The Magnificent Promises Of GOD

 "I will sing forever, O YAHWEH, of YOUR love, and proclaim YOUR faithfulness from age to age.

I will declare how steadfast is YOUR love, how firm YOUR faithfulness.

I have found David MY servant, and, with MY holy oil, I have anointed him.

MY hand will be ever with him; and MY arm will sustain him; no enemy shall outwit him, nor the wicked oppress him.

MY faithfulness and love will be with him; and, by MY help, he will be strong.

He will call on ME, 'YOU are my FATHER, my GOD, my Rock, my Savior.'"

- Psalm 89:2-3. 21-22. 25. 27

(Those very powerful words "love" and "faithfulness" occur at least 4 times each in this psalm, and not without a purpose.  JESUS has explained to us in no uncertain terms throughout the Gospels the power of these words.  If only these could become part of our daily agenda, then we can assure ourselves of happiness here on earth and eternity.

Here is a good psalm to pray in times of national or international conflict.  If a human being is injured, GOD is injured.  The love of GOD is faithful.  Despite everything, the love of  GOD cannot turn back.)

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I Have Come Into The World As Light, So That Whoever Believes In ME May Not Remain In Darkness

 "Yet JESUS had said, and even cried out, 'Whoever believes in ME, believes not in ME, but in HIM who sent ME.  And whoever sees ME, sees HIM who sent ME.  I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in ME may not remain in darkness.

If anyone hears MY words and does not keep them, I AM not the one to condemn him; for I have come, not to condemn the world, but to save the world.  The one who rejects ME, and does not receive MY words, already has a judge: the very words I have spoken will condemn him on the last day.

For I have not spoken on MY own authority; the FATHER, who sent ME, has instructed ME what to say and how to speak.  I know that HIS commandment is eternal life, and that is why the message I give, I give as the FATHER instructed ME.'" - John 12:44-50 

(John stresses the sin of the majority who were not committed to CHRIST, although within themselves they secretly respected HIM.  Somehow the Jewish people suspected that JESUS came from GOD, but to believe in what HE claimed and asked was another matter.

For us, too, to believe in the Gospel is to take a stand: we cannot pass by the Church JESUS founded even though it may not be totally transparent.  HIS word comes to us amidst numerous preoccupations, and most often we feel inclined to respond: "I'll see later!"  When we neglect HIS word, we often think it is not grave.  Actually it is GOD and HIS truth that we reject and we may not have another occasion to receive it.  All eternity is decided today.

There is absolutely nothing in the Scriptures that support the belief that we will have other lives in order to repair our errors of today.  If so many people of our time have grasped this belief in a succession of lives, it is above all because it encourages them to delay making real decisions; the devil takes charge of spreading this belief.)

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The Foundation Of The Church At Antioch

 "Those who had been scattered, because of the persecution over Stephen, traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, proclaiming the message, but only to the Jews.  But there were some natives of Cyprus and Cyrene among them who, on coming into Antioch, spoke also to the Greeks, giving them the good news of the LORD JESUS.  The hand of the LORD was with them so that a great number believed and turned to the LORD.

News of this reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, so they sent Barnabas to Antioch.  When he arrived and saw the manifest signs of GOD's favor, he rejoiced and urged them all to remain firmly faithful to the LORD; for he, himself, was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.  Thus large crowds came to know the LORD.

Then Barnabas went off to Tarsus, to look for Saul; and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch.  For a whole year, they had meetings with the Church and instructed many people.  It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians." - Acts 11:19-26 

(Antioch, 500 kilometers north of Jerusalem, was the principal town of the Roman province of Syria, a pagan country, where Greek was spoken but where there was an important Jewish community.  Luke does not tell us who presented the Christian faith to the pagans for the first time, nor how that happened.  The Christians of Jewish origin that did it would deserve a statue, or better still a feast in our liturgy.  So there is at Antioch for the first time a community where Jews and non-Jews are assembled: the future of the Church was there.  The Jerusalem community is the Rome of the primitive Church.  It is conscious of its authority and immediately asks to examine more closely this extraordinary new happening: a Church where Jews accept to rub shoulders with the uncircumcised.

The Jerusalem community behaved as having authority over the new churches; the case of Antioch would touch everyone since, for the Palestinian Jews, accepting pagans was something of a scandal.  Did not the law of Moses forbid living with "uncircumcised" people?)

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Peter Justifies His Conduct

 "News came to the apostles and the brothers and sisters in Judea that even foreigners had received the word of GOD.  So, when Peter went up to Jerusalem, these Jewish believers began to argue with him, 'You went to the home of uncircumcised people and ate with them!'

So Peter began to give them the facts as they had happened, 'I was at prayer in the city of Joppa when, in a trance, I saw a vision.  Something like a large sheet came down from the sky and drew near to me, landing on the ground by its four corners.  As I stared at it, I saw four-legged creatures of the earth, wild beasts and reptiles, and birds of the sky.  Then I heard a voice saying to me: 'Get up, Peter, kill and eat!'  I replied, 'Certainly not, LORD!  No common or unclean creature has ever entered my mouth.'  A second time the voice from the heavens spoke, 'What GOD has made clean, you must not call unclean.'  This happened three times, and then it was all drawn up into the sky.  At that moment, three men, who had been sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were staying.  The Spirit instructed me to go with them without hesitation; so these six brothers came along with me and we entered into the man's house.  He told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house and telling him: 'Send someone to Joppa and fetch Simon, also known as Peter.  He will bring you a message by which you and all your household will be saved.'

