Suy Niệm thứ Năm 17th Thường Niên

Suy Niệm thứ Năm 17th Thường Niên

Qua bài đọc thứ Nhất, chúng ta có thể hình dung một thợ gốm đang chăm chỉ làm việc Người thợ gốm nàydùng một cục đất sét để biến nó thành một thứ gì đó mà ông ta muốn để có hình dáng duyên dáng và đẹp đẽ. Nếu ông ta không hài lòng với thành quả thành phẩm, hoặc nếu có điều gì sai, thì ông ta chỉ cần bắt đầu lại từ đầu. Đó là cách chúng ta sống của chúng ta mà Thiên Chúa đang làm trong các công việc tác thành và hoàn thiện chúng ta.

            Kinh nghiệm của chúng ta, cho dù là tích cực hay tiêu cực tất cả đều là những công cụ mà Thiên Chúa sử dụng nơi chúng ta. Sai lầm không phải là thiên tai; chúng ta luôn có một cơ hội khác. Thiên Chúa không kết thúc với chúng ta, và Thiên Chúa sẽ không ngừng hình thành chúng ta cho đến khi chúng ta phản ánh được cái vẻ đẹp và vinh quang của Ngài.

            Có nhiều loại người trong Nước Thiên Chúa. Chúng ta có xu hướng tách biệt và gắn nhãn cho người khác tốt hay xấu, nhưng không phải lúc nào cũng đơn giản như vậy. Rất ít người hoàn toàn tốt hoặc hoàn toàn xấu xa, nhưng hầu hết là một hỗn hợp đau khổ của cả hai. Cái lưới được thả xuống và kéo lên với tất cả mọi người vào đó, nhưng sẽ được các Thiên Thần của Chúa phân loại và tách ra từng loại trong thời gian cuối đời của chúng ta. Sự gì sẽ xãy ra lúc đó thì quá trễ.

Sự phán thuộc về Chúa và chỉ một mình Chúa, Trong khi phán xét chúng ta có thể tiếp tục được Thiên Chúa làm việc nơi chúng ta mỗi ngày và chúng ta có thể giúp các anh chị em của chúng ta trong cuộc tranh đấu cho của họ ở trần thế trong những lời khẩn cầu trực tiếp của chúng ta trước toà Chúa. Lạy Chúa, xin Chúa tiếp tục hình thành chúng con theo ý muốn của Ngài.

 

17th Week in Ordinary Time

Watching a potter at work is fascinating. The potter shapes a lump of clay into something graceful and beautiful. If he or she is dissatisfied with the results, or if something goes wrong, they merely start over from the beginning. That is how it is with us — God is at work shaping and perfecting us.

Our experiences, both positive, and negative, are the tools that God uses. Mistakes are not disasters; there is always another chance. God is not finished with us, and God will not stop shaping us until we reflect his beauty and glory. There are all sorts of people in the kingdom of God. We tend to separate and label people as either good or bad, but it is not always that simple. Very few people are completely good or totally evil — most are a distressing mixture of both. The net that is cast pulls everyone in but separating good from evil occurs at the end of time, and it is not our job.          Judgement belongs to God alone, not to humans. In the meantime, we can continue being shaped by God each day and we can help our brothers and sisters along the way in their struggles. Lord, continue to form me according to Your will.

 

Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” Matthew 13:51–52

At times, Jesus’ words are difficult to understand. How well do you understand what He teaches you? He often teaches in figures of speech, as well as with parables. The passage quoted above concludes a section in which He speaks three subsequent parables. The third of these parables, the parable about the fishnet, is contained in the beginning of today’s Gospel passage. But just prior to that parable are the parables about the pearl of great price and the treasure buried in a field. Upon the conclusion of these three parables, Jesus asked His disciples, “Do you understand all these things?” After they affirmed that they did understand, Jesus gave an overview of the mission to which they had been entrusted. These soon-to-be bishops would become the new scribes who were instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven. Their mission would be to bring forth both the “new and the old.”

Many Church Fathers identify the “new and the old” as a reference to the Old Testament and the New Testament. Thus, the Twelve are being entrusted with the mission of being the scribes of the full revelation contained in what will become the full Bible as we have it today. Other commentators suggest that the “old” refers to the old life of sin and the “new” refers to the new life of grace. It will be the mission of the Twelve to instruct people in the full Gospel message, so as to draw them from their old life of sin to the new life of grace.

Though Jesus’ words can be difficult to understand from the perspective of a biblical scholar, the first of His words quoted above are very straightforward. “Do you understand all these things?” As we ponder that question in particular, try to hear our Lord asking that question of you. Though many scholars and saints of old have offered much clarity on what Jesus’ teachings actually mean, the question that Jesus posed to the Twelve must be answered in a more personal way for each of us. As you hear Jesus ask you if you understand these things, the answer you give is not primarily based upon whether or not you have sufficiently studied the text of His teaching and can rationally explain it as a scholar. Instead, the answer He is seeking is whether or not you can respond from faith. He wants you to say, “Yes, I hear You speaking to me, Lord. Yes, my heart is convicted by the words You have spoken. Yes, I understand what I must do. Yes, Lord, I believe.” The Word of God is alive and can only be “understood” properly when we allow our Living Lord to speak to us, personally, as we listen to His holy Word.

Reflect, today, upon this question that Jesus posed to the Twelve. As you do, hear Him asking you this question. How fully do you understand what God is saying to you, right now at this moment in your life? As you read the Scriptures, do you sense God revealing Himself to you? Do you understand what He wants of you? If hearing the voice of God is a challenge at times, then spend more time prayerfully pondering His holy Word so that His Living Voice will more clearly resonate within your soul.

My revealing Lord, You speak to me day and night, continuously revealing Your love and mercy to me. May I learn to become more attentive to Your voice speaking within the depths of my soul. As I hear You speak, please give me the gift of understanding to know Your will and to embrace it with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.

 

Thursday 17^th Ordinary Time 2024

Opening Prayer: Lord God, I pray today that I welcome the seed of the kingdom with good soil, that I be a good seed which produces abundant wheat in the kingdom, that I dwell safely in the branches of the kingdom, that I be yeast that transforms society with charity and justice, that I sell all that I have to gain the treasure of the kingdom, that I welcome the redemption purchased by your Son, and that I am a righteous fish welcomed into the bucket of eternal life.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Acceptance and Rejection in the Parables of the Kingdom: In Matthew 11-12, the narrative highlighted the growing division between those who welcomed Jesus and those who rejected him. Those who welcomed Jesus welcomed his teaching and followed him. Those who rejected Jesus rejected his teaching and refused to repent. The Pharisees largely belong to the second group and have even begun to plot Jesus’ death (Matthew 12:14). Against this background of acceptance and rejection, we can understand Jesus’ eight parables about the Kingdom. Three parables contrast how the two different groups react to Jesus and his message: the first parable (Matthew 13:1-23) contrasted good soil and bad soil; the second (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-42) contrasted good wheat and bad weeds (darnel); and the seventh, which we read today, contrasts good fish with bad fish. One parable, the third, highlighted how the small group that welcomed Jesus will expand throughout history. The fourth explained how that same small group will transform the world around them. The fifth highlighted the need for disciples to give up everything for the treasure of the kingdom. The sixth points to Jesus as the one who redeems all humanity. “Such radical discipleship stands in sharp contrast to the many who fail to value the gospel of the kingdom and accept Jesus’ call to conversion. … Despite some bad soil, bad seed, and bad fish, the kingdom will produce an abundant harvest and a great catch” (Mitch and Sri, The Gospel of Matthew, 174).

2. The Differences Between the Second and Seventh Parables: The seventh parable, that of the net thrown into the sea, is very similar to the second parable, about the wheat and weeds. They both contrast two groups that coexist throughout time but are separated at the end. The weeds and the bad fish are burned in the fiery furnace “where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth” (Matthew 13:42, 50). But how do the two parables differ? What different dimensions of the mystery of the Kingdom do they each emphasize? The second parable tells us about one of the causes of evil, the devil, who sows the seeds of evil in the field, while the seventh parable is silent on what causes some fish to be bad. The second parable also emphasizes the patience of the householder who lets the weeds grow with the wheat for the sake of the wheat. The seventh parable doesn’t emphasize the patience of the fishermen, but rather the work of Jesus’ apostles and disciples who act as “fishers of men” to gather all types of people from the sea and into the kingdom. The sea is a biblical image that often represents both the deathly abode of evil and the Gentiles. Thus, while both parables teach that there will be good and evil in the Kingdom until their final separation, one parable emphasizes the merciful patience of the Son of Man, while the other emphasizes how good and evil people will be gathered into the kingdom through the efforts of the Son’s disciples. God, so to speak, gives both the weeds and bad fish time to repent and be transformed by grace into wheat and good fish.

