Love Your Enemies; And Pray For Those Who Persecute You.

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

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

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

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

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

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"If The Sinner Turns From His Sin, He Will Live."

"If the sinner turns from his sin, observes MY decrees and practices what is right and just, he will live, he will not die.  None of the sins he committed will be charged against him; he will live as a consequence of his righteous deeds.  Do I want the death of the sinner? - word of YAHWEH.  Do I not rather want him to turn from his ways and live?

But if the righteous man turns away from what is good and commits sins as the wicked do, will he live?  His righteous deeds will no longer be credited to him, but he will die because of his infidelity and his sins.

But you say: YAHWEH's way is not just!  Why, Israel!  Is MY position wrong?  If the righteous man dies after turning from his righteous deeds and sinning, he dies because of his sins.  And if the wicked man does what is good and right, after turning from the sins he committed, he will save his life.  He will live and not die, because he has opened his eyes and turned from the sins he had committed." - Ezekiel 18:21-28 

(If the sinner turns from his sin, he will live:  everyone will have time to decide freely.  If people are evil and then decide to do good, GOD will wait for their conversion and will take their last orientation into account.

In later times, wise men will note that oftentimes evil people do not receive their punishment, nor good people their reward in this life [see Job 21]; it will become obvious to them that GOD's justice will be achieved in the next life.)

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"Ask, And You Will Receive; Seek, And You Will Find; Knock, And The Door Will be Opened."

"Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened.  For everyone who asks, receives; whoever seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  Would any of you give a stone to your son, when he asks for bread?  Or give him a snake, when he asks for a fish?  However bad you may be, you know how to give good things to your children.  How much more, then, will your FATHER in heaven give good things to those who ask HIM!

So, do to others whatever you would that others do to you: there, you have the law and the prophets." - Matthew 7:7-12  

(JESUS invites us to ask with perseverance: persevering petitions cease being self-centered and become prayer, that is, they lift us up and bring us closer to GOD.

What about asking the saints?  We must admit, that, very often, the person who begs from the saints takes a road opposed to real prayer.  Such a person is not interested in discovering GOD's mercy, but in obtaining some favor.  She does not care whom she addresses as long as she finds an efficient and automatic dispenser of benefits.  So begins the search for saints, shrines and devotions.

The Church is a family.  Just as we ask our friends to pray for us, so too and much more should we ask our brothers and sisters, the saints.  No one will criticize us if, at times, we show our confidence in their intercession, especially the intercession of those whom we admire more because we know their lives and their deeds.  This "petition" to the saints should not, however, be confused with perseverance in asking, which introduces us into GOD's mystery.  Only Mary, the mother of GOD can accompany us in that prayer because GOD made her our mother; because HE deposited in her all the compassion HE has for us; and because HE united her to HIMSELF in such a way that when we look at her, we always find the living presence of GOD.)

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The Conversion Of Nineveh

"The word of YAHWEH came to Jonah a second time.  'Go to Nineveh, the great city, and announce to them the message I give you.'

In obedience to the word of YAHWEH, Jonah went to Nineveh. It was a very large city, and it took three days just to cross it.  So, Jonah walked a single day's journey and began proclaiming, 'Forty days more and Nineveh will be destroyed.' 

The people of the city believed GOD.  They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

Upon hearing the news, the king of Nineveh got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, put on sackcloth and sat down in ashes.  He issued a proclamation throughout Nineveh:

'By the decree of the king and his nobles, no people or beasts, herd or flock, will taste anything; neither will they eat nor drink.  But let people and beasts be covered with sackcloth.  Let everyone call aloud to GOD, turn from his evil ways and violence.  Who knows?  GOD may yet relent, turn from HIS fierce anger and spare us.'

When GOD saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, HE had compassion and did not carry out the destruction HE had threatened upon them." - Jonah 3:1-10  

(The Ninevites, being sinners, received no other divine sign than the coming of Jonah, who invited them to repent.  JESUS contemporaries believe they are "good" because they belong to the people of GOD, and they do not realize that the hour has come for them to repent as well.)

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"The Value Of Prayer Does Not Lie In The Quantity Of Words And The Mere Repetition Of Formulas."

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

This, then, is how you should pray:

Our FATHER in heaven,

holy be YOUR name,

YOUR kingdom come,

YOUR will, be done

on earth, as in heaven

Give us today, our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts,

as we forgive those who are in debt to us.

Do not bring us to the test,

but deliver us from the evil one.

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

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

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

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Love Your Neighbor As Yourself

"YAHWEH spoke to Moses and said, 'Speak to the entire assembly of the people of Israel and say to them: Be holy for I, YAHWEH, your GOD, AM holy.

Do not steal or lie or deceive one another.  Do not swear falsely by MY name so as to profane the name of your GOD; I AM YAHWEH.

