Reject The Antichrist

 "My dear children, it is the last hour.  You were told that an antichrist would come; but several antichrists have already come, by which we know that it is now the last hour.

They went out from us, though they did not really belong to us.  Had they belonged to us, they would have remained with us.  So it became clear, that not all of us were really ours.

But you have the anointing from the Holy One, so that all of you have true wisdom.

I write to you, not because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you already know it, and lies have nothing in common with the truth." - 1 John 2:18-21 

(The fourth criterion: to be sure we are walking in the Light, we must reject the antichrist and remain steadfast in the faith and in what faith teaches.  The believers of John's days knew that before the glorious return of CHRIST, an antichrist would appear.  John says: the person who denies that JESUS is the CHRIST already is an antichrist.  Today there are still many people who make a distinction: on one hand the man JESUS, lost in the midst of legend and on the other hand an idealized CHRIST adored by believers.  John says: "The one who has come in history, HE HIMSELF is eternal GOD.")

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Do Not Love The World, Or What Is In It!

 "My dear children, I write this to you: you have already received the forgiveness of your sins through the name of JESUS.  Fathers, I write this to you: you know HIM who is from the beginning.  Young men, I write this to you: you have overcome the evil one.  My dear children, I write to you because you already know the FATHER.

Fathers, I write to you, because you know HIM who is from the beginning.  Young men, I write to you because you are strong, and the word of GOD lives in you who have, indeed, overcome the evil one.

Do not love the world, or what is in it.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the FATHER is not in him.

        For everything in the world--

        the craving of the flesh,

        the greed of eyes

and people boasting of their superiority--  

all this belongs to the world, not to the FATHER.

The world passes away with all its craving, but those who do the will of GOD remain for ever." - 1 John 2:12-17 

(The third criterion: not to love the world.  Note how John begins by rejoicing with his readers because they know the FATHER.  It is not a matter of hating the world that CHRIST came to save.  Yet the life and history of people manifest a deep alienation: this is the power of the evil spirit.  John calls "the world" all the evil current prevailing in it.  According to John the world is the deceitful life which people live when they cease to seek the FATHER's will and when they oppose CHRIST.  Two contrary forces coexist in this world of ours and also in people: what comes from the FATHER and is forever; and what is planned and desired by humans when they forget their condition and dignity as children of GOD: greed and pride that lead them to death.

There is something more to say about this not loving the world.  Even though all that comes from GOD is good: the sunlight, love, what emerges from human intelligence and hands, yet the whole creation is worth nothing if we compare it with GOD.

As long as we look upon the world as the great gift that GOD gave us and we feel accountable to HIM for its progress and development, the world is good for us.  As soon as we consider the world as our thing, use it or neglect it according to our fancy, or if we think we change it alone and by force, it becomes our worst enemy, an idol that enslaves us and is the source of rivalries.  Christians commit themselves to the world [first case] but not with the world [second case].  They keep their freedom as children of GOD or they are no longer sons and daughters because of their love for the world.)

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What Can We Bring To GOD, The LORD Of The World? What Gift Is Worthy Of Our GOD, Our King?

 "Sing to YAHWEH a new song,

sing to YAHWEH, all the earth!

Sing to YAHWEH, praise HIS name;

proclaim HIS salvation, day after day.

Sing to YAHWEH, praise HIS name;

proclaim HIS salvation, day after day.

Recall HIS glory among the nations,

tell all the peoples HIS wonderful deeds.

For all other gods are worthless idols,

but YAHWEH is the one who made the heavens.

Splendor and majesty go before HIM;

power and glory fill HIS Sanctuary."

- Psalm 96:1-2.2-3.5-6

(What can we bring to GOD, the LORD of the world?  What gift is worthy of our GOD, our King?  Before anything else we bring HIM praise, adoration and delighted recognition of what HE is.  We proclaim the glory of the Creator, on behalf of all creation, and we wish our praise to resound throughout the whole of creation.

The psalmist suggests that we 'bring gifts.'  If we do it with a sincere heart, then all our gifts of prayer and worship and good deeds and trust and faith and mercy and kindness and devotion will be accepted with love, and in HIS love we will forever stay.

More than on the splendor of the universe, human society is founded on justice that glorifies GOD: there is joy in creation when GOD establishes HIS kingdom among us.  Yes, joy of the universe, until then devastated by our exaggerated ambitions.  Joy of nations that have discovered why they exist!

