Triumphant Trust In GOD

 "YAHWEH is my light and my salvation

--whom shall I fear?

YAHWEH is the rampart of my life;

I will not be afraid.

One thing I ask of YAHWEH, one thing I seek--

that I may dwell in HIS house all the days of my life,

to gaze at HIS jewel and to visit HIS Sanctuary.

I hope, I am sure,

that I will see the goodness of YAHWEH

in the land of the living.

Trust in YAHWEH, be strong and courageous

yes, put your hope in YAHWEH!"

- Psalm 27:1. 4. 13-14

(In the struggles of this life, the believer is not discouraged, but clings to the hope the LORD have in store for us at the end of the conflict.  A trust without limits: Though my father and mother forsake me, yet will the LORD receive me.  To such a GOD, the psalmist can say: One thing I seek... [to] dwell in the house of the LORD.  All the struggles, trials and temptations will not let us forget the house of the LORD at the end of the road.)

On-Site  

Plea For The Return Of GOD's Favor

 "Listen, O Shepherd of Israel, YOU, who lead Joseph like a flock; YOU, who sit enthroned between the cherubim.

Shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.  Stir up YOUR might and come to save us.

Restore us, O GOD of hosts; make YOUR face shine upon us, that we may be saved.

O YAHWEH of hosts, how long will YOUR anger burn against the prayers of YOUR people?

YOU have fed them with the bread of woe and have given them tears to drink in their sorrow.

YOU have made us the scorn of our neighbors and the laughingstock of our oppressors,"

- Psalm 80:2-7

(Samaria was overrun in the year 721 B.C. and colonized with a mixed population of idolatrous immigrants: so many weeds in the garden of GOD.  What has HE done in HIS vineyard?  Understandably enough, there is no mention of the wild grapes this chosen vine had produced  

[Isaiah 5:1-7].  The psalmist dares to ask 'why'?  The prophet Amos could provide the answer: thirty years before this time, he had scourged the luxury and oppression of the ruling classes [Amos 6:4-7].  But we have to sympathize with the psalmist.  He has learnt the lesson that to brood over sins committed is a worthless exercise.)

On-Site 

The Twelve Apostles

"Then JESUS went up into the hill country, and called those HE wanted, and they came to HIM.  HE appointed Twelve to be with HIM, and HE called them 'apostles.'  HE wanted to send them out to preach; and HE gave them authority to drive out demons.

These are the twelve: Simon, to whom HE gave the name Peter; James son of Zebedee, and John his brother, to whom HE gave the name Boanerges, which means 'men of thunder'; Andrew, Philip, Bartolomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed HIM." - Mark 3:13-19  

(It was in the mountain that Moses and Elijah met GOD: it was there that GOD gave them their mission [Exodus 19; 1 Kings 19].  It is on the mountain that JESUS calls those who will be in a special way associated with HIS own mission: they will be with HIM, they will proclaim the word and drive out demons.

Mark tells us here what the Church is: a community assembled by JESUS close to HIM, where people hear the word of GOD and are freed from the slavery of the demon.

On the other hand, are the countless afflicted who seek relief, and on the other the group of the Twelve whom JESUS asks to be HIS co-builders in the kingdom of GOD.)

On-Site

Unshakable Confidence In GOD

 "O GOD, show YOUR mercy to me, for my foes are in hot pursuit; they press their attack on me all the time.

My accusers pursue me all day long; many attack me. 
YOU have a record of my laments; my tears are stored in YOUR wineskin.  Are they not written on YOUR scroll?
My enemies turn back when I call on YOU for help; now I know that GOD is for me.
In GOD, whose word I praise; in GOD I trust, without fear.  What can mortals do against me?
I am bound to you by vows, O GOD; I shall offer my thanksgiving.
For YOU have rescued my soul from death and my feet from stumbling; that I might walk in GOD'S presence, in the light of the living." - Psalm 56:2-3. 9-10a. 10b-11. 12-13

('YOU have a record of my laments.'  The sentence is more graphic in Hebrew: 'My tears are stored in YOUR wineskin?' This is what professional mourners did.  The tears were shed, as it were, by proxy, and left at the grave, as evidence of grief.  But here the tears are not professional, GOD knows it, and they are really worth keeping.  We can only know what GOD thinks of human suffering from HIS Son, GOD's Word to us.  When JESUS saw Martha weeping, HE started to cry HIMSELF [John 11:33-34].  But in the end, GOD 'will wipe all the tears away' and there will be no more crying [Revelation 21:4].

