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https://x.com/Pontifex/status/1826212652890104015
crosspostato da: https://feddit.it/post/4364185 > [Found on FB](https://www.facebook.com/1438946130/posts/pfbid0K59dpXqMg7QhPocLJmiTTbK95PzxfnN3fYFRLdmWf2WDLhnh5YNH6hJnjn3wAsAXl/): > > «I-know-all anti-Catholic: "Christmas? But Christmas, like Easter, like all your other holidays were pagan celebrations! Don't tell me you don't know?" > > As I am about to upload the historical-philological broadside on the original authenticity of Christmas, I pause for a moment, reasoning. No, not this time. > > I take a breath and... > > Me: "That's right. We got them all. And if you keep complaining, we'll also take Spring Break, OktoberFest and the Furniture Show." > > I.k.a.a.c: "Ahah! Then you admit it... Wait, what?" > > Me: "You got it, smartass. We're a bit rusty, but you said it yourself: for centuries we appropriated all that barbaric junk and turned it into traditions thousands of years old and beyond, shaping Western civilization on the necropolises of antiquity. Not one has been saved, not one that has survived Christian reinterpretation: Romans, Greeks, Germans, Celts, Slavs... It's all our stuff. And those would slaughter us in the arena or eviscerate our evangelizers! You people slaves of consumerism complaining on Threads think you're a challenge?" > > I.k.a.a.c: "But what do you think..." > > Me: "We're already the main promoters of that environmentalist Earth Day trinket, it would take us two seconds to move our Day for the Care and Custody of Creation from September to April. Wanna bet?" > > I.k.a.a.c: "You can't...." > > Me: "Too late, my friend, you lost Black Friday, we are already making selections for the Saint Donor who will supplant it." > > I.k.a.a.c: "But what..." > > Me: "Oh, yeah. And say goodbye to Pride Month, we're already re-organizing Corpus Christi month, with permanent Eucharistic adoration of reparation from rainbow things. Oh, and your mother has given her availability for the general secretariat!" > > I.k.a.a.c: "Leave my mother alone..." > > Me: "And listen, do you like Shark Week? We just need a companion devotion to the Assumption, and we've left Stella Maris on hold for a while." > > --------- > Yes, in my opinion we should start doing that again.»
youtu.be
    ---------------------------------------------------- Let's begin with the book of Hosea :  The first chapter is especially harsh, it is explained that : - Hosea's wife had to be as unfaithful as Israel ; - Hosea's son is named Jezreel after the murders committed by Israel in the Jezreel valley ; - Hosea's daughter had to be named Lo-Ruhamah because the Lord will no longer have mercy and save Israel ; - Hosea's second son had to be named Lo-Ammi, because « these people are not mine, and i am not their God » However : Hosea [1:10](https://bible.com/bible/392/hos.1.10.CEV) : Someday, it will be impossible to count the people of Israel, because there will be as many of them as there are grains of sand along the seashore. They are now called “Not My People,” but in the future they will be called “Children of the Living God.” *The second chapter speaks about Israel's adoration of Baal instead of (the living )God, and thd hars consequences that they will hence have to face due to this bad choice. However, one day :* Hosea [2:15-16, 19-20](https://bible.com/bible/392/hos.2.15.CEV) : I will return your vineyards, and then Trouble Valley will become Hopeful Valley. You will say “Yes” to me as you did in your youth, when leaving Egypt. I promise from that day on, you will call me your husband instead of your master. (...) I will accept you as my wife forever, and instead of a bride price I will give you justice, fairness, love, kindness, and faithfulness. Then you will truly know who I am. Have we evolved yet ? When will we ? Hosea [4:1-2, 4](https://bible.com/bible/392/hos.4.1.CEV) : Israel, listen as the Lord accuses everyone in the land ! **No one is faithful or loyal or truly cares about God. Cursing, dishonesty, murder, robbery, unfaithfulness— these happen all the time. Violence is everywhere.** (...) Don't accuse just anyone ! Not everyone is at fault. My case is against you, the priests. (...) You priests have rejected me, and my people are destroyed by refusing to obey. Now I'll reject you and forget your children, because you have forgotten my Law. (...) My people, you are foolish because of too much pleasure and too much wine. (...) Your own foolishness will lead to your ruin. ---------------------------------------------------- We left with the healing of blindness, here's the rest of the ninth chapter : John [9:28-41](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.9.29.CEV) : The *[religious]* leaders insulted the *[previously blind]* man and said, “You are his[/Jesus] follower ! We are followers of Moses. We are sure God spoke to Moses, but we don't even know where Jesus comes from.” “How strange !” the man replied. “He healed my eyes, and yet you don't know where he comes from. *[What's the link between being virtuous and coming from somewhere ? Coming from somewhere probably has another meaning than being born in a place, i.d.k., but as an example among many other explanations, it could also mean "speaking from a certain place/'point of view'", in any case this exchange shows that it doesn't speak about a town, unless you could deduce his town of origin from the healing of eyes, and the answer would then have to be Bethleem, which apparently wasnt [common knowledge](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.7.52.CEV), the original version in greek could be interesting in this regard, but the [alternative translations](https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/John%209:29) are very similar here.]* *[And, [as usual](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2035%3A5&version=NIV)]* We know that God listens only to people who love and obey him. God doesn't listen to sinners. And this is the first time in history anyone has ever given sight to someone born blind. Jesus could not do anything unless he came from God.” The leaders told the man, “You have been a sinner since the day you were born ! Do you think you can teach us anything ?” Then they said, “You can never come back into any of our synagogues !” When Jesus heard what had happened, he went and found the man. Then Jesus asked, “Do you have faith in the Son of Man ?” He replied, “Sir, if you will tell me who he is, I will put my faith in him.” “You have already seen him,” Jesus answered, “and right now he is talking with you." The man said, “Lord, I put my faith in you !” Then he worshiped/'prostrated himself before' Jesus. Jesus told him, “I came to judge the people of this world. I am here to give sight to the blind, and to make blind everyone who can see.” *[Good luck to take this sentence literally]* When the Pharisees heard Jesus say this, they asked, “Are we blind ?” Jesus answered, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty. But now that you claim to see, you will keep on being guilty.” *[Sinners that are ashamed are better than sinners believing it's possible not to be sinners/ashamed]* ---------------------------------------------------- Surah Āl-‘Imrān(, "The Family of [Joachim](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joachim)") [3:14-20](https://quran.com/en/ali-imran/14-19) : Beautified for men is the love of things they covet ; women, children, much of gold and silver, branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world’s life ; but God has the excellent return(, Paradise with flowing rivers,) with Him. Say : "Shall I inform you of things far better than those ? For the pious/righteous, there are Gardens(/Paradise) with their Lord, underneath which rivers flow. Therein (is their )eternal( home) and purified mates. And God will be pleased with them. And God is All-Seer of the(/H..er.is) slaves". Those who say : "Our Lord ! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire." (They are )those who are patient, those who are true( in faith/words/deeds), and obedient with sincere devotion in worship to God. Those who spend(, give the Zakât,) and those who pray and beg God's Pardon in the last hours of the night. God bears witness that none has the right to be worshipped but He(, Lâ ilâha illa Huwa), and the angels, and those having knowledge( also give this witness) ; (God always )maintains H..er.is creation **in Justice**. None has the right to be worshipped but God, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. Truly, the religion with God is Islâm. Those who were given the Scripture(, jews and christians,) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the verses/proofs/revelations of God, then surely, God is swift in calling to account. So, if they dispute with you(, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), say : "I have submitted myself to God(, in Islâm), and( so have) those who follow me." And say to those who were given the Scripture(, jews and christians,) and to those who are illiterates : "Do you( also) submit yourselves( to God in Islâm) ?" If they do, they are rightly guided ; but if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message ; and God is All-Seer of (H..er.is )slaves. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of the day :** [St. Josaphat Kuncewicz](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josaphat_Kuntsevych), Bishop and Martyr(, [read more](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/11/12/st--josaphat-kuncewicz--bishop-and--martyr-.html) on Vatican News) [St. Diego](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didacus_of_Alcal%C3%A1), lay Franciscan : Born in Alcalà del Puerto, in Spain, around the year 1400. Didacus became a Franciscan lay brother. Although not a priest, he was sent to establish the Faith in the Canary Islands. During a plague in Rome in 1450, Didacus remained to assist the sick, even after the Curia had fled.
   ----------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------- Since we've ended the book of Amos, the next one is the book of Joel, only three chapters-long, and explaining vividly his vision : The first chapter starts once again with a report of Israel’s imminent destruction, because of other humans, or non-humans(, e.g., locusts), or the weather. The second chapter gives more details on the day of Judgement, in which God's army destroy Israel : [Joel 2:11-13](https://bible.com/bible/392/jol.2.11.CEV) : The Lord God leads this army of countless troops, and they obey his commands. The day of his judgment is so terrible that no one can stand it. The Lord said : It isn't too late. You can still return to me with all your heart. Start crying and mourning ! Go without eating. Don't rip your clothes to show your sorrow. Instead, turn back to me with broken hearts. I am merciful, kind, and caring. I don't easily lose my temper, and I don't like to punish. The second and third chapters expand on these better days that will come(, as an example of what happened : « You have dragged the people of Judah and Jerusalem from their land and sold them to the Greeks » ([Joel 3:6](https://bible.com/bible/392/jol.3.6.CEV)), less interestingly, it says that, in these better days, they'll retaliate by selling their oppressors(, Philistines and people from Tyre and Sidon,) to the Sabeans ; i don't know if they would have indeed done the same once given the power to do so, perhaps, israelis had human slaves as well after all(, and countries that didn't had servants instead), it was partly useful in order to buy time, but we now have technology for that ; and marxists will still say that workers aren't paid their just salary in regard to the capitalist's profits). The book of Joel ends with this verse : [Joel 3:21](https://bible.com/bible/392/jol.3.21.CEV) : I, the Lord, live on Mount Zion. I will punish the guilty and defend the innocent. ---------------------------------------------------- John [9:1-7](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.9.1.CEV) : As Jesus walked along, he saw a man who had been blind since birth. Jesus' disciples asked, “Teacher, why was this man born blind ? Was it because he or his parents sinned ?” “**No, it wasn't !**” Jesus answered. *[I'd be surprised if they never heard of the karmic cycle of reincarnation, even vaguely, which itself can also be partially explained rationally, since our present is the consequence of our ancestors sins or virtues, if only for the collective aspect(, but i wouldn't be surprised if it extends to one's genes)]* “But because of his blindness, you will see God work a miracle for him. As long as it is day, we must do what the one who sent me wants me to do. When night comes, no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light for the world.” *[He's using the word "light" right after speaking about a suspiciously useless sentence about night//day, there's probably a link between these two sentences, does it imply that no-one can "work" when Jesus-Christ is absent from the world ?]* After Jesus said this, he spit on the ground. He made some mud and smeared it on the man's eyes. Then he said, “Go wash off the mud in Siloam Pool.” The man went and washed in Siloam, which means “One Who Is Sent.” When he had washed off the mud, he could see. *[Adam comes from adamah which means "soil", and they have already expanded a lot on the symbology of water in the previous chapters, and spit is water coming from the mouth... i.d.k., this part seems easier than the others to take literally]* ---------------------------------------------------- Narrated Jâbir bin ‘Abdullâh رضي الله عنهما : The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "I have been given five (things) which were not given to any one else before me : a) God made me victorious by awe, for a distance of one month’s journey. b) The earth has been made for me(, and muslims,) a place for praying and a thing to [purify](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tayammum), therefore anyone of my followers can pray wherever he is, at the time of prayer. c) The booty has been made *halâl*/lawful to me, yet it was not lawful to anyone else before me. d) I have been given the right of intercession(, on the Day of Resurrection/Judgment). e) Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only, but I have been sent to all mankind." (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol. 1, Hadîth No.331) Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه : God's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "My similitude in comparison with the other Prophets before me is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go round about it and wonder at its beauty, but say : ‘Would that this brick be put in its place !’ So I am that brick, and I am the last(/end) of the Prophets." (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol. 4, Hadîth No.735). Narrated Ibn Mas‘ûd رضي الله عنه : As if I saw the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم talking about one of the Prophets whose nation had beaten him and caused him to bleed, while he was cleaning the blood off his face and saying, "O God ! Forgive my nation, for they have no knowledge." (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol. 4, Hadîth No.683). *[Makes me think of one of the most powerful sentence of the new testament, that [apparently](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023%3A34&version=NIV) early manuscripts didn't have]* Narrated ‘Âishah رضي الله عنها and Ibn ‘Abbâs رضي الله عنهما : On his death-bed, God's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم put a sheet over his face, and when he felt hot he would remove it from his face. When in that state(, of putting and removing the sheet,) he said, "May God's Curse be on the Jews and the Christians for they built places of worship at the graves of their Prophets." (By that,) he intended to warn( the muslims) from what they(, jews and christians,) had done. *[In case it wasn't clear enough : more than a criticism, it's mainly to avoid that muslims do the same for him]* (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol. 4, Hadîth No.660) Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه : The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The Isrâelis used to be ruled and guided by Prophets. Whenever a Prophet died, another would take over his place. There will be no Prophet after me, but there will be caliphs who will increase in number." The people asked, "O God's Messenger ! What do you order us( to do) ?" He said, "Obey the one who will be given the [Bai‘a](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay%27ah)(/'pledge given by citizens') first *[, i.e., the [election](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caliphate#Electing_or_appointing_a_caliph) of a second one is invalid]*. Fulfil their(, caliphs,) rights, for God will ask them about (any shortcomings in )ruling those whom God has put under their guardianship." (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol. 4, Hadîth No. 661). Surah Al-Baqarah(, "The Cow") [2:253-255](https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/253-255) : Those Messengers ! We preferred some of them to others ; to some of them God spoke ; others He raised to degrees ; and to Jesus, the son of Mary, We gave clear proofs and evidence, and supported him with Gabriel. If God had willed, **succeeding generations would not have fought against each other**, after clear Verses of God had come to them, but they differed - some of them believed and others disbelieved. If God had willed, they would not have fought against one another, but God does what He likes. *[And we're still celebrating Charles Martel, 🙄]* O you who believe ! Spend of that with which We have provided for you, before a Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. And it is the disbelievers who are the wrong-doers. *[Obviously ! You can't knowingly commit bad deeds while at the same time being afraid of the Fire !]* **Allâh ! Lâ ilâha illa Huwa**(, none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyum(, **the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists**). Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. **To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth**. **Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission** ? He knows what happens to them(/'His creatures') in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His chair/footstool extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. **And He is the Most High, the Most Great.** *[End of the second surah, since what follows has already been discussed [here](https://lemmygrad.ml/post/2418117)]* ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. Martin](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_of_Tours), Bishop of Tours(, [read more](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/11/11/st--martin--bishop-of-tours-.html) on Vatican News)
The last chapter of the book of Amos reminds us that the God israelis worshipped isn't only a national god of Israel, but the living God : Amos [9:7-11](https://bible.com/bible/392/amo.9.7.CEV) : Israel, I am the Lord God, and the Ethiopians **are no less important to me than you are**. I brought you out of Egypt, but I also brought the Philistines from Crete and the Arameans from Kir. My eyes have seen what a sinful nation you are, and I'll wipe you out. But I will leave a few of Jacob's descendants. I, the Lord, have spoken ! At my command, all of you will be sifted like grain. Israelites who remain faithful will be scattered among the nations. And the others will be trapped like trash in a sifter. **Some of you are evil**, and you deny that you will ever get caught. But you will be killed. In the future, I will rebuild David's fallen kingdom. ---------------------------------------------------- John [8:48-59](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.8.48.CEV) : The people told Jesus, “We were right to say that you are a Samaritan and that you have a demon in you !” Jesus answered, “I don't have a demon in me. I honor my Father, and you refuse to honor me. I don't want honor for myself. But there is one who wants me to be honored, and he is also the one who judges. I tell you for certain that if you obey my words, you will never die.” Then the people said, “Now we are sure that you have a demon. Abraham is dead, and so are the prophets. How can you say that no one who obeys your words will ever die ? Are you greater than our father Abraham ? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are ?” Jesus replied, “If I honored myself, it would mean nothing. My Father is the one who honors me. You claim that he is your God, even though you don't really know him. If I said I didn't know him, I would be a liar, just like all of you. But I know him, and *[because?]* I do what he says. Your father Abraham **was really glad to see me**.” “You are not even 50 years old !” they said. “How could you have seen Abraham ?” Jesus answered, “I tell you for certain that even before Abraham was, I was, and **I am**.” The people picked up stones to kill Jesus, but he hid and left the temple. (i.d.k...) ---------------------------------------------------- Surah Al-Baqarah(, "The Cow") [2:238-245](https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/238-245) : Guard strictly the (five daily )prayers, especially the middle/third one. And stand before God with obedience(, and do not speak to others during the prayers). And if you fear( an enemy), pray on foot or riding. And when you are in safety, offer the prayer in the manner He has taught you, which you knew not( before). And those of you who die and leave behind wives should bequeath for their wives a year’s maintenance and residence without turning them out, but if they(, wives,) leave, there is no sin on you for that which they do of themselves, provided it is honourable(, e.g., lawful marriage). And God is All-Mighty, All-Wise. And for divorced women, maintenance( should be provided) on reasonable( scale). This is a duty on the pious/righteous. Thus God makes clear His laws to you, in order that you may understand. Did you(, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم,) not think of those who went forth from their homes in thousands, fearing death ? God said to them, "Die". And then He restored them to life. Truly, God is full of bounty to mankind, but most men thank not.[, possible [interpretation](https://lemmygrad.ml/pictrs/image/b2112105-ad9d-4977-96b3-12aa111330e0.jpeg)] And fight in the Way of God(, as piously/righteously as possible), and know that God is All-Hearer, All-Knower. Who is he that will lend to God a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times? And it is God that decreases or increases( your provisions), and unto H..er.im you shall return. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of the day :** [St. Andrew Avellino](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Avellino), Theatine, Priest [St. Leo the Great](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Leo_I), Pope and Doctor of the Church(, [read more](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/11/10/st--leo-the-great--pope-and-doctor-of-the-church.html) on Vatican News)
   ---------------------------------------------------- Amos [7:7-8](https://bible.com/bible/392/amo.7.7.CEV) : The Lord showed me a vision of himself standing beside a wall and holding a string with a weight tied to the end of it. The string and weight had been used to measure the straightness of the wall. Then he asked, “Amos, what do you see ?” “A measuring line,” I answered. The Lord said, “I'm using this measuring line to show that my people Israel don't measure up, and I won't forgive them any more. And : Amos [7:10](https://bible.com/bible/392/amo.7.10.CEV), [7:12](https://bible.com/bible/392/amo.7.12.CEV), [7:14-15](https://bible.com/bible/392/amo.7.14.CEV) : [10] Amaziah the priest at Bethel sent this message to King Jeroboam of Israel, “Amos is plotting against you in the very heart of Israel. Our nation cannot put up with his message for very long. (...) [12] Then Amaziah told me, “Amos, take your visions and get out! Go back to Judah and earn your living there as a prophet. (...) [14] I answered : I'm not a prophet ! And I wasn't trained to be a prophet. I am a shepherd, and I take care of fig trees. But the Lord told me to leave my herds and preach to the people of Israel. Amos [8:4-8](https://bible.com/bible/392/amo.8.4.CEV) : You people crush those in need and wipe out the poor. You say to yourselves, “How much longer before the end of the New Moon Festival ? When will the Sabbath be over ? Our wheat is ready, and we want to sell it now. We can't wait to cheat and charge high prices for the grain we sell. We will use dishonest scales and mix dust in the grain. Those who are needy and poor don't have any money, we will make them our slaves for the price of a pair of sandals.” I, the Lord, won't forget any of this, though you take great pride in your ancestor Jacob. Your country will tremble, and you will mourn. It will be like the Nile River that rises and overflows, then sinks back down. Amos [8:11, 8:13](https://bible.com/bible/392/amo.8.11.CEV) : I, the Lord, also promise you a terrible shortage, but not of food and water. You will hunger and thirst to hear my message. (...) Your beautiful young women and your young men will faint from **thirst**. ---------------------------------------------------- John [8:31-47](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.8.31.CEV) : Jesus told the people who had faith in him, “If you keep on obeying what I have said, you truly are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered, “We are Abraham's children ! We have never been anyone's slaves. How can you say we will be set free ?” Jesus replied : I tell you for certain that anyone who sins is a slave of sin ! And slaves don't stay in the family forever, though the Son will always remain in the family. *[the Son will always remain in the family ? I guess that i shouldn't have started with John's Gospel]* If the Son gives you freedom, you are free ! I know that you are from Abraham's family. Yet you want to kill me, because my message *[, and the the message of Moses through the ten commandments,]* isn't really in your hearts. I am telling you what my Father has shown me, just as you are doing what your father has taught you. The people said to Jesus, “Abraham is our father !” Jesus replied, “**If you were Abraham's children, you would do what Abraham did**. *[So, if we were God's children we would do what God/Perfection/Truth/.. [would do](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_would_Jesus_do%3F), ok]* Instead, you want to kill me for telling you the truth that God gave me. Abraham never did anything like that. But you are doing exactly what your father does.” “Don't accuse us of having someone else as our father !” they said. “**We just have one father, and he is God**.” *[Huh, ok.]* Jesus answered : If God were your Father, you would love me, because I came from God *[= i am as virtuous/perfect as humanly possible ?]*, and now I am here. He sent me. I did not come on my own. Why can't you understand what I am talking about ? Can't you stand to hear what I am saying ? Your father is the devil, and you do exactly what he wants. He has always been a murderer and a liar. There is nothing truthful about him. **He speaks on his own**, and everything he says is a lie. Not only is he a liar himself, but he is also the father of all lies. Everything I have told you is true, and you still refuse to have faith in me. Can any of you accuse me of sin ? If you cannot, why won't you have faith in me ? After all, I am telling you the truth. Anyone **who belongs to God** will listen to his message. But you refuse to listen, because you don't belong to God. *[A lot of explanations of symbols here, such formulations probably permeated our common language in christian cultures of the past but i don't see where it survived nowadays : - "I come from God" apparently means "i'm virtuous(/truthful/..) in all aspects" ; - "I belong to God" means "i love virtue(/..)“ ; - "I speak on my own" would mean "I don't believe in morality/virtues/'God's judgment'/.. ; - Being worthy of calling yourself Abraham's or God's children would mean observing his legacy ; - The truth sets us free from the slavery of sins ; - The Son will always remain in the family because... what was written about him is set in stone and won't ever be tainted by the presence of sins ? - "Doing what my Father has taught me" means doing what we managed to discern to be as close to the Truth as possible ? - "you are doing exactly as your fathers does" is a powerful&meaningful insult/critic, wouldn't have thought of it that way before.]* ---------------------------------------------------- Surah Al-Baqarah(, "The Cow") [2:221-237](https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/221-237) : And do not marry idolatresses/polytheists till they believe(/'worship God Alone'). And indeed a slave woman who believes is better than a (free )idolatress, even though she pleases you. And give not (your children/daughters )in marriage to polytheists till they believe( in God Alone) ; and, verily, a believing slave is better than a (free )idolater, even though he pleases you. Those( idolat'er/res's) invite you to the Fire, but God invites( you) to Paradise and Forgiveness by H..er.is Leave, and makes H..er.is verses/proofs/.. clear to mankind that they may remember. They ask you concerning menstruation. Say : that is an Adha(/'harmful thing for a husband to have a sexual intercourse with his wife while she is having her menses'), therefore keep away from women during menses and go not unto them till they are purified(/'have taken a bath'). And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as God has ordained for you(, as long as it is in their vagina). Truly, God loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves(, by taking a bath, and cleaning and washing thoroughly their private parts, bodies, for their prayers). Your wives are a tilth for you, so go to your tilth, when or how you will, and send( good deeds, or ask God to bestow upon you pious offspring,) for your ownselves beforehand. And fear God, and know that you are to meet Him( in the Hereafter), and give good tidings to the believers( O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) And make not God's( Name) an excuse in your oaths **against your doing good and acting piously, and making peace among humankind**. And God is All-Hearer, All-Knower(, i.e., do not swear much and if you have sworn against doing something good then give an expiation for the oath and do good). God will not call you to account for that which is unintentional in your oaths, but He will call you to account for that which your hearts have earned. And God is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Forbearing. Those who take an oath not to have sexual relation with their wives must wait for four months, then if they return(, change their idea in this period), verily, God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And if they decide upon divorce, then God is All-Hearer, All-Knower. And divorced women shall wait(, as regards their marriage,) for three menstrual periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what God has created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And they(, women,) have rights( over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar( to those of their husbands) over them(, as regards obedience and respect,) to what is reasonable, but men have a degree( of responsibility) over them. And God is All-Mighty, All-Wise. The divorce is twice, after that, either you retain her on reasonable terms or release her with kindness. And it is not lawful for you(, men,) to take back( from your wives) any of your Mahr(, bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage,) which you have given them, except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by God(, e.g., to deal with each other on a fair basis). Then if you fear that they would not be able to keep the limits ordained by God, then there is no sin on either of them if she gives back(, the Mahr or a part of it,) for her Al-Khul(, divorce of a wife from her husband by giving him a certain compensation). These are the limits ordained by God, so do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits ordained by God, then such are the wrong-doers. *[Narrated Ibn ‘Abbâs رضي الله عنهما : The wife of Thâbit bin Qais came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and said, "O God's Messenger ! I do not blame Thâbit for defects in his character or his religion, but I, being a Muslim, dislike to behave in an un-Islâmic manner( if I remain with him)". On that God’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said( to her), "Will you give back the garden which your husband has given you as Mahr ?" She said, "Yes." Then the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said to Thâbit, "O Thabît ! Accept your garden, and divorce her once." (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol.7, Hadîth No. 197).]* And if he has divorced her( the third time), then she is not lawful unto him thereafter until she has married another husband. Then, if the other husband divorces her, it is no sin on both of them that they reunite, provided they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by God. These are the limits of God, which He makes plain for the people who have knowledge. And when you have divorced women and they have fulfilled the term of their prescribed period, either take them back on reasonable basis or set them free on reasonable basis. But do not take them back to hurt them, and whoever does that, then he has wronged himself. And treat not the Verses(/Laws) of God as a jest, but remember God's favours on you, and that which He has sent down to you of the Book(/Qur’ân) and [Al-Hikmah](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikmah)(reasoning), whereby He instructs you. And fear God, and know that God is All-Aware of everything. And when you have divorced women and they have fulfilled the term of their prescribed period, do not prevent them from marrying their (former )husbands, if they mutually agree on reasonable basis. This( instruction) is an admonition for him among you who believes in God and the Last Day. That is more virtuous and purer for you. God knows and you know not. The mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years, (that is )for those( parents) who desire to complete the term of suckling, but the father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother’s food and clothing on a reasonable basis. No person shall have a burden laid on him greater than he can bear. No mother shall be treated unfairly on account of her child, nor father on account of his child. And on the (father’s )heir is incumbent the like of that( which was incumbent on the father). If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no sin on them. And if you decide on a foster suckling-mother for your children, there is no sin on you, provided you pay( the mother) what you agreed( to give her) on reasonable basis. And fear God and know that God is All-Seer of what you do. And those of you who die and leave wives behind them, they(, the wives,) shall wait( as regards their marriage) for four months and ten days, then when they have fulfilled their term, there is no sin on you if they(, the wives,) dispose of themselves in a just and honourable manner(, i.e., they can marry). And God is Well-Acquainted with what you do. And there is no sin on you if you make a hint of betrothal or conceal it in yourself, God knows that you will remember them, but do not make a promise of contract with them in secret, except that you speak an honourable saying according to the Islâmic law. And do not consummate the marriage until the term prescribed is fulfilled. And know that God knows what is in your minds, so fear Him. And know that God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing. There is no sin on you, if you divorce women while yet you have not touched/'had relations with' them, nor appointed unto them their Mahr(/bridal-money). But bestow on them( a suitable gift), the rich according to his means, and the poor according to his means, a gift of reasonable amount is a duty on the doers of good. And if you divorce them before you have touched/'had relation with' them, and you have appointed unto them the Mahr/bridal-money, then pay half of that Mahr, unless they(, the women,) agree to forego it, or he(, the husband), in whose hands is the marriage tie, agrees to forego and give her full appointed Mahr. And to forego and give( her the full Mahr) is nearer to piety/righteousness. And do not forget liberality between yourselves. Truly, God is All-Seer of what you do. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of yesterday :** [St. Adeodatus I](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Adeodatus_I), Pope [Sts. Crowned Martyrs](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Crowned_Martyrs) : Ultimately, Christians cannot create a statue of a pagan god. The decision not to carve a statue of Aesculapius cost Christian sculptors Claudius, Castorius, Symphorian, and Nicostratus their lives. They were condemned by Diocletian, placed in lead barrels, and drowned in the Danube. **Saints of the day :** [St.Theodore](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Tiron), soldier, Martyr Sts. Mary and Neone, Martyrs in the cemetery of Callistus on the via Appia : Together with their parents, Adria and Pauline ; an uncle, Hippolytus ; and several others ; Martia (or Martana) and Neon were martyred in the persecution launched by Valerian in the year 257. In the 8th century, their relics were translated to the Roman church of Sant’Agata dei Goti.
