Have You Already Shed Your Blood In The Struggle Against Sin?

 "What a cloud of innumerable witnesses surrounds us?  So, let us be rid of every encumbrance, and especially of sin, to persevere in running the race marked out before us. 

Let us look to JESUS, the founder of our faith, who will bring it to completion.  For the sake of the joy reserved for HIM, HE endured the cross, scorning its shame, and then, sat at the right of the throne of GOD.  Think of JESUS, who suffered so many contradictions from evil people, and you will not be discouraged or grow weary.  Have you already shed your blood in the struggle against sin?" - Hebrews 12:1-4 

(Three reasons for remaining steadfast under testing:

- think about JESUS and HIS sufferings;

- think about "the communion of saints," that is to say, the mysterious bonds uniting all believers;

- think of the trial as a test coming from the FATHER.)

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"We Are People Of Faith And We Shall Save Our Soul."

 "Do I need to say more?  There is not enough time to speak of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, as well as Samuel and the prophets.  Through faith, they fought and conquered nations, established justice, saw the fulfillment of GOD's promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the sword, were healed of their sicknesses; they were weak people, who were given strength, to be brave in battle and repulse foreign invaders.

Some women recovered their dead by resurrection, but there were others--persecuted and tortured believers--who, for the sake of a better resurrection, refused to do what would have saved them.  Others suffered chains and prison.  They were stoned, sawn in two, killed by the sword.  They fled, from place to place, with no other clothing than the skins of sheep and goats, lacking everything, afflicted, ill-treated.  These people, of whom the world was not worthy, had to wander through wastelands and mountains, and take refuge in the dens of the land.

However, although all of them were praised because of their faith, they did not enjoy the promise, because GOD had us in mind, and saw beyond.  And HE did not want them to reach perfection, except with us." - Hebrews 11:32-40 

(These heroes of the faith died without having seen what GOD promised; it would seem that many have failed but their successors will discover that it is they who have made authentic history.  The author addresses the Christians saying: "We are people of faith, and we shall save our soul," which means we shall fulfill all that is in us and await what GOD has reserved for us in eternity.)

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See Whom GOD Has Called

 "Brothers and sisters, look and see whom GOD has called.  Few among you can be said to be cultured or wealthy, and few belong to noble families.  Yet GOD has chosen what the world considers foolish, to shame the wise; HE has chosen what the world considers weak, to shame the strong.  GOD has chosen common and unimportant people, making use of what is nothing, to nullify the things that are, so, that, no mortal may boast before GOD.  But, by GOD's grace, you are in CHRIST JESUS, who has become our wisdom from GOD, and who makes us just and holy and free.  Scripture says: Let the one who boasts boast of the LORD." - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 

(See whom GOD has called.  The Church of Corinth is formed of ordinary people: this is their strength.  Everybody has his place and his mission in the Church.  Ordinary people and poor communities, often persecuted and calumniated, have a primary role in the evangelization of the world.  GOD wants them to evangelize the rich and at times, even the hierarchy.)

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JESUS Calms The Storm

 "On that same day, when evening had come, JESUS said to them, 'Let's go across to the other side of the lake.'  So, they left the crowd and took HIM along in the boat HE had been sitting in, and other boats set out with HIM.  Then a storm gathered, and it began to blow a gale.  The waves spilled over into the boat, so that it was soon filled with water.  JESUS was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.

They woke HIM up, and said, 'Master, don't you care if we drown?'  And rising up, JESUS rebuked the wind, and ordered the sea, 'Quiet now!  Be still!'  The wind dropped, and there was a great calm.  Then JESUS said to them, 'Why are you so frightened?  Do you still have no faith?'

But they were terrified, and they said to one another, 'Who can this be?  Even the wind and the sea obey HIM!'" - Matthew 4:35-41 

(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 tempests, 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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Be Patient In Doing The Will Of GOD, And The Promise Will Be Yours!

 "Remember the first days, when you were enlightened.  You had to undergo a hard struggle in the face of suffering.  Publicly, you were exposed to humiliations and trials, and had to share the sufferings of others who were similarly treated.  You showed solidarity with those in prison; you were dispossessed of your goods, and accepted it gladly, for you knew, you were acquiring a much better and more durable possession.  Do not now throw away your confidence, that will be handsomely rewarded.  Be patient in doing the will of GOD, and the promise will be yours: A little, a little longer--says Scripture--and HE who is coming will come; HE will not delay.  MY righteous one will live if he believes; but if he distrusts, I will no longer look kindly on him.

