Love And Longing For GOD's Temple

 "My soul yearns, pines,

for the courts of YAHWEH.

My heart and my flesh

cry out for the living GOD.

Even the sparrow finds a home,

and the swallow a nest

where she may lay her young,

at YOUR altars, O YAHWEH of hosts,

my King and my GOD!

They go from strength to strength

till they appear before GOD in Zion."

- Psalm 84:3. 4. 5-6. 8

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

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

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The Signs Of The Times

"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 already near.  In the same way, as soon as you see these things happening, you 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 

(The destruction of the Jewish nation and the dispersal of its people inaugurated the new era, which would be mostly the history of the evangelization and education of the nations by the Church.  We could call that period the times of the New Testament, which will end with the great crisis concluding human history.) 

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Orchestra Of Praise To GOD, King Of The World

 "Sing to YAHWEH a new song, for HE has done wonders; HIS right hand, HIS holy arm, has won victory for HIM.

YAHWEH has shown HIS salvation, revealing HIS justice to the nations.

HE has not forgotten HIS love, nor HIS faithfulness to Israel.  The farthest ends of the earth all have seen GOD 's saving power.

Let the sea resound and everything in it, the world and all its people.

Let rivers clap their hands, hills and mountains sing with joy before YAHWEH, for HE comes to rule the earth.  HE will judge the world with justice, and the peoples, with fairness."

- Psalm 98:1. 2-3. 7-8. 9

(Our LORD founded the kingdom of GOD on earth; and yet we pray: 'YOUR kingdom come.'  The work of our redemption has been accomplished, but we still pray for this salvation, to be perfected throughout the world: GOD has come; but we look for HIS final coming, to take possession of HIS kingdom.

Sing to the LORD a new song.  Humanity has found the way to liberation and salvation.  It is in the coming of CHRIST, GOD-made-man and in HIS resurrection.

For the LORD came down to earth, showed us HIS love and also by HIS death and resurrection, the path to eternal salvation.)

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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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"I AM The Alpha And The Omega."

 "... and from JESUS CHRIST, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To HIM who loves us, and has washed away our sins with HIS own blood, making us a kingdom, and priests for GOD, HIS FATHER,

to HIM, be the glory and power, for ever and ever.  Amen.

See, HE comes with the clouds, and everyone will see HIM, even those who pierced HIM; on HIS account, all the nations of the earth will beat their breast.  Yes.  It will be so.

'I AM the Alpha and the Omega,' says the LORD GOD, 'the one who is, and who was, and who is to come: the Master of the universe.'"

- Revelation 1:5-8

(The one who is and who was, and who is to come.  This way of naming GOD expands what was revealed to Moses: "I AM who AM' [Exodus 3].  The living GOD is a GOD who is coming.

Then CHRIST is presented as the Messiah and Judge hoped for by the Jews.  HE comes with the clouds.  In HIS trial, JESUS also referred to this text of the prophet Daniel [7:13].

All the nations of the earth will lament HIM.  See this prophecy of the murdered Messiah: "the one they pierced" in Zechariah 12:10.

The Alpha and the Omega [that is A to Z].  This suggests that GOD embraces all time.

Revelation is addressed to Christians who are beginning to suffer for their faith, and shows CHRIST to them, as the model they are imitating.  CHRIST is the "servant and the witness of GOD the FATHER."  Let us not forget that martyr means witness.)

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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 some 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 

(Nowadays, do we really consider that the structure [Church] is a holy place for us to commune with GOD, and not for anything else?)

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A Call To The Daughter Of Zion

"'Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for I AM about to come, I shall dwell among you,' says YAHWEH.

On that day, many nations will join YAHWEH and be MY people, but my dwelling is among you.  The people of Judah will be for YAHWEH as HIS portion in HIS holy land.  HE will choose Jerusalem again.

Keep still in YAHWEH's presence, for HE comes, having risen from HIS holy dwelling." - Zechariah 2:14-17  

(In the following we have one of the two calls to the captives: a call to rejoicing because GOD lives with HIS people.  We now have more motives for rejoicing.  In the Bible the expression Daughter of Zion is one of the many names for the People Of GOD.

Zechariah foretells the new times when he says that GOD will be permanently at work in Zion, figure of the Church in which all people of the earth will gather together.)

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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 collected it with interest?'

Then the master said to those standing by:  'Take from him that pound, and give it to the one with ten pounds.'  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 far away 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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The Blind Man Of Jericho

"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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True Happiness

"O YAHWEH, my inheritance and my cup,

my chosen portion--hold secure my lot.