We'll exceptionally take a break from reading the Scriptures today. There's something very important in my(our) relation with God, these are signs, i've seen many of them and have since stopped asking for them. This one happened a few days ago(, i only realised it yesterday). First of all, it is necessary for me to explain that a.f.a.i.k. i've never touched this broken branch in my life, **i swear by God, by every Idea(l) i (will )ever h'o/e'ld sacred/important, that i have no memory of ever touching this**, and that i'm obviously not expressing myself in an occult/obscure double language that needs some context to be interpreted, i swear that what i'm saying is the literal truth. You may ask yourself why miracles/signs don't happen to you, i'm sure they do but would you even notice ? And if you ask me in a year to list you all the signs i ever had, i'll probably forget this one. As i said, we won't read scriptures today, but i want to add another sign/miracle that happened to me ten years ago. Before that, it's not useless to see if there's a rational explanation : - Someone( apparently without bad intents,) could have pranked me, even if it's the most rational option it doesn't make much sense, they'd have to come during the night, i don't get it(, furthermore, i'm sure that they could have found an even better shape if they wanted to trick me, it's the only option but it still doesn't make sense). - There's been kind of a lot of wind and rain for the last week or so, but it's hard to envision this branch ending up at my feet(, it couldn't have been [at my head](https://i.postimg.cc/sDzdjk84/IMG-20231108-094805.jpg) or on my sides), however it's hard to believe that it could have come from the [right](https://i.postimg.cc/jdfHX9dm/IMG-20231108-092511.jpg) or [left](https://i.postimg.cc/nht5xgRf/IMG-20231108-092444.jpg) - It could have come from [above](https://i.postimg.cc/RFfKvsp2/IMG-20231108-095220.jpg) Aside from the [perfect location](https://i.postimg.cc/HLmCSVD5/IMG-20231108-092544.jpg), have a look at [its shape](https://i.postimg.cc/bvr4VbVZ/IMG-20231108-092625.jpg). I know that you won't take this argument into account, yet i had to speak about it. ---------------------------------------------------- I've had many signs, often numerical, but let me tell you something else(, i may be mistaken on some details(, written at that time somewhere), but i'm certain of what happened with the PUK codes) : I've done the Camino de Santiago for two months in 2013, i've started at Bordeaux and met someone ~'a month later' in Spain, we realised that we started walking ~'the same day' from the same town. We began to talk for some reasons, and ended up discovering this coincidence, he's one of the person i've walked the longest with(, ~two weeks on these ~two months). One day, after having walked all afternoon, we look at our phones, **and realise that both of them were asking us our PUK code**. I.d.k. if it works the same everywhere, but the PUK code is asked after three failed attempts at entering the PIN code. I don't remember a single instance in the past were my phone shut itself off in my pocket and then entered three wrong PIN codes. Not only did this happen to me, but to both of us, and not only during the same week but during the same afternoon ! Of course he mostly shrugged it off, and i continued asking for more signs(, as if it wasn't enough, i needed a few more years before stopping to ask for more). ---------------------------------------------------- This entity controlling the laws of chance isn't necessarily the same as the Creator though, but it could be. And despite all these signs i still find myself hesitating to say "i **know** that such entity is here right now", despite having a(nother) sign/miracle in front of me these past days. ---------------------------------------------------- **In any case**, and i.d.k. how to say this correctly enough, but **God is Great**, truly.
Amos [6:1-4](https://bible.com/bible/392/amo.6.1.CEV) : Do you rulers in Jerusalem and in the city of Samaria feel safe and at ease ? Everyone bows down to you, and you think you are better than any other nation. But you are in for trouble ! Look what happened to the cities of Calneh, powerful Hamath, and Gath in Philistia. Are you greater than any of those kingdoms ? You are cruel, and you forget the coming day of judgment. You rich people lounge around on beds with ivory posts, while dining on the meat of your lambs and calves. [6:12](https://bible.com/bible/392/amo.6.12.CEV) : Horses can't gallop on rocks ; oceans can't be plowed. But you have turned justice and fairness into bitter poison. I didn't understood this verse : [6:10](https://bible.com/bible/392/amo.6.10.CEV) : As you carry out a corpse to prepare it for burial, your relative in the house will ask, “Are there others ?” You will answer, “No !” Then your relative will reply, “Be quiet ! Don't dare mention the name of the Lord.” *[Is it because he was about to add "i swear by God" ? I.d.k. If so, it'd mean that God was angry(, and you don't call H..er.is name in vain), and nothing happens by coincidence. Furthermore, there's a cause for everything and these causes need to be solved instead of complaining about the results, God 'defined as'/'in H..er.is form of' Destiny/Providence is linked to God as the Causality(, itself linked to God as the Creator(&End&'Perfection/Maximum'&..)).]* ---------------------------------------------------- John [8:21-32](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.8.32.CEV) : Jesus also told them, “I am going away, and you will look for me. But you cannot go where I am going, and you will die with your sins unforgiven.” The people asked, “Does he intend to kill himself ? Is that what he means by saying we cannot go where he is going ?” Jesus answered, “You are from below, but I am from above. You belong to this world, but I don't. This is why I said you will die with your sins unforgiven. If you don't have faith in me for who I am, you will die *[And indeed, Israel did disappeared, but this message is intemporal]*, and your sins will not be forgiven.” “Who are you ?” they asked Jesus. Jesus answered, “I am exactly who I told you at the beginning. There is a lot more I could say to condemn you. But the one who sent me is truthful, and I tell the people of this world only what I have heard from h[H?]im.” *[The traduction forgot the capitalised letter, probably not on purpose.]* No one understood that Jesus was talking to them about the Father. Jesus went on to say, “**When you have lifted up the Son of Man** *[And not merely of Jacob or even Abraham]*, **you will know who I am** *[[Other](https://www.biblestudytools.com/john/8-28-compare.html) traductions write "you will know that I am", and perhaps that when we give up the boundaries between "me/us" and "them" we become "one with God" as discussed briefly before about this bread being as myself as my own body, and wine as my own blood ? I haven't seen sufficient proofs for that meaning for now, it may have been a way to explain that the Truth is God's word, since it comes from a culture in which prophets spoke for a millenia in God's name(, and not for the last centuries), [and/or](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_senses_of_Scripture) perhaps just an accomplishment of previous prophecies, but it's said in a weird/cryptic/occult way.]*. You will also know that I don't do anything on my own. I say only what my Father taught me *[or more exactly what "i managed to learn from my Father" ? Less easy to follow Jesus/God's message formulated like that]*. The one who sent me is with me. I always do what pleases him, and he will never leave me.” *[I.d.k. about you, but it's not crystal clear in my eyes(, yet?)]* ---------------------------------------------------- Surah Al-Baqarah(, "The Cow") [2:216-220](https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/216-220) : Jihâd/'Holy fighting'/'Praiseworthy struggle' is ordained for you/muslims, though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. God knows but you do not know. They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months(, i.e., 1st, 7th, 11th, and 12th months of the Islâmic calendar). Say "Fighting therein is a great transgression, but a greater transgression with God is to prevent mankind from following the Way of God, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to [Al-Masjid-Al-Harâm](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masjid_al-Haram), and to drive out its inhabitants, and polytheism is worse than killing. And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion if they can. And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, then his deeds will be lost in this life and in the Hereafter, and they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide therein forever." Verily, those who have believed, and those who have emigrated( for God’s Religion), and have striven hard in the Way of God, all these hope for God’s Mercy. And God is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful. They ask you(, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم,) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say : "In them is a great sin, and benefit for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit." And they ask you what they ought to spend. Say : "That which is beyond your needs." *[wow... Imagine if this command 'had been'/was obeyed]*. Thus God makes clear to you His Laws **in order that you may give thought** *[It's a lesser formulation on purpose i think, because it's hard to follow, and perhaps partly so that we may consider/realize that what we have in excess should be used for 'other creatures'/'doing good']*." And they ask you concerning orphans. Say : "The best thing is to work honestly in their property, and if you mix your affairs with theirs, then they are your brothers. And God knows him who means mischief, from him who means good. And if God had wished, He could have put you into difficulties. Truly, God is All-Mighty, All-Wise." ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. Prosdocimus](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosdocimus), First Bishop of Padua : Prosdocimus, whose name means “awaited or expected”, lived in the early years of the Church. He is said to have been appointed by St Peter as Bishop of Padua, where he is honoured as the city’s first Bishop. He is remembered for numerous miracles and wonders.
...  ---------------------------------------------------- Since we ended the one-chapter long book of Obadiah yesterday, here's the book of Amos(, 9 chapters) : It begins by saying that they'll destroy Syria and also Philistia, as well as Ahkelon, and Phoenicia, and Ammon, and Moab, and Judah, and Israel, each time with the list of sins they committed. It's awesome to end with yourself and your own sins, i forgot that 'something like that'/'such enumeration' existed in the Bible. It also points at the sins of Samaria in the third chapter and in the first verses of the fourth chapter : Amos [4:1](https://bible.com/bible/392/amo.4.1.CEV) : You women of Samaria are fat cows ! You mistreat and abuse **the poor and needy**, then you say to your husbands, “Bring us more drinks !” (It's commonly conceived that fitness is a modern attribute of beauty, while fatness was considered beautiful in the past, apparently not everywhere, and some women did ordered their husbands around, some things never change, despite them having indeed less rights&power. It may have also been a reference to the worship of the golden calf instead of God.) « And you will live » : Amos [5:4-6](https://bible.com/bible/392/amo.5.4.CEV) : The Lord keeps saying, “Israel, turn back to me and you will live ! Don't go to Gilgal or Bethel or even to Beersheba. Gilgal will be dragged away, and Bethel will end up as nothing.” Turn back to the Lord, you descendants of Joseph, and you will live. If you don't, the Lord will attack like fire. Bethel will burn to the ground, and no one can save it. You people are doomed ! You twist the truth and trample on justice. But the Lord created the stars and put them in place. And Amos [5:10-15](https://bible.com/bible/392/amo.5.11.CEV) : You people hate judges and honest witnesses ; you abuse the poor and demand heavy taxes from them. You have built expensive homes, but you won't enjoy them ; you have planted vineyards, but you will get no wine. I am the Lord, and I know your terrible sins. You cheat honest people and take bribes ; you rob the poor of justice. Times are so evil that anyone with good sense will keep quiet. If you really want to live, you must stop doing wrong and start doing right. I, the Lord God All-Powerful, will then be on your side, just as you claim I am. Choose good instead of evil ! See that justice is done. Maybe I, the Lord All-Powerful, will be kind to what's left of your people. ---------------------------------------------------- John [8:12-19](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.8.12.CEV) : Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world ! Follow me, and you won't be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” The Pharisees objected, “You are the only one speaking for yourself, and what you say isn't true !” Jesus replied : Even if I do speak for myself, what I say is true ! I know where I came from and where I am going. But you don't know where I am from or where I am going. You judge in the same way that everyone else does, but I don't judge anyone. If I did judge, I would judge fairly, because I would not be doing it alone. The Father who sent me is here with me. Your Law requires two witnesses to prove that something is true. I am one of my witnesses, and the Father who sent me is the other one. “Where is your Father ?” they asked. “You don't know me or my Father !” Jesus answered. “If you knew me, you would know my Father.” *[The previous gospels had a Jesus less sure of himself i think, in my opinion when you know the (ultimate )Truth on a subject then you know the opinion of the Father on that subject(, but it's hard to be certain of anything). He knows where he came from, but don't we all come from Eve&Adam, who come from Gaïa, who comes from God ultimately ? And aren't we all ultimately going to the End ? And is judging fairly by taking the Father as your witness some form of thinking by yourself ? Furthermore it's also interesting to count yourself as one of your witnesses if it implies that you never lie. If you don't know my/our/Our Father, then you may still know Jesus(, or me if i claim to be close to God/Truth/Perfection/..), but if you don't know Jesus-Christ(, and agree with his message, as new as it may appear to be at first sight), then it's fair to assume that you don't know God, merely books inspired by H..er.is Light. I suppose.]* ---------------------------------------------------- Surah Al-Baqarah(, "The Cow") [2:204-210](https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/204-210) : And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you( O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), in this worldly life, and he calls God to witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents. [2] *[Narrated ‘Âishah رضي الله عنها : The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The most hated person to God is the one who is most quarrelsome of the opponents." (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol.3, Hadîth No.637).]* *[Narrated Abu Umamah رضي الله عنه : God’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said : "(a) I guarantee a home in Paradise for a person who gives up arguments and disputes even if he is on the truth. (b) And( I also guarantee) a home in the middle of Paradise for a person **who gives up lying** even while joking. (c) And( I also guarantee) a home in the highest part of Paradise for a person who has a high standard of character." (This Hadith is quoted by Abu Dâwûd, At-Tirmidhi, Nasâ’i and Ibn Majah).]* And when he turns away( from you, "O Muhammad "صلى الله عليه وسلم"), his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and God likes not mischief. And when it is said to him, "Fear God", he is led by arrogance to (more )crime. So enough for him is Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest ! And of mankind is he who would sell himself, seeking the Pleasure of God. And God is full of Kindness to (His )slaves. O you who believe ! Enter perfectly in Islâm(, by obeying all the rules/regulations of the Islâmic religion,) and follow not the footsteps of Satan. Verily ! He is to you a plain enemy. Then if you slide back after the clear signs(, Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and this Qur’ân, and Islâm,) have come to you, then know that God is All-Mighty, All-Wise. Do they then wait for anything other than that God should come to them in the shadows of the clouds and the angels ? (Then )the case would be already judged. And to God return all matters( for decision). [*«If you knew me, you would know my Father.»(, and what is good for you/us)(, no ?)*] Three more verses for today : [2:213-215](https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/213-215) : Mankind were one community and God sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent down the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. And only those to whom (the Scripture )was given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come unto them through hatred, one to another. Then God by His Leave guided those who believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. And God guides whom He wills to the Straight Path. Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you ? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, "When( will come) the help of God ?" Yes ! Certainly, the help of God is near ! They ask you(, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم,) what they should spend. Say : Whatever you spend of good must be for parents and kindred and orphans and the poors and the wayfarer, and **whatever you do of good deeds**, truly, God knows it well. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. Leonard](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_of_Noblac), Hermit : Leonard was born in Limoges, France, at the beginning of the 6th century. He joined with the Archbishop of Rheims in order to free captives taken prisoner in wars. He lived as a hermit, and built a monastery which is still a stop on the Cammino of Santiago.
youtu.be
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-at-angelus-may-we-credible-witnesses-of-the-gospel.html :   ---------------------------------------------------- We've ended the book of Micah yesterday, and the four chapters of the book of Jonah have already been discussed [here](https://lemmygrad.ml/post/2292401), [here](https://lemmygrad.ml/post/2310731), and [there](https://lemmygrad.ml/post/2332949), so let's begin(, and end), the book of Obadiah, only one-chapter long, it only talks about the future destruction of Edom :  Obadiah [1:10-14](https://bible.com/bible/392/oba.1.10.CEV) : You were cruel to your relatives, the descendants of Jacob. Now you will be destroyed, disgraced forever. You stood there and watched as foreigners entered Jerusalem and took what they wanted. In fact, you were no better than those foreigners. Why did you celebrate when such a dreadful disaster struck your relatives ? Why were you so pleased when everyone in Judah was suffering ? They are my people, and you were cruel to them. You went through their towns, sneering and stealing whatever was left. In their time of torment, you ambushed refugees and handed them over to their attackers. *The mention of the wine at the sixteenth verse interestingly points to a symbology :* I forced the people of Judah to drink the wine of my anger on my sacred mountain. Soon the neighboring nations must drink their fill— then vanish without a trace. *It ends by saying that Israel will conquer all of its neighbours(, which makes them no better than the others)* : Obadiah [1:19-21](https://bible.com/bible/392/oba.1.19.CEV) : The people of Israel who live in the Southern Desert will take the land of Edom. Those who live in the hills will capture Philistia, Ephraim, and Samaria. And the tribe of Benjamin will conquer Gilead. Those who return from captivity will control Phoenicia as far as Zarephath. Captives from Jerusalem who were taken to Sepharad will capture the towns of the Southern Desert. Those the Lord has saved will live on Mount Zion and rule over Edom. ---------------------------------------------------- John [8:3-11](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.8.3.CEV) : The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law of Moses brought in a woman who had been caught in bed with a man who wasn't her husband. They made her stand in the middle of the crowd. Then they said, “Teacher, this woman was caught sleeping with a man who isn't her husband. The Law of Moses teaches that a woman like this should be stoned to death ! What do you say ?” They asked Jesus this question, because they wanted to test him and bring some charge against him. But Jesus simply bent over and started writing on the ground with his finger. They kept on asking Jesus about the woman. Finally, he stood up and said, “If any of you have never sinned, then go ahead and throw the first stone at her !” Once again, he bent over and began writing on the ground. The people left one by one, beginning with the oldest. Finally, Jesus and the woman were there alone. Jesus stood up and asked her, “Where is everyone ? Isn't there anyone left to accuse you ?” “No sir,” the woman answered. Then Jesus told her, “I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don't sin anymore.” *[I know quite a few people who left their wives after being cheated on, even if they said that their wives regretted it and wanted to stay with them. I still don't get it, they left her against her will because they didn't trust her anymore, what i don't get is that it's the kind of trust when you fear that she may leave you for someone else, hence it's somehow reassuring to be 100% sure that she leaves you by leaving her first, i can only understand the fear of being cheated on through the fear of being left, pointing out that you end up raising the children of other isn't enough for an explanation, i probably don't get it because i don't care enough about these topics, whatever, useless note sorry. The Quran punishes both the male&female, and only if there are enough witnesses, there was [only one person](https://lemmygrad.ml/pictrs/image/317e1e41-45e5-41f3-9871-8643f45842eb.jpeg)([source](https://faith-matters.org/images/stories/fm-publications/the-tanzimat-final-web.pdf)) stoned for adultery in the 600 years of the Ottoman empire, a.f.a.i.k. the common punishment was a hundred lashes, and, a.f.a.i.k. once again, it was similar in medieval Europe, although with a stronger focus on imprisonment like nowadays(, often in a covent).]* ---------------------------------------------------- Surah Al-Baqarah(, "The Cow") [2:196-203](https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/196-203) : And perform properly the [Hajj](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hajj) and ‘[Umrah](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umrah)(, [pilgrimages](https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/resources/knowledge-base/five-pillars-of-islam/hajj/the-difference-between-hajj-and-umrah/)) for God. But if you are prevented( from completing them), sacrifice an animal(, sheep, cow, or camel, Hady also means guide in arabic and is a human name,) such as you can afford, and do not shave your heads until this animal/hady reaches the place of sacrifice. And whosoever of you is ill or has an ailment in his scalp(, necessitating shaving), he must pay a ransom of either observing fasts(, three days), or giving charity(, feeding six poor persons), or offering sacrifice(, one sheep). Then, if you are in safety and whosoever performs the ‘Umrah in the months of pilgrimage before (performing )the Hajj/pilgrimage(, i.e. [Hajj-at-Tamattu‘](https://fr.wikishia.net/view/Hajj_at-Tamattu%E2%80%98) and the "classic" Hajj Al-Qirân), he must slaughter an animal(/hady) such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, he should observe fasting three days during the pilgrimage, and seven days after his return( to his home), making ten days in all. This is for him whose family is 'not present in'/'non-resident of' Makkah. And fear God much and know that God is Severe in punishment. The pilgrimage is (in )the well-known (lunar year )months(, the 10th month, the 11th month, and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islâmic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform the hajj/pilgrimage therein, then he should not have sexual relations, nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the pilgrimage. And whatever good you do, (be sure )God knows it. And take a provision( with you) for the journey, but the best provision is piety/righteousness. So fear Me, O men of understanding! There is no sin on you if you seek the Bounty of your Lord( during pilgrimage by trading). Then, when you leave ‘Arafât(, well known [place](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Arafat) near Makkah), remember God( by glorifying His Praises, i.e., prayers and invocations,) at the Mash‘ar-il-Harâm(, another well-known [place](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masjid_al-Haram) near Makkah, where pilgrims have to stop and stay for the whole night of the 10th of [Dhul-Hijjah](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhu_al-Hijja), or a great part of it). And remember Him(, by invoking God for all good,) as He has guided you, and verily, you were, before, of those who were astray. Then depart from the place whence all the people depart and ask God for His Forgiveness. Truly, God is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful. So, when you have accomplished your rites/ceremonies during your pilgrimage(, [Manâsik](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manasik)), remember God as you remember your forefathers, or with a far more remembrance. But of mankind there are some who say : "Our Lord ! Give us( Your Bounties) in this world !", and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter. And of them there are some who say: "Our Lord ! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire !". For them there will be allotted a share for what they have earned. And God is swift at reckoning. And remember God during the appointed Days(, 11th, 12th and 13th days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah). But whosoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him ; and whosoever stays on, there is no sin on him, if his aim is to do good and obey/fear God, and know that you will surely be gathered unto Him. *[I had some hesitations at skipping this part, but i'm glad i kept it in the end]* ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of the day :** Sts. [Domninus](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Domnius), Teothimus, and Companions, Martyrs : Originally from Cesaria, these saints sacrificed their lives for their faith. Domninus was a young doctor who died at the stake during the persecution of Diocletian. Theotimus and his companions were martyred in the circus when they were fed to wild beasts. 
Micah [7:1-4](https://bible.com/bible/392/mic.7.1.CEV) : I feel so empty inside— like someone starving for grapes or figs, after the vines and trees have all been picked clean. No one is loyal to God ; no one does right. Everyone is brutal and eager to deceive everyone else. People cooperate to commit crime. Judges and leaders demand bribes, and rulers cheat in court. The most honest of them is worse than a thorn patch. ---------------------------------------------------- John [7:37-44](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.7.37.CEV) : On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink ! Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, [just as the Scriptures say](https://www.openbible.info/topics/water).” *[Moses parted the waters ?]* **Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit** *[NOT Paradise/afterlife !!]*, who would be given to everyone that had faith in him. *[So giving eternal life has no link with life after death, is that the right conclusion ?]* The Spirit had not yet been given to anyone, since Jesus had not yet been given his full glory. When the crowd heard Jesus say this, some of them said, “He must be the Prophet !” Others said, “He is the Messiah !” Others even said, “Can the Messiah come from Galilee ? The Scriptures say that the Messiah will come from the family of King David. Doesn't this mean that he will be born in David's hometown of Bethlehem ?” [...Then the chief priests discuss between them to seize Jesus] John [7:52](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.7.52.CEV) : Then they said, “Nicodemus, you must be from Galilee ! Read the Scriptures, and you will find that no prophet is to come from Galilee.” *[Which is false as we've seen [two days ago](https://lemmygrad.ml/post/2556869), in the book of Micah]* ---------------------------------------------------- Surah Al-Baqarah(, "The Cow") [2:190-202](https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/190-195) : And fight **in the Way of God those who fight you**, but transgress not the limits. Truly, God likes not the transgressors. And kill them wherever you find them *[never noticed before that this "wherever" comes from the mention of Meccah/Makkah right after]*, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And polytheism is worse than killing. And fight not with them at the sanctuary at Makkah, unless they (first )fight you there. But if they attack you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers. But if they cease, then God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them until there is no more [Fitnah](https://tinyurl.com/57237jme)/conflict, and worship is for God( Alone). But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against polytheists/wrong-doers. The sacred month is for the sacred month, and for the prohibited things, there is the Law of Equality(, *lex talionis*). Then whoever transgresses the prohibition against you, you transgress likewise against him. And fear God, and know that God is with the pious/righteous. And spend in the Cause of God, and do not throw yourselves into destruction, and do good. Truly, God loves the good-doers. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of the day :** [St. Charles Borromeo](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Borromeo), Archbishop of Milan and Cardinal(, see more on [Vatican news](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/11/04/st--charles-borromeo--archbishop-of-milan-and-cardinal.html)). [Sts. Vitalis and Agricola](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saints_Vitalis_and_Agricola), Bolognese Martyrs.
