"Heaven And Earth Will Pass Away, But MY Words Will Not Pass Away."

"And JESUS added this comparison, 'Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.  As soon as their buds sprout, you know that summer is near.  In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of GOD is near.  Truly, I tell you, this generation will not pass away, until all this has happened.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY words will not pass away.'" - Luke 21:29-33 

(JESUS talks about HIS glorious coming.  Then JESUS again asserts two things: the events and signs that refer to the end of Jerusalem will take place in the present generation.  The day of JESUS will come much later.)

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"Come, Follow ME; And I Will Make You Fish For People."

"As JESUS walked by the lake of Galilee, HE saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  HE said to them, 'Come, follow ME, and I will make you fish for people.'

At once they left their nets and followed HIM.

HE went on from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.  JESUS called them.

At once, they left the boat, and their father, and followed HIM." - Matthew 4:18-22  

(At once, they abandoned their nets and followed HIM, which means leaving their family and work they began to live with HIM.  Like the masters of religion in HIS time, like the rabbis, JESUS instructed HIS first disciples, teaching them what they were to pass on to others in the Church.

Simon, Andrew, James and John.  JESUS already knew them: HE had met them where John the Baptist was preaching [John 1:35].  The first nucleus of disciples is this natural group of lake fishermen of which Peter seemed to be the leader.  They were most probably young men, ready to make a commitment at a time and in a culture where people were freer than we are from the constraints of work.

They did not yet know what the Reign of GOD would mean but they trusted JESUS to guide them.  This for them was the beginning of faith.)

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The Banquet Of Belshazzar

 "King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for his nobles; a thousand of them attended; and he drank wine with them.  Under the influence of wine, he ordered that the gold and silver vessels his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem be brought in, so that he and his nobles, his wives and concubines might drink from them. The gold and silver vessels taken from GOD's temple were brought in; and the king and his nobles, his wives and concubines drank from them.  While they drank wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze and iron, of wood and stone.

Suddenly a man's fingers appeared opposite the lamp stand and wrote on the plastered wall of the king's palace.  Watching the hand as it wrote, the king turned pale.  So terrified was he that his knees knocked, and his legs gave way.

Daniel was brought in and questioned by the king, 'Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father brought from Judah?  I have heard that you have the spirit of the gods, that you have insight and extraordinary wisdom.

I have heard that you can interpret dreams and solve problems.  If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple, wear a gold chain around your neck, and be appointed third in rank in my kingdom.'

You have defiled the LORD of heaven.  You had the vessels from HIS temple brought to you, and, together with your nobles, your wives and concubines, you drank wine from them.  You praised the idols made of silver and gold, of bronze, iron and stones, which neither see, nor hear, nor understand; but you never glorified GOD who has power over your life and all your fortunes.  So, he sent the hand that wrote the inscription which read MENE, TEKEL, PHARSIN.  And these words mean: MENE, GOD has numbered the days of your reign and put an end to it; TEKEL, you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting; PHARSIN, your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and the Persians.'" - Daniel 5:1-6. 13-14. 16-17. 23-28 

(This story could be called: punishment for sacrilege.  These words indicate the destiny of those who make fun of GOD:

- there comes an end which they cannot postpone;

- the fact that they did not do anything worthwhile during their lives is made clear;

- they disappear and so do their works with them.

Scripture knows that GOD reveals HIMSELF not only in events that show HIS goodness, but also in other events that are obvious signs that there is a GOD doing justice.  Many times, those who mock GOD are struck with misfortunes which come as an answer to their insolence.

The author of these chapters is not too concerned about historical facts at the time during which these people were living.  Cyrus is the one who conquered Babylon where Belshazzar died.  He was followed by Darius.)

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Signs Before The Destruction Of Jerusalem

"While some people were talking about the Temple, remarking that it was adorned with fine stonework and rich gifts, JESUS said to them, 'The days will come when there shall not be left one stone upon another of all that you now admire; all will be torn down.'  And they asked HIM, 'Master, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?'

JESUS then said, 'Take care not to be deceived, for many will come claiming MY title and saying:  'I am HE, the Messiah; the time is at hand.'  do not follow them.  When you hear of wars and troubled times, don't be frightened; for all this must happen first, even though the end is not so soon.'

And JESUS said, 'Nations will fight each other and kingdom will oppose kingdom.  There will be great earthquakes, famines and plagues; in many places strange and terrifying signs from heaven will be seen. - Luke 21:5-11 

(When JESUS speaks of the destruction of the Temple, the apostles think of the end of time.  The answer of JESUS is clear; the tragedy that will end with the destruction of Jerusalem is near but that would not be the end of the world.

This discourse contains JESUS' warnings about the destruction of the Jewish nation that would occur 30 years later, but what HE said regarding these agents clarifies the meaning of the conflicts that occur at present in the whole world.)

