Do Not Divide The Church

 "Do not deceive yourselves.  If anyone of you considers himself wise in the ways of the world, let him become a fool, so that he may become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in GOD's eyes.  To this, Scripture says: GOD catches them in their own wisdom.  It also says: The LORD knows the reasoning of the wise, that it is useless.

Because of this, let no one boast about human beings, for everything belongs to you; Paul, Apollos, Cephas--life, death, the present and the future.  Everything is yours, and you, you belong to CHRIST, and CHRIST is of GOD." - 1 Corinthians 3:18-23

(Everything is yours and you belong to CHRIST.  We have here a decisive word on Christian freedom.

On the other hand, remember what non-believing philosophers have said: People created GOD out of their own misery.  Whatever was lacking in order for them to feel great and happy, they attributed to a superior being, who had everything.  In worshiping HIM, they felt identified with HIM and forgot their own misery.  This theory is not completely false: in fact, people make idols for themselves, be they singers, athletes or politicians; and they feel happy when their idols have and do everything, they themselves cannot do or have.  They die for causes not their own and they feel proud of people and institutions that exploit them.  A Christian is wary of authority becoming idols: he exists and thinks for himself.  Even in the Church he is face to face with GOD with no other intermediary but CHRIST, and he does not indulge in the cult of personalities.)

On-Site

JESUS Is A Model Missionary

 "Leaving the synagogue, JESUS went to the house of Simon.  His mother-in-law was suffering from high fever, and they asked HIM to do something for her.  Bending over her, HE rebuked the fever, and it left her.  Immediately, she got up and waited on them.

At sunset, people suffering from many kinds of sickness were brought to JESUS.  Laying HIS hands on each one, HE healed them.  Demons were driven out, howling as they departed from their victims, 'YOU are the Son of GOD!'  HE rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, for they knew HE was the Messiah.

JESUS left at daybreak and looked for a solitary place.  People went out in search of HIM, and finding HIM, they tied to dissuade HIM from leaving.  But HE said, 'I have to go to other towns, to announce the good news of the kingdom of GOD.  That is what I was sent to do."  And JESUS continued  to preach in the synagogues of Galilee. - Luke 4:38-44 

(JESUS is a model missionary.  HE no sooner gathers a few believers together than they want to keep HIM for themselves, either because they see in HIM a true prophet, or want to form a true community under HIS guidance.

JESUS, however, leaves the task of shepherding [in the sense of guiding a specific community to others, because HE has many more people in mind still awaiting the Gospel)

On-Site

Who Has Known The Mind Of GOD So As To Teach HIM?

 "GOD has revealed it to us, through HIS Spirit, because the Spirit probes everything, even the depth of GOD.

Who, but HIS own spirit, knows the secrets of a person?  Similarly, no one, but the Spirit of GOD, knows the secrets of GOD.  We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from GOD and, through HIM, we understand what GOD, in HIS goodness, has given us.

So we speak of this, not in terms inspired by human wisdom, but in a language taught by the Spirit, explaining a spiritual wisdom to spiritual persons.  The one who remains on the psychological level does not understand the things of the Spirit.  They are foolishness for him; and he does not understand, because they require a spiritual experience.  On the other hand, the spiritual person judges everything, but no one judges him.  Who has known the mind of GOD so as to teach HIM?  But we have the mind of CHRIST." - 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 

(Christian faith proposes that which no human doctrine, no religion could have given us.  At times, comparing ourselves with those who follow a spiritual way outside Christianity, it would seem that we are saying the same thing with different word.  This is partly true regarding our attitudes and our choices in life, but we should not be afraid to confess the riches GOD has given us in CHRIST: HIS Spirit gives us what no one has ever penetrated.

Such knowledge is not intellectual, it is a gift of the Spirit that sows and develops in us the one and only truth.  It is very difficult to give an explanation of a truly spiritual experience.  We can only speak of wisdom to those who have attained a certain spiritual level.  That is why Paul tells the Corinthians that most of them are unable to criticize him.

The one who remains on the psychological level.  [Paul says precisely: "the psychic man"] does not reach the truth of CHRIST.  However the spiritual person, not necessarily the intellectual person, knows by gift of GOD the things of GOD.

The spiritual person judges everything but no one judges him.  He who sees has no way of convincing the blind person that there are colors.  He sees them, however, and knows that if the blind person does not see them, it is not because the thing is doubtful, but because the blind person has neither eyes nor criteria for that.  It is the same with the spiritual person and the carnal one.)

On-Site

I Myself Came Weak, Fearful And Trembling

 "When I came to reveal to you the mystery of GOD's plan, I did not count on eloquence or on a show of learning.  I was determined, not to know anything among you, but JESUS, the Messiah, and a crucified Messiah.  I, myself, came; weak, fearful and trembling; my words, and preaching, were not brilliant, or clever to win listeners.  It was, rather, a demonstration of spirit and power, so, that, your faith might be a matter, not of human wisdom, but of GOD's power." - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 

(I myself came weak, fearful and trembling.  Paul indeed must have felt weak when for the first time he was bringing the Gospel to a brilliant Greek city well used to slavery and immorality.  We experience the same feelings towards the evangelization of the modern world; preparation is important but what is it to prepare ourselves?  Paul invites us to accept the mystery of the cross and to find there the strength of the Spirit.

