First Miracle Of The Loaves

 "When JESUS hear of it, HE set out by boat for a secluded place, to be alone.  But the people heard of it, and they followed HIM on foot from their towns.  When JESUS went ashore, HE saw the crowd gathered there, and HE had compassion on them.  And HE healed their sick.

Late in the afternoon, HIS disciples came to HIM and said, 'We are in a lonely place and it is now late.  YOU should send these people away, so that they can go to the villages and buy something for themselves to eat.'

But JESUS replied, 'They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat.'  They answered, 'We have nothing here but five loaves and two fishes.'  JESUS said to them, 'Bring them here to ME .'

Then HE made everyone sit down on the grass.  HE took the five loaves and the two fishes, raised HIS eyes to heaven, pronounced the blessing, broke the loaves, and handed them to the disciples to distribute to the people.  And they all ate, and everyone had enough; then the disciples gathered up the leftovers, filling twelve baskets.  About five thousand men had eaten there, besides women and children." - Matthew 14:13-21 

(They sat in fresh pastures and they ate till they were satisfied.  The crowd seated for a meal is the image of the Reign when JESUS will unite all of humanity in the fraternal banquet with GOD [Luke 14:15].

Raising HIS eyes to heaven.  By using this gesture, rather than a prayer that saints or prophets might have said on this occasion, JESUS expresses HIS personal relationship with the FATHER.

JESUS is the bread needed by humanity [John 6].  GOD has set on this earth all that humanity needs for food and development, but if we do not know how to listen to the word, we will not know how to solve the world's most urgent problem, the distribution of the riches of the earth.  Faith in GOD's promises is the only force with which to fight against egoism and unequal privileges, and it will eventually obtain food, peace, and freedom for all.

Because of this, JESUS had compassion for this crowd whose leaders had little concern for them.  Without bothering about food, this crowd listening to HIM while HE conveyed to them the word of GOD that liberates people from blindness and emptiness.  Then, being the Shepherd and the True Bread of Life, HE gave them food and distributed it.)

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All Is Meaningless! Meaningless!

 "All is meaningless--says the Teacher--meaningless, meaningless!

For here was a man who toiled in all wisdom, knowledge and skill; and he must leave all to someone who has not worked for it.  This is meaningless and a great misfortune.  For what profit is there for a man in all his work and heart-searching under the sun?  All his days bring sorrow; his work, grief; he hasn't, moreover, peaceful rest at night: that, too, is meaningless." - Ecclesiastes 1:2--2:21-23 

(All is meaningless!  Meaningless!  We are used to the ancient translation of this verse: "Vanity of vanities.  All is vanity!"  Actually, the first word of the book designates in Hebrew a wisp of straw.  It is without weight and flies away at the slightest breeze, like vanity, a nothing.  It is also what escapes our grasp: it is a future that is uncertain and illusory, or something which does not satisfy our spirit, on which we can build nothing; it is "disconcerting," it "has no sense.")

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Jeremiah Is Arrested And Judged

 "Then the priests and the prophets said to the leaders of the people: 'This man must die for he has spoken against the city as you have heard with your own ears!'

Jeremiah replied, 'I have been sent by YAHWEH to prophesy against this house and this city all that you have heard.  Hence, reform your ways and your deeds and obey YAHWEH your GOD that HE may change HIS mind and not bring upon you the destruction HE had intended.

As for me I am in your hands; do with me whatever you consider just and right.  But know that I am innocent; and if you take my life you commit a crime that is a curse on yourselves, on the city and the people.  In truth it was YAHWEH who sent me to say all that I said in your hearing.'

Then the leaders, backed by the people, said to the priests and the prophets, 'This man does not deserve death; he spoke to us in the Name of YAHWEH.'

As for Jeremiah he was befriended by Ahikam, son of Shaphan, and was not handed over to those who wanted him put to death." - Jeremiah 26:11-16. 24 

(- The people defend Jeremiah against the priests and the prophets.

 - Jeremiah maintains his position firmly: he cannot provide proof or miracles to confirm what he is saying.  He is saved by the conversion of the people: they have recognized the voice of truth.

- They recall the words of the prophet Micah 3:12 in the previous century.

- At the end of the chapter, there is mention of the family of Shaphan, the secretary of the king who had favored the religious reform of king Josiah [see 2 Kings 22:8].  Shaphan and his family will protect Jeremiah on several occasions.

