The Resurrection Of CHRIST Is The Pivotal Point Of The Gospel

"In fear, yet with great joy, the women left the tomb and ran to tell the news to HIS disciples.

Suddenly, JESUS met them on the way and said, 'Rejoice!'  The women approached HIM, embraced HIS feet and worshiped HIM.  But JESUS said to them, 'Do not be afraid!  Go and tell MY brothers to set out for Galilee; there, they will see ME.'

As the women proceeded on their way, some of the guards went into the city, and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.  The chief priests met with the elders and decided to give the soldiers a large sum of money, with this order, 'Say that HIS disciples came by night while you were asleep and stole the body of JESUS.  If Pilate comes to know of this, we will explain the situation and keep you out of trouble.'  The soldiers accepted the money and did as they were told.  This story has circulated among the Jews until this day." - Matthew 28:8-15 

In fear, yet with great joy, the women left the tomb and ran to tell the news to HIS disciples.

(Suddenly, JESUS met them on the way.  It is obvious that Matthew is combining two different events; one, the discovery of the empty tomb, and the other, which happened later on, the apparition of JESUS to Mary Magdalene alone as related in John 20:11-18.

Set out for Galilee.  Why did JESUS say this date if HE was going to appear later that same day in Jerusalem? [Luke 24:13-42].  It is not clear.  Probably the evangelists combined several apparitions to simplify their narration.  Anyway, time was needed for the apostles to believe in the Resurrection and understand something about it.  After the two apparitions in Jerusalem, in which JESUS tried to convince them that HE was not a phantom or a spirit, they would have to return to their provinces and environments, far away from the city that had caused them such trauma, in order to ponder what they had experienced.  In Galilee, JESUS will manifest HIMSELF differently, making them understand that HE is already glorified, that HIS existence is earthly no more.

The resurrection of CHRIST is the pivotal point of the Gospel; yet Matthew reports it briefly.  Why?  Because when Matthew wrote his Gospel, the Resurrection was considered too great an event to put into writing: rather, it should be proclaimed and witnessed to by the Spirit at work in the Christian communities.

Are we in a different situation?  The Church that talks of the Risen Christ should never be a powerful Church but a Risen Church.  If the Church finds itself in a situation where there is no apparent hope of salvation, yet it is revived by the power of GOD; if in each generation the Church seems doomed to die because of its ancient structures, its worldly ways or the persecution it undergoes, yet it is nevertheless given new energies and new apostles by the LORD, then the Church is a witness that the LORD has risen and has given her the power to rise.) 

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Seek The Things That Are Above

"So then, if you are risen with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where CHRIST is seated at the right hand of GOD.  Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the earthly things.  For you have died and your life is now hidden with CHRIST in GOD.  When CHRIST, who is your life, reveals HIMSELF, you also will be revealed with HIM in glory." - Colossians 3:1-4 

(Here we have what was said about baptism which joins us to CHRIST and makes us share in all HIS wealth.  Since CHRIST left this earth, we leave it too:  what is best in our lives, what motivates us to do things in neither visible, nor is it of the earth.  GOD alone knows the riches of the believer's heart, even when her/his life seems tarnished by various faults and weaknesses:  one day GOD will manifest the goodness, the "glory" which we do not yet see.)

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"Why Do The People Of This Present Time Ask For A Sign?"

"The Pharisees came and started to argue with JESUS.  Hoping to embarrass HIM, they asked for some heavenly sign.  Then HIS spirit was moved.  HE gave a deep sigh and said, 'Why do the people of this present time ask for a sign?  Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this people.'  Then HE left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side of the lake." - Mark 8:11-13  

 

(The Pharisees want a miracle that will undoubtedly be the work of GOD.  No sign will be given them.  JESUS refuses to prove HIS authority by multiplying miracles.  People who love truth and seek what is right will recognize the seal of GOD in the deeds of JESUS--and of HIS followers--no matter how many speak ill of them.

The sign of Jonah is the resurrection of JESUS.  Yet this resurrection that is the most decisive sign, will be understandable only to the believers.  Thus, people who demand miracles before they will believe, receive no answer.)

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"HE Makes HIMSELF An Offering For Sin!"

 "Yet it was the will of YAHWEH to crush HIM with grief.

When HE makes HIMSELF an offering for sin,

HE will have a long life and see HIS descendants.

Through HIM the will of YAHWEH is done.

For the anguish HE suffered,

HE will see the light and obtain perfect knowledge.

MY just servant will justify the multitude;

HE will bear and take away their guilt."

- Isaiah 53:10-11

(HE makes HIMSELF an offering for sin.  In several passages of the Scriptures, we are invited to adopt this same attitude when we suffer unjustly [1 Peter 1:20; 4:13].  CHRIST alone has perfectly fulfilled this redemptive mission from the beginning to the end of HIS life [Hebrews 10; John 2:29; Romans 5:6].

MY just servant will justify the multitude: that is to say, HE will make them just and holy.  The Hebrew text reads "the many," which means the multitude.  JESUS refers to this text at the Last Supper: "MY blood poured out for many," or for everyone [Mark 14:24].  There JESUS clearly says that HIS death is the free and perfect sacrifice foretold in this song.)

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JESUS Proclaims HIS Mission At Nazareth

"JESUS acted with the power of the Spirit, and on HIS return to Galilee the news about HIM spread throughout all that territory.  HE began teaching in the synagogues of the Jews and everyone praised HIM." - Luke 4:14-15  

 

(JESUS returns home in the company of some of John's followers who become HIS own disciples and HE performs HIS first sign in Cana.  This miracle launches HIS ministry.  From Capernaum, where JESUS lives in the house of Simon and Andrew, near the lake, JESUS begins to preach in the synagogues of Galilee and HIS words impress people because HE works with the power of the Spirit, namely, HE speaks with authority and HIS miracles confirm HIS words.

