Sept 29, Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Lễ Kính Các
Tổng Lãnh Thiên Thần Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
Hôm nay, chúng ta mừng kính lễ các Tổng
lãnh thiên thần Michael, Gabriel và Raphael.
Tất cả chúng ta chắc ai cũng biết và
quen thuộc với Tổng lãnh thiên thần Michael, người chiến binh, vệ sĩ của
Thiên Chúa, và với Tổng lãnh thiên thần Gabriel, người sứ giả của Thiên Chúa
xuống. truyền tin và đem tin mừng tới Đức Maria và Zechariah và cho nhân
loại vì sự ra đời của Chúa Giêsu và Goan Tẩy giả. Tổng lãnh thiên thần
Raphael, Người "Y sĩ của Thiên Chúa," mà chúng ta thấy xuất hiện
trong sách Tobit để chữa lành mắt cho Tobit khỏi chứng mù lòa và bảo vệ Tobias
trong cuộc hôn nhân với cô Sara, người đã bị nhiều quỷ dữ dày vò.
Trong bài đọc thứ Nhất trích sách Khải
Huyền, chúng ta thấy Michael, chiến binh của Thiên Chúa, đánh bại Sa-tan và
những kẻ ác của hắn. Những cuộc tranh đấu để chống lại lực lượng gian ác
tiếp tục đến ngày hôm nay. Giáo Hội dạy chúng ta phải biết chống lại điều
gian ác và dối trá. Tổng lãnh thiên thần Michael đang tiếp tục giúp bảo vệ
Giáo Hội và tất cả những người sống mà có lòng tốt và trọng sự thật.
Trong bài Tin Mừng, chúng ta thấy Chúa Giêsu
kêu gọi các môn đệ đầu tiên của Ngài, chúng ta nghe Chúa Giê-su bảo đảm với
chúng ta rằng các thiên thần đang ở trong sự sẵn sằng chờ lệnh của Thiên
Chúa, " các thiên thần của Thiên Chúa lên xuống trên Con Người." Các
thiên thần và các tổng lãnh Thiên Thần giúp chúng ta trong cuộc hành trình
của cuộc sống của chúng ta đến với thiên đàng và nước Thiên Cha, Chúng tôi
được kêu gọi để ưến với các Thiên Thần để cầu bầu và giúp chúng ta
trong cuộc sống hàng ngày của chúng ta và nhất là trong những khi cần thiết.
Sept 29, the Feast of the Archangels Michael,
Gabriel and Raphael
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Archangels
Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. We are familiar with Michael, the fighter and
warrior of God, and with Gabriel, God's messenger to Mary and Zechariah for the
birth of their sons.
The Archangel Raphael, "the Medicine of
God," appears in the book of Tobit to heal Tobit from his blindness and to
protect Tobias in her marriage to Sara who had been tormented by many devils.
In the first reading from Revelation, we see
Michael, God's warrior, defeating Satan and his evil hosts. These struggles
against evil forces continue today. The Church teaches against evil and lies.
Michael helps protect the Church and all those who live for goodness and truth.
In the Gospel reading, at Jesus' call of his
first disciples, we hear Jesus assuring us that angels are at God's bidding,
"ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." The angels and
archangels help us in our life journey to heaven and the kingdom of God. We are
urged to call upon them in our daily lives and in time of need.
September 29, 2022- Feast of Saints Michael,
Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be like
your disciple Nathanael, having no duplicity in me. Instill in me a love for
the truth, so that, in large ways and small, I may always be truthful with
those around me. Amen.
Encountering Christ:
1. Where Do We Rest?: Scripture tells us that
Nathanael had been spotted by Christ under a fig tree. What was he doing there?
Praying? Enjoying nature? Having some alone time? In our electronic age, “rest”
never seems to happen. There is always one more post, email, tweet, text,
video, or comment. When was the last time we took a moment to find a quiet
spot, “under a fig tree,” where perhaps the Lord can touch our heart in a new
way?
2. A Heart That Is Pure: This encounter with
Nathanael is but one example of how Jesus treats his followers as individuals.
He knows each of us by name and what is in our hearts. As Psalm 139 says,
“Lord, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you
understand my thoughts from afar…Even before a word is on my tongue, Lord, you
know it all. Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me.”
Since Our Lord knows all of our thoughts, including those that may be keeping
our heart from being pure like Nathanael’s, let us thoroughly examine
conscience, looking for attachments that may be drawing us away from our
all-knowing, all-loving God. Jesus is ready and waiting to purify us through
the sacrament of Reconciliation.
3. Why Do We Believe?: Nathanael’s spontaneous
burst of faith must have delighted Jesus. Jesus promised that Nathanael would
“see greater things than this.” Nathanael’s faith would need strengthening as
he grew from a new convert to an Apostle martyred for his belief in Jesus. Each
of us has had moments of spontaneity when faith seemed easy as we followed the
Way. But, in difficult times, our faith can be tested. Why do we continue to
follow Christ—out of love, fear, and habit?
Conversing with Christ: Jesus, strengthen my
faith! I want to be a diligent worker, full of faith, and ready for any trial.
I know my heart is not pure, but I trust your grace to transform me
continually.
Resolution: Lord, today, by your grace, I will
seek rest for my heart. I will remove all distractions and focus on your word,
if only for a few minutes.
September 29, 2021- Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and
Raphael, Archangels
Opening Prayer: Lord, thank you for this
precious time to spend pondering your word. Bless me as I seek inspiration for
my day.
Encountering Christ:
· A True Child of Israel: Our Lord told
Nathanael that he was a true child of Israel, that there was “ no duplicity in
him.” Jesus was drawing attention to the nobility of Nathanael’s soul.
Nathanael was not about impressing others. He wasn’t concerned about
appearances. He was authentic, real, honest, and trustworthy. This disposition
pleased Jesus. Can we say the same for ourselves? Let us pray for the grace to
be true to our Christian convictions, no matter what pressures we undergo as a
result.
· I See You: “Before Philip called you, I saw
you under the fig tree.” Wouldn’t we like to know what went on under that fig
tree? Any guess would be mere speculation, but the important thing to know is
that the occurrence Jesus referred to was probably quite significant to
Nathanael. He seemed overcome with amazement that Jesus knew him more deeply
than anyone had ever known him before. Jesus also knows each of us intimately.
He knows our deepest intentions when others only see words and actions. He knows
our distorted intentions—ones that can corrupt even the most heroic of
gestures. And he knows the deepest desires of our heart, sometimes before we
do. The more we allow God into the most intimate sanctuary of our soul, the
greater will be our experience of the wonders he can do in us. It is remarkable
that God knows us as he does, even more remarkable that he loves us as he does,
and still more remarkable that he calls us into union with him. Our experience
of giving God permission to plumb the depths of our hearts opens us to the
truth of being deeply, overwhelmingly loved by him, and finally to the
experience of allowing him to transform us and lead us to union with him.
· Angels Accompany Us: We celebrate angels in
today’s liturgy. The word “angel” means messenger. In spiritual reality, angels
are everywhere. Personal guardian angels are with us throughout our life.
Angels are present at each Mass adoring Jesus along with us. Angels are invoked
at funerals as we ask them to lead us to paradise (CCC 335). “The whole life of
the Church benefits from the mysterious and powerful help of angels (CCC 334).
