Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Tư Tuần thứ Hai Mùa Thường Niên

 Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Tư Tuần thứ Hai Mùa Thường Niên 

Trong đoạn Tin Mừng hôm nay, Chúa Giêsu đã dủ lòng thương xót đến người đàn ông bị tật. đây là điểm đáng chú ý nhất bắt đầu từ việc Chúa Giêsu đã chữa lành cho người đàn ông bị liệt (Marco 2, 1-12.) Điểm tột đỉnh tự nhiên của nó được trở nên rõ ràng trong ba cách. Thứ nhất, Thánh Marcô đã đặt nơi chữa bệnh là ngay trong đền thờ vào trong ngày Sa-bát, ngay sau khi tuyên bố rằng Chúa Giêsu là Chúa của ngày Sa-bát. Việc chữa bệnh cho người bị tật ở tay là bằng chứng cụ thể và khẳng định rõ ràng là Đức Giêsu là Chúa các Chúa, Vua của của các Vua trên thế gian này 

Thứ hai, không giống như đoạn Tin Mừng trước đó, nơi mà những người Pharisêu người đặt câu hỏi với Chúa Giêsu và họ đã tỏ vẻ khó chịu với Ngài, Và bây giờ là lúc mà Chúa Giêsu đã đặt ra câu hỏi nghi vấn cho những người Pharisêu và Ngài đã trở nên giận dữ với họ. Trong khi đối diện với những câu hỏi của Chúa Giêsu, người Pharisêu đã không thể trả lời được gì cả. Ở đây, Chúa Giêsu chứng tỏ cái uy quyền của Ngài, uy quyền của vị Chúa ngày Sa-bát. 

Thứ ba, sau khi Chúa Giêsu đã tỏ ra cho mọi người thấy được cái sức mạnh của lòng thương xót của Thiên Chúa bằng cách khôi phục lại hoàn toàn cánh tay tật nguyền của người đàn ông này, những người Pharisêu đã rút lui để tìm cách tiêu diệt Chúa Giêsu. Đây là cách Chúa Giêsu đã dậy cho chúng ta thấy rõ rằng cách sống của Chúa Giêsu là được dẫn đưa đến với cái chết 

Mâu thuẫn và thử thách sẽ đến với những ai muốn theo Ngài. Tuy nhiên, đấy vẫn không phải là một vấn đề khó khăn, chúng ta sẽ phải đối diện trong khi cố gắng sống với cuộc sống Kitô hữu, Chúa Giêsu sẽ hiện diện nơi chúng ta và làm việc trong chúng ta. Ngài dám đảm bảo với chúng ta rằng Ngài sẽ sẵn sàng đáp trả với niềm tin của chúng ta một cách quảng đại, Vì nơi Ngài, Ngài đã đến cho những người nghèo khó như một vị Chúa với lòng thương xót của ngày Sa-bát. Lạy Chúa, chúng con cảm tạ ơn Chúa đã cho chúng con thấy được con đường Chúa muốn chúng con đi. 

Reflection SG (2016) 

In the Gospel passage, Jesus’ mercy for the man with the withered hand is the climax of the section that began with Jesus' cure of the paralyzed man in Mark 2, 1-12. Its climactic nature becomes evident in three ways. Firstly, the Gospel writer, Mark, places this synagogue cure on the Sabbath, immediately after the statement that Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. The cure of the man with the withered hand is concrete proof of Jesus’ claim to Lordship. 

Secondly, unlike the previous passages where it is the Pharisees who question Jesus and become upset with him, now it is Jesus who questions the Pharisees and becomes angry with them. In the face of Jesus’ questioning, the Pharisees had nothing to say. Here, Jesus demonstrates his authority as Lord of the Sabbath. 

Thirdly, after Jesus shows his merciful power by perfectly restoring the man's hand, the Pharisees withdraw to plot how they might destroy Jesus. It shows that Jesus’ way of life is leading to death. 

Today’s Gospel narrative of the healing of the man and the conflicts that Jesus has with the Pharisees demonstrates that it is never easy to be a Lord of the Sabbath. Lord, thank You for showing me the way. 

Opening Prayer: 

Lord, I come before you as one who is lame. You see me—a beautiful being marked by the scars of life. I desire to see what you see and humbly rest in the certainty that you make all things new. 

Encountering Christ: 

1. A Withered Hand: When we think about the man with the withered hand, we can imagine a life spent alone, in misery, yet in need. He was an outcast because a deformed hand banned him from living a “normal” life. Years of living in a dirty cave or on the filthy streets begging for food left him a scruffy, soiled mess. If he was noticed at all by the onlookers, it was in disgust. While the Pharisees did not bring this man to the temple, they saw this man’s unfortunate circumstance as an opportunity to exalt their already self-inflated status. It seemed that they were more concerned about their reputation as “Teachers of the Law” than they were about personal holiness, because they disregarded an opportunity for charity by ignoring the need of a fellow man. How often do we find ourselves acting the same way? Do we set ourselves above the poor, the lowly, the lame? 

2. They Watched Him Closely: Why was this outcast, this social pariah, waiting at the synagogue where he knew he was not welcome? Surely he did not stumble upon there by happenstance. It was probable that he came week after week, seeking help from those who claimed to have the “ear” of God. The Pharisees certainly saw him, but they felt validated to avoid this man’s “impurity.” They were invested in stopping the threat that would expose their hypocritical righteousness: Christ. No man had ever exposed their hearts in the manner that Jesus so skillfully did. They should have been watching him to learn from him. Wasn’t that the reason why the man with the withered hand was there? 

3. “Stretch Out Your Hand”: Jesus always taught before he healed. Healing was the tangible part of his teaching. Jesus asked the man to stretch out his hand, and the hand was healed. Christ had no reason to ask the man to stretch out his hand. Healing wasn’t dependent on the man’s participation. Christ was teaching all who were present that the very thing which caused the man to be ostracized from society was a metaphoric sign of belonging. Jesus saw a man with a need, not a needy man. He welcomed the man, not the opportunity to outshine the Pharisees as “Teacher of the Law.” 

Conversing with Christ: Lord, thank you for teaching me the value of a soul. Help me not to measure by sight, nor to judge another based on my limited understanding, but to welcome all whom I encounter, in your name, for your glory. 

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will ponder your teaching, “Should we do good? Or should we do evil? Should we save life? Or should we destroy it?” and actively respond. 

REFLECTION 2018 

In the Gospel reading Jesus disputes with the Pharisees about their interpretation of the Sabbath law: "What does the Law allow on the sabbath? To do good or to do harm? To save life or to kill?" Despite the opposition of the Pharisees Jesus cures the man with the paralyzed hand on the sabbath: the Pharisees had hardened their hearts and were blind to the real intent of the Sabbath law. 

Jesus tried to reach out to the Pharisees and to teach them to be open­ minded to his teaching and actions. 

Are we close-minded to what God has revealed to us in the teaching and life of Christ? Or in the many happenings in our lives? Do we rely more on ourselves or do we live our trust in God? 

Finally we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Wed 22nd Jan 2014 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) 

Is it permitted to do a good deed on the Sabbath - or an evil one? To preserve life or to destroy it?” Jesus' question may astonish us a little; surely it is never permitted to do an evil deed? To understand Jesus' challenge to the Pharisees and so to derive some spiritual profit from it for our own lives of faith, we must try to understand a little of Hebrew thought patterns. In a world which was much simpler than ours, deliberately to refuse to do a good deed which one was quite capable of doing was the equivalent of doing the opposite evil deed. The Pharisees believed that Jesus could, and so probably would work a miracle and heal the man’s arm; a very good deed. But to do so, in the mind of the Pharisees, was to violate the Sabbath and so do something evil. 

Jesus’ stance was the opposite: not to heal the man on the Sabbath was not simply omitting to do something good; it was actually to do something evil. Hence he was accusing the Pharisees of expecting him to do something evil on the Sabbath. At the Last Judgment, Jesus condemns those who deliberately refuse to help others or care for them. 

