Only GOD Is Good; And Good Is The Authority Of CHRIST

"Come to ME, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I AM gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest.  For MY yoke is easy; and MY burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30 

(Come to ME: I will not relieve you of your load but by placing MY yoke on you, I give you the means of carrying the load.

JESUS plays with the words yoke and load, for the Jews used to call "load" the divine teachings imparted to pupils, and "yoke" the balancing of the teacher's sentences, which should be learned by heart.

JESUS, the patient and humble teacher, enables us to see the mercy of GOD in our lives and in our own cross.  HE shows us the love of GOD even in the requirements of the law.  Only GOD is good; and good is the authority of CHRIST.)

On-Site

Everything Has Been Entrusted To ME By MY FATHER

"On that occasion JESUS said, 'FATHER, LORD of heaven and earth, I praise YOU, because YOU have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to simple people.  Yes, FATHER, this is what pleased YOU.

Everything has been entrusted to ME by MY FATHER.  No one knows the SON except the FATHER, and no one knows the FATHER except the SON and those to whom the SON chooses to reveal HIM'." - Matthew 11:25-27 

(JESUS prayer impressed the disciples.  In this text it is a short prayer, prompted by the most recent events; events and daily life are also a source of prayer.

YOU have hidden these things.  Intelligent people are not excluded from the faith, of course, but it is the glory of GOD that faith should not seem to be the privilege of the wise and the intelligent; human wisdom never gives what is essential and often hides it.  There were in Palestine at the time some wise people and many others who pretended to be so, but they were rarely seen among the disciples of JESUS.

Everything has been entrusted to ME.  GOD does what is needed for people to have always and in all places thousands of ways of knowing HIM.  In this life it is only through JESUS that we have the revelation of the FATHER.)

On-Site

Chorazin And Bethsaida

"Then JESUS began to denounce the cities in which HE had performed most of HIS miracles, because the people there did not change their ways.  'Alas for you Chorazin and Bethsaida!  If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, the people there would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.  But I assure you, for Tyre and Sidon it will be more bearable on the day of judgment than for you.  And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven?  You will be thrown down to the place of the dead!  For if the miracles which were performed in you had taken place in Sodom, it would still be there today!  But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.'" - Matthew 11:20-24  

(Chorazin and Bethsaida: these two cities were the seats of higher schools of religion but had not received the Gospel.  Tyre and Sidon: two pagan cities, cursed by the prophets.)

On-Site

Thanksgiving For Help In Crisis

 "Had not YAHWEH been on our side--

let Israel say--

had not YAHWEH been on our side,

when people rose up against us,

then, they would have swallowed us alive;

such was their anger against us.

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

the torrent would have swept over us;

the raging waters would have swept us away.

Blessed be YAHWEH,

who did not let us be devoured.

Like a bird, our soul escaped

from the snare of the fowler;

the snare was broken, and we were freed.

Our help is in the name of YAHWEH,

who made heaven and earth."

- Psalm 124:1-3. 4-6. 7-8

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

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

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

On-Site     

The Good Samaritan

"Then a teacher of the Law came and began putting JESUS to the test.  And he said, 'Master, what shall I do to receive eternal life?'  JESUS replied, 'What is written in the Scripture?  How do you understand it?'  The man answered, 'It is written:  You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind.  And you shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  JESUS replied, 'What a good answer!  Do this and you shall live.'  The man wanted to keep up appearances, so he replied, 'Who is my neighbor?

JESUS then said, 'There was a man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell into the hands of robbers.  They stripped him and went off leaving him half-dead.

It happened that a priest was going along that road and saw the man, but passed by on the other side.  Likewise a Levite saw the man and passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, too, was going that way, and when he came upon the man, he was moved with compassion.  He went over to him and treated his wounds with oil and wine and wrapped them with bandages.  Then he put him on his mount and brought him to an inn where he took care of him.

The next day he had to set off, but he gave two silver coins to the innkeeper and told him:  'Take care of him and whatever you spend on him, I will repay when I come back.' 

JESUS then asked, 'Which of these three, do you think, made himself neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?'  The teacher of the Law answered, 'The one who had mercy on him.'  And JESUS said, 'Go then and do the same'." - Luke 10:25-37 

(Who is my neighbor?  The teacher of the Law expected to be given the precise limits of his obligation. Whom was he supposed to look after?  Members of his family?  People of his own race?  Or perhaps everybody?

 

It is significant that JESUS concludes HIS story with a different question:  Which of the three made himself neighbor?  It is as if HE said:  do not try to figure out who is your neighbor, listen instead to the call within you, and become a neighbor, be close to your brother or sister in need.  As long as we see the command to love as an obligation, we do not love as GOD wants.

