GOD In The Midst Of The Meek

 "Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion; rejoice, O people of Israel!  Sing joyfully with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem!

YAHWEH has lifted your sentence and has driven your enemies away.  YAHWEH, the King of Israel is with you; do not fear any misfortune.

On that day, they will say to Jerusalem: Do not be afraid nor let your hands tremble, for YAHWEH your GOD is within you, YAHWEH, saving warrior.  HE will jump for joy on seeing you, for HE has revived HIS love.  For you HE will cry out with joy, as you do in the days of the feast.

I will drive away the evil I warned you about, and you will no longer be shamed." - Zephaniah 3:14-18 

(Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion; YAHWEH, the King of Israel, is with you; do not fear any misfortune.  In the Gospel of Luke, the same words are addressed to Mary at the Annunciation: "Rejoice, the LORD is with you.  Do not fear, Mary, you will bear the Savior" [Luke 1:28].)

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Life Through The Spirit

 "All those who walk in the Spirit of GOD are sons and daughters of GOD.  Then, no more fear: you did not receive a spirit of slavery, but the spirit that makes you sons and daughters, and every time, we cry, 'Abba! [this is Dad!] FATHER!' the spirit assures our spirit, that we are sons and daughters of GOD.  If we are children, we are heirs, too.  Ours will be the inheritance of GOD, and we will share it with CHRIST; for, if we now suffer with HIM, we will also share glory with HIM." - Romans 8:14-17 

(The Spirit that makes you sons and daughters.  The Greek text could be: "Spirit of adoption" but also "spirit of sons having all the rights of their father" [like in Galatians 4:5].  In no way does Paul want to emphasize the difference we often make by saying: "JESUS is the only Son, and we, adopted children".  Speaking like that, we place a barrier, slight though it be, between GOD and us, and the Gospel does not so desire, from the moment we have known the FATHER.

Those led by the Spirit tend towards what comes from the Spirit.  Then we begin to freely desire a new way of living in imitation of CHRIST.  The desires of the Spirit animate our life.  We experience them as an interior call, a security and a joy.

In following the desires of the Spirit we really feel free; this life, however, is demanding.  Each day we have to go a little further in putting to death the body's deeds [verse 13], that is, everything that paralyzes us and makes us cling to this world.  Put to death: we call it "mortification."

The Spirit assures our spirit that we are sons and daughters of GOD.  Whoever lives in the spirit lives in the light.  While we remain firm in the teaching of CHRIST and share in the life of the Church, the Spirit gives us internal knowledge and joy in the things of GOD.  The Spirit guides us and inspires us each day showing us how to please GOD.)

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The Opportunist Priests

 "They were once again in Jerusalem.  As JESUS was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to HIM and asked, 'What authority do YOU have to act like this?  Who gave YOU authority to do the things YOU do?'

JESUS said to them, 'I will ask you a question, only one, and if you give ME an answer, then I will tell you what authority I have to act like this.  Was John's preaching and baptism a work of GOD, or was it merely something human?  Answer ME.'

And they kept arguing among themselves, 'If we answer that it was a work of GOD, HE will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?'  But neither could they answer before the people that the baptism of John was merely something human, for everyone regarded John as a prophet.  So they answered JESUS, 'We don't know,' and JESUS said to them, 'Neither will I tell you what authority I have to act as I do.'" - Mark 11:27-33

(JESUS did not ask any authorization to teach in the temple, or to drive out the vendors.  HE acted freely as prophets do.  Since the priests were the ones in charge of maintaining the true faith, it was normal for them to check whether JESUS was a real prophet or not.  But were they really concerned about truth?  Were they ready to recognize that JESUS had come from GOD?  Apparently they only thought to defend what was acceptable to them and, before even listening to JESUS, held HIM to be subversive.

That is why JESUS asked them about John the Baptist.  Because John the Baptist's preaching had been the most important happening in the previous two years, the priests should have taken a stand with regard to John.  They had not done so nor were they ready for that.  How could they make demands of JESUS if they spoke out only when it suited them?

JESUS' attitude obliges religious leaders of all times to see if they deserve to have others respect their declarations and condemnations.)

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In Praise Of Ancestors

 "Let us now glorify illustrious men, the ancestors of our people.

... others are not remembered and have disappeared as if they never existed.  It is the same for their children.

But now consider the godly men whose good deeds have not been forgotten.  Those who came after them benefited from the rich legacy they left; their race remained faithful to the Covenant, their children followed their example.  Their family will endure forever and never will its glory be tarnished. - Sirach 44:1. 9-13 

(After the hymn to GOD whose glory is revealed through HIS creation, the author will present to us GOD's work in HIS chosen people, Israel.

In his poem of praise of the ancestors, we have a glimpse of all the famous people of Israel: kings, liberators, prophets, sages, poets.  The author notes that there are many courageous and just people who died and whose deeds and virtues will not be recorded after them.  He knows that even if all the descendants of a famous man disappear, as in the case of Moses, the people of Israel hold on to the promises of eternity.  In this book there is still no sign of faith in a resurrection of persons [except possibly in 48:11 and all hope is fixed on the future of the chosen people].)

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Wonders Of Nature

 "Now I shall remind you of the works of the LORD and relate what I have seen.

The LORD's works depend on HIS word, and creation obeys HIS will.

The sun shines on everything and the work of the LORD is filled with HIS glory.

Not even to HIS holy ones has the LORD given full knowledge of all HIS marvelous works.

