HE Who Scattered Israel Now Gathers Them!

"Hear the word of YAHWEH, O nations,

proclaim it on distant coast lands:

HE who scattered Israel will gather them

and guard them as a shepherd guards his flock.

For YAHWEH has ransomed Jacob

and redeemed him from the hand of his conqueror.

They shall come shouting for joy, while ascending Zion;

they will come streaming to YAHWEH's blessings--

the young of the flocks and herds.

They will be like a well-watered garden;

no more they will be afflicted.

Maidens will make merry and dance,

young men and old as well.

I will turn their mourning into gladness,

I will give them comfort and joy for sorrow."

- Jeremiah 31:10-13

(This brings us back to the happy years of king Josiah.  Besides promoting the renewal of faith and the worship of YAHWEH, he managed to conquer part of what had been the kingdom of Israel before it became an Assyrian province after the fall of Samaria.)

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Thanksgiving To A Faithful GOD

"I thank YOU, O YAHWEH, with all my heart,

for YOU have heard the word of my lips.

I sing YOUR praise in the presence of the gods.

I bow down YOUR holy temple 

and give thanks to YOUR name,

for YOUR love and faithfulness,

for YOUR word, which exceeds everything.

YOU answered me when I called;

YOU restored my soul and made me strong.

O YAHWEH, all kings on earth will give you praise,

when they have heard YOUR words.

They will celebrate the ways of YAHWEH,

'great is the glory of YAHWEH!'"

Psalm 138:1-2. 2-3. 4-5

(The great GOD, LORD of the world and of angels, cares for us, constantly surpassing what we could expect from HIM.

The one who prays does not know how his own future will be.  He is certain, however, that if the dangers are great, the hand of GOD is saving and HIS love is eternal.  GOD cannot forsake the work of HIS hands.  Thanksgiving has a future.

The psalmist thanks GOD repeatedly for answering his prayers.  Indeed, our prayers will be answered because JESUS told us so.  JESUS even taught us how to pray [Matthew 6:9], and told us to ask and we will receive [Matthew 7:7] and whatever we ask in prayer full of faith, you will receive [Matthew 21:22].)

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Praise To The GOD Of Victories

 "Alleluia!

Sing to YAHWEH a new song,

sing HIS praise in the assembly of HIS saints.

Let Israel rejoice in his Maker;

let the people of Zion glory in their King!

Let them dance in praise of HIS name;

and make music for HIM with harp and timbrel.

For YAHWEH delights in HIS people;

HE crowns the lowly with victory.

The saints will exult in triumph;

even at night, on their couches,

let the praise of GOD be on their lips;

and in their hands, two-edged swords;

to execute on them, the written sentence:

this is the glory of all HIS saints.  Alleluia!"

- Psalm 149:1-2. 3-4. 5-6. 9

(We join in the song of victory, the triumph of GOD, the crushing of the serpent's head; for we have our part in the victorious struggle, wearing the armor of GOD, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit.  Our battle must be 'against the spirits and supernatural forces of evil' [Ephesians 6:12].  Evil and sin in our world are an affront to our Creator; the pain of the humble is the pain of the LORD.  We pray with this psalm, in union with all those who are hungry and thirsty for justice.  They are blessed.)

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JESUS Sends The Twelve On A Mission

"Then JESUS called HIS Twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to drive out all evil spirits and to heal diseases.  And HE sent them to proclaim the kingdom of GOD and to heal the sick.  HE instructed them, 'Don't take anything for the journey, neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and don't even take a spare tunic.  Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place.  And wherever they don't welcome you, leave the town and shake the dust from your feet: it will be as a testimony against them.'

So, they set out, and went through the villages, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere." - Luke 9:1-6  

(JESUS has begun HIS mission, HE forms and sends out missionaries.

Apostles mean "sent" and "mission" also means "being sent."  The FATHER has sent HIS Son to earth, and the Son, in turn, sends HIS apostles.  The FATHER sends messengers of HIS word, but HE also sends HIS Spirit to touch the hearts and minds of those who listen.  Through the Spirit they recognize the word of GOD in the poor preaching of these messengers who have received no great instruction.  The Spirit will give signs: healings and astounding graces supporting the witness of the missionaries.)

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JESUS' Mother And Brothers

"Then HIS mother and HIS relatives came to HIM, but they could not get to HIM because of the crowd.  Someone told HIM, 'YOUR mother and YOUR brothers are standing outside and wish to meet YOU.'  Then JESUS answered, 'MY mother and MY brothers are those who hear the word of GOD and do it'." - Luke 8:19-21 

(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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Song Of The Returned Exiles

 "When YAHWEH brought the exiles back to Zion,

we were like those moving in a dream.

Then, our mouths were filled with laughter,

and our tongues with songs of joy.

Among the nations it was said,

'YAHWEH has done great things for them.'

