True Happiness

 "Keep me safe, O GOD,

for in YOU I take refuge.

I say to YAHWEH,

'YOU are my LORD, my only good.'

O YAHWEH, my inheritance and my cup,

my chosen portion--hold secure my lot.

I praise YAHWEH who counsels me;

even at night, my inmost self-instructs me.

I keep YAHWEH always before me;

for with HIM at my right hand,

I will never be shaken.

My heart, therefore, exults; my soul rejoices;

my body, too, will rest assured.

For YOU will not abandon

my soul to the grave,

nor will YOU suffer YOUR holy one

to see decay in the land of the dead.

YOU will show me the path of life,

in YOUR presence, the fullness of joy,

at YOUR right hand, happiness forever."

- Psalm 16:1-2. 5. 7-8. 9-10. 11

(So much lip-service is paid to the one GOD and so much activity to the gods we make for ourselves.  Only thoughtful experience can show how hollow these are.  The offerings we make pay no return but a frenzy to offer more.  But perhaps this experience is necessary for many of us.  It may not lead to the high mysticism of the psalmist.  If we learn to turn away and look for a while towards the more lasting good, we may find it more satisfying after all.  Appetite may grow from what it feeds on.  There is even a presentiment in this psalm, that such a union with GOD, will prove stronger than death, and in CHRIST it did.  The risen LORD, so closely united with HIS FATHER, descended to the place of death and came out freely, ascending with HIS spoils.  Nor can death resist HIS Body, which is the Church.  HE promised that the gates of death would not withstand it.  Death, 'the last enemy,' is destroyed.  The resurrection of our bodies is guaranteed by the resurrection of CHRIST.)

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The Choosing Of Assistants

"In those days, as the number of disciples grew, the so-called Hellenists complained against the so-called Hebrews, because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.  So, the Twelve summoned the whole body of disciples together, and said, 'It is not right, that we should neglect the word of GOD to serve at tables.  So, friends, choose from among yourselves seven respected men, full of Spirit and wisdom, that we may appoint them to this task.  As for us, we shall give ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.'

The whole community agreed; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit; Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenus and Nicolaus of Antioch, who was a proselyte.  They presented these men to the apostles, who, first prayed over them, and then, laid hands upon them.

The word of GOD continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; and even many priests accepted the faith." - Acts 6:1-7 

 

(JESUS did not spell out for HIS apostles how they were supposed to organize the Church.  And a conflict arose between two social groups.  The Jews, called Hebrews, had never left their land and they spoke Aramaic.  The Hellenists were those who had lived abroad and who usually spoke Greek.  They may have followed the Essene movement and refused to participate in temple rituals.  They felt uncomfortable with the liturgy and community life and their frustrations were growing.  In fact, the apostles identified more readily with the Hebrews, and it became necessary to give some autonomy to the Hellenists with their own people being in charge.  This was probably the birth of a Greek-speaking church, with a Greek liturgy.

The community chose seven men.  Since their authority had to come from CHRIST, it had to be passed on by the apostles.

The candidates must be filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, because they are not only entrusted with material services.  And even if it were only for material services the Church would have much to suffer from competent administrators who lacked the Spirit of the Gospel.  Were these seven men the first deacons?  Luke mentions nothing beyond service, and "deacon" denotes servant, usually steward.  In fact, this term, "deacons," will from the start give the meaning of every ministry in the Church: ministry means "service" [1 Corinthians 12:15].  Ministers are at the service of the community assembled by the Spirit to witness to the salvation given by JESUS.  All through the centuries, the ministers of the Church would be tempted to misuse the role entrusted to them for the good of the community.  Many will take advantage of their "service" to put themselves over the community: they will let others serve and honor them and will not hesitate to be called princes of the Church.  What is true for those called to a high rank in the hierarchy is equally true for all those priests or lay people entrusted with lesser responsibilities: all must remember the words of JESUS [Luke 22:24-27].)

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"If Their Project Or Activity Is Of Human Origin, It Will Destroy Itself."

"But one of them, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law highly respected by the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin.  He ordered the men to be taken outside for a few minutes and then he spoke to the assembly.

'Fellow Israelites, consider, well, what you intend to do to these men.  For some time ago, Theudas came forward, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him.  But he was killed and all his followers were dispersed or disappeared.  After him, Judas, the Galilean, appeared, at the time of the census and persuaded many people to follow him.  But he, too, perished; and his whole following was scattered.  So, in this present case, I advise you to have nothing to do with these men.  Leave them alone.  If their project or activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.  If, on the other hand, it is from GOD, you will not be able to destroy it; and you might indeed, find yourselves fighting against GOD.'

