If GOD Is With Us, Who Shall Be Against Us?

 "What shall we say after this?  If GOD is with us, who shall be against us?  If HE did not spare HIS own Son, but gave HIM up for us all, how will HE not give us all things with HIM?  Who shall accuse those chosen by GOD: HE takes away their guilt.  Who will dare to condemn them?  CHRIST who died, and better still, rose, and is seated at the right hand of GOD interceding for us?" - Romans 8:31-34 

(Who shall be against us?  Paul is thinking of the evil surrounding us that frequently drags us down.  He is thinking of the Day of Judgment when the accuser, the Spirit of Evil, could face us with the faults we have committed.  He thinks of our troubled conscience that often brings us remorse.  None of these will be stronger than the love and forgiveness of CHRIST.  The believer should not be alarmed at his repeated faults or doubt the love of GOD, but try to live according to the truth.)

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If You Love Those Who Love You, What Is Special About That?

 "You have heard, that it was said: Love your neighbor and do not do good, to your enemy.  But this I tell you: love your enemies; and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your FATHER in Heaven.  For HE makes HIS sun rise on both the wicked and the good; and HE gives rain to both the just and the unjust.

If you love those who love you, what is special about that?  Do not even tax collectors do as much?  And if you are friendly only to your friends, what is so exceptional about that?  Do not even the pagans do as much?  As for you, be perfect, as your heavenly FATHER is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48 

(Love your neighbor.  Here we come to the last of the opposites between the Old Law and the New.  The Old Testament spoke of loving a neighbor and this was a matter of solidarity among the members of the people of GOD.  With the Gospel the word "love" is not only given a wider dimension: it introduces us into a world totally different.  Solidarity within the group is supported by an instinct inscribed in nature.  This love however does not cross the frontiers that separate social groups: these only exist and find their identity in opposing others.

Do not do good to your enemy: The text is not found in the Scriptures as it stands but its equivalent is in several places [Deuteronomy 7:2].  Referring to enemies of the nation rather than to personal enemies, we are asked to be wary of them, not to help them and even to exterminate them, rather than share their errors.  If in many countries today it is understood that there is no frontier for love, it must be recognized that this ideal is a fruit of the Gospel: JESUS has enlightened our minds by asking us to model the love of our neighbor on the universal love of GOD the FATHER.  We have only to open a newspaper to see that this love of neighbor, whatever it be, and even if it comes from a social, national or religious group, in enmity with ours, remains incomprehensible to the majority, even in Christian countries.  When we realize that there is a place for everyone in the present world and that GOD directs everything for the benefit of all, we see things as GOD does and are perfect as the FATHER is perfect.

Love your enemies: Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; Romans 12:20; Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60; Romans 12:14; Ephesians 5:1.)

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If The Sinner Turns From His Sin, He Will Live

 "If the sinner turns from his sin, observes MY decrees and practices what is right and just, he will live; he will not die.  None of the sins he committed will be charged against him; he will live, as a consequence of his righteous deeds.  Do I want the death of the sinner?--word of YAHWEH.  Do I not, rather, want him to turn from his ways and live?

But if the righteous man turns away from what is good, and commits sins as the wicked do, will he live?  His righteous deeds will no longer be credited to him; but he will die, because of his infidelity and his sins.

But you say: YAHWEH's way is not just!  Why, Israel!  Is MY position wrong?  Is it not rather that yours is wrong?  If the righteous man turns from his righteous deeds, and sins, then he dies, because of his sins.  And if the wicked man does what is good and right, after turning from the sins he committed, he will save his life.  He will live and not die, because he has opened his eyes; and turned from the sins he had committed." - Ezekiel 18:21-28 

(If the sinner turns from his sin, he will live: everyone will have time to decide freely.  If people are evil and then decide to do good, GOD will wait for their conversion and will take their last orientation into account.

In later times, wise people will note that oftentimes evil people do not receive punishment, nor good people their reward in this life [see Job 21]; it will become obvious to them that GOD's justice will be achieved in the next life.)

