For To Me, Living Is For CHRIST

 "But, in any case, whether they are sincere or showing off, CHRIST is proclaimed and because of this I rejoice and have no regrets.

I know that all this will be a grace for me, because of your prayers, and the help given by the Spirit of CHRIST.  I am hopeful, even certain, that I shall not be ashamed.  I feel as assured now, as before, that CHRIST will be exalted through my person, whether I live or die.

For to me, living is for CHRIST, and dying is even better.  But if I am to go on living, I shall be able to enjoy fruitful labor.  Which shall I choose?  So I feel torn between the two.  I desire greatly to leave this life and to be with CHRIST, which will be better by far, but it is necessary for you that I remain in this life.  And because I am convinced of this,  I know that I will stay and remain with you for your progress and happiness in the faith.  I will surely come to you again, and give you more reason for being proud of belonging to CHRIST JESUS." - Philippians 1:18-26 

(I am hopeful, even certain, that I shall not be ashamed.  Paul's concern is that his trial and his appearances should serve to reveal CHRIST's message to the authorities.

For to me, living is for CHRIST.  It is quite trendy to say that Christians should "understand the world" and be "fully human."  This is true in a certain way, but it does not say everything.  GOD's love increases in us through the gift of ourselves to persons and to tasks that HE entrusts to us, but as the love of GOD grows, the desire of CHRIST and eternity takes root with it: this desire makes us like strangers in the world.

Paul would like to see his friends but not for that will he linger over fraternal meals in which his friends would try to provide him with a warm atmosphere.  His deep desire is for what he still lacks: to meet CHRIST in HIS glory [see 2 Corinthians 4:16 and Philippians3:10].

I desire greatly to leave this life and to be with CHRIST.  St. Paul teaches that those who say that a person ceases to exist at the time of death and only recovers life in the resurrection at the end of times are wrong. [See 2 Corinthians 5:8 also].)

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We All Share In The Guilt When We Decide With Whom It Is More Beneficial To Be Associated

 "JESUS also addressed the man who had invited HIM, and said, 'When you give a lunch or a dinner, don't invite your friends, or your brothers and relatives, or your wealthy neighbors.  For surely they will also invite you in return, and you will be repaid.  When you give a feast, invite instead the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind.  Fortunate are you then, because they cannot repay you.  You will be repaid at the resurrection of the upright.'" - Luke 14:12-14 

(Everyone of us seeks to be near those who are above us, since we think we  benefit more from being connected with those who are superior than with those who are inferior.

JESUS' warning points to one of the main causes of injustice.  We all share in the guilt when we decide with whom it is more beneficial to be associated; consequently everyone tries to climb higher, always leaving the weakest in the most isolated and helpless position. 

It would be a strange sight to see public officials pay more attention to the poorly dressed, or to see the poorest areas supplied with water and power before the residential districts, or to see doctors go to the rural areas to practice.)

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Alas For You, Jerusalem!

 "At that time some Pharisees came to JESUS and gave HIM this warning, 'Leave this place and go on your way, for Herod wants to kill you.'  JESUS said to them, 'Go and give that fox MY answer: 'I drive out demons, and I heal today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish MY course!'  Nevertheless, I must go on MY way today, and tomorrow, and for a little longer; for it would not be fitting for a prophet to be killed outside Jerusalem.

O, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you slay the prophets and stone those who are sent to you!  How often have I tried to bring together your children, as a bird gathers her young under her wings.  But you refused!  From now on, you will be left, with your temple.  And you will no longer see ME until the time when you will say, Blessed is HE who comes in the name of the LORD!'" - Luke 13:31-35 

(How harshly JESUS speaks!  Jerusalem was destroyed in the year 587 B.C.  If we read the prophets, we find that Jerusalem's destruction was a punishment for its crimes.  Now, JESUS announces another destruction of wider historical consequences: the blood of the prophets, the blood of CHRIST, the blood of the first Christians killed by the Jews.

Your house shall be left to you, deserted!  The presence of GOD in HIS temple would leave them once more and be established among the converted pagans, as in Ezra 8.  There will be no further intervention by GOD to establish HIS kingdom in Israel among the Jewish people until the day they welcome the CHRIST.

For Luke, disciple of Paul, it is certitude: the day will come when Israel will recognize CHRIST [see Romans 11:25-32].  For JESUS has come to save Israel, which means to give sense to its history.  It will then, doubtless be the end of all other histories.)