The confrontation between Jeremiah and the priests is not accidental.  Oftentimes the priests who kept the word of GOD opposed the prophets of their times.  John the Baptist was ignored by the priests, and JESUS was condemned by them.  The reason is that often the ministers of religion think first of preserving the institutions and the system of which they are the guardians and which provide them with a livelihood, whereas the prophets invite us to forge ahead and be mindful of what is essential.)

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I Have Come To Believe That YOU Are The CHRIST

 "... many Jews had come to Martha and Mary, after the death of their brother, to comfort them.

When Martha heard that JESUS was coming, she went to meet HIM, while Mary remained sitting in the house.  Martha said to JESUS, 'If YOU had been here, my brother would not have died.  But I know that whatever YOU ask from GOD, GOD will give YOU.'  JESUS said, 'Your brother will rise again.'

Martha replied, 'I know that he will rise in the resurrection, at the last day.'  But JESUS said to her, 'I AM the resurrection.  Whoever believes in ME, though he die, shall live.  Whoever lives and believes in ME will never die.  Do you believe this?'

Martha then answered, 'Yes, LORD, I have come to believe that YOU are the CHRIST, the Son of GOD, HE who is coming into the world.'" - John 11:19-27 

(I have come to believe that YOU are the CHRIST.  What more extraordinary profession of faith is there than Martha's!  It is like Peter's [Mathew 16:16], and in a short while it will be Mary who will tell about the resurrection to the same apostles.  Truly the Gospel is not male chauvinist, nor does it enthrone ecclesiastical hierarchy.)

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GOD Is Absolute Master And Directs The Lives Of All According To HIS Will

 "This is the word of YAHWEH that came to Jeremiah: 'Go down to the potter's house and there you will hear what I have to say.'

So I went to the potter's house and found him working at the wheel.  But the pot he was working on was spoiled in his hands, so he reworked it all over again into another pot that suits his desire.

Meanwhile YAHWEH sent me HIS word, 'People of Israel, can I not do with you what this potter does?  As clay in the potter's hand so are you in MY hands.'" - Jeremiah 18:1-6 

(In several parts of the Scriptures, the comparison with the potter serves to show that GOD is absolute master and directs the lives of all according to HIS will: individuals as well as nations [see Isaiah 29:16 and Romans 9:20].  Here the same comparison is used to provide another teaching which complements the first: namely that we are free.)

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"It Is During The Night That It Is Beautiful To Believe In The Light."

 "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, hidden in a field.  The one who finds it, buries it again; and so happy is he, that he goes and sells everything he has, in order to buy that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a trader, who is looking for fine pearls.  Once he has found a pearl of exceptional quality, he goes away, sells everything he has and buys it." - Matthew 13:44-46 

(The parables of the treasure and the pearl invite us not to let opportunities pass by, when the kingdom of GOD comes to us.

Some have been waiting for years for that word, or person or sign of hope that would give new meaning to their lives.  One day they found it.  Sometimes it was found through simple things: a forgiving word, a friendly smile, a first commitment offered to them and accepted.  Then they understood that this was the way to gain all they were waiting for, and they entered the kingdom happily.

The parable says: he buries it again.  Ordinarily it is GOD who hides the treasure again after having shown it to us, for it will be really ours when we have worked for it and persevered.

Everything must be sold.  We have to divest ourselves of all those habits, pleasures... that occupy our hearts without filling them.  When trials come upon us like a frosty, icy night, we should not forget the treasure we have once seen, until we recover it.  Plato, the great pagan philosopher, said, "It is during the night that it is beautiful to believe in the light."

"The pearl" is, in a certain sense, CHRIST HIMSELF.  HE alone gives meaning to all the sacrifices of a Christian life.  These are not really 'sacrifices," but the search for a love that has already been proven.)

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The Fall Of Jerusalem In The Year 586 B.C.

 "Do not remember against us the sins of our fathers.

Let YOUR compassion hurry to us, for we have been brought very low.

Help us, GOD, our savior, for the glory of YOUR name; forgive us, for the sake of YOUR name.

Listen to the groans of the prisoners; by the strength of YOUR arm, deliver those doomed to die.

Then we, YOUR people, the flock of YOUR pasture, we thank YOU forever.  We will recount YOUR praise from generation to generation."