3. The Sign of the Broken Potter’s Vessel: In the First Reading, we see Jeremiah go to the potter’s house, take an earthen flask, and break it at the Potsherd Gate near the Valley of Hinnom. “Just as the potter’s vessel is broken, so will ‘this people and this city’ be broken in the overthrow of Jerusalem (Jer 19:11). Once again, the cause is their idolatry and detestable worship of Baal and other foreign gods, which included human sacrifice (Jer 19:1-9)” (Bergsma and Pitre, A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament, 788). The Lord, the divine potter, teaches Jeremiah that he “wants to shape Israel, his clay, into a useful vessel, yet the vessel has become ruined by its determination to do evil. Still, God has the power to reshape the fortunes of Judah, and of all nations, if they repent and yield to his will” (Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, 48). The sign of the broken potter’s vessel is the culmination of four signs that made visible what Jeremiah preached about the temple, the people, and the city of Jerusalem. “The people did not respond well to such signs of judgment, and in response to the final sign, they begin to make plots against Jeremiah (Jer 18:18). Eventually, Jeremiah is arrested, beaten, and placed in stocks near the Benjamin Gate by Pashhur, the chief priest (Jer 20:1-2). This causes the prophet to curse the day he was born in one of his most poignant laments (Jer 20:7-18)” (Bergsma and Pitre, A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament, 788).

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you are the householder. You sowed the good seed that has sprouted and grown into the Church. Do not let me be discouraged by the presence of evil in the world or even in the Church. May I be an example of conversion and repentance for all those I encounter.

 

Reflection Thursday 17^th Ordinary Time:

We all have a fundamental need to belong to a group. Experience of rejection can cause emotional pain and even affect our behavior.

- Disconnection leads to more pain, so that people are eager to change their behavior and remain in the group with which they feel affinity. Jesus experienced this with his own family, home town, religious leaders and, at the end, even with his disciples. However, he invested his energy more in the relationship with his Father than in human relationships.

The love for God was so real in his life that he could with serenity face all challenges. Rejection by those whom he loved affected Jesus but still he was able to offer his life as a gift to many who wanted to receive him. St. Ignatius of Loyola would often ask God, for the grace to live as Jesus lived, and to love as Jesus loved. This heroic love, which is meek and humble, even rejoices when insulted and humiliated. Human nature often resists vulnerability but grace flourishes in our vulnerability.          

Lord Jesus, you called us to know you more intimately, to love you intensely and to follow You more closely. You embraced vulnerability in becoming a poor human being. Give us the courage to love others without creating barriers in relationships.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Tư 17Th Thường Niên

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Tư 17^Th Thường Niên

Trong hai dụ ngộn gắn gọn, Chúa Giêsu dậy cho mọi người biết rằng vương quốc trên Trời là gì: Nước của Thiên Chúa thì giống như một người đi tìm thấy một kho tàng ẩn giấu trong ngoài đồng, khi đã tìm thấy được thì ông ta  bán tất cả những gì ông có để mua cho được cánh đồng đó, và Nước Trời cũng giống như một nhà buôn truy lùng loại ngọc trai quý, khi ông ta tìm  được rồi thì anh ta bán tất cả những gì anh ta có để mua cho được viên ngọc trai quý đó.

  Nước Trời của Thiên Chúa còn rất quý giá hơn những kho tang hay ngọc trai quý giá, vì thế chúng ta nên sẵn lòng bán tất cả những gì chúng ta có để chúng ta có thể đến được Nước Trời của Thiên Chúa.

  Những điều khác nhau có thể làm cản trở việc chúng ta theo đuổi Nước Trời: đó là những giới hạn và điểm yếu của con người, sự thiếu kiên trì và đức tin của chúng ta, vì chúng ta chỉ biết tập trung vào những thứ của thế gian này thay vì những thứ tồn tại ở bên ngoài cái thế giới mà chúng ta đang sống đây với những sự bí hiểm của cái ma quỷ đang vây bủa chung quianh chúng ta. Chúng ta cần có một mối quan hệ cá nhân với Chúa Giêsu cho dù bất kể những trở ngại nào đó có thể xảy ra như Chúa Giêsu đã nói với chúng ta về Nước Trời của Thiên Chúa và chính Ngài là người sẽ dẫn đường cho chúng ta vào tận hưởng trong Nước Trời của Thiên Chúa.

  Xin Chúa giúp dẫn đường, chỉ lối cho chúng ta để chúng ta không bao giờ phải lạc lối trong việc theo đuổi Thiên Chúa Trời và Nước thiên đàng.

 

REFLECTION WEDNESDAY, 17TH Week in Ordinary Time

 In two brief parables Jesus tries to tell people what the kingdom of heaven is about: like one who finds a hidden treasure in the field and sells all he owns to be able to purchase the field and like a trader who finds a truly exceptional pearl and sells all he owns to purchase the pearl.

 The kingdom of heaven is so valuable we should be willing to sell all we own to get to the kingdom of heaven.

 Various things may hinder our pursuit of the kingdom of heaven: our own human limitations and weaknesses, our lack of faith, our focus on things of this earth rather on things which persist beyond this earth and the guiles of the evil one. Whatever the hindrances may be, we do need a personal relationship with Jesus who has told us about the kingdom of heaven and who has led the way for us to enjoy the kingdom of heaven.

 May we never go astray in our pursuit of God and the kingdom of heaven.

 

Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44

Today’s Gospel presents us with two very short and similar parables. In the first, quoted above, the Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a “treasure.” In the second parable, the Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a “pearl of great price.” Though these parables are very similar to each other, there are also subtle differences worth pondering. It appears that the treasure mentioned in the first parable is discovered almost by accident. The person simply “finds” it. This is in contrast to the second parable, in that the merchant who finds the pearl of great price did so after “searching” for it. 

We often encounter the Treasure of the Gospel without even looking for it. We do so any time God intervenes in our lives without us seeking His intervention. For example, if someone were to offer an act of charity to you without you seeking it out, this is God giving you a treasure of His Kingdom. Or if someone shares with you their faith, or an inspiration they received, this is indeed a treasure given to you by God. The problem is that many times when we are given these treasures of the Gospel, we do not always see them as treasures. Imagine, for example, if the person in this parable were to stumble upon the treasure in the field and fail to open it out of indifference. They see it from a distance, have a bit of curiosity about what is in the box, but they are not energetic enough to actually open the box and look inside. In that case, the person would have no reason to go and sell all that they have so as to buy the field in which the treasure is found.

One clear message that this first parable reveals is that we must be attentive to the countless treasures of God’s graces given to us each and every day. God is so prolific in offering us grace, that we truly do stumble upon His grace all the time. Thus, having eyes to perceive His actions and ears to Hear His Voice is essential.

A second message clearly given in both of these parables is that once we discover the graces God gives us every day, we must foster within ourselves a desire for those graces that is so strong that we are willing to do anything necessary to obtain them. The discovery is made through the gift of faith, but the discovery by faith must then be followed with a zeal that drives our will to conform to that discovery.

Reflect, today, upon two things. First, have you discovered the treasures God has given to you? If you hesitate in answering this, then it’s most likely the case that there is much you have yet to discover. Secondly, as you do discover the riches that come with the gift of faith, then have you allowed that which God has spoken to you to consume you to such a point that you are willing to sell all you have, meaning, do whatever it takes to further accept all God wants to bestow? Resolutely determine to go forth on this holy search and you will find that the riches of grace that you obtain are of infinite value.

My Lord of all riches, You bestow upon me and upon all Your children countless graces every day. The treasures of Your mercy are of infinite value. Please open my eyes so that I can see and my ears so that I can hear so as to discover all that You wish to bestow. May You and the riches of Your Kingdom become the one and only, all-consuming focus of my life. Jesus, I trust in You.

 

Wednesday 17^th Ordinary Time 2024

Opening Prayer: Lord God, you sent your Son to seek out the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the fine pearl. I am all three of these. I am the lost sheep who sometimes wanders from the fold. I am the coin lost within your house. I am a pearl of great price who has been found and redeemed by your Son.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Hidden Treasure and Fine Pearls: In his parables in Matthew 13, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to seven different things and twice explains the comparisons to his disciples. He explains that the seed can represent either the word of the kingdom sown in people’s hearts or the children of the kingdom. A mustard seed becoming a great shrub represents the supernatural growth of the kingdom throughout history. Leaven in the dough emphasizes how the kingdom will transform society. Today, Jesus uses two more comparisons. First, the Kingdom of Heaven is compared by Jesus to a treasure hidden in a field. Now, most of Jesus’ parables have a twist in them. In the Parable of the Sower, the sower seems to be careless and yet his work yields an abundant yield. The twist in the Parable of the Hidden Treasure is that the man finds the treasure and leaves it in the field, sells everything he has, and buys the field, instead of just taking the hidden treasure out of the field. This alludes to the fact that we cannot be attached to the things of this passing world and to the kingdom of heaven at the same time. Possessing the kingdom in this world is worth more than possessing earthly wealth. In the second parable, the Kingdom of Heaven is compared to a merchant in search of fine pearls. Notice, in contrast to the previous parable, that the kingdom is identified with the merchant who seeks and not the fine pearl. The parable, then, can be interpreted in the following way: Christ is the merchant who is searching for us, who are likened to fine pearls. Jesus gives up everything – he gives his entire life – to purchase our redemption. Through his sorrowful passion, Jesus redeems us, his brothers and sisters, from sin and death and brings us into the freedom of the New Covenant. Do I see Jesus searching for me as a fine pearl and giving up everything for my sake? Am I grateful for this?