The LORD, Master of the universe, has ordained that all should stand firm in HIS glory.

HE penetrates both the depth of the abyss and the human heart and knows their secrets.

For the Most High has full knowledge and ordains the signs of the heavens.

HE knows the past and foretells the future and reveals the traces of the world's mysteries.

No thought escapes HIM, no word is hidden from HIM.

HE has ordered the marvelous works of HIS wisdom, from ever  and for ever.  Nothing can be added, nothing can be taken away and HE has no need of counsel.

All HIS works are beautiful, even to the smallest spark of light.

All this lives and endures forever: all is useful and obedient to HIS will.

All things are in pairs, one opposite the other, and nothing HE makes is in any way deficient.

One thing emphasizes the excellence of the other; who could ever weary of admiring HIS glory?"

- Sirach 42:15-25

(Modern civilization separates people from nature.  In their work, many people see fluorescent lights more often than they see the sun.  Many do not know either the silence or the sounds of nature, because noise has invaded everything.  However, as soon as we know something about science, we think we know the mysteries of the universe.  In our cities, it is increasingly more difficult for us to experience the mystery and the beauty of the universe.

GOD speaks to us through HIS creation as authentically as HE does in the words of CHRIST.  The languages are different, in the same sense that music tells us something in a way that is different from words.  Those who know how to see GOD in the universe are also able to discover HIM in great human achievements: dams, electronic computers, buildings, new materials, etc.  What emerges from human hands also belongs to GOD's creation.)

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James And John Ask For The First Places

 "James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to JESUS and said to HIM, 'Master, we want YOU to grant us what we are going to ask of YOU.'  And HE said, 'What do you want ME to do for you?'  They answered, 'Grant us to sit, one at YOUR right hand and one at YOUR left, when YOU come in YOUR glory.'

But JESUS said to them, 'You don't know what you are asking.  Can you drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized in the way I AM baptized?'  They answered, 'We can.'  And JESUS told them, 'The cup that I drink, you will drink; and you will be baptized in the way that I AM baptized; but to sit at MY right hand or at MY left is not mine to grant.  It has been prepared for others.'

On hearing this, the other ten were angry with James and John.  JESUS then called them to HIM and said, 'As you know, the so-called rulers of the nations behave like tyrants, and those in authority oppress the people.  But it shall not be so among you; whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you shall make himself slave of all.  Think of the Son of Man, who has not come to be served but to serve, and to give HIS life to redeem many.'" - Mark 10:35-45 

(JESUS feels full of courage and confidence, as HE HIMSELF walks ahead of them to Jerusalem, where HIS punishment awaits HIM.  Prompted by James' and John's request, HE tries to convince HIS followers that success in his kingdom does not consist in prestige and power, but in following the way of JESUS, their leader.

What makes a leader?  How should a leader be?  How do leaders act, the head of a team, of a family?  The heads of the state smile at crowds and embrace a child who renders them homage, but who serves and who is to be served?  JESUS has come to serve and HIS service to humanity will be HIS voluntary death: "HE made HIMSELF obedient, took the condition of a slave and died on the cross" [Philippians 2:8].

To drink the cup and to be baptized are figurative ways of describing the suffering and death of JESUS.)    

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The Reward For Those Who Follow JESUS

 "Peter spoke up and said, 'We have given up everything to follow YOU.'  JESUS answered, 'Truly, there is no one who has left house, or brothers and sisters, or father or mother, or children, or lands, for MY sake, and for the gospel, who will not receive his reward.  I say to you: even in the midst of persecution, he will receive a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands in the present time; and, in the world to come, eternal life.  Do pay attention: many who now are the first will be last, and the last, first.'" - Mark 20:28-31 

(There is no one who has left house...  These words of JESUS that we find again in Matthew 19:29 and Luke 18:29 have been given here a notable addition: with persecution.  Once the Gospel had been preached the Church began to suffer persecution: From the year 34, then again in 41 and 62 in Jerusalem, in 64 in Rome with the great persecution ordered by the emperor Nero.  During these persecutions Christians experienced the bonds that united them, often stronger than family relationships.  Hunted, obliged to hide, they found hundreds of brothers and sisters ready with houses to give them refuge.  JESUS does not only speak of reward in the next life.  Already in this world, in the midst of persecution, those who sacrifice themselves for the kingdom will find friendship, joy and human fulfillment far greater than anything they could have hoped for.)

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JESUS And The Rich Man

 "Just as JESUS was setting out on HIS journey again, a man ran up, knelt before HIM and asked, 'Good Master, what must I do to have eternal life?'

JESUS answered, 'Why do you call ME good?  No one is good but GOD alone.  You know the commandments: Do not kill; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not cheat; honor your father and mother.  The man replied, 'I have obeyed all these commandments since my childhood.'

Then JESUS looked steadily at him and loved him; and HE said, 'For you, one thing is lacking.  Go, sell what you have, and give the money to the poor; and you will have riches in heaven.  Then, come, and follow ME.'  On hearing these words, his face fell and he went away sorrowful, for he was a man of great wealth." - Mark 10:17-22 

(He who comes to JESUS is a young man, according to Matthew [19:16].  Luke calls him an important man [18:18].

With deliberation JESUS asks him: Why do you call ME good?  As if JESUS is saying: "Do you not see that you are thirsty for GOD and that you will find HIM if you live with ME ?"  

The man asks JESUS the way that leads to eternal life; but JESUS does not have any new commandment to teach.  In the Old Testament everything had already been said about what a person should do to win eternal life: by observing the commandments of justice and compassion.  Now JESUS proposes to him a new way and a new experience of liberty, through becoming HIS follower and imitator.

