Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Bẩy tuần thứ Nhất Thường Niên

 Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Bẩy tuần thứ Nhất Thường Niên 

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

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

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

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

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

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Sáu Tuần 1 Thường Niên

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

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

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

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

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

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

REFLECTION 

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

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

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

Opening Prayer: 

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

Encountering Christ: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Petition: 

Lord, increase my zeal for souls. 

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

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

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

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

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

Meditation: "We never saw anything like this!" 

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

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

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

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

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

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Năm Tuần I Thường Niên.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Tư Tuần I Thường Niên.

 Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Tư Tuần I Thường Niên. Mark 1:29-39 

Trong cuộc sống trên đời này, con người không ai có thể tránh được tất cả những bệnh tật, đau khổ và những khó khăn trong cuộc đời. Vì thế chúng ta cần đến với Chúa, nhưng ma quỷ luôn ở bên cạnh và luôn muốn có sự ảnh hưởng trong cuộc sống tâm linh của chúng ta, nên chúng ta cũng cần phải biết khiêm tốn đến Chúa xin Chúa ban ơn giải thoát cho chúng ta tránh khỏi được những sự dữ. Tuy nhiên, trước khi chúng ta biết những gì chúng ta muốn, Chúa đã biết và sẵn sàng giúp ban cho chúng ta những gì chúng ta cần. Ngài chắc chắn sẽ nắm chắc lấy bàn tay run rẩy của chúng ta để cho những cơn sốt, những đau bệnh và sự dữ có thể trục xuất ra khỏi con người của chúng ta. Chúa vẫn vẫn còn đang tiếp tục sứ mệnh cứu chuộc của Ngài trong ngày nay. Nhưng điều này chỉ có thể xảy ra nếu chúng ta sẵn lòng để Thiên Chúa chiếm ngự cuộc sống của chúng ta. Và điều này chỉ có thể ảnh hưởng đến chúng ta nếu chúng ta bằng lòng cho phép Ngài ôm giữ chúng ta, và để Ngài quan tâm đến cuộc sống tâm linh của chúng ta.
Trong bài Tin Mừng, chúng ta nghe Chúa đã làm rất nhiều phép lạ và cứu giúp rất nhiều người khỏi hẳn những bệnh tật. Khi con người cảm thấy tuyệt vọng tột cùng, họ đã ngã mình xuống dưới chân Chúa để cầu xin sự giúp đỡ vì họ biết rằng Chúa luôn sẵn sàng ban cho họ những ơn mà họ xin. Tuy nhiên, nếu chúng ta cảm nhận được những “phép lạ” mà Thiên Chúa đã ban riêng cho mỗi người chúng ta. Những sự cứu chữa khỏi bệnh tật và chinh phục được những sự cám dỗ của ma quỷ ở nơi chúng ta chỉ có thể thành công tốt đẹp nếu như chúng ta biết thành tâm đặt niềm tin cậy vào nơi Chúa như một người bạn thân qua những lời nguyện xin trong sự khiêm tốn, Tin vào sự hiện diện liên tục của Đức Kitô ở nơi giữa chúng ta.
Chúng ta hãy cầu xin cho chúng ta được ơn biết nhận thức ra tình yêu của Chúa trong những nơi và những khi thật bất ngờ và trong những khoảnh khắc đáng ngạc nhiên mà Chúa đã tạo ra.

REFLECTION
As daunting illness enters into our reality, we imploringly pray for healing. When there are evil forces out there that seem to be affecting our balance, we humbly ask for deliverance. However, even before we know what we want, Jesus is already willing to give us what we need. He firmly grasps our trembling hands so that the fever may leave us. He places his gentle palms over us, and the tormenting voices are silenced. The mission continues even up to this very day. But this can happen only once we let him into our lives. This can affect us only if we allow him to hold us, to deeply care for us.
In the Gospels, we read about how he helped so many people in distress. When they felt that they were on their last legs, they threw themselves at his feet begging for help which he willingly offered. However, if we just let these miracles remain as words on pages, we can never truly experience his love being etched in our hearts. But salvation from sickness and conquest of demons in our midst becomes possible only with his touch of love and compassion. And this can unfold in the most subtle of ways – through the gentle and reassuring embrace of a trusted friend, from the inspiring conversation with an acquaintance, through the prayers sent over the internet — these are all humble manifestations of the continuing presence of Christ in our midst. Let us beg for the grace of awareness so that we may recognize his love in the most unexpected of places and in the many surprising moments he creates.