Do not oppress your neighbor or rob him.  The wages of a hired man are not to remain with you all night until morning.  You shall not curse a deaf man nor put a stumbling block in the way of the blind; but you shall fear your GOD; I AM YAHWEH.

Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor nor bow to the great; you are to judge your neighbor fairly so as not to share in his guilt.  Do not go about as a slanderer of your people and do not seek the death of your neighbor; I AM YAHWEH.

Do not hate your brother in your heart; rebuke your neighbor frankly so as not to share in his guilt.  Do not seek revenge or nurture a grudge against one of your people but love your neighbor as yourself; I AM YAHWEH." - Leviticus 19:1-2. 11-18  

(Among so many laws which show the still primitive level of GOD's people, we marvel to find some prescriptions that teach deeply human attitudes often lacking in us.

These prescriptions, addressed to a race of small farmers, must be interpreted in order to adapt them to the circumstances of our present lives.

They teach us that the "right of ownership" is not absolute and that it never justifies oppression of the poor, nor does it excuse us from helping them.  We are ordered to care for our brothers and sisters to assure everyone what is necessary to live.

Do not seek revenge... but love your neighbor as yourself.  Here, neighbor means the brother of the same race.  They must be loved and there must be solidarity with them because GOD embraces with the same love all those who belong to HIS people.

Such a solidarity with those of one's own nation exists in all religions but there is as well the aggression or hostility towards the foreigner.  When JESUS speaks to us of love which does not cease at the frontiers of a people [Luke 10:25; Matthew 5:43], it will not be a simple extension of the term "neighbor": it will be the discovery of another relation beyond the solidarity practiced naturally by humans as in the case with certain animals.)  

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Be Merciful, O LORD, For We Have Sinned.

“Have mercy on me, O GOD, in YOUR love.

In YOUR great compassion blot out my sin.

Wash me thoroughly of my guilt;

cleanse me of evil.

For I acknowledge my wrongdoings

and have my sins ever in mind.

Against YOU alone, have I sinned;

what is evil in YOUR sight, I have done.

Create in me, O GOD, a pure heart;

give me a new and steadfast spirit.

Do not cast me out of your presence

nor take YOUR holy spirit from me.

O YAHWEH, open my lips,

and I will declare YOUR praise.”

- Psalm 51:3-4. 5-6. 12-13. 17

(This is the finest of the ‘penitential psalms.’  Man stands guilty and unafraid before GOD.  Indeed, he sees his guilt, as a reason for mercy and an excuse for hope.  A deep sense of sin is already a step toward the sanctity of GOD.  It opens the door for HIS eager mercy.  But OUR LORD takes us even further than the psalmist.  HE teaches us to cry not ‘GOD!’ but ‘FATHER!’  HE bids us think of that father, who ran to meet the son who had left him, the father who took the son in his arms and kissed him: ‘My son was lost and is found’ [Luke 15:24].  Our trust in the FATHER’s forgiveness generously given should exceed that of the psalmist.

It is good to pray with this psalm, when we feel overwhelmed by our guilt, be it against GOD or against our brothers and sisters, and we seek the goodness of GOD, who justifies us.

When we receive the sacrament of reconciliation, we meet JESUS HIMSELF, the Savior who intercedes, and the FATHER who pardons.  Each of our confessions is a joyful celebration of GOD’s mercy and a source of renewal.)

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Call Of Levi

"After this, JESUS went out, and noticing a tax collector named Levi, sitting in the tax-office, HE said to him, 'Follow ME!'  So,
Levi, leaving everything, got up and followed JESUS.

Levi gave a great feast for JESUS, and many tax collectors came to his house, and took their places at the table with the other people.  Then the Pharisees and their followers complained to JESUS' disciples, 'How is it, that you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?'  But JESUS spoke up, 'Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do.  I have not come to call the just, but sinners, to a change of heart.'" - Luke 5:27-32  

(The events related in this chapter show how JESUS situates HIMSELF in society and with what people HE relates: with a small group of fishermen who will be in charge of HIS new movement, with lepers and sick people who seek HIM.  HE calls people who, like Levi, belong to a despised group.)

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The Kind Of Fast That Pleases ME

"Cry out aloud for all you are worth;

raise your voice like a trumpet blast;

tell MY people of their offenses,

Jacob's family of their sins.

Is it true that they seek ME

day after day, longing to know MY ways,

as a people that does what is right

and has not forsaken the word of its GOD?

They want to know the just laws

and not to drift away from their GOD.

'Why are we fasting,' they complain,

'and YOU do not even see it?

We are doing penance and YOU never notice it.'

Look, on your fast days you push your trade

and you oppress your laborers.

Yes, you fast but end up quarreling,

striking each other with wicked blows.

Fasting as you do

will not make your voice heard on high.

Is that the kind of fast that pleases ME,

just a day for a man to humble himself?