- Psalm 79:8-9. 11. 13

(This psalm almost certainly refers to the fall of Jerusalem in the year 586 B.C.  There is a confession of guilt--the guilt of an earlier generation.  It is interesting that this ingredient should enter the solution of the problem of suffering: Has this man sinned--or his parents?  And, indeed, we may blame our ancestors, for some of our condition, so long as we realize that we may, and do, contribute to the unhappiness of our children.  We are the context into which they will be born, for better or for worse.  But the psalmist evidently does not will to call GOD's attention to the sins of his own generation except in passing.

As long as there are captives and blood is poured in this our land, whenever we live under the weight of guilt, it is a good time to pray with this psalm.)

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I Believed And So I Spoke

 "We have received the same spirit of faith referred to in Scripture, that says: I believed and so I spoke.  We also believe, and so we speak.  We know that HE, who raised the LORD JESUS, will also raise us, with JESUS, and bring us, with you, into HIS presence.  Finally, everything is for your good, so that grace will come more abundantly upon you, and great will be the thanksgiving for the glory of GOD." - 2 Corinthians 4:13-15 

(It is worthwhile underlining some features of the portrait of an apostle as Paul sketches it:

- We do not lose heart.

- We do not proceed with trickery nor do we falsify GOD's message.

- We are more than your servants.

- We display for everyone to discover in us the glory of GOD that shines in CHRIST's face.

- We carry the death of JESUS so that HIS life may be revealed in us.

- We  believe and that is why we speak.) 

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Baptized And Risen

 "I refer to baptism.  On receiving it, you were buried with CHRIST; and you also rose with HIM, for having believed in the power of GOD, who raised HIM from the dead.

You were dead.  You were in sin and uncircumcised at the same time.  But GOD gave you life with CHRIST.  HE forgave all our sins.  HE canceled the record of our debts, those regulations which accused us.  HE did away with all that, and nailed it to the cross." - Colossians 2:11-14 

(Paul has just said that a Christian has wisdom and is on a way of knowledge.  He now reminds us that our entry into the Church has been much more than an exterior rite.  Through baptism, we have become part of this renewal of the world brought about by the death and resurrection of JESUS.)

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The Parable Of The Weeds

 "JESUS told the people another parable, 'The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a man, who sowed good seed in his field.  While everyone was asleep, his enemy came, and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.

When the plants sprouted and produced grain, the weeds also appeared.  Then, the servants of the owner came, and said to him, 'Sir, was it not good seed that you sowed in your field?  Where did the weeds come from?'

He answered them, 'This is the work of an enemy.'  They asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?'  He told them, 'No, when you pull up the weeds, you might uproot the wheat with them.  Let them grow together, until harvest; and, at harvest time, I will say to the workers: Pull up the weeds first, tie them in bundles and burn them; then gather the wheat into my barn.'" - Matthew 13:24-30

(With the parable of the weeds, JESUS answers those who are scandalized at seeing evil everywhere.  Good and bad will be mixed till the end of the world.  Good and evil will always be found together in persons and institutions.

GOD respects people.  HE knows that temptation is often stronger than their good intentions and they need time to find and to choose steadily what is good.

GOD is patient.  The reconciliation of so many contradictory groups, forces and cultural currents active in the world will be attained only at the end of time.  In the meantime we are not to label any of them as "the" good ones and "the" bad ones.)

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On My Bed At Night I Looked For The One I Love

 "She

On my bed at night

I looked for the one I love,

I sought him without finding him;

I called him and he did not answer.

I will rise and go about the city,

through the streets and the squares;

I will seek the love of my heart...

I sought him without finding him;

the watchmen came upon me,

those who patrol the city.

'Have you seen the love of my heart?'

As soon as I left them,

I found the love of my heart.

I held him and would not let him go

till I had brought him to my mother's house

to the room of her who conceived me."

- Song of Songs 3:1-4

(On my bed at night I looked for the one I love.  Love keeps us awake.  Mary Magdalene goes through the entire city looking for JESUS and, for the first time, passersby laugh at her.  She comes into the house without seeing the porter and he does not dare stop her; she knew that she would reach JESUS.  I held him and would not let him go, but one day JESUS will say to her: "Do not hold on to ME" [John 20:17].)

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"To You It Has Been Given To Know The Secrets Of The Kingdom Of Heaven."

 "Then HIS disciples came to HIM and said, 'Why do YOU speak to them in parables?'

JESUS answered, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but not to these people.  For the one who has will be given more; and he will have in abundance.  But the one who does not have will be deprived of even what he has.  That is why I speak to them in parables; because they look and do not see; they hear; but they do not listen or understand.