It was a demonstration of spirit and power.  The power of spirit, the power of prayer, the power of suffering.  The Spirit is poured out after JESUS has suffered and died.  With HIM, we can expect everything.  Healings and miracles are worthless [and the devil takes advantage of them] unless they affirm faith in JESUS crucified, acting through the humble, and present in the poor.)

On-Site 

The First Places

 "One Sabbath JESUS had gone to eat a meal in the house of a leading Pharisee, and HE was carefully watched.

JESUS then told a parable to the guests, for HE had noticed how they tried to take the places of honor.  And HE said, 'When you are invited to a wedding party, do not choose the best seat.  It may happen that someone more important than you has been invited; and your host, who invited both of you, will come and say to you, 'Please give this person your place.'  What shame is yours when you take the lowest seat!

Whenever you are invited, go rather to the lowest seat, so that your host may come and say to you, 'Friend, you must come up higher.'  And this will be a great honor for you in the presence of all the other guests.  For whoever makes himself out to be great will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.'" - Luke 14:1. 7-11 

(Here JESUS develops a biblical proverb inviting us to be modest in social gatherings [Proverbs 25:6-7].  Such behavior befits GOD's children.  Whatever the area of human activity may be, we should let others seek the first place, while stepping on other people as they do so.  We know that what matters is not what is seen: GOD knows how to exalt the humble and place them where it best suits him.

Moreover, when we go from the earthly church to the kingdom of heaven, there will be changes in who occupies the first places.  Someone who was pope, or bishop or a prominent "Catholic" may count less than the little old lady who was selling newspapers.)

On-Site  

See Whom GOD Has Called

 "Brothers and sisters, look and see whom GOD has called.  Few among you can be said to be cultured or wealthy, and few belong to noble families.  Yet GOD has chosen what the world considers foolish, to shame the wise; HE has chosen what the world considers weak, to shame the strong.  GOD has chosen common and unimportant people, making use of what is nothing, to nullify the things that are, so, that, no mortal may boast before GOD.  But, by GOD's grace, you are in CHRIST JESUS, who has become our wisdom from GOD, and who makes us just and holy and free.  Scripture says: Let the one who boasts boast of the LORD." - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 

(See whom GOD has called.  The Church of Corinth is formed of ordinary people: this is their strength.  Everybody has his place and his mission in the Church.  Ordinary people and poor communities, often persecuted and calumniated, have a primary role in the evangelization of the world.  GOD wants them to evangelize the rich and at times, even the hierarchy.)  

On-Site 

The Folly Of The Cross

 "For CHRIST did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim HIS gospel.  And not with beautiful words!  That would be like getting rid of the cross of CHRIST.  The language of the cross remains nonsense for those who are lost.  Yet for us who are saved, it is the power of GOD, as Scriptures says: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and make fail the foresight of the foresighted.  Masters of human wisdom, educated people, philosophers, you have no reply!  And the wisdom of this world?  GOD let it fail.

At first, GOD spoke the language of wisdom, and the world did not know GOD through wisdom.  Then GOD thought of saving the believers, through the foolishness that we preach.

The Jews ask for miracles and the Greeks for a higher knowledge, while we proclaim a crucified Messiah.  For the Jews, what a great scandal!  And for the Greeks, what nonsense!  But HE is CHRIST, the power of GOD, and the wisdom of GOD, for those called by GOD among both Jews and Greeks.

In reality, the "foolishness" of GOD is wiser than humans, and the "weakness" of GOD is stronger than humans." - 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 

(CHRIST did not send me to baptize.  When the Church is fully absorbed in its own problems, Paul reminds them of their mission: Is our first concern to preach the Gospel, or to dispute for the posts of guides and ministers of the community?

Even if these Christians in Corinth are not great "intellectuals," as good Greeks that they are, they enjoy fine discourses and want to be seen as cultured persons.  At this time throughout the Roman Empire people are in search of esoteric doctrines and some people in the Church see in faith the means of acceding to a higher knowledge.  So Paul will tell them that all Christian wisdom is contained in the cross.

That would be like getting rid of the cross of CHRIST.  The cross should be present in the message we preach and in the way we preach it.)

On-Site       

The Hope That Maintains The "Tone" Of Faith Is The Return Of CHRIST

 "From Paul, called to be an apostle of CHRIST JESUS, by the will of GOD, and from Sosthenes, our brother, to GOD's Church which is in Corinth; to you, whom GOD has sanctified in CHRIST JESUS, and called, to be holy, together, with those, who, everywhere, call upon the name of our LORD CHRIST JESUS, their LORD and ours.

Receive grace, and peace from GOD, our FATHER, and CHRIST JESUS, our LORD.

I give thanks, constantly, to my GOD, for you, and for the grace of GOD given to you, in CHRIST JESUS.  For you have been fully enriched, in HIM, with words, as well as with knowledge, even as the testimony concerning CHRIST was confirmed in you.  You do not lack any spiritual gift and only await the glorious coming of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD.  HE will keep you steadfast to the end, and you will be without reproach, on the day of the coming of our LORD JESUS.  The faithful GOD will not fail you, after calling you to this fellowship with HIS Son, CHRIST JESUS, our LORD." - 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 

(From Paul called to be an apostle.... to GOD's church which is in Corinth... with those who everywhere call upon the name of our LORD CHRIST JESUS.  With these three expressions Paul defends his authority.  He reminds the Corinthians, so easily entrenched in their rivalries, that they are part of a greater reality, the Universal Church of GOD.