As we continue to express our desire for the reign of GOD to come to the world, we can pray with this psalm.) 

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Thanksgiving For Help In Crisis

 "... had not YAHWEH been on our side,

when people rose up against us, 

then, they would have swallowed us alive;

such was their anger against us.

A bit more, and the flood would have engulfed us;

the torrent would have swept over us;

the raging waters would have swept us away.

Like a bird, our soul escaped

from the snare of the fowler;

the snare was broken and we were freed.

Our help is in the name of YAHWEH,

who made heaven and earth."

- Psalm 124:2-3.4-5.7-8

(Our adversary, the devil, goes around like a roaring lion: like a man swept away by a flood, like a child in a trap.  How helpless we are, how lost--except for GOD!

'If GOD is for us, who can be against us?'  Paul asks [Romans 8:31].  When we live at the limit of our smallness, the liberator of our life arises: GOD as helper.  HE sustains us.  We give thanks to HIM.

With admiration and gratitude, the people of GOD remember how they overcame their trials because GOD was with them.  An invitation to give thanks!  If we have not the heart to thank GOD, it is because we do not know how to discover the wonders in our own lives and in the world.  It is strange that in the communities of the poor and the persecuted, the prayers of thanksgiving are interminable.)

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Duties Towards Parents

"For the LORD established that children should respect their father; HE confirmed the right of the mother over her children.

Whoever honors his father atones for his sins; he who gives glory to his mother prepares a treasure for himself.

Whoever honors his father will receive joy from his own children and will be heard when he prays.

Whoever glorifies his father will have a long life.  Whoever obeys the LORD gives comfort to his mother.  He serves those who brought him to birth as he would serve the LORD.

MY child, take care of your father in his old age, do not cause him sorrow as long as he lives.

Even if he has lost his mind, have patience; do not be disrespectful to him while you are in full health.

For kindness done to one's father will never be forgotten, it will serve as reparation for your sins." - Sirach 3:2-7.12-14 

(This is the best commentary on Moses' commandment concerning children's responsibilities toward their parents.  To honor our parents means: to respect, to be understanding and to offer material assistance in their difficulties.) 

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The Martyrs

 "Be on your guard with people, for they will hand you over to their courts and they will flog you in their synagogues.  You will be brought to trial before rulers and kings because of ME, so that you may witness to them and the pagans.

But when you are arrested, do not worry about what you are to say, or how you are to say it; when the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say.  For it will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your FATHER speaking through you.

Brother will hand over his brother to death, and a father his child; children will turn against their parents and have them put to death.  Everyone will hate you because of ME, but whoever stands firm to the end will be saved." - Matthew 10:17-22 

(Maybe we must recognize that martyrdom is a grace and is not given to everyone.  Many would be ready to give their life for CHRIST, but confronted with situations of violence or corruption, they do not see the necessity to expose a scandal and so submit in order to avoid the worst.  Others, on the contrary, understand that GOD is asking them to witness to the Good News that is opposite to what is imposed.  In so doing they face the repression by which Society defends itself.  Revelation affirms that the murder of witnesses advances Salvation History.)

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The Prophets

 "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those

who bring good news,

who herald peace and happiness,

who proclaim salvation

and announce to Zion: 'Your GOD is King!'

Together YOUR watchmen 

raise their voices in praise and song:

they see YAHWEH face to face returning to Zion.

Break into shouts of joy,

O ruins of Jerusalem,

for YAHWEH consoles HIS people

and redeems Jerusalem.

YAHWEH has bared HIS holy arm

in the eyes of the nations;

all the ends of the earth, in alarm,

will witness GOD's salvation."

- Isaiah 52:7-10

(The prophets, messengers of a victorious GOD: that is the meaning of the good news.  See Romans 1:1; 2 Corinthians 2:14.)

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The Magnificent Promises Of GOD

 "I will sing forever, O YAHWEH, of YOUR love, and proclaim YOUR faithfulness from age to age.

I will declare how steadfast is YOUR love, how firm YOUR faithfulness.

YOU said, 'I have made a Covenant with David, MY chosen one; I have made a pledge to MY servant.  I establish his descendants forever; I build his throne for all generations.'