We are not among those who withdraw and perish, but among those who believe, and win personal salvation. - Hebrews 10:32-39 

(A little longer.  This is taken from Habakkuk 2:3 and refers to the judgment of GOD which is approaching.  The author of the letter may have wished to allude to the crisis that, very soon, was going to destroy the Jewish nation.)

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Fan Into A Flame The Gift Of GOD You Received

 "From Paul, apostle of CHRIST JESUS, by the will of GOD, for the sake of HIS promise of eternal life, in CHRIST JESUS, to my dear son Timothy.

May grace, mercy and peace be with you, from GOD, the FATHER, and CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

I give thanks to GOD, whom I serve with a clear conscience, the way my ancestors did, as I remember you constantly, day and night, in my prayers.  I recall your tears, and I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.  I am reminded of your sincere faith, so like the faith of your grandmother Lois and of your mother Eunice, which I am sure you have inherited.

For this reason, I invite you to fan into a flame, the gift of GOD you received, through the laying on of my hands.  For GOD did not confer on us a spirit of fearfulness, but of strength, love and good judgment.  Do not be ashamed of testifying to our LORD, nor of seeing me in chains.  On the contrary, do your share in laboring for the gospel, with the strength of GOD." - 2 Timothy 1:1-8 

(Fan into a flame the gift of GOD you received.  See 1 Timothy 4:14.  Paul tries to give his own energy to Timothy and he reminds him of GOD's love and promises.)

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Paul Gives Personal Witness

 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up here, in this city, where I was educated in the school of Gamaliel, according to the strict observance of our law.  And I was dedicated to GOD's service, as are all of you today.  As for this way, I persecuted it to the point of death and arrested its followers, both men and women, throwing them into prison.

The High Priest and the whole Council of elders can bear witness to this.  From them, I received letters for the Jewish brothers in Damascus; and I set out to arrest those who were there and bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment.  But, as I was traveling along, nearing Damascus, at about noon, a great light from the sky suddenly flashed about me.  I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me: 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute ME?'  I answered: Who are YOU, LORD?'  And HE said to me: 'I AM JESUS, the Nazorean, whom you persecute.'  The men who were with me saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me.  I asked: 'What shall I do, LORD?'  And the LORD replied: 'Get up and go to Damascus; there, you will be told all that you are destined to do.'  Yet, the brightness of that light had blinded me; and, so, I was led by the hand into Damascus by my companions.

There, a certain Ananias came to me.  He was a devout observer of the law, and well-spoken of by all the Jews who were living there.  As he stood by me, he said: 'Brother Saul, recover your sight.'  At that moment, I could see; and I looked at him.  He, then, said, 'The GOD of our ancestors has chosen you to know HIS will, to see the Just One, and to hear the words from HIS mouth.  From now on you shall be HIS witness before all that you have seen and heard.  And now, why delay?  Get up and be baptized; and have your sins washed away, by calling upon HIS Name.'" - Acts 22:3-16 

(Paul here gives personal witness.  He will stress he is still faithful to the religion of his fathers: but he has not been able to prevent CHRIST, the LORD, from imposing HIMSELF on him.  Paul will quote Gamaliel [Acts 5:34], and then a Christian Jew very faithful to the law, Ananias.  The crowd listens.  The reaction comes when Paul says that the pagans will share the privileges of the Jews.  The pagans: our enemies, impure people and enemies of GOD!  The same affirmation had been decisive in the condemnation of JESUS [Matthew 21:42].)

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JESUS' True Family

 "Then HIS mother and HIS brothers came.  As they stood outside, they sent someone to call HIM.  The crowd sitting around JESUS told HIM, 'YOUR mother and YOUR brothers are outside asking for YOU.'  HE replied, 'Who are MY mother and MY brothers?'

And looking around at those who sat there, HE said, 'Here are MY mother and MY brothers.  Whoever does the will of GOD is brother and sister and mother to ME.'" - Mark 3:31-35 

(JESUS lost HIS relatives but found HIS true brothers and sisters.  When we commit ourselves to GOD's work, we discover new brothers and sisters and a mother, Mary, of whom the Gospel says, 'Happy are you for having believed that GOD's promises would be fulfilled.'  JESUS does not say, 'HE is MY FATHER,' for the FATHER is one and HE is in Heaven.)

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"HE Has An Unclean Spirit In HIM."