HE began teaching in the synagogues.  JESUS does not begin by preaching to the crowds who know nothing of HIM; instead, for months HE makes HIMSELF known in the synagogues.) 

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The Last Supper

"Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went off to the chief priests and said, 'How much will you give me if I hand HIM over to you?  They promised to give him thirty pieces of silver, and from then on, he kept looking for the best way to hand HIM over to them.

On the first day of the Festival of the Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to JESUS and said to HIM, 'Where do YOU want us to prepare the Passover meal for YOU?  JESUS answered, 'Go into the city, to the house of a certain man, and tell him: 'The Master says: MY hour is near, and I will celebrate the Passover with MY disciples in your house.'

The disciples did as JESUS had ordered and prepared the Passover meal.

When it was evening, JESUS sat at table with the Twelve.  While they were eating, JESUS said, 'Truly, I say to you: one of you will betray ME.'  They were deeply distressed and asked HIM in turn, 'YOU do not mean me, do YOU, LORD?

HE answered, 'He who will betray ME is one of those who dips his bread in the dish with ME.  The Son of Man is going as the Scriptures say HE will.  But alas for that one who betrays the Son of Man; better for him not to have been born.'  Judas, who was betraying HIM, also asked, 'YOU do not mean me, Master, do YOU?'  JESUS replied, 'You have said it'." - Matthew 26:14-25 

 

(During the Passover supper JESUS wanted to clarify the meaning of HIS imminent Passion.  HE was headed toward a death which HE freely accepted, a death that would save the world.  What would "HIS" salvation be?  It would bring human history to its fulfillment: peoples and races needed to mature, to confront one another and finally to be united in one body.  The world would pass through a thousand crises and deaths in order to come to the resurrection.  Within such a history GOD could spread and distribute the riches of HIS Spirit and bring to holiness HIS elect.  JESUS had presented a message that should guide humanity, but a people of GOD was also needed, a yeast, a minority who would feel committed to GOD's work, and to whom GOD would commit HIMSELF.

To understand the meaning of the LORD's Supper, it is necessary to read JESUS' farewell speeches to HIS apostles, which John situates on this very night of Holy Thursday [John 14-17].  JESUS came not only to preach but also to spread HIS Spirit among HIS believers.  In the future HE would be present and empower them in a special way whenever they would gather to celebrate the Holy Supper.  John explains this in John 6 and Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:17.)

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YAHWEH Called Me From My Mother's Womb

"Listen to me, O islands,

pay attention, peoples from distant lands.

YAHWEH called me from my mother's womb;

HE pronounced my name before I was born.

HE made my mouth like a sharpened sword.

HE hid me in the shadow of HIS hand.

HE made me into a polished arrow

set apart in HIS quiver.

HE said to me, 'You are Israel, MY servant,

Through you I will be known.'

'I have labored in vain, I thought

and spent my strength for nothing.'

Yet what is due me was in the hand of YAHWEH,

and my reward was with my GOD.

I am important in the sight of YAHWEH,

and my GOD is my strength.

And now YAHWEH has spoken,

HE who formed me in the womb to be HIS servant,

to bring Jacob back to HIM,

to gather Israel to HIM.

HE said: 'Tis not enough

that you be MY servant,

to restore the tribes of Jacob,

to bring back the remnant of Israel.

I will make you the light of the nations,

that MY salvation will reach to the ends of the earth'."

- Isaiah 49:1-6

(Who is speaking in these verses?  They are the Judean exiles at Babylon [some years later they will be called the Jews].  And it is not a lamentation but rather a thanksgiving to GOD who has chosen them in a very special way for a unique mission.

The hope and the future of Israel have been entrusted to them, not to those remaining in the motherland.  Soon they will return and gather the remnant of the tribes of Jacob, which means not only their kins in the ex-kingdom of Judah, but also the other in the northern kingdom.

From that moment on the dream of a final gathering of the whole people of GOD enters the Bible, and Gospel will announce that this goal will be achieved through and in CHRIST: John 11:52.

But there is more, for GOD wants this small group of exiles to bring to the nations the light of salvation.  This marks the opening of the times of mission.  The Jews will be the messengers of the only GOD and of HIS law in the world.  Those who welcome CHRIST will call on the pagans to the faith and Spirit will be bestowed to them [Galatians 3:14].  A humiliated people will be YAHWEH's hidden arrow, HIS definitive weapon: through them GOD will unbare HIS madness which is wiser than human wisdom [1 Corinthians 1:21].

YAHWEH called me from my mother's womb.  These were Jeremiah's words.  All that follows can be interpreted both of the believing minority or of the one who fully lives a prophetic vocation.  Is the servant a single person, or is he a people of prophets?  The apostles of JESUS quickly understood that the present text applied first to HIM.  HE is the Word and the two-edged sword [Hebrew 4:12; Revelations 19:15].

Paul in turn will take for himself these verses: Galatians 1:14; Acts 13:47; 2 Corinthians 10:4, 12:8.  This double interpretation, personal and collective, should not surprise us for the unique Savior is never a lonely savior.  JESUS wanted to be identified with those who believe, who suffer and persevere to prepare for the salvation of the world.)

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The Supper At Bethany

"Six days before the Passover, JESUS came to Bethany, where HE had raised Lazarus, the dead man, to life.  Now they gave a dinner for HIM, and while Martha waited on them, Lazarus sat at the table with JESUS.

Then Mary took a pound of costly perfume, made from genuine spikenard, and anointed the feet of JESUS, wiping them with her hair.  And the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Judas Iscariot--the disciple who was to betray JESUS--remarked, 'This perfume could have been sold for three hundred silver coins, and the money given to the poor.'  Judas, indeed, had no concern for the poor; he was a thief, and as he held the common purse, he used to help himself to the funds.

But JESUS spoke up, 'Leave her alone.  Was she not keeping it for the day of MY burial?  [The poor you always have with you, but you will not always have ME.]'

