Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ 7
Tuần thứ 7 Phục Sinh Qua
Tin Mừng hôm nay, chúng ta Thánh Phêrô
dường như đã thấy chính mình đang bị rơi vào
trong một tình huống khó xử mà chúng ta không thể
chứng minh được
một sự
kiện
mà
chúng ta
tin là có thật và đúng
. Sau
khi quay lưng lại với Chúa Giêsu, ông đã nhận
thấy rằng
mình đã có
được một cơ hội khác,
c
ó lẽ ông đã
nghĩ Chúa đã có sự
nghi ngờ về lòng trung thành, và sự thành
thực
của ông. Nhưng Chúa Giêsu tin
tưởng hoàn toàn vào thánh Phêrô
và Ngài
đã yêu cầu ông
tiếp tục sứ mệnh quan trọng mà Đức Giêsu đã uỷ thác Giáo Hội của Chúa cho Thánh
Phêrô
, là hãy chăm sóc đàn chiên
của Ngài
. Với sự tin
tưởng
nơi thánh Phêrô,
Chúa Giesu đã bất chấp tất cả
những sự thiếu xót, những
thất bại trong quá khứ của ông Phêrô
kể cả cái tội phản bội và chối Ngài ba lần.
Ch
úa Giêsu luôn sẵn sàng ban
cho chúng ta một cơ hội thứ hai,
nếu chúng ta biết nhìn nhận những tội lỗi và những yếu kém và thiếu xót của
chúng ta
. Chúng ta hãy nhìn thẳng
vào trái tim của chúng ta
và hãy thử
cảm nhận
tình yêu của Chúa Giêsu đã
được thể hiện trong cuộc sống của chúng ta như
thế nào. Chúng ta hãy thử c
ảm nhận
mỗi buổi sáng khi Chúa cho
mặt trời mọc lên
cho
chúng ta và mỗi cái
cầu vồng Ngài
cho chúng ta thấy được
sau cơn mưa… Hãy c
hiến đấu và hãy ráng g
iữ lấy những cảm nhận đó trong tâm khảm của
chúng ta
. Hãy
Ở lại với Chúa Giêsu và theo Ngài
. REFLECTION
Have we ever been in an awkward
situation where we couldn't prove a point we believe is real or right? Perhaps
it can be some experience we would like to share with our friends so that can
to learn from it, or some theory we failed to explain in class. But we know we
are right, even if we realize that we'll lose our credibility to others.
Peter
seems to find himself in a similar situation. After turning his back on Jesus,
he finds himself being given another chance. Perhaps there may be doubts
regarding his loyalty and faithfulness. But Jesus believes in Peter and he asks
him to continue this important mission. Jesus entrusts Peter with his church,
with looking after his flock in spite of his past failings and transgressions.
Jesus
is always willing to give us a second chance. Let us look into our hearts and
feel how his love is shown in our lives. Feel each morning as he makes the sun
rise for us and each rainbow, he shows us after the rain. Hold on to it. Fight
for it. Stay with Jesus and follow him.
Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter 2023
It is this disciple who
testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony
is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to
be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the
books that would be written. John 21:24–25
As we conclude our Easter
season, we are given the conclusion of the Gospel of Saint John to ponder.
Recall that John’s Gospel has been a central focus throughout the Easter
Season. Therefore, if you have been prayerfully reading the Gospel for Mass
each day for the past several weeks, then you have truly immersed yourself in
this holy Gospel.
The Gospel of Saint John is
much different from the other three Synoptic Gospels. John’s language is
mystical and symbolic. John presents the seven miracles as the seven “signs”
that reveal Jesus’ divinity. Jesus is identified as I AM, the Son of the
Father, the Vine, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Eternal Word,
and more. John points to the Crucifixion as Jesus’ hour of glory in which He
takes up His throne of the Cross for the salvation of the world. And John’s teaching
on the Eucharist is truly profound.
John states that the reason he
wrote his Gospel was so “that you may come to believe that Jesus is the
Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his
name” (John 20:31).
John clearly loved our Lord and understood Him, not only by personal
experiences while Jesus was alive on earth but also through a profound level of
prayer in his later years. And this depth of understanding and mystical
knowledge is communicated in such a way that the reader is easily drawn into
John’s prayerful understanding.