Lord Jesus, may we never deliberately harden our hearts to others.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Ba Tuần thứ 2 Thường Niên

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Ba Tuần thứ 2 Thường Niên 

"Vì Chúa không thấy những gì mà như là con đã người nhìn thấy." Cả hai bài đọc hôm nay nói cho chúng ta biết về những khía cạnh khác nhau về góc độ nhìn của Chúa. Quan điểm của chúng ta là rất hạn chế và thường bị ô nhiễm độc bởi tất cả các loại tội lỗi. Kết quả là chúng ta không thể nhìn thấy xa hơn những gì mà chúng ta có thể thấy. Do đó chúng ta đã bỏ lỡ cuộc sống hy sinh và khía cạnh cuộc sống sáng tạo của Thiên Chúa. Nhiều lúc chúng ta không nhìn kỹ những gì trong tâm hồn hay thấy rõ lòng tốt của người khác mà đáng giá hay kết tội họ theo cái dáng bên ngoài mà quên đi rằng những cái vỏ đẹp ở bên ngoài có thể dễ đánh lừa chúng ta.
    Trong bài Tin Mừng, Chúa Giêsu thực sự muốn mời gọi chúng ta nên trở về với nội tâm thực tại thiêng liêng đang ẩn núp phía sau tất cả những việc làm tâm linh của chúng ta mà không bị những phiề toái thực tiễn bên ngoài. Điều răn lớn nhất mà Chúa Giêsu đã ban cho chúng ta là yêu thương. "Ta ban cho các ngươi một điều răn mới: là hãy yêu mến nhau. Như Ta đã yêu mến các ngươi, các ngươi cũng hãy yêu mến nhau. "(Ga-13: 34). Chúng ta nên luôn luôn làm theo tinh thần thương yêu chứ không phải chỉ biết chữ yêu thương mà thôi..
    Lạy Chúa Giêsu, xin ban cho chúng con được trở nên giống như Chúa, và cuộc sống của chúng con chỉ có thể bị chi phối bởi tình yêu mà thôi..

Reflection SG (2016)
“For the Lord does not see as mortals see.” Today's readings both speak of looking at each other from the Lord’s perspective. Our perspective is very limited and often tainted by all kinds of sin. As a consequence we do not see beyond what we see.
Therefore we miss the life-giving and life-creating perspective of God. Most of the time without looking into the hearts of the others, we judge them by their outward appearances, forgetting that these outward appearances can be deceptive.
After having created the world in six days the Lord rested on the seventh day and consecrated it as the Sabbath. The true spirit behind the Sabbath was to continue to do unceasingly what is good for others. In the Gospel, Jesus invites us to return to the true inner spirit behind all of our spiritual practices and not get stuck with outward practices. The greatest commandment that Jesus has given us is of love. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John-13:34). He teaches us a very simple law, namely “the law of love.” We should always follow the spirit rather than the letter of the law.
Lord Jesus, grant that, like Yours, our lives may be governed by love.

Opening Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, you give me gifts that I need before I know that I need them. Thank you for the gift of the Sabbath. Open my heart that I may savor this gift and use it wisely.
Encountering Christ:
1. The Letter of the Law: In their attempts to follow the will of the Lord, the Jewish people added many rules to the Ten Commandments. This was evident in their requirements for the Sabbath. The Third Commandment reads: “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.” In the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2184, we are reminded that “Just as God rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done, human life has a rhythm of work and rest. The institution of the Lord’s Day helps everyone enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives.” The observance of the Sabbath was a gift to us, a chance to replenish and rest. The Pharisees turned it into a holy contest, an outward observation so stringent that clearing a path during a restful walk was considered “work” and violated the commandment. They followed the letter of the law and completely missed God’s intentions.
2. Explaining the Gift: How Jesus, the man, must have wearied at the obtuseness of the Pharisees. How he must weary of our hard hearts as well! In this Gospel, Jesus gave a scriptural example of David’s behavior and reminded the Pharisees and all of us that “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Throughout history, the Sabbath has been a gift from the Lord to his people and a sign that we are his. The Hebrews enslaved in Egypt displayed a quiet strength and inner freedom by observing the Sabbath.
3. Embracing the Sabbath: Instead of looking at our Sunday obligation as something to check off on our list, let us truly embrace the spirit of this law. In our busy world, the Lord invites us to take a day off, to spend some time with him in the liturgy, to enjoy a good meal with family, to watch a game or take a walk. We need this “time out,” and should consider what kinds of things we can do on Saturday so that Sunday is a true day of rest. When we prepare the day before, we are giving ourselves permission to delight in the Lord’s gift of the Sabbath.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, in all ways your love is displayed in your commandments. Teach me to embrace your gift of the Sabbath. Enlighten me so that all through this week I can prepare to take the Sabbath day to rest, refresh, and reconnect with you.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will plan my week well, especially Saturday, so that I can make the Sabbath a day of rest and worship.

Meditation:
What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us? Or better yet, what is the primary intention behind this command? The religious leaders confronted Jesus on this issue. The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of his work, both in creation and redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of God, his work of creation, and his saving actions on our behalf. It was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment.
The Lord of the Sabbath feeds and nourishes us
Jesus' disciples are scolded by the scribes and Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but for doing so on the Sabbath. In defending his disciples, Jesus argues from the scriptures that human need has precedence over ritual custom.
When David and his men were fleeing for their lives, they sought food from Ahimelech the priest (1 Samuel 21:1-6). The only bread he had was the holy bread offered in the Temple. None but the priests were allowed to eat it. In their hunger, David and his men ate of this bread. Jesus reminds the Pharisees that the Sabbath was given for our benefit, to refresh and renew us in living for God. It was intended for good and not for evil. Withholding mercy and kindness in response to human need was not part of God's intention that we rest from unnecessary labor. Do you honor the Lord in the way you treat your neighbor and celebrate the Lord's Day?
Seek the Lord's rest and refreshment
Why didn't the Pharisees recognize the claims of mercy over rules and regulations? Their zeal for ritual observance blinded them from the demands of charity. Jesus reminds the Pharisees that the Sabbath was given for our benefit, to refresh and renew us in living for God. It was intended for good and not for evil. Withholding mercy and kindness in response to human need was not part of God’s intention that we rest from unnecessary labor.
Jesus' reference to the bread of the Presence (Mark 2:24) alludes to the true bread from heaven which he offers to all who believe in him. Jesus, the Son of David, and the Son of Man, a title for the Messiah, declares that he is "Lord of the Sabbath." Jesus healed on the Sabbath and he showed mercy to those in need. All who are burdened and weary can find true rest and refreshment in him. Do you honor the Lord in the way you treat your neighbor and celebrate the Lord's Day? Lord Jesus, may I give you fitting honor in the way I live my life and in the way I treat my neighbor. May I honor the Lord's Day as a day holy to you. And may I always treat others with the same mercy and kindness which you have shown to me. Free me from a critical and intolerant spirit that I may always seek the good of my neighbor.

Reflection SG (2018)
Jesus is a non-conformist. He places persons in need above religious observances.
The religious leaders of his time were more pre-occupied with any actions that led to a threat to established religion, of their day and of their “making!”
It is true we ought to worship God! But it can never be a substitute for service to the needy. Any religion that gives priority to rules practices and traditions over the basic needs of human beings, is an aberration.
“Pure unspoilt religion, in the eyes of God the Father, is this: coming to the help of the orphans and widows in their hardships and keeping oneself uncontaminated from the world.” (James 1:27) To be concerned only with what one must avoid on Sunday amounts to Pharisaic religion which Jesus opposes. How we can celebrate Sunday as a call to engage ourselves in life-saving, life-promoting activities on behalf of those who suffer, should be our fundamental concern.
Lord, may Your Kingdom come within our hearts to reach out to my neighbor in need

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Hai tuần thứ Hai Thường Niên

 Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Hai tuần thứ Hai Thường Niên