Sell what you have.  Happiness does not consist in leaving all one has, but in being free of it all in order to submit oneself to CHRIST.)

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JESUS' Breath Communicates Life To The New Spiritual Creation

 "On the evening of that day, the first day after the Sabbath, the doors were locked where the disciples were, because of their fear of the Jews.  But JESUS came and stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you!'  Then HE showed them HIS hands and HIS side.  The disciples, seeing the LORD, were full of joy.

Again JESUS said to them, 'Peace be with you!  As the FATHER has sent ME, so I send you.'  After saying this, HE breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit!  Those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; those whose sins you retain, they are retained.'" - John 20:19-23 

(Just as in the first creation GOD infused life into Adam, so, too, JESUS' breath communicates life to the new spiritual creation.  CHRIST, who died to take away the sin of the world, now leaves to HIS own the power to forgive.

Thus the hope of the Biblical people has been realized.  GOD led them in such a way that they felt the universal presence of sin, and so they offered animals in the temple uninterruptedly to appease GOD.  That river of blood failed to destroy sin, and the priests themselves offered sacrifices for their own sins before praying to GOD for the others.  Ceremonies and rites had no power to purify the heart or to give the Holy Spirit.

Now, in the person of JESUS risen from the dead, a new world has begun.  Although humanity may continue to sin, already the first of its sons and daughters, the "eldest brother of them all" is sharing fully the holy life of GOD.

Those who strive for the spiritual life, suffer above all from a keen awareness of the universal presence of sin.  They grieve deeply at not yet having attained total liberation from sin.  Hence they recognize the forgiveness of sin as the greatest gift given to the Church.

The capacity to forgive is the only power able to release the great tensions within humankind. Although it does not easily conquer hearts, it is an invaluable secret and the Church should consider it as its own particular treasure.

One who does not know how to forgive does not know how to love.  On making us aware of sin and purifying  us from it, the Church helps us demonstrate a more authentic love for the neighbor.

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A Prediction Of The Different Fates That Will Be Peter's And John's

 "Peter looked back and saw that the disciple JESUS loved was following as well, the one who had reclined close to JESUS at the supper, and had asked HIM, 'LORD, who is to betray YOU?'  On seeing him, Peter asked JESUS, 'LORD, what about him?'  JESUS answered, 'If I want him to remain until I come, is that any concern of yours?  Follow ME!'

Because of this, the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die.  Yet JESUS did not say to Peter, 'He will not die,' but, 'Suppose I want him to remain until I come back, what concern is that of yours?'

It is this disciple who testifies about the things and has written these things down, and we know that his testimony is true.  But JESUS did many other things; if all were written down, I think the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." - John 21:20-25 

(The Gospel ends with a prediction of the different fates that will be Peter's and John's.  Peter died a martyr's death in Rome in the year 66 or 67 A.D.; John was still living in the year 90 A.D.  He was the last of the witnesses of CHRIST and many thought he would not die until the LORD would come again: hence, the Gospel insists that JESUS had not made such a promise.

The last paragraph was placed there by those associated with John at the time of his death.)

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There Is No Better Way Of Following JESUS Than By Giving Up Our Lives For HIS Mission

 "After they had finished breakfast, JESUS said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love ME more than these do?'  He answered, 'Yes, LORD, YOU know that I love YOU.'  And JESUS said, 'Feed MY lambs.'

A second time JESUS said to him, 'Simon, son of John, do you love ME?'  And Peter answered, 'Yes, LORD, YOU know that I love YOU.'  JESUS said to him, 'Look after MY sheep.'  And a third time HE said to him, 'Simon, son of John, do you love ME?'

Peter was saddened because JESUS asked him a third time, 'Do you love ME?' and he said, 'LORD, YOU know everything; YOU know that I love YOU.'

JESUS then said, 'Feed MY sheep!  Truly, I say to you, when you were young, you put on your belt and walked where you liked.  But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will put a belt around you, and lead you where you do not wish to go.'

JESUS said this to make known the kind of death by which Peter was to glorify GOD.  And HE added, 'Follow ME!'" - John 21:15-19 

(The dialogue between JESUS and Peter expresses what being a Christian is all about.  JESUS asks us every day if we love HIM is a special and exclusive way: Do you love ME more than these do?  We answer, "Yes," despite our miseries, as Peter did; JESUS then invites us to follow HIM anew, out of love, and to share with HIM the responsibility of caring for the people of GOD.  There is no better way of following JESUS than by giving up our lives for HIS mission.

JESUS orders Peter to care for the Church and, with this, orders us to obey.  We obey freely and conscientiously, not  because the shepherds are always capable and infallible, but rather because they perform a necessary function of authority.  We  believe that historically they are the successors of the apostles, and for that reason have received their mission from GOD.)

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Ecumenism

 "'I pray not only for these; but also for those who through their word will believe in ME.  May they all be one, as YOU FATHER are in ME and I AM in YOU.  May they be one in US, so that the world may believe that YOU have sent ME.

I have given them the glory YOU have given ME, that they may one as WE ARE one: I in them and YOU in ME.  Thus they shall reach perfection in unity; and the world shall know that YOU have sent ME, and that I have loved them, just as YOU loved ME.

FATHER, since YOU have given them to ME, I want them to be with ME where I AM, and see the glory YOU gave ME, for YOU loved ME before the foundation of the world.

