"There Is Nothing Covered That Will Not Be Uncovered."

"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.)

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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.)

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Israel Is GOD's Spoiled Child

"I loved Israel when he was a child; out of Egypt I called MY son.  But the more I have called, the further have they gone from ME--sacrificing to the Baals, burning incense to the idols.

Yet, it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; yet little did they realize that it was I who cared for them.  I led them with cords of human kindness, with leading strings of love, and I became for them as one who eases the yoke upon their neck and stoops down to feed them.

How can I give up, Ephraim?  Can I abandon you like Admah or make you like Zeboiim?  MY heart is troubled within ME, and I AM moved with compassion.  I will not give vent to MY great anger; I will not return to destroy Ephraim, for I AM GOD and not human.  I AM the Holy One in your midst; and I do not want to come to you in anger." - Hosea 11:1-4. 8-9 

(Israel is GOD's spoiled child.  In former days GOD brought them out of Egypt, and ever since then, has been calling them and trying to draw them to HIMSELF, but they continue their depraved ways which bring punishment upon them.

I AM GOD and not human.  Our setbacks which seem to be GOD's punishment are, in fact, what GOD considers the most suitable ways to teach us [see Hebrews 12:7; 2 Maccabees 6:16; Wisdom 11:23].)

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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.'  Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons.  Freely have you received, freely give. " - Matthew 10:1-8 

(Till then, JESUS had spoken only in the 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.)

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"The Harvest Is Abundant, But The Workers Are Only Few."

"As they were going away, some people brought to JESUS a man who was dumb, because he was possessed by a demon.  When the demon was driven out, the dumb man began to speak.  The crowds were astonished and said, 'Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.'  But the Pharisees said, 'HE drives away demons with the help of the prince of demons.'

JESUS went around all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom; and HE cured every sickness and disease.  When HE saw the crowds, HE was moved with pity; for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Then HE said to HIS disciples, 'The harvest is abundant, but the workers are only few.  Ask the master of the harvest to send workers to gather his harvest.'" - Matthew 9:32-38  

 

(With this paragraph that briefly summarizes the ministry of JESUS in Galilee, Matthew intends to show that indeed the kingdom of GOD is there: evil has been given a fatal blow.

HE was moved with pity, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.  See Numbers 27:17; Ezekiel 34:5; Zechariah 10:3; John 4:35; Mark 6:34; and Luke 10:2.

JESUS asks each of us to serve humankind with our own talents.  HE needs also workers for the harvest of the kingdom, that is, to gather into the Church those who receive a call from GOD.  "Pray," says JESUS, "and you will perhaps hear GOD's call."

Of course, each Christian community prays to GOD and the Spirit brings forth the charisms and ministers and pastors that are needed.  Here JESUS asks us to pray for workers in the mission field: they are and always will be too few, especially those who evangelize and build the Church among the poor.)

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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.)

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Take MY Yoke Upon You

"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 was YOUR gracious will.

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.

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 11:25-30  

(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.

Must we translate "learn from ME for I AM..." or "learn from ME that I AM..."?  The humility of JESUS reveals to us the humility of GOD who never seeks to put us down or intimidate us, but instead always wants to raise us to HIM.  Such humility does not prevent HIM from being GOD, and HE may exact everything from us because HE does not use external force: HIS influence reaches to the depths of our heart.  See Luke 10:21.

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

JESUS plays with the two 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.)

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The Coming Age Of Peace And Justice

"Would, that I hear GOD's proclamation,

that HE promise peace to HIS people,

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

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

And HIS glory will dwell in our land.

Love and faithfulness have met;

righteousness and peace have embraced.

Faithfulness will reach up from the earth

while justice bends down from heaven.

YAHWEH will give what is good,

and our land will yield its fruit.

Justice will go before HIM,

and peace will follow along HIS path."

