GOD's Promise To David

"Then came the news, 'The Ark is in Ephrata, we found it in the fields of Jaar.'

Let us go to where HE dwells and worship at HIS footstool!

Arise, O YAHWEH, and come to YOUR rest; YOU, and the Ark of YOUR might.

May YOUR priests be arrayed in glorious mantle; may YOUR faithful ones shout in gladness.

For the sake of YOUR servant, David, do not turn away the face of YOUR Anointed.

YAHWEH swore to David a promise, and HE will remain true to it: 'I will keep your descendants on your throne,

if your sons keep MY Covenant and the decrees I have taught them; their sons, too, will sit forever upon your throne.'"

- Psalm 132:6-12

(Our LORD, our King, came to bring GOD to earth.  For this, HE labored unwarily, with sweat and even with blood.  And the result of HIS work was not a building, a Temple; but the Church, where GOD really dwells, eternally.

Verse 11 is quoted in Acts 2:30.  The psalm lends itself to accepting the present reality, without forgetting, that we are heirs to a holy history.  We pray this psalm, in union with the Anointed One, who is at the same time, the Priest of the new Temple, built on the body of the LORD.) 

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Salt And Light

"You are the salt of the earth.  But if salt has lost its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It has become useless.  It can only be thrown away, and people will trample on it.

You are the light of the world.  A city built on a mountain cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and covers it; instead, it is put on a lamp stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, your light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do, and praise your FATHER in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16  

(JESUS has just designated those who are called to the kingdom.  First of all, HE will clarify their mission: to be the light of the world and not merely a light in the world.  This does not mean that all people are to enter the Church, but that the Church has to be salt and light to the world.  Scripture mentions salt as the element that preserves food.  The covenant of salt was the Covenant of GOD with those who were to serve HIM forever [Numbers 18:19].  So, the disciples of JESUS are called salt of the earth because through them the world benefits from the lasting Covenant with GOD.  They must continually enkindle in the world the desire and struggle for true justice and perfection and not allow human societies to become satisfied with mediocrity.

You are the light: JESUS does not mean "You are the best in the world," but "GOD has chosen you to be a minority and through you HE will make HIMSELF known."  You will experience [both you and the Church] much that you would perhaps prefer to avoid, but which will be for the world, a sign from GOD.)

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Solomon's Dream

"The king used to sacrifice at Gibeon, the great high place; on the altar there he had offered a thousand burnt offerings.  It was in Gibeon, during the night, that YAHWEH appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, 'Ask what you want me to give you.'

Solomon answered, 'YOU have shown YOUR servant David my father a great and steadfast love because he served YOU faithfully and was righteous and sincere towards YOU.  YOU have given him proof of YOUR steadfast love in making a son of his sit on his throne this day.  And now, O YAHWEH my GOD, YOU have made YOUR servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a young boy who does not know to undertake anything.  Meantime, YOUR servant is in the midst of YOUR people whom YOU have chosen - a people so great that they can neither be numbered nor counted.

Give me, therefore, an understanding mind in governing YOUR people that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this multitude of people of YOURS?'  

YAHWEH was pleased that Solomon had made this request.  And HE told him, 'Because you have requested this rather than long life or wealth or even vengeance on your enemies; indeed, because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I shall grant you your request.  I now give you a wise and discerning mind such as no one has had before you nor anyone after you shall ever have.'

'I will also give you what you have not asked for, both wealth and fame; and no king shall be your equal during your lifetime'." - 1 Kings 3:4-13 

(Solomon's "dream" is very famous.  Perhaps this dream is only a parable by which the author of the book describes Solomon's disposition when he began his reign.

Ask what you want.  This is GOD's offer to the young Solomon, HIS beloved one.  It is GOD's offer to any young person who is faced with responsibilities for the first time.  Life will not be a destiny imposed upon him or her; rather, one way or another, GOD will give people what they desire.  What do you seek?  [see John 1:38].