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Ask, And You Will Receive; Seek, And You Will Find; Knock, And The Door Will Be Opened

 "Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened.  For everyone who asks, receives; whoever seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  Would any of you give a stone to your son, when he asks for bread?  Or give him a snake, when he asks for a fish?  However bad you may be, you know how to give good things to your children.  How much more, then, will your FATHER in heaven give good things to those who ask HIM!

So, do to others whatever you would that others do to you: there, you have the law and the prophets." - Matthew 7:7-12 

(JESUS invites us to ask with perseverance: persevering petitions cease being self-centered and become prayer, that is, they lift us up and bring us closer to GOD.

What about asking the saints?  We must admit, that, very often, the person who begs from the saints takes a road opposed to real prayer.  Such a person is not interested in discovering GOD's mercy, but in obtaining some favor.  She does not care whom she addresses as long as she finds an efficient and automatic dispenser of benefits.  So begins the search for saints, shrines and devotions.

The Church is a family.  Just as we ask our friends to pray for us, so too and much more should we ask our brothers and sisters, the saints.  No one will criticize us if, at times, we show our confidence in their intercession, especially the intercession of those whom we admire more because we know their lives and their deeds.  This "petition" to the saints should not, however, be confused with perseverance in asking, which introduces us into GOD's mystery.  Only Mary, the mother of GOD can accompany us in that prayer because GOD made her our mother; because HE deposited in her all the compassion HE has for us; and because HE united her to HIMSELF in such a way that when we look at her, we always find the living presence of GOD.)

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All That GOD Has Given To Each One Of Us Should Produce Fruits For All Humanity

 "As the crowd increased, JESUS spoke the following words: 'People of the present time are troubled people.  They ask for a sign, but no sign will be given to them except the sign of Jonah.  As Jonah became a sign for the people of Nineveh, so will the the Son of Man be a sign for this generation.  The Queen of the South will rise up on Judgment Day with the people of these times and accuse them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and here, there is greater than Solomon.  The people of Nineveh will rise up on Judgment Day with the people of these times and accuse them, for Jonah's preaching made them turn from their sins, and here, there is greater than Jonah." - Luke 11:29-32 

(The Ninevites, being sinners received no other divine sign than the coming of Jonah, who invited them to repent.  JESUS' contemporaries believe they are "good" because they belong to the people of GOD, and they do not realize that the hour has come for them to repent as well.

The people of Nineveh will rise up with these people and accuse them.  JESUS again uses the traditional image of collective judgment where each one excuses himself by pointing out that others have done worse.  This image retains a deep truth: all that GOD has given to each one of us should produce fruits for all humanity.)

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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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Shepherd The Flock Which GOD Has Entrusted To You

 "I now address myself to those elders among you; I, too, am an elder, and a witness to the sufferings of CHRIST, hoping to share the glory that is to be revealed.  Shepherd the flock which GOD has entrusted to you, guarding it, not out of obligation, but willingly, for GOD's sake; not as one looking for a reward, but with a generous heart; do not lord it over those in your care, rather be an example to your flock.  Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will be given a crown of unfading glory." - 1 Peter 5:1-4 

(In the varied counsels that follow, note what concerns the elders, leaders and pastors of the community.

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

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

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

 "Remember how CHRIST died, once, and for all, for our sins.  HE, the just one, died for the unjust, in order to lead us to GOD.  In the body, HE was put to death, in the spirit, HE was raised to life, and it was then, that HE went to preach to the imprisoned spirits.  They were the generation who did not believe, when GOD, in HIS great patience, delayed punishing the world, while Noah was building the ark, in which a small group of eight persons escaped, through water.  That was a type of the baptism that now saves you; this baptism is not a matter of physical cleansing, but of asking GOD to reconcile us, through the resurrection of CHRIST JESUS.  HE has ascended to heaven, and is at the right hand of GOD, having subjected the angels, Dominions and Powers." - 1 Peter 3:18-22 

(Peter, using the expressions of his day, speaks of the sinful people in Noah's time.  For the Jews, they were the example of those who sin by irresponsibility and lack of real concern for the will of GOD.  Yet, CHRIST saved them: HE came for everyone, and not only for those who have been faithful or who had the chance of meeting HIM in HIS Church.

