Let The One Who Boasts Boast Of The LORD

"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.)                                                                                                                                      

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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 who are saved, it is the power of GOD, as Scripture 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  

(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.

Moreover, in evangelization it will always cost us to work with poor resources in a world subject to media.  We need to count on the grace of GOD because we are weak and without titles of prestige.  It will cost us to remind our communities of the poverty of JESUS and to be criticized by those who are well off in the world.)

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I AM With You To Rescue You

"But you, get ready for action; stand up and say to them all that I command you.  Be not scared of them or I will scare you in their presence!

See, I will make you a fortified city, a pillar of iron with walls of bronze, against all the nations, against the kings and princes of Judah, against the priests and the people of the land.  They will fight against you but shall not overcome you, for I AM with you to rescue you - it is YAHWEH who speaks." - Jeremiah 1:17-19 

(I AM with you to rescue you.  YAHWEH repeats what HE said to Moses when HE called him [Exodus 3:12] and what HE will also say to Paul [Acts 26:17].  Moreover, Jeremiah is assured that the LORD destined him for this mission, of which he had never thought, and which frightens him:  Even before I formed you in the womb, I have known you; even before you were born, I had set you apart.  Later, the same will be said of John the Baptist [Luke 1:15], of CHRIST [see Isaiah 49] and of Paul [Galatians 1:15].)

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The Hypocrites! (A Sequel)

"Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You are like whitewashed tombs beautiful in appearance, but inside there are only dead bones and uncleanness.  In the same way you appear as religious to others, but you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness within.

Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous.  You say:  Had we lived in the time of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in the blood of prophets.  So, you yourselves confess to be kins of those who murdered the prophets.  And now, finish off what your ancestors began!" - Matthew 23:27-32  

(We have on one side "the prophets" and on the other those who "kill the prophets".  The Bible shows us that the prophets meet with much opposition among the people of GOD and especially among its leaders.

There is a people of GOD and this people had necessarily its institutions which help it to be faithful to its mission.  In fact, this people follow their reflexes and social prejudices, and the whole institution, even if born of the Spirit, becomes heavy and hardens with time.  Prophets are readily condemned when they challenge peace and unity in mediocrity or even unfaithfulness to the word of GOD.

The defenders of the Jewish community were not ready to listen to their prophet.  It was one thing to honor the prophets of the past and keep the sacred books, another to accept the criticism addressed to them by GOD, not in the sacred books, but from the lips of JESUS, the carpenter.

Thus, it was that the prominent Jews let the moment when GOD visited them slip by - following the path that would lead their nation to ruin.

The example of the Jewish nation must serve as a warning to us.  Are our Christian communities, confronted today by a major crisis, able to build a poorer and more demanding Church?  Will they be less pre-occupied with their personal survival rather than giving the Gospel to the world?)

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Persevere In Faith

"But we have to give thanks for you, at all times, dear brothers and sisters in the LORD.  For GOD chose you, from the beginning, to be saved, through true faith, and to be made holy by the Spirit.  To this end HE called you, through the gospel we preach, for HE willed you, to share the glory of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD.

Because of that, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions that we taught you, by word or by letter.  May CHRIST JESUS, our LORD, who has loved us, may GOD our FATHER, who, in HIS mercy, gives us everlasting comfort and true hope, strengthen you.  May HE encourage your hearts and make you steadfast in every good work and word." - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17  

(Note the word traditions used by Paul.  The traditions are the customs, rites and teachings that people pass down from one generation to another.  They are also the usages and lifestyles which are adopted upon joining a community.  JESUS condemned the exaggerated importance of the Pharisees gave to their own traditions, to the point that they prevailed over GOD's commandments [see Mark 7:5].  Yet JESUS HIMSELF, while HE was with HIS apostles, taught them a certain way of praying, of doing, and of living in fellowship.  It is in this sense that Paul here speaks of traditions.)

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Woe To You, Teachers Of The Law And Pharisees, You Hypocrites!

