Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Hai Tuần thứ 5 Thường Niên (Mark
6:53-56 )
Trong thời Chúa Giêsu, người ta tin rằng bệnh tật là do sự trừng phạt vì tội lỗi của mình đã phạm. Trong khi chúng ta biết rằng bệnh tật không phải là sự trừng phạt vì tội lỗi, nhưng bệnh tật có thể xảy ra do một số hậu quả của tội lỗi. Những thí dụ cụ thể như chứng bệnh ung thư hôm nay càng ngày càng thấy phát hiện nhiều, nhất là các nước tân tiến và kỹ nghệ, Mà nguyên chinh gây ra những bệnh này có thể là vì những nhà máy kỹ nghệ vô đạo đức mà sử dụng các thành phần hoá chất độc hại trong các sản phẩm của họ chỉ vì lợi nhuận? hay là các chất thải từ kỹ nghệ đã gây độc hại cho môi trường mà chúng ta sinh sống. Không phải là một số không ít đang phải đối phó với những vấn đề tâm lý vì một số loại bệnh tâm thần đã được gây ra bởi những người thân yêu của chính họ? Tin Mừng hôm nay nhắc nhở chúng ta biết rằng là chúng ta có thể tìm thấy được sự chữa lành trong Chúa Kitô và được đảm bảo với chúng ta rằng "Tất cả những ai chạm vào Chúa thì sẽ được chữa khỏi bệnh tật." Nhưng việc được chữa cho được lành bệnh sẽ không xảy ra nếu chúng ta không có đức tin. Và đức tin không phải chỉ là việc tin tưởng không mà thôi , nhưng chúng ta còn phải theo Chúa Kitô. Nếu như chúng ta muốn thoát khỏi cái thế giới đau ốm tâm thần này, thì chúng ta hãy nên yêu thương nhiều hơn và hãy nên biết tha thứ nhiều hơn. Nếu chúng ta muốn thoát khỏi được cái thế giới đau bệnh này , thì ít nhất các doanh nghiệp trong các nhà máy kỹ nghệ đừng nên sử dụng các vật liệu hay hoá chất có tính chất độc hại, và thay vào đó hãy tìm cách để sản xuất ra các sản phẩm mà không có gì làm hại cho thế giới. Nếu chúng ta muốn thế gìới này không còn bị những cơn lũ lụt tàn phá như những cơn bão trong năm vừa qua, Thì chính phủ và người dân chúng ta phải biết bảo vệ các khu rừng và môi trường thiên nhiên.
Chúng ta hãy mang những bệnh tật, đau ốm của chúng ta tới với Chúa Kitô và cho phép Ngài hướng dẫn chúng ta biết tìm đến với sự thay đổi, thống hối và biết ăn năn.
Reflection:
There are many illnesses and diseases today that were not present before. New viruses keep coming out and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed with some kind of viral infection that has not even been named by the medical world. We also hear of many kinds of psychological disorders. During Jesus' time, people believed that sickness was a punishment for one's sin. While we know that sickness is not punishment for sin, it may very well be a consequence of sin. For, is it not that we have cancer today because of the unscrupulous businesses that use toxic ingredients in their products just for profit? Is it not that many have to deal with emotional problems because of some kind of pain inflicted by their own loved ones?
The Gospel reminds us that we can find healing in Christ and assures us that "All who touched him were cured." But healing will not happen without faith. And faith is not just about believing, but also about following Christ. If we wish to rid this world of emotional pains, then we should be more loving and more forgiving. If we wish to rid this world of cancer and other diseases, businesses should never use toxic materials, and instead find ways to create products without harming the world. If we wish never to suffer from another devastating flood like "Ondoy" then we should all work towards preserving the environment.
Let us bring our sickness to Christ and allow him to lead us to conversion.
Monday
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2024
Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed. Mark 6:56
It would have been truly awe-inspiring to witness Jesus healing the sick. The people who witnessed this clearly had never seen anything like it before. For those who were sick, or whose loved ones were sick, each healing would have had a powerful effect upon them and upon their whole family.
Today, modern science, with its ability to treat so many illnesses, has lessened the fear and anxiety over getting sick. But in Jesus’ time, serious illness was of far greater concern. For that reason, the desire of so many people to bring their sick to Jesus so that they could be healed was very strong. This desire drove them to Jesus so that “they might touch only the tassel on his cloak” and be healed. And Jesus didn’t disappoint.
Though Jesus’ physical healings were unquestionably an act of charity given to those who were sick and to their families, they obviously weren’t the most important thing Jesus did. And it’s important for us to remind ourselves of that fact. Jesus’ healings were primarily for the purpose of preparing the people to listen to His Word and to ultimately receive the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of their sins.