Trong bài Tin Mừng hôm nay, Chúa Giêsu cảnh báo các môn đệ không nên hẹp hòi tâm hồn khi từ chối đón nhận và học hỏi những điều mới. Chúa Giêsu đã dùng một hình ảnh quen thuộc và thực tế với nggười Do thái đó là hình ảnh miếng vải mới dùng đề vá lên chiếc áo cũ, khi miếng vải mới bị thấm nước rồi khi khô lại sẽ làm co rút chỗ vá và chiêc áo cũ sẽ rách to thêm, hay là hình ảnh thực tiễn nhất đó bầu rượu da mới và cũ. Trong thời của Chúa Giêsu, rượu đã được đựng trong các bầu làm bằng da thú vì thời đó chưa có chai… (chai ly lông như hôm nay.)
- Rượu mới đổ vào bầu da vẫn lúc còn lên men làm các chất khí phản ứng và gây ra áp suất cao. bầu da mới rất dễ đàn hồi và đủ để chịu đựng những áp suất cáo của rượu mới, nhưng nếu rượu mới đựng trong bầu da cũ, bầu da cũ đã được dùng và đã mất hết sự đàn hồi, nên khi rượu mới lên mem, bầu da cũ rất dòn và dễ bể và làm đổ hết rượu. 
Tại sao Chúa Giêsu đã có sự so sánh ý nghĩa này? Có phải chúng ta đang từ cũ thay mới? Thời gian phải ăn chay và dự tiệc thoải mái phải đúng nơi và phải đúng lúc. Vì thế phải có một nơi thích hợp riêng cho cái cũ cũng như cái mới. Thử nghĩ, chúng ta sẽ bị thiệt thòi như thế nào nếu chúng ta chỉ có một Kinh Thánh Cựu Ước hay Kinh Thánh một Tân Ước mà thôi. Thiên Chúa đã ban cho chúng ta sự khôn ngoan để chúng ta có thể thực hiện việc sử dụng cả hai Kinh Thánh Cựu Ước và Tân Ước một cách hoàn hảo nhất. Chúa không bao giờ muốn chúng ta bảo tồn "cứng ngắc" về quá khứ và chống đối mãnh liệt công việc mới của Chúa Thánh Thần trong cuộc sống của chúng ta. Chúa muốn tâm hồn và trái tim của chúng ta được nên giống như bầu rượu da mới được mở ra và sẵn sàng để nhận được rượu mới của Chúa Thánh Thần. 
Chúng ta có mong muốn được phát triển trong kiến ​​thức và sự hiểu biết qua lời của Thiên Chúa và những kế hoạch mà Ngài đã sắp đặt sẵn cho cuộc sống của chúng ta ?
    Lạy Chúa Giêsu, xin Chúa ban đầy ơn Chúa Thánh Thần xuống cho chúng con, để chúng con lớn lên trong sự hiểu biết về tình yêu và lẽ thật cao cả của Chúa. Xin Chúa giúp chúng con tìm kiếm Chúa một cách tha thiết trong lời cầu nguyện và biết ăn chay hãm mình để chúng con có thể từ bỏ tội lỗi và những tật nết xấu xa, Cũng xin Chúa làm cho cuộc sống của con trở nên trọn vẹn hơn theo ý Chúa. Xin Chúa cho chúng con luôn tìm thấy niềm vui khi biết yêu thương và phục vụ Chúa trong là Tất cả.

Meditation: 

Jesus goes on to warn his disciples about the problem of the "closed mind" that refuses to learn new things. Jesus used an image familiar to his audience - new and old wine skins. In Jesus' times, wine was stored in wine skins, not bottles. New wine poured into skins was still fermenting. The gases exerted gave pressure. New wine skins were elastic enough to take the pressure, but old wine skins easily burst because they were hard. What did Jesus mean by this comparison? Are we to reject the old in place of the new? Just as there is a right place and a right time for fasting and for feasting, so there is a right place for the old as well as the new. 
Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old (Matthew 13:52). How impoverished we would be if we only had the Old Testament books of Scripture or the New Testament books of Scripture, rather than both. The Lord gives us wisdom so we can make the best use of both the old and the new. He doesn't want us to hold rigidly to the past and to be resistant to the new work of his Holy Spirit in our lives. He wants our minds and hearts to be like new wine skins - open and ready to receive the new wine of the Holy Spirit. Are you eager to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God's word and plan for your life? 
Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit, that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Help me to seek you earnestly in prayer and fasting that I may turn away from sin and wilfulness and conform my life more fully to your will. May I always find joy in knowing, loving, and serving You who are My All. 

Suy Niệm Thứ Hai Tuần Thứ Hai Thường Niên (Tin Mừng Mark 2:18-22) 
Hôm nay cả hai bài đọc đã thách thức chúng ta trả lời hai câu hỏi quan trọng trong cuộc sống của chúng ta, cụ thể là, "Chúng ta có biết được những ý của Thiên Chúa muốn nơi chúng ta là những gì không?" Và " chúng ta phải làm theo những gì để sống theo như ý muốn của Thiên Chúa?" 
Trong Bài Đọc I, vua Saul đã nghĩ rằng ông đã nghe theo tiếng nói của Chúa bằng việc hiến tế những hy lễ toàn thiêu lên Thiên Chúa . Trong bài Tin Mừng, người Pharisêu, đã ăn chay theo luật Do Thái, Họ nghĩ là họ đã làm như thế là họ đã vâng lời Thiên Chúa. Thậm chí họ còn ăn chay hai lần một tháng. 
Vì vậy, để biết hay nhận thức rõ được ý muốn của Thiên Chúa, chúng ta cần phải tự hỏi chính mình: "Chúng ta có mối quan hệ gì với Thiên Chúa ?" Để biết ý muốn của Thiên Chúa một cách rõ ràng hơn, chúng ta cần phải phân biệt rõ ràng những động tác, hay hành động riêng của chúng ta hay là những ý thúc đẩy bởi ơn Chúa Thánh Thần. Thứ hai là chúng ta cũng cần biết phân biệt những động tác được thúc đẩy bởi Chúa Thánh Thần và những thức đẩy của ma quỷ. 
Nếu chúng ta biết luôn cầu nguyện trước mỗi công việc, chúng ta dựa trên sự hướng dẫn của Chúa Thánh Thần và các dấu hiệu của thời gian, và bằng cách này, chúng ta được phát triển trong sự nhận thức mục đích của Thiên Chúa trong đời sống chúng ta một cách rõ rang hơn. 
"Lạy Chúa, xin ban cho chúng con có được một tinh thần sáng suốt trong những việc làm, trong sự phản ứng với những thử thách hàng ngày trong cuộc sống của chúng con." 

Reflection 2016 SG 
Today’s two readings challenge us to address two important questions in our lives, namely, “Do we know what is God's will for us?” and “What does it entail to do the will of God?” 
In the first reading, King Saul thought that he had obeyed the voice of the Lord by offering holocausts and sacrifices. In the Gospel, the Pharisees, by fasting according to the rules and regulations of the established religion, deemed that they had obeyed the will of God. They even fasted twice a month. So, to know or discern the will of God, we need to ask ourselves: “What is my relationship with God?” as this is the basis upon which God reveals His will for us. Then we enter into the process of waiting and listening to God’s revelation. It may involve the ‘letting go' of the old wine and garment as Jesus used the example of the new patch and new wine to illustrate the newness of the reality of the Kingdom. 
In order to know God’s will better, we need to discriminate the movements which are merely from ourselves or those prompted by some other spirits. Secondly to discriminate those movements which are prompted by the Holy Spirit and those from the other spirits. Accompanied by ‘prayer’ we rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the signs of the time. In this way we grow in discerning God’s purpose in our lives. “Lord, grant us the spirit of discernment in our responses to our daily challenges.” 

Opening Prayer: 
Lord, I come to you in these moments seeking to know your ways. Quiet my heart. Bring my focus onto you, the Bridegroom who loves your Church and her people. Open my heart and soul to receive your love in this time with you. 
Encountering Christ: 
1. Something New: As we see throughout the Gospels, Jesus eloquently addresses questions designed to entrap him. Being a disciple of Jesus is not the same as following John or the Pharisees. He is the Messiah, the living God. Jesus paints a new picture of a relationship with him as Jesus the Bridegroom, in love with his bride, the Church and her people. The disciples of Jesus are too busy soaking in his loving presence to fast; his time with them here on earth is short. 
2. Jesus Is Clear: Jesus wanted his followers to use their time with him to be “made new,” not just patched up. Instead of fasting, they were joyfully absorbing the transformative presence of their Savior. As Jesus explained, if we were to pour good wine into a cracked decanter (“old wineskin”), it would be wasted. Our own poor efforts cannot make our ragged old selves new. Only Christ can transform us so that we are able to receive his love, store it in our hearts, and pour it out to the world like good wine. 
3. Joy in His Presence: Jesus asked, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” Although we may not be living in the time of Christ, as Catholic Christians we are uniquely blessed to experience his presence in the Eucharist. As we open our hearts to this joyful reality, we are slowly transformed into new beings, radiating his love and beauty. Our willingness to be transformed is essential. Like a grumpy wedding guest who sits in the corner refusing to partake in the celebration, we can attend Mass and receive Our Lord in the Eucharist with our minds on other things and our hearts closed. In this passage, Jesus calls us to joyful celebration in his presence. He is calling us to be open to radical transformation so that we can receive him and, with his grace, reflect his love to others. 
Conversing with Christ: Lord, I offer you everything I do today, as once again you renew your sacrifice in the Eucharist. Please unite me to your Sacred Heart and convict me of the joyful reality that you love me. I know that apart from you, I can do nothing. Let your love transform me so that, with your grace, I can become the person you created me to be. 
Resolution: Lord, today by our grace I will make a spiritual Communion or receive you in the Eucharist, and ask you to open my heart and embrace your transformative presence. 