Many Jews heard that JESUS was there, and they came, not only because of JESUS, but also to see Lazarus whom HE had raised from the dead.  So, the chief priests thought about killing Lazarus as well, for many of the Jews were drifting away because of him and believing in JESUS." - John 12:1-11 

(Matthew and Mark also relate the incident at a supper when Mary showed her passionate love for JESUS.  She loved HIM with all her strength, and her love, far from blinding her, made her sense and respect the mysterious personality of JESUS.

Not all the apostles understood her gesture, because they still had much to learn about loving CHRIST.

Like Judas we often speak of giving to the poor.  Yet the LORD's command is not to give but to love.  To love the poor is to reveal to them their call from GOD, and to help them grow as persons by overcoming their weaknesses and divisions and by fulfilling the mission GOD entrusted to them.  The poor will live the Gospel and witness to it in the world.  If we are not among them, we need conversion and true poverty to discover with them the kingdom.  How can we really love the poor unless we have passionate love for JESUS?  When we do not, we prefer to speak only of giving to the poor.)

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HE Did Not Regard Equality With GOD!

"Though HE was in the form of GOD,

HE did not regard equality with GOD as something to be grasped,

but emptied HIMSELF,

taking on the nature of a servant, made in human likeness,

and, in HIS appearance, found, as a man,

HE humbled HIMSELF by being obedient, to death,

death on the cross.

That is why GOD exalted HIM 

and gave HIM the name which outshines all names,

so, that, at the name of JESUS all knees should bend

in heaven, on earth and among the dead,

and all tongues proclaim, that CHRIST JESUS is the LORD,

to the glory of GOD the FATHER.

- Philippians 2:6-11

(HE did not regard equality with GOD: the mystery of GOD's Son who became a mortal man and gave up GOD's glory, although HE could have preserved it even in HIS human life.  Since CHRIST was to be the New Man, glorified by GOD and placed above everything, HIS being subject to misery and limitations was a way of being reduced to nothingness.

GOD exalted HIM.  The humiliation and obedience of CHRIST were the condition for receiving HIS glory.  HE gave HIM the name [of GOD], that is, HE made HIM fully enjoy in HIS human nature the divine Power [or name].)

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The Plot To Kill JESUS

"Many of the Jews who had come with Mary believed in JESUS when they saw what HE did; but some went to the Pharisees and told them what JESUS had done.  So, the chief priests and the Pharisees called together the Council.

They said, 'What are we to do?  For this man keeps on performing many miraculous signs.  If we let HIM go on like this, all the people will believe in HIM and, as a result of this, the Romans will come and destroy our Holy Place and our nation.'

Then one of them, Caiaphas, who was High Priest that year, spoke up, 'You know nothing at all!  It is better to have one man die for the people than to let the whole nation be destroyed.'

In saying this Caiaphas did not speak for himself, but being High Priest that year, he foretold like a prophet that JESUS would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also would die in order to gather into one the scattered children of GOD.  So, from that day on, they were determined to kill HIM.

Because of this, JESUS no longer moved about freely among the Jews.  HE withdrew instead to the country near the wilderness and stayed with HIS disciples in a town called Ephraim.

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and people from everywhere were coming to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover.  They looked for JESUS and, as they stood in the temple, they talked with one another, 'What do you think?  Will HE come to the festival?'" - John 11:45-56  

(Caiaphas words were fulfilled but not in the sense he intended.  JESUS going to die to gather into one the scattered children of GOD.

The worldwide effect of CHRIST's resurrection is to unite all of humanity in renewed creation--as JESUS HIMSELF put it, "when I'M lifted up from earth, I shall draw all to MYSELF" [John 12:32].  That is to say, the cross and resurrection are the source of communion and fraternity.

The Church reunites believers of all races and cultures: we call it "Catholic," that is, universal.  This Church, however, is but a beginning and a sign of that which will be attained at the end of time, when the whole of humanity will be reunited in CHRIST [Revelation 7].)

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JESUS Claims To Be The SON Of GOD

"The Jews then picked up stones to throw at HIM; so, JESUS said, 'I have openly done many good works among you which the FATHER gave ME to do.  For which of these do you stone ME?'

The Jews answered, 'We are not stoning YOU for doing a good work but for insulting GOD; YOU are only a man, and you make YOURSELF GOD. 'Then JESUS replied, 'Is this not written in your Law: I said you are gods?  So those who received this word of GOD were called gods and the Scripture is always true.  Then what should be said of the one anointed and sent into the world by the FATHER?  AM I insulting GOD when I say: I AM the Son of GOD'?

If I AM  not doing the works of MY FATHER, do not believe ME.  But if I do them, even if you have no faith in ME, believe because of the works I do, and know that the FATHER is in ME and I in the FATHER.'

Again, they tried to arrest HIM, but JESUS escaped from their hands.  HE went away again to the other side of the Jordan, to the place where John had baptized, and there HE stayed.

Many people came to HIM and said, 'John showed no miraculous signs, but he spoke of this man and everything he said was true.'  And many became believers in that place." - John 10:31-42  

(In the Bible angels are sometimes called sons of GOD, and JESUS remarks that the rulers are called gods.  Because of this, JESUS did not like to be proclaimed Son of GOD.  HE speaks forcefully in saying: the FATHER is in ME and I in the FATHER: equal to equal.  At the same time that HE stresses HIS divine power, HE also affirms HIS total dependence on the FATHER.  In this we recognize GOD the Son.)

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Abram Becomes Abraham

"Abram fell face down and GOD said to him, 'This is my covenant with you: you will be the father of a multitude of nations.  No longer will you be called Abram, but Abraham, because I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.  I will make you more and more famous; I will multiply your descendants; nations shall spring from you; kings shall be among your descendants.  And I will establish a covenant, an everlasting covenant between MYSELF and you and your descendants after you; from now on I will be your GOD and the GOD of your descendants after you, for generations to come.  I will give to you and your descendants after you land you are living in, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession and I will be the GOD of your race.'

