Suy
Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Năm Tuần 34 Thường Niên
Trong khi chúng ta tiến gần đến ngày cuối năm Phụng Vụ của Giáo Hội, các bài đọc của tuần thứ 33 và 34 Thường niên đưa chúng ta đến với những cảm xúc tâm linh bàng hoàng, và bức xúc . Những bài đọc này đã phơi bày cho chúng ta thấy rõ nhưng sự ác độc không thể tưởng tượng được đang xảy ra trên thế giới và những sự kinh dị về luân lý, đạo đức cùng với sự đau khổ mà những sự ác đó đã mang lại. Đồng thời, những bài đọc này cũng đã mang lại niềm an ủi và sự trấn an cho chúng ta ngay giữa các cuộc khủng hoảng trên thế giới, hay trên chính cá nhân chúng ta. Qua các bài đọc đó đã khuyến khích chúng ta hướng tới sự tốt lành tuyệt vời ngay giữa những sự đau khổ, và ác độc khó thể ngờ được mà chúng đang thấy trong các “nhà máy” phá thai, trong kỹ nghệ biếc chế thức ăn tràn ngập các thuốc độc hại không tên của Tàu cộng, các vụ cướp bóc, chiến tranh. V.v..)
Sự Chiến Thắng đang chờ đợi ở nơi những người biết thành tâm, trung thành làm việc với Chúa Kitô theo như kế hoạch của Thiên Chúa đã định cho thế giới. Kế hoạch của Thiên Chúa đã được thiết lập và thành công giữa những biến động trong cuộc đời của Chúa Giêsu Kitô. Và cũng đang được thực hiện trong nhiều cách mà chúng ta có thể được nhìn thấy được và nghe nói đến qua những tin tức thường ngày ngay cả trong những phương tiện truyền thông mà chuyên thông tin những tin tức xấu.
`Lạy Chúa là Cha Trời đất, xin ban cho chúng con có đươc những ân sủng để hợp tác làm việc với Chúa trong sự bình tĩnh và ổn định đê mở mang và phát triển Nước Chúa trên trái đất này.
Reflection (SG)
As we approach the end of the Church Year, the readings of the 33rd and 34th weeks take us on a roller coaster emotional-spiritual ride. They expose us to the undoubted evil in the world and the moral horror and suffering it brings and, at the same time, they bring consolation and reassurance in the midst of world, national and personal crises. They encourage us to push on to the great goodness which is already partially present in the midst of the evil and unbelievable suffering so vividly being presented in the media.
The horrifying images and language of Revelation are solely directed to making clear that the great evil in the world is rebellion against God and a refusal to serve. From this evil flow all the other evils that beset our world. The writer is convinced that God’s anger is directed towards a vindication of what is good and a consequent movement towards a reform of what is evil. In one and the same movement God cares for his Church and fosters the shoots of good when they appear.
Triumph awaits the one who faithfully works along with God’s plan for the world. God’s plan has already been successfully set in motion in the life of Jesus. It is being realized in many ways which can be seen and heard about and read about even in the very media which so specialize in bad news.
Heavenly Father, grant me the grace to work along with You in a calm and steady establishment of the Kingdom on earth.
Thursday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” Luke 21:28
This passage above concludes a series of teachings by Jesus on the suffering and persecution that will come in this world. But His teachings conclude with this line above, which offers great hope in anticipation of Jesus’ return in glory. This passage speaks of the prophetic vision of Daniel (Daniel 7:13–14) that terrified Daniel when he saw it. He witnessed the great persecution to come, as well as the destruction of all evil that will accompany the return of the Son of Man.
When you think about both the final coming of Christ as well as your own future death, what comes to mind? If you were informed by an angel that tomorrow would be that day, the day that the Son of Man would return in all His splendor and glory to bring about an end to this world and to issue forth His judgment upon it, how would you react? Would you be terrified? Overjoyed? Hopeful? Confused? Perhaps a little of each of these reactions would be present. Of this time, Jesus said that “nations would be in dismay” and that “People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming into the world.” So what is your reaction to this promised day of our Lord?