As John concludes His testimony
about Jesus, he states something worth pondering. He states that Jesus did so
many things that were not recorded by him or others, that if they were all
written down, the whole world would not contain the books that would be
written. First of all, everything that was written down could be the source of
prayerful study for a lifetime. John’s Gospel alone could never be exhausted of
its meaning. But then consider this final line of John’s Gospel and try to take
it as a literal statement for a moment. If that statement were literally true,
that the whole world could not contain the books that would record all that
Jesus did, then this fact should leave us with a holy awe. In fact, the reason
this must be true is because what Jesus did within each and every mind and
heart He touched is truly indescribable. Volumes upon volumes could not
thoroughly describe it. His divine action of saving souls, rescuing people from
sin and death, and pointing them to eternal life is more than our feeble minds
can fully comprehend.
Reflect, today, upon the holy
Gospel of Saint John. As we do conclude this Easter Season and our reading of
John’s Gospel, allow yourself to sit in awe of the infinite activity of our
divine Lord in the lives of those who have turned to Him. Consider every
movement of grace in their lives that has been accomplished with such care and
love by our Lord. Reflect upon the fact that for eternity you will be
contemplating the Eternal Word made Flesh, the Messiah, the Great I AM, the Son
of the Father and every other name given to Him Who is our God and King. Saint
John loved our Lord and understood Him deeply because he spent his life
prayerfully pondering all that Jesus did. Continue to commit yourself to this
holy pondering so that you will be drawn more deeply into this contemplation
with holy awe.
Jesus, Messiah, You are truly
beyond comprehension in Your beauty, glory and holiness. You are God from God
and Light from Light. You are the Great I AM, and all the books in the world
could not properly describe the depth of Your greatness. Fill my mind and heart
with the gift of deep spiritual insight so that I, like Saint John the
Evangelist, will be continually drawn into a holy awe of You. Jesus, I trust in
You.
Saturday 7th
of Easter 2023
Opening Prayer:
Lord, thank you for Peter. He teaches us so much about how you work with human
nature. Help me to be open and honest in my prayer today.
Encountering Christ:
1. Peter turned...?: The Gospel opens with the phrase “Peter turned…” Jesus
had just intimated that Peter would die on a cross, and commanded him to,
“Follow me.” Instead of responding to Jesus with “fiat,” or even “I’m
frightened,” Peter turned and inquired about John. Little children do this
sometimes. They ignore a direct command as if they didn’t hear it and busy
themselves with the nearest distraction. When God asks more of us than we are
willing to give, we sometimes turn away too. Fortunately, we know that Peter,
who seemed more interested in John’s fate than in following Jesus at that
moment, went on to grow in grace enough to lead the Church and become a saint.
We draw consolation from Peter’s example as we hope to become saints someday.
2. What Concern Is
It of Yours?: Our Lord rebuked
Peter, reminding him (and us) to stay focused on the mission. “You, follow me,”
Jesus said. Why did Peter ask, “What about him?” Was Peter envious of John?
Concerned for John, that he might also face crucifixion? Overwhelmed by Jesus’s
revelation and out of sorts? Regardless of his motive, Peter earned a
reprimand. Considering the ugliness of sin, Our Lord’s reprimands can be
exceedingly gentle. They can come in the form of a spouse’s well-intentioned
criticism, a friends’ fraternal correction, a chiding by a spiritual guide with
our best interests at heart, or an inspired confessor. Knowing, as we do, that
these comments are grounded in the love of Christ, we humble ourselves, thank
Our Lord for his wisdom, make the correction, and refocus on the mission.
3. Jesus Did So Many
Things: John tells us that all the
books in the world could not have contained Our Lord’s actions. That was true
in his lifetime, but even more true today, as Christ acts in many ways in
everyone’s life every day, every hour. Among his most profound acts is the
transubstantiation that happens at every Mass worldwide around the clock. His
presence through the sacraments sanctifies souls continually. And he acts among
nonbelievers in the good they do and the love they share. Even in those
spiritually dead, Jesus is entombed. “He remains in all those who are tempted:
in those who are in mortal sin, he is in the tomb. We should never come to a
sinner without the reverence we would take to the Holy Sepulchre.” – Caryll
Houselander
Conversing with
Christ: Lord, you remind me to keep
my eyes on you in these Gospel verses. I get frightened, overwhelmed, and
easily distracted from my everyday mission— to love those you put in my path.
Please let me know when I’ve stepped out of line. I want to do your will, but
I’m weak. Come Holy Spirit!
Resolution: Lord, today, by our grace, I will do a thorough
examination of my conscience to see where I can reorient my thoughts and
actions toward you.