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

(This psalm, written when the Israelites had returned from captivity in Babylon, adopts the most universal terms of the human vocabulary: liberty, life, joy, salvation, love, justice, peace, and happiness.  This return of the exiled Jews, however, was only one step toward authentic liberation.  Nothing is definitive and each phase in the realization of GOD's plan, leads us to another stage.  GOD's people are forever being called to go further ahead.  Even the actual reign of the risen CHRIST and the work of salvation accomplished by the Church, are only an image of the eternal kingdom.  GOD loves our earth.  When we feel troubled and discouraged by what is ugly around us, let us come back to the declaration of this psalm: YOU have favored YOUR land, O LORD; justice bends down from heaven; glory will dwell in our land.  Salvation comes from GOD, but is brought by a man, CHRIST, freely welcomed by a woman in the name of humanity.  With the Incarnation, it is not possible to believe in GOD, without believing in humankind.)

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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.)

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JESUS Forgives And Cures A Paralytic

"After some days JESUS returned to Capernaum.  As the news spread that HE was at home, so many people gathered that there was no longer room even outside the door.  While JESUS was preaching the Word to them, some people brought a paralyzed man to HIM. 

The four men who carried him couldn't get near JESUS because of the crowd, so they opened the roof above the room where JESUS was and, through the hole, lowered the man on his mat.  When JESUS saw the faith of these people, HE said to the paralytic, 'My son, your sins are forgiven.'

Now, some teachers of the Law who were sitting there wondered within themselves, 'How can HE speak like this insulting GOD?  Who can forgive sins except GOD?'

At once JESUS knew through HIS spirit what they were thinking and asked, 'Why do you wonder?  Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man:  'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say:  'Rise, take up your mat and walk?'  But now you shall know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.'

And HE said to the paralytic, 'Stand up, take up your mat and go home.'  The man rose and, in the sight of all those people, he took up his mat and went out.  All of them were astonished and praised GOD saying, 'We have never seen anything like this!'" - Mark 2:1-12    

(With this miracle on the paralytic cured and forgiven, JESUS gives three answers at the same time:  to the sick man, to his friends and to the Pharisees.

When JESUS saw the faith of these people.  These are the friends of the paralytic, and JESUS rewards their faith.

Apparently, the paralytic did nothing more than consent to their advice.  At once, JESUS tells him - your sins are forgiven.  What a strange thing to say!  How can JESUS forgive sins if the man is not conscious of any fault and, at the same time, repentant and awaiting forgiveness?  Certainly, during his long infirmity, this man had asked himself why GOD was punishing him [the people of his time believed sickness was a punishment from GOD].  Many texts of the Old Testament emphasize the complex connection between sin and illness.  It is often illness that makes us conscious of our state of sinfulness, and for HIS part JESUS does not want to heal unless there is reconciliation with GOD.

JESUS acts like GOD:  HE looked at the sinner, rectified the complexes of culpability and pardoned before healing.

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

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

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

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JESUS Commands The Demons

"When JESUS reached Gadara, on the other side, HE was met by two men, possessed by devils, who came out from the tombs.  They were so fierce that no one dared to pass that way.  They cried out, 'Son of GOD, leave us alone!  Have YOU come here to torment us before the time?'

Some distance away there was a large herd of pigs feeding.  So, the demons begged HIM, 'If YOU drive us out, send us into that herd of pigs.'  JESUS ordered them, 'Go!'  So, the demons left the men and went into the pigs.  The whole herd rushed down the cliff into the lake and was drowned.

The men in charge of the pigs ran off to the town, where they told the whole story; and also, what had happened to the men possessed with the demons.  The whole town went out to meet JESUS; and when they saw HIM, they begged HIM to leave their region." - Matthew 8:28-34  

(JESUS overcame the raging sea and disembarking on the pagan shore of the lake HE confronts the demon.  It is to say that the possessed has partnership with death and with impurity to which it is attached [Numbers 19:11]; but no one, absolutely no one is able to master him.  This adversary, however, bows low recognizing the superiority of JESUS, Son of GOD the Most High, who forces HIM to reveal HIS name.  JESUS will free this possessed man: the demon, author of every "impurity" is sent to his own kingdom.  Pigs are in fact, in Jewish tradition, a type of impure animal, and the sea into which they cast themselves is the symbol of the empire of evil.)

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"What Kind Of Man Is HE? Even The Winds And The Sea Obey HIM."

"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.)

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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.)

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"Whoever Finds His Life Will Lose It; But Whoever Loses His Life, For MY Sake, Will Find It."

