Publicans

 "As JESUS moved on from there, HE saw a man named Matthew, at his seat in the custom-house; and HE said to him, 'Follow ME!'  And Matthew got up and followed HIM.  Now it happened, while JESUS was at table in Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners joined JESUS and HIS disciples.  When the Pharisees saw this, they said to HIS disciples, 'Why is it, that your master eats with sinners and tax collectors?'

When JESUS heard this, HE said, 'Healthy people do not need a doctor, but sick people do.  Go, and find out what this means: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice.  I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" - Matthew 9:9-13 

(To enter the family of GOD, we must change some of our values.  This conversion is not as conspicuous as participation in devotional practices but is much more valuable.  First, we must liberate ourselves from prejudices by which we classify people.  Let us stop dividing people into good or bad; those we can greet and those we cannot; those we can love and help and those we cannot.  Let us learn that GOD does not hate the rich or the uneducated, those on the left or those on the right, for GOD's merciful plan sees to the salvation of all.)

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The Son Of Man Has Power On Earth To Forgive Sins

 "JESUS got back into the boat, crossed the lake again, and came to HIS hometown.  Here, they brought to HIM a paralyzed man, lying on a bed.  JESUS saw their faith and said to the paralytic, 'Courage MY son!  Your sins are forgiven,'

Some teachers of the law said within themselves, 'This man insults GOD.'  JESUS was aware of what they were thinking; and said, 'Why have you such evil thoughts?  Which is easier to say: 'Your sins are forgiven' or 'Stand up and walk'?  But that you may know, that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins,' HE said to the paralyzed man, 'Stand up!  Take your stretcher and go home!'  The man got up, and went home.

When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe, and praised GOD for giving such power to human beings." - Matthew 9:1-8 

(They praised GOD for giving such power to human beings.  This formula is rather clumsy.  The crowd is astonished to see how GOD's saving power is manifest among people, and through a man, JESUS.  Matthew has no wish to separate the Church from CHRIST: every Christian community received the gifts of GOD for healing and reconciliation.  It is known that the ministers of the Church have special authority to pardon, but the grace of GOD also flows in many other very different channels [1 Corinthians 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11].  When we establish relations of mercy and trust, and accept fraternal correction humbly, when there is mutual forgiveness between spouses, CHRIST is the one who forgives and pardons, and what is forgiven among us on earth, is forgiven in heaven [Matthew 18:18].)

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Peter's Faith; JESUS Promises

 "After that, JESUS came to Caesarea Philippi.  HE asked HIS disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?'  They said, 'For some of them, YOU are John the Baptist; for others Elijah, or Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.'

JESUS asked them, 'But you, who do you say I AM?'  Peter answered, 'YOU are the Messiah, the Son of the living GOD.'  JESUS replied, 'It is well for you, Simon Barjona, for it is not flesh or blood that has revealed this to you, but MY FATHER in heaven.

And now I say to you: You are Peter; and on this Rock I will build MY Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it.

I will give you the keys of the of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you unbind on earth shall be unbound in heaven.'" - Matthew 16:13-19 

(One parable of the kingdom of GOD already foretold the Church [Matthew 13:31-33].  This present text openly refers to the Church:

        - it tells us what its foundation is: faith in JESUS, the CHRIST and Son of GOD;

        - it focuses on the primacy of Peter among all the apostles;

        - it suggests that the Church will always need a visible head.  This is the successor of Peter, the pope.

Faith in the Son of GOD, which Peter, among the apostles is the first to proclaim, really comes from GOD.  This faith is not a human opinion, or a sentimental attachment.  It does not come from flesh and blood, an expression that for the Jews meant what is purely human, what a human being does and understands by his own capacity.  The words with which JESUS greets Peter, it is well for you Simon Barjona, are true for all the believers.  For it is the FATHER who has chosen us and has brought us to CHRIST: see John 6:37; 6:44.

Next, the primacy of Peter is emphasized.  His name was Simon, but JESUS gave him this surname Rock, foreseeing that he would be for HIS Church a foundation rock [John 1:40].  This change of his name attests that a mission is given to him as happened to Abraham and Jacob [Genesis 17:5 and 32:19].  Other texts attest to the leadership and faith of Peter: Matthew 10:2; 14:28; 17:25; Luke 5:8-10; 22:32; John 6:68; 21:15-19.