YOU have shown YOUR servant David my father a great and steadfast love.  The young king does not start from scratch.  He owes everything he has to his ancestors, and everything he has from them came from GOD.  Solomon knows that YAHWEH committed HIMSELF to David forever: "I shall never reject your children."

Give me an understanding mind in governing your people.  Solomon concerned about carrying out his responsibilities and does not want the people to be robbed of their expectations.

Nevertheless, Solomon has in mind other forms of "wisdom" that were appreciated in those days:

     - to prepare for himself a long and quiet life, not to have problems or trouble, and to be spared the sacrifices required by a noble life;

     - wealth, enjoyment of life, "to be comfortable";

     - the death of his enemies, i.e., strength that leads to victory, satisfaction of one's personal pride.

I now give you a wise and discerning mind: I will also give you what you have not asked for.  This is the same teaching of JESUS in Matthew 6:33.) 

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John The Baptist Beheaded

"King Herod also heard about JESUS, because HIS name had become well-known.  Some people said, 'John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in HIM.'  Others thought, 'HE is Elijah,' and others, 'HE is a prophet like the prophets of times past.'  When Herod was told of this, he thought, 'I had John beheaded; yet, he has risen from the dead!' 

For this is what had happened.  Herod had ordered John to be arrested and had him bound and put in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. Herod had married her and John had told him, 'It is not right for you to live with your brother's wife.'  So, Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she could not because Herod respected John.  He knew John to be an upright and holy man and kept him safe.  And he liked listening to him, although he became very disturbed whenever he heard him.

Herodias had her chance on Herod's birthday, when he gave a dinner for all the senior government officials, military chiefs and the leaders of Galilee.  On that occasion the daughter of Herodias came in and danced; and she delighted Herod and his guests.  The king said to the girl, 'Ask me of anything you want, and I will give it to you.  And he went so far as to say with many oaths, 'I will give you anything you ask, even half my kingdom.'  She went out to consult her mother, 'What shall I ask for?'  The mother replied, 'The head of John the Baptist.'  The girl hurried to the king and made her request:  'I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist, here and now, on a dish.'

The king was very displeased, but he would not refuse in front of his guests because of his oaths.  So he sent one of the bodyguards with orders to bring John's head.  He went and beheaded John in prison; then he brought the head on a dish and gave it to the girl.  And the girl gave it to her mother.  When John's disciples heard of this, they came and took his body and buried it." - Mark 6:14-29  

(King Herod.  This refers to Herod Antipas, son of the other Herod who reigned when JESUS was born.

 

King Herod respected John, but he was prisoner of his milieu and of his vices.  As king of Galilee, his misconduct constituted a public counter-witness.

 

All through the Bible we see prophets stressing the particular responsibility of those who wield power.  If they have to lead the people, they must be, by the rectitude of their life, an example; John the Baptist could not speak of justice without reproaching Herod for his infidelity.

 

People said that John the Baptist has been raised from the dead.  They considered John a martyr and believed he would rise from the dead to punish Herod.  Some associated JESUS with John - JESUS performed miracles that John had not done.  Others, less informed, thought JESUS was an apparition of John.)

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JESUS Sends Out The Twelve

"JESUS then went around the villages, teaching.  HE called the Twelve to HIM, and began to send out two by two, giving them authority over evil spirits.  And HE ordered them to take nothing for the journey, except a staff: no food, no bag, no money in their belts.  They were to wear sandals and were not to take an extra tunic.

And HE added, 'In whatever house you are welcomed, stay there until you leave the place.  If any place doesn't receive you, and the people refuse to listen to you, leave after shaking the dust off your feet.  It will be a testimony against them.'

So they set out to proclaim that this was the time to repent.  They drove out many demons and healed many sick people by anointing them." - Mark 6:7-13 

(JESUS begins a third stage of HIS ministry by organizing a mission throughout the province.  Before, the apostles accompanied JESUS but now HE sends them ahead of HIM.