"Whoever loves father or mother more than ME, is not worthy of ME.  And whoever loves son or daughter more than ME, is not worthy of ME.  And whoever does not take up his cross and follow ME, is not worthy of ME.  Whoever finds his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life, for MY sake, will find it.

Whoever welcomes you, welcomes ME; and whoever welcomes ME, welcomes HIM who sent ME.  The one who welcomes a prophet, as a prophet, will receive the reward of a prophet; the one who welcomes a just man, because he is a just man, will receive the reward of a just man.  And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones, because he is MY disciple, I assure you, he will not go unrewarded." - Matthew 10:37-42  

(JESUS addresses this to others besides missionaries or persons with an exceptional mission.  Each one must break away from forms of dependency within the family, which do not nurture the human and spiritual growth of the members.  One who loves CHRIST finds a thousand and one opportunities to free himself from activities, entertainments and worries about his own family, which keep both him and the family at a mediocre level.)

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The Faith Of The Centurion

"When JESUS entered Capernaum, an army captain approached HIM to ask HIS help, 'Sir, my servant lies sick at home.  He is paralyzed and suffers terribly.'  JESUS said to him, 'I will come and heal him.'

The captain answered, 'I am not worthy to have you under my roof.  Just give an order and my boy will be healed.  For I myself, a junior officer, give orders to my soldiers.  And if I say to one:  'Go,' he goes, and if I say to another:  'Come,' he comes, and to my servant:  'Do this,' he does it.' 

When JESUS heard this, HE was astonished and said to those who were following HIM, 'I tell you, I have not found such faith in Israel.  I say to you, many will come from east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of heaven; but the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown out into extreme darkness; there, they will wail and grind their teeth.'

Then JESUS said to the captain, 'Go home now.  As you believed, so let it be.'  And at that moment, his servant was healed.

JESUS went to Peter's house and found Peter's mother-in-law in bed with fever.  HE took her by the hand and the fever left her; she got up and began to wait on HIM.

Toward evening, they brought to JESUS many people possessed by evil spirits; and with a word, HE drove out the spirits.  HE also healed all who were sick.  In this way, what was said by the prophet Isaiah was fulfilled: HE bore our infirmities and took on HIMSELF our diseases. " - Matthew 8:5-17 

(This captain of a foreign army earned the esteem of the Jews.  The amazing thing was not that he should have contributed to the building of the synagogue, but rather that the Jews should have accepted it from him.  He must have been a good man.  He knew the Jews' prejudices too well to have dared to personally approach this JESUS share his compatriots' pride.  Would HE respond to the petition of a Roman official?  That was why he sent his Jewish friends to JESUS.

The man is really troubled:  will JESUS consent to go to a pagan's house and "become impure"?  The captain goes one step further:  JESUS does not have to come to his house.  While other sick people seek to be touched by the Master thinking that JESUS possesses some healing power, this man, has instead grasped that JESUS has the very power of GOD and does not need to go to the sick servant:  it would not be any more difficult to give a command from a distance to a life that was slipping away.

The heirs of the kingdom.  These words are intended to express the Jewish term used by JESUS: the sons of the kingdom, that is: those who belong, or: those who side with, are associated with the kingdom.  Because all of Jewish life was aimed at inheriting the kingdom promised to them.

Among the Jewish people, at that time, religion was taught by the religious community.  There was no problem of personal conversion; the children of Jewish families became Jewish believers.  The Jewish teachers did not belittle faith, but in fact they always spoke about practices and commitment.

JESUS does not belittle the practices, but it is faith that HE admires and praises; see Matthew 9:2; 9:22; 9:28.

Many will come.  Likewise, for us, practices and religious habits will not introduce us to the kingdom.  We must discover the loving presence of the FATHER while experiencing the power of JESUS' word and controversial deeds.

They will be thrown out into extreme darkness.  Let us not immediately think of hell: JESUS is using the style of the prophets.  Staying with the appearance of a learned religion, one goes everywhere except where life is.)

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Cure Of A Leper

"When JESUS came down from the mountain, large crowds followed HIM.