In them, the words of the prophet Isaiah are fulfilled: However much you hear, you do not understand; however much you see, you do not perceive.

For the heart of this people has grown dull.  Their ears hardly hear and their eyes dare not see.  If they were to see with their eyes, hear with their ears and understand with their heart, they would turn back, and I would heal them.

But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.

For I tell you, many prophets and righteous people have longed to see the things you see, but they did not see them; and to hear the things you hear, but they did not hear them.'" - Matthew 13:10-17 

(To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom.  To you who took CHRIST's call seriously and decided to follow HIM.  Because you came to be the co-workers of CHRIST, the FATHER will reveal to you HIS secrets.

The quotation from Isaiah that follows may shock us due to the fact of our not fully understanding Hebrew expressions.  Does JESUS speak in parables because the audience does not want to understand, or so that they will not understand?  It could be both at the same time.

For the one who has will be given more.  Here has means produce, bear as does the tree that "has" fruit.  It will be given to those who are fruitful.

The kingdom of heaven.  We already said that "Heaven" was a Jewish expression referring to GOD.  The kingdom of heaven is the kingdom of GOD, as the FATHER of Heaven is GOD the FATHER.  Not realizing this, may have mistakenly thought that the Gospel announced only the kingdom of GOD in Heaven after our present life.  Actually JESUS came to tell us that GOD had come to rule among us.)

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The Parable Of The Sower

 "That same day, JESUS left the house and sat down by the lakeside.  Many people gathered around HIM.  So HE got into a boat, and sat down, while the crowds stood on the shore; and HE spoke to them in parables about many things.

JESUS said, 'The sower went out to sow; and, as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path; and the birds came and ate them up.  Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where there was little soil, and the seeds sprouted quickly, because the soil was not deep.  But as soon as the sun rose, the plants were scorched; and they withered, because they had no roots.  Again, other seeds fell among thistles; and the thistles grew and choked the plants.  Still, other seeds fell on good soil and produced a crop: some a hundredfold, others sixty, and others thirty.  If you have ears, then hear!'" - Matthew 13:1-9 

(JESUS uses comparisons just as simple country folk and working people usually do.  Proverbs and parables have always been an effective way of teaching wisdom.  But we must observe that a parable is not just any comparison; its characteristic is to awaken in the listeners the awareness of their present situation and oblige them to make a decision.

The comparison [or parable] of the sower helps us to understand what is happening around JESUS.  Many people became very enthusiastic at the beginning, then, after a while they left.  Only a few persevered and the apostles wondered: How will the kingdom of GOD come if no one is interested?)

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"Whoever Does The Will Of MY FATHER In Heaven Is MY Brother And Sister And Mother."

 "While JESUS was talking to the people, HIS mother and HIS brothers wanted to speak to HIM, and they waited outside.  So someone said to HIM, 'YOUR mother and YOUR brothers are standing outside; they want to speak with YOU.'

JESUS answered, 'Who is MY mother?  Who are MY brothers?  Then HE pointed to HIS disciples and said, 'Look!  Here are MY mother and MY brothers.  Whoever does the will of MY FATHER in heaven is MY brother and sister and mother.'" - Matthew 12:46-50 

(HIS mother and HIS brothers.  If they were true brothers of JESUS, sons of Mary, the Gospel would say: "HIS mother and the sons of HIS mother," for this was the Jewish manner of speaking.)

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"To Do Justice, To Love Mercy, And To Walk Humbly With Your GOD."

 "Listen to what YAHWEH said to me. 'Stand up, let the mountains hear your claim, and the hills listen to your plea.'

Hear, O mountains, YAHWEH's complaint!  Foundations of the earth, pay attention!  For YAHWEH has a case against HIS people, and will argue it with Israel.

'O MY people, what have I done to you?  In what way have I been a burden to you?  Answer ME.

I brought you out of Egypt; I rescued you from the land of bondage; I sent Moses, Aaron and Miriam to lead you.'

'What shall I bring when I come to YAHWEH and bow down before GOD the most high?  Shall I come with burnt offerings, with sacrifices of yearling calves?  Will YAHWEH be pleased with thousands of rams, with an overabundance of oil libations?  Should I offer my firstborn for my sins, the fruit of my body for my wrongdoing?'