GOD said to Abraham, 'For your part, you shall keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you, generation after generation." - Genesis 17:3-9

 

(Abram means venerated father, and Abraham: father of a multitude.  In changing the name of HIS servant, GOD enables him to begin a new life and to really become what his new name expresses.  JESUS will proceed in the same way with the first leader of HIS church [John 1:42].)

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The Truth Will Set You Free

"JESUS went on to say to the Jews who believed in HIM, 'You will be MY true disciples, if you keep MY word.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'  They answered HIM, 'We are the descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves of anyone.  What do you mean by saying: You will be free?'

JESUS answered them, 'Truly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave.  But the slave doesn't stay in the house forever; the son stays forever.  So, if the Son makes you free, you will really be free.

I know that you are the descendants of Abraham; yet you want to kill ME because MY word finds no place in you.  For MY part, I speak of what I have seen in MY FATHER's presence, but you do what you have learned from your father.'

They answered HIM, 'Our father is Abraham.'  Then JESUS said, 'If you were Abraham's children, you would do as Abraham did.  But now you want to kill ME, the one who tells you the truth--the truth that I have learned from GOD.  That is not what Abraham did; what you are doing are the works of your father.'

The Jews said to HIM, 'We are not illegitimate children; we have one FATHER, GOD.'  JESUS replied, If GOD were your FATHER, you would love ME, for I came forth from GOD, and I AM here.  And I didn't come by MY own decision, but it was HE HIMSELF who sent ME." - John 8:31-42 

 

(JESUS comes to them as a witness to the truth; and HIS presence alone obliges all to examine themselves.  The truth JESUS speaks of is not a doctrine that HIS followers should impose by force.  Propagandists with arguments and biblical quotations are not needed, but witnesses who speak from their experience.  JESUS says: The truth will set you free, and: the Son makes you free.  Our truth consists in living in accordance with our vocation as children of GOD.

The believer who knows he is loved by GOD and consequently endeavors to be authentic is already in the truth, even if he retains some prejudices common to his milieu or is unconsciously guided by some lies or illusions in his way of living.

JESUS also speaks of freedom.  Truth and freedom go together.  Many individuals and people have not spared themselves in an effort to break their chains.  Once liberated they quickly fall into other forms of subjugation, because the root of all slavery lies within everyone.)

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"I Must Be In MY FATHER's House."

"Every year, the parents of JESUS went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, as was customary.  And when JESUS was twelve years old, HE went up with them, according to the custom of this feast.  After the festival was over, they returned, but the boy JESUS remained in Jerusalem; and HIS parents did not know it.

They assumed that HE was in their group of travelers, and, after walking the whole day, they looked for HIM among their relatives and friends.  As they did not find HIM, they went back to Jerusalem, searching for HIM; and, on the third day, they found HIM in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions.  And all the people were amazed at HIS understanding and HIS answers.

HIS parents were very surprised when they saw HIM; and HIS mother said to HIM, 'Son, why have YOU done this to us?  YOUR father and I were very worried while searching for YOU.'  Then HE said to them, 'Why were you looking for ME?  Did you not know that I must be in MY FATHER'S house?'  But they did not understand this answer.

JESUS went down with them, returning to Nazareth, and HE continued to be obedient to them.  As for HIS mother, she kept all these things in her heart." - Luke 2:41-51  

(During HIS Nazareth years JESUS discovers life as any child or youth of HIS age.  HE does not receive special education.  Nor does HE manifest extraordinary talents, other than perfect judgment to assess and evaluate everything according to GOD's criteria.

What was the deep experience of JESUS, how did the Son of GOD place HIMSELF in this world of humans, step by step, as HE discovered it?  Luke has given us but one instance that to him was significant as it had been for Mary herself.

At twelve an adolescent was to observe religious prescriptions, among them the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the feasts.  Seated in the shade of the temple galleries, the teachers of the law used to teach groups of pilgrims and to dialogue with them.

It is on this occasion for the first time that JESUS disconcerts HIS entourage.  Why have YOU done this?  The Gospel highlights this misunderstanding: Mary reproaches JESUS and JESUS reproaches HIS parents.  It then emphasizes the awareness JESUS has of HIS privileged relationship with the FATHER and HIS total availability for HIS mission.  If, the discovery of the temple, heart of the nation, center of Israel's religion, stirred new feelings in HIM, HE could have asked permission or forewarned HIS parents.  How could HE remain two days without thinking HIS parents would be anxiously searching for HIM?  HE must have thought this suffering was necessary and conquered HIS liberty in a radical way before returning home with them.  JESUS had to experience all of human life, sin excepted; in HIS own way HE passed through the stages of psychological development.  Instead of speaking of the lost child it would be more exact to say that the youthful JESUS found HIMSELF.

It might seem strange that Mary did not think to tell JESUS one day of HIS origin and who Joseph was for HIM.  If we hold to this account, it is JESUS who takes the lead over Mary and Joseph and tells them HIMSELF whose Son HE is: I must be in MY FATHER's house.

They did not understand this answer.  Mary had heard the message of the annunciation and knew that JESUS was the Son of GOD.  She undoubtedly never thought that being the Son of GOD would be what JESUS had just done.  In the same way GOD oftentimes disconcerts us even if we know very well what HE wants.)

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The Adulteress

"As for JESUS, HE went to the Mount of Olives.

At daybreak JESUS appeared in the Temple again.  All the people came to HIM, and HE sat down and began to teach them.

Then the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery.  They made her stand in front of everyone. 

'Master,' they said, 'this woman has been caught in the act of adultery.  Now the Law of Moses orders that such women be stoned to death; but YOU, what do YOU say?  They said this to test JESUS, in order to have some charge against HIM.

JESUS bent down and started writing on the ground with HIS finger.  And as they continued to ask HIM, HE straightened up and said to them, 'Let anyone among you who has no sin be the first to throw a stone at her.'  And HE bent down again, writing on the ground.