The Council let themselves be persuaded.  They called in the apostles and had them whipped; and ordered them not to speak again of JESUS, the Savior.  Then they set them free.

The apostles went out from the Council, rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer disgrace for the sake of the Name.  Day after day, both in the temple and in people's homes, they continued to teach, and to proclaim, that JESUS was the Messiah." - Acts 5:34-42  

(Gamaliel was one of the most renowned among the masters of the law.  Here we see the open mind of this old Jewish teacher who knows that GOD's ways are not always the ways of humans.

JESUS had said something similar [Matthew 15:13].  Yet that does not seem evident.  Are we not aware of many false doctrines that last?  If they have lasted for centuries, perhaps it is due to the fact that in spite of the error and the evil they sow, they contain useful or necessary principles for a given time, or for certain human groups.  Perhaps they make very important statements that the Church should proclaim but cannot or does not want to do.  Experience shows that the majority of humans are not ready to embrace the Christian faith: must GOD abandon them because of that?  Can we, who have CHRIST, say with certitude that such and such a one is not "the prophet."  Maybe GOD's will is that HE be the prophet of a certain group and help them in their searching for GOD [Acts 17:27].

Gamaliel was Paul's teacher in Jerusalem for doubtless three or four years, a little after these events [Acts 22:3].  Paul's conversion will be providentially prepared through contact with this open and sincere man, and equally so through the death of Stephen [7:54-60].)

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Always Faces The Justice Of GOD

"'HE who comes from above is above all; he who comes from the earth belongs to the earth, and his words belong to the earth.  HE who comes from heaven speaks of the things HE has seen and heard; HE bears witness to these things, but no one accepts HIS testimony.  Whoever does receive HIS testimony acknowledges the truthfulness of GOD.

The one sent by GOD speaks GOD's words and gives the Spirit unstintingly.  The FATHER loves the Son and has entrusted everything into HIS hands.  Whoever believes in the Son lives with eternal life; but he who will not believe in the Son will never know life and always faces the justice of GOD.'" - John 3:31-36 

 

(Always faces the justice of GOD.  Those who do not recognize the Son of GOD remain in the situation humanity was in when expelled from Paradise.  If they are not able to receive the witness of "GOD the Son who is one with the FATHER," they will never solve the contradictions in their lives or in the world in which they live; and they cannot but mistrust GOD.)

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GOD So Loved The World That HE Gave HIS Only SON That Whoever Believes In HIM May Not Be Lost, But May Have Eternal Life.

"Yes, GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only Son that whoever believes in HIM may not be lost, but may have eternal life.  GOD did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world; instead, through HIM the world is to be saved.  Whoever believes in HIM will not be condemned.  He who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of GOD.

This is how Judgment is made: Light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For whoever does wrong hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, for fear that his deeds will be seen as evil.  But whoever lives according to the truth comes into the light, so that it can be clearly seen that his works have been done in GOD." - John 3:16-21 

(The Jews had been praying for GOD to come and expected HIM to condemn the world and to punish the bad.  HE, on the other hand, sent HIS own Son to the cross so that the world will be saved.

Other verses of the New Testament say that we should not love the world, which seems to contradict what we have just read: GOD so loved the world.  The reason for this contradiction is that the word world has several meanings.

First, the world means all of creation, which is good since it is GOD's work.  The center of this divine work is humankind, which has come under the influence of Satan [8:34 and 44].  Everything that sinful humanity creates--riches, culture, social life--is influenced, disfigured and used for evil.  Hence, GOD sent HIS Son so that the world will be saved.

 Yet even though CHRIST's resurrection initiated invincible power over history, a strong current of evil continues, dragging along all who refuse to acknowledge the truth.  This evil current is sometimes called the world.  It would be more appropriate to say: the people who surrender themselves to the Master of the world.  The Scripture points to them in saying: Do not love the world, or You are not of the world [1 John 2:15; 4:6].)

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An Attempt To Share Everything

"The whole community of believers was one in heart and mind.  No one claimed private ownership of any possessions; but rather, they shared all things in common.  With great power, the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the LORD JESUS, for all of them were living in an exceptional time of grace.