"But woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You shut the door to the kingdom of heaven in people's faces.  You, yourselves, do not enter it, nor do you allow others to do so.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You devour widows' property; and as a show, you pray long prayers!  Therefore, you shall receive greater condemnation.  Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You travel by sea and land to make a single convert; yet, once he is converted, you make him twice as fit for hell as yourselves!

Woe to you, blind guides!  You say: To swear by the temple is not binding; but, to swear by the gold of the temple is binding.  Foolish men!  Blind men!  Which is of more worth: the gold in the temple, or the temple which makes the gold a sacred treasure?  You say: To swear by the altar is not binding, but to swear by the offering on the altar is binding.  How blind you are!  Which is of more value:  the offering on the altar, or the altar which makes the offering sacred?

Whoever swears by the altar, is swearing by the altar and by everything on it.  Whoever swears by the temple, is swearing by the temple, and by GOD, who dwells in the temple.  Whoever swears by heaven, is swearing by the throne of GOD, and by HIM, who is seated on it." - Matthew 23:13-22  

(You shut the door to the kingdom of heaven.  Do not forget that "the kingdom of Heaven" means the kingdom of GOD.  Many teachers of the people of GOD are an obstacle on the path leading to the true knowledge of GOD the FATHER.  Even in the smallest village, the Jews had teachers of the law but in fact, crowds came to JESUS to ask for what those priests and teachers did not give them.  How can we forget that even in the Church religious education is often limited to moral compartment and keeping within religious norms?  Hearing and constantly meditating on the word of GOD would have favored the awakening of great ambitions: the search for GOD and apostolic creativity.

You say: To swear by the treasure of the temple.  JESUS refers to the common practices in HIS time.  Some teachers found ways to get around certain oaths.  In that manner, clever people could swear falsely and deceive their opponents by swearing firmly without promising much.

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.)

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Husbands, Love Your Wives

"Let all kinds of submission to one another, become obedience to CHRIST.  So, wives, to their husbands, as to the LORD.

The husband is the head of his wife, as CHRIST is the head of the church, HIS body, of whom HE is also the Savior.  And as the church submits to CHRIST, so let a wife submit in everything to her husband. 

As for you, husbands, love your wives as CHRIST loved the Church and gave HIMSELF up for her.  HE washed her and made her holy by baptism in the Word.  As HE wanted a radiant Church without stain or wrinkle or any blemish, but holy and blameless, HE HIMSELF had to prepare and present her to HIMSELF.

In the same way, husbands should love their wives as they love their own bodies.  He who loves his wife loves himself.  And no one has ever hated his body; he feeds and takes care of it.  That is just what CHRIST does for the Church, because we are members of HIS body.

Scripture says: Because of this a man shall leave his father and mother to be united with his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.  This is a very great mystery, and I refer to CHRIST and the Church.  As for you, let each one love his wife as himself, and let the wife respect her husband." - Ephesians 5:21-33 

(HE gave HIMSELF up for her.  CHRIST finds us in our sins, and HE takes charge of us, even to the ultimate consequences: HE gives HIS life to purify us.  This is the way to show the main quality of Christian love, which is faithfulness.  The self-gift of the spouse is permanent and from that moment on, each will do his best to save the other, that is, to help the other grow and be better.  The perfect couple is not the one that lives without problems and accepts mediocrity, but the two who compel each other to give their best.

HE washed her by the baptism in the Word [see James 1:18-21 and John 15:3].  If the ritual of baptism is important, what is even more important is for us to welcome the Word of GOD that gives us life.

Many young people flee marriage, partly because they fear a risk [total fidelity is indeed a way of losing one's life: Mark 8:35], partly because they consider that their love is their own business.  Paul shows that CHRIST's love for us, however personal it may be, never forgets HIS love for all those who make up HIS body.  It is an example: married Christians are invited to have their place in the transformation of the world through the radiation of their love and their service to others.)