It is good to pray with this psalm, on the face of so much suffering and so many tears that don't find a human answer.

This is a prayer of the millions of oppressed who live, and no doubt will die crushed.  'YOU, LORD, have gathered our tears!')

On-Site 

Human Advancement And The Sabbath

"Again, JESUS entered the synagogue.  A man who had a paralyzed hand was there and some people watched JESUS:  Would HE heal the man on the Sabbath? If HE did, they could accuse HIM.

JESUS said to the man with the paralyzed hand, 'Stand here in the center.'  Then HE asked them, 'What does the Law allow us to do on the Sabbath?  To do good or to do harm?  To save life or to kill?'  But they were silent.

Then JESUS looked around at them with anger and deep sadness because they had closed their minds.  And HE said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.'  He stretches it out and his hand was healed.  But as soon as the Pharisees left, they met with Herod's supporters, looking for a way to destroy JESUS." - Mark 3:1-6  

(Here, what Mark wants to emphasize is not the miracle JESUS performs, but HIS attitude vis-à-vis the Sabbath.  This miracle confirms what HE has just said in 2:28.

The Pharisees considered it lawful to work on the Sabbath if it was a question of saving someone in danger of death.  JESUS is about to enlarge this ruling:  for HIM, not to do good is to do evil, not to cure is to kill. 

Some ask if JESUS was interested in the material advancement [well-being] of people or only in their spiritual progress.  Actually, it is impossible to separate one from the other.

JESUS, apparently, did not speak of the economy nor the social order, but HE did denounce our prejudices that prevent us from giving the world a true and just order.

People, then, have the capacity and the means to better their condition, but they use them poorly because they remain prisoners of principles or institutions that are considered sacred, and in order to preserve them they allow half the world to die.)

On-Site

"The Sabbath Was Made For Man, Not Man For The Sabbath."

"One Sabbath HE was walking through grain fields.  As HIS disciples walked along with HIM, they began to pick the heads of grain and crush them in their hands.  'Look!  They are doing what is forbidden on the Sabbath!'

And HE said to them, 'Have you never read what David did in his time of need; when he and his men were very hungry?  He went into the House of GOD, when Abiathar was High Priest, and ate; the bread of offering, which only the priests are allowed to eat, and he also gave some to the men who were with him.'  Then JESUS said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.  So the Son of Man is master even of the Sabbath.'" - Mark 2:23-28  

(It was normal that passersby, when hungry, would pick fruit or wheat.  The Pharisees were scandalized because JESUS' disciples did this on the Sabbath, a day when all work was prohibited.

The Sabbath was made for man.  No law, no matter how holy it is, should be applied in a way that would oppress a person.

The Son of Man is master even of the Sabbath.  For the Jews, the observance of the Sabbath was the pillar of the Law established by GOD.  Who did JESUS think HE was?)

On-Site 

New Wine, New Skin

"One day, when the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist were fasting, some people asked JESUS, 'Why is it, that both the Pharisees and the disciples of John fast, but YOURS do not?'  JESUS answered, 'How can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?  As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.  But the day will come, when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.

No one saws a piece of new cloth on an old coat, because the new patch will shrink and tear away from the old cloth, making a worse tear.  And no one puts new wine into old wine skins, for the wine would burst the skins, and then both the wine and the skins would be lost.  But new wine, new skins!'" - Mark 2:18-22  

(Many religious leaders sympathized with JESUS.  How they would have liked that HE rekindles the faith of the nation!  JESUS HIMSELF did not feel that HIS primary task was to reorganize worship and bring people to the synagogues.

