Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Bẩy Tuần 30 Thường Niên

 Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Bẩy Tuần 30 Thường Niên

Qua bài Tin Mừng hôm nay, chúng ta hãy tự hỏi: Đã có bao giờ chúng ta đã từng nghĩ tới và đặt ra câu hỏi là: chúng ta là hạng người như thế nào? Có bao giờ chúng ta đã từng tự tôn mình lên trên người khác? Hay có bao giờ chúng ta đã thực sự quan tâm đến tới những người khác một cách chân tình, nghĩa là sẽ làm những gì mà chúng ta có thể làm để giúp người khác bất cứ khi nào chúng ta có thể làm được để đem được hạnh phúc đến cho họ?

    Trong Tin Mừng hôm nay, Chúa Giêsu nói rằng những ai muốn làm người đứng đầu, thì phải là người đứng sau, đứng cuối cùng của tất cả và là tôi tớ của tất cả mọi người. Có phải đó là ý của Chúa Giêsu muốn nói rằng đấy là cách để chúng ta đạt được tham vọng của chúng ta là phải được phục vụ? Không phải thế, thật ra, Chúa Giêsu không hề quan tâm đến việc chúng ta có đạt được tham vọng hay không! Nhưng Ngài muốn nói với chúng ta là phải làm như thế nào để được đứng đầu hay đến trước hết ngay trong trái Tim của Ngài, và ngay cả trong tâm hồn của người khác. Nếu chúng ta muốn là người đứng đầu trong trái Tim của Chúa Kitô, chúng ta phải là người tôi tớ của mọi người. Hơn nữa, nếu chúng ta có sự khiêm tốn để phục vụ người khác, chúng ta sẽ dễ dàng nhận ra được rằng: chúng ta cũng sẽ có một vị trí đặc biệt trong trái Tim của những người khác.

    Có lẽ chúng ta thường chỉ quan tâm đến những sự ước muốn và nhu cầu riêng của chúng ta hơn, Nhưng Chúa Giêsu muốn biến đổi tâm hồn chúng ta, để chúng ta cũng có thể trở thành người biết lo lắng, biết nghĩ đến người khác, và biết quan tâm, phục vụ người khác.

    Ngày hôm nay, chúng ta hãy xin Chúa Giêsu giúp chúng ta biết tập trung nhiều hơn vào những gì thực sự quan trọng, đó là sự quan tâm đối với những người khác, sự yêu thương những người khác hơn là sự tập trung vào những thứ hư vô, hay là chỉ biết làm việc và phục vụ riêng cho chính mình.

        

Reflection Saturday 30th Ordinary Time

Have we ever given any though on what kind of people we are? Do we promote ourselves? Or do we do show sincere concern for others, doing what we can, whenever we can, to help others in order to make them happy? In today's Gospel, Jesus said that those who want to be first must be the last of all and the servants of all. Is Jesus saying that the way to achieve our ambitions is to serve? Not at all. Jesus is not concerned with us achieving our ambitions. He is telling us how to be first in his heart, and even in the hearts of others. If we want to be first in Christ's heart, we must be a servant of all. Moreover, if we have the humility to serve others, we will realize that we also have a special place in other people's hearts.

    Perhaps we are often concerned only with our own wants and needs. But Jesus wants to transform us, so that we too can become caring people, concerned with serving others. Let us ask Jesus today to help us be more focused on what really matter — concern for others, loving others, rather than focusing on empty, self-serving actions.

Saturday 30 Ordinary time

Opening Prayer: Lord, my soul thirsts for you. I desire to be among those in procession to your Holy Kingdom, shouting with joy and thanksgiving. I ask for all the grace I need to make sure I am among them. I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love you.

Encountering Christ:

1. Observing Jesus: “On a Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.” This Gospel passage does not tell us if Jesus was invited by the host. Hospitality was considered godly by the Jews, and so the tradition was for the host of a Sabbath meal, in addition to inviting guests, to leave the door open so available seats could be offered to the public. Was there some seat shuffling among these “leading Pharisees” as outsiders arrived? Jesus had every right to expect the highest place of honor, yet that held no importance for him. Instead, he encouraged them (and us) to humbly make way for others to receive praise, honor, or glory by taking the lowest seat at the table.

2. The Lowest Place: Jesus asks nothing of us that he does not accomplish first. The Son of God who sits at the right hand of the Father became man and then chose for himself the lowest place at this dinner table. In fact, Jesus, who is the source of honor, chose dishonor and endured humiliation throughout his life because he loves us. There is a wedding banquet in Heaven that we glimpse on earth and it is the Mass. When we are gathered in community at Mass, what is our attitude? Do we welcome newcomers to our pew? Do we smile at the harried mother with a toddler? Do we pray for our brothers and sisters gathered together in Christ? St. Paul says, “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

3. The Exalted Place: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” In our culture, if you want to be noticed you brand yourself on social media. You count your likes and strive to become an influencer. This behavior is the antithesis of the humility Jesus recommends to us. Jesus is not saying we should not be noticed, but it is how we are allowing ourselves to be promoted that can lead us away from God. The Church is full of men and women who became very famous saints because they lived humbly. To dwell in the Kingdom of God, the exalted place of God, we must not succumb to self-promotion or seek worldly exaltation of any kind. We must say with Jesus, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34) and offer everything we do for God’s glory.

    Conversing with Christ: Lord, help me to be truly humble as I go about my daily duties. When I am honored and affirmed, I feel good, and I offer these moments to you. When I am humiliated and feeling frustrated, I offer those moments to you as well. I look forward to one day being exalted in Heaven with you, Lord. Make it so! Jesus, I trust in you.

    Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will resolve to “take the lowest place” the next time I have the opportunity, even if I go unnoticed myself.

Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

The Embarrassment of Pride

“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place.” Luke 14:8-9

In telling this parable to those dining with Him at the Pharisee’s house, Jesus strikes a chord in their hearts. It is clear that His audience was filled with those who sought the esteem of others and were very concerned about their social reputation. It would have been a frightening thought for them to take the place of honor at a banquet only to be embarrassed by the host when asked to move to a lower spot. This humiliation was clear to those who were caught up in the world of social prestige.

Jesus uses this embarrassing example as a way of highlighting their pride and the danger of living in such a prideful way. He goes on to say, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

We can never examine our consciences often enough concerning pride. Pride is referred to as the “Mother of all sins” for a reason. Pride leads to every other sin and, in many ways, is the source of all sin. Therefore, if we want to strive for perfection in life, we should seek true humility on a daily basis.

Humility is nothing other than seeing things as they are. A humble person sees him/herself in the truth of God. This can be hard to do because it requires that we see ourselves as weak and dependent upon God. We may be able to accomplish many worldly things through our own strength and hard work. But we cannot achieve happiness and goodness unless we open ourselves to the truth of our weaknesses and dependence upon God for all things.

Humility also helps to purify our hearts of something that is very hard to let go of. Pride causes us to deeply seek out the esteem of others and to be dependent upon that esteem for our happiness. That’s a dangerous road to go down because it leaves us constantly dependent upon the opinions of others. And far too often, the opinions of others are based on false and superficial criteria.

Reflect, today, upon how free you are from the misleading and false opinions of others. Sure, you need to regularly seek out advice from those you know and love. But you must allow yourself only to be dependent upon God and His Truth. When you do that, you will be well down the road of true humility.

Lord of Truth, please make me humble. Strip away all pride in my life so that I can turn to You and Your will alone. Help me to have concern only for the Truth that You establish and to use that as the only measure of my soul. Jesus, I trust in You.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Sáu tuần thứ 30 Thường Niên -Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

 Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Sáu tuần thứ 30 Thường Niên

Là một Người Do Thái ngoan đạo, Chúa Giêsu tôn trọng luật pháp của Do Thái. Tuy nhiên, Ngài cũng chỉ ra cho chúng ta thấy rõ những trường hợp ngoại lệ mà mà luật lệ của con người quá khắt khe hơn luật của Thiên Chúa. Luật ngày Sa-bát là được làm ra không có nghĩa để làm khổ con người, được lập ra cho có lệ vì lợi ích riêng của một nhóm người giàu có, có học và làm khổ những người khác vì nghèo đói hay ít học.

Trong trường hợp ngày hôm nay, Chúa Giêsu thấy sự cần thiết để cứu chữa một người đang sống trong đau khổ vì sự tàn tật, đau bệnh trên thân xác lẫn tâm hồn…. Sự cần thiết để cứu chữa này sẽ giúp cho anh ta mau chóng vượt thoát được cái sự đau khổ chắc chắn là còn cần thiết phải thực hiện hơn là chỉ ngôi yên mà giữ luật cho đúng cách.

Luật được tạo ra là để duy trì và giúp cho xã hội và nhân loại được tốt đẹp hơn có nghĩ là Luật pháp cần phải được thực hành một cách đúng với sự công chính và trong cách vô tư, nếu như chúng ta thực hành luật pháp đúng theo như mặt đạo đức đó, thì Luật pháp chắc chắn sẽ để đem lại lợi ích cho tất cả mọi người, se trong thế giới của chúng ta sẽ có một nền hoà bình vĩnh cửu. Vì thế tất cả các những việc làm và hành động của chúng ta phải được thực hiện trong tình yêu, trong sự ngay thẳng và nghiêm minh, chính trực.

Lạy Chúa, xin lấp đầy chúng con với tình yêu của Chúa và đừng để cho chúng con phải bao giờ từ bất bình, phê phán với người khác, nhưng luôn luôn khoan dung và rộng lượng với người khác.

REFLECTION

As a devout Jew, Jesus respects the law. But, he also points out that there are exceptions to being too strict. The laws of the Sabbath were not meant to be followed for the sake of being followed. In today's instance, Jesus saw the need to cure the man with dropsy. The need to cure and help another outweighed the need to comply with the letter of the law.

