Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Ba tuần thứ Hai Phục Sinh

 Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Ba tuần thứ Hai Phục Sinh

ua sách Tông Đồ Công Vụ, vì chúng ta đã có thể nghĩ câu chuyện có thể đã được phóng đại vì có bao giờ chúng ta có thể thấy được một cộng đồng rất hoàn hảo và hài hòa? Họ cũng có những vấn đề của họ như bất cứ nhóm người nào như Thánh Phaolô cũng đã chúng ta biết. Nhưng có một điều chắc chắn là: họ biết cách để chia sẻ, Họ biết làm thế nào để đảm bảo rằng không có ai phải thiếu thốn bất cứ thứ gì. Và họ yêu thương nhau, biết cách hỗ trợ nhau và sống hoà đồng trong sự hiệp nhất. Sự hỗ trợ lẫn nhau, và chia sẻ với nhau, đó là nguồn sức mạnh lớn lao của họ.

Thiên Chúa có thể sống ở giữa họ và thực hiện phép lạ nơi họ, vì họ dành chỗ riêng cho Ngài và sẵn sàng đón nhận Ngài vào sống ngay trong trái tim của họ. Sự đoàn kết và chia sẻ của họ chính là sinh lực và sức mạnh. Có lẽ đây là món quà lớn nhất mà chúng ta có thể chia xẻ cho những người khác và thế giới: Sự thể hiện cuộc sống của chúng ta và những gì mà con người chúng ta thực sự đã sống. Nắm bắt thời cơ của sự việc và nói rằng "tôi đã làm" thay vì "chúng ta đã làm" chính là nguồn gốc của nhiều vấn đề trong thế giới của chúng ta. Cái “TÔI” và tự hào chính là nguyên nhân chính gây chia rẽ và thù hận, cũng là đầu mối của mọi tội lỗi và sự dữ.

Chúng ta không thể lý luận, mua bán, hoặc thao tác con đường của chúng ta đến với Thiên Chúa. Là một con người bình thường chúng ta chỉ có thể đi xa hơn nữa; chúng ta không thể đi tắt. Để bước đi được xa hơn nữa và đến với Thiên Chúa, chúng ta cần phải được tái sinh thêm một lần thứ hai; Đó sự giác ngộ và tái sinh qua Thánh thần..

Reflection

We almost wonder if Luke exaggerated a bit. When have you ever seen a community so perfect and harmonious? They had their problems like any group of human beings ;Paul keeps us well informed. But one thing is for sure: they knew how to share. They knew how to ensure that no one was in need. And they knew how to support and love one another and to agree on the important things that they all held dear. It was this unity, mutual support, and sharing that was the source of their great power.

God was able to dwell in their midst and work miracles because they made room for Him and invited God into their hearts. There is power and strength that comes from unity and sharing. Perhaps this is the greatest gift we can offer others and the world: showing in our own lives what truly human living is. Grasping at things and saying ‘mine’ instead of ‘ours’ is the source of much of our world’s problems.

Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony.” John 3:9–11

As we reflected upon yesterday, Nicodemus is one of the only Pharisees who ultimately converted, became a follower of Jesus, and is today considered a saint. The only other Pharisees who were recorded by name as converts to Christianity were Saint Paul and Gamaliel. Acts 15:5 also indicates that some other Pharisees ultimately converted.

When the many encounters between Jesus and the Pharisees are considered as a whole, it’s clear that there was great resistance among them toward Jesus and His teaching. They were constantly seeking to trap Him and, of course, ultimately were responsible for His death, along with other leading religious leaders from the Sanhedrin. For that reason, it’s easy to understand that there must have been great pressure upon all the Pharisees to reject Jesus. Each one of them would have felt the power of peer pressure to act in accord with the general view of Jesus’ condemnation. This is the context of this passage above in which Nicodemus questions Jesus. This passage continues yesterday’s Gospel conversation in which Jesus says clearly to Nicodemus that the way to Heaven is to be “born from above.” Nicodemus questions how one can “be born again,” and then Jesus issues this apparent criticism of Him quoted above.