2. Jeremiah: The First Reading is taken from the second of Jeremiah’s four confessions to the Lord (see 11:18-12:6; 15:10-21; 17:17-18; 18:19-23). “The prayer begins with lament and complaint about his trials (15:10-11), continues with a plea for vindication (15:15), and ends with divine words of reassurance (15:20-21)” (Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, 44). Jeremiah begins his confession with a cry of woe and anguish. When a prophet pronounces “woe” this is a warning that God’s judgment is about to fall on sinful cities or nations. By pronouncing “woe,” the prophet denounces evildoing and makes an appeal for repentance. He is telling the people that they are on the foolish path that leads to the curse of death and not on the wise path that leads to the blessing of life. Here, Jeremiah wrestles with discouragement as he faces opposition, isolation, and the rejection of his message. Jeremiah remembers his prophetic calling, the day when God put divine words into his mouth (Jeremiah 1:9). The First Reading ends with Jeremiah seemingly wanting to abandon his mission but also with him being recommissioned as God’s prophet to Jerusalem and Judah. Have I given in to the temptation to despair as I carry out my mission in life? How can I be restored to hope?

3. The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola: St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) is well known for his Spiritual Exercises (published in 1548). The Exercises are an invitation to meditate on and discern what is most important in life. The Exercises help us see created things as relative and not absolute. They are means and not ends in themselves. They should be used in the measure they help us in our relationships with God and others. Ignatius invites us to contemplate life as a battle. We are asked: Who’s side are you on? Are you rallying under the standard of the devil? Or will you rally under the standard of Christ? As we contemplate the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we are encouraged to conform our lives to that of our king, Jesus Christ. Right now, in this moment, which side am I on? What kind of spiritual battles am I engaged in?

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, thank you for finding me and selling everything to redeem me. I will strive to choose you every day of my life. I know you are a good shepherd and a good general and that your strategy will win the ultimate battle of life. Empower me with your Spirit to fight the good fight and finish the race!

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Ba Tuần thứ 17 Thường Niên

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Ba Tuần thứ 17 Thường Niên
Trong thế giới của chúng ta, có những người tốt và xấu, tất cả khác nhau, nhưng cùng sống với nhau. Qua những lời của Thánh YNhã thành Loyola viết trong những bài tập Linh Thao của ông, "những người sống trên mặt đất, với sự đa dạng tuyệt vời trong những trang phục và theo cách diễn xuất.  Một số trắng, một số đen, một số được an lạc và một số sống trong chiến tranh. Một số thì đau khổ, khóc lóc, một số vui cười, hạnh phúc. Một số thì khoẻ mạnh, một số thì bệnh tật; một số được sinh ra với thế giới và một số phải chết, v. v. ". Và Thiên Chúa Ba Ngôi nhìn thấy thế giới này, "Ngài nhìn xuống toàn bộ bề mặt của trái đất, và nầy, tất cả các quốc gia đang sống trong sự mù lòa, tội lỗi, đang đi xuống và đang hướng tới hoả địa ngục."
      Và Thánh Ynhã đã viết: “Bởi vì sự đa dạng của thế giới đang đi vào sự bối rối này mà Thiên Chúa Ba Ngôi trong cõi đời đời đã quyết định sai Con một của Ngài là Ngôi Hai xuống trần gian để làm người như chúng ta và để cứu rỗi con người chúng ta. Vì vậy, khi thời gian viên mãn đã đến, Thiên Chúa đã sai sứ thần Gabriel đến Đức Maria của chúng ta. "
            Ngôi Hai nhập thể của Thiên Chúa Ba Ngôi đến và đem Tin Mừng về Nước Thiên Chúa, Ngài tuyển lựa và mời gọi những người theo Chúa, Ngài đã hiến dâng sự sống của mình trên thập tự giá và Ngài sống lại từ cõi chết, Ngài đã để lại Giáo Hội của Ngài để tiếp tục công trình cứu độ của Ngài, "Hãy đi khắp cả thiên hạ rao giảng tin mừng cho mọi loài thụ tạo. Ai tin cùng chịu thanh tẩy thì sẽ được cứu, còn ai không tin thì sẽ bị luận tội "(Mc 16: 15- 16)
 
 Reflection Tuesday 17^th Ordinary Time:
     Jesus speaks of the ungraspable Kingdom of God in parables. In the context of his audience, the parable of the weeds is readily understandable. In the fields where good seed is sown, weeds from whatever source grow with the plants from the good seed. Before the harvest or at the harvest, the bad weeds are separated and eventually disposed of or burned; the fruit of the good seed is harvested.
     In our world, good and bad people, all different, live together. In the words of St. Ignatius of Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises, "those on the face of the earth, in such great diversity in dress and manner of acting. Some are white, some black' some at peace and some at war; some weeping, some laughing; some well, some sick; some coming into the world and some dying, etc." And the Holy Trinity sees this world, "They look down upon the whole surface of the earth, and behold all nations in great blindness, going down and descending into hell."
     And St. Ignatius writes that it is into this varied and confused world that the Trinity decrees to send the Second Person to save it: "They decree in Their eternity that the Second Person should become man to save the human race. So when the fullness of time had come, They send the Angel Gabriel to our Lady."
     The incarnate Second Person of the Blessed Trinity comes to bring the Good News about the Kingdom of God, chooses and invites followers, gives his life on the cross and rises from the dead, leaving his Church to continue his saving work, "Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; the one ho refuses to believe will be condemned." (Mk 16: 16)
 
Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”  Matthew 13:43
This passage concludes Jesus’ explanation of the Parable of the Weeds in the Field. Recall that in this parable there were good seeds sown in a field. The Sower is the Son of Man, Jesus, and the seed He sows are the children of the Kingdom, which includes all those who are in a state of grace. The field is the whole world. Thus, Jesus is saying that He has sent His followers, each one of us, into the world to build His Kingdom. But the evil one also sows his “children,” which refers to all of those who live evil lives that are contrary to the will of God. The passage above refers to the reward that the children of the Kingdom receive, whereas the passage just prior to this points out that at the end of the age, the children of the evil one will be condemned and sent “into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
The end result of being the children of the Kingdom is quite hopeful. “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.” This promise from our Lord should be pondered, believed and become the driving force of our hope in life.
Hope is an essential virtue that we often do not speak of enough. The gift of hope is not simply wishful thinking, such as when one hopes they win the lotto. The theological virtue of hope is a gift from God that is based on truth. The truth that it is based on is the promise of eternal life in Heaven if we accept all that God speaks to us and if we fulfill His glorious will in our lives.
By analogy, say that you have a large mortgage on your home. And say that the bank was doing a promotion in which they were going to pay off the mortgage for one lucky family. And that family was yours. They contacted you and let you know that all you need to do is fill out an application for this grant and that it would then be given to you. What would you do? Of course you would go and fill out the application. The bank is trustworthy, and you are confident that if you do what they ask, a small task of filling out the application, then they will follow through with the promise they made of paying off your mortgage. In a sense, there is hope established within you once you learn of this offer; and that hope, which is based on a true promise, is what drives you to do the small task of filling out the application.
So it is with God. The “mortgage” that He promises to pay is the debt of all our sin. And the requirement to receive this promise is fidelity to all He commands of us for our good. The problem is that we often do not fully understand the reward we are promised. That is: to “shine like the sun” in the Kingdom of our Father in Heaven. Having your mortgage paid off by the bank is something concrete and clear and very desirable. But the reward of shining like the sun in the Kingdom is of infinitely greater value. Do you believe that?
The best way to strengthen the virtue of theological hope in our lives is to become more and more certain of the truthful promise of our Lord. We need to understand Heaven and the infinite value we receive by obtaining it. If we truly understood what Jesus was promising us, we would become so intensely driven to do all that He commands us to do that this would become the single focus of our life. The hope would become a strength so strong that we would become consumed with doing anything and everything necessary to obtain such a reward.
Reflect, today, upon the depth of hope you have in your life. How driven are you by the promises made by our Lord? How clearly do you understand those promises? If you struggle with hope, then spend more time on the end reward that is promised to you by Jesus. Believe what He says and make that end goal the central focus of your life.
My glorious King, You invite all people to share in the glories of Heaven. You promise us that if we are faithful, we will shine like the sun for all eternity. Help me to understand this glorious gift so that it becomes the single object of my hope and the drive of all that I do in life. Jesus, I trust in You.
 