You have been told, O man, what is good and what YAHWEH requires of you: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your GOD.'" - Micah 6:1-4. 6-8 

(O MY people, what have I done to you?  In what way have I been a burden to you?  YAHWEH argues with HIS people.  We see GOD's love confronting HIS people's indifference.

Micah is addressing a people without understanding.  When they are in trouble or feel an inclination for religion, they think of expensive things: sacrifices, offerings and even the sacrifice of their children, according to the Canaanite religions.

To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your GOD.  The answer is short and clear:

- do justice is Amos' message;

- to love mercy: see Hosea 2:21;

- to walk humbly with GOD: see Isaiah.)

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Keeping These Commandments Without The Perfume Of Love Is Just Mechanical Fulfillment

 "O YAHWEH, who will dwell in YOUR tent

and reside on YOUR holy mount?

Those who walk blamelessly

and do what is right,

who speak truth from their heart

and control their words,

who do no harm to their neighbors

and cast no discredit on their companions,

who look down on evildoers

but highly esteem GOD's servants;

who, at all costs, stand by a pledged word,

who do not lend money at interest

and refuse a bribe against the innocent.

Do this, and you will not be shaken."

- Psalm 15:1-5

(Beyond the image of the Temple, the believer pines to be with GOD, to be one with GOD.  Those who harbor this passionate desire, expressed as a question must be honest, sincere and upright.  These are the three general conditions.  The following three conditions are related to the conduct toward one's neighbor.  Those who wish to be with GOD, must be on the side of the friends of GOD, against the enemies of GOD who have been rebuked by GOD--and respect the covenant that consecrates the promised action.  These three actions join GOD and neighbor together.  Two other actions have an economic-legal reach.  Keeping these commandments without the perfume of love is just mechanical fulfillment.)

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HE Denounces The Exploiters

 "Woe to those who plot wickedness and plan evil even on their beds!  When morning comes they do it, as soon as it is within their reach.

If they covet fields, they seize them.  Do they like houses?  They take them.  They seize the owner and his household; both, the man and his property.

This is why YAHWEH speaks, 'I AM plotting evil against this whole brood, from which your necks cannot escape.  No more shall you walk with head held high, for it will be an evil time.'

On that day, they will sing a taunting song against you; and a bitter lamentation will be heard, 'We have been stripped of our property in our homeland.  Who will free us from the wicked who allots our fields.'  Truly, no one will be found in the assembly of YAHWEH to keep a field for you." - Micah 2:1-5

(HE denounces the exploiters, those who always have legal means to despoil little people.  We must not forget that the  Scriptures had a code of laws--far ahead of any other nation--to defend the rights and the lives of the poor, the widows, etc.  See Deuteronomy 23:16.

Everyone, naturally, is furious with the prophet who disturbs the established injustice.)

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Canticle Of Hezekiah

 "Once I said: In the noontime of my life I go;

I am sent to the land of the dead,

for the rest of my years.

I said: Never again shall I see YAHWEH 

in the land of the living;

never again shall I see the inhabitants of the earth.

Like a shepherd's tent, my dwelling 

has been pulled down and thrown away;

like a weaver, you rolled up my life

and cut it from the loom:

from day to night you made me waste away.

O LORD, give me back my health 

and give me back my life!"

- Isaiah 38:10. 11. 12. 16

(Hezekiah's canticle is a psalm of thanksgiving like those we find in the Book of Psalms.  It expresses the profound feelings of the believers of the Old Testament for whom dying meant losing everything and who tried to convince GOD that HE would gain nothing in letting HIS faithful disappear forever.)

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I AM Meek And Humble Of Heart

 "'Come to ME, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I AM gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest.  For MY yoke is easy; and MY burden is light.'" - Matthew 11:28-30 

(Come to ME: I will not relieve you of your load but by placing MY yoke on you, I give you the means of carrying the load.

JESUS plays with the two words yoke and load, for the Jews used to call "load" the divine teachings imparted to pupils, and "yoke" the balancing of the teacher's sentences, which should be learned by heart.

JESUS, the patient and humble teacher, enables us to see the mercy of GOD in our lives and in our own cross.  HE shows us the love of GOD even in the requirements of the law.  Only GOD is good; and good is the authority of CHRIST.)

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GOD, The Judge And Vindicator

 "They crush YOUR people, O YAHWEH, they oppress YOUR inheritance.

They murder the widow and the lonely; they massacre the helpless;

'YAHWEH does not see,' they say. 'the GOD of Jacob does not care.'

Remember this, you stupid people; when will you understand, you fools!