Note the comparison between the deluge and baptism: water washes away the old world, a life of sin: the person who comes to CHRIST begins a new life, striving for "a pure conscience."

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

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"Healthy People Don't Need A Doctor, But Sick People Do. I Have Not Come To Call The Just, But Sinners, To A Change Of Heart."

 "After this, JESUS went out, and noticing a tax collector named Levi, sitting in the tax-office, HE said to him, 'Follow ME!'  So Levi, leaving everything, got up and followed JESUS.

Levi gave a great feast for JESUS, and many tax collectors came to his house, and took their places at the table with the other people.  Then the Pharisees and their followers complained to JESUS' disciples, 'How is it, that you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?'  But JESUS spoke up, 'Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do.  I have not come to call the just, but sinners, to a change of heart.' - Luke 5:27-32 

(The events related in this chapter show how JESUS situates HIMSELF in society and with what people HE relates: with a small group of fishermen who will be in charge of HIS new movement, with lepers and sick people who seek HIM.  HE calls people who, like Levi, belong to a despised group.)

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A Deep Sense Of Sin Is Already A Step Toward The Sanctity Of GOD

 "Have mercy on me, O GOD, in YOUR love.

In YOUR great compassion blot out my sin.

Wash me thoroughly of my guilt;

cleanse me of evil.

For I acknowledge my wrongdoings

and have my sins ever in mind.

Against YOU alone, have I sinned;

what is evil in  YOUR sight, I have done.

YOU take no pleasure in sacrifice;

were I to give a burnt offering,

YOU would not delight in it.

O GOD, my sacrifice is a broken spirit;

a contrite heart, YOU will not despise."

- Psalm 51:3-4. 5-6. 18-19

(This is the finest of the 'penitential psalms.'  Man stands guilty and unafraid before GOD.  Indeed, he sees his guilt, as a reason for mercy and an excuse for hope.  A deep sense of sin is already a step toward the sanctity of GOD.  It opens the door for HIS eager mercy.

It is good to pray with this psalm, when we feel overwhelmed by our guilt, be it against GOD or against our brothers and sisters, and we seek the goodness of GOD, who justifies us.

When we receive the sacrament of reconciliation, we meet JESUS HIMSELF, the Savior who intercedes, and the FATHER who pardons.  Each of our confessions is a joyful celebration of GOD's mercy and a source of renewal.)

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The Importance Of Our Free Decisions And GOD's Respect For Human Freedom

 "See, I set before you on this day life and good, evil and death.  I command you to love YAHWEH, your GOD and follow HIS ways.  Observe HIS commandments, HIS norms and HIS laws, and you will live and increase, and YAHWEH will give you HIS blessing in the land you are going to possess.  But if your heart turns away and does not listen, if you are drawn away and bow before other gods to serve them, I declare on this day that you shall perish.  You shall not last in the land you are going to occupy on the other side of the Jordan.

Let the heavens and the earth listen, that they may be witnesses against you.  I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.  Therefore, choose life that you and your descendants may live, loving YAHWEH, listening to HIS voice, and being one with HIM.  In this is life for you and length of days in the land which YAHWEH swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." - Deuteronomy 30:15-20 

(This text about the two ways is very famous, reminding us of the importance of our free decisions and GOD's respect for human freedom [see also Sirach 15:11].

Throughout Deuteronomy faithfulness to GOD is spoken of together with the remembrance of HIS promises and rewards here on earth.  This should not surprise us.  In those distant times the people of GOD had no understanding of another life nor of the resurrection and the vision of GOD after death.  They only focused on the present life and their national destiny which, in their view, were more important than the destiny of the individual.  For them, GOD's justice had to be seen on earth in the present.

