For To Me, Living Is For CHRIST

 "But, in any case, whether they are sincere or showing off, CHRIST is proclaimed and because of this I rejoice and have no regrets.

I know that all this will be a grace for me, because of your prayers, and the help given by the Spirit of CHRIST.  I am hopeful, even certain, that I shall not be ashamed.  I feel as assured now, as before, that CHRIST will be exalted through my person, whether I live or die.

For to me, living is for CHRIST, and dying is even better.  But if I am to go on living, I shall be able to enjoy fruitful labor.  Which shall I choose?  So I feel torn between the two.  I desire greatly to leave this life and to be with CHRIST, which will be better by far, but it is necessary for you that I remain in this life.  And because I am convinced of this,  I know that I will stay and remain with you for your progress and happiness in the faith.  I will surely come to you again, and give you more reason for being proud of belonging to CHRIST JESUS." - Philippians 1:18-26 

(I am hopeful, even certain, that I shall not be ashamed.  Paul's concern is that his trial and his appearances should serve to reveal CHRIST's message to the authorities.

For to me, living is for CHRIST.  It is quite trendy to say that Christians should "understand the world" and be "fully human."  This is true in a certain way, but it does not say everything.  GOD's love increases in us through the gift of ourselves to persons and to tasks that HE entrusts to us, but as the love of GOD grows, the desire of CHRIST and eternity takes root with it: this desire makes us like strangers in the world.

Paul would like to see his friends but not for that will he linger over fraternal meals in which his friends would try to provide him with a warm atmosphere.  His deep desire is for what he still lacks: to meet CHRIST in HIS glory [see 2 Corinthians 4:16 and Philippians3:10].

I desire greatly to leave this life and to be with CHRIST.  St. Paul teaches that those who say that a person ceases to exist at the time of death and only recovers life in the resurrection at the end of times are wrong. [See 2 Corinthians 5:8 also].)

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We All Share In The Guilt When We Decide With Whom It Is More Beneficial To Be Associated

 "JESUS also addressed the man who had invited HIM, and said, 'When you give a lunch or a dinner, don't invite your friends, or your brothers and relatives, or your wealthy neighbors.  For surely they will also invite you in return, and you will be repaid.  When you give a feast, invite instead the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind.  Fortunate are you then, because they cannot repay you.  You will be repaid at the resurrection of the upright.'" - Luke 14:12-14 

(Everyone of us seeks to be near those who are above us, since we think we  benefit more from being connected with those who are superior than with those who are inferior.

JESUS' warning points to one of the main causes of injustice.  We all share in the guilt when we decide with whom it is more beneficial to be associated; consequently everyone tries to climb higher, always leaving the weakest in the most isolated and helpless position. 

It would be a strange sight to see public officials pay more attention to the poorly dressed, or to see the poorest areas supplied with water and power before the residential districts, or to see doctors go to the rural areas to practice.)

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Alas For You, Jerusalem!

 "At that time some Pharisees came to JESUS and gave HIM this warning, 'Leave this place and go on your way, for Herod wants to kill you.'  JESUS said to them, 'Go and give that fox MY answer: 'I drive out demons, and I heal today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish MY course!'  Nevertheless, I must go on MY way today, and tomorrow, and for a little longer; for it would not be fitting for a prophet to be killed outside Jerusalem.

O, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you slay the prophets and stone those who are sent to you!  How often have I tried to bring together your children, as a bird gathers her young under her wings.  But you refused!  From now on, you will be left, with your temple.  And you will no longer see ME until the time when you will say, Blessed is HE who comes in the name of the LORD!'" - Luke 13:31-35 

(How harshly JESUS speaks!  Jerusalem was destroyed in the year 587 B.C.  If we read the prophets, we find that Jerusalem's destruction was a punishment for its crimes.  Now, JESUS announces another destruction of wider historical consequences: the blood of the prophets, the blood of CHRIST, the blood of the first Christians killed by the Jews.