He will call on ME, 'YOU are my FATHER, my GOD, my Rock, my Savior.'

I will keep MY Covenant firm forever, and MY love for him will endure."

- Psalm 89:2-5.27.29

(Those very powerful words "love" and "faithfulness" occur not without a purpose.  JESUS has explained to us in no uncertain terms throughout the Gospels the power of these words.  If only these could become part of our daily agenda, then we can assure ourselves of happiness here on earth and eternity.

Here is a good psalm to pray in times of national or international conflict.  If a human being is injured, GOD is injured.  The love of GOD is faithful.  Despite everything, the love of GOD cannot turn back.)

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Now I AM Sending MY Messenger

"Now I AM sending MY messenger ahead of ME, to clear the way; then, suddenly, the LORD, for whom you long, will enter the Sanctuary.  The envoy of the Covenant which you so greatly desire, already comes, says YAHWEH of hosts.  Who can bear the day of his coming and remain standing when HE appears?  For he will be like fire in the foundry and like the lye used for bleaching.

He will be as a refiner or a fuller.  He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them, like gold and silver.  So YAHWEH will have priests who will present the offering as it should be.  Then YAHWEH will accept with pleasure the offering of Judah and Jerusalem, as in former days.

I AM going to send you the prophet Elijah before the day of YAHWEH comes, for it will be a great and terrible day.  He will reconcile parents with their children, and the children with their parents, so that I may not have to curse this land when I come." - Malachi 3: 1-4.23-24 

(Now I AM sending MY messenger.  To those complaining that GOD does not reveal HIS justice nor reward sufficiently those who serve HIM, Malachi responds by declaring that the LORD will come soon.  He announces the coming of a messenger of GOD who will be responsible for preparing the way for HIM, and that will be the sign of HIS coming soon.)

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The Song Of Mary

 "And Mary said,

'My soul proclaims the greatness of the LORD,

my spirit exults in GOD, my savior!

HE has looked upon HIS servant in her lowliness,

and people, forever, will call me blessed.

The Mighty One has done great things for me,

Holy is HIS Name!

From age to age, HIS mercy extends

to those who live in HIS presence.

HE has acted with power and done wonders,

and scattered the proud with their plans.

HE has put down the mighty from their thrones,

and lifted up those who are downtrodden.

HE has filled the hungry with good things,

but has sent the rich away empty.

HE held out HIS hand to Israel, HIS servant,

for HE remembered HIS mercy,

even as HE promised to our fathers,

to Abraham and his descendants forever.'

Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months, and then returned home." - Luke 1:46-56 

(The song of Mary also expresses the deepest feeling of the Christian soul.  There is a time for us to seek truth, to discover what our major duties are and to become truly and essentially human.  There is a time for asking from and serving GOD.  In the long run, we come to understand that divine love seeks out what is poorer and weaker to fill it and make it great.  Then our only prayer becomes thanks giving to GOD for HIS understanding and merciful designs.)

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Cry Out With Joy, O Daughter Of Zion; YAHWEH, The King Of Israel Is With You!

 "Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion; rejoice, O people of Israel!  Sing joyfully with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem!

YAHWEH  has lifted your sentence and has driven your enemies away.  YAHWEH, the King of Israel is with you; do not fear any misfortune.

On that day, they will say to Jerusalem: Do not be afraid nor let your hands tremble, for  YAHWEH your GOD is within you, YAHWEH, saving warrior.  HE will jump for joy on seeing you, for HE has revived HIS love.  For you HE will cry out with joy, as you do in the days of the feast.

I will drive away the evil I warned you about, and you will no longer be shamed." - Zephaniah 3:14-18 

(Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion; YAHWEH, the King of Israel, is with you; do not fear any misfortune.  In the Gospel of Luke, the same words are addressed to Mary at the Annunciation: "Rejoice, the LORD is with you.  Do not fear, Mary, you will bear the Savior" [Luke 1:28].)

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A Warning!

 "Brothers and sisters, I beg of you, to be careful of those who are causing divisions and troubles in teaching you a different teaching from the one you were taught.  Keep away from them, because those persons do not serve CHRIST our LORD, but their own interests, deceiving with their soft and entertaining language those who are simple of heart.  Everybody knows that you are very obedient, and because of that I am happy, but I want you to be sensible in doing good and firm against evil.  The GOD of peace will soon crush Satan and place him under your feet.