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Praise Of GOD's Grandeur

All YOUR works will give YOU thanks; all YOUR saints, O YAHWEH, will praise YOU.

They will tell of the glory of YOUR kingdom; and speak of YOUR power, that all may know of YOUR mighty deeds, YOUR reign, and its glorious splendor.

YOUR reign is from age to age; YOUR dominion endures, from generation to generation.

Righteous is YAHWEH in all HIS ways, HIS mercy shows in all HIS deeds.

HE is near those who call on HIM, who call trustfully upon HIS name."

- Psalm 145:10-11. 12-13. 17-18

(When we reflect on what GOD has done for us, we remember that this is what GOD has always done; our lives are borne along on the unending stream of divine love.  To the eternal GOD, eternal praise be given.

Therefore, all we have to do is ask believing that HE will grant it to us, and we will receive all that we ask for.)

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The Greatest Of The Commandments

“When the Pharisees heard how JESUS had silenced the Sadducees, they assembled together.  One of them, a lawyer, questioned HIM to test HIM, 'Teacher, which commandment of the law is the greatest?'  JESUS answered, 'You shall love the LORD, your GOD, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and the most important of the commandments.  The second is like it:  You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  The whole Law and the prophets are founded on these two commandments.'” – Matthew 22:34-40 

(The love of GOD cannot be totally unselfish.  Israel knew that by responding to the love of GOD who chose them, they were on the right path and GOD would reward them with peace and material prosperity.)

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The Wedding Feast

"JESUS continued speaking to them in parables: 

'This story throws light on the kingdom of heaven.  A king celebrated the wedding of his son. He sent his servants to call the invited guests to the wedding feast, but the guests refused to come. 

Again, he sent other servants ordering them to say to the invited guests:  'I have prepared a banquet, slaughtered my fattened calves and other animals, and now everything is ready; come then to the wedding feast.'  But they paid no attention and went away... While the rest seized the servants of the king, insulted them and killed them.

The king became angry.   He sent his troops to destroy those murderers and burn their city.  Then he said to his servants:  'The wedding banquet is prepared, but the invited guests were not worthy.  Go, then, to the crossroads and invite everyone you find to the wedding feast.'

The servants went out at once into the streets and gathered everyone they found, good and bad alike, so that the hall was filled with guests.

The king came in to see those who were at table, and he noticed a man not wearing the festal garment.  So he said  to him:  'Friend, how did you get in without the wedding garment?'  But the man remained silent.  So the king said to his servants:  'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the dark where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Know that many are called, but few are chosen." - Matthew 22:2-14  

 

(The parable contains two parts.

 

In the first part, GOD invites us to a banquet where there is a place for everyone.  All through history he has been sending his prophets to preach justice, the mercy of GOD and trust in HIM.  The Jewish nation, however, did not heed GOD's call through these prophets and now will pay even less heed to JESUS.  GOD's plan will not fail.  HE will send HIS apostles to preach the Gospel in foreign nations [go to the exits of the ways] so that non-Jews, too, may enter the Church.  Some Jews, however, the selected few among so many called, will be the first members of the Church.

 

The king celebrates the wedding of his son, CHRIST, who deserves to be called "the bride-groom" of humankind, because HE has become one body with it.  All throughout history the RISEN CHRIST gathers together mortal and divided human beings. The Spirit of GOD will transform and raise them from the dead, so that they may sit at the table of the living, according to the parable.

 

The only table of CHRIST that Christians usually know is the Eucharist.  While taking part in it, we must not forget what has been said above.  Our meeting in the Mass should remind us that GOD calls us to prepare, in our daily lives, for the banquet reserved by HIM for all humankind.  Ours is the task of uniting and reconciling all people.

 

What if we do not answer?  Then, little by little, the life of the holy and universal Church will be withdrawn from our assemblies of comfortable Christians, and others will be called to take charge of the work of GOD:  invite to the wedding.

 

The second part of the parable points this out:  You, Christians, who are already inside the Church, do you wear the new garment - a life of justice, honesty and trustworthiness?

