Suy Niệm Tin Mừng
Thứ Ba Tuần 13 Thường niện 
Đoạn Tin Mừng Máthêô mà chúng ta đọc hôm
nay rất quang trọng vì đó là một câu
chuyện thật kỳ diệu,
cho thấy sức mạnh và
quyền năng của Chúa Giêsu, thậm
chí Ngài có quyền đối với cả vũ trụ và thiên nhiên. Tuy nhiên, trong Tin Mừng này cho chúng ta biết được những đòi hỏi, đìều
kiện mỗi mà người chúng ta cần phải có nếu chúng ta thực sự muốn theo và làm môn đệ của Chúa Giêsu. Vì như trong đoạn đầu của bài Tin Mừng, chúng ta thấy là các môn đệ đã theo
lên một chiếc thuyền theo
sau Chúa Giêsu. Khi Chúa Giêsu đã lên vào
trong khoang thuyền, Ngài đã làm khoang thuyền này trở nên một chỗ cho chúng ta có thể đến
với Ngài qua môn đệ, và qua việc
từ bỏ mọi thứ mà theo Ngài.
Câu chuyện Tin Mừng hôm nay sẽ trở trở thành một dụ ngôn cho chúng ta thấy về cuộc sống trong Giáo Hội trong sự hiệp nhất với Chúa
Giêsu. Các cơn bão dữ dội là một biểu tượng của những khó khăn, những nguy hiểm về sự cấm
và bắt đạo và thậm chí là cả các vụ bê bối nghiêm trọng của
hàng giáo sĩ đã làm đau khổ và ảnh hưởng đến Giáo Hội trên thế giới.
Đối mặt với tội lỗi gây ra ngay ở trong hội
thánh, chúng ta có thể
cảm nhận như thấy rằng Thiên Chúa đang ngủ quên trong con thuyền của hội thánh, và Ngài đã bỏ rơi chúng ta. Như thế, chúng ta cần phải cầu nguyện cho hội thánh, như Chúa Giêsu nói chúng ta cần phải cầu nguyện với lòng can đảm và trong đức tin.
Lạy Chúa, trong những thời gian khó khăn
và thử thách, Xin Chúa chúc lành cho chúng con và tất cả các thành viên của Giáo Hội có một lòng can đảm vững
mạnh hơn và một đức
tin sâu sắc hơn.
Reflection
from Jesuit
This passage from Matthew’s Gospel
is a fine example of the pedagogical techniques of the Evangelists. They weave
together different types of material and so educate us to look into the deeper
meanings of the Gospel and consequently into the deeper meaning which we can
derive from or give to things that occur in our own lives.
This
passage from Matthew is essentially and primarily a miracle story, showing the
power of Jesus even over nature. However, within the Gospel it is set after a
number of stories about following Jesus, about discipleship. So the passage
begins with Jesus getting into a boat and the disciples following him. As Jesus
gets into the boat he makes it a place where we can be with him through
discipleship, through following him.
The
story then becomes a parable of life in the Church in union with Jesus. The
violent storm is a symbol of the difficulties, dangers and even scandals which
seriously and grievously affect the Church in the world. Facing the sinful side
of the church we may often feel that God is asleep, that he has abandoned us.
Then we must pray, as Jesus says, with courage and faith.
Lord, in times of difficulties,
bless us and all members of the Church with greater courage and a deep faith
Tuesday
of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Jesus
went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues,
proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At
the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they
were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35–36
Jesus was quite zealous for souls. Zeal is an energy, a passion
and a drive to accomplish some task. The task that Jesus was zealous for was
the conversion of every heart that He encountered. As He walked from town to
town, encountering person after person, Jesus could see into their hearts. He
saw that so many people were “troubled and abandoned.” He could see they were
like “sheep without a shepherd.” And this moved Him to compassion with a zeal
to become their Shepherd, to remove the trouble from their hearts and to let
them know they were invited to belong to His new Kingdom.
The image of Jesus encountering numerous people who were troubled
and abandoned is a good image to ponder. The reason is that this is us. Each
one of us has our own interior troubles. We can feel alone, confused, uncertain
and lost at times. The person who doesn’t feel this way is either a perfect
saint or is not being honest. Deep holiness and union with God does, of course,
cure this interior struggle that many have. In that case, the person clearly
knows they belong to the family of God, understands himself or herself as a son
or daughter of God, and finds deep peace in this truth. But for those who
struggle, this Scripture passage is especially for you.