YAHWEH had done great things for us,

and we were glad indeed.

Bring back our exiles, O YAHWEH,

like fresh streams in the desert.

Those who sow in tears 

will reap with songs and shouts of joy.

They went forth weeping, 

bearing the seeds for sowing,

they will come home with joyful shouts,

bringing their harvested sheaves."

- Psalm 126:1-2. 2-3. 4-5. 6

(Israel's drought will turn to fertility.  Her own labor of sowing will achieve its harvest.  'The field is the world' [Matthew 13:38] and the field whitens for a harvest of souls gathered to eternal life [John 4:35ff; Matthew 13:30].  But the sowing is in tears: 'Unless the seed falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone' [John 12:24ff].  The seed is the Word--the Word made flesh and crucified.  The tears are HIS, the joys ours: 'YAHWEH has done great things for us!'  And yet we, too, have our crucifixion.  If we want to turn suffering into hope, tears into songs, we can pray with this psalm.)

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The Workers In The Vineyard

"This story throws light on the kingdom of heaven.  A landowner went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard.  He agreed to pay the workers a salary of a silver coin for the day, and sent them to his vineyard. 

He went out again at about nine in the morning, and seeing others idle in the square, he said to them:  'You, too, go to my vineyard and I will pay you what is just.'  So, they went.

The owner went out at midday and again at three in the afternoon, and he did the same.  Finally, he went out at the last working hour - it was the eleventh - and he saw others standing there.  So, he said to them:  'Why do you stay idle the whole day?'  They answered:  'Because no one has hired us.'  The master said:  'Go and work in my vineyard.'

When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager: 'Call the workers and pay them their wage, beginning with the last and ending with the first.'  Those who had come to work at the eleventh hour turned up and given a denarius (a silver coin).  When it was the turn of the first, they thought they would receive more.  But they, too, received a denarius each.  So, on receiving it, they began to grumble against the landowner.

They said:  'These last hardly worked an hour, yet you have treated them the same as us who have endured the day's burden and heat.'  The owner said to one of them:  'Friend, I have not been unjust to you.  Did we not agree on a denarius a day?  So, take what is yours and go.  I want to give to the last the same as I give to you.  Don't I have the right to do as I please with my money?  Why are you envious when I am kind?

So will it be the last will be first, the first will be last." - Matthew 20:1-16 

(Many are surprised at this parable.  They find it unfair to give the same reward to everyone, without taking into account the labor and sacrifices of everyone.

 

Without doubt JESUS wanted to shock us and shatter the idea we obstinately cling to that we have merits that GOD must recognize.  However, we should pay close attention to the story:  JESUS makes a comparison, not of several laborers, but of several groups of laborers.  Each group represents a nation or a social class, and while some of them have long ago received the word of GOD, others have just become believers.

 

All throughout history, GOD has been calling different people to work in his vineyard... The elders never cease to claim their right to receive better treatment than the others.  Actually, the vineyard has not been confided to them exclusively.

 

To this day, there are also social groups that are amazed when the Church criticizes their demand for privileges and does not assign them the first benches in the temple for, they had always believed that the Church was theirs.

 

In this parable, all are treated on equal terms and receive one silver coin each.  Let them be happy for having been invited to work, as they were unemployed.)

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Praise To GOD, Creator And Shepherd

 "Serve YAHWEH with gladness; come before HIM with joyful songs.

Know that YAHWEH is GOD; HE created us, and we are HIS people, the sheep of HIS fold.

Enter HIS gates with thanksgiving, HIS courts with praise.  Give thanks to HIM and praise HIS name.

For YAHWEH is good; HIS love lasts forever; and HIS faithfulness, through all generations."

- Psalm 100:1-2. 3. 4. 5

(The psalm bids us rejoice in GOD, because we are utterly HIS.  From the psalmist, the glad reflection provokes an outburst of gratitude.  From those who know the Cross it should bring about a cry of wonder that GOD should have brought, what was already HIS own--that we should belong to HIM doubly.  'You are bought with a great price,' writes St. Paul; 'not with gold or silver,' Peter says, 'but with the precious blood of CHRIST' [1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18].  This psalm was born again on Calvary.  We must remember that as we sing it!)

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The Women Who Followed JESUS

"JESUS walked through towns and countryside, preaching and giving the good news of the kingdom of GOD.  The Twelve followed HIM, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases:  Mary called Magdalene, who had been freed of seven demons; Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward; Suzanna and others who provided for them out of their own funds." - Luke 8:1-3 

(No spiritual master would have spoken to a woman in public:  women were not even admitted to the synagogues.  Nevertheless, JESUS did not pay the least attention to such universally accepted prejudices.  Various women took JESUS words and attitude as a call to freedom.  They even joined the circle of HIS intimate friends while ignoring the gossip.  Here we have a fundamental testimony about the freedom of the Gospel.