I had begun to address them when suddenly the Holy Spirit came upon them, just as it had come upon us at the beginning.  Then I remembered what the LORD had said: 'John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'  If, then, GOD had given them the same gift that HE had given us when we believed in the LORD JESUS CHRIST, who was I to resist GOD?'

When they heard this they set their minds at rest and praised GOD saying, 'Then GOD has granted life-giving repentance to the pagan nations as well.'" - Acts 11:1-18 

(That Peter went to baptize a non-Jew seems to us the most normal thing.  Let us not forget that the Christians of Jerusalem remained Jews, with their education, their prejudices and their sensibility.  They did not see how a person could be part of JESUS' family without first belonging to the people of GOD who, for them, identified itself with the Jewish nation.  Could someone become their brother without first being circumcised?  The warning they gave Peter is the first witness of the constant pressure that Christians have always brought to bear on their priests and bishops throughout history.  Every time that someone would like to open our Church to people of another culture, a powerful group will only be willing to accept those who consent to lose their own identity and be Christians in the way we ourselves are.  These believers in Jerusalem are not acting in bad faith and they accept Peter's explanations.  Like him, what courage the leaders of the Church will need to respond to the calls of the Holy Spirit when faced with the prejudices of a group!)

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We Are GOD's Children And We Must Live As Such

 "See what singular love the FATHER has for us: we are called children of GOD, and we really are.  This is why the world does not know us, because it did not know HIM.

Beloved, we are GOD's children, and what we shall be has not, yet, been shown.  Yet, when HE appears in HIS glory, we know, that we shall be like HIM, for, then, we shall see HIM as HE is." - 1 John 3:1-2 

(Here begins the second part of the letter: we are GOD's children and we must live as such.  How do we prove that we are GOD's children?  According to the same criteria that we have already seen: breaking away from sin, keeping the commandment of love, proclaiming our faith.  There are many ways of saying we are GOD's children.  One person might simply think: "GOD loves people" means that human beings have great dignity.  Here John calls our attention to two points:

- you are sons and daughters, but in order to become like GOD, do not seek anything else but to be perfect as GOD is perfect;

- you are children who will return to the FATHER.  Do you really think about the unique and transcendent end for which GOD has chosen you?  Being aware of this, let us understand that GOD purifies us in a thousand ways, because only in this way can we attain our goal.

We shall be like HIM: sharing all that GOD is and somehow becoming GOD with GOD [see 1 Corinthians 13:13].  Those who now bear their lives of suffering with CHRIST will be transfigured like HIM [Mark 9:2-3; Colossians 3:4].  Then the universe will reach its goal, having the children of GOD as its center [Romans 8:19] or better, the New Creature.)

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Peter Visits The Churches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Philip Baptizes The Ethiopian

 "An angel of the LORD said to Philip, 'Go south, toward the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, the desert road.'  So he set out and, it happened that, an Ethiopian was passing along that way.  He was an official in charge of the treasury of the queen of the Ethiopians.  He had come on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and was on his way home.  He was sitting in his carriage and reading the prophet Isaiah.

The Spirit said to Philip, 'Go and catch up with that carriage.'  So Philip ran up and heard the man reading the prophet Isaiah; and he asked, 'Do you really understand what you are reading?'  The Ethiopian replied, 'How can I, unless someone explains it to me?'  He then invited Philip to get in and sit beside him.  This was the passage of Scripture he was reading:

HE was led like a sheep to be slaughtered; like a lamb that is dumb before the shearer, HE did not open his mouth.  HE was humbled and deprived of HIS rights.  Who can speak of HIS descendants?  For HE was uprooted from the earth.

The official asked Philip, 'Tell me, please, does the prophet speak of himself or of someone else?'

Then Philip began to tell him the Good News of JESUS, using this text of Scripture as his starting point.  As they traveled down the road, they came to a place where there was some water.  Then the Ethiopian official said, 'Look, here is water; what is to keep me from being baptized?'

Then he ordered the carriage to stop.  Both Philip and the Ethiopian went down into the water and Philip baptized him.  When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the LORD took Philip away.  The Ethiopian saw him no more, but he continued on his way full of joy.

Philip found himself at Azotus; and he went about, announcing the Good News in all the towns, until he reached Caesarea." - Acts 8:26-40 

(Note how the Holy Spirit leads Philip towards a man who was neither a Jew nor a Samaritan, the first person of another race to receive the Gospel. 

The Ethiopian who is baptized is simply a man who 'fears the LORD.'  This is the way they referred to people of other races who were attracted to the religion of the Jews and to faith in the one GOD.  Without following all the Jewish customs, they read the Scripture and liked to take part in the Jewish ceremonies.

The conversation with Philip begins on the basis of a text from Isaiah 53:7.  This poem, called Servant of the LORD, speaks of a just man unjustly condemned who, through HIS sufferings, atones for the sins of all humankind.  In this text the apostles saw one of the passages which best prefigured CHRIST: see Mark 14:24 and 1 Peter 2:24-25.  Isaiah's poem concludes with a veiled reference to the resurrection of the "Servant of the LORD."  It is marvelous to see how Philip can give a testimony of the Resurrection with such conviction that the Ethiopian believes in him.)

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All Those Whom The FATHER Gives ME Will Come To ME

 "JESUS said to them, 'I AM the bread of life; whoever comes to ME shall never be hungry, and whoever believes in ME shall never be thirsty.  Nevertheless, as I said, you refuse to believe, even when you have seen.  Yet all those whom the FATHER gives ME will come to ME, and whoever comes to ME, I shall not turn away.  For I have come from heaven, not to do MY own will, but the will of the One who sent ME.

