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, least 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.

Teach slaves to be subject to their masters, and to give satisfaction in every respect, instead of arguing.  They must not steal from them, but be trustworthy.  In this way, they will draw everyone to admire the doctrine of GOD our savior.

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 CHRIST JESUS.  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 2:1-14 

(Here, there is 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 become 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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"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 money-changers, 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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Wisdom Is Luminous And Never Tarnished

"Wisdom is luminous and never tarnished; she willingly lets herself be seen by those who love her.  She hastens to meet those who long for her.  Seek her in the morning and you will not be disappointed; you will find her sitting at your door.

To meditate on Wisdom is understanding fully grown; whoever is on the watch for her will be free of anxiety.  She goes in search of those who are worthy of her, graciously meets them on the way and is present in their every thought." - Wisdom 6:12-16 

(Here begins the "discourse of the kings about wisdom."  As we said in the introduction of Ecclesiastes, it was common to attribute the Books of Wisdom to Solomon.  This can also be seen in this book: the author pretends to be Solomon and puts the words about wisdom on Solomon's lips.)

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No Servant Can Serve Two Masters

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

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

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

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

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

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The Crafty Steward

 "At another time JESUS told HIS disciples, 'There was a rich man, whose steward was reported to him because of 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 people who will welcome me into their homes.'

So he called his master's debtors, one by one.  He asked the first debtor, '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 fifty.'  To the second debtor he put the same question, 'How much do you owe?'  The answer was, 'A hundred measures of wheat.'  Then the steward said, 'Take your bill and write eighty.'

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 us 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 Lost 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 one repentant sinner, than 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 of 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 the expressions such as the angels or heaven.)

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Continue Working Out Your Salvation "With Fear And Trembling"

 "Therefore, my dearest friends, as you always obeyed me while I was with you, even more now that I am far from you, continue working out your salvation "with fear and trembling."  It is GOD who makes you not only wish but also carry out what pleases HIM.  Do everything without grumbling, so that without fault or blame, you will be children of GOD without reproach, among a crooked and perverse generation.  You are a light among them, like stars in the universe holding to the word of life.  I shall feel proud of you on the day of CHRIST, on seeing that my effort and labor have not been in vain.  And if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice, and the offering of your faith, I rejoice and continue to share your joy; and you, likewise, should rejoice and share my joy." - Philippians 2:12-18 

Continue working out your salvation "with fear and trembling".  It is not a matter of being afraid of GOD.  Paul has just urged his readers to rejoice, since they no longer have the spirit of slaves to make them fearful, but the spirit of sons and daughters [Romans 8:15].

Paul, in fact, has just recalled CHRIST's sacrifice and he draws this conclusion: take your life very seriously [this is the meaning of fear and trembling: as does the one who carefully carries a precious load].  Be aware that GOD is at work in you through these good desires that come to you.  Live in the presence of GOD.)

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HE 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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All Those Whom The FATHER Gives ME Will Come To ME

 "Yet all those whom the FATHER gives ME will come to ME, and whoever comes to ME, I shall not turn away.  For I have come from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of the One who sent ME.

And the will of HIM who sent ME is that I lose nothing of what HE has given ME, but instead that I raise it up on the last day.  This is the will of the FATHER , that whoever sees the Son and believes in HIM shall live eternal life; and I will raise him up on the last day." - John 6:37-40 

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

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How Do We Prove That We Are GOD's Children?

 "See what singular love the FATHER has for us: we are called children of GOD, and we really are.  This is why the world does not know us, because it did not know HIM.

Beloved, we are GOD's children, and what we shall be has not yet been shown.  Yet, when HE appears in HIS glory, we know that we shall be like HIM, for then, we shall see HIM as HE is.  All who have such a hope try to be pure as HE is pure." - 1 John 3:1-3 

(We are GOD's children and we must live as such.  How do we prove that we are GOD's children?  According to the same criteria that we have already seen: breaking away from sin, keeping the commandment of love, proclaiming our faith.  There are many ways of saying we are GOD's children.  One person might simply think: "GOD loves people" means that human beings have great dignity.  Here John calls our attention to two points:

- you are sons and daughters, but in order to become like GOD, do not seek anything else but to be perfect as GOD is perfect;

- you are children who will return to the FATHER.  Do you really think about the unique and transcendent end for which GOD has chosen you?  Being aware of this, let us understand that GOD purifies us in a thousand ways, because only in this way can we attain our goal.

We shall be like HIM: sharing all that GOD is and somehow becoming GOD with GOD [see 1 Corinthians 13:13].  Those who now bear their lives of suffering with CHRIST will be transfigured like HIM [Mark 9:2-3; Colossians3:4].  Then the universe will reach its goal, having the children of GOD as its center [Romans 8:19] or  better, the New Creature.)

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