JESUS is an educator.  HE not only teaches HIS followers, HE has them share in HIS mission.  HIS apostles must also proclaim their faith and perform healings as the Master does.  By doing this, they put into practice what they have discovered of the kingdom of GOD.  The disciples should be first to believe what they themselves proclaim: GOD makes HIMSELF present.  Because of this, they must live day by day, trusting in the FATHER's Providence, not frightened but always conscious of GOD's mission and power.

Oil was used at the time as a remedy, but JESUS gives it a new meaning: the healings bring more than just well-being, they are also the sign of spiritual healing, the reconciliation of people with GOD.

JESUS concern to form communities of believers is already present.  HE sends HIS disciples out two by two so that the message will not be from one person only, but the expression of a group united in one mission.  JESUS tells them to stay under one roof with one family so that this may be a center radiating faith.)   

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Is HE Not The Carpenter?

"Leaving that place, JESUS returned to HIS own country, and HIS disciples followed HIM.  When the Sabbath came, HE began teaching in the synagogue, and most of those who heard HIM were astonished.  They commented, 'How did this come to HIM?  What kind of wisdom has been given to HIM that HE also performs such miracles?  Who is HE but the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James and Joset and Judas and Simon?  HIS sisters, too, are they not here among us?  So they took offense at HIM.

And JESUS said to them, 'Prophets are despised only in their own country, among their relatives and in their own family.'  And HE could work no miracles there, but only healed a few sick people by laying HIS hands on them.'  JESUS HIMSELF was astounded of their unbelief." - Mark 6:1-6  

(The brothers and sisters of JESUS are HIS relatives and acquaintances of Nazareth.

How did this come to HIM?  Does this mean that JESUS traveled to other countries in order to get magic powers?

Because HE always lived among them and never did anything extraordinary, they were astonished that, in such a short time, HE became famous throughout Galilee.  In fact they do not know HIM: most of the time people mistakenly believe they know their neighbors.

Prophets are despised only in their own country.  After living with HIM so long and treating HIM like anyone else, how could they suddenly show respect and have faith in HIM?

Who is HE but the carpenter?  The term the Gospel uses is craftsman.  There is no further specification.  Yet the first Christians of Palestine asserted that JESUS was a carpenter.

What kind of wisdom has been given to HIM?  Many people say that because CHRIST was GOD, HE knew all things, but divine knowledge is nothing less than GOD HIMSELF.  HE knows all at once in an instant that never ends - this is eternity.  On the other hand, humans think in ideas, and do not embrace all at the same time.  That is why, from birth, JESUS had to learn from experience and discover.  Yet HE had a clear awareness that HE was the Son, although at the beginning HE did not have the words to think or express this.

JESUS received HIS human learning from Mary, Joseph, and HIS neighbors in Nazareth.  HE acquired HIS wisdom from the Bible and the culture of HIS people.  Yet the FATHER gave HIM HIS Spirit to judge as GOD does and to recognize GOD in all things.  For HIM [as for us now] what was important was not accumulating data and experiences but to be able to appreciate all that occurred.   JESUS inspired by the Spirit, felt all the realities of life in a different way: this was Wisdom.) 

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Popular Catholicism

"Among the crowd was a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years.  She had suffered a lot at the hands of many doctors and had spent everything she had, but instead of getting better, she was worse.  Because she had heard about JESUS, this woman came up behind HIM and touched HIS cloak, thinking, 'If I just touch HIS clothing, I shall get well.'  Her flow of blood dried up at once, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her complaint.

But JESUS was conscious that healing power had gone out from HIM, so HE turned around in the crowd, and asked, 'Who touched MY clothes?'  HIS disciples answered, 'YOU see how the people are crowding around YOU.  Why do YOU ask who touched YOU?'  But HE kept looking around to see who had done it.  Then the woman, aware of what had happened, came forward, trembling and afraid.  She knelt before HIM and told HIM the whole truth.

Then JESUS said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has saved you.  Go in peace and be free of this illness.'" - Mark 5:25-34  

(This woman was considered by the Jews as unclean because of her illness [Leviticus 15:19].  She would also make "unclean" anyone who touched her.  Because of this, she was prohibited by the law from mingling with others but dared enter into the crowd, and touch JESUS' cloak.

