Not Hunger For Bread Or Thirst For Water, But For Hearing The Word Of YAHWEH

"Hear this, you, who trample on the needy, to do away with the weak of the land.  You who say, 'When will the new moon or the Sabbath feast be over that we may open the store and sell our grain?  Let us lower the measure and raise the price; let us cheat and tamper with the scales, and even sell the refuse with the whole grain.  We will buy up the poor for money and the needy for a pair of sandals.'

YAHWEH, the pride of Jacob, has sworn by HIMSELF, 'I shall never forget their deeds.'

Shall not the land tremble because of this, and all who dwell in it mourn, while it rises up and heaves like the Nile and settles back again like the river of Egypt?

YAHWEH says, 'On that day, I will make the sun go down at noon; and darken the earth in broad daylight.

I will turn your festivals into mourning and all your singing into wailing.  Everyone will mourn, covered with sackcloth; and every head will be shaved.  I will make them mourn, as for an only son, and bring their day to a bitter end.'

YAHWEH says, 'Days are coming when I will send famine upon the land; not hunger for bread or thirst for water, but for hearing the word of YAHWEH.

Men will stagger from sea to sea, wander to and fro, from north to east, searching for the word of YAHWEH; but they will not find it...'" - Amos 8:4-12 

(Amos describes the greed of the merchants and of the rich, the exploitation of the needy, the luxury of the wealthy, the bribing of judges, etc.

Not hunger for bread or thirst for water, but for hearing the word of YAHWEH, in a little while, those who refuse to listen, because they lack nothing, will be so afflicted that they will long to hear a word of consolation from GOD, and that word will not come.  The prophet's words were to be fulfilled in several ways.  We can read into them the prediction of the hunger and thirst for GOD's word, which, in later times, would be the hallmark of the believer.)

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They Praised GOD For Giving Such Power To Human Beings

"JESUS got back into the boat, crossed the lake again, and came to HIS hometown.  Here, they brought to HIM a paralyzed man, lying on a bed.  JESUS saw their faith and said to the paralytic, 'Courage, MY son!  Your sins are forgiven.'

Some teachers of the law said within themselves, 'This man insults GOD.'  JESUS was aware of what they were thinking; and said, 'Why have you such evil thoughts?  Which is easier to say: 'Your sins are forgiven' or 'Stand up and walk'?  But that you may know, that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins,' HE said to the paralyzed man , 'Stand up!  Take you stretcher and go home!'  The man got up, and went home.

When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe, and praised GOD for giving such power to human beings." - Matthew 9:1-8 

(They praised GOD for giving such power to human beings.  This formula is rather clumsy.  The crowd is astonished to see how GOD's saving power is manifest among people, and through a man, JESUS.  Matthew has no wish to separate the Church from CHRIST: every Christian community received the gifts of GOD for healing and reconciliation.  It is known that the ministers of the Church have special authority to pardon, but the grace of GOD also flows in many other very different channels., [1 Corinthians 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11].  When we establish relations of mercy and trust, and accept fraternal correction humbly, when there is mutual forgiveness between spouses, CHRIST is the one who forgives and pardons, and what is forgiven among us on earth, is forgiven in heaven [Matthew 18:18].)

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This People Approached ME In Words; They Honor ME With Lip-Service, While Their Hearts Stay Afar

"Seek GOD and shun evil, that you may live.  Then YAHWEH, the GOD of hosts, as you have claimed, will be with you.

Hate wickedness and love virtue, and let justice prevail in the courts; perhaps YAHWEH, the GOD of hosts, will take pity on the remnant of Joseph.

YAHWEH, GOD of hosts thus says: 'In every square, wailing will be heard, in every street, cries of anguish.  Farmers will be summoned to lament, and professional mourners, to weep noisily.  There will be lamentation in every vineyard, for I will pass through your midst, says the LORD.'...

'I hate, I reject your feasts, I take no pleasure when you assemble to offer ME your burnt offerings.  Your cereal offerings, I will not accept!  Your offerings of fattened beasts, I will not look upon!

Away with the noise of your chanting, away with your strumming of harps.  But let justice run its course like water, and righteousness be like an ever-flowing river....'" - Amos 5:14-17, 21-24 

(GOD's complaints about HIS people sound like those of another time expressed through Isaiah: This people approached ME in words; they honor ME with lip-service, while their hearts stay afar [Isaiah 29:13].

Since the previous disasters were not enough to teach Israel to straighten its ways, Amos announces another disaster.  Its nature is not specified, since what is unknown usually causes greater fear.

