The Fate Of The Deceitful

 "Why boast of your wickedness, strong man?  Why boast all day long, that you are plotting crimes?

Your tongue is like a sharp razor; you love evil more than good, and falsehood more than truth.  You love words that inflict harm, O you deceitful tongue!

But GOD will bring you down forever; HE will snatch you; tear you away from your tent; HE will uproot you from the land of the living.

The good will know fear at the sight; they will say, concerning his fate:

'See the one who would not rely on GOD, but trusted in riches, and drew strength from wickedness.'"

- Psalm 52:3-9

(It is rare and somewhat unsettling, to find a psalmist denouncing an individual.  It is an embarrassment for public worship.  The only solution would seem to be to sing the psalm, as it were against oneself.  It is true that no word of GOD can be idle, but this does not mean to say that it speaks immediately to us.  It was enough for the psalmist to condemn the liar.  We have learnt to condemn only the lie.)

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The Day Of The LORD Will Come Like A Thief In The Night

 "You do not need anyone to write to you about the delay, and the appointed time for these events.  You know, that the day of the LORD will come like a thief in the night.  When people feel secure, and at peace, the disaster will suddenly come upon them, as the birth pangs of a woman in labor, and they will not escape.

But you, beloved, are not in darkness; so that day will not surprise you like a thief.  All of you are citizens of the light and the day; we do not belong to night and darkness.  Let us not, therefore, sleep as others do, but remain alert and sober.

For GOD has not willed us to be condemned, but to win salvation, through CHRIST JESUS, our LORD.  HE died for us, so that, we might enter into life, with HIM, whether we are still awake or already asleep.  Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another, as you are doing now." - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6. 9-11 

 (The Day of the LORD will come like a thief in the night: but believers are people of the light.  These words are rich in meaning.  Those who follow their evil desires are people of darkness, hiding to do evil.  While children of the light are beyond reproach, transparent before GOD and with nothing to hide from HIM.  The unbeliever sleeps and is off-guard while the believer keeps watch and stays awake: he likes to pray all night long until dawn as if waiting for the day to welcome CHRIST.  As for those who have died, they are not dead: they are only "asleep," ready to rise when the LORD comes.

Encourage one another and build up one another.  In this the Church is seen as the true community needed by believers so they can grow in faith and overcome trials.  In every difficulty, the help of the community will be the proof that we are surrounded by the love of GOD and of CHRIST, as was said in the first line of the letter.)

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What Gift Is Worthy Of Our GOD, Our King?

 "Sing to YAHWEH a new song,

sing to YAHWEH, all the earth!

Recall HIS glory among the nations,

tell all the peoples HIS wonderful deeds.

How great is YAHWEH and worthy of praise!

Above all gods, HE is to be feared.

For all other gods are worthless idols,

but YAHWEH is the one who made the heavens.

Let the heavens be glad, the earth rejoice;

let the sea and all that fills it resound;

let the fields exult and everything in them;

let the forest, all the trees, sing for joy.

Let them sing before YAHWEH 

who comes to judge the earth.

HE will rule the world with justice,

and the peoples, with fairness."

- Psalm 96:1. 3. 4-5. 11-12. 13

(What can we bring to GOD, the LORD of the world?  What gift is worthy of our GOD, our King?  Before anything else we bring HIM praise, adoration and delighted recognition of what HE is.  We proclaim the glory of the Creator, on behalf of all creation, and we wish our praise to resound throughout the whole of creation.)

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HE Gave Us Life

 "Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the FATHER of Light, in whom there is no change, or shadow of a change.  By HIS own will, HE gave us life, through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of offering to HIM, among HIS creatures.

So get rid of any filth, and reject the prevailing evil, and welcome the word that has been planted in you, and has the power to save you.

Be doers of the word, and not just hearers, lest you deceive yourselves.

In the sight of GOD, our FATHER, pure and blameless religion lies in helping the orphans, and widows in their need, and keeping oneself from the world's corruption." - James 1:17-18. 21-22. 27 

(The FATHER of Light in whom there is no change or shadow of a change.  Because we are inconsistent, James invites us to look to the FATHER who does not change and whole holiness and happiness are touched nothing.  What an amazing thing: in HIS eternity, the FATHER enjoys our presence, while we who live in time do not yet know how to focus on HIM.  We must acquire the same firmness and constancy that are in GOD.

HE gave us life.  This affirmation will be developed in 1 Peter 1.  It is a reminder of Baptism through which we received new life.  James draws this conclusion: we must keep the word of GOD, meditate on it to find out what it demands of us.  It is not enough to have improved our lives for a while in preparation for Baptism; we must persevere on the path of goodness.)

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Sing To The LORD A New Song

 "Sing to YAHWEH a new song, for HE has done wonders; HIS right hand, HIS holy arm, has won victory for HIM.

Let the sea resound and everything in it, the world and all its people.

Let rivers clap their hands, hills and mountains sing with joy before YAHWEH, for HE comes to rule the earth.  HE will judge the world with justice, and the peoples, with fairness.

- Psalm 98:1. 7-8. 9

(Sing to the LORD a new song.  Humanity has found the way to liberation and salvation.  It is in the coming of CHRIST, GOD-made-man and in HIS resurrection.