We cannot reason, buy, or manipulate our way to God. As ordinary human beings we can only go so far; we always fall short. To go any further, we need a second birth; enlightenment and rebirth through the spirit

It’s helpful to understand that Jesus’ criticism was not a condemnation of Nicodemus. It was not in the tone of His normal “Woe to you…” statements; rather, it was a gentle but very direct challenge to Nicodemus so as to move him from his questions to faith. And that’s the key. Nicodemus did not come to Jesus to trap and condemn Him like the other Pharisees did. Nicodemus came because he was confused. And most likely, he was confused because he felt great peer pressure from his fellow Pharisees to condemn Jesus.

Understanding this context should help us understand not only the goodness and courage of Nicodemus but also the loving boldness of Jesus. Jesus knew that Nicodemus was open. He knew that Nicodemus could be won over. But Jesus also knew that Nicodemus needed to be challenged in a direct and firm way. He needed a bit of a “holy push” so as to enter into the gift of faith. Of course, Jesus’ challenge ultimately won Nicodemus over.

Reflect, today, upon any way in which you, too, need a “holy push” from our Lord. What form of worldly pressure do you experience in life? Do friends, neighbors, family members or co-workers impose upon you in some way a peer pressure that is contrary to the life of true holiness? If so, ponder the ultimate courage of Nicodemus, Saint Paul and Gamaliel. Let their witness inspire you and allow our Lord to challenge you where you need it the most so that you, too, will receive the “holy push” that you need to be a more faithful follower of Jesus.

My Lord of all strength, You are unwavering in Your determination to challenge me in the area that I need it the most. Help me to receive Your gentle rebukes of love when I am weak so that I will have the courage and strength I need to be a faithful follower of You. Give me clarity and understanding, dear Lord, and help me to overcome the misleading pressures of the world. Jesus, I trust in You.

Reflection Tuesday 2nd week of Easter

Opening Prayer: Lord God, I have been spiritually reborn through the waters of Baptism as your adopted child. I have been regenerated and recreated in the image of your Son, Jesus Christ. I desire to be a faithful child who seeks to please you in all that I do.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Riddle of Wind and Spirit: Throughout the Gospel of John, we encounter Jesus’ riddles and irony. His seemingly simple words have multiple levels of meaning and deep references to the Scriptures. In his conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus speaks about spiritual rebirth through water. Nicodemus mistakenly thought he was speaking about a physical rebirth and didn’t grasp the depth of Jesus’ teaching. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus introduces a new riddle about the Holy Spirit. The Hebrew word for spirit, “ruah,” also meant “wind” and “breath.” Jesus points Nicodemus to the opening lines of the Bible, which speak about the “ruah” of God hovering over the waters (Genesis 1:2). Just as the wind is seemingly arbitrary and blows sometimes from the west, sometimes from the south, and sometimes from the north, so also the Holy Spirit directs those in whom he dwells. What Jesus taught Nicodemus was the need for a person reborn in the Spirit to be docile to the motions of that same Spirit. Sometimes the Spirit will move a person this way and sometimes that way.

2. The Riddle of the Descent of the Son of Man: Jesus used riddles and parables to speak not only about the Holy Spirit, but also about his own identity. Jesus’ parables (meshalim) were not exclusively narrative stories. “Jesus was known for utilizing meshalim that took the form of riddles, puzzling sayings, and/or questions that were deliberately intended to be both ambiguous and thought-provoking” (Pitre, Jesus and Divine Christology, 111). Jesus used riddle-like parables to both reveal and conceal the mystery of the kingdom of God and the mystery of his divinity (see Pitre, Jesus and Divine Christology, 112). Instead of openly referring to himself as God, Jesus preferred to refer to himself as “the Son of Man.” In this way, he pointed the people to passages from the Hebrew Scriptures. On the one hand, the title meant that Jesus is a human being. He is a descendant of Adam. And, on the other hand, the title refers to a prophecy and vision of the prophet Daniel about a person with both divine and human qualities. The “Son of Man,” in Daniel’s prophecy, received divine authority and an everlasting kingdom from God, the Ancient of Days. Here, in a cryptic way, Jesus alludes to his Incarnation, his descent from heaven, and also his future Ascension, his going up to heaven.