And the will of HIM who sent ME is that I lose nothing of what HE has given ME, but instead that I raise it up on the last day.  This is the will of the FATHER, that whoever sees the Son and believes in HIM shall live eternal life; and I will raise him up on the last day.'" - John 6:35-40 

(All those whom the FATHER gives ME will come to ME.  Not all those who take pride in belonging to the true religion come to CHRIST, but only those whom the FATHER knows.  Though the church embraces many people of all descriptions, only those to whom the FATHER has given this grace will find their way to the controversial and humble CHRIST.  While acknowledging the value of the sacraments and good works, we should not forget what JESUS taught: none of our own efforts can substitute for the grace of being chosen by the FATHER who calls us to know HIS Son in truth.)

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"LORD, Do Not Hold This Sin Against Them."

 "'But you are a stubborn people.  You hardened your hearts and closed your ears.  You have always resisted the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.  Was there a prophet whom your ancestors did not persecute?  They killed those who announced the coming of the Just One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered; you, who, received the law through the angels but did not fulfill it.'

When they heard this reproach, they were enraged; and they gnashed their teeth against Stephen.  But he, full of the Holy Spirit, fixed his eyes on heaven and saw the glory of GOD, and JESUS at GOD's right hand; so he declared: 'I see the heavens open, and the Son of Man at the right hand of GOD.'

But they shouted and covered their ears with their hands, and rushed together upon him.  They brought him out of the city and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul.  As they were stoning him, Stephen prayed saying: 'LORD, JESUS, receive my spirit.'  Then he knelt down and said in a loud voice: 'LORD, do not hold this sin against them.'  And when he had said this, he died.

Saul was there, approving his murder.  This was the beginning of a great persecution against the Church in Jerusalem.  All, except the apostles, were scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samaria." - Acts 7:51-8:1 

(You have always resisted the Holy Spirit.  This was and remains true in the Church that enjoys the assistance of the Spirit.  The people of GOD always tend to take on the criteria and aims of any human group.  Peace with those in political power, security for the future, unity and strength for the Christian organizations are more attractive than the words of the Gospel: sell all your belongings, preach from the rooftops, go to the poor, do not be called "father.'

The only way to escape from this return to "the Synagogue" is to do what the first Christians did after Stephen's death: leave our beloved nest for the mission of proclaiming the whole Gospel.

The death of Stephen leads to a resurrection.  Instead of Stephen, the Church will have a new apostle in Saul who, after his conversion, will become "Paul."  So  GOD heard the prayer of Stephen for his murderers.

The illegal execution of Stephen unleashes the persecution against the Hellenist Christians.  The apostles and others in the Hebrew group were not persecuted, because they were considered loyal to the Jewish religion and traditions.

Concerning Saul's attitude, see what he himself will say later in Galatians 1:13.)

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The Bread Of Life; To Believe In The SON Of GOD

 "Next day, the people, who had stayed on the other side, realized that only one boat had been there, and that JESUS had not entered it with HIS disciples; but rather, the disciples had gone away alone.  Other boats from Tiberias landed near the place where all these people had eaten the bread.  When they saw that neither JESUS nor HIS disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for JESUS.

When they found HIM on the other side of the lake, they asked HIM, 'Master, when did you come here?'

JESUS answered, 'Truly, I say to you, you look for ME, not because of the signs which you have seen, but because you ate bread and were satisfied.  Work then, not for perishable food, but for the lasting food which gives eternal life.  The Son of Man will give it to you for HE is the one on whom the FATHER has put HIS mark.'

Then the Jews asked HIM, 'What shall we do?  What are the works that GOD wants us to do?'  And JESUS answered them, 'The work GOD wants is this: that you believe in the One whom GOD has sent.'" - John 6:22-29 

(In the following pages John expands JESUS' pronouncements in the synagogue of Capernaum.  Surely JESUS HIMSELF at that time did not develop so fully the doctrine on the Eucharist [verses 48-58].  There is no doubt, however, that JESUS expressed HIMSELF in a manner that scandalized HIS listeners.  What did HE say but to affirm clearly that we must go to HIM, for HE is the true bread from whom we receive eternal life?

People struggle for adequate food, and their first preoccupation is to survive, because if they do not eat they will cease to live.  We do not have life in ourselves and have to constantly depend on others for what is necessary to maintain life.  In spite of everything, some day life escapes us because we have not encountered the lasting food.

In fact, we need much more than bread: beyond eating and drinking, we seek something that permits us to no longer experience hunger or thirst.  We will find this on the day of the resurrection, in the assembly of all the Saints in Heaven, where there will be total and perfect peace and unity.  That is precisely what the Work of the Son of Man [the Human One] is.

The discourse begins with a question from the Jews: Which are the works that GOD wants us to do?  JESUS replies: The Work that GOD wants is that you believe.  The FATHER does not demand "works," that is, the practices of a religious law, but rather, faith.  In the previous chapter, JESUS declared that HIS work is to raise people up.  Here HE indicates our work: to believe in the Messenger of the FATHER.

The key word of the discourse is bread [or loaves].  That is why John repeats it seven times in each section of this chapter.  The expression who has come down from heaven appears seven times in the chapter.

Here begins the first part of the discourse: JESUS becomes our bread when we believe in HIM.

In the past, when the Israelites wandered in the desert and lacked everything, GOD gave them a provisional meal, the manna.  They had to give thanks to HIM for HIS gifts.  But if GOD is only our benefactor and we go to HIM seeking favors, we end up concerned only for what GOD gives us; we will hardly thank HIM, and later will continue to ask and complain.