Micah [6:6-13](https://bible.com/bible/392/mic.6.6.CEV) : What offering should I bring when I bow down to worship the Lord God Most High ? Should I try to please him by sacrificing calves a year old ? Will thousands of sheep or rivers of olive oil make God satisfied with me ? Should I sacrifice to the Lord my first-born child as payment for my terrible sins ? The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands : **“See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.”** I am the Lord, and you are wise to respect my power to punish. So listen to my message for the city of Jerusalem : You store up stolen treasures and use dishonest scales. But I, the Lord, will punish you for cheating with weights and with measures. You rich people are violent, and **everyone tells lies**. Because of your sins, I will wound you and leave you ruined and defenseless. ---------------------------------------------------- John [7:30-34](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.7.30.CEV) : Some of the people wanted to arrest Jesus right then. But no one even laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come. A lot of people in the crowd put their faith in him and said, “When the Messiah comes, he surely won't perform more miracles than this man has done !” *[It was then commonly accepted that the Messiah had to perform miracle to be recognised as such(, in order to accomplish the previous prophecies, particularly of Isaiah, the most quoted prophet in the New Testament)]*  When the Pharisees heard the crowd arguing about Jesus, they got together with the chief priests and sent some temple police to arrest him. But Jesus told them, “I will be with you a little while longer, and then I will return to the one who sent me. You will look for me, but you won't find me. You cannot go where I am going.” *[Do you understand ? I don't. He repeatedly says that they/we don't know the ~place where he's (speaking/coming/.. )from, what is the kingdom of Heaven ? Is it the City of God ? The world of Ideals ? I.d.k., that's probably not it. I'm in the crowd currently :]* The people asked each other, “Where can he go to keep us from finding him ? Is he going to some foreign country where our people live ? Is he going there to teach the Greeks ? What did he mean by saying that we will look for him, but won't find him ? Why can't we go where he is going ?” *[I'm glad that they wrote( once again) explicitly these questions, i'll stop there for today, these are questions worth asking ourselves(, as christian 'in/nov'itiates)]* ---------------------------------------------------- Surah Al-Baqarah(, "The Cow") 2:187-189 : It is made lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the night of fasting. They are (Libâs/)cover/screen for you, and you are the same for them. God knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you(, accepted your repentance,) and forgave you. So now have sexual relations with them and seek that which God has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread(, light,) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread(, night), then complete your fast till the nightfall. And do not have sexual relations with them(, your wives,) while you are in [I‘tikâf](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%CA%BFtik%C4%81f)(, confinement in a mosque for prayers and invocations, leaving the worldly activities,) in the mosques. These are the limits (set )by God, so approach them not. Thus does God make clear His verses(/proofs/evidence/lessons/signs/revelations/limits/laws/'legal and illegal things') to mankind that they may become pious/righteous. And eat up not one another’s property unjustly(, in any illegal way, e.g. stealing, robbing, deceiving, etc.), nor give bribery to the rulers(, judges before presenting your cases,) that you may knowingly eat up a part of the property of others sinfully. They ask you(, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) about the new moons. Say : These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage. It is not pieous/righteous that you enter the houses from the back, but being pious/righteous (is the quality of the one )who fears Allâh. So enter houses through their proper doors, and fear Allâh that you may be successful. The next four verses(, 190-194,) talk about self-defence. We'll claim not to have double standards, in fact we usually refuse to agree that our enemies are also acting in self-defence(, we're dooming ourselves) : Russia is protecting itself from the n.a.t.o. And Ukraine from Russia(, as well as from the separatism of those refusing to replace their russian-ukrainian identity by an 'euro-american'-ukrainian one). Capitalists are protecting themselves from communist ideology. And communists are protecting themselves from capitalist-owned countries. Atheists are protecting themselves from imaginary threats such as a possible attack from outside in order to convert them, but don't really fear 'religious ideologies'/conversions even if some 'atheists([e.g.](https://tinyurl.com/tzvkhz4f))'/christians may fear a contamination through immigration(, while supporting neo-colonialism and its economic injustices/disparities). Religious people are the one who seem more afraid of atheist ideology, despite being right(, but all these theological proofs haven't penetrated that deeply in the mind of believers, it'll change with the rise of our standard of living, rational belief is desired). Obviously, palestinians are defending themselves from israelis, and israelis are defending themselves from arabs. Israel can't solve the prejudice it caused because it has nothing worthwhile to offer except their land, the offer has to come from the west in order to settle this exchange. Our double standards are constant but not consciously recognised as such(, and lies/propaganda are mixed in there), rarely are they as visible as now though(, we would be fully anti-palestinians if the roles were reversed, even more than we were/are anti-russians or anti-{many others}). You can read these verses about self-defence [here](https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/190-194), [here](https://islamicstudies.info/towards.php?sura=2&verse=190-193), or [there](https://islamicstudies.info/towards.php?sura=2&verse=190-193) ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of yesterday :** All our buried ones.  **Saints of the day :** [St. Sylvia](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Silvia), mother of st. Gregory the Great [St. Martin de Porres](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_de_Porres), Dominican(, more about him [here](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/11/03/st--martin-de-porres--dominican.html))
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2023/documents/20231101-angelus.html :  [Apostolic Exhortation Gaudate et exsultate](https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html), 15 :  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-11/pope-francis-motu-proprio-pontifical-theology-academy.html :  [Apostolic Constitution *Veritatis gaudium* ](https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_constitutions/documents/papa-francesco_costituzione-ap_20171208_veritatis-gaudium.html) (2017) :  ---------------------------------------------------- Jesus, ruler/shepherd of Israel, by the power and glorious name of the Lord his God(, i don't know why some people insist on adopting a literalist view, atheists at least should see that it wasn't meant to be taken literally) : Micah [5:1-5](https://bible.com/bible/392/mic.5.1.CEV) : Jerusalem, enemy troops have surrounded you ; they have struck Israel's ruler in the face with a stick. Bethlehem Ephrath, you are one of the **smallest** towns in the nation of Judah. But the Lord will choose one of your people to rule the nation— someone whose family goes back to ancient times. The Lord will abandon Israel only until this ruler is born, and the rest of his family returns to Israel. Like a shepherd taking care of his sheep, this ruler will lead and care for his people by the power and glorious name of the Lord his God. His people will live securely, and the whole earth will know his true greatness, because **he will bring peace**. Let Assyria attack our country and our palaces. We will counterattack, led by a number of rulers whose strong army will defeat the nation of Assyria. Yes, our leaders will rescue us, if those Assyrians dare to invade our land. A few of Jacob's descendants survived and are scattered among the nations. But the Lord will let them cover the earth like dew and rain that refreshes the soil.  I know that it's not really hidden, no scholar ignore(d) this(, and [many other prophecies](https://www.newtestamentchristians.com/bible-study-resources/351-old-testament-prophecies-fulfilled-in-jesus-christ/) were realized), and while some may think that the authors ignored their existence beforehand and it's all just a miraculous coincidence, most of them know. In both cases, none of them/us would be christians just because a book says so, we agree with the (old )message/promise(, mainly virtue/love/.. and ((my/)our/Our )God, the One/Source/Maximum/Light/Cause/End/..)  ---------------------------------------------------- The verse [7:27](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.7.27.CEV), is about Bethlehem as well : [25] Some of the people from Jerusalem were saying, “Isn't this the man they want to kill ? [26] Yet here he is, speaking for everyone to hear. And no one is arguing with him. Do you suppose the authorities know he is the Messiah ? [27] But how could that be ? No one knows where the Messiah will come from, but we know where this man comes from.” [28] As Jesus was teaching in the temple, he shouted, “Do you really think you know me and where I came from ? I didn't come on my own ! The one who sent me is truthful, and you don't know him. [29] But I know the one who sent me, because I came from him.” *[And if you don't believe that you come from God, then it's fair to assume that you don't know God. Not 100% sure if it's really the meaning though .]* [30] Some of the people wanted to arrest Jesus right then. But no one even laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come And just before, John [7:22-24](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.7.22.CEV) : Moses commanded you to circumcise your sons. But it wasn't really Moses who gave you this command. It was your ancestors, and even on the Sabbath you circumcise your sons, in order to obey the Law of Moses. Why are you angry with me for making someone completely well on the Sabbath ? Don't judge by appearances. Judge by what is right. *[I find it respectful towards God to say that circumcision and other laws of the ~'son of Man' were given by our ancestors. If his people continued to search earnestly for God(, and, e.g., looked at the spirit instead of the law, at the moon instead of the finger), then they would have recognised his message(, and probably wouldn't need it), they would have been saved. 'They doomed themselves'/'We doomed ourselves'/'I doomed myself'.]* ---------------------------------------------------- Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه : God’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "God said, ‘I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. *[Can it not be said that, by definition, any help comes ((in)directly )from God, so that worthy/pious people are usually more successful/'helped by God' ?]* And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him ; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawâfil(, praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory,) till I love him. Then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks (...) (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol.8, Hadîth No. 509). Surah Al-Baqarah(, "The Cow") 2:178:186 : O you who believe ! [Al-Qisâs](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qisas)(, the Law of Equality in punishment, *lex talionis*) is prescribed for you in case of murder : the free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But if the killer is forgiven by the brother/relatives of the killed against blood-money, then adhering to it with fairness and payment of the blood-money to the heir should be made in fairness. This is an alleviation and a mercy from your Lord. So after this whoever transgresses the limits, he shall have a painful torment. And there is (a saving of )life for you in Al-Qisâs/'the Law of Equality in punishment', O men of understanding, that you may become pious/righteous. It is prescribed for you, when death approaches any of you, if he leaves wealth, that he makes a bequest to parents and next of kin, according to reasonable manners. (This is )a duty upon the pious/righteous. Then, whoever changes the bequest after hearing it, the sin shall be on those who make the change. Truly, God is All-Hearer, All-Knower. But he who fears from a testator some unjust act or wrong-doing, and thereupon he makes peace between the parties concerned, there shall be no sin on him. Certainly, God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. O you who believe ! Observing fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious/righteous. (You should observe fasts )for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number( should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty(, e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or )to feed a poor person(, for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you if only you know. The month of Ramadan( is the one during) which was revealed the Qur’ân, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion( between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of )the month( of Ramadan), he must observe fasts that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number( of days which one did not observe fasts) from other days. God intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you )must complete the same number( of days), and that you must magnify God(, i.e., to say [Takbîr](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takbir) : Allâhu Akbar, God is the Most Great,) for having guided you, so that you may be grateful to Him. And when My slaves ask you( O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) concerning Me, then( answer them), I am indeed near. *[nearer than my own atoms, yet far from my (imperfect )thoughts(, the/Your Light guides fortunately), nor prayed&searched enough]* I respond *[[e.g.](https://tinyurl.com/bdffymbc)]* to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me. So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright. Narrated Talhah bin ‘Ubaidullâh : A bedouin with unkempt hair came to God’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم and said, "O God’s Messenger ! Inform me what God has made compulsory for me as regards the prayers." He replied : "You have to offer perfectly the five compulsory prayers in a day and night(, 24 hours), unless you want to pray [Nawâfil](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nafl_prayer) ." *[He also said elsewhere that prayers should be [constant](https://lemmygrad.ml/pictrs/image/5ce164c5-43ec-4898-8bff-89383ca40fa9.jpeg)]* The bedouin further asked, "Inform me what God has made compulsory for me as regards fasting." He replied, "You have to fast during the whole month of Ramadân, unless you want to fast more as Nawâfil ." The bedouin further asked, "Tell me how much [Zakât](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakat) God has enjoined on me." The narrator added : Then, God’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم informed him all about the Laws(, i.e., fundamentals) of Islâm. (...) (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Hadîth No.115, Vol.3). Narrated Abû Hurairah رضي الله عنه : God's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, " The fasting is Junnah(, a protection/shield/screen/shelter from the Hell/Fire). So, the person observing fasting should also avoid sexual relation with his wife, and should not behave foolishly and impudently ; and if somebody fights with him, or abuses him, he should say to him twice, ‘I am fasting.’ Narrated Abû Hurairah رضي الله عنه : The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Whoever does not give up lying/'false statements', and acting on those( lies), and evil actions, etc., then God is not in need of his leaving his food and drink." (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Hadîth No.127, Vol.3). ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of the day :** All (edit : starting from tomorrow i'll write these posts in the morning instead)
youtu.be
 ---------------------------------------------------- Micah [4:1-3](https://bible.com/bible/392/mic.4.1.CEV) : In the future, the mountain with the Lord's temple will be the highest of all. It will reach above the hills, and every nation will rush to it. People of many nations will come and say, “Let's go up to the mountain of the Lord God of Jacob and worship in his temple.” The Lord will teach us his Law from Jerusalem, and we will obey him. He will settle arguments between distant and powerful nations. They will pound their swords and their spears into rakes and shovels ; they will never again make war or attack one another. *[The rest of the chapter is a similar message of hope]* ---------------------------------------------------- John [7:2-5](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.7.2.CEV) : It was almost time for the Festival of Shelters *[annual pilgrimage festival when the jewish people gather together in Jerusalem to remember God's provision during the 40-year journey in the desert]*, and Jesus' brothers said to him, “Why don't you go to Judea ? Then your disciples can see what you are doing. No one does anything in secret, if they want others to know about them. So let the world know what you are doing !” Even Jesus' own brothers had not yet become his followers. *[I don't understand this part as well, why would it be a lack of faith in Jesus ?]* *[Here's the beginning of his answer :]* “My time hasn't yet come, but your time is always here. (...) Go on to the festival. My time hasn't yet come, and I am not going.” After Jesus' brothers had gone to the festival, he went secretly, without telling anyone. *[It was risky because the leaders wanted him dead, yet he goes into the temple and starts teaching when the festival is about half over. When asked how he knows so much without being taught, he replies :]* [7:16-19](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.7.16.CEV) : I am not teaching something I thought up. What I teach comes from the one who sent me. If you really want to obey God, you will know if what I teach comes from God or from me. *[In the sense that he's not in conflict with what the tradition teaches ?]* If I wanted to bring honor to myself, I would speak for myself. But I want to honor the one who sent me *[, like the previous prophets ?]*. This is why I tell the truth and not a lie. *[Not "this is why i never make mistakes", i.d.k.]* **Didn't Moses give you the Law ? Yet none of you obey it ! So why do you want to kill me ?** ---------------------------------------------------- *[Here comes a list of descriptions/explanations/instructions that will be continued tomorrow. It seems that it aims at the minority of things that aren't immediately perceptible as being wrong or good. On this topic, i'd like to add a remark : We know when we're doing something wrong. Yes, we can justify doing a bad action to another being sometimes, but it is still a bad action. If i hurt someone to protect myself i've still hurt someone, even if he's guilty and i was justified. Yes, sometimes you must do bad things, but they don't become good things, because if they could have been avoided, then it'd have been better(, contrary to good actions)]* Narrated An-Nu‘mân bin Bashîr رضي الله عنه : I heard God’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, "Both legal and illegal things are evident, but in between them there are doubtful/unclear things, and most of the people have no knowledge about them. So whoever saves himself from these unclear things, he saves his religion and his honour. And whoever indulges in these unclear things is like a shepherd who grazes (his animals )near the Himâ/'private pasture'/'inviolate zone' of someone else, and at any moment he is liable to get in it. (O people ! )Beware ! Every king has a Himâ and the Himâ of God عز وجل on the Earth is H..e.r.is illegal/forbidden things. Beware ! There is a piece of flesh in the body ; if it becomes good/reformed, the whole body becomes good ; but if it gets spoilt, the whole body gets spoilt ; and that is the heart." (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol.1, Hadîth No.49). Surah Al-Baqarah(, "The Cow") 2:173-177 : [God] has forbidden you only the dead animals, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than God. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. Truly, God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Verily, those who conceal what God has sent down of the Book, and purchase a small gain therewith( of worldly things), they eat into their bellies nothing but fire. God will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor purify them, and theirs will be a painful torment. Those are they who have purchased error at the price of Guidance, and torment at the price of Forgiveness. So how bold they are( for evil deeds, which will push them) to the Fire. That is because God has sent down the Book(Qur’ân) in truth. And verily, those who disputed as regards the Book are far away in opposition. It is not pious/righteous/.. that you turn your faces towards east or west( in prayers) ; but it is (the quality of )the one **who believes in God, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets, and gives his wealth**, in spite of love for it, to the kinsfolk, to the orphans, and to the poor, and to the wayfarer, and to those who ask, and **to set slaves free, performs As-Salât, and gives the Zakât, and who fulfil their covenant when they make it, and who are patient** in extreme poverty and ailment and at the time of fighting( during the battles). Such are the people of the truth and they are Al-Muttaqûn('/the pious/righteous/God-fearing/..') ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. Alphonse Rodriguez](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphonsus_Rodriguez), Jesuit
Micah [3:1-2&8-12](https://bible.com/bible/392/mic.3.11.CEV) : Listen to me, you rulers of Israel ! You know right from wrong, but you prefer to do evil instead of what is right. You skin my people alive. (...) I have been given the courage to speak about justice and to tell you people of Israel that you have sinned. So listen to my message, you rulers of Israel ! You hate justice and twist the truth. You make cruelty and murder a way of life in Jerusalem. You leaders accept bribes for dishonest decisions. You priests and prophets teach and preach, but only for money. Then you say, “The Lord is on our side. No harm will come to us.” And so, because of you, Jerusalem will be plowed under and left in ruins. Thorns will cover the mountain where the temple now stands. ---------------------------------------------------- John [6:25-71](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.6.22.CEV) : They found [the Christ] on the west side of the lake and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here ?” Jesus answered, “I tell you for certain that you are not looking for me because you saw the miracles, but because you ate all the food you wanted. Don't work for food that spoils. Work for food that gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because God the Father has given him the right to do so.” “What exactly does God want us to do ?” the people asked. Jesus answered, “God wants you to have faith in the one he sent.” They replied, “What miracle will you work, so that we can have faith in you ? What will you do ? For example, when our ancestors were in the desert, they were given manna to eat. It happened just as the Scriptures say, ‘God gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” *[Note how ~all these of these miracles aim to show an understanding of the allegorical meanings in the old testament, but also to expand them i think.]* Jesus then told them, “I tell you for certain that Moses wasn't the one who gave you bread from heaven. My Father is the one who gives you the true bread from heaven. And the bread that God gives is the one who came down from heaven to give life to the world.” The people said, “Sir, give us this bread and don't ever stop !” Jesus replied : I am the bread that gives life ! No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who has faith in me will ever be thirsty. I have told you already that you have seen me and still do not have faith in me. Everything and everyone that the Father has given me will come to me, and I won't turn any of them away. I didn't come from heaven *[?]* to do what I want ! I came to do what the Father wants me to do. He sent me, and he wants to make certain that none of the ones he has given me will be lost. Instead, he wants me to raise them to life on the last day. *[Hard to see a rational way to save this part]* My Father wants everyone who sees the Son to have faith in him and to have eternal life. Then I will raise them to life on the last day. The people started grumbling because Jesus had said he was the bread that had come down from heaven. *[Intentionally humoristic]* They were asking each other, “Isn't he Jesus, the son of Joseph ? Don't we know his father and mother ? How can he say that he has come down from heaven ?” Jesus told them : Stop grumbling ! No one can come to me, unless the Father who sent me makes them want to come. *[of course, as for everything]* But if they do come, I will raise them to life on the last day. One of the prophets wrote, “God will teach all of them.” And so, everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him will come to me. The only one who has seen the Father is the one who has come from him. No one else has ever seen the Father. I tell you for certain that everyone who has faith in me has eternal life. I am the bread that gives life ! Your *[not "My"]* ancestors ate manna in the desert, and later they died. But the bread from heaven has come down, so that no one who eats it will ever die. *[So they didn't went to the paradise ? No, that's not the message here, gaining eternal life means something else/more here i think]* I am that bread from heaven ! Everyone who eats it will live forever. My flesh is the life-giving bread I give to the people of this world. *[If you're ok with not understanding then good for you, but i know that other people have understood before accepting it]* They started arguing with each other and asked, “How can he give us his flesh to eat ?” Jesus answered : I tell you for certain that **you won't live unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man**. But if you do eat my flesh and drink my blood, you will have eternal life, and I will raise you to life on the last day. My flesh is the true food, and my blood is the true drink. If you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you are one with me, and I am one with you. *[In the sense that there's no difference between my body and the body of another creature/being ?]* The living Father sent me, and I have life because of him. Now everyone who eats my flesh will live because of me. The bread that comes down from heaven isn't like what your ancestors ate. They died, but whoever eats this bread will live forever. Jesus was teaching in a synagogue in Capernaum when he said these things. Many of Jesus' disciples heard him and said, “This is too hard for anyone to understand.” *[So there is something to understand, of course, like other parables]* Jesus knew that his disciples were grumbling. So he asked, “Does this bother you ? What if you should see the Son of Man go up to heaven where he came from ? The Spirit is the one who gives life ! Human strength can do nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are from that life-giving Spirit. But some of you refuse to have faith in me.” ---------------------------------------------------- Surah Al-Baqarah(, "The Cow") 2:152:157 : Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, and be grateful to Me, and never be ungrateful to Me. O you who believe ! Seek help in patience and prayers. Truly ! God is with the patient. And say not of those who are killed in the Way of God, "They are dead." Nay, they are living, but you perceive it not. And, certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives or fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient. Who, when afflicted with calamity, say : "Truly ! To God we belong and, truly, to Him we shall return." They are those on whom are the blessings/forgiveness from their Lord, and (they are those who )receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of yesterday(, erratum) :** [St. Felician](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felician_of_Foligno), Martyr of Carthage
www.vaticannews.va