Righteous FATHER, the world has not known YOU, but I have known YOU, and these have known that YOU have sent ME.  As I revealed YOUR name to them, so will I continue to reveal it, so that the love with which YOU loved ME may be in them, and I also may be in them.'" - John 17:20-26 

(Ecumenism, that is, efforts to reconcile in truth and bring the Churches together, demands that we overcome the new dissensions that threaten the internal unity of the Church.  All of us must work so that the unity of all Christians may be realized as CHRIST desires, and by the means HE wants.  In any case, nothing can be done without obeying the truth and doing the truth.  In no way can we disregard Peter's charism of unity that is granted to Peter's successors.)

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The Warning Of Divisions And Heresies In The Church

 "Keep watch over yourselves, and over the whole flock the Holy Spirit has placed into your care.  Shepherd the Church of the LORD that HE has won, at the price of HIS own blood.  I know that, after I leave, ruthless wolves will come among you and not spare the flock.  And, from among you, some will arise, corrupting the truth, and inducing the disciples to follow them.

Be on the watch, therefore, remembering that, for three years, night and day, I did not cease to warn everyone, even with tears.  Now, I commend you to GOD, and to HIS grace-filled word, which is able to make you grow and gain the inheritance that you shall share with all the saints.

I have not looked for anyone's silver, gold or clothing.  You, yourselves, know, that these hands of mine have provided for both my needs and the needs of those who were with me.  In every way, I have shown you that by working hard one must help the weak, remembering the words that the LORD JESUS HIMSELF said, 'Happiness lies more in giving than in receiving.'

After this discourse, Paul knelt down with them and prayed.  Then, they all began to weep and threw their arms around him and kissed him.  They were deeply distressed because he had said that they would never see him again.  And they went with him even to the ship." - Acts 20:28-38 

(In verses 28-30 , we have the warning of divisions and heresies will reappear in the Church: the same message will reappear in the Pastoral Letters [2 Timothy 3:1-9].  We are used to seeing Christians divided.  For Paul, it was unthinkable.  When he speaks of "the Churches of CHRIST" [Romans 16:4 and 16; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 11:16], he is only thinking of the local communities who communicate among themselves and all accept without discussion the same faith and tradition of the apostles.  Paul alludes to what awaits him: all that we can do is to follow CHRIST, who has won HIS Church at the price of HIS own blood.  Only in heaven will a leader of the Church find rest and retirement. 

In verses 33-35 Paul takes up the resignation discourse of Samuel [1 Samuel 12:3].  How quickly can a person be self-serving and look after self in any apostolic work.)

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Paul's Farewell To The Ephesian Elders

 "From Miletus, Paul sent word to Ephesus, summoning the elders of the Church.  When they came to him, he addressed them, 'You know how I lived among you, from the first day I set foot in the province of Asia; how I served the LORD in humility, through the sorrows and trials that the Jews caused me.  You know, that I never held back from doing anything that could be useful for you; I spoke publicly and in your homes; and I urged Jews, and non-Jews, alike, to turn to GOD and believe in our LORD JESUS.

But now, I am going to Jerusalem, chained by the Spirit, without knowing what will happen to me there.  Yet, in every city, the Holy Spirit warns me, that imprisonment and troubles await me.  Indeed, I put no value on my life; if only I can finish my race; and complete the service to which I have been assigned by the LORD JESUS, to announce the good news of GOD's grace.

I now feel sure, that none of you, among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom of GOD, will ever see me again.  Therefore, I declare to you, this day, that my conscience is clear with regard to all of you.  For I have spared no effort in fully declaring to you GOD's will.'" - Acts 20:17-27 

(Paul returns to Palestine.  He had a presentiment or he knew by a revelation of the Holy Spirit that another phase of his life was about to begin:  the years of prison and trials.  So he wished to say goodbye to all the leaders of the Church in the Roman province of Asia.  He did not know all of them well, since the evangelization of this province had been the work of his team of assistants [20:4].  These leaders are called elders in verse 17 and inspectors [or "episcopes," from which we have bishops] in verse 28.  

Paul gives his own example and develops the obligations of "pastors" in the Church [verse 28].  He then invites them not to enclose themselves in the role of president or administrator of the community: they must prepare it for difficult times.  Let them compare themselves with Paul and ponder on the sacrifices that the apostolic task demands of him.  It is good for them to rely on another--an apostle of course--when they are confronted with difficulties?)

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The Journey Of GOD's People: Triumphant Hymn Of Thanks

 "Arise, O GOD, scatter YOUR enemies; let YOUR foes flee before YOU.

As smoke is blown by the wind, so blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish before YOU.

But let the righteous be glad and exult before GOD; 

let them sing to GOD and shout for joy.

Sing to GOD, sing praises to HIS name; open the way, to HIM who rides upon the clouds; YAHWEH is HIS name.  Rejoice in HIS presence.

FATHER of orphans and protector of widows--such is our GOD in HIS holy dwelling.

HE gives shelter to the homeless, sets the prisoners free; but keeps the rebels in their jail."

- Psalm 68:2-3. 4-5. 6-7

(This is the most picturesque--and obscure--of all the psalms.  In the liturgy, it particularly celebrates the Ascension of CHRIST.  And no wonder: it is a hymn fit for the climax victory of GOD, fighting for HIS people and there is a wild joy, running through it.  GOD rides on the clouds but marches across the desert too.  HE feeds HIS starving people.  HE takes willing captives with HIM to HIS holy place on the hill; HIS might is in the skies.  In the same way, the Son of Man whose chariot was a cloud [Daniel 7:13, cf. Matthew 26:64] went on foot through the wilderness and fed HIS people there [John 6].  When HE ascended, HE took a host of 'captives' with HIM [Ephesians 4:8], and HIS power is felt from heaven, where HE is seated at the FATHER's right hand.

