At Any Time, One Can Be Converted And GOD Will Act Accordingly

"This is the word of YAHWEH that came to Jeremiah: 'Go down to the potter's house and there you will hear what I have to say.'

So I went to the potter's house and found him working at the wheel.  But the pot he was working on was spoiled in his hands, so he reworked it all over again into another pot that suits his desire.

Meanwhile YAHWEH sent me HIS word, 'People of Israel, can I not do with you what this potter does?  As clay in the potter's hand so are you in MY hands.

At times I warn a nation or a kingdom that I will uproot or destroy it.  But if they change their ways, I will then relent and refrain from doing the harm I had intended to do.'" - Jeremiah 18:1-8 

(In several parts of the Scriptures, the comparison with the potter serves to show that GOD is absolute master and directs the lives of all according to HIS will: individuals as well as nations [see Isaiah 29:16 and Romans 9:20].  Here the same comparison is used to provide another teaching which complements the first: namely that we are free.

If they change their ways, I will then relent and refrain from doing the harm I had intended to do.  At any time, one can be converted and GOD will act accordingly.  There is no plan of GOD written beforehand that we have to follow, pushed to do good or evil by some fatal destiny.  GOD is continually creating us and HE achieves HIS plan for the world while renewing each day the free relation it maintains with us.  Scripture supports these two statements, that nothing escapes GOD and that we are free.)

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He Did Not Doubt Although His Body Could No Longer Give Life

"If GOD promised Abraham, or rather his descendants, that the world would belong to him, this was not because of his obeying the law, but because he was just, and a friend of GOD, through faith.  If, now, the promise is kept for those who rely on the law, then faith has no power, and nothing is left of the promise.  For it is proper of the law, to bring punishment, and it is only when there is no law, that it is possible to live without breaking the law.

For that reason, faith is the way, and all is given, by grace; and the promises of Abraham are fulfilled for all his descendants, not only for his children according to the law, but, also, for all the others, who have believed.

Abraham is the father of all of us, as it is written: I will make you  the father of many nations.  He is our father, in the eyes of HIM, who gives life to the dead, and calls into existence, what does not yet exist, for this is the GOD in whom he believed.

Abraham believed, and hoped against all expectation, thus, becoming the father of many nations, as he had been told: See how many will be your descendants.  He did not doubt, although his body could no longer give life--he was about a hundred years old--and, in spite of his wife, Sarah, being unable to have children.  He did not doubt, nor did he distrust the promise of GOD, and, by being strong in faith, he gave glory to GOD: he was convinced, that, HE who had given the promise, had power to fulfill it.

This was taken into account, for him to attain righteousness.  This was taken into account: these words of Scripture are not only for him, but for us, too, because we believe in HIM, who raised JESUS, our LORD, from among the dead,..." - Romans 4:13-24 

(Faith has no power.  Here Paul points out something that many times we fail to see.  To believe in GOD who rewards good and obedience to HIS laws is already faith [Hebrews 11:6].  This faith, however, considering in respect and awareness of justice remains very far from Abraham's confidence in GOD's promise.  Faith is found in every religion, but for Christians faith is everything.

He did not doubt although his body could no longer give life.  Abraham had a faith similar to the Christian who believes in the resurrection of CHRIST.  We also are asked to believe in a GOD who gives life and for whom nothing is impossible.) 

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Perfection For Us Consists In Imitating The FATHER

"Be merciful, just as your FATHER is merciful.

Don't be a judge of others and you will not be judged; do not condemn and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you, and you will receive in your sack good measure, pressed down, full and running over.  For the measure you give will be the measure you receive back." - Luke 6:36-38 

(Perfection for us consists in imitating the FATHER.  HE is GOD by being compassionate; HIS compassion is HIS ability to be touched by the poverty and the anguish of HIS creatures, and to lavish upon them what HE can give.  The attitude of the person who judges his brothers and sisters is the very opposite of mercy.

JESUS speaks of the way in which GOD already leads us in the present life.  A rationalist culture has often convinced us that GOD lets the laws of nature and humankind go their own way while HE remains a passive spectator, but the kingdom of GOD is the presence of GOD HIMSELF who even today has liberty to reverse all situations, even if for that purpose HE has HIS own time.)   

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"This Is MY Son, MY Beloved, Listen To HIM."

"About eight days after JESUS had said all this, HE took Peter, John and James, and went up the mountain to pray.  And while HE was praying, the aspect of HIS face was changed, and HIS clothing became dazzling white.  Two men were talking with JESUS: Moses and Elijah.  Appearing in the glory of heaven, Moses and Elijah spoke to JESUS about HIS departure from this life, which was to take place in Jerusalem.

Peter and his companions had fallen asleep; but they awoke suddenly, and they saw HIS glory and the two men standing with HIM.  As Moses and Elijah were about to leave, Peter--not knowing what to say--said to JESUS, 'Master, how good it is for us to be here!  Let us make three tents, one for YOU, one for Moses and one for Elijah,'  And no sooner had he spoken, than a cloud appeared and covered them; and the disciples were afraid as they entered the cloud.  Then these words came from the cloud, 'This is MY Son, MY Beloved, listen to HIM.'  And after the voice had spoken, JESUS was there alone.