First of all, to be “troubled”
could be caused by many things. For some, they struggle with memories of the
past, broken relationships, a lack of direction, serious sin, anger and the
like. So the first question to honestly ponder is whether or not you have a
troubled heart. Even the greatest of saints will find some areas they struggle
with. So what is that for you?
Secondly, feeling “abandoned” is a heavy cross. The reason Jesus
came was to enable us to belong to His family. That is accomplished by the gift
of eternal salvation which must begin now. By receiving the forgiveness of sins
and growing in a life of prayer, we come to know God in a very intimate and
personal way. Yes, He is the Almighty God and Creator of all. But He is also
deeply personal and intimate, and He wants to form a real relationship of love
with you.
If you struggle with either of these, being troubled and/or
abandoned, then consider the zeal that Jesus has for you. His tireless and
extensive travels, by foot, while He was engaging in His public ministry,
should be seen as a sign to you of His zeal to come to you, personally, to
become your Shepherd. He wants to lift every burden and clear the way for you
to discover your place in His family. The “Gospel of the Kingdom” that Jesus
preached was one that invited everyone to become a member of that Kingdom. As
He comes to you, know that His heart is filled with compassion for you, just as
it was when He traveled the countryside so long ago. He sees you, gazes at your
heart with love, and never takes His eyes off of you in your need, weakness and
sin.
Reflect, today, upon the zeal that Jesus has for your own eternal
salvation and holiness of life. You cannot make it through this world without
Him. Let Jesus seek you out, come to you, speak to you and invite you to allow
Him to shepherd you. He wants to do so with every fiber of His being; let Jesus
fulfill His mission in you.
My divine Shepherd, You seek out all people with the greatest of
zeal and compassion. You see every hurting and broken heart, and You desire to
heal each one. Thank You for coming to me, dear Lord, for being my Shepherd and
Guide. Help me to see You as You gaze at me in my weakness and pain. And help
me to open my heart to You now and throughout my life. I love You, my Lord.
Jesus, I trust in You.
Reflection Tuesday week of 13th Ordinary
Time 2024
Opening Prayer: Lord
Jesus, you called your apostles to lead the new church, placing St. Peter at
the head and St. Paul as the apostle to the gentiles. In union with your Vicar
of Christ on earth and the bishops who are in communion with him as successors
of the apostles, help me to also realize my call to serve you as a witness so
as to draw men and women to the knowledge of you: the Way, the Truth, and the
Life.
Encountering Christ:
Our Answer: “Who
do people say that the Son of Man is?” In light of our current culture, the way
Christians answer this question is more vital than ever. Confusion surrounds
the person of Christ, especially among young adults. “The
verities of Catholic Church teachings sit uncomfortably with most emerging
adults today, who tend to be suspicious of what they view as narrow and rigid
viewpoints.” If we can’t give adequate
witness to who Christ is, how will the world come to the saving grace that only
Christ offers? Let us pray for an increase in faith so that our answer to
today’s youth can be authentic and convincing: "You are the Messiah, the
Son of the living God."
The Rock of Our Church: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my
church.” Part of God’s plan for us is to become a member of his family, the
Church, and to have a Vicar, St. Peter and his successors, to lead us
until Christ comes again in all his glory. St. Peter professed his faith in
Christ as the Messiah and Jesus, in response, chose him to lead the Church.
Christ never leaves us alone. He chooses us to take an important and
unrepeatable role in establishing his kingdom. He has given us the guidance we
need and only asks us to be faithful to his Bride and her Vicar.
Gates of Hell: “And
the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Certainly, in times
of dissent and scandal, it can be challenging to believe that hell is not
prevailing against the church, but we can always trust in God’s promise. And in
times like this, we must realize that we are chosen by Christ to bear witness
despite opposition and skepticism. We know that the Holy Spirit leads us
through his Vicar, the pope, through our local church community, and through
God’s personal inspirations in our life. We can call upon the Holy Spirit,
especially when we feel a bit disillusioned or confused, to keep us steadfast
in the truth of the Gospel.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, you entrusted the Church, your Bride, to
flawed humans like me. But through your will, I am endowed with the gifts of
the Holy Spirit. Help me to be a faithful son or daughter of the Church and
bear witness by my fidelity to your plan of salvation, no matter the cost.
Resolution: Lord,
today by your grace I will pray in a special way for the pope and his
intentions.
Reflection Tuesday week of 13th Ordinary
Time
Opening Prayer: Lord God, I do not want to be of little
faith. I want to grow in my faith and trust in you each day. I have no reason
to be terrified, for you are my Lord and my God. Save me, O Lord. Calm the winds
around me and speak to me in the stillness of my heart.