 

Let us not believe that the surprised guest who was not properly dressed for the occasion was some kind of poor person.  No, for it was customary during those times to supply all guests with the robe they should wear at the banquet.  This one could have put on the robe but did not, so he had nothing to answer.

 

Many are called...  Some are disturbed upon reading this:  does it mean that only a few persons will be saved?

 

If we associate this sentence with the first part of the parable, it means that, of those first invited, few will enter the banquet.  These guests were the Jews and very few, indeed, entered the Church of JESUS.  Interpreted in connection with the second part of the parable, it would mean that few of those entering the Church have the necessary dispositions, so the majority would be condemned at the time of judgment.  This contradicts what was related in the parable, because only one of the guests was thrown out.

 

It is better not to associate this saying too much with the parable of the banquet, because we find it also in other places in the Gospel.  Here JESUS advises us that only a few discover through the Gospel true freedom and new life.  Then, are they saved?  Yes and no - because salvation, for JESUS, does not mean to escape from the punishment of hell, but to reach perfection.)

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The Workers In The Vineyard

"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 the workers a salary of a silver coin for the day and sent them to his vineyard. 

He went out again at about nine in the morning, and seeing others idle in the square, he said to them:  'You, too, 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 did the same.  Finally, he went out at the last working hour - it was the eleventh - and he saw others standing there.  So, he said to them:  'Why do you stay 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 come to work at the eleventh hour turned up and given a denarius (a silver coin).  When it was the turn of the first, they thought they would receive more.  But they, too, received a denarius each.  So, 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 day's burden and heat.'  The owner said to one of them:  'Friend, I have not been unjust to you.  Did we not agree on a denarius a 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 my money?  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 and shatter the idea we obstinately cling to that we have merits that GOD must recognize.  However, we should pay close 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... 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.

 

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.)

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"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."

"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  

(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.) 

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JESUS And The Rich Young Man

"It was then that a young man approached HIM and asked, 'Master, what good work must I do to receive eternal life?  JESUS answered, 'Why do you ask ME about what is good?  One, only, is good. If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments.' The young man said, 'Which commandments?'  JESUS replied, 'Do not kill; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and mother.  And love your neighbor as yourself.'  

The young man said to HIM, 'I have kept all these commandments. What do I still lack?'  JESUS answered, 'If you wish to be perfect, go, sell all that you possess, and give the money to the poor; and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come back and follow me.'

On hearing this answer, the young man went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth." -Matthew 19:16-22

(Love of the FATHER means wanting to be perfect as the FATHER is and working for HIS Kingdom.  First of all, it needs to be free, and the rich man can only be free through voluntary poverty.  The man also wanted to know how to receive eternal life and JESUS will clearly state at the end, that even if we obey the commandments, we do not "merit" eternal life:  salvation is always a gift of GOD.)

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How Can This Man Give Us Flesh To Eat?

"'I AM the living bread from heaven; whoever eats of this bread will live forever.  The bread I shall give is MY flesh, and I will give it for the life of the world.' 

The Jews were arguing among themselves, 'How can this man give us HIS flesh to eat?'  So, JESUS replied, 'Truly, I say to you, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink HIS blood, you have no life in you.   The one who eats MY flesh and drinks MY blood lives eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.

MY flesh is really food, and MY blood is truly drink.  Those who eat MY flesh and drink MY blood, live in ME, and I in them.  Just as the FATHER, who is life, sent ME, and I have life from the FATHER, so whoever eats ME will have life from ME.  This is the bread from heaven; not like that of your ancestors, who ate and later died.  Those who eat this bread will live forever.'" - John 6:51-58  

(JESUS becomes our bread when we eat HIS body in the sacrament of the Eucharist.

