back to our former state of "death."  Although it is certain that confession is of great help to overcome sin, let us not think a Christian continually passes from mortal sin to grace by confessing, sinning again, and confessing again.)

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Fan Into A Flame The Gift Of GOD You Received

 "From Paul, apostle of CHRIST JESUS, by the will of GOD, for the sake of HIS promise of eternal life, in CHRIST JESUS, to my dear son Timothy.

May grace, mercy and peace be with you, from GOD, the FATHER, and CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

I give thanks to GOD, whom I serve with a clear conscience, the way my ancestors did, as I remember you constantly, day and night, in my prayers.  I recall your tears, and I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.  I am reminded of your sincere faith, so like the faith of your grandmother Lois and of your mother Eunice, which I am sure you have inherited.

For this reason, I invite you to fan into a flame, the gift of GOD you received, through the laying on of my hands.  For GOD did not confer on us a spirit of fearfulness, but of strength, love and good judgment.  Do not be ashamed of testifying to our LORD, nor of seeing me in chains.  On the contrary, do your share in laboring for the gospel, with the strength of GOD." - 2 Timothy 1:1-8 

(Fan into a flame the gift of GOD you received.  See 1 Timothy 4:14.  Paul tries to give his own energy to Timothy and he reminds him of GOD's love and promises.)

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World-Wide Call To Praise GOD

 "Alleluia!

Praise YAHWEH, all you nations;

all you peoples, praise HIM.

How great is HIS love for us!

HIS faithfulness lasts forever."

- Psalm 117:1-2

(Less than a quarter of a psalm, but all is there: goodness [grace, favor] and fidelity [truth] that is the truth of GOD.  We can pray with this psalm, keeping in our heart the ecumenical cause.)

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Time Is Running Out

 "I say this, brothers and sisters: time is running out, and those who are married must live as if not married; those who weep as if not weeping; those who are happy as if they were not happy; those buying something as if they had not bought it, and those enjoying the present life as if they were not enjoying it.  For the order of this world is vanishing." - 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 

(Paul's response goes further than the question of the Corinthians when he adds: time is running out.  He points to much more than a prompt return of CHRIST, familiar to the first Christians.  The coming of JESUS has shortened time in a figurative way: we can no longer settle down in the present world as we did before when we could see no further than the present.  We are entirely turned towards what is to come.  A Christian lives in the present, but all that matters most for him comes in the "after."  Let us not argue with Paul as if he were reasoning on the consequences of the certain coming of JESUS CHRIST: he is not theologizing but speaks like someone already possessed by CHRIST.)

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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.

GOD ascends amid joyful shouts,

YAHWEH amid trumpet blasts.

Sing praises to GOD, sing praises!

Sing praises to our King, sing praises!

GOD is King of all the earth;

sing to HIM a hymn of praise.

For GOD now rules over the nations,

GOD reigns from HIS holy Throne.

- Psalm 47:2-3. 6-7. 8-9

('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.)

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JESUS Enjoys A Much Higher Ministry

 "Now, however, JESUS enjoys a much higher ministry, in being the mediator of a better Covenant, founded on better promises.  If all had been perfect in the first Covenant, there would have been no need for another one.  Yet GOD sees defects when HE says:

The days are coming--it is the word of the LORD--when I will draw up a new Covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.

It will not be like the Covenant that I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt.  They did not keep MY Covenant, and so I MYSELF have forsaken them, says the LORD.

But this is the Covenant that I will make with the people of Israel in the days to come: I will put MY laws into their minds and write them on their hearts.  I will be their GOD and they will be MY people.

None of them will have to teach one another or say to each other: Know the LORD, for they will know ME from the least to the greatest.  I will forgive their sins and no longer remember their wrongs.

