Suy Niệm Thứ bẩy Tuần Phục Sinh
Qua sách Công Vụ Tông đồ, chúng ta thấy các Tông đồ đã quá sợ
hãi, và trốn kín trong căn phòng trên lầu mà các cửa đã được khóa kín, họ
run sợ những người do thái lùng bắt họ mỗi khi nghe những bước chân đi bên
ngoài. Nhưng sau lễ Ngũ Tuần, Họ đã được biến đổi, và bây
giờ họ đã ngang nhiên họ cười vào mặt những kẻ bắt nạt họ
cho dù cái chết đang đe dọa trước mắt. Sau khi họ bị
kéo lê tới trước mặt những nhà chức trách, thầy thượng
tế, họ đã được cảnh cáo là phải im miệng và không được
rao giảng về Chúa Giêsu đã sống lại nữa, nhưng họ đã
phản ứng ngược lại và trả lời rất cứng rắn:” bất cứ điều gì
Chúa muốn, chúng tôi làm, và Thiên Chúa muốn chúng tôi phải tiếp tục việc rao
giảng của chúng tôi”.
Đôi khi chúng ta có thể bị choáng ngợp với sự sợ hãi, nhưng với ơn thiêng liêng của Chúa Thánh Thần ở trong chúng ta, chúng ta có thể làm bất cứ điều gì và tuân theo thánh ý của Thiên Chúa chính là sức mạnh và niềm vui của chúng ta. Bằng những nỗ lực riêng của mỗi người, chúng ta có thể làm được những việc tối thiểu; nhưng nếu chúng ta biết dựa vào ân sủng của Thiên Chúa, chúng ta có thể làm được bất cứ những gì chúng ta muốn làm theo ý Chúa. Thế giới hôm nay đang cần những chứng nhân biết vui tươi và can đảm. Lạy Chúa, xin ban cho chúng con sự can đảm không bao giờ cạn.
Saturday of Easter
Week Sat 2nd April 2016
The apostles had been broken and terrified men. They cowered behind locked doors, listening in dread for the footsteps of their persecutors. But after Pentecost, it was a different story. They were transformed, and they laughed in the face of bullying and death threats. After being dragged before the authorities, they were warned to keep their mouths shut and not proclaim the risen Jesus again. Their response was simple: whatever God wants, we do, and God wants us to continue our proclamation. Sometimes we can be overwhelmed with fear, but with God’s spirit within us, we can do anything. Strength and joy come from doing the right thing and obeying the will of God.
The original shorter ending of Mark ended abruptly with the women running away and telling no one what they had seen, for they were terrified. It took the appearance of the Lord and his missioning speech to change their hearts and minds. Again, fear was powerful, but God can overcome all and make weak people into courageous witnesses for the faith. Alone and by our own efforts we can do little; with the Lord’s grace, we can do just about anything. The world needs joyful and courageous witnesses.
Lord, grant me unfailing courage.
Saturday of Easter
Week 2022
When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. Mark 16:9
The first person recorded in Scripture to whom Jesus appeared was Mary Magdalene. Notably, she was the one out of whom Jesus cast seven demons. Being possessed by seven demons has traditionally been understood to mean that she was completely possessed. Prior to Jesus freeing her, satan and His demons had completely taken over her will by her free submission to evil. And yet, it was to her, a woman with such a horrible past, that Jesus chose to give the honor of His first appearance. What an amazing fact!
Everyone has a past. Some have been grave sinners. Others, like Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, have never committed a mortal sin. Obviously, the beauty of a soul like Saint Thérèse is deeply admirable, and such a soul will be greatly rewarded in Heaven. But what about the grave sinner? What about those like Mary Magdalene who have lived horribly sinful lives? What does our Lord think about them?