 https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2023/documents/20231029-omelia-conclusione-sinodo.html  And also : https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-love-of-god-and-neighbour-is-heart-of-everything.html ---------------------------------------------------- The second chapter : Micah [2:6-13](https://bible.com/bible/392/mic.2.6.CEV) : “Enough of your preaching !” That's what you *[, samaritans,]* tell me. “We won't be disgraced, so stop preaching !” Descendants of Jacob, is it right for you to claim that the Lord did what he did because he was angry ? Doesn't he always bless those who do right ? My people, you have turned against one another ! You have even stolen clothes right off the backs of innocent neighbors who pass by in peace. You take over lovely homes that belong to the women of my nation. Then you cheat their children out of the inheritance that comes from the Lord. Get out of here, you crooks ! You'll find no rest here. You're not fit to belong to the Lord's people, and you will be destroyed. The only prophet you want is a liar who will say, “Drink and get drunk !” I, the Lord, promise to bring together the people of Israel who have survived. I will gather them, just as a shepherd brings sheep together, and there will be many. I will break down the gate and lead them out— then I will be their king. ---------------------------------------------------- There's a code here : John [6:9-13](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.6.9.CEV) : “There is a boy here who has five small loaves of barley bread and two fish. But what good is that with all these people ?” The ground was covered with grass, and Jesus told his disciples to tell everyone to sit down. About 5,000 men were in the crowd. Jesus took the bread in his hands and gave thanks to God. Then he passed the bread to the people, and he did the same with the fish, until everyone had plenty to eat. The people ate all they wanted, and Jesus told his disciples to gather up the leftovers, so that nothing would be wasted. The disciples gathered them up and filled **twelve** large baskets with what was left over from the five barley loaves. ([reminder](https://bible.com/bible/392/mat.16.11.CEV))  [John 6:19-20](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.6.19.CEV) : When the disciples had rowed for five or six kilometers, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He kept coming closer to the boat, and they were terrified. But he said, “I am Jesus ! Don't be afraid !” *[The greek text weirdly stops at saying "I am !"]* The rest is interesting but a bit long so i'll keep it for tomorrow, but if you're interested go ahead, here's [an excerpt](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.6.35.CEV) : > Jesus replied : I am the bread that gives life ! No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who has faith in me will ever be thirsty. ---------------------------------------------------- Narrated Ibn ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما : Zaid bin ‘Amr bin Nufail went to Shâm(, the region comprising Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan), enquiring about a true religion to follow. He met a jewish religious scholar and asked him about their religion. He said, "I intend to embrace your religion, so tell me something about it". The jew said, "You will not embrace our religion unless you receive your share of God’s Anger. Zaid said, I do not run except from God’s Anger, and I will never bear a bit of it if I have the power to avoid it. Can you tell me of some other religion ? He said, "I do not know any other religion except [Hanîf](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanif)/'Islâmic Monotheism'." Zaid enquired, "What is Hanîf ?" He said, "Hanîf is the religion of (the Prophet )Abraham عليه السلام, he was neither a jew nor a christian, and he used to worship none but God( Alone) - Islâmic Monotheism." Then Zaid went out and met a christian religious scholar and told him the same( as before). The christian said, "You will not embrace our religion unless you get a share of God’s Curse." Zaid replied, "I do not run except from God’s Curse, and I will never bear any of God’s Curse and His Anger if I have the power to avoid them. Will you tell me of some other religion ?" He replied, "I do not know any other religion except Hanîf/'Islâmic Monotheism'." Zaid enquired, "What is Hanîf ?" He replied "Hanîf is the religion of (the Prophet )Abraham عليه السلام, he was neither a jew nor a christian, and he used to worship none but God( Alone) - Islâmic Monotheism." When Zaid heard their statement about (the religion of )Abraham, he left that place, and when he came out, he raised both his hands and said, "O God ! I make You my Witness that I am on the religion of Abraham". Surah Al-Baqarah(, "The Cow") 2:124-141 : And (remember )when the Lord of Abraham(, God,) tried him with (certain )commands, which he fulfilled. God said( to him), "Verily, I am going to make you a.n Imâm/leader for mankind." (Abraham )said, "And of my offspring( to make leaders)." God said, "My Covenant/Prophethood includes not wrong-doers." And (remember )when We made the House(, the Ka‘bah at Makkah,) a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. And take you(, people,) the place of Abraham(, or the stone on which he stood while building the Ka‘bah,) as a place of prayer, and We commanded Abraham and Ishmael that they should purify My House(, the Ka‘bah,) for those who are circumambulating it, or staying, or bowing, or prostrating themselves( there, in prayer). And( remember) when Abraham said, "My Lord, make this city(, Makkah,) a place of security and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in God and the Last Day." God answered : "As for him who disbelieves, I shall leave him in contentment for a while, then I shall compel him to the torment of the Fire, and worst indeed is that destination!" And( remember) when Abraham and (his son )Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House/Ka‘bah, (saying, )"Our Lord ! Accept( this service) from us. Verily ! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. Our Lord ! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our [Manâsik](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manasik)(, ceremonies of pilgrimage), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. Our Lord ! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book and the 'full knowledge of the Islâmic laws and jurisprudence'/wisdom/Prophethood, and purify them. Verily ! You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise." And who turns away from the religion of Abraham(, Islâm,) except him who befools himself ? Truly, We chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous. When his Lord said to him, "Submit(, be a Muslim) !" He said, "I have submitted myself to the Lord of all that exists." And this( submission to God, Islâm,) was enjoined by Abraham upon his sons and by Jacob(, saying), "O my sons ! God has chosen for you the (true )religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islâm." Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob ? When he said unto his sons, "What will you worship after me ?" They said, "We shall worship your Ilâh/God(, Allah), the Ilâh/God of your fathers, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, One God, and to H..er.im we submit( in Islâm)." That was a nation who has passed away. They shall receive the reward of what they earned and you of what you earn. And you will not be asked of what they used to do. And they say, "Be jews or christians, then you will be guided." Say( to them O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), "Nay, (we follow )only the religion of Abraham, the right/good/true faith, and he was not of those who worshipped others along with God." Say (O Muslims), "We believe in God and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and to the offspring of the twelve sons of Jacob, and that which has been given to Moses and Jesus, and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted(, in Islâm)." So, if they believe in the like of that which you believe, then they are rightly guided ; but, if they turn away, then they are only in opposition. So God will suffice you against them. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. (Our religion is )The Religion of God, and which religion can be better than God's ? And we are His worshippers. Say(, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, to the jews and christians), "Dispute you with us about God while He is our Lord and your Lord ? And we are to be rewarded for our deeds and you for your deeds. And we are sincere to Him(, i.e., we worship God Alone and none else, and obey H..er.is orders)." Or say you that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the offspring of the twelve sons of Jacob, were jews or christians ? Say, "Do you know better or does God knows better(, that they were muslims) ? And who is more unjust than he who conceals the testimony he has from God ? And God is not unaware of what you do." That was a nation who has passed away. They shall receive the reward of what they earned, and you of what you earn. And you will not be asked of what they used to do. Narration about Zaid bin ‘Amr bin Nufail. Narrated ‘Abdullâh bin ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما : The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم met Zaid bin ‘Amr bin Nufail in the bottom of (the valley of )Baldah before the descent of any Divine revelation to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. A meal was presented to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, but he refused to eat from it. (Then it was presented to Zaid )who said, "I do not eat anything which you slaughter on your Nusub/'place consecrated for offerings to others than the One God', in the name of your idols, etc. I eat only those (animals meat )on which God’s Name has been mentioned at the time of (their )slaughtering." Zaid bin ‘Amr used to criticise the way Quraish used to slaughter their animals and used to say, "**God has created the sheep and He has sent the water for it from the sky, and He has grown the grass for it from the earth ; yet you slaughter it in others than the Name of God**." He used to say so, for he rejected that practice and considered it as something abominable. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. German](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanus_of_Capua), Bishop of Capua
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-prayer-peace-virgin-mary-countries-at-war.html  (that's almost polytheism, not that i really care since i agree with the meaning, but i'll stay on the muslim side on this, prayers can logically only be attributed to God, i don't see how the Holy Mary could possibly hear us and intervene, and God is beyond the distinction male//female, even if i don't understand all the double language of christianity, and "hear" and "intervene" would need to be defined if i intend to use them in a rational/provable way) ---------------------------------------------------- I've finished the book of Nahum, clearly oriented toward Assyria(, and its capital Nineveh), at a moment it says : Nahum [3:8-9](https://bible.com/bible/392/nam.3.8.CEV) : Nineveh, do you feel safer than the city of [Thebes(Egypt)](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thebes,_Egypt) ? The Nile River was its wall of defense. Thebes trusted the mighty power of Ethiopia and Egypt ; the nations of Put and Libya were her allies.     The book of Micah has seven chapters, it begins by criticising the samaritans, saying that God will completely destroy them and their lands, that their sins will also have an impact on the fate of Israel and Judah. : Micah [1:3-5](https://bible.com/bible/392/mic.1.3.CEV) : And [God] will come down to crush underfoot every pagan altar. Mountains will melt beneath his feet like wax beside a fire. Valleys will vanish like water rushing down a ravine. This will happen because of the terrible sins of Israel, the descendants of Jacob. Samaria has led Israel to sin, and pagan altars at Jerusalem have made Judah sin. ---------------------------------------------------- Here's the second half of yesterday's speech : John [5:31-47](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.5.31.CEV) : If I speak for myself, there is no way to prove I am telling the truth. But there is someone else who speaks for me, and I know what he says is true. *[I don't understand]* You sent messengers to John, and he told them the truth. I don't depend on what people say about me, but I tell you these things so that you may be saved. John was a lamp that gave a lot of light, and you were glad to enjoy his light for a while. But something more important than John speaks for me. I mean the things that the Father has given me to do ! All of these speak for me and prove that the Father sent me. The Father who sent me also speaks for me, but you have never heard His voice or seen Him face to f(/F)ace. You have not believed His message, because you refused to have faith in the one He sent. *[I've added the capital letters because i think "He" points to God and not John]* You search the Scriptures, because you think you will find eternal life in them. The Scriptures tell about me, but you refuse to come to me for eternal life. I don't care about human praise, but I do know that none of you love God. I have come with my Father's authority, and you have not welcomed me. But you will welcome people who come on their own. How could you possibly believe ? You like to have your friends praise you, and you don't care about praise that the only God can give ! Don't think that I will be the one to accuse you to the Father. You have put your hope in Moses, yet he is the very one who will accuse you. Moses wrote about me, and if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me. But if you don't believe what Moses wrote, how can you believe what I say ? *[I'm not aware of all these talks about the messiah that existed back then, only that many prophesied his coming, and a.f.a.i.k. most of them were accomplished in the gospels.]* *[I still didn't like this part, my praises go to God, because i can justify my decisions, i won't praise a human because he says so, but there may be a point in going beyond the tale of a simple prophet, the long awaited messiah after Israel's destruction, centuries after the last book of the old testament, i could understand eventually the need to be excessive, but it still makes me uneasy, in a jewish culture that says God speaks to prophets a few times per century, it probably shouldn't be that shocking though(, it also makes us understand a bit more the reaction of the jewish leaders). And God indeed speaks to none//some//all of us according to some definitions, i accept all three of these definitions personally, even if i have a preference for the one stating that the more a believer manages to get closer to God, and the truer h.er.is statement( of knowing God's words) is.]* ---------------------------------------------------- Surah Al-Baqarah(, "The Cow") 2:109-121 : Many of the people of the Scripture(, jews and christians,) wish that if they could turn you away as disbelievers after you have believed, out of envy from their ownselves, even after the truth(, that Muhammad ﷺ is God's messenger,) has become manifest unto them. But [forgive and overlook](https://lemmygrad.ml/pictrs/image/2bfe63b4-9ed6-4e1f-b983-3e49ab8a0634.jpeg), till God brings His Command. Verily, God is Able to do all things. And perform As-Salât, and give Zakât ; and whatever 'of good'/'deeds that God loves' you send forth for yourselves before you, you shall find it with God. Certainly, God is All-Seer of what you do. And they say, "None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian." These are their own desires. Say(, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), "Produce your proof if you are truthful." Yes, but whoever submits his face( himself) to God, and he is a Muhsin[1], then his reward is with his Lord, on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. [1] : "Muhsin" is a good-doer who performs good deeds totally for God’s sake only without any show off or to gain praise or fame, etc., and in accordance with the Sunnah of God’s Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. The jews said that the christians follow nothing(, i.e., are not on the right religion) ; and the christians said that the jews follow nothing ; though they both recite the Scripture. Like unto their word, said (the pagans )who know not. God will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein they have been differing. And who are more unjust than those who forbid that God’s Name be glorified and mentioned much(, i.e., prayers and invocations, etc.,) in God’s Mosques and strive for their ruin ? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them/'God’s Mosques' except in fear. For them there is disgrace in this world, and they will have a great torment in the Hereafter. And to God belong the east and the west, so wherever you turn( yourselves or your faces) there is the Face of God. Surely ! God is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knowing. And they(, christians(, or some pagans),) say : God has begotten a son(/children/offspring)[2]. 'Glory be to Him'/'Exalted be He'(, above all that they associate with Him). Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth, and all surrender with obedience to Him. [2] : Narrated Ibn ‘Abbâs رضي الله عنهما : The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "God said, ‘The son of Adam tells lies against Me though he has no right to do so, and he abuses Me though he has no right to do so. As for telling lies against Me, he claims that I cannot re-create him as I created him before ; and as for his abusing Me : it is his statement that I have a son/offspring. No ! Glorified be Me ! I am far from taking a wife or a son/offspring.’ " (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol. 6, Hadîth No. 9). The Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it : "Be !" - and it is. And those who have no knowledge say : "Why does not God speak to us( face to face), or why does not a sign come to us ?" So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike, We have indeed made plain the signs for people who believe with certainty. Verily, We have sent you( O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) with the truth(, Islâm), a bringer of glad tidings(, Paradise,) and a warner(, the Hell-fire). And you will not be asked about the dwellers of the blazing Fire. Never will the jews nor the christians be pleased with you( O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) till you follow their religion. Say : "Verily, the Guidance of God is the (only )Guidance. And if you( O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) were to follow their(, jews and christians,) desires after what you have received of Knowledge(, the Qur’ân), then you would have against God neither any protector/guardian nor any helper. Those(, jews, christians, or muslims,) to whom We gave the Book 'recite it'/'follow its teachings' as it should be recited/followed, they are the ones who believe therein. And whoso disbelieve in it, those are they who are the losers. *[Here's an addition :]* Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه : One day while the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was sitting in the company of some people, (the angel )Gabriel عليه السلام came and asked, "What is Faith ?" God's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم replied, "Faith is to believe in God, His angels, (the )meeting with Him, His messengers, and to believe in Resurrection." Then he further asked, "What is Islâm ?" God's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم replied, "To worship God Alone and none else, to perform As-Salât, to give the Zakât, and to observe fasts during the month of Ramadân," then he further asked, "What is [Ihsân](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ihsan)/perfection ?" God’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم replied, "To worship God عز وجل as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion then you must consider that He is looking at you." Then he further asked, "When will the Hour be established ?" God’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم replied, "The answerer has no better knowledge than the questioner. But I will inform you about its portents : (1) When a slave gives birth to her master. (2) When the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of higher buildings. And the Hour is one of the five things which nobody knows except God. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم then recited : "Verily, the knowledge of the Hour is with God( Alone)." ([31:34](https://quran.com/en/luqman/31-34)). Then that man(, Gabriel عليه السلام,) left, and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم asked his Companions to call him back, but they could not see him. Then the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "That was (angel )Gabriel عليه السلام who came to teach the people their religion." ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of the day :** Sts. [Simon](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_the_Zealot) and [Jude/Taddeo](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle), Apostles(, [Vatican news](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/10/28/sts--simon-and-jude--taddeo---apostles.html)).
Before Habbakuk came the book of Nahum, once again a short book of only three chapters : Nahum [1:2-3](https://bible.com/bible/392/nam.1.2.CEV) : The Lord God demands loyalty. In his anger, he takes revenge on his enemies. The Lord is powerful, yet patient ; he makes sure that the guilty are always punished. He can be seen in storms and in whirlwinds ; clouds are the dust from his feet. [And other descriptions of God's greatness] Nahum [1:7-8](https://bible.com/bible/392/nam.1.7.CEV) The Lord is good. He protects those who trust him in times of trouble. But like a roaring flood, the Lord chases his enemies into dark places and destroys them. [And other threats against their enemies] Nahum [1:11-15](https://bible.com/bible/392/nam.1.11.CEV) Assyria, one of your rulers has made evil plans against the Lord. But the Lord says, “Assyria, no matter how strong you are, you will be cut down ! My people Judah, I have troubled you before, but I won't do it again. I'll snap your chains and set you free from the Assyrians.” Assyria, this is what else the Lord says to you : “Your name will be forgotten. I will destroy every idol in your temple, and I will send you to the grave, because you are worthless.” Look toward the mountains, people of Judah ! Here comes a messenger with good news of peace. Celebrate your festivals. Keep your promises to God. Your evil enemies are destroyed and will never again invade your country. *[The next books(, of these last weeks,) were less hopeful, yet it wasn't Assyria that destroyed Jerusalem, but Babylone, only a few decades after the fall of the Assyrian empire]*     ---------------------------------------------------- Yesterday we ended on [John 5:18](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.5.18.CEV) : Now the leaders wanted to kill Jesus for two reasons. First, he had broken the law of the Sabbath. But even worse, he had said God was his Father, which made him equal with God. Here's what follows, it's a long speech so i'll save the second half for tomorrow : [John 5:19-30](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.5.30.CEV) : Jesus told the people : I tell you for certain the Son cannot do anything on his own. He can do only what he sees the Father doing, and he does exactly what he sees the Father do. *[When it says that the Son *can* do only what he sees the Father doing, i think that the word/verb "sees" deserve our attention, the Son can't do what s.he doesn't see the Father doing, s.he searches for God as much as s.he can(, and act/do as perfectly/'close to what s.he saw/perceived' as possible).]* *[Another interpretation linked to determinism wouldn't hold b.t.w., while the childrens cannot do anything on their own, not all of them search, see/perceive, and do/act accordingly.]* *[I understand these paragraphs as saying that we must be worthy children, and how to be/act as such(, by searching earnestly for God everytime)]* The Father loves the Son and has shown him everything he does. *[Everything?]* The Father will show him even greater things *[, so not everything]*, and you will be amazed. Just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants to. *[Strong promise that wasn't true(, except in the allegorical sense of reviving John the Baptist perhaps, or Jerusalem or others)]* The Father doesn't judge anyone, but he has made his Son the judge of everyone. The Father wants all people to honor the Son as much as they honor him. When anyone refuses to honor the Son, this is the same as refusing to honor the Father who sent him. *[...what( is the Son) ?]* I tell you for certain that **everyone who hears my message and has faith in the one who sent me** has eternal life and will never be condemned. They have already gone from death to life. I tell you for certain the time will come, and it is already here, when all of the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen to it will live ! *[Note that they/we were dead before hearing the message, i didn't know this image, it explains a lot of other things with such definition, but it isn't clear, it could still talk about the afterlife but it's not clear either that it's indeed what he meant. [Most traductions](https://www.biblestudytools.com/john/5-24-compare.html) add the word "already", which would then imply that the first interpretation may be correct in some cases. If they went that far then it's possible that the healings could have been allegorical as well, after all someone blind healed by the mouth of Jesus... i.d.k., we still say nowadays that someone is blind in an allegorical sense. Also, the first humans [lived longer](https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/96) in the jewish tradition. And there's possibly a link with a baptism with water as well.]* The Father has the power to give life, and he has given that same power to the Son. And he has given his Son the right to judge everyone, because he is the Son of Man. Don't be surprised ! The time will come when all of the dead will hear the voice of the Son of Man, and they will come out of their graves. *[The greek version uses the word [μνημείοις](https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CE%BC%CE%BD%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%B5%E1%BF%96%CE%BF%CE%BD), not [τάφος](https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CF%84%CE%AC%CF%86%CE%BF%CF%82), perhaps with a double meaning in mind, but perhaps not]* Everyone who has done good things will rise to life, but everyone who has done evil things will rise and be condemned. I cannot do anything on my own. The Father sent me, and he is the one who told me how to judge. I judge with fairness, because I obey him, and I don't just try to please myself. *[Do we seek to search//perceive//'act according to'//obey God, to judge fairly, have we received the message and gained life, are we able to give life to others and be(come) worthy children ?]* ---------------------------------------------------- Surah 2:88-91 : And they say, "Our hearts 'are wrapped'/'do not hear/understand God’s Word'." Nay, God has cursed them for their disbelief, so little is that which they believe. And when there came to them(, the jews ~'and christians'), a Book(, this Qur’ân,) from God **confirming what is with them(, the Torah and the Gospel)**, although aforetime they had invoked God in order to gain victory over those who disbelieved, then **when there came to them that which they had recognised, they disbelieved in it**. So let the Curse of God be on the disbelievers. How bad is that for which they have sold their ownselves, that they should disbelieve in that which God has revealed(, this Qur’ân), grudging that God should reveal of His Grace unto whom He wills of His slaves. So they have drawn on themselves wrath upon wrath. And for the disbelievers, there is disgracing torment. And when it is said to them(, the jews ~'and the christians'), "Believe in what God has sent down," they say, "We believe in what was sent down to us." And they disbelieve in that which came after it, while it is the truth confirming what is with them. *[Speaks about Moses afterwards]* ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of the day :** [St. Evaristus](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Evaristus), Pope [St. Frumentius](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frumentius), Bishop, Apostle of Ethiopia
[State censorship](https://lemmygrad.ml/pictrs/image/c725994a-f9ca-4e7b-b224-953eb0364d0a.jpeg), that's the world **you** asked for. Congrats on your success, i hope that we'll lose. This world already sucked before anyway, so it'll only be worse that's all, more wars, hate, incomprehension, lies... It's good that there's more internal "security", we need to suffer with the others as well. I'd like for all of it to burn sometimes. After all, the alternative is to seek a durable peace, of course that we can't choose this path. We have everything. ---------------------------------------------------- Habakkuk, last chapter [3:17-18](https://bible.com/bible/392/hab.3.17.CEV) : Fig trees may no longer bloom, or vineyards produce grapes ; olive trees may be fruitless, and harvest time a failure ; sheep pens may be empty, and cattle stalls vacant — but I will still celebrate, because the Lord God is my Savior. ---------------------------------------------------- This is a big part of the new testament : John [5:14](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.5.14.CEV) : *[After healing someone :]* Later, Jesus met the man in the temple and told him, “You are now well. But don't sin anymore or something worse might happen to you.” On God as the/our/Our Father : John [5:17-18](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.5.17.CEV) : But Jesus said, “My Father has never stopped working, and this is why I keep on working.” Now the leaders wanted to kill Jesus for two reasons. First, he had broken the law of the Sabbath. But even worse, he had said God was his Father, which made him equal with God. ---------------------------------------------------- Surah 2:83-85 : And (remember )when We took a covenant from the Children of Israel(, saying) : Worship none but God, and be dutiful and good to parents, and to kindred, and to orphans and the poor, and speak good to people[, i.e., enjoin righteousness, forbid evil, say the truth, ...], and perform As-Salât, and give Zakât. Then you slid back, except a few of you, while you are backsliders. And( remember) when We took your covenant(, saying) : Shed not the blood of your( people), nor turn out your own people from their dwellings. Then, (this )you ratified and (to this )you bear witness. After this, it is you who kill one another and drive out a party of you from their homes, assist( their enemies) against them, in sin and transgression. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. Demetrius](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demetrius_of_Thessaloniki), martyr 
 https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-i-like-to-think-of-the-church-as-god-s-faithful-people.html    ---------------------------------------------------- Habakkuk [2:4-12](https://bible.com/bible/37/hab.2.2.CEB) : Then the LORD answered me and said, (...) Some people’s desires are truly audacious ; they don’t do the right thing. But the righteous person will live honestly. Moreover, wine betrays an arrogant man. He doesn’t rest. He opens his jaws like the grave ; like death, he is never satisfied. He gathers all nations to himself and collects all peoples for himself. Won’t everyone tell parables about him, or mocking poems concerning him ? They will say : Doom to the one who multiplies what doesn’t belong to him and who increases his own burden. How long ? Won’t they suddenly rise up to bite you ? Those who frighten you will awaken ; you will become plunder for them. Since you yourself have plundered many nations, all the rest of the peoples will plunder you because of the human bloodshed and the violence done to the earth, to every village, and to all its inhabitants. Doom to the one making evil gain for his own house, for putting his own nest up high, for delivering himself from the grasp of calamity. You plan shame for your own house, cutting off many peoples and sinning against your own life. A stone will cry out from a village wall, and a tree branch will respond. Pity the one building a city with bloodshed and founding a village with injustice. *[And fuck this world, and every single one of us, we're all guilty and won't change, the past had the hope to raise virtues among us but all of that is destroyed]* ---------------------------------------------------- In the fourth chapter, Jesus arrives in Samaria, he asks for some water to a woman, who asks him in return how he'll drink this water without a bucket : John [4:13-14 & 21-24](https://bible.com/bible/37/jhn.4.10.CEB) : Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks from the water that I will give will never be thirsty again. The water that I give will become in those who drink it a spring of water that bubbles up into eternal life.” (...) Jesus said to her, “Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you and your people will worship the Father neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem. You and your people worship what you don’t know ; **we worship what we know** because salvation is from the Jews. But the time is coming — and is here ! — when true worshippers **will worship in spirit and truth**. **The Father looks for those who worship him this way**. God is spirit, and **it is necessary to worship God in spirit and truth**.” ---------------------------------------------------- I could have added these two verses yesterday : Surah 2:62-63 : Verily ! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last Day, and does righteous good deeds, shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. And(, O Children of Israel), (remember )when We took your covenant, and We raised above you the Mount(, saying) : "Hold fast to that which We have given you, and remember that which is therein so that you may become pious(/[Al-Muttaqûn](https://lemmygrad.ml/pictrs/image/7b466e86-3a3c-400b-ae55-35686efb3f6c.jpeg)). Then, after that, you turned away. Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of God upon you, indeed you would have been among the losers. *[Even if i could stop there, let's continue a bit more this time. This surah is called Al-Baqarah(, « The Cow ») :]* 2:67-74 : And( remember) when Moses said to his people : "Verily, God commands you that you slaughter a cow." They said, "Do you make fun of us ?" He said, "I take God's Refuge from being among the ignorant/foolish." They said, "Call upon your Lord for us, that He may make plain to us what it is !" He said, "He says, ‘Verily, it is a cow neither too old nor too young, but (it is )between the two conditions’, so do what you are commanded." They said, "Call upon your Lord for us to make plain to us its colour." He said, "He says, ‘It is a yellow cow, bright in its colour, pleasing to the beholders.’ " They said, "Call upon your Lord for us to make plain to us what it is. Verily, to us all cows are alike. And surely, if God wills, we will be guided." He(/Moses) said, "He says, ‘It is a cow neither trained to till the soil nor water the fields, sound, having no other colour except bright yellow.’ " They said, "Now you have brought the truth." So they slaughtered it though they were near to not doing it. *[I don't understand this part, only that it's quite probably linked to this : https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_heifer]* And (remember) when you killed a man and fell into dispute among yourselves as to the crime. But God brought forth that which you were hiding. So We said : "Strike him(, the dead man,) with a piece of it(, the cow)." Thus God brings the dead to life and shows you His verses, so that you may understand. *[It's making a reference that i personnally don't have, but many knowledgeable people understand the hidden meaning, after all such cow is still talked about a lot nowadays for good reasons, the answer probably don't lie in the old testament as much as in the Talmud or other jewish books/traditions.]* Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones, or even worse in hardness. And, indeed, there are stones out of which rivers gush forth ; and, indeed, there are of them(,stones,) which split asunder so that water flows from them ; and, indeed, there are of them(, stones,) which fall down for fear of God. And God is not unaware of what you do. *[Is it really coincidental to have chosen the term "water", or even "rock"(, if Matthew 16:18 is an intentional "pun" on the name Peter(, pierre=rock in french, perhaps also in the original hebrew text, i.d.k.)) ? Even if it isn't the case(, i highly doubt it), this parabola isn't that easy to understand, especially since falling down doesn't seem as desirable as having a lot of water gushing out of us, yet another part that would benefit from being read again]* ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of the day :** [Sts. Crispin and Crispinian](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crispin_and_Crispinian), Martyrs *[patron saints of cobblers, curriers, tanners, and leather workers]* [Sts. Chrysanthus and Daria](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysanthus_and_Daria), Martyrs on the via Salaria nuova