Here, we are being told of a new Covenant; which means, that the first one had become obsolete, and what is obsolete, and aging, is soon to disappear." - Hebrews 8:6-13 

(JESUS enjoys a much higher ministry.  Our liturgical service on earth is glorious inasmuch as we try to associate with the perfect praise of GOD in HIS "heaven."  It is the sunshine of our week, but it cannot be our essential duty unless we have received a special charism.  Here below, we must follow JESUS who did not envy the priests of HIS time but labored and died to reconcile humans with one another and with GOD.

Those who wish to meet JESUS in real life where truth must be observed will be easily accused of meddling in politics [which is not a sin].  However it is a fact that JESUS did not die to defend religious practice, but to show that it is not what is most important.  HIS "baptism" was a real death, likewise HIS "Eucharist": it is not the case of a beautiful liturgy, in which no one [of course] risks life.)

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Thanksgiving And Further Plea For Help

 "Sacrifice and oblation YOU did not desire; this, YOU had me understand.  Burnt offering and sin offering YOU do not require.

Then I said, 'Here I come! as the scroll says of me.  To do YOUR will is my delight, O GOD, for YOUR law is within my heart.

In the great assembly I have proclaimed YOUR saving help.  My lips, O YAHWEH, I did not seal--YOU know that very well.

But may all those who seek YOU, rejoice, and be glad in YOU; and may all who love YOUR saving grace continually say, 'YAHWEH is great.'"

- Psalm 40:7-8. 8-9. 10. 17

(The Epistle to the Hebrews [10:5-7] invites us to hear verses 7-9 of this psalm as if CHRIST HIMSELF were speaking them.  And it is true that we could recite verses 1-11 along with HIM and in HIS name, thanking GOD for all that HE has done.  There is a quick change from thanksgiving to insisting appeal in the second half [verses 12-18] and this part, identical with Psalm 70, was apparently a separate psalm at first.  It is not improbable that the Epistle to the Hebrews has those in mind who had served as priests in the now ruined Temple: in place of their sacrifices which GOD no longer asked for stands the free and perfect offering that is CHRIST HIMSELF who like Isaiah before HIM said 'Here am I!  Send me' [Isaiah 6:8].)

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Human Advancement And The Sabbath

 "Again, JESUS entered the synagogue.  A man who had a paralyzed hand was there; and some people watched JESUS: would HE heal the man on the Sabbath?  If HE did, they could accuse HIM.

JESUS said to the man with the paralyzed hand, 'Stand here, in the center.'  Then HE asked them, 'What does the law allow us to do on the Sabbath?  To do good or to do harm?  To save life or to kill?'  But they were silent.

Then JESUS looked around at them with anger and deep sadness at their hardness of heart.  And HE said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.'  He stretched it out, and his hand was healed.  As soon as the Pharisees left, they met with Herod's supporters, looking for a way to destroy JESUS." - Mark 3:1-6 

(Here, what Mark wants to emphasize is not the miracle JESUS performs, but HIS attitude vis-à-vis the Sabbath.  This miracle confirms what he has just said in 2:28.

The Pharisees considered it lawful to work on the Sabbath if it was a question of saving someone in danger of death.  JESUS is about to enlarge this ruling: for HIM, not to do good is to do evil, not to cure is to kill.

Some ask if JESUS was interested in the material advancement [well-being] of people or only in their spiritual progress.  Actually, it is impossible to separate one from the other.

JESUS, apparently, did not speak of the economy nor the social order, but HE did denounce our prejudices that prevent us from giving the world a true and just order.

People, then, have the capacity and the means to better their condition, but they use them poorly because they remain prisoners of principles or institutions that are considered sacred, and in order to preserve them they allow half the world to die.)

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The Sabbath Was Made For Man

 "One Sabbath HE was walking through grain fields.  As HIS disciples walked along with HIM, they began to pick the heads of grain and crush them in their hands.  Then the Pharisees said to JESUS, 'Look!  They are doing what is forbidden on the Sabbath!'