The fact that Mary Magdalene is the first person recorded in Scripture to have seen the risen Lord should tell us much about how Jesus views a person who has greatly struggled with serious sin but has later overcome that sin and turned wholeheartedly to our Lord. Sin is demoralizing. When unrepented, it leaves a loss of dignity and integrity. However, even after one has repented, some people will continue to struggle with unhealthy guilt and shame. And for some, these struggles can become a weapon by which the evil one tries to discourage them from feeling worthy to serve our Lord with zeal and passion.
But the truth in the mind of God is that repentant sinners are true jewels and beautiful in the eyes of our Lord. They are worthy of the greatest honors. God does not dwell on our past sin. Instead, our past sin, when it has been repented of and forgiven, will be an eternal sign of the love and mercy of God.
How do you deal with your past sin? First, have you completely acknowledged it, repented of it and sought forgiveness from our Lord? If so, does it still haunt you? Does the evil one still try to remind you of your past and strip away your hope in the mercy of God?
Reflect, today, upon the most grievous of your past sins. If you haven’t yet confessed them, then do so as soon as you can. If you have, try to see your soul through the eyes of God. God does not see your past sins with anger and disgust. Rather, He sees only the depth of your conversion, sorrow and repentance. And, to Him, this is holy and beautiful. Ponder the beauty of your repentant heart and know that, as you do, you will be looking at your own heart through the eyes of God.
My most merciful God, You love the sinner and hate the sin. You love me in ways that are beyond my understanding. Help me to understand how deeply You love my heart when I completely repent. And help me to see my heart only through Your eyes. I thank You for Your love and mercy, dear Lord. Help me to love You all the more. Jesus, I trust in You.
Saturday of Easter
Week 2022
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe you are alive and close to me, especially through your sacramental presence. From here, you work tirelessly to extend your kingdom. May I cling to your Church so that your love will continue to flow through me and sustain me in fulfilling the mission you have entrusted to me.
2. Alive and Seen: Faith in the risen Christ came slowly for the disciples, and Jesus had to convince them that he had risen from death. Our faith journey has its fair share of ups and downs, but we cannot deny in times of darkness or desolation what we have seen in the light and experienced in a sure moment of grace. Even though our life of prayer goes through phases, at times filled with many words and at other moments in complete silence, Jesus wants us to learn to trust that He is always near, even when it may not seem so. By loving Jesus in obscurity and darkness, our faith springs to life.
3. Go into the Whole World: Jesus knows that, at times, we will struggle in our efforts to carry out our mission, just as it was challenging for the disciples to believe in the Resurrection. We can be outwardly confident yet harbor doubts and, in other moments, hesitant to proclaim what seems certain. Jesus sees and understands our resistance and reluctance; however, he continues to send us out to "the whole world." He never despairs of us, his beloved followers. After all, it is His work taking effect through our faithfulness. "[T]he Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first (1 Jn 4:19), and therefore we can move forward, boldly take the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast.” (Evangelii Gaudium #24) Listen for where the Lord is inviting you to proclaim the Good News in the current circumstances of your life.
Conversing with Christ: I have experienced the presence of God in numerous ways, not the least of which is in the sacraments given to me through the Church. I have had so many moments of strength, consolation, and peace in prayer to the risen Lord who desires to draw near. May I grow deeper in my conviction and more courageous in my response to the commission to proclaim the Gospel in every aspect of my life.
Saturday of Easter
Week Sat 2nd April 2022
Opening Prayer: Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in your word. May the truth of your life, death, and Resurrection permeate my identity. May I be rooted in your truth and proclaim your Gospel to every creature in all that I say and do.
1. Excitement and Urgency: After reading portions of Easter accounts from John, Matthew, and Luke this week, today we hear Mark’s account. It is interesting to compare each of the Gospel writers’ accounts of this story and compare their writing styles, the details they choose to highlight, and the way that each of them proclaims the Resurrection of the Lord. Mark’s account encapsulates the other Gospels’ Resurrection accounts. In a single paragraph, Mark concisely tells how Jesus revealed himself to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18) and how the disciples did not believe her testimony (Luke 24:11). He gives a two-sentence account of the appearance of Christ on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). Finally, we hear how Jesus appeared to the disciples in the upper room (Luke 24:36-49) and sent them into the world with their mission to baptize and proclaim the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). Mark moves quickly through these events, bringing a sense of excitement and urgency to the Gospel. Do you feel a sense of excitement and urgency when you encounter the Gospel and our shared call to proclaim it to the world?
Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Bảy Tuần Tuần Bát Nhật Phục Sinh
(Act” 4:13-21 ; Mk. 16:9-1)
Trong một thời gian , sự sợ hãi và nghi ngờ ngăn cản những người theo Chúa Giêsu rao giảng Tin Mừng . Họ chỉ không thể tin được rằng Ngài còn sống. Sự phục sinh đã được không những chỉ là việc khó tin từ thở đó cũng cho tới bây giờ . Nhưng sau này họ đã có bằng chứng rõ ràng của họ đó là: Chúa Giêsu. Và đó là chìa khóa; chúng ta không thể thuyết phục bất cứ ai về sự phục sinh , trừ khi đó là điều hiển nhiên trong cuộc sống của chúng ta. Chúa Giêsu nói với họ hãy đi và loan báo tin mừng cho tất cả các tạo vật; và điều đó không có nghĩa là bằng lời nói, nhưng bằng tất cả những hành động và thái độ thường ngày của chúng ta phải đi xa hơn lời nói của chúng ta Chúng ta phải trở thành những người làm bằng chứng sống cho Chúa Phục Sinh mà chúng ta đã ta công bố . Lạy Chúa, xin đổ đầy trái tim của chúng con với niềm vui của Chúa Phục Sinh.
Sat 26th April
2014 Saturday within Acts 4:13-21; Mk. 16:9-15
Fear is often used to control people and to prevent them from speaking the truth. Fear is a very powerful weapon. The authorities threatened Peter and the apostles and ordered them to keep silent about Jesus and about the healing that had been done in his name. At this point they could have all retired to a quiet and peaceful life — but that would not even have been a life! They could not keep silent — the joy and wonder in them just could not be contained. When we are truly obeying God — a power far superior to any earthly power — we lose our fear and are filled with courage and wisdom.
For a while, fear and doubt prevented the followers of Jesus from proclaiming the Good News. They just could not believe that he was alive. The resurrection was just as difficult to believe then as it is now. But then they had their proof: Jesus himself. And that is the key - we cannot convince anyone of the resurrection unless it is evident in our own lives. Jesus told them to go out and give the joyful news to all creation — and that doesn't necessarily mean by words. Actions and attitudes are often far more eloquent and convincing than words. We must become the living proof for the Risen Lord we proclaim.
Lord, fill my heart with the joy of the Risen Lord.
Đôi khi chúng ta có thể bị choáng ngợp với sự sợ hãi, nhưng với ơn thiêng liêng của Chúa Thánh Thần ở trong chúng ta, chúng ta có thể làm bất cứ điều gì và tuân theo thánh ý của Thiên Chúa chính là sức mạnh và niềm vui của chúng ta. Bằng những nỗ lực riêng của mỗi người, chúng ta có thể làm được những việc tối thiểu; nhưng nếu chúng ta biết dựa vào ân sủng của Thiên Chúa, chúng ta có thể làm được bất cứ những gì chúng ta muốn làm theo ý Chúa. Thế giới hôm nay đang cần những chứng nhân biết vui tươi và can đảm. Lạy Chúa, xin ban cho chúng con sự can đảm không bao giờ cạn.
The apostles had been broken and terrified men. They cowered behind locked doors, listening in dread for the footsteps of their persecutors. But after Pentecost, it was a different story. They were transformed, and they laughed in the face of bullying and death threats. After being dragged before the authorities, they were warned to keep their mouths shut and not proclaim the risen Jesus again. Their response was simple: whatever God wants, we do, and God wants us to continue our proclamation. Sometimes we can be overwhelmed with fear, but with God’s spirit within us, we can do anything. Strength and joy come from doing the right thing and obeying the will of God.
