Who Shall Separate Us From The Love Of GOD?

"What shall we say after this?  If GOD is with us, who shall be against us?  If HE did not spare HIS own Son, but gave HIM up for us all, how will HE not give us all things with HIM?  Who shall accuse those chosen by GOD: HE takes away their guilt.  Who will dare to condemn them?  CHRIST, who died, and better still, rose, and is seated at the right hand of GOD, interceding for us?

Who shall separate us from the love of CHRIST?  Will it be trials, or anguish, persecution or hunger, lack of clothing, or dangers or sword?  As the Scripture says: For your sake, we are being killed all day long; they treat us like sheep to be slaughtered.

No, in all of this, we are more than conquerors, thanks to HIM, who has loved us.  I am certain, that neither death nor life, neither angels nor spiritual powers, neither the present nor the future, nor cosmic powers, were they from heaven, or from the deep world below, nor any creature whatsoever, will separate us from the love of GOD, which we have, in JESUS CHRIST, our LORD." - Romans 8:31-39 

(Paul is thinking of the evil surrounding us that frequently drags us down.  He is thinking of the Day of Judgment when the accuser, the Spirit of Evil, could face us with the faults we have committed.  He thinks of our troubled conscience that often brings us remorse.  None of these will be stronger than the love and forgiveness of CHRIST.  The believer should not be alarmed at his repeated faults or doubt the love of GOD, but try to live according to the truth.)

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The Spirit Intercedes For Us

"Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes for us, without words, as if with groans.  And he, who sees inner secrets, knows the desires of the Spirit, for he asks for the holy ones, what is pleasing to GOD." - Romans 8:26-27 

(We do not know how to pray.  We often think that we pray only when we are saying something and asking for things.  Paul shows that words are not as important as the deep desire of the Spirit of GOD within us.

The Spirit intercedes for us.  It is good to present our problems and worries to GOD, using words that the Spirit inspires.  And still better when the Spirit invites us to remain in silent prayer and GOD communicates HIS peace to us.)

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The Universe, Too, Waits For Its Redemptiom

"I consider, that the suffering of our present life cannot be compared with the glory that will be revealed, and given to us.  All creation is eagerly expecting the birth, in glory, of the children of GOD.  For, if now, the created world was unable to attain its purpose, this did not come from itself, but from the one who subjected it.  But it is not without hope; for even the created world, will be freed from this fate of death, and share the freedom and glory of the children of GOD." - Romans 8:18-21 

(The description of "living in the Spirit" continues.  The believer who looks around notices that not only his community, but also the whole world is being transformed.

It is impossible to consider the human being apart from this world in which we live.  Are there elsewhere in the Universe other intellectual beings?  Scripture does not speak of it: it merely tells us that all creation is guided by the same mystery of death and resurrection which marks our destiny and which the Son of GOD has taken on HIMSELF.)

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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 loser our reason for living.)

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The LORD Is Judge And Shows No Partiality

"The LORD is judge and shows no partiality.  HE will not disadvantage the poor, HE who hears the prayer of the oppressed.  HE does not disdain the pleas of the orphan, nor the complaint of the widow.

When tears flow down her cheeks, is she not crying out against the one who caused her to weep?

The one who serves GOD wholeheartedly will be heard; his petition will reach the clouds.  The prayer of the humble person pierces the clouds, and he is not consoled until he has been heard.  His prayer will not cease until the Most High has looked down, until justice has been done in favor of the righteous." - Sirach 35:12-18 

(We must generously assist in the cost of worship as long as it is not a way of forgetting our responsibilities concerning injustice in our world.  The LORD is pleased with our sacrifices but, above all, HE hears the prayer of the orphan and sees the tears of the widow.)

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The Ruler Of The Universe Enter HIS Chosen Dwelling Place

"The earth and its fulness 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 24:1-6

('Heavens cannot 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 the 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' [Revelations 22:20].)

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Why Do You Not Judge For Yourselves What Is Fit?

"JESUS said to the crowds, 'When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, 'A shower is coming'; and so it happens.  And when the wind blows from the south, you say, 'It will be hot'; and so it is.  You superficial people!  You understand the signs of the earth and the sky, but you don't understand the present times.  And why do you not judge for yourselves what is fit?  When you go with your accuser before the court, try to settle the case on the way, lest he drag you before the judge, and the judge deliver you to the jailer, and the jailer throw you into prison.  I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.'" - Luke 12:54-59 

(When you see a cloud.  The signs which are seen around JESUS are enough for everyone to understand that now is the time announced by the prophets, when people must be converted and Israel must acknowledge its Savior: tomorrow will be too late.