This psalm is adequate to celebrate our liberation, as we journey toward the Promised Land.) 

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We Shall Become The Perfect Creation

 "Therefore, I, the prisoner of CHRIST, invite you, to live the vocation you have received.  Be humble, kind, patient, and bear with one another in love.

Make every effort to keep, among you, the unity of spirit, through bonds of peace.  Let there be one body, and one Spirit, just as one hope is the goal of your calling by GOD.  One LORD, one faith, one baptism; one GOD, the FATHER of all, who is above all, and works through all, and is in all.

But to each of us, divine grace is given, according to the measure of CHRIST's gift.  Therefore, it is said: When HE ascended to the heights, HE brought captives and gave HIS gifts to people.

HE ascended, what does it mean, but, that HE had also descended to the lower parts of the world?  HE, HIMSELF, who went down, then ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.  As for HIS gifts, to some, HE gave to be apostles; to others, prophets, or even evangelists; or pastors and teachers.  So, HE prepared those who belong to HIM, for the ministry, in order to build up the Body of CHRIST, until we are all united, in the same faith and knowledge of the Son of GOD.  Thus, we shall  become the perfect Man, upon reaching maturity, and sharing the fullness of CHRIST." - Ephesians 4:1-13 

(Here, Paul returns to an important problem in communities where the style was still very free, we might say very charismatic, since the community counted on the unpredictable action of the Spirit through the charisms of different members.  It is necessary that all in their own vocation work for the building up of the one body.  Paul enthusiastically names all that we have in common through CHRIST and the action of the Spirit.  It is not merely a temple that is constructed [see 2:19-22]; it is the Body of CHRIST, of the Perfect Man, the mature one, in which CHRIST expresses HIS fulness.

JESUS of Nazareth lived humbly until HIS death only once, but having been made the Head of humanity through HIS resurrection, HE suffers everywhere; HE works in every field of human activity; gives HIS life in every possible way; HE gathers in HIMSELF every form of love, and lives the whole diversity of human existence in the person of HIS members.)

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As I Came From The FATHER, And Have Come Into The World, So I AM Leaving The World, And Going To The FATHER

 "'When that day comes you will not ask ME anything.  Truly, I say to you, whatever you ask the FATHER in MY name, HE will give you.  So far you have not asked for anything in MY name; ask, and receive, that your joy may be full.

I have taught you all these things in veiled language, but the time is coming when I shall no longer speak in veiled language, but will speak to you plainly about the FATHER.

When that day comes, you will ask in MY name; and it will; not be necessary for ME to ask the FATHER for you, for the FATHER HIMSELF loves you, because you have loved ME, and you believed that I came from the FATHER.  As I came from the FATHER, and have come into the world, so I AM leaving the world, and going to the FATHER.'" - John 16:23-28 

(I will speak to you plainly...  The naïve response of the apostles in verse 29 underlines by contrast what JESUS expressed in verse 25.  JESUS did not mean that HE would return in visible form to teach, not in parables,  but more clearly; JESUS referred rather to the spiritual knowledge of HIMSELF and HIS words that the disciples were to receive from the Spirit.

You will ask in MY name.  Through a spiritual knowledge of JESUS, the believers will know what they should ask of HIM and HE will give it to them.  In the same manner, they will know the things that GOD does not want to give, and because of that they will neither desire nor ask for them.)

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To The GOD Of Glory And Compassion: A Psalm Of Worship

 "Alleluia!

Praise, O servants of YAHWEH,

praise the name of YAHWEH!

Blessed be the name of YAHWEH

now and forever!

From eastern lands to the western islands,

may the name of YAHWEH be praised!

YAHWEH is exalted over the nations;

HIS glory above the heavens.

Who is like YAHWEH our GOD,

who sits enthroned on high,

but also bends down to see

on earth as in heaven?

HE lifts up the poor from the dust

and the needy from the ash heap.

HE makes them sit with princes,

with rulers of HIS people."

- Psalm 113: 1-2. 3-4. 5-6. 7-8

(The psalmist urges the people to offer praise to the Almighty LORD of heaven and earth.  GOD calls them HIS own height.

What distinguishes GOD from humans is not the infinity of HIS creation, but HIS way of being with us, HIS preference for what many despise.  GOD likes to choose poor instruments, to achieve HIS great deeds of grace.

Our GOD does not remain isolated in heaven.  HE has come down to earth.  HE has become one of us, identified with those who are helpless.  With the present psalm, let us exalt the Name of the LORD, great and sublime.)

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The Promise Of A New Presence

 "A little while, and you will see ME no more; and then a little while, and you will see ME.

Some of the disciples wondered, 'What does HE mean by, 'A little while, and you will not see ME; and then a little while, and you will see ME'?  And why did HE say, 'I go to the FATHER '?'  And they said to one another, 'What does HE mean by 'a little while'?  We don't understand.'

JESUS knew that they wanted to question HIM; so HE said to them, 'You are puzzled because I told you that in a little while you will see ME no more, and then a little while later you will see ME.