How blessed are we by these mysterious creatures God has given us! How often do
we think of them? Welcome their presence in our life? Ask them for favors?
Conversing with Christ: Lord, I can never
fully comprehend how well you know me and how much you love me. You even gave
the church the gift of archangels. I am grateful for all of your spiritual
gifts and want only to know you more and more with each passing day.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will
be more conscious of your gift of angels and seek their guidance and favor.
Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Lễ Kính Các Tổng Lãnh
Thiên Thần Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
Qua bài Tin Mừng, Chúa Giêsu đã làm cho
Nathanael rất đỗi ngạc nhiên, vì Ngài đã biết tất cả mọi thứ về Nathanael. Và
ông Nathanael đã kinh ngạc và xưng tụng Ngài chính là Con Thiên Chúa, là Vua
của Israel, nhưng Chúa Giêsu trả lời rằng những lời xưng tụng của Nathanael
cũng chẳng có gì để so với những gì mà Nathanael sẽ sớm được thấy: Nghĩa là
thiên thần đã xuất hiện và biến đi trước mặt Con Người. Cánh cửa ngõ giữa thiên
đường và trái đất sẽ sớm được mở ra, không phải chỉ đối với Con Người nhưng còn
mở ra cho toàn thể nhân loại. Chúng ta không nên ngạc nhiên khi thấy sứ giả của
Thiên Chúa là Thiên thần cùng đồng hành với chúng ta và làm việc với và giữa
chúng ta. Thường thì các Thiên Thần không được công nhận vì các Thiên Thần
không đến với chúng ta dưới hình thức thực chất mà chúng ta thấy ở trong who
các bức tranh nghệ thuật và đạo đức nhưng cũng không kém phần thực tế. Một lần
nữa, chúng ta không bao giờ phải đơn côi, một mình và chúng ta có thể thực thi
việc tìm kiếm sự thinh lặng và con đường ẩn dấu mà các thiên sứ đã hoàn thành
nhiệm vụ của họ.
Lạy Chúa Xin giúo cho chúng con được thấy được
sự hiện diện ẩn dấu của Chúa trong cuộc sống của chúng con.
Reflection Saints Michael, Gabriel, and
Raphael, Archangels
When we look at what a mess the world is in,
it is natural to wish for a ‘superhero’ to come and make everything right. The
Jews who suffered great persecution longed for the tyrannical and unjust rulers
and regimes of the earth to be swept away and for the wicked to be judged and
punished. The early Christians expressed the same hopes in the Book of
Revelation. By now we should know that God does not do the job for us or clean
up our mess. God will give us the inspiration, grace, courage, and spirit to do
these things but in the end the effort will be ours. The archangels are those
messengers from God who walk with us to aid and encourage us along the way. We
are never alone and we are never without inner resources.
Jesus surprised Nathanael because he already
knew everything about him. Nathanael proclaimed him the Son of God and King of
Israel, but Jesus replied that these titles were nothing compared to what
Nathanael would soon see: angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man.
The gateway between heaven and earth would soon be open, not only for the Son
of Man but for all humanity. We should not be surprised that messengers from
God walk and work among us. Often they are not recognized because they do not come
in the dramatic form that we see in art and piety but they are no less real.
Again, we are never alone and we can practice looking for the quiet and hidden
ways that the angels accomplish their mission. Lord, help me to see
Suy
Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Sáu Tuần thứ 25 Thường Niên
Qua bài Tin Mừng hôm nay, chúng ta thử hỏi,
nếu Chúa Giêsu cũng hỏi chúng cùng một câu hỏi “còn
các con, các bảo Thầy là ai?”, có lẽ chúng ta sẽ trả lời: “Thầy
là Đức Chúa Trời, là Đức Chúa Con, là Ngôi Lời nhập
thể làm người, là Đấng Tạo Hóa và Đấng
Cứu Thế của chúng con, là Con một
của Chúa Cha, là Chúa Đức Kitô, và là
Thiên Chúa thật cũng là người thật ”. Không giống như các tông đồ trong thời của Chúa, bổn
phận chính của chúng ta bây giờ là phải rao truyền tất cả
những điều ấy tới tất cả mọi người để họ cùng nhận biết Chúa. Các tông đồ đã không chắc chắn Chúa Giêsu là ai. Họ biết được Ngài
là ai, là Đấng nào sau khi chứng kiến cái chết và sự
phục sinh của Người. Tất cả các tông đồ, trừ Thánh Gioan đã chết một cái chết vì đạo như Chúa Giêsu.
Bây giờ chúng ta thực sự đã biết Chúa Giêsu là ai. Cuộc sống, cái chết và sự sống lại của Ngài đã chứng minh cho chúng ta. Chúng ta được chúc phúc vì Thiên Chúa đã ban cho chúng ta những ân sủng để chúng
ta biết điều này. Chúng ta cẩn phải nhận ra tầm quan trọng về những kiến thức này cho chúng ta; sự sống đời đời của chúng ta đều phụ thuộc vào những
kiến thức đấy.
Chúng ta phải biết rằng "từ nguyên
thuỷ (khởi đầu) đã có Ngôi Lời, Ngôi Lời
ở trong Thiên Chúa, và Ngôi Lời là Thiên Chúa;. Ngài đã ở cùng Thiên Chúa. Và
qua Ngài mà tất cả mọi sự đã được thực hiện và Mọi sự đã nhờ Ngài mà thành sự
và không Ngài thì không gì đã thành sự." (Ga 1: 1-3)
Dự định ban đầu của Thiên Chúa là ban sự
sống đời đời cho con người chúng ta ,
nhưng vì sự bất tuân và niềm tự hào của con người, của tổ phụ con người
cúng ta là Adong và Eva mà cúng ta đã đánh mất cái quyền lợi đấy. Vì vậy, để cứu rỗi cho chúng ta, Ngôi Lời đã trở nên
Con Người phàm tục như chúng ta và Ngài đã sống giữa chúng ta, để chuộc lại cho
chúng ta sự sống đời đời mà đã bị mất.
Chúng ta biết rằng Chúa Kitô đã chịu đau
khổ và chịu chết trên thập giá cho chúng ta để chúng ta đạt được ơn cứu chuộc
này. Chúng ta phải rao truyền tất cả những gì mà chúng ta đã biết được cho tất
cả mọi người để họ sẽ không bị từ chối cuộc sống vĩnh cửu mà Đức Chúa Giêsu
Kitô đã cứu chuộc cho chúng ta.
Reflection:
Today's Catholics, if asked the
same question by Jesus, would probably answer: "God, God the Son,
Our Creator, Our Lord and Savior, Our Redeemer, the Word Made Flesh, the Only
Begotten Son of the Father, the son of Mary, the Christ, true God and true
Man" - for all these, he truly is. Unlike the apostles of his time,
our strict instruction now is to tell this to everyone.
The apostles were not sure who Jesus was. They learned who he was only much
later, after witnessing his death and resurrection, and they proclaimed who
Jesus was to all the nations so that they would be saved, even at the cost of
their own lives. All the apostles, except St. John, died a martyr's death. Now
we know who Jesus really is. His life, death and resurrection proved this
to us. We are blessed because God gave us the grace to know this. We must
realize how important this knowledge is to us; our eternal life depends on it.