 

Love does not consist simply in being moved by another person's distress.  Notice how the Samaritan stopped by in spite of it being a dangerous place, how he paid for the expenses and promised to take care of whatever else might be necessary.  Instead of just "being charitable" he took unconditional and uncalculated risks for a stranger.

 

On one occasion, Martin Luther King pointed out that love is not satisfied with comforting those who suffer:  "To begin with, we must be the good Samaritan to those who have fallen along the way.  This, however, is only the beginning.  Then, some day we will necessarily have to realize that the road to Jericho must be made in such a way that men and women are not constantly beaten and robbed while they are traveling along the paths of life."

 

With this example, JESUS also makes us see that, many times, those who seem to be religious officials, or who believe they fulfill the law, are incapable of loving.  It was a Samaritan, considered a heretic by the Jews, who took care of the wounded man.

 

For the Jews, neighbors were the members of Israel, their own people, dignified by sharing the same religion; in fact, this familial relationship came from "flesh and blood."  For JESUS, true love leads one to give up any discrimination.)

On-Site

"Do Not Fear!"

"A student is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.  A student should be content to become like his teacher, and the slave like his master.  If the head of the household has been called Beelzebul, how much more, those of his household!  So, do not be afraid of them! 

There is nothing covered that will not be uncovered.  There is nothing hidden that will not be made known.  What I AM telling you in the dark, you must speak in the light.  What you hear in private, proclaim from the housetops.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but have no power to kill the soul.  Rather, be afraid of HIM who can destroy both body and soul in hell.  For a few cents you can buy two sparrows.  Yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your FATHER knowing.  As for you, every hair of your head has been counted.  Do not be afraid: you are worth more than many sparrows!

Whoever acknowledges ME before others, I will acknowledge before MY FATHER in heaven.  Whoever rejects ME before others, I will reject before MY FATHER in heaven." - Matthew 10:24-33  

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

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

Whoever acknowledges ME.  After stressing the sovereign power of HIS FATHER, JESUS puts HIMSELF on the same level.  HE will decide our eternal fate.  JESUS refers not only to recognizing HIM in the ultimate sense, that is, by not denying our Christian faith before others; HIS words also convey a day-by-day demand.  We must not be ashamed to act or talk as people of faith, to go public about our Christian convictions when necessary.)

On-Site

The Martyrs

"Look, I send you out like sheep among wolves.  You must be as clever as snakes and as innocent as doves.  Be on your guard with people, for they will hand you over to their courts and they will flog you in their synagogues.  You will be brought to trial before rulers and kings because of ME, so that you may witness to them and the pagans.

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

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

When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next.  I tell you the truth, you will not have passed through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes." - Matthew 10:16-23 

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

On-Site

GOD's Faithfulness To HIS Promise: The Story Of Israel

 "Then HE sent a famine and ruined the crop that sustained the land; HE sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave;

his feet in shackles, his neck in irons; till what HE foretold came to pass, and YAHWEH's word proved HIM true.

The king sent for him; set him free; the ruler of the peoples released him.  He put him in charge of his household and made him ruler of all his possessions..."

- Psalm 105:16-17. 18-19. 20-21

(We are the people whom GOD has redeemed, but in redeeming us, GOD was keeping the promise which HE made 'to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his seed.'

When praying with this psalm, we can unite our history to the history of salvation and remember that, while the covenant is a mandate, it is also the Word of GOD and therefore it is an eternal and holy covenant.  If we are unfaithful, GOD is still faithful.)

On-Site  

JESUS Sends Out The First Missionaries

"JESUS called HIS Twelve disciples to HIM, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out, and to heal every disease and sickness.

These are the names of the Twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon, the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, the man who would betray HIM.

JESUS sent these Twelve on mission, with the instructions: 'Do not visit pagan territory and do not enter a Samaritan town.  Go, instead, to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.

Go, and proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven is near...'" - Matthew 10:1-7 

(Till then, JESUS had spoken only in synagogues around Capernaum.  Now HE attracts fame and followers and begins to draw multitudes.  In that moment HE establishes the group of the Twelve.  HE needs them to prepare meetings, to spread HIS doctrine, to multiply the miraculous signs effected among the sick.

At the same time, JESUS is planning HIS Church and wants to give it a head: this will be the group of the apostles.  They will be the witnesses of JESUS among people, so HE teaches them a way of living a common life that will serve as a pattern for the Church.