Laws were created to maintain order. But love supersedes any law. If a greater good can be achieved from bending the law, then perhaps it should be done especially if doing so morally benefits others. All action should be done out of love

28-10. Lễ các Thánh Simon và Giuđe, Tông đồ

Tin Mừng hôm nay cho chúng ta thấy Chúa Giê-su đã dành cả đêm để cầu nguyện: Sự kết hợp sâu sắc của Chúa Giê-su với Chúa Cha là một sự gương mẫu. Chúng ta được kêu gọi noi gương ngài bắt chước Ngài luôn muốn kết hợp với Chúa Cha cũng như tất cả các thánh trên trời. Thánh Têrêxa thành Calcutta nói: “Thích cầu nguyện. Và cầu nguyện là cách mở rộng trái tim của chúng ta cho đến khi nó có khả năng chứa đựng món quà của Thiên Chúa. Khi cầu nguyện, chúng ta hướng về Chúa Cha, giống như Chúa Giê-su đã làm để biết rõ hơn ý muốn của Chúa Cha. Chúng ta được nhắc nhở là phải luôn luôn phát triển những mong ước và hành động của chúng ta theo ước muốn của Thiên Chúa. Chúng ta nhìn lên Chúa Giê-su, Đấng cho chúng ta thấy tầm quan trọng của việc cầu nguyện, đặc biệt là khi chúng ta có những quyết định quan trọng.

    Chúa Giê-su biết rằng sự lựa chọn các Tông đồ của ngài sẽ ảnh hưởng đến mọi thứ trong Hội thánh mới của Ngài. Chúa Giêsu đã cầu nguyện xin Chúa Cha soi sáng về việc mời ai và khi Ngài mở rộng lời mời, Ngài hy vọng những người được mời sẽ làm theo ý của Ngài. Chúa Giê-su biết rằng mỗi người được tạo ra cho một sứ mệnh và sẽ tìm thấy sự viên mãn khi thực hiện sứ mệnh của mình. Tuy nhiên, Chúa Giê-su không ép buộc họ phải đái lại lời mời gọi đó. Ngài cho phép họ tự do lựa chọn và đáp lại lời mời gọi của Ngài. Cũng vậy, Thiên Chúa kêu gọi mỗi người chúng ta với một sứ mệnh cụ thể và cho chúng ta quyền tự do lựa chọn con đường theo ý muốn của Chúa hay con đường theo ý mình. Những ai hoàn thành sứ mệnh của họ sẽ tìm thấy sự viên mãn, và giành được cuộc sống vĩnh cửu.

    Sự lựa chọn để đáp lại lời mời gọi của Thiên Chúa một cách tích cực không có nghĩa là một khi chúng ta theo Đấng Cứu thế, sự cứu rỗi được đảm bảo. Có những khúc quanh và khó khăn trong cuộc hành trình, những cám dỗ và sa ngã, sự trưởng thành và thành công, và cơ hội để mất tất cả. Judas Iscariot, người đã trung thành luôn theo bên cạnh Chúa Ki-tô cho đến cuối cùng thì ông cũng đã quay lưng lại thành một kẻ phản bội. Chúng ta phải đề phòng, canh tân lòng yêu mến Chúa trong lòng qua việc cầu nguyện mỗi ngày, thường xuyên tham gia các bí tích, và tìm cách làm cho hành vi của mình phù hợp với tiêu chuẩn Phúc Âm.

    Hôm nay chúng ta tôn vinh các thánh tông đồ Simon và Giu-đe, chúng ta hãy suy ngẫm, hãy lắng đọng tâm hồn đáp lại lời kêu gọi của chính mình để sống theo con đường Chúa Ki-tô đã dạy và hành động việc làm của chúng ta phải xứng đáng như là người tông đồ của Ngài cho thế giới của chúng ta hôm nay. Cách duy nhất chúng ta có thể hoàn thành sứ mệnh này là phải biết sống với đời sống cầu nguyện. Chúng ta hãy suy ngẫm về đời sống cầu nguyện của chúng ta và đừng ngần ngại đào sâu sự quyết tâm noi gương chiều sâu và cường độ tấm gương cầu nguyện hoàn hảo của Chúa Giêsu, Chúa chúng ta.

Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have called me to collaborate with you in spreading your kingdom of love. Strengthen my faith, hope, and love so as to respond generously to your call. Lord, I humbly ask the grace to listen to your voice.

Encountering Christ:

1. Jesus Spent the Night in Prayer: Jesus’s profound union with the Father is exemplary. We are called to imitate his desire for union with the Father as did all of the great saints. “Love to pray. Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God’s gift of himself,” says St. Teresa of Calcutta. When we pray, we turn to the Father, like Jesus did to better know the Father’s will. We ask to grow in the desire to act according to his will. We look to Jesus who shows us how important it is to pray, especially when we have important decisions to make.

2. Jesus Called Disciples: Jesus knew that his choice of Apostles would affect everything about the new church. He prayed about who to invite and, when he extended the invitation, he hoped they would follow. Jesus knew that each one was created for a mission and would find fulfillment in carrying out his mission. Yet Jesus did not force this invitation upon them. He allowed them to respond freely. In the same way, God calls each one of us for a specific mission and gives us the freedom to choose the path of God’s will or the path of our own will. Those who fulfill their mission will find fulfillment, and win eternal life as well.

3. Judas the Traitor: Choosing to respond positively to God’s call does not mean that once we follow Christ, salvation is assured. There are twists and bends along the journey, temptations and falls, growth and success, and the opportunity to lose everything. Judas, who stood so faithfully by Christ’s side up to the end turned away to become a traitor. We must be on guard, renewing our love for God in our hearts every day, participating regularly in the sacraments, and seeking to conform our behavior to the Gospel standard.    

    As we honor the Apostles Simon and Jude, reflect, today, upon your own calling to follow Christ and act as His apostle to the world. The only way you can fulfill this mission is through a life of prayer. Reflect upon your prayer life and do not hesitate to deepen your resolve to imitate the depth and intensity of our Lord’s perfect example of prayer.

    Conversing with Christ: Dear Lord, you teach me important truths about my eternal destiny in these lines of Scripture. Prayer is essential to finding and living out the specific mission you have for me. Through prayer I will stay connected to you so that I may be your friend always. Sustain me in the life of grace. I ask when I pray the “Our Father,” “Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil.” Grant that I may be a faithful follower up until the very last moment of my life.

Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12

It’s a fascinating thing to think about Jesus praying all night. This act on His part teaches us many things just as it would have taught His Apostles. Here are a few things we can take from His action.

First, it may be thought that Jesus did not “need” to pray. After all, He is God. So did He need to pray? Well, this is actually not the right question to ask. It’s not a matter of Him needing to pray, rather, it’s a matter of Him praying because His prayer goes to the heart of who He is.

Prayer is first and foremost an act of deep communion with God. In Jesus’ case, it’s an act of deep communion with the Father in Heaven and with the Holy Spirit. Jesus was continually in perfect communion (unity) with the Father and the Spirit and, thus, His prayer was nothing more than an earthly expression of this communion. His prayer is a living out of His love of the Father and the Spirit. So it’s not so much that He needed to pray so that He could stay close to them. Instead, it was that He prayed because He was perfectly united to them. And this perfect communion demanded an earthly expression of prayer. In this instance, it was prayer all night long.

Second, the fact that it was all night long reveals that Jesus’ “rest” was nothing other than being in the presence of the Father. Just as rest restores us and rejuvenates us, so the all night vigil of Jesus reveals that His human rest was that of resting in the presence of the Father.

Third, what we should take from this for our own lives is that prayer should never be underestimated. Too often we speak a few prayerful thoughts to God and let it go at that. But if Jesus chose to spend the entire night in prayer, we should not be surprised if God wants much more from our quiet time of prayer than we are now giving Him. Don’t be surprised if God is calling you to spend much more time every day in prayer. Do not hesitate to establish a set pattern of prayer. And if you find that you cannot sleep some night, do not hesitate to get up, get on your knees, and seek the presence of God living within your soul. Seek Him, listen to Him, be with Him and let Him consume you in prayer. Jesus gave us the perfect example. It is now our responsibility to follow that example.

As we honor the Apostles Simon and Jude, reflect, today, upon your own calling to follow Christ and act as His apostle to the world. The only way you can fulfill this mission is through a life of prayer. Reflect upon your prayer life and do not hesitate to deepen your resolve to imitate the depth and intensity of our Lord’s perfect example of prayer.

Lord Jesus, help me to pray. Help me to follow Your example of prayer and to seek the presence of the Father in a deep and continuous way. Help me to enter into a deep communion with You and to be consumed by the Holy Spirit. Jesus, I trust in You.

Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

Opening Prayer: Lord, here I am, I come to do your will. Send me to spread your Good News!

Encountering Christ:

1. Promise Kept: The preface to this Gospel states that Luke was “continuing the biblical history of God’s dealings with humanity found in the Old Testament, showing how God’s promises to Israel have been fulfilled in Jesus.” The Old Testament covenants which God, on his end, faithfully kept through Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David were broken by the people over and over. In Jesus, God became man, creating a New Covenant with man that cannot be broken. “God has revealed himself fully by sending his own Son, in whom he has established his covenant forever. The Son is his Father’s definitive Word; so there will be no further Revelation after him” (CCC 73).

2. To Himself: We read, “When day came, he called his disciples to himself ….” Jesus had spent the night in prayer to God and there discerned which men would become the chosen Twelve. He called them out of the crowd “to himself” for a mission that would include founding his Church and dying one day for the faith. He drew them close to befriend them, to teach them and to train them for their mission. Each of us has a mission uniquely given to us by Christ. The only way to accomplish it is to allow Jesus to draw us “to himself.” A disciple who remains close to Jesus will be sure to accomplish his will.