 "'Truly, I say to you, every sin will be forgiven humankind, even insults to GOD, however numerous.  But whoever slanders the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven.  He carries the guilt of his sin forever.'

This was their sin when they said, 'HE has an unclean spirit in HIM.'" - Mark 3:28-30 

(Every sin will be forgiven humankind even insults to GOD, however numerous and Matthew adds: "And the one who speaks against the Son of Man will be forgiven" [Matthew 12:32].

Whereas the Old Testament punished blasphemous words with death in order to save GOD's honor and avoid HIS anger towards the community, the GOD whom JESUS knows is aware of how far human stupidity can go and does not feel offended by so many ridiculous or blasphemous words habitually used in our society: HE does not defend HIMSELF as do the important people of this world.

JESUS allows HIMSELF to be criticized by those who do not understand HIM.  Many Pharisees of good faith did not understand JESUS and were scandalized by HIM.  This was excusable, but it is a different thing to call evil that which is clearly good.

To slander [or: to blaspheme] the Holy Spirit is to attribute to a bad spirit a work that is manifestly good.  Those who systematically attribute bad intentions to good work done by others, by the Church, by other parties, sin against the Holy Spirit.  The one who recognizes the truth but not GOD is better off than the one who says he believes in GOD but does not recognize the truth.)

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The People Who Walked In Darkness Have Seen A Great Light

 "Yet, where there was but anguish, darkness will disappear.

HE has just afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the future HE will confer glory on the way of the sea, on the land beyond the Jordan--the pagans' Galilee.

The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light.

A light has dawned

on those who live in the land of the shadow of death.

YOU have enlarged the nation;

YOU have increased their joy.

They rejoice before YOU,

as people rejoice at harvest time

as they rejoice in dividing the spoil.

For the yoke of their burden,

the bar across their shoulders,

the rod of their oppressors,

YOU have broken it as on the day of Midian."

- Isaiah 8:23-9:3

(This poem may have been composed in the year 732 B.C. when the king of Assyria destroyed Israel, kindred and enemies at the same time.  According to their custom, the Assyrians took many of the people to the other end of their empire.  They resided in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali which, centuries later, would become Galilee.  Dispersed among the pagans, they were coming out of sacred history to enter into darkness.

The liberation promised to them is presented as a crushing victory of the LORD, inaugurating a reign of peace, related to Emmanuel.

The people who walked in darkness... The Gospel [Matthew 4:16] sees in that people the crowds whom JESUS addresses:

- a people dominated by every kind of oppressors;

- a people seeking light and without hope.)

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HE Is In The Power Of Beelzebul

 "They went home.  The crowd began to gather again and they couldn't even have a meal.  Knowing what was happening, HIS relatives came to take charge of HIM.  'HE is out of HIS mind,' they said.  Meanwhile, the teachers of the law, who had come from Jerusalem, said, 'HE is in the power of Beelzebul: the chief of the demons helps HIM to drive out demons.'" - Mark 3:20-22 

(More than the healings, the exorcisms unsettled the Pharisees and the teachers of the law.  They, the religious authorities, traveled from Jerusalem to see this JESUS for themselves.  The Jews of JESUS' time were obsessed with the belief that illness was a form of possession.  JESUS does not concern HIMSELF with distinguishing between illness and possession.  Actually, the Devil is behind all human misery.  Beelzebul, the name of an ancient idol, was a Jewish term for the Devil.)

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JESUS Enjoys A Much Higher Ministry

 "Now, however, JESUS enjoys a much higher ministry, in being the mediator of a better Covenant, founded on better promises.  If all had been perfect in the first Covenant, there would have been no need for another one.  Yet GOD sees defects when HE says:

The days are coming--it is the word of the LORD--when I will draw up a new Covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.

It will not be like the Covenant that I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt.  They did not keep MY Covenant, and so I MYSELF have forsaken them, says the LORD.

But this is the Covenant that I will make with the people of Israel in the days to come: I will put MY laws into their minds and write them on their hearts.  I will be their GOD and they will be MY people.

None of them will have to teach one another or say to each other: Know the LORD, for they will know ME from the least to the greatest.  I will forgive their sins and no longer remember their wrongs.

Here, we are being told of a new Covenant, which means, that the first one had become obsolete, and what is obsolete, and aging, is soon to disappear." -  Hebrews 8:6-13 

(JESUS enjoys a much higher ministry.  Our liturgical service on earth is glorious inasmuch as we try to associate with the perfect praise of GOD in HIS "heaven."  It is the sunshine of our week, but it cannot be our essential duty unless we have received a special charism.  Here below, we must follow JESUS who did not envy the priests of HIS time but labored and died to reconcile humans with one another and with GOD.