Apostles mean "sent" and "mission" also means "being sent."  The FATHER has sent HIS Son to earth, and the Son, in turn, sends HIS apostles.  The FATHER sends messengers of HIS word, but HE also sends HIS Spirit to touch the hearts and minds of those who listen.  Through the Spirit they recognize the word of GOD in the poor preaching of these messengers who have received no great instruction.  The Spirit will give signs: healings and astounding graces supporting the witness of the missionaries.)

On-Site

Jacob's Struggle With GOD

"He took them and sent them across the stream and likewise everything he had.  And Jacob was left alone.

Then a man wrestled with him until daybreak.  When the man saw that he could not get the better of Jacob, he struck him in the socket of his hip and dislocated it as he wrestled with him.

The man said, 'Let me go, for day is breaking.'  But Jacob said, 'I will not let you go until you have given me your blessing.'  The man then said, 'What is your name?'  'Jacob' was the reply.  He answered, 'You will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have been strong-with-GOD as you have been with men and have prevailed.'

Then Jacob asked him, 'What is your name?'  He answered, 'Why do you ask my name?'  And he blessed him there.  So Jacob called the place Penuel, saying 'I have seen GOD FACE TO FACE and survived.'  The sun rose as he passed through Penuel, limping because of his hip.

That is why to this day the Israelites do not eat the sciatic nerve which is in the hip socket because the sciatic nerve in Jacob's hip had been touched." - Genesis 32:23-33

(Then a man wrestled with him until daybreak.  It is a struggle between GOD and Jacob.  At the end GOD confirms HIS blessing on Jacob. 

Occasionally we discover ourselves better in sleep than when we are awake.  This is what happens with Jacob in his night struggle with GOD.  He understands that his labors and trials have been more than a confrontation with society and men; they have been a wrestling with GOD.  GOD promises success but will not grant it until Jacob exhausts all his strength.

Because Jacob understands better the reason for so many trials and delays, he personally addresses the one who blocks his way and who, alone, can change Esau's disposition.  Jacob becomes strong against GOD; he does not ask for a favor, a little help, but instead he demands that he keep his promises: I will not let you go until you have given me your blessing.

Jacob's prayer does not show the resigned attitude characteristic of a believer, according to some.  Praying does not consist only in accepting GOD's will as a thing written in advance in heaven, or in asking for the strength to accept it: praying consists also in putting pressure on GOD, confident in HIS promises and knowing that HE listens to us.  If we could not have some part in the divine decisions concerning us and the governing of the world, the Covenant would be a fraud.  

At the crossroads of life, pressed between the possibilities of becoming stagnant or surpassing himself, the believer knows that GOD will bring him beyond himself if he asks for it with faith.)

On-Site

A Woman Healed, A Child Raised To Life

"While JESUS was speaking to them, an official of the synagogue came up to HIM, bowed before HIM and said, 'My daughter has just died, but come and place YOUR hands on her, and she will live.'  JESUS stood up and followed him with HIS disciples.

Then a woman, who had suffered from a severe bleeding for twelve years, came up from behind and touched the edge of HIS cloak; for she thought, 'If I only touch HIS cloak, I will be healed.'  JESUS turned, saw her and said, 'Courage, my daughter, your faith has saved you.'  And from that moment, the woman was cured.

When JESUS arrived at the official's house and saw the flute players and the excited crowd, HE said, 'Get out of here!  The girl is not dead.  She is only sleeping!'  And they laughed at HIM.  But once the crowd had been turned out, JESUS went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up.  The news of this spread through the whole area." - Matthew 9:18-26 

(This woman was considered by the Jews as unclean because of her illness.  She would also make "unclean" anyone who touched her.  Because of this, she was prohibited by the Law from mingling with others but dared enter into the crowd, and touch JESUS' cloak.

Faith drove her to break the Law of "purification," and to risk scandal.  This woman did not know who JESUS was but had faith that GOD would cure her through HIM.

The religiosity of this woman is akin to what we call today "popular Catholicism."  As seen in this woman, popular Catholicism is ill-instructed yet shows a strong religious sense and trust in GOD.  It is superficial and naïve, expecting great results from touching images and religious things - CHRIST's garment in this case.  Like JESUS, we should respect the religious expressions of popular Catholicism while at the same time trying, like HIM, to help people discover deeper dimensions of their faith.

These people coming to JESUS were, of course, very far from recognizing HIM as the Son of GOD, but they were convinced that GOD would give them some blessing through this prophet and holy man.  This faith prepared them to receive healing in both body and spirit.  How can GOD heal those who refuse to hope?

What stands out here is the power of CHRIST: JESUS was conscious that healing power had gone out forth from HIM.