How can this man give us flesh to eat?  Thus spoke the Israelites who distrusted GOD in the desert [Numbers 11:4 and 18].  John plays on the same words and gives them a different meaning here: why would a messenger from heaven give flesh to the world, when what we need is something spiritual?  JESUS answers in verse 63: this flesh to eat may sound like food for bodily sustenance, but it is really a sharing in the life of the risen CHRIST transformed by the Spirit.  For that reason, it gives life [verse 63].

Through material means the believer participates in a heavenly reality and enters into communion with the risen CHRIST.  The Church defines sacrament as something material that symbolizes and brings about a spiritual reality.  When we faithfully participate in a sacrament, we encounter the living CHRIST in person renewing our lives.  In the Supper of the LORD, that is, in the Eucharist, we really receive the body and blood of CHRIST, in what appears to be only bread and wine.  The risen CHRIST becomes for us the food of eternal life.

JESUS acts as living bread in us.  When we eat ordinary bread our body digests and assimilates it, but when we eat living bread [the body of CHRIST], this bread actively changes us.  CHRIST transforms us; gives HIS life to us and unites us with HIMSELF: Whoever eats ME will have life in ME.

Flesh and blood.  In Hebrew culture flesh and blood denotes the human being in his mortal condition.  JESUS wants us to make our own HIS entire human being in its humble and mortal condition and communicates to us HIS divinity.)

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JESUS And The Children

"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?

Whoever does not receive the kingdom of GOD like a child.  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.)

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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 of immorality, and married 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.

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The Humble People

"Mary then set out for a town in the hill country of Judah.  She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb.  Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and, giving a loud cry, said, 'You are most blessed among women; and blessed is the fruit of your womb!  How is it, that the mother of my LORD comes to me?  The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy.  Blessed are you, who believed that the LORD's word would come true!'" - Luke 1:39-45 

(The angel's message has not left Mary alone with her problems.  The angel spoke of her elderly cousin, Elizabeth.  With her Mary will share her joy and her secret.  Mary, quite young [was she more than fifteen?], will learn from her many things that Joseph could not tell her.  What had been foretold to Zechariah will now be fulfilled: "Your son will be filled with the Holy Spirit while in the womb of his mother."

What is most important in history is not what is spectacular.  The Gospel prefers to draw our attention to life-filled events.

A few years later, Jewish crowds would go to John the Baptist looking for the word of GOD.  No one would wonder how he received the Spirit of GOD, and no one would know that a humble girl, Mary, put GOD's plan in motion on that Visitation Day.

Blessed are you who believed!  What is important is not that Mary is the mother of JESUS in the flesh, and this, JESUS will repeat [11:27].

Mary, who has become the Temple of GOD, communicates the Spirit--the Spirit of JESUS.)

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Living Together In The Church

"If your brother has sinned against you, go and point out the fault to him, when the two of you are alone; and if he listens to you, you have won back your brother.  If he doesn't listen to you, take with you one or two others, so that the case may be decided by the evidence of two or three witnesses.  And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembled Church.  But if he does not listen to the Church, then regard him as a pagan, or a tax collector.

I say to you: whatever you bind on earth, heaven will keep bound; and whatever you unbind on earth, heaven will keep unbound.

In like manner, I say to you, if, on earth, two of you agree in asking for anything, it will be granted to you by MY heavenly FATHER; for where two or three are gathered in MY name, I AM there, among them." - Matthew 18:15-20 

(If your brother has sinned...  JESUS had told Peter before: Whatever you tie on earth will be tied in Heaven.  HE declares it now for the whole Church.  The believers must attempt to settle their suits among themselves, knowing that CHRIST is among them, as signified in HIS name Emmanuel: GOD-with-us.

The text of 18:15 is doubtful.  Perhaps it was written if your brother or sister has sinned, go... in which case it would refer to the effort of the Christian community to correct one who has gone astray.)  

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"Who Is The Greatest In The Kingdom Of Heaven?"

"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.)

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The Temple Tax

"While JESUS was in Galilee with the Twelve, HE said to them, 'The Son of Man will be delivered into human hands, and they will kill HIM.  But HE will rise on the third day.'  The Twelve were deeply grieved.