Encountering the Word of God
1. The Hypocrisy of the Wealthy in Israel: In the First Reading, the prophet Amos
continues to communicate God’s judgment on the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The
ten northern tribes of Israel were accused of oppression, robbery, and
violence. For this, they will suffer invasion and plunder. The wealthy women of
Samaria are judged for their oppression of the poor and for their indulgent
lifestyle. For this, they will be led into exile (Amos 4:1-3). The men of
Israel are judged for their idolatrous worship at the sanctuaries of Bethel and
Gilgal. For this, they will suffer famine, drought, pestilence, and
agricultural ruin (Amos 4:4-13). Amos established himself at the sanctuary of
Bethel, in Southern Israel, to preach to the community when they assembled for
worship. He did this because he “knew that spiritual lethargy derives from
ritual without God’s word. … From Amos, we hear not only God’s word but also
the sound of his voice. [The Lord] roars like a lion” (Duggan, The
Consuming Fire, 248). Amos knew that the wealthy people of Israel fell into
hypocrisy. On the one hand, they were celebrating elaborate rites at the
sanctuary of Bethel, and, on the other, they were oppressing the poor and needy
in Israel. Centuries later, Jesus will teach that: “if you are bringing your
offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something
against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled
with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering” (Matthew
5:23-24). The First Letter of John will echo this: If anyone says they love
God, but hate their brother, they are a liar (see 1 John 4:20). Prayer: Is
there any hypocrisy in my life? Am I going to mass on Sundays and neglecting
the needy around me?
2. Resisting the Word of God: God tried to bring the Northern Kingdom of
Israel back and sent them Elijah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea, but ultimately
Israel rejected God’s word: “By rejecting the words of Amos (7:10-13) and by
silencing other prophets (2:12), Israel demonstrates an unwillingness to hear
the Lord. Amos perceives that the Lord will correct Israel precisely by giving
in to her demand for silence: he will not speak to her for some time. In the
near future, this materially prosperous land will experience a deep, pervasive
famine, not for physical bread, but for hearing God’s word” (Duggan, The
Consuming Fire, 248). Israel refuses to listen to God’s word, communicated
through the prophets, and this stubbornness will eventually trigger the
affliction of exile. In all this God never abandons his people. He permits
their humiliation and suffering in an effort to bring them back. Where
do I resist God’s word?
3. God Is With His People: Today’s Gospel is an invitation to trust
in God and in his Word. The episode in the boat recalls the story of Jonah,
when the sea was calmed only by throwing the reluctant prophet into the sea.
Jesus, though, is greater than Jonah (Matthew 12:41). Jesus, the Son of God,
doesn’t need to be thrown into the sea to calm it, he demonstrates that he has
power over all creation, the winds, and the sea. The situation of the apostles
reflects the situation of Israel and Judah before the coming of Jesus Christ.
They cried out in the psalms and in their prayer: “Lord, save us! We are
perishing.” It seemed like God was asleep and indifferent to their cry.
However, the opposite is true: God was with his people all along. He prepared
them to receive his Son who would save them not just from one storm or for a
day, but from the enemy of death and grant them eternal life. The situation of
the apostles also reflects our own lives. We battle against the waves, against
the temptations of the flesh, against the devil. And it can seem like we are
about to perish, overcome by things too great for us to handle. Only when we
turn to God, to Jesus Christ, who was there from the beginning, is peace
restored. The exile of Israel in 722 B.C. and Judah in 586 B.C., were both
allowed by God, so that the people would turn back to him. In exile, they
learned the hard lesson to call out to God in their suffering and place their
trust in him. God often allows trials in our lives in order to help us turn our
hearts to him with renewed trust and love. God is a good Father and will give
good things to his children who ask for them. God heard the cry of Israel and
sent them a Savior. Christ heard the cry of the Apostles and saved them from
the sea. God hears our cry and sends us his Holy Spirit to lead us back to Him
through his only-begotten Son Jesus Christ. Do I cry out to God for
salvation in prayer?
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, save me. Rouse your strength
and defend me. When I am tempted to think you are asleep or have forgotten me,
I need to learn that you are always there in the stern of my boat, ready to
help. You are mighty and can calm the forces of evil. You are God and can lead
me to safe harbor.
Living the Word of God: If I found hypocrisy in my life, how can
I work with God’s grace to eradicate it? If I found resistance to God’s word in
my life, how can I welcome it better?
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