This was what happened with the Israelites who, after receiving the manna, rebelled against GOD and died in the desert.  Material things, although they may come from heaven, do not make us better nor do they give us true life.

For this reason, GOD now proposes something new.  The bread that comes down from heaven is not something, but someone, and that is CHRIST.  That true bread communicates eternal life to us, but to receive it, it is necessary to take a step, that is, to believe in CHRIST and to make a personal commitment to HIM.)

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Fulfill The Commandment Of Love

 "My little children, I write to you, that you may not sin.  But if anyone sins, we have an intercessor with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST, the Just One.  HE is the sacrificial victim, for our sins, and the sins of the whole world.

How can we know that we know HIM?  If we fulfill HIS commands.

If you say, 'I know HIM,' but do not fulfill HIS commands, you are a liar and the truth is not in you.  But if you keep HIS word, GOD's love is made complete in you.  This is how we know that we are in HIM:..." - 1 John 2:1-5 

(The second criterion for love of GOD: to obey the commandments that are summarized in love.  Do we perhaps pretend to know GOD and to believe?  If so, it must be measured by the love we have for others.)

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The Choosing Of Assistants

 "In those days, as the number of disciples grew, the so-called Hellenists complained against the so-called Hebrews, because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.  So the Twelve summoned the whole body of disciples together, and said, 'It is not right, that we should neglect the word of GOD to serve at tables.  So, friends, choose from among yourselves seven respected men, full of Spirit and wisdom, that we may appoint them to this task.  As for us, we shall give ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.'

The whole community agreed; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit; Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenus and Nicolaus of Antioch, who was a proselyte.  They presented these men to the apostles, who, first prayed over them, and then, laid hands upon them.

The word of GOD continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; and even many priests accepted the faith." - Acts 6:1-7 

(JESUS did not spell out for HIS apostles how they were supposed to organize the Church.  And a conflict arose between two social groups.  The Jews, called Hebrews, had never left their land and they spoke Aramaic.  The Hellenists were those who had lived abroad and who usually spoke Greek.  They may have followed the Essene movement and refused to participate in temple rituals.  They felt uncomfortable with the liturgy and community life and their frustrations were growing.  In fact, the apostles identified more readily with the Hebrews and it became necessary to give some autonomy to the Hellenists with their own people being in charge.  This was probably the birth of a Greek-speaking church, with a Greek liturgy.

The community chose seven men.  Since their authority had to come from CHRIST, it had to be passed on by the apostles.

The candidates must be filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, because they are not only entrusted with material services.  And even if it were only for material services the Church would have much to suffer from competent administrators who lacked the Spirit of the Gospel.  Were these seven men the first deacons?  Luke mentions nothing beyond service, and "deacon" denotes servant, usually steward.  In fact, this term, "deacons," will from the start give the meaning of every ministry in the Church: ministry means "service" [1 Corinthians 12:15].  Ministers are at the service of the community assembled by the Spirit to witness to the salvation given by JESUS.  All through the centuries, the ministers of the Church would be tempted to misuse the role entrusted to them for the good of the community.  Many will take advantage of their "service" to put themselves over the community: they will let others serve and honor them and will not hesitate to be called princes of the Church.  What is true for those called to a high rank in the hierarchy is equally true for all those priests or lay people entrusted with lesser responsibilities: all must remember the words of JESUS [Luke 22:24-27].)

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If Their Project Or Activity Is Of Human Origin, It Will Destroy Itself

 "But one of them, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law highly respected by the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin.  He ordered the men to be taken outside for a few minutes and then he spoke to the assembly. 

'Fellow Israelites, consider, well, what you intend to do to these men.  For some time ago, Theudas came forward, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him.  But he was killed and all his followers were dispersed or disappeared.  After him, Judas, the Galilean, appeared, at the time of the census and persuaded many people to follow him.  But he, too, perished; and his whole following was scattered.  So, in this present case, I advise you to have nothing to do with these men.  Leave them alone.  If their project or activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.  If, on the other hand, it is from GOD, you will not be able to destroy it; and you might indeed, find yourselves fighting against GOD.'

The Council let themselves be persuaded.  They called in the apostles and had them whipped; and ordered them not to speak again of JESUS, the Savior.  Then they set them free.

The apostles went out from the Council, rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer disgrace for the sake of the Name.  Day after day, both in the temple and in people's homes, they continued to teach, and to proclaim, that JESUS was the Messiah." - Acts 5:34-42 

(Gamaliel was one of the most renowned among the masters of the law.  Here we see the open mind of this old Jewish teacher who knows that GOD's ways are not always the ways of humans.

If their project or activity is of human origin.  JESUS had said something similar [Matthew 15:13].  Yet that does not seem evident.  Are we not aware of many false doctrines that last?  If they have lasted for centuries, perhaps it is due to the fact that in spite of the error and the evil they sow, they contain useful or necessary principles for a given time, or for certain human groups.  Perhaps they make very important statements that the Church should proclaim but cannot or does not want to do.  Experience shows that the majority of humans are not ready to embrace the Christian faith: must GOD abandon them because of that?  Can we, who have CHRIST, say with certitude that such and such a one is not "the prophet."  Maybe GOD's will is that HE be the prophet of a certain group and help them in their searching for GOD [Acts 17:27].