Perhaps YAHWEH, the GOD of Hosts, will take pity on the remnant of Joseph.  This is the first time the word remnant appears in the Scriptures.  The people of Israel were formed by the descendants of Abraham, the man of faith.  The prophets realize that they are heading for ruin because of their lack of faith; their provinces are taken away from them, their children die.  Yet, GOD will reserve a small group, the Remnant of Israel.  They will return to an authentic faith, and will be the "shoot" of the New People of GOD.

Ephraim, Joseph, Jacob, Israel: all these names refer to the same nation.)

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You Are Of The Household Of GOD

"Now, you are no longer strangers or guests, but fellow citizens of the holy people: you are of the household of GOD.  You are the house, whose foundations are the apostles and prophets, and whose cornerstone is CHRIST JESUS.  In HIM, the whole structure is joined together, and rises, to be a holy temple, in the LORD.  In HIM, you, too, are being built, to become the spiritual Sanctuary of GOD." - Ephesians 2:19-22 

(You are of the household of GOD.  In Biblical language this means: to belong to GOD's family.  From there, Paul moves on to another image: you are the household, namely, the true Temple of GOD.  The community of believers form the Temple, or better, is being transformed into the Temple of GOD.

This imposing vision of the Church and our unity in the Church will perhaps astonish many Christians of today who are usually more aware of their responsibilities towards the world than towards our antiquated Church.  Yet, of what Spirit shall we be bearers, and shall we do this work if we are not supported by a community?  Solidarity with those who share our options and our culture cannot replace participation in the Christian community.  There are probably many things in the Christian community we are not happy with.  However, it would be a bad sign if we were unable to recognize in it the truth that is missing in our non-Christian friends, and without which we would lose our reason for living.)

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You Do This, And I Must Be Quiet? Do You Think I AM Like You?

"But GOD says this to the wicked;

'What right have you to mouth MY laws,

or to talk about MY Covenant?

You hate MY commands

and cast MY words behind you.

You join a thief when you meet one;

you keep company with adulterers.

You have a mouth of evil

and a deceitful tongue.

You speak ill of your brother,

and slander your own mother's son.

Because I was silent while you did these things,

you thought I was like you.

But now I rebuke you

and make this charge against you.

Give this a thought, you, who forget GOD;

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

Those who give with thanks, offerings, honor ME;

but the one who walks blamelessly,

I will show him the salvation of GOD.'"

- Psalm 50:16-23

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

Those who love GOD and hate their brothers and sisters are liars [1 John 4:20] and atheists.  While we pray this psalm, we can listen to the following question: "You do this, and I must be quiet?  Do you think I AM like you?" [21].  May these questions resound in us and let us honor GOD with a sacrifice of praise, made fitting by a good relationship with our neighbor.)

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To The One Who Had Much, Nothing Was In Excess; To The One Who Had Little, Nothing Was Lacking

"You excel in everything: in the gifts of faith, speech and knowledge; you feel concern for every cause and, besides, you are first in my heart.  Excel, also, in this generous service.

This is not a command; I make known to you the determination of others, to check the sincerity of your fraternal concern.  You know well, the generosity of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD.  Although HE was rich, HE made HIMSELF poor, to make you rich, through HIS poverty.

I only make a suggestion, because you were the first, not only in cooperating, but in beginning this project a year ago.  So complete this work and, according to your means, carry out what you decided, with much enthusiasm.  When there is a good disposition, everything you give is welcomed, and no one longs for what you do not have.  I do not mean that others should be at ease and you burdened.  Strive for equality; at present, give from your abundance what they are short of, and, in some way, they, also, will give from their abundance, what you lack.  Then, you will be equal and what Scripture says shall come true: To the one who had much, nothing was in excess; to the one who had little, nothing was lacking." - 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 

(Paul exhorts the Churches in Corinth and in the province to take up this collection that they had agreed upon.

Paul does not use the word collection in these chapters.  Instead he speaks of the liberality and the greatness of generous giving; of the blessed work of grace.  It is more a gift for the one who gives that for the one who receives.)

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I Am Not Worthy To Have YOU Under My Roof

"When JESUS entered Capernaum, an army captain approached HIM, to ask HIS help, 'Sir, my servant lies sick at home.  He is paralyzed and suffers terribly.'  JESUS said to him, 'I will come and heal him.'

The captain answered, 'I am not worthy to have YOU under my roof.  Just give an order and my boy will be healed.  For I myself, a junior officer, give orders to my soldiers.  And if I say to one, 'Go!' he goes; and if I say to my servant, 'Do this!' he does it.'