The disciples kept this to themselves at the time, telling no one of anything they had seen. - Luke 9:28-36 

(Recall the divine revelation JESUS received at the beginning of HIS ministry [Luke 3:21].  This other divine manifestation JESUS receives at the Transfiguration is due to the beginning of a new stage: the Passion.

JESUS has already been preaching for two years, but there is no hope that Israel will overcome the violence that will lead to its ruin.  Even if JESUS' miracles do not convince HIS compatriots, JESUS will have to face the forces of evil: HIS sacrifice will be more effective than HIS words in arousing love and the spirit of sacrifice in all the people who will continue HIS saving work in the future. 

HE went up the mountain to pray.  It is quite possible that it was during a night of prayer that the event that JESUS expected took place.  This transfiguration of JESUS has first of all a meaning for HIMSELF.  JESUS did not know everything beforehand; HE was not spared doubts and anxieties.  It does not seem that the FATHER manifested HIMSELF with abundant favors for HIM: JESUS served without expecting heavenly rewards.  On this occasion however HE received certitude concerning the purpose of HIS mission.

For the apostles it is a decisive witness that will help them to believe in the Resurrection.  [The letter headed "Second Letter of Peter" makes no mistake when it insists on this witness of GOD, even if done in an awkward way [2 Peter 1:17], because it claims to be written by Peter himself].  It is a fact that many persons throughout history have been considered as prophets or even as "the" prophet, but none of them have pretended to have a witness from GOD in his favor, other than his own successes.  JESUS counted on witnesses, beginning with John the Baptist.  In all biblical revelation faith is supported by these witnesses.  Here it is Moses, the founder of Israel, and Elijah, father of prophets, who recognize JESUS.

Luke tells us that Moses and Elijah spoke to JESUS about HIS departure [in Greek this is "exodus"].  JESUS then becomes the new Moses who will bring GOD's people from this world of slavery to the Promised Land.

This is MY Son.  Here, JESUS appears as the one for whom Moses and Elijah were waiting, the one for whom they had prepared, even if for this moment they can console HIM for HE still carries the weakness of our human condition.)

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If You Love Those Who Love You, What Is Special About That?

"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 

(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.)

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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?  Is it not rather that yours is wrong?  If the righteous man turns from his righteous deeds, and sins, then 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 people 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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Knock And It Will Be Opened To You

"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

(Knock and it will be opened to you.  A page from Father Molinie is a commentary on this verse.  "If GOD does not open up at once, it is not because HE enjoys making us wait.  If we must persevere in prayer, it is not because we need a set number of invocations, but rather because a certain quality, a certain way of prayer is required.  If we were able to have that at the beginning, our prayer would be heard immediately.

"Prayer is the groaning of the Holy Spirit in us as Saint Paul says.  Yet, we need repetition for this groaning to open a path in our stony heart, just as the drop of water wastes away the hardest rocks.  When we have repeated the Our Father and the Hail Mary with perseverance, one day we can pray them in a way that is in perfect harmony with GOD's will.  HE HIMSELF was waiting for this groaning, the only one which can move HIM since, in fact, it comes from HIS own heart.

"As long as we have not played this note, or rather, drawn it from within, GOD cannot be conquered.  It is not that GOD defends HIMSELF since HE is pure tenderness and fluidity, but as long as there is nothing similar in us, the current cannot pass between HIM and us.  Man gets tired of praying, yet if he perseveres instead of losing heart, he will gradually let go of his pride until being exhausted and overcome, he obtains much more than he could have wished for.")

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The Ninevites

"As the crowd increased, JESUS spoke the following words: 'People of the present time are troubled people.  They ask for a sign, but no sign will be given to them except the sign of Jonah.  As Jonah became a sign for the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be a sign for this generation.  The Queen of the South will rise up on Judgment Day with the people of these times and accuse them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and here, there is greater than Solomon.  The people of Nineveh will rise up on Judgment Day with the people of these times and accuse them, for Jonah's preaching made them turn from their sins, and here, there is greater than Jonah.'" - Luke 11:29-32 

Jonah And The Ninevites

(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.

The people of Nineveh will rise up with these people and accuse them.  JESUS again uses the traditional image of collective judgment where each one excuses himself by pointing out that others have done worse.  This image retains deep truth: all that GOD has given to each one of us should produce fruits for all humanity.)

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It Is CHRIST!

"As the rain and the snow come down

from the heavens and do not return

till they have watered the earth,

making it yield seed for the sower

and food for others to eat.

so is MY word that goes forth out of MY mouth:

it will not return to ME idle,

but it shall accomplish MY will,

the purpose for which it has been sent."

- Isaiah 55:10-11

(Here the word of GOD appears personified.  It is already much more than the words spoken by the prophets.  This word which comes from the FATHER and returns to HIM will be presented by the apostle John in the first page of his Gospel: it is CHRIST.  See also in 45:8.)

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Love Your Neighbor As Yourself

"When you reap the harvest of your land do not reap to the extreme limits of your field or gather the gleanings after your harvest.  Do not strip your vineyard bare and do not gather the grapes that have fallen; leave them for the needy and the stranger.  I AM YAHWEH, your GOD.

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 19:9-18 

(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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