The Pharisees were fasting.  Fasting a sign of repentance, supported their prayers that GOD come and liberate HIS people.  GOD comes in the person of JESUS: joy and celebration are more appropriate than fasting.  The prophets had announced the wedding feast of GOD with HIS people when HE would come to visit us [Isaiah 62:4-5].  Because of this, in presenting HIMSELF as the bridegroom, JESUS identifies who HE really is.

What is the new wine?  It is of course the Gospel, and the enthusiasm because of the Holy Spirit that leads the disciples to every kind of madness to manifest the love of the FATHER and the freedom that they have acquired.  In order to understand this, let us read the Acts of the Apostles and the lives of the saints, who have marked Church history.

Old skins.  The Gospel does not fit into the molds of religion and likewise does not enter into those persons who hold onto them at all costs.  Mark wants us to catch the Gospel's novelty.  We have just seen JESUS welcoming sinners, now we wonder that HE doesn't come like religious groups with prayers and fasting.)

On-Site

The Parable Of The One Hundred Sheep

"What do you think of this?  If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them strays, won't he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside, and go to look for the stray one?  And I tell you, when he finally finds it, he is more pleased about it, than about the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  It is the same with your FATHER in heaven.  Your FATHER in heaven doesn't want even one of these little ones to perish." - Matthew 18:12-14  

(The parable of the one hundred sheep is also found in the Gospel of Luke [15:1].  It teaches us several things: JESUS' special concern for sinners and those who stray and, therefore, the missionary dimension of HIS apostolate.  In fact, JESUS came "to seek and save the lost" [Luke 19:10], "I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners" [Matthew 9:13].  This attitude should impel our parishes and Christian communities to constantly reach out to the unchurched and marginalized, instead of just working with those who already are in touch with the Church.)

On-Site 

"To Enter The Family Of GOD, We Must Change Some Of Our Values."

"When JESUS went out again, beside the lake, a crowd came to HIM, and HE taught them.  As HE walked along, HE saw a tax collector sitting in his office.  This was Levi, the son of Alpheus.  JESUS said to him, 'Follow ME!'  And Levi got up and followed HIM.

And it so happened that, when JESUS eating in Levi's house, tax collectors and sinners sat with HIM and HIS disciples; there were a lot of them, and they used to follow JESUS.

But Pharisees, men educated in the law, when they saw JESUS eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to HIS disciples, 'Why does your master eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?'

JESUS heard them, and answered, 'Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do.  I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" - Mark 2:13-17  

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

Levi is probably the apostle Matthew [Matthew 9:9].  In this case, like Simon, named Peter by JESUS, Levi would have been given the name of Matthew; in Hebrew Mattai means gift of GOD.)

On-Site 

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 and from HIM, we receive the pardon both of GOD and of people within the Christian community.)  

On-Site

The Marginalized

"A leper came to JESUS and begged HIM, 'If YOU want to, YOU can make me clean.'  Moved with pity, JESUS stretched out HIS hand and touched him, saying, 'I do want to; be clean.'  The leprosy left the man at once and he was made clean.  As JESUS sent the man away, HE sternly warned him, 'Don't tell anyone about this, but go and show yourself to the priest; and for the cleansing, bring the offering ordered by Moses; in this way, you will give to them your testimony.'

However, as soon as the man went out, he began spreading the news everywhere, so that JESUS could no longer openly enter any town.  But even though HE stayed in the rural areas, people came to HIM from everywhere." - Mark 1:40-45  

(JESUS leaves Capernaum to announce the Good News to the most isolated and ignored families in the whole country.  There HE finds the lepers.  At that time leprosy was considered as a contagious disease.  Because of this, lepers had to live on the outskirts of the towns, far from the rest of the population.  There was also a belief that leprosy was an affliction from GOD, and the Jewish religion declared lepers unclean.

By JESUS act, the flesh of the leper becomes clean.  As a result of this, from that time on, he would be like others and people would no longer avoid him.  Both people and the law of GOD would acknowledge his dignity.