For the LORD came down to earth, showed us HIS love and also by HIS death and resurrection, the path to eternal salvation.)

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A Call To A Life Of Purity And Work

 "For the rest, brothers, we ask you, in the name of JESUS, the LORD, and we urge you, to live in a way that pleases GOD, just as you have learned from us.  This you do, but try to do still more.  You know the instructions we gave you on behalf of the LORD JESUS: the will of GOD for you is to become holy and not to have unlawful sex.

Let each of you behave toward his wife as holy and respectful husband, rather than being led by lust, as are pagans, who do not know GOD.  In this matter, let no one offend or wrong a brother.  The LORD will do justice in all things, as we have warned and shown you.  GOD has called us to live, not in impurity but in holiness, and those who do not heed this instruction disobey, not a human, but GOD, HIMSELF, who gives you HIS Holy Spirit." - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 

(If we have given ourselves to CHRIST, that should surely make our life different from what we lived before.  The Jews who accepted baptism had a solid moral basis in the laws of the Old Testament.  On the other hand, the pagans had only the moral laws observed in their society.  Chastity, among others, was completely foreign to them.  They considered occasional sexual relationships a necessity of nature, having nothing to do with moral values.

Paul reacts strongly: The will of GOD for you is to become holy and not to have unlawful sex.  Facing what humans consider demands of nature, are other demands due simply to the fact that GOD has called us and put us on the path to divinization [Paul says: sanctification].  Paul will take up the same argument in other words in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.  Here in verses 4-8, Paul is certainly thinking of adultery and relationships with prostitutes.  If he were living in our social context, he would surely include sexual freedom among youth.)

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Pondering The Brevity Of Life

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

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

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

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

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

Fill us at daybreak with YOUR goodness, that we may be glad all our days.

May the sweetness of YAHWEH be upon us; may HE prosper the work of our hands."

- Psalm 90:3-5. 12-13. 14. 17

(The plural pronouns surely indicate that this psalm was sung in community.  It hardly reads like a national song and the application is surely to the congregation as individuals.  The 'anger' and 'wrath' of GOD have been used before [cf. Psalm 6:21] as a description of the brevity and the pain of life.

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

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

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The Hound Of Heaven

 "Where else could I go from YOUR Spirit?

Where could I flee from YOUR presence?

YOU are there, if I ascend the heavens;

YOU are there, if I descend to the depths.

If I ride on the wings of the dawn,

and settle on the far side of the sea,

even there, YOUR hand shall guide me,

and YOUR right hand shall hold me safely.

Shall I say, 'Let darkness hide me,

I prefer the night as my light?'

But darkness, for YOU, is not dark;

and night, for YOU, shines as the day."

- Psalm 139:7-8. 9-10. 11-12

(Our thoughts may sweep and soar over the world, over the bewildering profusion of the galaxies, and know that GOD is there, wherever our mind's eye looks--and that HE is also in the depths of our own soul.)

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You Will See The Heavens Opened

 "Philip found Nathanael and said to him, 'We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law, and the prophets: HE is JESUS, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.'

Nathanael replied, 'Can anything good come from Nazareth?'  Philip said to him, 'Come and see.'  When JESUS saw Nathanael coming, HE said of him, 'Here comes an Israelite, a true one; there is nothing false in him.'  Nathanael asked HIM, 'How do you know me?'  And JESUS said to him, 'Before Philip called you, you were under the fig tree, and I saw you.'

Nathanael answered, 'Master, YOU are the Son of GOD!  YOU are the king of Israel!'  But JESUS replied, 'You believe because I said, 'I saw you under the fig tree.'  But you will see greater things than that.

Truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened, and the angels of GOD ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.'" - John 1:45-51 

(The two disciples recognized JESUS.  It would be more exact to say that JESUS recognized those whom the FATHER had entrusted to HIM.  Thus HE recognized Nathanael when he was under the fig tree.  Among the Jews, this expression referred to a teacher of the law engaged in teaching religion, since ordinarily they taught under the shade of a tree.  In the same way, JESUS recognized Simon whom the FATHER chose to be the first Rock of the Church [Matthew 16:13].)

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Woe To You, Teachers Of The Law And Pharisees, You Hypocrites!

 "But woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You shut the door to the kingdom of heaven in people's faces.  You, yourselves, do not enter it, nor do you allow others to do so...

Woe to you, blind guides!  You say: To swear by the temple is not binding; but, to swear by the gold of the temple is binding.  Foolish men!  Blind men!  Which is of more worth: the gold in the temple, or the temple which makes the gold a sacred treasure?  You say: To swear by the altar is not binding, but to swear by the offering on the altar is binding.  How blind you are!  Which is of more value: the offering on the altar, or the altar which makes the offering sacred?  Whoever swears by the altar, is swearing by the altar and by everything on it.  Whoever swears by the temple, is swearing by the temple, and by GOD, who dwells in the temple.  Whoever swears by heaven, is swearing by the throne of GOD, and by HIM, who is seated on it." - Matthew 23:13. 16-22 

(You shut the door to the kingdom of heaven.  Do not forget that "the kingdom of Heaven" means the kingdom of GOD.  Many teachers of the people of GOD are an obstacle on the path leading to the true knowledge of GOD the FATHER.  Even in the smallest village, the Jews had teachers of the Law but in fact, crowds came to JESUS to ask for what those priests and teachers did not give them.  How can we forget that even in the Church religious education is often limited to moral compartment and keeping within religious norms?  Hearing and constantly meditating on the word of GOD would have favored the awakening of great ambitions: the search for GOD and apostolic creativity.