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The Widow's Mite

"JESUS looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasure box; HE also saw a poor widow dropping in two small coins.  And HE said, 'Truly, I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them.  For all gave an offering from their plenty, but she, out of her poverty, gave all she had to live on." - Luke 21:1-4 

(The poor widow was the only one from among so many worshipers who made retribution to GOD as HE deserves.  She was the personification of those uncountable poor, who have practically nothing but somehow find a way to give part of the little they have.  GOD calls on the poor before anybody else, because only the poor give all that they have to live on.)

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CHRIST Gave Us The Way

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

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

When the FATHER has subjected everything to HIM, the Son will place HIMSELF under the One who subjected everything to HIM.  From then on, GOD will be all in all." - 1 Corinthians 15:20-26. 28 

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

All die for being Adam's.  See Romans 5:12 concerning Adam and CHRIST.  The myths of various religions in the past projected onto some mysterious personage our own condition but were unable to do more than give a meaning to life.  They could not change it.  Faith instead tells us that the Son-of-God-made-human has lived among us and lived for all of us.  Let us leave aside our individualistic vision in which each one sees no more than his own destiny: for GOD the entire venture of creation and salvation is that of Adam, one and multiple at the same time.  JESUS who is HIMSELF Man has lived it fully for us all.

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

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Resurrection Of The Dead

"Then some Sadducees arrived.  These people claim that there is no resurrection, and they asked JESUS this question, 'Master, in the law Moses told us, 'if anyone dies leaving a wife but no children, his brother must take the wife, and any child born to them will be regarded as the child of the deceased.'  Now, there were seven brothers: the first married, but died without children.  The second married the woman, but also died childless.  And then the third married her, and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children.  Last of all the woman died.  On the day of the resurrection, to which of them will the woman be a wife?  For all seven had her as a wife.'

And JESUS replied, 'Taking a husband or a wife is proper to people of this world, but for those who are considered worthy of the world to come, and of resurrection from the dead, there is no more marriage.  Besides, they cannot die, for they are like the angels.  They are sons and daughters of GOD, because they are born of the resurrection.

Yes, the dead will be raised, as Moses revealed at the burning bush, when he called the LORD the GOD of Abraham and the GOD of Isaac and the GOD of Jacob.  For GOD is GOD of the living, and not of the dead, for to HIM everyone is alive.'

Some teachers of the law then agreed with JESUS, 'Master, YOU have spoken well.'  They didn't dare ask HIM anything else.'" - Luke 20:27-40

(Luke has his own expressions in speaking of the resurrection.  It is because in those countries of Greek culture [Luke wrote for them] many people believed in the immortality of the soul as something natural.  Luke clarified for them that the other life is not something natural; it is a gift of GOD for those who are considered worthy to enter it.

They too are sons and daughters of GOD.  Using a Hebrew expression, the text says: they too are sons of GOD [at that time the sons of GOD were the angels] because they are born of the resurrection.  This resurrection is not like coming back to the life we know, it is the work of the Holy Spirit, who transforms and sanctifies those HE resurrects.  Therefore, the resurrected are sons and daughters of GOD in a much more authentic way than those of this world: delivered from sin, they are reborn of GOD.

To HIM everyone is alive.  They started to become alive when GOD knew them and called them, and they will not disappear, since GOD called them from this world to bring them into HIS own.

Faith in the resurrection contrasts with the doctrine of transmigration that says that souls come back to life in a body and social condition that befits their merits.  The cycle will continue as long as purification has not been completed.  It is a powerful theory capable of enticing many people in the West.

It could be said that it is convenient and leads to irresponsibility since all could be settled.  Actually, however, this is not the case with the Hindus: their moral concern is often greater than ours, for they are keen to escape from these recurring beginnings.  The difference is elsewhere.  There are two conceptions of a human.  In one, the soul is imprisoned in a body, in the second GOD saves the indivisible person.  The body is not a clothing for the soul, which may pass from an old person to a newly born.

That is why Christian hope awaits a resurrection, that is to say, the possibility for each one to be reborn of GOD in GOD and express oneself fully in a "glorified body."

Scripture teaches us that this present life is our only opportunity.  Humans die only once and afterward are judged (Hebrews 9:27).) 

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"MY House Shall Be A House Of Prayer, But You Have Turned It Into A Den Of Robbers!"

"Then JESUS entered the temple area and began to drive out the merchants.  And HE said to them, 'GOD says in the Scriptures, MY house shall be a house of prayer, but you have turned it into a den of robbers!'

JESUS was teaching every day in the temple.  The chief priests and teachers of the law wanted to kill HIM, and the elders of the Jews as well, but they were unable to do anything, for all the people were listening to HIM and hanging on HIS words." - Luke 19:45-48

(JESUS was not a priest or a temple guard but this temple was the house of HIS FATHER.  That was why HE made a whip from ropes and cast them all out.