Called to be holy.  You have to become holy, but you already are.  Holy, in the biblical sense, is the person or thing that belongs to GOD.  The baptized have been consecrated to GOD and form part of the people who belong to GOD, the assembly of the holy ones, which is the Church.

GOD's call does not allow them to remain as they are.  Their conscience readily adapted to the moral norms of their milieu, but now, GOD's call demands a renunciation of a certain vision of existence based on 'the natural.'  They will have to be orientated, as best they can, towards an ideal of life found in the person of CHRIST.

In CHRIST.  A single Greek preposition used by Paul is to be translated into English as in or through or with, according to the case.  "In CHRIST" has many meanings:

- We are sons and daughters of GOD, made after the image of the only Son of GOD, and GOD loves us in CHRIST.

- GOD the FATHER saves us through CHRIST.

- The FATHER calls us to share with CHRIST HIS inheritance.

- We have become part of the body of CHRIST; we live in CHRIST and have received HIS Spirit.

- The word "Christian," used for the first time in Antioch [Acts 11:26] to denote the disciples of CHRIST, was still not widely used; often in CHRIST means Christian.  So "marry in CHRIST" signified "to marry in a Christian way."

See Paul's acts of thanksgiving in verses 4-9: what certitude of riches present in a community where all is far from perfect!

In his advice to the Corinthians, Paul shows us how to act when reviewing the activities of our parish or our apostolic group.  Instead of being discouraged by the problems we face and accusing one another when something fails, the first thing to do is to remember what we already have in common.

These communities, in fact, like our own had to face their problems and their weakness.  Each generation of Christians must learn to follow JESUS and "build Church," or better still "be Church."

HE will keep you steadfast to the end.  The hope that maintains the "tone" of faith is the return of CHRIST.  The first Christian generation expected to witness HIS glorious coming: HE would judge the world and take HIS own with HIM [1 Thessalonians 4:13].)

On-Site

"Can Anything Good Come From Nazareth?"

 "Philip found Nathanael and said to him, 'We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law, and the prophets: HE is JESUS, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.'

Nathanael replied, 'Can anything good come from Nazareth?'  Philip said to him, 'Come and see.'  When JESUS saw Nathanael coming, HE said of him, 'Here comes an Israelite, a true one; there is nothing false in him.'  Nathanael asked HIM, 'How do YOU know me?'  And JESUS said to him, 'Before Philip called you, you were under the fig tree, and I saw you.'

Nathanael answered, 'Master, YOU are the Son of GOD!  YOU are the king of Israel!'  But JESUS replied. 'You believe because I said, 'I saw you under the fig tree.'  But you will see the heavens opened, and the angels of GOD ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.'" - John 1:45-51 

(These two disciples recognized JESUS.  It would be more exact to say that JESUS recognized those whom the FATHER had entrusted to HIM.  Thus HE recognized Nathanael when he was under the fig tree.  Among the Jews, this expression referred to a teacher of the law engaged in teaching religion, since ordinarily they taught under the shade of a tree.  In the same way, JESUS recognized Simon whom the FATHER chose to be the first Rock of the Church [Matthew 16:13].)

On-Site

The Defenders Of The Faith

 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You do not forget the mint, anise and cumin seeds when you demand the tenth of everything; but then, you forget what is most fundamental in the law: justice, mercy and faith!  You should have done these things without neglecting the others.  Blind guides!  You strain out a mosquito, but swallow a camel.

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You fill the plate and the cup, with theft and violence, and then pronounce a blessing over them.  Blind Pharisee!  Purify the inside first, then the outside, too, will be purified." - Matthew 23:23-26 

(How could JESUS call such men hypocrites when they were so versed in the knowledge of the Scriptures?

In the language of JESUS, the word "hypocrite" equally denotes what is superficial as well as the one who makes light of what is of GOD.  Obviously not all the Pharisees were hypocrites; but JESUS denounces a frequent deformation in the religious elite.  HE calls us to be wary of those institutions born of possessors of wealth and culture who aspire to direct others--and the Church--without having learned from the poor or practiced true humility.

The mystery of GOD is so deep that no one can present himself as HIS lieutenant.  The Pharisees trained, taught and gained many followers in the faith but their fasts and alms were already rewarded.  Pride and love of money were given their place.)

On-Site 

Call To Praise And Worship

 "Come, let us sing to YAHWEH,

let us make a joyful sound

to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before HIM giving thanks,

with music and songs of praise.

For YAHWEH is the great GOD,

the great King above all gods.

In HIS hand, are the depths of the earth

and the mountain heights.

The sea is HIS, for HE made it,

and HIS hand shaped the dry land."