In your own life, if you were seriously ill and were given the option to receive either a physical healing or to receive the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of your sins, which would you choose? Clearly, the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of your sins is of infinitely greater value. It will affect your soul for all eternity. The truth is that this far greater healing is available to us all, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In that Sacrament, we are invited to “touch the tassel on his cloak,” so to speak, and be spiritually healed. For that reason, we should have a much deeper desire to seek out Jesus in the confessional than the people of Jesus’ day had for physical healing. And yet, too often we ignore the priceless gift of God’s mercy and healing offered so freely to us.
Reflect, today, upon the desire in the hearts of the people in this Gospel story. Think, especially, about those who were seriously ill and about their burning desire to come to Jesus for healing. Compare that desire in their hearts to the desire, or lack of desire, in your heart to run to our Lord for the spiritual healings your soul so desperately needs. Seek to foster a greater desire for this healing, especially as it comes to you through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
My healing Lord, I thank You for the spiritual healing You continually offer me, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I thank You for the forgiveness of my sins on account of You suffering on the Cross. Fill my heart with a greater desire to come to You so as to receive the greatest gift I could ever receive: the forgiveness of my sins. Jesus, I trust in You.
Monday
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2024
Opening Prayer: Lord God, in a plan of sheer goodness you created me to share in your divine life. The Temple in Jerusalem was a sign of your dwelling among us and of your call to us to be in communion with you. Dwell today in my heart and in the world.
1. The Old Temple of Solomon: The building of the Temple by Solomon is a high point in Old Testament biblical history. The Kingdom of Solomon establishes the people of Israel as a liturgical empire called to bring divine blessing to the nations through the liturgy celebrated in its Temple and the wisdom taught by its kings.The Temple of Solomon recalls the Garden of Eden and teaches the people to offer their work in the world to God just as they offer their worship in the Temple to God. Solomon’s Temple also recalls the dwelling of God with the people in the desert in the Tabernacle. Just as the cloud of divine glory descended upon the Tabernacle of Moses in the wilderness, so now it descends upon the Temple of Solomon built in Jerusalem on Mount Zion. Like David before him, Solomon acts today as a priest-king: he blesses the people with the Divine Name, leads them in a prayer of dedication, and offers animal sacrifices to the Lord.
2. The New Temple of Jesus: We know from the Gospel of John that Jesus himself is the New Temple, the true dwelling of God among human beings (John 2:21). Instead of going up to the Temple in Jerusalem to pray for healing, the people can seek out Jesus wherever he is and bring the sick to him. All they need to do is touch the tassel on his cloak to be healed. The tassel was a reminder to keep God’s commandments (Numbers 15:38-40). Unlike King Solomon, who failed to keep the divine commandments, Jesus is the true model of royal fidelity. He is our king and our faithful and merciful high priest! The physical healings recounted in today’s Gospel are invitations to faith in Jesus and signs of the merciful salvation from sin and death that Jesus brings.
3. The Healing Power of the Sacraments: This section of the Gospel of Mark presents Jesus as teaching the people, feeding the crowds with bread, and healing the sick. This is a wonderful image of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ and Temple of the Holy Spirit. We are taught through the Liturgy of the Word. We are fed with the Eucharist, the Bread of Life. We are healed in different ways through many of the Sacraments. Let us thank God today for such wonderful gifts of instruction, heavenly food, healing, and mercy.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you pitched your tent and dwelt among us. You were sent by the Father to save us and preached the Good News of salvation in word and action. Dwell in me and send me out into the world to bring this Good News.
Resolution: Through our baptism, we have become Temples of the Holy Spirit. Our heart is the inner sanctuary where God wishes to dwell. How does my heart receive God? Is God pleased to dwell there or am I putting up
Monday
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I begin my prayer today recognizing that through prayer you enter into my life. I spend my life scurrying in many ways and I want to be calm before you, but at the same time I long to bring before you all that is “sick” in me so that you can heal me spiritually, psychologically, and in my relationships. Bless me as I pray.
1. They Immediately Recognized Him: The people in this Gospel had heard about Jesus, and in great expectation they hoped to see him again to ask him for help and healing. When the disciples got off the boat, the way the Twelve deferred to Jesus confirmed to the onlookers that Jesus, the miracle worker, the Messiah, had indeed arrived. This same Jesus is present in our local church, hidden in the tabernacle. How aware are we of his presence? Do we recognize him there? Do we reverently genuflect and make the sign of the cross as a deferential greeting? Even now, reading and praying, are we fully aware of Jesus, before us, beside us, within us? When our hearts are full of expectation, we are more likely to recognize the presence of Our Lord.