When you go with your accuser before the court.  In Matthew's Gospel this refers to reconciliation between brothers and sisters.  Luke, instead, uses this phrase in reference to our conversion.  We are on our way to GOD's judgment and it is the same as going before the authorities; therefore we must take advantage of the time given to us to straighten out our situation.  We must not waste this moment when we can be saved from Judgment by believing in CHRIST's message.)  

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The Christian's Life Must Appear Like Slavery To Whoever Looks At It Externally

"... you see, that I speak in a very human way, taking into account that you are not fully mature.

There was a time, when you let your members be slaves of impurity and disorder, walking in the way of sin; convert them, now, into servants of righteousness, to the point of becoming holy.

When you were slaves of sin, you did not feel under obligation to righteousness, but what were the fruits of those actions, of which you are now ashamed?  Such things bring death.  Now, however, you have been freed from sin and serve GOD.  You are bearing fruit, and growing in holiness, and the result will be life everlasting.  So, on one side is sin: its reward, death; on the other side, is GOD: HE gives us, by grace, life everlasting, in CHRIST JESUS, our LORD." - Romans 6:19-23 

(In Paul's time there were cases of slaves being exchanged by owners.  A free person with debts could sell himself to his debtor in payment of his debts.  The comparison used by Paul teaches us to be meekly at the disposal of the Spirit, as slaves who are not owners of their own persons.  Let us look at what the Spirit advises before making any decision.

The Christian's life must appear like slavery to whoever looks at it externally.  Yet the Christian feels and knows himself to be free.  The best example might be that of a mother totally dedicated to her sick child: she is totally free, because she has no other law than her love.)

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Do Not Allow Sin Any Control Over Your Mortal Bodies

"Do not allow sin any control over your mortal bodies; do not submit yourselves to its evil inclinations, and do not give your members over to sin, as instruments to do evil.  On the contrary, offer yourselves, as persons returned from death to life, and let the members of your body be as holy instruments, at the service of GOD.  Sin will not lord it over you again, for you are not under the law, but under grace.

I ask again: are we to sin because we are not under the law, but under grace?  Certainly not.  If you have given yourselves up to someone as his slave, you are to obey the one who commands you, you go to death, and by accepting faith, you go to the right way.  Let us give thanks to GOD, for, after having sin as your master, you have been given to another, that is, to the doctrine of faith, to which you listen willingly.  And being free from sin, you began to serve true righteousness--…" - Romans 6:12-18 

(Do not allow sin any control over your mortal bodies.  The faithful, although conscious of belonging totally to CHRIST, commit sins every day.  Their sins, however, do not deprive them of what is most important, trust in the FATHER, which allows them to stand up after each fall [1 John 2:1].  They know that they are and always will be sinners whom GOD forgives, as long as they try to amend and be better.  We achieve freedom day by day by voluntarily submitting to the requirements of a better life.)

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Be Ready!

"Be ready, dressed for service, and keep your lamps lit, like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding.  As soon as he comes and knocks, they will open the door to him.  Happy are those servants whom the master finds wide-awake when he comes.  Truly, I tell you, he will put on an apron, and have them sit at table, and he will wait on them.  Happy are those servants, if he finds them awake when he comes at midnight or daybreak!" - Luke 12:35-38 

(Happy are those servants whom the master finds wide-awake.  Wide-awake, that is, concerned about tomorrow's world.  Wide-awake also means being aware of the truth; we do not consent to call 'good' evil, and 'evil' good; we do not forgive ourselves for allowing evil and we are not intimidated before injustice.)

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He Did Not Doubt Although His Body Could No Longer Give Life

"He did not doubt, nor did he distrust the promise of GOD, and, by being strong in faith, he gave glory to GOD: he was convinced, that, HE who had given the promise, had power to fulfill it.