1st Week in Ordinary Time/ 1 Sam. 3:1-10,19-20/ Mk. 1:29-39.
Jesus is busy. Already, in the first chapter of Mark, people seek out Jesus for his healing, wisdom and peace. Amidst this busyness, however, there is something special: “In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.” (Mk. 1:35)
Although Jesus is God, he makes time to be silent and listen to the Father’s voice. This intimate time with the Father influences his decisions. After praying, Jesus decides to move on to the next town.
Listening for God, however, is not easy. Samuel will one day become a great prophet, yet today, even he has difficulty identifying God’s subtle voice.
So how can we hear God’s subtle voice in our lives? How do we know what the Lord would like us to do? Like Jesus, we need to make time for quiet. In silence, we can bring an important question to the Lord and ask for guidance. Then notice: what arises in my heart?
Often, the path God wants us to choose will bring peace to our hearts or a sense that Jesus is close to us. God sometimes speaks with words. Sometimes, God speaks through his presence and deep peace.
Lord, I long to hear You. Help me to recognize Your voice more clearly.

Opening Prayer:
Lord, bless me as I come before you in these moments of silence to reflect on the Scriptures. Teach me as you taught these listeners so long ago.
Encountering Christ:
1. Amazed by Christ’s Words: When Christ spoke in the temple that day, the Jews knew he was teaching in truth with authority. They were amazed, but they were unsure what it meant for their lives. Ultimately, as we know, the words of Jesus would revolutionize their lives—and ours. As we pray with these words of Scripture, are we baffled like the Jews were, wondering what needs to change, or are we overjoyed because we have encountered Christ and received the grace to know him and love his holy will?
2. Amazed by Christ’s Power: In this Gospel, we see Christ’s power over what is seen and unseen as he cast out a demon and brought peace to the man. There is no evil–seen or unseen–that Christ cannot subdue when we believe in him and accept his forgiveness of our sins. Yet, Christ awaits an invitation. He won’t barge in and take over unless we hand ourselves over in all of our weakness to the Great Physician.
3. Christ’s Identity: The evil spirit knew exactly who Christ was—“The Holy One of God.” In the face of Christ’s rebuke, the spirit had no choice but to obey the Son of God and come out of the man. No one else present, however, seemed to know Christ’s true identity. They had heard Christ teach and watched him work miracles, but they weren’t certain who he was. We, too, hear Christ teach us through the Church, and we witness miracles like transubstantiation weekly and sometimes daily. Yet, our understanding of Christ’s identity can remain a fact in our head and not a reality in our heart. Christ wants to be known and loved for who he is: the second person of the Trinity, creator, redeemer, and sanctifier. May we strive each day to better know and love Christ the way he loves each one of us.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, thank you for your word and your power. Deepen my understanding of your truest identity so that I may love you from the heart, with all my strength.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will spend an extra five minutes in silence, praying to deepen my love for you.