Is what JESUS tells Peter true also of his successors?  No one can deny that even in the Old Testament GOD wanted HIS people to have a visible head.  Jerusalem and the nation had as their center the temple and the kings, sons of David.  When GOD chose David, the first king of Israel, HE promised him that his sons would rule the kingdom of GOD forever: this promise was fulfilled in CHRIST.  Now JESUS chooses Peter to be forever the visible foundation of the building.  In the future his successors will be for the Church, what Peter was in the early Church.

For the Jews, to bind and to unbind meant to state what is forbidden and what is allowed.  So Peter and his successors will have the last word about what is, or is not, the faith of the Church.  In spite of the fact that as humans Peter's successors can commit mistakes, CHRIST does not ignore what they ultimately decide on: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.)

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"What Kind Of Man Is HE? Even The Winds And The Sea Obey HIM."

 "JESUS got into the boat and HIS disciples followed HIM.  Without warning, a fierce storm burst upon the lake, with waves sweeping the boat.  But JESUS was asleep.

The disciples woke HIM up and cried, 'LORD save us!  We are lost!'  But JESUS answered, 'Why are you so afraid, you of little faith?'  Then HE stood up and rebuked the wind and sea; and it became completely calm.

The disciples were astonished.  They said, 'What kind of man is HE?  Even the winds and the sea obey HIM.'" - Matthew 8:23-27 

(In Jewish mentality the sea is a daily reminder of primitive chaos, it is there the marine monsters move around, monsters which only GOD, for HE is the all-powerful, can challenge: Leviathan and Rahab.  In commanding the sea: Quiet now!  Be still!.  Just as HE does with the demons [Mark 1:25] JESUS affirms HIS divine power over the forces of evil.

Confronted with all the forms of evil that attack them, in the midst of tempests that arise, people, at times, wonder if GOD "does not sleep."  JESUS is there.  HE is not surprised by the disciples' fear of the tempest, but of their lack of faith; only trust in the victory of JESUS, Son of GOD, over the forces of evil, will allow them to overcome this fear.

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

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The True Worship

 "But GOD says this to the wicked:

'What right have you to mouth MY laws,

or to talk about MY Covenant?

You hate MY commands

and cast MY words behind you.

You join a thief when you meet one;

you keep company with adulterers.

You have a mouth of evil

and a deceitful tongue.

You speak ill of your brother,

and slander your own mother's son.

Because I was silent while you did these things,

you thought I was like you.

But now I rebuke you

and make this charge against you.

Give this a thought, you, who forget GOD;

lest I tear you to pieces with no one to help you.

Those who give with thanks, offerings, honor ME;

but the one who walks blamelessly,

I will show him the salvation of GOD.'" 

- Psalm 50:16-23

(Lip service is not enough, nor is outward ritual observance.  The announcement is introduced with solemnity.  It uses a poetic devise called 'theophany,' in which, GOD appears as the LORD of nature.  HIS people offer sacrifices which GOD does not need.  With great candor, the psalmist presents GOD as condemning HIS own people for mistaking the outward ritual for the religion of the heart: honesty, purity, kindliness.  These are the true sacrifices of thanksgiving.  The lesson is applicable to us all.  The liturgy must have self-involvement as its purpose.  The offering we make is the offering of ourselves in union with the sacrifice of CHRIST.

GOD is coming to judge HIS people.  HE condemns those who replace the obedience of the heart, with offerings and material sacrifices, and those who recite the commandments, instead of practicing them.)

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The Cost Of Following JESUS

 "As they went on their way, a man said to HIM, 'I will follow YOU wherever YOU go.'  JESUS said to him, 'Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay HIS head.'  

To another, JESUS said, 'Follow ME!'  But he answered, 'Let me go back now, for, first, I want to bury my father.'  And JESUS said to him, 'Let the dead bury their dead; as for you, leave them, and proclaim the kingdom of GOD.'