This was taken into account, for him to attain righteousness.  This was taken into account: these words of Scripture are not only for him, but for us, too, because we believe in HIM, who raised JESUS, our LORD, from among the dead, HE, who was delivered for our sins, and raised to life, for us to receive true righteousness." - Romans 4:20-25 

(He did not doubt although his body could no longer give life.  Abraham had a faith similar to the Christian who believes in the resurrection of CHRIST.  We also are asked to believe in a GOD who gives life and for whom nothing is impossible.)

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From GOD Comes The Victory

"When the Israelites were at Rephidim, the Amalekites came and attacked them.  So Moses said to Joshua, 'Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites in the morning.  As for me, I will stand with GOD's staff in my hand at the top of the hill.'

Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had directed, while Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill.  It happened that when Moses raised his hands, the Israelites would win but when he lowered them, the Amalekites would have the advantage.

As Moses' arms grew weary they placed a stone for him to sit on while Aaron and Hur on either side held up his arms which remained steadily raised until sunset.  For his part Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the sword." - Exodus 17:8-13 

(The victory over Amalek completes these experiences of Divine Providence.  Joshua directs the battle, but Moses with his rod lifted, works wonders.  From GOD comes the victory.

In this story, the Christian tradition has always recognized an image of prayer that obtains victories from GOD.

The prophets mission is not just to speak, but also to be an intercessor before GOD: 1 Samuel 7:7; Jeremiah 7:16; Exodus 32:30.

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Abraham Believed, And Hoped Against All Expectation, Thus, Becoming The Father Of Many Nations

"If GOD promised Abraham, or rather his descendants, that the world would belong to him, this was not because of his obeying the law, but because he was just, and a friend of GOD, through faith.  If, now, the promise is kept for those who rely on the law, then faith has no power, and nothing is left of the promise.  For it is proper of the law, to bring punishment, and it is only when there is no law, that it is possible to live without breaking the law.

For that reason, faith is the way, and all is given, by grace; and the promises of Abraham are fulfilled for all his descendants, not only for his children according to the law, but, also, for all the others, who have believed. 

Abraham is the father of all of us, as it is written: I will make you the father of many nations.  He is our father, in the eyes of HIM, who gives life to the dead, and calls into existence, what does not yet exist, for this is the GOD in whom he believed.

Abraham believed, and hoped against all expectation, thus, becoming the father of many nations, as he had been told: See how many will be your descendants." - Romans 4:13-18

(Faith has no power.  Here Paul points out something that many times we fail to see.  To believe in GOD who rewards good and obedience to HIS laws is already faith [Hebrews 11:6].  This faith, however, consisting in respect and awareness of justice remains very far from Abraham's confidence in GOD's promise.  Faith is found in every religion, but for Christians faith is everything.)

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Preach The Word

"In the presence of GOD and CHRIST JESUS, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by the hope I have of HIS coming, and HIS kingdom, I urge you to preach the word, in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, or advising, always with patience, and providing instruction.  For the time is coming, when people will no longer endure sound doctrine, but, following their passions, they will surround themselves with teachers to please their itching ears.  And they will abandon the truth to hear fables.  So be prudent, do not mind your labor, give yourself to your work as an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." - 2 Timothy 4:1-5 

(Preach the Word: this is Paul's last advice.  It must be the first concern of the Church and of any church leader.)

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A Curse Is On You, Teachers Of The Law, For You Have Taken The Key Of Knowledge

"A curse is on you, teachers of the law, for you have taken the key of knowledge.  You yourselves have not entered, and you prevented others from entering.

As JESUS left that place, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees began to harass HIM, asking HIM endless questions, setting traps to catch HIM in something HE might say." - Luke 11:52-54 

(You yourselves have not entered, and you prevented others from entering.  Is not this one of the reasons why so many simple people go to other churches?)

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GOD Will Give Glory, Honor And Peace To Whoever Does Good

"Therefore, you have no excuse, whoever you are, if you are able to judge others.  For, in judging your neighbor, you condemn yourself, for you practice what you are judging.  We know, that the condemnation of GOD will justly reach those who commit these things, and do you think that by condemning others, you will escape from the judgment of GOD, you, who are doing the same?

This would be taking advantage of GOD, and HIS infinite goodness, patience and understanding; and not to realize that, HIS goodness is in order to lead you to conversion.  If your heart becomes hard and you refuse to change, then you are storing for yourself a great punishment on the day of judgment, when GOD will appear as just judge.