As a result of these words, they went away, one by one, starting with the elders, and JESUS was left alone with the woman standing before HIM.  Then JESUS stood up and said to her, 'Woman, where are they?  Has no one condemned you?  She replied, 'No one.'  And JESUS said, 'Neither do I condemn you; go away and don't sin again'." - John 8:1-11  

(The selection 8:1-11 is not found in most ancient manuscripts of John's Gospel.  Many think that this selection is from other sources.  Perhaps it did belong to the Gospel of Luke [compare 8:2 and Luke 21:38] and was later inserted in John's text.

If JESUS showed such respect to the sinner and refused to condemn her, as humans would, was it because HE did not consider her fault grave?  No, it was because GOD uses different ways than people do to bring sinners to repentance and to purify them through suffering.

There is a big difference between telling a person his ideas or deeds are wrong or sinful, and condemning him.  We usually condemn the person; we do not make room for change and mercy.  In this Gospel episode JESUS is both demanding and merciful towards the woman.)

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The New Covenant

"The time is coming - it is YAHWEH who speaks - when I will forge a new covenant with the people of Israel and the people of Judah.  It will not be like the one I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt.  For they broke MY covenant although I was their LORD.

This is the covenant I shall make with Israel after that time: I will put MY Law within them and write it on their hearts; I will be their GOD and they will be MY people.

And they will not have to teach each other, neighbor or brother, saying: 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know ME, from the greatest to the lowliest, for I will forgive their wrongdoing and no longer remember their sin." - Jeremiah 31:31-34  

(Here we must underscore 31:31-34 where Jeremiah delivers his most famous prophecy.  During the bitter days which the Jewish people are experiencing, GOD reveals, and Jeremiah announces the New and eternal Covenant between GOD and HIS people.

I will make a new covenant.  This is likeable to escape saying that the Sinai Covenant which made Israel GOD's people, had become obsolete or insufficient.  GOD had bound HIMSELF to a family [Abraham's] which became a people under Moses' leadership.  And apparently HIS promises were more for the community than for individuals.

The expression the prophet uses, "a new covenant" does not mean that GOD is forsaking HIS former promises to Israel.  It clearly illustrates the characteristic of the covenant which GOD wants to establish between HIM and humanity through Israel.  This novelty is that of love, because true love is always fresh and new.  Although the people of GOD had broken the covenant, GOD who is always faithful, will respond by a gift, through HIS son, born of Mary.

They broke MY covenant.  Actually, this covenant between YAHWEH and Israel on Sinai had failed, through Israel's fault, not YAHWEH's.  But it is not a matter of renewing it as Joshua, Samuel, Hezekiah and Josiah had done so many times.  Nor is it a matter of making another one like it, since this old covenant had already proven its weakness: people are sinful and unable to escape from their sins.  Moreover, no laws, or human solidarity, or any form of education can bring GOD's grace to a nation or a collectivity and preserve them in the faith.  Only a personal accepting of the divine Truth makes one a true believer.  The true people of GOD cannot be confused with any people or human community: only those who are reborn will become part of GOD's people.

I will put MY Law in their hearts.  Now, Jeremiah knows the secret of the New Covenant.  For he is aware of the change which occurred in him when YAHWEH made him a prophet.  Then, he discovered an intimate relationship with GOD which is entirely different from a religion of mere practices.

I will make another covenant with Israel.  Jeremiah predicts the day when YAHWEH will reveal HIMSELF to all believers as HE had done with HIS great prophets.  The law will be in their hearts and the hand of GOD will keep them on the right path, as was the case with Jeremiah when he doubted.

I will forgive their sins.  A New Covenant will be achieved through the death of CHRIST on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.  In celebrating the Last Supper, JESUS says: "This cup is the New Covenant in MY blood" [Luke 22:20].  The author of the Letter to the Hebrews will develop the meaning of the New Covenant [see Hebrew 8:8 and 10:16]   

The Gospel of John will also clarify the meaning of they will all know ME: in the Christian faith, not everyone receives personal revelations, but everyone is guided by the FATHER to CHRIST in whom are found all the treasures of knowledge and wisdom.

Perhaps Jeremiah himself had not seen all the consequences of this revelation, but it certainly throws a decisive light on the history of the people of Israel.  We understand that GOD's teaching, HIS way of leading and instructing HIS people through events was a pedagogy, leading to a definitive truth to be given through CHRIST and through the gift of the Spirit.  It is understandable that JESUS and HIS apostles so often recalled the message of the prophets to justify the revolution of the Gospel and the birth of a Church rooted in the Jewish people but now independent of its national history.)

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Appeal To GOD's Justice

 "O YAHWEH, my GOD, in YOU I take shelter; deliver me, and save me from all my pursuers, lest lions tear me to pieces, with no one to rescue me.

Proclaim, O YAHWEH, my righteousness; YOU see, that I am blameless.

Bring to an end the power of the wicked, but affirm the just, O righteous GOD, searcher of mind and heart.

YOU cover me as a shield, Oh GOD, for YOU protect the upright.

A righteous judge is GOD, HIS anger ever awaiting those who refuse to repent."

- Psalm 7:2-3. 9-10. 11-12

(We have no difficulty with the opening of this psalm but the confident claim of innocence that follows it, is frightening.  We prefer to invoke GOD's mercy rather than invite HIS strict scrutiny.  But perhaps we have no cause for misgiving.  A Christian may confidently boast that he or she is 'just' because the righteousness that is the property of GOD alone is truly and internally communicated to the Christian, In CHRIST HIMSELF, the righteousness of GOD appears and becomes available to those who have access by faith and baptism to the power of CHRIST's resurrection.  This is the 'justness' we can boast of when we sing this psalm: 'Let those who boast, boast in the LORD.'