MY house will be called a House of Prayer for all the nations.  The courtyards where the vendors stood were precisely those intended for the foreigners.  "Purify the temple" for JESUS is to give it back its true identity and also to allow the pagans to find in these courts a privileged place for meeting GOD.)

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The True Worship

 "But GOD says this to the wicked:

'What right have you to mouth MY laws,

or to talk about MY Covenant?

You hate MY commands

and cast MY words behind you.

You join a thief when you meet one;

you keep company with adulterers.

You have a mouth of evil

and a deceitful tongue.

You speak ill of your brother,

and slander your own mother's son.

Because I was silent while you did these things,

you thought I was like you.

But now I rebuke you

and make this charge against you.

Give this a thought, you, who forget GOD;

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

Those who give with thanks, offerings, honor ME;

but the one who walks blamelessly,

I will show him the salvation of GOD.'" 

- Psalm 50:16-23

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

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

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The 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 place to have himself appointed king of his own people, after which he would return.  Before he left, he summoned ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds.  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 has earned ten more.'

The master replied:  'Well done, my good servant.  Since you have proved yourself capable in a small matter, I can trust you to take charge of ten cities.'  The second reported:  'Sir, your pound earned five more pounds.'  The master replied:  'Right, 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 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 collect 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.'  They objected:  'But, sir, he already has ten!' 

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 king, bring them in and execute them right here in my presence'." - Luke 19:11-27 

(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.

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 Power Of JESUS

"JESUS entered Jericho and was passing through it.  A man named Zaccheus lived there.  He was a tax collector and a wealthy man.  He wanted to see what JESUS was like, but he was a short man and could not see him because of the crowd.  So he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree.  From there he would be able to see JESUS, who was going to pass that way.  When JESUS came to the place, HE looked up and said to him, 'Zaccheus, come down quickly, for I must stay at your house today.  So Zaccheus climbed down and received HIM joyfully.

All the people who saw it began to grumble, and said, 'HE has gone as a guest to the house of a sinner.'  But Zaccheus spoke to JESUS, 'Half of what I own, LORD, I will give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much.'  Looking at him JESUS said, 'Salvation has come to this house today, for he is also a true son of Abraham.  The Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.'" - Luke 19:1-10  

(Everyone in Jericho was pointing a finger at Zaccheus: how could a man involved in dirty deals, [like he was] be converted?  What punishment would GOD send to him?  Instead of punishing him, GOD comes to his home.

JESUS shows that HE is guided by the Spirit when HE spots Zaccheus among so many people, and when HE understands at that very moment, that on that day HE has come to Jericho above all, to save a rich man.

Zaccheus knows that he is the object of envy and hatred.  He is not all bad: although his hands are dirty, he has not lost the sense of what is good and he admires the prophet JESUS secretly.  GOD is able to save him because of his good desires.  The favor JESUS does to him compels him to manifest the human and good qualities hidden in him.

It is said that he received JESUS joyfully: a joy that shows the transformation that has taken place in him.  After that, he will have no trouble in rectifying his evil deeds.  The he will share and reestablish justice.

The people are indignant, and in that they imitate the Pharisees; they believe that JESUS should share their prejudice and even their resentment.  JESUS is not a demagogue; the crowd's lack of understanding does not matter to HIM any more than that of the Pharisees.  Once again, JESUS shows HIS power, HE destroys evil by saving the sinner.)   

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Have Sight; Your Faith Have Saved You

"When JESUS drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road, begging.  As he heard the crowd passing by, he inquired what was happening, and they told him that JESUS of Nazareth was going by.  Then he cried out, 'JESUS, Son of David, have mercy on me!'  The people in front of him scolded him.  'Be quiet!' they said, but he cried out all the more, 'JESUS, Son of David, have mercy on me!'

JESUS stopped, and ordered the blind man to be brought to HIM; and when he came near, JESUS asked him, 'What do you want ME to do for you?'  And the man said, 'LORD, that I may see!'  JESUS said, 'Receive your sight, your faith has saved you.'  At once the blind man was able to see, and he followed JESUS, giving praise to GOD.  And all the people who were there also praised GOD." - Luke 18:35-43 

 

(GOD is the one who moves us to ask something of HIM.  The blind man understands that if he lets this opportunity go by, there will not be another chance, which is why he shouts all the more while the rest try to silence him.

Son of David! was a way of designating the Messiah.)