3. A Traitor: Judas Iscariot will be forever known as the betrayer of Jesus Christ, but he did not begin his discipleship that way. Judas serves as a reminder to all of us that physical proximity to Our Lord is no guarantee of sanctity and salvation if our heart is divided. We may participate at Holy Mass every Sunday and holy day. We may frequent the sacraments and even spend time in Adoration of Our Lord, but where is our heart? “As long as freedom has not bound itself definitively to its ultimate good which is God, there is the possibility of choosing between good and evil, and thus growing in perfection or of failing and sinning. This freedom characterizes properly human acts. It is the basis of praise or blame, merit or reproach. (CCC 1732) “The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes.” (CCC 1733).

    Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, choosing good and being your disciple is my desire, but I find it difficult at times. St. Paul tells us in the first reading, “Through you, Lord, the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Lord, call me, choose me, and keep me close. I want to do your will.

    Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will do as St. Augustine advised, “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Năm 30th Thường Niên

 Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Năm 30th Thường Niên - Luca 13:31-35

Trong bài tin mừng hôm nay, Thánh Luca cho chúng ta thấy rằng những người Biệt Phái không phải là những người xấu cả và cũng có một số ít trong số những người biệt phái này đã có cảm tình với Chúa Giêsu và đến báo cho Ngài biết về mối nguy hại sẽ xẩy đến với Ngài. Không cần nghi ngờ, chúng ta đều biết không phải tất cả những người Biệt Phái là thánh cả, như trong phần trước của bài tin mừng hôm nay, Thánh Luca, đã cho chúng ta nghe Chúa Giêsu giảng: " Anh em đừng xét đoán, thì anh em sẽ không bị Thiên chúa xét đoán." (Lk.6 : 37).

Người Biệt Phái là những người rất sùng đạo. Lỗi của họ là vì họ đã quá đạo đức và quá thận trọng với cái vỏ bề ngoài của luật lệ, nhưng Chúa Giêsu đã không chỉ trích họ về những điều đó. Cái sai lầm lớn nhất của họ là họ để tự rơi vào cái bẫy mà họ thường xuyên phải đối mặt đó là tự cho mình là những người đạo đức, rồi đâm cuồng tín và tỉ mỉ. Sự nhiệt tình của họ dễ dàng trở nên cố chấp, không biết khoan dung. Họ đã sẵn sàng áp đặt gánh nặng lên mọi người sự nghiêm ngặt, khắt khe trong các lề luật Thiên Chúa theo cách riêng của họ, mà họ quên rằng Thiên Chúa là đấng đầy lòng nhân từ, thương xót và dịu hiền, bởi vì Ngài biết không phải tất cả chúng ta luôn luôn có thể sống và tuân giữ từng những chi tiết nhõ trong lề luật của Thiên Chúa để đạt được lý tưởng trong sự thánh thiện.

Trong bài thánh thư gởi cho Ê-phê-sô chúng ta đọc hôm nay, Thánh Phaolô thúc giục chúng ta nên dùng chân lý sự thật, công bằng và lòng nhiệt thành để truyền bá Tin Mừng hòa bình của Chúa. Chúng ta có thể có được lòng nhiệt thành, sốt sắng như những người Biệt Phái, nhưng lòng nhiệt thành của chúng ta phải được sinh động bởi sự thật và công lý, vì chúng ta phục vụ Tin Mừng bình an của Thiên Chúa.

Lạy Chúa Cha trên trời, sự kiên nhẫn của Chúa chính là cơ hội cho chúng con được cứu rỗi. Xin Chúa ban cho chúng con một tinh thần kiên nhẫn khoan dung, khiêm nhường và rèn tôi lòng nhiệt thành của chúng con trong sự thật và công bằng.

Thur -30th Week in Ordinary Time (Rom. 8:31-39)

Luke shows us that the Pharisees were not evil men and that at least some of them were sympathetic to Jesus and warned him of danger. No doubt, not every single Pharisee was a saint, but earlier in this chapter 13 of Luke’s gospel we heard Jesus’ teaching: “Do not judge and you will not be judged yourselves” (Lk.6:36). The Pharisees were very religious people. Their fault was that they were too religious and scrupulous, but that did not of itself merit Jesus’ criticism of them. Their greatest fault was that they fell into the trap frequently facing such over-religious and scrupulous people: their zeal easily become intolerance. They easily imposed on others their own strict fidelity to the Law of God, forgetting that God is merciful and kind since not all of us can always in every single detail attain to the ideal of holiness.

Today’s passage from Ephesians urges us to use truth, justice and zeal to propagate the Gospel of peace. We may be as zealous as the Pharisees, but our zeal must be animated by truth and justice, for we serve the Gospel of peace.

Heavenly Father, Your patience is our opportunity to be saved. Grant us a spirit of patience and tolerance and temper our zeal with truth and justice

Thursday 30 Ordinary time 2022

Opening Prayer: “Blessed be the Lord, my rock! Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.” Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will. I believe, help my unbelief!

Encountering Christ:

1. Behold: This exchange between Jesus and some Pharisees highlights why it was necessary for the Son of God to leave his throne at the right side of the Father and come himself to save us. The Pharisees were Jewish scholars, and like the Sadducees, were experts in the law (Scripture) and in how to interpret it. They were the ones anointed to teach and guide God’s people. We see in this conversation that these so-called experts of Scripture did not recognize Jesus as the Word. If they had, they would have known that no human power, even the kingly power of Herod, was a match for the power of Jesus. Our Lord took this opportunity to remind them that God has authority over evil: “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.’” The power of Jesus is the same power that is given to every baptized person by the Holy Spirit. We have access to God’s power over evil because he dwells in us.

2. Yearn: The architect Antonio Barluzzi built churches in the Holy Land that speak in stone and mortar the Gospel story of a particular holy site. The church built where Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41) is in the shape of a large teardrop. It is called Dominus Flevit (The Master Wept). The mosaic on the altar that has been placed in front of a large window overlooking the ancient Jewish Temple Mount (now a mosque) is the image of a hen gathering her brood under her wings. Barluzzi’s “stones cry out” (Luke 19:40) to the profound reality that God yearns for our love. This yearning is more intense than what a mother or father feels when a child goes astray, because God’s love for us is perfect. God loved us so much that he sent his Son to redeem us. This is what Jesus spoke of when he said, “and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.”

3. Unwilling: “Jerusalem…how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling!” These Pharisees are just a few of a much larger group of people who, throughout the ages, have chosen not to believe in Jesus. All of them were “unwilling” to be gathered into the arms of Mother Church. To the Pharisees, Jesus prophesied, “Behold, your house will be abandoned.” Indeed that came to be when, in 70 AD, the Romans quelled a Jewish revolt, burning the Temple down and leaving all of Jerusalem and much of ancient Palestine in ruins. In our day, many people ignore the Ten Commandments and suffer physical, psychological, and spiritual consequences here on earth, as well as the pains of Purgatory or Hell after death. And there are also people who reject Jesus yet seem to thrive by worldly standards, like weeds with the wheat (Matthew 13:24-30), but they miss out on the profound peace that comes from having faith. We who are “willing” to be gathered under the protective wings of Mother Church are in the safest place—the center of God’s will.

Conversing with Christ: Lord, I find it difficult to understand how these Pharisees didn’t recognize you as the Messiah they had long waited for. Yet, so often I, too, struggle to believe you are who you say you are. So often, I fall back on my own strength. Forgive me Lord. I want to believe. Jesus, I trust in you.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will look for a way to proclaim you in word and deed.

Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Overcoming Intimidation

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.’“ Luke 13:31-32

What an interesting exchange this was between Jesus and some of the Pharisees. It’s interesting to look at both the action of the Pharisees as well as that of Jesus.

It could be asked why the Pharisees spoke to Jesus in this way, warning Him of Herod’s intent. Were they worried about Jesus and, therefore, were they trying to help Him? Probably not. Instead, we know that the majority of the Pharisees were jealous and envious of Jesus. In this case, it appears that they were warning Jesus of Herod’s wrath as a way of trying to intimidate Him to leave their district. Of course, Jesus wasn’t intimidated.

Sometimes we experience the same thing. At times we may have someone come and tell us some gossip about us under the guise of trying to help us, when in fact it’s a subtle way of intimidating us so as to fill us with fear or anxiety.

The key is to react only in the way that Jesus did when confronted with foolishness and malice. Jesus did not give in to the intimidation. He was not at all concerned by Herod’s malice. Rather, He responded in a way that told the Pharisees, in a sense, “Don’t waste your time trying to fill me with fear or anxiety. I am doing the works of my Father and that’s all I should be concerned about.”

What is it that bothers you in life? What are you intimidated by? Do you allow the opinions, malice or gossip of others to get you down? The only thing we should be concerned about is doing the will of the Father in Heaven. When we are confidently doing His will, we will also have the wisdom and courage we need to rebuke all deceit and silly intimidation in our lives.

Reflect, today, upon your own commitment to the will of the Father in your life. Are you fulfilling His will? If so, do you find that some people come and try to deter you? Strive to have the same confidence of Jesus and keep focused on the mission given to you by God.

Lord, I do trust in Your divine will. I trust in the plan You have laid out for me and refuse to be influenced or intimidated by the foolishness and malice of others. Give me courage and wisdom to keep my eyes on You in all things. Jesus, I trust in You.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Năm Tuần 30 Thường Niên

Trong bài đọc thứ nhất, Thánh Phaolô cảnh cáo chúng ta "hãy mạc áo giáp của Thiên Chúa vào." Hãy sẵn sàng và chuẩn bị cho trận chiến,Thánh Phaolô đã nói với chúng ta như thế, nhưng tất nhiên ông không nói về những cuộc xung đột đẫm máu như chiến tranh để tranh giành ảnh hưởng về chính trị, kinh tế hay lãnh thổ. Nhưng Thánh Phaolô nói về cuộc xung đột với tội lỗi, là nguyên nhân của tệ nạn , tội ác mà con người đã gây ra tội.