When we dream about a more just society, while deathly violence surrounds us, we can pray with this psalm, aware that justice will prevail and in gratitude we sing praises to the LORD.) 

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The Godless Say There Is No Other Life!

"Led by mistaken reasons they think, 'Life is short and sad and there is no cure for death.  It was never heard that anyone came back from the netherworld.

Let us set a trap for the righteous, for he annoys us and opposes our way of life; he reproaches us for our breaches of the Law and accuses us of being false to our upbringing.

He claims knowledge of GOD and calls himself son of the LORD.  He has become a reproach to our way of thinking; even to meet him is burdensome to us.  He does not live like others and behaves strangely.

According to him we have low standards, so he keeps aloof from us as if we were unclean.  He emphasizes the happy end of the righteous and boasts of having GOD as father.

Let us see the truth of what he says and find out what his end will be.  If the righteous is a son of GOD, GOD will defend him and deliver him from his adversaries.

Let us humble and torture him to prove his self-control and test his patience.  When we have condemned him to a shameful death, we may test his words.'

This is the way they reason, but they are mistaken, blinded by their malice.  They do not know the mysteries of GOD, nor do they hope for the reward of a holy life; they do not believe that the blameless will be recompensed." - Wisdom 2:1. 12-22 

(By chance we were born.  The "impious," meaning those who have freed themselves from the Law of GOD and their conscience, are friends of death since they do not know true life.  For them wisdom consists in profiting from life: let us enjoy the good things now.

Let us see the truth of what he says.  Because the godless are the friends of death, they necessarily come to persecute and even kill the good.  For them it is like a game to prove to what extent the righteous can remain firm, since they themselves believe in nothing.  They need to destroy others to convince themselves that they alone benefit from life.

If the righteous is a son of GOD, GOD will defend him.  The words in 2:16-20 reveal the situation of JESUS on the cross.

This is also verified in the lives of real believers, a scandal to a materialist who enjoys inflicting suffering on those who make sacrifices for others.  We have seen comfortable "Christians" rejoicing over the death of those who speak of justice and who, by their involvement, disturb the conscience of the satisfied.

The mentality of the godless who do not believe in the hereafter is, in some way, very much like that of the society in which we live.  Let us set a trap for the righteous for he opposes our way of life.  Secretly we all admire an upright person, but in any institution, her presence disturbs us - in the unions just as in the factories - because we cannot buy her conscience.

He does not live like others and behaves strangely.  When this was written the Jews were not well-thought-of by pagans because of all the things in their lives that were different from the pagan customs.  The same is true now, as well; even though believers try not to be distinct, their integrity and enthusiasm make them "strange."

Those who stand with death experience death.  Those who do evil begin to experience death.  There is a physical wearing down caused by vice [alcoholism, licentiousness], but there is an even greater deterioration of enthusiasm, generosity and trust.  "He who sows in the flesh will reap from it corruption and death" [Galatians 6:8]. 

The text considers what JESUS will do; that behind a mass of evils that tear humanity, and behind our disbelief there is a presence of "the Enemy.")

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The Testimony

"If I bore witness to MYSELF, MY testimony would be worthless.  But Another One is bearing witness to ME and I know that HIS testimony is true when HE bears witness to ME.  John also bore witness to the truth when YOU sent messengers to him, but I do not seek such human testimony; I recall this for you, so that you may be saved.

John was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were willing to enjoy his light.  But I have greater evidence than that of John - the works which the FATHER entrusted to ME to carry out.  The very works I do bear witness: the FATHER has sent ME.  Thus, HE who bears witness to ME is the FATHER who sent ME.  You have never heard HIS voice and have never seen HIS likeness; then, as long as you do not believe HIS messenger, HIS word is not in you.

You search in the Scriptures thinking that in them you will find life; yet Scripture bears witness to ME.  But you refuse to come to ME, that you may live.  I AM not seeking human praise; but I have known that love of GOD is not within you, for I have come in MY FATHER's name, and you do not accept ME. If another comes in his own name, you will accept him.  As long as you seek praise from one another instead of seeking the glory coming from the only GOD, how can you believe?

Do not think that I shall accuse you to the FATHER.  Moses himself in whom you placed your hope, accuses you.  If you believed Moses, you would believe ME, for he wrote of ME.  But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?" - John 5:31-47

(To gain a direction in life, we need some understanding of the world and humankind.  This understanding may come through reason and science, but more often we are influenced and guided by the testimony of others - by their words, attitudes and personal qualities.

It is thus that those in love discover one another, friends accept each other, a career is decided upon, a religious or political commitment is made.  It is also thus that the Word of GOD is discovered.  Therefore, JESUS speaks of the testimonies that accredit HIM:

     - HIS works, that is, HIS miracles.

     - John the Baptist's testimony in pointing HIM out as the Savior.

     - the words of the Bible that refer to HIM.

Some people say that since the Bible is the word of GOD, they do not need anything more than that to guide them.  Let them know that just as GOD spoke through events and through prophets, HE continues speaking to us through actual events and through spokespersons of the Spirit in the Church.  JESUS rebuked those who believed they possessed the truth just by having the Bible but did not believe in HIM whom GOD was sending them.

GOD instructs us in HIS way when we listen to what others teach us; in daily life and within the Church we meet people living according to the Spirit, whereas others only pretend to be religious and upright persons.

How then do we distinguish between what is true and what is false?  How do we recognize those who speak of GOD's ways from personal experience?  JESUS says that those who love the truth recognize those who speak the truth.  Everyone values the testimony of an equal.  To recognize the messengers of GOD, we must be the people who do not look for praise from one another, and thus are not enslaved by false values.  Whoever seeks the truth and mercy will recognize a communication of the Glory of GOD in the words and actions of GOD's more humble servants.

It pleases GOD when we recognize HIS witnesses.  HE desires everyone to honor the SON just as HIS FATHER does.  By believing in HIS SON, we show ourselves worthy of HIS trust and thus become GOD's children, open to HIS life.)  