- Psalm 95:1-2. 2-3. 4-5

(GOD claimed a double kingship over Israel.  She had been created and she had been chosen.  Here, she is invited to celebrate both creation and choice.  But she is warned, too.  The flock divinely led from Egypt had disputed with Moses and tested GOD's patience by its complaints.  We may still thwart the grace of our call--it does not inevitably blossom into the glory of final choice.  Our calling is much higher than Israel's.  From the people's point of view, our election, what we call perseverance, is more sublime.  Not Moses but JESUS, is our leader now, and the 'rest' HE would take us to is not Palestine but a land which the meek inherit, a rest which is the eternal Sabbath of GOD [Hebrews 4:10].  Pray to hear not 'Never shall they enter!' but 'Come, you blessed!')

On-Site 

World-Wide Call To Praise GOD

 "Alleluia!

Praise YAHWEH, all you nations;

all you peoples, praise HIM.

How great is HIS love for us!

HIS faithfulness lasts forever."

- Psalm 117:1-2

(Less than a quarter of a psalm, but all is there: goodness (grace, favor) and fidelity (truth) that is the truth of GOD.  We can pray with this psalm, keeping in our heart the ecumenical cause.)

On-Site

The Coming Age Of Peace And Justice

 "Would, that I hear GOD's proclamation,

that HE promise peace to HIS people,

HIS saints--lest they come back to their folly.

Yet, HIS salvation is near to those who fear HIM,

and HIS glory will dwell in our land.

Love and faithfulness have met;

righteousness and peace have embraced.

Faithfulness will reach up from the earth

while justice bends down from heaven.

YAHWEH will give what is good,

and our land will yield its fruit.

Justice will go before HIM,

and peace will follow along HIS path.

- Psalm 85:9-10. 11-12. 13-14

(This psalm, written when the Israelites had returned from captivity in Babylon, adopts the most universal terms of the human vocabulary: liberty, life, joy, salvation, love, justice, peace, and happiness.  This return of the exiled Jews, however, was only one step toward authentic liberation.  Nothing is definitive and each phase in the realization of GOD's plan, leads us to another stage.  GOD's people are forever being called to go further ahead.  Even the actual reign of the risen CHRIST and the work of salvation accomplished by the Church, are only an image of the eternal kingdom.  Salvation comes from GOD, but is brought by a man, CHRIST, freely welcomed by a woman in the name of humanity.  With the Incarnation, it is not possible to believe in GOD, without believing in humankind.)

On-Site

GOD's Inexhaustible Love

 "Let the redeemed of YAHWEH say this, those HE redeemed from the hand of the foe, those HE gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.

Some strayed in the wilderness and were lost, far away from the city.

They wandered about hungry and thirsty, their lives ebbing away.

Then they cried to YAHWEH in anguish, and HE rescued from their distress.

HE led them by a straight way, to a city where they could dwell.

Let them thank YAHWEH for HIS love and wondrous deeds for humans.

HE quenches the thirst of the soul and satisfies the hunger of the heart."

- Psalm 107:2-3. 4-5. 6-7. 8-9

(What we call 'redemption' comes to us in two stages--one already achieved but the other not yet, not till the end of our lives.  We are a pilgrim Church, and we still have to pass through the desert.  We are still, in some degree, bound by the chains of sin, and we have a stormy passage to make.  But the first stage of salvation is the guarantee of the second, and we pass through all this confident of GOD's protection.  

Whoever prays with this psalm will acquire wisdom, nourished by memory and unceasing meditation on the love that GOD shows us throughout history and life.)

On-Site

A New Heart

 "I will make known the holiness of MY great name, profaned among the nations because of you; and they will know that I AM YAHWEH, when I show them MY holiness among you.

For I will gather you from all the nations and bring you back to your own land.  Then I shall pour pure water over you and you shall be made clean--cleansed from the defilement of all your idols.  I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.  I shall remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  I shall put MY spirit within you and move you to follow my decrees and keep MY laws.  You shall live in the land I gave your ancestors; you shall be MY people and I will be your GOD." - Ezekiel 36:23-28 

(I shall give you a new heart.  Many think it impossible to change the human heart.  Because some have no hope of changing human beings, they accept people as they are, preferring to overlook mediocrity and sinfulness.  Others become bitter about everything and everyone.

This new heart is precisely what GOD offers in this text, quite similar to Jeremiah 31:31 and Ezekiel 11:19.  The experience of the Jewish people showed that human beings are weak and unable to follow the commandments.  Yet if an individual knows GOD personally, to the point of sharing intimately in GOD's life, is there no possibility of change and renewal?

This is the meaning of conversion.  To be converted means to come back to GOD after having been away from HIM.  First, there is a change that takes place in the heart, that is to say, in the innermost part of the human being.  Then, there is a change of mentality and attitude.  In fact, it is GOD who converts people, by loving them, attracting them and giving them HIS Spirit, which transforms them into new beings.  I will take away your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  This will be the new Covenant.)

On-Site

"The Last Will Be First, The First Will Be Last."

 "'This story throws light on the kingdom of heaven: A landowner went out early in the morning, to hire workers for his vineyard.  He agreed to pay each worker the usual daily wage, and sent them to his vineyard.

He went out again, at about nine in the morning, and, seeing others idle in the town square, he said to them, 'You also, go to my vineyard, and I will pay you what is just.'  So they went.