Công đồng Vatican II đã nhận xét rằng "một cuộc đấu tranh vĩ đại chống lại quyền lực của bóng tối đang tràn ngập trong toàn bộ lịch sử của con người" (Giáo Hội trong thế giới hiện đại, 37). Ngay cả Chúa Giêsu cũng đã phải gặp và đương đầu với các cuộc xung đột này từ những con người tội lỗi, như chúng ta đã thấy trong Tin Mừng hôm nay: vua Hêrôđê đã lên kế hoạch để tìm cách giết Chúa Giêsu. Chúng ta không thể mong đợi để được miễn trừ những xung đột trong cuộc sống của chúng ta. Công Đồng cũng đã cảnh báo rằng "khi nào thứ tự của những giá trị bị xáo trộn và đảo ngược, thì sự xấu được trộn lẫn với sự tốt lành, cá nhân và các nhóm chỉ chú trọng hoàn toàn đến lợi ích riêng của họ, và không thèm để ý những người khác. Vì vậy, những sự xung đột sẽ xảy ra trong thế giới của chúng ta và tất cả không còn gì là tình anh em đích thực nữa, Chỉ có tiền và quyền lợi riêng. "Các tội lỗi trầm trọng thường là những tội mà vi phạm đến sự công lý và tình bác ái.”

Rất nhiều sư cần thiết ở nơi chúng ta hơn so với những sự cố gắng quyết tâm để xử lý tất cả mọi người một cách công bằng và bác ái. Người Công giáo có lương tâm được mời gọi để giúp đỡ giải quyết những sai lầm phải trái. Việc bảo đảm sự công bằng cho người lao động, nhân phẩm cho người bị áp bức, và hỗ trợ cho người nghèo là những mối quan tâm của người Kitô giáo. Chúa Giêsu đã gặp phải những cuộc xung đột, đối đầu với những giáo sĩ, luật sĩ Do thái chì vì Ngài đã khẳng định phẩm giá và quyền lợi của mỗi cá nhân. Chúng ta phải tiếp tục những mối quan tâm mà Chúa Giêsu đã biểu lộ và làm cho những nghèo khổ và những người bị kinh bỉ và bị thiệt thòi. Lạy Chúa Giêsu, xin Chúa giúp chúng con biết can đảm và sẵn lòng làm việc với những người khác để thay đổi xã hội chúng con đang sống để sớm trở thành một xã hội Công Bằng trong tình bác ái và tự do.

Reflection (Jesuit)

In the first reading, St Paul warns us “to put on the armors of God.” Be ready for battle, he is telling us, but of course he is not speaking of those bloody conflicts motivated by political, economic, and territorial considerations. He is speaking of the conflict with sin, the ultimate cause of evils which men perpetrate.

The Second Vatican Council observed that “a monumental struggle against the powers of darkness pervades the whole history of man” (Church in the Modern World, 37). Even Jesus himself met with this conflicts from sinful men, as we saw in today’s gospel: Herod was planning to kill Jesus. We cannot expect to be immune. The Council also warned that “when the order of values is jumbled, and bad is mixed with the good, individuals and groups pay heed solely to their own interests, and not to those of others. Thus it happens that the world ceases to be a place of true brotherhood,.” The gravest sins are usually those which vilate justice and charity.

More is needed of us than the determinate effort to treat everyone justly and chariably. Conscientious Catholics are called t help right wrongs. The securing of justice for workers, dignity for the downtrodden, and assistance to the poor is a Christian concern. Jesus met conflict head-on by insisting on the dignity and rights of individuals. We must continue the concerns which Jesus showed for the indigent and the underprivileged. Lord, help me to work with others to set the downtrodden free.

Suy niệm Tin Mừng thứ Tư tuần thứ 30 Thường Niên

Suy niệm Tin Mừng thứ Tư tuần thứ 30 Thường Niên

Ngày nay, chúng ta không thể nói với người làm phải vâng tuân theo chủ nhân của họ. Chúng ta thấy chế độ nô lệ dưới mọi hình thức như là một tội ác và không thể chấp nhận được và chúng ta phải tìm mọi cách và tất cả mọi thứ trong khả năng của mình để bãi bỏ nó. Nhưng những người Ephêsô vẫn còn quan trọng hoá và cố vượt thời gian để thực hiện.

Bất kể mọi tình huống chúng ta có thể tự thấy chính mình đang làm chứng cho ​​Chúa Giêsu trong cách sống của chúng ta. Việc chúng ta sống trong một môi trường ngột ngạt hay có một ông chủ bất công không quan trọng, chúng ta phải luôn biết hy vọng và là ngọn hải đăng chiếu ánh sáng. Bằng cách biểu lộ cách sông của Chúa Giêsu trong cuộc sống hàng ngày của chúng ta, chúng ta có thể gây ảnh hưởng sâu đậm đến những người khác. Và chưa chừng biết đâu, chúng ta thậm chí có thể làm cho những người áp bức chúng ta phải biến đổi! Đức tin không thể được coi như là sự đương nhiên. Thánh Luca nói với chúng ta rằng việc thường xuyên đến với Chúa Giêsu hoặc cứ đến nhà thờ chưa chắc đã bảo đảm được quyền làm con trong mắt Chúa.

Có nhiều người trong chúng ta đã tự mãn và chắc chắn rằng họ đã làm trọn bổn phận tinh thần, những những người ấy sẽ tự thấy mình ở dưới đáy cùng. Cũng có những người gặp phải những khó khăn và thất bại nhưng biết đứng lên tiếp tục cuộc hành trình trong đức tin; họ sẽ được nâng lên. Cho dù cửa nước Trời của Thiên Chúa thực sự là hẹp nhỏ, nhưng với tình yêu thương, lòng khiêm tốn, và sự phục vụ có thể giúp chúng ta vượt qua.

Nếu như tôn giáo mà chỉ nói mà không có hành động hay việc làm và nếu chúng ta thiếu yếu tố quan trọng đó thì việc nghe lời Thiên Chúa có nghĩa là làm theo lời của Chúa; Hai điều này không thể tách rời nhau được. Cách thức để sống theo Chúa mỗi ngày của chúng ta là chúng ta phải biết kiểm tra cách sống của chúng ta là hãy xem chúng ta đã có lắng nghe lời Chúa qua Phúc Âm như thế nào.

Lạy Chúa, xin giúp chúng con biết dùng cuộc sống của chúng con để phản ánh lời của Ngài.

Reflection Wednesday Week in Ordinary Time

Today, we would not tell slaves to obey their masters. We see slavery in any form as an intolerable evil and we would do everything in our power to abolish it. But Ephesians still has an important and timeless point to make. Regardless of the situation we find ourselves in we can witness to Jesus by our way of life. It doesn’t matter if we live in an oppressive environment or have an unjust boss we should always be a beacon of light and hope. By demonstrating the way of Jesus in our everyday life we can have a profound effect on others. Who knows, we might even convert our oppressors!

Faith cannot be taken for granted. Luke tells us that familiarity with Jesus or going to church in themselves are no guarantee of being right in the eyes of the Lord. There are many who are self-satisfied and sure that they have it made spiritually who will find themselves at the bottom. There are also those who struggle and fall but continue to walk in faith — they will be lifted up. The door of the kingdom of God is narrow indeed — only love, humility, and service can fit through.

All of the religious talk and activity in the world is of little use if we are lacking that important element. Hearing the word of God means doing the word of God; the two cannot be separated. The manner of our everyday life is the test of how well we have listened.

Lord, may my life reflect Your word.

Wednesday 30th Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer: “The Lord is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works. The Lord lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.” Lord, I want to be faithful so as to grow in holiness. Please lift me up when I fall. Please raise me up when I am bowed down.

Encountering Christ:

1. Jesus Passed Through: In the life of every disciple, there was a moment when Jesus “passed through.” Perhaps it was a retreat, a birth, an illness, or a natural disaster that caused this person to take special notice of Our Lord. As their faith was nurtured, they walked more steadily with Christ by deepening their prayer, following the teachings of the Church, growing in virtue, and receiving and giving mercy. This path is the “narrow gate” for which many lack the strength. Do we think by simply calling ourselves Christians we are saved? Walking with Christ takes fortitude, perseverance, and total dependence on grace.

2. Acquaintances or Friends?: The narrow gate is not a where or a what, it is a who. Jesus is the narrow gate. To enter through the gate means to embrace Jesus with our whole heart, mind, and body. Those in the parable who thought they knew Jesus proclaimed, “We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.” They condemned themselves by their words, unwittingly confessing that they had no intimacy with Jesus. Any acquaintance could have made their claims. God wants our whole heart! More than one hundred verses in the Bible speak of God’s love for us. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (221), “God's very being is love. By sending his only Son and the Spirit of Love in the fullness of time, God has revealed his innermost secret: God himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and he has destined us to share in that exchange.” To enter through the narrow gate is to love Jesus and live according to his word.

3. Last Will Be First: Are historical figures like Hitler, Stalin, and Judas damned? What about politicians or celebrities who call themselves Catholic but publicly sin? Do we dare speculate about the judgment these souls will one day receive? In these Gospel verses, Jesus reminds us that “some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” We are not to judge the souls of others because our human discernment is never perfectly clear. We can be swayed by appearances, influenced by subtle prejudices, blinded by our own sinfulness, etc. St. James reminds us, “There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save or to destroy. Who then are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12).

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, our faith tells us that God predestines no one to go to Hell. (CCC 1037). The daily prayers of the Church and of so many faithful souls gives me great hope for my own salvation and for those I love. I want to be worthy of entering the narrow gate one day. Come Holy Spirit! Pray for us, Virgin Mary, so we may all be saved.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will do my best to do your will in every moment so that I may one day enter through the narrow gate.

Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Presumption

“Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’” Luke 13:27

Jesus makes it clear that there are some who will come to Him presuming their entrance into Heaven but their presumption will be met with these frightening words: “I do not know where you are from. Depart from me.”