We know that " in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God; he was in the beginning with God. All things were made
through him and without him nothing came to be." (Jn 1:1-3) God
originally intended eternal life to our first parents, but because of
disobedience and pride, they lost it. So for our salvation, the Word became
flesh and dwelt among us, in order to redeem for us the eternal life which was
lost. We know that he suffered and died on the cross for us in order to
achieve this redemption. We must tell what we know to everyone so that they
would not reject this eternal life redeemed for us by Jesus Christ.
The Deepest Human
Satisfaction
Friday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary
Time
Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and
the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I
am?” Luke 9:18
It’s interesting that Jesus was both “praying
in solitude” and that “the disciples were with him.” Saint Bede explains this
apparent contradiction by stating that “the Son alone is able to penetrate the
incomprehensible secrets of the Father’s will.” Therefore, our Lord was always
alone with the Father in the sense that only Jesus knew the Father fully and
intimately. This is because He is the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity,
the Eternal Son of the Father.
With that fact clearly understood, it’s also
important to understand that as Jesus prayed to the Father within His human
nature, something new took place. Though Jesus was eternally with the Father,
His human nature was not eternally with the Father. Therefore, as the Eternal
Son of God communed with the Eternal Father while living in human flesh, human
nature was suddenly elevated to a height that it had never been before. Not
only was the Eternal Son living in perfect union with the Father, but now the
Eternal Son, fully human, brought His human nature into this oneness.
Though this may seem a bit philosophical to
some, it points to a very important reality that affects us all. Through our
Lord’s human prayer to the Father, we are all invited to join with Jesus and
share in this divine oneness. The Son of God, as a human being, made it
possible for us as humans to share in the elevation of our very lives to
oneness with God the Father. And though the Son of God will always retain a
unique union with the Father, we are, nonetheless, by participation, invited to
share in their life.
So why is this important? One reason is that
there is no greater human fulfillment we could ever achieve than to share in
the prayer of the Son to the Father. Throughout our lives, we are constantly
looking for fulfillment in one form or another. We want to be happy. We want
enjoyment in life. We have a natural desire for happiness that we are
constantly seeking to fulfill. What’s important to understand is that the
greatest happiness comes by sharing in the deep human prayer of the Son to the
Father. Prayer, true prayer, is the answer to our deepest desire.
Reflect, today, upon whether or not you
regularly engage in deep prayer. Can you point to times when you, like our
Lord, were alone with God, communing with Him in the depths of your human soul,
being drawn to Him through prayer? There are many levels of prayer, as is
attested to by many saints. Make the choice to deepen your prayer. Go before
our Lord today and pour out your heart to Him, asking Him to draw you into the
holy solitude of His prayer to the Father. Doing so will bring forth in you the
deepest human satisfaction possible in life.
My praying Lord, as You spent time alone with
the Father, You united Your human nature with Him, thus elevating our nature to
a glorious degree. Please draw me to You, dear Lord, so that I may know You and
the Father through true, deep and sustaining prayer. May this oneness with You
be the cause of my deepest fulfillment in life. Jesus, I trust in You.
Friday
25th
Ordinary Time 2023
Opening Prayer: Lord, thank you for this precious time pondering your
word. Bless me as I seek inspiration for my day.
Encountering
Christ:
A True Child of
Israel: Our Lord told
Nathanael that he was a true child of Israel, that there was “ no duplicity in
him.” Jesus was drawing attention to the nobility of Nathanael’s soul.
Nathanael was not about impressing others. He wasn’t concerned about
appearances. He was authentic, real, honest, and trustworthy. This disposition
pleased Jesus. Can we say the same for ourselves? Let us pray for the grace to
be true to our Christian convictions, no matter what pressures we
undergo.
I See You: “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”
Wouldn’t we like to know what went on under that fig tree? Any guess would be
mere speculation, but the important thing to know is that the occurrence Jesus
referred to was probably quite significant to Nathanael. He seemed overcome
with amazement that Jesus knew him more deeply than anyone had ever known him
before. Jesus also knows each of us intimately. He knows our deepest intentions
when others only see words and actions. He knows our distorted intentions—ones
that can corrupt even the most heroic of gestures. And he knows our heart's
deepest desires, sometimes before we do. The more we allow God into the most
intimate sanctuary of our soul, the greater will be our experience of the wonders
he can do in us. It is remarkable that God knows us as he does, even more
remarkable that he loves us as he does, and still more remarkable that he calls
us into union with him. Our experience of giving God permission to plumb the
depths of our hearts opens us to the truth of being deeply, overwhelmingly
loved by him and finally to the experience of allowing him to transform us and
lead us to union with him.
Angels Accompany Us: We celebrate angels in today’s liturgy. The word
“angel” means messenger. In spiritual reality, angels are everywhere. Personal
guardian angels are with us throughout our life. Angels are present at each
Mass adoring Jesus along with us. Angels are invoked at funerals as we ask them
to lead us to paradise (CCC 335). “The whole life of the Church benefits from
the mysterious and powerful help of angels (CCC 334). How blessed are we by
these mysterious creatures God has given us! How often do we think of them?
Welcome their presence in our life? Ask them for favors?
Conversing with Christ: Lord, I can never fully comprehend how well you
know and love me. You even gave the church the gift of archangels. I am
grateful for all of your spiritual gifts and want only to know you more and
more with each passing day.
Resolution: Lord, today, by your grace, I will be more
conscious of your gift of angels and seek their guidance and favor.
Friday
25th
Ordinary Time
Opening Prayer: Dear
Lord Jesus, I am grateful for this opportunity to come before you in prayer.
You know that I believe in you; that is why I am coming to you. However, you
also know how much my faith needs to grow. I ask you for that grace to grow in
my knowledge of you, to think more like you, and to trust you each day more. I
also ask you to bless those souls entrusted to my prayer.
Encountering Christ:
“Who Do the Crowds Say That I Am?”: Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do the crowds say
that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still
others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” Jesus’s first question was
safe; it is a question about the beliefs of others. “Well, they believe this
and that…” said the disciples, possibly even slightly scoffing at some of the
theories out there. Similarly, today’s society is completely at ease conversing
about religion at this level. “Well, the Buddhists believe this… and the
Muslims believe that.” University professors who teach courses on religion or
philosophy often take a similar approach—they survey the landscape of the
various religions or philosophies, make a few interesting comments, and then
leave it to the student to choose which they like best. The underlying message
conveyed is that we cannot know the truth about God and man. That aversion is
likely rooted not only in a belief that man cannot know the truth but also in a
fear of commitment. A religion reduced to a theory can make no demands.
“Who Do You Say That I Am?”: Our Lord cuts to the chase by eliminating the
casual theorizing: “But who do you say that I am?” Even adult cradle Catholics
who believed as little children at some point must face the question directly,
“Who is Jesus for me?” Otherwise, he or she runs the risk of reducing Jesus to
a theory, a religion, or a tradition—ultimately void of meaning. However, if
someone is willing to open up to Jesus with sincere and persistent prayer and
study, he or she, like Peter, will recognize in Jesus “the Messiah of God.”
Essential to such a search is the realization that it is not principally
finding the truth as much as it is encountering a person. Mature faith is born
from meeting Jesus Christ.