Suy NiệmTin Mừng Chúa Nhật thứ Hai Thường Niên Bài Giảng ASTM

Suy NiệmTin Mừng Chúa Nhật thứ Hai Thường Niên Bài Giản ASTM
Qua bài Tin Mừng hôm nay, chúng ta tự hỏi, Chúa Giêsu là ai đối với chúng ta? Thánh Gioan TG đã gọi Chúa Giêsu là Con Chiên của Thiên Chúa và danh xưng đó biểu hiệu cho sứ mệnh của Chúa Giêsu là Đấng cứu thế, cứu chuộc chúng ta khỏi tội lỗi. Theo sách Xuất hành chương 12, Máu của Chiên Con trong Lễ Vượt đã giải cứu dân Israel ra khỏi sự áp bức và nô lệ ở Ai Cập và khỏi bệnh dịch của sự chết. Trong thư thứ nhất gởi cho dân thành Corinto, Thánh Phaolô đã viết “Chúa Jêsus đã tự hiến mạng sống mình vì chúng ta trên thập giá như của lễ chuộc tội cho chúng ta “(1 Côr 5: 7). Máu mà Ngài đổ ra cho chúng ta trên thập giá đã tẩy sạch, chữa lành và giải phóng chúng ta khỏi sự nô lệ của tội lỗi, và "sự hủy diệt cả thể xác lẫn linh hồn trong địa ngục ”(Mt 10:28).
Nơi Chúa Giêsu, ông Gioan TG đã nhìn thấy sự hy sinh đích thực và duy nhất có thể giải thoát chúng ta khỏi ách nô lệ tội lỗi, sự chết và quyền lực của hoả ngục.Làm thế nào mà ông Gioan TG có thể biết được danh tính thật của Chúa Giêsu, là Con Thiên Chúa và là Đấng Cứu Rỗi của thế gian (Jn 1:29)? Chính Chúa Thánh Thần đã tỏ lộ cho ông Gioan TG biết rõ về bản chất chân thật của Chúa Giêsu, để ông làm chứng rằng đây là Con Thiên Chúa.
Còn chúng ta, làm sao chúng ta có thể chắc chắn rằng Chúa Giêsu thực sự là Đấng Kitô, Con Thiên Chúa hằng sống? Chúa Thánh Thần cũng soi sáng cho chúng ta được biết đến Chúa Giêsu Kytô qua ân sủng của đức tin. Thiên Chúa tự do ban cho chúng ta Chúa Thánh Thần để chúng ta có thể thấu hiểu với trí óc được soi sáng bằng con mắt đức tin, về sự mầu nhiệm và kế hoạch vĩ đại của Thiên Chúa trong sự hợp nhất mọi sự trong Con của Ngài, Chúa chúng ta là Đức Chúa Jêsus Kitô.
Trong sự khiêm tốn đặc trưng của mình, Ông Gioan TG đã háo hức hướng về Chúa Kitô, có nghĩa là Đấng được xức dầu và Đấng Cứu Thế. Ông không ngần ngại chỉ ra các môn đệ của mình đến với Chúa Giêsu. Và khi hai môn đệ của ông GioanTG bắt đầu tìm kiếm Chúa Giêsu, Chúa Giêsu đã chủ động mời họ vào đồng hành với ngài. Ngài không đợi họ thu hút sự chú ý của Ngài. Thay vào đó, Ngài đã gặp họ nửa đừơng. Ngài hỏi họ một trong những câu hỏi cơ bản nhất về cuộc sống: "các ngươi tìm gì?"
Chúa Giêsu cũng đang hỏi mỗi người chúng ta cùng một câu hỏi: "các ngươi đang tìm gì? Chúng ta có biết ý nghĩa và mục đích cho cuộc sống của mình không?" Chỉ có Thiên Chúa là Cha và là đấng tác tạo mọi sự sống, mới có thể trả lời câu hỏi đó và làm cho chúng ta biết rõ mục đích của chúng ta. Đó là lý do tại sao Chúa Jêsus mời gọi mỗi người chúng ta đến gần với chính Ngài. Chúa muốn chúng ta biết Ngài một cách cá nhân, thân thiết để chúng ta có thể biết những gì Ngài đã đến để làm cho chúng ta và những gì Ngài muốn ban cho chúng ta.
“Hãy đến và xem” đó là lời mời gọi của Chúa Giêsu dành cho mỗi người chúng ta để chúng ta khám phá ra được niềm vui của tình bạn và sự hiệp thông với Đấng đã làm cho chúng ta sống trong tình yêu. Thánh Augustinô nhắc nhở chúng ta rằng chính Thiên Chúa, Đấng Tạo Hóa và Đấng Cứu Chuộc của chúng ta, là Đấng tìm kiếm chúng ta, ngay cả những khi chúng ta không tìm kiếm Người: "Nếu anh chị em không được Chúa kêu gọi, thế thì anh chị em có thể làm gì để quay lại? Chẳng phải chính Đấng đã gọi anh chị em khi anh chị em chống đối Ngài đã khiến anh chị em có thể quay trở lại sao?" Chính Chúa là Đấng khởi xướng và là Đấng lôi kéo chúng ta đến với chính Ngài. Nếu không có sự thương xót và giúp đỡ của Chúa, chúng ta không thể tự mình tìm thấy Chúa. Khi chúng ta tìm thấy thứ gì đó có giá trị to lớn, điều tự nhiên là chúng ta muốn chia sẻ tin vui về khám phá của chúng ta với gia đình, bạn bè và hàng xóm.
Khi ông Andrê gặp được Chúa Giêsu và khám phá ra rằng Ngài đích thực là Đấng Cứu Thế, ông liền đến gặp anh của mình là ông Simon và báo tin mừng cho ông Simon. Ông Andrê đã đưa người anh em của mình đến gặp Chúa Giêsu để người anh em của mình có thể “đến xem” cho tận mắt. Khi Chúa Giêsu thấy ông Simon đến gần, Chúa Giêsu nhìn ông Simon và đặt cho ông một cái tên mới để chứng tỏ là Thiên Chúa đã kêu gọi ông và đã có sẵn cho ông một cái sứ mệnh riêng cho ông. Chúa Giêsu đặt cho ông Simon cái tên “Kêphas”, là tiếng A-ram có nghĩa là “đá”. Kephas được dịch là Peter theo tiếng Hy Lạp và cũng có nghĩa đen là "đá".Nhờ đức tin, ông Phêrô hiểu được rằng Chúa Giêsu thực sự là ai; Đấng được xức dầu, là Đấng Cúa Thế, là Chúa Kitô và là Con một của Thiên Chúa. Tân Ước mô tả Hội thánh như là một ngôi nhà hoặc đền thờ tâm linh với mỗi thành viên được ghép lại với nhau như những viên đá sống động (1 Ph 2: 5). Đức tin nơi Chúa Giêsu Kytô đã biến chúng ta thành những tảng đá hay những viên đá tâm linh.
Chúa Thánh Linh ban cho chúng ta những ân sủng của đức tin để chúng ta nhận biết Chúa Jêsus một cách thân mật, và ban cho chúng ta sức mạnh để trung thành sống theo phúc âm, và can đảm làm chứng cho lẽ thật và niềm vui của Tin Mừng cho người khác. Chúa Jêsus luôn sẵn sàng thu hút chúng ta đến với chính Ngài. Còn phần chúng ta, chúng ta có tìm cách để sống lớn lên trong sự hiểu biết và tình yêu thương của Chúa Giêsu Kytô không?
Lạy Chúa Giêsu Kitô, xin ban xuống cho chúng con sức mạnh của Chúa Thánh Thần để chúng con được lớn lên trong sự hiểu biết về tình yêu và lẽ thật cao cả của Chúa. Xin hãy làm cho ơn Chúa Thánh Thần rực cháy trong trái tim của chúng con để chúng con có thể vui vẻ tìm cách làm theo ý muốn của Chúa trong mọi việc.