The owner went out at midday, and, again, at three in the afternoon, and he made the same offer.  Again he went out, at the last working hour--the eleventh--and he saw others standing around.  So he said to them, 'Why do you stand idle the whole day?'  They answered, 'Because no one has hired us.'  The master said, 'Go, and work in my vineyard.'

When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the workers and pay them their wage, beginning with the last and ending with the first.'  Those who had gone to work at the eleventh hour came up, and were each given a silver coin.  When it was the turn of the first, they thought they would receive more.  But they, too, received one silver coin.  On receiving it, they began to grumble against the landowner.

They said, 'These last, hardly worked an hour; yet, you have treated them the same as us, who have endured the heavy work of the day and the heat.'  The owner said to one of them, 'Friend, I have not been unjust to you.  Did we not agree on one silver coin per day?  So, take what is yours and go.  I want to give to the last the same as I give to you.  Don't I have the right to do as I please with what is mine?  Why are you envious when I am kind?'

So will it be: the last will be first, the first will be last.'" - Matthew 20:1-16 

(Many are surprised at this parable.  They find it unfair to give the same reward to everyone, without taking into account the labor and sacrifices of everyone.

Without doubt JESUS wanted to shock us nd shatter the idea we obstinately cling to: that we have merits that GOD must recognize.  However we should pay closer attention to the story: JESUS makes a comparison, not of several laborers, but of several groups of laborers.  Each group represents a nation or a social class, and while some of them have long ago received the word of GOD, others have just become believers.

All throughout history, GOD has been calling different people to work in HIS vineyard.  HE called Abraham first and placed his descendants in charge of his work in the world.  Later on, during the time of Moses many others joined his group in order to leave Egypt and that has continued throughout history.  The elders never cease to claim their right to receive better treatment than the others.  Actually the vineyard has not been confided to them exclusively.

Then, with the coming of CHRIST, the Gospel was brought to other nations that were until then pagan.  They came into the Church and shaped Christianity.  They also claimed to be owners of the kingdom of GOD and the Church.

To this day, there are also social groups that are amazed  when the Church criticizes their demand for privileges and does not assign them the first benches in the temple for they had always believed that the Church was theirs.

In this parable, all are treated on equal terms and receive one silver coin each.  Let them be happy for having been invited to work, as they were unemployed.)

On-Site

"For Human Beings It Is Impossible, But For GOD All Things Are Possible."

 "JESUS said to HIS disciples, 'Truly I say to you: it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Yes, believe ME: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for the one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.'

On hearing this, the disciples were astonished and said, 'Who, then, can be saved?'  JESUS looked at them and answered, 'For human beings it is impossible, but for GOD all things are possible.'

Then Peter spoke up and said, 'YOU see, we have given up everything to follow YOU.  What, then, will there be for us?'

JESUS answered, 'You, who have followed ME, listen to MY words: on the Day of Renewal, when the Son of Man sits on HIS throne in glory, you, also, will sit, on twelve thrones, to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.  As for those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or property for MY Name's sake, they will receive a hundredfold, and be given eternal life.  Many who are now first, will be last, and many who are now last, will be first.'" -  Matthew 19:23-30 

(Finally there is the question that bothers us most for all that touches money affects us deeply, and it is there that the Gospel shocks us: it is easier for a camel...

The call of the rich young man has always been considered the model of the religious, apostolic vocation.  Without effective, voluntary poverty a person will never attain union with GOD that is the goal of the true religious.  Besides, as long as the apostles share the life of comfortable people, they will be able to be their friends but they will never have deep conversions nor will they during this time reach the immense world of the poor.

The problem of poverty is also at the heart of the family in today's world: for the greater number, believers or non-believers, the joys and blessings that GOD showers on a large family will only be given to those who have ceased to evaluate everything according to the criteria of money and security.)

On-Site

Then The End Will Come, When CHRIST Delivers The Kingdom To GOD The FATHER

 "Then, the end will come, when CHRIST delivers the kingdom to GOD the FATHER, after having destroyed every rule, authority and power.  For HE must reign and put all enemies under HIS feet.  The last enemy to be destroyed will be death.  As Scripture says: GOD has subjected everything under HIS feet.

When we say that everything is put under HIS feet, we exclude, of course, the FATHER, who subjects everything to HIM.  When the FATHER has subjected everything to HIM, the Son will place HIMSELF under the One who subjected everything to HIM.  From then on, GOD will be all in all." - 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 

(Then the end will come, when CHRIST delivers the kingdom to GOD the FATHER.  Here again, let us leave aside simplistic images.  Let us remember that there is only one GOD.  Here, the Son is the word of GOD made flesh who has taken on HIS shoulders the whole history of humankind.  HE who is eternally returning to the FATHER from whom HE is born brings to the eternity of GOD all creation.  There will not be a re-beginning of history.  GOD will be all in all, we will receive GOD from GOD and we will have all, finally becoming ourselves.  That, surely, surpasses all we could have imagined, but Paul adds: The last enemy to be destroyed will be death.  John will say the same in Revelation [21:4].)

On-Site

Three Reasons For Remaining Steadfast Under Testing

 "What a cloud of innumerable witnesses surround us!  So, let us be rid of every encumbrance, and especially of sin, to persevere in running the race marked out before us.