“The Messiah of God”: Once we recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the very
Son of God, neutrality is no longer an option. We must either bend the knee or
reject him. To bend the knee means to adore and to obey him. Our worship of
Jesus brings us grace and gradually forms our hearts and minds to be more like
his (Galatians 4:19). His words and his example become the criteria by which we
act. “What would Jesus do?” should not be a cliché. It is also in living with
Jesus and like Jesus that others will discover him through us. St. Paul writes,
“yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you for the foundational
gift of faith, which has led me to recognize you as the Messiah and the Son of
God. Help me to continue to conform my heart and mind to yours through prayer
and the sacraments. May my words and actions be a reflection of you, so that
through me, others may come to know your goodness. Aware of my weakness, I
place my confidence in your grace and fidelity.
Resolution: Lord,
today by your grace I will attentively review the specific virtues I am trying
to live in imitation of you.
Suy
Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Năm Tuần Tuần 25 Thường Niên
Bình thường,
cuộc sống của chúng ta cũng giống như vua Hêrôđê nghĩa là chúng ta có
"một cuộc sống rất bình thường" của người Công giáo. Có nghĩa là
chúng ta tự để mình rơi vào trong một cái thói quen. Chúng ta đi nhà thờ, làm
công việc hay nghĩa vụ của mình theo như “một cái máy” vì luật buộc như việc
xưng tội một năm một lần, đi “xem lễ”, rước lễ, và rồi về nhà, thế là
xong, cuộc sống xay vòng ngày qua ngày giống như thế. Bằng cách nào đó,
đôi khi người Kitô giáo chúng ta có vẻ hầu như cảm nhận thấy rằng, cuộc sống
đạo của chúng ta đạo chẳng có gì lấy làm hào hứng và vui thích cho lắm.
Tất nhiên, chúng ta ai cũng muốn thấy Chúa Giêsu, nhưng chúng ta chẳng nỡ bỏ
công sức ra để tìm kiếm Chúa. Chúng ta không nhìn thấy và không nhận ra sự cần
thiết của sự từ bỏ hay thoát khỏi cái vỏ không trống rỗng để tìm kiếm những
sung túc, sự sung sướng và sự thoải mái của chúng ta, để đáp ứng lại cái sự mời
gọi của Chúa Giêsu, đặc biệt là những nơi Ngài hiện diện trong những vùng ngoại
ô, làng quê héo lánh, hay ở nơi những người đang sống bên lề xã hội, những người
nghèo khổ và bị ruồng bỏ. Nhưng chúng ta cũng đã nhận được sự cảnh báo là trong
ngày Phán Xét, khi chúng ta được đưa ra trước quan toà Chúa Giêsu, chúng
ta cũng đừng ngạc nhiên, nếu Chúa nói với chúng ta là: "Ta không biết
ngươi là ai".
Lạy Chúa, xin giúp chúng con biết dùng thời gian của Chúa ban cho chúng con
một cách khôn ngoan, để chúng con luôn thực sự và thành tâm đi tìm kiếm
Chúa giữa lòng người và dòng đời mà chúng con đang sống, biết nhận ra Chúa
trong người anh em nghèo khó, tật nguyền đang sốnh ngay nên cạnh chúng con.
Reflection
The Gospel reading yesterday described how
Jesus sends his closest disciples on mission. This expansion of Jesus’ mission
draws the attention of Herod Antiphas, the tetrarch of Galilee. Herod is
curious about Jesus because he had heard about Jesus and the miracles Jesus was
performing. As a result, Herod desires to see Jesus. Not because he really
believed in Jesus' message but because he merely wanted to satisfy his
curiosity. So, Herod remains in his palace waiting for the day when he can see
Jesus. It never occurs to him to go out and look for Jesus. In the meantime,
life goes on as usual. Often, we can
become “life as usual” Catholics. We fall into a routine. We go to church,
fulfill our religious obligations, receive Communion, and go home. Nothing
changes, just as expressed by the writer in the first reading. Nothing
really exciting happens to our faith and in our relationship with God. Somehow
it seems as though there’s nothing joyful about being a Christian.
Of course, we would like to see Jesus but
we do not look for him. We do not see the need to go forth from our comfort
zone, outside our homes or parish, to meet Jesus, especially where he is
present in the peripheries, in the marginalised, the poor and outcasts. But be
warned. In the end when we do meet Jesus, do not be surprised if he says, “I do
not know you”. Lord, help me to seek You always.
Thursday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary
Time
Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was
happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has
been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still
others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” Luke 9:7–8
Herod the tetrarch, also known as Herod
Antipas, ruled the Jews of Galilee for some forty-two years. He began his reign
in 2 BC and continued to reign until he was exiled by the Roman Emperor in 37
AD. During his reign, he spent much time in Tiberias, one of the main cities on
the western edge of the Sea of Galilee. Most of Jesus’ ministry took place
within the region of Herod’s domain, all of Galilee, so Herod was very aware of
the many stories about Jesus.
Today’s Gospel concludes by saying that Herod
kept trying to see Jesus. Of course, Herod, just like anyone living in that
region, could have traveled to where Jesus was preaching so as to listen to Him
at any time. But he didn’t do that. Instead, he continued to receive reports
about Jesus and remained curious about Him, trying to find a way to figure out
Who Jesus was.
Try to imagine what would have happened if
Herod would have traveled to where Jesus was preaching so as to listen to Him
with an open heart. If he would have done that, and truly listened, Herod would
have received one of the greatest gifts imaginable. He would have received the
gift of faith and conversion and would have begun down the road toward eternal
salvation. But Herod was living an immoral life. He was known to be a cruel
leader and also an unrepentant adulterer. He loved his power and was quite jealous
of it. Herod most likely knew, at least in the back of his mind, that if he
were to listen to Jesus, he would have to change. And he most likely didn’t
want to change.
This presents us all with a powerful lesson.
Each one of us can easily dismiss various communications and invitations from
our Lord, because, deep down, we do not want to change. God is speaking to us
all day long, every day of our lives. He is constantly offering us His message
of the full Gospel. And though you may be open to much of what God says, there
are most likely parts of His divine message that you either knowingly or
unknowingly do not listen to. The key to being able to hear everything that God
wants to speak to you is to be disposed to completely change in any and every
way that God wants you to change.
Reflect, today, upon Herod. First, reflect
upon his curiosity about Jesus. This is a good quality, in that it’s much
better than being indifferent. From there, think also about the fact that Herod
never went to Jesus to listen to Him. His first meeting with Jesus was on the
night of His arrest, when he interrogated our Lord and made fun of Him. As you
consider Herod’s obstinacy, use it as an examination of your own life. Where
you see any small reflection of obstinacy, fear of change or a closed heart, seek
to remedy that by turning to our Lord telling Him you are open to all He wishes
to say and that you are ready and willing to change in any way He calls you to
do so. Do not fear the change our Lord wants of you. Embracing that change will
land you on the quick and narrow road toward true holiness of life.
My ever-present Lord, You call to me day and
night, inviting me to change as I listen to Your holy Word. I thank You for
these constant promptings of grace and commit myself to remain open to all that
You ask of me. I choose You, my Lord. And as I turn to You, I pray that I will
have the courage I need to respond wholeheartedly to Your call. Jesus, I trust
in You.