Trong thời Chúa Giêsu, người ta tin rằng bệnh tật là do sự trừng phạt vì tội lỗi của mình đã phạm. Trong khi chúng ta biết rằng bệnh tật không phải là sự trừng phạt vì tội lỗi, nhưng bệnh tật có thể xảy ra do một số hậu quả của tội lỗi. Những thí dụ cụ thể như chứng bệnh ung thư hôm nay càng ngày càng thấy phát hiện nhiều, nhất là các nước tân tiến và kỹ nghệ, Mà nguyên chinh gây ra những bệnh này có thể là vì những nhà máy kỹ nghệ vô đạo đức mà sử dụng các thành phần hoá chất độc hại trong các sản phẩm của họ chỉ vì lợi nhuận? hay là các chất thải từ kỹ nghệ đã gây độc hại cho môi trường mà chúng ta sinh sống. Không phải là một số không ít đang phải đối phó với những vấn đề tâm lý vì một số loại bệnh tâm thần đã được gây ra bởi những người thân yêu của chính họ? Tin Mừng hôm nay nhắc nhở chúng ta biết rằng là chúng ta có thể tìm thấy được sự chữa lành trong Chúa Kitô và được đảm bảo với chúng ta rằng "Tất cả những ai chạm vào Chúa thì sẽ được chữa khỏi bệnh tật." Nhưng việc được chữa cho được lành bệnh sẽ không xảy ra nếu chúng ta không có đức tin. Và đức tin không phải chỉ là việc tin tưởng không mà thôi , nhưng chúng ta còn phải theo Chúa Kitô. Nếu như chúng ta muốn thoát khỏi cái thế giới đau ốm tâm thần này, thì chúng ta hãy nên yêu thương nhiều hơn và hãy nên biết tha thứ nhiều hơn. Nếu chúng ta muốn thoát khỏi được cái thế giới đau bệnh này , thì ít nhất các doanh nghiệp trong các nhà máy kỹ nghệ đừng nên sử dụng các vật liệu hay hoá chất có tính chất độc hại, và thay vào đó hãy tìm cách để sản xuất ra các sản phẩm mà không có gì làm hại cho thế giới. Nếu chúng ta muốn thế gìới này không còn bị những cơn lũ lụt tàn phá như những cơn bão trong năm vừa qua, Thì chính phủ và người dân chúng ta phải biết bảo vệ các khu rừng và môi trường thiên nhiên.
Chúng ta hãy mang những bệnh tật, đau ốm của chúng ta tới với Chúa Kitô và cho phép Ngài hướng dẫn chúng ta biết tìm đến với sự thay đổi, thống hối và biết ăn năn.
There are many illnesses and diseases today that were not present before. New viruses keep coming out and it is not uncommon to be diagnosed with some kind of viral infection that has not even been named by the medical world. We also hear of many kinds of psychological disorders. During Jesus' time, people believed that sickness was a punishment for one's sin. While we know that sickness is not punishment for sin, it may very well be a consequence of sin. For, is it not that we have cancer today because of the unscrupulous businesses that use toxic ingredients in their products just for profit? Is it not that many have to deal with emotional problems because of some kind of pain inflicted by their own loved ones?
The Gospel reminds us that we can find healing in Christ and assures us that "All who touched him were cured." But healing will not happen without faith. And faith is not just about believing, but also about following Christ. If we wish to rid this world of emotional pains, then we should be more loving and more forgiving. If we wish to rid this world of cancer and other diseases, businesses should never use toxic materials, and instead find ways to create products without harming the world. If we wish never to suffer from another devastating flood like "Ondoy" then we should all work towards preserving the environment.
Let us bring our sickness to Christ and allow him to lead us to conversion.
Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed. Mark 6:56
It would have been truly awe-inspiring to witness Jesus healing the sick. The people who witnessed this clearly had never seen anything like it before. For those who were sick, or whose loved ones were sick, each healing would have had a powerful effect upon them and upon their whole family.
Today, modern science, with its ability to treat so many illnesses, has lessened the fear and anxiety over getting sick. But in Jesus’ time, serious illness was of far greater concern. For that reason, the desire of so many people to bring their sick to Jesus so that they could be healed was very strong. This desire drove them to Jesus so that “they might touch only the tassel on his cloak” and be healed. And Jesus didn’t disappoint.
Though Jesus’ physical healings were unquestionably an act of charity given to those who were sick and to their families, they obviously weren’t the most important thing Jesus did. And it’s important for us to remind ourselves of that fact. Jesus’ healings were primarily for the purpose of preparing the people to listen to His Word and to ultimately receive the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of their sins.