Let us look to JESUS, the founder of our faith, who will bring it to completion.  For the sake of the joy reserved for HIM, HE endured the cross, scorning its shame, and then, sat at the right of the throne of GOD.  Think of JESUS, who suffered so many contradictions from evil people, and you will not be discouraged or grow weary.  Have you already shed your blood in the struggle against sin?" - Hebrews 12:1-4 

(Three reasons for remaining steadfast under testing:

- think about JESUS and HIS sufferings;

- think about "the communion of saints," that is to say, the mysterious bonds uniting all believers;

- think of the trial as a test coming from the FATHER.)

On-Site 

Let The Children Come To ME

 "Then little children were brought to JESUS, that HE might lay HIS hands on them and pray for them.  But the disciples scolded those who brought them.  JESUS then said, 'Let the children be!  Don't hinder them from coming to ME; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are humble, like these children.'  JESUS laid HIS hands on them and went away." - Matthew 19:13-15 

(JESUS, despite having no children of HIS own, opens to everyone the richness of HIS heart.  HE marvels at the mystery of life that begins full of hope, and discovers the likeness of the FATHER in every unknown child.  How could JESUS, who asks us to have hope, forget that the children are also our hope?

We must be like children in order to enter the kingdom of GOD.  We must forget our wisdom and self-sufficiency, and the bitterness of past experience in order to receive GOD's gifts and words in wonder and simplicity.)

On-Site

JESUS Speaks About Divorce

 "Some Pharisees approached HIM.  They wanted to test HIM and asked, 'Is a man allowed to divorce his wife for any reason he wants?'

JESUS replied, 'Have you not read, that, in the beginning, the Creator made them male and female?  And the Creator said: Therefore, a man shall leave father and mother, and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one body.  So, they are no longer two, but one body.  Let no one separate what GOD has joined.'

They asked HIM, 'Then why did Moses command us to write a bill of dismissal in order to divorce?'  JESUS replied, 'Moses knew the hardness of your hearts, so he allowed you to divorce your wives; but it was not so in the beginning.  Therefore, I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, unless it be for immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.'

The disciples said, 'If that is the condition of a married man, it is better not to marry.'  JESUS said to them, 'Not everybody can accept what you have just said, but only those who have received this gift.  There are eunuchs born so, from their mother's womb.  Some have been made that way by others.  But there are some who have given up the possibility of marriage, for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.  Let the one who can accept it, accept it.'" - Matthew 19:3-12 

(Every human society has had its laws on marriage, and it was the same for Israel.  There was then a law on divorce, in harmony with the difference of status accorded by society to man and woman; it was in Scripture [Deuteronomy 24:1].  JESUS does not want to be involved in the discussions of teachers and interpreters of the law: HE opposes this law with another word of Scripture which presents GOD's point of view regarding human attitudes which HE tolerates.

In doing this JESUS shows how HE brings the Law to "perfection" [5:17], but clearly this "Law of GOD" can only be heard by those who have received the Spirit from JESUS, a fact that is emphasized in the reaction of the disciples.

Better not to marry.  JESUS does not apologize for these demanding words.  HE only proposes something more difficult to understand.  HE praises those to whom have been given to choose celibacy as a way of life for love of the kingdom.)

On-Site 

Forgiveness Must Replace The Thirst For Revenge

 "Then Peter asked HIM, 'LORD, how many times must I forgive the offenses of my brother and sister?  Seven times?  JESUS answered, 'No, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" - Matthew 18:21-22 

(Seventy-seven times.  Compare with Genesis 4:24.  Forgiveness must replace the thirst for revenge.  This is about the forgiveness of one who returns repentant: see Luke 17:1.)

On-Site

"The Blood Of The Martyrs Is A Seed."

 "'Truly, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.

Those who love their life destroy it, and those who despise their life in this world save it even to everlasting life.

Whoever wants to serve ME, let him follow ME; and wherever I AM, there shall MY servant be also.  If anyone serves ME, the FATHER will honor him.'" - John 12:24-26 

(Unless the grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies.  JESUS will die and the universal Church will be born.  JESUS allows HIS lifeless body to be laid in the earth; on rising from the tomb, HIS same body, now glorified, will also embrace the believers united to HIM.  The life that is now HIS will be communicated to all the children of GOD.

Unless the grain dies.  This is the law for all life that will be fruitful [Mark 8:34].  The first believers were already saying: "The blood of the martyrs is a seed.")

On-Site

Who Is The Greatest?

 "At that time, the disciples came to JESUS and asked HIM, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?'

Then JESUS called a little child, set the child in the midst of the disciples, and said, 'I assure you, that, unless you change, and become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever becomes humble, like this child, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and whoever receives such a child, in MY name, receives ME.'" - Matthew 18:1-5 

(JESUS does not answer the apostles' question: Who is the greatest?  Because what matters is not to become great, but to be close to CHRIST.  In order to receive CHRIST, we must welcome HIM in the person of the little ones.)

On-Site

The Temple Tax

 "When they returned to Capernaum, the temple tax collectors came to Peter and asked him, 'Does your master pay the temple tax?'  He answered, 'Yes.'