Thursday 25th in Ordinary 2023
Opening Prayer: Lord
Jesus, I believe in you, I hope in you, and I love you. Grant me a sacred
reverence for supernatural phenomena and a holy fear of the Lord. Lord, I
humbly ask for the presence of mind to be in awe before you and approach the
tabernacle with great reverence.
Encountering Christ:
1. Worldly Power: Wordly power seduces the powerful into believing
that he or she can control all outcomes. Hearing about Jesus agitated Herod,
most likely because he had a guilty conscience for having beheaded John.
Perhaps he also worried about the possibility of another prophet more popular
than John. And he certainly felt that all the commotion was getting out of
hand. Herod sought out Jesus to assuage his concerns, but might he also have
had a glimmer of authentic curiosity? When we seek Jesus in prayer, does
anxiety prompt us, or do we look for him with hearts motivated by healthy,
loving curiosity?
2. Quiet Power of
the Supernatural: Herod’s
power was characterized by rashness and self-aggrandizement. His killing of St.
John the Baptist could not thwart the higher power of God. God’s power is
infinitely beyond that of man’s. The power of the Creator is beauty, truth, and
goodness. Our omnipotent God knew when John would die and allowed John to
prepare the way for Jesus to begin his active ministry. We can always trust in
the power and perfect timing of the Almighty, God, our Father. “To everything
there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes
3:1). Let us place all our concerns in God’s hands, knowing that he will “work
all things to the good for those who love him” (Romans 8:28).
3. Pure Intentions: Herod kept trying to see Jesus, but to no avail.
For a powerful king, one would think he should have seen Jesus whenever he
pleased. Perhaps Jesus eluded Herod because he knew Herod’s intentions were
selfish. Our Lord wants to be present to us, to fill us with his grace, and to
give us every blessing, but being the perfect gentleman, he enters only hearts
that welcome him with pure intention. “Therefore, my beloved, avoid idolatry”
(1 Corinthians 10:14).
Conversing with
Christ: Lord, I believe in
your almighty power. You have the course of events in your hands. Grant me
optimism, docility, and peace in knowing that you guide history. And help me to
keep from my heart any sinful attraction to power, honor, or wealth. I want my
heart to be a refuge for you, Lord.
Resolution: Lord, today, by your grace, I will take some time
for prayer and check my heart to see if there are idols there.
Thursday 25th in Ordinary
Opening Prayer: Dear
Lord Jesus, I come before you in prayer. Increase my faith so I can grasp your
word. Strengthen my love to live your word, and fortify my hope to hold onto
your word. May our encounter in this time of prayer bear fruit in my
soul.
Encountering Christ:
Herod Was Greatly Perplexed: Upon hearing about Jesus, Herod “was greatly perplexed.”
In the Gospel of Mark, Herod even said that Jesus “is John whom I beheaded. He
has been raised up” (Mark 6:16). Herod, as worldly as he was, could not fully
disavow his attraction to the sacred. Before beheading John, “Herod feared
John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man… when he heard him speak he
was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him” (Mark 6:20). Now his
fascination with the saintly John and his guilty conscience (for having
beheaded John) made Herod uneasy when hearing about Jesus. While people may try
to ignore their religious and moral sense and live a hedonistic lifestyle, the
voice of conscience calling man back to goodness and truth is very resilient.
This is so because God made us in his image and likeness.
Understanding Jesus: Speaking of Jesus, some were saying, “John has been
raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others,
“One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” Jesus will always remain a mystery to
those who try to understand him without faith. Rationalism, superstition, and
popular opinion will always fall short. While the Church has always defended
the harmony between faith and reason, we can never forget that to speak of God,
to speak of Jesus, is to approach a mystery—something that transcends us.
Similar to Herod’s friends, numerous authors have often tried to describe Jesus
according to their own criteria, saying Jesus is merely a moral teacher, an
activist, or a rebel. However, in the forward to his book, Jesus of Nazareth,
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote that such an approach reveals more about the
worldview of the author than about Jesus. To begin to understand Jesus, we must
humbly approach him in all of his mystery, as the Incarnate Son of God.
A Desire to See Jesus: In another passage, Jesus told his disciples, “But
blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear.
Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you
see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” We are
ultimately created and called to the beatific vision in heaven, that is, to see
God face to face (CCC 163). The Incarnation is the visible face of God,
“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Therefore, the longing
to see Jesus goes well beyond mere curiosity in a miracle-maker. When sharing
the faith with people who may seem indifferent to it, remember that
encountering Jesus speaks to their most profound desire, even if for the moment
they do not know it.
Conversing with Christ: “Jesu joy of man’s desiring; Holy wisdom, love most
bright; Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring; Soar to uncreated light” (from
Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”). May my contemplation of your face, O
Lord, increase my desire to live ever closer to you in this life, and one day
attain eternal union with you in heaven. May I offer you all my joys and
sorrows in this life to serve as gratitude for your friendship.
Resolution: Lord,
today by your grace I will take an extra moment to praise your goodness.
REFLECTION
In the first reading the post-exilic prophet Haggai speaks about
the rebuilding of the nation, beginning with the rebuilding of the Temple,
where God dwells. Their growth and development as a nation will depend upon
their faithfulness to their covenant with Yahweh. From the destruction of their
Temple and nation and the shame, defeat and desolation of exile, God's chosen
people hoped to rise again. Has the exile formed a chastened and renewed
people?
In the Gospel reading King Herod wonders who this Jesus
miracle-worker is: one of the prophets come back to life, Elijah-come-back, or
John the Baptist raised to life? Though Herod respected John as "an
upright and holy man" and "liked listening to him, although he became
very disturbed whenever he heard him (Mk 6: 20), he had John beheaded at the
request of the daughter of Herodias his consort.
We know that Herod wanted to meet Jesus. He finally met him when
Pilate sent Jesus to him at his trial. But he got no reply from Jesus. (Lk 23:
6 -12)
Like Herod, we are asked the same question? Who is this Jesus of
Nazareth? And, more important, what is he to us now? When Jesus asked his
disciples at Caesarea Philippi, "Who do you say I am?" Peter replied,
"You are the Messiah." What is our answer?
REFLECTION
The
first reading from Ecclesiastes challenges us to reflect on the meaning of our
lives. The message of Ecclesiastes which was written in the third century
before Christ is reflected in the first reading: What is this world we live in
about?
Hopefully
with our Christian faith and Judeo-Greek-Roman background we are able to answer
the questions and concerns raised in Ecclesiastes.
In
the Gospel reading King Herod wonders who this Jesus miracle-worker is: one of
the prophets come back to life, Elijah-come-back, or John the Baptist raised to
life? Though Herod respected John as "an upright and holy man" and
"liked listening to him, although he became very disturbed whenever he
heard him" (Mk 6: 20), he had John beheaded at the request of the daughter
of Herodias, his consort.
We
know that Herod wanted to meet Jesus. He finally met him when Pilate sent Jesus
to him at his trial. But he got no reply from Jesus. (Lk 23: 6 -12) Like Herod,
we are asked the same question? Who is this Jesus of Nazareth? And, more
important, what is he to us now? When Jesus asked his disciples at Caesarea
Philippi, "Who do you say I am?" Peter replied, "You are the
Messiah." What is our answer?