The original shorter ending of Mark ended abruptly with the women running away and telling no one what they had seen, for they were terrified. It took the appearance of the Lord and his missioning speech to change their hearts and minds. Again, fear was powerful, but God can overcome all and make weak people into courageous witnesses for the faith. Alone and by our own efforts we can do little; with the Lord’s grace, we can do just about anything. The world needs joyful and courageous witnesses.
Lord, grant me unfailing courage.
When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. Mark 16:9
The first person recorded in Scripture to whom Jesus appeared was Mary Magdalene. Notably, she was the one out of whom Jesus cast seven demons. Being possessed by seven demons has traditionally been understood to mean that she was completely possessed. Prior to Jesus freeing her, satan and His demons had completely taken over her will by her free submission to evil. And yet, it was to her, a woman with such a horrible past, that Jesus chose to give the honor of His first appearance. What an amazing fact!
Everyone has a past. Some have been grave sinners. Others, like Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, have never committed a mortal sin. Obviously, the beauty of a soul like Saint Thérèse is deeply admirable, and such a soul will be greatly rewarded in Heaven. But what about the grave sinner? What about those like Mary Magdalene who have lived horribly sinful lives? What does our Lord think about them?
The fact that Mary Magdalene is the first person recorded in Scripture to have seen the risen Lord should tell us much about how Jesus views a person who has greatly struggled with serious sin but has later overcome that sin and turned wholeheartedly to our Lord. Sin is demoralizing. When unrepented, it leaves a loss of dignity and integrity. However, even after one has repented, some people will continue to struggle with unhealthy guilt and shame. And for some, these struggles can become a weapon by which the evil one tries to discourage them from feeling worthy to serve our Lord with zeal and passion.
But the truth in the mind of God is that repentant sinners are true jewels and beautiful in the eyes of our Lord. They are worthy of the greatest honors. God does not dwell on our past sin. Instead, our past sin, when it has been repented of and forgiven, will be an eternal sign of the love and mercy of God.
How do you deal with your past sin? First, have you completely acknowledged it, repented of it and sought forgiveness from our Lord? If so, does it still haunt you? Does the evil one still try to remind you of your past and strip away your hope in the mercy of God?
Reflect, today, upon the most grievous of your past sins. If you haven’t yet confessed them, then do so as soon as you can. If you have, try to see your soul through the eyes of God. God does not see your past sins with anger and disgust. Rather, He sees only the depth of your conversion, sorrow and repentance. And, to Him, this is holy and beautiful. Ponder the beauty of your repentant heart and know that, as you do, you will be looking at your own heart through the eyes of God.
My most merciful God, You love the sinner and hate the sin. You love me in ways that are beyond my understanding. Help me to understand how deeply You love my heart when I completely repent. And help me to see my heart only through Your eyes. I thank You for Your love and mercy, dear Lord. Help me to love You all the more. Jesus, I trust in You.
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe you are alive and close to me, especially through your sacramental presence. From here, you work tirelessly to extend your kingdom. May I cling to your Church so that your love will continue to flow through me and sustain me in fulfilling the mission you have entrusted to me.
2. Alive and Seen: Faith in the risen Christ came slowly for the disciples, and Jesus had to convince them that he had risen from death. Our faith journey has its fair share of ups and downs, but we cannot deny in times of darkness or desolation what we have seen in the light and experienced in a sure moment of grace. Even though our life of prayer goes through phases, at times filled with many words and at other moments in complete silence, Jesus wants us to learn to trust that He is always near, even when it may not seem so. By loving Jesus in obscurity and darkness, our faith springs to life.