Later, the Gospel will not promise lands or houses, except in a figurative way [Mark 10:28].  Prosperity will not be mentioned except for the final day when GOD will create the world anew [Acts 3:21 and Revelation 21:3].)

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We Present Ourselves As Ambassadors In The Name Of CHRIST

"So we present ourselves as ambassadors, in the name of CHRIST, as if GOD, HIMSELF, makes an appeal to you, through us.  Let GOD reconcile you; this, we ask you, in the name of CHRIST.  HE had no sin, but GOD made HIM bear our sin, so, that, in HIM, we might share the holiness of GOD.

Being GOD's helpers, we  beg you: let it not be in vain, that you received this grace of GOD.  Scripture says: At the favorable time I listened to you, on the day of salvation I helped you.  This is the favorable time, this is the day of salvation." - 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 

(We present ourselves as ambassadors in the name of CHRIST.  This is not only true of the apostles and Paul.  It is also meant for us when we go to visit the sick or the needy; when, overcoming suspicion, we approach our brother or sister to create an atmosphere of confidence, so that, shortly, we may arrive at fraternal fellowship with others who have the same problems but who, in spite of that, often remain locked in their selfishness.

HE had no sin.  It is difficult to translate Paul's words: "HE made sin HIM who did not know sin," for obviously Paul here speaks according to Hebrew culture where the same word denotes both the sin and the victim who carries the sin.  Paul recalls the mystery of the cross: reconciliation is not achieved without voluntary victims who take on themselves the hatred and the sin of humankind.)

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Have You Eyes That Don't See And Ears That Don't Hear?

 "The disciples had forgotten to bring more bread, and had only one loaf with them in the boat.  Then JESUS warned them, 'Keep your eyes open, and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.'  And they said to one another, 'HE saw that we have no bread.'

Aware of this, JESUS asked them, 'Why are you talking about the loaves you are short of?  Do you not see or understand?  Are your minds closed?  Have you eyes that don't see and ears that don't hear?  And do you not remember when I broke the five loaves among five thousand?  How many baskets full of leftovers did you collect?'  They answered, 'Twelve.'  'And having distributed seven loaves to the four thousand, how many wicker baskets of leftovers did you collect?'  They answered, 'Seven.'  Then JESUS said to them, 'Do you still not understand?'" - Mark 8:14-21 

(JESUS tells HIS apostles to beware of the Pharisee's spirit [of becoming like the Pharisees] but they do not listen, being more concerned about the food.

JESUS says: Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, meaning their teaching [Matthew 16:12].  The Pharisees saw JESUS as a popular worker-wonder who threatened their authority as a religious and popular leader of the people.  Since the disciples had forgotten to bring more bread, they missed JESUS' point about the leaven of the Pharisees.  JESUS fears that HIS disciples, because of being common people, would let themselves be impressed by the knowledge and fame of the Pharisees, and HE warns that these people build religion on the wrong basis.

JESUS agreed with the Pharisees on the general way of understanding the Scriptures, but not the spirit of many among them.  As "master" HE chose a way opposed to theirs.  Instead of a teaching that comes from above HE became part of a natural group of quite simple people and formed them through action.  HE made them reflect on what they saw, on what they did, and above all on what GOD was doing among them as they worked with HIM.)

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The Pharisees Wanted To Put JESUS To The Test And Asked HIM For Some Heavenly Sign

 "The Pharisees came and started to argue with JESUS.  Hoping to embarrass HIM, they asked for some heavenly sign.  Then HIS spirit was moved.  HE gave a deep sigh and said, 'Why do the people of this present time ask for a sign?  Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this people.'  Then HE left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side of the lake." - Mark 8:11-13 

(The Pharisees want a miracle that will undoubtedly be the work of GOD.  No sign will be given them.  JESUS refuses to prove HIS authority by multiplying miracles.  People who love truth and seek what is right will recognize the seal of GOD in the deeds of JESUS--and of HIS followers--no matter how many speak ill of them.