You say: To swear by the treasure of the temple.  JESUS refers to the common practices in HIS time.  Some teachers found ways to get around certain oaths.  In that manner, clever people could swear falsely and deceive their opponents by swearing firmly without promising much.)

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It Is The Spirit That Gives Life, Not The Flesh

 "After hearing this, many of JESUS' followers said, 'This language is very hard!  Who can accept it?'

JESUS was aware that HIS disciples were murmuring about this, and so HE said to them, 'Does this offend you?  Then how will you react when you see the Son of Man ascending to where HE was before?  It is the spirit that gives life, not the flesh.  The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.  But among you there are some who do not believe.'

From the beginning, JESUS knew who would betray HIM.  So HE added, 'As I have told you, no one can come to ME unless it is granted by the FATHER.'

After this many disciples withdrew and no longer followed HIM.  JESUS asked the Twelve, 'Will you also go away?'  Peter answered HIM, 'LORD, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We now believe and know that you are the Holy One of GOD.'" - John 6:60-69 

(This language is very hard.   How could JESUS' listeners believe that HE, the "Son of Joseph," had come from GOD?  And today how can we believe that we need the Eucharist?  JESUS tells us why HE came:  The Son of GOD came down to us, so that later HE would ascend to where HE was before.  HE came from GOD to communicate to us the very life of GOD and then to bring us to the bosom of GOD [John 14.12].

It is the spirit that gives life, not the flesh.  JESUS spoke of giving us HIS flesh, but this should not be understood as a continuation of the Jewish religion, in which the meat of sacrificed animals was eaten.  In Hebrew culture, flesh and blood denote "the world below," where humankind moves and where one has no access to communication with GOD.  The Eucharist is different.  This is the body, or flesh, of the risen CHRIST transformed by the Spirit, which acts in us spiritually and brings us into communion with GOD.

LORD, to whom shall we go?  Many of JESUS' followers left but, in the name of those who remained, Peter pledged his fidelity [see also Matthew 16:13].)

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A Pilgrimage Song

 "Blessed are you who fear YAHWEH

and walk in HIS ways.

You will eat the fruit of your toil;

you will be blessed and favored.

Your wife, like a vine,

will bear fruits in your home;

your children, like olive shoots,

will stand around your table.

Such are the blessings bestowed

upon the man who fears YAHWEH.

May YAHWEH praise you from Zion.

May you see Jerusalem prosperous

all the days of your life."

- Psalm 128:1-2. 3. 4-5

(With sound instinct, it asks GOD, for a Jerusalem of GOD-fearing, happy homes.  Men and women have their own part in building it--our psalm complements its predecessor's emphasis upon GOD's prevailing work.  But what is Jerusalem to us?  The new Jerusalem for which we pray is 'the Church of the firstborn' [Hebrews 12:23].  In her, the promises of the Old Testament are fulfilled and its prayers made sublime: it is around 'the table of the LORD that the Spouse of CHRIST seats her ever-growing family [1 Corinthians 10:21; Ephesians 5:32].  Pray GOD for the happiness and peace of HIS family.)

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Praise Of GOD's Fidelity

 "Blessed are they whose help is the GOD of Jacob,

whose hope is in YAHWEH their GOD,

maker of heaven and earth,

the sea and all they contain.

YAHWEH is forever faithful;

HE gives justice to the oppressed

and gives food to the hungry.

YAHWEH sets the prisoners free.

YAHWEH gives sight to the blind;

YAHWEH straighten the bent.

YAHWEH protects the stranger;

sustains the widow and the orphan.

YAHWEH loves the virtuous;

but HE brings to ruin the way of the wicked.

YAHWEH will reign forever,

your GOD, O Zion,

from generation to generation.  Alleluia!"

- Psalm 146:5-6. 6-7. 8-9. 9-10

(The Almighty GOD is at our service: the Almighty, the only mighty; we cannot take out a second insurance--we must rely on HIM only, cast all our cares on the LORD, for HE cares for us.

GOD shows the faithfulness of HIS love, for all those who are weak and inclined to seek their salvation in the powerful.  Also, for those who are in a situation of disadvantage because of others [oppressed, hungry, or captive] or because of illness [blind or fainting] or because of other circumstances of life [migrants, orphans and widows] benefit from the loving faithfulness of GOD.  The programmatic discourse of JESUS, in the synagogue of Nazareth: 'HE has sent ME to give Good News to the poor, to announce freedom to prisoners...' [cf. Luke 4:17-22], updates the theme of this psalm.  Human projects could be ambitious and challenging; they will not annul the divine project, however.  If we trust totally in GOD, if we truly believe HIM, we can pray with this psalm.  GOD is the one who liberates the poor.  The more we are convinced of this, the more shall we try to share the LORDS's thoughts, placing our lives at the service of the marginalized, the hungry and the humiliated.)