There was no needy person among them, for those who owned land or houses, sold them and brought the proceeds of the sale.  And they laid it at the feet of the apostles, who distributed it, according to each one's need.  This is what a certain Joseph did.  He was a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas, meaning: 'The encouraging one.'  He sold a field which he owned and handed the money to the apostles." - Acts 4:32-37  

(Here we might understand that this sharing had become a rule in the early Church.  In fact, if we pay attention to 4:36 and 5:4 it becomes clear that everyone admired what some of them did.

JESUS did not ask for this; yet they were doing it, inspired by the desire of every true believer to remove all divisions between brothers and sisters, especially those created by money.  Placing everything in common, however, requires not only a spirit of detachment, but also a sense of responsibility and organization.  The believers in Jerusalem lived at a time when work and foresight were not very important, and they soon consumed what they had, without being concerned about working, and eventually became the "poor of Jerusalem."  Paul was to organize collections in other churches in order to assist them [Galatians 2:10; Romans 15:25; 2 Corinthians 8].)    

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The Prayer Of The Community

"As soon as Peter and John were set free, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and elders had said to them.

When they heard it, they raised their voices as one, and called upon GOD, 'Sovereign LORD, maker of heaven and earth, of the sea and everything in them, YOU have put these words in the mouth of David, our father and YOUR servant, through the Holy Spirit: Why did the pagan nations rage and the people conspire in folly?  The kings of the earth were aligned; and the princes gathered together against the LORD and against HIS Messiah.

For indeed, in this very city, Herod, with Pontius Pilate and the pagans, together, with the people of Israel, conspired against YOUR holy servant, JESUS, whom YOU anointed.  Thus, indeed, they brought about whatever YOUR powerful will had decided, from all time, would happen.  But now, LORD, see their threats against us; and enable YOUR servants to speak YOUR word with all boldness.  Stretch out YOUR hand, to heal, and to work signs and wonders, through the name of JESUS, YOUR holy servant.'

When they had prayed, the place where they were gathered together shook; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of GOD boldly." - Acts 4:23-31  

(We can meditate on the way this church gathering develops: an event [the arrest] is shared by all.  For them this confrontation with the authorities is something new.  They connect what happened with the word of GOD.  In this case they refer to Psalm 2; then they begin common prayer and ask for courage to continue to do GOD's works.) 

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The First Community

"They were faithful to the teaching of the apostles, the common life of sharing, the breaking of bread and prayers.

A holy fear came upon all the people, for many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  Now, all the believers lived together, and shared all their belongings.  They would sell their property, and all they had, and distribute the proceeds to others, according to their need.  Each day, they met together, in the temple area; they broke bread in their homes; they shared their food, with great joy and simplicity of heart; they praised GOD and won the people's favor.  And every day, the LORD added to their number, those who were being saved." - Acts 2:42-47  

(Those who have been baptized feel strongly united by the new faith and long for a communal life.  As they gather in private houses and the communities are not too big, they can know each other and share everything.

Luke tells us what they did, and we must note the order of priorities:

- first the teaching of the apostles

- then comes Christian fellowship, with more attention to the weak

- only then may the breaking of bread, that is, the Eucharist, be celebrated

- finally common prayers of thanksgiving to prolong the Eucharist.

In some communities today life is lacking because the first point, which is the basis for all the rest, is not given priority.

The Spirit of JESUS comes to us through the Word and the Eucharist: these are the sources of the Church's dynamism.  By the Word, we do not mean the study of the Scriptures merely to know the Scriptures.  Scripture helps us realize how GOD continues to speak to us through the actual achievements of our life, the community and the world.

The expression breaking of bread could mean any Jewish meal that began with a blessing.  But very early the Christians reserved this word for reference to the Eucharist that they celebrated remembering the last supper of the LORD [Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:16].

Joy and simplicity of heart gave witness to the change in their lives and the authenticity of their fraternal sharing.  They were deeply reconciled persons.

It was not the naive joy that is easily found in Christian groups who have no thought for the problems of the world.  Neither they nor their enemies could ignore that JESUS had taken on the problems of national reconciliation.  They were enjoying the favor of the people who considered them to be concerned and responsible persons.) 

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Proclaim The Good News To All Creation

"After JESUS rose early on the first day of the week, HE appeared first to Mary of Magdala, from whom HE had driven out seven demons.  She went and reported the news to HIS followers, who were now mourning and weeping.  But when they heard that HE lived, and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

After this HE showed HIMSELF in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country.  These men also went back and told the others, but they did not believe them.