 

JESUS was truly human, and as such HE belonged to a race and a culture:  HE was a Jew of HIS time, and HIS Gospel was attuned to the culture that HE shared.  Yet JESUS did not adopt the inhuman traits of HIS culture; nor did HE accept the prejudices of the Jews of HIS time with regard to women, to public sinners, to pagans and so on, nor did HE share their views in regard to the Sabbath.  HIS Gospel is a leaven that changes cultures for the better; in many respects HIS way of life goes against the mainstream of cultures.)

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JESUS Calls Matthew

"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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"What Comparison Can I Use For The People?"

"And JESUS said, 'What comparison can I use for the people?  What are they like?  They are like children sitting in the marketplace, about whom their companions complain, 'We piped you a tune and you wouldn't dance; we sang funeral songs and you wouldn't cry.'

Remember John: he didn't eat bread or drink wine, and you said, 'He has an evil spirit.'  Next, came the Son of Man, eating and drinking; and you say, 'Look, a glutton for food and wine, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.'  But the children of Wisdom always recognize her work.'" - Luke 7:31-35 

(They are like children sitting...  They do everything at the wrong time; they reproach John for his austerity and JESUS for HIS lack of austerity.  There is no "one" way of serving GOD; there is no "one" model of holiness, "one" style of Christian life.  GOD acts in thousands of ways throughout history, encouraging at a given time what HE will censure later in another milieu.  The extreme asceticism of hermits in the desert or that of the ancient Irish monks has been a richness for Christianity.  Modern Christianity that appears more human may look easier to follow but the demands of the cross are always there.  JESUS went further than John but HE needed John: the Gospel is heard with pleasure but is not taken seriously as long as repentance and sacrifice are brushed aside.  Perhaps the renewal of our faith today is waiting for prophets and for movements that dare to question a culture and a society that has become sterile.)

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The Son Of A Widow Restored To Life

"A little later JESUS went to a town called Naim and many of HIS disciples went with HIM - a great number of people.  As HE reached the gate of the town, a dead man was being carried out.  He was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; there followed large crowd or townspeople.

On seeing her, the LORD had pity on her and said, 'Don't cry.'  Then HE came up and touched the stretcher and the men who carried it stopped.  JESUS then said, 'Young man, awake, I tell you.'  And the dead man got up and began to speak, and JESUS gave him to his mother.  A holy fear came over them all and they praised GOD saying, 'A great prophet has appeared among us; GOD has visited HIS people.'  This news spread out in the Jewish country and the surrounding places." - Luke 7:11-17 

(No one has ever attributed power over death to any person.  Only JESUS conquers death, and HE does so very simply.

JESUS only knew this young man through his mother, and it is for her that HE has restored him to life.  To be a widow without children is the height of distress [see Ruth], and it will be the lot of Mary.

The woman represents suffering humanity.  "You will suffer because of your children": this was said after the first sin.  Humanity cannot avoid accompanying the dead after depriving them of their reasons for living.  Humanity buries their young with tears, while continuing to kill them.)

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The Power Of GOD

"When JESUS had finished teaching the people, HE went to Capernaum.

A Roman military officer lived there, whose servant was very sick and near to death, a man very dear to him.  So when he heard about JESUS, he sent some elders of the Jews to persuade HIM to come and save his servant's life.  The elders came to JESUS and begged HIM earnestly, saying, 'He deserves this of YOU, for he loves our people and even built a synagogue for us.'

JESUS went with them.  HE was not far from the house, when the Roman officer sent friends to give this message, 'SIR, do not trouble YOURSELF, for I am not worthy to welcome YOU under my roof.  YOU see, I didn't approach YOU myself.  Just give the order, and my servant will be healed.  For I myself, a junior officer, give orders to my soldiers, and I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes; and to the other, 'Come!' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this!' and he does it.'

On hearing these words, JESUS was filled with admiration.  HE turned and said to the people with HIM, 'I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.'  The people, sent by the captain, went back to his house; there they found that the servant was well." - Luke 7:1-10 

(This captain of a foreign army earned the esteem of the Jews.  The amazing thing was not that he should have contributed to the building of the synagogue, but rather that the Jews should have accepted it from him.  He must have been a good man.  He knew the Jews' prejudices too well to have dared to personally approach this JESUS of whom they spoke.  Indeed, up to what point did JESUS share HIS compatriots' pride?  Would HE respond to the petition of a Roman official?  That was why he sent his Jewish friends to JESUS.

The man is really troubled: will JESUS consent to go to a pagan's house and "become impure'?  [John 18:28].  The captain goes one step further: JESUS does not have to come to his house.  While other sick people seek to be touched by the Master thinking that JESUS possesses some healing power, this man, has instead grasped that JESUS has the very power of GOD and does not need to go to the sick servant: it would not be any more difficult to give a command from a distance to a life that was slipping away.)