And HE said to them, 'Have you never read what David did in his time of need; when he and his men were very hungry?  He went into the House of GOD, when Abiathar was High Priest, and ate the bread of offering, which only the priests are allowed to eat and he also gave some to the men who were with him.'  Then JESUS said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.  So the Son of Man is master even of the Sabbath.'" - Mark 2:23-28 

(It was normal that passersby, when hungry, would pick fruit or wheat.  The Pharisees were scandalized because JESUS' disciples did this on the Sabbath, a day when all work was prohibited.

The Sabbath was made for man.  No law, no matter holy it is, should be applied in a way that would oppress a person.

The Son of Man is master even of the Sabbath.  For the Jews, the observance of the Sabbath was the pillar of the Law established by GOD.  Who did JESUS think HE was?)

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The Messiah, King, Priest And Judge

 "YAHWEH said to my LORD,

'Sit at MY right hand

till I make YOUR foes YOUR footstool.'

From Zion YAHWEH will extend YOUR mighty scepter;

and YOU will rule in the midst of YOUR enemies.

YOURS is royal dignity

from the day YOU were born in holy majesty.

Like dew from the womb of the dawn,

I have begotten YOU.

YAHWEH has sworn,

and HE will not take back HIS word:

'YOU are a priest, forever, 

in the order of Melchizedek.'"

- Psalm 110:1-4

(Sometimes we feel trapped, as if in prison, by the problems of life.  This psalm is like a flash of lightning illuminating the prison and showing us an unexpected escape towards heaven.  In spite of some obscure expressions, the overall meaning is clear: from Zion will come, the one who will be victorious over all the hostile powers.  The struggle will be hard, but GOD will finally ask HIM to sit at HIS right; and all will be subject to HIM.  Our LORD is the Son of GOD.

CHRIST is king and priest, but king 'of justice, love, and peace;' the priest who entered the sanctuary though HIS own blood and has opened up for us access to the sanctuary.  Let us pray for the people of GOD, who are kingly and priestly people.)

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We Must Be Like Children In Order To Enter The Kingdom Of GOD

 "People were binging their little children to HIM to have HIM touch them; and the disciples rebuked them for this.

When JESUS noticed it, HE was very angry and said, 'Let the children come to ME and don't stop them, for the kingdom of GOD belongs to such as these.  Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of GOD like a child will not enter it.'  Then HE took the children in HIS arms and, laying HIS hands on them, blessed them." - Mark 10:13-16 

(JESUS, despite having no children of HIS own, opens to everyone the richness of HIS heart.  HE marvels at the mystery of life that begins full of hope, and discovers the likeness of the FATHER in every unknown child.  How could JESUS, who asks us to have hope, forget that the children are also our hope?

Whoever does not receive the kingdom of GOD like a child.  We must be like children in order to enter the kingdom of GOD.  We must forget our wisdom and self-sufficiency, and the bitterness of past experience in order to receive GOD's gifts and words in wonder and simplicity.)

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CHRIST Is Our High Priest

 "We have a great high priest, JESUS, the Son of GOD, who has entered heaven.  Let us, then, hold fast to the faith we profess.  Our high priest is not indifferent to our weaknesses, for HE was tempted, in every way, just as we are, yet, without sinning.  Let us, then, with confidence, approach the throne of grace.  We will obtain mercy and, through HIS favor, help in due time." - Hebrews 4:14-16 

(For the Jews, the high priest--despite his personal defects--was a sacred person protecting the people from the punishment deserved by their sins.  The people needed not only leaders to govern them, but an advocate before GOD.  Aaron, Moses' brother, the first priest of the Jews, had been such a man.  His successors, the high priests, were to be the same.

This idea is developed here: the high priest is the people's representative before GOD, and he must be weak as they are but accepted by GOD.  CHRIST is just that and perfectly so.  Forgetting that JESUS is a man among humans is as serious for the faith as forgetting that HE is the Son of GOD.