HE will give each one his due, according to his actions.  HE will give everlasting life to those who seek glory, honor and immortality, and persevere in doing good.  But anger and vengeance will be the lot of those who do not serve truth, but injustice.  There will be suffering and anguish, for everyone committing evil, first the Jew, then the Greek.  But GOD will give glory, honor and peace to whoever does good, first, the Jew, then, the Greek, because one is not different from the other before GOD." - Romans 2:1-11 

(You have no excuse, whoever you are...  Paul addresses the Jews, who wait for GOD's judgment on the world and are convinced that they will not be condemned, since they have the true religion.  Paul reminds them of something we ourselves know: the greater our religious knowledge, the more arguments we have to justify our faults.

GOD will give glory...  Paul has just condemned the injustice and wrongdoing of the pagan world.  Now he recognizes that many who have not received a religious education do indeed live justly.  Paul affirms that:

- GOD will judge each one according to his own lights; our conscience will fully agree with this judgment of GOD on us;

- GOD also has sons and daughters among those who do not believe; HE will judge them as HE does for us, according to the path on which HE has placed them.)

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Why Do They Not Pay More Attention To Inner Purification?

"As JESUS was speaking, a Pharisee asked HIM to have a meal with him.  So HE went and sat at table.  The Pharisee then wondered why JESUS did not first wash HIS hands before dinner.  But the LORD said to him, 'So then, you Pharisees, you clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside yourselves you are full of greed and evil.  Fools!  HE who made the outside, also made the inside.  But according to you, by the mere giving of alms everything is made clean.'" - Luke 11:37-41 

(Scripture does not demand these ritual purifications that Mark also mentions in 7:3, but the teachers of JESUS' time insisted that they were necessary.  JESUS rebels against these new religious obligations.  Why do they not pay more attention to inner purification?)

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Paul, An Apostle Called And Set Apart For GOD's Good News

"From Paul, a servant of JESUS CHRIST,

an apostle, called and set apart for GOD's Good News,

the very promises HE foretold HIS prophets in the sacred Scriptures,

regarding HIS Son, who was born in the flesh a descendant of David,

and has been recognized as the Son of GOD, endowed with Power,

upon rising from the dead, through the Holy Spirit.

Through HIM, JESUS CHRIST, our LORD, and for the sake of HIS name,

we received grace, and mission in all the nations, for them to accept the faith.

All of you, the elected of CHRIST, as part of them

you, the beloved of GOD in Rome, called to be holy:

May GOD our FATHER, and the LORD JESUS CHRIST, give you grace and peace."

- Romans 1:1-7

(Paul, an apostle called and set apart for GOD's Good News.  Paul speaks of the Gospel three times in this paragraph.  In his time the word Gospel, which signifies Good News, conveyed the meaning of victory.  Paul presents himself as one announcing the liberating message given to all humankind.

What is Paul's Gospel?  He develops it briefly in the following lines.  The Son of GOD has come down to earth and after sharing our common condition, has through HIS Resurrection, taken possession of the glory due to HIM.

An apostle called and set apart... The Twelve apostles were selected by JESUS and confirmed in their mission by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.  Here Paul reminds us that he himself was made an apostle by JESUS, who met him in the road to Damascus.

Recognized as the Son of GOD.  Another possible translation: constituted, or designated as Son of GOD.  That does not mean that JESUS was not the Son of GOD before HIS resurrection, but HE was so really one of us that nothing of HIS divinity showed.  On the day of the resurrection, the Spirit of GOD "invaded" HIS human nature: from now on HE is present and active in our history as the Son of GOD.

Paul usually reserves the term "GOD" for GOD the FATHER, fountain of the divine being, from whom all divine initiatives originate.  The FATHER communicates HIS life to the Son.  The Son, for HIS part, reflects this life back to the FATHER in such a way that they mutually generate the Holy Spirit.  The whole vocation of a Christian is rooted in this life of GOD, and that is why Paul constantly mentions the names of the three divine Persons.)

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The Water Of Baptism Does Not Work By Itself

"So Naaman went down to the Jordan where he washed himself seven times as Elisha had ordered.  His skin became soft like that of a child and he was cleansed.

Then Naaman returned to the man of GOD with all his men.  He entered and said to him, 'Now I know that there is no other GOD anywhere in the world but in Israel.  I ask you to accept these gifts from your servant.'