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Forgiveness Must Replace The Thirst For Revenge

"Then Peter asked HIM, 'LORD, how many times must I forgive the offenses of my brother and sister?  Seven times?  JESUS answered, 'No, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" - Matthew 18:21-22  

(Seventy-seven times.  Compare with Genesis 4:24. Forgiveness must replace the thirst for revenge.  This is about the forgiveness of one who returns repentant: see Luke 17:1.)

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Each Tree Is Known By The Fruit It Bears

"No healthy tree bears bad fruit, no poor tree bears good fruit.  And each tree is known by the fruit it bears: you don't gather figs from thorns, or grapes from brambles.  Similarly, the good person draws good things from the good stored in his heart, and an evil person draws evil things from the evil stored in his heart.  For the mouth speaks from the fullness of the heart." - Luke 6:43-45 

(These sayings were already mentioned in Matthew 7:15.  Here, however, Luke gives them a different meaning by referring to a pure conscience.  We must purify our mind and our spirit to become the tree that produces good fruits.)

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JESUS Offered HIS Sacrifice With Tears And Cries

"CHRIST, in the days of HIS mortal life, offered HIS sacrifice with tears and cries.  HE prayed to HIM, who could save HIM from death, and HE was heard, because of HIS humble submission.  Although HE was Son, HE learned, through suffering, what obedience was, and, once made perfect, HE became the source of eternal salvation, for those who obey HIM." - Hebrews 5:7-9  

(HE offered HIS sacrifice with tears and cries.  In Scripture, these words are used to express the insistent prayer of the oppressed children of GOD: they cry to GOD in such a loud voice that HE listens to them.  Thus, the night before HIS death, JESUS identified with men and women who suffer and do not want to die.)

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Imitate The Humility Of JESUS

"Though HE was in the form of GOD, HE did not regard equality with GOD as something to be grasped, but emptied HIMSELF, taking on the nature of a servant, made in human likeness, and in HIS appearance found as a man.  HE humbled HIMSELF by being obedient to death, death on the cross.  That is why GOD exalted HIM and gave HIM the Name which outshines all names, so that at the name of JESUS all knees should bend in heaven, on earth and among the dead, and all tongues proclaim that CHRIST JESUS is the LORD to the glory of GOD the FATHER." - Philippians 2:6-11  

(Unity is often supported by a shared feeling of being the best. or the strongest or having to contend with another group:  in that way many religious groups maintain their strength, their discipline and the efforts and sacrifices needed for this.  All that is also found in Christian groups, but it should not be, for we have another spirit.  With us, unity will follow from much humility and understanding of others.  Here, Paul gives the secret of Christian co-existence:  look for what is humble and do nothing through rivalry or for glory.

 

In a hymn which is a sort of creed, Paul proposes the example of CHRIST:  HIS path from GOD to man, from rich to poor, from first to last, from master to servant.

 

The LORD JESUS desired to identify with the humblest, the most afflicted, the most despised.  such were JESUS' attitudes, and they must be those of HIS followers, the Christians.  A desire to identify with the humblest and to share with them is the motivation for a truly evangelical life.

 

In this we must differ from the majority of people who are mainly interested in their personal or family fulfillment.  Their ambitions are legitimate, and who among us does not share them at least partly?  Yet they have been devalued by CHRIST by the simple fact that HE took the opposite way.

 

HE did not claim equality with GOD:  the mystery of GOD's Son who became a mortal man and gave up GOD's Glory, although HE could have preserved it even in HIS human life.  Since CHRIST was to be the New Man, glorified by GOD and placed above everything, HIS being subject to misery and limitations was a way of being reduced to nothingness.

 

GOD exalted HIM.  The humiliation and obedience of CHRIST were the condition for receiving HIS glory.  HE gave HIM the Name [of GOD], that is, HE made HIM fully enjoy in HIS human nature the divine Power [or Name].)

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Blessings And Woes

"Coming down the hill with them, JESUS stood on a level place.  Many of HIS disciples were there and a large crowd of people who had come from all parts of Judea and Jerusalem and from the coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon.  They gathered to hear HIM and be healed of their diseases; likewise people troubled by evil spirits were healed.  The entire crowd tried to touch HIM because of the power that went out from HIM and healed them all.

Then looking at HIS disciples, JESUS said, 

'Fortunate are you who are poor, the kingdom of GOD is yours.' 

Fortunate are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. 

Fortunate are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 

Fortunate are you when people hate you, when they reject you and insult you and number you among criminals, because of the Son of Man.  Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven.  Remember that is how the ancestors of this people treated the prophets. 

But alas for you who have wealth, for you have been comforted now. 

Alas for you who are full, for you will go hungry. 