Another said to HIM, 'I will follow YOU, LORD, but first let me say goodbye to my family.  And JESUS said to him, 'Whoever has put his hand to the plow, and looks back, is not fit for the kingdom of GOD.'" - Luke 9:57-62 

(In contrast with JESUS' customary understanding attitude about human nature, here we see JESUS very demanding with the disciple who wants to follow HIM: JESUS cannot waste HIS time in forming those who are not ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of the Gospel.)

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GOD's People Mourn Over The Ruined Temple

 "O GOD, have YOU rejected us forever?  Why vent YOUR anger on the sheep of YOUR own fold?

Remember the people YOU have formed of old, the tribe YOU have redeemed as YOUR inheritance.  Remember Mount Zion, where YOU once lived.

Climb, and visit these hopeless ruins, the enemy has ravaged everything in the Sanctuary.

YOUR foes have roared triumphantly in the holy place, and set up their banner of victory.

Like lumbermen felling trees, they smashed the carved paneling with hatchets, hammers and axes.

They defiled YOUR Sanctuary and set aflame the dwelling place of YOUR name.

See how they keep YOUR Covenant, in the dark caves of the land.

Do not let the oppressed be put to shame; may the poor and needy praise YOUR name."

- Psalm 74:1-2. 3-5. 6-7. 20-21

(The problem of evil comes up from the nation's point of view.  There is no hint that the nation deserved its punishment.  What is at stake, therefore, is the reputation of GOD HIMSELF.  At least, this is how the psalmist unwittingly puts it.

The occasion of this lament could be the first truly religious persecution in history--under Antiochus Epiphanes in 168 B.C.--but on the whole the arguments favor the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586.  But naturally it is the ruin of the Temple that the psalmist describes: it should move GOD to action if HIS own house has been attacked.  The psalm is unhappily all too opposing at the present day: we pray for the Church of Silence.

But salvation is at hand.  The tears of JESUS over Jerusalem [cf. Luke 19:41-44] link this elegy to HIS death, even though HE had said that there wouldn't be a stone left unturned from the Temple [cf. Matthew 24:2].  The destroyed Temple was rebuilt on the third day [cf. Matthew 26:6; Acts 6:14].  Now, it is greater and more perfect than the Old Temple, since it has been raised by GOD [Hebrews 9:12].  JESUS might cry for humanity today.  The weapons of destruction are no longer the ax and the hammer, but could be, for instance, some present economic systems.  All of humanity is called to enter into the new Temple.  Why not pray with this psalm?)

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The Lost Sheep

 "So JESUS told them this parable:

Who among you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, will not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and seek the lost one till he finds it?  And finding it, will he not joyfully carry it home on his shoulders?  Then he will call his friends and neighbors together, and say, 'Celebrate with me, for I have found my lost sheep!'  I tell you, in the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner, than over ninety-nine decent people, who do not need to repent." - Luke 15:3-7 

(Happy the one sheep JESUS went after, leaving the ninety-nine!  Poor righteous ones who do not need GOD's forgiveness!

In large cities today, the church seems to be left with only one sheep.  Why does she not get out, namely, let go of her income, privileges or devotions of a commercial style, to go out looking for the ninety-nine who got lost?  To leave the comfortable circle of believers who have no problems, to look beyond our renewed rituals, and to be ready to be criticized just as JESUS was criticized, is the challenge today.)

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"His Name Is John."

 "When the time came for Elizabeth, she gave birth to a son.  Her neighbors and relatives heard that the merciful LORD had done a wonderful thing for her  and they rejoiced with her.

When, on the eight day, they came to attend the circumcision of the child, they wanted to name him Zechariah after his father.  But his mother said, 'Not so; he shall be called John.'  They said to her, 'But no one in your family has that name!' and they made signs to his father for the name he wanted to give him.  Zechariah asked for a writing tablet, and wrote on it, 'His name is John;' and they were very surprised.  Immediately, Zechariah could speak again and his first words were in praise of GOD.

A holy fear came on all in the neighborhood, and throughout the hill country of Judea the people talked about these events.  All who heard of it, pondered in their minds and wondered, 'What will this child be?'  For they understood that the hand of the LORD was with him.