Gamaliel was Paul's teacher in Jerusalem for doubtless three or four years, a little after these events [Acts 22:3].  Paul's conversion will be providentially prepared through contact with this open and sincere man, and equally so through the death of Stephen [7:54-60].)   

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Always Faces The Justice Of GOD

 "'HE who comes from above is above all; he who comes from the earth belongs to the earth, and his words belong to the earth.  HE who comes from heaven speaks of the things HE has seen and heard; HE bears witness to these things, but no one accepts HIS testimony.  Whoever does receive HIS testimony acknowledges the truthfulness of GOD.

The one sent by GOD speaks GOD's words, and gives the Spirit unstintingly.  The FATHER loves the Son and has entrusted everything into HIS hands.  Whoever believes in the Son lives with eternal life; but he who will not believe in the Son will never know life, and always faces the justice of GOD.'" - John 3:31-36 

(Always faces the justice of GOD.  Those who do not recognize the Son of GOD remain in the situation humanity was in when expelled from Paradise.  If they are not able to receive the witness of "GOD the Son who is one with the FATHER," they will never solve the contradictions in their lives or in the world in which they live; and they cannot but mistrust GOD.)

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GOD Sent HIS Own SON To The Cross So That The World Will Be Saved

 "'Yes, GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only Son that whoever believes in HIM may not be lost, but may have eternal life.  GOD did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world; instead, through HIM the world is to be saved.  Whoever believes in HIM will not be condemned.  He who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of GOD.

This is how Judgment is made: Light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For whoever does wrong hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, for fear that his deeds will be seen as evil.  But whoever lives according to the truth comes into the light, so that it can be clearly seen that his works have been done in GOD.'" - John 3:16-21 

(The Jews had been praying for GOD to come and expected HIM to condemn the world and to punish the bad.  HE, on the other hand, sent HIS own Son to the cross so that the world will be saved.

Other verses of the New Testament say that we should not love the world; which seems to contradict what we have just read: GOD so loved the world.  The reason for this contradiction is that the word world has several meanings.

First, the world means all of creation, which is good since it is GOD's work.  The center of this divine work is humankind, which has come under the influence of Satan [8:34 and 44].  Everything that sinful humanity creates--riches, culture, social life--is influenced, disfigured and used for evil.  Hence, GOD sent HIS Son so that the world will be saved.

Yet, even though CHRIST's resurrection initiated HIS invincible power over history, a strong current of evil continues, dragging along all who refuse to acknowledge the truth.  This evil current is sometimes called the world.  It would be more appropriate to say: the people who surrender themselves to the Master of the world.  The Scripture points to them in saying: Do not love the world, or You are not of the world [1 John 2:15; 4:6].)

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Let Us Sing To Our LORD, Ascended And Enthroned In Heaven

 "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.

YOUR decrees can be trusted;

holiness dwells in YOUR house,

day after day, without end, O YAHWEH."

- Psalm 93:1. 1-2. 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 43:39].  '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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The Prayer Of The Community

 "As soon as Peter and John were set free, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and elders had said to them.

When they heard it, they raised their voices as one, and called upon GOD, 'Sovereign LORD, maker of heaven and earth, of the sea and everything in them, YOU have put these words in the mouth of David, our father and YOUR servant, through the Holy Spirit: Why did the pagan nations rage and the people conspire in folly?  The kings of the earth were aligned; and the princes gathered together against the LORD and against HIS Messiah.

For indeed, in this very city, Herod, with Pontius Pilate and the pagans, together, with the people of Israel, conspired against YOUR holy servant, JESUS, whom YOU anointed.  Thus, indeed, they brought about whatever YOUR powerful will had decided, from all time, would happen.  But now, LORD, see their threats against us; and enable YOUR servants to speak YOUR word with all boldness.  Stretch out YOUR hand, to heal, and to work signs and wonders, through the name of JESUS, YOUR holy servant.'

When they had prayed, the place where they were gathered together shook; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of GOD boldly." - Acts 4:23-31 

(We can meditate on the way this church gathering develops: an event [the arrest] is shared by all.  For them this confrontation with the authorities is something new.  They connect what happened with the word of GOD.  In this case they refer to Psalm 2; then they begin common prayer and ask for courage to continue to do GOD's works.)

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The "Poor Of Jerusalem"

 "The whole community of believers was one in heart and mind.  No one claimed private ownership of any possessions; but rather, they shared all things in common.  With great power, the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the LORD JESUS, for all of them were living in an exceptional time of grace.

There was no needy person among them, for those who owned land or houses, sold them and brought the proceeds of the sale.  And they laid it at the feet of the apostles, who distributed it, according to each one's need." - Acts 4:32-35 

(Here we might understand that this sharing had become a rule in the early Church.  In fact, if we pay attention to 4:36 and 5:4 it becomes clear that everyone admired what some of them did.

JESUS did not ask for this; yet they were doing it, inspired by the desire of every true believer to remove all divisions between brothers and sisters, especially those created by money.  Placing everything in common, however, requires not only a spirit of detachment, but also a sense of responsibility and organization.  The believers in Jerusalem lived at a time when work and foresight were not very important, and they soon consumed what they had, without being concerned about working, and eventually became the "poor of Jerusalem."  Paul was to organize collections in other churches in order to assist them [Galatians 2:10; Romans 15:25; 2 Corinthians 8].)

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"Judge For Yourselves, Whether It Is Right In GOD's Eyes, For Us To Obey You, Rather Than GOD. We Cannot Stop Speaking About What We Have Seen And Heard."

 "They were astonished at the boldness of Peter and John, considering that they were uneducated  and untrained men.  They recognized, also, that they had been with JESUS, but, as the man who had been cured stood beside them, they could make no reply.