Tuesday 17^th Ordinary Time 2024
Opening Prayer: Lord God, you know all things and are the Lord of history. You know how the world is a mixture of good and evil, of light and darkness, of saints and sinners. Bring me to a good end and help me overcome sin in my life so that I may truly be a child of your Kingdom.
Encountering the Word of God
1. Jesus’ Explanation of the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds: When Jesus begins to speak in parables in the Gospel of Matthew, this marks a change in his teaching method. Jesus has met with opposition from the religious leaders (Matthew 12:1-50) and started to form his twelve Apostles as the new leaders of the new Israel. Jesus adapts his teaching to this new reality. Parables hide the mysteries of the Kingdom from the learned and the prideful (the scribes and Pharisees) and reveal the mysteries to the humble and childlike (his disciples). Jesus often speaks in parables to the crowds that follow him and then later explains the meaning of the parables in private to his disciples. We see this in today’s Gospel. After the crowds have been dismissed, the disciples approach Jesus and ask him to explain the parable of the wheat and weeds in the field. He explains that he, the Son of Man, is the sower of wheat, of good seed. The devil, the Evil One, is his enemy who sows weeds. The children of the Kingdom of Heaven are the good seed sown by Jesus. The children of the Evil One are the weeds sown by the devil. Jesus is revealing that good and evil people, saints and sinners, will coexist side by side in the kingdom of heaven.
2. The Final Separation of Good and Evil: In Peter’s house, which is an image of the Church, Jesus explains the meaning of his parable. Jesus reveals that only at the end of the age will bad weeds (the unrighteous) and good wheat (the righteous) be separated. Jesus speaks about sending out messengers and angels into the world at harvest time to collect the weeds and throw them into the fire. “The parable shows that even though the kingdom is dawning on the world, wicked and the faithful will coexist with it until the final judgment” (Mitch and Sri, The Gospel of Matthew, 181). While the wicked will be punished in the furnace of fire, the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Those who rise to eternal life will shine because they share in the light of Jesus’ glory. The image evokes Daniel 12:3, which foresees the day when the wise will be delivered from God’s judgment and shine forever like the stars. What are some lessons we can draw from this parable? First of all, we need to learn the lesson of patience. Wickedness will exist in the world and even in the kingdom of Heaven as it grows throughout history. We need to work to eradicate wickedness from our own lives and overcome injustices in our society. Second, there is a lesson of hope. The children of God the Father will be vindicated at the final judgment. Am I working patiently and persistently to eradicate sin, evil, and wickedness from my own life and from the community around me?
3. Why Have You Struck Us Down? In the First Reading, Jeremiah is encouraged by God to weep for Jerusalem, which is called the “virgin daughter.” Jerusalem is suffering because Judah’s spiritual leaders, tasked with religious instruction, have failed to impart true knowledge of God to the people (Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, 43). Jeremiah responds to God by asking if the Lord has rejected Judah and why he has struck her down. “Jeremiah, still unwilling to abandon Judah to conquest and exile, prays again for clemency. This time he confesses the sins of multiple generations (14:20), begs the Lord to uphold his covenant with Israel (14:21), and acknowledges the inability of idols to bring rain (14:22)” (Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, 43). The people of Judah are oppressed by Babylon and by the persistent drought. Jerusalem, the Daughter of Zion, needs to learn that the God of Israel and Judah – not Baal, the Canaanite storm god – controls the weather and the rain. The Lord permits his people to experience deportation and drought in an effort to bring them back to covenant fidelity. Has God permitted me to experience what it is like to be far away from him? Did this experience draw me back to God?
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, teach me to be patient and merciful when I see evil in the world and in the Church. Do not let me become discouraged or give into despair. I will redouble my efforts to be holy with your grace and overcome my attachments to sin.
 
Reflection:
Today, through the parable of the weeds and the wheat, the Church urges us to ponder over the coexistence of good and evil. Good and evil within our heart; good and evil we may spot on others, good and evil we can see in the world, all around us. “Explain to us the parable” (Mt 13:36), his disciples ask Jesus. And, today, we can mean to be more careful with our personal prayer, our everyday dealings with God. —Lord, we can ask him, explain to me why I do not progress enough in my interior life. Explain to me how can I be more faithful to you, how can I look for you in my work, or through these circumstances I do not understand or I do not want. How can I be a qualified apostle? A prayer is just this, to ask God for “explanations”. How is my prayer? Is it sincere?, is it constant?, is it trusting?
Jesus Christ invites us to keep our eyes fixed on Heaven, our eternal home. Quite often, haste can drive us crazy, but we seldom stop to think that there will come a day —, «the man who strives to live must die; whereas the man who does not strive to avoid sin has to live eternally» (St. Julian of Toledo).
We shall reap what we have sown. We have to fight to give today the 100%. So when we are called into God's presence we might be able to go with our hands full: of acts of faith, hope and love. Which result in minor things and events that, when lived on an everyday basis, make us better Christians, saints and human.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Lễ kính Thánh nữ Maria Mađalêna, Mary and Lazarus

 

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Lễ kính Thánh nữ Maria Mađalêna, Mary and Lazarus

Hôm nay chúng ta mừng lễ Thánh nữ Maria Mađalêna, một người phụ nữ không những chỉ là một đệ tử trung thành và thân tín Chúa Kitô mà còn là một người thật sự yêu kính Chúa Giêsu. Đáng tiếc thay là trong thời chúng ta đang sống hôm nay, nhiều người trong chúng ta có lẽ lo ngại hay có sự nghi ngờ về ba Maria Mađalêna. Nhiều người trong chúng ta cảm thấy khó chịu trong sự thân mật mà cô đã dành cho Chúa Giêsu. Trong bài đọc Tin Mừng hôm nay, Thánh Gioan mô tả những cuộc gặp gỡ của bà với Chúa Giêsu có vẻ như thân thiện hơn nhiều so với sự thân mật bình thường. Vì thế nó không giúp ích cho Maria Mađalên khi bà đã bị người khác nhầm lẫn và miêu tả bà ở trong phim trường Hollywood như là một người tình bất hợp pháp của Chúa Giêsu hay là một cô gái đã từng làm nghề mại dâm (mà cô thực sự là không phải thế..vì có rất nhiều Maria trong những bài Tin Mừng.)

Trong suốt các bài Tin Mừng, Bà Maria Mađalêna đã phải tranh đấu với những khó khăn và sự sỉ nhục, đau thương. Bà cũng bị quỷ ám và cũng bị mọi người thân cận bỏ rơi trước khi Chúa Giêsu trừ quỷ và chữa khỏi bà. Và bà cũng chính mắt chứng kiến cái cái Chết cực hình của người bạn thân thương nhất của bà là Chúa Giêsu đã chết trên thập tự giá. Tóm lại, trong thời gian của bà và cho đến ngày nay, chúng ta đã không chịu để cho Maria Mađalêna có được nhiều thời gian nghỉ ngơi. Ngoại trừ Đức Giêsu, Đấng đã làm.

Chúa Giêsu là người bạn thật chân tình của bà trong tất cả các bạn. Ngài không những chỉ chữa cho bà được khỏi bệnh, nhưng cũng giảng dạy riêng cho bà về Nước Trời nữa mặc dù những người khác phàn nàn và khiếu nại, Để đáp lại, bà Maria Mađalên đã hiến dâng cho Chúa tất cả, Bà đã đầu hàng tầt cả những gì mà bà có và hàng ao ước để lắng nghe và sống trưởng thành với đức tin của mình trong Chúa Giê-su. Vì thế tứ đó đến nay, không ai có thể ngạc nhiên là bà đã trở thành một trong những môn đệ trung thành nhất c, tốt nhất của Chúa.

Bà Maria Mađalên là một mô hình của đức tin và tình bạn hữu của Chúa cho chúng ta. Đối mặt với những sự phản kháng và tâm lý tiêu cực mà chúng ta thường gặp mỗi ngày trong cuộc sống hôm nay, chúng ta thực sự có thể sử dụng những ví dụ và cuộc sống của bà Maria Mađalêna và áp dụng trong mối quan hệ cá nhân của chúng ta với Chúa.

 

 

REFLECTION

Today we remember St. Mary Magdalene, a woman who not only was a loyal and faithful disciple of Christ but also a person who truly loved Jesus.It is unfortunate that in our present day, many of us are apprehensive or suspicious of Mary Magdalene. Many of us find discomfort in the intimacy she had with Jesus. In today's gospel reading, St. John's description of the meeting of Mary and Jesus may seem more than friendly than it is joyful. It doesn't help that Mary Magdalene has been mistakenly portrayed in Hollywood as an illegitimate lover of Jesus or as an ex-prostitute (which she really wasn't).Mary Magdalene throughout the Gospels contended with difficulties and traumas. She was possessed of demons and likely an outcast before Jesus cured her. And she watched her friend Jesus die on the cross. In short, during her time and up to the present, we haven't been giving Mary Magdalene much of a break. Except Jesus who did.Jesus was her one true friend throughout it all. He not only cured her, but also taught to her, and stuck with her despite the complaints of others. In response, Mary gave her all to listen to and grow her faith with Jesus hence it comes as no surprise she became one of His most faithful disciples and best of friend.Mary Magdalene is a model of faith and friendship. In the face of antagonism and negative sentiment, which we often experience today, we could really use her example in our own personal relationship with the Lord "Lord, may I never fail to recognize your voice nor lose sight of your presence in your saving word."

 

Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, July 29

Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” John 11:19–22

Today’s memorial is relatively new within our Church. In the year 2021, Pope Francis replaced the Memorial of Saint Martha with this memorial in honor of all three siblings: Martha, Mary and Lazarus. In commenting on the reason for this new memorial, the Congregation for Divine Worship stated: “Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words, and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the One who humiliated death.” Furthermore, these three siblings gave an evangelical witness to us all. They model for us how to be Christians within our imperfections. They did this by welcoming Jesus into their home, by listening to Him attentively, and by believing that He is the Resurrection and the Life.

These three siblings each had their own unique personality and loved Jesus in their own way. Though not much is said about Lazarus’ personal interactions with Jesus, we do have some helpful insights into both Martha and Mary. In one Gospel story, Martha complained to Jesus that her sister left her to do all the cooking. Jesus gently corrected her. Mary, on the other hand, gave a witness of deep prayer and love of Jesus by sitting at His feet listening to Him. However, in the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead, there is a reversal of roles. Martha is the one who runs out to meet Jesus and expresses her deep faith in Him. Mary, on the other hand, heard that Jesus was coming and appeared to stay at home because she was upset.

Perhaps the most helpful way to ponder these siblings is to acknowledge two things. First, they are now saints in Heaven enjoying eternal beatitude and glory. Second, on earth they were people of faith and love, but they were also very clearly imperfect. Therefore, the witness they give to us should be twofold. We hope to share in the glory in which they now share, and we trust this will happen if we also befriend our Lord and welcome Him into our homes, imperfect though we may be.