Later JESUS showed HIMSELF to the Eleven while they were at table.  HE reproached them for their unbelief, and hardness of heart, in refusing to believe those who had seen HIM after HE had risen.

Then HE told them, 'Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation." - Mark 16:9-15  

(The Good News is the seed that will be planted in the world and will flourish, in its proper time, in every field of human endeavor.  Salvation is not a matter of saving isolated souls or individual beings.  The Gospel is to be proclaimed to all creation in all activities and acts of those who have been renewed by baptism.  They are to be the yeast that transforms human history.)

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The Appearance Of JESUS By The Lake

"After this, JESUS revealed HIMSELF to the disciples by the Lake of Tiberias.  HE appeared to them in this way: Simon Peter, Thomas who was called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee and two other disciples were together; and Simon Peter said to them, 'I'm going fishing.'  They replied, 'We will come with you.'  And they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

When the sun came up, JESUS was standing on the shore, but the disciples did not know that it was JESUS.  JESUS called out, 'Friends, have you anything to eat?'  They answered, 'Nothing.'  Then HE said to them, 'Throw the net on the right side of the boat and you will find something.'  When they had lowered the net, they were not able to pull it in because of the great number of fish.

Then the disciple JESUS loved said to Peter, 'It's the LORD!'  At these words, 'It's the LORD!' Simon Peter put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and jumped into the water.  The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish; they were not far from land, about a hundred meters.

When they landed, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it, and some bread.  JESUS said to them, 'Bring some of the fish you've just caught.'  So Simon Peter climbed into the boat and pulled the net to shore.  It was full of big fish--one hundred and fifty-three--but, in spite of this, the net was not torn.

JESUS said to them, 'Come and have breakfast.'  And not one of the disciples dared to ask HIM, 'Who are YOU?'  for they knew it was the LORD.  JESUS came and took the bread and gave it to them, and HE did the same with the fish.

This was the third time that JESUS revealed HIMSELF to HIS disciples after rising from the dead." - John 21:1-14  

(JESUS appears this time near Lake Tiberias.  This delightful event is filled with divine presence as CHRIST stands on the lonely lake shore in the light of dawn.  The apostles see a stranger but John , the prophet, recognizes CHRIST,

The Apostles pulled in a net full of 153 big fish.  This number had a symbolic value; it expressed plentitude and universality.  Such will be the apostolic work: all nations of the earth will be brought to CHRIST.)

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Last Instructions

"Then JESUS said to them, 'Remember the words I spoke to you when I was still with you: Everything written about ME in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.'  Then HE opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

And HE went on, 'You see what was written: the Messiah had to suffer and on the third day rise from the dead.  Then repentance and forgiveness in HIS name would be proclaimed to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  Now you shall be witnesses to this.  And this is why I will send you what MY FATHER promised.  So, remain in the city until you are invested with power from above.'

JESUS led them almost as far as Bethany; then HE lifted up HIS hands and blessed them.  And as HE blessed them, HE withdrew (and was taken to heaven. They worshipped HIM).  They returned to Jerusalem full of joy and were continually in the Temple praising GOD." - Luke 24:44-53 

(JESUS uses these encounters to clarify the meaning of HIS brief and intense mission for HIS apostles.  HE saves us from sin, which means nothing less than reordering history to resurrect humankind.

Everything written about ME in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.  What the prophets announced, about a savior who would be rejected by HIS people and take the sin of HIS people upon HIMSELF, had to be fulfilled.  What sin?  Everyone's sins, of course, but also the violence of the whole Jewish society at the time of JESUS.  This was the sin that brought HIM to the cross.

As a matter of fact, this way of death and resurrection was not reserved only for JESUS, but for HIS people also.  In that precise period, Israel, subject to the Roman Empire, had to accept the death of its earthly ambitions: autonomy, national pride, the religious superiority of the Jews over other people... in order to rise as the people of GOD scattered among nations and to become the agent of salvation.  A minority took the way JESUS pointed out, and this was the beginning of the Church.

Repentance and forgiveness.  Christian conversion is not passing from one party to another, from one religious group to another: it is a recasting of the person.  Persons are part of a society, a world, a history.  Therefore, the preaching to the nations means also the education of the nations and even international society.  This is something that takes longer than ten or a hundred years.

You shall be witnesses to this.  JESUS calls HIS apostles to be the official witnesses of HIS Gospel and those who judge authentic faith.