May CHRIST JESUS, our LORD bless you." - Romans 16:17-20  

(Brothers and sisters, I beg of you to be careful.  There is no letter of Paul without this warning against divisions and against those who preach a "different Gospel."  The doctrine of the Church is the doctrine of the apostles, the witnesses of JESUS.  There is a hierarchy, that is, a legally constituted authority, and Paul demands obedience in matters of faith.)

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Samson's Birth Foretold

 "There was a man of Zorah of the tribe of Dan, called Manoah.  His wife could not bear children.  The angel of YAHWEH appeared to this woman and said to her, 'You have not borne children and have not given birth, but see, you are to conceive and give birth to a son.  Because of this, take care not to take wine or any alcoholic drink, nor to eat unclean foods from now on, for you shall bear a son who shall be a Nazirite of YAHWEH from the womb of his mother.  Never shall his hair be cut for he is consecrated to YAHWEH.  He shall begin the liberation of the Israelites from the Philistine oppression.'

The woman went to her husband and told him, 'A messenger of GOD who bore the majesty of an angel spoke to me.  I did not ask him where he came from nor did he tell me his name.

But he said to me: 'You are to conceive and give birth to a son.  Henceforth, you shall not drink wine or fermented drinks, nor eat anything unclean, for your son shall be a Nazirite of GOD from the womb of his mother until the day of his death.'

The woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson.  The boy grew and YAHWEH blessed him.  Then the Spirit of YAHWEH began to move him when he was in Mahane Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol." - Judges 13:2-7.24-25 

(Samson seems to have been a man from the countryside who had extraordinary strength and fought on his own account against the Philistines.  Legend attributes to him numerous feats.

Samson is said to have been miraculously born of a barren couple.  This was in accordance with GOD's ways, as seen in the case of Abraham's son [Genesis 18], and in the case of Samuel [1 Samuel 1], and still later John the Baptist [Luke 1:5].

The child must be a Nazirite, i.e., consecrated to GOD, according to a very ancient rite in the Scriptures [Numbers 6:1].  This consecration to GOD is the source of his strength.)

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The Virgin Will Conceive And Bear A Son, And HE Will Be Called EMMANUEL

 "This is how JESUS CHRIST was born: Mary HIS mother had been given to Joseph in marriage, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

Then Joseph, her husband, made plans to divorce her in all secrecy.  He was an upright man, and in no way did he want to disgrace her.

While he was pondering over this, an angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.  She has conceived by the Holy Spirit, and now she will bear a son.  You shall call HIM 'JESUS' for HE will save HIS people from their sins.'

All this happened in order to fulfill what the LORD had said through the prophet: The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and HE will be called EMMANUEL, which means: GOD-with-us.  When Joseph awoke, he did what the angel of the LORD had told him to do, and he took his wife to his home.  He did not have any marital relations with her.  When she gave birth to a son, Joseph gave HIM the name JESUS." - Matthew 1:18-25 

(The wording of verse 16 should be noted.  JESUS is not the son of Joseph.  The beginning of the paragraph intends to remind us that JESUS is both a legitimate son of David through Joseph and the Son of GOD conceived through the Holy Spirit by a virgin-mother.

These short and almost bashful sentences do not dare to unveil the mystery of Mary, the virgin through whom life on earth touches GOD and offers itself as an oblation.  A messenger breaks through the night and speaks with silent words: the world is open to the active presence of GOD.

Joseph, her husband, made plans to divorce her in all secrecy.  The Gospel is not precise as to his reasons for so doing.  In any case it is unthinkable that people might have doubted Mary's fidelity.

The intervention of the angel in the Gospel is not to reassure Joseph but to inform him of his role in the plan of GOD: You shall call HIM 'JESUS', and you will receive HIM as your "son."  Joseph was a "descendant of David" and JESUS adopted by Joseph would be a legitimate descendant of David.)

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The Kingdom Of Peace

 "Let the mountains bring peace to the people, 

and the hills, justice.

HE will defend the cause of the poor,

deliver the children of the needy,

and crush the oppressor.

Justice will flower in HIS days,

and peace abound, till the moon be no more.

May HIS name endure forever;

may HIS name be as lasting as the sun.