The sign of Jonah is the resurrection of JESUS.  Yet this resurrection that is the most decisive sign, will be understandable only to the believers.  Thus people who demand miracles before they will believe, receive no answer.)

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The Power Of Confession

 "Blessed is the one whose sin is forgiven,

whose iniquity is wiped away.

Blessed are those in whom YAHWEH sees no guilt

and in whose spirit is found no deceit.

Then I made known to YOU my sin

and uncovered before YOU my fault,

saying to myself,

'To YAHWEH I will now confess my wrong.'

And YOU, YOU forgave my sin;

YOU removed my guilt.

Rejoice in YAHWEH, and be glad,

you who are upright;

sing and shout for joy,

you who are clean of heart."

- Psalm 32:1-2. 5. 11

(In Christian language, sin signifies that we committed a wrong, not necessarily with a law, but toward someone we love.  Our well being, in the truest meaning of the word, depends on the quality of our relationship with GOD.  What sin has destroyed will only be restored by trust in GOD, who pardons the humble and the repentant.

The psalmist reminds us of the power of confession.  It converts a guilty sinner into a pure and wholesome child of GOD.  JESUS died for the forgiveness of our sins and by HIS blood we are saved.  At the Eucharist, we acknowledge and confess our sins and in the sacrament, we confess individually and privately to convert ourselves into better human beings, to enable us to enter the GOD's kingdom.

This psalm is for those who can say truly: "I confess to GOD...")

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Pondering The Brevity Of Life

 "Before the mountains were formed, before YOU made the earth and the world, from eternity to eternity--YOU are GOD.

YOU turn humans back to dust, saying, 'Return, O mortals!'

A thousand years in YOUR sight are like a day that has passed, or like a watch in the night.

YOU sow them in their time, at dawn they peep out.  In the morning they blossom, but the flower fades and withers in the evening.

So make us know the shortness of our life, that we may gain wisdom of heart.

How long will YOU be angry, O YAHWEH?  Have mercy on YOUR servant.

- Psalm 90:2. 3-4. 5-6. 12-13

(What is the meaning of our life?  What are our values?  We cannot elaborate a 'tomorrow' for ourselves, without counting on GOD.  This psalm can help us.

Our days pass like a sigh.  Our earthly life is short and frail before the face of the eternal GOD.  HE is our refuge and can give meaning to our existence.  Let us ask HIM to fill it with wisdom, which is to love HIM, praise HIM and serve HIM.)

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Healing A Deaf And Dumb Man

 "Again, JESUS set out: from the country of Tyre HE passed through Sidon and, skirting the sea of Galilee, HE came to the territory of Decapolis.  There, a deaf man, who also had difficulty in speaking, was brought to HIM.  They asked JESUS to lay HIS hand upon him.

JESUS took him apart from the crowd, put HIS fingers into the man's ears, and touched his tongue with spittle.  Then, looking up to the heaven, HE said with a deep sigh, 'Ephphata!' that is, 'Be opened!'

And immediately, his ears were opened, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak clearly.  JESUS ordered them not to tell anyone about it; but the more HE insisted, the more they proclaimed it.  The people were completely astonished and said, 'HE has done all things well; HE makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.'" - Mark 7:31-37 

(They asked JESUS to lay HIS hand upon him.  This was a way of invoking divine power but JESUS did not have to ask.  By HIS gesture HE showed that HE had within HIMSELF, within HIS human person,  all the health and welfare that we need, and HE communicated this to the sick one.)

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The Pagans

 "When JESUS left that place, HE went to the border of the Tyrian country.  There, HE entered a house, and do not want anyone to know HE was there; but HE could not remain hidden.  A woman, whose small daughter had an evil spirit, heard of HIM, and came and fell at HIS feet.  Now this woman was a pagan, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged HIM to drive the demon out of her daughter.

