The Blessing

"Then YAHWEH spoke to Moses saying, 'Speak to Aaron and his sons and say to them:  This is how you shall bless the people of Israel; you shall say:

May YAHWEH bless you and keep you!

May YAHWEH let HIS face shine on you, and be gracious to you!

May YAHWEH look kindly on you, and give you HIS peace!

In that way shall they put MY name on the people of Israel and I will bless them'." - Numbers 6:22-27  

 

(Blessing of Moses which St. Francis of Assisi always used.)

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Remembering The Heroes Of Faith

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

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

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

(The selection of heroes of faith gives a place of honor to leaders and valiant people who have wished to free and serve their people.  In so doing they were perhaps unconsciously seeking their real homeland.  How many people today, unbelievers perhaps, shunned by the churches, are in fact on the road to the City of GOD when they sacrifice themselves in preparing for the future of the world!  They are the Hebrews of the modern world and GOD is not ashamed of being called their GOD.

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

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Not To Love The World

"My dear children, I write this to you: you have already received the forgiveness of your sins through the name of JESUS.  Fathers, I write this to you: you know HIM who is from the beginning.  Young men, I write this to you: you have overcome the evil one.  My dear children, I write to you because you already know the FATHER.

Fathers, I write to you, because you know HIM who is from the beginning.  Young men, I write to you because you are strong, and the word of GOD lives in you who have, indeed, overcome the evil one.

Do not love the world, or what is in it.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the FATHER is not in him.

For everything in the world--

the craving of the flesh,

the greed of eyes

and people boasting of their superiority--

all this belongs to the world, not to the FATHER.

The world passes away with all its cravings, but those who do the will of GOD remain forever." - 1 John 2:12-17

 

(The third criterion for love of GOD: not to love the world.  Note how John begins by rejoicing with his readers because they know the FATHER.  It is not a matter of hating the world that CHRIST came to save.  Yet the life and history of people manifest a deep alienation: this is the power of the evil spirit.  John calls "the world" all the evil current prevailing in it.  According to John the world is the deceitful life which people live when they cease to seek the FATHER's will, and when they oppose CHRIST.  Two contrary forces coexist in this world of ours and also in people: what comes from the FATHER and is forever; and what is planned and desired by humans when they forget their condition and dignity as children of GOD: greed and pride that lead them to death.

There is something more to say about this not loving the world.  even though all that comes from GOD is good: the sunlight, love, what emerges from human intelligence and hands, yet the whole creation nothing if we compare it with GOD.

As long as we look upon the world as the great gift that GOD gave us and we feel accountable to HIM for its progress and development, the world is not good for us.  As soon as we consider the world as our thing, use it or neglect it according to our fancy, or if we think we can change it alone and by force, it becomes our worst enemy, an idol that enslaves us and is the source of rivalries.  Christians commit themselves to the world [first case] but not with the world [second case].  They keep their freedom as children of GOD, or they are no longer sons and daughters because of their love for the world.) 

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JESUS Is Presented In The Temple

"When the day came for the purification according to the law of Moses, they brought the baby up to Jerusalem to present HIM to the LORD, as it is written in the law of the LORD: Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to GOD.  And they offered a sacrifice as ordered in the law of the LORD: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

There lived in Jerusalem, at this time, a very upright and devout man named Simeon; the Holy Spirit was in him.  He looked forward to the time when the LORD would comfort Israel; and he had been assured, by the Holy Spirit, that he would not die before seeing the Messiah of the LORD.  So, he was led into the temple by the Holy Spirit at the time the parents brought the child JESUS to do for HIM according to the custom of the law.  

Simeon took the child in his arms and blessed GOD, saying,

'Now, O LORD, YOU can dismiss YOUR servant in peace,

for YOU have fulfilled YOUR word

and my eyes have seen YOUR salvation,

which YOU display for all the people to see.

Here is the light YOU will reveal to the nations,

and the glory of YOUR people Israel.'

HIS father and mother wondered at what was said about the child.  Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, HIS mother, 'Know this: your Son is a sign; a sign established for trhe falling and rising of many in Israel, a sign of contradiction; and a sword will pierce your own soul so that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.'" - Luke 2:22-35  

(Mary and Joseph went to the temple to fulfill a ritual of the Jewish religion [Leviticus 12:8].  JESUS being a firstborn male must be consecrated to GOD [Exodus 13:1].

Simeon and Ana like Mary and Joseph belong to the "small remnant of Israel."  This minority of GOD's people live their faith in humility and faithfulness to the prophets' teaching: GOD knows how to make HIMSELF known to them.

What is the meaning of the sword that will pierce Mary's soul?  It indicates Mary's grief upon seeing her Son die on the cross.  It also signifies that Mary will suffer because she will not always understand what her Son does.  The best shared love will not prevent each from remaining a mystery to the other, and more so for GOD than for anyone else.  GOD does not watch our fidelity from heaven, but rather seeks us [HE tries us in the sense of asking us to reveal ourselves].  The love of the FATHER will be Mary's cross just as it would be for JESUS.