Those who wish to meet JESUS in real life where truth must be observed will be easily accused of meddling in politics [which is not a sin].  However, it is a fact that JESUS did not die to defend religious practice, but to show that it is not what is most important.  HIS "baptism" was a real death, likewise HIS "Eucharist": it is not the case of a beautiful liturgy, in which no one [of course] risks life.)

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Thanksgiving And Further Plea For Help

 "Sacrifice and oblation YOU did not desire; this, YOU had me understand.  Burnt offering and sin offering YOU did not require.

Then I said, 'Here I come! as the scroll says of me.  To do YOUR will is my delight, O GOD, for YOUR law is within my heart.'

In the great assembly I have proclaimed YOUR saving help.  My lips, O YAHWEH, I did not seal--YOU know that very well.

But may all those who seek YOU, rejoice, and be glad in YOU; and may all who love YOUR saving grace continually say, 'YAHWEH is great.'"

 - Psalm 40:7-8. 8-9. 10. 17

(The psalmist gives us assurance that no matter who we are and what our economic condition, if we love GOD, HE will always and forever be by our side.  The words of Isaiah are echoed in this psalm and JESUS in Luke 4:21 said, "Today these prophetic words come true, even as you listen."  And, the words of JESUS CHRIST our Savior will come true, if only we listen and obey!

Those who have experienced divine love and tenderness will feel impelled to announce it, as a great message, even at the cost of their own lives.)

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The Messiah, King, Priest And Judge

 "YAHWEH said to my LORD,

'Sit at MY right hand

till I make YOUR foes YOUR footstool.'

From Zion YAHWEH will extend YOUR mighty scepter,

and YOU will rule in the midst of YOUR enemies.

YOURS is royal dignity

from the day YOU were born in holy majesty.

Like dew from the womb of the dawn,

I have begotten YOU."

- Psalm 110:1. 2. 3. 4

(Sometimes we feel trapped, as if in prison, by the problems of life.  This psalm is like a flash of lightning illuminating the prison and showing us an unexpected escape towards heaven.  In spite of some obscure expressions, the overall meaning is clear: from Zion will come, the one who will be victorious over all the hostile powers.  The struggle will be hard, but GOD will finally ask HIM to sit at HIS right; and all will be subject to HIM.  Our LORD is the Son of GOD.)  

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"The Sabbath Was Made For Man, Not Man For The Sabbath."

 "One Sabbath HE was walking through grain fields.  As HIS disciples walked along with HIM, they began to pick the heads of grain and crush them in their hands.  Then the Pharisees said to JESUS, 'Look!  They are doing what is forbidden on the Sabbath!'

And HE said to them, 'Have you never read what David did in his time of need, when he and his men were very hungry?  He went into the House of GOD, when Abiathar was High Priest, and ate; the bread of offering, which only the priests are allowed to eat, and he also gave some to the men who were with him.'  Then JESUS said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.  So, the Son of Man is master even of the Sabbath.'" - Mark 2:23-28 

(It was normal that passersby, when hungry, would pick fruit or wheat.  The Pharisees were scandalized because JESUS' disciples did this on the Sabbath, a day when all work was prohibited.

The Sabbath was made for man.  No law, no matter how holy it is, should be applied in a way that would oppress a person.

The Son of Man is master even of the Sabbath.  For the Jews, the observance of the Sabbath was the pillar of the Law established by GOD.  Who did JESUS think HE was?)

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New Wine, New Skin

 "'No one sews a piece of new cloth on an old coat, because the new patch will shrink and tear away from the old cloth, making a worse tear.  And no one puts new wine into old wine skins, for the wine would burst the skins, and then both the wine and the skins would be lost.  But new wine, new skins!'" - Matthew 2:21-22 

(What is the new wine?  It is of course the Gospel, and the enthusiasm because of the Holy Spirit that leads the disciples to every kind of madness to manifest the love of the FATHER and the freedom that they have acquired.  In order to understand this, let us read the Acts of the Apostles and the lives of the saints, who have marked Church history.

Old skins: The Gospel does not fit into the molds of religion and likewise does not enter into those persons who hold onto them at all costs.  Mark wants us to catch the Gospel's novelty.  We have just seen JESUS welcoming sinners, now we wonder that HE doesn't come like religious groups with prayers and fasting.)