Those who “die of fright” are clearly those who will experience this day completely unprepared. Meeting the Son of Man, the Son of God, the Savior of the World and the Eternal Judge when you are completely unprepared should be frightful. Imagine, for example, that you were hosting a large dinner party and you got your days mixed up. The day arrived and you weren’t expecting anyone until the following week, but the guests started to arrive in great numbers. Imagine your anxiety and embarrassment. Such an experience would be nothing compared to being unprepared for the judgment of Christ when we stand before Him at the time of our death and then at the Final Judgment at the end of the world.
The good news is that on that day, for those who are truly prepared through a life of faith and selfless service of God’s will, they are told to “stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” If you do all you can to prepare for that day, then it will be a day in which you anticipate with the utmost hope and excitement. You will indeed be able to stand erect, turn your eyes to the coming Judge of All, and receive the eternal reward that He so deeply desires to bestow. But this will be your experience only if you are truly ready for that day through a life lived in complete imitation of Christ.
Reflect, today, upon that final day. Imagine every person ever created standing before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Every sin and every virtue will be made manifest on that day. The minds and hearts of all will be seen in the light as they are revealed to all by God. And those who have lived lives of fidelity will rejoice as they see God’s justice and His mercy unite as His judgments are issued forth. If this day is one that frightens you, consider the reasons why. If you do not look forward to this definitive moment in time, then perhaps you need to ponder more deeply those things you need to do so as to be fully prepared. Prepare yourself today. Do not wait. Our Lord could return at any time. Do not be caught off guard.
My eternal Judge, You promise to return to earth at a definitive moment in time to bring about the fullness of justice. May I always be prepared for that day through a life lived in union with You and Your holy will. I pray for that day to come quickly, dear Lord, and that all Your children will be ready to meet You when You come. Jesus, I trust in You.
Trong khi chúng ta tiến gần đến ngày cuối năm Phụng Vụ của Giáo Hội, các bài đọc của tuần thứ 33 và 34 Thường niên đưa chúng ta đến với những cảm xúc tâm linh bàng hoàng, và bức xúc . Những bài đọc này đã phơi bày cho chúng ta thấy rõ nhưng sự ác độc không thể tưởng tượng được đang xảy ra trên thế giới và những sự kinh dị về luân lý, đạo đức cùng với sự đau khổ mà những sự ác đó đã mang lại. Đồng thời, những bài đọc này cũng đã mang lại niềm an ủi và sự trấn an cho chúng ta ngay giữa các cuộc khủng hoảng trên thế giới, hay trên chính cá nhân chúng ta. Qua các bài đọc đó đã khuyến khích chúng ta hướng tới sự tốt lành tuyệt vời ngay giữa những sự đau khổ, và ác độc khó thể ngờ được mà chúng đang thấy trong các “nhà máy” phá thai, trong kỹ nghệ biếc chế thức ăn tràn ngập các thuốc độc hại không tên của Tàu cộng, các vụ cướp bóc, chiến tranh. V.v..)
Sự Chiến Thắng đang chờ đợi ở nơi những người biết thành tâm, trung thành làm việc với Chúa Kitô theo như kế hoạch của Thiên Chúa đã định cho thế giới. Kế hoạch của Thiên Chúa đã được thiết lập và thành công giữa những biến động trong cuộc đời của Chúa Giêsu Kitô. Và cũng đang được thực hiện trong nhiều cách mà chúng ta có thể được nhìn thấy được và nghe nói đến qua những tin tức thường ngày ngay cả trong những phương tiện truyền thông mà chuyên thông tin những tin tức xấu.
`Lạy Chúa là Cha Trời đất, xin ban cho chúng con có đươc những ân sủng để hợp tác làm việc với Chúa trong sự bình tĩnh và ổn định đê mở mang và phát triển Nước Chúa trên trái đất này.