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Jephthah's Daughter

 "The Spirit of YAHWEH came upon Jephthah.  He went through Gilead and Manasseh, passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and then entered the territory of the Ammonites.

Jephthah made a vow to YAHWEH: 'If YOU make me victorious, I shall sacrifice to YOU whoever first comes out of my house to meet me when I return from battle.  He shall be for YAHWEH and I shall offer him up through the fire.'

Jephthah crossed the territory of the Ammonites to fight against them, and YAHWEH gave him victory.  He pursued them from the city of Aroer to the entrance of Minnith and Abel Keramim, seizing twenty towns. So he defeated the Ammonites.

When Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, his daughter came out to meet him.  She was so happy to see her father that she danced to the sound of her tambourine.  She was an only child; besides her he had no other daughter or son.

When Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and cried out, 'My daughter, you have shattered me; you have brought me misfortune.  For I have made a foolish vow to YAHWEH, and now I cannot take it back.'  She answered him, 'Father, even if you have made such a foolish vow, you have to do to me just as you promised, for YAHWEH has avenged you and crushed your enemies.  I only beg of you to give me two months to live with my companions in the mountains.  There I shall lament because I will never marry.'  Jephthah said to her, 'Go then.'  And he sent her away for two months.  She and her companions went to the mountains and wept because she would never marry.

At the end of two months, she returned to her father and he fulfilled the vow he had made.  The young girl had never known a man.  From this comes the Israelite custom..." - Judges 11:29-39 

(Scripture relates Jephthah's vow without commentary.  It is considered as the lamentation error of a hero.)

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The Messiah Is Crowned With "Glory And Dignity" And HE Has Been Glorified

 "The king rejoices in YOUR strength, O YAHWEH, and exults in YOUR saving help.

YOU have granted him his desire; YOU have not rejected his request.

YOU have come to him with rich blessings; YOU have placed a golden crown upon his head.

When he asked, YOU gave him life--length of days forever and ever.

He glories in the victory YOU gave him; YOU shall bestow on him splendor and majesty.

YOU have given him eternal blessings, and gladdened him with the joy of YOUR presence."

- Psalm 21:2-3. 4-5. 6-7

(This is another psalm that requires transposition.  But now, the victory is won and we think of the ascended CHRIST, in HIS immortal and glorified body.  But the war is not over yet: the spoils have to be safely guarded in.  CHRIST has not retired to enjoy HIS triumph.  HE sits at the right hand of GOD, but GOD is everywhere.  So CHRIST is still Emmanuel, GOD with us.  HE is much more with us because the restrictions of space and time, have been taken from HIS body.  This indeed is what the Ascension means: not a going but a more powerful coming, not a withdrawal but an active presence.  So we have no reason to fear!  GOD is in charge and need we look for more?  For all this, our psalm is a great thanksgiving song.

The Messiah is crowned with "glory and dignity" [Hebrews 2:9] and HE has been glorified [John 13:31].  With this psalm, we thank GOD for the blessings received and we enkindle our trust in HIM.)

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It Will Be Hard For One Who Is Rich To Enter The Kingdom Of Heaven

 "JESUS said to HIS disciples, 'Truly I say to you: it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Yes, believe ME: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for the one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.'

On hearing this, the disciples were astonished and said, 'Who, then, can  be saved?'  JESUS looked at them and answered, 'For human beings it is impossible, but for GOD all things are possible.'

Then Peter spoke up and said, 'YOU see, we have given up everything to follow YOU.  What, then, will there be for us?'

JESUS answered, 'You, who have followed ME, listen to MY words: on the Day of Renewal, when the Son of Man sits on HIS throne in glory, you, also, will sit, on twelve thrones, to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.  As for those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or property for MY Name's sake, they will receive a hundredfold, and be given eternal life.  Many who are now first, will be last, and many who are now last, will be first.'" - Matthew 19:23-30 

(Finally there is the question that bothers us most for all that touches money affects us deeply, and it is there that the Gospel shocks us: it is easier for a camel...

The call of the rich young man has always been considered the model of the religious, apostolic vocation.  Without effective, voluntary poverty a person will never attain union with GOD that is the goal of the true religious.  Besides, as long as the apostles share the life of comfortable people, they will be able to be their friends but they will never have deep conversions nor will they during this time reach the immense world of the poor.

The problem of poverty is also at the heart of the family in today's world: for the greater number, believers or non-believers, the joys and blessings that GOD showers on a large family will only be given to those who have ceased to evaluate everything according to the criteria of money and security.)

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Why Do You Ask ME About What Is Good?

 "It was then, that a young man approached HIM and asked, 'Master, what good work must I do to receive eternal life?'  JESUS answered, 'Why do you ask ME about what is good?  One, only, is good.  If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments.'  The young man said, 'Which commandments?'  JESUS replied, 'Do not kill; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and mother.  And love your neighbor as yourself.'

The young man said to HIM, 'I have kept all these commandments.  What do I still lack?'  JESUS answered, 'If you wish to be perfect, go, sell all that you possess, and give the money to the poor; and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come back and follow ME.'