Remain in the city.  The apostles are not able to begin immediately missionary work.  They will first dedicate themselves to strengthening fellowship and the fervor of the community of the disciples, as they wait for the time chosen by the FATHER to give them the power coming from above.

I will send you what my FATHER promised.  JESUS could not affirm HIS divine authority and the unity of the three divine persons more powerfully.

HE withdrew: this was the last of JESUS appearances to the group of disciples.

And so, concludes Luke's first book.  His second book, The Acts of the Apostles, follows the Gospels and it begins exactly where the Gospel ends.)

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Peter And John Cure A Lame Man

"Once when Peter and John were going up to the Temple at three in the afternoon, the hour of prayer, a man crippled from birth was being carried in.  Every day they would bring him and put him at the temple gate called 'Beautiful'; there he begged from those who entered the Temple.

When he saw Peter and John on their way into the Temple, he asked for alms.   Then Peter with John at his side looked straight at him and said, 'Look at us.'  So, he looked at them, expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said, 'I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you:  In the name of JESUS of Nazareth, the Messiah, walk!'

Then he took the beggar by his right hand and helped him up.  At once his feet and ankles became firm, and jumping up he stood on his feet and began to walk.  And he went with them into the Temple walking and leaping and praising GOD.

All the people saw him walking and praising GOD; they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, and they were all astonished and amazed at what had happened to him." - Acts 3:1-10  

(We might sometimes think that JESUS cured all the sick.  This is not true, since HE did not heal this cripple who was in the Temple every day.  This new sign brings about another proclamation.

Why are you amazed at this?  The miracle was done in the Name of JESUS, that is, by the Power over every creature that JESUS received from the FATHER at the time of HIS resurrection.  JESUS was in their midst as the servant of the LORD [Isaiah 42:1; 52:13], but speaking of HIS Name was a way of stating HIS divinity [Mark 16:17; Philippians 2:9].)

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Repent!

"'Let Israel, then, know for sure, that GOD has made LORD and CHRIST this JESUS, whom you crucified.'

When they heard this, they were deeply troubled.  And they asked Peter and the other apostles, 'What shall we do, brothers?'

Peter answered: 'Each of you must repent and be baptized in the name of JESUS CHRIST, so that your sins may be forgiven.  Then, you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise of GOD was made to you and your children, and to all those from afar, whom our GOD may call.'

With many other words Peter gave the message; and appealed to them, saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation.'  So, those who accepted HIS word were baptized; some three thousand persons were added to their number that day." - Acts 2:36-41  

(What shall we do?... Repent.  In those days, to repent and to be converted meant to share the life of the infant Church which showed to the nation the way of salvation taught by JESUS.  The Church did not appear as a new religion opposed to Judaism, but as a center of more authentic life.

Repent.  Peter uses these words of JESUS at the beginning of his speech [Matthew 4:17] -- the Church is beginning to fall into the steps of JESUS--now it is no longer a question of receiving the baptism of John the Baptist, which was only a ritual of purification, highlighting the desire to repent.  We must receive baptism "in the name of JESUS."

Save yourselves from the crooked generation.  This means that the entire generation was missing the unique opportunity they were given.  For GOD asked them to take the most decisive step in Sacred History; even Roman oppression could be overcome by a people able to put the Gospel into practice.  At the same time JESUS made them discover the love of GOD the FATHER for which the entire Scripture prepared them.

Some three thousand persons were added to their number.  They already knew of JESUS but were not committed to HIM.  They were converted by the common action of the Holy Spirit and the apostles.  A church in which signs of the Spirit acting could not be seen could not say that JESUS lives in her midst.)

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True Happiness

 "Keep me safe, O GOD,

for in YOU I take refuge.

I say to YAHWEH,

'YOU are my LORD, my only good.'

O YAHWEH, my inheritance and my cup,

my chosen portion--hold secure my lot.

I praise YAHWEH who counsels me;

even at night, my inmost self-instructs me.

I keep YAHWEH always before me;

for with HIM at my right hand,

I will never be shaken.

My heart, therefore, exults; my soul rejoices;

my body, too, will rest assured.

For YOU will not abandon

my soul to the grave,

nor will YOU suffer YOUR holy one

to see decay in the land of the dead.

YOU will show me the path of life,

in YOUR presence, the fullness of joy,

at YOUR right hand, happiness forever."