3. The Riddle of Being Lifting Up: Jesus speaks to Nicodemus not only about the Sacrament of Baptism in the New Covenant, and not only about his identity as the Son of Man, but also about his destiny. He, the Son of Man, will be lifted up. And he will be lifted up in three ways. First, Jesus will be lifted up on the Cross. Second, Jesus will be lifted up from the grave. Third, Jesus will be lifted up at the Ascension. Jesus is our King and now sits at the right hand of his Father. He is our eternal and royal High Priest and intercedes for us at the Father’s right hand. And Jesus has sent us the Spirit to sanctify believers and guide the Church to all truth.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, I contemplate today the revelation of your passion and resurrection to Nicodemus and the revelation of the mystery of Baptism. You have revealed heavenly things, and I welcome them in faith. I believe you are the Son of Man, lifted up, so that I may enjoy eternal life with you.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Ba tuần thứ Hai Phục Sinh

Đọc qua các Tin Mừng, chúng ta gần như tự hỏi hình như Thánh Luca đã phóng đại một chút trong sách Tông Đồ Công Vụ, vì chúng ta đã bao giờ thấy được một cộng đồng rất hoàn hảo và hài hòa như chúng ta thấy trong Tông Đồ Công Vụ? Họ cũng có những vấn đề của họ như bất cứ nhóm người nào như Thánh Phaolô  cũng đã chúng ta biết. Nhưng có một điều chắc chắn là: họ biết cách để chia sẻ, Họ biết làm thế nào để đảm bảo rằng không có ai phải thiếu thốn bất cứ thứ gì. Và họ biết cách để hỗ trợ và yêu thương nhau, Họ hoà đồng về những điều quan trọng mà tất cả đều thân thương, Đó là sự hiệp nhất, sự hỗ trợ lẫn nhau, và chia sẻ với nhau, đó là nguồn sức mạnh lớn lao của họ.

            Thiên Chúa đã có thể sống ở giữa họ và thực hiện  phép lạ nơi họ, vì họ dành chỗ riêng cho Ngài và sẵn ssàng đón nhận Chúa vào sống ngay vtrong trái tim của họ. Sự đoàn kết và chia sẻ của họ lả sinh lục và sức mạnh. Có lẽ đây là món quà lớn nhất mà chúng ta có thể chia xẻ cho những người khác và thế giới: Sự thể hiện cuộc sống của chúng ta và những gì mà con người chúng ta thực sự đã sống.

            Nắm bắt thời cơ của sự việc và nói rằng "tôi đã làm" thay vì "chúng ta đã làm" chính là nguồn gốc của nhiều vấn đề trong thế giới của chúng ta. Cái “TÔI” và tự hào chính là nguyên nhân chính gây chia rẽ và thù hận, cũng là mối đầu của mọi tội lỗi và sự dữ.

            Chúng ta không thể lý luận, mua bán, hoặc thao tác con đường của chúng ta đến với Thiên Chúa. Là một con người bình thường chúng ta chỉ có thể đi xa hơn nữa; chúng ta không thể đi tắt. Để bước đi được xa hơn nữa đến với Thiên Chúa, chúng ta cần phải được tái sinh thêm một lần thứ hai; Đó sự giác ngộ và tái sinh qua Thánh thần.

 

Reflection

We almost wonder if Luke exaggerated a bit. When have you ever seen a community so perfect and harmonious? They had their problems like any group of human beings; Paul keeps us well informed. But one thing is for sure: they knew how to share. They knew how to ensure that no one was in need. And they knew how to support and love one another and to agree on the important things that they all held dear. It was this unity, mutual support, and sharing that was the source of their great power.

            God was able to dwell in their midst and work miracles because they made room for Him and invited God into their hearts. There is power and strength that comes from unity and sharing. Perhaps this is the greatest gift we can offer others and the world: showing in our own lives what truly human living is. Grasping at things and saying ‘mine’ instead of ‘ours’ is the source of much of our world’s problems.

            We cannot reason, buy, or manipulate our way to God. As ordinary human beings we can only go so far; we always fall short. To go any further, we need a second birth; enlightenment and rebirth through the spirit.

 

Reflection Tuesday 2^nd week of Easter

Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, you sent your Son into the world that I might know him; you give me your Spirit so that I might be born again in you. You give me life, and I thank you. Let me pause, in this time of prayer. Remind me of these truths; speak your life-giving word to my heart. I believe in you; increase my faith. I trust in you; increase my hope. And Lord, I love you. Let me know you more. 

Encountering Christ: 

The Holy Spirit as Wind: Numerous Old Testament passages are referenced in this timeless and beautiful dialogue between Nicodemus and Our Lord. The wind that blows where it wills reminds us of the gentle breeze in which Elijah encountered the Lord (1 Kings 19:11-13). The Lord was not in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but in the tiny whispering sound of the breeze. Perhaps in recalling this imagery with Nicodemus–and with us–the Lord Jesus wishes to remind us that his Spirit is the true craftsman of holiness and that he does not ask us to be in control, but to lend ourselves, entirely, in faith to him. 