Truly, I say to you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices.  You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.'" - John 16:16-20 

(JESUS is in our midst, but to be aware of HIS presence requires faith.  HE HIMSELF said: "You will see ME because you live and I also live [14:19]."  It is not important that we feel HIS presence, what matters is to persevere in HIS ways.  In order to attain mature faith, it is necessary that we deprived of the consolation of HIS presence for more or less prolonged periods: a little while, and you will see ME no more.

For HIS disciples this happened for the first time at the moment of HIS death; later they saw HIM risen from the dead.  This will come true for us at the end of time, when we discover the glorious CHRIST whom we have awaited in faith.  No one should feel overconfident about feeling HIS presence, for example, after a conversion.  When everything seems easy, we should not look down on those who find it hard to believe or who have never felt the presence of GOD .  In a little while, perhaps, the LORD will leave us in darkness.

After JESUS rose from the dead, a real companionship would be established between HIM and HIS disciples: HE would speak to them clearly of the FATHER; they would ask in HIS name.)

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The Whole Of Creation Must Bend The Knee And Praise The 'Name Above Any Other Name'

 "Alleluia!  Praise YAHWEH from the heavens; praise HIM in the heavenly heights.

Praise HIM, all HIS angels; praise HIM, all HIS heavenly hosts.

Kings of the earth; and nations, princes and all rulers of the world; young men and maidens; old and young, together--let them praise the name of YAHWEH;

for HIS name alone is exalted; HIS majesty is above earth and heaven.

HE has given HIS people glory; HE has given a praise to HIS faithful, to Israel, the people close to HIM.  Alleluia.

- Psalm 148:1-2. 11-12. 13. 14

(The whole of creation resounds with the praise of GOD; the music begins in heaven, and from there passes down to earth and goes around the whole world.  But, at the center of it all, is the people of GOD.  For they are the beginning of a new creation, and through them, the whole world is to be recreated, to the greater glory of GOD.

The whole of creation [heavens, earth, and abyss] must bend the knee and praise the 'Name above any other name' [Philippians 2:9-10].  In order to pray with this psalm, we need to have an ecumenical heart, where everything and everyone finds room.  From heaven and from earth, there will be praise to GOD, in an only polyphonic choir.)

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A Miraculous Deliverance

 "So they set the crowd against them; and the officials tore the clothes off Paul and Silas and ordered them to be flogged.  And after inflicting many blows on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to guard them safely.  Upon receiving these instructions, he threw them into the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to GOD, and the other prisoners were listening.  Suddenly, a severe earthquake shook the place, rocking the prison to its foundations.  Immediately, all the doors flew open and the chains of all the prisoners fell off.  The jailer woke up to see the prison gates wide open.  Thinking that the prisoners had escaped, he drew his sword to kill himself, but Paul shouted to him, 'Do not harm yourself!  We are all still here.'

The jailer asked for a light, then rushed in, and fell at the feet of Paul and Silas.  After he had secured the other prisoners, he led them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'  They answered, 'Believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and you, and your household, will be saved.'  Then they spoke the word of GOD to him and to all his household.

Even in that hour of the night, the jailer took care of them and washed their wounds; and he, and his whole household, were baptized at once.  He led them to his house, spread a meal before them and joyfully celebrated with his whole household his new found faith in GOD." - Acts 16:22-34 

(In Roman jails there was a main room and in the center of the pavement a grill closed the opening through which the most dangerous prisoners were thrown into an underground cell.  They throw Paul and Silas there.  They are perfectly free in spite of their chains.  Though they have been beaten and are wounded, they feel like praising GOD.  In the silence of the night, the jailers and the other prisoners listen to them praying and singing hymns.

GOD is also listening.  How many similar episodes, wherever a witness of Christian freedom has been at the risk of one's life and liberty!

We who take the time, and rightly so to prepare for Baptism, might be surprised by this very swift Baptism of a whole family.  It could be said that it was a special case: let us stress also that all this happened in a very different world from our own.)

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The Spirit Will Come

 "From the FATHER, I will send you the Spirit of truth.  When this Helper has come from the FATHER, HE will be MY witness, and you, too, will be MY witnesses, for you have been with ME from the beginning." - John 15:26-27 

(The FATHER, the SON and the HOLY SPIRIT.  In making us children of HIS FATHER, JESUS enables us to discover the intimate mystery of GOD.  In  GOD there is communion among the three persons: the FATHER, the SON and their common SPIRIT.

We speak of their common Spirit, because JESUS said both: The FATHER will give you another Helper [14:16] and: The Helper which I will send you [15:26].  Now HE says: HE will take what is MINE and tell it to you: everything that the FATHER has is also MINE [16:15].

"The Spirit" is not a poetic figure:  it is Someone.  This has already been commented on [John 7:37; 14:1].

Starting from the day of Pentecost, the Spirit began to act in the Church, thus showing that HE was the Spirit of CHRIST.  The unbelieving Jews thought that GOD was with them, but in reality HIS Spirit did not act among them.  So it was clear that they had sinned [16:9] for not believing in CHRIST.)

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HE First Loved Us

 "This is love: not that we loved GOD, but that, HE first loved us and sent HIS Son, as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." - 1 John 4:10 

(HE first loved us: through HIS eternal predestination [Ephesians 1:4], the sending of HIS Son and through HIS sacrifice [Romans 5:8].  If we are authentically loving, we never feel superior nor that we have merits, as do those who boast of their good works.  We simply realize that the love of GOD works through us.)