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The Majesty Of GOD Is Not An Object Of Terror, But A Subject Of Exultation

 "YAHWEH reigns; let the earth rejoice;

let the distant islands be glad.

Clouds and darkness surround HIM;

justice and right, are HIS throne.

Fire goes before HIM,

burning HIS foes on every side.

HIS lightning lights up the world;

the earth watches and trembles.

The mountains melt like wax

before YAHWEH, the LORD of all the earth.

The heavens proclaim HIS justice,

all peoples see HIS glory."

- Psalm 97:1. 2-3. 3-4. 5-6

(The glory, the magnificence, the splendor of GOD--this could strike us with terror so that we might cry out like St. Peter, 'Depart from us!'  But that glory is our light; we are even called to share that glory.  So, for us, the majesty of GOD is not an object of terror, but a subject of exultation.)

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CHRIST Is Our High Priest

 "We have a great high priest, JESUS, the Son of GOD, who has entered heaven.  Let us then hold fast to the faith we profess.  Our high priest is not indifferent to our weaknesses, for HE was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet, without sinning.  Let us then with confidence, approach the throne of grace.  We will obtain mercy and, through HIS favor, help in due time." - Hebrews 4:14-16 

(For the Jews, the high priest--despite his personal defects--was a sacred person protecting the people from the punishment deserved by their sins.  The people needed not only leaders to govern them, but an advocate before GOD.  Aaron, Moses' brother, the first priest of the Jews, had been such a man.  His successors, the high priests, were to be the same.

This idea is developed here: the high priest is the people's representative before GOD, and he must be weak as they are but accepted by GOD.  CHRIST is just that and perfectly so.  Forgetting that JESUS is a man among humans is as serious for the faith as forgetting that HE is the Son of GOD.

It is helpful to look at the role of CHRIST, the high priest, at this time when the Church reminds us that all the faithful are associated with the priestly role of CHRIST.  We must represent humanity before GOD; we are consecrated to GOD for that purpose.

In the Eucharist we thank GOD in the name of everyone.  In daily life we must be instruments of the grace of GOD by being people who promote truth, encourage love and establish peaceful relationships.)

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Do Not Forget The Works Of The LORD!

 "... which we have heard and known, which our ancestors have told us.

We will not keep them hidden from our children; we will announce them to the coming generation: the glorious deeds of YAHWEH, HIS might and the wonders HE has done.

so, the next generation would learn, and teach their own children.

They would then, put their trust in GOD, and not forget HIS deeds and HIS commands.

And not be like their ancestors, stubborn and rebellious people, a people of inconstant heart, whose spirit was fickle."

- Psalm 78:3. 4. 6-7. 8

(The lesson of past history beats the rhythm of Israel's history.  Divine generosity, human ingratitude, correction, renewed generosity, is an enlarged picture of the individual experience.  GOD rarely showed HIS hands in such a way that people are forced to recognize it, in the events of history.  This needs a thoughtful and grateful heart.  And even then, we easily forget.  We can soon forget the urgent prayers in past crisis and the way GOD heard them.  But every day must be seen as a crisis in which GOD intervenes: 'Give us this day our daily bread!'

Sin is not the end of history; grace is!  Our history is a school of life and prayer.  It is enough to remember what we have done and what GOD does.)

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If Only You Would Hear GOD's Voice Today!

 "Listen to what the Holy Spirit says: If only you would hear GOD's voice today!  Do not be stubborn, as they were in the place called Rebellion, when your ancestors challenged ME in the desert, although they had seen MY deeds for forty years.  That is why I was angry with those people and said: Their hearts are always going astray, and they do not understand MY ways.  I was angry and made a solemn vow: They will never enter MY rest.

So, brothers, be careful, lest some of you come to have an evil and unbelieving heart, that falls away from the living GOD.  Encourage one another, day by day, as long as it is called today.  Let no one become hardened in the deceitful way of sin.  We are associated with CHRIST, provided we hold steadfastly to our initial hope, until the end." - Hebrews 3:7-14

(Several times this letter will recall the warning given the Hebrew pilgrims in the desert: If only you would hear GOD's voice today!  The road is long, and the believer grows tired when difficult times come, after the enthusiasm of the first days.  Supported by CHRIST's words, we must continue to hope for that which GOD promised, but which is invisible to our eyes.

The creation poem spoke of GOD's Rest after creating the world: this meant that the universe must come to a point of entering into the fullness of the mystery of GOD.  Human sorrow and work on this earth bring a person to her true end, which is "to rest" in the happiness of GOD.)