The Good News does not remain mere words, but it effects a change.  From then on, they would no longer be marginalized people.

Don't tell anyone.  Very often, particularly in the Gospel of Mark, JESUS gives this order to those who have just been cured of an evil.  We must note, however, that JESUS does not give this order when HE is outside Israel territory; and that the order is not given after the transfiguration.

JESUS imposed this silence during the first part of HIS public life because most of the people expected a warlike and vengeful Messiah.  JESUS did not want any ambiguity about HIS mission.  Only when JESUS had sufficiently distanced HIMSELF from this popular image of the Messiah, would HE begin to reveal, first to HIS disciples, the mystery of HIS person.

For this same reason Mark, who differs from Matthew, rarely uses the expression "Son of GOD."  Mark reserves it for the privileged moments of JESUS' revelation to people: HIS baptism and transfiguration, and at the conclusion of the passion on the lips of the centurion.)

On-Site

JESUS Baptized By John

"At that time, JESUS arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.  But John tried to prevent HIM, and said, 'How is it, YOU come to me?  I should be baptized by YOU!'

But JESUS answered him, 'Let it be like that for now; so that we may fulfill the right order.'  John agreed.

As soon as HE was baptized, JESUS came up out of the water.  All at once, the heavens opened and HE saw the Spirit of GOD come down, like a dove, and rest upon HIM.  At the same time, a voice from heaven was heard, 'This is MY Son, the Beloved; HE is MY Chosen One.'" - Matthew 3:13-17  

(In this baptism JESUS identifies HIMSELF with HIS people, more precisely with this world of "untitled" people who went to hear a call to conversion.  For HIM it is an occasion of deep religious experience recalling that of the great prophets.  What the voice says gives JESUS HIS mission.  HE will be Son and Servant of the FATHER [Psalm 2 and Isaiah 42:1].)

On-Site

John The Baptist's Last Testimony

"After this, JESUS went into the territory of Judea with HIS disciples.  HE stayed there with them and baptized.  John was also baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, where water was plentiful; people came to him and were baptized.  This happened before John was put in prison.

Now John's disciples had been questioned by a Jew about spiritual cleansing, so they came to John and said, 'Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, and about whom you spoke favorably, is now baptizing, and all are going to HIM.'

John answered, 'No one can receive anything, except what has been given to HIM from heaven.  You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, 'I am not the CHRIST, but I have been sent before HIM.  Only the bridegroom has the bride; but the friend of the bridegroom stands by and listens and rejoices to hear the bridegroom's voice.  My joy is now full.  It is necessary that HE increase, but that I decrease.'" - John 3:22-30  

(The Gospel admits that many disciples of John the Baptist did not recognize JESUS.  They had been drawn by their teacher's example: he was intense and outspoken, hard on himself in food, drink and clothing.  Somehow, they had the hope, maybe because of John the Baptist's manner, that GOD's true justice would come and bring about direct punishment of the wicked.  Like militant followers of whatever good cause, John's disciples had this weakness: they were too focused on their own leaders and ways to consider other possibilities.  To become CHRIST's disciples, they would have to give up their own prophets.

It is necessary that HE increase but that I decrease, said the greatest of the prophets.  Only JESUS comes from On High and can fully satisfy the human heart.  In HIM nothing of the good is lost, since HE embodies all.)

On-Site

JESUS Calls HIS First Disciples

"After John was arrested, JESUS went into Galilee and began preaching the Good News of GOD.  HE said, 'The time has come; the kingdom of GOD is at hand.  Change your ways and believe the Good News.'

As JESUS was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, HE saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  And JESUS said to them, 'Follow ME, and I will make you fish for people.'  At once, they abandoned their nets and followed HIM.  JESUS went a little farther on, and saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee; they were in their boat mending their nets.  Immediately, JESUS called them and they followed HIM, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men." - Mark 1:14-20  

(After this desert experience, JESUS returns to HIS home province, Galilee, and establishes HIMSELF in Capernaum.  JESUS lives in the house of Simon, who already appears to be the leader of a group of fishermen, and among them JESUS finds HIS disciples.