Your faith has saved you.  This can also be translated: Your faith has made you well.  In fact, both meanings fit.  For this woman risked all and finally saw how much GOD loved her.)

On-Site

The World Has Been Crucified To Me

"For me, I do not wish to take pride in anything, except in the cross of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD.  Through HIM, the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Let us no longer speak of the circumcised and of non-Jews, but of a new creation.  Let those who live according to this rule receive peace and mercy: they are the Israel of GOD!  Let no one trouble me any longer: for my part, I bear in my body the marks of JESUS.

May the grace of CHRIST JESUS our LORD be with your spirit, brothers and sisters.  Amen.  - Galatians 6:14-18  

(The world has been crucified to me.  Paul has chosen a different way.  He goes on his way, without a home, persecuted by some, despised by others, feared by those who cannot stand his example of complete abnegation, nor his mingling with so many people whom they consider inferior.  This is to follow CHRIST to the cross.)

On-Site 

'You Must Discern The Will Of GOD, What Is Good, What Pleases, What Is Perfect.'

"Alleluia!

Praise the name of YAHWEH.  O servants of YAHWEH, praise HIM, you, who serve in the house of YAHWEH, in the courts of the house of our GOD.

Praise YAHWEH, for HE is good; praise HIS name, for it is beautiful;

for YAHWEH has chosen Jacob as HIS own, Israel as HIS possession.

I know that YAHWEH is great, that our YAHWEH is above all gods.

Whatever YAHWEH pleases, HE does--in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in their depths."

- Psalm 135:1-2. 3-4. 5-6

(GOD, the living GOD, has cast out the prince of this world, has broken the power of the kingdom of evil, and formed for HIMSELF a holy nation, a kingdom of priests.

GOD shows HIS mercy each day, lets us know HIS Name.  That is why we can continue the blessing initiated in the Temple of Jerusalem, praying with this psalm.

The psalmist is all praise for GOD and encourages us to do likewise.  JESUS in John 4:23 tells us to worship in spirit and truth for that is the kind of worship GOD wants.  St. Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, 'You must discern the will of GOD, what is good, what pleases, what is perfect.'  If we are true disciples of CHRIST, we will know the truth and the truth will set us free [John 8:32].)

On-Site 

JESUS Calls Matthew

"As JESUS moved on from there, HE saw a man named Matthew at his seat in the customhouse, and HE said to him, 'Follow me.'  And Matthew got up and followed HIM.  Now it happened, while JESUS was at table in Matthew's house, many tax collectors and other sinners joined JESUS and HIS disciples.  When the Pharisees saw this, they said to HIS disciples, 'Why is it that your master eats with those sinners and tax collectors?'

When JESUS heard this, HE said, 'Healthy people do not need a doctor, but sick people do.  Go and find out what this means: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice.  I did not come to call the righteous but sinners'." - Matthew 9:9-13 

(To enter the family of GOD, we must change some of our values.  This conversion is not as conspicuous as participation in devotional practices but is much more valuable.  First, we must liberate ourselves from prejudices by which we classify people.  Let us stop dividing people into good or bad; those we can greet and those we cannot; those we can love and help and those we cannot.  Let us learn that GOD does not hate the rich or the uneducated, those on the left or those on the right, for GOD's merciful plan sees to the salvation of all.

The Gospel speaks about the publicans or the tax collectors, who served the foreign powers.  JESUS' nation was under the domination of the Roman Empire, and the tax collectors were Jews who worked for foreigners.

Patriots consider them traitors.  The people knew they filled their pockets; even beggars refused to receive from the publicans.  Yet JESUS did not condemn them but chose one of them, Levi, as one of the apostles, of whom the majority were committed patriots.

The teachers of the Law were like catechists or religion teachers.  They were well versed in religion and admired JESUS teachings, but they did not consider as brothers and sisters the publicans and other sinners [that is to say people who did not fulfill the religious precepts].

Levi is probably the apostle Matthew.  In this case, like Simon, named Peter by JESUS, Levi would have been given the name of Matthew; in Hebrew Mattai means gift of GOD.

On-Site

You Are Of The Household Of GOD

"Now you are no longer strangers or guests, but fellow citizens of the holy people: you are of the household of GOD.  You are the house whose foundations are the apostles and prophets, and whose cornerstone is CHRIST JESUS.  In HIM the whole structure is joined together and rises to be a holy temple in the LORD.  In HIM you too are being built to become the spiritual sanctuary of GOD." - Ephesians 2:19-22  

(You are of the household of GOD.  In Biblical language this means: to belong to GOD's family.  From there, Paul moves on to another image: you are the household, namely, the true Temple of GOD.  The community of believers form the Temple, or better, is being transformed into the Temple of GOD.

