The LORD Is Risen!

"Mary stood weeping outside the tomb; and as she wept, she bent down to look inside.  She saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of JESUS had been, one at the head, and the other at the feet.  They said, 'Woman, why are you weeping?'  She answered, 'Because they have taken my LORD and I don't know where they have put HIM.'

As she said this, she turned around and saw JESUS standing there, but she did not recognize HIM.  JESUS said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping?  Who are you looking for?'  She thought it was the gardener and answered HIM, 'Sir, if you have taken HIM away, tell me where you have put HIM, and I will go and take HIM away.'

JESUS said to her, 'Mary!'  She turned and said to HIM, 'Rabboni!' - which means Master.  JESUS said to her, 'Do not touch ME, because I have not yet ascended to the FATHER.  But go to MY brothers and say to them: I AM ascending to MY FATHER, who is your GOD.'

So, Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, 'I have seen the LORD, and this is what HE said to me.'" - John 20:11-18  

(Do not touch ME, because I have not yet ascended to the FATHER.  Before HIS death, JESUS did not disapprove of the passionate feelings and actions of Mary.  Now this familiar gesture to take possession of her loved Master is no longer appropriate.

HE is now the Risen One, and though HE lets HIMSELF be seen by HIS disciples for a few days, HE is in the glory of the FATHER.  HIS disciples must relinquish the physical presence of JESUS with which they felt so much at ease.  From now on the followers and lovers of JESUS will embrace HIM in a secret and marvelous way, when they are given gifts of prayer and faith.  It is then that the contemplative spirit, who is represented by Mary, may enjoy the whole of CHRIST [see Song 3:4].

I have not yet ascended to the FATHER.  JESUS is revealing the great desire that filled HIS life.  HE came from GOD and must return to the FATHER.  This is "the greatest love in the world."  All the love that JESUS has for us is but a manifestation of that other love, because GOD the FATHER is the fountain and the goal of all love. 

It is not by chance that the word LORD is again repeated seven times, the last time by Thomas: "YOU are my LORD and my GOD."  This expresses the faith of the Church.

Let us remark that the persons concerned in this event did in fact call JESUS, "the Master."  However, John puts on their lips the word LORD.  Why?  From the first days of the Church, the believers had to find words to express their faith in JESUS, Son of GOD.  Being the Son, HE was not the same person as GOD, but HE was one with HIM.  How is this divine condition best expressed?

In Sacred Scriptures two names were given to GOD:  GOD and YAHWEH.  At that time the Jews no longer pronounced the name of YAHWEH and instead said: "the LORD."  Moreover, in the Greek Bible used by the apostles and the Church, YAHWEH was also translated as "the LORD."  So, the apostles decided very soon to retain the term GOD when speaking of GOD, the FATHER, and to call JESUS "the LORD," by this affirming that HE was not inferior to the FATHER.

The risen JESUS' apparitions to HIS disciples, besides fostering their hope and making them qualified witnesses of HIS resurrection, were necessary for their spiritual formation.  The disciples had to learn to recognize JESUS no longer through their senses but through faith.  Likewise, we have to learn to recognize and follow JESUS in the dim light of faith, in desolation as well as in consolation, thus we too will be among those whom JESUS blesses: Happy are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe [verse 29].)

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"Who Is MY Mother? Who Are MY Brothers?"

"While JESUS was still talking to the people, HIS mother and HIS brothers wanted to speak to HIM and they waited outside.  So someone said to HIM, 'YOUR mother and YOUR brothers are just outside; they want to speak to YOU.'

JESUS answered, 'Who is MY mother?  Who are MY brothers?'  Then HE pointed to HIS disciples and said, 'Look!  Here are MY mother and MY brothers.  Whoever does the will of MY FATHER in heaven is for ME brother, sister, or mother'." - Matthew 12:46-50  

(If they were true brothers of JESUS, sons of Mary, the Gospel would say: "HIS mother and the sons of HIS mother," for this was the Jewish manner of speaking.)

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JESUS Criticizes HIS Own Generation

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

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

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

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

The Ninivites: see Jonah 3:5.

The Queen of the South: see 1 Kings 10.

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

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The Parable Of The Weeds

"JESUS told the people another parable, 'The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a man, who sowed good seed in his field.  While everyone was asleep, his enemy came, and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.'