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GOD Uses Human Solidarity To Save Us

 "And because all those children share one same nature of flesh and blood, JESUS, likewise, had to share this nature.  This is why HIS death destroyed the one holding the power of death, that is the devil, and freed those who remained in bondage all their lifetime, because of the fear of death.

JESUS came, to take by the hand, not the angels but the human race.  So, HE had to be like HIS brothers and sisters, in every respect, in order to be the high priest, faithful to GOD and merciful to them, a priest, able to ask pardon, and atone for their sins.  Having been tested through suffering, HE is able to help those who are tested." - Hebrews 2:14-18 

(GOD uses human solidarity to save us.  CHRIST saves us through sharing flesh and blood, and human destiny.  In the same way, we are saved if we help in the liberation of the world, if we courageously accept our dependence on and solidarity with others.  To work side by side with others, to suffer and rejoice with them is a way of saving them.  We would like, at times, to escape our human condition and to be more independent: it seems to us that we would be better able to serve GOD, yet this dependence in the details of daily life is the means by which GOD wants us to take the human race by the hand.)

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The New World

 "The angels were not given dominion over the new world of which we are speaking.  Instead, someone declared in Scripture: What is man, that YOU should be mindful of HIM, what is the Son of Man that YOU should care for HIM?  For a while YOU placed HIM a little lower than the angels, but YOU crowned HIM with glory and honor.  YOU have given HIM dominion over all things.

When it is said that GOD gave HIM dominion over all things, nothing is excluded.  As it is, we do not yet see HIS dominion over all things.  But JESUS, who suffered death, and for a little while, was placed lower than the angels, has been crowned with honor and glory.  For the merciful plan of GOD demanded that HE experience death, on behalf of everyone.

GOD, from whom all come, and by whom all things exist, wanted to bring many children to glory, and HE thought it fitting to make perfect, through suffering, the initiator of their salvation.  So, HE who gives, and those who receive holiness, are one.  HE, HIMSELF, is not ashamed of calling us brothers and sisters, as we read: LORD, I will proclaim YOUR name to MY brothers; I will praise YOU in the congregation." - Hebrews 2:5-12 

(The new world.  Actually, the text says: the world to come.  This does not mean future times, or the end of the world, but the new and definitive times that began with the resurrection of CHRIST.

The new world is where the risen CHRIST is.  It is the homeland we are hoping for.  This new world has already come to us: a believer who lives in the Spirit constantly has experiences which are not of the earth even if in the beginning he is not aware of it.

All the history of JESUS is then both HIS and ours.  HE thought it fitting to make perfect through suffering the initiator of their salvation.  There is no other way to human liberation than the way of the cross.  Those who are eager to free others must be tested, some through opposition, others through indifference.  Suffering is a good teacher, and it tests the strength of our surrender.

It is on the cross of CHRIST that we must discover the love of the FATHER for HIS Son, since HE did not "condemn HIM" to suffer on earth, but rather, by way of suffering, HE called HIM to be the Savior and model for everyone.)

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JESUS Baptized By John

 "At that time, JESUS arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.  But John tried to prevent HIM, and said, 'How is it, YOU come to me?  I should be baptized by YOU!'

But JESUS answered him, 'Let it be like that for now; so that we may fulfill the right order.'  John agreed.

As soon as HE was baptized, JESUS came up out of the water.  All at once, the heavens opened and HE saw the Spirit of GOD come down, like a dove, and rest upon HIM.  At the same time, a voice from heaven was heard, 'This is MY Son, the Beloved; HE is MY Chosen One.'" - Matthew 3:13-17 

(In HIS baptism JESUS identifies HIMSELF with HIS people, more precisely with this world of "untitled" people who went to hear a call to conversion.  For HIM it is an occasion of deep religious experience recalling that of the great prophets.  What the voice says gives JESUS HIS mission.  HE will be Son and Servant of the FATHER [Psalm 2 and Isaiah 42:1].)

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The Ultimate Manifestation Of GOD's Presence

 "When JESUS was born in Bethlehem, in Judea, during the days of king Herod, wise men from the East arrived in Jerusalem.  They asked, 'Where is the newborn king of the Jews?  We saw the rising of HIS star in the East and have come to honor HIM.'