https://twitter.com/iamCARITAS  ---------------------------------------------------- Let's begin the book of Habakkuk, once again a short one, with only three chapters. Here's the first chapter, humans suck, we just won't live together : Habakkuk [1:2-6](https://bible.com/bible/37/hab.1.2.CEB) : LORD, how long will I call for help and you not listen ? I cry out to you “Violence !”, but you don’t deliver us. Why do you show me injustice and look at anguish so that devastation and violence are before me ? There is strife, and conflict abounds. The **Instruction** is ineffective. Justice does not endure because the wicked surround the righteous. Justice becomes warped. Look among the nations and watch ! Be astonished and stare because something is happening in your days that you wouldn’t believe even if told. I am about to rouse the Chaldeans, that bitter and impetuous nation, which travels throughout the earth to possess dwelling places it does not own. Habakkuk [1:12-17](https://bible.com/bible/37/hab.1.12.CEB) : LORD, aren’t you ancient, my God, my holy one ? Don’t let us die. LORD, you put the Chaldean here for judgment. Rock, you established him as a rebuke. Your eyes are too pure to look on evil ; you are unable to look at disaster. Why would you look at the treacherous or keep silent when the wicked swallows one who is more righteous ? You made humans like the fish of the sea, like creeping things with no one to rule over them. The Chaldean brings all of them up with a fishhook. He drags them away with a net ; he collects them in his fishing net, then he rejoices and celebrates. Therefore, he sacrifices to his net ; he burns incense to his fishing nets, because due to them his portion grows fat and his food becomes luxurious. Should he continue to empty his net, and continue to slay nations without sparing them ? *[How many nations have stupidly/uselessly disappeared forever ? Such a waste, we could have helped each other instead, here's the real glory of the victor(s).]* ---------------------------------------------------- While it's hard to be certain i'm quite sure that John [3:23](https://bible.com/bible/37/jhn.3.23.CEB) is speaking about water in an allegorical way here(, especially considering that Jesus said « unless someone is born of water and the Spirit » only 18 verses prior to this one : John was baptizing at Aenon near Salem because there was a lot of water there, and people were coming to him and being baptized. And here's the end of the third chapter : John [3:27-36](https://bible.com/bible/37/jhn.3.36.CEB) : John replied, “No one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I’m not the Christ but that I’m the one sent before him. The groom is the one who is getting married. The friend of the groom stands close by and, when he hears him, is overjoyed at the groom’s voice. Therefore, my joy is now complete. He must increase and I must decrease. The one who comes from above is above all things. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all things. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever accepts his testimony confirms that God is true. The one whom God sent speaks God’s words because God gives the Spirit generously. The Father loves the Son and gives everything into his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever doesn’t believe in the Son won’t see life, but the angry judgment of God remains on them.” *[Yeah, i don't get it, of course that Jesus-Christ did his first miracle at a marriage isn't a coincidence, nor that he changed water into wine, but for the rest... «He testifies to what he has seen and heard» ? When he was in heaven ? And «won't see life», not «won't have life», i.d.k., the four gospels aren't easy but John's is the most difficult, i see it as the gospel that needs to be read once you understood the previous ones]* ---------------------------------------------------- Surah 2:58-60 : And (remember )when We said : "Enter this town(, Jerusalem), and eat bountifully therein with pleasure and delight wherever you wish, and enter the gate 'in prostration'/'bowing with humility', and say : ‘Forgive us,’ and We shall forgive you your sins, and shall increase (reward )for the good-doers." But those who did wrong changed the word from that which had been told to them for another, so We sent upon the wrong-doers a punishment from the heaven because of their rebelling against God’s obedience. And( remember) when Moses asked for water for his people, We said : "Strike the stone with your stick." Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs. Each (group of )people knew its own place for water. "Eat and drink of that which God has provided and do not act corruptly, making mischief on the earth." ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. Antony Mary Claret](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Mary_Claret), Bishop, Founder of the Congregation of the Missionaries Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Here's an excerpt from the last chapter of Zephaniah [3:9-13](https://bible.com/bible/37/zep.3.9.CEB) : Then I will change the speech of the peoples into pure speech, that all of them will call on the name of the LORD and will serve him as one. From beyond the rivers of Cush, **my daughter** *[, Israel i think]*, my dispersed ones, will bring me offerings. On that day, you won’t be ashamed of all your deeds with which you sinned against me ; then I will remove from your midst those boasting with pride. No longer will you be haughty on my holy mountain, but I will cause a humble and powerless people to remain in your midst ; they will seek refuge in the name of the LORD. The few remaining from Israel won’t commit injustice ; they won’t tell lies ; a deceitful tongue won’t be found on their lips.They will graze and lie down ; no one will make them afraid. *[I never realized before how much warnings there were against the sin of lying, i already loved the Bible very much but now i love it even more ! Lying is omnipresent, and when it's proved you'll hear people say "'so what'/'who cares' ? Are you naive ?", shame on us, we have to change, problem is that we 'don't fear God'/'are not ashamed'. Am i not telling the truth ?]* ---------------------------------------------------- We stopped [there](https://bible.com/bible/37/jhn.3.7.CEB) yesterday : Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. Don’t be surprised that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ God’s Spirit blows wherever it wishes. You hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. It’s the same with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” And here's the rest : John [3:9-21](https://bible.com/bible/37/jhn.3.9.CEB) : Nicodemus said, “How are these things possible ?” Jesus answered, “You are a teacher of Israel and you don’t know these things ? I assure you that we speak about what we know and testify about what we have seen, but you don’t receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things ? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Human One. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so must the Human One be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life. God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him isn’t judged ; whoever doesn’t believe in him is already judged, because they don’t believe in the name of God’s only Son. “This is the basis for judgment : The light came into the world, and people loved darkness more than the light, for their actions are evil. All who do wicked things hate the light and don’t come to the light for fear that their actions will be exposed to the light. Whoever does the truth comes to the light so that it can be seen that their actions were done in God.” *[I'm not 100% sure that it says here that Jesus-Christ is God's only son, especially since it talked about God's spirit previously, and even more since he talked about the "Human One", that's God's only Son, and whether it's Jesus or/and the archetype of the Human, it's pretentious to speak about an "only" Son, i don't think that the previous gospels used this adjective, and it may have been added in order to prevent other people from claiming that we're all God's children, i.d.k. And how are these two things similar : « Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so must the Human One be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. », the snake has a hidden meaning. The penultimate paragraph is much more known than the last one, yet i love this last paragraph a lot more. Also, he says that « If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things ? », but after a quick look this distinction isn't obvious, i encourage you to read this third chapter again by yourselves if you're interested.]* ---------------------------------------------------- *[Narrated ‘Atâ bin Yasâr : I met ‘Abdullâh bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘Aas and asked him, "Tell me about the description of God’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم which is mentioned in the Torah." He replied, "Yes. By God, he is described in the Torah with some of the qualities attributed to him in the Qur’ân as follows : (...) You are neither discourteous, harsh nor a noise-maker in the markets, and you do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you deal with them with forgiveness and kindness. (Sahih Al-Bukhâri Vol.3, Hadîth No.335).]* Surah 2:36-45 : Then Satan made them slip [from the Paradise], and got them out from that in which they were. We said : "Get you down, all, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment for a time." Then Adam received from his Lord Words. And his Lord 'pardoned him'/'accepted his repentance'. Verily, He is the One Who forgives/'accepts repentance', the Most Merciful. We said : "Get down all of you from this place(, the Paradise), then whenever there comes to you Guidance from Me, and whoever follows My Guidance, there shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve. But those who disbelieve and belie Our Ayât/verses/proofs/evidence/lessons/signs/revelations — such are the dwellers of the Fire. They shall abide therein forever. O Children of Israel ! Remember My Favour which I bestowed upon you, and fulfil (your obligations to )My Covenant( with you), so that I fulfil (My Obligations to )your covenant( with Me), and fear none but Me. And believe in what I have sent down(, this Qur’ân), confirming that which is with you(, the Torah and the Gospel), and be not the first to disbelieve therein, and **buy not with My Verses(, the Torah and the Gospel,) a small price**, and **fear Me** and **Me Alone**. **And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth while you know it**. And **perform As-Salât**, and **give Zakât**, and **'bow down'/'submit yourselves with obedience to God'**. **You enjoin piety/righteousness/'each/every act of obedience to God' on the people and you forget (to practise it )yourselves, while you recite the Scripture(, the Torah ~'and the Gospel') ! Have you then no sense ?** *[Narrated Abu Wâ’il رضي الله عنه : Someone said to Usâma, Will you not talk to this (‘Uthmân) ?" Usâma said, "I talked to him( secretly), without being the first man to open an evil door. I will never tell a ruler who rules over two men or more that he is good after I heard God’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, ‘A man will be brought and put in Hell/Fire, and he will circumambulate/'go round and round' in Hell/Fire, like a donkey of a (flour )grinding mill, and all the people of Hell/Fire will gather around him and will say to him ‘O so and so ! Didn‘t you use to order others for all that is good(, [Al-Ma‘rûf](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma%27ruf),) and forbid them from all that is evil(, [Al-Munkar](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munkar)) ?’ That man will say, ‘I used to order others to do all that is good, but I myself never used to do it, and I used to forbid others from all that is evil, but I myself used to do it’". (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol. 9, Hadîth No. 218).]* And seek help in patience and prayer, and truly it is extremely heavy and hard, except for the true believers in God. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of the day :** [St. John of Capestrano](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_of_Capistrano), Franciscan, Patron of the Military Chaplains [St. Severin Boethius](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boethius), Roman philosopher and Martyr
youtu.be
 Matthew [22:15-21](https://bible.com/bible/37/mat.22.15.CEB) Then the Pharisees met together to find a way to trap Jesus in his words. They sent their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are genuine and that you teach God’s way as it really is. We know that you are not swayed by people’s opinions, because you don’t show favoritism. So tell us what you think : Does the Law allow people to pay taxes to Caesar or not ?” Knowing their evil motives, Jesus replied, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites ? Show me the coin used to pay the tax.” And they brought him a denarion. “Whose image and inscription is this ?” he asked. “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-angelus-faith-has-important-role-in-daily-life.html ---------------------------------------------------- Before the book of Haggai came the book of Zephaniah, short as well(, only three chapters). Then it'll be the book of Habbakuk and Nahum. I don't know why the estimated chronological order isn't the official one :   The first chapter warns about our lack of fear towards God, reminding us that we deserve destruction for our misdeeds : Zephaniah [1:9-12](https://bible.com/bible/37/zep.1.9.CEB) I will punish the one leaping on the threshold on that day, those filling the house of their master with violence and deceit. On that day—says the LORD— an outcry will resound from the Fish Gate, wailing from the second quarter, a loud crash from the hills. The ones who grind the grain will wail ; all the merchants will be silenced. I will eliminate all those weighing out silver. At that time, I will search Jerusalem with lamps; I will punish the men growing fat on the sediment in their wine, those saying to themselves, The LORD won’t do good or evil. And on the beginning of the second chapter : Zephaniah [2:1-3](https://bible.com/bible/37/zep.2.1.CEB) Gather together and assemble yourselves, shameless nation, before the decision is made—the day vanishes like chaff— before the burning anger of the LORD comes against you, before the day of the LORD’s anger comes against you. Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land who practice his justice ; seek righteousness ; seek humility. Maybe you will be hidden on the day of the LORD’s anger. ---------------------------------------------------- The third chapter of John's Gospel : John [3:1-3](https://bible.com/bible/37/jhn.3.1.CEB) There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a Jewish leader. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could do these miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.” *That's interesting enough, but it even continues :* John [3:4-8](https://bible.com/bible/37/jhn.3.4.CEB) Nicodemus asked, “How is it possible for an adult to be born ? It’s impossible to enter the mother’s womb for a second time and be born, isn’t it ?” Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. *[Aren't we born of the Creator ? Depends on how "born" is defined here i suppose.]* Don’t be surprised that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ God’s Spirit blows wherever it wishes. You hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. It’s the same with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” *That is very condensed and enough for today, but it doesn't end there. I'll post the rest of the conversation tomorrow. Being born of water ? And even being born of flesh or spirit ? We may have a quick understanding of what it means but it's different from a profound one. It's something that need to be understood in order to (partly )grasp what the Holy Spirit fully implies. In the same text it also assimilate God's Spirit as Providence/Destiny/Randomness/Causality/.., something common yet atheists wouldn't accept to define God as such(, proving the existence of God is indeed only difficult under certain conditions, in this case it requires for God's Spirit to have a conscious Will not unlike human's will, i believe in the law of karma for example(, e.g., act as an asshole and others won't like you)). There's also "seeing God's kingdom", i'm still not certain what God's kingdom/city would entail, i'm associating it with the Paradise on Earth yet i'm not sure. I'm thanking God for this chapter, and infinitely more for everything else.]* ---------------------------------------------------- Surah 2:21-29 : O mankind ! Worship your Lord, Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become Al-Muttaqûn(, *the pious believers of Islamic Monotheism who fear God much(, abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which S.H..e has forbidden,) and love God much(, perform all kinds of good deeds which S.H..e has ordained)*). Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water/rain from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals(, in worship,) unto God, while you know(, that He Alone has the right to be worshipped). *[Narrated ‘Abdullâh رضي الله عنه : I asked the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم , "What is the greatest sin in consideration with God ?" He said, "That you set up a rival unto God, though He Alone created you." I said, "That is indeed a great sin." Then I asked, "What is next ?" He said "To kill your son lest he should share your food with you." I asked, "What is next ?" He said, "To commit illegal sexual intercourse with the wife of your neighbour." (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol.6, Hadîth No. 4).]* And if you(, arab pagans, jews, and christians,) are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down(, the Qur’ân,) to Our slave(, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), then produce a sûrah/chapter of the like thereof, and call your witnesses/supporters/helpers besides God, if you are truthful. But if you do it not, and you can never do it, then fear 'the Fire'/Hell, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers. And give glad tidings to those who believe and do righteous good deeds, that for them will be Gardens under which rivers flow. Every time they will be provided with a fruit therefrom, they will say: "This is what we were provided with before," and they will be given things in resemblance(, i.e., in the same form, but different in taste), and they shall have therein purified wives, and they will abide therein forever. Verily, God is not ashamed to set forth a parable even of a mosquito, or so much 'more when it is bigger'/'less when it is smaller' than it. And as for those who believe, they know that it is the Truth from their Lord, but as for those who disbelieve, they say: "What did God intend by this parable ?" By it He misleads many, and many He guides thereby. And He misleads thereby only those who are rebellious/disobedient to God. Those who break God’s Covenant after ratifying it, and sever what God has ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth, it is they who are the losers. How can you disbelieve in God ? seeing that you were dead and He gave you life. Then He will give you death, then again will bring you to life(, on the Day of Resurrection,) and then unto Him you will return (See [V.40:11](https://myislam.org/surah-ghafir/ayat-11/)) S.H..e it is Who created for you all that is on earth. Then S.H..e rose over towards the heaven and made them seven heavens and S.H..e is the All-Knower of everything. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** St. Mark, Bishop of Jerusalem *[He wrote the first Gospel]* ----------------------------------------------------   
The book of Haggai only has two chapters, here's in my opinion the most interesting excerpt, [2:10-19](https://bible.com/bible/37/hag.2.10.CEB) : On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the LORD’s word came to Haggai the prophet : This is what the LORD of heavenly forces says : Go ahead and ask the priests for a ruling : “If someone lifts holy meat into the hem of one’s garment and that hem touches bread, stew, wine, oil, or any kind of food, will it be made holy ?” And the priests responded, “No.” Haggai said, “If an unclean person touches any of these things, will it become unclean ?” And the priests responded, “It will be unclean.” Then Haggai responded : Thus has this people and this nation become to me, says the LORD, and everything that they do with their hands. Whatever they offer is unclean. So now, take it to heart from this day forward. ---------------------------------------------------- John [2:14-22](https://bible.com/bible/37/jhn.2.15.CEB) He found in the temple those who were selling cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as those involved in exchanging currency sitting there. He made a whip from ropes and chased them all out of the temple, including the cattle and the sheep. He scattered the coins and overturned the tables of those who exchanged currency. He said to the dove sellers, “Get these things out of here ! Don’t make my Father’s house a place of business.” His disciples remembered that it is written, [Passion for your house consumes me](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2069%3A9&version=NIV). Then the Jewish leaders asked him, “By what authority are you doing these things ? What miraculous sign will you show us ?” Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple and in three days I’ll raise it up.” The Jewish leaders replied, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and you will raise it up in three days ?” But the temple Jesus was talking about was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered what he had said ---------------------------------------------------- [2:10-13](https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah/10-12) : In their hearts is a disease(, of doubt and hypocrisy,) and God has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. And when it is said to them : "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "We are only peace-makers." Verily ! They are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not. And when it is said to them : "Believe as the people have believed," they say : "Shall we believe as the fools have believed ?" Verily, they are the fools, but they know not. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. John Paul II](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/10/22/st--john-paul--ii--pope.html), Pope ([basta](https://i.postimg.cc/jSJ0FZnP/Screenshot-2023-10-21-23-55-09-313-com-twitter-android-edit.jpg))
I saw [this tweet](https://twitter.com/cappusa/status/1714884107757350925) and wanted to post an answer : https://capp-usa.org/socialism  I haven't read the rest yet but i'll agree to take these definitions. However, this isn't how i define these terms : democratic socialism was the original/radical expression for a "democratic socialism, in words and not in deeds". I won't explain why the u.s.s.r. was democratic even with a single political party, especially in workplaces, partly because it took order from the population, and why it wouldn't have been authoritarian(, it wasn't nearly as much as their enemies described it,) if it didn't fear for its security(, the "first world" was after the "second world"), and we refused peace(, probably because we feared contamination since communism indeed promise more than workers' exploitation). The new "democratic socialists" aren't socialists since they don't intend to give the power to the workers, the socialist/communist parties who didn't achieve socialism at least promise/'talk about' it, as long as they're sincere they're socialists. A lot of country were socialists, but none were communists, at least in the final sense of "achieving a communist utopia", without classes and even more in my case since i assimilate communism with direct democracy and the 'c/C'ity of God. In these three cases we're speaking about ideals, but those who exclude the last two may still say that communism wasn't achieved if they also associate this "final form" with a moneyless and stateless society). Now that i've read the rest i realize that i was arrogant, since what follows isn't the anti-communist propaganda i expected.  They don't have to share equally, but nowadays you have a scale of 1:100 or more in salaries, a scale of 1:4 should be enough for an incentive, i don't recognise the validity of this argument, if the only reason for people to act is to make money(, there wasn't any unemployment in the u.s.s.r.), then it's better than they leave their place to someone else, there are other motives in life, i don't think that the Church would disapprove bringing people closer to spiritual/immaterial motivations. Furthermore, capitalists who are afraid of communism because of the government have to answer why they'd oppose forms of 'anarcho-communism'/'libertarian communism'(, weak against enemies), since that's also something our governments oppose. And its popularity resulted from the republican revolutions, Marx was one of the actors who's useful for answer to economic refutations as well as being someone involved heavily in these movements of anarchism&socialism throughout the XIXth century, the technological progress of the last 70 years changed the situation compared to the XIXth century though. Utopic socialism is the movement i'm affiliating myself with(, but with as many experiments as possible, in order to find the best-working ideal within the natural laws). Finally, it doesn't violate the right of workers to property, but claims that their right to receive the full measure of what they worked for is violated(, investments are necessary, and can be done without capitalists, but the profits nourishing these capitalists aren't). It violates private property rights by making them public(, and has nothing to do with your toothbrush or personal belongings, only those that gain money in their sleep, because theft is a sin). We can easily say that we violate subsidiarity, and the Church fortunately violates anthropology, at least the one that depict corrupt&greedy humans as something natural(, the workers are also greedy, they weren't born in the right family(, individuals are free but statistics prove an injustice), after all public schools are part of a socialist ideal, we don't have the same starting line, which seems familiar to a past situation, will it degrade towards this "natural" state of submission ?) This is probably getting boring for any eventual reader, so i'll be quick, there's no argument here that i haven't already discussed, these "rights" are the right to steal, shareholders, landlords, or those who lend with an interest, take a larger profit than necessary without working for it(, their money "works" for them). Ironic :  That's the heart of the problem/propaganda, you just have to make the distinction between the common private property, and the lucrative private property, only the latter is criticised by socialists because it is unfair to the workers(, and/or the consumers), we'd be wealthier if we only paid the rent necessary for reparations, and if shareholders didn't exist, etc.  And collective ownership is even better for the development of every worker(, in the same sense as state ownership by their citizens, we become adult)  What is correct about this assession ? Ex-colonial powers maintained their supremacy over other capitalist countries, whose growth is the proof that being capitalist isn't enough, while socialist countries managed to continue their growth quicker than them despite the economic war/sanctions waged against them. And even if they're slower, as long as there's growth/progress it should be ok in a peaceful/harmonious world  There's a lot of propaganda and double standard about this, it's so easy to demonise someone. Once again, we were attacking them so they couldn't lower their guard easily, and 1991 proved that the capitalists take control of the state afterwards, just as the republics of the past.  Interesting :  yeah... :  I don't agree but have already said why, and external negativities affect every being :  [interesting page](https://capp-usa.org/universal-destination-of-goods/) :  Now subsidiarity, a bit more quickly : The orders came from the population, and the soviets were worker's councils with imperative mandates. And once again, there's anarcho-communism or other forms of libertarian communism which are conveniently ignored but could throw the same accusation towards our current republics. Shouldn't this be applied to workplaces ? And what about a real (direct )democracy ?  And finally, anthropology, the usual argument about human rights.  I'm stopping there. Forgive me if i first thought i could make this argumentation pleasable to an eventual reader, i'm boring myself more and more so let's say it's done, i wanted to do so for some time since i saw their previous tweets about this topic. I've read most of the rest, and didn't find much to add, let's continue with something more interesting. ---------------------------------------------------- We're at the last chapter of Zechariah, it speaks about the Mount of Olives at the [fourth verse](https://bible.com/bible/37/zec.14.4.CEB) : On that day God will stand upon the Mount of Olives, to the east of Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives will be split in half by a very large valley running from east to west. Half of the mountain will move north, and the other half will move south.  And interestingly, the [last sentence](https://bible.com/bible/37/zec.14.21.CEB) is also referenced in the new testament : There will no longer be any merchants in the house of the LORD of heavenly forces on that day. ---------------------------------------------------- If i'm continuing with St. John( the Baptist) : At the [38th verse and at the 41th](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.1.38.CEV), it shows that it was destined for an other public(, it was written after Jerusalem destruction like the other gospels) : [38] When Jesus turned and saw [John the Baptist and his disciples], he asked, “What do you want ?” They answered, “Rabbi, where do you live ?” The Hebrew word “Rabbi” means “Teacher.” [39] Jesus replied, “Come and see !” It was already about four o'clock in the afternoon when they went with him and saw where he lived. So they stayed on for the rest of the day. [40] One of the two men who had heard John and had gone with Jesus was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. [41] The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother and tell him, “We have found the Messiah !” The Hebrew word “Messiah” means the same as the Greek word “Christ.” [42] Andrew brought his brother to Jesus. And when Jesus saw him, he said, “Simon son of John, you will be called Cephas.” This name can be translated as “Peter.” St.John's gospel is indeed harder to read, [here](https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.1.51.CEV)'s the last verse : [Jesus said(, after something about a fig tree that was a reference to other gospels ?,) : ]I tell you for certain you will see heaven open and God's angels going up and coming down on the Son of Man.” ---------------------------------------------------- Here's the end of the [second surah](https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah) "The Cow" : Those who eat [Ribâ](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riba)/usury will not stand( on the Day of Resurrection), except like the standing of a person beaten by Satan, leading him to insanity. That is because they say : "Trading is only like usury", whereas God has permitted trading and forbidden usury. So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating usury shall not be punished for the past ; his case is for God( to judge) ; but whoever returns( to usury), such are the dwellers of the Fire - they will abide therein. *[(A) Riba An-Nasî’a is the interest on lent money, while Riba Al-Fadl is taking a superior thing of the same kind of goods by giving more of the same kind of goods of inferior quality(, e.g., dates of superior quality for dates of inferior quality in great amounts).]* God will destroy usury and will give increase for Sadaqât(, deeds of charity, alms, etc.). And God likes not the disbelievers, sinners. Truly those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform [(Iqâmat-)As-Salât](https://www.alislam.org/book/salat/iqamah/)(, the prayer), and give [Zakât](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakat), they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. O you who believe ! Be afraid of God and give up what remains(, due to you,) from usury(, onward from now), if you are (really )believers. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from God and His Messenger, but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly(, by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly(, by receiving less than your capital sums). And if the debtor is in a hard time(, has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay, but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know. And be afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allâh. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly. O you who believe ! When you contract a debt for a fixed period, write it down. Let a scribe write it down in justice between you. Let not the scribe refuse to write as God has taught him, so let him write. Let him(, the debtor,) who incurs the liability dictate, and he must fear God, his Lord, and diminish not anything of what he owes. But if the debtor is of poor understanding, or weak, or is unable to dictate for himself, then let his guardian dictate in justice. And get two witnesses out of your own men. And if there are not two men(, available), then a man and two women, such as you agree for witnesses, so that if one of them(, two women,) errs, the other can remind her. *[It spoke about women from that time, their parole didn't have no value. And two men/humans as witnesses is better than one anyway.]* And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called(, for evidence). You should not become weary to write it(, your contract), whether it be small or big, for its fixed term, that is more just with God ; more solid as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves, save when it is a present trade which you carry out on the spot among yourselves, then there is no sin on you if you do not write it down. But take witnesses whenever you make a commercial contract. Let neither scribe nor witness suffer any harm, but if you do( such harm), it would be wickedness in you. So be afraid of God ; and God teaches you. And God is the All-Knower of each and everything. And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then let there be a pledge taken(, mortgaging) ; then, if one of you entrust the other, let the one who is entrusted discharge his trust( faithfully), and let him be afraid of God, his Lord. And conceal not the evidence for he, who hides it, surely his heart is sinful. And God is All-Knower of what you do. To God belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and whether you disclose what is in your ownselves or conceal it, God will call you to account for it. Then He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And God is Able to do all things. The Messenger(, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم,) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do )the believers. Each one believes in God, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say, )"We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers" - and they say, "We hear, and we obey. (We seek )Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return( of all)." God burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that( good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. "Our Lord ! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord ! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us(, Jews and Christians) ; our Lord ! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maulâ(, Patron, Supporter and Protector, etc.), and give us victory over the disbelieving people." *[Interpret the last sentence of the second surah as you want to, in my opinion it was said to his followers in the context of war, if the goal was to wage war against every disbelievers then the Quran missed every time the occasion to be clear on that point, i'm sure that the Holy Quran(, and God a.f.a.i.k.,) would have preferred peaceful conversions through dialogue, which was indeed what happened in ~most cases]* ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. Maria Bertilla Boscardin](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Bertilla_Boscardin), Virgin of Vicenza