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We Are Children Of The Light

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

But you, beloved, are not in darkness; so that day will not surprise you like s thief.  All of you are citizens of the light and the day; we do not belong to night and darkness.  Let us not, therefore, sleep as others do, but remain alert and sober." - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6  

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

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Pray And Never Lose Heart

"JESUS told them a parable to show them that they should pray continually and not lose heart.  HE said, 'In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared GOD nor people.  In the same town was a widow who kept coming to him, saying:  'Defend my rights against my opponent.  For a time, he refused, but finally he thought:  'Even though I neither fear GOD nor care about people, this widow bothers me so much I will see that she gets justice; then she will stop coming and wearing me out.' 

And JESUS explained, 'Listen to what the evil judge says.  Will GOD not do justice for HIS chosen ones who cry to HIM day and night even if HE delays in answering them?  I tell you; HE will speedily do them justice.  Yet, when the Son of Man comes, will HE find faith on earth?" - Luke 18:1-8 

(If there is a just GOD, why does HE not do justice?  JESUS answers:  Do you desire and ask for the justice of GOD with enough faith?  HE will undoubtedly do justice, but you will have to wait.

 

A judge who neither feared GOD nor people:  many people upon seeing what is unjust and absurd in life, view GOD this way.  If we pray with perseverance, we will gradually discover that things are not as absurd as they seem, and we will come to recognize the face of the GOD who loves us in what happens.

 

Who cry to HIM day and night.  JESUS, who so insists on our responsibility to the world, is the one who also urges us to call on GOD day and night.  Why are people so readily divided [or why do we divide them] into prayers and doers?

 

Will HE find faith on earth?  JESUS confirms an opinion already found among the Jews of HIS days.  In the last days before Judgment, the power of evil will be so great that in many love will grow cold.

 

In fact, with the first coming of JESUS, the Old Testament ended in seeming failure; few had believed in HIM and, later, most were influenced by the confusion, the false saviors and the violence which precipitated the fall of the nation forty years after the death of JESUS.)

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Against Those Who Worship Images

"The natural helplessness of humans is seen in their ignorance of GOD.  The experience of good things did not lead them to the knowledge of HIM who IS.  They were interested in HIS works, but they did not recognize the author of them.

Fire, wind, air, the sphere of the stars, rushing water and the lights in the sky were held as the rulers of the world.

If, charmed by such beauty, they took them for gods, let them know how far superior is their sovereign.  And if they were impressed by their power and activity, let them understand from this how much mightier is HE who formed them.  For the grandeur and beauty of creatures lead us to ponder on their Author, greater and more magnificent.

No doubt these people are not to be blamed severely, for possibly they strayed though they searched for GOD and desired to find HIM.  They pondered over the created things that surrounded them and were captivated by the sight of such beauty.

Even so they are not to be excused, for if they were able to explore the world, why did they not discover first the world's Sovereign?" - Wisdom 13:1-9 

(Materialists ignore GOD.  The proud believe they can achieve everything on their own.  They use things as their own, without giving them a deeper meaning and without seeing them as gifts from GOD.

Simple and humble people see the hand of GOD in everything.  The water, the wind, the mountains remind them of the Perfect Being who created them; even more do the riches they discover in their loved ones.  Human intelligence is meant to discover GOD who fills everything and is the end of everything.  Paul will say something very similar in Romans 1:19.)

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The Coming Of The Kingdom Of GOD

"The Pharisees asked JESUS when the kingdom of GOD was to come.  HE answered, 'The kingdom of GOD is not like something you can observe and say of it:  'Look, here it is! There it is!'  See, the kingdom of GOD is among you.' 

And JESUS said to HIS disciples, 'The time is at hand when you will long to see one of the glorious days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.  Then people will tell you:  'Look there! Look here!'  Do not go, do not follow them.  As lightning flashes from one end of the sky to the other, so will it be with the Son of Man.  But first HE must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation." - Luke 17:20-25 

(When will the kingdom of GOD come?  It does not come as a revolution or the change of the seasons each year:  it is at work in people who have received the Good News.  Those who believe already enjoy the Kingdom.

 

Then come the words of JESUS concerning the end of Jerusalem and HIS second coming.  We should not speak about the end of the world in every time of anxiety.  JESUS gives us two comparisons:  the lightning which is seen everywhere and the vultures which gather without fail wherever there is a corpse. In the same way, everyone, without fail, will be aware of CHRIST's return.

 

Yet HIS return will catch off guard those who are not expecting it (just as in the days of Noah).  Judgment will separate the elect from the condemned - nothing separated them in daily life--from two people working side by side, one will be taken, the other left behind.)

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The Ten Lepers

"On the way to Jerusalem, JESUS was passing along the border between Samaria and Galilee, and as HE entered a village, ten lepers came to meet HIM.  Keeping their distance, they called to HIM, 'JESUS, Master, have pity on us!'  Then JESUS said to them, 'Go and show yourselves to the priests.'  Now, as they went their way, they found they were cured. One of them, as soon as he saw he was cleansed, turned back praising GOD in a loud voice, and throwing himself on his face before JESUS, he gave HIM thanks.  This man was a Samaritan.