Then a leper came forward.  He knelt before HIM and said, 'Sir, if you want to, YOU can make me clean.'  JESUS stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, 'I want to, be clean again.'  At that very moment, the man was cleansed from his leprosy.  Then JESUS said to him, 'See that you do not tell anyone; but go to the priest, have yourself declared clean, and offer the gift that Moses commanded as evidence for them.'" - Matthew 8:1-4   

(In this new section of his Gospel [8:1-9:35] Matthew has placed a collection of miracles.  For him, these miracles are not only extraordinary events: they contain lessons on what a disciple of JESUS is.  To begin with: the cure of a leper; on the part of JESUS this is an act of courage, and an act that openly violates the law of purity [see Mark 1:40].)  

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Wise And Foolish Builders

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

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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 eighth 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, 'But no one in your family has that name!' and they made signs to his father for the name he wanted to give him.  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 hill country 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.  [See Genesis 17].

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 the children.)

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Enter Through The Narrow Gate!

"Do not give what is holy to the dogs, or throw your pearls before pigs.  They might trample on them, and then turn on you and tear you to pieces.

So, do to others whatever you would that others do to you: there, you have the law and the prophets.

Enter through the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the road, that leads to destruction, and many go that way.  How narrow is the gate that leads to life; and how rough, the road; few there are, who find it." - Matthew 7:6. 12-14  

(Do not give what is holy to the dogs or throw your pearls before pigs.  JESUS addressed this warning to HIS followers living in a hostile world.  They should not tell everything to everyone.  GOD has given each of us wonderful gifts: we must not share them with everyone at once, believing that it will bring them to faith.

Enter through the narrow gate.  Maybe someone was asking JESUS: "Who, then, can be saved?" [Matthew 19:25].  In no instance did JESUS say whether those who would share in eternal life would be many or few.  HE did not say many times that very few would be chosen from among the many called.  That means that among the many people privileged to meet HIM, very few would experience the Gospel's riches and bring forth fruit in themselves and for others.  The chosen or approved are those who persevere and strive for perfect freedom.

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many go that way.  They stray from leading a life in which JESUS is everything for them.  They waste the gifts GOD entrusted to them and apparently become useless for the kingdom.  Yet, even so, they are not deprived of GOD's mercy.

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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.)

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"Do Not Be Afraid Of Those Who Kill The Body, But Have No Power To Kill The Soul."

"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 10:26-33   

(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.)

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Set Your Heart On The Kingdom

"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 life-style.)

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"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.)

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"When You Pray, Do Not Use A Lot Of Words."

"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.)

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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.

When you fast, do not put on a miserable face, as do the hypocrites.  They put on a gloomy face, so that people can see they are fasting.  I tell you this: they have been paid in full already.  When you fast, wash your face and make yourself look cheerful, because you are not fasting for appearances or for people, but for your FATHER, who sees beyond appearances.  And your FATHER, who sees what is kept secret, will reward you." - Matthew 6:1-6. 16-18   

(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.

Here JESUS neither justifies nor condemns fasting.  HE HIMSELF fasted: 4:2; 9:15; 17:21. Fasting is unworthy when done to obtain human approval rather than GOD's.

All religions know fasting.  It is a way of calling upon GOD, especially when great misfortunes come upon us [Joel 2:12]; it befits people who feel guilty and want to move to compassion the One who forgives them [Jonah 3:5].  It also teaches self-control and integrates our energies in preparation for divine communication [Exodus 34:28].

Scripture puts limited emphasis on fasting.  The prophets asserted that fasting without justice towards the neighbor is of no use: Isaiah 58; Zechariah 7:4.

From the time of Mahatma Gandhi, persons and groups have also used fasting as a means of social pressure, as a political weapon to call attention to some demands.  This is all right, although it is different from the religious fast of which JESUS speaks.  The difference is that a religious fast is addressed to GOD, not to public opinion [Matthew 6:18], and it entails an inner disposition of conversion and sorrow for personal sin on the part of the fasting person.) 

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Love Of Enemies

"You have heard that it was said: Love your neighbor and do not do good to your enemy.  But this I tell you: love your enemies; and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your FATHER in heaven.  For HE makes HIS sun rise on both the wicked and the good; and HE gives rain to both the just and the unjust.

