Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Bẩy Tuần 17 Thường
Niên
Câu chuyện về cái chết của thánh Gioan Tẩy giả là câu chuyện có tính chất chú ý nhiều đến bản tính con người. Chúng ta có thể bị thu hút bởi những câu chuyện có tính chat đầy kịch tính trong điệu nhảy của con gái bà Hêrôdiat và lời thề ngu ngốc của vua Hêrôđê và sự yêu cầu của cô gái xin cho bằng được cái đầu của ông Gioan Tẩy Giả đặt trên mâm. Đằng sau của câu chuyện là khi vua Hêrôđê đã có vợ mà còn muốn kết hôn với bà Hêrôdiat người vợ của anh trai mình. Khi làm như vậy, theo quan điểm của luật Do Thái, ông ta đã phạm hai tội trọng. Việc đầu tiên là ông ly dị người vợ trước của ông mà không có lý do chính đáng. Thứ hai là ông kết hôn với chị dâu của mình, đó là một mối quan hệ bị cấm tuyệt đối.
Ông Gioan không sợ hãi đê đứng ra chỉ trích và phê phán nhà vua vì những hành vi của nhà Vua và vì vậy ông đã bị tống giam trong tù. Những lý do cho việc làm của vua Hêrôđê thì quá phức tạp. Có thể nhà vua không thích Gioan, Nhưng trong trái tim của nha vua, ông biết rằng những gì Gioan nói là đúng. Chúng ta không ai thích được nghe nói là chúng ta đang làm điều gì đó mà sai trái; đặc biệt là nếu chúng ta đang cố gắng để đánh lừa chính bản thân là những gì chúng ta đang làm là đều tốt đẹp cả. Vua Hêrôđê biết rằng ông Gioan là một người thánh thiện và không muốn thực hiện nó, nhưng nó đã không được chuẩn bị để thừa nhận tội lỗi của mình.
Ông Gioan đã trả một cái giá quá mắc cho việc nói sự thật mà không sợ hãi. Đây là việc mà chúng ta được kêu gọi để làm, mặc dù có lẽ trong đó có đầy những tính chất quá kịch tính. Chúng ta phải lên tiếng chống lại những bất công, bóc lột và những việc sai trái ở bất cứ nơi nào mà chúng ta nhìn thấy nó. Trong cách này, chúng ta đang bắt chước không phải chỉ có thánh Gioan Tẩy Giả mà thôi, nhưng chúng ta cũng bắt chước như chính Chúa Giêsu, Người đã bị bắt, chịu khổ hình và bị giết chỉ vì đã nói lên sự thật; và chúng ta cũng có thể chắc chắn rằng Chúa Giêsu sẽ ở lại với chúng ta khi chúng ta cố gắng để làm đại sứ của Ngài trong một thế giới mà thường là thù địch với giá trị Kitô giáo.
REFLECTION
The story of the death of John the Baptist is full of human interest. We can be fascinated by the dramatic story of the dance of Herodias' daughter and Herod's foolish oath and the request of the girl to have John the Baptist's head on a platter. The background to the story is that Herod had married his brother's wife. In doing so, from the viewpoint of the Jewish law, he committed two crimes. The first was that he divorced his first wife without good reason. The second was that he married his sister-in-law, which was a prohibited relationship.
John fearlessly criticized the king for his behavior and so was thrown into prison. The reasons for Herod's conduct are complex. Maybe, he disliked John because, at heart, he knew that what John said was right. We do not like to be told that something we are doing is wrong; especially if we are trying to deceive ourselves that what we are doing is all right. Herod knew that John was a holy man and did not want to execute him, but he was not prepared to admit his guilt.
John paid the price for speaking the truth without fear. This is something that we are all called to do, though probably in less dramatic ways. We should speak up against injustice and wrongdoing wherever we see it. In this we are imitating not only John the Baptist but also Jesus himself, who was put to death for speaking the truth; and we can be sure that Jesus will be with us as we try to be his ambassadors in a world that is often hostile to Christian values.
Reflection:
"So you shall not wrong one another but you shall fear your God. . ." These were the words spoken by God to Moses but it seems Herod must have forgotten these words thinking that he shall not wrong another by giving in to the evil request because of his promise under oath to give anything to the daughter of Herodias. His fear of things of the world made him forget about the fear of being separated from God.
Yes, there are still some individuals, modern day Herods in the different sectors of our society who continue to exist pleasing others or themselves at the expense of others, causing different kinds of death in humanity. We sometimes become like Herod when we opt to follow what is pleasing in the eyes of the world and we forget about what is pleasing to God. Let us not forget about what our greatest fear should be, to be separated from God for all eternity.
Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time 2023
Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Matthew 14:1–2
Herod the tetrarch was one of three brothers and a sister who became 1st-century rulers to succeed their father, Herod the Great, when he died in 4 B.C. Herod governed much of the territory west of the Sea of Galilee, which was the territory in which Jesus spent most of His time during His public ministry. He also ruled a territory just east of the Dead Sea, which is where he had imprisoned and ultimately killed John the Baptist. Herod was known for being a very busy builder and is prominently known for his role in the deaths of Saint John the Baptist and Jesus.
Recall that Herod had taken his brother’s wife, Herodias, as his own, and John the Baptist publicly opposed this. For that reason, Herod had John arrested and ultimately beheaded at the request of Herodias, who took the Baptist’s criticism very personally. Herod, on the other hand, had a strange sort of admiration for the Baptist.
In the version of this story found in the Gospel of Mark, we read, “Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him” (Mark 6:20). Herod may have been a man who had a spark of faith but was ultimately ruled by his passions and desire for power. Perhaps that is why he initially kept John the Baptist alive in his prison. It also appears that Herod had some form of either regret or fear over his beheading of John. And it is most likely for this reason that Herod immediately thought of John when he initially heard of Jesus and the “mighty powers” that were at work within Him.
Regret, fear and guilt are common effects of a conscience that is in conflict. Herod the tetrarch is a good example of what happens when we do not resolve that conflict within ourselves. The only way to resolve the interior confusion of a conflicted conscience is to humbly submit to the truth. Imagine if Herod would have repented. Imagine if he would have sought out Jesus, confessed his sins, and begged for forgiveness. What a glorious story that would have been. Instead, we have the witness of a man who has gone astray and remained obstinate in his sin.
Reflect, today, upon this unholy witness of Herod. God can use all things for His glory, and He can even use the example of Herod to reveal to ourselves any similar tendency. Do you struggle with regret, fear and guilt? Does this cause conflict within you? The good news is that this conflict is easily resolved by a humble heart that seeks the truth. Seek the truth by admitting any long-lasting sin you need to resolve and permit the mercy of God to enter in so as to set you free.
My merciful Jesus, You desire that all people experience freedom from the sins of the past. You desire to penetrate our hearts and to bring resolution and peace. Please help me to open my mind and heart to You in the areas that still cause pain and regret, and help me to be set free by Your infinite mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.
Saturday 17TH
ORDINARY 2023
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe you are looking for me. You stand ready to come to me in this moment of prayer. You want to help me see your love and where I can grow to be more like you. Thank you for your patience and goodness with me. I want to give myself totally to you.
Câu chuyện về cái chết của thánh Gioan Tẩy giả là câu chuyện có tính chất chú ý nhiều đến bản tính con người. Chúng ta có thể bị thu hút bởi những câu chuyện có tính chat đầy kịch tính trong điệu nhảy của con gái bà Hêrôdiat và lời thề ngu ngốc của vua Hêrôđê và sự yêu cầu của cô gái xin cho bằng được cái đầu của ông Gioan Tẩy Giả đặt trên mâm. Đằng sau của câu chuyện là khi vua Hêrôđê đã có vợ mà còn muốn kết hôn với bà Hêrôdiat người vợ của anh trai mình. Khi làm như vậy, theo quan điểm của luật Do Thái, ông ta đã phạm hai tội trọng. Việc đầu tiên là ông ly dị người vợ trước của ông mà không có lý do chính đáng. Thứ hai là ông kết hôn với chị dâu của mình, đó là một mối quan hệ bị cấm tuyệt đối.
Ông Gioan không sợ hãi đê đứng ra chỉ trích và phê phán nhà vua vì những hành vi của nhà Vua và vì vậy ông đã bị tống giam trong tù. Những lý do cho việc làm của vua Hêrôđê thì quá phức tạp. Có thể nhà vua không thích Gioan, Nhưng trong trái tim của nha vua, ông biết rằng những gì Gioan nói là đúng. Chúng ta không ai thích được nghe nói là chúng ta đang làm điều gì đó mà sai trái; đặc biệt là nếu chúng ta đang cố gắng để đánh lừa chính bản thân là những gì chúng ta đang làm là đều tốt đẹp cả. Vua Hêrôđê biết rằng ông Gioan là một người thánh thiện và không muốn thực hiện nó, nhưng nó đã không được chuẩn bị để thừa nhận tội lỗi của mình.
Ông Gioan đã trả một cái giá quá mắc cho việc nói sự thật mà không sợ hãi. Đây là việc mà chúng ta được kêu gọi để làm, mặc dù có lẽ trong đó có đầy những tính chất quá kịch tính. Chúng ta phải lên tiếng chống lại những bất công, bóc lột và những việc sai trái ở bất cứ nơi nào mà chúng ta nhìn thấy nó. Trong cách này, chúng ta đang bắt chước không phải chỉ có thánh Gioan Tẩy Giả mà thôi, nhưng chúng ta cũng bắt chước như chính Chúa Giêsu, Người đã bị bắt, chịu khổ hình và bị giết chỉ vì đã nói lên sự thật; và chúng ta cũng có thể chắc chắn rằng Chúa Giêsu sẽ ở lại với chúng ta khi chúng ta cố gắng để làm đại sứ của Ngài trong một thế giới mà thường là thù địch với giá trị Kitô giáo.