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"Though Your Mother Forgets You, I Will Never Forget You!"

"This is what YAHWEH says:'

At a favorable time, I have answered you, on the day of salvation I have been your help; I have formed you and made to be MY Covenant with the people.

You will restore the land and allot its abandoned farms.  You will say to the captives: Come out; and to those in darkness: Show yourselves.

They will feed along the road; they will find pasture on barren hills.  They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the scorching wind or the sun beat upon them; for HE who has mercy on them will guide them and lead them to springs of water.

I will turn all MY mountains into roads and raise up MY highways.

See, they come from afar, some from the north and west, others from the land of Sinim.'

Sing, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth;

break forth into song, O mountains:

for YAHWEH has comforted HIS people

and taken pity on those who are afflicted.

But Zion said: 'YAHWEH has forsaken me,

my LORD has forgotten me.'

Can a woman forget the baby at her breast

and have no compassion on the child of her womb?

Yet though she forgets, I will never forget you."

- Isaiah 49:8-15

(YAHWEH's maternal love for HIS people.

HE saves them from despair and from being despised, rebuilding Jerusalem and gathering those who were dispersed.  HE invites all the nations to come and recognize the true city.

Here GOD again addresses the more conscious minorities of Israel, those who held onto their hope at a time they seemed to be lost amidst the pagan inhabitants of the materialistic Babylon.  They would lift up their nation and become the light of the world.

These promises started to be fulfilled when, having returned to their land, the Jews became missionaries of the One GOD to all the countries of the Greek and Syrian world.  Later, these promises would take on a new meaning for the Church which CHRIST established as the New Jerusalem.  At times, this new Jerusalem seems downhearted and lifeless, and even disappears in some parts of the world.  Yet, GOD brings it new children from other continents.  HE invites us to look beyond our communities to those who have not yet received the Kingdom.)

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The River That Flows From The Temple

"The man brought me back to the entrance of the temple and I saw water coming out from the threshold of the temple and flowing eastward.  The temple faced the east and the water flowed from the south side of the temple, from the south side of the altar.  He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside, to the outer gate facing the east; and there I saw the stream coming from the south side.

He said to me, 'This water goes to the east, down to the Arabah, and when it flows into the sea of foul-smelling water, the water will become wholesome.  Wherever the river flows, swarms of creatures will live in it; fish will be plentiful; and the seawater will become fresh.  Wherever it flows, life will abound.

Near the river of both banks, there will be all kinds of fruit trees, with foliage that will not wither; and fruit that will never fail; each month they will bear a fresh crop, because the water comes from the temple.  The fruit will be good to eat and the leaves will be used for healing.'" - Ezekiel 47:1-2. 8-9. 12 

(Note the vision of the river which makes the land fruitful and starts from the place where GOD is present.  The invisible GOD manifests HIMSELF in the life which HE gives to people.  The Holy Spirit, imaged in the stream of living water [see John 7:38], makes all the seeds of life blossom again in the world.

The stream flows to the Salt Sea or the Dead Sea.  [Its waters are so salty that there are no fish.  No plants can grow on the shores.]  This serves as an image of the healing that GOD brings to a world, sterile because of its sins.  The fruit will be good to eat, and the leaves will be used for healing.) 

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Unless You See Signs And Wonders, You Will Not Believe

"When the two days were over, JESUS left for Galilee.  JESUS HIMSELF said that no prophet is recognized in his own country.  Yet the Galileans welcomed HIM when HE arrived, because of all the things HE had done in Jerusalem during the Festival and which they had seen.  For they, too, had gone to the feast.

JESUS went back to Cana of Galilee where HE had changed the water into wine.  At Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill, and when he heard that JESUS had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and asked HIM to come and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.

JESUS said, 'Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe!'  The official said, 'Sir, come down before my child dies.'  And JESUS replied, 'Go, your son is living.'

The man had faith in the word that JESUS spoke to him and went his way.  He was already going down the hilly road when his servants met him with this news, 'Your son has recovered!'  So he asked them at what hour the child had begun to recover, and they said to him, 'The fever left him yesterday in the afternoon about one o'clock.'  And the father realized that it was the time when JESUS told him, 'Your son is living.'  And he became a believer, he and all his family.

JESUS performed this second miraculous sign when he returned from Judea to Galilee." -John 4:43-54

(JESUS reproach is directed, not to the official who will later show great faith, but to the Jews and to us.  While JESUS works miracles which confirm HIS mission, HE also stresses that we should recognize HIM by seeing and hearing HIM.  Do lovers demand miracles in order to trust one another?  Do those who follow leaders demand absolute proof?  Those who really seek the truth recognize it when it is presented to them. 

JESUS second miracle in Cana concludes this second part of the Gospel in which JESUS defines HIMSELF in relation to Jewish society and its hopes.

Now begins a new section: JESUS proclaims the work for which HE has come into this world; HIS FATHER has sent HIM to judge and to give life.  We must first believe in the Messenger of GOD.)    

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By Grace You Have Been Saved!

"But GOD, who is rich in mercy, revealed HIS immense love.  As we were dead through our sins, HE gave us life with CHRIST.  By grace you have been saved!  And HE raised us to life with CHRIST, giving us a place with HIM in heaven.

In showing us such kindness in CHRIST JESUS, GOD willed to reveal and unfold in the coming ages the extraordinary riches of HIS grace.  By the grace of GOD, you have been saved through faith. This has not come from you: it is GOD's gift.  This was not the result of your works, so you are not to feel proud.  What we are is GOD's work.  HE has created us in CHRIST JESUS for the good works HE has prepared that we should devote ourselves to THEM." - Ephesians 2:4-10 

 

(The path of humans without CHRIST leads to death.

We obeyed the urges of our human nature and consented to its desires.  There is no need to seek a clearer affirmation of what we call original sin.  Paul does not speak of a fault committed before our personal sins, and in addition to the sins we are responsible for.  It is a flaw easily seen in human condition and in all our acts; it is the liabilities of our life insofar as GOD has not taken us in hand.