CHRIST is GOD's light which enlightens people, but which also blinds and confuses them at times.  HE is a sign that is opposed, but this is a mystery--those who oppose HIM are not always the worst.  There are some people who believe in CHRIST, but do not follow HIM.  Unable to see HIS light they do not know that it condemns them.  There are good people who do not believe because GOD wills that they seek the light their whole life long.)

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Walk In The Light

"We heard HIS message from HIM and announce it to you: GOD is light and there is no darkness in HIM.

If we say we are in fellowship with HIM, while we walk in darkness, we lie instead of being in truth.  But if we walk in the light, as HE is in the light, we are in fellowship with one another, and the blood of JESUS, the Son of GOD, purifies us from all sin.

If we say, 'We have no sin,' we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, HE who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all wickedness.

If we say that we do not sin, we make GOD a liar, HIS word is not in us.

My little children, I write to you that you may not sin.  But if anyone sins, we have an intercessor with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST, the Just One.  HE is the sacrificial victim for our sins and the sins of the whole world." - 1 John 1:5-2:2 

(But if we walk in the light: this is the Christian life.

Over and beyond other truths which people discover, there is a light [an evidence or a presence] which is total Truth, and which cannot be divided: one is or is not in the light.  It does not give knowledge directly, but affects the whole person who acts, lives, and walks in the Light.  Those walking in faith discover this light and find themselves freed from many obstacles:

- the partial vision of one who is enthusiastic for a cause but ignores other issues that are equally important, of one who orders one part of his life but leaves in disorder other parts;

- the restlessness of one who does not have a goal and who silences his doubts by throwing himself into frantic activity;

- the sectarianism that prevents us from being "universal brothers and sisters."

Little by little faith opens for us a global vision of human reality.  The first criterion to know if we are walking in the light: have we given up sin?  John here denies what certain people say: "Since we are Christians, we are united to GOD and so the sins of the body are not important."

John declares that if we decide for GOD, we cannot continue to surrender to sin.  Obviously, no one is without sin, we all need the salvation of CHRIST; but forgiveness itself compels us even more to stay away from sin.

John invites us to confess our sins to GOD, that is to say, to admit humbly before GOD that we have sinned, but with confidence in HIS kindness.  If this attitude were not present, the sacrament of "confession" would be worthless.  On the other hand, confessing our sins in the sacrament of penance helps us keep our hearts open to GOD.

Second criterion for love of GOD: to obey the commandments that are summarized in love.  Do we perhaps pretend to know GOD and to believe?  If so, it must be measured by the love we have for others.

An old commandment, because it is the first one we learned in the Church; a new commandment, because the world must constantly, and in new ways, discover the power of love.)

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GOD, The Eternal Life, Has Come To Live With Us

"This is what has been, from the beginning, and what we have heard, and have seen with our own eyes, what we have looked at, and touched with our hands, I mean the Word who is Life...

The Life made itself known.  We have seen Eternal Life and we bear witness; and we are telling you of it.  It was with the FATHER and made HIMSELF known to us.

So, we tell you, what we have seen and heard, that you may be in fellowship with us, and us, with the FATHER, and with HIS Son, JESUS CHRIST.

And we write this, that our joy may be complete." - 1 John 1:1-4  

(The Word. John will not speak about miracles, or revelations, or secrets jealously kept by some members.  The truth that he relates to us is both simpler and more divine than all this: GOD, the Eternal Life, has come to live with us.

Life became visible.  Do not look for miracles or miraculous powers.  Do not expect fantastic revelations about the beyond.  Life was revealed as the gift of the FATHER, the rebirth of a humanity without hope, the divine smile, the unexpected visit of the one seeking to share HIS life with humans [Proverbs 8:31].  We will not find life merely in books, but through communion with those who have seen and experienced it before us, and who became HIS Church.)

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The Martyrs

"Be on your guard with people, for they will hand you over to their courts and they will flog you in their synagogues.  You will be brought to trial before rulers and kings because of ME, so that you may witness to them and the pagans.

But when you are arrested, do not worry about what you are to say, or how you are to say it; when the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say.  For it will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your FATHER speaking through you.

Brother will hand over his brother to death, and a father his child; children will turn against their parents and have them put to death.  Everyone will hate you because of ME, but whoever stands firm to the end will be saved." - Matthew 10:17-22

(Maybe we must recognize that martyrdom is a grace and is not given to everyone.  Many would be ready to give their life for CHRIST, but confronted with situations of violence or corruption, they do not see the necessity to expose a scandal and so submit in order to avoid the worst.  Others, on the contrary, understand that GOD is asking them to witness to the Good News that is opposite to what is imposed.  In so doing they face the repression by which Society defends itself.  Revelation affirms that the murder of witnesses advances Salvation History.)

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The Word Became A Human

"In the beginning was the Word.  And the Word was with GOD and the Word was GOD; 

HE was in the beginning with GOD.

All things were made through HIM, and without HIM nothing came to be.  