Alas for you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 

Alas for you when people speak well of you, for that is how the ancestors of these people treated the false prophets." - Luke 6:17-26 

(Matthew adapts them for the members of the church of his time.  Luke, on the other hand, puts the beatitudes here just as JESUS proclaimed them to the people of Galilee.  In the words of JESUS, the beatitudes were a call and a hope addressed to the forgotten of the world, beginning with the poor among HIS people, heirs of GOD's promise to the prophets.)

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Baptized And Risen

"In CHRIST JESUS, you were given a circumcision, but not by human hands, which removed completely from you the carnal body: 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 cancelled the record of our debts, those regulations which accused us.  HE did away with all that and nailed it to the cross.  Victorious through the cross, HE stripped the rulers and authorities of their power, humbled them before the eyes of the whole world, and dragged them behind HIM, as prisoners." - Colossians 2:11-15 

(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.

Paul had been circumcised and knew from experience that it did not save him.  We can be fairly sure baptism did not also miraculously free him of his aggressiveness and weaknesses, but he began to live his human existence differently.  He had been liberated, among other things, of what weighed heavily on him: religion with all its commandments.  Religion for him was not, as it is for some who like principles, a defensive shield as necessary as a policeman: religion was for him a reminder of a debt toward GOD, something that made love and real trust impossible.  JESUS in dying had nailed to the cross all kinds of fears of GOD; at the same time, HE did away with all the moral principles and pressures ["powers and authorities"] that smother our free response to GOD.

In some countries, many people are baptized but baptism scarcely changes their life and generally speaking they do not belong to communities seeking to renew their faith.  It is not enough for us to admit that we are poor Christians, that we have not really buried the sinner within us.  Our resurrection depends, first of all on faith in GOD who resurrected JESUS, who has pardoned us, and prepared everything so that we may live our life.) 

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What Is Allowed By The Law On The Sabbath?

"On another Sabbath, JESUS entered the synagogue and began teaching.  There was a man with a paralyzed right hand, and the teachers of the law and the Pharisees watched HIM: Would JESUS heal the man on the Sabbath?  If HE did, they could accuse HIM.

But JESUS knew their thoughts, and said to the man, 'Get up, and stand in the middle.'  Then HE spoke to them, 'I want to ask you: what is allowed by the law on the Sabbath?  To do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?'  And JESUS looked around at them all.

Then HE said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.'  He stretched it out, and his hand was restored, becoming as healthy as the other.  But they were furious and began to discuss with one another how they could deal with JESUS." - Luke 6:6-11 

(JESUS could have said to the man: "Why do you ask me to do something forbidden on the Sabbath?  Come back tomorrow to be healed."  JESUS does not avoid the confrontation because Gospel means liberation and we become free when we admit that there is nothing sacred in a society that attempts to impose its own standards.  The law of rest [Sabbath] is one of the fundamental laws of the Scripture but that does not prevent the possibility of this law causing oppression and for that reason it must at times be dispensed with.

It is the same for the most sacred laws of the Church: at a given moment they might be an obstacle to the Gospel and, if that be the case, Christian conscience, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, must find a solution for the time being.  As long as people are subject to an order, to laws and authorities which are considered sacred and which no one thinks of criticizing, those people are neither free nor true sons and daughters of GOD.  [See 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; 8:4-5; Colossians 2:20-23.]

A respect for GOD that would destroy our critical sense would not be in keeping with the Gospel; a religion preventing us from seeking the truth and from questioning every area of human restlessness would not be the true one.  To study the Scriptures without daring to know and take into account the contributions of modern science for fear that our very naïve vision of sacred history would fall apart, would be to sin against the Spirit.)

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Let This Be The Only Debt Of One To Another: LOVE

"Do not be in debt to anyone.  Let this be the only debt of one to another: Love.  The one who loves his or her neighbor fulfills the law.  For the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not covet, and whatever else, are summarized in this one: You will love your neighbor as yourself.  Love cannot do the neighbor any harm; so love fulfills the whole law." - Romans 13:8-10 

(As Paul says, "Give with an open hand."  He passes from the good discharge of ministries to the ministry of love for others.)

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The Body Of CHRIST

"You, yourselves, were once estranged, and opposed to GOD, because of your evil deeds, but now, GOD has reconciled you, in the human body of HIS Son, through HIS death, so that you may be without fault, holy and blameless before HIM.  Only stand firm upon the foundation of your faith, and be steadfast in hope.  Keep in mind the gospel you have heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister." - Colossians 1:21-23 

(Paul now requires the Colossians to keep their feet on the ground.  Do not waste your time imagining struggles between celestial beings and evil ones.  The struggle is here below and costs blood and life.  This is why Paul reminds his readers what he himself is suffering because of the Gospel.

The body of CHRIST is the place where the peace of all humanity with GOD, and peace between individuals and nations can be achieved [Ephesians 2:11].)

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JESUS Born Of A Virgin Mother

"Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and from her came JESUS, who is called the CHRIST - the Messiah.

