Save Yourselves From This Crooked Generation

 "'Let Israel, then, know for sure, that GOD has made LORD and CHRIST this JESUS, whom you crucified.'

When they heard this, they were deeply troubled.  And they asked Peter and the other apostles, 'What shall we do, brothers?'

Peter answered: 'Each of you must repent and be baptized in the name of JESUS CHRIST, so that your sins may be forgiven.  Then, you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise of GOD was made to you and your children, and to all those from afar, whom our GOD may call.'

With many other words Peter gave the message; and appealed to them, saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation.'  So, those who accepted his word were baptized; some three thousand persons were added to their number that day." - Acts 2:36-41 

(What shall we do?... Repent.  In those days, to repent and to be converted meant to share the life of the infant Church which showed to the nation the way of salvation taught by JESUS.  The Church did not appear as a new religion opposed to Judaism, but as a center of more authentic life.

Save yourselves from this crooked generation.  This means that the entire generation was missing the unique opportunity they were given.  For GOD asked them to take the most decisive step in Sacred History; even Roman oppression could be overcome by a people able to put the Gospel into practice.  At the same time JESUS made them discover the love of GOD the FATHER for which the entire Scripture prepared them.

Some three thousand persons were added to their number.  They already new of JESUS, but were not committed to HIM.  They were converted by the common action of the Holy Spirit and the apostles.  A church in which signs of the Spirit acting could not be seen could not say that JESUS lives in her midst.)

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True Happiness

 "Keep me safe, O GOD,

for in YOU I take refuge.

I say to YAHWEH,

'YOU are my LORD, my only good.'

O YAHWEH, my inheritance and my cup,

my chosen portion--hold secure my lot.

I praise YAHWEH who counsels me;

even at night, my inmost self instructs me.

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 16:1-2. 5. 7-8. 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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Seek The Things That Are Above

"So, then, if you are risen with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where CHRIST is seated at the right hand of GOD.  Set your mind on the things that are above, not on earthly things.  For you have died and your life is now hidden with CHRIST in GOD.  When CHRIST, who is your life, reveals HIMSELF, you also will be revealed with HIM in Glory." - Colossians 3:1-4 

 

(Here we have what was said about baptism which joins us to CHRIST and makes us share in all HIS wealth.  Since CHRIST left this earth, we leave it too: what is best in our lives, what motivates us to do things is neither visible, nor is it of the earth.  GOD alone knows the riches  of the believer's heart, even when her life seems tarnished by various faults and weaknesses: one day GOD will manifest the goodness, the "glory" which we do not yet see [Matthew 25:31-46].

Put to death what is earthly in your life.  It is not that we have to kill ourselves, but to destroy egoism, wickedness, envy, excessive confidence in self, for sin is there.  Being free of a religion of commandments should not make us less aware of what is required in a new life.  It means being still more perfect [Matthew 5:20 and 48].)

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Through Baptism We Died With CHRIST

 "Don't you know, that in baptism, which unites us to CHRIST, we are all baptized and plunged into HIS death?  By this baptism in HIS death, we were buried with CHRIST and, as CHRIST was raised from among the dead by the glory of the FATHER, we begin walking in a new life.  If we have been joined to HIM by dying a death like HIS, so shall we be, by a resurrection like HIS.

We know that our old self was crucified with CHRIST, so as to destroy what of us was sin, so that, we may no longer serve sin--if we are dead, we are no longer in debt to sin.  But, if we have died with CHRIST, we believe we will also live with HIM.  We know, that CHRIST, once risen from the dead, will not die again, and death has no more dominion over HIM.  For, by dying, HE is dead to sin, once and for all, and, now, the life that HE lives, is life with GOD.

So, you, too, must consider yourselves dead to sin, and alive to GOD, in CHRIST JESUS." - Romans 6:3-11 

(We are all plunged into HIS death.  Baptism means entering into CHRIST to share the benefits of HIS sacrifice.  It also means the acceptance of a complete change of life, that of CHRIST in HIS death and resurrection.

You must consider yourselves dead to sin... It is evident that baptism, even when received with faith, does not make us perfect immediately.  Is it enough for us to give our whole attention to commandments?  What if the fear of temptation and daily faults paralyze us?  Beware of scruples and guilt complexes!  Paul proposes a different way: it is most important for us to believe that sin has no power over us.  Our eyes will be fixed on CHRIST knowing that we belong to HIM and that HE HIMSELF transforms us.  Such an apparent carefree attitude serves us more effectively than nervousness.  It is the way Saint Therese of Lisieux suggested for those who feel incapable of great things.)

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CHRIST Offered HIS Sacrifice With Tears And Cries

 "CHRIST, in the days of HIS mortal life, offered HIS sacrifice with tears and cries.  HE prayed to HIM, who could save HIM from death, and HE was heard, because of HIS humble submission.  Although HE was Son, HE learned, through suffering, what obedience was, and, once made perfect, HE became the source of eternal salvation, for those who obey HIM." - Hebrew 5:7-9 

(In Scripture, the words of JESUS CHRIST above are used to express the insistent prayer of the oppressed children of GOD: they cry to GOD in such a loud voice that HE listens to them.  Thus, the night before HIS death, JESUS identified with men and women who suffer and do not want to die.) 

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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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YAHWEH Has Opened My Ear

  "The LORD YAHWEH has taught me

so I speak as HIS disciple

and I know how to sustain the weary.