On hearing this, the young man went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth." - Matthew 19:16-22 

(JESUS faces a question.  HE discloses three aspects and gives three answers:

One only is good.  This man has been captivated by the personality of JESUS, and JESUS, as always, directs him to the FATHER.  There is, in fact, a distortion to Christian faith, dangerous as it is subtle: to speak only of JESUS: "JESUS sees..." "JESUS loves you..." "JESUS is love..." as if we were not living for GOD.  Love of the FATHER means wanting to be perfect as the FATHER is and working for HIS kingdom.  First of all it needs to be free, and the rich can only be free through voluntary poverty.

This man also wanted to know how to receive eternal life [the text says in Hebrew style "to have in heritage"] and JESUS will clearly state at the end, that even if we obey the commandments, we do not "merit" eternal life: salvation is always a gift of GOD.)  

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CHRIST Gave Us The Way

 "But no, CHRIST has been raised from the dead, and HE comes before all those who have fallen asleep.  A human being brought death; a human being also brings resurrection of the dead.  For, as in Adam all die, so, in CHRIST, each one in his own time: first CHRIST, the CHRIST's people, when HE comes.

Then, the end will come, when CHRIST delivers the kingdom to GOD the FATHER, after having destroyed every rule, authority and power.  For HE must reign and put all enemies under HIS feet.  The last enemy to be destroyed will be death.  As Scripture says: GOD has subjected everything under HIS feet.

When we say that everything is put under HIS feet, we exclude, of course, the FATHER, who subjects everything to HIM." - 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 

(Whoever shares the faith of the apostles has accepted Resurrection as a fact.  Paul immediately goes to the consequences for us: shall we also enter another life?

For as in Adam all die.  The myths of various religions in the past projected onto some mysterious personage our own condition, but were unable to do more than give a meaning to life.  They could not change it.  Faith instead tells us that the Son-of-GOD-made-human has lived among us and lived for all of us.  Let us leave aside our individualistic vision in which each one sees no more than his own destiny: for GOD the entire venture of creation and salvation is that of Adam, one and multiple at the same time.  JESUS who HIMSELF Man has lived it fully for us all.

Then the end will come, when CHRIST delivers the kingdom to GOD the FATHER.  Here again, let us leave aside simplistic images.  Let us remember that there is only one GOD.  Here, the Son is the word of GOD made flesh who has taken on HIS shoulders the whole history of humankind.  HE who is eternally returning to the FATHER from whom HE is born brings to the eternity of GOD all creation.  There will not be a re-beginning of history.  GOD will be all in all, we will receive GOD from GOD and we will have all, finally becoming ourselves.  That, surely, surpasses all we could have imagined, but Paul adds: The last enemy to be destroyed will be death.  John will say the same in Revelation [21:4].)

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JESUS And The Children

 "Then little children were brought to JESUS, that HE might lay HIS hands on them and pray for them.  But the disciples scolded those who brought them.  JESUS then said, 'Let the children be!  Don't hinder them from coming to ME ; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are humble, like these children.'  JESUS laid HIS hands on them and went away." - Matthew 19:13-15 

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

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

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JESUS Speaks About Divorce

 "Some Pharisees approached HIM.  They wanted to test HIM and asked, 'Is a man allowed to divorce his wife for any reason he wants?'

JESUS replied, 'Have you not read, that, in the beginning, the Creator made them male and female?  And the Creator said, 'Therefore, a man shall leave father and mother, and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one body.  So, they are no longer two, but one body.  Let no one separate what GOD has joined.'

They asked HIM, 'Then why did Moses command us to write a bill of dismissal in order to divorce?'  JESUS replied, 'Moses knew the hardness of your hearts, so he allowed you to divorce your wives; but it was not so in the beginning.  Therefore, I say to you:  whoever divorces his wife, unless it be for immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.'

The disciples said, 'If that is the condition of a married man, it is better not to marry.'  JESUS said to them, 'Not everybody can accept what you have just said, but only those who have received this gift.  There are eunuchs born so, from their mother's womb.  Some have been made that way by others.  But there are some who have given up the possibility of marriage, for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.  Let the one who can accept it, accept it.'" - Matthew 19:3-12 

(Every human society has had its laws on marriage, and it was the same for Israel.  There was then a law on divorce, in harmony with the difference of status accorded by society to man and woman; it was in Scripture [Deuteronomy 24:1].  JESUS does not want to be involved in the discussions of teachers and interpreters of the law: HE opposes this law with another word of Scripture which presents GOD's point of view regarding human attitudes which HE tolerates.

In doing this JESUS shows how HE brings the Law to "perfection" [5:17], but clearly this "Law of GOD" can only be heard by those who have received the Spirit from JESUS, a fact that is emphasized in the reaction of the disciples.

Better not to marry.  JESUS does not apologize for these demanding words.  HE only proposes something more difficult to understand.  HE praises those to whom have been given to choose celibacy as a way of life for love of the kingdom.)

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The Wonders Of The Exodus: The One True GOD

 "Alleluia!

When Israel came out of Egypt,

the family of Jacob,

from a people of foreign language,

Judah became HIS Sanctuary;

Israel, HIS possession.

At HIS sight, the sea fled

and the Jordan retreated;

the mountains skipped like rams,

the hills frolicked like lambs.