 GOD becomes human, JESUS shares the life of the people of HIS time, and like the prophets HE teaches by what HE says and does.

The time has come.  What does that mean?  The time fixed by GOD has come to an end [Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:10], the time of preparation has ended, and the manifestation of GOD announced by the prophets has already begun.

Change your ways and believe the Good News.  GOD does not expect works on the part of human beings but calls them to faith.  Be rid of all that hampers you, of all that prevents you from seeing and believe!  Believe that it is HE, and HE alone who is able to save you!

At once, they abandoned their nets and followed HIM, which means leaving their family and work they began to live with HIM.  Like the masters of religion in HIS time, like the rabbis, JESUS instructed HIS first disciples, teaching them what they were to pass on to others in the Church.

Simon, Andrew, James and John.  JESUS already knew them: HE had met them where John the Baptist was preaching [John 1:35].  The first nucleus of disciples is this natural group of lake fishermen of which Peter seemed to be the leader.  They were most probably young men, ready to make a commitment at a time and in a culture where people were freer than we are from the constraints of work.

They did not yet know what the Reign of GOD would mean but they trusted JESUS to guide them.  This for them was the beginning of faith.)

On-Site

JESUS Baptized By John

"At that time, JESUS arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.  But John tried to prevent HIM, and said, 'How is it, YOU come to me?  I should be baptized by YOU!'

But JESUS answered him, 'Let it be like that for now; so that we may fulfill the right order.'  John agreed.

As soon as HE was baptized, JESUS came up out of the water.  All at once, the heavens opened and HE saw the Spirit of GOD come down, like a dove, and rest upon HIM.  At the same time, a voice from heaven was heard, 'This is MY Son, the Beloved; HE is MY Chosen One.'" - Matthew 3:13-17  

(In this baptism JESUS identifies HIMSELF with HIS people, more precisely with this world of "untitled" people who went to hear a call to conversion.  For HIM it is an occasion of deep religious experience recalling that of the great prophets.  What the voice says gives JESUS HIS mission.  HE will be Son and Servant of the FATHER [Psalm 2 and Isaiah 42:1].)

On-Site

John The Baptist's Last Testimony

"After this, JESUS went into the territory of Judea with HIS disciples.  HE stayed there with them and baptized.  John was also baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, where water was plentiful; people came to him and were baptized.  This happened before John was put in prison.

Now John's disciples had been questioned by a Jew about spiritual cleansing, so they came to John and said, 'Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, and about whom you spoke favorably, is now baptizing, and all are going to HIM.'

John answered, 'No one can receive anything, except what has been given to HIM from heaven.  You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, 'I am not the CHRIST, but I have been sent before HIM.  Only the bridegroom has the bride; but the friend of the bridegroom stands by and listens and rejoices to hear the bridegroom's voice.  My joy is now full.  It is necessary that HE increase, but that I decrease.'" - John 3:22-30 

(The Gospel admits that many disciples of John the Baptist did not recognize JESUS.  They had been drawn by their teacher's example: he was intense and outspoken, hard on himself in food, drink and clothing.  Somehow, they had the hope, maybe because of John the Baptist's manner, that GOD's true justice would come and bring about direct punishment of the wicked.  Like militant followers of whatever good cause, John's disciples had this weakness: they were too focused on their own leaders and ways to consider other possibilities.  To become CHRIST's disciples, they would have to give up their own prophets.

It is necessary that HE increase but that I decrease, said the greatest of the prophets.  Only JESUS comes from On High and can fully satisfy the human heart.  In HIM nothing of the good is lost, since HE embodies all.)

On-Site

Cure Of A Leper

"One day, in another town, a man came to JESUS covered with leprosy.  On seeing JESUS, the man bowed down to the ground, and said, 'LORD, if YOU want to, YOU can make me clean.'