Presumption is a dangerous sin. It’s dangerous for two reasons. First, when people are presumptuous, they are living in denial of the truth. In regard to God, presumption means that the persons act as if they are in a relationship with God when they are not. They may say holy things, act holy and even believe they are holy, while in fact they do not know our Lord at all. Thus, presumption is when one lives in denial of the truth.

Second, presumption is dangerous because the presumptuous person will not repent of his or her own sin. This is because their denial makes it impossible for them to admit their sin. Without admitting their sin, they cannot subsequently admit their need to change. They remain steeped in their false thinking and their sin.

Jesus presents this teaching not to reveal that He is harsh with those who are presumptuous; rather, He presents it as an act of great mercy for those stuck in this sin. It takes this startling revelation to shake a person free of this sin. In this case, it is the fear of one day hearing these words from Jesus that will help those who are stuck in presumption to break free and to face the truth.

Reflect, today, upon any way that you are not being honest with yourself or with others. Let the shock of the final outcome of any presumption in your life shake you free of this sin so that you can humble yourself before God now, before it is too late. Remember how deeply our Lord loves you and let that love help you to face your life with honesty and integrity.

My loving Lord, I love You deeply and pray that my love may always be honest, genuine and complete. Help me to see, in my life, any ways in which I fail to love You with my whole heart. I give my life to You, dear Lord, without reserve. Jesus, I trust in You.

Meditation:

What does the image of a door say to us about the kingdom of God?

Today Jesus tells us a story about the door being shut to those who come too late and suggests that they had offended their host for being late and n ot prepared, They deserved to be excluded. It was customary for teachers in Jesus' time to close the door on tardy students and not allow them back for a whole week in order to teach them a lesson in discipline and faithfulness. Jesus told this story in response to the question of who will make it to heaven. Many rabbis held that all Israel would be saved, except for a few blatant sinners who excluded themselves! After all, they were specially chosen by God when he established a covenant with them.

Jesus doesn't directly answer the question, however; but his response is nonetheless unsettling on two counts. First, Jesus surprised his listeners by saying that one's membership as a covenanted people does not automatically mean entry into the kingdom of God. Second, Jesus asserts that many from the gentile nations would enter God's kingdom. God's invitation is open to Jew and Gentile alike. But Jesus warns that we can be excluded if we do not strive to enter by the narrow door. What did Jesus mean by this expression? The door which Jesus had in mind was himself. I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved (John 10:9). Jesus opens the way for us to enter into God's kingdom through the cross where he has laid down his life as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. If we want to enter and remain citizens of God's kingdom, then we must follow Jesus in the way of the cross. The word strive can also be translated agony. To enter the kingdom of God one must struggle against the forces of temptation to sin and whatever would hinder us from doing the will of God (even apathy, indifference, and compromise).

The good news is that we do not struggle alone. God is with us and his grace is sufficient! As we strive side by side for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27) Jesus assures us of complete victory! Do you trust in God's grace and help, especially in times of testing and temptation?

"Lord Jesus, help me to always trust in your saving grace, especially when I am tempted and put to the test. Help me to be faithful to you and give me the courage and strength to resist temptation, especially the temptation to compromise or to be indifferent to your word."

Suy niệm Tin Mừng thứ Ba tuần thứ 30 Thường Niên

 Suy niệm Tin Mừng thứ Ba tuần thứ 30 Thường Niên

Hạt cải và men làm bánh mì có thể dạy cho chúng ta những gì về vương quốc của Thiên Chúa?

Như chúng ta biết hạt cải là hạt rất nhỏ, nhỏ nhất trong các loại hột. Nhưng khi hột được gieo vào đất tốt đã được cuốc xới bón phân tốt, nước tưới đầy đủ, hạt cải nhỏ bé sẽ nẩy mầm và phát triển lớn lên thành bụi lớn và thu hút được nhiều loài chim, vì sự chăm sóc, tưới bón của người trồng, nên dù hạt cải đen nhỏ, đã trở thành vườn cải tốt tươi với cành lá xum xuê đến nỗi chim trời có thể làm tổ. Vương quốc của Thiên Chúa cũng tương tự. Nó bắt đầu được chớm nở từ sự khởi ban đầu rất nhỏ nhen trong trái tim của người chúng ta bằng sự tiếp nhận Lời của Thiên Chúa.

Hành trang để được vào nước trời cũng giống như là bột men làm bánh, Đó là đức tin, đức tin được chớm nở trong trái tim của mỗi người chúng ta bằng sự tiếp nhận Lời của Thiên Chúa. Đức tin đó hoạt động vô hình và gây biến chuyển và đổi thay từ bên trong, Men là một tác nhân mạnh mẽ của sự thay đổi. Một cục bột còn lại chính nó vẫn chỉ là một cục bột. Nhưng khi men được thêm vào để bột bánh được phồng lên và khi đút vào lò nướng đó sản xuất bánh mì thơm ngon và đó là chủ yếu cho cuộc sống đối với con người.

Đức tin sẽ biến đổi những ai đã được đón nhận cuộc sống mới mà Chúa ban cho vì khi chúng ta dâng lên Chúa cuộc sống của chúng ta. Thì cuộc sống của chúng ta sẽ được biến đổi bởi sức mạnh của Chúa Thánh Thần đấng đang ngự trong chúng ta. Thánh Phaolô có nói, "kho tàng này, chúng tôi lại chứa đựng trong những bình sành, để chứng tỏ quyền năng phi thường phát xuất từ Thiên Chúa, chứ không phải từ chúng tôi. (2 Cô-rinh-tô 4:7). Hãy đặt niềm tin của chúng ta vào sức mạnh và sự biến đổi của Chúa Thánh Thần

Meditation:

What can mustard seeds and leaven teach us about the kingdom of God? The tiny mustard seed literally grew to be a tree which attracted numerous birds because they loved the little black mustard seed it produced. God's kingdom works in a similar fashion. It starts from the smallest beginnings in the hearts of men and women who are receptive to God's word. And it works unseen and causes a transformation from within. Leaven is another powerful agent of change. A lump of dough left to itself remains just what it is, a lump of dough. But when the leaven is added to it a transformation takes place which produces rich and wholesome bread when heated – the staple of life for humans. The kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who receive the new life which Jesus Christ offers. When we yield to Jesus Christ, our lives are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul the Apostle says, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). Do you believe in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform me into the Christ-like holiness you desire. Increase my zeal for your kingdom and instill in me a holy desire to live for your greater glory."

Tuesday 30th Ordinary Time 

Opening Prayer: “Blessed are you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.” Lord, reveal to me who I am in your Kingdom. Grant me the grace to desire your will for me.

Encountering Christ:

1. The Kingdom/The King: Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it?” When we think of living under the authority of a king, we may imagine kingdoms where we are powerless and subjugated under a tyrannical sovereign. But Jesus is a King like no other. Jesus is “Eternal King, Most Merciful King, Loving King Who offers us Healing Grace, Eucharistic King, King foretold by the prophets, King of Heaven and earth, King and Ruler of All Nations, Delight of the Heavenly Court, Most Compassionate toward his subjects, King from Whom proceeds all authority, King Whose Kingdom is not of this world, King Whose Sacred Heart burns with Love for all mankind, King Who is the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega, King Who has given us Mary, the Queen, to be our dear Mother, King truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament…” (From the Litany to Christ the King).

2. The Mustard Seed: How can the Lord’s Kingdom be like a mustard seed? In the body of every human, God plants a soul—a tiny mustard seed that, once planted, never dies. In God’s Kingdom, the seed (our soul) is free to choose how it will grow. The Lord wants to send us the Holy Spirit to water our souls with grace. If we reject this grace, we wither, and our God-given mission dies with us. If we accept the grace of the Spirit, we thrive and can support others “dwelling in our branches” as we journey together through life.

3. Yeast: When kneaded into flour and water, yeast ferments to make dough rise. In this parable, we are the yeast created by God, mixed into the world by his loving hands and invited to reproduce and expand his Kingdom. By the power of the sacraments, our personal prayer, and our faithful perseverance, the light of Christ bubbles up in us, impacting everyone around us for the good. If each of us does our part, the Kingdom spreads far and wide.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, the idea of Kingdom, mustard seed, and yeast are wonder-filled ways you teach us about life in you. We are your creation so you know best how to help us understand your mysterious ways. Bless me, as I pray, with an even deeper understanding of your love for me and for all your creatures.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will pray the Our Father (Lord’s Prayer), slowly reflecting on how the Kingdom of God reigns in my life.

Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Conversion of Heart

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.” Luke 13:20-21

Yeast is a fascinating thing. It is so small in size and yet has such a powerful effect upon the dough. The yeast works slowly and somewhat miraculously. Little by little the dough rises and is transformed. This is always something fascinating for children to watch when making bread .

This is the ideal way for the Gospel to work in our lives. Right now, the Kingdom of God is first and foremost alive in our hearts. The conversion of our hearts will rarely effectively take place in a day or in a moment. Sure, each day and every moment is important, and there are certainly powerful moments of conversion we can all point to. But conversion of heart is more like the yeast causing the dough to rise. The conversion of heart is usually something that takes place little by little and step by step. We allow the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives in a continually deepening way and, as we do, we grow deeper and deeper in holiness just as dough rises slowly but surely.

Reflect, today, upon this image of yeast causing dough to rise. Do you see this as an image of your soul? Do you see the Holy Spirit working on you little by little? Do you see yourself changing slowly but steadily? Hopefully the answer is “Yes.” Though conversion may not always take place overnight, it must be constant so as to enable the soul to progress to that place prepared for it by God.