JESUS told her, 'Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the puppies.'  But she replied, 'Sir, even the puppies under the table eat the crumbs from the children's bread.'  Then JESUS said to her, 'You may go your way; because of such a response, the demon has gone out of your daughter.'  And when the woman went home, she found her child lying in bed, and the demon gone." - Mark 7:24-30 

(The authorities come into conflict with JESUS.  HE must depart and wander along the border of Galilee, where HE is less watched and can easily flee.  This incident occurs near Tyre, a province occupied by the Syrians and Phoenicians.

The Jews were never able to understand their election by GOD as HIS chosen people without looking down on other nations.  Being bearers of the true faith obliged them to avoid contamination with other religions, but actually this increased their inability to understand all that was foreign.

For them the world was divided in two: there were "the people" [Jewish] and "the nations": all the others.  Apparently GOD ignored these others, unless it was to let them feel the weight of HIS justice.  Their minds were totally closed to the question we ask ourselves today: how does GOD deal with and save all those who have not heard HIS word?  So it was that the Phoenicians, [also called Greeks because they spoke Greek rather than Hebrew] lived near but were very distant from the Jews.

Although JESUS came to save all, HIS FATHER desired that HE not go beyond HIS own country.  Nevertheless, on certain occasions HE encountered pagans, and more than once admired their simplicity and faith.

The Gospel has not kept all that JESUS said and did, but we see nothing there that could be a call to "change one's religion" nor a threat for those who take a road other than that of Christianity.  JESUS leaves them on the path along which the FATHER leads them and invites them to thank the one and only GOD and shows them how near the FATHER is to them through HIS Son.

The Jews usually looked down on pagans with marked contempt: they were the sons, the pagans were the dogs.  JESUS answered the afflicted woman repeating this well-known scornful saying.  HE said this to test the woman's faith: would she insist when it appeared that even GOD would reject her?)

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Clean And Unclean

 "JESUS then called the people to HIM again and said to them, 'Listen to ME , all of you, and try to understand.  Nothing that enters a person from the outside can make that person unclean.  It is what comes from within that makes a person unclean.  Let everyone who has ears listen.'

When JESUS got home and was away from the crowd, HIS disciples asked HIM about this saying, and HE replied, 'So even you are dull?  Do you not see that whatever comes from outside cannot make a person unclean, since it enters not the heart but the stomach, and is finally passed out?'

Thus JESUS declared that all foods are clean.

And HE went on, 'What comes out of a person is what defiles him, for evil designs come out of the heart: theft, murder, adultery, jealousy, greed, maliciousness, deceit, indecency, slander, pride and folly.  All these evil things come from within and make a person unclean.'" - Mark 7:14-23 

(An important practice of Judaism was to keep oneself clean: one could not participate in worship without being in a state of ritual purity.  This word "purity" did not have the same meaning we give it today.  The clean person was one who was not contaminated even inadvertently by things prohibited by law.  For example, pork and rabbit were considered unclean; they could not be eaten.  A menstruating woman or a person with hemorrhoids were considered unclean for a certain number of days: no one could even touch them.  A leper was considered unclean until cured.  If a bug fell in oil, the oil was considered unclean, and would have to be thrown away.

If contaminated even by no fault of his own, the person had to purify himself, usually with water, sometimes paying for sacrifices.

At one time, these laws were useful in encouraging a hygienic life-style.  They also protected the faith of the Jews who lived among people who did not know GOD.  How could they guard their faith in the one GOD if they were to live with other nations, befriend them, and even imitate their ways?  With so many religious practices to observe, the Jews had to live apart from those who did not share their faith and life-style.

JESUS removes off from these rites their sacred value: nothing is unclean in all GOD's creation; touching the sick, a corpse or a bloodstained object does not offend GOD.  GOD is not bothered if we eat this or that.  Sin is always something that comes from the heart and not something we do unintentionally.

It is true that Scripture teaches these concepts of purity and impurity, but these laws were written many centuries ago and not everything Scripture says is valid for all times.  Through the teachings of the Scriptures GOD educated HIS nation, but the laws HE gave them from the beginning, when they were barbaric and uneducated, are no longer necessary for a community which has a solid religious foundation.