All the races will boast about HIM;

and HE will be praised by all nations."

- Psalm 72:3-4 .7-8 .17

(Is this a picture of the future ideal king, or an idealistic picture of the reigning king?  In any case it outlines the king-Messiah as Israel would hope HIM to be: after all, every new Davidic King must have seen a potential Messiah.  The courtly compliments--if this is what they are--are quite deliberately extravagant: the whole of the inhabited earth, the soil itself, pays HIM homage.  But not unwillingly!  The king buckles on no sword as HE does in Psalm 45: there is no weapon mentioned, except the weapons of integrity and sympathy.  Surely this psalm prepares GOD's people for a king who would tell HIS followers to put the sword back in the scabbard.)

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"Fortunate Are Those Who Meet ME, And Are Not Offended By ME."

 "John's disciples informed him about all these things.  So John called two of his disciples and sent them to the LORD with this message, 'Are you the one we are expecting, or should we wait for another?'  These men came to JESUS and said, 'John the Baptist sent us to ask YOU: Are YOU the one we are to expect, or should we wait for another?'

At that time, JESUS healed many people of their sicknesses and diseases; HE freed them from evil spirits and HE gave sight to the blind.  Then HE answered the messengers, 'Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind see again, the lame walk, lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the poor are given good news.  Now, listen: Fortunate are those who meet ME, and are not offended by ME.'" - Luke 7:18-23 

(John's disciples did witness the cures, but the cures are not everything and JESUS adds: the poor hear good news because real evangelization restores hope and leaves people renewed.

The blind see, the lame walk...  The prophets foretold these signs [Isaiah 35:5] that were really something new, because in the past GOD usually manifested HIMSELF as a powerful savior.  These healings pointed to the liberation that JESUS was bringing: not punishment of sinners [which was a great part of John the Baptist's preaching] but, before all else, reconciliation suited to healing a world of sinners, of violent and resentful people.

Fortunate are those who meet ME, and are not offended by ME.  And fortunate are those who do not doubt CHRIST's salvation after seeing the fruits of evangelization.  Fortunate are those who do not say: this way is too slow.  The Gospel shows its richness in giving life to people, in restoring hope to those who have experienced weakness and sin.  It is necessary to have seen and understood that this is most important.

It does not matter if the world seems to continue to surrender to the forces of evil.  The presence of liberated people compels others to define themselves in terms of good and evil and this makes the world grow.

With this, JESUS answers the disciples of John, men who are self-sacrificing and concerned for the triumph of GOD's cause.  Perhaps they are so absorbed in their search for justice that they fail to recognize GOD's powerful working in JESUS' actions, which appeared so gentle and mild.)

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The Parable Of The Two Sons

 "JESUS went on to say, 'What do you think of this?  A man had two sons.  He went to the first and said to him, 'Son, go and work today in my vineyard.'  And the son answered, 'I don't want to.'  But later he thought better of it and went.  Then the father went to his other son and said the same thing to him.  This son replied, 'I will go, sir,' but he did not go.

Which of the two did what the father wanted?'  They answered, 'The first.'  And JESUS said to them, 'Truly, I say to you: the publicans and the prostitutes are ahead of you on the way to the kingdom of heaven.  For John came to show you the way of goodness and you did not believe him; but the publicans and the prostitutes did.  You were witnesses of this, but you neither repented nor believed him.'" - Matthew 21:28-32 

(This parable refers to the refusal of the chief priests to recognize John the Baptist as a messenger of GOD.

A good number of sinners were converted by John's preaching and confessed their sins.  Such people were well disposed to receive the message of JESUS that opened for them the kingdom of GOD and showed them the true face of GOD the FATHER.  Because of that, they were ahead of the priests, who were indifferent to John's call, for they felt neither the desire nor the need to change.

Every parish that carries out a mission experiences the same thing: many uncommitted Christians will neither work as missionaries, nor receive them, believing they do not need conversion.)

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JESUS' Response To The Authorities

 "JESUS had entered the temple and was teaching, when the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the Jewish authorities came to HIM and asked, 'What authority have YOU to act like this?  Who gave YOU authority to do all this?'

They discussed this among themselves, saying, 'If we say, 'From heaven,' HE will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?'  And if we say, 'The baptism of John was merely something human', we've got to beware of the people, for all consider John to be a prophet.'  So they answered JESUS, 'We do not know.'