When Herod heard this, he was greatly disturbed, and with him all Jerusalem.  He immediately called a meeting of all high-ranking priests and teachers of the law and asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 

'In the town of Bethlehem in Judea', they told him, 'For this is what the prophet wrote: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are by no means the least among the clans of Judah, for from you will come a leader, one who is to shepherd MY people, Israel.'

Then Herod secretly called the wise men and asked them the precise time the star appeared.  He sent them to Bethlehem with these instructions, 'Go and get accurate information about the child.  As soon as you have found HIM, report to me, so that I, too, may go and honor HIM.'

After the meeting with the king, they set out.  The star that they had seen in the East went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.  The wise men were overjoyed on seeing the star again.  They went into the house, and when they saw the child with Mary HIS mother, they knelt and worshiped HIM.  They opened their bags and offered HIM their gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.

In a dream they were warned not to go back to Herod, so they returned to their home country by another way." - Matthew 2:1-12 

(The general manifestation of GOD's presence in nature and its attendant beauty has sometimes referred to as "diaphany," a Greek word meaning "to appear through," but beyond and deeper than this diaphany is the "theophany" in the history of the people of GOD.  The "Epiphany" is the ultimate manifestation and is applied to the revelation of GOD's glory in JESUS of Nazareth who becomes the complete sign of this glory.  John's Gospel has worked out this theme best.  True wisdom is to seek, find, recognize, and adore GOD's real presence in the signs and events of our times.)

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Keep Yourselves From Idols

 "Through HIM we are fully confident that whatever we ask, according to HIS will, HE will grant us.  If we know that HE hears us whenever we ask, we know that we already have what we asked of HIM.

If you see your brother committing sin, a sin which does not lead to death, pray for him, and GOD will give life to your brother.  I speak, of course, of the sin which does not lead to death.  There is also a sin that leads to death; I do not speak of praying about this.  Every kind of wrongdoing is sin, but not all sin leads to death.

We know that those born of GOD do not sin, but the one who was born of GOD, protects them, and the evil one does not touch them.

We know that we belong to GOD, while the whole world lies in evil.

We know that the Son of GOD has come and has given us power to know the truth.  We are in HIM who is true, HIS Son JESUS CHRIST.  HE is the true GOD, and eternal life.

My dear children, keep yourselves from idols." - 1 John 5:14-21 

(I do not speak of praying about this.  This sentence is somehow short, John implies: "with the certainty that GOD will give life to the sinner."  The will of GOD remains a mystery, whatever be the confidence we have in HIM.

The whole world lies in evil.  As has already been mentioned, this world belongs to GOD who made it good.  Nevertheless, this world is not simply a building site wherein we work.  It is first the place where the evil one competes with GOD.  The evil one does not side with any group, atheist or materialist or whatever else, but everywhere transforms the best things into destroying idols--even among those looking for a more perfect life: keep yourselves from idols.  This warning of John at the end of this letter has special importance; it invites us to remain in the truth of the Word-of-GOD-made-man without allowing anything contrary to it, to enter.  For the Church this is a permanent temptation--as well as for every Christian community--to make itself the center of everything, so that what matters is to recruit and to last.  Then when institutions believe that unity is assured by increasing authority, political and financial support are sought, and mission is replaced with buildings.  There are a thousand ways of eluding what is provisional while the Spirit always feels more at ease with what is provisional.  In so doing the Christian community, the whole Church becomes a thick wall between GOD and humans, all the more becoming an "idol" in wishing to be holy, obeyed and infallible in all its decision.  The Word became flesh, and the Church can only be the sacrament of GOD if she remains weak and vulnerable.) 

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Three Complementary Aspects Of The Christian Experience, Which Are First Seen In JESUS HIMSELF

 "Who has overcome the world?  The one who believes that JESUS is the Son of GOD.

JESUS CHRIST was acknowledged through water, but also through blood.

Not only water, but water and blood.

And the Spirit, too, witnesses to HIM, for the Spirit is truth.

There are, then, three testimonies:

the Spirit, the water and the blood, and these three witnesses agree.

If we accept human testimony, with greater reason must we accept that of GOD, given in favor of HIS Son.  If you believe in the Son of GOD, you have GOD's testimony in you.

But those who do not believe, make GOD a liar, since they do not believe HIS words when HE witnesses to HIS Son.

What has GOD said?  That HE has granted us eternal life, and this life is in HIS Son.  The one who has the Son has life, those who do not have the Son of GOD do not have life.

I write you, then, all these things, that you may know, that you have eternal life, all you, who believe in the name of the Son of GOD." - 1 John 5:5-13 

(Verses 6-9 point out three complementary aspects of the Christian experience, which are first seen in JESUS HIMSELF.  John characterizes them with three words:

- water: water is the symbol of cleanliness and of new life.