Reflect, today, upon this holy but imperfect family. The imperfections and manifest weaknesses of these three siblings should encourage us to press on in our practice of the faith when things are not perfect in our lives either. There are many reasons why we might get discouraged or feel like doubting or giving up at times. Perhaps things are not perfect within the Church—or at the particular church you attend. Perhaps you are struggling with loving someone in your family. Perhaps you are struggling with an emotional issue. Perhaps there is some sin you seem to be incapable of overcoming. Perhaps you struggle with a physical ailment and wonder why God permitted it to happen. If you are able to relate to any of these, or any other forms of imperfection, then take inspiration from this family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Invite Jesus into the home of your heart, your family home and everywhere you go. He will come, gently correct you when needed, and give you the gift of new life, raising you up from your sins and weaknesses.

Lord, You befriended this ordinary family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. You visited their home, received their hospitality, gently corrected them when needed and eventually raised them to the new life of eternal glory. May I also welcome You into the home of my soul, within my family and into every aspect of my life. Please come to me and raise me to the newness of the life of grace. Jesus, I trust in You

 

Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus Jul 29, 2024

Opening Prayer: Lord God, I long for the day when I will be raised to eternal life. In the meantime, I will listen to your Word each day, conform my life to that of your Son, and serve others generously. I will pour out my life without reserve knowing that this life is short and eternal life with you awaits.

Encountering the Word of God

1. A Family of Saints: In 2021, Pope Francis decreed that July 29 should be a memorial of all three saints – Lazarus, Martha, and Mary – and not just Martha. Over the centuries, there has been some uncertainty about the identity of Mary and, for this reason, only Martha was included in the Roman Calendar. The new decree states: “In the household of Bethany the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and for this reason the Gospel of John states that he loved them. Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the One who humiliated death” (Congregation for Divine Worship, February 2, 2021). Luke introduces us to Martha and Mary as Jesus is on the way to Jerusalem. Martha receives Jesus into her home. Mary, her sister, sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching, while Martha was distracted with much serving. When Martha complains that Mary has left her to serve alone, Jesus responds: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42). Saint John narrates two episodes with Martha and Mary. The first, on the occasion of the death of Lazarus (John 11:1-54), occurs sometime between the feast of the Dedication of the Temple in late December and the feast of Passover in early April. The second, the anointing at Bethany (John 12:1-7), takes place immediately before Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and six days before Passover.

2. Martha’s Faith: Our Gospel today displays Martha’s deep faith in Jesus. First, she believes had Jesus been present during Lazarus’ illness, Jesus could have healed her brother and he would not have died. Second, she believes that even though her brother has been dead for four days, Jesus can still work a miracle. She doesn’t ask directly for her brother to be restored to life, but entrusts everything completely to Jesus. Third, she believes in the resurrection on the last day. She knows that her brother, who heard the Word of God and believed in the Son, sent by the Father, will rise on that last day. Fourth, she believes that those who live in Jesus and believe in him will never die. Lastly, she believes that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming in the world. Jesus' dialogue with Martha brings together many elements of Jesus' teaching about eternal life in the Gospel of John. His prologue affirms that in Jesus, the Word of God, is life (John 1:3). Whoever believes in Jesus, the Son of Man, will have eternal life (John 3:15-16). He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him (John 3:36). Whoever drinks of the water that Jesus shall give, will never thirst; for the water will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14). Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son will give life to whom he will. Eternal life is given to those who hears the word of Jesus and believes in the Father who sent Jesus in the world. Those who believe do not come into judgment, but have passed from death to life. The hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear the voice of the Son and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment (John 5:21-29). Unfortunately, there are some who refuse to come to Christ that they may have life (John 5:39-40). The Father will give the people true bread from heaven, Jesus himself; this bread gives life to the world. The Father's will is that Jesus lose nothing that the Father gave him, but raise it up at the last day: "For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:40)  Whoever eats Jesus' flesh and drinks Jesus' blood has eternal life, and Jesus will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:54). After the Bread of Life discourse, Peter says to Jesus: "You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God".

At the feast of Dedication, before the death of Lazarus, Jesus also teaches that his sheep hear his voice and that he knows them, and that they follow him. Jesus gives his sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of his hand (John 10:28).

3. Martha Learns How to Serve Without Anxiety: Martha’s words to Jesus show that she heard Jesus' voice and believed in him whom the Father sent. Likewise, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and heard him teach about eternal life and believed in him. Both sisters believed that their brother, Lazarus, would rise on the last day. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will not allow his friend to perish and be snatched out of his hand. Martha also is a model of generous service. It is interesting to see that when Jesus visits her home six days before Passover, Martha serves once again. This time, however, she does not complain about her sister. The Gospel says: "they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with him" (John 12:2). Once again Mary is at the Lord's feet; this time she anoints his feet with pure nard and wipes them with her hair. Martha knows that her sister has once again chosen the better part, and she isn't flustered or anxious or troubled that she has been left to serve alone. She isn't distracted by serving, but rather puts her heart and soul into serving her Lord Jesus and the others with love. She knows that she can handle it and that Mary and the others will help with the dishes, while they tell her all that Jesus said and taught in her home. The raising of Lazarus is a sign of the real life that Jesus will give to all who believe in him. The irony is found in the fact that Jesus’ gift of life leads to his own death.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you found true friendship, generous service, love, and attentiveness in the house of your friends. I want to offer you the same in my family. I will work to welcome you into my home, where we serve each other out of love and listen attentively to your words.

 

Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus

Introductory Prayer: Heavenly Father, once again I renew my faith in your plan for my life. I trust in your loving providence, and I know that no one can snatch me from your hands. You know well that I love you. I wish to be more open and docile to your plan and action in my life. Take this time that I now set aside for prayer. Take my mind, will, and heart; take my gifts and talents. I lay them at your feet through this prayer. Do with me today according to your holy and loving plan. Amen.

Petition: Lord Jesus, deepen my faith in your resurrection.

1. Do You Believe This? This is the fundamental question in our life of faith: do we, in fact, believe it all? Do we really believe that the human race was mysteriously subjected to the catastrophic consequences of our first parents’ disobedience to the divine will? Do we really believe what we say in the Creed every Sunday? Do we believe that Jesus of Nazareth died and rose from the dead to conquer sin, and now lives to draw all people to himself as their savior? The great challenge for the Christian in our thoroughly post-modern, post-Christian, technical age is to unabashedly say “Yes!”

2. Keeping Faith Simple: One of the greatest challenges in the Christian life is to keep our faith simple. Our tendency is toward sophistication and complication. While certainly the ability to think and reason well is a gift and has its place in the Christian life, we must be equally aware that the in-born tendency to rationalism can be a non-starter for a genuine life of faith. We cannot afford to fall into today’s error of trying to size God down according to our meager perceptions and self-centered attitudes. Christ is much more; God ways are far more sublime than what our limited vision can create. Simple faith is so pleasing to God because then he has leeway for his supernatural action. Then he can do something within us and through us.

3. Keeping Faith Robust: This simple faith can and must launch us upward and outward in the task of bringing Christ’s love to every soul. Our simple faith can rapidly ignite and convert us into relentless apostles of the Kingdom, like St. Paul. We need to make his words our own: “What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? (…) No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39).

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, give me the strength to bear the burden of drawing others closer to you. Let me feel, with St. Paul, the sting of “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” And when I do set out to give others reasons for my faith, accompany me with your Holy Spirit to give success to my poor efforts.

Resolution: For the love of Jesus, I will renew, refresh, and invigorate the act of faith with which I begin every day in my morning offering. 

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Hai Tuần thứ 17 Thường Niên

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Hai Tuần thứ 17 Thường Niên

Hôm nay, bài Tin Mừng cho chúng ta thấy Chúa Giêsu dậy cho các môn đệ. Như thói quen, Ngài dạy các ông trong hình thức các dụ ngôn, Ngài dùng hình ảnh đơn giản hàng ngày để giải thích những mầu nhiệm và bí ẩn to lớn của Nước Trời. Bằng cách này mà tất cả mọi người từ những người thông minh nhất đến những người đơn sơ thấp kém nhất cũng có thể hiểu được ý nghĩa Lời của Chúa.

"Nước Trời giống như hạt cải" (Mt 13:31) hạt cải là những hạt hết sức là nhỏ bé nó to gần như là hạt cát mịn, nhưng nếu chúng ta trồng nó xuống đất, bun xới, chăm sóc tốt mỗi ngày ... kết quả, nó sẽ trở thành một cây lớn lớn. “Nước thiên đàng giống như men mà một người phụ nữ trộn lẫn với ba đấu bột (...)” (Mt 13:33). Nấm men thì vô hình, nhưng nếu nó không được trộn và ủ trong bột làm bánh mì thì bột không nổi và bánh mì sẽ cứng khô. Đó là những cách cần thiết cho cuộc sống Kitô hữu của chúng ta. Một cuộc sống trong ân sủng: cho dù không thấy được sự bộc lộ ở bên ngoài; cũng không có một âm thanh làm vang dội cho người khác nghe, nhưng ... nếu chúng ta cho phép những ân sủng của Chúa đến và ở trong trái tim của chúng ta, thì ân sủng của Thiên Chúa sẽ là phân bón nuôi dưỡng hạt giống và biến đổi con người tội lỗi như chúng ta trở thành như các thánh của Chúa.