Why is it, sea, that you flee?

Jordan, that you turn back?

Mountains, that you skip like rams?

Hills, that you frolic like lambs?"

- Psalm 114: 1-2. 3-4. 5-6

(Our GOD is not a helpless idol.  HE is the living GOD--alive and in constant activity.  That we are alive is the result of HIS action.  As if the river were to run backwards, as if the solid mountains were to jump up and down--so astonishing it is that GOD should come to people, to make them share HIS life.

The exit from Egypt and the entrance into the Promised Land is the basic creed of Israel.  With this hymn, we can celebrate the core of our faith: the passing, the Passover of the LORD.  The wonders of GOD are also seen in JESUS, at he wedding feast in Cana where water was changed into wine in John 2:9 and in Mark 14:24, JESUS changed wine into HIS Blood.  And to date the miracle continues to take place in the Eucharist.)

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No Prophet Like Moses Has Appeared Again

 "

From the barren plain of Moab, Moses went up to Mount Nebo, to the summit of Pisgah, opposite Jericho.  And YAHWEH showed him all the Land: from Gilead to Dan, the whole of Naphtali, the land of Ephraim, and of Manasseh, the whole land of Judah, as far as the Western Sea, the Negeb, the Plains, the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar.  And YAHWEH said to him: 'This is the land about which I swore to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, promising it to their descendants.  I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you shall not enter it.'

Moses, the servant of GOD, died there in the land of Moab, according to the will of YAHWEH.  They buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but to this very day, no one knows where his tomb is.

Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died.  He did not lose his vigor and his eyes still saw clearly.  The children of Israel mourned for him in the plains of Moab for thirty days.  But Joshua, son of Nun, was full of the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands upon him.  The children of Israel obeyed him and did as YAHWEH had commanded Moses.

No prophet like Moses has appeared again.  YAHWEH conversed with him face to face.  What signs and wonders he worked in Egypt against Pharaoh, against his people and all his land!  He displayed great power and awesome might in view of all Israel!" - Deuteronomy 34:1-12 

(The book concludes with the death of Moses.  There is something grandiose in this solitary end of the leader and founder of Israel.  GOD had separated him from his people, when HE shared HIS secrets with him and gave him his own authority.  Moses alone had to  bear the responsibility and the burden of Israel before GOD, to the point of becoming identified with Israel.

No prophet like Moses has appeared again.  All our faith is affirmed in the revelation of the only GOD to Moses and in the election of Israel under his leadership.  However, this does not mean that revelation ceased.  Israel knows that no prophet has appeared though they continue to expect a prophet like him 18:15].  This means that faith is not locked in the faithfulness to a book, even if such a book is the Old Testament.  GOD's people continued to discover the ways of GOD and the contemporaries of JESUS had to see in HIM the expected "Prophet."  As for us, our faith is also rooted in the faith of the Church and, with the Church, we discover everyday the teaching of the Spirit.)

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The Law For All Life That Will Be Fruitful

 "Truly, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.

Those who love their life destroy it, and those who despise their life in this world save it even to everlasting life.

Whoever wants to serve ME, let him follow ME; and wherever I AM, there shall MY servant be also.  If anyone serves ME, the FATHER will honor him." - John 12:24-26 

(Unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies.  JESUS will die and the universal Church will be born.  JESUS allows HIS lifeless body to be laid in the earth; on rising from the tomb, HIS same body, now glorified, will also embrace the believers united to HIM.  The life that is now HIS will be communicated to all the children of GOD.

Unless the grain dies.  This is the law for all life that will be fruitful [Mark 8:34].  The first believers were already saying: "The blood of the martyrs is a seed.")

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The Temple Tax

 "When they returned to Capernaum, the temple tax collectors came to Peter and asked him, 'Does your master pay the temple tax?'  He answered, 'Yes.'

Peter then entered the house; and immediately, JESUS asked him, 'What do you think, Simon?  Who pay taxes or tribute to the kings of the earth: their sons or strangers and aliens?'  Peter replied, 'Strangers and aliens.'  And JESUS told him, 'The sons, then, are tax-free.  But, so as not to offend these people, go to the sea, throw in a hook, and open the mouth of the first fish you catch.  You will find a coin in it.  Take the coin and give it to them for you and for ME.'" - Matthew 17:24-27 

(All the Jews paid a tax for the maintenance of the temple.

The collectors approached Peter as owner of the house where JESUS also lives.

JESUS observes the law, but takes this opportunity to give a hint as to who HE is: the collectors do not realize they are addressing "the Son."  Notice how the LORD has control over all creatures even fish, and see also HIS intimate solidarity with Peter.

The coin mentioned in verse 27 was worth the temple tax.  Matthew may have had a special interest for this story because at the time he wrote Christians of Jewish origins were wondering whether they should be still paying this tax.)

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Do Not Sadden The Holy Spirit

 "Do not sadden the Holy Spirit of GOD, who you were marked with.  HE will be your distinctive mark on the day of salvation.  Do away with all quarreling, rage, anger, insults and every kind of malice: be good and understanding, forgiving one another, as GOD forgave you, in CHRIST.