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The Twelve

 "At this time, JESUS went out into the hills to pray, spending the whole night in prayer with GOD.  When day came, HE called HIS disciples to  HIM, and chose Twelve of them, whom HE called 'apostles': Simon, whom HE named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alpheus and Simon called the Zealot; Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who would be the traitor." - Luke 6:12-16 

(JESUS keeps those whom HE loves the most in HIS prayer.  The success of HIS mission will depend upon them; other people's faith will rest on them.  JESUS does not want their call to be HIS own will: before calling them, HE wants to be certain that HE is doing the FATHER'S will [Hebrews 5:8].  For the simple reason that CHIST chose them and entrusted HIS Church to them, they will be tested in a thousand ways [Luke 22:31].  Therefore JESUS wants to safeguard them through the power of HIS prayer [John 17:9].  The day before HIS death HE will have the consolation that not one of those the FATHER gave HIM has been lost [John 17:12].)

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What Is The Kingdom Of GOD Like?

 "And JESUS continued, 'What is the kingdom of GOD like?  What shall I compare it to?  Imagine a person who has taken a mustard seed and planted it in his garden.  The seed has grown and become like a small tree, so that the birds of the air shelter in its branches.'

And JESUS said again, 'What is the kingdom of GOD like?  Imagine a woman who has taken yeast and hidden it in three measures of flour until it is all leavened.'" - Luke 13:18-21 

(At the conclusion of HIS Galilean ministry, JESUS invites optimism: although the results are few, a seed has been sown and the kingdom of GOD is growing.)

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The Healing On A Sabbath Day

 "JESUS was teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath, and a crippled woman was there.  An evil spirit had kept her bent for eighteen years, so that she could not straighten up at all.  On seeing her, JESUS called her and said, 'Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.'  Then HE laid HIS hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight and praised GOD.

But the ruler of the synagogue was indignant, because JESUS had performed the healing on the Sabbath day, and he said to the people, 'There are six days in which to work.  Come on those days to be healed, and not on the Sabbath.'

But the LORD replied, 'You hypocrites!  Everyone of you unties his ox or his donkey on the Sabbath, and leads it out of the barn to give it water.  And here you have a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound for eighteen years.  Should she not be freed from her bonds on the Sabbath?'

When JESUS said this all HIS opponents felt ashamed.  But the people rejoiced at the many wonderful things that happened because of HIM." - Luke 13:10-17 

(The word untie was used by the Jews to express that someone's sin or penalty was canceled.  It also meant freeing an animal from its yoke.  JESUS frees the human person and invites us to follow HIS example.

We should not be surprised at the indignation of the chief of the synagogue.  Since he had never been able to help his sick sister, he must have felt discredited by JESUS' move.  Would it not be the same with us?  It never occurred to JESUS to ask the authorities for permission to save people.)

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The Gospel We Brought You Was Such, Not Only In Words

 "The gospel we brought you was such, not only in words.  Miracles, the Holy Spirit, and plenty of everything, were given to you.  You, also, know how we dealt with you, for your sake.

In return, you  became followers of us, and of the LORD, when, on receiving the word, you experienced the joy of the Holy Spirit, in the midst of great opposition.  And you became a model for the faithful of Macedonia and Achaia, since, from you, the word of the LORD spread to Macedonia and Achaia, and still farther.  The faith you have in GOD has become news in so many places, that we need say no more about it.  Others tell, of how you welcomed us, and turned from idols, and true GOD, and you wait for HIS Son, from heaven, whom HE raised from the dead, JESUS, who frees us from impending trial." - 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 

(The gospel we brought you was such not only in words.  There were many signs, miracles and other manifestations in Thessalonica.  Perhaps GOD increased the signs in view of the coming persecution; since very soon there would not be many with adequate formation to orient the community.  In fact the Gospel cannot be proclaimed without GOD doing something to confirm it [Mark 16:17].  JESUS criticized those who came to HIM to see miracles, but HE performed miracles throughout HIS ministry.  Let us not say: "I do not need miracles to believe."  Human  beings as we are, we will have quite a different enthusiasm if we see that GOD is beside us, doing the incredible to confirm HIS word.)

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The Body Builds Itself, In Love

 "But to each of us, divine grace is given, according to the measure of CHRIST's gift.  Therefore, it is said: When HE ascended to the heights, HE brought captives and gave HIS gifts to people.