Whatever has come to be, found life in HIM; 

life which for humans was also light, 

light that shines in the darkness:  light that darkness could not overcome." - John 1:1-5 

(In the beginning was the Word.  The real beginning is not the creation of the universe.  For this beginning of time, space, matter, existence explains nothing yet demands an explanation.  The real beginning is beyond time.  John does not say that at this beginning "GOD was" because we know it.  He speaks of the Word.  We keep this traditional term word, although the term word that John uses says more than "word".  It is both "thought" and "word", which is the word expressing what one carries in oneself.  We ought perhaps to translate with:  The "Expression" of GOD.  To speak of this Word, or Expression of the FATHER, or to speak of HIS Son, is the same thing.  In other pages HE will be called Splendor and Image of the FATHER.  The SON is not part of the FATHER, or another GOD since HE has nothing that is of HIMSELF but all which is the FATHER's is also HIS.) 

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The Annunciation

"In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from GOD to a town of Galilee called Nazareth.  He was sent to a young virgin who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

The angel came to her and said, 'Rejoice, full of grace, the LORD is with you.'  Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean.

But the angel said, 'Do not fear, Mary, for GOD has looked kindly on you.  You shall conceive and bear a son and you shall call him JESUS.  HE will be great and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High.  The LORD GOD will give HIM the kingdom of David, his ancestor; HE will rule over the people of Jacob forever and HIS reign shall have no end.'

Then Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be if I am a virgin?'  And the angel said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born shall be called Son of GOD.  Even your relative Elizabeth is expecting a son in her old age, although she was unable to have a child, and she is now in her sixth month.  With GOD nothing is impossible.'

Then Mary said, 'I am the handmaid of the LORD, let it be done to me as you have said." - Luke 1:26-38

Basilica of The Annunciation
Nazareth, Israel
  

(Only Mary could make known the mystery of JESUS' conception to the primitive church.  How could she express such an inner experience and how would it be reported?  Therefore, in writing, Luke had to use biblical words and forms that would allow us to understand the mysterious encounter of Mary with GOD.

 

I am the handmaid of the LORD... In saying this, Mary does not lower herself with false humility; instead she expresses her faith and her surrender.  From her will be born the one who will be both the servant announced by the prophets and the only Son.

 

Many persons are mistaken about the word "servant" in that they view Almighty GOD as using HIS servants to HIS own ends without taking time to look at them and love them.  For them GOD would lose HIS greatness if HE were to give Mary authentic responsibility in the incarnation of her Son.

 

This is quite contrary to the spirit of the Bible.  GOD loves people, HE wishes, HE who is GOD, to experience human friendship.  GOD had no need of a woman to make a human body, but HE wanted to have a mother for HIS Son; and for Mary to really be that mother, it was necessary that GOD looked upon her with greater love than HE had for any other creature.  Thus, Mary is called full of grace.

 

Grace is what we call the power GOD has to heal our spirit, to instill in us the disposition to believe, and to make us resonate with the truth so that the expression of real love comes from us in a spontaneous way.  We call grace that which came from the living GOD to blossom on earth.

 

Mary is really full of grace because JESUS was born of her as HE is born of the FATHER.  This is why the Church believes that Mary has a unique role in the work of our salvation.  She is the marvel that GOD achieved at the outset of transforming humankind into HIS image.)

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Prayer For Protection And Forgiveness

 "Teach me YOUR ways, O YAHWEH, make known to me YOUR paths.

Guide me in YOUR truth and instruct me, for YOU are my GOD, my savior; I hope in YOU all day long.

Good and upright, YAHWEH teaches sinners HIS way.

HE teaches the humble of heart and guides them in what is right.

The ways of YAHWEH are love and faithfulness for those who keep HIS Covenant and precepts.

 YAHWEH gives advice to those who revere HIM and makes HIS Covenant known to them."

- Psalm 25:4-5. 8-9. 10. 14

(This sad admission of guilt is for us, more encouraging.  At last, we sympathize with the psalmist.  GOD is the teacher.  The Loving Guide goes in front of us, and we watch HIM.  At times, HE turns round to see if we are following. This psalm is a model 'act of contrition.'  It does not try to stir up an emotional sorrow.  It simply states the case, admits the guilt, and asks for mercy.  Can anyone before GOD do more?

Scripture does not know despair.  We can be broken by sorrow, anxiety, the weight of sin, but there is always an escape.  All our paths, even the worst, can finally lead to a love stronger than all the powers of this world.

In praying this psalm, the psalmist has asked GOD for many favors.  Our prayers like his, have been answered several times by JESUS who in John 14:6 says, "I AM the way, the truth and the life."  And then again, in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to ME, all of you who...carry heavy burdens...for MY yoke is good and MY burden is light."  In fact, ALL answers have been provided to us by JESUS in the Gospels.  If only we believe!)   

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The Story Of Hannah

"When the child was weaned, Hannah took him with her along with a three-year-old bull, a measure of flour and a flask of wine, and she brought him to YAHWEH's house at Shiloh.  The child was still young.