As most beloved children of GOD, strive to imitate HIM.  Follow the way of love, the example of CHRIST, who loved you.  HE gave HIMSELF up for us, and became the offering and sacrificial victim, whose fragrance rises to GOD." - Ephesians 4:30-5:2 

(Do not sadden the Holy Spirit.  It is easy to understand this expression if we think of the sadness we feel each time we reject a good idea, a desire to do  better: sadness of the "Holy Spirit" who suggested it in the first place, sadness of our own spirit, for it knows what we have lost.

Here are a few elements of a new way to live, as was already shown in the previous verses.

To imitate GOD [Romans 5:6-11] who loves everyone, the good and the bad [Matthew 5:48].  In a more tangible way we have a model in CHRIST, the Son of GOD, who gave HIMSELF out of love for us, as the way, the light and life.)

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JESUS Heals An Epileptic Boy

 "When they came to the crowd, a man approached JESUS, knelt before HIM and said, 'Sir, have pity on my son, who is an epileptic and suffers terribly.  He has often fallen into the fire, and at other times into the water.  I brought him to YOUR disciples but they could not heal him.'

JESUS replied, 'O you people, faithless and misled!  How long must I be with you?  How long must I put up with you?  Bring him here to ME.'  And JESUS commanded the evil spirit to leave the boy, and the boy was immediately healed.

Later, the disciples approached JESUS and asked HIM privately, 'Why couldn't we drive out the spirit?'  JESUS said to them, 'Because you have little faith.  I say to you: if only you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could tell; that mountain to move from here to there, and the mountain would obey.  Nothing would be impossible for you.'" - Matthew 17:14-20 

(All things are possible for one who believes.  JESUS has gone back to the crowd and again HE meets with human unbelief.  The prayer of the child's father would be a model for all Christian prayer.  If we turn to GOD in prayer, it is because we have faith; and yet in doing this we discover the poverty and the fragility of our faith.

Why couldn't we drive out the spirit?  The apostles wonder: did JESUS not give them power over the demons?  They are not aware of their lack of faith and easily forget how far they are from their Master.  To them are directed the sharp words of JESUS: You, faithless people!  How many people think they are great believers when, in fact their faith has still not  moved anything!).

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The Foundation Of Faith

 "Indeed, what we taught you about the power, and the return of CHRIST JESUS our LORD, was not drawn from myths or formulated theories.  We, ourselves, were eyewitnesses of HIS majesty, when HE received glory and honor from GOD, the FATHER, when, from the magnificent glory, this most extraordinary word came upon HIM: 'This is MY beloved Son, this is MY Chosen One.'  We, ourselves, heard this voice from heaven, when we were with HIM on the holy mountain.

Therefore, we believe most firmly in the message of the prophets, which you should consider rightly, as a lamp shining in a dark place, until the break of day, when the Morning Star shines in your hearts." - 2 Peter 1:16-19 

(What we taught you... was not drawn from myths or formulated theories.  Faith is not based on reasons and theories.  We believe in what the apostles saw and in the prophets' words.  It is true that through the centuries the understanding of the consequences of faith has developed, situating it within the realities of life; there has also been a constant effort to express what faith is in the language of our day.  Nevertheless we continue holding and believing the mystery of CHRIST in the way the apostles believed and understood it.

The last sentence clearly says what we find in Scripture: all that is there was said on behalf of GOD and all is the work of the Holy Spirit.  It does not say that the Holy Spirit dictated the books nor that HE granted revelations to all the authors.  One same Spirit guided all when each author wrote in his own style, and according to the custom of the time, what seemed good to write.  Each author was aware that he was expressing the faith of HIS people, but was not necessarily conscious that he was inspired.  Yet the Spirit arranged  everything so that all the books make one whole that becomes a unique witness needed by humankind in every age.  The Scripture is at the same time the work of the Holy Spirit and human literature in the language of a particular age.)

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JESUS Predicts HIS Death

 "From that day, JESUS began to make it clear to HIS disciples that HE must go to Jerusalem; that HE would suffer many things from the Jewish authorities, the chief priests and the teachers of the law; and that HE would  be killed and be raised on the third day.

Then Peter took HIM aside and began to reproach HIM, 'Never, LORD!  No, this must never happen to YOU!'  But HE turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind ME, Satan!  You are an obstacle in MY path.  You are thinking not as GOD does, but as people do.'" - Matthew 16:21-23 

(JESUS had to suffer, because this is the fate of sinners.  HE had to suffer and be rejected by the authorities, because this is the destiny of those who proclaim the truth.  HE had to freely go to HIS death because self-sacrifice is the only means for the salvation of the world.

Get behind ME, Satan... When Peter stands in front of JESUS to block the way to the cross, JESUS recognizes in HIS words the same spirit that tempted HIM in the desert.  JESUS calls him Satan, meaning tempter.  Let Peter get behind JESUS and follow HIM as is proper for a disciple.)

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The Faith Of The Canaanite Woman

 "Leaving that place, JESUS withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  A Canaanite woman from the area, came and cried out, 'LORD, Son of David, have pity on me!  My daughter is tormented by a demon.'  But JESUS did not answer her, not even a word.  So HIS disciples approached HIM and said, 'Send her away!  See how she is shouting after us.'