In your own life, if you were seriously ill and were given the option to receive either a physical healing or to receive the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of your sins, which would you choose? Clearly, the spiritual healing of the forgiveness of your sins is of infinitely greater value. It will affect your soul for all eternity. The truth is that this far greater healing is available to us all, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In that Sacrament, we are invited to “touch the tassel on his cloak,” so to speak, and be spiritually healed. For that reason, we should have a much deeper desire to seek out Jesus in the confessional than the people of Jesus’ day had for physical healing. And yet, too often we ignore the priceless gift of God’s mercy and healing offered so freely to us.
Reflect, today, upon the desire in the hearts of the people in this Gospel story. Think, especially, about those who were seriously ill and about their burning desire to come to Jesus for healing. Compare that desire in their hearts to the desire, or lack of desire, in your heart to run to our Lord for the spiritual healings your soul so desperately needs. Seek to foster a greater desire for this healing, especially as it comes to you through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
My healing Lord, I thank You for the spiritual healing You continually offer me, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I thank You for the forgiveness of my sins on account of You suffering on the Cross. Fill my heart with a greater desire to come to You so as to receive the greatest gift I could ever receive: the forgiveness of my sins. Jesus, I trust in You.
Opening Prayer: Lord God, in a plan of sheer goodness you created me to share in your divine life. The Temple in Jerusalem was a sign of your dwelling among us and of your call to us to be in communion with you. Dwell today in my heart and in the world.
1. The Old Temple of Solomon: The building of the Temple by Solomon is a high point in Old Testament biblical history. The Kingdom of Solomon establishes the people of Israel as a liturgical empire called to bring divine blessing to the nations through the liturgy celebrated in its Temple and the wisdom taught by its kings.The Temple of Solomon recalls the Garden of Eden and teaches the people to offer their work in the world to God just as they offer their worship in the Temple to God. Solomon’s Temple also recalls the dwelling of God with the people in the desert in the Tabernacle. Just as the cloud of divine glory descended upon the Tabernacle of Moses in the wilderness, so now it descends upon the Temple of Solomon built in Jerusalem on Mount Zion. Like David before him, Solomon acts today as a priest-king: he blesses the people with the Divine Name, leads them in a prayer of dedication, and offers animal sacrifices to the Lord.
2. The New Temple of Jesus: We know from the Gospel of John that Jesus himself is the New Temple, the true dwelling of God among human beings (John 2:21). Instead of going up to the Temple in Jerusalem to pray for healing, the people can seek out Jesus wherever he is and bring the sick to him. All they need to do is touch the tassel on his cloak to be healed. The tassel was a reminder to keep God’s commandments (Numbers 15:38-40). Unlike King Solomon, who failed to keep the divine commandments, Jesus is the true model of royal fidelity. He is our king and our faithful and merciful high priest! The physical healings recounted in today’s Gospel are invitations to faith in Jesus and signs of the merciful salvation from sin and death that Jesus brings.
3. The Healing Power of the Sacraments: This section of the Gospel of Mark presents Jesus as teaching the people, feeding the crowds with bread, and healing the sick. This is a wonderful image of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ and Temple of the Holy Spirit. We are taught through the Liturgy of the Word. We are fed with the Eucharist, the Bread of Life. We are healed in different ways through many of the Sacraments. Let us thank God today for such wonderful gifts of instruction, heavenly food, healing, and mercy.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you pitched your tent and dwelt among us. You were sent by the Father to save us and preached the Good News of salvation in word and action. Dwell in me and send me out into the world to bring this Good News.
Resolution: Through our baptism, we have become Temples of the Holy Spirit. Our heart is the inner sanctuary where God wishes to dwell. How does my heart receive God? Is God pleased to dwell there or am I putting up
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I begin my prayer today recognizing that through prayer you enter into my life. I spend my life scurrying in many ways and I want to be calm before you, but at the same time I long to bring before you all that is “sick” in me so that you can heal me spiritually, psychologically, and in my relationships. Bless me as I pray.
1. They Immediately Recognized Him: The people in this Gospel had heard about Jesus, and in great expectation they hoped to see him again to ask him for help and healing. When the disciples got off the boat, the way the Twelve deferred to Jesus confirmed to the onlookers that Jesus, the miracle worker, the Messiah, had indeed arrived. This same Jesus is present in our local church, hidden in the tabernacle. How aware are we of his presence? Do we recognize him there? Do we reverently genuflect and make the sign of the cross as a deferential greeting? Even now, reading and praying, are we fully aware of Jesus, before us, beside us, within us? When our hearts are full of expectation, we are more likely to recognize the presence of Our Lord.
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