The account of Genesis [Chapters 2-3] has placed in the past this "original" sin, as well as creation.  It is a way of speaking proper to Hebrew culture.  In fact, both our creation by GOD and our revolt against HIM are a part of our daily reality.

HE raised us to life with CHRIST.  Actually, an authentic conversion is experienced as a resurrection.  Paul is saying more: nothing can stop GOD's merciful plan.  HE sees beyond time and has already raised us with CHRIST.  We are seated with HIM in heaven, that is to say, assured of victory.)  

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"O GOD, Be Merciful To Me, A Sinner."

"JESUS told another parable to some persons fully convinced of their own righteousness, who looked down on others, 'Two men went up to the Temple to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood by himself and said: 'I thank YOU, GOD, that I am not like other people, grasping, crooked, adulterous, or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week and give the tenth of all my income to the Temple.' 

In the meantime, the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast saying: 'O GOD, be merciful to me, a sinner.'

I tell you, when this man went down to his house, he had been set right with GOD, but not the other.  For whoever makes himself out to be great will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be raised up.'" - Luke 18:9-14 

 

(The Pharisees were very determined to fulfill GOD's law; they fasted often and did many works of mercy.  Unfortunately, many of them took the credit for such a model life: they thought they no longer needed GOD's mercy because their good deeds would force HIM to reward them.

On the other hand, the publican recognizes he is a sinner towards GOD and people: all he can do is to ask pardon.  He is in the truth and in the grace of GOD when he goes home.

JESUS speaks for those who are fully convinced of their own righteousness.  The text says precisely: "their justice" which contrasts with "he was justified."  The Bible calls just those whose life is in order before GOD because they observe HIS law; so, in Matthew 1:19 and Luke 1:6 Joseph and Zachary are called just.  In many places, however, great importance is given to the exterior acts of the just man, and for the Pharisees as for any religious group that is at the same time a party or a social group, the members of the group considered themselves as good people.

JESUS invites us to humility if we want to acquire the only righteousness which counts in GOD's eyes, for it is not a matter of acquiring it by means of merit and religious practices but receiving it rather as a gift from GOD destined for those who want HIS pardon and holiness.  It is not by chance that this parable is in the Gospel of Luke, disciple of Paul; for Paul, the converted Pharisee, constantly dwells on what is the true justice of a Christian. What GOD wants for us is so great that we could never buy it with religious practices or good works: but to those who trust HIM GOD gives all [see Romans 4].

Neither is it by chance that JESUS offers us a Pharisee who only knows how to compare himself with another person in order to find himself better than the other.  It is there that the devil waits for all, and for all Christian groups, who pride themselves on having discovered a way to conversion.  Wherever we see a divided Church, whether because of political or religious causes, it is a good guess that people favor such a situation because it allows comparison with others.  It is difficult to belong to a group of "the converted" without looking with charitable compassion on those Christian brethren who have not taken the same road.)

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The Greatest Commandment

"A teacher of the law had been listening to this discussion and admired how JESUS answered them.  So, he came up and asked HIM, 'Which commandment is the first of all?'

JESUS answered, 'The first is: Hear, Israel!  The LORD, our GOD, is One LORD; and you shall love the LORD, your GOD, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.  And after this comes a second commandment: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no commandment greater than these two.'

The teacher of the law said to HIM, 'Well spoken, Master; YOU are right when YOU say that HE is one, and there is no other besides HIM.  To love HIM with all our heart, with all our understanding and with all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves is more important than any burnt offering or sacrifice.'

JESUS approved this answer and said, 'You are not far from the kingdom of GOD.'  And after that, no one dared to ask HIM any more questions. " - Mark 12:28-34 

(You shall love the LORD, with all your heart.  You shall love HIM more than you love your loved ones.  You shall long for HIM, you shall forget yourself so that, in everything, you search for what HE wants most from you.

You shall love the LORD, with all your mind.  You shall devote the best of your intelligence to knowing HIM.  Looking into your own life, you shall understand how much HE has guided you.  You shall try to understand how the kingdom of GOD is coming through world and daily events.  Praying and reading the Scriptures regularly, you shall ask GOD to give you HIS own Spirit so that you may understand HIM better.

You shall love the LORD, with all your strength.  Since you are very weak in this, you shall ask for HIS help and strive to unite with the true servants of GOD, using the means that the Church makes available to you.

The commandment to love your neighbor as you love yourself comes second, because it cannot be understood or fulfilled without love of GOD.  For GOD asks for more than solidarity with one's neighbor, or concern for those who are suffering.  We should make an effort to look at our brothers and sisters in the same way that the FATHER does.  We should give them what the FATHER wants for them.  Among so many good things we could do for our neighbor, we should select those that the Holy Spirit inspires us to do.  All this requires that we first know and love GOD.) 

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"Whoever Is Not With ME Is Against ME, And Whoever Does Not Gather With ME, Scatters."

"One day, JESUS was driving out a demon, which was mute.  When the demon had been driven out, the mute person could speak, and the people were amazed.  Yet some of them said, 'HE drives out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the chief of the demons.'  Others wanted to put HIM to the test, by asking HIM for a heavenly sign.

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

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

Whoever is not with ME is against ME, and whoever does not gather with ME, scatters.'" - Luke 11:14-23  

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

Whoever is not with ME...  This phrase seems to contradict Luke 9:50: Who is not against YOU is for YOU.  In fact, in Luke 9:50 JESUS admits that HIS spiritual family goes much beyond the visible group of HIS disciples: those who, without belonging to the church, work for the same goals, must be considered as friends.

In Luke 11:23, on the other hand, JESUS speaks of people who refuse to stand with HIM and HIS message and who want to remain uncommitted: they do not join HIM, and later they will criticize HIM.)

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