Reflection
Herod was
the governor of the land. He had power and resources. He was "the
authority" and had the wisdom to rule his people. And yet the wisdom of
this world that was Herod's was confounded by the simple reality of Jesus'
healing presence and his teachings. "He did not know what to think... I
had John beheaded... Who is this man..." He lost his wisdom when
confronted with the wonders or the miracles Jesus had done.
In our
world today, there are still some miracles, great and small, happening now and
then. If we are attuned to the movement of the Spirit in us, in others and in
the world, we see these miracles, accept them and perceive God's action in them
because of the Spirit in us. However, if God is not in us, and we act as if we
are responsible for everything and anything, then we can be like Herod,
confounded by simple yet divine realities. We could not believe this or that
would be God's miracle. It may be just the fact that we can get up in the
morning to live another day, or that we have been saved from a near
catastrophic event like a plane crash or car accident, or that bitter enemies
have reconciled, or the reality that the bread and wine have become the Body
and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ at Mass.
Let us
pray for one another and ask the Lord to make us sensitive to His presence in
the different events in our life and in the world. We know that He is with us
always, but are we conscious of that? If we are, then, we would never be
offending one another, and always be grateful to God for His presence.
Suy
Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Tư Tuần 25 Thường Niên.
(Lk. 9:1-6).
“Anh em đừng mang gì đi đường, đừng mang gậy,
bao bị, lương thực, tiền bạc, cũng đừng có hai áo” (Lk. 9:3). Đấy là những điều
kiện mà Chúa Giêsu muốn đòi hỏi các môn đệ của Ngài phải thực hiện khi ra đi
làm nhiệm vụ rao giẳng Tin Mừng. Nếu chúng ta chịu khó để ý thì thấy những
quãng đường họ phải đi qua
nào là đồi núi, quanh co và sỏi đá thế mà họ
phải đi bộ để chu toàn sứ mạng của các ngài, vậy mà Chúa Giêsu bảo không mang
gì hết để đáp ứng những nhu cầu tối thiểu của chúng ta, chắc chắn chúng ta sẽ
thấy rằng đó chính là một nhu cầu đầy thách thức. Tuy nhiên, các môn đệ đã làm
theo như lời Chúa Giêsu dạy, và tất cả mọi sự và mọi việc đã được diễn ra rất
suông
sẻ và thành công.
Trong
cuộc sống hàng ngày của chúng ta, chúng ta đánh giá rất nhiều về những nhu cầu
và các nguồn lực cần thiết để thực hiện những gì chúng ta cho là quan trọng.
Đôi khi, cuộc sống của chúng ta đã trở nên tê bại, liệt cứng khi chúng ta không
thành công trong việc thúc đẩy những kế hoạch của chúng ta bởi vì chúng ta thiếu
lòng tin và lo sợ rằng chúng ta sẽ không có được những nguồn lực, ý chí cần thiết
để tiến hành những dự án đó của chúng ta.
Tin
Mừng hôm nay, Chúa Giêsu như muốn nhắc nhở với chúng ta là hãy hết lòng tin tưởng
vào Ngài. Lẽ tất nhiên, điều này chỉ có thể thành công khi chúng ta thật lòng để
tâm, để trí và thực sự thực hiện ý muốn của Thiên Chúa và chứ không phải chỉ
đơn thuần nhằm mục đích riêng của chúng ta để tự tôn vinh và mang lai sự quang
vinh cho chính mình.
Lạy
Chúa Giêsu Kitô, xin ban cấp cho chúng con được những hồng ân của Chúa nhất là
lòng tin tuởng và phó thác hoàn toàn trong tình yêu vô điều kiện của Chúa.
Wednesday 25th Week in
Ordinary Time
“Take nothing for the journey — no staff, no bag, no bread, no
money, no extra shirt.” This is what Jesus required of the disciples as they
set out on mission. If we take account of the distances to be covered by
walking and the material needs to be met, we see that bringing nothing was a
challenging demand. However, the disciples did as Jesus said and everything
went smoothly.
In our daily
life, we value very much the supply of resources necessary to carry out what we
deem important. Sometimes, our lives become paralyzed as we fail to push
forward plans because we are afraid that we will not obtain the resources
needed. Jesus tells us just to go on trusting him wholeheartedly. Obviously,
this is only possible when we are truly carrying out his will and not simply
aiming at our self-glorification or fame.
Accepting the
mission and acknowledging our weaknesses and unworthiness — just as Ezra
recognizes in front of God the sins of his people — will make us more humble so
as to be able to see God's hand in our lives. Only in this way, we are also led
to meet the demands of our daily life and achieve our goals.
Lord Jesus Christ, grant us, we pray, the grace of full trust in
Your unconditional love.
Wednesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary
Time
Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power
and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to
proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1–2
This is the first time that Jesus sends His
Apostles out on a mission. On this mission, He is preparing them for their
ultimate mission, which will come at the time of Pentecost, after Jesus dies,
rises and ascends to Heaven. But for now, Jesus commissions these Apostles to
do three things: to cast out demons, heal the sick and proclaim the Kingdom of
God.
Just like the Apostles, we are called to
combat the devil and his demons. They are fallen angels who retain their
natural powers, and they use those natural powers to try to deceive us, oppress
us and, in some cases, even possess us. But demons are powerless in the face of
God, and God gives us spiritual authority over them. And though there are some
who are given the unique ministry of exorcism within the Church, all of us do
have spiritual authority over demons, especially over their natural spiritual
attacks of temptations.
We combat demons primarily by revealing their
lies and bringing them to light. Saint Ignatius of Loyola, in his spiritual
classic The Spiritual Exercises, explains to us some of the
ordinary tactics these demons use and how we overcome them. He says that for
those steeped in a life of serious sin, the demons continually place before
their mind the lie that their sins are enjoyable and rewarding, so that they
will continue to choose them. And for those who are striving for holiness,
these demons try to discourage them in their deepening conversion. They “bite,
sadden and put obstacles, disquieting with false reasons, that one may not go
on” (Rule 2). The way to overcome these temptations is by turning to the truth.
First, by realizing that the false “pleasures” of sin are just that: false,
fleeting and ultimately demeaning. Furthermore, we overcome these temptations
by receiving from God “courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations
and quiet, easing, and putting away all obstacles.” In other words, we overcome
the demons by allowing God to strengthen us, clear our thinking, dispel all
false obstacles on the road to holiness and by receiving the abundant
consolations that God bestows as help on the journey.
Reflect, today, upon the fact that our Lord
wants to minister to you in this threefold way. If you can work to overcome the
obstacles put in your path by these demons, then you are in a good position to
share in the other two missions given to the Apostles. You will be able to
experience mental, emotional and spiritual healing in your life, and you will
be able to allow the Kingdom of God to grow strong and powerful within your own
soul. From there, you will be sent on a mission by our Lord to bring these graces
to others in need.
My all-powerful Lord, You have authority over
evil, the power to heal and offer all the gifts of eternal salvation. Help me
to be open to the ways that You desire to come to me. Please free me from the
attacks of the evil one, bring healing and hope, and bring forth the abundance
of Your glorious Kingdom in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.
Wednesday 25th Ordinary 2023
Opening Prayer: Lord
Jesus, I look to you as my Father and the source of my being. I know that your
heart is heavy with sorrow over the sufferings of your creatures. I want to be
with you and console you during this time of prayer. Help me to hear your
heartbeats and to feel compassion for those who suffer.