I keep YAHWEH always before me;

for with HIM at my right hand,

I will never be shaken.

My heart, therefore, exults; my soul rejoices;

my body, too, will rest assured.

For YOU will not abandon

my soul to the grave,

nor will YOU suffer YOUR holy one

to see decay in the land of the dead.

YOU will show me the path of life,

in YOUR presence, the fullness of joy,

at YOUR right hand, happiness forever."

- Psalm 16:5. 8. 9-10. 11

(So much lip-service is paid to the one GOD and so much activity to the gods we make for ourselves.  Only thoughtful experience can show how hollow these are.  The offerings we make pay no return but a frenzy to offer more.  But perhaps this experience is necessary for many of us.  It may not lead to the high mysticism of the psalmist.  If we learn to turn away and look for a while towards the more lasting good, we may find it more satisfying after all.  Appetite may grow from what it feeds on.  There is even a presentiment in this psalm, that such a union with GOD, will prove stronger than death, and in CHRIST it did.  The risen LORD, so closely united with HIS FATHER, descended to the place of death and came out freely, ascending with HIS spoils.  Nor can death resist HIS Body, which is the Church.  HE promised that the gates of death would not withstand it.  Death, 'the last enemy,' is destroyed.  The resurrection of our bodies is guaranteed by the resurrection of CHRIST.)

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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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"Where The Body Is, There Too Will The Vultures Gather."

"As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be on the day the Son of Man comes.  In those days people ate and drank and got married; but on the day Noah entered the ark, the flood came and destroyed them all.  So, it was in the days of Lot: people ate and drank, and bought and sold, and planted and built; but on the day Lot left Sodom, GOD made fire and sulfur rain down from heaven, which destroyed them all.  So will it be on the day the Son of Man is revealed.

On that day, if you are on the rooftop, don't go down into the house to get your belongings; and if you happen to be in the fields, do not turn back.  Remember Lot's wife!  Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever gives his life will be born again.

I tell you, though two men are sharing the same bed, it might happen that one will be taken, and the other left; though two women are grinding meal together, one might be taken and the other left.

Then they asked JESUS, 'Where will this take place, LORD?  And HE answered, 'Where the body is, there too will the vultures gather.'" - Luke 17:26-37  

(Then come the words of JESUS concerning the end of Jerusalem and HIS second coming [Mark 13:14].  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.

In Matthew 24:17 the reference to someone outside his house is connected with the end of Jerusalem, and here it means it will be necessary to escape quickly.  In the present text this has another meaning: when the end of the world comes it will be too late to worry about saving one's life or possessions.

Where will this take place? foolish question as in Luke 17:20, because the LORD will not come to take HIS people to a geographic location.  On that day, the good will be taken into the presence of GOD as infallibly as vultures gather around a corpse.)

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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!' or 'See, there it is!' for the kingdom of GOD is within 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 with them, 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 [Mark 13:14].  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 [verse 37] which gather without fail wherever there is a corpse.  In the same way, everyone, without fail, will be aware of CHRIST's return.)

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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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Live As Responsible Persons

"Let your words strengthen sound doctrine.  Tell the older men to be sober, serious, wise, sound in faith, love and perseverance.

The older women, in like manner, must behave as befits holy women, not given to gossiping or drinking wine, but as good counselors, able to teach younger women to love their husbands and children, to be judicious and chaste, to take care of their households, to be kind, and submissive to their husbands, lest our faith be attacked.

Encourage the young men, to be self-controlled.  Set them an example by your own way of doing.  Let your teaching be earnest and sincere, and your preaching, beyond reproach.  Then, your opponents will feel ashamed and will have nothing to criticize.

For the grace of GOD has appeared, bringing salvation to all, teaching us to reject an irreligious way of life, and worldly greed, and to live in this world, as responsible persons, upright and serving GOD, while we await our blessed hope--the glorious manifestation of our great GOD and Savior JESUS CHRIST.  HE gave HIMSELF for us, to redeem us from every evil, and to purify a people HE wanted to be HIS own and dedicated to what is good." - Titus 2:1-8. 11-14 

(Here, there is a reminder of the duties of the faithful according to their situation in life.  In the society of the time, far simpler than ours, all was reduced to slaves or the free, men or women, young or old.  In our age, it would be necessary to ask people to look more closely at their responsibilities in life.

There is insistence on our duty to bear fruit: the following paragraph will say that if CHRIST has sacrificed HIMSELF for us, such a sacrifice must not remain fruitless.