There were then fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, and fourteen generations from David to the deportation to Babylon, and fourteen generations from the deportation to Babylon to the birth of CHRIST.

This is how JESUS CHRIST was born.  Mary HIS mother had been given to Joseph in marriage but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

Then Joseph, her husband, made plans to divorce her in all secrecy.  He was an upright man, and in no way did he want to discredit her.

While he was pondering over this, an angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.  She has conceived by the Holy spirit, and now she will bear a son.  You shall call HIM 'JESUS' for HE will save HIS people from their sins.'

All this happened in order to fulfill what the LORD had said through the prophet.  The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and HE will be called EMMANUEL which means GOD-with-us.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the LORD had told him to do, and he took his wife to his home." - Matthew 1:16-24

Mary And Joseph

(JESUS is not the son of Joseph.  The beginning of the paragraph intends to remind us that JESUS is both a legitimate son of David through Joseph and the Son of GOD conceived through the Holy Spirit by a virgin-mother.

These short and almost bashful sentences do not dare to unveil the mystery of Mary, the virgin through whom life on earth touches GOD and offers itself as an oblation.  A messenger breaks through the night and speaks with silent words: the world is open to the active presence of GOD.

Mary was engaged.  Engagements gave to the Jewish people practically every right of marriage, especially conjugal rights.  The only difference was that women continued to live under the parents' tutelage and in their parental home.  The Jews were markedly a "macho" society. A woman necessarily belonged to a man, either to her father, her husband, or her son. Mary was already the wife of Joseph, but she could not be under his authority until he brought her to his home.

The virginity of Mary was not in keeping with the Jewish mentality that gave first place to fecundity.  It was not so unusual that Joseph would accept such a situation.  At this time certain Jews belonging to the party of the Essenes lived celibacy, as did the monks.

Joseph made plans to divorce her secretly.  The Gospel is not precise as to his reasons for so doing.  In any case it is unthinkable that people might have doubted Mary's fidelity.

The intervention of the angel in the Gospel is not to reassure Joseph but to inform him of his role in the plan of GOD.  You shall call HIM "JESUS', and you will receive HIM as your son.  Joseph was a "descendant of David" and JESUS adopted by Joseph would be a legitimate descendant of David. Most probably Mary did not even belong to the tribe of Judah, which was that of David, but like her cousin Elizabeth, she belonged to a family of priests of the tribe of Levi.) 

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You Will Catch People

"One day, as JESUS stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, with a crowd gathered around HIM listening to the word of GOD, HE caught sight of two boats, left at the water's edge by fishermen, now washing their nets.  HE got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked HIM to pull out a little from the shore.  There HE sat and continued to teach the crowd.

When HE had finished speaking, HE said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.'  Simon replied, 'Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing.  But if you say so, I will lower the nets.'  This they did and caught such large number of fish that their nets began to break.  They signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them.  They came, and they filled both boats almost to the point of sinking.

Upon seeing this, Simon Peter fell at JESUS' knees, saying, 'Leave me, LORD, for I am a sinful man!'  For he and his companions amazed at the catch they had made, and so were Simon's partners, James and John, Zebedee's sons.

JESUS said to Simon, 'Do not be afraid.  You will catch people from now on.'  So, they brought their boats to land and followed HIM, leaving everything." - Luke 5:1-11 

(JESUS invites HIMSELF aboard Peter's boat, and Peter is willing to render HIM this service.  JESUS looks for more: even though many are ready to assist HIM, HE seeks those who are willing to totally surrender to HIS work.  The listeners are many, but HE needs apostles.

Miracles are another way in which JESUS teaches.  The miracle reported here is GOD's word for future apostles.  Lower your nets; the nets were at the breaking point; you will catch people...

Leave me, LORD, for I am a sinful man.  Such is the fear of the one who discovers that GOD has entered into his inner life: this is a first act of faith in the divinity of JESUS.  Yet JESUS calls on sinners to save sinners.

Leaving everything, they followed HIM.  It is not that they had much, but it was their whole life: work, family and their whole past as fishermen.

Apostle means sent.  CHRIST is the one who chooses HIS apostles and sends them in HIS name.  Where will HE find someone to send except among those who are willing to cooperate with HIM?  One begins to be an apostle or at least to cooperate with CHRIST, when one looks for something more than performing good works for the benefit of the parish, when one feels responsible for people: fisher of people.

Here Luke may have combined two different events: the call of the disciples briefly presented in Mark 1:16 and the miraculous catch.  John also relates a miraculous catch [John 21] but he places it after the resurrection.  We have good reason to think we are dealing with the same miracle, but it suited John to combine it with the appearance of the risen JESUS to the apostles, which occurred later in the same place.)

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JESUS Is A Model Missionary

"Leaving the synagogue, JESUS went to the house of Simon.  His mother-in-law was suffering from high fever, and they asked HIM to do something for her.  Bending over her, HE rebuked the fever, and it left her.  Immediately, she got up and waited on them.