But Elisha answered, 'I swear by YAHWEH whom I serve, I will accept nothing.'  And however much Naaman insisted, Elisha would not accept his gifts.

So Naaman told him, 'Since you refuse, let me get some sacks of soil from your land--the amount that two mules can carry.  I shall use it to build an altar to YAHWEH, for I shall not offer sacrifices to any other god but HIM.'" - 2 Kings 5:14-17 

(Now Naaman knows there is no other god than the GOD of Israel.  But he cannot desert the world in which he lives and where other gods are honored.  Elisha's answer shows that GOD understands the situation.

The same understanding toward people of good will who follow other religions is expressed in some texts of Genesis and Exodus which were precisely written by prophets of the same groups around Elisha [see Genesis 20:1-7 and Exodus 18:1-20].

Naaman represents a man of good will afflicted with an incurable disease, which is sin, who comes to the Church from far away because he discovers that there is a hidden source of life in it.  The water of baptism does not work by itself; its effectiveness comes from the fact that it is through baptism that we join the people of CHRIST, the Church.)

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"Truly Blessed Are Those Who Hear The Word Of GOD, And Keep It As Well."

"As JESUS was speaking, a woman spoke from the crowd and said to HIM, 'Blessed is the one who gave YOU birth and nursed YOU!'  JESUS replied, 'Truly blessed are those who hear the word of GOD, and keep it as well.'" - Luke 11:27-28 

(Blessed is the one who gave YOU birth!  This woman envies the mother of JESUS and is full of admiration for HIS way of speaking.  She is mistaken if she thinks that JESUS' relatives can be proud on HIS account, and she is wasting her time if she admires HIS words instead of making them her own.  So JESUS turns her towards the FATHER, whose word HE gives, and to herself, whom GOD invites to the family of HIS sons and daughters.

As for Mary, the mother of JESUS, the one who believed [1:45], she kept all the words and deeds of the LORD in her heart [Luke 2:51].)

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By The Finger Of GOD

"Yet some of them said, 'HE drives out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the chief of the demons.'  Others wanted to put HIM to the test, by asking HIM for a heavenly sign.

But JESUS knew their thoughts, and said to them, 'Every nation divided by civil war is on the road to ruin, and will fall.  If Satan also is divided, his empire is coming to an end.  How can you say that I drive out demons by calling upon Beelzebul?  If I drive them out by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive out demons?  They will be your judges, then.

But if I drive out demons by the finger of GOD; would not this mean that the kingdom of GOD has come upon you?  As long as a man, strong and well armed, guards his house, his goods are safe.  But when a stronger man attacks and overcome him, the challenger takes away all the weapons he relied on, and disposes of his spoils." - Luke 11:15-22 

(By the finger of GOD.  In Exodus 8:15 the same expression is used to designate the power of GOD working miracles.)

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You Will See The Different Fates Of The Good And The Bad

"You say very harsh things about ME, says YAHWEH, and, yet, you say: 'What harsh things did we say against YOU?'  You say: 'It is useless to serve GOD.  There is no benefit in observing HIS commandments or in leading an austere life for HIS sake.  Happy are the shameless!  Those who do evil succeed in everything; though they provoke GOD, they remain unharmed.'

Those were the very words of those who fear YAHWEH.  YAHWEH listened and heard what they said.  HE ordered at once, that the names of those who respect HIM and reverence HIS name be written in a record.

And HE declared, 'They will be MINE on the day I have already set.  Then I shall care for them, as a father cares for his obedient son.  And you will see the different fates of the good and the bad, those who obey GOD and those who disobey HIM.

The day already comes, flaming as a furnace.  On that day, all the proud and evildoers will be burned, like straw in the fire.  They will be left without branches or roots.  On the other hand, the sun of justice will shine upon you who respect MY name and bring health in its rays.  You will come out leaping, like fattened calves,..." - Malachi 3:13-20 

(Then comes the discussion with those expecting material favors as a reward for their devotion; they wish to be rewarded for having done no evil.  GOD agrees to dialogue with such believers, and through Malachi speaks to them in the only language they can understand: if they do good, one day they will see the Sun of justice and will jump around like calves trampling the wicked underfoot.)