Is fasting merely bowing down one's head,

and making use of sackcloth and ashes?

Would you call that fasting

a day acceptable to YAHWEH?

See the fast that pleases ME:

breaking the fetters of injustice

and unfastening the thongs of the yoke,

setting the oppressed free

and breaking every yoke.

Fast by sharing your food with the hungry,

bring to your house the homeless,

clothe the man you see naked

and do not turn away from your own kin.

Then will your light break forth as the dawn

and your healing come in a flash.

Your righteousness will be your vanguard,

the Glory of YAHWEH your rearguard.

Then you will call and YAHWEH will answer,

you will cry and HE will say, I am here."
- Isaiah 58:1-9

(Is it true that they seek ME... as a people that does what is right?  In spite of having a clear conscience, they are concerned because of GOD's silence.  They may have committed some sin without knowing it?  Perhaps GOD likes to see humiliated people ask for favors?  So, they lie in sackcloth and ashes.  They resemble many Christians who are satisfied with being "practicing" Christians without understanding that the kind of practice that GOD seeks is to give peace to all HIS people.

Why are we fasting and YOU do not even see it.  The people of Judah fast so that GOD will hear their petitions.  These could be public prayers to ask for rain.

Is it perhaps only a matter of bowing the head?  GOD neither wants the death of the sinner nor the humiliation of HIS creature.  GOD loves people, but HE loves them all and not only the little landowners of Judah fearful for their crops; HE also loves the laborers and the slaves  of these little landholders.  GOD's demands are clear: do away with unjust chains and share with the rest.

Unfastening the thongs of the yoke.  Here we have a glimpse of the tremendous effort demanded of all in order to do away with every form of slavery: from the small privileges that working companions compete for, to the laws that keep entire groups marginated.  It includes breaking the yoke of husbands' domination over their wives and the disputes between neighbors when no one dares to take the first step.

It is not enough to be converted to GOD "from the heart," for conversion comes about by changing both persons and structures.  These make us share in the injustices and sins of the society in which we live.  An incredible number of sins - corruption, prostitution, violence - are linked to colonialism and the economic and cultural dependence that go with it.

Sharing your food with the hungry: and that on a world scale for humankind is one, the only Adam of whom CHRIST is the head.

Your light will break forth as the dawn.  We see the leaders of the nations come together, discuss and study in order to solve the urgent problems of humanity.  No light breaks forth.  It is a known fact that the research of a scientist does not bring him directly to great discoveries.  Rather, he often finds the solution suddenly where he did not expect it.  In the same way, human problems resist theoretical solutions, but unexpected ways will be found when every nation and every segment of society willingly share and no longer oppresses others.)  

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Choose Life

"See, I set before you on this day life and good, evil and death.  I command you to love YAHWEH, your GOD and follow HIS ways.  Observe HIS commandments, HIS norms and HIS laws, and you will live and increase, and YAHWEH will give you HIS blessing in the land you are going to possess.  But if your heart turns away and does not listen, if you are drawn away and bow before other gods to serve them, I declare on this day that you shall perish.  You shall not last in the land you are going to occupy on the other side of the Jordan.

Let the heavens and the earth listen, that they may be witnesses against you.  I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.  Therefore, choose life that you and your descendants may live, loving YAHWEH, listening to HIS voice, and being one with HIM.  In this is life for you and length of days in the land which YAHWEH swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." - Deuteronomy 30:15-20  

(The text about the two ways is very famous, reminding us of the importance of our free decisions and GOD's respect for human freedom [see also Sirach 15:11].

Throughout Deuteronomy faithfulness to GOD is spoken of together with the remembrance of HIS promises and rewards here on earth.  This should not surprise us.  In those distant times the people of GOD had no understanding of another life nor of the resurrection and the vision of GOD after death.  They only focused on the present life and their national destiny which, in their view, were more important than the destiny of the individual.  For them, GOD's justice had to be seen on earth in the present.

Later, the Gospel will not promise lands or houses, except in a figurative way [Mark 10:28].  Prosperity will not be mentioned except for the final day when GOD will create the world anew [Acts 3:21 and Revelation 21:3]."  

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Doing Good For GOD Alone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Beware Of The Yeast Of The Pharisees

"The disciples had forgotten to bring more bread, and had only one loaf with them in the boat.  Then JESUS warned them, 'Keep your eyes open, and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.'  And they said to one another, 'HE saw that we have no bread.'

Aware of this, JESUS asked them, 'Why are you talking about the loaves you are short of?  Do you not see or understand?  Are your minds closed?  Have you eyes that don't see and ears that don't hear?  And do you not remember when I broke the five loaves among five thousand?  How many baskets full of leftovers did you collect?'  They answered, 'Twelve.'  And having distributed seven loaves to the four thousand, how many wicker baskets of leftovers did you collect?'  They answered, 'Seven.'  Then JESUS said to them, 'Do you still not understand?'" - Mark 8:14-21  

(JESUS tells HIS apostles to beware of the Pharisee's spirit [of becoming like the Pharisees] but they do not listen, being more concerned about the food.