When JESUS heard this, HE was astonished; and said to those who were following HIM, 'I tell you, I have not found such faith in Israel.'... 

Then JESUS said to the captain, 'Go home now.  As you believed, so let it be.'  And at that moment, HIS servant was healed. - Matthew 8:5-10, 13 

(This captain of a foreign army earned the esteem of the Jews.  He must have been a good man.  He knew the Jews' prejudices too well to have dared to personally approach this JESUS of whom they spoke.  Indeed, up to what point did JESUS share HIS compatriots' pride?  Would HE respond to the petition of a Roman official?  

The man is really troubled: will JESUS consent to go to a pagan's house and "become impure"? [John 18:28].  The captain goes one step further: JESUS does not have to come to his house.

While other sick people seek to be touched by the Master thinking that JESUS possesses some healing power, this man, has instead grasped that JESUS has the very power of GOD and does not need to go to the sick servant: it would not be any more difficult to give a command from a distance to a life that was slipping away.)

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Let Our Experience Be That Of The Poor And The Humble

"I will praise YAHWEH all my days;

HIS praise will be ever on my lips.

My soul makes its boast in YAHWEH;

let the lowly hear and rejoice.

Oh, let us magnify YAHWEH ;

together, let us glorify HIS name!

I sought YAHWEH, and HE answered me;

from all my fears HE delivered me.

They who look to HIM are radiant with joy,

their faces never clouded with shame.

When the poor cry out, YAHWEH hears

and saves them from distress.

YAHWEH's angel encamps and patrols,

to keep safe those who fear HIM.

Oh, see and taste the goodness of YAHWEH!

Blessed is the one who finds shelter in HIM!"

- Psalm 34:2-9

(This is a song for martyrs: the LORD sets them free from all their terrors.  It is also a song for the small martyrdoms of every day, whether volunteered or simply accepted.  

Let our experience be that of the poor and the humble.  GOD is near to those who have no other support but HIM.  When there will be no assurance, GOD will be obliged, to take charge of those to whom HE owes fidelity.)

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Wise And Foolish Builders

"Not everyone who says to ME, 'LORD!  LORD!' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my heavenly FATHER.  Many will say to ME on that day, 'LORD, LORD, did we not speak in YOUR name?  Did we not cast out devils and perform many miracles in YOUR name?'  Then I will tell them openly, 'I have never known you; away from ME, you evil people!'

'Therefore, anyone who hears these words of MINE, and acts according to them, is like a wise man, who built his house on rock.  The rain poured down, the rivers flooded, and the wind blew and struck that 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 collapse that was!'

When JESUS had finished this discourse, the crowds were struck by the way HE taught, because HE taught with authority, unlike their teachers of the law." - Matthew 7:21-29 

(Many will say to ME on that day.  Matthew probably quotes this sentence pointing out to the charismatic prophets who disturb his communities by not obeying precepts that are addressed to everyone.

Whether we teach or work miracles, these abilities and ministries given us for the good of the community do not assure us that we are in the grace of GOD.  True faith works through love [Galatians 5:6] and moves us to fulfill all the law: James 2:8.

Anyone wo hears these words of MINE.  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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Do You Ever Pick Grapes From Thorn Bushes?

"Beware of false prophets: they come to you in sheep's clothing; but inside, they are voracious wolves.  You will recognize them by their fruits.  Do you ever pick grapes from thorn bushes; or figs, from thistles?

A good tree always produces good fruit.  A rotten tree produces bad fruit.  A good tree cannot produce bad fruit; and a rotten tree cannot bear good fruit.  Any tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  So then, you will know them by their fruit. - Matthew 7:15-20  

(Most probably Matthew gives us these words of JESUS for the benefit of certain believers in the early Church who considered themselves as charismatic prophets.  They may well have received gifts of the Spirit but have degenerated since then.  In a wider sense JESUS' words address all who encourage division, untruth and violence, even when they pretend to serve a just cause.

Prophets wore a sheepskin by way of a cloak: a wolf could hide in one.  The world has always had a number of "false prophets," usually prophets of easy life, and if the word of GOD condemns them, many would say that their words have been misinterpreted.  It would be well however to ask ourselves why our holy and sacred liberalism tends to sow death in all domains and smothers in so many the ability to believe and hope.

Do you ever pick grapes from thorn bushes?  JESUS invites us to look at the facts before coming to conclusions.  We find it hard to carefully observe the reality in which we live.  We prefer to discuss and debate about ideas rather than to analyze particular situations.  JESUS, accustomed to manual labor, distrusts ideas and theories.)

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