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Holy Be YOUR Name

"One day, JESUS was praying in a certain place; and when HE had finished, one of HIS disciples said to HIM, 'LORD, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.'  And JESUS said to them, 'When you pray, say this: 

FATHER, may YOUR name be held holy,

may YOUR kingdom come;

give us, each day, the kind of bread we need,

and forgive us our sins; for we also forgive all who do us wrong;

and do not bring us to the test.' - Luke 11:1-4

(The apostles already knew how to pray and they prayed in common, as all the Jews did, in the synagogue and at key times during the day.  Yet, in living close to JESUS they discovered a new way to live in close fellowship and they felt a need to address the FATHER differently.  JESUS wanted for them to ask HIM to teach them how to pray.

Holy be YOUR name.  May YOUR name be known and proclaimed Holy!  May YOUR splendor and generosity be seen in those who become YOUR children.  May YOUR perfection be recognized through their good works.  May YOUR presence and YOUR riches be welcomed by those who keep YOUR word.  The FATHER only wants to pour out HIS holiness and happiness on the children HE has chosen and loved.  HE wants to seal us with HIS Name so that, day and night, we will be united with HIM, like the FATHER and the Son are united by the Holy Spirit.)

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With The LORD, Fullness Of Redemption

"Out of the depths I cry to YOU, O YAHWEH,

O YAHWEH, hear my voice!

Let YOUR ears pay attention

to the voice of my supplication.

If YOU should mark our evil,

O YAHWEH, who could stand?

But with YOU, is forgiveness,

and for that, YOU are revered.

I waited for YAHWEH, my soul waits;

and I put my hope in HIS word.

My soul expects YAHWEH

more than watchmen, the dawn.

O Israel, hope in YAHWEH,

for with HIM, is unfailing love

and with HIM full deliverance.

HE will deliver Israel

from all its sins."

- Psalm 130:1-8

(The psalmist, aware of HIS people's faithfulness, is equally sure of GOD's answer to repentance [cf. Nehemiah 1:7-9].  Israel was still waiting, when Simeon took the child in his arms and said: 'My eyes have seen YOUR salvation' [Luke 2:30].  He held the infant Son of Man, who came to give HIS life for the redemption of many [Mark 10:45]--'with the LORD, fullness of redemption.'  But since this has come, how can we Christians still await it?  How can we sing the psalm?  Because, though called, we are not yet chosen, though heirs, we do not yet enjoy the inheritance.  Out of these depths, our call must be constant and, if it is constant, it may be confident also.  And there are some whose waiting is a purifying fire.  This, more than any other, is their psalm.)

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Blessed Are You Among All Women

"Uzziah said to her, 'My daughter, may the Most High GOD bless you more than all women on earth.

And blessed be the LORD GOD, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has lead you to behead the leader of our enemies.

Never will people forget the confidence you have shown; they will always remember the power of GOD.

May GOD ensure your everlasting glory, and may HE reward and bless you for you have risked your life when your race was humiliated.

You chose instead to do the best before GOD in order to prevent our downfall.'

And all the people said, 'Amen!  Amen!'" - Judith 13:18-20 

(May the Most High GOD bless you more than all women on earth.  Luke will remember these words and will adapt them for Mary [Luke 1:42].  With Luke we easily see in Judith's victory the image of another victory in which Mary "crushed the head of the serpent" in perfectly welcoming the Son of GOD and HIS patient work to redeem the world from the Devil's hands, as the Scriptures had announced [Genesis 3:15].  The hymn we refer to: You are the glory of Israel speaks more truly of Mary than of Judith.)

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Why Do YOU Make Me See Injustice?

"YAHWEH, how long will I cry for help while YOU pay no attention to me?  I denounce the oppression and YOU do not save.

Why do YOU make me see injustice?

Are YOU pleased to look on tyranny?  All I see is outrage, violence and quarrels.

That is why the law has been put aside and just decrees are no longer issued.  The wicked overrule the upright and they get crooked sentences. - Habakkuk 1:2-4 

(Two complaints from the prophet and two answers from GOD:

Verses 1-4.  First complaint: Why is there so much wickedness in Judah?

2:1-4.  YAHWEH's answer: One day it will be clear that the good and the evil ones are not treated the same.  Those who remain faithful will be saved.)