Stretching out HIS hand, JESUS touched the man and said, 'Yes, I want to.  Be clean.'  In an instant, the leprosy left him.  Then JESUS instructed him, 'Tell this to no one.  But go and show yourself to the priest.  Make an offering for your healing, as Moses prescribed; that will serve as evidence for them.'

But the news about JESUS spread all the more; and large crowds came to HIM, to listen and to be healed of their sickness.  As for JESUS, HE would often withdraw to solitary places and pray." - Luke 5:12-16  

(Make an offering for your healing.  The same law that demanded that a leper be isolated [Leviticus 13:45], provided that if the leper was healed, he could, after examination by the priests be reintegrated into the community.  Because leprosy was seen as GOD's punishment, healing meant that GOD had forgiven the sinner who was to express his gratitude with a sacrifice.

HE would often withdraw to solitary places and pray.  Luke mentions JESUS' prayer several times [3:21; 6:12; 9:28...]  JESUS did not withdraw only to be still, but because, on each occasion, prayer was a necessity for HIM.)

On-Site

JESUS Proclaims HIS Mission At Nazareth

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

When JESUS came to Nazareth, where HE had been brought up, HE entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, as HE usually did.  HE stood up to read, and they handed HIM the book of the prophet Isaiah.

JESUS then unrolled the scroll and found the place where it is written: 'The Spirit of the LORD is upon ME.  HE has anointed ME, to bring good news to the poor; to proclaim liberty to captives; and new sight to the blind; to free the oppressed; and to announce the LORD's year of mercy.'

JESUS then rolled up the scroll, gave it to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on HIM.  The HE said to them, 'Today, these prophetic words come true, even as you listen.'

All agreed with HIM, and were lost in wonder, while HE spoke of the grace of GOD.  Nevertheless, they asked, 'Who is this but Joseph's Son?' " - Luke 4:14-22 

(JESUS brings real liberation to everyone since HIS deeds urge each one of us to live in truth: "the Son makes you free... the truth will make you free..." [John 8:32].  The Jews, obviously, were looking first and foremost for political freedom, which is part of total human liberation.  Why did JESUS not bring it?  Was HE only interested in "souls"?

Actually, the Old Testament never promised "the salvation of souls" which is sometimes emphasized these days in various groups.  Such believers think they are saving their souls and yet remain silent, or blind accomplices of the daily sins permeating all economic and social life.

In the same way a year of mercy from the LORD is beginning.  Thus, the time of promises and prophecies is over.  GOD begins to show HIMSELF to humankind as HE is: JESUS reveals the FATHER, and the FATHER reveals HIS Son through the signs and miracles that HE performs.)

On-Site

JESUS Walks On The Water

"Immediately, JESUS obliged HIS disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of HIM to the other side, towards Bethsaida, while HE HIMSELF sent the crowd away. And having sent the people off, HE went by HIMSELF to the hillside to pray. 

When evening came, the boat was far out on the lake while HE was alone on the land.  JESUS saw HIS disciples straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, and before daybreak HE came to them walking on the lake; and HE was going to pass them by.

When they saw HIM walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw HIM and were terrified.  But at once HE called to them, 'Courage!  It's ME; don't be afraid.'  The JESUS got into the boat with them and the wind died down.  They were completely astonished, for they had not really grasped the fact of the loaves; their minds were dull." - Mark 6:45-52  

(JESUS obliged them to get into the boat.  Why?  John's Gospel explains this [John 6:15].  Because the people, enthused by the miracle, wanted to make HIM a king and liberator sent by GOD.  Even the apostles eager for this to happen.)

On-Site

GOD-Love Is The Source Of Love

"My dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from GOD.  Everyone who loves, is born of GOD and knows GOD.

Those who do not love have not known GOD, for GOD is love.

How did the love of GOD appear among us?  GOD sent HIS only Son into this world, that we might have life, through HIM.

This is love: not that we loved GOD, but that, HE first loved us and sent HIS Son, as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." - 1 John 4:7-10  

(Here we have the beginning of the third part of the letter:  GOD-Love is the source of love and faith.