 https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-francis-general-audience-zeal-charles-foucauld.html  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-may-we-be-neighbours-to-the-wayfarers-of-our-time.html ----------------------------------------------------   This unofficial account(, not even subscribed to @Pontifex b.t.w.,) represent the thought of the Church or Pope Benedict XVI(, a.f.a.i.k.), it made me realize something else about the Christ : « [The real presence of Christ in the Eucharist is the Christian doctrine that Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_presence_of_Christ_in_the_Eucharist) », and receiving Jesus-Christ is also [receiving God's Grace](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacrament) ? > Many denominations, including the Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, and Reformed, hold to the definition of sacrament formulated by Augustine of Hippo : an outward sign of an inward grace, that has been instituted by Jesus Christ. Sacraments signify **God's grace in a way that is outwardly observable** to the participant. Apparently, this is a quote instituting the sacrament/eucharist/communion, in 1 Corinthians [11:23-34](https://bible.com/bible/37/1co.11.23.CEB), after lecturing his sisters/brothers for their behaviour : I received a tradition from the Lord, which I also handed on to you : on the night on which he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread. After giving thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you ; do this to remember me.” He did the same thing with the cup, after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the **new covenant in my blood**. Every time you drink it, do this to remember me.” Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, **you broadcast the death of the Lord until he comes**. This is why those who eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord inappropriately will be guilty of the Lord’s body and blood. Each individual should test himself or herself, and eat from the bread and drink from the cup in that way. Those who eat and drink without correctly understanding the body are eating and drinking their own judgment. Because of this, many of you are weak and sick, and quite a few have died. But if we had judged ourselves, we wouldn’t be judged. However, we are disciplined by the Lord when we are judged so that we won’t be judged and condemned along with the whole world. For these reasons, my brothers and sisters, when you get together to eat, wait for each other. If some of you are hungry, they should eat at home so that getting together doesn’t lead to judgment. I will give directions about the other things when I come. *In my opinion when one say to love someone as if it was you, s.he can go further and act as if this other person was indeed myself, which would include the bread. However that's not very clear, at least in this excerpt. The follow-up thought would be that not distinguishing between myself and the rest of "what is" could imply seeing everything as a part/children of God, which/who only act thusly if they treat other as 'sisters/brothers'/himself, wheras the son of Wo.Man would only treat humans as 'their sisters/brothers'/himself, and the son of Jacob would only treat members of his tribe as 'sisters/brothers'/himself. There may a profound reason if the thought of "i am one with the universe/All" has been heard at least once in the life of every human on Earth. At least that's my current interpretation.* ---------------------------------------------------- I've learned that Zechariah was also the name of the father of John the Baptist. The chapters 9 to 13 talk about the deliverance of Israel, which is more or less the main purpose of this book at first sight. The [thirteenth chapter](https://bible.com/bible/37/zec.13.9.CEB) has surprising things to say about prophets : On that day, a fountain will open to cleanse the sin and impurity of David’s house and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. On that day, says the LORD of heavenly forces, I will eliminate the names of the idols from the land ; they will no longer be remembered. Moreover, I will remove the prophets and the sinful spirit from the land. If anyone again prophesies, then that person’s birth father and mother will say, “You won’t live, for you have told a lie in the name of the LORD.” That person’s own birth father and mother will stab him when he prophesies. On that day each of the prophets will be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies and won’t put on a shaggy coat in order to deceive. Each will say, “I’m not a prophet. I’m a man who works the ground, for the soil has been my occupation since I was young.” Someone will say to him, “What are these wounds between your hands?” And he will say, “These happened when I was hit in my friends’ home.” Sword, arise against my shepherd, against the man responsible for my community, says the LORD of heavenly forces ! Strike the shepherd in order to scatter the flock ! I will turn my hand against the little ones. Throughout all the land, says the LORD, two-thirds will be cut off and die ; but one-third will be left in it. I will put the third part into the fire. I will refine them like one refines silver ; I will test them like one tests gold. They will call on my name, and I will respond to them. I will say, “They are my people.” And they will say, “The LORD is our God.” *[Well, they did have to fight in order to recover their land, some historical context should probably be provided here* ---------------------------------------------------- The Gospel according to John is possibly my least favorite, but also my least known, which is why i choose it : John [1:9-14](https://bible.com/bible/37/jhn.1.10.CEB) : The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world. The light was in the world, and **the world came into being through the light**, but the world didn’t recognize the light. *[So, the light created the world right ? And the light is the Christ]* The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God. The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. ---------------------------------------------------- [2:262-274](https://quran.com/en/al-baqarah) : The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of God, is as the likeness of a grain( of corn) ; it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. God gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And God is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower. Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of God, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than charity(/[sadaqah](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadaqah)) followed by injury. And God is Rich(, Free of all needs,) and He is Most-Forbearing. O you who believe ! Do not render in vain your charity(/*sadaqah*) by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men, and he does not believe in God, nor in the Last Day. His likeness is the likeness of a smooth rock on which is a little dust ; on it falls heavy rain which leaves it bare. They are not able to do anything with what they have earned. And God does not guide the disbelieving people. And the likeness of those who spend their wealth seeking God's Pleasure while they in their ownselves are sure and certain that God will reward them(, for their spending in His Cause), is the likeness of a garden on a height ; heavy rain falls on it and it doubles its yield of harvest. And if it does not receive heavy rain, light rain suffices it. And God is All-Seer of what you do. Would any of you wish to have a garden with date-palms and vines, with rivers flowing underneath, and all kinds of fruits for him therein, while he is striken with old age, and his children are weak(, not able to look after themselves), then it is struck with a fiery whirlwind, so that it is burnt ? Thus does God make clear His Ayât(/proofs/evidence/verses) to you that you may give thought. *[(V.2:266) ‘Umar رضي الله عنه said, "This is an example for a rich man who does good deeds out of obedience to God, and then God sends him Satan whereupon he commits sins till all his good deeds are lost." (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol. 6, Hadîth No.62).]* O you who believe ! Spend of the good things which you have (legally )earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it, (although )you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein. And know that God is Rich(/'Free of all needs'), and Worthy of all praise. Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit evil deeds([Fahshâ](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fahisha) : illegal sexual intercourse, sins) ; whereas God promises you Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty, and God is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower. He grants wisdom\* to whom He pleases, and he, to whom wisdom\* is granted, is indeed granted abundant good. But none remember (will receive admonition) except men of understanding. *\*[wisdom](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikmah) means here the knowledge&understanding of the Qur’ân, and the Sunnah and one’s ability to speak and act in the correct and right way.* And whatever you spend for spendings(, e.g., in charity, charity for God's Cause,) or whatever vow you make, be sure God knows it all. And for the wrong-doers/unjust there are no helpers. If you disclose your charity/alms-giving, it is well ; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (God )will expiate you some of your sins. And God is Well-Acquainted with what you do. Not upon you(, Muhammad ﷺ,) is their guidance, but God guides whom He wills. And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves, when you spend not except seeking God’s Countenance. And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged. (Charity is )for the poor, who in God’s Cause are restricted( from travel), and cannot move about in the land( for trade or work). The one who knows them not, thinks that they are rich because of their modesty. You may know them by their mark, they do not beg of people at all. And whatever you spend in good, surely, God knows it well. Those who spend their wealth( in God’s Cause) by night and day, in secret and in public, they shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. [(V.2:274) Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه : The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Seven people will be shaded by God under His Shade on the Day(, i.e., the Day of Resurrection,) when there will be no shade except His. They are : a) a just ruler ; b) a young man who has been brought up in the worship of God(, i.e., worships God( Alone) sincerely from his childhood) ; c) a man whose heart is attached to the mosques(, who offers the five compulsory congregational prayers in the mosques) ; d) two persons who love each other only for God's sake, and they meet and part in God's Cause only ; e) a man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for illegal sexual intercourse with her and says : I fear God ; f) a person who practises charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given ; g) a person who remembers God in seclusion and his eyes become flooded with tears." (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol. 2, Hadîth No.504).] *[I'll try another traduction tomorrow, but what follows and precede this excerpt is interesting so i'll continue after the verse 274]* ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of the day :** Sts. [Jean de Brébeuf](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_de_Br%C3%A9beuf) and [Isaac Jogues](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Jogues), priests and Companions, Jesuits, Canadian Martyrs For more information on these two saints : https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/10/19/sts--john-de-brebeuf-and-isaac-jogues--priests-and-companions--j.html (I've spent 3h30 today, and i can't do more than an hour, so i may not continue, or only stick to the old testament that i know the least, not that it matter, just saying 🤷♂️)
I refuse to spend more than an hour a day for this post, i'll try to cut time as much as possible if i'd like to continue(, there's a lot of things i'd like to add : primarily old theologians/philosophers from all religions, but also orthodox texts, indians, ..., as well as modern theologians/philosophers and the new-age movement). However i have to cut so i'll skip the introductions(, often the most interesting part,) to go straight to the extracts(, the most instructive). Sometimes i'll take more than an hour only with three excerpts and i just can't, i'm in a race against time(, aren't we all ?) ---------------------------------------------------- 💯  I also had some thoughts while seeing this :  Nothing is perfect(, except God as the Maximum). But the idea of a false Church created by humans is scary, and makes no sense, it wouldn't exist without our realization of God(, not to say it wouldn't exist at all without God in the first place, as everything). Even before being dedicated to other humans, it is first and foremost dedicated to God, we don't even need the examples of hermits to understand that. Helping others is only a by-product. It's our duty to improve our Church, but changing it would mean it made mistakes and i don't see one(, i eventually don't understand how Jesus-Christ is also God but that doesn't count as a disagreement with the teachings, or the role the Church assigned to itself, plus the term "son of God"(, different from the "son of Wo.Man",) has a meaning, which i have no problem to assign to others(, but would be the most arrogant/pretentious thing i could ever think someone to auto-attribute to h.er.im.self, God is simply too great, we're only a very distant family not worthy of wearing H..er.is Name)). Sorry if that's gibberish but i've already spent too much time on this part, and don't want to spend more time on it nor delete it. I guess i could have just written that improving and changing are two distinct words in this context(, w/e..). ---------------------------------------------------- Zechariah [8:1-3](https://bible.com/bible/392/zec.8.1.CEV) : The Lord All-Powerful said to me : I love Zion so much that her enemies make me angry. I will return to Jerusalem and live there on Mount Zion. Then Jerusalem will be known as my faithful city, and Zion will be known as my holy mountain. (...) People of Judah and Israel, you have been a curse to the nations, but I will save you and make you a blessing to them. So don't be afraid or lose courage. (...) But **you must be truthful with each other**, and **in court you must give fair decisions that lead to peace**. **Don't ever plan evil things against others or tell lies under oath**. I, the Lord, hate such things. People of Judah, I, the Lord, demand that whenever you go without food as a way of worshiping me, it should become a time of celebration. No matter if it's the fourth month, the fifth month, the seventh month, or the tenth month, you should have a joyful festival. So **love truth** and live at peace. ---------------------------------------------------- John [1:1-7](https://bible.com/bible/37/jhn.1.1.CEB) : In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word was with God in the beginning. Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was the light for all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. A man named John was sent from God. He came as a witness to testify concerning the light ---------------------------------------------------- [Surah 114](https://quran.com/en/an-nas) "Al-Nās"(Mankind) : Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “I seek refuge in the Lord of humankind, the Master of humankind, the God of humankind, from the evil of the lurking whisperer— who whispers into the hearts of humankind— from among jinn and humankind.” ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. Luke](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist), Evangelist, Physician, Patron of Artists
https://www.telam.com.ar/notas/202310/643468-pope-francis-war-is-the-great-enemy-of-the-universal-dialogue-that-we-need.html A crisis is a labyrinth. Also, a crisis makes you grow. Whether it’s a person, a family, a country or a civilization in crisis, **if it is solved well, there is growth**. (...) Let’s think of any kind of political crisis, in a country that doesn’t know what to do, there are many in Europe. What can be done ? Shall we look for a messiah to come save us ? No. We must find where the conflict is and solve it. There is wisdom in the management of a crisis. But you can’t move forward without a conflict. Austerity is taught through work. (...) Laziness is a social sickness. There are even rich lazy people who live off the work of others without thinking of the common good. (...) A person has dignity when they earn their living and they take care of other people. The greatest treachery to that road to dignity is exploitation. I don’t mean exploiting the soil so it produces more, but exploiting the worker. (...) I have data regarding exploitation of labor in the world and they are huge. When I say the things I wrote in the Social Encyclicals, some people say “the Pope is a communist”. I am not. The Pope reads the Gospel and speaks what is in the Gospel. **A country cannot have partial security unless there is integral security for everybody.** I believe dialogue cannot be just nationalist, it must be universal, especially nowadays with the advanced communication systems we have. Since the end of World War II up until today, there have been wars everywhere. > What circumstances foster or favor war? Exploitation is one of the causes of war. Another cause is geopolitical : territory control. Some wars that seem endless are caused by cultural conflicts but in reality they are about territory control. Myanmar, for instance, has been at war for years and years, and the Rohingya people, who follow Islam, have been persecuted because of an elitist power who thinks they are superior (...) I also believe that war is fostered by dictatorships. > Do you believe that uniting our consciousness, beyond our religious or political differences, is a way to begin the construction of peace and common good ? Yes, absolutely yes, but with one condition : being aware of one’s own identity. You cannot dialogue with others if you are not aware of where you come from. When two aware identities get together, they can have a conversation and take steps toward an agreement, toward progress, walk together. But if one is not aware of one’s own identity, one assumes things as one’s own and betrays one’s people, country or family. If I, as a Catholic, have to talk to someone from other religion, I must be fully aware of being a Catholic and that the other person has the right to their religion. But if I’m not aware of my own identity, I can’t have a conversation, I’m going to laugh at everything, I’m going to sell everything, to fake everything. I wouldn’t be truly consistent. A theologist from the 4th Century said that changes in the Church must comply to three conditions to be real : consolidating, growing and ennoble themselves along the years. It is a very inspiring definition by Vincent of Lérins. > Is it hard being the representative of God on Earth, and at this time? I’m going to do a heresy. We are all representatives of God. Every person who believes must testify to what they believe and, in this sense, we are all representatives of God. > Francis, what’s your relationship with God? Ask Him (looks up and smiles). I believe it’s an image, but there’s truth in it : I maintain the piety I had as a child. My grandmother taught me how to pray and I maintain that simple piety of praying, as we say in Argentina “the faith of a coal miner”. I’m not complicated when I pray. One might even say I have an old-fashioned spirituality. Maybe. In this sense, there is a unifying thread from my childhood to this day. My religious consciousness has grown a lot, that’s different, it has matured, but the way I express myself to God has always been simple. Being complicated is not in me. Sometimes I say (looks up) “you fix this, because I can’t”. And I ask the Virgen and the Saints to intercede, to help me. And when I have to make a decision, I always pray…to the light above. But the Lord is a good friend, **He has been good to me**. He takes care of me, as He takes care of all. We must pay attention to the way He takes care of each of us, He has a different style with each of us. That is beautiful. > Can one ever be angry at God? No, I get angry with other people. I might complain now and then, but I know He is waiting for me, always. When I make a mistake or when I was unjustly angry with someone. Yet, He never reproaches me. In my dialogue with the Lord, a reproach is always a caress. Today, I was reading [Hosea Chapter 11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hosea%2011&version=NIV), where he speaks of that caress, that love of God to each of us as if we were the image of that lamb he carries on his shoulders. The three qualities of God, the most forceful ones, are closeness, mercy and tenderness. We always talk about faith, charity and love. And hope is in the kitchen, but that’s precisely why it’s our everyday virtue. We must not only keep our hope, but also nourish it. Hope is so fecund ! (...) And theological hope is very humble but it seasons our daily condiments. It’s not escapism to think tomorrow might be better. ---------------------------------------------------- For now, every chapter of Zechariah is a succession of symbols, most of which are fortunately (partially )interpreted. [Zechariah 5:9](https://bible.com/bible/37/zec.5.9.CEB) may have a role in the origin for this image of storks carrying babies, perhaps. > I looked up again and saw two women going out. There was a wind in their wings; their wings were like the wings of a stork. They carried the basket between the earth and the sky. But here's [the fourth&fifth verse](https://bible.com/bible/37/zec.7.14.CEB) of the seventh chapter : Then the word of the LORD of heavenly forces came to me : Say to all the land’s people and to the priests : When you fasted and lamented in the fifth month and the seventh month for these past seventy years, did you fast for me ? [*And from the height verse to the end :]* The LORD’s word came to Zechariah : The LORD of heavenly forces proclaims : Make just and faithful decisions; show kindness and compassion to each other ! Don’t oppress the widow, the orphan, the stranger, and the poor ; don’t plan evil against each other ! But they refused to pay attention. They turned a cold shoulder and stopped listening. They steeled their hearts against hearing the Instruction and the words that the LORD of heavenly forces sent by his spirit through the earlier prophets. As a result, the LORD of heavenly forces became enraged. So just as he called and they didn’t listen, when they called, I didn’t listen, says the LORD of heavenly forces. I scattered them throughout the nations whom they didn’t know. The land was devastated behind them, with no one leaving or returning. They turned a delightful land into a wasteland. *[As a note, the term "LORD of heavenly forces" has many traductions : LORD of hosts(, King James version), LORD Almighty(, new international version) or LORD All-powerful(, contemporary english version), Adonai-*Tzva'ot*(, complete jewish bible), the [LORD of the Armies](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavenly_host) is also a very common translation that i've seen many times]* ---------------------------------------------------- Letter of St. Paul to the Romans ([Rom 1:19-21-25](https://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/romans/passage/?q=romans+1:16-25)) : For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse ; for although they knew God, they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. (...) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. ---------------------------------------------------- [Surah "Al Imran"](https://quran.com/3)(, The Family of Imran) : 3:7 He is the One Who has revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ the Book, of which some verses are precise—they are the foundation of the Book—while others are elusive. Those with deviant hearts follow the elusive verses seeking ˹to spread˺ doubt through their ˹false˺ interpretations—but none grasps their ˹full˺ meaning except God. As for those well-grounded in knowledge, they say, “We believe in this ˹Quran˺—it is all from our Lord.” But none will be mindful ˹of this˺ except people of reason. *[Is the last sentence an argument that a 'mindful' belief is also anchored in reason ?]* 3:14 The enjoyment of ˹worldly˺ desires—women, children, treasures of gold and silver, fine horses, cattle, and fertile land—has been made appealing to people. These are the pleasures of this worldly life, but with God is the finest destination. *[Including in this world i.m.h.o]* 3:28 Believers should not take disbelievers as guardians/allies instead of the believers—and whoever does so will have nothing to hope for from God—unless it is a precaution against their tyranny. And God warns you about Himself. And to God is the final return. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. Ignatius of Antioch](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignatius_of_Antioch), Bishop, Martyr in Rome
Describing a situation in which people are deprived of their basic needs, Brusa said currently the most urgent one is drinking water. He also highlighted the fact that for the first time, UN buildings[, where people take refuge,] are being hit by airstrikes. What we find very disturbing now, he continued, “is that even hospitals have been asked to evacuate and that equates to a death sentence because we know very well that a patient cannot leave the hospital. There are pregnant women about to deliver, there are very sick people who have been injured in the bombardments, and they cannot move.” And the doctors, Brusa continued, say “We are not going to move. We are not going to leave our patients, we will die with them.” One woman, he said, wrote that that was her last message, that she didn't expect to survive until the next day. “She was in the middle of Gaza and she said ‘I cannot relocate, first of all, because I'm not going to leave behind my elderly parents, I cannot move with young children and my extended family, but also because this is the eighth emergency in the last seven years: we are tired of all of this!’", she wrote. “We prefer to die with dignity rather than, again, seeking to escape to the south. Confirming that there is no safe place to go in Gaza at the moment, Brusa said that since last Thursday, 14 UNRWA[, United Nations Relief and Works Agency,] staff members have been killed and he suspects that number could be much higher. “What we do know is that several of our installations, including a medical centre, schools, relief and social service centres have been hit, they are destroyed, they no longer exist.” ---------------------------------------------------- The final chapter of the book of Malachi only contains six verses, and announced the end of the wicked by the righteous. If we continue in the reverse order comes the book of Zechariah, but if we take the reverse chronological order it is the book of Nehemiah :  I'll keep the biblical order and continue with Zechariah : [Zechariah 1:2-6](https://bible.com/bible/37/zec.1.2.CEB) : The LORD was terribly angry with your ancestors. But you must say to the people, the LORD of heavenly forces proclaims : Return to me, says the LORD of heavenly forces, and I will return to you, says the LORD of heavenly forces. Don’t be like your ancestors to whom the former prophets preached : The LORD of heavenly forces proclaims : Turn from your evil ways and your evil deeds. But they didn’t listen; they didn’t draw near to me. *[Four repetitions of The LORD of heavenly forces proclaims/says in only three verses, why ?]* So where are your ancestors ? Do the prophets live forever ? In fact, didn’t my words and laws, which I gave to my servants, the prophets, pursue your ancestors ? And then the people changed their hearts, and they said, The LORD of heavenly forces has treated us according to what we have done, exactly as he planned. [Zechariah 1:12-17](https://bible.com/bible/37/zec.1.17.CEB) Then the LORD’s messenger, who was speaking with me, said : “LORD of heavenly forces, how long will you withhold compassion from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, with whom you have been angry these seventy years ?” The LORD responded to the messenger who was speaking with me with kind and compassionate words. The messenger speaking with me called out, “This is what the LORD of heavenly forces says : I care passionately about Jerusalem and Zion. And I am exceedingly angry with those carefree nations. Though I was somewhat angry, they added to the violence”. Therefore, this is what the LORD says : I have returned to Jerusalem with compassion. My house will be built in it, says the LORD of heavenly forces. Let a measuring line be stretched over Jerusalem. “Call out again, The LORD of heavenly forces proclaims : My cities will again overflow with prosperity. The LORD will again show compassion to Zion and will again choose Jerusalem.” *[Who could ever say that they were lying ? How could anyone take these words literally ?]* ---------------------------------------------------- Gospel according to Matthew [13:44-52](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013%3A44-52&version=NIV) : The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. *[Because the bad fish, while not without value before that, suddenly didn't matter as much once they discovered all these good fishes(, and could afford to throw the bad away) ?]* This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous, and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. *[Exactly one of the formulation of Muhammad ﷺ if i'm not mistaken]* “Have you understood all these things ?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied. *[Not me]* He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” *[I think i can understand this one, it says that a teacher(, equivalent of a disciple/student in the kingdom of heaven,) is able to bring treasures from the sacred texts as well as from his own soul(, always/only by God's grace of course)]* ---------------------------------------------------- *[This surah talks about the afterlife, which is the occasion to express my regrets for writing that i do not believe in the afterlife, i simply don't give it any thoughts. If believing in the afterlife helps me to become better, and to serve God and my fellow (non-)humans/creatures/beings, then i believe in the afterlife, i mostly don't want it, or God's gaze, to be my main motive, helping another being should be enough. And if it exists, i already know that my place is in Hell, i've failed. I'd certainly feel a lot of trust and sympathy towards anyone who fears God, i can't understand how such person would consciously do evil. The problem as always is that our judgment is imperfect, at most we can/must try(, and at worst we can evilly defy our own conscience and God's judgment).]* Surah Al-Inshiqāq("The Sundering") ([84](https://quran.com/84)) : When the sky bursts open, obeying its Lord as it must, and when the earth is flattened out, and ejects ˹all˺ its contents and becomes empty, obeying its Lord as it must, ˹surely you will all be judged˺. O humanity ! Indeed, you are labouring restlessly towards your Lord, and will ˹eventually˺ meet the consequences. As for those who are given their record in their right hand, they will have an easy reckoning, and will return to their people joyfully. And as for those who are given their record ˹in their left hand˺ from behind their backs, they will cry for ˹instant˺ destruction, and will burn in the blazing Fire. For they used to be prideful among their people, thinking they would never return ˹to Allah˺. Yes ˹they would˺ ! Surely their Lord has always been All-Seeing of them. So, I do swear by the twilight ! And by the night and whatever it envelops ! And by the moon when it waxes full ! You will certainly pass from one state to another. So what is the matter with them that they do not believe, and when the Quran is recited to them, they do not bow down ˹in submission˺ ? In fact, the disbelievers persist in denial. But Allah knows best whatever they hide. So give them good news of a painful punishment. But those who believe and do good will have a never-ending reward.