            Chúng ta nhận được ân sủng của Thiên Chúa qua đức tin, qua lời cầu nguyện, qua các bí tích, qua tình yêu của Thiên Chúa. Nhưng ân sủng cho cuộc sống này phải là trên tất cả những ân sủng mà chúng ta đã hy vọng và phải chờ mong, nhưng chúng ta phải mong muốn trong sự khiêm tốn. Những hồng ân của Thiên Chúa mà những người khôn ngoan trên thế giới này không biết đánh giá cao, không biết kính trọng nhưng mà Chúa là Thiên Chúa của chúng ta muốn truyền ban cho những ai biết khiêm tốn, hèn hạ và biết chấp nhận thánh ý Chúa.

Đấy là một điều thật tuyệt vời nếu khi Ngài đi tìm kiếm chúng ta, những người biết tự nhận ra chính bản thân mình là những người tội lỗi yếu đuối, nhưng biết tin tưởng vào sự tốt lành của Thiên Chúa. Bằng cách này, hạt cải nơi chúng ta sẽ phát triển thành cây lớn, các men của Lời Chúa sẽ đem lại cho chúng ta những hoa trái của sự sống đời đời bởi vì như thánh Augustinô có nói: “Trái tim càng biết khiêm tốn trong sự thấp hèn, thì nó sẽ càng được nâng lên để được hoàn thiện” (Saint Augustine).

 

Reflection Monday 17^th Ordinary Time:

Today, the Gospel shows us Jesus preaching to his disciples. He does so, as is His custom, in the form of parables, using simple everyday images to explain the great hidden mysteries of His Kingdom. In this way he could be understood by everyone from the most highly educated to the simplest of individuals.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed” (Mt 13:31) The mustard seed is so tiny it is almost invisible, but if we take good care of it and water it properly... it ends up becoming a large tree. «The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast that a woman took and buried in three measures of flour (...)» (Mt 13:33). The yeast is invisible, but if it weren't present the dough would not rise. Such is the way for life lived as a Christian, the life of grace: you don't see it externally; it doesn't make a sound, but… if one lets it introduce itself in one's heart, divine grace nourishes the seed and converts people from sinners to saints.

We get this divine grace through faith, through prayer, through the sacraments, through love. But this life of grace is, above all, a gift that we must wait and hope for, that we must desire with humility. A gift which the wise and learned of this world do not know how to appreciate, but that Our Lord God wants to transmit to the humble and uncomplicated. It would be great if, when He looks for us, he finds us, not in the group of the proud, but amongst the humble, the ones who recognize themselves as weak sinners, but very grateful for, and trusting in, the goodness of the Lord. This way the mustard seed will grow into the large tree, the yeast of the Word of God will bring about for us the fruit of eternal life because «the more the heart is lowered in humility, the higher it is raised to perfection» (Saint Augustine).

 

Monday 17^th Ordinary Time 2024

Monday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

He spoke to them another parable. “The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” Matthew 13:33

Yeast is powerful. Though it often accounts for only about 1% of a loaf of bread, it causes that loaf to more than double in size. Of course, it also has the amazing effect of turning the dough soft and flexible as it rises. Without yeast, the dough would remain stiff and much smaller in size. The dough would not become the bread it was meant to be.

The Church Fathers offer many interpretations of this short, one-sentence parable. Some say that the three measures of flour represent the spirit, soul and body into which the Gospel is inserted. Others say the three measures of flour represent either three different kinds of persons or three levels of fruitfulness in our lives. The yeast is understood by some as the message of the Gospel in the Scriptures and by others as charity that must permeate our lives and the world as a whole. Of course, the parables of Jesus, as well as every teaching contained within the Scriptures, offer us many levels of understanding and meaning that are all correct and consistent with each other. One of the most important questions to ponder is this: What does God want to say to you through this parable?

If you consider yourself to be the three measures of flour, and the yeast to be God, His holy Word and His gentle but clear Voice speaking to you, in what concrete ways do you see your life rising as a direct result? How do you see yourself becoming that which you are intended to be as a result of God entering your life? And do you see the effect as one that is truly transforming and even exponential?

Sometimes the Word of God has little to no effect on our lives. That, of course, is not the fault of the Word of God; rather, it’s because we do not allow God to do His transforming work. For yeast to work, the dough has to sit still for a while. So in our lives, for God to do His work, we must allow Him to gently and powerfully work. This process requires that we internalize all that God speaks to us. Then His actions must prayerfully be permitted to work within us, and we must allow the change to be slow and certain in accord with His divine plan.

Sometimes we can also become impatient with the workings of God. Again, the yeast takes time to work. If we are impatient with God’s grace, then it may be like taking the dough and kneading it over and over before it even has a chance to work. But if we are prayerfully patient, allowing God to do His work in our lives according to His will and in His time, then little by little we will experience the transformation that He initiates.

Reflect, today, upon this short but powerful parable. See yourself as that dough and see God and His action in your life as the yeast. As you sit with that image in a prayerful way, let God reveal how He wants to work within you and how He wants to transform you. Pray for patience. Trust that if you receive His transforming Word into your soul, then He will do what He wants to do. And trust that if this happens, you will indeed become the person God wants you to become.

My transforming Lord, You desire to enter deeply into my life and to permeate all that I am. You desire to change me, little by little, making me into the person You want me to become. Please help me to be attentive to all that You desire to do in me and to patiently await the transformation that You have already begun. Jesus, I trust in You.

 

Reflection Monday 17^th Ordinary Time:

     In today's Gospel reading, we see Jesus teaching his disciples again in parables. He said, "The kingdom of heaven is like…" Instead of using abstract ideas in his teachings, our Lord used parables with examples that we see or experience daily. This has the advantage of timeless and universal application.  

     Also, the parables could be more easily understood by those not highly educated or sophisticated people. What did he mean by the "kingdom of God"?  We know that it is not a place. 

     But if we translate it as the "reign of God," we can better understand and apply it across time and space. God reigns in any place or action which proclaims his values and everything He stands for. Since he is love, wherever or whenever love is present in any activity, he is also there as Lord and King. Like a little mustard seed, in any little good thing we do or witness, the kingdom of God is in our midst. 

     Like the yeast in the dough, the Lord also reigns in the loving but unseen actions and activities of his faithful. These little acts of loving all inspired by the Spirit of Love will be the catalyst for the transformation of society and the world. That is why our Lord taught us to pray for the "coming of God's kingdom."  

     Every time we pray the Lord's Prayer, let us reflect and ask ourselves if our actions are helping or hindering the reign of God in our lives and in the world around us. Is he the Lord of our hearts and the Lord of our lives?  Since most of us repeatedly fail, we then also ask the Lord to "forgive us our trespasses. "

 

REFLECTION

In the first reading today the prophet uses the image of a belt buried in water which destroys it for the people of Israel and Judah who will be destroyed because they have refused to listen to God's commandments.

   In the Gospel reading Jesus uses two parables to teach people about the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven is like a really small mustard seed which grows into the biggest of garden plants. The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast which makes the dough rise and grow.

   The kingdom of heaven grows quietly but surely, like the mustard seed planted in the garden. The kingdom of heaven's growth is like that of the yeast in the dough; its effects are hidden and unseen and yet very effective. The kingdom of heaven grows quietly and surely where love abounds, in the many loving and caring deeds of so many.

Are we doing our part in hastening the arrival and growth of the kingdom of heaven in our lives and in the lives of those we touch?

Suy Niệm Chúa Nhật 17 Thường Niêm Năm B

Suy Niệm Chúa Nhật 17 Thường Niêm Năm B

Nếu Chúa Giêsu đến với chúng ta hôm nay và hỏi chúng ta cùng một câu hỏi mà Ngài đã hỏi ông Philípphê. Chắc chắc chúng ta sẽ phản ứng không khác gì ông Philiphê. “Bao nhiêu tiển mới có thể mua đủ bánh cho ngần này người ăn?. Thế nhưng khi ông Anrê và cậu bé trong nhóm dâng lên Chúa 5 ổ bánh mì và 2 con cá của họ, Vậy mà đám đông cả mấy ngày người đã được ăn uống no nê.Năm cái bách và hai con cá đã quá đủ để nuôi mấy ngàn người người theo Chúa Giêsu vào ngày hôm đó.

            Điều này cũng xảy ra với mọi kitô hữu chúng ta.  Sứ mệnh mà chúng ta đã nhận, là sứ mệnh nên thánh, sứ mệnh của chúng ta là dùng những ân sủng và tài năng của mình để giúp người khác có được cuộc sống viên mãn, sứ mệnh của chúng ta là trở thành ánh sáng trong thế giới tăm tối này, ánh sáng hướng dẫn những linh hồn đang tìm kiếm hướng đi để hướng tới hy vọng của thiên đàng, sứ mệnh này nằm ngoài khả năng tự nhiên của chúng ta. Sứ mệnh này quá nặng nề đối với chúng ta, có thể đó là một lý do khiến chúng ta có xu hướng không nghĩ về sứ mệnh này quá nhiều. Tài năng và trí tuệ thiên bẩm của chúng ta ai đủ để đánh bại thế lực của cái ác dường như đang nắm giữ thế giới? Sức mạnh bẩm sinh của chúng ta có đủ  sức mạnh để chấm dứt sự ích kỷ, dục vọng và lòng tham đang hoành hành trong lòng con người?