Suy Niệm tin Mừng Thứ Ba Tuần Thứ Nhất Thường Niên

 Suy Niệm tin Mừng Thứ Ba Tuần Thứ Nhất Thường Niên. Mark 1:21-28 

Bài Tin Mừng hôm nay giúp chúng ta nhận ra bàn chất con người thực sự của Chúa Giêsu, và qua đó chúng ta có thể hiểu rõ được sứ mệnh của Ngài. Những lời giảng dạy của Chúa Giêsu đả làm mọi người trong hội đường vô cùng kinh ngạc Ngài dạy dỗ họ như một người có uy quyền của Chúa Thánh Thần, vì họ chưa bao giờ có thể được nghe những lời của Thiên Chúa như thế này. Bằng lời nói của Ngài, thậm chí ma quỷ phải kính sợ. Bởi thế, chúng ta không lạ gì khi đám đông phản ứng với sự ngạc nhiên như thế. Họ rất đỗi ngạc nhiên vì những phép lạ của Ngài đã làm, nhưng họ không nhận ra Ngài là ai. Họ đang bị hấp dẫn bởi lời nói của Ngài, nhưng họ không thể biết được từ đâu mà Ngài có được những quyền năng như thế ấy. Trên thực tế, Chúa Giêsu đã có sức mạnh và uy quyền khi Ngôi Lời Thiên Chúa đã xuống thế và chấp nhận làm người. Bởi thế khi Ngài phán là chính Thiên Chúa đã phán. Khi Ngài truyền thì tất cả ma quỉ cũng phải vâng lời.
Tuy nhiên, Chúa Giêsu cũng phải coi chừng để chống lại những khả năng nguy hiểm vì e rằng dân chúng sẽ đồn thổi và tôn vinh Ngài như là một ngôi sao chính trị. Vì thế Chúa Giêsu đã bắt thần ô uế phải im lặng không được tuyên rao Ngài là Đấng Thánh của Thiên Chúa vì sợ rằng mọi người sẽ lùng kiếm Ngài như một nhà lãnh đạo chính trị để giúp cho họ những lực lượng để chống lại Quân Lamã đang áp bức trên đất nước của họ và giúp họ chiếm lại vùng đất Palestine. Những lầm lẫn về quan điểm này sẽ gây nguy hiểm cho sứ mệnh của Ngài, vì Ngài đến là để loan truyền và đưa loài người hướng về vương quốc của Thiên Chúa. Đối với Chúa Giêsu, Nước Thiên Chúa sẽ chỉ được trở thành hiện thực nếu tất cả những người tội lỗi biết thống hối, ăn năn và biển đổi cuộc sống trở về với Chúa Kitô.
Nếu chúng ta biến biến đổi đời sống cá nhân của chúng ta để trở về với Thiên Chúa, Chúa Kitô sẽ ban cho chúng ta quyền phép để đánh bại Satan. Như Chúa Giêsu đã nói, "Ví bằng Ta nhờ Thần khí Thiên Chúa mà trừ quỉ, thì quả là Nước Thiên Chúa đã đến trên các ngươi.". (Mt 12: 28)
-Lạy Chúa, lời Chúa là sức mạnh và cuộc sống của chúng con. Xin giúp chúng con đừng bao giờ nghi ngờ tình yêu cứu rỗi và lòng thương xót của Chúa, Xin vì sức mạnh của Lời của Chúa mang lại ơn chữa lành và giải thoát cho chúng con và những người cần đến lòng thương xót Chúa.

Tuesday after 1 Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today's gospel is for us to recognize the true person of Jesus, and thereby understand His mission. Jesus' teaching astounded the multitude in the synagogue. He taught with authority. He spoke the word of God as no one had spoken it before. By His words, He had authority even over demons. No wonder the crowd reacted with amazement and wonder but not with recognition. They are amazed by His actions, but they don't recognize who He is. They are intrigued by His words, but they do not know from where the authority comes. But Jesus was authority incarnate - the Word of God made flesh. When He spoke, God spoke. When He commanded even the demons obeyed.
However, Jesus was also guarding against the dangerous possibility that He would be recognized as a political Messiah. Jesus had to silence the unclean spirit for proclaiming Him as the Holy One of God for fear that people would seek Him as a political leader who would deliver them from the oppressive foreign forces occupying Palestine. This mistaken view would jeopardize His mission, which was to inaugurate the kingdom of God. For Jesus, the Kingdom of God would only become a reality if sinners would repent and convert themselves to Christ. Undergoing personal conversion to Christ would allow them to defeat Satan. As Jesus would say, "But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." (Mt 12: 28).
PRAYER. "Lord, your word is power and life. May I never doubt your saving love and mercy, and the power of your word to bring healing and deliverance to those in need."

1/12
Opening Prayer:

Lord, bless me as I come before you in these moments of silence to reflect on the Scriptures. Teach me as you taught these listeners so long ago.

Encountering Christ:
1. Amazed by Christ’s Words: When Christ spoke in the temple that day, the Jews knew he was teaching in truth with authority. They were amazed, but they were unsure what it meant for their lives. Ultimately, as we know, the words of Jesus would revolutionize their lives—and ours. As we pray with these words of Scripture, are we baffled like the Jews were, wondering what needs to change, or are we overjoyed because we have encountered Christ and received the grace to know him and love his holy will?
2. Amazed by Christ’s Power: In this Gospel, we see Christ’s power over what is seen and unseen as he cast out a demon and brought peace to the man. There is no evil–seen or unseen–that Christ cannot subdue when we believe in him and accept his forgiveness of our sins. Yet, Christ awaits an invitation. He won’t barge in and take over unless we hand ourselves over in all of our weakness to the Great Physician.
3. Christ’s Identity: The evil spirit knew exactly who Christ was—“The Holy One of God.” In the face of Christ’s rebuke, the spirit had no choice but to obey the Son of God and come out of the man. No one else present, however, seemed to know Christ’s true identity. They had heard Christ teach and watched him work miracles, but they weren’t certain who he was. We, too, hear Christ teach us through the Church, and we witness miracles like transubstantiation weekly and sometimes daily. Yet, our understanding of Christ’s identity can remain a fact in our head and not a reality in our heart. Christ wants to be known and loved for who he is: the second person of the Trinity, creator, redeemer, and sanctifier. May we strive each day to better know and love Christ the way he loves each one of us.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, thank you for your word and your power. Deepen my understanding of your truest identity so that I may love you from the heart, with all my strength.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will spend an extra five minutes in silence, praying to deepen my love for you.