Meditation:
Who is Jesus for you? John calls Jesus the Lamb of God and thus signifies Jesus' mission as the One who redeems us from our sins. The blood of the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) delivered the Israelites from their oppression in Egypt and from the plague of death. The Lord Jesus freely offered up his life for us on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7). The blood which he poured out for us on the cross cleanses, heals, and frees us from our slavery to sin, and from the "wages of sin which is death" (Romans 6:23) and the "destruction of both body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28).
It is significant that John was the son of the priest, Zachariah, who participated in the daily sacrifice of a lamb in the temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29). In Jesus John saw the true and only sacrifice which could deliver us from bondage to sin, death, and the powers of hell. How did John know the true identity of Jesus, as the Son of God and Savior of the world (John 1:29)? The Holy Spirit revealed to John Jesus' true nature, such that John bore witness that this is the Son of God. How can we be certain that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God? The Holy Spirit makes the Lord Jesus Christ known to us through the gift of faith. God gives us freely of his Spirit that we may comprehend - with enlightened minds and eyes of faith - the great mystery and plan of God to unite all things in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
"What do you seek?"
John in his characteristic humility was eager to point beyond himself to the Christ (means Anointed One and Messiah). He did not hesitate to direct his own disciples to the Lord Jesus. When two of John's disciples began to seek Jesus out, Jesus took the initiative to invite them into his company. He did not wait for them to get his attention. Instead he met them halfway. He asked them one of the most fundamental questions of life: "What are you looking for?" Jesus asks each one of us the same question:"What are you searching for? Do you know the meaning and purpose for your life?" Only God, the Father and Author of life, can answer that question and make our purpose fully known to us. That is why the Lord Jesus invites each one of us to draw near to himself. He wants us to know him personally - to know what he came to do for us and what he wants to offer us.
"Come and see"
"Come and see" is the Lord's invitation for each one of us to discover the joy of friendship and communion with the One who made us in love for love. Saint Augustine of Hippo reminds us that it is God, our Creator and Redeemer, who seeks us out, even when we are not looking for him: "If you hadn't been called by God, what could you have done to turn back? Didn't the very One who called you when you were opposed to Him make it possible for you to turn back?" It is God who initiates and who draws us to himself. Without his mercy and help we could not find him on our own.
When we find something of great value it's natural to want to share the good news of our discovery with our family, friends, and neighbors. When Andrew met Jesus and discovered that he was truly the Messiah, he immediately went to his brother Simon and told him the good news. Andrew brought his brother to meet Jesus so he could "come and see" for himself. When Jesus saw Simon approaching he immediately reached out to Simon in the same way he had done for Andrew earlier. Jesus looked at Simon and revealed that he knew who Simon was and where he came from even before Simon had set his eyes on Jesus. Jesus gave Simon a new name which signified that God had a personal call and mission for him. Jesus gave Simon the name "Cephas" which is the Aramaic word for "rock". Cephas is translated as Peter (Petros in Greek and Petrus in Latin) which also literally means "rock".
To call someone a "rock" was one of the greatest compliments in the ancient world. The rabbis had a saying that when God saw Abraham, he exclaimed: "I have discovered a rock to found the world upon." Through Abraham God established a nation for himself. Through faith Peter grasped who Jesus truly was - the Anointed One (Messiah and Christ) and the only begotten Son of God. The New Testament describes the church as a spiritual house or temple with each member joined together as living stones (see 1 Peter 2:5). Faith in Jesus Christ makes us into rocks or spiritual stones. The Holy Spirit gives us the gift of faith to know the Lord Jesus personally, power to live the gospel faithfully, and courage to witness the truth and joy of the Gospel to others. The Lord Jesus is ever ready to draw us to himself. Do you seek to grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Let your Spirit be aflame in my heart that I may joyfully seek to do your will in all things.

Opening Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I want to come and stay with you during this prayer. Help me to set aside distractions and worries so that I can hear your voice in my heart.
Encountering Christ:
1. What Are You Looking For? The questions God asks through the Bible are always penetrating and pertinent. Today, he asks us, “What are you looking for?” That is to say, when we approach Jesus, are we looking for a solution to a problem? Someone to blame? An answer? Consolation? Or, are we looking for a person? Do we approach prayer as a relationship? Time to be with someone whom we love and who loves us? If we want to know Jesus better, let’s imitate the disciples in this Gospel and stay with him.
2. Where Are You Staying? The questions we ask God are also important. We shouldn’t be afraid to ask God questions, especially questions that can lead us into a deeper relationship with him, such as, “Where are you Lord? Where are you staying? Where do I find you time and again?” And we ask ourselves, “What aspects of Christ in the Gospel always stand out to me? What kind of needs do I feel called to respond to? Where do I experience God working through me for the good of others?” By seeking the answers to these questions, we discover Christ within us.
3. Come and See: In the day-to-day experience of prayer, it can be hard to see where God is leading us, but by looking back and seeing the patterns of his presence and love in our lives, we can grow in our recognition of his guidance. When the first apostles initially experienced Christ, they immediately invited others to come and see. The Christ that we experience is the Christ that we are called to transmit to others. By reflecting upon our own experiences of Christ’s loving presence in our lives, we become better apostles of his love for those around us.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, help me to enter into dialogue with you every day. I want to be able to hear your questions and also ask you mine. I want to know you better so that I can follow you more closely and bring others to do the same.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will take time to recognize your presence in my day.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Bẩy tuần thứ Nhất Thường Niên

 Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Bẩy tuần thứ Nhất Thường Niên 

Trong bài Tin Mừng hôm nay, chúng ta thấy Chúa Giêsu chủ động trong việc tìm kiếm và kêu gọi những người mà Ngài muốn đi theo Ngài và sẽ là những Tông Đồ nhiệt thành của Ngài. Ông Matthêu đang ngồi tại bàn thâu thuề, đang làm công việc thâu thuế, công việc của người luôn tìm cách bóc lột dân chúng để làm giàu trên xương máu của người khác. Vì đó là nghề của người thâu thuế của thời ấy, họ ăn phần trăm trên số tiền họ thâu được cho người Roma. Ông Matthêu chắc chắn đã không bao giờ nghĩ đến việc tìm đến Chúa Giêsu hay nghĩ tới vấn đề bỏ nghề đang kiếm nhiều tiên, đang giàu có mà di theo Chúa.Giêsu.
Việc Chúa làm, không ai có thể ngờ được, Chúa Giêsu đã âm thầm vào cuộc sống của ông và làm thay đổi cuộc sống của ông ta hoàn toàn. Ông Matthêu đã không chạy đến với Chúa Giêsu để xin xỏ bất cứ điều gì, vì ông nghĩ ông có tiền và ông có tất cả. Tuy nhiên, khi Chúa Giêsu gọi, ông đã ngay lập tức đứng dậy, bỏ lại tất cả mọi thứ, hồ sơ thuế vụ, sổ sách mà theo Chúa, Matthêu đã không một lời thắc mắc hay trả giá với Chúa : “nếu tôi theo Chúa thì tôi được gì?”. Ông chấp nhận lời mời gọi của Chúa Kitô để tham gia vào đời sống và sứ vụ của mình, mà điều này có nghĩa là ông sẵn sàng chấp nhận những thay đổi sẽ đến trong cuộc sống riêng của ông. Sau khi nhận được ơn gọi, ông đã bắt đầu công việc của mình là đã mời bạn bè đến nhà mình để họ có thể gặp Chúa Giêsu. Matthêu đã không ích kỷ để giữ Chúa Giêsu lại cho chính mình. Ông đã tích cực truyền bá tình bạn và tình yêu mà ông dành cho Chúa Giêsu với những người khác. Ông ta muốn họ cùng được làm bạn với Chúa như ông ta.
Chúa Giêsu muốn cứu tất cả mọi người, nhưng Ngài phụ thuộc vào những nỗ lực của chúng ta để chia sẻ đức tin của chúng ta với những người khác. Chúa Giêsu không bao giờ quay lưng lại với bất cứ người nào. Ngài không bao giờ biếr ngại ngùng để được liên kết với những người tội lỗi. Đây là tin mừng về sự cứu rỗi. Chúng ta biết rằng chúng ta cần phải chia sẻ Tình yê của Chúa Giêsu với những người khác. Một cách để làm được điều đó là chúng ta phải biết làm gương sáng, như là một ví dụ điển hình trong cách chúng ta sống và giao tiếp với người khác mỗi ngày. Trước tiên chúng ta nên làm chứng cho Chúa Kitô bằng cuộc sống của chúng ta và sau đó không ngại nói về Chúa Giêsu và những gì Ngài đã làm trong cuộc sống của chúng ta. Chúng ta cần phải nhớ đến số người đang bị mất niềm tin, đau khổ và trôi dạt trong thế giới này. Chúng ta nên làm gì cho họ?