*[Unavoidably, i only subjectively kept some passages.]* *[I've also taken the liberty of replacing the word Jesus with [Lord], in square brackets, partly because i'm currently angry, but mainly because I don't understand how the Christ could be an aspect of God while still being fully human. I'll stop doing this if i understand how Jesus-Christ is God, but until then i'll be with the muslims on this one. In any case the teachings won't change with this small replacement.]* *[I've also changed his/His into H..er.is, and mostly didn't bothered with indicating "(...)", i even deleted them in the end]* ----------------------------------------------------  Saint Therese is one of the best known and most beloved saints in our world. Like Saint Francis of Assisi, she is loved by non-Christians and nonbelievers as well. In addition, she has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the most significant figures for contemporary humanity. We would do well to delve more deeply into her message as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of her birth in Alençon(, 2 January 1873,) and the centenary of her beatification. Yet, I have not chosen to issue this Exhortation on either of those dates, or on her liturgical Memorial, so that this message may transcend those celebrations and be taken up as part of the spiritual treasury of the Church. The earthly life of Saint Therese was brief, a mere twenty-four years, and completely ordinary, first in her family and then in the Carmel of Lisieux. The extraordinary burst of light and love that she radiated came to be known soon after her death, with the publication of her writings and thanks to the countless graces bestowed on the faithful who invoked her intercession. ---------------------------------------------------- [1 Jn 4:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204%3A8-16&version=NIV) : Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. Therese could define her mission in these words : “I shall desire in heaven the same thing as I do now on earth : to love [the Lord] and to make H..er.im loved” She did not view her consecration to God apart from the pursuit of the good of her brothers and sisters. (...) For this reason, Therese is the Patroness of the missions[ and of florists according to the Internet], and a model of evangelization. Evangelization takes place by attraction, not *[only?]* by pressure or proselytism. “That is my prayer. I ask [the Lord] to draw me to the flames of H..er.is love, to unite me so closely to H..er.im that S.H..e live and act in in me (...), for a soul that is burning with love cannot remain inactive.” “the elevator which must raise me to heaven is your arms, O [Lord] ! And for this, I had no need to grow up, but rather I had to remain little and become this more and more”. *[I can't agree, sorry. Misdoers are little, not worth noticing, while saints are shining stars. Well, i guess you could say that saints are very little, since there's a paradox in saying that the last will be the first, thus probably two opposite definitions for the same word 'greatness', in any case we're here to serve, by placing ourselves below others]* Therese always stresses the primacy of God’s work, his gift of grace. Once gratuitously justified by sanctifying grace, we are changed and enabled to cooperate by our good works in a process of growth in holiness. Through this “elevation”, we can possess real merits by virtue of the development of the grace received. At the heart of her teaching is the realization that, since we are incapable of being certain about ourselves, **we cannot be sure of our merits**. Hence, it is not possible to trust in our own efforts or achievements. The Catechism chose to quote the words that Saint Therese addressed to the Lord : “I will appear before you with empty hands”, in order to express that “the saints have always had a lively awareness that their merits were pure grace”. This conviction gives rise to a joyful and tender gratitude. Her gaze remained fixed not on herself and her own needs, but on [the Lord], who loves, seeks, desires, and dwells within. The complete confidence that becomes an abandonment in Love sets us free from obsessive calculations, constant worry about the future and fears that take away our peace. The sin of the world is great, but not infinite, whereas the merciful love of the Redeemer is indeed infinite. Filled with confidence, she dared to explain : “[Lord], allow me to save very many souls ; let no soul be lost today… [O Lord], pardon me if I say anything I should not say. I only want to give You joy and to console You”. ---------------------------------------------------- [1 Cor 13:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2013%3A8-13&version=NIV) : And now these three remain : faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. The act of love – repeating the words, “[Lord] I love you” – which became as natural to Therese as breathing, is the key to her understanding of the Gospel. Once she surrendered completely to the working of the Spirit, she received, quietly and unobtrusively, an abundant outpouring of living water : “rivers, or better, the oceans of graces that flooded my soul”. This is the mystical life that, apart from any extraordinary phenomena, offers itself to all the faithful as a daily experience of love. Therese practised charity in littleness, in the simplest things of daily life, and she did so in the company of the Virgin Mary, from whom she learned that “to love is to give everything. It’s to give oneself”. While preachers in those days often celebrated Mary’s grandeur in ways that made her seem far removed from us, Therese showed, starting with the Gospel, that Mary is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven because she is the least(, cf. [Mt 18:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2018%3A4&version=NIV)), the one closest to Jesus in his abasement. She saw that, if the apocrypha are full of striking and amazing feats, the Gospels show us a lowly and poor life lived in the simplicity of faith. Therese did not hesitate to write : “Mother full of grace, I know that in Nazareth You live in poverty, wanting nothing more. No rapture, miracle or ecstasy embellish your life, O Queen of the Elect ! The number of little ones on earth is truly great. They can raise their eyes to you without trembling. It’s by the ordinary way, incomparable Mother, that you like to walk to guide them to heaven”. It is that heart whose fire is rekindled with each of our acts of charity. **“I shall be love”**. The transformation that was taking place enabled her to pass from a fervent desire for heaven to a constant, burning desire for the good of all, culminating in her dream of continuing in heaven her mission of loving [the Lord] and making H..er.im loved. As she wrote in one of her last letters : “I really count on not remaining inactive in heaven. My desire is to work still for the Church and for souls”. And in those very days she said, even more directly : “My heaven will be spent on earth until the end of the world. Yes, I want to spend my heaven in doing good on earth”. It is trust that brings us to love and thus sets us free from fear. It is trust that helps us to stop looking to ourselves and enables us to put into God’s hands what S..H.e alone can accomplish. Doing so provides us with an immense source of love and energy for seeking the good of our brothers and sisters. Let us ask, then, for such trust as a free and precious gift of grace, so that the paths of the Gospel may open up in our lives. Not everything is equally central, because there is an order or hierarchy among the truths of the Church, and “this holds true as much for the dogmas of faith as for the whole corpus of the Church’s teaching, including her moral teaching”. **The centre of Christian morality is charity**, as our response to the unconditional love of the Trinity. Consequently, “works of love directed towards one’s neighbour are the most perfect manifestation of the interior grace of the Spirit”. In the end, only love counts. ---------------------------------------------------- The specific contribution that Therese offers us as a saint and a Doctor of the Church is not analytical, along the lines, for example, of Saint Thomas Aquinas. By her words and her personal experience she shows that, while it is true that all the Church’s teachings and rules have their importance, their value, their clarity, some are more urgent and more foundational for the Christian life. As theologians, moralists and spiritual writers, as pastors and as believers, wherever we find ourselves, we need constantly to appropriate this insight of Therese and to draw from it consequences both theoretical and practical, doctrinal and pastoral, personal and communal. We need boldness and interior freedom to do so. At times, the only quotes we find cited from this saint are secondary to her message, or deal with things she has in common with any other saint, such as prayer, sacrifice, Eucharistic piety, and any number of other beautiful testimonies. In an age that urges us to focus on our ourselves and our own interests, Therese shows us **the beauty of making our lives a gift**. At a time when the most superficial needs and desires are glorified, she testifies to **the radicalism of the Gospel**. In an age of individualism, she makes us discover **the value of a love that becomes intercession for others**. At a time when human beings are obsessed with grandeur and new forms of power, she points out to us **the little way**. In an age that casts aside so many of our brothers and sisters, she teaches us **the beauty of concern and responsibility for one another**. At a time of great complexity, she can help us rediscover **the importance of simplicity, the absolute primacy of love, trust and abandonment**, and thus move beyond a legalistic or moralistic mindset that would fill the Christian life with rules and regulations, and cause the joy of the Gospel to grow cold. In an age of indifference and self-absorption, Therese inspires us to **be missionary disciples, captivated by the attractiveness of Jesus and the Gospel**. ---------------------------------------------------- A century and a half after her birth, Therese is more alive than ever in the pilgrim Church, in the heart of God’s people. She accompanies us on our pilgrim way, **doing good on earth, as she had so greatly desired**. The most lovely signs of her spiritual vitality are the innumerable “roses” that Therese continues to strew : the graces God grants us through her loving intercession in order to sustain us on our journey through life. Dear Saint Therese, the Church needs to radiate the brightness, the fragrance, and the joy of the Gospel. Send us your roses ! Help us to be, like yourself, ever confident in God’s immense love for us, so that we may imitate each day your “little way” of holiness. Amen. *Given in Rome, in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, on 15 October, the Memorial of Saint Teresa of Avila, in the year 2023, the eleventh of my Pontificate.* FRANCIS
  I've started a bit late to give as much time as i'd like for the [apostolic exhortation](https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/20231015-santateresa-delbambinogesu.html), but i will certainly read it more attentively tomorrow. ---------------------------------------------------- **Angelus of this week :** [God] does not propose to us a relationship of subjection, but rather of fatherhood and sonship, which is necessarily conditioned by our free assent. (...) Saint Augustine uses a very beautiful expression in this regard, saying : “He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent” (Sermon CLXIX, 13) (...) Why do men refuse His invitation ? Was it perhaps an unpleasant invitation ? No, (...) they did not care because they were thinking of their own affairs. (...) Often, we struggle to have free time, but today Jesus invites us to find the time that frees : the time to dedicate to God, that lightens and heals our hearts, that increases peace, confidence, and joy in us, that saves us from evil, loneliness, and loss of meaning. It is worth it, because it is good to be with the Lord, to make space for him. Where ? In the Mass, in listening to the Word, in prayer and also in charity. (...) Let us ask ourselves, then : how do I respond to God’s invitations ? What space do I give him in my days ? Does the quality of my life depend on my affairs and my free time, or on love for the Lord and for my brethren, especially those most in need ? Let us ask ourselves this.  ---------------------------------------------------- [Third chapter of the book of Malachi](https://bible.com/bible/37/mal.3.1.CEB) : Look, I am sending my messenger who will clear the path before me (...) He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. (...) You have spoken harshly about me, says the LORD ; but you say, “What have we spoken about you ?” You said, “Serving God is useless. What do we gain by keeping his obligation or by walking around as mourners before the LORD of heavenly forces ? So now we consider the arrogant fortunate. Moreover, those doing evil are built up ; they test God and escape.” Then those revering the LORD, each and every one, spoke among themselves. The LORD paid attention and listened to them. Then a scroll of remembrance was written before the LORD about those revering the LORD, the ones meditating on his name. On the day that I am preparing, says the LORD of heavenly forces, they will be my special possession. I will spare them just as parents spare a child who serves them. You will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those serving God and those not serving him. ---------------------------------------------------- Gospel according to St.Matthew ([25:1-13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025%3A1-13&version=NIV)) : ‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them ; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. *[Is oil a metaphor for good deeds ? For a full spirit ?]* As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, "Look ! Here is the bridegroom ! Come out to meet him." *[Does it mean that they died ? That they were tested ?]* Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out". But the wise replied, "No ! there will not be enough for you and for us ; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves." *[I don't understand, the bridegroom is near so why don't they have enough oil to share, and how can you buy oil ?]* And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet ; and the door was shut. Later, the other bridesmaids came also, saying, "Lord, lord, open to us." But he replied, "Truly I tell you, I do not know you." Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. ---------------------------------------------------- Surah of the day [14:31-34](https://quran.com/14) : Tell My believing servants to establish prayer and donate from what We have provided for them—openly and secretly—before the arrival of a Day in which there will be no ransom or friendly connections. It is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth and sends down rain from the sky, causing fruits to grow as a provision for you. He has subjected the ships for your service, sailing through the sea by His command, and has subjected the rivers for you. He has ˹also˺ subjected for you the sun and the moon, both constantly orbiting, and has subjected the day and night for you. And He has granted you all that you asked Him for. If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you would never be able to number them. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** , Virgin, Doctor of the Church, discalced Carmelite Not to be confused with [Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%A9r%C3%A8se_of_Lisieux), whose feast day was the 1st of October. 
 ---------------------------------------------------- I wanted to continue with Jonah but it's only 4 chapters long, and we've already seen all of them, so i've chosen the book of Malachi, the last of the Old Testament, and also 4 chapters long. The first chapter talks at length about the anger of God because of the impurity of some sacrifices, then more interestingly in the second chapter about the impurities coming out of the mouths of the priests : ([Malachi 2:3-12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+2%3A3-12&version=NIV)) : Then I will lift you up to me, and you will know that I have sent this command to you so that my covenant with Levi can continue to exist, says the LORD of heavenly forces. My covenant with him involved life and peace, which I gave him, and also fear so that he honored me. He was in awe of my name. True Instruction was in his mouth ; injustice wasn’t found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and did the right thing ; he made many turn from iniquity. The lips of the priest should guard knowledge ; everyone should seek Instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger from the LORD of heavenly forces. But you have turned from the path. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of heavenly forces. Moreover, I have made you despised and humiliated in the view of all the people, since none of you keep my ways or show respect for Instruction. Isn’t there one father for all of us, one God who created us ? Why does everyone cheat each other to make the covenant of our ancestors impure ? Judah cheated— a detestable thing was done in Israel and Jerusalem. Judah made the LORD’s holy place impure, which God loved, and married the daughter of a foreign god. May the LORD eliminate anyone who does so from the tents of Jacob. *[We retrieve here the accusations towards the priests, towards Judah, and God as the Father.]*  ---------------------------------------------------- The last extract yesterday was quite violent against the Pharisee(, and perhaps that the priests were members of the Saduccees, i don't know) : [Matthew 16:1-6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2016&version=NIV) The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away. When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast(/teachings) of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” *[Three verses later, the Christ says :]* « Do you still not understand ? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered ? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered ? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread ? » ---------------------------------------------------- Surah Yunus("Jonah"), [10:98-107](https://myislam.org/surah-yunus/) : Then has there not been a [single] city that believed, so its faith benefited it, except the people of Jonah ? When they believed, We removed from them the punishment of disgrace in worldly life and gave them enjoyment for a time. And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed – all of them entirely. Then, [O Muhammad], would you compel the people in order that they become believers ? And it is not for a soul to believe except by permission of Allah, and He will place defilement upon those who will not use reason. Say, “Observe what is in the heavens and earth.” But of no avail will be signs or warners to a people who do not believe. (...) Say, [O Muhammad], “O people, if you are in doubt as to my religion – then I do not worship those which you worship besides Allah ; but I worship Allah, who causes your death. And I have been commanded to be of the believers. And [commanded], ‘Direct your face toward the religion, **inclining to truth**, and never be of those who associate others with Allah ; (...) And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him ; and if He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty. He causes it to reach whom He wills of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. *[I'm not trying to solve this one, it's complicated, Muhammad ﷺ speaks very well about it, and doesn't have a definitive answer as to why God didn't chose for everything to be Perfect already, but can never be wrong to remind us that things would be different if God's will was different, it's up to us to do our best to reach the End, not that there's any other direction anyway(, although once we reach this End, i don't think we'll know with certainty that it's the "real"/maximal End).]* ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. Callistus I](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Callixtus_I), Pope and Martyr
  ---------------------------------------------------- I've talked a few days ago about [Luke 10:25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010%3A25-37&version=NIV) : « There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life ?" » I don't know what is the meaning behind the expression "eternal life", the common explanation speaks about life after death and the paradise, perhaps. It can also be found, for example, in [Mark 8:34-38](https://bible.com/bible/37/mrk.8.34.CEB) : After calling the crowd together with his disciples, Jesus said to them, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me and because of the good news will save them. Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives ? What will people give in exchange for their lives ? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this unfaithful and sinful generation, the Human One will be ashamed of that person when he comes in the Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Well, if you didn't already know, i wanted to point out that it didn't appeared for the first time in the New Testament, [here's one example](https://bible.com/bible/133/heb.12.9.PDV2017)(, the french version was more explicit, what did they meant here by "and live" ?) : Bear hardship for the sake of discipline. God is treating you like sons and daughters ! What child isn’t disciplined by his or her father ? But if you don’t experience discipline, which happens to all children, then you are illegitimate and not real sons and daughters. What’s more, we had human parents who disciplined us, and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live ? *[[Psalm 23:4-6](https://www.bible.com/bible/1/PSA.23.4-6.KJV) is more explicit :]* Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff— they protect me. You set a table for me, right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil ; my cup is so full it spills over ! Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the LORD’s house as long as I live. *[Huh. Just realized that this traduction isn't the same as a lot of others, such as the King James version, who end with "forever" instead, it may not be such an unambiguous example in the end. In any case the Old Testament doesn't have a lot of references to the afterlife compared to the other sacred texts]* *[To be clear : Egyptians/Greeks/Persians/Indians/.. also believed in the afterlife, so the expression "eternal life" seems like a direct reference, i was just wondering if there was also another meaning added to it, as is often the case. But since i had no conclusion it was a pointless note that i mostly kept because of the citations. I don't believe in the afterlife, but i believe that i should/must act all the time as if it was certain(, i'm failing everyday as everyone else(, or nobody ever failed, depending on one's strictness), trying honestly seems worth it).]* ---------------------------------------------------- From the book of the prophet Joel ([Jl 1:13-15; 2:1-2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel%201%3A13-15%2CJoel%202%3A1-2&version=RSV)) : Gird yourselves and weep, O priests ! Wail, O ministers of the altar ! Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God ! The house of your God is deprived of offering and libation. Proclaim a fast, call an assembly ; gather the elders, all who dwell in the land, into the house of the LORD, your God, and cry to the LORD ! Alas, the day ! For near is the day of the LORD, band it comes as ruin from the Almighty. Blow the trumpet in Zion, sound the alarm on my holy mountain ! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming ; yes, it is near, a day of darkness and of gloom, a day of clouds and somberness ! Like dawn spreading over the mountains, a people numerous and mighty ! Their like has not been from of old, nor will it be after them, even to the years of distant generations. *[Meh. It seems that vatican.va is basing itself on https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101323.cfm, perhaps not always. I'll go back to Jonah if the next one isn't great.]* ---------------------------------------------------- From the Gospel according to Luke ([Lk 11:42](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2011&version=NIV)) : When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him ; so he went in and reclined at the table. But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. Then, the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people ! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also ? But now as for what is inside you—**be generous to the poor**, and everything will be clean for you. “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect **justice and the love of God**. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. “Woe to you Pharisees, because you **love** the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces. “Woe to you, because **you are like unmarked graves**, which people walk over without knowing it.” One of the experts in the law answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.” Jesus replied, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and **you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them**. “Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and **it was your ancestors who killed them**. So you testify that you approve of what your ancestors did ; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. Because of this, God in his wisdom said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.’ Therefore, this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all. “Woe to you, experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” ---------------------------------------------------- Surah [3:190-195](https://quran.com/3/190) : Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the day and night there are signs for people of reason. *[I wouldn't believe in this aspect of God if i didn't already believed this sentence, reality is weird]* ˹They are˺ those who remember Allah **while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides**, and **reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth** ˹and **pray**˺, “Our Lord ! **You have not created ˹all of˺ this without purpose. Glory be to You !** Protect us from the torment of the Fire. Our Lord ! Indeed, those You commit to the Fire will be ˹completely˺ disgraced ! And the wrongdoers will have no helpers. Our Lord ! We have heard the caller[, Muḥammad ﷺ,] to ˹true˺ belief, ˹proclaiming,˺ ‘Believe in your Lord ˹alone˺,’ so we believed. Our Lord ! Forgive our sins, absolve us of our misdeeds, and join us with the virtuous when we die. Our Lord ! Grant us what You have promised us through Your messengers, and do not put us to shame on Judgment Day—for certainly You never fail in Your promise.” So their Lord responded to them : “I will never deny any of you—male or female—the reward of your deeds. Both are equal in reward. Those who migrated or were expelled from their homes, and were persecuted for My sake, and fought and ˹some˺ were martyred—I will certainly forgive their sins, and admit them into Gardens under which rivers flow, as a reward from Allah. And with Allah is the finest reward !” ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [Theophilus](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theophilus_of_Antioch), Bishop of Antioch
Also during the Synod's morning prayer, the President of the Focolare Movement, Margaret Karram, invited prayers for peace. "Lord, we pray to you for the Holy Land, for the people of Israel and Palestine who are under the grip of unprecedented violence, for the victims, especially the children, for the wounded, for those held hostage, for the missing and their families," she said. "In these hours of anguish and suspension, we join our voices to that of the Pope and to the choral prayer of those around the world who implore peace." Ms. Karram also recalled the other countries of the Middle East and all countries at war living in terror and destruction. "Help us, Lord, to commit ourselves to building a fraternal world so that these peoples and those in the same conditions of conflict of instability and violence may find the path of respect for human rights where justice, dialogue and reconciliation are the indispensable tools for building peace," she prayed. ---------------------------------------------------- In his appeal, Pope Francis acknowledged that “it is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves”. However, he expressed concern for the “total siege facing the Palestinians in Gaza, where there have also been many innocent victims.” Israel announced a “complete siege” on Gaza, promising to shut off access to electricity, food, water, and gas. The Pope invited both parties to restraint in hopes of reaching a solution to the war. “Terrorism and extremism do not help to reach a solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, but fuel hatred, violence, and revenge, causing suffering to both sides,” he said. *[I agree, but what do palestinians have to lose by fighting, and what do they have to gain by pacifism ? Is there another "solution" for them than to abandon their holy lands ? We won't even give something in exchange, that's not fair, and i don't see what they hoped to gain from this attack, it seemed desperate/aimless. Perhaps better than doing nothing, it raised awareness of their issue, i.d.k...]* ---------------------------------------------------- From the book of the prophet Malachi ([Ml 3:13-20b](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi%203%3A13-20&version=NABRE)) : You have defied me in word, says the LORD, yet you ask, "What have we spoken against you ?" **You have said, "It is vain to serve God,** and what do we profit by keeping his command, and going about in penitential dress in awe of the LORD of hosts ? Rather must we call the proud blessed ; for indeed evildoers prosper, and even tempt God with impunity." Then, they who fear the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened attentively ; and a record book was written before him of those who fear the LORD and trust in his name. *[Pretty much the same as those who are virtuous i.m.h.o.]* And they shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, my own special possession, on the day I take action. And I will have compassion on them, **as a man has compassion on his son** who serves him. Then, you will again see the distinction between the just and the wicked ; between the one who serves God, and the one who does not serve him. For lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch, says the LORD of hosts. But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays. ---------------------------------------------------- From the Gospel according to Luke ([Lk 11:15-26](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2011%3A15-26&version=NIV)) : When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd said : “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand ? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out ? Therefore, they will be your judges. But if[ you judge that] it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. *[The kingdom of God is also a state of mind]* When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. *["Whoever is not with me is against me" is a known sentence, it seems to me more obvious/undeniable in "whoever is against me is not with me", but in this context neutrality or [otherness](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BlueAndOrangeMorality) wasn't a parameter]* “When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest, but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came’. But, upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes, and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first” *[I think that they were talking about real spirits, but it could still be interpreted as simple thoughts exorcised through dialogue ?]* Words of the Holy Father : (...) the evil that we acknowledge and try to uproot from our lives does indeed leave us, but we would be naïve to think that it will long be gone. In short order, it comes back under a new guise. Before, it appeared rough and violent, now it shows up as elegant and refined(...), [without us] even being conscious of [the re-entry of these "elegant demons"]. Only the daily practice of the examination of conscience can enable us to be aware of them. (Speeches, Roman Curia, 22 December 2022) ---------------------------------------------------- As-Saffat(, "Those who rank themselves in Order") ([37:83-109](https://quran.com/as-saffat)) [After talking about Noah] And indeed, one of those who followed his way was Abraham. ˹Remember˺ when he came to his Lord with a pure heart, and said to his father and his people, “What are you worshipping ? Is it false gods that you desire instead of Allah ? What then do you expect from the Lord of all worlds ?” He later looked up to the stars [˹in contemplation˺](https://lemmygrad.ml/pictrs/image/cd78d56b-008f-4598-831f-6b9b41bafeb3.jpeg), then said, “I am really sick". So they turned their backs on him and went away. Then, he ˹stealthily˺ advanced towards their gods, and said ˹mockingly˺, “Will you not eat ˹your offerings˺ ? What is wrong with you that you cannot speak ?” Then, he swiftly turned on them, striking ˹them˺ with his right hand. Later, his people came rushing towards him ˹furiously˺. He argued, “How can you worship what you carve ˹with your own hands˺, **when it is Allah Who created you and whatever you do ?**” They said ˹to one another˺, “Build him a furnace and cast him into the blazing fire.” And so they sought to harm him, but We made them inferior. He later said, “I am leaving ˹in obedience˺ to my Lord. He will guide me. My Lord ! Bless me with righteous offspring.” So We gave him good news of a forbearing son. Then, when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, “O my dear son ! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.” He replied, “O my dear father ! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.” Then, when they submitted ˹to Allah’s Will˺, and Abraham laid him on the side of his forehead ˹for sacrifice˺, We called out to him, “O Abraham ! You have already fulfilled the vision.” Indeed, this is how We reward the good-doers. That was truly a revealing test. And We [ransomed](https://lemmygrad.ml/pictrs/image/91b2f1b6-730d-4a62-9ae9-784267bfe055.jpeg) his son with a great sacrifice, and blessed Abraham ˹with honourable mention˺ among later generations : “Peace be upon Abraham.” [Then Muhammad ﷺ talks/recites about Isaac] ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [Theophilus](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theophilus_of_Antioch), Bishop of Antioch