Your house shall be left to you, deserted!  The presence of GOD in HIS temple would leave them once more and be established among the converted pagans, as in Ezra 8.  There will be no further intervention by GOD to establish HIS kingdom in Israel among the Jewish people until the day they welcome the CHRIST.

For Luke, disciple of Paul, it is certitude: the day will come when Israel will recognize CHRIST [see Romans 11:25-32].  For JESUS has come to save Israel, which means to give sense to its history.  It will then, doubtless be the end of all other histories.)

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The Twelve

 "At this time, JESUS went out into the hills to pray, spending the whole night in prayer with GOD.  When day came, HE called HIS disciples to  HIM, and chose Twelve of them, whom HE called 'apostles': Simon, whom HE named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alpheus and Simon called the Zealot; Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who would be the traitor." - Luke 6:12-16 

(JESUS keeps those whom HE loves the most in HIS prayer.  The success of HIS mission will depend upon them; other people's faith will rest on them.  JESUS does not want their call to be HIS own will: before calling them, HE wants to be certain that HE is doing the FATHER'S will [Hebrews 5:8].  For the simple reason that CHIST chose them and entrusted HIS Church to them, they will be tested in a thousand ways [Luke 22:31].  Therefore JESUS wants to safeguard them through the power of HIS prayer [John 17:9].  The day before HIS death HE will have the consolation that not one of those the FATHER gave HIM has been lost [John 17:12].)

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What Is The Kingdom Of GOD Like?

 "And JESUS continued, 'What is the kingdom of GOD like?  What shall I compare it to?  Imagine a person who has taken a mustard seed and planted it in his garden.  The seed has grown and become like a small tree, so that the birds of the air shelter in its branches.'

And JESUS said again, 'What is the kingdom of GOD like?  Imagine a woman who has taken yeast and hidden it in three measures of flour until it is all leavened.'" - Luke 13:18-21 

(At the conclusion of HIS Galilean ministry, JESUS invites optimism: although the results are few, a seed has been sown and the kingdom of GOD is growing.)

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The Healing On A Sabbath Day

 "JESUS was teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath, and a crippled woman was there.  An evil spirit had kept her bent for eighteen years, so that she could not straighten up at all.  On seeing her, JESUS called her and said, 'Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.'  Then HE laid HIS hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight and praised GOD.

But the ruler of the synagogue was indignant, because JESUS had performed the healing on the Sabbath day, and he said to the people, 'There are six days in which to work.  Come on those days to be healed, and not on the Sabbath.'

But the LORD replied, 'You hypocrites!  Everyone of you unties his ox or his donkey on the Sabbath, and leads it out of the barn to give it water.  And here you have a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound for eighteen years.  Should she not be freed from her bonds on the Sabbath?'

When JESUS said this all HIS opponents felt ashamed.  But the people rejoiced at the many wonderful things that happened because of HIM." - Luke 13:10-17 

(The word untie was used by the Jews to express that someone's sin or penalty was canceled.  It also meant freeing an animal from its yoke.  JESUS frees the human person and invites us to follow HIS example.

We should not be surprised at the indignation of the chief of the synagogue.  Since he had never been able to help his sick sister, he must have felt discredited by JESUS' move.  Would it not be the same with us?  It never occurred to JESUS to ask the authorities for permission to save people.)

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The Gospel We Brought You Was Such, Not Only In Words

 "The gospel we brought you was such, not only in words.  Miracles, the Holy Spirit, and plenty of everything, were given to you.  You, also, know how we dealt with you, for your sake.

In return, you  became followers of us, and of the LORD, when, on receiving the word, you experienced the joy of the Holy Spirit, in the midst of great opposition.  And you became a model for the faithful of Macedonia and Achaia, since, from you, the word of the LORD spread to Macedonia and Achaia, and still farther.  The faith you have in GOD has become news in so many places, that we need say no more about it.  Others tell, of how you welcomed us, and turned from idols, and true GOD, and you wait for HIS Son, from heaven, whom HE raised from the dead, JESUS, who frees us from impending trial." - 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 

(The gospel we brought you was such not only in words.  There were many signs, miracles and other manifestations in Thessalonica.  Perhaps GOD increased the signs in view of the coming persecution; since very soon there would not be many with adequate formation to orient the community.  In fact the Gospel cannot be proclaimed without GOD doing something to confirm it [Mark 16:17].  JESUS criticized those who came to HIM to see miracles, but HE performed miracles throughout HIS ministry.  Let us not say: "I do not need miracles to believe."  Human  beings as we are, we will have quite a different enthusiasm if we see that GOD is beside us, doing the incredible to confirm HIS word.)