As the child grew up, he was seen to be strong in the Spirit; and he lived in the desert until the day when he appeared openly in Israel." - Luke 1:57-66. 80 

(What was circumcision?  [See Genesis 17].   The child lived in the desert, that is, the desert of Judea by the Dead Sea, where some large communities of which the well-known Qumran community had settled.  These communities, called the Essenes, devoted themselves to prayer and meditation on Scripture.  And took part in the education of children.)

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'Incline My Heart To Follow YOUR Will...'

 "Explain to me, O YAHWEH, YOUR commandments, and I will be ever faithful to them.

Give me understanding, that I may observe YOUR law with all my heart.

Guide me in obeying YOUR instructions, for my pleasure lies in them.

Incline my heart to follow YOUR will and not my own selfish desire.

Turn my eyes away from vanities and direct them to YOUR life-giving word.

Oh, how I long for YOUR precepts!  Renew my life in YOUR righteousness."

- Psalm 119:33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 40

(The longest psalm in the Scriptures is inversely proportionate to the short human life of JESUS on earth.  JESUS prayed and even taught us how to pray.  By HIS life on earth and HIS example, HE showed us the way.  HE followed the path of righteousness enunciated all along in this psalm.  In fact, in verse 36 when the psalmist says, 'Incline my heart to follow YOUR will...' is a reminder of JESUS' prayer in Gethsemane in Luke 22:42 'FATHER, if it is YOUR will, remove this cup from ME; however, not MY will but YOURS be done.'  Therefore, if we too follow the path of righteousness doing the will of GOD through our heart, mind and actions, we too will be rescued no matter how difficult our burdens, we too will be with HIM in paradise [Luke 23:43].)

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Enter Through The Narrow Gate

 "Do not give what is holy to the dogs, or throw your pearls before pigs.  They might trample on them, and then turn on you and tear you to pieces.

So, do to others whatever you would that others do to you: there, you have the law and the prophets.

Enter through the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the road, that leads to destruction, and many go that way.  How narrow is the gate that leads to life; and how rough, the road; few there are, who find it." - Matthew 7:6. 12-14 

(Do not give what is holy to the dogs, or throw your pearls before pigs.  JESUS addressed this warning to HIS followers living in a hostile world.  They should not tell everything to everyone.  GOD has given each of us wonderful gifts: we must not share them with everyone at once, believing that it will bring them to faith.

Enter through the narrow gate.  Maybe someone was asking JESUS: "Who, then, can be saved?" [Matthew 19:25].  In no instance did JESUS say whether those who would share in eternal life would be many or few.  HE did not say many times that very few would be chosen from among the many called.  That means that among the many people privileged to meet HIM, very few would experience the Gospel's riches and bring forth fruit in themselves and for others.  The chosen or approved are those who persevere and strive for perfect freedom.

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many go that way.  They stray from leading a life in which JESUS is everything for them.  They waste the gifts GOD entrusted to them and apparently become useless for the kingdom.  Yet, even so, they are not deprived of GOD's mercy.

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The "Fault Of Beginners"

 "Do not judge; and you will not be judged.  In the same way you judge others, you will be judged; and the measure you use for others will be used for you.  Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, and not see the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, 'Come, let me take the speck from your eye,' as long as that plank is in your own?  Hypocrite, remove the plank out of your own eye; then, you will see clearly, to remove the speck out of your brother's eye." - Matthew 7:1-5 

(No doubt when JESUS spoke these words it was with the same meaning as in 5:43.  Usually those who consider themselves as good, or belonging to the group of the converted, judge and criticize those of a different standing.  It is a form of pride that spiritual authors call the "fault of beginners."  So strongly inscribed is it in human nature that many among the "just" of the Scriptures have expressed their disapproval of the "sinner" who did not observe the Law of GOD.  Contrariwise the new law tells us not to consider ourselves superior or be judges of those who take a different road, or who are led by GOD to do so.  Do not judge.  We must exercise good judgment in order to distinguish between the good and evil around us.  Though it is a factor of success never to displease anyone, we must have the courage to tell others the wrong that they do.  Here "to judge" means to condemn.