            Chúng ta chỉ có năm ổ bánh mì và hai con cá; chúng ta không thể làm gì cả. Chỉ có khi nào chúng ta đặt tất cả những gì chúng ta đang có trong tay của chúng ta vào trong tay Chúa Kitô, cầu xin với Chúa chứ không phải cầu xin chính mình.  Chỉ có khi cầu nguyện thì chính mình, chúng ta mới có thể hy vọng hoàn thành sứ mệnh cuộc đời mình và tạo ra sự khác biệt thực sự vì lợi ích của Nước Trời. Những gì mà chúng ta không bao giờ có thể tự mình đạt được, nhưng chúng ta có thể vượt qua những thử thách đó dễ dàng nếu chúng ta phó thác cho Chúa. Như chính Chúa Giêsu đã nói: “Đối với Thiên Chúa, không có gì khó mà Ngài không thể làm được” (Mt 19,26).

            Có một câu chuyện về Một linh mục truyền giáo từng làm việc ở Trung Quốc nhiều năm trước đã kể lại, đây là câu chuyện có thật về một người biết rằng Thiên Chúa coi trọng những nỗ lực nhỏ bé của chúng ta để xây dựng Vương quốc của Ngài. Yo-San là một ông lão người Trung Quốc, theo đạo Thiên chúa, làm ruộng và sống một mình trong cảnh nghèo khó trên một chiếc thuyền trên sông.

            Một ngày nọ, ông ta đến gặp và nói với vị linh mục truyền giáo: “Thưa cha, nếu chúng ta có một nhà thờ thật thì chắc hẳn tốt đẹp hơn cái túp lều bằng gỗ phải không cha?” Vị linh mục trả lời: “Thật vậy,” “nhưng việc này thì không dễ đâu, vì chúng ta sẽ mất nhiều thời giờ để huy động quên góp tiền, khi nào có đủ tiền thì chúng ta mới có thể xây được nhà thờ mới. " Ông Yo-San nói: "Thưa cha, con muốn dâng số tiền này cho việc xây một nhà thờ mới." Vị linh mục trả lời: "Tôi chắc chắn rằng ông cũng sẽ có thể đóng góp một phần của ông khi thời cơ đến." Nhưng ông Yo-San khẳng định, "Không; ý tôi là, tôi muốn tự mình dâng cúng hết toàn bộ chi phí." Vị linh mục giải thích rằng điều này là không thể, vì chi phí để xây nhà thờ mới tương đương 5.000 đô la ( thời đó). Ông Yo-San nói rằng ông ta ấy biết điều đó, và sau đó đưa ra số tiền mặt tương đương năm ngàn dôla thời bấy giờ. Vị linh mục rất đỗi kinh ngạc, và ông Yo-San phải giải thích.

            Cách đây nhiều năm, khi ông còn là một thanh niên vừa nhận được sự chỉ dẫn về giáo lý và tìm hiểu đức tin, ông đã nghe một người truyền giáo lúc đó giải thích những chữ, “Danh Cha cả sáng” đó chính là mục đích của cuộc đời chúng ta là để vinh danh Thiên Chúa là Cha trên Trời. Nghe vậy, ông ta đã nảy sinh sự mong muốn một ngày nào đó ông ta sẽ xây dựng một ngôi đền thờ để vinh danh Thiên Chúa. Vì vậy, trong bốn mươi năm sống không gia đình, không nhà cửa, ông ta ăn uống sơ sài cho qua bữa và nhờ đó ông đã cố gắng để dành phần lớn số tiền lương ít ỏi của mình cho đến khi ông có đủ khoảng tiền tương đương 5.000 đô la.

            Vị linh mục thậm chí còn kinh ngạc hơn, và phản đối kế hoạch này, vì thấy rằng ông Yo-San đã già và sẽ sớm cần tiền để tự trang trải cuộc sống khi không còn khả năng làm việc.  Ông lão nói rằng Chúa sẽ chăm sóc ông và cầu xin vị linh mục nhận số tiền và sớm thực hiện ước muốn cả đời này cùa ông. Và Linh mục đồng ý. Nhà thờ được xây dựng. Và khi thánh lễ đầu tiên được cử hành trong nhà thờ mới đó, tất cả các tín hữu trong vùng đều vui mừng khôn xiết vì có một nhà thờ của riêng mình. Sau thánh lễ, ông Yo-San ở lại quỳ trong nhà thờ nhỏ xinh xắn đó rất lâu. Chiều hôm đó người ta thấy ông đã chết, và vẫn quỳ ở đấy, vì lòng ông quá sung sướng và biết ơn Chúa. Trong giấc mơ đêm đó, vị linh mục truyền giáo ấy đã thấy Chúa Kitô đón ông già Yo San vào thiên đàng, ông nói: “Hỡi tôi tớ tốt lành và trung tín, hãy vào Thiên Đường hưởng niềm vui cùng với Chúa ngươi.

Ông Yo-San là một người hiểu được cái giá trị thực sự của việc dâng hiến những nỗ lực kém cỏi của mình cho Chúa.

            Trong bài Tin Mừng ngày nay, Chúa Giêsu mong muốn các môn đệ của Ngài hãy chia sẽ những gì họ có, cho dù chỉ là một ít, 5 cái bánh và hai con cá, và Ngài sè làm việc vỹ đại với những món quàô nhỏ bé đó. Có lẽ Ngài cũng muốn chúng ta làm như vậy? những ổ bánh và những con cá nào mà Thiên Chúa mong muốn chúng ta dâng lên Ngài hôm nay, và ngay bây giờ để Ngài sẽ làm những điềm lạ ngay trước mắt chúng ta? Có lẽ chúng ta lo sợ vì dâng lên Chúa những gì chúng ta có quá ít?

            Có thể Thiên Chúa đã hằng thì thầm với chúng ta một thời gian, Ngài mong mỏi chúng ta dành thêm ít thời giờ với Ngài mỗi ngày để cầu nguyện, đọc một cuốn sách thiêng liêng hay, suy ngẫm về Kinh thánh, hay phục vụ giáo xứ với tư cách là Giáo lý viên, hay làm những việc khác, và trong việc xây dựng giáo xứ của chúng ta. Nhưng, chúng ta quá bận rộn, Cũng được không sao Chúa biết, Dâng cho chúa tất cả những gì chúng ta có cho dù là chút ít thời giờ! Thiên Chúa sẽ làm nên điều kỳ diệu với bất cứ thời gian ngắn ngủi nào mà chúng ta có thể dành cho ngài.

            Có thể Thiên Chúa đã đặt trong lòng chúng ta một ước muốn là làm điều gì đó cho ngài hoặc cho những người chung quanh của chúng ta, bắt đầu một điều gì đó mới, để tiếp cận những người đang cần sự giúp đỡ, nhưng, chúng ta đã không dám thử, bởi vì chúng ta sợ thất bại. Thiên Chúa sẽ nhân rộng bất cứ tài năng nhỏ bé nào của chúng ta, nếu chúng ta chân thành và ngoan ngoãn đặt nó vào tay của Ngài.

            Có thể có ai đó trong đời mà chúng ta cần nói lời tha thứ, hay xin lỗi, hoặc muốn mời họ trở lại vơi Chúa đi nhà thờ, hoặc khuyến khích ai  đó nên bỏ đi một số thói quen tội lỗi,  Nhưng, chúng ta phải biết nói như làm thế nào đây? chúng ta biết phải làm sao để không làm cho người đối diện không bị tự ái?  Thiên Chúa sẽ biến những lời nói nghèo nàn, vô nghĩa của chúng ta thành những hạt giống của ân sủng, nếu chúng ta đặt niềm tin vào tay Ngài và lắng nghe tiếng Chúa Thánh Thần hướng dẫn chúng ta phải nói gì.. Khi Chúa Giêsu thực hiện phép lạ Thánh Thể trong Thánh Lễ này, chúng ta hãy củng cố lòng tin tưởng vào Chúa, và trao cho Chúa bất cứ ổ bánh và con cá nào mà Chúa đang muốn xin nơi chúng ta. Chắc chắn chúng ta sẽ không hối tiếc.

            Lạy Chúa Jêsus, Chúa đáp ứng lòng khao khát sâu xa nhất của trái tim chúng con và Chúa nuôi dưỡng chúng con bằng loại bánh lúa mì tốt nhất (ThV. 81:16). Hãy Chúa hãy lấp đầy lòng biết ơn của chúng con và cho chúng con một trái tim biết rộng lượng để chúng con có thể sẵn sàng chia sẻ với người khác những gì Chúa đã trao ban cho chúng con.

 

Sunday 17th in Ordinary Time year B

God Can Work Wonders from Our Poor Efforts

If Jesus comes to me and asks me the same question, He asked Philip. I may just nervously be like Philip and point out to the Lord that if everyone would receive one piece of medium Pizza. We will need about 1,875 pizzas (or 15,000 pieces of pizza (I assume that there were 5000 men, 5000 women, 5000 kids) … and if the cost of each pizza is $7.00 each, we will need total $13,945.00 including tax, but no tips.  It is impossible for us to have that much money to pay for those pizzas!   And also. I don’t think any pizza store or anyone can supply to us that many pizzas in a short period of time.

Even we double the dollar amount, we still could not buy enough food to satisfy those hungry people. 

And yet, when Andrew and the boy in the group handed over their 5 loaves of bread and the 2 fish to the Lord, they became more than enough to feed those who followed Jesus on that day.

The same goes for every Christian, including ourselves.

The mission we have received, the mission of becoming saints, the mission of using our gifts and talents to help others lead fulfilled and fulfilling lives, the mission of being bright the light in this dark world, the light that guides searching souls toward the hope of heaven, this mission is beyond our natural capacities.