Then JESUS said, 'Were not all ten healed?'  Where are the other nine?  Was no one found to return and give praise to GOD but this alien?  And JESUS said to him, 'Stand up and go your way, your faith has saved you'." - Luke 17:11-19 

 

(The ten lepers were cured but only one of them was told:  "Your faith has saved you.  He was the one who responded straight from the heart.  While the others were concerned about fulfilling the legal requirements, he only thought about giving thanks to GOD right where the grace of GOD found him:  such is the faith which saves and transforms us.

 

Among the many people asking GOD for healing and favor, how many will really come to love GOD?)

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The Souls Of The Just Are In The Hands Of GOD

"Indeed, GOD created man to be immortal in the likeness of HIS own nature, but the envy of the devil brought death to the world, and those who take his side shall experience death.

The souls of the just are in the hands of GOD and no torment shall touch them.

In the eyes of the unwise they appear to be dead.  Their going is held as a disaster; it seems that they lose everything by departing from us, but they are in peace.

Though seemingly they have been punished, immortality was the soul of their hope.  After slight affliction will come great blessings, for GOD has tried them and found them worthy to be with HIM; after testing them as gold in the furnace, HE has accepted them as a holocaust.

At the time of HIS coming, they will shine like sparks that run in the stubble.  They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD will be their king forever.

Those who trust in HIM will penetrate the truth, those who are faithful will live with HIM in love, for HIS grace and mercy are for HIS chosen ones." - Wisdom 2:23-3:9  

(Those who take his side shall experience death.  Those who do evil begin to experience death.  There is a physical wearing down caused by vice [alcoholism, licentiousness], but there is an even greater deterioration of enthusiasm, generosity and trust.  "The person who sows for the benefit of his own flesh shall reap corruption and death from the flesh" [Galatians 6:8].  See also Romans 6:21.

The text considers what JESUS will do; that behind a mass of evil that tear humanity, and behind our disbelief there is a presence of "the Enemy" [see Matthew 13:39; Hebrews 2:14-15].

The souls of the just are in the hands of GOD.  This is the great revelation in this book.  In the previous books of the Scriptures, the soul only means the breath of a person, that is to say, the life in him which disappears at death.  Now, the soul means the person who does not die when the body does.

Their going is held as a disaster.  Whether the just die in the hands of violent people, or naturally die as we all do, the end of their lives seems to contradict GOD's goodness.  It is a scandal that death can overcome the just.  [We know that the just are those who fulfill the hopes that GOD placed in them.]  It is only the body which dies.  They are alive before GOD as JESUS will also state [Luke 20:38].

But they are in peace.  They will forever enjoy what they hoped for here on earth.  That is to say, we only see one side of death: we shall never know how everyone experienced his departure, even less how he awakened in GOD's world.

At the time of judgment, we will see that the just are the only ones who have been truly alive.  The death of the friends of GOD brings peace to those who were at their side.  Through their death the martyrs bring the triumph of the cause for which they lived.)  

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Seek Life; Know GOD

"Love justice, you who rule over the world!  Think rightly of GOD, seek HIM with simplicity of heart, for HE reveals HIMSELF to those who do not challenge HIM and is found by those who do not distrust HIM.

Crooked thinking distances you from GOD; and HIS Omnipotence, put to the test, confounds the foolish.

Wisdom does not enter the wicked nor remain in a body that is enslaved to sin.  The Holy Spirit who instructs us shuns deceit; it keeps aloof from foolishness and is ill at ease when injustice is done.

Wisdom is a spirit, a friend to man, and will not leave the blasphemous unpunished, because GOD knows his innermost feelings, truly sees his thoughts and hears what he says.

For GOD's spirit has filled the whole world; and HE who holds together all things, knows each word that is spoken." - Wisdom 1:1-7 

(GOD is more present to us than we are to ourselves.  We need not look very far for authentic wisdom: it appears as spirit coming from GOD that becomes present to us interiorly but is only revealed to the just.

How can we express the nearness of the in-accessible and holy GOD?  Here the author speaks of Providence, Wisdom, Justice, the Spirit of GOD.  He speaks of them as if they were persons sent by GOD to look after us.  In fact, it is a way of presenting GOD HIMSELF who, though HE preserves HIS mystery, is close to people and to events.)

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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 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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No Servant Can Serve Two Masters

"'No servant can serve two masters.  Either he does not like the one and is fond of the other, or he regards one highly and the other with contempt.  You cannot give yourself both to GOD and to Money.'