Saturday 7th
of Easter 2022
Encountering Christ:
How Would You Be Known?: John described himself as the one “whom Jesus
loved.” To our ears, it sounds like John was making a bold proclamation,
calling attention to himself as the Lord’s favorite. Yet, each of us could say
the same about ourselves. We are all individually, personally loved by Jesus.We
are all free to place our heads on Jesus’ chest, metaphorically. If we
understood the depth of the love Jesus has for us, we would not hesitate to
describe ourselves as “the one whom Jesus loves.”
0. What about Him?: By asking Jesus, “What about John?” Peter
jeopardized his potential for interior peace, according to Linda Dillow, author
of Calm My Anxious Heart. “Never compare your lot with another’s,”
she said, because comparing is a recipe for discontentedness. This tendency we
all have displeases Jesus as well, as we can deduce by his answer to Peter:
“What concern is it of yours?” We immediately stymie our progress on the path
to holiness when we allow ourselves to be distracted by the success of others.
Each of us has a singular, unrepeatable mission, unique gifts, and all the
grace we need to succeed. Let us take to heart Jesus’ command to Peter, “Follow
me,” and use our energy to accomplish the mission he gave each of us.
1. Beware of Misinterpretations: As students of the Master, the disciples must
have mulled over Jesus’ words and actions, discussing them and trying to
interpret them so that they could one day teach and preach. They may have also
occasionally fallen into unhealthy speculation at times, because they
misinterpreted Jesus’ comment to Peter, “What if I want him to remain until I
come?” assuming that John would live forever. It’s a warning for those of us
who spend time with the word, write and preach the truths of Jesus, and pastor
others. We are blessed with the Holy Spirit, the rich tradition of the Church,
and scholarly works to guide us, but the most reliable way to interpret
Scripture for ourselves and others is to approach our responsibility
prayerfully, with sincerity, purity of intention, and humility.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, help me to grow in my
understanding of your love for me more each day. When I am full of this awesome
truth, I am much less inclined to concern myself with how others are doing.
Knowing you love me stirs my humility. I am grateful for your revelation
through the word. Help me to be a good steward of your message of salvation.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will practice gratitude for
the opportunities I have to read your word and share your message of love with
others.
Saturday 7th
of Easter
Encountering Christ:
What about Him: “Peter turned and saw the disciple” and he compared
himself to John. He asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Why are we always
concerned about what the other person receives, and whether or not we receive what
we think we deserve from God? Peter and John were friends, and their friendship
was built on their relationship with Christ. Peter took his eyes off Jesus and
looked at John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 20:2). Peter might not
have been jealous of John’s relationship with Christ, but he wanted to know
what John’s path of discipleship would be. Sometimes a person becomes so
familiar to us, we think we know who they are, and we judge them. Peter “saw”
the disciple, and he thought he knew him. As Mother Mary Francis, PCC, says in
But I Have Called You Friends, friendship begins with respect, which comes from
the Latin roots “to look again” (14), but often we fail to truly see them for
who they are. “The trouble is that we think we know people, and we really don’t
know them at all. So we must look again and again and then again and gradually
we shall get to know these people…we shall never completely understand another
person. This is part of the wonder of Christ” (15-16).
You Follow Me: John’s
path of discipleship would be different than Peter’s. “What if I want him to
remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?” Why do some seem to have an
easier path than others? The story of the soul who wanted to trade in his cross
for a lighter one is a good reminder. No sooner had his guardian angel taken
him to the place with crosses, he saw giant tree limbs, huge iron bars, and
then he found a light cross made of a couple of twigs. “I’ll take this one!” he
cried. His guardian angel replied, “This is the cross you already carry.” Our
cross is tailor-made to fit our shoulders, and we have to trust that God knows
what he is doing. This boring desk job, the teenager who won’t answer when I
ask about her day, the wife who stares at her Instagram, the husband who works
late, the disease that is slowly progressing—these crosses are given lovingly
by Our Lord who gives us the grace to embrace them, carry them, grow into
them.
His Testimony Is True: John asserted the truth at the end of his Gospel. He bore
witness to Christ by his word and by his life. Truth can often be a fuzzy
notion. When a wife asks her husband if her jeans are flattering, the best
answer is always “Yes.” But Jesus is more concerned about our hearts, and if we
are being faithful to ourselves and the truth that is in us. He has given us a
mission and everyone is different. He called most of the Apostles to martyrdom
but John lived out his life on the island of Patmos, where he composed the Book
of Revelation. They were all faithful to Christ’s call to testify to the truth
until the end of their days on earth.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, you know I sometimes fail to love those closest to
me, those I live with, and those in my own family. Help me to be a voice of
encouragement to those around me.