REFLECTION
In today's Gospel, we see Jesus taking the initiative of finding and calling the men whom he wanted to follow him. Matthew was sitting at his table doing his work. He was not looking for a vocation. He certainly did not ask Jesus to come. Jesus simply walked into his life and turned his life upside down. Matthew did not ask to be called. However, when Jesus called, he got up immediately to follow him. Matthew did not argue with the call or fight it. He accepted Christ's invitation to participate in his life and mission, and he accepted the changes that this meant. After his call, Matthew got to work. He invited friends over to his house so that they could meet Jesus.
Matthew does not keep Jesus to himself. He actively spread his friendship and love for Jesus with others. He wanted them to enter into the friendship that he had entered. Jesus wants to save all people but he depends on our efforts to share him with others. Jesus turns no one away. He is not afraid to be associated with sinners. This is the good news of salvation.
We know that we need to share Jesus with others. One way to do so is to set a good example by the way we live our lives and communicate with others. We should first witness to Christ with our lives and then not be afraid to speak of Jesus and what he has done in our lives. We need to remember the number of people who are spiritually lost and adrift in this world. What are we doing for them?

Opening Prayer:
Call me, Lord. Heal me, for I need you. Do not simply walk along the shore of my life, but enter into my home and into my heart.
Encountering Christ:
1. The Shore: “Once again” Jesus walked along the sea. The crowds that came to him received teaching, healing, and often a call to mission. So often we can be stuck, sitting still, lost in the world of our own problems. But Christ is never still. He is always coming toward us, seeking us out. Yet, he doesn’t impose himself. He walks along the shore of our life awaiting an invitation from each of us. He wants to bring us wisdom, healing, and a sense of mission and purpose.
2. Follow Me: Levi, also known as Matthew, was considered a “public sinner” because he collected taxes for the Romans, who ruled over the Jewish people. A famous painting, The Call of St. Matthew by Caravaggio, has St. Matthew pointing at himself as if he is saying, “Who, me?” Sometimes we wonder when we see a problem, “Why does no one do anything about this?” or “Someone should say something.” Today’s Gospel is an invitation to ask ourselves, “Who, me?” Christ often calls us to say or do something, but we defer or reject the call because we feel unqualified. Levi was a public sinner, yet he became a great saint. When we feel compelled by the Spirit to act, we trust in the fact that God always equips the called.
3. “I Came to Call Sinners”: St. Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians speaks of this mystery of Christian life: “God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). When God called us to be his apostles, he didn’t just ask us to give him our strengths and talents, but also our weakness and brokenness. He is the Divine Physician. “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Jesus wants us to serve him with all that we are and have, both the good and the bad, through our weakness and our strength.
Conversing with Christ: 

Dear Jesus, I ask that today you take all that I am and all that I have. Come more deeply into my life. I don’t want to leave you standing on the outskirts. I want you to enter into my heart. Come, use my weaknesses and brokenness to do great things in me. I believe that with you I can do all things. Be with me today Lord, and let me follow you.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will strive to listen attentively and respond promptly to what you ask. 

Meditation: "Many sinners were sitting with Jesus"
What draws us to the throne of God's mercy and grace? Mark tells us that many people were drawn to Jesus, including the unwanted and the unlovable, such as the lame, the blind, and the lepers, as well as the homeless such as widows and orphans. But public sinners, like the town prostitutes and corrupt tax collectors, were also drawn to Jesus. In calling Levi, who was also named Matthew (see Matthew 9:9) to be one of his disciples, Jesus picked one of the unlikeliest of men - a tax collector who by profession was despised by the people.
Why did the religious leaders find fault with Jesus for making friends with sinners and tax collectors like Levi? The orthodox Jews had a habit of dividing everyone into two groups - those who rigidly kept the law of Moses and its minute regulations and those who did not. They latter were treated like second class citizens. The orthodox scrupulously avoided their company, refused to do business with them, refused to give or receive anything from them, refused to intermarry, and avoided any form of entertainment with them, including table fellowship. Jesus' association with sinners shocked the sensibilities of these orthodox Jews.
When the Pharisees challenged his unorthodox behavior in eating with public sinners, Jesus' defense was quite simple. A doctor doesn't need to visit healthy people; instead he goes to those who are sick. Jesus likewise sought out those in the greatest need. A true physician seeks healing of the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. Jesus came as the divine physician and good shepherd to care for his people and to restore them to wholeness of life.The orthodox Jews were so preoccupied with their own practice of religion that they neglected to help the very people who needed care. Their religion was selfish because they didn't want to have anything to do with people not like themselves.
Jesus stated his mission in unequivocal terms: I came not to call the righteous, but to call sinners. Ironically the orthodox were as needy as those they despised. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The Lord fills us with his grace and mercy. And he wants us, in turn, to seek the good of our neighbors, including the unlikeable and the trouble-maker by showing them the same kindness and mercy which we have received. Do you thank the Lord for the great kindness and mercy he has shown to you?
"Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are cold; Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful; cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak; strengthen them with your joyous Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours; possess them always and only for yourself." (Prayer of Augustine, 4th century)

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Sáu Tuần 1 Thường Niên

 Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Sáu Tuần 1 Thường Niên (Mark 2:1-1 1 ) 

Trong cuộc sống yếu đuối của con người hầu như ai trong chúng ta cũng chỉ thấy những cái xấu trong mọi tình huống. Chúng ta có thể thấy những tin tức tiêu cực mà chúng ta đọc hàng ngày qua các báo chí, trên TV. Chúng ta cũng thấy những cái xấu trên Internet và các tin đồn, bàn luận trên Facebook hay trên các trang sinh hoạt của các nhóm xã hội. Với cái nhìn vào trong những cái khía cạnh của sự xấu xa, chúng ta có lẽ hay thích chê bai hay phỉ báng người khác, có lẽ chúng ta muốn “hạ người khác càng xuống thấp hơn” càng tốt để chúng ta cảm thấy sung sướng và an toàn hơn. 

Qua bài Tin Mừng hôm nay, chúng ta đã thấy những người Pharisêu và các thầy thông giáo đã làm điều đó, Họ coi thường niềm tin của nhiều người khác, và chống đối những nỗ lực của họ khi họ mang một người bại liệt đến gần với Chúa Giêsu. Họ đã cố tìm cách bắt bẻ, gài bẫy và gán ép cho Chúa Giêsu vào một cái tội kêu ngạo và muốn loại bỏ Người ra khỏi vòng pháp luật và tôn giáo của họ, Vì họ coi Chúa Giêsu như là một tội phạm hơn là một Thiên Chúa. 

Chúa Giêsu đã biết rõ rằng những cái khó chịu đó trong lòng của họ bởi vì cái thói đạo đức giả và cái niềm tự cao, tự đại của họ mà Ngài đã khẳng định quyền hạn và uy quyền của Ngài bằng cách chữa lành cho người bại liệt này trước những con mắt ngạc nhiên của đám đông. Chúa Giêsu đã cho chúng ta biết rằng là thành viên của Giáo Hội có nghĩa là chúng ta không được phép thách thức quyền năng của Thiên Chúa và những điều tốt đẹp mà Thiên Chúa đã ban cho chúng ta mỗi ngày. Chúng ta có thể có quyền tự do để chỉ trích những sai lầm mà chúng ta thấy thường xảy ra xung quanh chúng ta và trong cuộc sống hàng ngày của chúng ta, nhưng chúng ta không nên đặt mình trên bệ giá cao và tin rằng mình hơn người khác bởi vì chúng ta đều tạo vật do Thiên Chúa sáng tạo rà và chúng ta đều gọi nhau là Kitô hữu. 

Chúng ta hãy cố tránh những cạm bẫy của niềm tự hào, hay của sự ngoạo mạn và tự cao, thay vào đó chúng ta nên làm những việc phục vụ trong sự khiêm tốn như là người tôi tớ khiêm hạ của Thiên Chúa, Chúng ta hãy xin Chúa giúp chúng ta có lòng can đảm để loại bỏ sự cám dỗ của những sự suy nghĩ tiêu cực và biết nắm lấy niềm vui trong Tin Mừng của Chúa Giêsu. 

"Lạy Chúa Giêsu, qua tình yêu, lòng thương xót và sự tha thứ của Chúa, Chúa đã mang đến cho chúng con ơn chữa lành và phục hồi thân xác cũng như linh hồn của chúng con, Xin tình yêu và quyền năng của Chúa xoa dịu cuộc sống của chúng con trong mọi lĩnh vực, Và xin Chúa biến đổi và ban cho chúng con sức mạnh của Chúa Thánh Thần để chúng con có thể bước đi một cách tự tin trong chân lý, và trong sự công chính của Chúa. 