The imposing vision of the Church and our unity in the Church will perhaps astonish many Christians today who are usually more aware of their responsibilities towards the world than towards our antiquated Church.  Yet, of what Spirit shall we be bearers, and shall we do this work if we are not supported by a community?  Solidarity with those who share our options, and our culture cannot replace participation in the Christian community.  There are probably many things in the Christian community we are not happy with.  However, it would be a bad sign if we were unable to recognize in it the truth that is missing in our non-Christian friends, and without which we would lose our reason for living.)

On-Site

Praise And Fear Of GOD

 "When the poor cry out, YAHWEH hears

and saves them from distress.

YAHWEH's angel encamps and patrols,

to keep safe those who fear HIM.

Revere YAHWEH, all you, HIS saints,

for those who fear HIM do not live in want.

The mighty may be hungry and in need;

but those who seek YAHWEH lack nothing.

Come, listen to me, my children;

I will show you how to fear YAHWEH.

If you desire long life;

if you want to enjoy prosperity,"

- Psalm 34:7-8. 10-11. 12-13

(One may be discouraged by one's failure in past trials, weakness in those of the present, and uncertainty of one's resistance in the future.  Our own weapons are always rusting and loose in our hands.  The bright and effective sword is in the hand of GOD alone.  There will be no ultimate defeat, not a bone broken for those who are one with the Lamb of our Passover on the Cross.

Let our experience be that of the poor and the humble.  GOD is near to those who have no other support but HIM.  When there will be no assurance, GOD will be obliged, to take charge of those to whom HE owes fidelity.)

On-Site 

JESUS Calms The Storm

"JESUS got into the boat and HIS disciples followed HIM.  Without warning a fierce storm hit the lake, with waves sweeping the boat.  But JESUS was asleep.

They woke HIM and cried, 'LORD save us!  We are lost!'  But JESUS answered, 'Why are you so afraid, you of little faith?'  Then HE stood up and ordered the wind and sea; and it became completely calm.

The people were astonished.  They said, 'What kind of man is HE?  Even the winds and the sea obey HIM'." - Matthew 8:23-27  

(Here JESUS affirms HIS divine power over the forces of evil.  HE is not surprised by the disciples' fear of the tempest, but of their lack of faith; only trust in the victory of JESUS, Son of GOD, over the forces of evil, will allow them to overcome this fear.

GOD shows HIMSELF in a special way: more than a friend, more than a master, JESUS revealed HIMSELF to them in the truth of HIS being.  This fear in discovering GOD so close to them was greater than the fear they had felt during the tempest a few moments earlier.)

On-Site

Praise Of GOD's Love

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

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

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

As the heavens are high above the earth, so great is HIS love for those fearing HIM;"

- Psalm 103:1-2. 3-4. 8-9. 10-11

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

Let us praise the LORD, together with everything created: in moments of joy, as well as in hours of sadness, both when we have strength or when we live in fragility.)

On-Site  

Peter's Faith; JESUS' Promises

"After that, JESUS came to Caesarea Philippi.  HE asked HIS disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?'  They said, 'For some of them, YOU are John the Baptist; for others Elijah, or Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.'

JESUS asked them, 'But you, who do you say I AM?'  Peter answered, 'YOU are the Messiah, the Son of the living GOD.'  JESUS replied, 'It is well for you, Simon Barjona, for it is not flesh or blood that has revealed this to you, but MY FATHER in heaven.

And now I say to you: You are Peter; and on this Rock I will build MY Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it.

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you unbind on earth shall be unbound in heaven.'" - Matthew 16:13-19  

(One parable of the kingdom of GOD already foretold the Church [Matthew 13:31-33].  This present text openly refers to the Church:

- it tells us what its foundation is: faith in JESUS, the CHRIST and Son of GOD;

- it focuses on the primacy of Peter among all the apostles;

- it suggests that the Church will always need a visible head.  This is the successor of Peter, the pope.)

On-Site

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.)

On-Site

The Lost Sheep

"So, JESUS told them this parable:

'Who among you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, will not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and seek the lost one till he finds it?  And finding it, will he not joyfully carry it home on his shoulders?  Then he will call his friends and neighbors together, and say, 'Celebrate with me, for I have found my lost sheep!'  I tell you, in the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner, than over ninety-nine decent people, who do not need to repent." - Luke 15:3-7 

(Why do the Pharisees complain?  Because they are scrupulously concerned about ritual purity.  In this perspective--present in the Old Testament--in a relationship between two people, the one who is unclean will contaminate the other.  Since "sinners" by definition never think of purifying themselves of the hundred and one impurities of daily life, JESUS could then be considered a teacher ready to become impure at any moment.  So it is that JESUS will speak of GOD's mercy that has not swept away sinners from HIS presence.