After they had slain the bull, they brought the child to Eli.  Hannah exclaimed, 'Oh, my LORD, look!  I am the woman who was standing here in YOUR presence, praying to YAHWEH.  I asked for this child and YAHWEH granted me the favor I begged of HIM.  I think YAHWEH is now asking for this child.  As long as he lives, he belongs to YAHWEH.'

And they worshiped YAHWEH there." - 1 Samuel 1:24-28  

(It all starts with an ordinary couple living a familiar drama in a hill town.

The woman, in an inferior situation, as it will always be in Israel, is only worth the children she bears.  A man has as many wives as he is able to maintain.  Elkanah loves Hannah.  YAHWEH listens and not only gives a son to Hannah but also a prophet for HIS people.

GOD likes to choose HIS servants precisely from those families who have no hope of having children.  It is GOD who gives life to the dead and hope to those who have none.  The same happens with the birth of Isaac and John the Baptist [Luke 1:5].  In the book of Isaiah is a poem which starts with these words: 'Rejoice, O barren woman who has not given birth!' [Isaiah 54:1].)

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GOD In The Midst Of The Meek

"Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion; rejoice, O people of Israel!  Sing joyfully with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem!

YAHWEH has lifted your sentence and has driven your enemies away. YAHWEH, the King of Israel is with you; do not fear any misfortune.

On that day they will say to Jerusalem: Do not be afraid nor let your hands tremble, for YAHWEH your GOD is within you, YAHWEH, saving warrior.  HE will jump for joy on seeing you, for HE has revived HIS love.  For you HE will cry out with joy, as you do in the days of the Feast.

I will drive away the evil I warned you about, and you will no longer be shamed." - Zephaniah 3:14-18  

(The destruction on the Day of YAHWEH has left a Remnant in Zion.  This is the first time that those who wait for GOD are called poor.  It is not mainly a question of being economically poor, but rather of having the attitude of those who have nothing and are open to receive everything from GOD.  The word poverty formerly implied failure; now it will be the condition needed to seek GOD.  After that time, the "poor of YAHWEH" will mean all those in Israel who hope to find YAHWEH.  The Gospel, especially the Gospel of Luke, will proclaim the happiness of the poor [see Luke 6:20].

YAHWEH will be in Jerusalem to share HIS happiness with them.  The Holy GOD suddenly shows that HE is like a young man in love who is not concerned about social considerations.

Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion; YAHWEH, the King of Israel, is with you; do not fear any misfortune.  In the Gospel of Luke, the same words are addressed to Mary at the Annunciation: "Rejoice, the LORD is with you.  Do not fear, Mary, you will bear the Savior" [Luke 1:28].)

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The Ruler Of The Universe Enter HIS Chosen Dwelling Place

 "The earth and its fullness belong to YAHWEH,

the world and all that dwell in it.

HE has founded it upon the ocean

and set it firmly upon the waters.

Who will ascend the mountain of YAHWEH?

Who will stand in HIS holy place?

Those with clean hands and pure heart,

who desire not what is vain,

and never swear to a lie.

They will receive blessings from YAHWEH,

a reward from GOD, their savior.

Such are the people who seek HIM,

who seek the face of Jacob's GOD."

- Psalm 24:1-2. 3-4. 5-6

('Heavens could not contain you!' said Solomon, 'How much less this house that I have built! [2 Chronicles 6:18].  And yet, the King of Glory passed through the gates of a Temple, where Israel's pilgrims 'sought HIS face.'  This psalm shares the astonishment of Solomon: 'Will GOD really live with men and women on the earth?'  For us that wonder is surpassed.  We have seen the Son of GOD pass through the gate of our nature and heard HIM speak 'of the temple of HIS body [John 2:21].  And this is not all!  Mystically assumed into that body, our own selves become temples too--but we must throw open the gates of a generous heart: 'If anyone loves ME, MY FATHER will love him; and we will come to HIM' [John 14:23].  We think of this as we sing: 'Let HIM enter, the King of glory!'  'Come, LORD JESUS' [Revelation 22:20].)

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Samson's Birth Foretold

"There was a man of Zorah of the tribe of Dan, called Manoah.  His wife could not bear children.  The angel of YAHWEH appeared to this woman and said to her, 'You have not borne children and have not given birth, but see, you are to conceive and give birth to a son.  Because of this, take care not to take wine or any alcoholic drink, nor to eat unclean foods from now on, for you shall bear a son who shall be a Nazirite of YAHWEH from the womb of his mother.  Never shall his hair be cut for he is consecrated to YAHWEH.  He shall begin the liberation of the Israelites from the Philistine oppression.'

The woman went to her husband and told him, 'A messenger of GOD who bore the majesty of an angel spoke to me.  I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name.

But he said to me: 'You are to conceive and give birth to a son.  Henceforth, you shall not drink wine or fermented drinks, nor eat anything unclean, for your son shall be a Nazirite of GOD from the womb of his mother until the day of his death.'

The woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson.  The boy grew and YAHWEH blessed him.  Then the Spirit of YAHWEH began to move him when he was in Mahane Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol." - Judges 13:2-7. 24-25  

(Samson is said to have been miraculously born of a barren couple.  This was in accordance with GOD's ways, as seen in the case of Abraham's son [Genesis 18], and in the case of Samuel [1 Samuel 1], and still later John the Baptist [Luke 1:5].

The child must be a Nazirite, i.e., consecrated to GOD, according to a very ancient rite in the Scriptures [Numbers 6:1].  This consecration to GOD is the source of his strength.

Samson seems to have been a man from the countryside who had extraordinary strength and fought on his account against the Philistines.  Legend attributes to him numerous feats.)

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JESUS Born Of A Virgin Mother

"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.  He did not have any marital relations with her.  When she gave birth to a son, Joseph gave HIM the name JESUS." - Matthew 1:18-25 

(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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John The Baptist Presents JESUS, The Lamb Of GOD

"This was the testimony of John when the Jews sent priests and Levites to ask him, 'Who are you?'  John recognized the truth and did not deny it.  He said, 'I am not the Messiah.'

And they asked him, 'Then who are you?  Elijah?'  He answered, 'I am not.'  They said, 'Are you the prophet?'  And he answered, 'No.'  Then they said to him, 'Tell us who you are, so that we can give some answer to those who sent us.  How do you see yourself?'  And John said, quoting the prophet Isaiah, 'I am the voice crying out in the wilderness:  Make straight the way of the LORD.' 

Those who had been sent were Pharisees; so they put a further question to John:  'Then why are you baptizing if you are not the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?'  John answered, 'I baptize you with water, but among you stands one whom you do not know; although HE comes after me, I am not worthy to untie the strap of HIS sandal.'

This happened in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing." - John 1:19- 28 

(The authorities wondered:  "Who is this who on his own initiative has begun to preach?"  At that time, various Jewish groups "baptized", or bathed, as a means of purification and to hasten the coming of the Messiah.

The Messiah is the name the Jews gave to the expected Savior.  They also expected the Prophet, but it was not clear whether or not the Prophet would be someone other than the Messiah.  It was believed that the prophet Elijah would reappear before the Messiah's arrival.)

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The Transfiguration Of JESUS

"Six days later, JESUS took with HIM Peter and James, and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain, where they were alone.  JESUS' appearance was changed before them: HIS face shone like the sun, and HIS clothes became white as snow.  Then suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with JESUS.

Peter spoke up and said to JESUS, 'Master, it is good for us to be here.  If YOU wish, I will make three tents: one for YOU, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.'

Peter was still speaking, when a bright cloud covered them with its shadow; and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is MY Son, the Beloved, MY Chosen One.  Listen to HIM.'

On hearing the voice, the disciples fell to the ground, full of fear.  But JESUS came, touched them, and said, 'Stand up, do not be afraid!'  When they raised their eyes, they no longer saw anyone except JESUS.  And as they came down the mountain, JESUS commanded them not to tell anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man be raised from the dead." - Matthew 17:1-9  

(This manifestation of the transfiguration of JESUS is in fact one of the most important in the New Testament.  In the liturgy of oriental Churches, the feast of the Transfiguration holds a place of supreme importance.

Though not the summit, it is in fact the summary of all revelation.  Moses and Elijah, the spokesmen of the Law and the Prophets [in a word, of all the Old Testament] present the CHRIST of the Gospel to the apostles Peter, James and John, those who will be responsible for the preaching of the Gospel.

As Moses and Elijah were led by GOD to the Holy Mountain, to witness HIS glory [Exodus 33:18; 1 Kings 19:9], so the apostles are led apart by JESUS; they too climb the mountain and there JESUS manifests HIS glory to them.

JESUS had just announced HIS passion and HIS death: the day had come when the FATHER confirmed HIS end that was very near [Luke 9:31] and gave HIM a foretaste of HIS resurrection.  Moses and Elijah were the witnesses, they who, in a certain way, escaped the corruption of death [Deuteronomy 34:6; 2 Kings 2:11].

A cloud formed covering them in a shadow.  The cloud mentioned here is that which, in several episodes of the Scriptures, both indicates and hides the mysterious presence of GOD [Exodus 19 and 1 Kings 8:10].

Listen to HIM.  The apostles have been accompanying JESUS for more than a year, with misunderstanding increasing between HIM and the religious authorities of the people of GOD.  For them a question could arise: Is not JESUS mistaken?  Are not the certitudes of GOD's people on the side of the priests and scribes?

The FATHER HIMSELF intervenes, just as HE had done in the past for John the Baptist: Listen to HIM!  "Listen to HIM for HE is the Word made flesh" [John 1:14; Hebrews 1:1].  HE is the Prophet, and all the others speak only for HIM [Deuteronomy 18:17].