It is helpful to look at the role of CHRIST, the high priest, at this time when the Church reminds us that all the faithful are associated with the priestly role of CHRIST.  We must represent humanity before GOD; we are consecrated to GOD for that purpose.

In the Eucharist we thank GOD in the name of everyone.  In daily life we must be instruments of the grace of GOD by being people who promote truth, encourage love and establish peaceful relationships.)

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GOD's Patience And Man's Ingratitude

 "... which we have heard and known, which our ancestors have told us.

We will not keep them hidden from our children; we will announce them to the coming generation: the glorious deeds of YAHWEH, HIS might and the wonders HE has done.

so the next generation would learn, and teach their own children.

They would then, put their trust in GOD, and not forget HIS deeds and HIS commands.

And not be like their ancestors, stubborn and rebellious people, a people of inconstant heart, whose spirit was fickle.

- Psalm 78:3. 4. 6-7. 8

(The lesson of past history beats the rhythm of Israel's history.  Divine generosity, human ingratitude, correction, renewed generosity, is an enlarged picture of the individual experience.  GOD rarely showed HIS hands in such a way that people are forced to recognize it, in the events of history.  This needs a thoughtful and grateful heart.  And even then, we easily forget.  

Sin is not the end of history; grace is!  Our history is a school of life and prayer.  It is enough to remember what we have done and what GOD does.  This psalm can help us.) 

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If Only You Would Hear GOD's Voice Today!

 "Listen to what the Holy Spirit says: If only you would hear GOD's voice today! Do not be stubborn, as they were in the place called Rebellion, when your ancestors challenged ME in the desert, although they had seen MY deeds for forty years.  That is why I was angry with those people and said: Their hearts are always going astray and they do not understand MY ways.  I was angry and made a solemn vow: They will never enter MY rest.

So, brothers, be careful, lest some of you come to have an evil and unbelieving heart, that falls away from the living GOD.  Encourage one another, day by day, as long as it is called today.  Let no one become hardened in the deceitful way of sin.  We are associated with CHRIST, provided we hold steadfastly to our initial hope, until the end." - Hebrews 3:7-14 

(Several times this letter will recall the warning given the Hebrew pilgrims in the desert.  If only you would hear GOD's voice today!  The road is long and the believer grows tired when difficult times come, after the enthusiasm of the first days.  Supported by CHRIST's words, we must continue to hope for that which GOD promised, but which is invisible to our eyes.)

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JESUS Had To Share This Nature

 "And because all those children share one same nature of flesh and blood, JESUS, likewise, had to share this nature.  This is why HIS death destroyed the one holding the power of death, that is the devil, and freed those who remained in bondage all their lifetime, because of the fear of death.

JESUS came, to take by the hand, not the angels but the human race.  So, HE had to be like HIS brothers and sisters, in every respect, in order to be the high priest, faithful to GOD and merciful to them, a priest, able to ask pardon, and atone for their sins.  Having been tested through suffering, HE is able to help those who are tested." - Hebrews 2:14-18 

(JESUS had to share this nature.  GOD uses human solidarity to save us.  CHRIST saves us through sharing flesh and blood, and human destiny.  In the same way, we are saved if we help in the liberation of the world, if we courageously accept our dependence on and solidarity with others.  To work side by side with others, to suffer and rejoice with them is a way of saving them.  We would like, at times, to escape our human condition and to be more independent: it seems to us that we would be better able to serve GOD, yet this dependence in the details of daily life is the means by which GOD wants us to take the human race by the hand.)

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The New World

 "The angels were not given dominion over the new world of which we are speaking.  Instead, someone declared in Scripture: What is man, that YOU should be mindful of HIM, what is the son of man that YOU should care for HIM?  For a while YOU placed HIM a little lower than the angels, but YOU crowned HIM with glory and honor.  YOU have given HIM dominion over all things.