And JESUS said to them, 'Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.'" - Matthew 21:23-27 

(JESUS is what we would call today a simple layman.  HE respects the priests of the people of GOD and their high priest.  HE shows however that if they want others to be accountable, for their part they must be ready to take a stand on the things of GOD when the people need this.  They had been and were unwilling to give such a response in the case of John the Baptist.)

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A Man Came, Sent By GOD

 "A man came, sent by GOD;

his name was John.

He came to bear witness,

as a witness to introduce the Light,

so that all might believe through him.

He was not the Light,

but a witness to introduce the Light;...

This was the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites to ask him, 'Who are you?'  John recognized the truth and did not deny it.  He said, 'I am not the Messiah.'

And they asked him, 'Then who are you?  Elijah?'  He answered, 'I am not.'  They said, 'Are you the Prophet?'  And he answered, 'No.'  Then they said to him, 'Tell us who you are so that we can give some answer to those who sent us.  How do you see yourself?'  And John said, 'I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the LORD!'

Those who had been sent were Pharisees; and they put a further question to John, 'Then why are you baptizing, if you are not the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?'  John answered, 'I baptize you with water, but among you stands one whom you do not know; although HE comes after me, I am not worthy to untie the strap of HIS sandal.'

This happened in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing." - John 1:6-8.19-28 

(A man came, sent by GOD.  John, the author of the Gospel, speaks to us of John the Baptist, precursor of JESUS.  The Word has truly identified HIMSELF; HE has not come with glory; HE was introduced by a word which come from HIMSELF, but remained human in John's preaching.  It was easy to reject this witness and in fact when HE came to HIS own, to the people of Israel, HIS own did not receive HIM.

The authorities wondered: "Who is this who on his own initiative has begun to preach?"  At that time, various Jewish groups "baptized," or bathed, as a means of purification and to hasten the coming of the Messiah.

Regarding John the Baptist's preaching and baptism, see Luke 3:10.

The Messiah is the name the Jews gave to the expected Savior.  They also expected the Prophet, but it was not clear whether or not the Prophet would be someone other than the Messiah.  It was believed that the prophet Elijah would reappear before the Messiah's arrival [Mark 9:11].)

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A Call To The Daughter Of Zion

 "'Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for I AM about to come, I shall dwell among you,' says YAHWEH.

'On that day, many nations will join YAHWEH and be MY people, but MY dwelling is among you.'  The people of Judah will be for YAHWEH as HIS portion in HIS holy land.  HE will choose Jerusalem again.

Keep still in YAHWEH's presence, for HE comes, having risen from HIS holy dwelling.'" - Zechariah 2:14-17 

(In the text we have one of the two calls to the captives: a call to rejoicing because GOD lives with HIS people.  We now have more motives for rejoicing.  In the Scriptures the expression Daughter of Zion is one of the many names for the people of GOD.

Zechariah foretells the new times when he says that GOD will be permanently at work in Zion, figure of the Church in which all people of the earth will gather together.)

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If You Had Obeyed MY Law!

 "Thus says YAHWEH, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I, YAHWEH, your GOD, teach you what is best for you; I lead you in the way that you must go.

Had you paid attention to MY commandments, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

Your descendants would have been like the sand, and those born of your stock like its grains, their names never cut off nor blotted out from MY presence." - Isaiah 48:17-19 

(In these verses the prophet looks at Israel's past, reminding us of what we read about the lost Paradise.  If they had obeyed, GOD's desire to lavish HIS blessings upon them would have been fulfilled, as well as GOD's promises to  Abraham.

But GOD will intervene again as the Redeemer of HIS people.)

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"The Kingdom Of Heaven Is Advancing Forcefully."

 "I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has arisen from among the sons of women; and yet, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven is something to be conquered; and violent men seize it.

Up to the time of John, there was only prophesy: all the prophets and the law.  And if you believe ME, John is indeed that Elijah, whose coming was predicted.  Let anyone with ears listen!" - Matthew 11:11-15

(No one greater than John the Baptist has arise.  This verse refers to a prophet or to a political leader.