REFLECTION 

It seems inherent in our human nature to look for the bad in any situation. We can see that in the negative news stories we read in the papers or watch on TV. We also observe it in the gossip that circulates among social groups. By talking about the bad side of others, we perhaps try to bring down people to make ourselves feel good. The scribes at Capernaum in today's Gospel were doing just that. They belittled the faith of several men and brushed off their effort to bring a paralytic close to Jesus. They attempted to make Jesus look like a law-breaker or religious violator instead of the preacher of Good News, which he was doing. 

Jesus was obviously annoyed by the hypocrisy and sky-high pride of the scribes that He asserted His authority and power by healing the paralytic in front of the astonished eyes of the crowd. Jesus gives notice that being members of His Church does not give us the license to challenge His authority and the many good things God provides every day. We may have the freedom to criticize the many wrongs we see happening around us in our daily lives but we should not place ourselves on pedestals and believe ourselves superior to others because we call ourselves Christians. Let us avoid the pitfalls of pride and instead work to be humble servants of God. Let us ask Jesus to remove the temptation of negative thinking and embrace the joy of His Good News. 

PRAYER: "Lord Jesus, through your merciful love and forgiveness you bring healing and restoration to body, soul, and mind. May your healing power and love touch every area of my life -- my innermost thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and memories? Pardon my offences and transform me in the power of your Holy Spirit that I may walk confidently in your truth and righteousness. 

Opening Prayer: 

Lord, I know that I need healing. I can see my flaws and infidelities. I come to you with my hands open, asking for your touch. Come to me now, and help me to see how I can be fully restored in you. 

Encountering Christ: 

1. Kneeling Down: The leper was an outcast who was required by law to keep his distance from others for fear of contagion (Leviticus 13:46). Yet he approached Jesus, knelt down, and begged him for healing. The leper’s humble request “If you wish,” and attitude as he knelt before Jesus, demonstrated his sincere desire for healing. Jesus touched the leper and showed his unconditional love for him. How would the leper’s life change after his encounter with Christ? Do we believe in Jesus’s unconditional love for us and approach him with a humble heart? How do our actions show openness to the Lord’s healing touch in prayer and the sacraments? 

2. Obedience Brings Peace: Jesus, after healing the leper “immediately,” asked him to do two simple things: go to the priest to complete his ceremonial cleansing (Leviticus 14), and “tell no one anything.” We don’t know if the leper visited the priest or not, but in spite of the healing he received, he didn’t respect Jesus’s request to be silent about it. Because he spread around the news of his healing, he made it difficult for Jesus to work. Do we ever get in the way of the Holy Spirit in our life? We can speculate that this man’s disobedience prevented others from drawing close to Christ for healing. Our sin has negative consequences beyond our own spiritual health. “Sin ...wounds the nature of man and injures human solidarity” (CCC #1849). 

3. Be Made Clean: Leprosy was a horrible disease and the cure would have been remarkable to behold. Physical healings always are! Even more miraculous but harder to measure or observe would have been a spiritual healing. “Jesus has the power not only to heal, but also to forgive sins; he has come to heal the whole man, soul and body” (CCC 1503-5) Jesus offered the leper a physical healing, but we don’t know if he received a spiritual one. We do know that he immediately disobeyed Jesus. All of us who approach Jesus through the sacrament of reconciliation receive a miraculous spiritual healing, whether we feel anything or not. Even when we fall repeatedly we know we can return to the sacrament again and again and “firmly resolve, with the help of his grace, to sin no more and avoid the near occasion of sin” (Act of Contrition). Jesus always desires to give us “a new heart” (CCC 1432). 

Conversing with Christ: Lord, I want to be healed. Please come into my heart. As I kneel before you, I ask you to cleanse me of disobedience and fear. I am very grateful for the opportunity to start again and again by being forgiven through the sacrament of reconciliation. Lord, through your grace, I want to love well. 

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will pray the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” I will resolve to be healed from sin by going to confession at the next opportunity. 

January 12, 2018 Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time 

Introductory Prayer: Jesus, thank you for this time to be with you. I humbly offer you my intention to set all my distractions aside so that I can encounter you, my Lord and my God. I hope in you and know that you could never let me down. I love you and long to love you with all of my strength. Aware of my misery and weakness, I trust in your mercy and love. 

Petition: 

Lord, increase my zeal for souls. 

1. The Paralytic: One day, four men carried a friend to Jesus. It made all the difference in the world to the friend, for he was paralyzed and was unable to approach Jesus on his own. He had heard of the miracles Jesus had performed but had never seen them. His healing was out of the question: he couldn’t go to Jesus on his own. Had his four friends not stepped in and brought him to Jesus, he would never have been cured. Their faith and love made his healing possible. Who does Jesus want me to bring to him? Do I invite people to prayer and adoration? Do I invite people to Mass and confession? 

2. The Four Friends: These four men were not stopped by the obstacles in their way. How long they traveled isn’t mentioned, but even a short distance is tiring when carrying a man on a mat. When they arrived at the house, it was full of people who had traveled to hear and see Jesus and to be cured by him. It was impossible for the men to get inside the house through the door, but they didn’t give up. They didn’t quit. They carried their friend up to the rooftop and lowered him down into the house. By persevering, we can achieve anything. Love knows no boundaries or limits. 

3. Jesus: God wants to save so many people. He wants to bring real healing into their lives, but he wants to heal them through us. Jesus could have found the paralyzed man. He chose, rather, to let the others bring the man to him. Jesus wanted to heal him, but without the charity in the hearts of the four men, the healing might never have been accomplished. Who does Jesus wish to encounter through me? How can I be a better instrument of his love? 

Conversation with Christ: Lord, help me to realize more deeply that you want me involved in salvation history. I’m on the front lines. You entrust souls to me, and you want to bless their lives through my prayers, my sacrifices, and my work. Increase my love for these souls. They need my help and my fidelity. I don’t want to let them down. Help me to be faithful. 

Resolution: I will make a sacrifice today for the person most in need of God’s grace. 

Meditation: "We never saw anything like this!" 

Do you know the healing power of forgiveness and compassion? Jesus' treatment of sinners upset the religious teachers of the day. When a cripple was brought to Jesus because of the faith of his friends, Jesus did the unthinkable. He first forgave the man his sins. The scribes regarded this as blasphemy because they understood that only God had authority to forgive sins and to unbind a man or woman from their burden of guilt.

Jesus claimed an authority which only God could rightfully give. Jesus not only proved that his authority came from God, he showed the great power of God's redeeming love and mercy by healing the cripple of his physical ailment. This man had been crippled not only physically, but spiritually as well. Jesus freed him from his burden of guilt and restored his body as well. The Lord is every ready to bring us healing of body, mind, and spirit. Is there any area in your life that cripples you from walking in the freedom of Christ's transforming love and forgiveness? 

Bishop Ambrose of Milan (339-397 AD), an early church father, explains how the healing of the paralytic points not only to Christ's power to heal the whole person, but also to raise the body to everlasting life as well: But the Lord, wanting to save sinners, shows himself to be God both by his knowledge of secrets and by the wonder of his actions. He adds, "Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you'’ or to say, 'Rise and walk?'" In this passage he shows the full likeness of the resurrection. Alongside of healing the wounds of body and mind, he also forgives the sins of the spirit, removes the weakness of the flesh, and thus heals the whole person. It is a great thing to forgive people's sins - who can forgive sins, but God alone? For God also forgives through those to whom he has given the power of forgiveness. Yet it is far more divine to give resurrection to bodies, since the Lord himself is the resurrection. (excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 5.12–13.5) 

Do you believe in the healing transforming power of Christ's forgiveness and merciful love? Ask him to set you free and transform your mind and heart to be like his heart. 

"Lord Jesus, through your merciful love and forgiveness you bring healing and restoration to body, soul, and mind. May your healing power and love touch every area of my life - my innermost thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and memories. Pardon my offenses and transform me in the power of your Holy Spirit that I may walk confidently in your love, truth, and righteousness."