JESUS says: Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, meaning their teaching [Matthew 16:12].  The Pharisees saw JESUS as a popular worker-wonder who threatened their authority as a religious and popular leader of the people.  Since the disciples had forgotten to bring more bread, they missed JESUS' point about the leaven of the Pharisees.  JESUS fears that HIS disciples, because of being common people, would let themselves be impressed by the knowledge and fame of the Pharisees, and HE warns them that these people build religion on the wrong basis.

JESUS agreed with the Pharisees on the general way of understanding the Scriptures, but not the spirit of many among them.  As "master" HE chose a way opposed to theirs.  Instead of a teaching that comes from above HE became part of a natural group of quite simple people and formed them through action.  HE made them reflect on what they saw, on what they did, and above all on what GOD was doing among them as they worked with HIM.)

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Why Do They Demand A Sign?

"The Pharisees came and started to argue with JESUS.  Hoping to embarrass HIM, they asked for some heavenly sign.  Then HIS spirit was moved.  HE gave a deep sigh and said, 'Why do the people of this present time ask for a sign?  Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this people.'  Then HE left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side of the lake." - Mark 8:11-13  

(The Pharisees do not see the fruits of JESUS' teaching.  They do not see the thousands of anonymous disciples who are rediscovering hope who are gradually transformed.  They do not see that GOD had visited the poor.  JESUS is going to clash more and more with this powerful group, the most respected in Jewish society and a question comes to our mind: if JESUS came today, wouldn't HE shock many people who think they are the pillars of the Church?

In fact, the reproach that JESUS addresses to the Pharisees is often found in those who turn to respected religious institutions.  First, we start with a desire for moral perfection that is unconsciously linked to our need to be acknowledged by society.  We are aware of our own responsibility.  This is a good thing, and it was at the heart of Phariseism.  This may be a starting point.  But as time goes by, we fail to realize that we have become more attached to our own virtues than to GOD: love would have steeped us in humility.

Fully convinced of their own merits [their "righteousness," Luke 18:9], the Pharisees seek a type of sanctity based on rules, alms and services and in return for their merits, they expect GOD to treat them in a special way.  We are a long way from grace and from the Gospel since we can only encounter GOD if we accept our weaknesses and GOD's forgiveness.  Then, we truly and humbly love GOD, and we feel we are the brothers and sisters of the poorest and of sinners.

Our belonging to a real or alleged elite brings us to cultivate our own image, therefore appearances, as we are more removed from the world of "sinners" and ordinary people [as if by chance, Pharisee means separated].  This more "select" milieu offers a chance to every ambition and from then on, as JESUS says, hypocrisy rules.)  

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GOD Made Us Free And Responsible

"If you wish, you can keep the commandments, and it is in your power to remain faithful.

HE has set fire and water before you; you stretch out your hand to whichever you prefer.

Life and death are set before man: whichever a man prefers will be given him.

How magnificent is the wisdom of the LORD!  HE is powerful and all-seeing.

HIS eyes are on those who fear HIM.  HE knows all the works of man.

HE has commanded no one to be godless and has given no one permission to sin." - Sirach 15:15-20  

(This poem clearly declares that human beings are free and responsible.  In his letter [1:13], James will recall the first sentence of this paragraph.  In Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Moses already told his people: "Life and death are before you; choose."

At times the Scriptures seems to say that GOD pushes a person to sin in order to punish him later [see Exodus 10:27; 2 Samuel 24:1]; yet there is no doubt that humans are free.  The Israelites were so convinced that nothing is done without GOD, that they had trouble explaining how someone can sin without this being GOD's will.  Even though they lacked the words to express it, they always saw human beings as persons responsible for their actions.)

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Second Miracle Of The Loaves

"Soon afterward, JESUS was in the midst of another large crowd, that obviously had nothing to eat. So HE called HIS disciples and said to them, 'I feel sorry for these people, because they have been with ME for three days and now have nothing to eat.  If I send them to their homes hungry, they will faint on the way; some of them have come a long way.'

HIS disciples replied. 'Where, in a deserted place like this, could we get enough bread to feed these people?'  HE asked them, 'How many loaves have you?'  And they answered, 'Seven.'

Then HE ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground.  Taking the seven loaves and giving thanks, HE broke them and handed them to HIS disciples to distribute.  And they distributed them among the people.  They also had some small fish.  So, JESUS said a blessing and asked that these be shared as well.

The people ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the broken pieces left over seven baskets full.  Now those who had eaten were about four thousand in number.  JESUS sent them away, and immediately got into the boat with HIS disciples, and went to the region of Dalmanutha." - Mark 8:1-10  

(This second account of the multiplication of the loaves is not a repetition of the first account.  It is obvious that oral transmission of these two events leads to shape them according to the same pattern, but they have different meaning.