HE who made the ear, will HE not hear?  HE who formed the eye, will HE not see?

HE who rebukes nations, will HE not punish them?

YAHWEH will not reject HIS people, nor will HE forsake HIS heritage.

Justice will return to the just; and the upright will follow, in its wake."

- Psalm 94:5-6. 7-8. 9-10. 14-15

(We must sometimes ask ourselves 'is it all worthwhile?'  Religion doesn't seem to make much difference, certainly doesn't seem to make us any happier.  But in spite of all difficulties, we know that GOD does care.  HE has redeemed us.  And if we believe in redemption, then, we must believe in judgment.  HE cares for us, and HE cares about us:  what people do does matter.  But the difficulties are still there, and we need this vehement act of faith in GOD who cares.)

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The Invincible City Of GOD

 "Great is YAHWEH,

most worthy of praise in the City of GOD,

HIS holy mountain.

Beautifully elevated, it is the joy of all the earth

--Mount Zion, heavenly mountain,

the City of the great King.

Here, within her lines of defense,

GOD has shown HIMSELF to be a sure fortress.

The kings assembled together,

advanced toward the city.

But as soon as they saw it, they were astounded;

they panicked and took to fight.

Seized with fear, they trembled,

like a woman in travail,

or like the ships of Tarshish,

shattered by a strong wind from the east."

- Psalm 48:2-3. 3-4. 5-6. 7-8

(The pagans may speak of the mountains of the terrifying and inaccessible gods, but the small hill of Zion is dignified by the presence of the one GOD.  It is a homely place.  For all its insignificance, it can look down on every high place on earth [Psalm 68:17].  There is a strong sense of national pride in this psalm.  The assertions of innocence is softened by the free acknowledgment that all comes from GOD,  It is accompanied, too, by a full acceptance of moral responsibility.  The Temple is the place to ponder GOD's love for HIS people, but it is here also, that  HIS commands must be joyfully received.

What are the places of the presence of GOD?  The outskirts of the city?  Refugee camps?  Sick or maimed bodies?  We need to tell the next generation where our GOD is.  GOD is our Guide.  So, no matter how complex our lives become, we have no need to fear.  For, GOD will guide us through to our destination.)

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Those Who Love GOD And Hate Their Brothers And Sisters Are Liars And Atheists

 "Not for your sacrifices do I reprove you,

for your burnt offerings are ever before me.

I need no bull from your stalls,

nor he-goat from your pens.

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.

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.

Those who give with thanks, offerings, honor ME;

but the one who walks blamelessly,

I will show him the salvation of GOD.'"

- Psalm 50:8-9. 16-17. 21. 23

(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.

Those who love GOD and hate their brothers and sisters are liars [1 John 4:20] and atheists.  While we pray this psalm, we can listen to the following question: "You do this, and I must be quiet?  Do you think I AM like you?"  May these questions resound in us and let us honor GOD with a sacrifice of praise, made fitting by a good relationship with our neighbor.)

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MY Word Is Very Near You So That You Can Put It Into Practice

 "For you shall turn to YAHWEH, your GOD, with all your heart and with all your soul, and observe HIS commandments and norms, in a word, everything written in this book of the law.

These commandments that I give you today are neither too high nor too remote for you.  They are not in heaven that you should say: 'Who will go up to heaven to get these commandments that we may hear them and put them into practice.'  Neither are they at the other side of the sea for you to say: 'Who will cross to the other side and bring them to us, that we may hear them and put them into practice.'

On the contrary, MY word is very near you; it is already in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can put it into practice." - Deuteronomy 30:10-14 

(These commandments are neither too high nor too remote for you: obedience to the will of GOD is the most natural way for those who are sincere.  MY word is very near you so that you can put it into practice; yet, no one will do so until he has received the "circumcision of the heart."

YAHWEH will circumcise your heart, that is, HE will make you pure and holy.  See Ezekiel 36:26-27.

Few pages in the Scriptures emphasize so much and in such a persuasive way, the love of the LORD, a jealous love coming from HIS desire to make us happy: YAHWEH your GOD will circumcise your heart so that you may love HIM and live happily.  YAHWEH will again be pleased to treat you well.

It is already in your mouth.  This means: You know it by heart.)

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"If You Cannot Free Yourselves From Cowardice, Consider Where The Greater Threat Comes From, From GOD Or People?"