What it is said, that GOD gave HIM dominion over all things, nothing is excluded.  As it is, we do not yet see HIS dominion over all things.  But JESUS, who suffered death, and for a little while, was placed lower than the angels, has been crowned with honor and glory.  For the merciful plan of GOD demanded that HE experience death, on behalf of everyone.

GOD, from whom all come, and by whom all things exist, wanted to bring many children to glory, and HE thought it fitting to make perfect, through suffering, the initiator of their salvation.  So, HE who gives, and those who receive holiness, are one.  HE, HIMSELF, is not ashamed of calling us brothers and sisters, as we read: LORD, I will proclaim YOUR name to MY brothers; I will praise YOU in the congregation." - Hebrews 2:5-12 

(The new world.  Actually the text says: the world to come.  This does not mean future times, or the end of the world, but the new and definitive times that began with the resurrection of CHRIST.

The new world is where the risen CHRIST is.  It is the homeland we are hoping for.  This new world has already come to us: a believer who lives in the Spirit constantly has experiences which are not of the earth even if in the beginning he is not aware of it.

All the history of JESUS has been both HIS and ours.  HE thought it fitting to make perfect through suffering the initiator of their salvation.  There is no other way to human liberation than the way of the cross.  Those who are eager to free others must be tested, some through opposition, others through indifference.  Suffering is a good teacher and it tests the strength of our surrender.

It is on the cross of CHRIST that we must discover the love of the FATHER for HIS Son, since HE did not "condemn HIM" to suffer on earth, but rather, by way of suffering, HE called HIM to be the Savior and model for everyone.)

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GOD Born Of GOD

 "GOD has spoken, in the past, to our ancestors, through the prophets in many different ways, although never completely; but, in our times, HE has spoken definitively to us, through HIS Son.

HE is the one GOD appointed heir of all things, since, through HIM, HE unfolded the stages of the world.

HE is the radiance of GOD's glory, and bears the stamp of GOD's hidden being, so that, HIS powerful word upholds the universe.  And after taking away sin, HE took HIS place, at the right hand of the divine Majesty, in heaven.

So HE is now far superior to angels, just as the name HE received sets HIM apart from them.  To what angel did GOD say: YOU are MY son, I have begotten YOU today?  And to what angel did HE promise: I shall be a FATHER to HIM and HE will be a son to ME?  On sending HIS Firstborn to the world, GOD says: Let all the angels adore HIM." - Hebrews 1:1-6 

(The addressees of this letter were formed by a religion in which the role of the high priest, consecrated by GOD, was essential.  The author wants to show that now JESUS is the only high priest on whom people can depend.  The starting point of his argument is the unique dignity of JESUS, not a prophet or a supernatural personage like so many others, but rather, the Son of GOD.  Every word of this verse asserts that JESUS is unique, GOD born of GOD [John 1:1-14].)

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"YOU Are MY Son, The Beloved, The One I Have Chosen."

 "He preached to the people, saying, 'After me comes one who is more powerful than I am; I have baptized you with water, but HE will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.'

At that time, JESUS came from Nazareth, a town of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  And the moment HE came up out of the water, heaven opened before HIM, and HE saw the Spirit coming down on HIM like a dove.  And these words were heard from heaven, 'YOU are MY Son, the Beloved, the One I have chosen.'" - Mark 1:7-11 

(In verses 1 to 13, Mark gives us in three short presentations three important insights about JESUS' salvation.

Verses 1-7.  John the Baptist announces the coming of the One sent by GOD: this JESUS about whom the Gospel will speak to us has been announced, prepared by all the great witnesses of the Old Testament.  In HIM and by HIM GOD's salvation will be accomplished.

Verses 9-10.  JESUS goes down into the Jordan to open the gates of the true Promised Land [see the Book of Joshua]: HE is the beloved Son of the FATHER on whom the Spirit rests.  JESUS comes to reveal the mystery of GOD, the mystery of the love of GOD--FATHER, SON and SPIRIT.