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The Body Builds Itself, In Love

 "But to each of us, divine grace is given, according to the measure of CHRIST's gift.  Therefore, it is said: When HE ascended to the heights, HE brought captives and gave HIS gifts to people.

HE ascended, what does it mean, but, that HE had also descended to the lower parts of the world?  HE, HIMSELF, who went down, then ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.  As for HIS gifts, to some, HE gave to be apostles; to others, prophets, or even evangelists; or pastors and teachers.  So, HE prepared those who belong to HIM, for the ministry, in order to build up the Body of CHRIST, until we are all united, in the same faith and knowledge of the Son of GOD.  Thus, we shall become the perfect Man, upon reaching maturity, and sharing the fullness of CHRIST.

Then, no longer shall we be like children, tossed about by any wave, or wind of doctrine; and deceived by the cunning of people, who drag them along into error.  Rather, speaking the truth, in love, we shall grow in every way, toward HIM, who is the head, CHRIST.  From HIM, comes the growth of the whole body, to which a network of joints gives order and cohesion, taking into account, and making use of, the function of each one.  So, the body builds itself, in love." - Ephesians 4:7-16 

(JESUS of Nazareth lived humbly until HIS death only once, but having been made the Head of humanity through HIS resurrection, HE suffers everywhere; HE works in every field of human activity; gives HIS life in every possible way; HE gathers in HIMSELF every form of love, and lives the whole diversity of human existence in the person of HIS members.

Then no longer shall we be like children.  Paul suggests that the Ephesians are still children, at least from time to time, when they allow themselves to be influenced by some trend of opinion.  He invites them to become a mature community, capable of being led by the truth, and of building itself up through love.  We too should ask ourselves if we have really gone beyond the time when the "faithful" constantly waited for others to think for them, guide them and push them.)

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When You Go With Your Accuser Before The Court, Try To Settle The Case On The Way

 "'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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I Have A Baptism To Undergo, And What Anguish I Feel Until It Is Finished!

 "'I have come to bring fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!  But I have a baptism to undergo, and what anguish I feel until it is finished!

Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth?  No, I tell you, but rather division.  From now on, in one house five will be divided: three against two, and two against three.  They will be divided, father against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.'" - Luke 12:49-53 

(I have come to bring fire.  Must we think of fire as referring to something precise such as love, the Gospel or the gift of the Holy Spirit?  It is better to stay with the image of fire that purifies, burns all that is old, gives warmth and fosters life; fire of the judgment of GOD destroying all that is not surrendered to its reforming action.

JESUS comes to remake the world and to bring the jewels that will remain for eternity out of the rubble.  Those who follow JESUS must participate in this work of salvation directed at a situation combining work, violence, suffering as well as great dreams wise or mad.

I have a baptism to undergo...  JESUS is the leader and will be the first one to face death as a means of obtaining resurrection.  This step, as 'agonizing' for JESUS as it is for us, is the baptism of fire [see Luke 3:16] that introduces us into a glorious and eternal life.  It is the true baptism of which the others, baptisms of water and Spirit, are only a preparation [Romans 6:3-5].

I have come to bring division.  This is followed by words of JESUS that are so upsetting for those who expect of HIM a peaceful life.  JESUS is a source of division among nations and social groups.  Often people have tried to use religion as cement for national unity or family peace.  It is true that faith is a factor in peace and understanding; but it also separates those who are truly alive from those others, be they relatives or friends, who cannot have all that is now the most important to these true believers.  Many times, the wound and the scandal of this separation are so painful for them, that they turn into our persecutors.