Then JESUS said to her, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel.'

But the woman was already kneeling before JESUS, and said, 'Sir, help me!'  JESUS answered, 'It is not right to take the bread from the children and throw it to puppies.'  The woman replied, 'That is true, sir, but even puppies eat the crumbs which fall from their master's table.'  Then JESUS said, 'Woman, how great is your faith!  Let it be as you wish.'  And her daughter was healed at that moment." - Matthew 15:21-28 

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

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GOD's Command And Human Tradition

 "Then, some Pharisees, and teachers of the law, who had come from Jerusalem, gathered around JESUS.  And they said to HIM, 'Why don't YOUR disciples follow the tradition of the elders?  For they, they don't wash their hands before eating.'

JESUS then called the people to HIM, and said to them, 'Listen and understand: What enters into the mouth does not make a person unclean.  What defiles a person is what comes out of his mouth.'

After a while the disciples gathered around JESUS and said, 'Do YOU know that the Pharisees were offended by what YOU said?'  JESUS answered, 'Every plant which MY heavenly FATHER has not planted shall be uprooted.  Pay no attention to them!  They are blind, leading the blind.  When a blind person leads another, the two will fall into a pit.'" - Matthew 15:1-2. 10-14 

(They don't wash their hands.  The Pharisees uphold something that is excellent and which we ourselves practice.  JESUS' vision, however, goes further: all these good customs and religious practices [feasts and meditations included] easily become a smoke screen, hiding the essential from us: a constant readiness to listen to GOD's call, a simple trust in HIS mercy which alone can save us.

Using only human criteria, human societies are not able to distinguish good from evil.

For the Jewish people, the worship of GOD was everything and they felt very much concerned about exactly who and what things were worthy of being part of this worship.  Thus they made a distinction between the clean and the unclean.  JESUS shows that true purity is that of the heart.

It could be that the code for correct behavior in our society and its numerous goodwill institutions be just a modern way of distinguishing the pure and the impure.  In the Church itself, in past centuries, there has been a tendency to attribute to sacred ministers a "purity" that reserved to them the handling of sacred things.  It is one of the reasons why in the Middle Ages Communion was not given in the hand, as had been the custom for over ten centuries.)

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GOD Keeps HIS Promise

 "'But MY people did not listen;

Israel did not obey.

So I gave them over to their stubbornness

and they followed their own counsels.

If only MY people would listen,

if only Israel would walk in MY ways,

I would quickly subdue their adversaries

and turn MY hand against their enemies.

Those who hate YAHWEH would cringe before HIM,

and their panic would last forever.

I would feed you with the finest wheat 

and satisfy you with honey from the rock.'"

- Psalm 81:12-13. 14-15. 16-17

(This psalm urges us to listen to the voice of the LORD, because idols are with us, even today.  'We lack dynamism to evangelize and change the world: this is because, we still have idols even in our apostolic planning.  GOD HIMSELF in the Transfiguration tells in Matthew 17:5, 'This is MY Son, the Beloved, MY Chosen One.  Listen to HIM.'

GOD keeps HIS promise.  If only we would listen, we would have food for body and soul.)

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The Self According To GOD

 "I say to you, then, and with insistence I advise you, in the LORD: do not imitate the pagans, who live an aimless kind of life.

But it is no for this, that you have followed CHRIST.  For, I suppose, that you heard of HIM, and received HIS teaching, which is seen in JESUS HIMSELF.  You must give up your former way of living, the old self, whose deceitful desires bring self-destruction.  Renew yourselves, spiritually, from inside, and put on the new self, or self, according to GOD, that is created in true righteousness and holiness." - Ephesians 4:17. 20-24 

(The old self and the new self.  This image of Paul opposes two kinds of life that co-exist in every society and in a certain sense, in each of us.  Conversion has not installed us in a state of perfection; even if we are at peace with GOD in a very real sense [Romans 5:1] unity is not in us.  We experience temptation and struggle; our decisions both small and great lead us in one of two directions, either the old self hopelessly ruined and a slave of selfishness, or a person transfigured by love.

The self according to GOD.  GOD created Man in HIS image, but the one who is truly this image is the risen CHRIST, conqueror of sin and of death.  Here, as elsewhere in Scripture, Man is both the CHRIST and humanity at the same time,  and it is each one of us at our place in the "Body."  All that we admire in CHRIST is also for our benefit.

The white garment that adults put on at baptism denotes the change of life that they are beginning.  This renewal may also take place after a retreat or when GOD unexpectedly makes us abandon a routine Christian life devoid of ambition.  Then we put on CHRIST with rediscovered faith.

Paul immediately points out some of the moral requirements of this daily renewal: frankness, sobriety, cleanliness of language and imagination.  Christian faith does not allow us to live in a carefree way, as did the oriental religions in the time of Paul.  There much was said about renaissance and knowledge of mysteries, but nothing about the slavery of sex and the evil of social life.

Old self, new self correspond with other expressions of Paul: "according to the flesh" or "according to the Spirit" [Romans 8:5]; "children of darkness" or "children of light" [Ephesians 5:8]; "slaves of sin" or "persons free in CHRIST" [Galatians 5:1].)

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