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Năm Tuần I Thường Niên.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Năm Tuần I Thường Niên. (Mark 1:40-45 ) 

Qua bài Tin Mừng hôm nay chúng ta thấy người phong cùi đã tới gần Chúa Giêsu và cầu xin cứu chữa. Anh ta đã rụt rè khiêm tốn và chỉ dám đề nghị với Chúa rằng "Nếu Ngài muốn, Ngài có thể làm cho tôi sạch!" anh ta không dám năm nĩ xin Chúa Giêsu chữa anh ta, Nhưng chỉ xin theo ý Chúa mà thôi. Cũng vì cử chỉ khiêm tốn và vững tin đó mà Chúa Giê-su đã động lòng thương xót, Ngài đã sốc vì cái sự rụt rè và khiêm tốn của người cùi này. "Tất nhiên Ta muốn, hãy nên sạch!"
Đôi khi những nỗi sợ hãi và những cảm xúc tiêu cực của chúng ta đã nhốt khoá chính mình trong bóng tối để không thể nhận ra Chúa và nhận ra được những ơn lành và long thương xót nơi Thiên Chúa. Chúng ta cần phải thực tâm và vững tin nơi lòng thương xót và từ bi của Thiên Chúa. Thiên Chúa luôn có sẵn lòng thương xót, và luôn sẵn sàngvgiúp đỡ chúng ta trong những nhu cầu riêng của chúng ta, nếu chúng ta biết phó thác và đạt niềm tin nơi Ngài. Một phép lạ cần phải có cả hai đối tượng để thực hiện đó là: Thiên Chúa và chúng ta ! Lạy Chúa, xin gia tăng đức tin của chúng con.

Thursday 1st Week in Ordinary Time
The leper was so used to having people run away in disgust and fear that he was afraid to even ask Jesus for healing. He timidly suggested that Jesus could heal him — but only if he wanted to! Jesus, moved with compassion, was shocked at the man’s timidity. ‘Of course I want to, be healed!’ Sometimes our own fear and negative feelings about ourselves blocks us from receiving help and healing from God. We need to really believe in our heart of hearts that God is compassionate, merciful, and eager to help us in our need. It takes two to make a miracle — God and us! Lord, increase my faith.

Opening Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the Divine Healer. You are the source of all grace and healing. Bless and restore me with your strength as I reflect on this Scripture.
Encountering Christ:
1. Simon’s In-Law: Jesus entered Peter’s home and immediately healed his mother-in-law, who was seriously ill to the point of death. Peter had witnessed Christ’s miracles already, but this healing under his own roof of a member of his family must have moved him deeply. Not only was she completely restored, but she began to wait on them, as we can imagine she had before she got sick. In our own lives, we can read about Christ, share insights with others, and even preach about him, but our souls change forever and irrevocably when Christ touches us personally. We can delight in the truth that Our Lord wants familial intimacy with each of us. He wants to “make it personal.”
2. Busy, Busy, Busy: No sooner had Jesus cured Peter’s mother-in-law than the whole town showed up for healing or exorcism. Jesus had become a very popular preacher. He taught with authority. He showed great compassion. And he had powerful healing gifts. His ministry was moving forward with great momentum and he was entering the dynamic, busy, interpersonal, exhausting yet exhilarating period of public ministry. For three years, Jesus would work tirelessly, often not even stopping to eat (Mark 3:20). When our ministry is tiring, when we have given all we have, when we’re so exhausted we’re tempted to discouragement, we can learn from Jesus. Although he tired, his heart was constantly “moved with pity,” or “moved by compassion,” so that he never ceased to do the Father’s will, which was to bless, heal, restore, and redeem mankind. In our limited way, we are called to do the same in the short time we have to give to Jesus, remembering that we do our best work when we rely on Jesus, not on our own strength.
3. Praying before Dark: The crowds had come to Peter’s house after sunset for healing, likely staying until very late, and still Jesus got up “before dawn” to pray in a deserted place, a haven of silence and solitude. Do we need any further encouragement to set our alarms so that we have time to pray each morning—for twenty minutes before the kids wake up, or thirty minutes before priestly duties begin, or an hour before it’s time to exercise? Whatever in our lives prompts us to start the day, Our Lord is calling us clearly to begin beforehand with prayer. Notice, he didn’t rouse his disciples to join him at that early hour. He wants us to make a decision out of love to rise in time for prayer.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, I want to imitate you in all things: in your love and compassion for my neighbor, in your tenacity and fortitude, and in your desire to be alone at times with the Father steeped in prayer. Bless me and continue to transform my heart to be more like yours.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will spend some time in Eucharistic adoration to seek your healing and strength.

Thursday 1st Week in Ordinary Time Mark 1:40-45
The poor leper was probably used to being rejected or viewed with fear and disgust. He timidly approached Jesus and said, ‘If you choose, you can heal me!’ Jesus was almost indignant ‘of course I choose, be healed!’ But Jesus did something unusual and unheard of he touched the man. He did not view him with fear or disgust, and he was not afraid of impurity or pollution by touching him. This acceptance, affirmation, and physical touch was a major part of the healing power of Jesus. We too heal by affirming and accepting others, as well as by willingness to reach across boundaries. Only fear holds us back, but as with Jesus, we can choose. Lord, may I be accepting and affirming of others.

Thursday 1st Week in Ordinary Time Mark 1:40-45
Introductory Prayer: Lord, thank you for this time together. I need you in my life and the life of my family. It is easy to let activities overwhelm me so that I lose track of you. You fade into the distance, and sometimes sin grows closer. But I know you are always there for me with your unconditional love. Thank you. I love you and long to put you first in my life.
Petition: Lord, wash me from my sins and help me to be detached from them.
1. If You Choose: A leper approaches and falls before Jesus. “If you choose, you can make me clean.” This leper couldn’t free himself from his disease any more than we can free ourselves from our sin. Leprosy was a fatal disease. It separated a man from his family and drove him outside his village to lonely places. Leprosy is a symbol of sin. Sin separates us from God and others. We need to approach Jesus with that same humility and trust we see in the leper. This story is for us, to show us Christ’s heart. It reveals his love and his desire to free us from sin. Am I convinced of the ugliness of all sin and how it defaces our souls?
2. I Do Choose: Jesus chose to heal the leper. Not only did he heal him, but he also touched him. He reached out to the loneliness of that man, and he touched his life to cure him of the disease. This reveals Christ’s heart so beautifully. Our sin never drives him away from us. He is always ready and willing to come to our aid if only we would cry out for his help. Am I capable of opening all of the inner wounds of my sins to Our Lord so that he can heal me, wash me clean and make me whole again?
3. Jesus Wants Us Free: Sin keeps us from being who we were meant to be. “Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). Jesus was free from sin and so was free to love and serve others. He wasn’t compelled by greed or anger. He wasn’t moved by pride or impeded by laziness. He was free to love, and he loved to the extent of dying on a cross. Sin closes us in on ourselves. We get absorbed in ourselves, and others take the back seat – or no seat at all. How often do we say “no” to others and turn a blind eye to their needs? Isn’t it sin that blinds us and selfishness that impedes us from loving others as Christ loves us? Christ can free us from sin so that we are empowered to love as he loves.
Conversation with Christ: Jesus, I want to be free, but I need your help. Without you, I can do nothing. Help me to trust you and to turn to you. Don’t let me go off on my own as if I could keep fighting without you. Free me to love you. Free me to love others.
Resolution: I will pray Psalm 51 for myself and my loved ones.

Meditation: The Lord Jesus can make me clean
Do you seek the Lord Jesus with expectant faith? No one who sought Jesus out was refused his help. Even the untouchables and the outcasts of Jewish society found help in him. Unlike the people of Jesus' time who fled at the sight of a leper, Jesus touched the leper who approached him and he made him whole and clean. Why was this so remarkable? Lepers were outcasts of society. They were driven from their homes and communities and left to fend for themselves. Their physical condition was terrible as they slowly lost the use of their limbs and withered away. They were not only shunned but regarded as "already dead" even by their relatives. The Jewish law forbade anyone from touching or approaching a leper, lest ritual defilement occur.
This leper did something quite remarkable. He approached Jesus confidently and humbly, expecting that Jesus could and would heal him. Normally a leper would be stoned or at least warded off if he tried to come near a rabbi. Jesus not only grants the man his request, but he demonstrates the personal love, compassion, and tenderness of God in his physical touch. The medical knowledge of his day would have regarded such contact as grave risk for incurring infection. Jesus met the man's misery with compassion and tender kindness. He communicated the love and mercy of God in a sign that spoke more eloquently than words. He touched the man and made him clean - not only physically but spiritually as well.
How do you approach those who are difficult to love, or who are shunned by others because they are deformed or have some defect? Do you show them kindness and offer them mercy and help as Jesus did? The Lord is always ready to show us his mercy and to free us from whatever makes us unclean, unapproachable, or unloving towards others.
Lord Jesus, inflame my heart with your love and make me clean and whole in body, mind, and spirit. May I never doubt your love nor cease to tell others of your mercy and compassion."