The Gospel does not put this world on the road to an earthly paradise, but it challenges it to grow.  The death of JESUS brings into full light what was hidden in hearts [Luke 2:35]; likewise it reveals the lies and the violence underlying our societies, just as it revealed those which underlay the Jewish society of HIS time.)  

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The Son Of Man Will Come At An Hour You Do Not Expect

 "'Pay attention to this: If the master of the house had known at what time the thief would come, he would not have let his house be broken into.  You also must be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.' 

Peter said, 'LORD, did you tell this parable only for us, or for everyone?'  And the LORD  replied, 'Imagine, then, the wise and faithful steward, whom the master sets over his other servants, to give them wheat at the proper time.  Fortunate is this servant if his master, on coming home, finds him doing his work.  Truly, I say to you, the master will put him in charge of all his property.

But it may be that the steward thinks, 'My LORD delays in coming,' and he begins to abuse the male servants and the servant girls, eating and drinking and getting drunk.  Then the master will come on a day he does not expect, and at an hour he doesn't know.  He will cut him off, and send him to the same fate as the unfaithful.

The servant who knew his master's will, but did not prepare and do what his master wanted, will be soundly beaten; but the one who does unconsciously what deserves punishment, shall receive fewer blows.  Much will be required of the one who has been given much, and more will be asked of the one who has been entrusted with more." - Luke 12:39-48 

(The Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.  We would not think that this refers only to the day of death, nor should we be afraid of GOD's judgment if we live in HIS grace.  JESUS tells us about the master returning from the wedding, who is so happy that he reverses the usual order and begins to serve his servants.  If we have been serving GOD for years, how could we not reach another phase of spiritual life in which it would seem that GOD is concerned only in giving and feasting with us?

Peter said: This new paragraph is aimed at those who hold responsible positions in the Church.

My LORD delays in coming.  Those in responsible positions may betray their mission.  More often, they make the mistake of seeing only to the good functioning of the institution and they forget that CHRIST is coming.

GOD comes all the time through events that, unexpectedly, ruin our plans.  Therefore, the Church must not rely too much on planning its activity: who knows what GOD has in store for us tomorrow?  Instead the Church should see to its prayer and its availability so that the LORD will let her be in the best situation when HE shakes up our little universe.

Be awake to admire, rejoice in and discover the presence of GOD and HIS blessings that enlighten our lives.)

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Happy Are Those Servants Whom The Master Finds Wide-Awake

 "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 

(JESUS develops the parable of the servant expecting his master's return.  This servant is here contrasted with the rich of the preceding paragraph [12:13] who was only concerned about a long and comfortable life.  The servant works for GOD.

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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Praise To GOD, Creator And Shepherd

 "Serve YAHWEH with gladness; come before HIM with joyful songs.

Know that YAHWEH is GOD; HE created us, and we are HIS people, the sheep of HIS fold.

Enter HIS gates with thanksgiving, HIS courts with praise.  Give thanks to HIM and praise HIS name.

For YAHWEH is good; HIS love lasts forever; and HIS faithfulness, through all generations.

- Psalm 100:2-5

(The psalm bids us rejoice in GOD, because we are utterly HIS.  From the psalmist, the glad reflection provokes an outburst of gratitude.  From those who know the Cross it should bring about a cry of wonder that GOD should have brought, what was already HIS own--that we should belong to HIM doubly.  'You are bought with a great price,' writes St. Paul; 'not with gold or silver,' Peter says, 'but with the precious blood of CHRIST' [1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18].  This psalm was born again on Calvary.  We must remember that as we sing it!)

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Faith, Endurance, Love

 "From Paul, Sylvanus and Timothy, to the church of Thessalonica, which is in GOD, the FATHER, and in CHRIST JESUS, the LORD.

May the peace and grace of GOD be with you.