The first time, between Tiberias and Capernaum [that is right at the center of JESUS' work in Galilee] the people, more numerous and more urgent, approach JESUS to make HIM their liberator [John 6].  JESUS refuses, but later that afternoon HE multiplies the loaves--a clear sign that HE is the Messiah foretold by the prophets.  The next day JESUS, in HIS turn, demands that they take HIM for what HE is, and this produces the rejection [John 6:60].

Later JESUS journeys to the boundaries of Galilee, where most of the population are pagans.  They also want to hear JESUS.  There, on the other side of the shore, the eastern part, JESUS offers them bread as a farewell meal after they followed HIM for two days through the desert land.

The two accounts of the multiplication of loaves differ in several points like the number of loaves and the number of participants.  The baskets for example, mentioned in Mark 6:43 refer to the stiff osier basket of the Jews, and in 8:8 to the wicker basket or the Greek's folding bag.

The number 12 records the twelve tribes of Israel and the Twelve apostles, while the number 7 records the "seven pagan nations" which occupied Canaan and the seven deacons of the early Church. 

These differences underline the will of Mark to take into account the real situation of the Church at the time he wrote: having been born in Jewish milieu, it was developing among Greek nations.  This is why, for the first multiplication the evangelists say, "JESUS pronounced a blessing", and in the second, "JESUS gave thanks".  Because the first was the word used for Eucharist among Jewish Christian communities, and the latter was used in Greek speaking churches.  This duality is stressed in Matthew 16:5 and still more in Mark 8:9.

The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves [or the two multiplications of loaves] holds on important place in the synoptic Gospels because it points out JESUS as the Messiah.)

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Healing A Deaf And Dumb Man

"Again, JESUS set out: from the country of Tyre HE passed through Sidon and, skirting the sea of Galilee, HE came to the territory of Decapolis.  There, a deaf man, who also had difficulty in speaking, was brought to HIM.  They asked JESUS to lay HIS hand upon him. 

JESUS took him apart from the crowd, put HIS fingers into the man's ears, and touched his tongue with spittle.  Then, looking up to heaven, HE said with a deep sigh, 'Ephphata!' that is, 'Be opened!'

And immediately, his ears were opened, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak clearly.  JESUS ordered them not to tell anyone about it; but the more HE insisted, the more they proclaimed it.  The people were completely astonished and said, 'HE has done all things well; HE makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.'" - Mark 7:31-37 

(They asked JESUS to lay HIS hand upon him.  This was a way of invoking divine power, but JESUS did not have to ask.  By HIS gesture HE showed that HE had within HIMSELF, within HIS human person, all the health and welfare that we need, and HE communicated this to the sick one.

JESUS groaned.  Why?  Because the man before HIM is an impressive symbol of those who have eyes and ears but neither see nor hear.  The people bring HIM the deaf-mute, and ask HIM to heal him, but they themselves remain deaf.

JESUS ordered them not to tell anyone.  How far JESUS is from the organizers of a "Miracle Crusade"!  An unexpected miracle may help us discover the loving presence of GOD, but as soon as we begin to wait for them, we turn away from the Gospel.  The Devil knows this and so tempted JESUS in the desert [Matthew 4:6]: See the warnings of Deuteronomy to people anxious to see miracles [Deuteronomy 13].  Faith leans on the word of GOD, not on miracles [John 4:48].)

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The Pagans

"When JESUS left that place, HE went to the border of the Tyrian country.  There, HE entered a house, and do not want anyone to know HE was there; but HE could not remain hidden.  A woman, whose small daughter had an evil spirit, heard of HIM, and came and fell at HIS feet.  Now this woman was a pagan, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged HIM to drive the demon out of her daughter.

JESUS told her, 'Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the puppies.'  But she replied, 'Sir, even the puppies under the table eat the crumbs from the children's bread.'  Then JESUS said to her, 'You may go your way; because of such a response, the demon has gone out of your daughter.'  And when the woman went home, she found her child lying in bed, and the demon gone." - Mark 7:24-30  

(The authorities come into conflict with JESUS.  HE must depart and wander along the border of Galilee, where HE is less watched and can easily flee.  This incident occurs near Tyre, a province occupied by the Syrians and Phoenicians.

The Jews were never able to understand their election by GOD as HIS chosen people without looking down on other nations.  Being bearers of the true faith obliged them to avoid contamination with other religions, but actually this increased their inability to understand all that was foreign.

For them the world was divided in two: there were "the people" [Jewish] and "the nations": all the others.  Apparently, GOD ignored these others, unless it was to let them feel the weight of HIS justice.  Their minds were totally closed to the question we ask ourselves today: how does GOD deal with and save all those who have not heard HIS word?  So it was that the Phoenicians, [also called Greeks because they spoke Greek rather than Hebrew] lived near but were very distant from the Jews.