Encountering Christ:
Apostleship: Anyone who has encountered the love of God becomes
an apostle because, as St. Paul says, we are new creations...“the old things
have passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). As the
Lord’s apostles, we share in his power and authority. How many of us live our
lives recognizing that, as followers of Christ, we can be the Lord's hands,
feet, and mouthpiece? “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do
the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to
the Father” (John 14:12).
Take Nothing: One of the conditions of being an apostle is a
reliance on the Lord. We are called to give Christ, not ourselves. This
requires emptying ourselves of personal interest, of receiving something in
return, of relying on our talents. An apostle is an ambassador of the Lord,
giving others Christ’s riches. When we detach from false securities, trusting
in God as our one security and knowing that he will provide everything, we are
truly instruments of His power and authority.
“Whatever House You
Enter, Stay There”: If we
encounter someone on the journey who is open to the Lord, God may ask us to
stay there, to linger and deepen that relationship. There is wisdom in planting
a seed deeply and cultivating the ground around it before moving on to plant
another seed. As Scripture tells us, the seed that falls in the dry ground will
not bear much fruit, but the one that falls in the fertile ground will bear
much fruit. When we take the time to prepare the ground by patiently answering
questions, providing quality resources, and testifying to Chris’s love in the
little things of everyday life, we are sharing the healing power of Christ’s
love with those to whom God sends us.
Conversing with
Christ: Lord, I want to know
your heart, to love what you love, and to minister as you would. Grant me the
grace of total security in you and reliance on you. Help me to be docile to
your inspirations, reaching out to souls you place in my path and generously
giving them all they need to encounter you.
Resolution: Lord, today, by your grace, I will take some time in
quiet prayer to ask you where you call me to share your message in some
tangible way with others.
Wednesday 25th Ordinary
Opening Prayer: Dear
Lord Jesus, I thank you for the gift of my faith. Please increase my faith to
see your presence and action in my life. Strengthen my hope to stand firm in
you when things seem hopeless. Increase my love so that through me your loving
grace may touch many around me. Finally, I ask you to bless all those you have
entrusted to my prayer.
Encountering Christ:
He Gave Power and Authority: “He summoned the Twelve and gave them power and
authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim
the Kingdom of God and to heal.” When God gives us a mission, he gives us the
graces to complete that mission. We refer to this principle as the grace of
state. In giving the apostles the mission of building his Church, he also gave
them the corresponding power and authority to do so. Traditionally, the Church
has understood that the Magisterium has threefold power: to govern, to teach,
and to sanctify (CCC 888-895). This passage refers to teaching and sanctifying,
implied by the healing. Jesus established a visible Church upon the foundation
of the apostles, and that foundation still stands today in the person of the
pope and the bishops in union with him. Our Lord’s Church continues to wield
his power in order to continue his mission to “proclaim the Kingdom of God and
to heal.”
He Sent Them: Jesus sent the apostles to “proclaim the Kingdom of God
and to heal.” The Church was never meant to be self-referential. Its sole
purpose is to be a sign of God’s presence in the world. It comes from God and
goes out to man. The Church in its very essence is missionary. St. John Paul II
wrote that “All renewal in the Church must have a mission as its goal if it is
not to fall prey to a kind of ecclesial introversion” (Evangelii Gaudium, n.
27). While it is true that we must at times look inward in our prayer and
formation, even that must be oriented towards mission. The Church participates
in Christ’s zeal to go from town to town to proclaim the Gospel (Mark 1:38).
They Set Out: “Then they set out and went from village to village
proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.” It must have been
with great joy and excitement that the apostles set out for their first
mission. They had often witnessed Our Lord preach, refute the Pharisees, and
heal the sick. They had been eagerly awaiting their turn. They wanted to do
great things for the Lord and prove that he had done well in choosing them.
They were also somewhat nervous. Would they be able to cast out demons as he
did? He commanded them to do so; therefore, in their childlike confidence, they
tried and it worked! They still had much growing and learning to do as his
messengers, but they were willing students and collaborators.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus Christ, increase in my heart the zeal for
souls. Help me to go beyond my comfort zone to proclaim your Gospel to those
around me. Give me the light and grace necessary for the fulfillment of my
duties in my state of life. Help me to understand that fulfilling your will
with as much love as I can is the best thing I can do for the Church and
society.
Resolution: Lord,
today by your grace I will pray for a renewal of the Church’s missionary
zeal.
Meditation:
What kind of power and authority does God want you to exercise in
your personal life and in your service of others? God's word has power to
change and transform our lives. Jesus gave his apostles both power and
authority to speak and to act in his name – to cast out evil spirits, to heal,
and to speak the word of God. When Jesus spoke of power and authority he did
something unheard of. He wedded power and authority with love and humility. The
world and the sinful flesh seek power for selfish gain. Jesus teaches
us to use it for the good of our neighbor.
Why does Jesus
tell the apostles to travel light with little or no provision? Poverty
of spirit frees us from greed and preoccupation with possessions and makes
ample room for God's provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on
him and not on themselves. He wills to work in and through each of us for his
glory. Are you ready to handle the power and authority which God wishes you to
exercise on his behalf? The Lord entrusts us with his gifts and talents. Are
you eager to place yourself at his service, to do whatever he bids you, and to
witness his truth and saving power to whomever he sends you?
"Lord Jesus,
make me a channel of your grace and healing love that others may find life and
freedom in you. Free me from all other attachments that I may joyfully pursue
the things of heaven. May I witness to others the joy of the gospel both in word
and deed."
Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Ba tuần
25 Thường Niên
Những lời nói của Chúa Giêsu trong bài Tin Mừng hôm
nay có thể đã
gây sốc mạnh cho những người sống trong một
truyền thống tôn kính và vinh danh cha mẹ và gia đình như những người Á đông chúng ta. Nhưng Chúa Giêsu đã không
quay lưng lại với gia đình của Ngài; trái lại, Ngài đã mở rộng cái gia đình đó. Ngài đã xây dựng một gia đình
vĩ đại bao là gồm tất cả nhân loại. Ngài nhấn mạnh: Từ nay trở đi, không còn giới hạn tình yêu của chúng ta, mà tất cả thân nhân anh em ruột thịt của chúng ta trong Thiên Chúa. Tất cả những ai đáp lại lời gọi và tiếp nhận Tin Mừng của Thiên Chúa, được coi như là người thân trong gia đình của chúng ta. Trong một nghĩa nào đó, gia đình
của chúng ta đã phát triển và rất to lớn.
Những lời dạy của Chúa Giêsu là một thách thức cho
chúng ta, để chúng ta biết phải mở rộng tấm lòng và tâm trí của chúng ta và để chúng ta có thể biết chấp nhận nhiều hơn không phải chỉ có những người gần gũi và thân yêu của chúng ta không mà thôi. Chúng ta hãy nhìn xung
quanh chúng ta, Ai là những người thân cận trong gia đình của chúng ta? Nếu chúng ta làm được như vậy, liệu chúng ta có thay đổi thái
độ và hành vi khi chúng ta đố xử với họ? Vũ
trũ và thế giới
này là nhà của chúng ta và tất cả mọi người trong nhân loại đều là những anh chị em hân nhân tiềm năng trong gia đình của chúng ta.