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JESUS Gives Thanks To The FATHER

"The seventy-two disciples returned full of joy.  They said, 'LORD, even the demons obeyed us when we called on YOUR name.'  Then JESUS replied, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.  You see, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the Enemy, so that nothing will harm you.  Nevertheless, don't rejoice because the evil spirits submit to you; rejoice, rather, that your names are written in heaven.'

At that time, JESUS was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and said, 'I praise YOU, FAHER, LORD of heaven and earth, for YOU have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and made them known to little ones.  Yes, FATHER, such has been YOUR gracious will.  I have been given all things by MY FATHER, so that no one knows the Son except the FATHER, and no one knows the FATHER except the Son, and HE to whom the Son chooses to reveal HIM.'

Then JESUS turned to HIS disciples and said to them privately, 'Fortunate are you to see what you see, for I tell you, that many prophets and kings would have liked to see what you see, but did not see it; and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.'" - Luke 10:17-24 

(At first, the person who preaches CHRIST and works for HIM is scared.  Then follows the joy of having surpassed oneself, and even more the joy of having believed and worked with the very power of JESUS.  JESUS gives thanks for the seventy [or seventy-two] and for all those who will follow HIM.

What are these things that GOD has revealed to the little ones but the mysterious power of the Gospel to transform people and show them the truth?  The apostles marvel at the power coming from the name of JESUS [Mark 16:17].  JESUS underlines the defeat of the Adversary, Satan.

The learned and the clever think they know, but do not know what is essential.  They speak of a GOD who is no more than a shadow of the true GOD as long as they do not recognize him in JESUS.  They do not know where the world is heading because they do not see how GOD's power is working  wherever JESUS is being proclaimed. 

The little ones, on the other hand, have understood.  Before they saw themselves as a sacrificed generation.  For the little ones are used to sacrificing themselves for their children from generation to generation, or they are sacrificed by powers, under the pretext of bringing happiness to their descendants.  They did not live for themselves; rather they were preparing a place for others.  Now the little ones, namely, the humble believers, have everything if they have JESUS, the FATHER has given everything to HIM.

Little ones live their faith in simple ways but they know that none of their sacrifices are lost.  It is JESUS who reveals the FATHER to us and, knowing HIM in truth, we also share in HIS control over events.  Our desires and our prayers are powerful because we have come to the center from which GOD directs the forces saving humankind: because we work for eternity, our names are already written in heaven.

To evangelize does not mean to try to sell the Gospel but rather to prove its power to heal people from their demons.  We need not become activists in order to accomplish that.  We must admit that we have no power in these things and we must give thanks to GOD who enabled us to see, to hear and to communicate HIS salvation.

Fortunate are you to see... Stop being envious of famous people, kings and prophets of the past.  You who are alive now, and who are neither kings nor prophets, have been given the better part.)

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National Lament Over The Destruction Of Jerusalem

"O GOD, the pagans have invaded YOUR inheritance; they have defiled YOUR holy temple and reduced Jerusalem to rubble.

They have given YOUR servants' corpses to the birds, and the flesh of YOUR saints, to the beasts of the earth.

They have poured out the blood of YOUR faithful, like water around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them.

Mocked and reviled by those around us, we are scorned by our neighbors.

How long will this last, O YAHWEH?  Will YOU be angry forever?  Will YOUR wrath always burn to avenge YOUR rights?

Pour out YOUR anger on the nations that do not acknowledge YOU; on the kingdoms that do not call on YOUR name.

For they have devoured Jacob and laid waste his homeland.

Do not remember against us the sins of our fathers.

Let YOUR compassion hurry to us, for we have been brought very low.

Help us, GOD, our savior, for the glory of YOUR name; forgive us, for the sake of YOUR name."

- Psalm 79:1-9

(This psalm almost certainly refers to the fall of Jerusalem in the year 586 B.C.  There is a confession of guilt--the guilt of an earlier generation.  It is interesting that this ingredient should enter the solution of the problem of suffering: Has this man sinned--or his parents?  And, indeed, we may blame our ancestors, for some of our condition, so long as we realize that we may, and do, contribute to the unhappiness of our children.  We are the context into which they will be born, for better or for worse.  But the psalmist evidently does not will to call GOD's attention to the sins of his own generation except in passing.)

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When The Law Seems Constricts Us, Faith Must Carry Us Through

"The law of YAHWEH is perfect:

it gives life to the soul.