It is quite legitimate for Christians to adopt a vegetarian way of life, that Christian communities consider abstinence from alcohol and tobacco as a witness to help addicts.  But let us not say that this is part of our faith nor let us judge those who do not agree with us.  That would otherwise undermine the transcendence of Christian salvation that goes beyond any question of "eating and drinking" [Romans14:17].)

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A Lyrical Reflection On The Making And Endowment Of Man

 "When I observe the heavens,

the work of YOUR hands,

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

what is man, that YOU be mindful of him;

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

Yet YOU made him a little less than a god;

you crowned him with glory and honor

and gave him the works of YOUR hands;

YOU have put all things under his feet--

sheep and oxen without number, 

and even the beasts of the field,

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

and all that swim the paths of the ocean."

- Psalm 8:4-9

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

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GOD's Boundless Care For HIS Creation

 "Praise YAHWEH, my soul!

Clothed in majesty and splendor;

O YAHWEH, my GOD, how great YOU are!

YOU are wrapped in light as with a garment;

YOU stretch out the heavens like a tent,...

YOU set the earth on its foundations,

and never will it be shaken.

YOU covered it with the ocean like a garment,

and waters spread over the mountains.

YOU make springs gush forth in valleys,

winding among mountains and hills,...

Birds build their nests close by,

and sing among the branches of trees.

How varied O YAHWEH, are YOUR works!

In wisdom YOU have made them all--

the earth, full of YOUR creatures.

May sinners vanish from the earth,

and may the wicked be no more.

Praise YAHWEH, my soul!"

- Psalm 104:1-2. 5-6. 10. 12. 24. 35

(Religion is not strictly an affair between GOD and our souls.  We are part of the world which GOD also made and loves.  The creation was described in the first chapter of Genesis in brief phrases.  Here, the same account is painted in loving detail.  The psalmist speaks of the world, as he saw it; we can think also of the world as we know it--a much more complex world than the psalmist knew--but with the same delight and awe.)

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Job Addresses An Absent GOD

 "Man's life on earth is a thankless job,

his days are those of a mercenary.

Like a slave he longs for the shade of evening,

like a hireling waiting for his wages.

Thus I am allotted months of boredom and nights of grief and misery.

In bed I say, 'When shall the day break?'

On rising, I think, 'When shall evening come?'

and I toss restless till dawn.

My days pass swifter than a weaver's shuttle,

heading without hope to their end.

My life is like wind, you well know it,

O GOD; never will I see happiness again."

- Job 7:1-4. 6-7

(Job addresses an absent GOD.  Job does not know GOD-FATHER and the trial brings out in him suspicions against a jealous GOD who watches people in order to punish them.

Yet Job's complaint against GOD reminds us of the friction between people who love each other, and precisely because they love each other they are more demanding.)

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They Were Like Sheep Without A Shepherd

 "The apostles returned and reported to JESUS all they had done and taught.  Then HE said to them, 'Let us go off by ourselves into a remote place and have some rest.  For there were so many people coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat.  And they were away in the boat to a secluded area by themselves.

But people saw them leaving, and many could guess where they were going.  So, from all the towns, they hurried there on foot, arriving ahead of them.

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 6:30-34 

(This compassion of JESUS helps us understand that Christian commitment to the poor is not complete as long as the Church is not itself deeply rooted in the lower class of society.

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 lay 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?)

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Faith Is Great, But It Is Lived In The Little Things Of Daily Life

 "Let mutual love continue.  Do not neglect to offer hospitality; you know, that some people have entertained angels without knowing it.  Remember prisoners, as if you were with them in chains, and the same for those who are suffering.  Remember, that you also have a body.

Marriage must be respected by all, and husband and wife, faithful to each other.  GOD will punish the immoral and the adulterous.