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

Peter then entered the house, but immediately JESUS asked him, 'What do you think, Simon?  Who pay taxes or tributes to the kings of the earth: their sons or the other people?'  Peter replied, 'The others.'  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 it and let it pay for you and for ME'." - Matthew 17:22-27  

(Several times JESUS announced HIS death: see 16:21; 20:17. Never did HE present it as a misfortune that might counteract HIS mission.  John will say that JESUS looked for it as the means for giving glory to HIS FATHER and reconciling humankind [John 17].  JESUS speaks of HIMSELF in the third person: the Son of Man, because HE looks at HIS destiny as an outsider.  This is the will of HIS FATHER, and HE is not concerned about HIMSELF.

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.)

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"I AM The Bread Which Comes From Heaven."

"No one can come to ME unless he is drawn by the FATHER who sent ME; and I will raise him up on the last day.  It has been written in the Prophets: They shall be taught by GOD.  So whoever listens and learns from the FATHER comes to ME.

For no one has seen the FATHER except the One who comes from GOD; HE has seen the FATHER.  Truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

I AM the bread of life.  Though your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, they died.  But here you have the bread from heaven, so that you may eat of it, and not die.

I AM the living bread from heaven; whoever eats of this bread will live forever.  The bread I shall give is MY flesh, and I will give for the life of the world.'" - John 6:44-51  

(The second part of the discourse: JESUS becomes our bread when we eat HIS body in the sacrament of the Eucharist.)

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Unless The Grain Of Wheat Falls To The Earth And Dies, It Remains Alone; But If It Dies, It Produces Much Fruit.

"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.")

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"If You Want To Follow ME, Deny Yourself. Take Up Your Cross And Follow ME."

"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 will 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.)   

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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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The Faith Of The Canaanite Woman

"Leaving that place, JESUS withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  Now a Canaanite woman came from those borders and began to cry 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 the little dogs.'  The woman replied, 'It is true, sir, but even the little dogs 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?)

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The Transfiguration Of JESUS

"Six days later, JESUS took with HIM Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain.  There, HIS appearance was changed before their eyes.  Even HIS clothes shone, becoming as white as no bleach of this world could make them.  Elijah and Moses appeared to them; the two were talking with JESUS.

Then Peter spoke and said to JESUS, 'Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for YOU, one for Moses, and one Elijah.'  For HE did not what to say: they were overcome with awe.  But a cloud formed, covering them in a shadow, and from the cloud came a voice, 'This is MY Son, the Beloved: listen to HIM!'  And suddenly, as they looked around, they no longer saw anyone except JESUS with them.

As they came down the mountain, HE ordered them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.  So, they kept this to themselves, although they discussed with one another what 'to rise from the dead' could mean." - Mark 9:2-10  

(The transfiguration of JESUS is the midpoint of Mark's Gospel.

This manifestation is in fact one of the most important in the New Testament.  In the liturgy of oriental Churches, the feast of the Transfiguration holds a place of supreme importance.

Though not the summit, it is in fact the summary of all revelation.  Moses and Elijah, the spokesmen of the Law and the Prophets [in a word, of all the Old Testament] present the CHRIST of the Gospel to the apostles Peter, James, and John, those who will be responsible for the preaching of the Gospel.)

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First Miracle Of The Loaves

"On hearing this, JESUS set out secretly by boat for a secluded place.  But the people heard of it, and they followed HIM on foot from their towns.  When JESUS went ashore, HE saw the crowd gathered there and HE had compassion on them.  And HE healed their sick.

Late in the afternoon, HIS disciples came to HIM and said, 'We are in a lonely place, and it is now late.  YOU should send these people away, so they can go to the villages and buy something for themselves to eat.'

But JESUS replied, 'They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat.'  They answered, 'We have nothing here but five loaves and two fishes.'  JESUS said to them, 'Bring them here to me.'