We give thanks to GOD, at all times, for you, and remember you in prayers.  We constantly recall, before GOD, our FATHER, the work of your faith, the labors of your love, and your endurance, in waiting for CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

We remember, brothers and sisters, the circumstances of your being called.  The gospel we brought you was such, not only in words.  Miracles, the Holy Spirit, and plenty of everything, were given to you.  You, also, know how we dealt with you, for your sake." - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 

(Faith, endurance, love.  For us, sometimes hope [or: endurance] goes unnoticed between faith and love.  For Paul it has two important meanings:

- Those who hope bear trials and persecutions with patience and perseverance.  That is why Paul speaks of faith, perseverance and love.  As we know from the Gospel, hope is not an easy optimism; it is the capacity to endure when faced with trials.

- The person with hope looks forward to the glorious coming of CHRIST who will judge this world and take us to the next one.  HE frees us from impending trial.  In those years, all believers were convinced that judgment was imminent and that they would witness CHRIST's coming.

The gospel we brought you was such not only in words.  There were many signs, miracles and other manifestations in Thessalonica.  Perhaps GOD increased the signs in view of the coming persecution; since very soon there would not be many with adequate formation to orient the community.  In fact the Gospel cannot be proclaimed without GOD doing something to confirm it [Mark 16:17].  JESUS criticized those who came to HIM to see miracles, but HE performed miracles throughout HIS ministry.  Let us not say: "I do not need miracles to believe."  Human beings as we are, we will have quite a different enthusiasm if we see that GOD is beside us, doing the incredible to confirm HIS word.)

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To Slander Or To Blaspheme

 "'I tell you, whoever acknowledges ME before people, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of GOD.  But the one who denies ME before others will be denied before the angels of GOD.

There will be pardon for the one who criticizes the Son of Man, but there will be no pardon for the one who slanders the Holy Spirit.

When you are brought before the synagogues, and before governors and rulers, don't worry about how you will defend yourself, or what to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you have to say.'" - Luke 12:8-12 

(To slander [or: to blaspheme] the Holy Spirit is to attribute to a bad spirit a work that is manifestly good.  Those who systematically attribute bad intentions to good work done by others, by the Church, by other parties, sin against the Holy Spirit.  The one who recognizes the truth but not GOD is better off than the one who says he believes in GOD but does not recognize the truth.)

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Open And Fearless Speech

 "Meanwhile, such a numerous crowd had gathered that they crushed one another.  Then JESUS spoke to HIS disciples in this way,

'Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.  Nothing is covered that will not be uncovered; or hidden, that will not be made known.  Whatever you have said in darkness will be heard in daylight, and what you have whispered in hidden places, will be proclaimed from housetops.

I tell you, MY friends, do not fear those who put to death the body and, after that, can do no more.  But I will tell you whom to fear: Fear the one who, after killing you, is able to throw you into hell.  This one you must fear.  Don't you buy five sparrows for two pennies?  Yet not one of them has been forgotten by GOD.  Even the hairs of your head have been numbered.  Don't be afraid!  Are you less worthy in the eyes of GOD than many sparrows?" - Luke 12:1-7 

(Nothing is hidden that will not be made known: this could be interpreted in different ways.  In these paragraphs, JESUS refers to the courageous testimony of faith.  We have to speak the truth without worrying about what people will think of us.  Here hypocrisy is attributed to those who are always trying to be diplomatic, and whose primary concern is not to lose friends.

Do not fear: We are cowards and JESUS is aware of this.  HE has already said, "Do not fear," when HE invited us not to look for security in money.  Now, dealing with the fear of repression, HE adds, "If you cannot free yourselves from cowardice, consider where the greater threat comes from, from GOD or people?"

This is the only time JESUS refers to "fear of GOD."  When the Old Testament mentioned fear of GOD, it generally meant giving due respect to GOD.  Respect is far from fear.  Respect is an attitude proper to a free person.  GOD does not threaten to throw us into hell; rather HE reminds us that to lose HIM is to lose ourselves also, and this is hell.)  

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Is Not This One Of The Reasons Why So Many Simple People Go To Other Churches?

 "'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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When You Are Led By The Spirit You Are Not Under The Law

 "But when you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law.

You know what comes from the flesh: fornication, impurity and shamelessness, idol worship and sorcery, hatred, jealousy and violence, anger, ambition, division, factions, and envy, drunkenness, orgies and the like.  I again say to you what I have already said: those who do these things shall not inherit the kingdom of GOD.