So they ordered them to leave the council room while they consulted with one another.  They asked, 'What shall we do with these men?  Everyone who lives in Jerusalem knows, that a remarkable sign has been given through them, and we cannot deny it.  But to stop this from spreading any further among the people, let us warn them never again to speak to anyone in the name of JESUS.'  So they called them back and charged them not to speak, or teach at all, in the name of JESUS.

But Peter and John answered them, 'Judge for yourselves, whether it is right in GOD's eyes, for us to obey you, rather than GOD.  We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.'  Then the council threatened them once more and let them go.  They could find no way of punishing them because of the people, who glorified GOD for what had happened;..." - Acts 4:13-21 

(What we have seen and heard.  It is John speaking: John will not speak about miracles, or revelations, or secrets jealously kept by some members.  The truth that he relates to us is both simpler and more divine than all this: GOD, the Eternal Life, has come to live with us.

Life became visible.  Do not look for miracles or miraculous powers.  Do not expect fantastic revelations about the beyond.  Life was revealed as the gift of the FATHER, the rebirth of a humanity without hope, the divine smile, the unexpected visit of the one seeking to share HIS life with humans [Proverbs 8:31].  We will not find life merely in books, but through communion with those who have seen and experienced it before us, and who became HIS Church.)

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JESUS Is The Stone Rejected By You, The Builders, Which Has Become The Cornerstone

 "While Peter and John were still speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them.  They were greatly disturbed, because the apostles were teaching the people, and proclaiming that resurrection from the dead had been proved, in the case of JESUS.  Since it was already evening, they arrested them and put them in custody until the following day.  But despite this, many of those who heard the Message, believed; and their number increased to about five thousand.

The next day, the Jewish leaders, elders and teachers of the law assembled in Jerusalem.  Annas, the High Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who were of the high priestly class were there.  They brought Peter and John before them; and began to question them, 'How did you do this?  Whose name did you use?'

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke up, 'Leaders of the people!  Elders!  It is a fact, that we are being examined today for a good deed done to a cripple.  How was he healed?  You, and all the people of Israel, must know, that this man stands before you cured, through the name of JESUS CHRIST, the Nazorean.  You had HIM crucified.  But GOD raised HIM from the dead.  JESUS is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.  

There is no salvation in anyone else; for there is no other Name given to humankind, all over the world, by which we may be saved.'" - Acts 4:1-12 

(The Jewish leaders judge Peter and John.  The Holy Spirit judges the leaders of the Jews.

These leaders believe they posses the truth because they are learned and have authority.  It is impossible for them to back down before ordinary men who refute their statements.  Meanwhile Peter points out how strange it is to be arrested for having healed a sick man.

These leaders were Sadducees and they did not believe in the resurrection of the dead: Acts 23:6.

This text suggests that all of us can be witnesses of CHRIST and of the truth, if  we are determined to be involved.  Oftentimes, because we only rely on our own strength instead of counting on the Spirit of CHRIST, we remain silent before our co-workers or our leaders.)

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Humanity Is On Its Way To The Coming Of CHRIST And The Restoration Of The World

 "While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, struck with astonishment, came running to them in Solomon's Porch, as it was called.  When Peter saw the people, he said to them,

'Fellow Israelites, why are you amazed at this?  Why do you stare at us, as if it was by some power or holiness  of our own, that we made this man walk?  The GOD of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the GOD of our ancestors has glorified HIS servant JESUS, whom you handed over to death and denied before Pilate; when even Pilate had decided to release HIM.  You rejected the Holy and Just One; and you insisted that a murderer be released to you. You killed the Master of life, but GOD raised HIM from the dead; and we are witnesses to this.  It is HIS Name, and faith in HIS Name, that has healed this man, whom you see and recognize.  The faith that comes through JESUS has given him wholeness in the presence of all of you.

Yet, I know that you acted out of ignorance, as did your leaders.  GOD has fulfilled, in this way, what HE had foretold through all the prophets, that HIS Messiah would suffer.

Repent, then, and turn to GOD so that your sins may be wiped out; and the time of refreshment may come by the mercy of GOD, when HE sends the Messiah appointed for you, JESUS.  For HE must remain in heaven, until the time of the universal restoration, which GOD spoke of long ago, through HIS holy prophets.

Moses foretold this, when he said: The LORD GOD will raise up for you a prophet, like me, from among your own people; you shall listen to HIM in all that HE says to you.  Whoever does not listen to that prophet is to be cut off from among HIS people. 

In fact, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel onward, have announced the events of these days.  You are the children of the prophets, and heirs of the Covenant that GOD gave to your ancestors, when HE said to Abraham: All the families of the earth will  be blessed through your descendant.  It is to you, first, that GOD sends HIS Servant; HE raised HIM to life, to  bless you, by turning each of you from your wicked ways.'" - Acts 3:11-26 

(Why are you amazed at this?  The miracle was done in the Name of JESUS, that is, by the Power over every creature that JESUS received from the FATHER at the time of HIS resurrection.  JESUS was in their midst as the servant of the LORD [Isaiah 42:1; 52:13], but speaking of HIS name was a way of stating HIS divinity [Mark 16:17; Philippians 2:9].

I know that you acted out of ignorance.  Yet Peter demands that they admit their guilt.  All of us must confess a similar guilt in the injustices and crimes of our times.