Then HE made everyone sit down on the grass.  HE took the five loaves and the two fishes, raised HIS eyes to heaven, pronounced the blessing, broke the loaves and handed them to the disciples to distribute to the people.  And they all ate, and everyone had enough; then the disciples gathered up the leftovers, filling twelve baskets.  About five thousand men had eaten there besides women and children." - Matthew 14:13-21  

(The Bible says that from the mouth of GOD comes bread, and the Word that we need [Deuteronomy 8:3].  By the act of giving bread, JESUS demonstrates that HIS words are GOD's words.  GOD gives bread to HIS people [Exodus 16; Psalm 72:16; Psalm 81:17; Psalm 132:15; 147:14].

What comes from the mouth of GOD [Deuteronomy 8:3; Wisdom 16:26; Matthew 4:4].

Seen in the light of the Old Testament, this narration identifies JESUS as the Shepherd foretold by the prophets.

They sat in fresh pastures [Psalm 23] and they were all satisfied [Psalm 78:29].  The crowd seated for a meal is the image of the Reign when JESUS will unite all of humanity in the fraternal banquet of GOD [Luke 14:15].

Raising HIS eyes to heaven.  By using this gesture, rather than a prayer that saints or prophets might have said on this occasion, JESUS expresses HIS personal relationship with the FATHER.

JESUS is the bread needed by humanity [John 6].  GOD has set on this earth all that humanity needs for food and development, but if we do not know how to listen to the Word, we will not know how to solve the world's most urgent problem, the distribution of the riches of the earth.  Faith in GOD's promises is the only force with which to fight against egoism and unequal privileges, and it will eventually obtain food, peace, and freedom for all.

Because of this, JESUS had compassion for this crowd whose leaders had little concern for them.  Without bothering about food, this crowd sat listening to HIM while HE conveyed to them the word of GOD that liberates people from blindness and emptiness.  Then, being the Shepherd and the True Bread of Life, HE gave them food and distributed it.) 

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The Bread Of Life; To Believe In The Son Of GOD

"When they saw that neither JESUS nor HIS disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for JESUS.

When they found HIM on the other side of the lake, they asked HIM, 'Master, when did YOU come here?' 

JESUS answered, 'Truly, I say to you, you look for me, not because of the signs which you have seen, but because you ate bread and were satisfied.  Work then, not for perishable food, but for the lasting food which gives eternal life.  The Son of Man will give it to you, for HE is the one on whom the FATHER has put HIS mark.'

Then the Jews asked HIM, 'What shall we do?  What are the works that GOD wants us to do?'  And JESUS answered them, 'The work GOD wants is this: that you believe in the One whom GOD has sent.' 

They then said, 'Show us miraculous signs, that we may see and believe YOU.  What sign do YOU perform?  Our ancestors ate manna in the desert; as Scripture says: They were given bread from heaven to eat.'

JESUS then said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven.  MY FATHER gives you the true bread from heaven.  The bread GOD gives is the One who comes from heaven and gives life to the world.'  And they said to HIM, 'Give us this bread always.'

JESUS said to them, 'I AM the bread of life; whoever comes to ME shall never be hungry, and whoever believes in ME shall never be thirsty.'" - John 6:24-35  

(Here begins the first part of the discourse: JESUS becomes our bread when we believe in HIM.

In the past, when the Israelites wandered in the desert and lacked everything, GOD gave them a provisional meal, the manna.  They had to give thanks to HIM for HIS gifts.  But if GOD is only our benefactor and we go to HIM seeking favors, we end up concerned only for what GOD gives us; we will hardly thank HIM, and later will continue to ask and complain.

This was what happened with the Israelites who, after receiving the manna, rebelled against GOD and died in the desert.  Material things, although they may come from heaven, do not make us better nor do they give us true life.

For this reason, GOD now proposes something new.  The bread that comes down from heaven is not something, but someone, and that is CHRIST.  That true bread communicates eternal life to us, but to receive it, it is necessary to take a step, that is, to believe in CHRIST and to make a personal commitment to HIM.)

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