If you love those who love you, what is special about that?  Do not even tax collectors do as much?  And if you are friendly only to your friends, what is so exceptional about that?  Do not even the pagans do as much?  As for you, be perfect, as your heavenly FATHER is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48  

(Love your neighbor.  Here we come to the last of the opposites between the Old Law and the New.  The Old Testament spoke of loving a neighbor and this was a matter of solidarity among the members of the people of GOD.  With the Gospel the word "love" is not only given a wider dimension: it introduces us into a world totally different.  Solidarity within the group is supported by an instinct inscribed in nature.  This love however does not cross the frontiers that separate social groups: these only exist and find their identity in opposing others.   

Do not do good to your enemy.  The text is not found in the Scriptures as it stands but its equivalent is in several places [Deuteronomy 7:2].  Referring to enemies of the nation rather than to personal enemies, we are asked to be wary of them, not to help them and even to exterminate them, rather than share their errors.  If in many countries today it is understood that there is no frontier for love, it must be recognized that this ideal is a fruit of the Gospel: JESUS has enlightened our minds by asking us to model the love of our neighbor on the universal love of GOD the FATHER.  We have only to open a newspaper to see that this love of neighbor, whatever it be, and even if it comes from a social, national or religious group, in enmity with ours, remains incomprehensible to the majority, even in Christian countries.  When we realize that there is a place for everyone in the present world and that GOD directs everything for the benefit of all, we see things as GOD does and are perfect as the FATHER is perfect.

Love your enemies: Mark 12;31; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; Romans 12:20; Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60; Romans 12:14; Ephesians 5:1.)

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JESUS Criticizes HIS Own Generation

"Then, some teachers of the law and some Pharisees spoke up, 'Teacher, we want to see a sign from YOU.'  JESUS answered them, 'An evil and unfaithful people want a sign; but no sign will be given them except the sign of the prophet Jonah.  In the same way, as Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man spend three days and three nights in the hearth of the earth.

At the judgment, the people of Nineveh will rise with this generation, and condemn it; because they reformed their lives at the preaching of Jonah, and here, there is greater than Jonah.  At the judgment, the Queen of the South will stand up and condemn you.  She came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and here, there is greater than Solomon.'" - Matthew 12:38-42  

(JESUS did not perform any miracle that day, because the experts in religion were demanding an account of HIM, instead of listening to HIM.

An evil and unfaithful people.  The text of the Gospel says in fact: "evil and adulterous".  This expression in Scripture means the unfaithful believer who, without denying GOD in words, keeps other gods to himself.

The story of the unclean spirit, meaning the devil, is directed towards the contemporaries of JESUS.  They accepted John's call to conversion and for a while changed their way of life.  Theirs was not a real experience of GOD, neither did they discover the inner power that would have enabled them to persevere, and so their blindness remained.

The Ninevites:  see Jonah 3:5

The Queen of the South: 1 Kings 10

The sign of Jonah is the resurrection of JESUS.  The similarity seen in the three days that Jonah was in the belly of the fish and the time JESUS spent in the tomb is somewhat forced.)

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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.'  Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons.  Freely have you received, freely give. " - Matthew 10:1-8 

(Till then, JESUS had spoken only in the 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.)

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"In A General Way, Don't Take Oaths."

"You have also heard that people were told in the past: Do not break your oath; an oath sworn to the LORD must be kept.  But I tell you this: do not take oaths.  Do not swear by the heavens, for they are GOD's throne; nor by the earth, because it is HIS footstool; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great king.  Do not even swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black.  Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes' and your 'No' mean 'No.'  Anything else you say comes from the evil one." - Matthew 5:33-37  

(Do not take oaths.  This sentence must not be understood: "You shall never take an oath", but: "In a general way, don't take oaths."

Many invoke the name of GOD on any occasion.  It is because they truly know HIM and have HIM in mind?  If we use HIS name casually, it is because we do not experience the weight of HIS presence.  What a lack of respect to call on GOD to testify to our sincerity when we do not even recognize all that is false and unclean within us!

Anything else you say comes from the devil, and even the preoccupation of defending and justifying oneself in the eyes of others.  See also Matthew 23:16; James 5:12.)

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