My Reflection for 1st Week in Ordinary Time 

Today's gospel is for us to recognize the true person of Jesus, and thereby understand His mission. Jesus' teaching astounded the multitude in the synagogue. He taught with authority.
The presence of Jesus brings about the healing powers of his teaching, which makes a deep impression on his listeners. Even the devil is overwhelmed. He tries to overcome the power of Jesus by shouting his name. But the commanding word of Jesus silences him into confusion, thus freeing the possessed man.
To many of us, the power of Satan does seem to overwhelm us; it is because we have such little trust in the power of our God, who has overcome the world once and for all. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is proof that the whole world has been is redeemed. Satan can have no power over us, unless we want him to rule our lives.
We are really living in a redeemed world, though we see nothing but chaos and suffering around us. Do we trust God enough to surrender our lives to him? Only then can we hope to ride the rough seas.
Lord we place ourselves into Your embrace of love and compassion.

Meditation: Jesus taught with authority
Do you believe that God's word has power to set you free and to transform your life? When Jesus taught he spoke with authority. He spoke the word of God as no one had spoken it before. When the Rabbis taught they supported their statements with quotes from other authorities. The prophets spoke with delegated authority - "Thus says the Lord." When Jesus spoke he needed no authorities to back his statements. He was authority incarnate - the Word of God made flesh. When he spoke, God spoke. When he commanded even the demons obeyed.
Faith works through love and abounds in hope
Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) remarked that "faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. They said, 'What have we to do with you' (Mark 1:24)? They confessed a sort of faith, but without love. Hence they were devils."
Faith is powerful, but without love it profits nothing (1 Corinthians 13). Scripture tells us that true faith works through love (Galatians 5:6) and abounds in hope (Romans 15:13). Our faith is made perfect in love because love orients us to the supreme good which is God himself as well as the good of our neighbor who is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26,27).
Hope anchors our faith in the promises of God and purifies our desires for the things which will last for eternity. That is why the word of Christ has power to set us free from all that would keep us bound up in sin, deception, and despair. Bede the venerable abbot of an English monastery (672-735) contrasted the power and authority of Jesus' word with the word of the devil: "The devil, because he had deceived Eve with his tongue, is punished by the tongue, that he might not speak" [Homilies on the Gospels 1.8].
Faith must be nourished with the Word of God
Faith is both a free gift of God and the free assent of our will to the whole truth that God has revealed. To live, grow, and persevere in the faith to the end, we must nourish it with the word of God. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds that we may grow in his truth and in the knowledge of his great love for each of us. If we approach God's word with trust and submission, and with an eagerness to do what the Lord desires for us, then we are in a much better position to learn what God wants to teach us through his word. Are you eager to be taught by the Lord and to conform your mind, heart, attitude, and intentions according to his word of truth, goodness, and love?
"Lord Jesus, your word is power and life. May I never doubt your love and mercy, and the power of your word that sets us free, and brings healing and restoration to body, mind, heart, and spirit."

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Hai Tuần thứ Nhất Thường Niên

 Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Hai Tuần thứ Nhất Thường Niên (Mark 1:14-20 ) 