The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and sneered at JESUS.  HE said to them, 'You do your best to be considered righteous by people.  But GOD knows the heart, and what is highly esteemed by human beings is loathed by GOD.'" - Luke 16:13-15  

(The Pharisees heard all this and sneered at JESUS.  More than the other evangelists, Luke notes the incompatibility between the religion and love of money.  The Pharisees could justify their love of money by quoting some saying from the Scripture.  In fact, in the beginning the Jews saw wealth as a blessing from GOD.  It seemed just to them that GOD should reward in this way those who are faithful to HIM when they know how to deal with the riches of this world.  Then, with the passing of time, they came to see that money was more of a danger and that, often, it was the privilege of those without faith [Psalm 49, Job].

Nevertheless, as soon as someone has money, he is convinced that he possesses truth, and thus the Pharisees felt authorized to judge and decide on things of GOD.  After them, many Christians belonging to influential circles have wished to use money and power for the service of the kingdom of GOD and quickly established themselves as managers.  Money in turn possesses those who possess it.  Very soon one is ready to approve a moral order that justifies one's own privileges and forgets the Gospel values of justice, humility and poverty.  In the end, it is the Church itself that is despised by those who seek GOD.

Why have so many people of humble origin felt inferior to the rich in the church?  They got used to seeing the rich heading church organizations and accustomed to receiving the word of GOD from them, in spite of JESUS' warnings.)

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The Crafty Steward

"At another time JESUS told HIS disciples, 'There was a rich man whose steward was reported to him for fraudulent service.  He summoned the steward and asked him:  'What is this I hear about you?  I want you to render an account of your service for it is about to be terminated.'

The steward thought to himself:  'What am I to do now?  My master will surely dismiss me.  I am not strong enough to do hard work, and I am ashamed to beg.  I know what I will do:  I must make sure that when I am dismissed, there will be some people to welcome me into their house.'

So, he called his master's debtors one by one.  He asked the first who came:  'How much do you owe my master?  The reply was:  A hundred jars of oil.  The steward said:  Here is your bill.  Sit down quickly and write there fifty.  To the second he put the same question:  How much do you owe?  The answer was:  A hundred measures of wheat.  Then he said:  Take your bill and write eight hundred.

The master commended the dishonest steward for his astuteness.  For the people of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind than are the people of light." - Luke 16:1-8 

(JESUS is not concerned about condemning the improper actions of the administrator, but rather points out his cleverness in providing for his future:  this man was able to discover in time that friends last longer than money.  In the same way, in promoting a new way of living, the people of light must strip money of its halo as Supreme Good.  It seems that putting money in a safe place is the best way to assure our existence and our future.  On the contrary, JESUS tells us to use it and to exchange it without hesitation for something much more valuable such as bonds of mutual appreciation.

 

We are not owners but administrators of our wealth and we must administer it for the good of all.  Money is not a bad thing as long as we use it as a means to facilitate exchanges.  JESUS, however, calls it "unjust" [we use the word filthy] because money is not a true good [it is not money that makes as just before GOD]; and because it is impossible to accumulate money without failing in trust in the FATHER and without hurting our neighbors.

 

Money is something that people acquire and lose; it does not make anyone greater.  Therefore, money is not part of the goods that are our own.)

 

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Do You Not Know That You Are GOD's Temple?

"Do you not know that you are GOD's temple, and that GOD's Spirit abides within you?  If anyone destroys the temple of GOD, GOD will destroy him.  GOD's temple is holy, and you are this temple." - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17  

(Do you not know that you are GOD's temple?  CHRIST is the new Temple that takes the place of the temple of the Jews [John 2:19 and Mark 15.38].  The Temple of GOD is CHRIST because in HIM abides all the divine Mystery.  The Temple of GOD is likewise the Church because in her the Holy Spirit is working.  The Temple of GOD is also each home and each believer [see 6:19] because the Spirit lives in each one of them.)

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The Cost Of Following JESUS

"One day, when large crowds were walking along with JESUS, HE turned and said to them, 'If you come to ME, unwilling to sacrifice your love for your father and mother, your spouse and children, your brothers and sisters, and indeed yourself, you cannot be MY disciple.  Whoever does not follow ME, carrying his own cross, cannot be MY disciple.

Do you build a house without first sitting down to count the cost, to see whether you have enough to complete it?  Otherwise, if you, have laid the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone will make fun of you: 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'

And when a king wages war against another king, does he go to fight without first sitting down to consider whether his ten thousand can stand against the twenty thousand of his opponents?  And if not, while the other is still a long way off, he sends messengers for peace talks.  In the same way, none of you may become MY disciple, if he doesn't give up everything he has.'" - Luke 14:25-33

 

(JESUS thinks about people who, after becoming enthusiastic about HIM and giving up their personal ambitions to dedicate themselves to the work of the Gospel, turn back to seek what ordinary people see as a more "normal" and secure life.  JESUS needs disciples who commit themselves once and for all.