When we look at our own lives, we realize that those who helped us grow were those who supported and understood us, not those who judged and condemned us.  See Romans 2:1; 14:4; 1 Corinthians 5:12; James 4:11)

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The LORD's Supper

 "This is the tradition of the LORD that I received, and, that, in my turn, I have handed on to you; the LORD JESUS, on the night that HE was delivered up, took bread and, after giving thanks, broke it, saying, 'This is MY body which is broken for you;' do this in memory of ME.'  In the same manner, taking the cup after the supper, HE said, 'This cup is the new Covenant, in MY blood.  Whenever you drink it, do it in memory of ME.'  So, then, whenever you eat of this bread and drink from this cup, you are proclaiming the death of the LORD, until HE comes." - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 

(All the Eucharists celebrated around the world each day and every minute of the day, remind us that the death of CHRIST fills up the time until HIS coming.

History cannot cease, nor civilization be stagnant as happened in past centuries.  Not only does technical progress force us to advance, but also the requirements of justice springing from the death of the innocent [and here GOD is the innocent] destroy the established order.  JESUS' death does not allow the world to rest or have peace.  The Church reminds us of the death of CHRIST, not to preserve the past, but to draw from this unique event new energy for both reconciling and condemning.)

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Set Your Heart First On The Kingdom

 "Do not worry, and say: What are we going to eat?  What are we going to drink? or: What shall we wear?  The pagans busy themselves with such things; but your heavenly FATHER knows that you need them all.  Set your heart, first, on the kingdom and righteousness of GOD; and all these things will also be given to you.  Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:31-34 

(It is a matter of concrete realities: the kingdom means the transparency of GOD in our life; HIS justice is a "putting in order" under HIS attention of all that we are and all that we do.  A risk to run for a young person, or a couple: to begin to think of the future, family and apostolic activity according to the criteria of the Gospel, no longer under pressure of Malthusian fear or the race to maintain their life-style.)

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"Do Not Treasure Treasures."

 "Do not store up treasures for yourself here, on earth, where moth and rust destroy it; and where thieves can steal it.  Store up treasures for yourself with GOD, where no moth or rust can destroy it, nor thief come and steal it.

For where your treasures, is, there, also, will your heart be.

The lamp of the body is the eye; if your eyes are sound, your whole body will be full of light.  If your eyes are diseased, your whole body will be full of darkness.  If, then, the light in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" - Matthew 6:19-23 

(Do not store up treasures.  The Gospel says: "Do not treasure treasures," treasures meaning those savings held in reserve rather than something that is loved.  For centuries the majority of human beings rarely had personal reserves: the family or the clan took charge of the reserve in times of adversity.  Today each one is in charge of his own resources; it is perhaps better, but how do we escape the obsession of a secure future?  Once more JESUS invites us to believe in the Providence of the FATHER: if we have HIS interests at heart, HE will look after ours.

Store up treasures for yourself with GOD.  The Gospel says "in Heaven," and we know that Heaven is one of the names of GOD.

There also will your heart be.  [In the Jewish culture the heart is where judgments and decisions are made].  I do not possess things but they possess me and by degrees impose on me a certain life-style.

There also will your heart be.  It is this certitude that motivates any effort made towards "evangelical poverty."  It is a question of being as free as possible for action and for love.  JESUS calls us to disinterested action and at the same time warns us against inordinate attachment to persons, to ideas and possessions: we are to be ready for anything but must never get attached to the fruits of action.

Here eye is the conscience.  To be bright-eyed signifies generosity, to be dark-eyed signifies meanness.  JESUS emphasizes what HE has just said: a misinformed conscience leads us astray and turns us in on ourselves.)

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To Pray Is Not To Talk Much, But To Surrender Our Lives Into GOD's Loving Hands

 "When you pray, do not use a lot of words, as the pagans do; for they believe that, the more they say, the more chance they have of being heard.  Do not be like them.  Your FATHER knows what you need, even before you ask HIM.

This, then, is how you should pray:

Our FATHER in heaven,

holy be YOUR name,

YOUR kingdom, come,

YOUR will, be done

on earth, as in heaven.

Give us today, our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts,

as we forgive those who are in debt to us.

Do not bring us to the test,

but deliver us from the evil one.