Then again, is not there something more human in the indignation of "good" people: let everyone see the difference between the rest and us!  Once more JESUS battles against the old idea of merits that have been gained and therefore worthy of GOD's reward.

Happy the one sheep JESUS went after, leaving the ninety-nine!  Poor righteous ones who do not need GOD's forgiveness!

In large cities today, the church seems to be left with only one sheep.  Why does she not get out, namely, let go of her income, privileges or devotions of a commercial style, to go out looking for the ninety-nine who got lost?  To leave the comfortable circle of believers who have no problems, to look beyond our renewed rituals, and to be ready to be criticized just as JESUS was criticized, is the challenge today.

Who lights the lamp, sweeps the house and searches except GOD HIMSELF?  Out of respect for GOD, the Jews of JESUS' time preferred not to name HIM, and they used expressions such as the angels or heaven.) 

On-Site 

Wise And Foolish Builders

"Not everyone who says to ME, 'LORD!  LORD!' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my heavenly FATHER.  Many will say to ME on that day, 'LORD, LORD, did we not speak in YOUR name?  Did we not cast out devils and perform many miracles in YOUR name?'  Then I will tell them openly, 'I have never known you; away from ME, you evil people!'

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

When JESUS had finished this discourse, the crowds were struck by the way HE taught, because HE taught with authority, unlike their teachers of the law." - Matthew 7:21-29  

(Many will say to ME on that day.  Matthew probably quotes this sentence pointing out to the charismatic prophets who disturb his communities by not obeying precepts that are addressed to everyone.

Whether we teach or work miracles, these abilities and ministries given us for the good of the community do not assure us that we are in the grace of GOD.  True faith works through love [Galatians 5:6] and moves us to fulfill all the law: James 2:8.

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

On-Site

The Tree Is Known By Its Fruits

"Beware of false prophets: they come to you in sheep's clothing but inside they are wild wolves.  You will recognize them by their fruits.  Do you ever pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

A good tree always produces good fruit; a rotten tree produces bad fruit.  A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a rotten tree cannot bear good fruit.  Any tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire.  So, you will know them by their fruit." - Matthew 7:15-20 

(Most probably Matthew gives us these words of JESUS for the benefit of certain believers in the early Church who considered themselves as charismatic prophets.  They may well have received gifts of the Spirit but have degenerated since then.  In a wider sense JESUS' words address all who encourage division, untruth and violence, even when they pretend to serve a just cause.

Prophets wore a sheepskin by way of a cloak: a wolf could hide in one.  The world has always had a number of "false prophets," usually prophets of easy life, and if the Word of GOD condemns them, many will say that word has been misinterpreted.  It would be well however to ask ourselves why our holy and sacred liberalism tends to sow death in all domains and smothers in so many the ability to believe and hope.

Do you ever pick grapes from thorn bushes?  JESUS invites us to look at the facts before coming to conclusions.  We find it hard to carefully observe the reality in which we live.  We prefer to discuss and debate about ideas rather than to analyze particular situations.  JESUS, accustomed to manual labor, distrusts ideas and theories.)   

On-Site 

Birth Of John The Baptist

"When the time came for Elizabeth, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the merciful LORD had done a wonderful thing for her, and they rejoiced with her.

When on the eight day they came to attend the circumcision of the child, they wanted to name him Zechariah after his father.  But his mother said, 'Not so; he shall be called John.'  They said to her, 'No one in your family has that name'; and they asked the father by means of signs for the name he wanted to give.  Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote on it, 'His name is John,' and they were very surprised.  Immediately Zechariah could speak again, and his first words were in praise of GOD.

A holy fear came on all in the neighborhood, and throughout the Hills of Judea the people talked about these events.  All who heard of it pondered in their minds and wondered, 'What will this child be?'  For they understood that the hand of the LORD was with him.

As the child grew up, he was seen to be strong in the Spirit; and he lived in the desert, until the day when he appeared openly in Israel." - Luke 1:57-66. 80 

(What was circumcision?  The cutting of the skin called "foreskin" of the male organ, was an ancient custom of Oriental people.  It was one of those "initiation rites" which, among some people, mark the passage of an adolescent into adult society.  Circumcision was a religious rite intended to ensure fertility.

Circumcision took on a new meaning for Israel:  it was considered the distinct sign of their belonging to the chosen people.  A foreigner could enter the religious community of Israel only by being circumcised.