Morning after morning HE wakes me up

to hear, to listen like a disciple.

The LORD YAHWEH has opened my ear.

I have not rebelled,

nor I have withdrawn.

I offered my back to those who strike me,

my cheeks to those who pulled my beard;

neither did I shield my face

from blows, spittle and disgrace.

I have not despaired,

for the LORD YAHWEH comes to my help.

So, like a flint I set my face,

knowing that I will not be disgraced.

He who avenges me is near.

Who then will accuse me?

Let us confront each other.

Who is now my accuser?

Let him approach.

If the LORD YAHWEH is my help,

who will condemn me?

All of them will wear out like cloth;

the moth will devour them."

- Isaiah 50:4-9

("Who is the prophet talking about, himself or another?" [Acts 8:34].  Actually the servant could be as in 49:1 the faithful minority, but it could also be, perhaps, the prophet himself, or who knows, a "Prophet" who is to come?  The author refuses to choose between servant and servants.

Former prophets met with the same opposition.  Moses had to endure a rebellious people; Jeremiah had been persecuted and imprisoned [see Jeremiah 20:7 and 37].  On the basis of these examples, we see a profile and mission of the perfect servant of YAHWEH.  This will be JESUS, but every one of HIS prophets can apply all these words to himself or herself.

Note the beginning of the poem.  The Servant will be able to transmit the word and to encourage on behalf of GOD because he himself listens every morning and keeps his ears open.  To sustain those who are tired, we must be taught by GOD: the true prophet is a person of prayer, open to the spirit of GOD.  "No one but the spirit of GOD knows the secrets of GOD... and through HIM we understand what GOD in HIS goodness has given us" [1 Corinthians 2:11-12].)

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YAHWEH Called Me From My Mother's Womb

  "Listen to me, O islands,

pay attention, people from distant lands.

YAHWEH called me from my mother's womb;

HE pronounced my name before I was born.

HE made my mouth like a sharpened sword.

HE hid me in the shadow of HIS hand.

HE made me into a polished arrow

set apart in HIS quiver.

HE said to me, 'You are Israel, MY servant,

Through you I will be known.'

'I have labored in vain,' I thought,

'and spent my strength for nothing.'

Yet what is due me was in the hand of YAHWEH,

and my reward was with my GOD.

I am important in the sight of YAHWEH,

and my GOD is my strength.

And now YAHWEH has spoken, 

HE who formed me in the womb to be HIS servant,

to bring Jacob back to HIM,

to gather Israel to HIM.

HE said: 'It is not enough

that you be MY servant,

to restore the tribes of Jacob,

to bring back the remnant of Israel.

I will make you the light of the nations,

that MY salvation will reach to the ends of the earth.'"

- Isaiah 49:1-6

(YAHWEH called me from my mother's womb.  These were Jeremiah's words.  All that follows can be interpreted both of the believing minority or of the one who fully lives a prophetic vocation.  Is the servant a single person, or is he a people of prophets?  The apostles of JESUS quickly understood that the present text applied to HIM.  HE is the Word and the two edged sword [Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 19:15].

Paul in turn will take for himself these verses: Galatians 1:15; Acts 13:47; 2 Corinthians 10:4, 12:8.  This double interpretation, personal and collective, should not surprise us for the unique Savior is never a lonely savior.  JESUS wanted to be identified with those who believe, who suffer and persevere to prepare for the salvation of the world.)

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The Supper At Bethany

 "Six days before the Passover, JESUS came to Bethany, where HE had raised Lazarus, the dead man, to life.  Now they gave a dinner for HIM, and while Martha waited on them, Lazarus sat at the table with JESUS.

Then Mary took a pound of costly perfume, made from genuine spikenard, and anointed the feet of JESUS, wiping them with her hair.  And the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Judas Iscariot--the disciple who was to betray JESUS--remarked, 'This perfume could have been sold for three hundred silver coins, and the money given to the poor.'  Judas, indeed, had no concern for the poor; he was a thief, and as he held the common purse, he used to help himself to the funds.

But JESUS spoke up, 'Leave her alone.  Was she not keeping it for the day of MY burial?  [The poor you always have with you, but you will not always have ME.]'

Many Jews heard that JESUS was there, and they came, not only because of JESUS, but also to see Lazarus whom HE had raised from the dead.  So, the chief priests thought about killing Lazarus as well, for many of the Jews were drifting away because of him and believing in JESUS." - John 12:1-11 

(Matthew and Mark also relate the incident at a supper when Mary showed her passionate love for JESUS.  She loved HIM with all her strength, and her love, far from blinding her, made her sense and respect the mysterious personality of JESUS.

Not all the apostles understood her gesture, because they still had much to learn about loving CHRIST.

Like Judas we often speak of giving to the poor.  Yet the LORD's command is not to give but to love.  To love the poor is to reveal to them their call from GOD, and to help them grow as persons by overcoming their weaknesses and divisions and by fulfilling the mission GOD entrusted to them.  The poor will live the Gospel and witness to it in the world.  If we are not among them, we need conversion and true poverty to discover with them the kingdom.  How can we really love the poor unless we have passionate love for JESUS?  When we do not, we prefer to speak only of giving to the poor.)

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JESUS Did Not Regard Equality With GOD

 "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 2:6-11

(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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