If you forgive others their wrongdoings, your FATHER in heaven will also forgive yours.  If you do not forgive others, then your FATHER will not forgive you." - Matthew 6:7-15

(The value of prayer does not lie in the quantity of words and the mere repetition of formulae, as if accomplishing a task.  The value of prayer lies chiefly in our inner attitude of faith and love of GOD.  We should try to lift our mind and heart to GOD as a FATHER and a friend, a GOD who loves us and is always waiting for us to share a silent moment with HIM.  To pray is not to talk much, but to surrender our lives into GOD's loving hands.)

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Doing Good For GOD Alone

 "Be careful not to make a show of your good deeds before people.  If you do so, you do not gain anything from your FATHER in heaven.  When you give something to the poor, do not have it trumpeted before you, as do those who want to be noticed in the synagogues and in the streets, in order to be praised by people.  I assure you, they have their reward.

If you give something to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your gift remains really secret.  Your FATHER, who sees what is kept secret, will reward you.

When you pray, do not be like those who want to be noticed.  They love to stand and pray in the synagogues or on street corners, in order to be seen by everyone.  When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your FATHER who is with you in secret; and your FATHER who sees what is kept secret will reward you." - Matthew 6:1-6 

(After the six opposites ["but I say to you"], Matthew gives us three examples of another secret without which we shall not see GOD: work for HIM alone without wanting anyone to know, and in such a way that we ourselves will have immediately forgotten what we have done.

Those who make a show.  The expression appears three times with reference to good deeds, prayer and fasting.  JESUS uses a word often translated as "being hypocrites," which refers in a general way to those who make a show, or who are shallow, and make fun of the things of GOD.

It is perhaps difficult not to want to be seen by others, but it is far more difficult to do good without looking at oneself and being satisfied because: "I am good."  It is, nevertheless, the way of enabling us to enter into the secrets of GOD.)

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Each Of Our Confessions Is A Joyful Celebration Of GOD's Mercy And A Source Of Renewal

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

In YOUR great compassion blot out my sin.

Wash me thoroughly of my guilt;

cleanse me of evil.

For I acknowledge my wrongdoings

and have my sins ever in mind.

Against YOU alone, have I sinned;

what is evil in YOUR sight, I have done.

YOU are right when YOU pass sentence;

and blameless, in YOUR judgment.

Turn YOUR face away from my sins

and blot out all my offenses.

Deliver me, O GOD, from the guilt of blood;

and of YOUR justice, I shall sing aloud."

- Psalm 51:3-4. 5-6. 11. 16

(This is the finest of the 'penitential psalms.'  Man stands guilty and unafraid before GOD.  Indeed, he sees his guilt, as a reason for mercy and an excuse for hope.  A deep sense of sin is already a step toward the sanctity of GOD.  It opens the door for his eager mercy.  But Our LORD takes us even further than the psalmist.  HE teaches us to cry not 'GOD!' but 'FATHER!'

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

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

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Do Not Oppose Evil With Evil

 "You have heard, that it was said: An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.  But I tell you this: do not oppose evil with evil; if someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn and offer the other.  If someone sues you in court for your shirt, give him your coat as well.  If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him.  Give when asked, and do not turn your back on anyone who wants to borrow from you." - Matthew 5:38-42 

(An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.  We read this in the Scriptures because in the world of that time it was a wholesome maxim [Deuteronomy 19:18-21].  It claimed to put a limit to the thirst for vengeance and reminded judges and the community itself of the duty to defend its members against those who abuse the weak.

Do not oppose evil with evil.  JESUS asks us to approach an adversary in the same way as this adversary may be approaching us: who is the wicked one?

Offer the other cheek: be the first to be free of the web of violence.  As in judo, surprise the other by making the very move he was not expecting: he may then see that he was mistaken.  JESUS has no doubt that this renunciation of violence and of our own interests obliges the FATHER to intervene and come to our aid.  Do not forget that JESUS wants us to "see GOD" at work in our lives.