    It's too much for us, which may be one reason we tend not to think about it too much. Whose natural talents and wisdom are sufficient to defeat the forces of evil that seem to hold the world?

Whose innate strength is sufficient to put an end to the selfishness, lust, and greed that rage within the human heart? We only have five loaves of bread and two fish; by ourselves we can do nothing. Only if we put all we have and all we are into Christ's hands, confiding in him and not ourselves, can we hope to fulfill our life mission and make a real difference for the good of the Kingdom; in our hearts and in society at large. What we could never achieve on our own, we can immeasurably surpass with God. As Jesus himself put it, "For God, everything is possible" (Mt 19:26).

    There is a story about A missionary priest who worked in China years ago told us a true story about someone who knew that God values even our poor little efforts to build his Kingdom. Yo-San was an old Chinese man, a Christian, who worked in the rice fields and lived alone in poverty in a boat on the river.  He came to the missionary one day and said to the missionary priest: "Father, wouldn't it be good if we could have a real church instead of the wooden hut? “The priest answered: "Indeed it would,” “but it will take us a long time to raise the money." Yo-San said: "Father, I would like to pay for the building of a new church." The priest replies: "Well, I am sure you will be able to contribute your share when the time comes." But Yo-San insisted, "No; I mean, I want to pay for the whole thing myself." The priest explained that this would be impossible, as the cost would be close to the equivalent of $5,000. Yo-San said he knew that, and then produced the actual amount of cash. The priest was astounded, and Yo-San had to explain.

    Years ago, when he was a young man just receiving his first instruction in the faith, he had heard a former missionary explaining the words, "Hallowed be Thy Name" that the purpose of our life is to give glory to God. Hearing this, he conceived the desire to someday build a temple to God's name. So, for forty years living with no family and no house, eating only a little rice, he had managed to lay aside most of his scanty wages till he had the $5,000. The priest was even more astounded, and objected to the plan, seeing that Yo-San was old and would soon need the money to support himself when he could no longer work.  The old man said that God would take care of him and begged the priest to grant this life-long desire. The priest consented.

    The church was built. And it was standing-room-only when the first Mass was celebrated there, all the Christians in the region overjoyed to have a church of their own.  After the Mass, Yo-San stayed kneeling in the beautiful little church for a long time. That afternoon he was found lifeless, still kneeling, his heart broken with joy and gratitude. In a dream that night, the missionary priest saw Christ welcoming the old Yo San man into heaven, saying "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord."  Yo-San was a man who understood the real value of offering our poor efforts to God.

    In today’s gospel, Jesus asked his apostles to hand over the little that they had, and he worked wonders with it.  Could He perhaps be asking us to do the same?  Which loaves and fish is God asking us to entrust to his care today, and right now? What do we have so little of that we are afraid to give it to God?

    Maybe God has been whispering to us for a while, asking us to spend some more time with Him each day in prayer, in reading a good spiritual book, in reflecting on the Bible, in serving the parish as Catechists, Ushers, Lectors, and others, and in building up our family. But, we are so busy, well, if we have so little time!  God will work wonders with whatever little bit of time we give him.

Maybe God has put a desire in our heart to do something for him or for our neighbors, to start something new, to reach out to those in need, but, we have been afraid of trying, because, we are afraid of failing. 

    God will multiply whatever little talent we have, if we put it sincerely and obediently into his hands.

Maybe there is someone in our life that we need to speak a word of forgiveness to, or apologize to, or invite back to Mass, or encourage to walk away from some destructive, sinful habits. But, how will we know the right thing to say? God will turn our poor words into seeds of grace, if only we place them in his hands.

    As Jesus performs the miracle of the Eucharist in this Mass, let's renew our confidence in him, and hand over whatever loaves and fish he is asking for.  I'll guarantee one thing if we do: we won't regret it.

 

Sunday 17th in Ordinary Time year B

Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” John 6:11–12

    The people who were present for this miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish had to journey to be there. First, they followed Jesus to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, and then they followed Him up a mountain in a remote area. This is significant because it tells us that a miracle of such magnitude could only take place for those who had faith and acted on that faith. Jesus could have easily performed this miracle in the Temple in Jerusalem or in a synagogue where people doubted Him. If He did that, then many of His skeptics and critics would have seen His almighty power with their own eyes. Jesus could have also done this miracle in Nazareth, His hometown, in the presence of His extended family and friends. Perhaps if He had done this, then they would have come to believe in Him. But Jesus didn’t do this incredible miracle in places where faith was lacking. Instead, He went to a remote area where only those who truly wanted to be with Him were present.

    Note that the actions by which Jesus performed this miracle are similar to the way He instituted the Holy Eucharist during the Last Supper. We read above that Jesus “took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them…” Though this miracle is recorded in all four Gospels, in John’s Gospel it is a prelude to Jesus’ Bread of Life Discourse in which Jesus teaches, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” Therefore, this miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish should be seen as a teaching about the Eucharist. It is in the Eucharist that Jesus feeds us to superabundance. The Eucharist is the gift of His very life and the food that will bring us to eternal life.

    Unfortunately, it seems that very few people ever discover the gift of the Eucharist. Many people look at their participation in Mass as a duty that they must fulfill rather than as an invitation to share in the superabundant life. The only way we will discover the superabundant life given to us through the Eucharist is by working to imitate the faith of the people whom Jesus fed on that mountain. Again, the people who received this miracle had to journey either around or across the sea and climb a mountain. So also with us, the only way to come to a fruitful participation in the Eucharist is to make a concerted effort. The journey we make is one of faith, and the mountain we climb is one of prayer. Unless we believe deeply in our Lord, believe in the superabundant and transforming power of the Eucharist, seek it out faithfully every week and do so prayerfully, we will never be fed in this superabundant way.

    Reflect, today, upon the symbolism of Jesus traveling to this remote area so as to perform this most incredible miracle. See this journey that you are invited to take as a journey toward the discovery of the superabundant grace bestowed upon you through the Most Holy Eucharist. The only way that you will receive this grace is by committing yourself to the journey of faith and prayer. Don’t miss out. Don’t ignore the incredible value of this Gift. Seek out our Lord and discover His Gift of superabundant grace within your fruitful participation in the Holy Mass.

    My Eucharistic Lord, You call me to journey up the mountain of faith in the most Holy Eucharist through prayer and determination. May I more deeply discover the great value of the Holy Mass and seek to be fed by You in this superabundant way. Jesus, I trust in You

 

Sunday 17th in Ordinary Time year B 2024

Opening Prayer: Lord God, I thank you for the gift of the New Manna of the Messiah. I do not deserve this great gift. I am humbled by the communion I have with you through your Son and in your Spirit.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The New Moses: For the next five Sundays we will take a break from reading the Gospel of Mark and our Sunday Gospel will be taken from John 6. Today, we read about the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves for the five thousand. To understand this great sign, it is good to recall that the people in Jesus’ day expected the Messiah to bring back the miracle of the manna. They thought that the “manna that had stopped coming down during the time of Joshua would once again rain down from heaven” (Pitre, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist, 86). This meant that the Messiah would be a New Moses who would lead a New Exodus to a New Promised Land and provide New Manna as food for the journey. Today’s miracle looks forward to the Last Supper, when Jesus will provide not just bread that sustains us for a day, but the Bread of Life, his own Body and Blood, that gives eternal life.

2. The New Elisha: The miracle recorded in the First Reading points to Jesus as a New Elisha figure. Elisha was able to work a miracle and feed 100 men with 20 barley loaves. This was one of the 16 miracles Elisha performed. The miracles of Jesus recall and surpass those of Elisha. Jesus uses 25% less bread to provide food for 50 times the amount of people! The predecessor of Elisha was Elijah, who prefigures the ministry and preaching of John the Baptist. “Elijah is a prophet of judgment and justice, while Elisha is a prophet of mercy. Thus, Elijah performs relatively few miracles of compassion (1 Kings 17:8-24) but is remembered for calling fire from heaven multiple times, killing the prophets of Baal, and delivering oracles of death and judgment against Ahab and Ahaziah (1 Kings 18). Elisha, on the other hand, has an extensive ministry of mercy, in which he grants conception to the barren, healing to the sick, resurrection to the dead, food to the hungry, purity to the poisoned or defiled, and even forgiveness to enemies (2 Kings 6:21-23). The Gospel authors recognized this pattern and its applicability to the successive ministries of John the Baptist, prophet of judgment (Mt 3:7-12), and Jesus of Nazareth, prophet of mercy (Mt 11:28-30)” (Bergsma and Pitre, A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament, 421-422).

3. One Body and One Spirit: In our Second Reading, from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, Paul moves from what God has done for us in Christ (Ephesians 1-3) to how we ought to conduct ourselves in that light (Ephesians 4-6) (Williamson, Ephesians, 105). “The ascended Christ sends forth the Spirit, and his heavenly power to sanctify and save becomes operative through baptism and in the lives of individuals (Prothro, The Apostle Paul and His Letters, 177). We need to practice the virtues of humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Above all, we need to be united. We are one body, we share one Spirit, we have been given one hope, we have one Lord, we profess one faith, we have received one baptism, and we have one God and Father.

    Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, strengthen the unity of your Church and heal the wounds of division. I am saddened when I see the work of the evil one in the Church that seeks to divide us. Inspire me to know what to say and how to welcome my brothers and sisters in truth and love.