When the plants sprouted and produced grain, the weeds also appeared.  Then, the servants of the owner came, and said to him, 'Sir, was it not good seed that you sowed in your field?  Where did the weeds come from?'

He answered them, 'This is the work of an enemy.'  They asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?'  He told them, 'No, when you pull up the weeds, you might uproot the wheat with them.  Let them grow together, until harvest; and, at harvest time, I will say to the workers: Pull up the weeds first, tie them in bundles and burn them; then gather the wheat into my barn.'" - Matthew 13:24-30  

(With the parable of the weeds, JESUS answers those who are scandalized at seeing evil everywhere.  Good and bad will be mixed till the end of the world.  Good and evil will always be found together in persons and institutions.

GOD respects people.  HE knows that temptation is often stronger than their good intentions and they need time to find and to choose steadily what is good.

GOD is patient.  The reconciliation of so many contradictory groups, forces and cultural currents active in the world will be attained only at the end of time.  In the meantime, we are not to label any of them as "the" good ones and "the" bad ones.) 

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JESUS Denounces The Exploiters, Those Who Always Have Legal Means To Despoil Little People.

"Woe to those who plot wickedness and plan evil even on their beds!  When morning comes, they do it, as soon as it is within their reach.

If they covet fields, they seize them.  Do they like houses?  They take them.  They seize the owner and his household, both the man and his property.

This is why YAHWEH speaks, 'I AM plotting evil against this whole brood, from which your necks cannot escape.  No more shall you walk with head held high for it will be an evil time.'

On that day they will sing a taunting song against you and a bitter lamentation will be heard, 'We have been stripped of our property in our homeland.  Who will free us from the wicked who allots our fields.'  Truly, no one will be found in the assembly of YAHWEH to keep a field for you." - Micah 2:1-5   

(He denounces the exploiters, those who always have legal means to despoil little people.  We must not forget that the Bible had a code of laws - far ahead of any other nation - to defend the rights and the lives of the poor, the widows, etc.  See Deuteronomy 23:16.

Everyone, naturally, is furious with the prophet who disturbs the established injustice.)

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JESUS, LORD Of The Sabbath

"It happened that JESUS was walking through the wheat fields on a Sabbath.  HIS disciples were hungry; and they began to pick some heads of wheat, to crush and to eat the grain.  When the Pharisees noticed this, they said to JESUS, 'Look at YOUR disciples!  They are doing what is prohibited on the Sabbath!'

JESUS answered, 'Have you not read what David did, when he and his men were hungry?  He went into the House of GOD, and they ate the bread offered to GOD, though neither he nor his men had the right to eat it, but only the priests.  And have you not read in the law, how, on the Sabbath, the priests in the temple desecrate the Sabbath, yet they are not guilty?

I tell you, there is greater than the temple here.  If you really knew the meaning of the words: It is mercy I want, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent.

Besides, the Son of Man is LORD of the Sabbath.'" - Matthew 12:1-8   

(This chapter records the conflicts of JESUS with the Pharisees regarding the Sabbath.  Why does the Gospel make so much of these conflicts?  Perhaps because at the time of JESUS the heavy load of religious obligations was a formidable obstacle for those searching for GOD.  It may have been also because the Christians lost no time making new laws to which they gave an exaggerated importance.  If JESUS deliberately violated the most sacred of the laws given by GOD to Moses, what about our ecclesiastical laws not guaranteed by the word of GOD?  In the name of man-made laws, adapted to a context that is not ours, Christian communities have at times been paralyzed and we let millions of people look for churches where they have the communities and pastors they have been deprived of.)

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"Come To ME, All You Who Are Weary And Burdened, And I Will Give You Rest."

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

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

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

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

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"Everything Has Been Entrusted To ME By MY FATHER."

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

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

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

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

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

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Chorazin And Bethsaida

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

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

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"I Have Not Come To Bring Peace, But A Sword."

"Do not think that I have come to establish peace on earth.  I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.  For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.  Each one will have as enemies, those of one's own family.

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

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

When JESUS had finished giving HIS twelve disciples these instructions, HE went on from there, to teach and to proclaim HIS message in their towns." - Matthew 10:34-11:1  

(Do not think that I have come to establish peace.  The peace of the believer comes from the certainty of being loved by GOD: the angels of Bethlehem said so: Luke 2:14.