- Psalm 16:1-2. 5. 7-8. 9-10. 11

(So much lip-service is paid to the one GOD and so much activity to the gods we make for ourselves.  Only thoughtful experience can show how hollow these are.  The offerings we make pay no return but a frenzy to offer more.  But perhaps this experience is necessary for many of us.  It may not lead to the high mysticism of the psalmist.  If we learn to turn away and look for a while towards the more lasting good, we may find it more satisfying after all.  Appetite may grow from what it feeds on.  There is even a presentiment in this psalm, that such a union with GOD, will prove stronger than death, and in CHRIST it did.  The risen LORD, so closely united with HIS FATHER, descended to the place of death and came out freely, ascending with HIS spoils.  Nor can death resist HIS Body, which is the Church.  HE promised that the gates of death would not withstand it.  Death, 'the last enemy,' is destroyed.  The resurrection of our bodies is guaranteed by the resurrection of CHRIST.

Loyalty to GOD does not mean hostility toward those who follow another religion.  This loyalty asks of us, on the contrary, to look more closely at our attachment to all the little gods, that encumber our life.  Let us not sacrifice our Christian identity on the altar of money.)

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Seek The Things That Are Above

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

(Here we have what was said about baptism which joins us to CHRIST and makes us share in all HIS wealth.  Since CHRIST left this earth, we leave it too: what is best in our lives, what motivates us to do things is neither visible, nor is it of the earth.  GOD alone knows the riches of the believer's heart, even when her life seems tarnished by various faults and weaknesses: one day GOD will manifest the goodness, the "glory" which we do not yet see [Matthew 25:31-46].

Put to death what is earthly in your life.  It is not that we have to kill ourselves, but to destroy egoism, wickedness, envy, excessive confidence in self, for sin is there.  Being free of a religion of commandments should not make us less aware of what is required in a new life.  It means being still more perfect [Matthew 5:20 and 48].)

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JESUS Appears To The Women

"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to visit the tomb.  Suddenly there was a violent earthquake:  an angel of the LORD descending from heaven, came to the stone, rolled it from the entrance of the tomb, and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning and his garment white as snow.  When they saw the angel, the guards were struck with terror.

The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for JESUS, who was crucified.  HE is not here, for HE is risen as HE said.  Come, see the place where they laid HIM; then go at once and tell HIS disciples that HE is risen from the dead, and is going before you to Galilee.  You will see HIM there.  This is my message for you.  

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

Suddenly, JESUS met them on the way and said, 'Rejoice!'  The women approached HIM, embraced HIS feet and worshiped HIM.  But JESUS said to them, 'Do not be afraid!  Go and tell MY brothers to set out for Galilee; there, they will see. ME.'" - Matthew 28:1-10 

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

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

A woman, Mary Magdalene, conveys the message, in order to indicate that, in the Church, not everything will come from the authorities.  GOD communicates with whomever HE wishes, giving prophetic messages to simple people and to women.

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

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

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CHRIST Is Our High Priest

"We have a great high priest, JESUS, the Son of GOD, who has entered heaven.  Let us, then, hold fast to the faith we profess.  Our high priest is not indifferent to our weaknesses, for HE was tempted, in every way, just as we are, yet, without sinning.  Let us, then, with confidence, approach the throne of grace.  We will obtain mercy and, through HIS favor, help in due time.

CHRIST, in the days of HIS mortal life, offered HIS sacrifice with tears and cries.  HE prayed to HIM, who could save HIM from death, and HE was heard, because of HIS humble submission.  Although HE was Son, HE learned, through suffering, what obedience was, and, once made perfect, HE bec 

(For the Jews, the high priest--despite his personal defects--was a sacred person protecting the people from the punishment deserved by their sins.  The people needed not only leaders to govern them, but an advocate before GOD.  Aaron, Moses' brother, the first priest of the Jews, had been such a man.  His successors, the high priests, were to be the same.

This idea is developed here: the high priest is the people's representative before GOD, and he must be weak as they are but accepted by GOD.  CHRIST is just that and perfectly so.  Forgetting that JESUS is a man among humans is as serious for the faith as forgetting that HE is the Son of GOD.

It is helpful to look at the role of CHRIST, the high priest, at this time when the Church reminds us that all the faithful are associated with the priestly role of CHRIST.  We must represent humanity before GOD; we are consecrated to GOD for that purpose.

In the Eucharist we thank GOD in the name of everyone.  In daily life we must be instruments of the grace of GOD by being people who promote truth, encourage love and establish peaceful relationships.