Peter then entered the house; and immediately, JESUS asked him, 'What do you think, Simon?  Who pay taxes or tribute to the kings of the earth: their sons or strangers and aliens?'  Peter replied, 'Strangers and aliens.'  And JESUS told him, 'The sons, then, are tax-free.  But, so as not to offend these people, go to the sea, throw in a hook, and open the mouth of the first fish you catch.  You will find a coin in it.  Take the coin and give it to them for you and for ME.'" - Matthew 17:24-27 

(All the Jews paid a tax for the maintenance of the temple.

The collectors approach Peter as owner of the house where JESUS also lives.

JESUS observes the law, but takes this opportunity to give a hint as to who HE is: the collectors do not realize they are addressing "the Son,"  Notice how the LORD has control over all creatures even fish, and see also HIS intimate solidarity with Peter.

The coin mentioned was worth the temple tax.  Matthew may have had a special interest for this story because at the time he wrote Christians of Jewish origins were wondering whether they should be still paying this tax.)

On-Site 

Faith Is The Assurance Of What We Hope For, Being Certain Of What We Cannot See

 "Faith is the assurance of what we hope for, being certain of what we cannot see.  Because of their faith, our ancestors were approved.

It was by faith, that Abraham, called by GOD, set out for a country that would be given to him as an inheritance; for the parted without knowing where he was going.  By faith, he lived as a stranger in that promised land.  There, he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, beneficiaries of the same promise.  Indeed, he looked forward to that city of solid foundation, of which GOD is the architect and builder.

By faith, Sarah, herself, received power to become a mother, in spite of her advanced age; since she believed that, HE, who had made the promise, would be faithful.  Therefore, from an almost impotent man, were  born descendants, as numerous as the stars of heaven, as many as the grains of sand on the seashore." - Hebrews 11:1-2. 8-12 

(Doubts overcome those who isolate themselves.  Why do we not look at those who have gone before us, not just one or the other but the mass of witnesses: all cannot be illusory.

Faith is the assurance of what we hope for, being certain of what we cannot see.  The examples chosen show that faith cannot remain within us as an intimate conviction.  What matters is to act according to faith and make decisions inspired by faith.  That is why this chapter offers so many biblical examples of men and women who risked everything for faith.  We cannot understand the obedience of Abraham unless he had trust in GOD against all hope.  The same when Moses gave up a promising future for the impossible task of leading his people: his faith made him act in the present as if he saw what was invisible.)

On-Site

The Transfiguration

 "About eight days after JESUS had said all this, HE took Peter, John and James, and went up the mountain to pray.  And while HE was praying, the aspect of HIS face was changed, and HIS clothing became dazzling white.  Two men were talking with JESUS: Moses and Elijah.  Appearing in the glory of heaven, Moses and Elijah spoke to JESUS about HIS departure from this life, which was to take place in Jerusalem.

Peter and his companions had fallen asleep; but they awoke suddenly, and they saw HIS glory and the two men standing with HIM.  As Moses and Elijah were about to leave, Peter--not knowing what to say--said to JESUS, 'Master, how good it is for us to be here!  Let us make three tents, one for YOU, one for Moses and one for Elijah.'  And no sooner had he spoken, then a cloud appeared and covered them; and the disciples were afraid as they entered the cloud.  Then these words came from the cloud, 'This is MY Son, MY Beloved, listen to HIM.'  And after the voice had spoken, JESUS was there alone.

The disciples kept this to themselves at the time, telling no one of anything they had seen." - Luke 9:28-36. 

(Recall the divine revelation JESUS received at the beginning of HIS ministry [Luke 3:21].  This other divine manifestation JESUS receives at the Transfiguration is due to the beginning of a new stage: the Passion.

JESUS has already been preaching for two years, but there is no hope that Israel will overcome the violence that will lead to its ruin.  Even if JESUS' miracles do not convince HIS compatriots, JESUS will have to face the forces of evil: HIS sacrifice will be more effective than HIS words in arousing love and the spirit of sacrifice in all the people who will continue HIS saving work in the future.

HE took Peter, John and James with HIM: these men had a privileged place among the Twelve [Mark 1:29; 3:16; 5:37; 10:35; 13:3].  Most probably the rest of the "apostles" only reacted very slowly.  All the patience and pedagogy of JESUS did not make them grow more quickly and they were not ready to enter the cloud with HIM.

HE went up the mountain to pray.  It is quite possible that it was during a night of prayer that the event that JESUS expected took place.  This transfiguration of JESUS has first of all a meaning for HIMSELF.  JESUS did not know everything before hand; HE was not spared doubts and anxieties.  It does not seem that the FATHER manifested HIMSELF with abundant favors for HIM: JESUS served without expecting heavenly rewards.  On this occasion however HE received certitude concerning the purpose of HIS mission.

For the apostles it is a decisive witness that will help them to believe in the Resurrection.  [The letter headed "Second Letter of Peter" makes no mistake when it insists on this witness of GOD, even if done in an awkward way: 2 Peter 1:17, because it claims to be written by Peter himself].  It is a fact many persons throughout history have been considered as prophets or even as "the" prophet, but none of them have pretended to have a witness from GOD in his favor, other than his own successes.  JESUS counted on witnesses, beginning with John the Baptist.  In all biblical revelation faith is supported by these witnesses.  Here it is Moses, the founder of Israel, and Elijah, father of prophets, who recognize JESUS.