The verse 12: This sentence could also be translated: "The kingdom of heaven is advancing forcefully."  The kingdom of GOD is the moving force that makes history progress, taking advantage of both gentle and violent changes in human life.  The believers are called to participate actively in this constant transformation.  Death and resurrection are at work among us and all over the world.)

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GOD Is A FATHER Full Of Mercy

 "Praise YAHWEH, my soul;  all my being, praise HIS holy name!

Praise YAHWEH, my soul, and do not forget all HIS kindness; HE forgives  all your sins and heals all your sickness; HE redeems your life from destruction and crowns you with love and compassion;...

YAHWEH is gracious and merciful, abounding in love  and slow to anger; HE will not always scold nor will HE be angry forever.  HE does not treat us according to our sins, nor does HE punish us as we deserve."

- Psalm 103:1-2.3-4.8-10

(The Christian lives joyfully in the paradox that our GOD is higher than the heavens, and yet, is close to us in love and mercy.  Our gratitude for HIS mercy merges naturally into a hymn of praise, for HIS greatness.  When we think how great HE is, it is not to think how far away HE is, but how much HE loves us to come down to us.

GOD is a FATHER full of mercy.  Is it necessary to quote a text from the New Testament?  A good one is that of the prodigal son [Luke 15:11-32] or the prayer of JESUS on the cross [Luke 23:34 or Romans 8:31-34].  They show us the depth of GOD's love, mercy and forgiveness.  Let us praise the LORD, together with everything created: in moments of joy, as well as in hours of sadness, both when we have strength or when we live in fragility.)

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Humanity Has Found The Way To Liberation And Salvation

 "Sing to YAHWEH a new song, for HE has done wonders; HIS right hand, HIS holy arm, has won victory for HIM.

YAHWEH has shown HIS salvation, revealing HIS justice to the nations.

HE has not forgotten HIS love, nor HIS faithfulness to Israel.  The farthest ends of the earth all have seen GOD's saving power.

All you, lands, make a joyful noise to YAHWEH, break into song and sing praise,..."

- Psalm 98:1-4

(Our LORD founded the kingdom of GOD on earth; and yet we pray: 'YOUR kingdom come.'  The work of our redemption has been accomplished, but we still pray for this salvation, to be perfected throughout the world: GOD has come; but we look for HIS final coming, to take possession of HIS kingdom.

Sing to the LORD a new song.  Humanity has found the way to liberation and salvation.  It is in the coming of CHRIST, GOD-made-man and in HIS resurrection.

For the LORD came down to earth, showed us HIS love and also by HIS death and resurrection, the path to eternal salvation.)

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Which Is Easier To Say: 'Your Sins Are Forgiven' Or 'Get Up And Walk'?

 "One day, JESUS was teaching, and many Pharisees and teachers of the law had come from every part of Galilee and Judea, and even from Jerusalem.  They were sitting there, while the power of the LORD was at work to heal the sick.  Then some men brought a paralyzed man who lay on his mat.  They tried to enter the house to place him before JESUS, but they couldn't find a way through the crowd.  So they went up on the roof, and, removing the tiles, they lowered him on his mat into the middle of the crowd, in front of JESUS.

When JESUS saw their faith, HE said to the man, 'MY friend, your sins are forgiven.'  At once the teachers of the law and the Pharisees began to wonder, 'This man insults GOD!  Who can forgive sins, but GOD alone?'

But JESUS knew their thoughts and asked them, 'Why are you reacting like this?  Which is easier to say: 'Your sins are forgiven' or 'Get up and walk'?  Now you shall know, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.'  And JESUS said to the paralyzed man, 'Get up, take your mat and go home.'  At once, the man stood before them.  He took up the mat he had been lying on, and went home praising GOD.

Amazement seized the people and they praised GOD.  They were filled with a holy fear, and said, 'What wonderful things we have seen today!'" - Luke 5:17-26 

(When JESUS forgave the paralytic, the simple people did not realize how scandalous HIS words were.  They did not have enough religious formation to realize immediately that only GOD could give absolution.  It was the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who were scandalized.  Their indignation is justified because neither they, nor the others, nor the disciples, yet understand that JESUS is the true Son of GOD.  JESUS silences them: If I restore health in the same way GOD does, should not I also forgive in the way GOD does?

JESUS disconcerts those who ask who HE is.  Better still, HE shows that only HE can save the whole person, body and soul.