HE offered HIS sacrifice with tears and cries.  In Scripture, these words are used to express the insistent prayer of the oppressed children of GOD: they cry to GOD in such a loud voice that HE listens to them.  Thus, the night before HIS death, JESUS identified with men and women who suffer and do not want to die.)

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The Passover

"YAHWEH spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt and said, 'This month is to be the beginning of all months, the first month of your year.  Speak to the community of Israel and say to them:

On the tenth day of this month let each family take a lamb, a lamb for each house.  If the family is too small for a lamb, they must join with a neighbor, the nearest to the house, according to the number of persons and to what each one can eat.

You will select a perfect lamb without blemish, a male born during the present year, taken from the sheep or goats.  Then you will keep it until the fourteenth day of the month.

On that evening all the people will slaughter their lambs and take some of the blood to put on the doorposts and on top of the doorframes of the houses where you eat.

That night you will eat the flesh roasted at the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

And this is how you will eat: with a belt round your waist, sandals on your feet and a staff in your hand.  You shall eat hastily for it is a Passover in honor of YAHWEH.  On that night I shall go through Egypt and strike every firstborn in Egypt, men and animals; and I will even bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt, I, YAHWEH!  The blood on your houses will be the sign that you are there.  I will see the blood and pass over you; and you will escape the mortal plague when I strike Egypt.

This is the day you are to remember and celebrate in honor of YAHWEH.  It is to be kept as a festival day for all generations forever.'" - Exodus 12:1-8. 11-14 

(Let each family take a lamb.  The ancestors of the Hebrews, when wandering with their flocks before they stayed in Egypt, celebrated each year the Pasch of the Lamb, the traditional feast of the shepherds.  They sacrificed a lamb on the first moon of spring, a critical period for the ewes which had just given birth.  The lamb set aside for the feast was kept for several days in the same place where the people were so that it could be better identified with the family and carry the sins of all its members.  Later, the camping tents were sprinkled with its blood to drive away the "deadly" spirits that threatened people and animals.

The sense of the ancient feast has changed.  It must be understood that GOD established the Passover at the time of the exodus from Egypt: it would always be there to remind Israel of its liberation.)

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YAHWEH Has Opened My Ear

"The LORD YAHWEH has taught me

so, I speak as HIS disciple

and I know how to sustain the weary.

Morning after morning HE wakes me up

to hear, to listen like a disciple.

The LORD YAHWEH has opened my ear.

I have not rebelled,

nor have I withdrawn.

I offered my back to those who strike me,

my cheeks to those who pulled my beard;

neither did I shield my face

from blows, spittle and disgrace.

I have not despaired,

for the LORD YAHWEH comes to my help.

So, like a flint I set my face,

knowing that I will not be disgraced.

HE who avenges me is near.

Who then will accuse me?

Let us confront each other.

Who is now my accuser?

Let him approach.

If the LORD YAHWEH is my help,

who will condemn me?

All of them will wear out like cloth;

the moth will devour them."

- Isaiah 50:4-9

("Who is the prophet talking about, himself or another?" [Acts 8:34].  Actually, the servant could be as in 49:1 the faithful minority, but it could also be, perhaps, the prophet himself, or who knows, a "Prophet" who is to come?  The author refuses to choose between servant and servants.

Former prophets met with the same opposition.  Moses had to endure a rebellious people; Jeremiah had been persecuted and imprisoned [see Jeremiah 20:7 and 37].  On the basis of these examples, we see a profile and mission of the perfect servant of YAHWEH.  This will be JESUS, but every one of HIS prophets can apply all these words to himself or herself.

Note the beginning of the poem.  The Servant will be able to transmit the word and to encourage on behalf of GOD because he himself listens every morning and keeps his ears open.  To sustain those who are tired, we must be taught by GOD: the true prophet is a person of prayer, open to the spirit of GOD.  "No one but the spirit of GOD knows the secrets of GOD... and through HIM we understand what GOD in HIS goodness has given us" [1 Corinthians 2:11-12].)

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YAHWEH Called Me From My Mother's Womb

"Listen to me, O islands,

pay attention, peoples from distant lands.

YAHWEH called me from my mother's womb;

HE pronounced my name before I was born.

HE made my mouth like a sharpened sword.

HE hid me in the shadow of HIS hand.

HE made me into a polished arrow

set apart in HIS quiver.

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

Through you I will be known.'

'I have labored in vain, I thought

and spent my strength for nothing.'

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

and my reward was with my GOD.