Do not depend on money.  Be content with having enough for today, for GOD has said: I will never forsake you or abandon you, and we shall confidently answer: The LORD is my helper, I will not fear; what can man do to me?  Remember your leaders, who taught you the word of GOD.  Consider their end, and imitate their faith.  CHRIST JESUS is the same today, as yesterday, and forever." - Hebrews 13:1-8 

(Faith is great, but it is lived in the little things of daily life.  The persecuted people to whom this letter is addressed need not undertake new tasks.  They will manifest their faith through an upright and generous life.  They will also have to accept their situation of being marginalized, sharing the shame of CHRIST.)

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You Came Near To Mount Zion, To The City Of The Living GOD

 "What you have come to, is nothing known to the senses: nor heat of a blazing fire, darkness and gloom and storms, blasts of trumpets or such a voice that the people pleaded, that no further word be spoken.... The sight was so terrifying, that Moses said: I tremble with fear.

But you, came near to Mount Zion, to the City of the living GOD, to the heavenly Jerusalem, with its innumerable angels.  You have come to the solemn feast, the assembly of the firstborn of GOD, whose names are written in heaven.  There is GOD, Judge of all, with the spirits of the upright, brought to perfection.  There is JESUS, the mediator of the new Covenant, with the sprinkled blood that cries out more effectively than Abel's." - Hebrews 12:18-19. 21-24 

(You came near to Mount Zion.  This mountain on which Jerusalem was built was for the Jews the image of the heavenly city.  At the time of their baptism the believers experienced to different degrees a transformation giving them a joyful awareness of belonging to GOD.  They experienced it in a community context where they became aware of what the holy Church is.  They became one in the family of GOD, of saints and angels.  Perhaps they came to know something of this mysterious center where the destiny of the world is decided and where JESUS HIMSELF is present.  They must not forget later the experiences given them in enlightened times.)

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Praise Of GOD's Love

 "Praise YAHWEH, my soul; all my being, praise HIS holy name!

Praise YAHWEH, my soul, and do not forget all HIS kindness;...

As a father has compassion on his children, so YAHWEH pities those who fear HIM.

For HE knows how we are formed, HE remembers that we are dust.

But YAHWEH's kindness is forever with those who fear HIM; so is HIS justice, for their children's children, for those who keep HIS Covenant and remember HIS commands; for those who put them into practice.

- Psalm 103:1-2. 13-14. 17-18

(The Christian lives joyfully in the paradox that our GOD is higher than the heavens, and yet, is close to us in love and mercy.  Our gratitude for HIS mercy merges naturally into a hymn of praise, for HIS greatness.  When we think how great HE is, it is not to think how far away HE is, but how much HE loves us to come down to us.

Let us praise the LORD, together with everything created: in moments of joy, as well as in hours of sadness, both when we have strength or when we live in fragility.)

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I Send MY Messenger To Prepare The Way

 "Now I AM sending MY messenger ahead of ME, to clear the way; then, suddenly, the LORD, for whom you long, will enter the Sanctuary.  The envoy of the Covenant which you so greatly desire, already comes, says YAHWEH of hosts.  Who can bear the day of HIS coming and remain standing when HE appears?  For HE will be like fire in the foundry and like the lye used for bleaching.

HE will be as a refiner or a fuller.  HE will purify the sons of Levi and refine them, like gold and silver.  So YAHWEH will have priests who will present the offering as it should be.  Then YAHWEH will accept with pleasure the offering of Judah and Jerusalem, as in former days." - Malachi 3:1-4 

(Now I AM sending MY messenger.  To those complaining that GOD does not reveal HIS justice nor reward sufficiently those who serve HIM.  Malachi responds by declaring that the LORD will come soon.  He announces the coming of a messenger of GOD who will be responsible for preparing the way for HIM, and that will be the sign of HIS coming soon.

Paragraphs 3:1-2 and 4:22-24 complement each other, and point to John the Baptist.  The Gospel will recall them in Luke 1:17; 7:27; John 3:22.  Also see Mark 9:11.)

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