- Lạy Chúa, xin Chúa đừng để bất cứ hàng rào, ngăn cách nào có thể cản ngăn
tình yêu của
chúng con.
Meditation:
The words of Jesus sound a little harsh to our ears. He seems to dismiss them
as he proclaims that those who do the will of God are his mother and brothers.
The words must have been shocking to those living in a tradition that revered
and honored parents and family. But Jesus was not turning his back on his
family — on the contrary, he was expanding it. He came to build all of humanity
into one family. From now on, he insisted, don't confine your love just to your
blood relatives. All who respond to God can be counted as our family. In a
sense, our family has grown enormous.
The words of Jesus are a challenge to broaden our hearts and minds and embrace
more than just those who are near and dear to us. Let us look around — who can
we count among our family? If we do so, will our behavior towards them change?
The world is our home and all humanity is our potential family.
Lord, may there be no barriers to my love for others.
Tuesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary
Time
The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to
him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother
and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to
them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God
and act on it.” Luke 8:19–21
The term “brothers” in this passage is
obviously not to be understood that Jesus had blood brothers. It is a dogma of
our faith that Jesus was the only Child of Mary. At that time, it was common
practice to refer to one’s extended family as “brothers.” This would have
especially applied to Jesus’ cousins and perhaps even those who were unrelated
by blood but were from the same village.
As these relatives of Jesus stood outside and
announced their presence, what did they expect Jesus to do? His “brothers”
might have been there to try to talk some sense into Him. We know from other
passages in the Gospels that some of Jesus’ extended family thought He was out
of His mind. Therefore, it is possible that these brothers were there to
resolve an extended family conflict that was erupting as Jesus began His public
ministry.
Jesus’ response was not a rude response. This
is clear from the fact that Jesus lived the perfection of charity. But true
charity is always grounded in the truth. Jesus spoke a truth that cut through
the merely human ties and conflicts that were driving these brothers. By
saying, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act
on it,” Jesus was challenging His brothers to stop looking at Him only in an
earthly way. Everyone, including His relatives, needed to learn to see Jesus as
the Son of the Father in Heaven. It was the act of accepting Jesus’ divine
identity and submitting in obedience to the will of the Father that established
a much deeper bond with Him. That is the relationship that Jesus desired with
His earthly brothers.
The mother of Jesus, on the other hand, was
also perfect in every way. She was free from the disorder of sin and even her
mind was clear, being filled with perfect wisdom and understanding. Therefore,
when it was reported to her what Jesus said, she would have understood and
believed.
Saint Bede says that when we hear the word of
God and obey it, we become Jesus’ “mother” by bringing Him forth into the world
through our words and actions. This also makes us Jesus’ “brothers” because our
obedience makes us all children of the Father in Heaven.
By the gift of the fullness of grace, our
Blessed Mother would have fully understood that her unity with her Son was
primarily the result of their shared obedience to the Father’s will. She not
only experienced the Son of God being conceived within her womb, she also had
the profound experience of conceiving Him in her heart through her obedience to
the will of the Father. That “conception” of Jesus within her Immaculate Heart
would have been unmistakably clear to her and the cause of her greatest joy. For
that reason, she would have treasured this spiritual motherhood of her Son as
the greatest gift of all, even more than the gift of natural motherhood.
Reflect, today, upon the fact that you are
also invited to be the “mother” and the “brother” of Jesus. You share in these
holy callings through obedience to the will of the Father. The more clearly you
hear God speak and the more fully you obey all that He says will determine the
depth of spiritual union you have with Him. Our natural selves must give way to
the supernatural life of grace. Make the choice, with our Blessed Mother, to
pursue the glorious life of grace so that you will conceive the Son of God in
your heart, become a true child of the Father in Heaven, and become a spiritual
brother or sister of our Lord.
My divine Lord, Your love for Your earthly
mother was perfect in every way. That earthly bond was transformed and elevated
by Your spiritual union with her on account of Your mutual obedience to the
will of the Father. Please draw me into Your divine Family by helping me to
listen to and to obey all that the Father speaks. Jesus, I trust in You.
Tuesday 25th Ordinary 2023
Opening
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I love
you and I thank you for calling me to the spiritual family of the church. I
trust in you and I believe that you are my good and provident Father. As I
reflect on your words, I humbly ask for the grace to see all as my brothers and
sisters in the faith and to love them as members of my own family.
Encountering Christ:
1. The Father: Jesus was attentive to God the Father’s will and
fulfilled it perfectly. And Jesus told us that those “who hear the word of God
and act on it” become his family members. We are as important to Jesus as his
own mother, his flesh and blood. In fact, he loves us so much he willingly died
to save us from our sins. How grateful are we to God for our status as adopted
sons and daughters?
2. The Family of the
Church: At a papal audience in
Rome, a World Youth Day, or similar event, participants often experience the
church’s vibrancy and diversity. Being in the presence of hundreds or thousands
of fellow believers gives the sensation of belonging to a huge family. It is
peaceful, energizing, and strengthening. It helps us remember that when we are
weak, we are supported spiritually by many others. When we are strong, we offer
support to many others. “For as in one body we have many parts, and all the
parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ
and individually parts of one another” (Romans 12:4-5).
3. Family
Inheritance: Family members
share a common inheritance. As family members of the church, we have been
promised eternal life with God in heaven. The saints, our brothers and sisters
who have gone before us, have this to say about heaven: “Today I was in heaven,
in spirit, and I saw its inconceivable beauties and the happiness that awaits
us after death. I saw how all creatures give ceaseless praise and glory to
God...This source of happiness is unchanging in its essence, but it is always
new, gushing forth happiness for all creatures” (Sister Faustina). “There, good
will shall be so ordered in us that we shall have no other desire than to
remain there eternally” (St. Augustine). “My crown in heaven should shine with
innocence and its flowers should be radiant as the sun. Sacrifices are the
flowers Jesus and Mary chose” (St. Bernadette Soubirous). “Earth hath no sorrow
that heaven cannot heal” (St. Thomas More).
Conversing with
Christ: Lord, thank you for
calling me to the church's family. Increase my awareness of the spiritual bond
I share with fellow believers, and may my actions reflect your love. Help me to
prepare myself one day for eternity with you and the rest of my family.
Resolution: Lord, today, by your grace, I will reach out to a
member of my faith community in whichever way I feel you inviting me to do
so.
Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 8:19-21
Friends, in today’s Gospel Jesus identifies his disciples as his family.
I want to say something about our becoming disciples in his family. Once we
make the decision to follow Jesus then every other claimant to supremacy must
fall away. As I’ve argued many times before, every one of us has something or
some set of values that we consider greatest.
Perhaps it is money, material things, power, or the
esteem of others. Perhaps it is your family, your kids, your wife, your
husband. None of this is false, and
none of these things are bad. But when you place any of them in the absolute
center of gravity, things go awry. When you make any of them your ultimate or
final good, your spiritual life goes haywire. When you attach yourself to any
of them with an absolute tenacity, you will fall apart.
Only when we make Christ the cornerstone of our lives are we truly ready
for mission. Keep in mind that every encounter with God in the Bible conduces
to mission, to being sent to do the work of the Lord. If we try to do this work
while we are stuck to any number of attachments, we will fail. Period..