Tin Mừng của Chúa Kitô được bắt đầu bằng sứ vụ rao giảng của thánh Gioan Tẩy Giả “dọn đường cho Chúa." Và ngay sau khi Chúa Giê-su chịu phép Rửa và bốn mươi ngày ăn chay cầu nguyện trong sa mạc và bị cám dỗ, Chúa Giê-su bắt đầu công khai sứ vụ “rao giảng Tin mừng của Thiên Chúa”. Và việc “rao giảng Tin mừng của Thiên Chúa” phải được tiếp tục ngay cả sau khi Ngài không còn trên đất, vì thế Chúa Giêsu đã cần đến các môn đệ để tiếp tục sứ mệnh của ngài. 
Bài Tin Mừng hôm nay cho chúng ta thấy những yêu cầu tối thiểu để trở thành môn đệ của Chúa Kitô: Những người được gọi và họ đáp lại lời mời gọi của Chúa với tiếng "xin vâng" và họ theo Chúa. Những người theo Chúa Kitô trước tiên là những người đánh cá quê mùa, chất phát, hai anh em ông Simon và Andrê, Giacôbê và Gioan. Chúa Giêsu thấy họ đang ở đước thuyền vá lưới và mời gọi họ đến với ngài để “đánh cá người”. Và ngay lập tức, không chút do dự, từ biệt và họ theo Chúa không có một sự chuẩn bị nào, họ bỏ, bỏ lưới, bỏ cha mẹ và gia đình để theo Chúa Giêsu. 
Chúng ta không biết tại sao Chúa Giêsu lại đi chọn những người đánh cá quê mùa, ít học, đơn sơ làm môn đệ của ngài: có lẽ chúng ta có thể là điều gì đó về việc người lưới cá sẽ trở thành người “đánh lưới người!” Sau đó, Chúa Giêsu lại gọi người thu thuế, tội lỗi đang ngồi thu thế và đếm tiền "'Hãy theo tôi.' Và ông Lêvi cũng đứng dậy từ bỏ tất cả và đi theo Chúa, đơn giản như vậy đó. 
Trong Phúc âm của thánh Gioan, người môn đồ đầu tiên của Chúa vốn là môn đệ của thánh Gioan Tẩy giả. "Vào ngày hôm sau, Gioan lại đứng đó với hai người trong nhóm môn đồ của ông. Ông ngó về phía Chúa Giêsu đang đi ngang qua mà nói: 'Này là Chiên của Thiên Chúa.' Khi nghe điều này, hai môn đồ đã đi theo Chúa Giêsu ”và họ ở với Ngài cả ngày. Andrê là một trong hai người đã bỏ ông Gioan và đi theo Chúa Giêsu theo lời khuyên của ông Gioan: Sau đó, ông Andrê lại lôi kéo anh mình là ông Simon cùng theo Chúa. Chúa Giêsu gọi ông Philíphê, và ông ta lại kéo thêm bạn mình là ông Nathanael đi theo Chúa Giêsu. 
Cho đến hôm nay, Chúa Giêsu vẫn còn tiếp tục kêu gọi chúng ta những người nam, nữ từ mọi nơi và mọi lứa tuổi trong cuộc sống theo Ngài để tiêp tục việc “rao giảng Tin Mừng,” trong các chức vụ khác nhau trong Giáo Hội. Chúng ta hãy cầu nguyện xin Chúa giúp giúp chúng ta để chúng ta có thể dám hy sinh và quảng đại để theo sự kêu gọi của Thiên Chúa. Và Xin Chúa là Chúa của mùa gặt sẽ tiếp tục kêu gọi nhiều người đến phục vụ ngài. Sau cùng, chúng ta cũng cầu nguyện cho nhau, cho những người đã xin chúng ta cầu nguyện và nhất là cho những người đang cần tới lời cầu nguyện của chúng ta nhất. 