But the fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy and peace, patience, understanding of others, kindness and fidelity, gentleness and self-control.  For such things there is no law or punishment.  Those who belong to CHRIST have crucified the flesh with its vices and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us live in a spiritual way." - Galatians 5:18-25 

(Paul rightly gives a short list of the works of the flesh and another of the fruits of the Spirit.  He places side by side idolatry and the ambitions or divisions so common in religious and practicing groups.  It is clear that for him flesh and Spirit are not the same as "body" and "soul": the pettiness and attachment to our privileges are also sins of the flesh, that is of people alien to the Spirit).

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Woe To You, Pharisees!

 "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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The Ninevites

 "As the crowd increased, JESUS spoke the following words: 'People of the present time are troubled people.  They ask for a sign, but no sign will be given to them except the sign of Jonah.  As Jonah became a sign for the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be a sign for this generation.  The Queen of the South will rise up on Judgment Day with the people of these times and accuse them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and here, there is greater than Solomon.  The people of Nineveh will rise up on Judgment Day with the people of these times and accuse them, for Jonah's preaching made them turn from their sins, and here, there is greater than Jonah.'" - Luke 11:29-32 

(The Ninevites, being sinners, received no other divine sign than the coming of Jonah, who invited them to repent.  JESUS' contemporaries believe they are "good" because they belong to the people of GOD, and they do not realize that the hour has come for them to repent as well.

The people of Nineveh will rise up with these people and accuse them.  JESUS again uses the traditional image of collective judgment where each one excuses himself by pointing out that others have done worse.  This image retains a deep truth: all that GOD has given to each one of us should produce fruits for all humanity.)

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"The Banquet Of The Elect"

 "On this mountain YAHWEH Sabaoth will prepare for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, meat full of marrow, fine wine strained.

On this mountain HE will destroy the pall cast over all peoples, this very shroud spread over all nations, and death will be no more.  The LORD YAHWEH will wipe away the tears from all cheeks and eyes; HE will take away the humiliation of HIS people all over the world:

for YAHWEH has spoken.

On that day you will say: This is our GOD.  We have waited for HIM to save us, let us be glad and rejoice in HIS salvation.  For in this mountain the hand of YAHWEH rests." - Isaiah 25:6-10 

(The text recalls that this victory is only one stage: the great hope is "the banquet of the elect" after the judgment when GOD will destroy death.  John will use these images in Revelation 7:17 and 21:4.)

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Blessed Is The One Who Gave YOU Birth!

 "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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Righteousness Or Justification

 "Understand, then, that those who follow the way of faith are sons and daughters of Abraham.

The Scriptures foresaw that, by the way of faith, GOD would give true righteousness to the non-Jewish nations.  For GOD's promise to Abraham was this: In you shall all the nations be blessed.  So, now, those who take the way of faith receive the same blessing as Abraham, who believed; but those who rely on the practice of the law are under a curse, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who does not always fulfill everything written in the law.

It is plainly written that no one becomes righteous in GOD's way, by the law: by faith the righteous shall live.  Yet the law gives no place to faith, for according to it: the one who fulfills the commandments shall have life through them.

CHRIST rescued us from the curse of the law, by becoming cursed HIMSELF, for our sake, as it is written: there is a curse on everyone who is hanged on a tree.  So the blessing granted to Abraham, reached the pagan nations in, and, with CHRIST, as we received the promised Spirit, through faith." - Galatians 3:7-14 

(Righteousness or justification.  Like in Romans Paul will use this word abundantly.  It means that through faith we are set right with GOD and our self is re-ordered so as to enter HIS ways.)

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We Are Saved By Faith

 "How foolish you are, Galatians!  How could they bewitched you after JESUS CHRIST has been presented to you as crucified?  I shall ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by the practice of the law, or by believing the message?  How can you be such fools: you begin with the Spirit and end up with the flesh!