If someone forces you to go one mile.  JESUS speaks to farmers who are humiliated and oppressed by foreign armies.  Many times they are obliged to carry the burden of the soldiers.  Their usual reaction is resigned submission concealing hatred and desire for revenge.  Would they be capable of responding to such a counsel?  It is certain that had they practiced it, they might have saved their nation from destruction)

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Hope Does Not Disappoint Us

 "By faith, we have received true righteousness, and we are at peace with GOD, through JESUS CHRIST, our LORD.  Through HIM, we obtain this favor, in which we remain, and we even boast to expect the glory of GOD.

Not only that, we also boast even in trials, knowing that trials produce patience, from patience comes merit; merit is the source of hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because the Holy Spirit has been given to us, pouring into our hearts the love of GOD." - Romans 5:1-5 

(The great Christian hope, unknown to those who have not met CHRIST is the certitude of a destiny surpassing all that could be imagined, hoped for, experienced by the greatest sages and mystics of all religions: total communion with GOD HIMSELF.

In contrast to the people of the Old Testament, who remained always in what was temporary or provisional while waiting for ultimate truth and justice, the Christian already experiences what we will one day fully enjoy.  Something of that flavor or fragrance of the divinity has been poured into our hearts and that is the peace that GOD grants us when HIS Spirit comes to us.)

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"In A General Way, Don't Take Oaths."

 "You have also heard that people were told in the past: Do not break your oath; an oath sworn to the LORD must be kept.  But I tell you this: do not take oaths.  Do not swear by the heavens, for they are GOD's throne; nor by the earth, because it is HIS footstool; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great king.  Do not even swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black.  Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes' and 'No' mean 'No.'  Anything else you say comes from the evil one." - Matthew 5:33-37 

(Do not take oaths.  This sentence must not be understood: "You shall never take an oath", but: "In a general way, don't take oaths."

Many invoke the  name of GOD on any occasion.  Is it because they truly know HIM and have HIM in mind?  If we use HIS name casually, it is because we do not experience the weight of HIS  presence.  What a lack of respect to call on GOD to testify to our sincerity when we do not even recognize all that is false and unclean within us!

Anything else you say comes from the devil, and even the preoccupation of defending and justifying oneself in the eyes of others.  See also Matthew 23:16; James 5:12.)

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Do Not Commit Adultery

 "You have heard that it was said: Do not commit adultery.  But I tell you this: anyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent, has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

So, if your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away!  It is much better for you to lose a part of your body, than to have your whole body thrown into hell.  If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away!  It is better for you to lose a part of your body, than to have your whole body thrown into hell." - Matthew 5:27-30 

(Do not commit adultery.  For many, conjugal fidelity is a burdensome and old-fashioned law, which they merely admire in others.  JESUS replaces fidelity among the laws of the interior world, where GOD, the Faithful One is to reign.

If your right eye...  Here we must underline the opposition between: your hand, your eye, and: you.  In another place JESUS will say that we must be able to give up everything, but here HE dares to add: even your physical integrity.  

All of us are looking for happiness, promotion and security, but what are those criteria worth?  All strive to live fully their life and enjoy without limits their own health and body, but here JESUS tells us that true life is elsewhere and that true self creates itself while accepting mutilations of the present life.

It is only a matter of sacrificing what could drag us to "major fault and sin'?  The word of JESUS goes far beyond.  As much as we complain about the misery and meaninglessness of our life, we conserve it at any cost with the hope of still enjoying this world.  What if real sin were to avoid any risk and self-sacrifice when GOD is calling?

JESUS speaks of a hell of fire, because there is nothing worse than this final result: a lost life that has not been fruitful, and the abortion of our eternal self.)

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GOD Is At Work Through Seasons And Rainfall

 "YOU water the land and care for it,

enriching it with natural resources.

GOD's stream is filled with water;

so YOU prepare the earth

to give us its fruits.

YOU drench the furrows in the land

and level the ridges;

YOU soften the soil with showers

and bless its crops.

YOU crown the year with YOUR goodness;

abundance flows everywhere.

The deserts have become pasture land,

the hills are clothed with gladness;..."

- Psalm 65:10. 11. 12-13

(This material abundance makes us think of another kind and for which GOD assured HIS friends.  The Church also knows about spring rains, the summer harvest and songs of happiness.  That should not make us forget that GOD is at work through seasons and rainfall.  If the majority of Christians and Church communities no longer dare to ask GOD for the weather needed for harvest, that is not a proof that our faith is now more spiritual but that we unfortunately feel at ease with a helpless GOD.)