The child lived in the desert, that is, the desert of Judea by the Dead Sea, where some large communities of which the well-known Qumran community had settled.  These communities, called the Essenes, devoted themselves to prayer and meditation on Scripture.  And took part in the education of children.)  

On-Site

Don't Be A Judge

"Do not judge and you will not be judged.  In the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and the measure you use for others will be used for you.  Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye and not see the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother: 'Come, let me take the speck from your eye,' as long as that plank is in your own?  Hypocrite, take first the plank out of your own eye, then you will see clear enough to take the speck out of your brother's eye." - Matthew 7:1-5  

(No doubt when JESUS spoke these words it was with the same meaning as in 5:43.  Usually those who consider themselves as good, or belonging to the group of the converted, judge and criticize those of a different standing.  It is a form of pride that spiritual authors call the "fault of beginners."  So strongly inscribed is it in human nature that many among the "just" of the Bible have expressed their disapproval of the "sinner" who did not observe the law of GOD.  Contrariwise the new law tells us not to consider ourselves superior or be judges of those who take a different road, or who are led by GOD to do so.  Do not judge.  We must exercise good judgment in order to distinguish between the good and evil around us.  Though it is a factor of success never to displease anyone, we must have the courage to tell others the wrong that they do.  Here "to judge" means to condemn.

Where we look at our own lives, we realize that those who helped us grow were those who supported and understood us, not those who judged and condemned us.

Do not judge.  See Romans 2:1; 14:4; 1 Corinthians 5:12; James 4:11.)

On-Site

Abram And Melchizedek

"Then Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought bread and wine; he was a priest of GOD Most High, and he blessed Abram saying, 'Blessed be Abram by GOD Most High, maker of heaven and earth!  And blessed be GOD Most High who has delivered your enemies into your hands!'

And Abram gave HIM a tenth of everything." - Genesis 14:18-20 

(Melchizedek was a priest of GOD Most High.  He had not received the word of GOD, as Abraham had; yet, in his own way he knew the one who had called Abraham, and he also recognized Abraham.  Those whom GOD calls are never isolated because they always meet other friends of GOD.  Abraham paid the tenth part but went away richer with the joy of having heard from the lips of this stranger words which confirmed GOD's blessing on him [see Luke 1:39].  

Melchizedek brought bread and wine.  What a strange person Melchizedek is!  In Israel, kings were not priests nor did they offer bread and wine in their sacrifices.  But Psalm 110 and then the letter to the Hebrews [5:6 and chapter 7] see Melchizedek as a figure of CHRIST, the only Priest.  Abraham, despite his greatness, only prepared for the coming of the one who would obtain the blessing promised by GOD for all nations.  Here CHRIST is foretold in a veiled form as the priest and king who consecrates the bread and the wine.)

On-Site

Why Are You So Worried?

"No one can serve two masters; for he will either hate one and love the other; or he will be loyal to the first and look down on the second.  You cannot, at the same time, serve GOD and money.

Therefore, I tell you, not to be worried about food and drink for yourself, or about clothes for your body.  Is not life more important than food; and is not the body more important than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow, they do not harvest, and do not store food in barns; and yet, your heavenly FATHER feeds them.  Are you not less worthy than they are?

Can any of you add a day to your life by worrying about it?  Why are you so worried about your clothes?  Look at how the flowers in the fields grow.  They do not toil or spin.  But I tell you, that not even Solomon, in all his glory, was clothed like one of these.  If GOD so clothes the grass in the field, which blooms today and is to be burned in an oven tomorrow, how much more will HE clothe you?  What little faith you have!

Do not worry, and say: What are we going to eat?  What are we going to drink?  or: What shall we wear?  The pagans busy themselves with such things; but your heavenly FATHER knows that you need them all.  Set your heart, first, on the kingdom and righteousness of GOD; and all these things will also be given to you.  Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:24-34  

(No one can serve two masters.  Scripture had already taught that we must choose between GOD and false gods.  JESUS affirms that money is a false god, because it offers happiness and security for the future, but robs us of our only riches, that is, the present time.  Caught up in making money, we are unable to live truly and freely; we neglect our personal growth and family life, keep silent before evil and lie.  We ignore our neighbor and grovel before the powerful.

Why are you so worried?  The comparison with the flowers and the birds does not mean that we can fold our arms and be idle, because when GOD gave us arms and brains, it was for us to use them.  Rather JESUS teaches that, if GOD takes care of and beautifies the smallest of creatures, how much more will HE care for us that our lives may be beautiful and perfect.