When JESUS worked miracles for the sick, and over the forces of nature, HE showed that the present order of the world is not permanent.  Now the curtains are partially opened: would that the apostles understood that the Son of Man, as JESUS calls HIMSELF, is close to HIS resurrection.  In a little while HIS fellow citizens will hang HIM on a cross.  In a little while, too, the FATHER will give HIM the glory that awaits HIM.  The shining cloud, the dazzling white clothes are external signs that indicate something of the mystery of JESUS: the day HE rises from among the dead, HIS human nature will be transformed and extended by divine Energies, so that HE may fill everything in everyone.)

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If You Had Obeyed MY Law

"Thus says YAHWEH, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:  I, YAHWEH, your GOD, teach you what is best for you; I lead you in the way that you must go.

Had you paid attention to MY Commandments, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

Your descendants would have been like the sand, and those born of your stock like its grains, their names never cut off nor blotted out from MY presence." - Isaiah 48:17-19 

CHRIST, The Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

(The prophet looks at Israel's past, reminding us of what we read about the lost Paradise.  If they had obeyed, GOD's desire to lavish HIS blessings upon them would have been fulfilled, as well as GOD's promises to Abraham.

But GOD will intervene again as the Redeemer of HIS people.)

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No One Greater Than John The Baptist Has Arisen

"I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has arisen from among the sons of women; and yet, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven is something to be conquered; and violent men seize it.

Up to the time of John, there was only prophesy: all the prophets and the law.  And if you believe ME, John is indeed that Elijah, whose coming was predicted.  Let anyone with ears listen!" - Matthew 11:11-15  

(No one greater than John the Baptist has arisen.  This verse refers to a prophet or to a political leader.

The kingdom of heaven is something to be conquered... This sentence could also be translated: "The kingdom of heaven is advancing forcefully."  The kingdom of GOD is the moving force that makes history progress, taking advantage of both gentle and violent changes in human life.  The believers are called to participate actively in the constant transformation.  Death and resurrection are at work among us and all over the world.)

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Come To ME, All You Who Are Burdened

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

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

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

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

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The Humble People

"Mary then set out for a town in the hill country of Judah.  She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb.  Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and, giving a loud cry, said, 'You are most blessed among women; and blessed is the fruit of your womb!  How is it, that the mother of my LORD comes to me?  The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy.  Blessed are you, who believed that the LORD's word would come true!'" - Luke 1:39-45  

(The angel's message has not left Mary alone with her problems.  The angel spoke of her elderly cousin, Elizabeth.  With her Mary will share her joy and her secret.  Mary, quite young [was she more than fifteen?], will learn from her many things that Joseph could not tell her.  What had been foretold to Zechariah will now be fulfilled: "Your son will be filled with the Holy Spirit while in the womb of his mother."

What is most important in history is not what is spectacular.  The Gospel prefers to draw our attention to life-filled events.

A few years later, Jewish crowds would go to John the Baptist looking for the word of GOD.  No one would wonder how he received the Spirit of GOD, and no one would know that a humble girl, Mary, put GOD's plan in motion on that Visitation Day.

Blessed are you who believed!  What is important is not that Mary is the mother of JESUS in the flesh, and this, JESUS will repeat [11:27].

Mary, who has become the Temple of GOD, communicates the Spirit--the Spirit of JESUS.)

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JESUS Forgives And Cures A Paralytic

"After some days JESUS returned to Capernaum.  As the news spread that HE was at home, so many people gathered that there was no longer room even outside the door.  While JESUS was preaching the Word to them, some people brought a paralyzed man to HIM. 

The four men who carried him couldn't get near JESUS because of the crowd, so they opened the roof above the room where JESUS was and, through the hole, lowered the man on his mat.  When JESUS saw the faith of these people, HE said to the paralytic, 'My son, your sins are forgiven.'

Now, some teachers of the Law who were sitting there wondered within themselves, 'How can HE speak like this insulting GOD?  Who can forgive sins except GOD?'

At once JESUS knew through HIS spirit what they were thinking and asked, 'Why do you wonder?  Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man:  'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say:  'Rise, take up your mat and walk?'  But now you shall know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.'

And HE said to the paralytic, 'Stand up, take up your mat and go home.'  The man rose and, in the sight of all those people, he took up his mat and went out.  All of them were astonished and praised GOD saying, 'We have never seen anything like this!" - Mark 2:1-12  

(With this miracle on the paralytic cured and forgiven, JESUS gives three answers at the same time:  to the sick man, to his friends and to the Pharisees.

When JESUS saw the faith of these people.  These are the friends of the paralytic, and JESUS rewards their faith.

Apparently, the paralytic did nothing more than consent to their advice.  At once, JESUS tells him - your sins are forgiven.  What a strange thing to say!  How can JESUS forgive sins if the man is not conscious of any fault and, at the same time, repentant and awaiting forgiveness?  Certainly, during his long infirmity, this man had asked himself why GOD was punishing him [the people of his time believed sickness was a punishment from GOD].  Many texts of the Old Testament emphasize the complex connection between sin and illness.  It is often illness that makes us conscious of our state of sinfulness, and for HIS part JESUS does not want to heal unless there is reconciliation with GOD.

JESUS acts like GOD:  HE looked at the sinner, rectified the complexes of culpability and pardoned before healing.