GOD is love.  The supreme revelation, characteristic of the Christian faith.  Other religions know of a GOD who is good and compassionate: no other religion has known that the dynamism of love moves the entire creation and that its source lies in GOD-Love. 

In this beautiful text John insists on the inseparability of love of GOD and love of our neighbor.  We all know this, but sometimes we might wonder why it is so.  John gives us the paramount reason; love comes from GOD.  If we can love GOD, it is because GOD loved us first; if we love each other, it is because GOD's love extends among us.

John also links love of GOD and faith in GOD: a true Christian believer is somebody who begins by "believing in GOD's love, and that GOD is love.

HE first loved us: through HIS eternal predestination [Ephesians 1:4], the sending of HIS Son and through HIS sacrifice [Romans 5:8].  If we are authentically loving, we never feel superior nor that we have merits, as do those who boast of their good works.  We simply realize that the love of GOD works through us.

The lives of those who dedicate themselves lovingly to serving the abandoned, the sick, the elderly, and those no longer useful to society are justified and so are the lives of those who withdraw from ordinary life to dedicate themselves more totally to a more intimate love of GOD.)

On-Site

Do Not Trust Every Inspiration

"Then, whatever we ask, we shall receive, since we keep HIS commands and do what pleases HIM.

HIS command is, that we believe in the name of HIS Son JESUS CHRIST, and that, we love one another, as HE has commanded us.

Whoever keeps HIS commands remains in GOD and GOD in him.  It is by the Spirit of GOD has given us, that we know HE lives in us.

My beloved, do not trust every inspiration.  Test the spirits, to see, whether they come from GOD, because many false prophets are now in the world.

How will you recognize the Spirit of GOD?  Any spirit recognizing JESUS as the CHRIST, who has taken our flesh, is of GOD.  But any spirit that does not recognize JESUS, is not from GOD, it is the spirit of the antichrist.  You have heard of his coming, and even, now, he is in the world.

You, my dear children, are of GOD, and you have already overcome these people, because the one who is in you, is more powerful than he who is in the world.

They are of the world and the world inspires them, and those of the world listen to them.

We are of GOD, and those who know GOD, listen to us, but those who are not of GOD, ignore us.  This is how we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of falsehood as well." - 1 John 3:22-4:6  

(To believe in the name, that is to say, in the divinity of CHRIST.

John underlined the role of the Holy Spirit to guide us in the truth, but now he is dealing with the case of the prophets who do not speak according to the faith received from the apostles through the Church.

There have always been conflicts between those in authority and those who speak freely.  It should be clear that no inspired person would ever be able to speak against the traditional faith of the Church.  What if it deals with ways of being or doing in the Church?  Must we always support the people in charge in all circumstances?  That would be to forget that the Gospel forms free people.  We must never blindly follow the opinion of the pope, or the bishop, or the majority.  It is our responsibility to think for ourselves and to evaluate according to the criteria of the Gospel.

Can we then favor those who seem to be guided by the Spirit?  If the Holy Spirit really inspires them, however much they may criticize what must be criticized, they will never attempt to divide the Church.  The community may expel them, but they will not become responsible for the break.  Even when the local community rejects them, they will never be willing to separate themselves from the universal communion of the Church, which, with time, always recognizes true prophets.)  

On-Site

Wise Men From The East

"When JESUS was born in Bethlehem, in Judea, during the days of king Herod, wise men from the East arrived in Jerusalem.  They asked, 'Where is the newborn king of the Jews?  We saw the rising of HIS star in the East and have come to honor HIM.'

When Herod heard this, he was greatly disturbed, and with him all Jerusalem.  He immediately called a meeting of all high-ranking priests and teachers of the law and asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 

'In the town of Bethlehem in Judea', they told him, 'For this is what the prophet wrote: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are by no means the least among the clans of Judah, for from you will come a leader, one who is to shepherd MY people, Israel.'

Then Herod secretly called the wise men and asked them the precise time the star appeared.  He sent them to Bethlehem with these instructions, 'Go and get accurate information about the child.  As soon as you have found HIM, report to me, so that I, too, may go and honor HIM.'