The story of the death of John the Baptist is full of human interest. We can be fascinated by the dramatic story of the dance of Herodias' daughter and Herod's foolish oath and the request of the girl to have John the Baptist's head on a platter. The background to the story is that Herod had married his brother's wife. In doing so, from the viewpoint of the Jewish law, he committed two crimes. The first was that he divorced his first wife without good reason. The second was that he married his sister-in-law, which was a prohibited relationship.
John fearlessly criticized the king for his behavior and so was thrown into prison. The reasons for Herod's conduct are complex. Maybe, he disliked John because, at heart, he knew that what John said was right. We do not like to be told that something we are doing is wrong; especially if we are trying to deceive ourselves that what we are doing is all right. Herod knew that John was a holy man and did not want to execute him, but he was not prepared to admit his guilt.
John paid the price for speaking the truth without fear. This is something that we are all called to do, though probably in less dramatic ways. We should speak up against injustice and wrongdoing wherever we see it. In this we are imitating not only John the Baptist but also Jesus himself, who was put to death for speaking the truth; and we can be sure that Jesus will be with us as we try to be his ambassadors in a world that is often hostile to Christian values.
"So you shall not wrong one another but you shall fear your God. . ." These were the words spoken by God to Moses but it seems Herod must have forgotten these words thinking that he shall not wrong another by giving in to the evil request because of his promise under oath to give anything to the daughter of Herodias. His fear of things of the world made him forget about the fear of being separated from God.
Yes, there are still some individuals, modern day Herods in the different sectors of our society who continue to exist pleasing others or themselves at the expense of others, causing different kinds of death in humanity. We sometimes become like Herod when we opt to follow what is pleasing in the eyes of the world and we forget about what is pleasing to God. Let us not forget about what our greatest fear should be, to be separated from God for all eternity.
Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Matthew 14:1–2
Herod the tetrarch was one of three brothers and a sister who became 1st-century rulers to succeed their father, Herod the Great, when he died in 4 B.C. Herod governed much of the territory west of the Sea of Galilee, which was the territory in which Jesus spent most of His time during His public ministry. He also ruled a territory just east of the Dead Sea, which is where he had imprisoned and ultimately killed John the Baptist. Herod was known for being a very busy builder and is prominently known for his role in the deaths of Saint John the Baptist and Jesus.
Recall that Herod had taken his brother’s wife, Herodias, as his own, and John the Baptist publicly opposed this. For that reason, Herod had John arrested and ultimately beheaded at the request of Herodias, who took the Baptist’s criticism very personally. Herod, on the other hand, had a strange sort of admiration for the Baptist.
In the version of this story found in the Gospel of Mark, we read, “Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him” (Mark 6:20). Herod may have been a man who had a spark of faith but was ultimately ruled by his passions and desire for power. Perhaps that is why he initially kept John the Baptist alive in his prison. It also appears that Herod had some form of either regret or fear over his beheading of John. And it is most likely for this reason that Herod immediately thought of John when he initially heard of Jesus and the “mighty powers” that were at work within Him.
Regret, fear and guilt are common effects of a conscience that is in conflict. Herod the tetrarch is a good example of what happens when we do not resolve that conflict within ourselves. The only way to resolve the interior confusion of a conflicted conscience is to humbly submit to the truth. Imagine if Herod would have repented. Imagine if he would have sought out Jesus, confessed his sins, and begged for forgiveness. What a glorious story that would have been. Instead, we have the witness of a man who has gone astray and remained obstinate in his sin.
Reflect, today, upon this unholy witness of Herod. God can use all things for His glory, and He can even use the example of Herod to reveal to ourselves any similar tendency. Do you struggle with regret, fear and guilt? Does this cause conflict within you? The good news is that this conflict is easily resolved by a humble heart that seeks the truth. Seek the truth by admitting any long-lasting sin you need to resolve and permit the mercy of God to enter in so as to set you free.
My merciful Jesus, You desire that all people experience freedom from the sins of the past. You desire to penetrate our hearts and to bring resolution and peace. Please help me to open my mind and heart to You in the areas that still cause pain and regret, and help me to be set free by Your infinite mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe you are looking for me. You stand ready to come to me in this moment of prayer. You want to help me see your love and where I can grow to be more like you. Thank you for your patience and goodness with me. I want to give myself totally to you.
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