So, you have experienced all this in vain!  Would that, it were not so!  Did GOD give you the Spirit, and work miracles among you because of your observance of the law, or because you believed in HIS message?" - Galatians 3:1-5 

(A good number of these Galatians are of Jewish origin, the others already have some notion of the Old Testament that it is read in Church meetings [the New Testament does not yet exist].  Paul then will recall first their own experience in baptism, when they received the Spirit; he will later interpret this experience in reading the Old Testament.

You begin with the Spirit and end up with the flesh.  This phrase has a double meaning.  First the Galatians experienced the working of the Holy Spirit and HIS miracles and now they want to receive circumcision in the flesh.  In another sense, they started with the truth of GOD that was in JESUS: that is "the Spirit."  Now they go back to Jewish observances which, though they come from GOD, many times remained, as any religious practice, at a human level: the flesh.

Those who disturbed the Galatians said: you belong to CHRIST, but CHRIST is a descendant of Abraham and a Jew.  Then follow Abraham and do as the Jews do: and so, along with CHRIST, you will be children of Abraham.  Paul reports that one is not a son of Abraham or a son of GOD by race: this is a point that he develops more in Romans 4.

Let us not think that such prejudices have disappeared.  There are some who think they are Catholics because they have been baptized at birth: they forget that without faith, Baptism is meaningless.)

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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 led 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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To Reveal In Me HIS Son

 "You have heard of my previous activity in the Jewish community; I furiously persecuted the Church of GOD and tried to destroy it.  For I was more devoted to the Jewish religion than many fellow Jews of my age, and I defended the traditions of my ancestors more fanatically.

But one day, GOD called me, out of HIS great love, HE, who had chosen me from my mother's womb; and HE was pleased to reveal, in me, HIS Son, that I might make HIM known among the pagan nations.  Then, I did not seek human advice nor did I go up to Jerusalem, to those who were apostles before me.  I immediately went to Arabia, and from there, I returned, again, to Damascus.  Later, after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to meet Cephas, and I stayed with him for fifteen days.  But I did not see any other apostle except James, the LORD's brother.  On writing this to you, I affirm before GOD that I am not lying.

After that, I went to Syria and Cilicia.  The churches of CHRIST in Judea did not know me personally; they had only heard of me: 'He, who once persecuted us, is now preaching the faith he tried to uproot.'  And they praised GOD because of me." - Galatians 1:13-24 

(To reveal in me HIS Son.  Paul has not only "seen" CHRIST, he discovered HIM intimately present in himself.  The risen CHRIST, Word and Wisdom of GOD, gave him in a unique illumination all the truth of faith [not all the truths which are only partial aspects which we may discover in different stages of life].

The case of Paul, whom CHRIST called directly, is special.  Yet we see that Paul did not impose himself on the Church.  CHRIST sent him to ask Ananias for baptism.  Later he saw "Cephas" [the Aramean name for Peter], recognized head of the Church, and James, responsible for the Church of Jerusalem.  This "union" or "communion" is indispensable for acting in the name of the Church.)

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There Is No Other Gospel

 "I am surprised at how quickly you have abandoned GOD, who called you, according to the grace of CHRIST, and have gone to another gospel.  Indeed, there is no other gospel, but some people, who are sowing confusion among you, want to turn the gospel of CHRIST upside down.

But even if we, ourselves, were giving you another gospel, different from the one we preached to you, or if it were an angel from heaven, I would say: let GOD's curse be on him!  As I have said, I now say again: if anyone preaches the gospel in a way other than you received it, fire that one!  Are we to please humans or obey GOD?  Do you think that I try to please people?  If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of CHRIST.

Let me remind you, brothers and sisters, that the gospel we preached to you is not a human message, nor did I receive it from anyone, I was not taught of it; but it came to me, as a revelation from CHRIST JESUS." - Galatians 1:6-12 

(I am surprised at how quickly you have abandoned GOD... and have gone to another gospel.  There  are many ways of preaching the Gospel and making of it a different one, no longer the Good News given by GOD through JESUS.  Some of the Galatians who were of Jewish origin did not understand it.  The style of life, in appearance more religious, that they were trying to impose on the community, was in fact a way of doubting JESUS, who alone is Savior.