Reflection Monday 1st week of Ordinary 
The Gospel begins with the ministry of John the Baptist to prepare "the way of the Lord." And immediately after Jesus was baptized by John and after he stayed forty days in the desert and was tempted by Satan, Jesus begins his public ministry, "preaching the Good News of God." Considering that "preaching the Good News of God" must continue even after his lifetime on earth, Jesus needed followers to continue his mission. 
Today's Gospel reading presents the barest requirements to be a follower of Christ: he calls and the one called replies "yes" and follows. His first followers were simple fishermen, two sets of brothers, Simon and Andrew, James and John. Jesus saw them fixing their boats and nets and invites them to be with him to "fish for people." And immediately, without any hesitation, farewells and any other preparations, they leave their boats and nets, father and families and follow Jesus. 
We do not know why Jesus chose simple fishermen as his first disciples: could be something about fishermen becoming fishers for people! Later Jesus would see a tax collector sitting in his office and he will tell Levi, "'Follow me.' And Levi got up and followed him. As simple as that. 
In the Gospel of John, his first followers were originally disciples of John. "On the following day John was standing there again with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and said, 'There is the Lamb of God.' On hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus" and spent the rest of the day with him. Andrew was one of the two who followed Jesus at John's invitation: Andrew then invites his brother Simon to join him. Subsequently Jesus calls Philip who then invites his friend Nathanael to join him with Jesus. 
Until today Jesus calls men and women from all stations and ages in life to follow him in "preaching the Good News," especially in the various ministries of the Church. 
We pray that we may be generous in following God's call and the Lord of the harvest will continue calling many to his service. Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Opening Prayer: 
Lord, I come before you as I am, with the gifts you have given me, aware of my weaknesses and dependent on you. Help me see the world the way you see it and to love accordingly. 
Encountering Christ: 
1. God’s Will Be Done: John had been arrested, and Jesus came to Galilee with full authority from the Father to proclaim the Gospel and encourage repentance. John’s humble acknowledgment, “He must increase; I must decrease,” (John 3:30) was now fulfilled. How did John feel about this? “The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete” (John 3:29). Knowing his purpose and seeing that Jesus’s ministry was flourishing gave John joy. We also desire the fulfillment of God’s plan for our lives. We decrease and Our Lord increases, shining through our words and actions. 
2. Called: Two sets of brothers worked side-by-side, day after day, fishing in the Sea of Galilee, four individuals among many, many fishermen at the time. The ancient Jewish historian Josephus states that there were more than 230 fishing boats working the Sea during that period. Jesus walked by those two boats and called the sets of brothers to follow him, forever changing their lives and the lives of their families. Our Lord has an individual and unrepeatable call for each of us as well. He calls us to action in the midst of our everyday tasks, requiring no expertise in evangelization, just a heart ready and willing to love others for his sake. 
3. Following: Because they accepted Jesus’s invitation, we have our first pope, the Gospel and letters of John, and letters from James. What graces they brought to the early Church and to us many years later. By design, the living of our vocation in accordance with God’s will showers graces on us, as well as on those we love, and on the whole Church. We may never see (in this life) the fruits of our “yes” to becoming a follower of Christ, but every act of love has eternal consequence. “If the perspective is temporal, love will remain (cf. “never fails,” 1 Corinthians 13:8), even when faith has yielded to sight and hope to possession” (USCCB footnote on 1 Corinthians 13:13). 
Conversing with Christ: Lord, you are great indeed, and holy is your name. Thank you for this time with you. Help me to trust you, love you above all things, and follow you according to your holy will. Never let me be separated from you. 
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will entrust my work to you, and consciously offer my labor as a sacrifice of love for those dearest to me. 

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng (Mark 1:14-20 ) 
Giờ đã đến để hoàn thành. Nước của Thiên Chúa đã gần đến'. "Tin Mừng" đã công bố cho các mục đồng cuối cùng cũng đã xuất hiện bằng trong Con người, cho những người đơn sơ chất phát ở vùng Galilea. Thiên Chúa làm cho sự hiện diện của Ngài được mọi người biết đến, không có tiếng kèn, không có, sấm sét rang rền như trên Mt. Sinai. Sự hiện diện của Chúa Giêsu với dân chài lưới chất phát quê mùa, Sự mời gọi chân tình của Ngài đã làm lôi cuốn họ, đến nỗi họ đã bỏ lại tất cả mọi thứ, kể cả người cha me, bạn bè và đồng nghiệp của họ, thuyền, lưới cá và vốn liếng nghề nghiệp của họ; tất cả mọi thứ vật chất trong thực tế để theo nChúa Giêsu! Điều gì đã tác động mạnh trên đám dân chài đơn sơ này?! 
Từ đó về sau bốn người này, cùng với những người khác sau này, đã theo Chúa và cùng đồng hành với Chúa Giêsu, Họ chia sẻ những chuyện riêng của họ, những chuyện vui, chuyện buồn trong đời họ.. Như Chúa Giêsu, họ cũng sẽ phải trải qua những sự chối bỏ, và sự phản bội của những người khác và cuối cùng họ cũng mất luôn cả 'người bạn thân' và người 'thầy'. Họ sẽ lần lượt hy sinh mạng sống mình cho Chúa Giêsu. Những gương sáng của họ đã gây niểm cảm hứng cho tất cả những người tự gọi mình là Kitô hữu.; 
Tình yêu vô điều kiện của Chúa Cha và lòng thương xót vô biên của Ngài với tất cả nhân loại Trong Năm Thánh về ”Lòng Chúa Thương Xót”, thời gian đã cận kề, Nước trời đã gần đến với chúng ta'. Ngài chỉ cần có điều kìện cho chúng ta hãy "tin tưởng, và theo Ngài". Chúa Giêsu đã không bani chúng ta bất kỳ một điều răn nào mới, chỉ có môt đều đặc biệt, đó là tình yêu vô điều kiện của Thiên Chúa mà Chúa ban cho tất cả mọi người không có sự đòi hỏi nào khác.! Điều này sẽ làm cho chúng ta đứng lên và chiêm ngưỡng những việc kỳ diệu của Thiên Chúa. 