Happy this man who was assured of his pardon through the glance and the words of JESUS!  GOD is HE who lives and loves and we need to meet HIM so that forgiveness can be authentic--HIS eyes meeting our eyes.  Because of this, GOD had to become human--JESUS forgives sins because HE is a Son of Man [John 5:27] and from HIM we receive the pardon both of GOD and of people within the Christian community.)

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"I Have Baptized You With Water, But HE Will Baptize You In The Holy Spirit."

 "This is the beginning of the Good News of JESUS CHRIST, the Son of GOD.  It is written in the book of Isaiah, the prophet, 'I AM sending MY messenger ahead of you, to prepare YOUR way.  Let the people hear the voice calling in the desert: Prepare the way of the LORD, level HIS paths.'

So John began to baptize in the desert; he preached a baptism of repentance, for the forgiveness of sins.  All Judea and all the people from the city of Jerusalem went out to John to confess their sins, and to be baptized by him in the river Jordan.

John was clothed in camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist.  His food was locusts and honey.  He preached to the people, saying, 'After me comes one who is more powerful than I am; I have baptized you with water, but HE will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.'" - Mark 1:1-8 

(In verses 1 to 13, Mark gives us in three short presentations three important insights about JESUS' salvation.

John the Baptist announces the coming of the One sent by GOD: this JESUS about whom the Gospel will speak to us has been announced, prepared by all the great witnesses of the Old Testament.  In HIM and by HIM GOD's salvation will be accomplished.) 

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The Coming Prosperity

 "O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem, you will weep no more.  When you cry, HE will listen; when HE hears, HE will answer.

When the LORD has given you the bread of anguish and the water of distress, HE, your teacher will hide no longer.  Your own eyes will see HIM, and your ear will listen to  HIS words behind you: 'This is the way, walk in it.'

HE will then give rain for the seed you sow and make the harvest abundant from the crops you grow.  On that day your cattle will graze in wide pastures.  Your beasts of burden will eat silage tossed to them with pitchfork and shovel.

For on the day of the great slaughter, when fortresses fall, streams of water will flow on every mountain and lofty hill.

The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun seven times greater, like the light of seven days, when YAHWEH binds up the wounds of HIS people and heals the bruises inflicted by HIS blows." - Isaiah 30:19-21.23-26 

(GOD loves us and teaches us.  This poem speaks of all the marvels to be discovered when meeting GOD through tears.)

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The People Honors ME With Words

 "The LORD then said, 'This people say they are loyal to ME; they honor ME with lip-service, while their hearts stay afar.  The worship they offer ME is useless, these are no more than traditions and human rules.

Because of this I will surprise them once more; the wisdom of the wise will be useless and the understanding of their prudent men will be at a loss.'" - Isaiah 29:13-14 

(If we cease to be seekers of GOD, if we have not orientated our life to allow GOD to enter, our religion quickly becomes a collection of beliefs and practices similar to what all social groups have, which became like elements of a school program.  JESUS will recall it in Mark 7:6.)

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Wise And Foolish Builders

 "Not everyone who says to ME, 'LORD!  LORD!' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of MY heavenly FATHER.

'Therefore, anyone who hears these words of MINE, and acts according to them, is like a wise man, who built his house on rock.  The rain poured down, the rivers flooded, and the wind blew and struck that house.  But it did not collapse, because it was built on rock.  But anyone who hears these words of MINE, and does not act accordingly, is like a fool who built his house on sand.  The rain poured, the rivers flooded, and the wind blew and struck that house; it collapsed, and what a terrible collapse that was!'" - Matthew 7:21.24-2 

(Anyone who hears these words of MINE.  JESUS means those who listen to HIS words and are converted: they believe themselves already saved.  If they do not use their initial enthusiasm to build their lives on solid foundations, such as scriptural meditation, generosity, resistance to evil inclinations, sharing in the Christian community--then everything will tumble down later.)

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Thanksgiving

 "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 on this mountain the hand of YAHWEH rests." - Isaiah 25:6-10 

(A thanksgiving to YAHWEH who has done away with the presence of the oppressor.  HIS citadel, installed, it would seem, in Jerusalem itself had been completely destroyed.  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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JESUS Gives Thanks To The FATHER

 "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 10:21-24 

(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 and prophets, have been given the better part.)

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