The grace of GOD has appeared, bringing salvation to all.  Here Paul returns to the essence of the Christian message: it is a gift of GOD and so it must produce the fruit of goodness and reconciliation and draw people away from the self-centeredness which paralyzes them.

HE gave HIMSELF for us.  As in Ephesians 5:25 and 1 Corinthians 11:25, JESUS' sacrifice is primarily to purify those who became HIS people.  In fact, it is by looking at JESUS that, little by little, we let go of what is evil and violent in us.

Teaching us to reject an irreligious way of life.  GOD brings us to purify our motives and our hearts.

- Responsible, because the practice of Christian living brings us to a more serious attitude.

- Just with others by being primarily just with GOD.

- Serving GOD: this means first of all being sincere with GOD.)

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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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The Widow's Offering

"JESUS sat down opposite the temple treasury and watched the people dropping money into the treasury box; and many rich people put in large offerings.  But a poor widow also came and dropped in two small coins.

Then JESUS called HIS disciples and said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all those who gave offerings.  For all of them gave from their plenty; but she gave from her poverty and put in everything she had, her very living.'" - Mark 12:41-44 

 

(The poor widow was the only one from among so many worshipers who make 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.  The humble person is capable of sacrificing part of his paid time to study or participate in common activities in order to help his companions.  The small salary he loses is worth much more than the big salary that wealthy people are not willing to lose.  GOD calls on the poor before anybody else, because only the poor give all that they have to live on.)

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"Destroy This Temple And In Three Days I Will Raise It Up."

"As the Passover of the Jews was at hand, JESUS went up to Jerusalem.  In the temple court, HE found merchants selling oxen, sheep, and doves, and money-changers seated at their tables.  Making a whip of cords, HE drove them all out of the temple court, together with the oxen and sheep.  HE knocked over the tables of the moneychangers, scattering the coins and ordered the people selling doves, 'Take all this away and stop making a marketplace of MY FATHER'S house!'

HIS disciples recalled the words of Scripture: Zeal for your house devours me like fire.

The Jews then questioned JESUS, 'Where are the miraculous signs which give YOU the right to do this?'  And JESUS said, 'Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.'  The Jews then replied, 'The building of this temple has already taken forty-six years, and will YOU raise it up in three days?'

Actually, JESUS was referring to the temple of HIS body.  Only when HE had risen from the dead did HIS disciples remember these words; then they believed both the Scripture and the words JESUS had spoken." - John 2:13-22 

(JESUS had not yet begun HIS preaching.  HE went to the temple of Jerusalem that was the heart of the Jewish nation and the symbol of their religion [Mark 11:12].  The temple, however, was not immune from corruption and lust for power.  In the temple the people had to make use of the priests' services to offer their sacrifices.  The priests' authority and power derived from the temple.  The temple was the place where the community's offerings and gifts were brought; and there the chief priests disposed of this treasure.  Besides this, they also received the taxes that the sellers and money changers paid.

Zeal for your house consumes me as fire and those who insult you insult me as well.  This is taken from Psalm 69.  Actually, the hatred of the chief priests for JESUS would bring HIM to HIS death.

The apostles could not understand these words: for at that time nothing was more sacred to them than the temple and the Scripture.  Later, they would know that the most ordinary word of JESUS had as much weight as the whole of Scripture.  They would also understand that JESUS is the true Temple.  Until then, people constructed temples and looked for places where they could meet GOD and obtain HIS favors.  Now GOD has made HIMSELF present in JESUS: it is HE who delivers GOD's riches to us.)

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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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The Black Sheep

"Meanwhile tax collectors and sinners were seeking the company of JESUS, all of them eager to hear what HE had to say.  But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law frowned at this, muttering, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.'  So, JESUS told them this parable:

'Who among you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, will not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and seek the lost one till he finds it?  And finding it, will he not joyfully carry it home on his shoulders?  Then he will call his friends and neighbors together, and say, 'Celebrate with me, for I have found my lost sheep!'  I tell you, in the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over ninety-nine decent people, who do not need to repent.

What woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one, will not light a lamp, and sweep the house in a thorough search, till she finds the lost coin?  And finding it, she will call her friends and neighbors, and say, 'Celebrate with me, for I have found the silver coin I lost!'  I tell you, in the same way, there is rejoicing among the angels of GOD over one repentant sinner.'" - Luke 15:1-10  

(Why do the Pharisees complain?  Because they are scrupulously concerned about ritual purity.  In this perspective--present in the Old Testament--in a relationship between two people, the one who is unclean will contaminate the other.  Since "sinners" by definition never think of purifying themselves of the hundred and one impurities of daily life, JESUS could then be considered a teacher ready to become impure at any moment.  So it is that JESUS will speak of GOD's mercy that has not swept away sinners from HIS presence.

Then again, is not there something more human in the indignation of "good" people: let everyone see the difference between the rest and us!  Once more JESUS battles against the old idea of merits that have been gained and therefore worthy of GOD's reward.

Happy the one sheep JESUS went after, leaving the ninety-nine!  Poor righteous ones who do not need GOD's forgiveness!

In large cities today, the church seems to be left with only one sheep.  Why does she not get out, namely, let go of her income, privileges or devotions of a commercial style, to go out looking for the ninety-nine who got lost?  To leave the comfortable circle of believers who have no problems, to look beyond our renewed rituals, and to be ready to be criticized just as JESUS was criticized, is the challenge today.

Who lights the lamp, sweeps the house and searches except GOD HIMSELF?  Out of respect for GOD, the Jews of JESUS' time preferred not to name HIM, and they used expressions such as the angels or heaven.)

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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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JESUS Did Not Regard Equality With GOD

"Your attitude should be the same as JESUS CHRIST had:

Though HE was in the form of GOD,

HE did not regard equality with GOD as something to be grasped,

but emptied HIMSELF,

taking on the nature of a servant, made in human likeness,

and, in HIS appearance, found, as a man,

HE humbled HIMSELF by being obedient, to death,

death on the cross.

That is why GOD exalted HIM

and gave HIM the name which outshines all names,

so, that, at the name of JESUS all knees should bend

in heaven, on earth and among the dead,

and all tongues proclaim, that CHRIST JESUS is the LORD,

to the glory of GOD, the FATHER."

- Philippians 2:5-11

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

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

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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 to 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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YAHWEH, Our GOD, Is One YAHWEH

"Fear YAHWEH, observe HIS commandments all the days of your life and HIS norms that I teach you today.  So also, for your children and your children's children that they may live long.

Listen, then, Israel, observe these commandments and put them into practice.  If you do this, you will be well and you will multiply in this land flowing with milk and honey, as YAHWEH, the GOD of your fathers, promised you.

Listen, Israel: YAHWEH, our GOD, is One YAHWEH.  And you shall love YAHWEH, your GOD, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength.  Engrave on your heart the commandments that I pass on to you today." - Deuteronomy 6:2-6  

(Listen Israel: YAHWEH, our GOD, is One YAHWEH.  These verses are the creed of the Jews: which they recite every day.  JESUS alludes to this text when they question HIM about the most important command.

You shall love YAHWEH, your GOD, with all your heart.  The love of GOD cannot be totally unselfish.  Israel knew that by responding to the love of GOD who chose them, they were on the right path and GOD would reward them with peace and material prosperity.

Engrave in your heart the commandments: keep them present in your mind to help you organize your thinking and to be able to judge everything according to these standards.)

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JESUS Said, "I AM The Way, The Truth And The Life."

"'Do not be troubled!  Trust in GOD and trust in ME!  In MY FATHER's house there are many rooms; otherwise, I would not have told you that I go to prepare a place for you.  After I have gone and prepared a place for you, I shall come again and take you to ME, so that where I AM, you also may be.  Yet you know the way where I AM going.'

Thomas said to HIM, 'LORD, we don't know where YOU are going; how can we know the way?'  JESUS said, 'I AM the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the FATHER but through ME.'" - John 14:1-6  

(JESUS ascension to the FATHER was not just an individual achievement but opened for all of us a way to our house, not situated high above us, but in GOD.  There are many mansions, that means that there is also a place for us: not just one mansion for everybody, but a place for each one, because Heaven is not like a performance which is the same for everyone in the audience.  GOD's radiance will draw from each one the resonance only HE can bring forth.  Each one will be in his own mansion, being in communion with all.

Now, knowing what the goal is, we should walk towards this definitive communion.  "I AM the way," says JESUS.  HE became human precisely so that we might see the FATHER in HIM.  HE followed HIS way, so disconcerting for us, so that, meditating on HIS actions, we would progress towards the truth.  Although in the beginning we may not understand HIM well, with time, we will discover the LORD and understand that HIS way is ours.  Passing through the cross and death, we will achieve our own truth and arrive at life.)

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