Verses 11-13.  JESUS is at peace with the wild animals as HE is with the angels.  In HIM and by HIM will be accomplished the reconciliation of all creation with its GOD.  Such had to be the Messiah announced by Isaiah [Isaiah 11].)

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It Is Necessary That HE Increase But That I Decrease

 "After this, JESUS went into the territory of Judea with HIS disciples.  HE stayed there with them and baptized.  John was also baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, where water was plentiful; people came to HIM and were baptized.  This happened before John was put in prison.

Now John's disciples had been questioned by a Jew about spiritual cleansing, so they came to John and said, 'Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, and about whom you spoke favorably, is now baptizing, and all are going to HIM.'

John answered, 'No one can receive anything, except what has been given to HIM from heaven.  You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, 'I am not the CHRIST, but I have been sent before HIM.'  Only the bridegroom has the bride; but the friend of the bridegroom stands by and listens, and rejoices to hear the bridegroom's voice.  My joy is now full.  It is necessary that HE increase, but that I decrease." - John 3:22-30 

(The Gospel admits that many disciples of John the Baptist did not recognize JESUS.  They had been drawn by their teacher's example: He was intense and outspoken, hard on himself in food, drink and clothing.  Somehow they had the hope, maybe because of John the Baptist's manner, that GOD's true justice would come and bring about direct punishment of the wicked.  Like militant followers of whatever good cause, John's disciples had this weakness: they were too focused on their own leaders and ways to consider other possibilities.  To become CHRIST's disciples, they would have to give up their own prophets.

It is necessary that HE increase but that I decrease, said the greatest of the prophets.  Only JESUS comes from On High, and can fully satisfy the human heart.  In HIM nothing of the good is lost, since HE embodies all.)

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Three Complementary Aspects Of The Christian Experience

 "Who has overcome the world?  The one who believes that JESUS is the Son of GOD.

JESUS CHRIST was acknowledged through water, but also through blood.

Not only water, but water and blood.

And the Spirit, too, witnesses to HIM, for the Spirit is truth.

There are, then, three testimonies:

the Spirit, the water and the blood, and these three witnesses agree.

If we accept human testimony, with greater reason must we accept that of GOD, given in favor of HIS Son.  If you believe in the Son of GOD, you have GOD's testimony in you.

But those who do not believe, make GOD a liar, since they do not believe HIS words when HE witnesses to HIS Son.

What had GOD said?  That HE has granted us eternal life, and this life is in HIS Son.  The one who has the Son has life, those who do not have the Son of GOD do not have the life.

I write you, then, all these things, that you may know, that you have eternal life, all you, who believe in the name of the Son of GOD." - 1 John 5:5-13 

(Verses 6-9 point out three complementary aspects of the Christian experience, which are first seen in JESUS HIMSELF.  John characterizes them with three words:

- water: water is the symbol of cleanliness and of new life.

- blood: the blood of the sacrifice, the painful atonement for sin, the blood of martyrs.

- Spirit: the uncontainable power that animates CHRIST's witnesses; the amazing creativity of the people and institutions that are rooted in faith.

These three witness to JESUS CHRIST and they also characterize Christian salvation.  We can easily see that they correspond to the three sacraments of baptism, eucharist and confirmation.)

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Faith Comes From GOD

 "All those, who believe that JESUS is the Anointed, are born of GOD; whoever loves the FATHER, loves the Son.  How may we know, that we love the children of GOD?  If we love GOD and fulfill HIS commands,

for GOD's love requires us to keep HIS commands.  In fact, HIS commandments are not a burden.

because all those born of GOD overcome the world.  And the victory, which overcomes the world, is our faith." - 1 John 5:1-4 

(GOD-Love is the one who asks us to believe in HIS Son, and faith is a victory.  John wrote the Book of Revelation to give hope to persecuted believers, showing them the victory they share with CHRIST simply because they believe in HIM.  John repeats the same thing here in a different way.