The one we preached to you.  Astonishing words for us who are used to receiving different points of view: was Paul then infallible?  He knew he was bearer, not only of the word of GOD, but also of the "truth of the Gospel."  In fact the faith of the Church has always been the faith of the apostles: we believe in JESUS as the apostles believed, understood and taught.  It is impossible to make this a subject of discussion without departing from the Christian faith.  The doctrine received from the apostles and guarded by the Church is what we call Tradition.

The enemies of Paul criticize his authority saying that he was not an apostle like those JESUS had chosen.  Paul will then briefly recall his itinerary: see on this subject Acts 9:1-31.)

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Fill Your Minds With Whatever Is Truthful, Holy, Just, Pure, Lovely And Noble

 "... do not be anxious about anything.  In everything, resort to prayer and supplication, together, with thanksgiving, and bring your requests before GOD.  Then, the peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in CHRIST JESUS.

Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with whatever is truthful, holy, just, pure, lovely and noble.  Be mindful of whatever deserves praise and admiration.  Put into practice what you have learned from me, what I passed on to you, what you heard from me or saw me doing, and the GOD of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:6-9 

(Fill your minds with whatever is truthful, holy, just, pure, lovely and noble.  Paul continuously repeats that it is not enough to avoid what is forbidden.  Let us discover this free and open attitude of a believer who knows that GOD speaks to him in a thousand ways through others.  how many examples each day!  What great, noble and true things there are in this world about which we speak negatively!  Let us accept what is good, wherever we find it, even among unbelievers.)

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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, FATHER, 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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I AM Sending An Angel Before You

 "See, I AM sending an angel before you to keep you safe on the way and bring you to the place I have made ready.

Be on your guard in his presence and listen to him; do not resist him for he will not pardon your wrongdoing, for MY name is in him.

If you listen to him and do what I say, I will be the enemy to your enemies and the opponent of your opponents.  MY angel will go before you and bring you to the land of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites; all these I will destroy." - Exodus 23:20-23 

(See, I AM sending an angel before you.  It is very difficult to speak adequately of GOD's Providence for us.  Am I to say every moment: "This is the work of GOD?"  Here Scripture speaks of the "angel" that GOD sent before Israel.  It is a way of saying that GOD protected and guided HIS own people, availing HIMSELF of countless, visible and invisible intermediaries.)

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Appeal Of An Upright Person

 "Hear a just cause, O YAHWEH,

listen to my complaint.

Give heed to my prayer,

for there is no deceit on my lips.

Let my defense come forth from YOU;

YOUR eyes see what is right.

YOU have probed my heart,

searched me at night,

tested me by fire,

and YOU have seen no wickedness in me.

I have not sinned by my words

as others do;

I have kept YOUR word

and followed YOUR ways.

Hold firm my steps upon YOUR path,

that my feet may not stumble.

I call on YOU, YOU will answer me, O GOD;

incline YOUR ear and hear my word.

For YOU do wonders for YOUR faithful,

YOU save those fleeing from the enemy

as they seek refuge at YOUR right hand."

- Psalm 17:1-7

(GOD is appealed to as a Judge.  Few would dare to do this but the psalmist is sure of his worthiness.  This assurance would be arrogant if there were no salutary self-mistrust--but there is.  Indeed, it is constant source of surprise for those who think of Judaism as a 'religion of works,' to find how often the responsibility is thrown to GOD.  From the earliest days this responsibility has been perceived on a national scale.  Only GOD could restore the fortunes of HIS people.  But in this individual lament, as in so many others, GOD is asked to do all the work, not for the nation but for the lonely psalmist.  We are very near to the true conception of what we call 'grace,' to the idea of a GOD without whom we can do nothing and in whose strength we can do everything.

The Psalmist in living in righteousness, justly asks GOD for HIS protection and the eternal reward of seeing GOD's face.  JESUS has assured us of a treasure in heaven in Matthew 19:12, when we follow all the commandments and become CHRIST-like.)

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