After the meeting with the king, they set out.  The star that they had seen in the East went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.  The wise men were overjoyed on seeing the star again.  They went into the house, and when they saw the child with Mary HIS mother, they knelt and worshiped HIM.  They opened their bags and offered HIM their gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.

In a dream they were warned not to go back to Herod, so they returned to their home country by another way." - Matthew 2:1-12 

(The general manifestation of GOD's presence in nature and its attendant beauty has sometimes referred to as "diaphany," a Greek word meaning "to appear through," but beyond and deeper than this diaphany is the "theophany" in the history of the people of GOD.  The "Epiphany" is the ultimate manifestation and is applied to the revelation of GOD's glory in JESUS of Nazareth who becomes the complete sign of this glory.  John's Gospel has worked out this theme best.  True wisdom is to seek, find, recognize, and adore GOD's real presence in the signs and events of our times.)

On-Site

The Lamb

"The next day, John saw JESUS coming toward him, and said, 'There is the Lamb of GOD, who takes away the sin of the world!  It is HE of whom I said: A man comes after me, who is already ahead of me, for HE was before me.  I myself did not know HIM, but I came baptizing to prepare for HIM, so that HE might be revealed in Israel.'

And John also gave this testimony, 'I saw the Spirit coming down on HIM, like a dove from heaven, and resting on HIM.  I myself did not know HIM, but GOD, who sent me to baptize, told me, 'You will see the Spirit coming down, and resting on the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'  Yes, I have seen!  And I declare that this is the Chosen One of GOD!'" - John 1:29-34  

(There is the Lamb.  In the language of the Jews, the word "Lamb" can mean both servant and lamb.  JESUS is the Servant of GOD spoken of by the prophets, who was to sacrifice HIMSELF for HIS brothers and sisters.  HE is also the true Lamb that replaces the Paschal Lamb [Mark 14:12].

A man comes after me.  In history, JESUS appears after John, but being the word of GOD, HE existed before all creatures.  HE also precedes, that is to say, all--including John the Baptist--are guided by HIS light.)

On-Site

John The Baptist Presents JESUS, The Lamb Of GOD

"This was the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites to ask him, 'Who are you?'  John recognized the truth and did not deny it.  He said, 'I am not the Messiah.'  

And they asked him, 'Then who are you?  Elijah?'  He answered, 'I am not.'  They said, 'Are you the Prophet?'  And he answered, 'No.'  Then they said to him, 'Tell us who you are, so that we can give some answer to those who sent us.  How do you see yourself?'  And John said, quoting the prophet Isaiah, 'I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the LORD!'

Those who had been sent were Pharisees; and they put a further question to John, 'Then why are you baptizing, if you are not the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?'  John answered, 'I baptize you with water, but among you stands one whom you do not know; although HE comes after me, I am not worthy to untie the strap of HIS sandal.'

This happened in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing." - John 1:19-28  

(The authorities wondered: "Who is this who on his own initiative has begun to preach?"  At that time, various Jewish groups "baptized," or bathed, as a means of purification and to hasten the coming of the Messiah.

Regarding John the Baptist's preaching and baptism, see Luke 3:10.

The Messiah is the name the Jews gave to the expected Savior.  They also expected the Prophet, but it was not clear whether or not the Prophet would be someone other than the Messiah.  It was believed that the prophet Elijah would reappear before the Messiah's arrival [Mark 9:11].)

On Site

The Blessing

"Then YAHWEH spoke to Moses saying, 'Speak to Aaron and his sons and say to them: This is how you shall bless the people of Israel; you shall say:

May YAHWEH bless you and keep you!

May YAHWEH let HIS face shine on you and be gracious to you!

May YAHWEH look kindly on you, and give you, HIS peace!

In that way shall they put MY name on the people of Israel, and I will bless them.'" - Numbers 6:22-27  

(Blessing of Moses which St. Francis of Assisi always used.)

On-Site