Resolution: Lord,
today by your grace I will support someone who is struggling to live his or her
vocation by sending them a note or giving a word of encouragement.
Suy Niệm đoạn kết Tin Mừng thánh Gioan (John 21:20-25) ,
Thứ Bẩy sau tuần thứ 7 Phục Sinh
Trong
bài đọc thứ nhất, chúng ta được nghe việc Thánh Phaolô đến Rome trong xích sắt
và gông cùm. Trong thời gian ở đó, Thánh Phaolô đã tìm cách để gặp gỡ những
người La Mã gốc Do Thái để giải thích trường hợp của mình với họ. Ngay cả trong
hoàn cảnh khó khăn, Phaolô đã nắm lấy cơ hội để rao giảng Tin Mừng của Chúa
Giêsu Kitô cho người Do Thái ở đó. Trong đoạn kết của Tin mừng theo Thánh
Gioan hôm nay cho chúng ta thấy ông Phêrô nóng lòng muốn biết số phận của người
mộn đệ Chúa yêu, Nhưng Chúa Giêsu nói với Phêrô là đừng quan tâm việc đó, vì
việc đó chẳng có liên quan gì tới Phêrô cả, Việc của Phêrô là “hãy theo Chúa”.
Phêrô và Phaolô cà hai đều là những Tông đồ cao cả của Chúa Kitô, Nhưng hãy coi
sự khác biệt giữa hai người:
- Phaolô gặp Chúa Kitô trên đường đến Damascus để bắt đạo. Ông đã hứa
hoàn toàn theo Chúa Kitô. Tất cả cuộc sống của ông đã mong muốn và dành cho
việc rao giảng về Chúa Giêsu kitô và sự cứu rỗi của Ngài.
- Mặt khác, còn Phêrô lúc nào cũng lúng túng và loạng choạng trong những ngày
theo làm môn đệ của Chúa. Có những lúc chúng ta nghĩ rằng Phêrô làm được việc,
nói đúng ý Chúa thì ngay lúc ấy ông lại nói sai hoặc làm điều làm mất lòng
Chúa. Tuy nhiên, theo thời gian, nhờ ân sủng Chúa ban, Phêrô đã lớn lên và
trưởng thành trong đức tin và trở thành vị lãnh đạo thực sự của Giáo Hội ban
đầu theo như ý của Chúa.
Là môn đệ của Chúa Kitô, chúng ta sẽ không bao giờ và không thế nào có thể
giống nhau hoàn toàn,.Mỗi người chúng ta đều có cái độc đáo riệng, có mỗi cá
tính và sự suỹ nghĩ riêng, khác nhau. Vì thế Đức Kitô mời gọi chúng ta theo
Chúa vì cái bản chất riêng, hay năng khiếu riêng của mỗi người. .Như vậy, chúng
ta không có sự so sánh giữa mình với những người khác hoặc các sứ vụ và thiên
chức của họ. Chúa Giêsu mời gọi chúng ta theo Ngài, theo kế hoạch riêng mà Ngài
dành cho chúng ta. Chúng ta phải dành nhiều thời giờ cầu nguyện để xin ơn Chúa
thánh thần soi sáng để biết thánh ý Chúa cho cuộc sống của chúng ta hơn là
chúng ta phải quá bận tâm để so sánh hay phân bì về những gì người khác đang
làm hoặc không làm cho Chúa
REFLECTION
Just before the beginning of today's Gospel, Jesus says to Peter, "Follow
me." Peter starts walking behind Jesus. His mind should be focused on
"follow me," on discipleship, but it's wandering. Jesus had just
confirmed Peter's appointment as chief shepherd of his flock and had hinted
Peter would die a martyr. So as he's walking behind Jesus, Peter looks back at
John and asks Jesus, "What about John? What's going to happen to
him?" Jesus is a bit short-tempered with Peter, "That's none of your
business, Peter, your business is to follow me."
Peter has fallen into a very common
human failing: not looking at oneself to find worth and value, but looking to
another person as a point of comparison against which to measure one's own
worth. It didn't matter that Peter and John were to die different types of
death. That one was to die a violent death and the other was to live a long
life and come to his end in peace, did not make the two apostles rivals in
honor or prestige nor did it make the one greater or less
than the other. If each of them followed the
path Jesus assigned to
him, both would
be his servants, his disciples.
This is the source of our glory: not
being greater than other men or women, but being in the service of the Lord in
whatever capacity he has allotted to each of us. Let's ask ourselves today: Do
we find our glory in the service of Christ, or do we insist that our worth can
be determined only by how we measure up against the success of others in
Christ's service