Reflection (SG)
As we approach the end of the Church Year, the readings of the 33rd and 34th weeks take us on a roller coaster emotional-spiritual ride. They expose us to the undoubted evil in the world and the moral horror and suffering it brings and, at the same time, they bring consolation and reassurance in the midst of world, national and personal crises. They encourage us to push on to the great goodness which is already partially present in the midst of the evil and unbelievable suffering so vividly being presented in the media.
The horrifying images and language of Revelation are solely directed to making clear that the great evil in the world is rebellion against God and a refusal to serve. From this evil flow all the other evils that beset our world. The writer is convinced that God’s anger is directed towards a vindication of what is good and a consequent movement towards a reform of what is evil. In one and the same movement God cares for his Church and fosters the shoots of good when they appear.
Triumph awaits the one who faithfully works along with God’s plan for the world. God’s plan has already been successfully set in motion in the life of Jesus. It is being realized in many ways which can be seen and heard about and read about even in the very media which so specialize in bad news.
Heavenly Father, grant me the grace to work along with You in a calm and steady establishment of the Kingdom on earth.
“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” Luke 21:28
This passage above concludes a series of teachings by Jesus on the suffering and persecution that will come in this world. But His teachings conclude with this line above, which offers great hope in anticipation of Jesus’ return in glory. This passage speaks of the prophetic vision of Daniel (Daniel 7:13–14) that terrified Daniel when he saw it. He witnessed the great persecution to come, as well as the destruction of all evil that will accompany the return of the Son of Man.
When you think about both the final coming of Christ as well as your own future death, what comes to mind? If you were informed by an angel that tomorrow would be that day, the day that the Son of Man would return in all His splendor and glory to bring about an end to this world and to issue forth His judgment upon it, how would you react? Would you be terrified? Overjoyed? Hopeful? Confused? Perhaps a little of each of these reactions would be present. Of this time, Jesus said that “nations would be in dismay” and that “People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming into the world.” So what is your reaction to this promised day of our Lord?
Those who “die of fright” are clearly those who will experience this day completely unprepared. Meeting the Son of Man, the Son of God, the Savior of the World and the Eternal Judge when you are completely unprepared should be frightful. Imagine, for example, that you were hosting a large dinner party and you got your days mixed up. The day arrived and you weren’t expecting anyone until the following week, but the guests started to arrive in great numbers. Imagine your anxiety and embarrassment. Such an experience would be nothing compared to being unprepared for the judgment of Christ when we stand before Him at the time of our death and then at the Final Judgment at the end of the world.
The good news is that on that day, for those who are truly prepared through a life of faith and selfless service of God’s will, they are told to “stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” If you do all you can to prepare for that day, then it will be a day in which you anticipate with the utmost hope and excitement. You will indeed be able to stand erect, turn your eyes to the coming Judge of All, and receive the eternal reward that He so deeply desires to bestow. But this will be your experience only if you are truly ready for that day through a life lived in complete imitation of Christ.
Reflect, today, upon that final day. Imagine every person ever created standing before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Every sin and every virtue will be made manifest on that day. The minds and hearts of all will be seen in the light as they are revealed to all by God. And those who have lived lives of fidelity will rejoice as they see God’s justice and His mercy unite as His judgments are issued forth. If this day is one that frightens you, consider the reasons why. If you do not look forward to this definitive moment in time, then perhaps you need to ponder more deeply those things you need to do so as to be fully prepared. Prepare yourself today. Do not wait. Our Lord could return at any time. Do not be caught off guard.
My eternal Judge, You promise to return to earth at a definitive moment in time to bring about the fullness of justice. May I always be prepared for that day through a life lived in union with You and Your holy will. I pray for that day to come quickly, dear Lord, and that all Your children will be ready to meet You when You come. Jesus, I trust in You.
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