Our greatest victory is to attain our inheritance as children of GOD and to reach the eternal life of GOD HIMSELF.  Those who believe in CHRIST have already come to the Truth, to GOD.

How may we know that we love the children of GOD?  John already told us: the person who loves GOD also loves his brothers and sisters.  Here, however, John expresses it the other way around: those who love their brothers and sisters are known by the fact that they love GOD.

Many things are called love; there may be something of love in all of them, more or less.  The love of GOD for us and the love that HE gives us toward other people cannot be confused with other loves.  The love springing from an authentic communion with GOD does not resemble sentimental love, blind and fickle.  Rather, it is effective, both in the sense that it liberates others and it transforms us in CHRIST.)

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JESUS Walks On The Water

 "Immediately, JESUS obliged HIS disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of HIM to the other side, toward Bethsaida, while HE HIMSELF sent the crowd away.  And having sent the people off, HE went by HIMSELF to the hillside to pray.

When evening came, the boat was far out on the lake while HE was alone on the land.  JESUS saw HIS disciples straining at the oars for the wind was against them; and before daybreak HE came to them walking on the lake, and HE was going to pass them by.

When they saw HIM walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw HIM and were terrified.  But, at once, HE called to them, 'Courage!  It is I; don't be afraid!'  Then JESUS got into the boat with them and the wind died down.  They were completely astonished, for they had not really grasped the fact of the loaves; their minds were dull." - Mark 6:45-52 

(JESUS obliged them to get into the boat.  Why?  John's Gospel explains this [John 6:15].  Because the people, enthused by the miracle, wanted to make HIM a king and liberator sent by GOD.  Even the apostles were eager for this to happen.)

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They Were Like Sheep Without A Shepherd

 "As JESUS went ashore, HE saw a large crowd, and HE had compassion on them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.  And HE began to teach them many things." - Mark 6:34 

(They were like sheep without a shepherd [Numbers 27:17; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34; Zechariah 11:4-17; 12:8].  This refers to people who had not yet found true community, and JESUS had pity on them.  The prophet Ezekiel reproached the leaders of Israel for being bad pastors, but today he might reproach us for failing to be pastors and prophets in the midst of our world.  Why should we so often wait for priests, religious or a few handpicked by people to take the initiative of assembling new communities?  Why are we so timid in proposing to "those who are outside" the light of faith that we have gratuitously received and allow them to discover in the group or community this richness?

And HE began to teach them many things.  What did HE tell them?  All that makes up the Gospel.  Penetrating everyone's conscience with a prophetic gaze, JESUS showed each one where the real problem lay.  Speaking like the prophets, JESUS never enclosed and isolated the people within their personal problems: their personal progress had to be attained together with the renewal of their environment.

JESUS saw that they were burdened with difficulties but would lift them up by giving them "signs of hope."  In any situation there is something that we can do immediately to uplift ourselves; and even before any attempt of ours, GOD already gives us signs that HE does not abandon us and that we must trust totally in HIM.)

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Do Not Trust Every Inspiration

 "My beloved, do not trust every inspiration.  Test the spirits, to see, whether they come from GOD, because many false prophets are now in the world.

How will you recognize the Spirit of GOD?  Any spirit recognizing JESUS as the CHRIST, who has taken our flesh, is of GOD.  But any spirit that does not recognize JESUS, is not from GOD, it is the spirit of the antichrist.  You have heard of his coming, and even, now, he is in the world.

They are of the world and the world inspires them, and those of the world listen to them.

We are of GOD, and those who know GOD, listen to us, but those who are not of GOD, ignore us.  This is how we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of falsehood as well." - 1 John 4:1-6

(John underlined the role of the Holy Spirit to guide us in the truth, but now he is dealing with the case of the prophets who do not speak according to the faith received from the apostles through the Church.