Although JESUS came to save all, HIS FATHER desired that HE does not go beyond HIS own country.  Nevertheless, on certain occasions HE encountered pagans, and more than once admired their simplicity and faith.

The Gospel has not kept all that JESUS said and did, but we see nothing there that could be a call to "change one's religion" nor a threat for those who take a road other than that of Christianity.  JESUS leaves them on the path along which the FATHER leads them and invites them to thank the one and only GOD and shows them how near the FATHER is to them through HIS Son.

The Jews usually looked down on pagans with marked contempt: they were the sons; the pagans were the dogs.  JESUS answered the afflicted woman repeating this well-known scornful saying.  HE said this to test the woman's faith: would she insist when it appeared that even GOD would reject her?)

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Clean And Unclean

"JESUS then called the people to HIM again and said to them, 'Listen to ME, all of you, and try to understand.  Nothing that enters a person from the outside can make that person unclean.  It is what comes from within that makes a person unclean.  Let everyone who has ears listen.'

When JESUS got home and was away from the crowd, HIS disciples asked HIM about this saying, and HE replied, 'So even you are dull?  Do you not see that whatever comes from outside cannot make a person unclean, since it enters not the heart but the stomach, and is finally passed out?'

Thus, JESUS declared that all foods are clean.

And HE went on, 'What comes out of a person is what defiles him, for evil designs come out of the heart: theft, murder, adultery, jealousy, greed, maliciousness, deceit, indecency, slander, pride and folly.  All these evil things come from within and make a person unclean.'" - Mark 7:14-23    

(An important practice of Judaism was to keep oneself clean: one could not participate in worship without being in a state of ritual purity.  This word "purity" did not have the same meaning we give it today.  The clean person was one who was not contaminated even inadvertently by things prohibited by law.  For example, pork and rabbit were considered unclean; they could not be eaten.  A menstruating woman or a person with hemorrhoids were considered unclean for a certain number of days: no one could even touch them.  A leper was considered unclean until cured.  If a bug fell in oil, the oil was considered unclean and would have to be thrown away.

If contaminated even by no fault of his own, the person had to purify himself, usually with water, sometimes paying for sacrifices.

At one time, these laws were useful in encouraging a hygienic lifestyle.  They also protected the faith of the Jews who lived among people who did not know GOD.  How could they guard their faith in the one GOD if they were to live with other nations, befriend them, and even imitate their ways?  With so many religious practices to observe, the Jews had to live apart from those who did not share their faith and lifestyle.

JESUS removes off from these rites their sacred value:  nothing is unclean in all GOD's creation; touching the sick, a corpse or a bloodstained object does not offend GOD.  GOD is not bothered if we eat this or that.  Sin is always something that comes from the heart and not something we do unintentionally.

It is true that Scriptures, teaches these concepts of purity and impurity, but these laws were written many centuries ago and not everything Scripture says is valid for all times.  Through the teachings of the Scriptures GOD educated HIS nation, but the laws HE gave them from the beginning, when they were barbaric and uneducated, are no longer necessary for a community which has a solid religious foundation.

It is quite legitimate for Christians to adopt a vegetarian way of life, that Christian communities consider abstinence from alcohol and tobacco as a witness to help addicts.  But let us not say that this is part of our faith nor let us judge those who do not agree with us.  That would otherwise undermine the transcendence of Christian salvation that goes beyond any question of "eating and drinking" [Romans 14:17].)

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True Cleanness

"One day, the Pharisees gathered around JESUS, and with them were some teachers of the law who had just come from Jerusalem.

They noticed that some of HIS disciples were eating their meal with unclean hands, that is, without washing them.  Now the Pharisees, and in fact all the Jews, never eat without washing their hands, for they follow the tradition received from their ancestors.  Nor do they eat anything, when they come from the market, without first washing themselves.  And there are many other traditions they observe; for example, the ritual washing of cups, pots and plates.

So, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law asked HIM, 'Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders, but eat with unclean hands?'

JESUS answered, 'You shallow people!  How well Isaiah prophesied of you when he wrote: This people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.  The worship they offer me is worthless, for what they teach are only human rules.  You even put aside the commandment of GOD to hold fast to human tradition.'

And JESUS commented, 'You have a fine way of disregarding the commandments of GOD in order to enforce your own traditions!  For example, Moses said: Do your duty to your father and your mother, and: Whoever curses his father, or his mother is to be put to death.  But according to you, someone could say to his father or mother, 'I already declared Corban (which means "offered to GOD") what you could have expected from me.'  In this case, you no longer require him to do anything for his father or mother; and so, you nullify the word of GOD through the tradition you have handed on.  And you do many other things like that." - Mark 7:1-13   

(No group, not even the Church, can sustain itself without traditions and customs.  Yet even when they are good traditions, they are still made by humans.  For example, the way the mass is celebrated, celebrations, novenas, etc.  All that past popes, bishops, and Christian communities have done can be changed; we understand that they are not essential.