 "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but have no power to kill the soul.  Rather, be afraid of HIM who can destroy both body and soul in hell.  For a few cents you can buy two sparrows.  Yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your FATHER knowing.  As for you, every hair of your head has been counted.  Do not be afraid: you are worth more than many sparrows!" - Matthew 10:28-31 

(We are cowards and JESUS is aware of this.  HE has already said, "Do not fear," when HE invited us not to look for security in money.  Now, dealing with the fear of repression, HE adds, "If you cannot free yourselves from cowardice, consider where the greater threat comes from, from GOD or people?"

This is the only time JESUS refers to "fear of GOD."  When the Old Testament mentioned fear of GOD, it generally meant giving due respect to GOD.  Respect is far from fear.  Respect is an attitude proper to a free person.  GOD does not threaten to throw us into hell; rather HE reminds us that to lose HIM is to lose ourselves also, and this is hell.) 

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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.

I know YOU desire truth in the heart;

teach me wisdom in my inmost being.

Cleanse me, with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

Create in me, O GOD, a pure heart;

give me a new and steadfast spirit.

Do not cast me out of YOUR presence

nor take YOUR holy spirit from me.

Give me again, the joy of YOUR salvation;

and sustain me, with a willing spirit.

O YAHWEH, open my lips,

and I will declare YOUR praise."

- Psalm 51:3-4. 8-9. 12-13. 14. 17

(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!'  HE bids us think of that father, who ran to meet the son who had left him, the father who took the son in his arms and kissed him: 'My son was lost and is found' [Luke 15:24].  Our trust in the FATHER's forgiveness generously given should exceed that of the psalmist.

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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I AM GOD And Not Human

 "I loved Israel when he was a child; out of Egypt I called MY son.  But the more I have called, the further have they gone from ME--sacrificing to the Baals, burning incense to the idols.

Yet, it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; yet, little did they realize that it was I who cared for them.  I led them with cords of human kindness, with leading strings of love, and I became for them as one who eases the yoke upon their neck and stoops down to feed them.

How can I give you up, Ephraim?  Can I abandon you like Admah or make you like Zeboiim?  MY heart is troubled within ME and I AM moved with compassion.  I will not give vent to MY great anger; I will not return to destroy Ephraim, for I AM GOD and not human.  I AM the Holy One in your midst; and I do not want to come to you in anger." - Hosea 11:1-4. 8-9 

(Israel is GOD's spoiled child.  In former days GOD brought them out of Egypt, and ever since then, has been calling them and trying to draw them to HIMSELF, but they continue their depraved ways which bring punishment upon them.

I AM GOD and not human.  Our setbacks which seem to be GOD's punishment are, in fact, what GOD considers the most suitable ways to teach us [see Hebrews 12:7; 2 Maccabees 6:16; Wisdom 11:23].)

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If We Are Unfaithful, GOD Is Still Faithful

 "Sing to HIM, sing HIS praise, proclaim all HIS wondrous deeds.

Glory in HIS holy name; let those who seek YAHWEH rejoice.

Look to YAHWEH and be strong; seek HIS face always.

Remember HIS wonderful works, HIS miracles and HIS judgments,

you descendants of HIS servant Abraham, you sons of Jacob, HIS chosen ones!

HE is YAHWEH our GOD; HIS judgments reach the whole world."

- Psalm 105: 2-3. 4-5. 6-7

(The psalmist summarizes in this one psalm the goodness and the greatness of GOD, as he knew it from the Old Testament.

When praying with this psalm, we can unite our history to the history of salvation and remember that, while the covenant is a mandate, it is also the Word of GOD and therefore it is an eternal and holy covenant.  If we are unfaithful, GOD is still faithful.)

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GOD's People Have No Idols

 "There, in heaven, is our GOD;

whatever HE wishes, HE does.

Not so, the hand-made idols,

crafted in silver and gold.

They have mouths that cannot speak,

eyes that cannot see,

ears that cannot hear,

noses that cannot smell.

They have hands but cannot feel;

feet, but cannot walk;

neither can they make a sound in their throat.

Their makers will be like them;

so will all who trust in them.

O Israel, trust in YAHWEH;

HE is your help and your shield!

You, family of Aaron, trust in YAHWEH;

HE is your help and your shield!

- Psalm 115:3-4. 5-6. 7-8. 9-10

(This is a psalm of trust.  Our GOD is in heaven and has created the earth.  Your gods are on earth, but they are nothing, as the seven negatives of verses 5-7 describe.  Our GOD created and made us in HIS own image and likeness [Genesis 1:26].