There have always been conflicts between those in authority and those who speak freely.  It should  be clear that no inspired person would ever be able to speak against the traditional faith of the Church.  What if it deals with ways of being or doing in the Church?  Must we always support the people in charge in all circumstances?  That would be to forget that the Gospel forms free people.  We must never blindly follow the opinion of the pope, or the bishop, or the majority.  It is our responsibility to think for ourselves and to evaluate according to the criteria of the Gospel.

Can we then favor those who seem to be guided by the Spirit?  If the Holy Spirit really inspires them, however much they may criticize what must be criticized, they will never attempt to divide the Church.  The community may expel them, but they will not become responsible for the break.  Even when the local community rejects them, they will never be willing to separate themselves from the universal communion of the Church, which, with time, always recognizes true prophets.)

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GOD's Inheritance Is For All

 "You may have heard of the graces GOD bestowed on me, for your sake.  By a revelation, HE gave me the knowledge of HIS mysterious design, as I have explained in a few words.

This mystery was not made known to past generations, but only now, through revelations, given to holy apostles and prophets, by the Spirit.  Now, the non-Jews share the inheritance; in CHRIST JESUS, the non-Jews are incorporated, and are to enjoy the Promise.

This is the Good News,..." - Isaiah 3:2-3.5-6 

3;lkj987/(Paul writes this letter from his prison in Rome, but he does not say: prisoner "for the cause" of CHRIST.  He is prisoner of CHRIST, for he cannot escape from CHRIST's continual hold on  him, nor from the apostolate that GOD has destined for him [1 Corinthians 9:16].

Paul emphasizes what he has meditated on in jail, what seems most new in the work of CHRIST: this is the "mystery," or GOD's plan calling all people to become a single body, without any racial distinctions.  JESUS proclaimed this equality [Matthew 20], but the early Christians needed several divine interventions before they were convinced [Acts 10].)

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Who Is The Liar?

 "Who is the liar?

The one who denies that JESUS is the CHRIST.

This is an antichrist who denies both the FATHER and the Son.  The one who denies the Son is without the FATHER, and those who acknowledge the Son also have the FATHER.

Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you.  If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, you too will remain in the Son and in the FATHER.  And this is the promise HE, HIMSELF, gave us: eternal life.

I write this to you thinking of those who try to lead you astray.

You received from HIM an anointing, and it remains in you, so you do not need someone to teach you.  HIS anointing teaches you all things.  It speaks the truth and does not lie to you; so remain in HIM, and keep what HE has taught you.

And now, my children, live in HIM, so that when HE appears in HIS glory, we may be confident and not ashamed before HIM when HE comes." - 1 John 2:22-28 

(You received from HIM an anointing, and it remains in you.  John not only speaks of the anointing of oil in baptism and confirmation.  "CHRIST" signifies precisely, "he who is anointed," and this anointing was the presence in HIM of the Spirit of GOD, HIS FATHER.  John adds: "You cannot receive passively just any instruction in the Church, but you must discern whether the word of GOD is being faithfully transmitted."

HIS anointing [Spirit] teaches you all things.  In writing that, John had in mind the prophets who were the animators of the churches: through their inspired words the Spirit taught the community [see Acts 14:2 and 1 Thessalonians 5:19].  Today the Spirit also maintains us in the truth through the leaders of the community and those who teach but we are not dispensed from seeking by ourselves the meaning of the Word and discerning what others tell us.)

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The Blessing

 "Then YAHWEH spoke to Moses saying, 'Speak to Aaron and his sons and say to them: This is how you shall bless the people of Israel; you shall say:

May YAHWEH bless you and keep you!

May YAHWEH let HIS face shine on you, and be gracious to you!

May YAHWEH look kindly on you, and give you HIS peace!

In that way shall they put MY name on the people of Israel and I will bless them.'" - Numbers 6:22-27 

(Blessing of Moses which St. Francis of Assisi always used.)

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