Why this comparison with the king going to war?  Because the person who frees himself for the service of the Gospel is, in fact, a king to whom GOD will give greater rewards than anyone else would give [see Mark 10:30].  He must also know that the fight is against the "owner" of this world, the devil, who will stop him with a thousand unexpected tests and traps.  Had he not totally surrendered, the disciple would surely fail and be worse off than if he had not even begun.

If he doesn't give up everything he has.  JESUS asks some people to give up their loved ones and their family problems.  To all HE shows that we shall never be free to answer GOD's call, if we do not want to rethink our family links, our use of time and all that we sacrifice in order to live "like everyone else." 

Unwilling to sacrifice for your father and mother, your spouse and children...  This is found in Matthew 10:37.  Luke adds: your wife.)

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We Are One Body In CHRIST

"The same with us; being many, we are one body in CHRIST, depending on one another.  Let each one of us, therefore, serve, according to our different gifts.  Are you a prophet?  Then give the insights of faith.  Let the minister fulfill his office; let the teacher teach, the one who encourages, convince.

You must, likewise, give, with an open hand, preside with dedication, and be cheerful in your works of charity.

Let love be sincere.  Hate what is evil and hold to whatever is good.  Love one another and be considerate.  Outdo one another, in mutual respect.  Be zealous in fulfilling your duties.  Be fervent in the spirit and serve GOD.

Have hope and be cheerful.  Be patient in trials and pray constantly.  Share with other Christians in need.  With those passing by, be ready to receive them.

Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not wish evil on anyone.  Rejoice with those who are joyful, and weep with those who weep.  Live in peace with one another.  Do not dream of extraordinary things; be humble and do not hold yourselves as wise." - Romans 12:5-16 

(From the way he speaks about Christian community, Paul lets us know that in his time it was not organized as in our churches today.  In the early Church not, everything depended upon priests educated apart from the common people and sent to the Christian communities from outside.  As we said in Acts 14:23, the community elected a council of elders or presbyters, approved by the apostles.  The most respected among them were the "prophets."  The body of presbyters, who had authority over the Church, were those who celebrated the Eucharist.

Everybody's gifts were taken into account by the organization, which considered also as gift the ability to serve in the Church. 

Throughout history the Church has had to change its organization and constantly adjust itself to new social structures and cultural development.

Give with an open hand.  Paul passes from the good discharge of ministries to the ministry of love for others.)

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"When You Give A Feast, Invite Instead The Poor, The Crippled, The Lame And The Blind."

"JESUS, also addressed the man who had invited HIM, and said, 'When you give a lunch or a dinner, don't invite your friends, or your brothers and relatives. or your wealthy neighbors.  For surely they will also invite you in return, and you will be repaid.  When you give a feast, invite instead the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind.  Fortunate are you then, because they cannot repay you.  You will be repaid at the resurrection of the upright.'" - Luke 14:12-14 

(Every one of us seeks to be near those who are above us, since we think we benefit more from being connected with those who are superior than with those who are inferior.

JESUS' warning points to one of the main causes of injustice.  We all share in the guilt when we decide with whom it is more beneficial to be associated; consequently, everyone tries to climb higher, always leaving the weakest in the most isolated and helpless position.

It would be a strange sight to see public officials pay more attention to the poorly dressed, or to see the poorest areas supplied with water and power before the residential districts, or to see doctors go to the rural areas to practice.)

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Do Not Imitate The Teachers Of The Law

"Then JESUS said to the crowds and to HIS disciples:

The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees sat on the seat of Moses.  So you shall do and observe all they say, but do not do as they do, for they do not do what they say.  They tie up heavy burdens and load them on the shoulders of the people, but they do not even raise a finger to move them.  They do everything in order to be seen by people; so they wear very wide bands of the Law around their foreheads, and robes with large tassels.  They enjoy the first place at feasts and reserved seats in the synagogues, and being greeted in the marketplace and being called 'Master' by the people.

But you, do not let yourselves be called Master because you have only one Master, and all of you are brothers and sisters.  Neither should you call anyone on earth FATHER, HE who is in heaven.  Nor should you be called leader, because CHRIST is the only leader for you.  Let the greatest among you be the servant of all.  For whoever makes himself great shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be made great." - Matthew 23:1-12 

(The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees sat on the seat of Moses.  The Gospel says it with more precision: they have seated themselves in the chair of Moses.  This rather ironic formula suggests that the ambitious appropriate to themselves the authority over the people of GOD and that to a certain point GOD tolerates it.  Matthew, in recording these words of JESUS, wants to preserve in the Church fundamental equality.  It is the whole Church that enjoys the Holy Spirit, and the heads or doctors will have no authority unless they are deeply rooted in the community's life.