Lord, I do desire to become holy. I desire to be transformed little by little every day. Help me to allow You to change me every moment of my life so that I can continually walk the path You have laid out for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

Meditation:

Through the two parables today our Lord Jesus explains to us what the Kingdom of God is like.The Kingdom of God is evident on earth by how it grows from very small and humble beginnings into something much larger and greater. The tiniest of seeds becomes a large tree. A small amount of yeast causes the entire loaf to grow. Likewise, twelve simple Apostles took His words and built a church that now covers the entire world. Throughout history, Christ's work has been continued by the work of "small" people such as Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa. The Kingdom of God is still like the mustard seed and is still being planted and growing in our world today. Through these parables, Jesus encourages us patience and hopeful certainty; parables referring to the Kingdom of God and to the Church and that are also applied to the growth of this same Kingdom in each of us. We now ask our Lord Jesus to fill us with the Holy Spirit and transform us into the Christ-like holiness God desire. Increase our zeal for God’s kingdom and instill in us a holy desire to live for His greater glory.

Meditation:

Through the two parables today, Jesus places before our eyes one of the characteristics of the Kingdom of God: it is something that flourishes slowly as a mustard seed, but, eventually, grows to offer shelter to the birds in its trees. With this parable, Our Lord encourages us to patience, fortitude and hope. These virtues are especially necessary for those who devote themselves to propagate the Kingdom of God. We must be patient, and with God's grace and human cooperation, wait for the planted seed to grow while profoundly embedding its roots in the good soil to gradually become a tree.

In the first place, we need to have faith in the virtuality, fecundity contained in the seed of the Kingdom of God. This seed is the Word; it is also the Eucharist that is planted in us through Communion. In John Gospel, Our Lord Jesus Christ compared himself to “a kernel of wheat that falls to the ground and dies (…). But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (Jn 12:24).

The Kingdom of God, our Lord goes on, is similar to “the yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened." (Lk 13:21). Here also the yeast needed to leaven all the dough. We only need the yeast inside the dough, getting to the people, to be like salt that preserves from corruption and makes all food to taste (cf. Mt 5:13). Time is also of essence so that it can carry out with its function by and by.

The kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who receive the new life which Jesus Christ offers. When we yield to Jesus Christ, our lives are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul the Apostle says, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). Through these parables, Jesus encourages us patience and hopeful certainty; parables referring to the Kingdom of God and to the Church and that are also applied to the growth of this same Kingdom in each of us.

Suy niệm Tin Mừng thứ Hai tuần 30 Thường Niên

Suy niệm Tin Mừng thứ Hai tuần 30 Thường Niên

Bài Phúc âm hôm nay, Chúa Giêsu chữa người đàn bà bị quỷ ám gập lưng trong đền Thánh vào ngày Sabat không ngoài mục đích để dậy cho người phái siêu và người do thái bài học là họ phải giữ ngày Sabat, nhưng không phải chỉ giữ khơi khơi bằng môi bằng miệng, nhưng họ phải biết dùng ngày nghĩ để thờ phượng Chúa và làm việc ngay lành phúc đức. Nếu họ biết dùng ngày nghĩ để thả trâu, thả bò, thả gia súc đi ăn, đi uống nước tại sao họ lại cấm Chúa chữa bệnh ngày sabat... Đúng là bọn giả hình.

    Còn Chúng ta thì sao, chúng ta có giữ ngày chúa nhật như điều răn thứ ba trong mười điều răn của Chúa. Có người trong chúng ta chẳng những không giữ xác ngày Chúa nhật mà còn không đi lễ ngày Chúa nhật, một số chúng ta vì công ăn việc làm, điều đó có thể chập nhận được nhưng cần phải kiếm thời gian đi dự thánh lễ Chúa Nhật, nhưng còn một số không nhỏ trong chúng ta, có tiền có bạc rủng rỉng, chẳng phải đi làm ngày Chúa Nhật, nhưng thích du hí, trên các tàu con du lịch vào ngày cuối tuần.. tha hồ vui chơi chẳng còn nhớ ngày chúa Nhật chẳng còn nhớ thánh lễ buộc trong ngày Chúa Nhật.

    Ngày Chúa Nhật là ngày của Chúa, Chúa muốn chúng ta nghỉ ngơi có thời gian để đến với chúa, có thời giờ để nghĩ tới Chúa, tới người anh chị em chung quanh chúng ta. Bài Phúc âm Chúa Giêsu dậy cho chúng ta thấy ma quỷ có quyền năng, chúng có quyền phép để hành hạ thân xác và tinh thần con người chúng ta nếu chúng ta yếu đuối hoặc để chúng tự do hành động. Nhưng quyền năng của ma quỹ chí có thể hủy hoại con người chứ không thể gải thoát con người khỏi cảnh tù đày trong hố sâu của tội lỗi. Thiên Chúa là người mới có quyền phép để giải thòat chúng ta khỏi sự dữ, sự đau khổ nơi thân xác và tinh thần. Vì thế chúng ta cần siêng đến Chúa, nhất là các ngày lễ Chúa nhật để chúng ta được thêm sức mạnh phần hồn và phần xác qua của ăn chúa ban cho chúng ta bằng chính máu và thịt của Chúa Giêsu. Chúng hãy để thân xác nghĩ ngơi để lời chúa đến và được lắng đọng trong tâm hồn, để lời Chúa đem lại cho chúng bình an và tự do và không bị ràng buộc những thèm khát cám dỗ của Satan

Meditation:

Is there anything that keeps you bound up or oppressed? Infirmity, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, can befall us for a variety of reasons and God can use it for some purpose that we do not understand. When Jesus encountered an elderly woman who was spent of her strength and unable to stand upright, he gave her words of faith and freedom and he restored her to health. She must have suffered much, both physically and spiritually for eighteen years, since Jesus remarked that Satan had bound her. How can Satan do this? The scriptures indicate that Satan can act in the world with malice and can cause injuries of a spiritual nature, and indirectly even of a physical nature. Satan's power, however, is not infinite. He cannot prevent the building up of God's kingdom or reign in our lives. Jesus demonstrates the power and authority of God's kingdom in releasing people who are oppressed by physical and emotional sickness, by personal weakness and sin, and by the harassment of the evil one in their lives. It took only one word from Jesus to release this woman instantly of her infirmity. Do you believe in the power of Jesus to release you from affliction and oppression?

    The Jewish leaders were indignant that Jesus would perform such a miraculous work on the Sabbath, the holy day of rest. They were so caught up in their ritual observance of the Sabbath that they lost sight of God's mercy and goodness. Jesus healed on the Sabbath because God does not rest from showing his mercy and love, ever. God's word has power to change us, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Is there anything that keeps you bound up or that weighs you down? Let the Lord speak his word to you and give you freedom.

    "Lord Jesus, you grant freedom to those who seek you. Give me freedom to walk in your way of love and to praise and worship you always. Show me how I can bring your mercy and healing love to those in need around me."

       

Monday 30th Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer: Jesus, be with me in this time of prayer. Help me to receive from these words the message you have for me today. I believe that you love me and want the best for me in every moment.

Encountering Christ:

1. Bent Over for Eighteen Years: A crippled woman, unable to lift her head, aching in her bent frame, was at the synagogue on the Sabbath. There she met Jesus. This long-suffering woman could have made any number of excuses to stay home. She might have given in to self-pity or bitterness and decided it was better to be alone. She might have chosen to avoid crowds because she could always feel them staring. There is no mention of a husband or family so she was probably poor. Why pray to a God who had seemingly left her crippled and in poverty? Instead of indulging those thoughts, she went to the synagogue on the day Jesus was preaching. Because she was bent over, she couldn’t see Jesus. She didn’t address Jesus. She didn’t draw near. But Jesus saw her. He had always seen her. He knew her suffering and he chose to end it: “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.”

2. She Glorified God: Jesus laid hands on the crippled woman and “at once she glorified God.” Note that she didn’t ask any questions. She didn’t turn to the crowd for affirmation. She didn’t even seem to have anticipated receiving the cure Jesus gave her. Her beautiful, spontaneous, heartfelt response to this miraculous moment was to glorify God. What a lesson she teaches us. “A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

3. Adversaries Were Humiliated: The leader of the synagogue chose to criticize Jesus in front of the congregation for his healing on the Sabbath. This was a man charged with pastoring his flock—tending to the spiritual needs of his congregation. Yet, he failed to recognize the long-awaited Messiah in their midst—even after Jesus performed a spectacular miracle. It is no wonder Jesus called Pharisees blind guides (Matthew 15:14). In this passage, Jesus publicly denounced the synagogue leader for his hypocrisy. The resulting humiliation was not caused by Jesus, but was the consequence of the leader’s bold, misguided, hatred-filled criticism of Jesus. Every time we turn away from Jesus, even if no one sees, there are consequences, called by the church temporal punishment due to sin (CCC 1472, 1473).

Conversing with Christ: Lord, I want to see you and appreciate your actions in my life day-to-day, and moment-to-moment. Please cure me of any blindness so that I can love you more and glorify you by my words and actions.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will make an effort to live every moment in your presence.

Monday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus Heals

Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. Luke 13:10-13

Every miracle of Jesus is certainly an act of love given toward the person healed. In this story, this woman was suffering for eighteen years and Jesus shows her compassion by healing her. And though it is a clear act of love for her directly, there is much more to the story as a lesson for us.

One message we can take from this story comes from the fact that Jesus heals on His own initiative. Though some miracles are performed at the request and prayer of the one healed, this miracle comes simply through the goodness of Jesus and His compassion. This woman apparently was not seeking a healing, but when Jesus saw her His heart went out to her and He healed her.

So it is with us, Jesus knows what we need before we ask Him. Our duty is to always remain faithful to Him and know that in our fidelity He will give us what we need even before we ask.

A second message comes from the fact that this woman “stood up straight” once she was healed. This is a symbolic image of what grace does to us. When God enters our life, we are able to stand up straight, so to speak. We are able to walk with a new confidence and dignity. We discover who we are and live freely in His grace.

Reflect, today, upon these two facts. God knows every need you have and will answer those needs when it is best for you. Also, when He bestows His grace on you, it will enable you to live in full confidence as His son or daughter.

Lord of all grace, I surrender myself to You and trust in Your abundant mercy. I trust that You will enable me to walk in Your ways every day of my life with full confidence. Jesus, I trust in You.