Faith drove her to break the law of "purification," and to risk scandal.  This woman did not know who JESUS was, but had faith that GOD would cure her through HIM.

The religiosity of this woman is akin to what we call today "popular Catholicism."  As seen in this woman, popular Catholicism is ill-instructed yet shows a strong religious sense and trust in GOD.  It is superficial and naïve, expecting great results from touching images and religious things--CHRIST's garment in this case.  Like JESUS, we should respect the religious expressions of popular Catholicism while at the same time trying, like HIM, to help people discover deeper dimensions of their faith.)

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JESUS Is Presented In The Temple

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

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

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

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

for YOU have fulfilled YOUR word

and my eyes have seen YOUR salvation,

which YOU display for all the people to see.

Here is the light YOU will reveal to the nations,

and the glory of YOUR people Israel.'

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

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

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

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

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

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The Beatitudes

"Coming down the hill with them, JESUS stood on a level place.  Many of HIS disciples were there and a large crowd of people who had come from all parts of Judea and Jerusalem and from the coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon.  They gathered to hear HIM and be healed of their diseases; likewise people troubled by evil spirits were healed.  The entire crowd tried to touch HIM because of the power that went out from HIM and healed them all.

 Then looking at HIS disciples, JESUS said,

'Fortunate are you who are poor, the kingdom of GOD is yours.' 

Fortunate are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. 

Fortunate are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 

Fortunate are you when people hate you, when they reject you and insult you and number you among criminals, because of the Son of Man.  Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven.  Remember that is how the ancestors of this people treated the prophets. 

But alas for you who have wealth, for you have been comforted now. 

Alas for you who are full, for you will go hungry. 

Alas for you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 

Alas for you when people speak well of you, for that is how the ancestors of these people treated the false prophets." - Luke 6:17-26   

(Matthew adapts them for the members of the church of his time.  Luke, on the other hand, puts the beatitudes here just as JESUS proclaimed them to the people of Galilee.  In the words of JESUS, the beatitudes were a call and a hope addressed to the forgotten of the world, beginning with the poor among HIS people, heirs of GOD's promise to the prophets.)

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JESUS Calms The Storm

"On that same day, when evening had come, JESUS said to them, 'Let's go across to the other side of the lake.'  So they left the crowd, and took HIM along in the boat HE had been sitting in, and other boats set out with HIM.  Then a storm gathered and it began to blow a gale.  The waves spilled over into the boat, so that it was soon filled with water.  JESUS was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.

They woke HIM up, and said, 'Master, don't YOU care if we drown?'  And rising up, JESUS rebuked the wind, and ordered the sea, 'Quiet now!  Be still!'  The wind dropped, and there was a great calm.  Then JESUS said to them, 'Why are you so frightened?  Do you still have no faith?'

But they were terrified, and they said to one another, 'Who can this be?  Even the wind and the sea obey HIM!'" - Mark 4:35-41  

(In Jewish mentality the sea is a daily reminder of primitive chaos, it is there the marine monsters move around, monsters which only GOD, for HE is the all-powerful, can challenge Leviathan and Rahab.  In commanding the sea: Quiet now!  Be still!  Just as HE does with the demons [Mark 1:25] JESUS affirms HIS divine power over the forces of evil.

Confronted with all the forms of evil that attack them, in the midst of tempests that arise, people, at times, wonder if GOD "does not sleep."  JESUS is there.  HE is not surprised by the disciples' fear of the tempest, but of their lack of faith; only trust in the victory of JESUS, Son of GOD, over the forces of evil, will allow them to overcome this fear.

At the very instant when they discover this divine power in JESUS, the apostles are terrified, as was Moses at the burning bush [Exodus 3:1], and Isaiah at the time of his vision in the temple [Isaiah 6:5], as all those to whom GOD shows HIMSELF in a special way: more than a friend, more than a master, JESUS revealed HIMSELF to them in the truth of HIS being.  This fear in discovering GOD so close to them was greater than the fear they had felt during the tempest a few moments earlier.)

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