The word of YAHWEH is trustworthy:

it gives wisdom to the simple.

The precepts of YAHWEH are right:

they give joy to the heart.

The commandments of YAHWEH are clear:

they enlighten the eyes.

The fear of YAHWEH is pure,

it endures forever;

the judgments of YAHWEH are true,

all of them just and right.

They are more precious than gold--

pure gold of a jeweler;

they are much sweeter than honey

which drops from the honeycomb."

- Psalm 19:8-11

(When the law seems constricts us, faith must carry us through.  When this is the case for others, charity must work in us, to help or sympathize.

We are aware of HIS presence, when we meditate on HIS commandments, which are light and joy for the soul.  This psalm is adequate to revise one's life in the presence of GOD in the Law.  JESUS in the Gospels has taught us how to pray.  If we add this psalm to our morning prayer, it will make us feel great and ready to start the day well.)

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Nehemiah Gives Up Everything To Go To Jerusalem

"In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of king Artaxerxes, I was doing my duty as cup bearer.  I took up the wine and gave it to the king.  I had never been sad before the king in the past.  So, the king said to me, 'Why do you look sad?  You don't look sick.  Is there something that bothers you?'

I became hesitant.  And I said, 'May the king live forever!  How could I afford not to be sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates are burned down?'  The king said to me, 'What do you want, then?'  I asked help of GOD from heaven and said to the king, 'If it seems good to the king and if he is pleased with my work, then may he send me to the land of Judah, to the city where my ancestors are buried, that I may rebuild it.'

The queen was sitting beside the king, and the king asked me, 'How long will you be gone?  When will you be back?'  I told him the date and he allowed me to leave.  And I said to the king, 'If it pleases the king, may you give me letters for the governors of the province at the other side of the River that I may travel to Judah; and also a letter to Asaph, the caretaker of the king's forest, for I will need wood for the gates of the citadel near the temple, for the walls of the city and for the house where I shall live.'

The good hand of GOD was supporting me, so that the king gave me what I asked." - Nehemiah 2:1-8 

(Nehemiah asks and receives because he is not a nuisance, and his years of loyal service have earned him affection and esteem.  His discretion and initiative are underscored and his fervent words encourage skeptics whom he persuades.

Was it necessary to build the walls of Jerusalem?  In fact, more than the restoration, Scripture stresses the way it was achieved: by calling for everyone's cooperation, Nehemiah builds up the morale of the Jerusalem community.) 

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JESUS Unwelcome In A Samaritan Village

"As the time drew near when JESUS would be taken up to heaven, HE made up HIS mind to go to Jerusalem.  HE sent ahead of HIM some messengers, who entered a Samaritan village to prepare a lodging for HIM.  But the people would not receive HIM, because HE was on HIS way to Jerusalem.  Seeing this, James and John, HIS disciples, said, 'LORD, do YOU want us to call down fire from heaven to reduce them to ashes?'  JESUS turned and rebuked them, and they went on to another village." - Luke 9:51-56 

(After having recalled the actions of JESUS in Galilee, Luke begins the second part of his Gospel, where he brings together words of JESUS spoken on different occasions.  In order to preserve continuity in his account, he imagines that JESUS is giving these responses while on the way from Galilee to Jerusalem where the  part of his Gospel will take place.

The first paragraph reminds us that between the two provinces of Galilee and Judea, there was Samaria.  Its people were Samaritans, non-Jews, and the two people really hated each other.  When Jews from Galilee were going on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, every door was closed to them throughout Samaria.

It would seem that each time JESUS meets Samaritans, it is to teach us a new way of seeing those who do not share our faith.  Religions have often been aggressive, at times very violent, especially those religions that see themselves as a revelation of the only GOD.  This was already the case in the Old Testament.  JESUS is not part of such fanaticism, teaching us not to confuse GOD's cause with ours nor with the interests of our religious community.  There is absolute respect for those GOD leads by another road.  What a contrast with the legends of the past that this account awakens in verse 54 [see 2 Kings 1:9].

Here JESUS tells HIS apostles to be less impulsive: the Samaritans who refuse to welcome JESUS on this occasion are not guiltier than those who close their doors to a stranger.  Why destroy this little  village, if by doing his they still had to look for a place in another village?  It was better to move on without delay.)

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