  [General Audience :](https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2023/documents/20231011-udienza-generale.html) In our path of catechesis on apostolic zeal – we are reflecting on apostolic zeal — today we will let ourselves be inspired by the witness of [Saint Josephine Bakhita](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephine_Bakhita), a Sudanese saint. Unfortunately, for months Sudan has been torn by a terrible armed conflict, of which little is spoken today ; let us pray for the Sudanese people, so they might live in peace ! *[Pardon me, but what is the solution then, if negotiations, and referendums, and a union in diversity are excluded ? I.m.h.o., if people want to live a certain way, then they should be allowed to, let them split the country if that's the problem, and let them unite with countries closer to their belief if they're interested in power, i'm oversimplifying by ignoring details i know nothing about]* (...) **In 1869, she was abducted from her family at the age of seven**, and made a slave. Her abductors called her “Bakhita”, which means “fortunate”. She passed through eight masters – each one sold her on to the next. The physical and moral suffering she suffered as a child left her with no identity. She suffered cruelty and violence : on her body **she bore more than a hundred scars**. ---------------------------------------------------- I'd like to start with something very important, probably the most important i've ever said regarding religions and our relation with God, but i don't know how to express it. Talking about gratefulness isn't enough, nor an attention to signs, or a search for ../Light/Goodness/God. It's an overall feeling/'way of being' occuring naturally, encompassing a lot of things that ought to be felt at each moment, but perfectible/'not final'. I think that i was closer to it in 2013, most of the time. Searching for God isn't a good enough synonym, here's the most important quote i found in the Way of the Pilgrim : I found in part three, page 48, the treatise of [Peter the Damascene](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_of_Damascus), and began to read : “**One must call upon the Name of God even more often than one takes a breath, at all times, in all places in any kind of work**. The Apostle says: ‘Pray incessantly,’ that is, he teaches men to remember God always, everywhere and in all situations. Whatever you do, keep in your mind the Maker of all things. When you behold light, remember who gives it to you ; when you see heaven and earth and sea and all that they contain, **be in awe and give praise to their Creator**. When you put on your clothes, remember whose **gift** they are and give thanks to Him who takes care of your needs. In a word, remember and praise God in all your actions, and then you will be praying incessantly, and your soul will be filled with gladness.” Did you understand ? You probably have to need it first in order to be receptive. I don't know how to convey the importance of this sensation, it changed me and that's the most important thing i could say about my relation with God. ---------------------------------------------------- I ended the [Way of a pilgrim](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Way_of_a_Pilgrim) yesterday : Her words reminded me of the following saying of [Nikitas Stethatos](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niketas_Stethatos) in the Philokalia : “The nature of things is measured by the interior disposition of the soul ; that is, the kind of person one is will determine what he thinks of others.” He goes on to say : “He who has attained to genuine prayer and love no longer puts things into categories. He does not separate the righteous from the sinners, but loves all equally and does not judge them, just as God gives the sun to shine and the rain to fall both on the just and the unjust.”  [General Audience :](https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2023/documents/20231011-udienza-generale.html) « Truly, to pity means both to suffer with the victims of the great inhumanity in the world, and also to pity those who commit errors and injustices, not justifying, but humanizing. » « [This is ]the work that Saint Bakhita teaches us : to humanize, to humanize ourselves and to humanize others. » « Saint Bakhita, who became Christian, was transformed by the words of Christ she meditated on every day : “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” ([Lk 23:34](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023%3A34&version=NIV)). And so, she said : “If Judas had asked Jesus for forgiveness, he too would have found mercy”. We can say that St Bakhita’s life became an existential parable of forgiveness. » « Brothers and sisters, forgiveness is the wellspring of a zeal that becomes mercy and calls us to a humble and joyful holiness, like that of Saint Bakhita. » ---------------------------------------------------- From the book of the prophet Jonah ([Jon 4:1-11](https://biblia.com/bible/niv/jonah/4/1-11)) Jonah was greatly displeased, and became angry that God did not carry out the evil, he threatened against Nineveh. He prayed, "I beseech you, LORD, is not this what I said while I was still in my own country ? This is why I fled at first to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, rich in clemency, loath to punish. And now, LORD, please take my life from me ; for it is better for me to die than to live." But the LORD asked, "Have you reason to be angry ?" Jonah then left the city for a place to the east of it, where he built himself a hut and waited under it in the shade, to see what would happen to the city. And when the LORD God provided a gourd plant that grew up over Jonah's head, giving shade that relieved him of any discomfort, Jonah was very happy over the plant. But the next morning at dawn God sent a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. And when the sun arose, God sent a burning east wind ; and the sun beat upon Jonah's head till he became faint. Then Jonah asked for death, saying, "I would be better off dead than alive." *[Quick note on this : As long as you say that what is happening to you, while tragic, is still better than your own death, then you should be grateful to God, the reason for your existence(, and our existence, so even if that's not the case, you/we could still be grateful that other things exist even if you'd prefer to be dead). So, when someone in the Bible says "i'd prefer to be dead", i personally interpret it as "i've crossed the line where i can stop having to be grateful to you(, if i'm not grateful for the existence of what isn't me)", "i don't owe you", in a way.]* But God said to Jonah, "Have you reason to be angry over the plant ?" "I have reason to be angry," Jonah answered, "angry enough to die". Then the LORD said, "You are concerned over the plant which cost you no labor and which you did not raise ; it came up in one night and in one night it perished. And should I not be concerned over Nineveh, the great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot distinguish their right hand from their left, not to mention the many cattle ?" (since it may continue, i'll try to fill the gaps tomorrow with any relevant extracts) ---------------------------------------------------- From the Gospel according to Luke ([Lk 11:1-4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2011%3A1-4&version=NIV)) Jesus was praying in a certain place and, when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples". He said to them, "When you pray, say : ### Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come. ### Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins. ### For we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test." ---------------------------------------------------- Quran [9:18-27](https://quran.com/9) : The mosques of Allah should only be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish prayer, pay alms-tax, and fear none but Allah. It is right to hope that they will be among the ˹truly˺ guided. Do you ˹pagans˺ consider providing the pilgrims with water and maintaining the Sacred Mosque as equal to believing in Allah and the Last Day and struggling in the cause of Allah ? They are not equal in Allah’s sight. And **Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people**. *[Which is why scientists&others receiving ideas are usually interesting, and virtuous, always surprised me, Voltaire isn't the surprising exception people said he was]* Those who have believed, emigrated, and strived in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives are greater in rank in the sight of Allah. It is they who will triumph. (...) O believers ! Do not take your parents and siblings as trusted allies if they choose disbelief over belief. And whoever of you does so, they are the ˹true˺ wrongdoers. Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “If your parents and children and siblings and spouses and extended family and the wealth you have acquired and the trade you fear will decline and the homes you cherish—˹if all these˺ are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and struggling in His Way, then wait until Allah brings about [His Will](https://lemmygrad.ml/pictrs/image/f88f974e-8c60-478f-ae0d-382629f76310.jpeg). Allah does not guide the rebellious people.” Indeed, Allah has given you ˹believers˺ victory on many battlefields, even at the Battle of Ḥunain when you took pride in your great numbers, but they proved of no advantage to you. The earth, despite its vastness, seemed to close in on you, then you turned back in retreat. Then Allah sent down His reassurance upon His Messenger and the believers, and sent down forces you could not see, and punished those who disbelieved. Such was the reward of the disbelievers. Then afterwards Allah **will turn in grace to whoever He wills**. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of the day :** [St. Philip](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Evangelist), Deacon [St. Alexander Sauli](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Sauli), Bishop of Pavia [St. John XXIII](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_XXIII), Pope
From the book of the prophet Jonah ([Jon 3:1-10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203%3A1-10&version=NIV)) : The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time : "Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you". So Jonah made ready, and went to Nineveh, according to the LORD's bidding. Now, Nineveh was an enormously large city ; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but a single day's walk announcing, "Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed", when the people of Nineveh believed God ; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth. When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes. Then, he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh, by decree of the king and his nobles : "Neither man nor beast, neither cattle nor sheep, shall taste anything ; they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water. Man and beast shall be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God ; every man shall turn from his evil way, and from the violence he has in hand. Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath, so that we shall not perish". When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them ; he did not carry it out. ---------------------------------------------------- From the Gospel according to Luke ([Lk 10:38-42](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010%3A38-42&version=NIV)) : Jesus entered a village, where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary, who sat beside the Lord at his feet, listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving ? Tell her to help me". The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her". Words of the Holy Father : (...) Jesus’ word is the good portion, that which Mary had chosen. Therefore, she gives it first place: she stops and listens. The rest will come after. This does not detract from the value of practical effort, but it must not precede, but rather flow from listening to the word of Jesus. It must be enlivened by his Spirit. *(Angelus, 17 July 2022)*. ([1 Peter 4:7-11](https://bible.com/bible/37/1pe.4.7.CEB)) The end of everything has come. Therefore, be self-controlled and clearheaded so you can pray. Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins. Open your homes to each other without complaining. And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts. Whoever speaks should do so as those who speak God’s word. Whoever serves should do so from the strength that God furnishes. Do this so that in everything God may be honored through Jesus Christ. To him be honor and power forever and always. Amen. ---------------------------------------------------- Surah Al-Anam(, "The Cattle"), ([6:95-104](https://quran.com/6?startingVerse=95)) : Indeed, Allah is the One Who causes seeds and fruit stones to sprout. He brings forth the living from the dead and the dead from the living. That is Allah ! How can you then be deluded from the truth ? He causes the dawn to break, and has made the night for rest and made the sun and the moon to travel with precision. That is the design of the Almighty, All-Knowing. And He is the One Who has made the stars as your guide through the darkness of land and sea. We have already made the signs clear for people who know. And He is the One Who originated you all from a single soul, then assigned you a place to live and another to be laid to rest. We have already made the signs clear for people who comprehend. And He is the One Who sends down rain from the sky—causing all kinds of plants to grow—producing green stalks from which We bring forth clustered grain. And from palm trees come clusters of dates hanging within reach. There are also gardens of grapevines, olives, and pomegranates, similar in shape but dissimilar in taste. Look at their fruit as it yields and ripens ! Indeed, in these are signs for people who believe. Yet they associate the jinn with Allah in worship, even though He created them, and they falsely attribute to Him sons and daughters out of ignorance. Glorified and Exalted is He above what they claim ! He is the Originator of the heavens and earth. How could He have children when He has no mate ? He created all things and has perfect knowledge of everything. No vision can encompass Him, but He encompasses all vision. For He is the Most Subtle, All-Aware. Indeed, there have come to you insights from your Lord. So whoever chooses to see, it is for their own good. But whoever chooses to be blind, it is to their own loss. And I am not a keeper over you. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of the day :** [St. Paulinus](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulinus_of_York), Bishop of York, Disciple of St. Gregory the Great. [Sts. Daniel, Samuel and Companions](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_and_companions), first Franciscan Martyrs.
More than 2,000 people were killed in a devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake and several strong aftershocks that struck northwest Afghanistan on Sunday. The UN humanitarian coordinator has approved a US$5 million emergency reserve allocation from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF). Pakistan, Iran and China have also reportedly pledged to send food, blankets, medicines, tents and funds, according to Reuters news agency. [This comes after Lybia and Morocco last month...] ---------------------------------------------------- From the book of the prophet Jonah ([jon 1:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jonah%201&version=NIV)) ([2:1.11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jonah+2&version=NIV)) This is the word of the LORD that came to Jonah, son of Amittai*[, "my truth" in hebrew, Jonah was swallowed by the whale, and the tenth chapter of the Quran is named after him]* : "Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and preach against it ; their wickedness has come up before me." But Jonah made ready to flee to Tarshish away from the LORD. He went down to Joppa, found a ship going to Tarshish, paid the fare, and went aboard to journey with them to Tarshish, away from the LORD. *[smiles in the audience, i.m.h.o.]* The LORD, however, hurled a violent wind upon the sea, and in the furious tempest that arose the ship was on the point of breaking up. Then, the mariners became frightened and each one cried to his god. To lighten the ship for themselves, they threw its cargo into the sea. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone down into the hold of the ship, and lay there fast asleep. The captain came to him and said, "What are you doing asleep ? Rise up, call upon your God ! Perhaps God will be mindful of us so that we may not perish." Then, they said to one another, "Come, let us cast lots to find out on whose account we have met with this misfortune." So they cast lots, and thus singled out Jonah. *[Ancient Greece was also among the civilizations believing that randomness was God's choice, it's at the very least Destiny/Fate's choice, yet interpretation of God's will is 'more difficult'/impossible]* "Tell us", they said, "what is your business ? Where do you come from ? What is your country, and to what people do you belong ?" Jonah answered them, "I am a Hebrew, I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land." Now, the men were seized with great fear and said to him, "How could you do such a thing ! — They knew that he was fleeing from the LORD, because he had told them — They asked, "What shall we do with you, that the sea may quiet down for us ?" For the sea was growing more and more turbulent. Jonah said to them, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea, that it may quiet down for you ; since I know it is because of me that this violent storm has come upon you." Still, the men rowed hard to regain the land, but they could not, for the sea grew ever more turbulent. Then they cried to the LORD : "We beseech you, O LORD, let us not perish for taking this man's life ; do not charge us with shedding innocent blood, for you, LORD, have done as you saw fit." Then they took Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea's raging abated. Struck with great fear of the LORD, the men offered sacrifice and made vows to him. But the LORD sent a large fish, that swallowed Jonah ; and Jonah remained in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. From the belly of the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD, his God. Then the LORD commanded the fish to spew Jonah upon the shore. ---------------------------------------------------- From the Gospel according to Luke ([Lk 10:25-37](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010%3A25-37&version=NIV)) : There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life ?" Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law ? How do you read it ?" He said in reply, "**You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself**." He replied to him, "You have answered correctly ; do this and you will live." But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor ?" Jesus replied, "A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off, leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise, a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds, and bandaged them. Then, he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day, he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, 'Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.' Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers' victim ?" He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy". Jesus said to him, "Go, and **do likewise**." ---------------------------------------------------- Al-Baqara(, "The Cow"), [2:243](https://quran.com/2?startingVerse=245) : Have you, O Prophet, not seen those who fled their homes in the thousands for fear of death ? Allah said to them, “Die !”, then He gave them life. Surely, Allah is ever Bountiful to humanity, but most people are ungrateful. Fight in the cause of Allah, and know that Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. Who will lend to Allah a good loan which Allah will multiply many times over? It is Allah ˹alone˺ who decreases and increases ˹wealth˺. And to Him you will ˹all˺ be returned. *[It's obvious once you understand how everything was/is/'will always be' connected to God, my/our/Our/the Lord, not praising H..er.im is irrational/'for lost people']* *[The rest goes on to remind us how David vanquished Goliath by God's Will. Hoping is good i guess...]* ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. John Henry Newman](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/10/09/st--john-henry-newman.html).
youtu.be
The Pope [recalled](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-at-angelus-war-is-a-defeat-every-war-is-a-defeat.html) the “urgent need to find a lasting and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in this land”. The Patriarchate’s statement concluded with the prayer that God might “inspire world leaders in their intervention for the implementation of peace and concord so that Jerusalem may be a house of prayer for all peoples”. Of course, it won't happen, not that solutions don't exist but we would prefer not to give anything of equal value for taking the heart of the three monotheist religions. Not that pacific demonstrations would change anything either. Except a change of leaders, i don't know how we could ever agree to exchange a part of our own territory for Israel. ---------------------------------------------------- First Reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah ([Is 5,1-7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%205%3A1-7&version=NIV))(, because parables certainly didn't started with the New Testament) : Let me now sing of my friend, my friend's song concerning his vineyard. My friend had a vineyard, on a fertile hillside ; he spaded it, cleared it of stones, and planted the choicest vines ; within it, he built a watchtower, and hewed out a wine press. Then, he looked for the crop of grapes, but what it yielded was wild grapes. Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard : What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done ? Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes ? Now, I will let you know what I mean to do with my vineyard : take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled ! Yes, I will make it a ruin : it shall not be pruned or hoed, but overgrown with thorns and briers ; I will command the clouds not to send rain upon it. The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his cherished plant ; he looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed ! for justice, but hark, the outcry ! Second Reading from the letter of St Paul the Apostle to the Philippians ([Phil 4:6-9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204%3A6-9&version=NIV)) Brothers and sisters : Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. ---------------------------------------------------- From the Gospel according to Matthew ([Mt 21:33-43](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2021%3A33-43&version=NIV)) : Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people : "Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, 'They will respect my son'. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance'. They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes ?" They answered him, "He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times". Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures : The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone ; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes ? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit." ---------------------------------------------------- Surah Al Imran(, i've talked about Joshua/Jesus [yesterday](https://lemmygrad.ml/post/2250982), Imran is [Joachim](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joachim)) ([3:134-135](https://quran.com/en/ali-imran/133-135)) : [The believers] are those who donate in prosperity and adversity, control their anger, and pardon others. And Allah loves the good-doers. They are those who, upon committing an evil deed or wronging themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins—and who forgives sins except Allah ?—and they do not knowingly persist in wrongdoing. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saint of the day :** [St. Pelagia](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelagia_the_Virgin), Virgin and Martyr of Antioch
The Vatican Publishing House, [Libreria Editrice Vaticana](https://www.libreriaeditricevaticana.va/en/) releases Pope Francis' new book “Holy, not Worldly. God's Grace Saves Us from Interior Corruption” ! [Here](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/saints-not-worldly-pope-new-book-hits-stores.html)'s the preface : Christian life is a battle, an interior combat to overcome the temptation of closing ourselves, and to let the love of our Father who desires our happiness to dwell within us. It is a beautiful battle, because when we let the Lord be victorious in us, our heart exults fully and our existence is illuminated by a ray of the infinite. The battle we carry out as followers of Jesus is first of all a battle against **spiritual worldliness, which is a form of paganism** in ecclesiastical clothing. Though it be camouflaged with the appearance of the sacred, it ends up being idolatrous, because it does not recognize the presence of God as Lord, and liberator of our lives and of the history of the world. It leaves us prey to our capricious desires. Therefore, we must fight. But our battle is not vain, nor without hope, because this battle has already been won by Jesus, who overcame the strength of sin in his death. With his resurrection, he has made it possible for us to become new persons. Of course, the victory of Jesus has a name, the cross, which at first repels us and pushes us away. But it is the sign of a limitless love, humble and tenacious. Jesus loved us to the point of the ignominious death on a cross in order that we no longer be able to doubt that his arms will remain open, even for the last of the sinners. This eternal love calls and orients the life of Christians, and of the Church herself. The cross of Jesus becomes the criterion of every choice of faith. Blessed [Pierre Claverie](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Claverie), the bishop of Oran, affirmed this in one of his beautiful homilies that I would like to quote here : « I believe that **the Church dies if it is not sufficiently close to the cross of her Lord**. Though it may seem paradoxical, strength, vitality, hope, Christian fruitfulness, the fruitfulness of the Church come from here. Not from elsewhere. All the rest is but smoke in our eyes, worldly illusion. The Church betrays herself, and betrays the world, when it stands like a power among powers, or like an organization, even a humanitarian one, or like an evangelical movement capable of making a splash. It may even shine, but it does not burn with the fire of the love of God, ‘strong as death’ – as the Song of Songs puts it. » This is why I wanted to collect in this short volume two essays which were published at different times : one, written in 1991 when I was the archbishop of Buenos Aires, dedicated to corruption and sin ; and the other, a Letter to the priests of Rome. They are united by the concern, which I feel to be a loud call from God to the entire Church, to remain vigilant and to fight with the strength of prayer against every concession to spiritual worldliness. This battle has a name : it is called holiness. Holiness is not a state of beatitude which one has reached once and for all. It is instead the **incessant**, tireless desire to remain attached to the cross of Jesus, letting ourselves be shaped by the logic that comes from the gift of self, and from resisting the enemy who flatters us by convincing us that we are self-sufficient. It would do us well to remember what Jesus said : “Without me you can do nothing”([Jn 15:5](https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JHN.15.5.NIV)). Holiness is therefore remaining open to the “more” that God asks of us and that is manifested in our adherence to our daily lives. Father [Alfred Delp](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Delp) wrote : “**God embraces us through reality**”. Our daily lives are the place in which we make room for the Lord, who saves us from self-sufficiency, and which requires of us that magis which Saint Ignatius of Loyola spoke about : that “more” that urges us toward a happiness which is not ephemeral, but full and **serene**. I offer these texts to the reader as an opportunity to reflect on his life and on the life of the Church, with the conviction that God asks us to be open to His newness, he asks us to be unquiet and never satisfied, searching and never stuck in comfortable opacity, not defended within the walls of false certainties, but **walking** on the road of **holiness**.  ---------------------------------------------------- Philippians [2:1-5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2&version=NIV) : Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. ---------------------------------------------------- On a personal note : I've began reading a text( chosen randomly) yesterday, it's from an anonymous pilgrim of the XIXth century, and starts with : « By the grace of God, i am a christian ; by my deeds, a great sinner ; and, by calling, a homeless rover of the lowest status in life. My possessions comprise but some rusk in a knapsack on my back, and the Holy Bible on my bosom. » I'm only on chapter 5 out of 40, but it begins slowly, searching for a way to **pray perpetually**. Progressively explaining through his journey why it's important, and why it seems harder than at first thought(, or even impossible, such as during our sleep). This long research doesn't come to fruition only at the end though, but as soon as the fifth chapter : « The elder found the teaching of [Nicephorus the monk](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikephoros_the_Monk), and began to read : “If after some efforts you do not succeed in reaching the region of the heart in the manner you have been told, do what I am about to tell you, and with the help of God you will find what you are seeking. The faculty of speech is located in the larynx, as you know. Drive back all other thoughts—you can do it if you wish—and use that faculty in saying constantly the following words : ‘**Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me**.’ Make yourself do so at all times. If you persist in it for a while, your heart by this means will be open to prayer without doubt. This is known from experience.” “Here, you have the teaching of Holy Fathers dealing with these cases,” said the elder. “Therefore, you must accept it with confidence, and repeat the oral Jesus Prayer as often as possible. Take this rosary. Use it in saying three thousand prayers every day in the beginning. Whether you sit or stand, walk or lie down, constantly repeat : ‘**Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me**.’ » ---------------------------------------------------- [The Pope points to path for an inclusive and caring economy](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-francis-message-economy-of-francesco-inclusive-just.html)(, i [didn't](https://m.vatican.va/content/francescomobile/en/indexes/latest.html) managed to quickly [find](https://francescoeconomy.org/the-eof-generation-ready-for-the-iv-online-world-meeting-live-from-assisi/) the original speech) : « Pope Francis sends a message to young economists taking part in the annual “Economy of Francesco” meeting. In a world where disparities are growing, this [concept of "*coincidentia oppositorum*"] calls for balance, cooperation, and a recognition that both sides can coexist for the common good. Urging young economists to expand their perspectives and make room for diverse voices, particularly those that have long been excluded, the Holy Father emphasizes the importance of valuing the viewpoints of women and the marginalized. Their unique insights, he notes, can shift our focus from material possessions to meaningful relationships, from wealth accumulation to equitable distribution, and from abstraction to tangible realities. Just as a pilgrim's journey is marked by challenges and dust, the Pope says it is necessary to get one’s hands dirty in the pursuit of the common good. *[If there's a reader here, would s.he mind giving below their interpretation of this sentence ?]* A pilgrim’s journey, he adds, is also an encouragement to be peacemakers and advocates for justice within the economic realm. It is clear, the Pope concludes, that change takes time and requires resourcefulness. It may not be possible to immediately integrate new economic approaches into existing systems, but this should not deter us. We must have the patience to let our efforts evolve gradually and nurture the determination to establish enduring connections. As we strive for a more just and inclusive economic world, persistence and resilience are essential virtues. » ---------------------------------------------------- From the Acts of the Apostles ([Acts 1:12-14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%201%3A12-14&version=NIV)) : After Jesus had been taken up into heaven, the Apostles returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away. When they entered the city, they went to the upper room where they were staying, but Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. ---------------------------------------------------- From the Gospel according to Luke ([Lk 1:26-38](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201%3A26-38&version=NIV)) : The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace ! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end." [**note :** The house of Jacob is comprised of the houses/kindgoms of Ephraim/Israel and Judah. Judah was the son of Jacob b.t.w., as all patriarchs of Ephraim/Israel(, 10 tribes : *Reuben, Simon, Zebulun, Gad, Issaskar, Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, and Ephraim*, the last two being the sole exception as they are not sons of Jacob but of his twelfth child : **Joseph**. That's a lot of "J", as in Jew, Judah, Jesus, John the Baptist, Jerusalem, ... Mark&Matthew would then correspond to Joseph's eldest son Manasseh ?), and of Judah(, [sometimes included](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2037%3A15-17&version=NIV) in the word Israel, but never in Ephraim)(, 3 tribes : *Judah, Benjamin, and Levi*, but the tribe of Levi didn't have any land), they were separated in two after Solomon's reign. Jacob's name was changed by the Lord to Isra’el(, meaning to strive&overcome with El/God). [Joshua](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2017%3A17-18&version=NIV) (Yehoshua/Yahshuah/Yeshua in hebrew, Jesus in latin, ~"God save"), whose [father's name](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nun_(biblical_figure)) is very similar to [Nun](https://tinyurl.com/mpn6mh8e) and means "fish" in aramaic, was of the tribe of Ephraim, and the one who lead the children of Israel into Canaan after Moses' death. Jeroboam the first was also an Ephraimite who lead [the ten tribes](https://lemmygrad.ml/pictrs/image/cf66bb01-cda3-4063-99c1-09bb63eaf1f4.jpeg)(,slightly [alternative map](https://lemmygrad.ml/pictrs/image/782a666d-3c9c-44a5-add6-9cb484c9fd10.jpeg),) into the north to establish [the Northern Kingdom](https://i.postimg.cc/kgvjyYw4/Kingdoms-around-Israel-830-map-svg.png) of Ephraim/Israel, which included [Samaria and Galilee](https://lemmygrad.ml/pictrs/image/a4c03160-c4cf-4573-a375-f9f9a36bc9c4.png), while Judah&Benjamin stayed loyal to Solomon's son Rehoboam.] But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren ; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. ---------------------------------------------------- Holy Quran, Surah 5(« The Table( Spread with Food) »), [ayat 109-119](https://quran.com/5/109)(, absolutely zero reason to feel insulted) : The Day when Allah will gather together the Messengers and say : 'What answer were you given ?' They will reply : 'We have no real knowledge of it. You alone fully know all that lies beyond the reach of human perception. Imagine, then, when Allah will say : 'Jesus, son of Mary, recall My favour upon you and your mother, and when I strengthened you with the spirit of holiness, so that you talked to men in the cradle, and also when you became of age *[as all of us, we're all indebted]* ; and when I taught you the Book and Wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel ; and when, by My leave, you fashioned from clay the likeness of a bird and you breathed into it, and by My leave it became a bird ; you healed, by My leave, the blind from birth, and the leprous ; and when, by My leave, you caused the dead to come to life. And recall when I restrained the Israelites from you, when you came to them with clear proofs whereupon those of them who disbelieved said : "This is nothing but clear magic." And recall when I revealed to the disciples to believe in Me, and in My Messenger, they said : "We do believe, and we bear witness that we indeed are the ones who submit to Allah" Also recall when the disciples asked Jesus, son of Mary : 'Jesus, son of Mary, has your Lord the power to send down to us a repast from the heaven ?'. Thereupon, Jesus said : 'Fear Allah if you do indeed have faith.' Jesus, son of Mary, then prayed: 'O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a repast from the heavens that shall be a festival for the first of us and for the last of us, and a sign from You. And provide us with sustenance, for You are the best Provider of sustenance.' Allah said : 'I shall indeed send it down to you ; then, I shall afflict whoever among you who disbelieves with a chastisement, wherewith I will afflict none in the worlds.' And imagine when thereafter Allah will say : 'Jesus, son of Mary, did you say to people : "Take me and my mother for gods beside Allah ?"' And he will answer : "Glory to You ! It was not for me to say what I had no right to. Had I said so, You would surely have known it. You know all that is within my mind, whereas I do not know what is within Yours. You, indeed You, know fully all that is beyond the reach of human perception. I said to them nothing except what You commanded me, that is : 'Serve Allah, my Lord and your Lord'. I watched over them as long as I remained among them ; and when You did recall me, then You Yourself became the Watcher over them. Indeed, You are Witness over everything. If You chastise them, they are Your servants ; and if You forgive them, You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise". Thereupon Allah will say : 'This day truthfulness shall profit the truthful. ---------------------------------------------------- **Saints of today :** [St. Mark](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_the_Evangelist), Pope [Sts. Sergius e Bacchus](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergius_and_Bacchus), Martyrs of Syria