I am important in the sight of YAHWEH,

and my GOD is my strength.

And now YAHWEH has spoken,

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

to bring Jacob back to HIM,

to gather Israel to HIM.

HE said: 'Tis not enough

that you be MY servant,

to restore the tribes of Jacob,

to bring back the remnant of Israel.

I will make you the light of the nations,

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

- Isaiah 49:1-6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Supper At Bethany

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Last Supper

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

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

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

HE answered, 'The one who dips his bread with ME will betray ME.  The Son of Man is going as the Scriptures say HE will.  But alas for that one who betrays the Son of Man: better for him not to have been born.'  Judas, the one who would betray HIM, also asked, 'YOU do not mean me, Master, do you?'  JESUS replied, 'You have said it.'" - Matthew 26:17-25  

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

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The Plot To Kill JESUS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"The FATHER Is In ME, And I In The FATHER."

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

The Jews answered, 'We are not stoning YOU for doing a good work, but for insulting GOD; YOU are only a man, and YOU make YOURSELF GOD.'

The JESUS replied, 'Is this not written in your law: I said, you are gods?  So those who received this word of GOD were called gods, and the Scripture is always true.  What then should be said of the one anointed, and sent into the world, by the FATHER?  AM I insulting GOD when I say, 'I AM the Son of GOD'?

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

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

Many people came to JESUS, and said, 'John worked no miracles, but he spoke about YOU, and everything he said was true.'  And many in that place became believers." - John 10:31-42 

(In the Scriptures angels are sometimes called sons of GOD, and JESUS remarks that the rulers are called gods.  Because of this, JESUS did not like to be proclaimed Son of GOD.  HE speaks forcefully in saying: the FATHER is in ME, and I in the FATHER: equal to equal [verse 38].  At the same time that HE stresses HIS divine power [verses 15, 18, 29, 38], HE also affirms HIS total dependence on the FATHER.  In this we recognize GOD the Son.)

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Abram Becomes Abraham

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

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

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

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The Annunciation

"In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from GOD to a town of Galilee called Nazareth.  He was sent to a young virgin who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

The angel came to her and said, 'Rejoice, full of grace, the LORD is with you.'  Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean.

But the angel said, 'Do not fear, Mary, for GOD has looked kindly on you.  You shall conceive and bear a son and you shall call him JESUS.  HE will be great and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High.  The LORD GOD will give HIM the kingdom of David, his ancestor; HE will rule over the people of Jacob forever and HIS reign shall have no end.'

Then Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be if I am a virgin?'  And the angel said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born shall be called Son of GOD.  Even your relative Elizabeth is expecting a son in her old age, although she was unable to have a child, and she is now in her sixth month.  With GOD nothing is impossible.'

Then Mary said, 'I am the handmaid of the LORD, let it be done to me as you have said.'  And the angel Left her." - Luke 1:26-38  

(Only Mary could make known the mystery of JESUS' conception to the primitive church.  How could she express such an inner experience and how would it be reported?  

Therefore, in writing, Luke had to use biblical words and forms that would allow us to understand the mysterious encounter of Mary with GOD.

 

I am the handmaid of the LORD... In saying this, Mary does not lower herself with false humility; instead she expresses her faith and her surrender.  From her will be born the one who will be both the servant announced by the prophets [Isaiah 42:1; 50:4; 52:13] and the only Son [Hebrews 1].

 

Many persons are mistaken about the word "servant" in that they view Almighty GOD as using HIS servants to HIS own ends without taking time to look at them and love them.  For them GOD would lose HIS greatness if HE were to give Mary authentic responsibility in the incarnation of her Son.

 

This is quite contrary to the spirit of the Bible.  GOD loves people, HE wishes, HE who is GOD, to experience human friendship.  GOD had no need of a woman to make a human body, but HE wanted to have a mother for HIS Son; and for Mary to really be that mother, it was necessary that GOD looked upon her with greater love than HE had for any other creature.  Thus, Mary is called full of grace.

 

Grace is what we call the power GOD has to heal our spirit, to instill in us the disposition to believe, and to make us resonate with the truth so that the expression of real love comes from us in a spontaneous way.  We call grace that which came from the living GOD to blossom on earth: Isaiah 45:8; Psalm 85:11.

 

Mary is full of grace because JESUS was born of her as HE is born of the FATHER.  This is why the Church believes that Mary has a unique role in the work of our salvation.  She is the marvel that GOD achieved at the outset of transforming humankind into HIS image.)

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