Romans 8:12-17

Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (Romans 8:14)

So often, we read passages like this one and focus on what we have to do: “I really need to work harder at being led by the Spirit.” While it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re being responsible to your calling, how often do you simply rejoice in the fact that you are a child of God? It’s true: You have a Father in heaven who loves you immensely. And just to make sure that you know this, he put his Spirit in your heart—the Spirit who confirms this truth by crying out: “Abba, Father!” (Romans 8:15).

As if that isn’t amazing enough, the news gets even better. Not only are you God’s child, you are also his heir (Romans 8:17). Think about Britain’s Prince William. Someday he will inherit the kingdom from his father, Prince Charles, and his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. All the riches and rights of the crown will be his. Now if William is looking forward to that day, how much more should you look forward to the day when you will inherit the kingdom of God? Keep in mind that your inheritance is infinitely greater! You will receive a “crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8). You will live forever in a place of pure beauty where every tear will be wiped away and where there will be no sorrow or crying or pain or death any more (Revelation 21:4). It boggles the mind—and it’s all yours!

Did you know that you can start to draw on your inheritance right now? In fact, God has given you his Spirit as kind of a “first installment” of all the treasures that await you (2 Corinthians 1:22). So ask the Spirit to show you how to take hold of your heavenly inheritance. Ask him to give you a taste of your Father’s goodness now. Prayers can be answered, hurts healed, and relationships restored. All it takes is a little faith and the courage to step forward and claim your inheritance.

“Lord, I stand in awe of the inheritance you have given me! Help me to avail myself of all the grace, mercy, and love that you have set aside for me today.”

Chúa Nhật 30th Thường Niên Năm C

Chúa Nhật 30th Thường Niên Năm C

Mở đầu bài Tin Mừng hôm nay Chúa Giêsu dạy chúng ta bài dụ ngôn về Người Pha-ri-si và Người thu thuế. Trong bài dụ ngôn này cho chúng ta thấy sự tương phản giữa hai thái độ chung. Trước hết là thái độ của người Pha-ri-siêu cho thấy anh ta rất ấn tượng về chính bản thân của anh ta, anh ta tựu đắc với cái bản tính tự cao và ngạo mạn của mình, coi trọng cái vẻ bề ngoài của mình trước của công chúng và không hề ý thức về tội lỗi riêng của chính mình. Hình ảnh thứ hai, nói về thái độ của người thu thuế cho chúng ta thấy anh ta biết nhận thức sâu sắc về những cái tội mà anh ta đã phạm trước thiên Chúa và mọi người, Anh ta tự hổ thện với những lỗi lầm của minh va quyết tâm sẽ hoán cải và anh ta biết rằng anh ta đang cần đến lòng thương xót của Thiên Chúa.

Kết quả thái độ của hai người này rất khác nhau vì sau khi rời đền thờ về nhà, người thu thuế được ơn tha thứ vì sự công chính đã đến với người Pha-ri-siêu vì họ biết tội và biết ăn năn từ bỏ tội lỗi của họ. Trong khi đó người Pharisieu thì không kiếm đươc sự tha thứ vì họ không có sự ăn năm.

Sự công chính có ý nghĩa gì? Ý nghĩa của Sự công chính là người thu thuế có lương tâm trong sáng và luôn có căn bản là sự thật. Anh biết mình cần phải có lòng thương xót Thương xót của Chúa, Anh ta cầu xin long thương xót Chúa và anh ta đã nhận lấy được lòng thương xót của Chúa. Anh ta không nói dối bản thân, nói dối với người khác và Thiên Chúa. Anh ta biết mình là ai và chính sự thật này đã được Thiên Chúa tôn vinh anh. Sự công chính đến với người thu thuế là nhờ lòng thương xót và sự tha thứ của Thiên Chúa đã ban cho trong cuộc đời anh ta qua lòng thương xót của Thiên Chúa.

Người Pha-ri-siêu có thể đã cảm thấy hài lòng về bản thân của mình ở một mức độ nhất định, và anh ta đã tự nâng mình lên, muốn mọi người tôn vinh và kính phục anh ta nơi công cộng và mọi nơi. Anh tin chắc vào sự tự tin của minh, anh ta luôn cho mình là đúng, nhưng sự thật là anh ta đã đi sai giáo lý và đường lối của Thiên Chúa. Anh ta đang sống trong sự dối trá và rất có thể anh ta tự tin rằng lời nói dối đó có thể đã thuyết phục được những người khác về lời những nói dối của anh ta. Nhưng sự thật vẫn là sự thật, người Pha-ri-si không có sự công chính và anh ta thực sự không được xứng với sự công chinhs trong Thiên Chúa.

Điều chúng ta phải rút ra từ đoạn tin mừng hôm nay là sự nhận thức sâu sắc tầm quan trọng của việc sống theo lẽ thật. Tất cả những người vẽ ra một hình ảnh sai lệch về bản thân có thể tự đánh lừa mình và thậm chí có thể đánh lừa người khác. Nhưng họ sẽ không bao giờ đánh lừa được Thiên Chúa và họ sẽ không bao giờ có được sự bình an thực sự trong tâm hồn của họ.

Mỗi người chúng ta phải nhận ra sự thật khiêm tốn, phải biệ nhìn thấy những sai trái và tội lỗi chúnh như những sự sự yếu đuối của mình, và trong nhận thức đó, chúng ta hãy hạ mình cầu khẩn và xin Thiên Chúa giúp cho chúng ta có được một phương thuốc duy nhất để được cứu thoát đó chính là lòng thương xót của Thiên Chúa.

Hôm nay, chúng ta hãy tự suy ngẫm về những lời cầu nguyện đơn sơ thành thật của người thu thuế này: “Lạy Đức Chúa là Thiên Chúa trên Trời, xin thương xót chúng con vì chúng con là kẻ tội lỗi” (Lu-ca 18:13). Chúng ta hãy dung lời cầu nguyện này để làm lời cầu nguyện riêng của chúng ta. Chúng ta hãy thừa nhận những thiếu xót, tội lỗi, và những sự yếu đuối của chúng ta. Chúa ta hãy thừa nhận sự cần thiết lòng thương xót của Thiên Chúa trong cuộc sống hiện tại để lòng thương xót đó đưa chúng ta đến trong sự công chính với Thiên Chúa.

Lạy Chúa Jêsu Ki-tô, Chúa lả mọi sự trong sự công chính, xin thương xót chúng con, vì chúng con là kẻ tội lỗi. Chúa con thừa nhận tội lỗi và sự yếu đuối của chúng con và chúng con khẩn cầu xin lòng thương xót của Chúa là Chúa Jêsus Ki-tô Chúa chúng con. Xin Chúa hãy tuôn đổ hồng ân và lòng thương xót của Chúa xuống và giúp con biết luôn mở lòng trí đón nhận tất cả những gì mà Chúa muốn ban tặng cho chúng con. Lạy Chúa, xin giúp con sống trong sự thật khiêm tốn như Chúa. Chúa ơi, xin cho chúng con biết tin vào Chúa.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Tine - Year C

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. Luke 18:9

This Scripture passage is the introduction to the Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector. This parable offers quite a contrast between two general attitudes. First, the Pharisee’s attitude reveals that he is very impressed with himself, thinking highly of his public image, and is unaware of his own sin. Second, the tax collector’s attitude reveals that he is deeply aware of his own sin, is sorry for it and knows he is in need of God’s mercy. The result of these two very different attitudes is that the tax collector went home justified whereas the Pharisee did not.

What does it mean to be justified? It means that the tax collector had a clear conscience and was grounded in the truth. He knew his need for mercy, begged for it and received it. He did not lie to himself, to others or to God. He knew who he was and it is this truth that allowed God to exalt him. The tax collector’s justification came through the forgiveness of his sins and the bestowal of the mercy of God in his life.

The Pharisee may have felt good about himself to a certain extent in that he elevated himself for all to see. He was convinced of his own self-righteousness but, in truth, was not righteous. He was only self-righteous. He was living a lie and most likely believed that lie and even may have convinced others of that lie. But the fact remained, the Pharisee was not righteous and he was not truly justified.

What we must take from this passage is a profound realization of the importance of living in the truth. Those who paint a false image of themselves may fool themselves and may even fool others. But they will never fool God and they will never be able to achieve true peace in their soul. We each must realize the humble truth of our sin and weakness and, in that realization, beg for the only remedy – the mercy of God.

Reflect, today, upon the prayer of this tax collector: “O God, be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). Make it your prayer. Admit your sin. Acknowledge your need for the mercy of God and allow that mercy to exalt you within the righteousness of God.

Lord of all righteousness, Jesus Christ, please be merciful to me, for I am a sinner. I acknowledge my sin and my weakness and I beg for Your abundant mercy. Please pour forth Your mercy and help me to open my heart to all that You wish to bestow. Help me to live in the humble truth, dear Lord. Jesus, I trust in You.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Tine - Year C

An interesting contrast presents itself in this Sunday’s scriptures: in the second reading, from the Second Letter to Timothy, Saint Paul uses the image of a successful athlete to describe his journey of faith. He says: “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,” and later, “the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it” (2 Tim 4:7-8, 17).

While I am leaving out the full context for brevity, even in the broader passage it sounds as though Paul was doing God a favor through his ministry and expecting a crown as his reward. That is not, of course, what Paul was getting at, but his rhetoric makes us think how vaunting one’s strength and accomplishments was as common in Paul’s time as it is in our own. How does this culture of self-glorification that we see so clearly in our famous athletes and entertainment stars affect our thinking and the movements of our hearts when it comes to our religious faith?

By comparison, in the first reading from Sirach, the responsorial Psalm, and the Gospel we see something quite different: instead of a spirit of boastfulness the weakness and lowliness of many of the Lord’s most faithful followers is noted. We read in Sirach: “The Lord is a God of justice who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint” (Sir 35:16-17). The Psalmist sounds the same note: “The Lord hears the cry of the poor” (Ps 34:7). It is important to remember, however, that we can only hear the cry of the poor—and we can only freely accept God’s gifts of salvation and righteousness—when we are free from the illusions of grandeur and self-sufficiency.