At sunset, people suffering from many kinds of sickness were brought to JESUS.  Laying HIS hands on each one, HE healed them.  Demons were driven out, howling as they departed from their victims, 'YOU are the Son of GOD!'  HE rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, for they knew HE was the Messiah.

JESUS left at daybreak and looked for a solitary place.  People went out in search of HIM, and finding HIM, they tried to dissuade HIM from leaving.  But HE said, 'I have to go to other towns, to announce the good news of the kingdom of GOD.  That is what I was sent to do.'  And JESUS continued to preach in the synagogues of Galilee." - Luke 4:38-44 

(JESUS is a model missionary.  HE no sooner gathers a few believers together than they want to keep HIM for themselves, either because they see in HIM a true prophet, or want to form a true community under HIS guidance.

JESUS, however, leaves the task of shepherding [in the sense of guiding a specific community] to others, because HE has many more people in mind still awaiting the Gospel.)

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"In Truth, I Tell You."

"JESUS went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee, and began teaching the people at the Sabbath meetings.  They were astonished at the way HE taught them, for HIS word was spoken with authority.

In the synagogue, there was a man possessed by an evil spirit, who shouted in a loud voice, 'What do YOU want with us, JESUS of Nazareth?  Have YOU come to destroy us?  I recognize YOU: YOU are the Holy One of GOD.'  Then JESUS said to him sharply, 'Be silent and leave this man!'  The evil spirit then threw the man down in front of them, and came out of him without doing him harm.

Amazement seized all these people, and they said to one another, 'What does this mean?  HE commands the evil spirits with authority and power.  HE orders, and you see how they come out!'  And news about JESUS spread throughout the surrounding area." - Luke 4:31-37 

(Mark has shown us how JESUS began HIS public life: HE became part of a movement of conversion that had shaken everyone at the call of John the Baptist.  It was then that JESUS began preaching and met HIS first disciples.

Mark will now give us a "day" in the life of JESUS.  Through HIS words and actions, a power that impresses every witness becomes manifest.  At the beginning of HIS ministry, JESUS preaches in the synagogues.  The synagogue is the Jewish house of prayer.  People gather each Saturday for the chanting of the Psalms and the reading of the Scriptures.  The one in charge preaches and invites others to join.  This is where JESUS reveals HIMSELF.  HE is not like the teachers of the law who repeat, interpret, and give others' opinions.  JESUS speaks on HIS own and HE speaks with authority, "In truth, I tell you."

With the same authority JESUS drives out demons.  This act also contains a message: JESUS delivers us from the influence of the Devil, who strives to destroy those created in the likeness of GOD.

This "Master of the world" [John 14:30] is present in all human business and culture to deceive human purposes and converts any progress into new slavery.)

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Do Not Grieve As Others Do

"Brothers and sisters, we want you not to be mistaken about those who are already asleep, lest you grieve as do those who have no hope.  We believe that JESUS died and rose; it will be the same for those who have died in JESUS.  GOD will bring them together with JESUS and for HIS sake.

So, then comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18 

(The Thessalonian community is made up of Christians who are all recent converts with little experience.  For years they had accepted the fate of being born to die.  Now, on the contrary, they awaken each day with the assurance of overcoming death:  CHRIST will come soon and take them to the heavenly Kingdom.  They are grieved nevertheless over their dead relatives whom CHRIST will not be able to save.  This is what they thought because Greek culture had difficulties believing in a resurrection of the dead. 

Those who are already asleep.  Those who have died are not dead, but they are asleep, waiting for the time of the resurrection, the time of rising as new persons transformed by CHRIST; we will all be transformed.  The word "cemetery" comes from a word meaning sleeping place.

 

GOD will bring them together with JESUS.  Paul supposes that he and his readers will be alive when CHRIST returns and he describes the event according to the cultural expressions of the time.  Let us not forget that up to the time of Galileo, everyone thought that heaven had its place in the universe, very high above and that GOD, although a spirit, was in some way present there.

 

Comfort one another.  The way of celebrating funerals in the Church must comfort the dead person's relatives and strengthen their faith in the resurrection.  There is no room for expressions of despair which JESUS HIMSELF scorned:  these are peculiar to people who consider the separation to be final.  A funeral mass without any spectacular display, when the fervent prayer of the community is experienced, produces a great impact on people who are indifferent.)

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JESUS Predicts HIS Death

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

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

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

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

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The Ten Pounds

"JESUS was now near Jerusalem, and the people with HIM thought that GOD's reign was about to appear.  So, as they were listening to HIM, JESUS went on to tell them a parable.  HE said, 'A man of noble birth went to a distant country in order to be crowned king, after which he planned to return home.  Before he left, he summoned ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds of silver.  He said, 'Put this money to work until I get back.'  But his compatriots, who disliked him, sent a delegation after him with this message, 'We do not want this man to be our king.'

