HE Sent HIS Own SON To The Cross So That The World Will Be Saved

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

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

(In this plan, there was something very difficult to accept: that the Son of Man would have to die on the cross and to rise from the dead [be lifted On High means the same].  JESUS reminds them of the serpent in the desert.  This episode in the Scriptures [Numbers 21] prefigured what would happen to JESUS.  Of course, the Jews did not grasp the meaning of this message; in fact, they passed over all the predictions of the sufferings of their Savior without understanding them.

They had to revise their ideas about other matters, also.  The Jews had been praying for GOD to come and expected HIM to condemn the world and to punish the bad.  HE, on the other hand, sent HIS own Son to the cross so that the world will be saved.)

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An Attempt To Share Everything

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

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

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

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

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The Prayer Of The Community

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

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

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

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

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

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So An Ever-Increasing Number Of Men And Women, Believed In The LORD

"Many miraculous signs and wonders done among the people, through the hands of the apostles.  The believers, of one accord, used to meet in Solomon's Porch.  None of the others dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem.  So, an ever-increasing number of men and women, believed in the LORD.  The people carried the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and on mats, so, that, when Peter passed by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.  The people gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those who were troubled by unclean spirits; and all of them were healed." - Acts 5:12-16

(All the Jews believed in GOD who spoke through the prophets.  It was easy for them to believe in the prophets of the past after the religious authorities acknowledged them and placed their warnings in all the books of the Scriptures.  But it was quite a different thing to recognize JESUS as the prophet that GOD had sent them but whom they had rejected.  The text states that to believe in the LORD and join the community are two inseparable steps.  A person cannot belong to JESUS without belonging to the new people HE has brought to life through water and the Spirit.)

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Proclaim The Good News To All Creation

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

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

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

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

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

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The Jewish Leaders Judge Peter And John; The Holy Spirit Judges The Leaders Of The Jews

"While Peter and John were still speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them.  They were greatly disturbed, because the apostles were teaching the people, and proclaiming that resurrection from the dead had been proved, in the case of JESUS.  Since it was already evening, they arrested them and put them in custody until  the following day.  But despite this, many of those who heard the Message, believed; and their number increased to about five thousand.

The next day, the Jewish leaders, elders and teachers of the law assembled in Jerusalem.  Annas, the High Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who were of the high priestly class were there.  They brought Peter and John before them; and began to question them, 'How did you do this?  Whose name did you use?'

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke up, 'Leaders of the people!  Elders!  It is a fact, that we are being examined today for a good deed done to a cripple.  How was he healed?  You, and all the people of Israel, must know, that this man stands before you cured, through the name of JESUS CHRIST, the Nazorean.  You had HIM crucified.  But GOD raised HIM from the dead.  JESUS is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.  

There is no salvation in anyone else; for there is no other Name given to humankind, all over the world, by which we may be saved.'" - Acts 4:1-12 

(The Jewish leaders judge Peter and John.  The Holy Spirit judges the leaders of the Jews.

These leaders believe they possess the truth because they are learned and have authority.  It is impossible for them to back down before ordinary men who refute their statements.  Meanwhile Peter points out how strange it is to be arrested for having healed a sick man.

These leaders were Sadducees and they did not believe in the resurrection of the dead: Acts 23:6.

This text suggests that all of us can be the witnesses of CHRIST and of the truth, if we are determined to be involved.  Oftentimes, because we only rely on our own strength instead of counting on the Spirit of CHRIST, we remain silent before our co-workers or our leaders.)

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HE Sends HIM To Bless

"While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, struck with astonishment, came running to them in Solomon's Porch, as it was called.  When Peter saw the people, he said to them,

'Fellow Israelites, why are you amazed at this?  Why do you stare at us, as if it was by some power or holiness of our own, that we made this man walk?  The GOD of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob, the GOD of our ancestors has glorified HIS servant JESUS, whom you handed over to death and denied before Pilate; when even Pilate had decided to release HIM.  You rejected the Holy and Just One; and you insisted that a murderer be released to you.  You killed the Master of life, but GOD raised HIM from the dead; and we are witnesses of this.  It is HIS Name, and faith in HIS Name, that has healed this man, whom you see and recognize.  The faith that comes through JESUS has given him wholeness in the presence of all of you.

Yet, I know that you acted out of ignorance, as did your leaders.  GOD has fulfilled, in this way, what HE had foretold through all the prophets, that HIS Messiah would suffer.

Repent, then, and turn to GOD so that your sins may be wiped out; and the time of refreshment may come by the mercy of GOD, when HE sends the Messiah appointed for you, JESUS.  For HE must remain in heaven, until the time of the universal restoration, which GOD spoke of long ago, through HIS holy prophets.

Moses foretold this, when he said: The LORD GOD will raise up for you a prophet, like me, from among your own people; you shall listen to HIM in all that HE says to you.  Whoever does not listen to that prophet is to be cut off from among HIS people.

In fact, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel onward, have announced the events of these days.  You are the children of the prophets, and heirs of the Covenant that GOD gave to your ancestors, when HE said to Abraham: All the families of the earth will be blessed through your descendant.  It is to you, first, that GOD sends HIS Servant; HE raised HIM to life, to bless you, by turning each of you from your wicked ways.'" - Acts 3:11-26 

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

I know that you acted out of ignorance.  Yet Peter demands that they admit their guilt.  All of us must confess similar guilt in the injustices and crimes of out times.

HE must remain in heaven.  The coming of JESUS inaugurated the "last days" in which the Gospel reconciles humanity with GOD, and changes human consciousness thus speeding up the course of history which, in the end, forces humankind to solve their problems together.  Humanity is on its way to the coming of CHRIST and the restoration of the world, namely, the Resurrection.

HE sends HIM to bless.  This blessing comes to those who accept reconciliation with GOD upon seeing the love HE revealed to us in JESUS.  the blessing is not for us alone, rather, through us--the people of GOD--it reaches all the families of the earth.)

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Peter And John Cure A Lame Man

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

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

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

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

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

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Save Yourselves From This Crooked Generation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Risen Church

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

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

As the women proceeded on their way, some of the guards went into the city, and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.  The chief priests met with the elders, and decided to give the soldiers a large sum of money, with this order, 'Say that HIS disciples came by night while you were asleep, and stole the body of JESUS.  If Pilate comes to know of this, we will explain the situation and keep you out of trouble.'  The soldiers accepted the money and did as they were told.  This story has circulated among the Jews until this day." - Matthew 28:8-15 

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

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

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

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

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