3. Go into the Whole World: Jesus knows that, at times, we will struggle in our efforts to carry out our mission, just as it was challenging for the disciples to believe in the Resurrection. We can be outwardly confident yet harbor doubts and, in other moments, hesitant to proclaim what seems certain. Jesus sees and understands our resistance and reluctance; however, he continues to send us out to "the whole world." He never despairs of us, his beloved followers. After all, it is His work taking effect through our faithfulness. "[T]he Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first (1 Jn 4:19), and therefore we can move forward, boldly take the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast.” (Evangelii Gaudium #24) Listen for where the Lord is inviting you to proclaim the Good News in the current circumstances of your life.
Conversing with Christ: I have experienced the presence of God in numerous ways, not the least of which is in the sacraments given to me through the Church. I have had so many moments of strength, consolation, and peace in prayer to the risen Lord who desires to draw near. May I grow deeper in my conviction and more courageous in my response to the commission to proclaim the Gospel in every aspect of my life.
Opening Prayer: Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in your word. May the truth of your life, death, and Resurrection permeate my identity. May I be rooted in your truth and proclaim your Gospel to every creature in all that I say and do.
1. Excitement and Urgency: After reading portions of Easter accounts from John, Matthew, and Luke this week, today we hear Mark’s account. It is interesting to compare each of the Gospel writers’ accounts of this story and compare their writing styles, the details they choose to highlight, and the way that each of them proclaims the Resurrection of the Lord. Mark’s account encapsulates the other Gospels’ Resurrection accounts. In a single paragraph, Mark concisely tells how Jesus revealed himself to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18) and how the disciples did not believe her testimony (Luke 24:11). He gives a two-sentence account of the appearance of Christ on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). Finally, we hear how Jesus appeared to the disciples in the upper room (Luke 24:36-49) and sent them into the world with their mission to baptize and proclaim the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). Mark moves quickly through these events, bringing a sense of excitement and urgency to the Gospel. Do you feel a sense of excitement and urgency when you encounter the Gospel and our shared call to proclaim it to the world?
Trong một thời gian , sự sợ hãi và nghi ngờ ngăn cản những người theo Chúa Giêsu rao giảng Tin Mừng . Họ chỉ không thể tin được rằng Ngài còn sống. Sự phục sinh đã được không những chỉ là việc khó tin từ thở đó cũng cho tới bây giờ . Nhưng sau này họ đã có bằng chứng rõ ràng của họ đó là: Chúa Giêsu. Và đó là chìa khóa; chúng ta không thể thuyết phục bất cứ ai về sự phục sinh , trừ khi đó là điều hiển nhiên trong cuộc sống của chúng ta. Chúa Giêsu nói với họ hãy đi và loan báo tin mừng cho tất cả các tạo vật; và điều đó không có nghĩa là bằng lời nói, nhưng bằng tất cả những hành động và thái độ thường ngày của chúng ta phải đi xa hơn lời nói của chúng ta Chúng ta phải trở thành những người làm bằng chứng sống cho Chúa Phục Sinh mà chúng ta đã ta công bố . Lạy Chúa, xin đổ đầy trái tim của chúng con với niềm vui của Chúa Phục Sinh.
Fear is often used to control people and to prevent them from speaking the truth. Fear is a very powerful weapon. The authorities threatened Peter and the apostles and ordered them to keep silent about Jesus and about the healing that had been done in his name. At this point they could have all retired to a quiet and peaceful life — but that would not even have been a life! They could not keep silent — the joy and wonder in them just could not be contained. When we are truly obeying God — a power far superior to any earthly power — we lose our fear and are filled with courage and wisdom.
For a while, fear and doubt prevented the followers of Jesus from proclaiming the Good News. They just could not believe that he was alive. The resurrection was just as difficult to believe then as it is now. But then they had their proof: Jesus himself. And that is the key - we cannot convince anyone of the resurrection unless it is evident in our own lives. Jesus told them to go out and give the joyful news to all creation — and that doesn't necessarily mean by words. Actions and attitudes are often far more eloquent and convincing than words. We must become the living proof for the Risen Lord we proclaim.
Lord, fill my heart with the joy of the Risen Lord.
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