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The Presentation Of The New Law

 "Do not think that I have come to annul the law and the prophets.  I have not come to annul them, but to fulfill them.  I tell you this: as long as heaven and earth last, not the smallest letter or dot in the law will change, until all is fulfilled.

So then, whoever breaks the least important of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be the least in the kingdom of heaven.  On the other hand, whoever obeys them, and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:17-19 

(Here begins the presentation of the new Law.  It is far from what is often sought in a religion: practices to observe, fasts, prayers, good works with which one wins salvation.  JESUS says little about this because Scripture has dealt at length with this subject, and the study of Scripture itself shows that these laws and practices are always linked to a certain culture, and have to be adapted to the times.)

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Salt And Light

 "You are the salt of the earth.  But if salt has lost its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It has become useless.  It can only be thrown away and people will trample on it.

You are the light of the world.  A city built on a mountain cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and covers it; instead, it is put on a lamp stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, your light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do, and praise your FATHER in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16 

(JESUS has just designated those who are called to the kingdom.  First of all HE will clarify their mission: to be the light of the world and not merely a light in the world.  This does not mean that all people are to enter the Church, but that the Church has to be salt and light to the world.  Scripture mentions salt as the element that preserves food.  The covenant of salt was the Covenant of GOD with those who were to serve HIM forever [Numbers 18:19].  So the disciples of JESUS are called salt of the earth because through them the world benefits from the lasting Covenant with GOD.  They must continually enkindle in the world the desire and struggle for true justice and perfection, and not allow human societies to become satisfied with mediocrity.

You are the light: JESUS does not mean "You are the best in the world," but "GOD has chosen you to be a minority and through you HE will make HIMSELF known."  You will experience, [both you and the Church] much that you would perhaps prefer to avoid, but which will be for the world, a sign from GOD.)

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Mary, Mother Of The Church

 "Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount called Olives, which is a fifteen-minute walk away.  On entering the city they went to the room upstairs where they were staying.  Present there were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James, son of Alpheus; Simon the Zealot and Judas son of James.  All of these, together, gave themselves to constant prayer.  With them were some women, and also Mary, the mother of JESUS, and HIS brothers." - Acts 1:12-14 

(The apostles cannot begin such a difficult mission before they have received the Holy Spirit.  They have done everything that depended on them and now can only put themselves in the hands of GOD and wait perseveringly in prayer for the time HE has fixed.

As John has done in giving us the word of JESUS to HIS mother, present at the foot of the cross [John 19:26-27], Luke here reveals to us the spiritual maternity of Mary.  She is there sharing in the longing of the apostles, she is the New Eve, the new mother of all the living [Genesis 3:20].

Mary, mother of JESUS, played a decisive role during those days when the apostles tried to reflect together on all they had seen and learned from JESUS, in order to clarify the message they had to give to the world.  Mary, only witness of the annunciation and of the private life of JESUS, helped them perceive the mystery of HIS divine personality.

Luke does not speak about this: from now on Mary keeps herself in the background.  Different from those "brothers of JESUS" who long for power in the Church, she is but a praying presence.  From that moment the Church has a hierarchy but all those called to receive the Spirit are full members of this community or communion.)

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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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The First Condition To Be Fulfilled By A Shepherd In The Church

 "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 triple questioning of Peter by JESUS may be thought of as the undoing of the triple denial during JESUS' passion.  Peter, too, being the shepherd of the shepherds, is a forgiven sinner.  JESUS entrusts the whole Church to him: the same as in Matthew 16:18.  Do you love ME?  This is the first condition to be fulfilled by a shepherd in the Church.

This dialogue between JESUS and Peter expresses what being a Christian is all about.  JESUS asks us every day if we love HIM in 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.)  

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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 be 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 

(In our times, we have a better understanding of these past difficulties.  Many Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants are attempting to unite as believers.  At the same time, however, new problems have arisen within each Church.  Today Christians disagree and are split, not only in their political options, but also in their understanding of CHRIST and their views on how HIS message is best delivered in our time.

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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