JESUS gives no peace to the world, because the rest of the world is made up of confusion, half-truths, people who live midway between greed and fear of risking.  The peace of the world, whether in a family or in society, veils unjust conditions imposed by the strongest, or a shared mediocrity.  The Gospel awakens everywhere a critical spirit; so that the presence of only one Christian living by the truth is enough to worry many persons: John 3:20; 15:18.

The Gospel moves us to make decisions with greater freedom, disregarding the criticism of those close to us whenever we are convinced that they cannot understand the Gospel values which motivate us.

Moreover, the devil stirs up persecutions against those who convert to scare them and make them turn away.

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

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A Parable About Our Hearts

"As a great crowd gathered and people came to HIM from every town, JESUS began teaching them through stories, or parables, 'The Sower went out to sow the seed.  And as he sowed, some of the grain fell along the way, was trodden on and the birds of the sky ate it up.  Some fell on rocky ground, and no sooner had it come up than it withered, because it had no water.  Some fell among thorns; the thorns grew up with the seed and choked it.  But some fell on good soil and grew, producing fruit - a hundred times as much.'  And JESUS cried out, 'Listen then, if you have ears to hear!' 

The disciples asked HIM, 'What does this story mean?'  And JESUS answered, 'You have been granted to know the mystery of the kingdom of GOD.  But to others it is given in the form of stories, or parables, so that seeing they may not perceive and hearing they may not understand.'

Now, this is the point of the parable:  The seed is the word of GOD.  Those along the wayside are people who hear it, but immediately the devil comes and takes the word from their minds, for he doesn't want them to believe and be saved.  Those on the rocky ground are people who receive the word with joy, but they have no root; they believe for a while and give way in time of trial.  Among the thorns are people who hear the word but as they go their way, are choked by worries, riches, and the pleasures of life; they bring no fruit to maturity.  The good soil, instead, are people who receive the word and keep it in a gentle and generous mind, and persevering patiently, they bear fruit." - Luke 8:4-15 

(The comparison [or parable] of the Sower helps us to understand what is happening around JESUS.  Many people became very enthusiastic at the beginning, then, after a while they left.  Only a few persevered and the apostles wondered:  How will the kingdom of GOD come if no one is interested?

 

The Gospel records JESUS' explanation about the fields on which the seed fell.  There was a lot more to explain.  First, HIS comparing the kingdom of GOD with something that is sown must have surprised the listeners.  Throughout Sacred History, there had been abundant sowing, and JESUS' contemporaries were expecting a harvest [see Revelation 14:15].

We, like JESUS contemporaries, want to reap, that is to enjoy the fruits of the kingdom of GOD, namely, social peace, justice and happiness.  Many wonder how it is possible that people continue to be so evil two thousand years after CHRIST.

 

If the kingdom of GOD has come and it is already in our midst, that does not mean we are going to enjoy its fruits.  The kingdom of GOD is where GOD rules, and GOD rules where people accept HIM for what HE is, where HE can be FATHER and where HIS sons and daughters can accept HIS plan for them.

 

From that moment on, people grow in a thousand ways, and social consciousness also develops.  People become aware of their dignity and their common destiny, in spite of the fact that it seems more impossible every day to reach the goal.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Martyrs

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

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

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

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

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

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Israel Is GOD's Spoiled Child

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

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

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

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

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

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JESUS Sends Out The First Missionaries

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

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

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

Go, and proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven is near.'  Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons.  Freely have you received, freely give. " - Matthew 10:1-8 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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A Woman Healed, A Child Raised To Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Take MY Yoke Upon You

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

Everything has been entrusted to ME by MY FATHER.  No one knows the SON except the FATHER; and no one knows the FATHER except the SON, and those to whom the SON chooses to reveal HIM.

Come to ME, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I AM gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest.  For MY yoke is easy; and MY burden is light.'" - Matthew 11:25-30  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Coming Age Of Peace And Justice

"Would, that I hear GOD's proclamation,

that HE promise peace to HIS people,

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

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

And HIS glory will dwell in our land.

Love and faithfulness have met;

righteousness and peace have embraced.

Faithfulness will reach up from the earth

while justice bends down from heaven.

YAHWEH will give what is good,

and our land will yield its fruit.

Justice will go before HIM,

and peace will follow along HIS path."

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

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

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You Are Of The Household Of GOD

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

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

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

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JESUS Forgives And Cures A Paralytic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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JESUS Commands The Demons

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

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

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

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

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