Paul will speak of CHRIST and the Church using the comparison of the head and the body [Ephesians 5:25].  Likewise in the Church the authority of the bishop goes hand in hand with fidelity to the Church as it is and does not seek to impose his own projects.

Do all they say.  The bad example of the authorities does not discredit the word of GOD.  Nor does it lessen the principle of authority.  Their bad attitude discredits only their pretense at being superior to others.  They cannot renounce their authority on the pretext of humble service and then carry out what the majority has decided.

JESUS speaks of the form of authority.  Do not be called master or father.  Do not be called "master," the one "who knows" and before whom one is silent; neither must you be called "father," the one who is venerated and imitated, forgetting to look directly at the One who alone is good.  No one in the Church should eclipse the only "FATHER."

Doubtless everyone will say that the word "FATHER" is simply the expression of respectful affection but JESUS affirms that the word has perverse effects.

The purity of faith, which submits to GOD alone, always suffers because of the cult of personality.  The Church should be a community of free persons able to speak frankly.)

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The First Places

"JESUS then told a parable to the guests, for HE had noticed how they tried to take the places of honor.  And HE said, 'When you are invited to a wedding party, do not choose the best seat.  It may happen that someone more important than you has been invited, and your host, who invited both of you, will come and say to you:  Please give this person your place.'  What shame is yours when you take the lowest seat!

Whenever you are invited, go rather to the lowest seat, so that your host may come and say to you: 'Friend, you must come up higher.'  And this will be a great honor for you in the presence of all other guests.  For whoever makes himself out to be great will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be raised." - Luke 14:7-11 

(Here JESUS develops a biblical proverb inviting us to be modest in social gatherings.  Such behavior befits GOD's children.  Whatever the area of human activity may be, we should let others seek the first place, while stepping on other people as they do so.  We know that what matters is not what is seen:  GOD knows how to exalt the humble and place them where it best suits HIM. 

 

Moreover, when we go from the earthly church to the Kingdom of heaven, there will be changes in who occupies the first places.  Someone who was pope, or bishop or a prominent "Catholic" may count less than the little old lady who was selling newspapers.)

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Why Have The Jews Not Believed?

"I tell you sincerely in CHRIST, and my conscience assures me in the Holy Spirit that I am not lying:  I have great sadness and constant anguish for the Jews.  I would even desire that I myself suffer the curse of being cut off from CHRIST, instead of my brethren:  I mean my own people, my kin.  They are Israelites whom GOD adopted, and on them rests HIS Glory.  Theirs are the covenants, the Law, the worship and the promises of GOD.  They are descendants of the Patriarchs and from their race CHRIST was born, HE who as GOD is above all distinctions.  Blessed be HE forever and ever:  Amen!" - Romans 9:1-5 

(Paul, being a Jew, shares the worries of the few Jews who have believed in CHRIST.  Why did the chosen people not recognize their Savior?  If they were a chosen nation, why were so few selected? 

 

It is the same worry of Catholic families when their children do not go to Church or when teenagers declare they have lost their faith.  It is the same uneasiness we feel in the course of a mission:  those who habitually go to Church are perhaps the hardest to lead to conversion and are the ones that most obstruct the evangelization of outsiders.

 

Faith is not transmitted in heritage from father to son, mother to daughter.  There have certainly been times and cultural systems where a whole nation followed the same religion and apparently shared the same faith.  The Book of the Acts shows how on several occasions the conversion of the head of the family brought about the baptism of the whole household.  Faith, however, will always be a grace of GOD.  In our days people have acquired complete autonomy and live in a world where all beliefs meet:  faith can no longer be a family possession.)

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All Those Whom The FATHER Gives ME Will Come To ME

"JESUS said to them, 'I AM the bread of life; whoever comes to ME shall never be hungry, and whoever believes in ME shall never be thirsty.  Nevertheless, as I said, you refuse to believe, even when you have seen.  Yet all those whom the FATHER gives ME will come to ME, and whoever comes to ME, I shall not turn away.  For I have come from heaven, not to do MY own will, but the will of the One who sent ME. 

And the will of HIM who sent ME is that I lose nothing of what HE has given ME, but instead that I raise it up on the last day.  This the will of the FATHER, that whoever sees the Son and believes in HIM shall live eternal life; and I will raise him up on the last day.'" - John 6:35-40 

 

(All those whom the FATHER gives ME will come to ME.  Not all those who take pride in belonging to the true religion come to CHRIST, but only those whom the FATHER knows.  Though the church embraces many people of all descriptions, only those to whom the FATHER has given this grace will find their way to the controversial and humble CHRIST.  While acknowledging the value of the sacraments and good works, we should not forget what JESUS taught: none of our own efforts can substitute for the grace of being chosen by the FATHER who calls us to know HIS Son in truth.)

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