Set your heart first on the kingdom.  It is a matter of concrete realities: the kingdom means the transparency of GOD in our life; HIS justice is a "putting in order" under HIS attention of all that we are and all that we do.  A risk to run for a young person, or a couple: to begin to think of the future, family and apostolic activity according to the criteria of the Gospel, no longer under pressure of Malthusian fear or the race to maintain their lifestyle.)

On-Site

"Do Not Treasure Treasures."

"Do not store up treasures for yourself here, on earth, where moth and rust destroy it; and where thieves can steal it.  Store up treasures for yourself with GOD, where no moth or rust can destroy it, nor thief come and steal it.

For where your treasures, is, there, also, will your heart be.

The lamp of the body is the eye; if your eyes are sound, your whole body will be full of light.  If your eyes are diseased, your whole body will be full of darkness.  If then, the light in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" - Matthew 6:19-23  

(Do not store up treasures.  The Gospel says: "Do not treasure treasures," treasures meaning those savings held in reserve rather than something that is loved.  For centuries the majority of human beings rarely had personal reserves: the family or the clan took charge of the reserve in times of adversity.  Today each one is in charge of his own resources; it is perhaps better, but how do we escape the obsession of a secure future?  Once more JESUS invites us to believe in the Providence of the FATHER: if we have HIS interests at heart, HE will look after ours.

Store up treasures for yourself with GOD.  The Gospel says, "in Heaven," and we know that Heaven is one of the names of GOD.

There also will your heart be.  [In the Jewish culture the heart is where judgments and decisions are made].  I do not possess things, but they possess me and by degrees impose on me a certain lifestyle.

There also will your heart be.  It is this certitude that motivates any effort made towards "evangelical poverty."  It is a question of being as free as possible for action and for love.  JESUS calls us to disinterested action and at the same time warns us against inordinate attachment to persons, to ideas and possessions: we are to be ready for anything but must never get attached to the fruits of action.

Here eye is the conscience.  To be bright-eyed signifies generosity, to be dark-eyed signifies meanness.  JESUS emphasizes what HE has just said: a misinformed conscience leads us astray and turns us in on ourselves.)

On-Site   

"To Pray Is Not To Talk Much, But To Surrender Our Lives Into GOD's Loving Hands."

"When you pray, do not use a lot of words, as the pagans do; for they believe that, the more they say, the more chance they have of being heard.  Do not be like them.  Your FATHER knows what you need, even before you ask HIM.

This, then, is how you should pray;

Our FATHER in heaven,

holy be YOUR name,

YOUR kingdom come,

YOUR will, be done

on earth, as in heaven

Give us today, our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts,

as we forgive those who are in debt to us.

Do not bring us to the test,

but deliver us from the evil one.

If you forgive others their wrongdoings, your FATHER in heaven will also forgive yours.  If you do not forgive others, then your FATHER will not forgive you. - Matthew 6:7-15  

(The value of prayer does not lie in the quantity of words and the mere repetition of formulas, as if accomplishing a task.  The value of prayer lies chiefly in our inner attitude of faith and love of GOD.  We should try to lift our mind and heart to GOD as a FATHER and a friend, a GOD who loves us and is always waiting for us to share a silent moment with HIM.  To pray is not to talk much, but to surrender our lives into GOD's loving hands.

JESUS gives the Our Father to HIS disciples as the perfect prayer coming from the heart of GOD's children, expressing as it does, what they should ask and the order in which the requests should be made.)

On-Site 

Doing Good For GOD Alone

"Be careful not to make a show of your good deeds before people.  If you do so, you do not gain anything from your FATHER in heaven.  When you give something to the poor, do not have it trumpeted before you, as do those who want to be noticed in the synagogues and in the streets, in order to be praised by people.  I assure you; they have their reward.

If you give something to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your gift remains really secret.  Your FATHER, who sees what is kept secret, will reward you.

When you pray, do not be like those who want to be noticed.  They love to stand and pray in the synagogues or on street corners, in order to be seen by everyone.  When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your FATHER who is with you in secret; and your FATHER who sees what is kept secret will reward you." - Matthew 6:1-6  

(After the six opposites ["but I say to you"], Matthew gives us three examples of another secret without which we shall not see GOD: work for HIM alone without wanting anyone to know, and in such a way that we ourselves will have immediately forgotten what we have done.

Those who make a show.  The expression appears three times with reference to good deeds, prayer and fasting.  JESUS uses a word often translated as "being hypocrites," which refers in a general way to those who make a show, or who are shallow, and make fun of the things of GOD.

It is perhaps difficult not to want to be seen by others, but it is far more difficult to do good without looking at oneself and being satisfied because: "I am good."  It is, nevertheless, the way of enabling us to enter into the secrets of GOD.)

On-Site