Later the Pharisees arrive.  When JESUS forgave the paralytic, the simple people did not realize how scandalous HIS words were.  They did not have enough religious formation to realize immediately that only GOD could give absolution.  It was the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law who were scandalized.  Their indignation is justified because neither they, nor the others, nor the disciples, yet understand that JESUS is the true Son of GOD.  JESUS silences them:  If I restore health in the same way GOD does, should not I also forgive in the way GOD does?

JESUS disconcerts those who ask who HE is.  Better still, HE shows that only HE can save the whole person, body and soul.

Happy this man who was assured of HIS pardon through the glance and the words of JESUS!  GOD is HE who lives and loves, and we need to meet HIM so that forgiveness can be authentic - HIS eyes meeting our eyes.  Because of this, GOD had to become human - JESUS forgives sins because HE is a son of man and from HIM, we receive the pardon both of GOD and of people within the Christian community.)  

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'YOU Are MY Son, The Beloved, The One I Have Chosen.'

"He preached to the people, saying, 'After me comes one who is more powerful than I am; I have baptized you with water, but HE will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.'

At that time, JESUS came from Nazareth, a town of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  And the moment HE came up out of the water, heaven opened before HIM, and HE saw the Spirit coming down on HIM like a dove.  And these words were heard from heaven, 'YOU are MY Son, the Beloved, the One I have chosen.'" - Mark 1:7-11 

(In verses 1 to 13, Mark gives us in three short presentations three important insights about JESUS' salvation.

Verses 1-7.  John the Baptist announces the coming of the One sent by GOD: this JESUS about whom the Gospel will speak to us has been announced, prepared by all the great witnesses of the Old Testament.  In HIM and by HIM GOD's salvation will be accomplished.

Verses 9-10.  JESUS goes down into the Jordan to open the gates of the true Promised Land [see the Book of Joshua]: HE is the beloved Son of the FATHER on whom the Spirit rests.  JESUS comes to reveal the mystery of GOD, the mystery of the love of GOD--FATHER, SON and SPIRIT.

Verses 11-13.  JESUS is at peace with the wild animals as HE is with the angels.  In HIM and by HIM will be accomplished the reconciliation of all creation with its GOD.  Such had to be the Messiah announced by Isaiah [Isaiah 11].)

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"You Will See The Uncleanliness Of Your Idols."

"O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem, you will weep no more.  When you cry, HE will listen; when HE hears, HE will answer.

When the LORD has given you the bread of anguish and the water of distress, HE, your teacher will hide no longer.  Your own eyes will see HIM, and your ear will listen to HIS words behind you: 'This is the way, walk in it.'

You will see the uncleanliness of your idols and images overlaid with silver and gold.  You will throw them out like a menstrual cloth.  'Away with you then!' you will say to them.

HE will then give rain for the seed you sow and make the harvest abundant from the crops you grow.  On that day your cattle will graze in wide pastures.  Your beasts of burden will eat silage tossed to them with pitchfork and shovel.

For on the day of the great slaughter, when fortresses fall, streams of water will flow on every mountain and lofty hill. 

The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun seven times greater, like the light of seven days, when YAHWEH binds up the wounds of HIS people and heals the bruises inflicted by HIS blows." - Isaiah 30:19-26 

(GOD loves us and teaches us.  This poem speaks of all the marvels to be discovered when meeting GOD through tears.

You will see the uncleanliness of your idols.  People have become aware that they were serving false gods.  Idolatry does not only mean keeping carved gods, but more trusting people, serving institutions and envying the things that these images represent.) 

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The Annunciation

"In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from GOD to a town of Galilee called Nazareth.  He was sent to a young virgin who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

The angel came to her and said, 'Rejoice, full of grace, the LORD is with you.'  Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean.

But the angel said, 'Do not fear, Mary, for GOD has looked kindly on you.  You shall conceive and bear a son and you shall call him JESUS.  HE will be great and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High.  The LORD GOD will give HIM the kingdom of David, his ancestor; HE will rule over the people of Jacob forever and HIS reign shall have no end.'

Then Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be if I am a virgin?'  And the angel said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born shall be called Son of GOD.  Even your relative Elizabeth is expecting a son in her old age, although she was unable to have a child, and she is now in her sixth month.  With GOD nothing is impossible.'

Then Mary said, 'I am the handmaid of the LORD, let it be done to me as you have said." - Luke 1:26-38 

(Only Mary could make known the mystery of JESUS' conception to the primitive church.  How could she express such an inner experience and how would it be reported?  Therefore, in writing, Luke had to use biblical words and forms that would allow us to understand the mysterious encounter of Mary with GOD.

 

I am the handmaid of the LORD... In saying this, Mary does not lower herself with false humility; instead she expresses her faith and her surrender.  From her will be born the one who will be both the servant announced by the prophets and the only Son.

 

Many persons are mistaken about the word "servant" in that they view Almighty GOD as using HIS servants to HIS own ends without taking time to look at them and love them.  For them GOD would lose HIS greatness if HE were to give Mary authentic responsibility in the incarnation of her Son.