What does not change is GOD's teaching.  Where can it be found?  In the Scriptures and in JESUS' teachings.  Yet there is a way of understanding JESUS as the apostles did.  This is called the Tradition of the Apostles, and the Church, founded by the apostles, guards this Tradition, that is, their spirit.  Let us not confuse the traditions of Catholics with the Tradition of the Church.

We often make little effort to enter into the spirit and Tradition of the Church, however, clinging instead to antiquated and mediocre traditions.  Why are so many Christians today scandalized when the Church frees itself from these antiquated rites?  JESUS gives us the reason: they cling to these rites because they are incapable of believing.  External religion replaces the authentic faith they do not possess.  They hang onto these things because these are all they have, and if they lost that, GOD no longer has any meaning for them.)

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GOD's Promise To David

"Then came the news, 'The Ark is in Ephrata, we found it in the fields of Jaar.'

Let us go to where HE dwells and worship at HIS footstool!

Arise, O YAHWEH, and come to YOUR rest; YOU, and the Ark of YOUR might.

May YOUR priests be arrayed in glorious mantle; may YOUR faithful ones shout in gladness.

For the sake of YOUR servant, David, do not turn away the face of YOUR Anointed.

YAHWEH swore to David a promise, and HE will remain true to it: 'I will keep your descendants on your throne,

if your sons keep MY Covenant and the decrees I have taught them; their sons, too, will sit forever upon your throne.'"

- Psalm 132:6-12

(Our LORD, our King, came to bring GOD to earth.  For this, HE labored unwarily, with sweat and even with blood.  And the result of HIS work was not a building, a Temple; but the Church, where GOD really dwells, eternally.

Verse 11 is quoted in Acts 2:30.  The psalm lends itself to accepting the present reality, without forgetting, that we are heirs to a holy history.  We pray this psalm, in union with the Anointed One, who is at the same time, the Priest of the new Temple, built on the body of the LORD.) 

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Salt And Light

"You are the salt of the earth.  But if salt has lost its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It has become useless.  It can only be thrown away, and people will trample on it.

You are the light of the world.  A city built on a mountain cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and covers it; instead, it is put on a lamp stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, your light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do, and praise your FATHER in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16  

(JESUS has just designated those who are called to the kingdom.  First of all, HE will clarify their mission: to be the light of the world and not merely a light in the world.  This does not mean that all people are to enter the Church, but that the Church has to be salt and light to the world.  Scripture mentions salt as the element that preserves food.  The covenant of salt was the Covenant of GOD with those who were to serve HIM forever [Numbers 18:19].  So, the disciples of JESUS are called salt of the earth because through them the world benefits from the lasting Covenant with GOD.  They must continually enkindle in the world the desire and struggle for true justice and perfection and not allow human societies to become satisfied with mediocrity.

You are the light: JESUS does not mean "You are the best in the world," but "GOD has chosen you to be a minority and through you HE will make HIMSELF known."  You will experience [both you and the Church] much that you would perhaps prefer to avoid, but which will be for the world, a sign from GOD.)

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Solomon's Dream

"The king used to sacrifice at Gibeon, the great high place; on the altar there he had offered a thousand burnt offerings.  It was in Gibeon, during the night, that YAHWEH appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, 'Ask what you want me to give you.'

Solomon answered, 'YOU have shown YOUR servant David my father a great and steadfast love because he served YOU faithfully and was righteous and sincere towards YOU.  YOU have given him proof of YOUR steadfast love in making a son of his sit on his throne this day.  And now, O YAHWEH my GOD, YOU have made YOUR servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a young boy who does not know to undertake anything.  Meantime, YOUR servant is in the midst of YOUR people whom YOU have chosen - a people so great that they can neither be numbered nor counted.

Give me, therefore, an understanding mind in governing YOUR people that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this multitude of people of YOURS?'  

YAHWEH was pleased that Solomon had made this request.  And HE told him, 'Because you have requested this rather than long life or wealth or even vengeance on your enemies; indeed, because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I shall grant you your request.  I now give you a wise and discerning mind such as no one has had before you nor anyone after you shall ever have.'

'I will also give you what you have not asked for, both wealth and fame; and no king shall be your equal during your lifetime'." - 1 Kings 3:4-13 

(Solomon's "dream" is very famous.  Perhaps this dream is only a parable by which the author of the book describes Solomon's disposition when he began his reign.

Ask what you want.  This is GOD's offer to the young Solomon, HIS beloved one.  It is GOD's offer to any young person who is faced with responsibilities for the first time.  Life will not be a destiny imposed upon him or her; rather, one way or another, GOD will give people what they desire.  What do you seek?  [see John 1:38].