Luke tells us that Moses and Elijah spoke to JESUS about HIS departure [in Greek this is "exodus"].  JESUS then becomes the new Moses who will bring GOD's people from this world of slavery to the Promised Land.

This is MY Son.  Here, JESUS appears as the one for whom Moses and Elijah were waiting, the one for whom they had prepared, even if for this moment they can console HIM for HE still carries the weakness of our human condition.)

On-Site   

Whoever Chooses To Save His Life Will Lose It

 "Then JESUS said to HIS disciples, 'If you want to follow ME, deny yourself.  Take up your cross and follow ME.  For whoever chooses to save his life will lose it, but the one who loses his life, for MY sake, will find it.  What will one gain by winning the whole world, if he destroys his soul?  Or what can a person give, in exchange for his life?

Know, that the Son of Man will come, in the glory of HIS FATHER with the holy angels, and HE will reward each one according to his deeds.  Truly, I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death, before they see the Son of Man coming in HIS kingdom.'" -  Matthew 16:24-28 

(Whoever chooses to save his life ill lose it.  JESUS draws attention to the great option of every human life: we cannot discover GOD; we cannot make a success of life without sacrificing it.  All the rest is idle talk.  The option terrifies us in the same measure that life for us seems promising.  It is also the reason why marriage and family frighten many.

Christian freedom and happiness are found only in the joyous acceptance of the will of GOD which invites us to listen to HIS Son and follow HIM down the road and paths that HE traveled.)

On-Site

JESUS Predicts HIS Death

 "From that day, JESUS began to make it clear to HIS disciples that HE must go to Jerusalem; that HE would suffer many things from the Jewish authorities, the chief priests and the teachers of the law; and that HE would be killed and be raised on the third day.

Then Peter took HIM aside and began to reproach HIM, 'Never, LORD!  No, this must never happen to YOU!'  But HE turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind ME, Satan!  You are an obstacle in MY path.  You are thinking not as GOD does, but as people do.'" - Matthew 16:21-23 

(Get behind ME, Satan...  When Peter stands in front of JESUS to block the way to the cross, JESUS recognizes in his words the same spirit that tempted HIM in the desert.  JESUS calls him Satan, meaning tempter.  Let Peter get behind JESUS and follow HIM as is proper for a disciple.)

On-Site 

"It Is Not Right To Take The Bread From The Children And Throw It To Puppies."

 "Leaving that place, JESUS withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  A Canaanite woman from the area, came and cried out, 'LORD, Son of David, have pity on me!  My daughter is tormented by a demon.'  But JESUS did not answer her, not even a word.  So HIS disciples approached HIM and said, 'Send her away!  See how she is shouting after us.'

Then JESUS said to her, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel.'

But the woman was already kneeling before JESUS, and said, 'Sir, help me!'  JESUS answered, 'It is not right to take the bread from the children and throw it to puppies.'  The woman replied, 'That is true, sir, but even puppies eat the crumbs which fall from their master's table.'  Then JESUS said, 'Woman, how great is your faith!  Let it be as you wish.'  And her daughter was healed at that moment." - Matthew 15:21-28 

(The Jews usually looked down on pagans with marked contempt: they were the sons, the pagans were the dogs.  JESUS answered the afflicted woman repeating this well-known scornful saying.  HE said this to test the woman's faith: would she insist when it appeared that even GOD would reject her?)

On-Site

Washing Hands And Cleanness Of Heart

 "Then, some Pharisees, and teachers of the law, who had come from Jerusalem, gathered around JESUS.  And they said to HIM, 'Why don't YOUR disciples follow the tradition of the elders?  For they, they don't wash their hands before eating?'

JESUS then called the people to HIM, and said to them, 'Listen and understand: What enters into the mouth does not make a person unclean.  What defiles a person is what comes out of his mouth.'

After a while the disciples gathered around JESUS and said, 'Do YOU know that the Pharisees were offended by what YOU said?'  JESUS answered, 'Every plant which MY heavenly FATHER has not planted shall be uprooted.  Pay no attention to them!  They are blind, leading the blind.  When a blind person leads another, the two will fall into a pit.'" - Matthew 15:1-2. 10-14 

(They don't wash their hands.  The Pharisees uphold something that is excellent and which we ourselves practice.  JESUS' vision, however, goes further: all these good customs and religious practices [feasts and meditations included] easily become a smoke screen, hiding the essential from us: a constant readiness to listen to GOD's call, a simple trust in HIS mercy which alone can save us.

Using only human criteria, human societies are not able to distinguish good from evil.

For the Jewish people, the worship of GOD was everything and they felt very much concerned about exactly who and what things were worthy of being part of this worship.  Thus they made a distinction between the clean and the unclean.  JESUS shows that true purity is that of the heart. 

It could be that the code for correct behavior in our society and its numerous goodwill institutions be just a modern way of distinguishing the pure and the impure.  In the Church itself, in past centuries, there has been a tendency to attribute to sacred ministers a "purity" that reserved to them the handling of sacred things.  It is one of the reasons why in the Middle Ages Communion was not given in the hand, as had been the custom for over ten centuries.)

On-Site