 

This is quite contrary to the spirit of the Bible.  GOD loves people, HE wishes, HE who is GOD, to experience human friendship.  GOD had no need of a woman to make a human body, but HE wanted to have a mother for HIS Son; and for Mary to really be that mother, it was necessary that GOD looked upon her with greater love than HE had for any other creature.  Thus, Mary is called full of grace.

 

Grace is what we call the power GOD has to heal our spirit, to instill in us the disposition to believe, and to make us resonate with the truth so that the expression of real love comes from us in a spontaneous way.  We call grace that which came from the living GOD to blossom on earth.

 

Mary is full of grace because JESUS was born of her as HE is born of the FATHER.  This is why the Church believes that Mary has a unique role in the work of our salvation.  She is the marvel that GOD achieved at the outset of transforming humankind into HIS image.)

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Wise And Foolish Builders

"So, then, anyone who hears these words of mine and acts accordingly is like a wise man, who built his house on rock.  The rain poured, the rivers flooded, and the wind blew and struck the house, but it did not collapse because it was built on rock.  But anyone who hears these words of mine and does not act accordingly, is like a fool who built his house on sand.  The rain poured, the rivers flooded, and the wind blew and struck that house; it collapsed, and what a terrible fall that was!" - Matthew 7:24-27  

(JESUS means those who listen to HIS words and are converted:  they believe themselves already saved.  If they do not use their initial enthusiasm to build their lives on solid foundations, such as scriptural meditation, generosity, resistance to evil inclinations, sharing in the Christian community - then everything will tumble down later.)

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Praise Of GOD, Creator And Lawgiver

 "The heavens declare the glory of GOD;

the firmament proclaims the work of HIS hands.

Day talks it over with day;

night hands on the knowledge to night.

No speech, no words, no voice is heard--

but the call goes on, throughout the universe,

the message is felt to the ends of the earth."

- Psalm 19:2-5

(The splendor of heaven gives us a glimpse of the glory of GOD.  We are also aware of HIS presence, when we meditate on HIS commandments, which are light and joy for the soul.

Romans 10:18 applies verse 4 of the psalm to the preaching of the Gospel.  This psalm is adequate to revise one's life in the presence of GOD in creation and in the Law.  JESUS in the Gospels has taught us how to pray.  If we add this psalm to our morning prayer, it will make us feel great and ready to start the day well.) 

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The Prince Of Peace

"From the stump of Jesse a shoot will come forth;

from his roots a branch will grow and bear fruit.

The spirit of the Lord will rest upon him -

a Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

a Spirit of counsel and power,

a Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.

Not by appearances will he judge,

nor by what is said must he decide,

but with justice he will judge the poor

and with righteousness decide for the meek.

Like a rod, his word will strike the oppressor,

and the breath of his lips slay the wicked

Justice will be the girdle of his waist,

truth the girdle of his loins.

The wolf will dwell with the lamb,

the leopard will rest beside the kid,

the calf and the lion cub will feed together

and a little child will lead them.

Befriending each other, the cow and the bear

will see their young ones lie down together.

Like cattle, the lion will eat hay.

By the cobra's den the infant will play.

The child will put his hand into the viper's lair.

No one will harm or destroy over my holy mountain,

for as water fills the sea

the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord.

On that day the 'Root of Jesse' will be raised as a signal for the nations.  The people will come in search of him, thus making his dwelling place glorious." - Isaiah 11:1-10 

(Those who have read the New Testament know that the Jews of JESUS' time were expecting a Messiah.  This, however, was not always the case.  From Abraham to David, the Israelites were looking for the land promised by GOD and they conquered it.  After David, they thought that a better king could not be found and, during the two and a half centuries that followed, they hoped only that their present and future kings would resemble David.  The very promise that GOD made to David about his descendants was not understood as the announcement of a future Messiah.

Isaiah was the first to announce the Messiah, namely, a king like David but better.  Here HE is presented as a shoot coming from the stump, once the tree has been felled.  Thus, he suggests that the present kings, who are sinners and without much faith, will disappear.  More than a descendant of David, Emmanuel will be a new David [HE is called son of Jesse like David].

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on HIM as it did on the prophets and more so.  The prophets were inspired by a mysterious power called 'Spirit of GOD,' but not at all times.  In HIM, the Spirit would dwell always:

      - a spirit of wisdom and intelligence, as Solomon had;

      - a spirit of prudence and strength, like David's;

      - a spirit of knowledge and respect for the LORD, as Moses and the Patriarchs had.

The renewal of GOD's people will be manifested in nature:  the lion will eat hay.  To put this in modern terms:  thanks to technology and a greater cooperation between people, nature's hostile forces will be placed at the service of humankind.

Beginning with Isaiah, the prophets will see the Messiah, or the future king anointed by GOD, as a man of the Spirit.  When the Spirit of GOD is conferred on believers through the sacrament of confirmation, the Church recalls the Spirit of wisdom, intelligence, strength, etc.) 

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