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The Hostile World

 "If the world hates you, remember that the world hated ME before you.  This would not be so if you belonged to the world, because the world loves its own.  But you are not of the world, since I have chosen you from the world; because of this the world hates you.

Remember what I told you: the servant is not greater than his master; if they persecuted ME, they will also persecute you.  If they kept MY word, they will keep yours as well.  All this they will do to you on account of MY name, because they do not know the One who sent ME." - John 15:18-21 

(In spite of JESUS' having returned to HIS FATHER to initiate a more effective and universal presence among humankind, Satan continues to act with the power he has usurped.  The hatred of those who belong to Satan is directed against the believers and the Church.  Such helpers of Satan are called in John's Gospel: the world.

Believers are destined to be hated by the world.  It often happens that when a person begins to live in a more Christian and responsible way, she meets with opposition and hatred from her own family.  No one knows what has aroused the hatred, but the devil does, who moves everything to discourage us.

Even in the Church we find those who are of the world and believe that they are serving GOD [16:2] when they persecute the true disciples of CHRIST.  Some who identify themselves with what they consider "the interests of the Church" can even persecute, and at times with malice, those who are Gospel-minded.  In reality they know neither JESUS nor HIS FATHER.

When our hope does not come from GOD, trials discourage us; but when our hope is rooted in GOD, we are strengthened and remain steadfast.  In the parable of the vine, JESUS said: "MY FATHER prunes every branch that bears fruit so that it will bear more fruit.")

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In Time Of Danger: A National Lament

 "My heart is steadfast, O GOD; my heart is steadfast.  I will sing and make music.

Awake, my soul; awake, O harp and lyre!  I will wake the dawn.

I will give thanks to YOU, O YAHWEH, among the peoples; I will sing praise to YOU among the nations.

For YOUR love reaches to the heavens, and YOUR faithfulness, to the clouds.  Be exalted, O GOD, above the heavens!  Let YOUR glory be over all the earth!"

- Psalm 57:8-9. 10-12

(The vehemence of the psalmists is a constant surprise.  Heaven knows what some of them must have gone through.  Even their joy seems to shine through tears.  This individual lament, followed by thanksgiving, is similar in form and content to the preceding psalm and to many others.  Nevertheless, there is more triumphant joy in the conclusion.  The 'morning' in the psalm often stands for the dawning of new hope.  The psalmist is awake, shouting so loud, that the personified Dawn, that is relief, will have to come.

This psalm could be the prayer of the one who waits, with total trust, for calamities to end.  The glory of the Most High fills the earth.)

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As The FATHER Has Loved ME, So I Have Loved You

 "As the FATHER has loved ME, so I have loved you.  Remain in MY love!  You will remain in MY love if you keep MY commandments, just as I have kept MY FATHER's commandments and remain in HIS love.

I have told you all this, that MY own joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete." - John 15:9-11 

(After making it clear that we depend totally on HIM, JESUS repeats HIS commandment of love.  There is a necessary order in building the Christian life.

If from the start we say: We should love our neighbor because this is the only commandment, we will achieve nothing; because each one understands love in his own way, while not having as yet interiorized the thinking of CHRIST.  Moreover, we need to receive from the source of all love the ability to love selflessly.  CHRIST asks us to first share HIS thinking: that is what the expression, keep MY commandments means.  Thus we become HIS friends, knowing HIM as a person who loves us and acts in us.  Later we will produce the authentic fruit of love, whose source is CHRIST.)

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Greeting To Jerusalem: Pilgrimage Song

 "I rejoiced with those who said to me,

'Let us go to the house of YAHWEH!'

And now we have set foot

within your gates, O Jerusalem!

Jerusalem, just like a city,

where everything falls into place!

There, the tribes go up,

the tribes of YAHWEH, the assembly of Israel,

to give thanks to YAHWEH's name.

There stand the courts of justice,

the offices of the house of David." 

- Psalm 122:1-5

(Joy of the pilgrim who reaches his goal at last--Jerusalem, elected home of GOD, venerable in the tradition of Israel.  Here is a deep sense of homecoming and of pride in that home.  We of the world-wide 'Israel of GOD' have no city to house us all; we are 'of the household of the faith' [Galatians 6:10].  But we have the brothers and sisters whom JESUS promised to those in HIS company [Mark 9:30]; we have a home which we call 'the Church.'  It stands scarred with years of siege but, by GOD's grace, compact and dignified by the marks of resistance.  We may take pride in it because the strength of its walls is from GOD.  It will never have peace from without; let us pray and work for its peace within, which is 'the love of brethren.')

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If You Loved ME, You Would Be Glad That I Go To The FATHER, For The FATHER Is Greater Than I

 "Peace be with you!  MY peace I give to you; not as the world gives peace do I give it to you.  Do not be troubled!  Do not be afraid!  You heard ME say, 'I AM going away, but I AM coming to you.'  If you loved ME, you would be glad that I go to the FATHER, for the FATHER is greater than I.

I have told you this now before it takes place, so that when it does happen you may believe.  There is very little left for ME to tell you, for the prince of this world is at hand, although there is nothing in ME that HE can claim.  But see, the world must know that I love the FATHER, and that I do what the FATHER has taught ME to do.  Come now, let us go." - John 14:27-31 

(This does not contradict what John teaches throughout the whole Gospel about JESUS' divinity.  This is to be read together with 5:18; 10:30; 16:15, if we want to know something of the mystery of CHRIST, "true GOD," as spoken of in Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; and 1 John 5:20.