YOU have shown YOUR servant David my father a great and steadfast love.  The young king does not start from scratch.  He owes everything he has to his ancestors, and everything he has from them came from GOD.  Solomon knows that YAHWEH committed HIMSELF to David forever: "I shall never reject your children."

Give me an understanding mind in governing your people.  Solomon concerned about carrying out his responsibilities and does not want the people to be robbed of their expectations.

Nevertheless, Solomon has in mind other forms of "wisdom" that were appreciated in those days:

     - to prepare for himself a long and quiet life, not to have problems or trouble, and to be spared the sacrifices required by a noble life;

     - wealth, enjoyment of life, "to be comfortable";

     - the death of his enemies, i.e., strength that leads to victory, satisfaction of one's personal pride.

I now give you a wise and discerning mind: I will also give you what you have not asked for.  This is the same teaching of JESUS in Matthew 6:33.) 

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John The Baptist Beheaded

"King Herod also heard about JESUS, because HIS name had become well-known.  Some people said, 'John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in HIM.'  Others thought, 'HE is Elijah,' and others, 'HE is a prophet like the prophets of times past.'  When Herod was told of this, he thought, 'I had John beheaded; yet, he has risen from the dead!' 

For this is what had happened.  Herod had ordered John to be arrested and had him bound and put in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. Herod had married her and John had told him, 'It is not right for you to live with your brother's wife.'  So, Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him, but she could not because Herod respected John.  He knew John to be an upright and holy man and kept him safe.  And he liked listening to him, although he became very disturbed whenever he heard him.

Herodias had her chance on Herod's birthday, when he gave a dinner for all the senior government officials, military chiefs and the leaders of Galilee.  On that occasion the daughter of Herodias came in and danced; and she delighted Herod and his guests.  The king said to the girl, 'Ask me of anything you want, and I will give it to you.  And he went so far as to say with many oaths, 'I will give you anything you ask, even half my kingdom.'  She went out to consult her mother, 'What shall I ask for?'  The mother replied, 'The head of John the Baptist.'  The girl hurried to the king and made her request:  'I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist, here and now, on a dish.'

The king was very displeased, but he would not refuse in front of his guests because of his oaths.  So he sent one of the bodyguards with orders to bring John's head.  He went and beheaded John in prison; then he brought the head on a dish and gave it to the girl.  And the girl gave it to her mother.  When John's disciples heard of this, they came and took his body and buried it." - Mark 6:14-29  

(King Herod.  This refers to Herod Antipas, son of the other Herod who reigned when JESUS was born.

 

King Herod respected John, but he was prisoner of his milieu and of his vices.  As king of Galilee, his misconduct constituted a public counter-witness.

 

All through the Bible we see prophets stressing the particular responsibility of those who wield power.  If they have to lead the people, they must be, by the rectitude of their life, an example; John the Baptist could not speak of justice without reproaching Herod for his infidelity.

 

People said that John the Baptist has been raised from the dead.  They considered John a martyr and believed he would rise from the dead to punish Herod.  Some associated JESUS with John - JESUS performed miracles that John had not done.  Others, less informed, thought JESUS was an apparition of John.)

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JESUS Sends Out The Twelve

"JESUS then went around the villages, teaching.  HE called the Twelve to HIM, and began to send out two by two, giving them authority over evil spirits.  And HE ordered them to take nothing for the journey, except a staff: no food, no bag, no money in their belts.  They were to wear sandals and were not to take an extra tunic.

And HE added, 'In whatever house you are welcomed, stay there until you leave the place.  If any place doesn't receive you, and the people refuse to listen to you, leave after shaking the dust off your feet.  It will be a testimony against them.'

So they set out to proclaim that this was the time to repent.  They drove out many demons and healed many sick people by anointing them." - Mark 6:7-13 

(JESUS begins a third stage of HIS ministry by organizing a mission throughout the province.  Before, the apostles accompanied JESUS but now HE sends them ahead of HIM.

JESUS is an educator.  HE not only teaches HIS followers, HE has them share in HIS mission.  HIS apostles must also proclaim their faith and perform healings as the Master does.  By doing this, they put into practice what they have discovered of the kingdom of GOD.  The disciples should be first to believe what they themselves proclaim: GOD makes HIMSELF present.  Because of this, they must live day by day, trusting in the FATHER's Providence, not frightened but always conscious of GOD's mission and power.

Oil was used at the time as a remedy, but JESUS gives it a new meaning: the healings bring more than just well-being, they are also the sign of spiritual healing, the reconciliation of people with GOD.

JESUS concern to form communities of believers is already present.  HE sends HIS disciples out two by two so that the message will not be from one person only, but the expression of a group united in one mission.  JESUS tells them to stay under one roof with one family so that this may be a center radiating faith.)   

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