He returned, however, appointed as king.  At once he sent for the servants, to whom he had given the money, to find out what profit each had made.  The first came in, and reported, 'Sir, your pound of silver has earned ten more pounds of silver.'

The master replied, 'Well done, my good servant!  Since you have proved yourself faithful in a small matter, I can trust you to take charge of ten cities.'  The second reported, 'Sir, your pound of silver earned five more pounds of silver.'  The master replied, 'And you, take charge of five cities!'

The third came in, and said, 'Sir, here is your money, which I hid for safekeeping.  I was afraid of you, for you are an exacting person: you take up what you did not lay down, and you reap what you did not sow.'

The master replied, 'You worthless servant, I will judge you by your own words!  So you knew I was an exacting person, taking up what I did not lay down, and reaping what I did not sow?  Why, then, did you not put my money on loan, so that, when I got back, I could have collected it with interest?'

Then the master said to those standing by, 'Take from him that pound, and give it to the one with ten pounds.'  But they objected, 'Sir, he already has ten pounds!'

The master replied, 'I tell you, everyone who has will be given more; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.  As for my enemies who did not want me to be their king, bring them in, and execute them right here in front of me!'

So, JESUS spoke, and then HE passed on ahead of them, on HIS way to Jerusalem. - Luke 19:11-28 

(Galileans go to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover and JESUS goes with them.  HE knows that death awaits HIM: they, nonetheless, are convinced that HE will be proclaimed king and liberator of Israel.

In HIS parable JESUS invites them to hold onto another hope.  HE will rule on HIS return from a faraway land [HIS own death] at the end of history.  Meanwhile, HIS people are in charge of riches, which HE has given them and which they must multiply.  They should not wait in idleness for HIS return, since HIS enemies will take advantage of HIS absence to struggle against HIS influence.  JESUS' servants will participate in HIS triumph to the degree that they have worked.

This page is closely connected with the parable of the talents [Mark 25:14].  Two differences are pointed out in what follows.

For one thing, in the introduction and in the conclusion JESUS refers to HIS country's political life.  The country depended on the Roman Empire and its kings had to be acceptable to the Roman government that protected them.

On the other hand, the parable insists on GOD's justice: everyone receives according to his merit.  Heavenly happiness is not something that can be distributed equally.  Everyone will know GOD and will share HIS riches to the degree that one has been able to love throughout life.  Every step we take by way of obedience, sacrifice and humility, develops our capacity to receive GOD and to be transformed by HIM.)

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The Ten Bridesmaids

"This story throws light on what will happen in the kingdom of heaven.  Ten bridesmaids went out with their lamps to meet the bridegroom.  Five of them were careless while the others were sensible. 

The careless bridesmaids took their lamps as they were and did not bring extra oil.  But those who were sensible, brought with their lamps flasks of oil.  As the bridegroom delayed, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep.

But at midnight, a cry rang out: 'The bridegroom is here, come out and meet him!'  All the maidens woke up at once and trimmed their lamps.  Then the careless ones said to the sensible ones:  'Give us some oil, for our lamps are going out.'  The sensible ones answered:  'There may not be enough for both you and us.  You had better go to those who sell and buy for yourselves.'

They were out buying oil when the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him to the wedding feast, and the doors were shut.

Later the rest of the bridesmaids arrived and called out:  'Lord, Lord, open to us.'  But he answered:  'Truly, I do not know you.' 

So, stay awake, for you do not know the day nor the hour." - Matthew 25:1-13

The Ten Bridesmaids

(The parable tells us how to await the return of CHRIST, being alert and active.  "The Ten Bridesmaids" is the most beautiful parable on fidelity.  The ten girls followed the custom of waiting through the night for the bridegroom who will be accompanied to his house.  The bridegroom is late, something that should astonish no one.  The bride is not mentioned:  perhaps they will discover at the end that there was no other than themselves.

 

They fell asleep.  Once the sun has set, all is dark and nothing more can be done.  No further work except fidelity of heart:  oil will be needed to keep the flame alive.

 

Here as in other places, the Gospel shows us that more than conversion and enthusiasm is needed:  it is necessary to last.  Being sure of having a reserve of oil is to take the means that enable us to persevere in our vocation.

 

Some will say that Matthew has placed this parable here for the benefit of the first Christians, for after having awaited the return of CHRIST, they saw that nothing happened.  Error!  JESUS speaks to the believers of all times.  For them one day or another fidelity becomes burdensome:  "I did not know to what I was committing myself."  There lies the grandeur of fidelity.  It cannot be known in advance; giving one's hand to GOD is a jump into the unknown.  Only through this perseverance can we be saved, in other words, find ourselves.

 

The LORD demands faithfulness and perseverance from those HE has chosen:  this is how we save a world that seeks truth everywhere and does not know to which LORD to surrender.) 

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