In the Gospel from Saint Luke Jesus himself develops this theme by extolling the humility of the tax collector, who realizes that it is by the mercy of God and not his own merit that he will find salvation: “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14). He also addresses the illusions that keep us from seeing our neediness, as Saint Luke points out in his introduction to Jesus’ words: “Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else” (Luke 18:9).

Going back to Paul, he rejoiced not so much in his own achievements—though Paul did struggle with boasting—as in the way God’s grace worked through him to achieve its divine purpose: “the Lord stood by me and gave me strength” (2 Tim 4:17). Like Paul, all of us have our moments when we are filled with self-importance and fail to see that it is the grace of God working within us that brings about our accomplishments, whatever they may be.

Today’s scriptures teach us that when we avoid the illusions of pride that can cloud our judgment, we are naturally led to maintain a spirit of humility and thus to cooperate with God’s divine grace, ennobling our own human nature in the process. Let it be our prayer that together with the tax collector in today’s Gospel we might be at peace saying in our hearts: “O God, be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Bẩy Tuần 29 Thường Niên

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ bẩy tuần 29 Thường Niên

Trong một lúc nào đó trong cuộc sống của chúng ta, có lẽ chúng ta cũng đã giống như cây vả mà Chúa Giêsu đã nhắc tới trong bài Tin Mừng hôm nay. Chúng ta cũng thế, chúng ta đều có nguy cơ bị từ bỏ, và bị coi như là thứ vô dụng. Nhưng với tình yêu thương của Thiên Chúa, Ngài đã thương xót chúng ta, và Ngài đã cho chúng ta có một cơ hội khác để sử đổi. Do đó, bài Tin Mừng hôm nay, kêu gọi tất cả chúng ta hãy tỏ lòng biết ơn Thiên Chúa một cách sâu sắc hơn vì Ngài đã cho chúng ta có được cơ hội thứ hai. Đây cũng là một phần đòi hỏi sự quyết tâm thật tình của chúng ta trong nhưng việc làm hầu chúng ta có được cái cơ hội thứ hai.

Chúng ta sẽ hành động như thế nào ? Có phải là chúng ta sẽ vẫn giữ cái trạng thái trong sự lười biếng thiêng liêng? Thiên Chúa luôn yêu thương và sẽ giúp chúng ta, nhưng Ngài sẽ không ép buộc chúng ta vào thiên đàng. Chúng ta cần phải thay đổi cách sống của chúng ta. Chúng ta cần phải chấp nhận, tin tưởng và trông cậy vào sự giúp đỡ, và sự yêu thương của Thiên Chúa. Chúng ta cần phải sản xuất những hoa quả của những việc làm tốt trong sự ăn năn, trong sự khiêm tốn và trong tình yêu thương. Với thời gian, không bao giờ là quá muộn hay quá trễ để chúng ta bắt đầu thay đổi cuộc sống của chúng ta để chúng ta được trở nên tốt hơn hay thánh thiện hơn. Chúng ta đừng để Chúa Giêsu Kitô phải thất vọng vì chúng ta, Ngài đã phải hạ mình, từ Thiên Chúa đã xuống làm người, một con người thật hèn hạ để ban cho chúng ta thêm một cơ hội thứ hai là để cứu chuộc chúng ta.

REFLECTION LUKE 13:1-9

At some point in our lives, many of us were like the fig tree. We, too, were in danger of being rejected as useless. But in his mercy, God took pity on us. We were given another chance. Today's Gospel, therefore, calls forth from us deep gratitude to God for the second chance he has given us. It also calls for a deep determination on our part to make the most of our second chance.

How shall we act? Shall it be with the same spiritual laziness? God will help us but he will not force us into heaven. We need to change our ways. We need to accept the loving help of God. We need to produce the fruit of good deeds in repentance, humility and love. It is never too late to begin to change our lives for the better. Let us not disappoint Jesus who allowed himself to be cut down to give us a second chance to redeem ourselves.

Satursday 29th Ordinary Time 2022

Opening Prayer: Father, you call me to not only believe but to act. You call me not only to keep the Ten Commandments but to serve. As I enter into this prayer, I offer you my whole self. I believe that you are showing me what it means to live for you day by day. I trust that you will give me the grace I need to live in fidelity to what you ask of me. I offer you my love and ask that you help me deepen that love. God, help me keep my focus on loving you and living your holy will out of that love.

Encountering Christ:

1. Whose Fault Is It?: Jesus was firm in his teaching regarding suffering: those who suffered were no different than those speaking with him. He said something similar when he and the disciples passed a man blind from birth, and the disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2). Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned...it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him” (John 9:3). Jesus was rejecting the people’s notion that sin causes suffering. We misunderstand if we think that our crosses are a punishment from God. On the contrary, there is great spiritual power in suffering for God’s glory, even when we don’t suffer “perfectly.” “Suffering is the very best gift he has to give us. He gives it only to his chosen friends” (St. Therese of Lisieux).

2. Bear Fruit: Each of us has a personal vocation that only we can fulfill. By using our gifts and talents, we give glory to God. St. John Paul II wrote, “God with his call reaches the heart of each individual, and the Spirit, who abides deep within each disciple, gives himself to each Christian with different charisms and special signs. Each one, therefore, must be helped to embrace the gift entrusted to him as a completely unique person, and to hear the words which the Spirit of God personally addresses to him” (Pastores Dabo Vobis, 1992). A good way to discern if we are fulfilling God’s will and bearing fruit is to practice a daily Examen.

3. God’s Patience: God provides grace to help us to bear fruit through the sacraments, Scripture, the teachings of the Church, and the examples of the saints. He is patient, “not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9), but there will come a reckoning. We will be held accountable for that which we have done or failed to do in our lives. Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in Heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Now is our opportunity to put our faith into action so that our lives bear the fruit God asks of us.

Conversing with Christ: My Father, you are the source of my life. You created me, and each and every minute I want to live a life that radiates your love and goodness. I want to bear fruit that draws others to you. I want to find joy in the gift of being able to participate in your ongoing action in the world. Father, help me grow in my commitment to building your Kingdom both within myself and in the world around me.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will recall at least one instance in which I have felt your call and have responded faithfully, and will consider with gratitude the fruit that resulted.

REFLECTION

The parable of the fig tree tells us that there is still hope; there is still a time of grace; there is still time for us to repent. The first step towards this conversion may very well be the conviction that conversion makes sense. It is not true that we are sometimes powerless to change a wrong situation. When we begin to change the way we live, if we do what we can, others will join us. The whole world can begin to become better if we begin with ourselves.

A second step towards conversion could be that we be honest to ourselves. We often denounce abuses but what do we do about them? Perhaps we waste electricity, water and other natural resources. We use our car when we don't really need it. We don't bother about people in need. We shout that society has to change but we do nothing to remedy the situation. In this respect, we have to change our way of thinking by looking first at what we have to do to carry out the changes that are difficult for us.

The third step towards conversion is to allow God to occupy first place in our life. Do we take the time to pray, to ask God what His Will is for us? Do we realize that God needs us to make this world a good place to live in? Are we willing to contribute towards peace and justice and care for God's creation? If we do these things, our little conversion will ripple and make this world a better healthier place.

Saturday 29th

Opening Prayer: Jesus, thank you for meeting me here in this time of prayer. I give you thanks for your love for me, for your mercy, and for your forgiveness. I believe that you are with me in every moment of my day. I hope in your goodness and your provision of all that I need. I love you, Lord, and desire to love you above all else. Help me embrace all that you ask of me with great confidence in you.

Encountering Christ:

1. A Heart on Fire: What is the fire Christ brought to earth and desires to see blazing? It is the fire of charity. The image of the Sacred Heart shows this flame coming from Christ’s heart. In the Catechism, the Sacred Heart is described as “the chief sign and symbol of that…love with which the divine Redeemer continually loves the eternal Father and all human beings without exception” (CCC 478). Some holy cards have the inscription, “Here is the heart that loved men so much,” and a traditional ejaculatory prayer is “Sacred Heart of Jesus, burning with love of us, inflame our hearts with love of you.” Knowing that Christ’s heart burns with a passionate love for every person, we desire to burn with that same love

2. The Earth: By his purifying fire, Christ redeemed not only mankind but all of creation: “For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God…in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now…” (Romans 8:19-22). And as creation awaits the fullness of redemption, it witnesses to God. “Even before revealing himself to man in words of truth, God reveals himself to him through the universal language of creation, the work of his Word, of his wisdom: the order and harmony of the cosmos–which both the child and the scientist discover–‘from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator,’ ‘for the author of beauty created them’” [Wisdom. 13:3, 5] (CCC 2500). We are invited to encounter God and celebrate his glory in the beauty of his creation.

3. A Contradiction: Jesus is the Prince of Peace, yet in this passage, we are told that he came not to establish peace but division. The peace Christ brings is the fruit of knowing the truth, living in that truth, and accepting his love. When people reject truth, conflicts and divisions occur. Some of the divisiveness is relational, as described in this passage, but we can also experience restlessness and anxiety interiorly. As St. Paul wrote, “For I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate. ... For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want” (Romans 7:15, 19). Whether we battle interior or exterior division, our challenge is to embrace all that Christ calls us to through Scripture and the teachings of his Church, and to strengthen ourselves through the sacraments so that we can be his peacemakers in the world.

Conversing with Christ: Lord, your burning love is the source of peace. I want to open my heart to your love so that I can be inflamed with love for you. The more I love you, the more I will follow your commandments and do your will peacefully and joyfully. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Transform my heart and make it like yours.

Resolution: Lord, today, by your grace, I will spend five minutes reflecting on some aspect of nature that draws me closer to you, and I will share this with a family member, a friend, or someone I meet today.