HE must remain in heaven.  The coming of JESUS inaugurated the "last days" in which the Gospel reconciles humanity with GOD, and changes human consciousness thus speeding up the course of history which, in the end, forces humankind to solve their problems together.  Humanity is on its way to the coming of CHRIST and the restoration of the world, namely, the Resurrection.

HE sends HIM to bless.  This blessing comes to those who accept reconciliation with GOD upon seeing the love HE revealed to us in JESUS.  The blessing is not for us alone, rather, through us--the people of GOD--it reaches all the families of the earth.)

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Peter And John Cure A Lame Man

 "Once when Peter and John were going up to the temple, at three in the afternoon, the hour for prayer, a man, crippled from birth, was being carried in.  Every day, they would bring him and put him at the temple gate called 'Beautiful;' there, he begged from those who entered the temple.

When he saw Peter and John on their way into the temple, he asked for alms.  Then Peter, with John at his side, looked straight at him and said, 'Look at us.'  So he looked at them, expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said, 'I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you: In the name of JESUS of Nazareth, the Messiah, walk!'

Then, he took the beggar by his right hand and helped him up.  At once, his feet and ankles became firm, and, jumping up, he stood on his feet and began to walk.  And he went with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising GOD.

All the people saw him walking and praising GOD; they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were all astonished and amazed at what had happened to him." - Acts 3:1-10 

(We might sometimes think that JESUS cured all the sick.  This is not true, since HE did not heal this cripple who was in the temple every day.  This new sign brings about another proclamation.)

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What Shall We Do?

 "Let Israel, then, know for sure, that GOD has made LORD and CHRIST this JESUS, whom you crucified.

When they heard this, they were deeply troubled.  And they asked Peter and the other apostles, 'What shall we do, brothers?

Peter answered, 'Each of you must repent and be baptized in the name of JESUS CHRIST, so that your sins may be forgiven.  Then, you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise of GOD was made to you and your children, and to all those from afar, whom our GOD may call.'

With many other words Peter gave the message; and appealed to them, saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation.'  So, those who accepted HIS word were baptized; some three thousand persons were added to their number that day. - Acts 2:36-41 

(What shall we do?...  Repent.  In those days, to repent and to be converted meant to share the life of the infant Church which showed to the nation the way of salvation taught by JESUS.  The Church did not appear as a new religion opposed to Judaism, but as a center of more authentic life.

Save yourselves from this crooked generation.  This means that the entire generation was missing the unique opportunity they were given.  For GOD asked them to take the most decisive step in Sacred History; even Roman oppression could be overcome by a people able to put the Gospel into practice.  At the same time JESUS made them discover the love of GOD the FATHER for which the entire Scripture prepared them.

Some three thousand persons were added to their number.  They already knew of JESUS, but were not committed to HIM.  They were converted by the common action of the Holy Spirit and the apostles.  A church in which signs of the Spirit acting could not be seen could not say that JESUS lives in her midst.)

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GOD Raised HIM To Life

 "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven and, with a loud voice, addressed them, 'Fellow Jews and all foreigners now staying in Jerusalem, listen to what I have to say.

Fellow Israelites, listen to what I am going to tell you about JESUS of Nazareth.  GOD accredited HIM and through HIM did powerful deeds and wonders and signs in your midst, as you well know.  You delivered HIM to sinners to be crucified and killed, and, in this way, the purpose of GOD, from all times, was fulfilled.  But GOD raised HIM to life and released HIM from the pain of death; because it was impossible for HIM to be held in the power of death.  David spoke of HIM when he said: I saw the LORD before me at all times; HE is by my side, that I may not be shaken.  Therefore, my heart was glad and my tongue rejoiced; my body, too, will live in hope.  Because YOU will not forsake me in the abode of the dead, nor allow YOUR Holy One to experience corruption.  YOU have made known to me the paths of life, and YOUR presence will fill me with joy.

Friends, I don't need to prove that the patriarch David died and was buried; his tomb is with us to this day.  But he knew, that GOD had sworn to him, that one of his descendants would sit upon his throne and, as he was a prophet, he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah.  So he said, that he would not be left in the region of the dead, nor would his body experience corruption.

This Messiah is JESUS; and we are all witnesses that GOD raised HIM to life.  HE has been exalted at GOD's right side; and the FATHER has entrusted the Holy Spirit to HIM; this Spirit, HE has just poured upon us, as you now see and hear.'" - Acts 2:14. 22-33 

(This is the first proclamation of JESUS' resurrection.  Peter, once again, aware of his responsibility in the group of the Twelve, speaks on behalf of all.  He cites the texts of the Old Testament: Joel, the Psalms, etc. and demonstrates their fulfillment in JESUS and in the nascent Church.

GOD raised HIM to life.  Peter recalls how JESUS showed many signs of love during HIS public life: in spite of that, or more precisely, because of that, HE was delivered into the hands of pagans: how mysterious it is that people reject GOD's love.  More than 700 years before the coming of JESUS, the prophet Hosea was already familiar with this rejection of GOD's love [Hosea 11:1-4] and JESUS, HIMSELF, announces it in the parable of the murderous vineyard tenants [Matthew 21:33-39].  However, GOD, whose love is more powerful than our sins [Romans 5:20], raised HIM from the dead and made HIM the source of salvation for all.)