- blood: the blood of the sacrifice, the painful atonement for sin, the blood of martyrs.

- Spirit: the uncontainable power that animates CHRIST's witnesses; the amazing creativity of the people and institutions that are rooted in faith.

These three witness to JESUS CHRIST and they also characterize Christian salvation.  We can easily see that they correspond to the three sacraments of baptism, eucharist and confirmation.

In this conclusion, John repeats what he said throughout the letter: you who believe, appreciate what you have.  Do not underestimate the step you took in accepting CHRIST.  Explore and look for the riches which are meant for you, and which are found in "HIM who loves us" [Revelation 1:5].) 

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The One Who Hates His Brother Is A Murderer

 "The one who hates his brother is a murderer, and, as you know, eternal life does not remain in the murderer.

This is how we have known what love is: HE gave HIS life for us.  We, too, ought to give our life for our brothers and sisters.

If anyone enjoys the riches of this world, but closes his heart when he sees his brother or sister in need, how will the love of GOD remain in him?  My dear children, let us love, not only with words and with our lips, but in truth and in deed.

Then, we shall know that we are of the truth, and we may calm our conscience in HIS presence." - 1 John 3:15-19 

(All murders and massacres spring from hatred and grudges.  When war suddenly devastates a country, it is due to the fact that many people were resentful toward others, and others, in even greater numbers, refused to make sacrifices to settle their difficulties and tensions.

The practice of love never weakens us as can happen with other forms of sacrifice done without love.  Rather, it transforms us into GOD's likeness, and we are no longer fearful or distrustful of HIM.)

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We Shall Be Like HIM

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

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

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Keeping The Commandment Of Love Is What Distinguishes GOD's Children

 "MY little children do not be led astray; those who do what is right are upright, just as JESUS CHRIST is upright.  But those who sin belong to the devil, for the devil sins from the beginning.

This is why the Son of GOD was shown to us, HE was to undo the works of the devil.

Those born of GOD do not sin, for the seed of GOD remains in them; they cannot sin, because they are born of GOD.

What is the way to recognize the children of GOD, and those of the devil?  The one, who does not do what is right, is not of GOD; so, too, the one who does not love his brother or sister." - 1 John 3:7-10 

(Keeping the commandment of love is what distinguishes GOD's children.

Most people are accustomed to thinking that the world is divided into two opposed factions.  Some see good people on the one hand, and bad people on the other.  Others see only liberals and conservatives.  Others see black and white.  John tells us what the dividing line between people: those who love and those who do not love.  Because believers are in the camp of those who love, they will be persecuted.  Their companions and compatriots will not forgive believers for not sharing their own hatred and sectarianism.)

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HIS Anointing (Spirit) Teaches You All Things

 "Who is the liar?  

The one who denies that JESUS is the CHRIST.

This is an antichrist, who denies both the FATHER and the Son.  The one who denies the Son is without the FATHER, and those who acknowledge the Son also have the FATHER.

Let what you heard, from the beginning, remain in you.  If what you heard from the beginning, remains in you, you too, will remain in the Son and in the FATHER.  And this is the promise HE, HIMSELF, gave us: eternal life.

I write this to you, thinking of those who try to lead you astray.

You are received from HIM, an anointing, and it remains in you, so you do not need someone to teach you.  HIS anointing teaches you all things.  It speaks the truth and does not lie to you; so remain in HIM and keep what HE has taught you.

And now, my children, live, in HIM, so that when HE appears in HIS glory, we may be confident, and not ashamed, before HIM when HE comes." - 1 John 2:22-28 

(You received from HIM an anointing, and it remains in you.  John not only speaks of the anointing of oil in baptism and confirmation.  "CHRIST" signifies precisely, "HE who is anointed," and this anointing was the presence in HIM of the Spirit of GOD, HIS FATHER.  John adds: "You cannot receive passively just any instruction in the Church, but you must discern whether the word of GOD is being faithfully transmitted."

HIS anointing [Spirit] teaches you all things.  In writing that, John had in mind the prophets who were the animators of the churches: through their inspired words the Spirit taught the community [see Acts 14:2 and 1 Thessalonians 5:19].  Today the Spirit also maintains us in the truth through the leaders of the community and those who teach but we are not dispensed from seeking by ourselves the meaning of the Word and discerning what others tell us.)

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