HE ascended, what does it mean, but, that HE had also descended to the lower parts of the world?  HE, HIMSELF, who went down, then ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.  As for HIS gifts, to some, HE gave to be apostles; to others, prophets, or even evangelists; or pastors and teachers.  So, HE prepared those who belong to HIM, for the ministry, in order to build up the Body of CHRIST, until we are all united, in the same faith and knowledge of the Son of GOD.  Thus, we shall become the perfect Man, upon reaching maturity, and sharing the fullness of CHRIST.

Then, no longer shall we be like children, tossed about by any wave, or wind of doctrine; and deceived by the cunning of people, who drag them along into error.  Rather, speaking the truth, in love, we shall grow in every way, toward HIM, who is the head, CHRIST.  From HIM, comes the growth of the whole body, to which a network of joints gives order and cohesion, taking into account, and making use of, the function of each one.  So, the body builds itself, in love." - Ephesians 4:7-16 

(JESUS of Nazareth lived humbly until HIS death only once, but having been made the Head of humanity through HIS resurrection, HE suffers everywhere; HE works in every field of human activity; gives HIS life in every possible way; HE gathers in HIMSELF every form of love, and lives the whole diversity of human existence in the person of HIS members.

Then no longer shall we be like children.  Paul suggests that the Ephesians are still children, at least from time to time, when they allow themselves to be influenced by some trend of opinion.  He invites them to become a mature community, capable of being led by the truth, and of building itself up through love.  We too should ask ourselves if we have really gone beyond the time when the "faithful" constantly waited for others to think for them, guide them and push them.)

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When You Go With Your Accuser Before The Court, Try To Settle The Case On The Way

 "'JESUS said to the crowds, 'When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, 'A shower is coming'; and so it happens.  And when the wind blows from the south, you say, 'It will be hot'; and so it is.  You superficial people!  You understand the signs of the earth and the sky, but you don't understand the present times.  And why do you not judge for yourselves what is fit?  When you go with your accuser before the court, try to settle the case on the way, lest he drag you before the judge, and the judge deliver you to the jailer, and the jailer throw you into prison.  I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.'" - Luke 12:54-59 

(When you see a cloud.  The signs which are seen around JESUS are enough for everyone to understand that now is the time announced by the prophets, when people must be converted and Israel must acknowledge its Savior: tomorrow will be too late.

When you go with your accuser before the court.  In Matthew's Gospel this refers to reconciliation between brothers and sisters.  Luke, instead, uses this phrase in reference to our conversion.  We are on our way to GOD's judgment and it is the same as going before the authorities; therefore we must take advantage of the time given to us to straighten out our situation.  We must not waste this moment when we can be saved from Judgment by believing in CHRIST's message.)

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I Have A Baptism To Undergo, And What Anguish I Feel Until It Is Finished!

 "'I have come to bring fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!  But I have a baptism to undergo, and what anguish I feel until it is finished!

Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth?  No, I tell you, but rather division.  From now on, in one house five will be divided: three against two, and two against three.  They will be divided, father against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.'" - Luke 12:49-53 

(I have come to bring fire.  Must we think of fire as referring to something precise such as love, the Gospel or the gift of the Holy Spirit?  It is better to stay with the image of fire that purifies, burns all that is old, gives warmth and fosters life; fire of the judgment of GOD destroying all that is not surrendered to its reforming action.

JESUS comes to remake the world and to bring the jewels that will remain for eternity out of the rubble.  Those who follow JESUS must participate in this work of salvation directed at a situation combining work, violence, suffering as well as great dreams wise or mad.

I have a baptism to undergo...  JESUS is the leader and will be the first one to face death as a means of obtaining resurrection.  This step, as 'agonizing' for JESUS as it is for us, is the baptism of fire [see Luke 3:16] that introduces us into a glorious and eternal life.  It is the true baptism of which the others, baptisms of water and Spirit, are only a preparation [Romans 6:3-5].

I have come to bring division.  This is followed by words of JESUS that are so upsetting for those who expect of HIM a peaceful life.  JESUS is a source of division among nations and social groups.  Often people have tried to use religion as cement for national unity or family peace.  It is true that faith is a factor in peace and understanding; but it also separates those who are truly alive from those others, be they relatives or friends, who cannot have all that is now the most important to these true believers.  Many times, the wound and the scandal of this separation are so painful for them, that they turn into our persecutors.

The Gospel does not put this world on the road to an earthly paradise, but it challenges it to grow.  The death of JESUS brings into full light what was hidden in hearts [Luke 2:35]; likewise it reveals the lies and the violence underlying our societies, just as it revealed those which underlay the Jewish society of HIS time.)  

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