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Seek The Things That Are Above

 "So then, if you are risen with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where CHRIST is seated at the right hand of GOD.  Set your mind on the things that are above, not on earthly things.  For you have died and your life is now hidden with CHRIST in GOD.  When CHRIST, who is your life, reveals HIMSELF, you also will be revealed with HIM in glory." - Colossians 3:1-4 

(Here we have what was said about baptism [2:12] which joins us to CHRIST and makes us share in all HIS wealth.  Since CHRIST left this earth, we leave it too: what is best in our lives, what motivates us to do things is neither visible, nor is it of the earth.  GOD alone knows the riches of the believer's heart, even when her life seems tarnished by various faults and weaknesses: one day GOD will manifest the goodness, the "glory" which we do not yet see [see Matthew 25:31-46].)

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JESUS Has Been Raised From The Dead

 "When the Sabbath was over, Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go and anoint the body.  And very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they came to the tomb.

They were saying to one another, 'Who will roll  back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?'  But, as they looked up, they noticed that the stone had already been rolled away.  It was a very big stone.

As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man in a white robe seated on the right, and they were amazed.  But he said to them, 'Don't be alarmed; you are looking for JESUS of Nazareth who was crucified; HE has been raised and is not here.  This is, however, the place where they laid HIM.  Now go, and tell HIS disciples and Peter: JESUS is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see HIM there, just as HE told you.'" - Mark 16:1-7 

(JESUS' history comes to an end with the discovery of the empty tomb.  In the last pages of the Gospel we find a brief account of the most important apparitions of JESUS after HIS death.  HE is no longer the earthly JESUS but the resurrected one, born again of the FATHER and never to die again, as Psalm 2 says: "YOU are MY son.  This day I have begotten YOU."

JESUS has risen.  The Gospel narrates events that took place after HIS death and mentions the names of those who saw the resurrected JESUS.  Can we believe them?  We would like more details to support our faith, but if even thousands of interviews with eyewitnesses were published, with pictures in full color to support the statements, there would always be room for doubt.  We do not see HIM, we cannot find HIM.  Where is HE?

Actually it is not important whether there are few or many witnesses.  This is a matter of faith and faith is something personal.

We doubt, not because there is not enough evidence, but because the event overwhelms us.  How can we believe in a resurrection?  The evidence, nevertheless, is there and has withstood recurring criticisms and even modern studies.

Finally, who will believe?  Those whose own experience has prepared them to accept the most fundamental truth: the living GOD loves people and restores them to life.  Some persons are predisposed to believe because they have experienced that GOD HIMSELF walks with them in their trials and gives them hope when everything seems lost.  Because of this, they recognize in CHRIST the ideal human being and understand that HE had to suffer before reaching HIS glory.  They have learned the ways of GOD and that is why they believe the witnesses of the resurrected CHRIST.

It is not more difficult to believe in CHRIST's resurrection than to believe in HIS words, for both go together.  "Those who believe have overcome the world," John the apostle says [1 John 5:5].  This means overcoming the false meaning that most people give to their existence due to their ignorance of GOD.  Whoever believes has overcome the fears each of us has when we have to pass through uncharted paths, when we have to set reason aside and entrust ourselves to GOD's hands.)

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HE Makes HIMSELF An Offering For Sin

 "Yet it was the will of YAHWEH to crush HIM with grief.

When HE makes HIMSELF an offering for sin,

HE will have a long life and see HIS descendants.

Through HIM the will of YAHWEH is done.

For the anguish HE suffered,

HE will see the light and obtain perfect knowledge.

MY just servant will justify the multitude;

HE will bear and take away their guilt.

Therefore I will give HIM HIS portion among the great,

and HE will divide the spoils with the strong.

For HE surrendered HIMSELF to death

and was even counted among the wicked,

bearing the sins of the multitude

and interceding for sinners."

- Isaiah 53:10-12

(HE makes HIMSELF an offering for sin.  In several passages of the Scriptures we are invited to adopt this same attitude when we suffer unjustly [1 Peter 1:20; 4:13].  CHRIST alone has perfectly fulfilled this redemptive mission from the beginning to the end of HIS life [Hebrews 10; John 2:29; Romans 5:6].

MY just servant will justify the multitude: that is to say, HE will make them just and holy.  The Hebrew text reads "the many", which means the multitude.  JESUS refers to this text at the Last Supper: "MY blood poured out for many," or for everyone [Mark 14:24].  There JESUS clearly says that HIS death is the free and perfect sacrifice foretold in this song.)

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"I AM The Alpha And The Omega."

 "... and from JESUS CHRIST, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To HIM who loves us, and has washed away our sins with HIS own blood, making us a kingdom, and priests for GOD, HIS FATHER,

to HIM, be the glory and power, for ever and ever.  Amen.

See, HE comes with the clouds, and everyone will see HIM, even those who pierced HIM; on HIS account, all the nations of the earth will beat their breast.  Yes.  It will be so.

'I AM the Alpha and the Omega,' says the LORD GOD, 'the one who is, and who was, and who is to come: the Master of the universe.'"

- Revelation 1:5-8

 

(The one who is and who was, and who is to come.  This way of naming GOD expands what was revealed to Moses: "I AM who AM' [Exodus 3].  The living GOD is a GOD who is coming.

Then CHRIST is presented as the Messiah and Judge hoped for by the Jews.  HE comes with the clouds.  In HIS trial, JESUS also referred to this text of the prophet Daniel [7:13].

All the nations of the earth will lament HIM.  See this prophecy of the murdered Messiah: "the one they pierced" in Zechariah 12:10.

The Alpha and the Omega [that is A to Z].  This suggests that GOD embraces all time.

Revelation is addressed to Christians who are beginning to suffer for their faith, and shows CHRIST to them, as the model they are imitating.  CHRIST is the "servant and the witness of GOD the FATHER."  Let us not forget that martyr means witness.)

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