We must constantly denounce the idols of ordinary people, as well as the idols of those who pretend to be free of every prejudice.  Here is a thought of the poet, Paul Claudel: "Blessed are YOU, O my GOD, who freed me from all the idols and who made me adore YOU alone, and not Isis or Osiris, or Justice, Progress, Truth, Divinity, Humanity, the Laws of Nature, of Art or of Beauty.  And who has not permitted these things to exist, things that are not, or are the vacuum left by YOUR absence.  I know that YOU are not the GOD of the dead, but of the living.  LORD, I have found YOU!  The one who finds YOU no longer tolerates death."

"I believe in GOD, though I do not see HIM," a Jewish man wrote in the ghetto of Warsaw.  In times that are hostile to faith, it is good for us to pray with this psalm.)

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A Child Raised To Life

 "While JESUS was speaking to them, an official of the synagogue came up to HIM, bowed before HIM and said, 'My daughter has just died, but come and place YOUR hands on her, and she will live.'  JESUS stood up and followed him with HIS disciples.

When JESUS arrived at the official's house and saw the flute players and the excited crowd, HE said, 'Get out of here!  The girl is not dead.  She is only sleeping!'  And they laughed at HIM.  But once the crowd had been turned out, JESUS went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up.  The news of this spread through the whole area." - Matthew 9:18-19. 23-26 

(Here JESUS is confronted with the death of a girl who is called to live.  Jairus was an official of the synagogue, that is to say, one of those holding responsibility in the local Jewish community.

We too ask GOD to be healed, but we dare not ask for resurrection of the dead because we consider death as something absolutely irreversible.  JESUS wishes to show us that no "law of destiny" or nature can be an obstacle to GOD's love.

The child is not dead, but asleep.  Of course she is dead, and that is why the people mock HIM; but JEUS sends the noisy crowd outside, and takes with HIM the child's father and mother.  They are capable of understanding for they have come to HIM in a spirit of faith.)

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The World Has Been Crucified To Me

 "For me, I do not wish to take pride in anything, except in the cross of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD.  Through HIM, the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Let us no longer speak of the circumcised and of non-Jews, but of a new creation.  Let those who live according to this rule receive peace and mercy: they are the Israel of GOD!  Let no one trouble me any longer: for my part, I bear in my body the marks of JESUS.

May the grace of CHRIST JESUS our LORD be with your spirit, brothers and sisters.  Amen." - Galatians 6:14-18

(The world has been crucified to me.  Paul has chosen a different way.  He goes on his way, without a home, persecuted by some, despised by others, feared by those who cannot stand his example of complete abnegation, nor his mingling with so many people whom they consider inferior.  This is to follow CHRIST to the cross.)

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The Home Of GOD On Earth! What Can This Mean?

 "O YAHWEH of hosts, hear my prayer;

give ear, O GOD of Jacob!

Look upon our shield, O GOD;

look upon the face of YOUR Anointed!

One day in YOUR courts is better 

than a thousand elsewhere.

I would rather be left at the threshold

in the house of my GOD

than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.

For YAHWEH GOD is a sun and a shield;

HE bestows favor and glory.

YAHWEH withholds no good thing

from those who walk in uprightness.

O YAHWEH of hosts,

blessed are those who trust in YOU."

- Psalm 84:9-10. 11. 12-13

(The home of GOD on earth!  What can this mean?  There can be no change in GOD.  HE cannot move into a new house.  No, the change is in human things!  GOD is everywhere already but consecrates certain places, where people can meet HIM and feel HIS presence more intimately.  There is a power there, without which, not a sparrow falls to the ground, but also a peace that encourages the sparrow to build its nest.  Such a home of GOD, stood on the hill of Zion.  It is a weary climb for the pilgrim at the end of his journey but strengthening him when he paused to raise his eyes.  The end of every pilgrimage lies further off, and it is a very weary climb for all.  Our city is heaven, but in a sense it is here too: 'you came near to Mount Zion, the city of the living GOD' [Hebrews 12:22], because the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us: in a new sense the earth is the LORD's.

There are people who visit the Temple; but do not enjoy the love of GOD, who dwells therein.  They do not experience a transformation of conduct because they placed their trust in the Temple of GOD, not in the GOD of the Temple.  This psalm can come with us, when we go on pilgrimages and religious festivals.)    

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