The Holy Spirit Lifts Up: Another Old Testament passage is referenced by Our Lord, here: Numbers 21:1-9, when the bronze serpent on the staff made by Moses brought healing to those who looked upon it. Pope Benedict XVI comments on this passage in a homily (see link below). He says, “St. John sees precisely in the mystery of the cross the moment in which the real glory of Jesus is revealed, the glory of a love that gives itself totally in the Passion and death. Thus, paradoxically, from a sign of condemnation, death, and failure, the cross becomes a sign of redemption, life, and victory, through faith, the fruits of salvation can be gathered.” Perhaps in prayer, we can pause and invite this same Holy Spirit to enlighten in our own hearts where we need the Lord to be lifted up, on his glorious cross, over the struggles, sufferings, and doubts in our hearts today. 

The Holy Spirit Gives Eternal Life: “The Lord, the Giver of Life,” we pray in the Nicene Creed. This is also the title that St. John Paul II gave to his encyclical letter on the Holy Spirit, for it is for this purpose that the Spirit has come: to give us eternal life. The Lord has won this life for us through his suffering, death, and resurrection. Let us be neither surprised nor afraid when salvation is lived out in our individual stories through a sharing in Christ’s suffering, death, and promise of Resurrection. May we learn to listen to the Holy Spirit’s whispers throughout our life’s journey. 

Conversing with Christ: Jesus, you promise eternal life to your followers, to be lifted up, for our sake, and to draw all things to yourself. Draw me to yourself, Lord, even if the ladder up to your heart is a cross. Teach me to listen to your Spirit and to respond to you, step by step, in faith, hope, and love. 

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will strive to be attentive to the whispers of your Holy Spirit. At the end of my day, I will pause and reflect upon where and how you have made yourself present. 

 

Tuesday 2^nd week of Easter

Opening Prayer: Holy Spirit, be with me as I reflect on the Scriptures today. Warm my heart with your presence and fill my soul with grace.

Encountering Christ:

Face to Face: Nicodemus had the grace to talk about spiritual truths with the living God, Jesus Christ. He knew Christ was someone special, and we can assume Nicodemus was seeking truth when he met with Christ. Why else would he have risked his reputation? But he was very confused by Jesus’s answers. Did he go away sad? Frustrated by his lack of understanding? We know that his encounter with Jesus was so compelling that Nicodemus eventually came out of the shadows to help with Christ’s burial (John 19:39-42). What would you say to Jesus if you had the opportunity to talk with him alone, face to face? 

Mission and Responsibility: Jesus seemed disappointed that Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, could not grasp the concept of being born again. Furthermore, Jesus expressed his frustration that “you people do not accept our testimony.” Like Nicodemus, modern-day teachers, preachers, priests, and laypeople–all of us–have unique missions and responsibilities. Jesus has a right to demand of us an accounting for all we’ve been given. After all, he gave us our individual missions and all the grace and talent we need to succeed in them. Sometimes people will reject our testimony, as they did Jesus. Sometimes we will bear crosses, as did Jesus. Jesus invites us to rest in him (his yoke is light) so that we can fulfill our responsibility to know, love, and serve God and be with him forever in the next (Baltimore Catechism).

Lifted Up: Even though Nicodemus repeatedly asked “why” and failed to grasp the truths Jesus was imparting, Jesus blessed him—Jesus predicted his crucifixion and shared with Nicodemus the totality of his Father’s mission: “so that all may have eternal life.” Nicodemus knew well from the Old Testament that anyone who gazed on Moses’s serpent lived (Numbers 21:9) and perhaps he finally understood what Jesus had been saying all along. Might he have trembled at the dawning realization that God was truly speaking to him? Was this the moment of conversion for this Pharisee?

Conversing with Christ: Lord, in our relationship, I have been confused, dense, doubting, and discouraged. But there have also been beautiful “Ah Ha!” moments where you blessed me with new insight or loving peace. I am grateful that you love me for who I am, not for what I do. I acknowledge my mission, and with the help of your grace, I will continue to try to achieve it little by little every day.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will reflect back on the “Ah Ha!” moments you have blessed me with to rekindle my faith.