As early as the fourth century Saint Hilary, the great bishop and defender of the faith, wrote: "The FATHER is greater because of being the one who gives.  As HE gives the Son all that HE HIMSELF is, yet the Son is not inferior to the FATHER."

Moreover, it is characteristic of the Son to deny HIMSELF so that HE may give glory to the FATHER, until the FATHER gives HIM back "the glory HE had before" as said in 17:5 and 6:62.  Because of this the apostles, who have seen HIM as a man among humans in the time of HIS humiliation, should now rejoice.)

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Praise Of GOD, Creator And Lawgiver

 "The heavens declare the glory of GOD;

the firmament proclaims the work of HIS hands.

Day talks it over with day;

night hands on the knowledge to night.

No speech, no words, no voice is heard--

but the call goes on, throughout the universe,

the message is felt to the ends of the earth."

- Psalm 19:2-5

(The splendor of heaven gives us a glimpse of the glory of GOD.  We are also aware of HIS presence, when we meditate on HIS commandments, which are light and joy for the soul.

Romans 10:18 applies verse 4 of the psalm to the preaching of the Gospel.  This psalm is adequate to revise one's life in the presence of GOD in creation and in the Law.  JESUS in the Gospels has taught us how to pray.  If we add this psalm to our morning prayer, it will make us feel great and ready to start the day well.)

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Every Time Conscience Reproaches Us, Let Us Say: GOD Is Greater Than Our Conscience, And HE Knows Everything

 "My dear children, let us love, not only with words and with our lips, but in truth and in deed.

Then, we shall know that we are of the truth, and we may calm our conscience in HIS presence.  Every time it reproaches us, let us say: GOD is greater than our conscience, and HE knows everything.

When our conscience does not condemn us, dear friends, we may have complete confidence in GOD.  Then, whatever we ask, we shall receive, since we keep HIS commands and do what pleases HIM.

HIS command is, that we believe in the name of HIS Son JESUS CHRIST , and that, we love one another, as HE has commanded us.

Whoever keeps HIS commands remains in GOD and GOD in him.  It is by the Spirit GOD has given us, that we know HE lives in us." - 1 John 3:18-24 

(Every time it [conscience] reproaches us.  Doubtless John wishes to say that GOD knows and judges us better than we can ourselves.  HE does it with a love that is lacking in us.  We should beware of the guilt feelings for faults which we have regretted and doubtless repaired: this form of anguish encloses us within ourselves instead of turning to GOD who knows what to do with ruined lives and make them new again.

To believe in the name, that is to say, in the divinity of CHRIST.)

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I Have Set You As A Light To The Pagan Nations, So That You May Bring MY Salvation To The Ends Of The Earth

 "The following Sabbath almost the entire city gathered to listen to Paul, who spoke a fairly long time about the LORD.  But the presence of such a crowd made the Jews jealous.  So they began to oppose, with insults, whatever Paul said.

Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out firmly, saying, 'It was necessary, that GOD's word be first proclaimed to you, but since you now reject it, and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we turn to non-Jewish people.  For thus we were commanded by the LORD: I have set you as a light to the pagan nations, so that you may bring MY salvation to the ends of the earth.'

Those who were not Jews rejoiced, when they heard this, and praised the message of the LORD; and all those, destined for everlasting life, believed in it.  Thus the word spread, throughout the whole region.

Some of the Jews, however, incited GOD-fearing women of the upper class, and the leading men of the city, as well, and stirred up an intense persecution against Paul and Barnabas.  Finally, they had them expelled from their region.  The apostles shook the dust from their feet, in protest against this people, and went to Iconium, leaving; the disciples, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit." - Acts 13:44-52 

(All those destined for everlasting life.  This expression does not condemn those who have not believed.  It simply states that the coming to faith was a gift for those believers: GOD entered their life and made them bearers of a current of divine life that would transform the world [John 17:3].)

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The Messianic Kingship: Warning To Ruler And Nations

 "'Behold the king I have installed,

in Zion, upon MY holy hill!'

I will proclaim the decree of YAHWEH.

HE said to ME: 'YOU are MY son.

This day I have begotten YOU.

Ask of ME, and I will give YOU 

the nations for YOUR inheritance;

the ends of the earth, for YOUR possession.

YOU shall rule them with iron scepter

and shatter them as a potter's vase.'

Now therefore, learn wisdom, O kings;

be warned, O rulers of the earth.

Serve YAHWEH with fear

and fall at HIS feet;

lest HE be angry; and you perish

when HIS anger suddenly flares.

Blessed are all who take refuge in HIM!"

- Psalm 2:6-11

(Temple and palace stood side by side on Zion.  GOD's arm supported the scepter of the anointed Davidic king, HIS 'CHRIST'.  On this same hill our LORD declared HIMSELF both Temple and King--shrine of the Godhead and ruler of the world.  The earliest Church, therefore, seized upon our psalm: 'JESUS is the victorious anointed of David's stock' [Acts 4:25ff]; HE rules 'with an iron rod... and on HIS armor is written King of kings' [Revelation 19:15-16].  The victory is won not by this world's kings [by Antipas and Pilate], not by the 'princes' or leaders of Israel, but by the one they crucified [Acts 4:26-27] who initially was proclaimed: "YOU are MY Son.  This day I have begotten YOU" [Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5 and Luke 3:22].  The persecution of Christians and the passion of CHRIST are one and the same [Acts 4:29], and the victory of resurrection is equally assured.  On Christian lips, our psalm is a song of defiance of the spirit in the name of GOD and trust in our sure refuge.)

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