Meditation: "The kingdom of God is at hand" 
What is the Gospel of God which Jesus came to preach? The word "gospel" literally means "good news". When a king had good news to deliver to his subjects he sent messengers or heralds throughout the land to make a public announcement - such as the birth of a newborn king or the victory over an invading army or occupied force. God sent his prophets to announce the coming of God's anointed King and Messiah. After Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan and anointed by the Spirit he begins his ministry of preaching the Gospel - the good news that the kingdom of God was now at hand for all who were ready to receive it. 
God rules over all 
What is the kingdom of God? The word "kingdom" means something more than a territory or an area of land. It literally means "sovereignty" or "reign" and the power to "rule" and exercise authority. The prophets announced that God would establish a kingdom not just for one nation or people but for the whole world. The Scriptures tell us that God's throne is in heaven and his rule is over all (Psalm 103:19). His kingdom is bigger and more powerful than anything we can imagine because it is universal and everlasting (Daniel 4:3). His kingdom is full of glory, power, and splendor (Psalm 145:11-13). 
In the Book of Daniel we are told that this kingdom is given to the Son of Man (Daniel 7:14,18,22,27). The Son of Man is a Messianic title for God's anointed King. The New Testament word for "Messiah" is "Christ" which literally means the "Anointed One" or the "Anointed King". God sent us his Son not to establish an earthly kingdom but to bring us into his heavenly kingdom - a kingdom ruled by truth, justice, peace, and holiness. The kingdom of God is the central theme of Jesus' mission. It's the core of his gospel message. 
As soon as John the Baptist had finished his testimony, Jesus began his in Galilee, his home district. John's enemies had sought to silence him, but the gospel cannot be silenced. Jesus proclaimed that the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus takes up John's message of repentance and calls disciples to believe in the gospel - the good news he has come to deliver. What is the good news which Jesus delivers? It is the good news of peace (restoration of relationship with God - Ephesians 6:15), of hope (the hope of heaven and everlasting life - Colossians 1:23 ), of truth (God's word is true and reliable - Colossians 1:5), of promise (he rewards those who seek him - Ephesians 3:6)), of immortality (God gives everlasting life - 2 Timothy 1:10), and the good news of salvation (liberty from sin and freedom to live as sons and daughters of God - Ephesians 1:13). 
Two conditions for the kingdom - repent and believe 
How do we enter the kingdom of God? In announcing the good news, Jesus gave two explicit things each of us must do to in order to receive the kingdom of God: repent and believe. When we submit to Christ's rule in our lives and believe the gospel message the Lord Jesus gives us the grace and power to live a new way of life as citizens of his kingdom. He gives us grace to renounce the kingdom of darkness ruled by sin and Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44) and the ruler of this present world (John 12:31). That is why repentance is the first step. 
Repentance means to change - to change my way of thinking, my attitude, disposition, and life choices so that Christ can be the Lord and Master of my heart rather than sin, selfishness, and greed. If we are only sorry for the consequences of our sins, we will very likely keep repeating the sin that is mastering us. True repentance requires a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17) and sorrow for sin and a firm resolution to avoid it in the future. The Lord Jesus gives us grace to see sin for what it really is - a rejection of his love and wisdom for our lives and a refusal to do what is good and in accord with his will. His grace brings pardon and help for turning away from everything that would keep us from his love and truth. 
To believe is to take Jesus at his word and to recognize that God loved us so much that he sent his only begotten Son to free us from bondage to sin and harmful desires. God made the supreme sacrifice of his Son on the cross to bring us back to a relationship of peace and friendship with himself. He is our Father and he wants us to live as his sons and daughters. God loved us first and he invites us in love to surrender our lives to him. Do you believe that the gospel -the good news of Jesus - has power to free you from bondage to sin and fear? 
Like fishermen - we are called to gather in people for the kingdom of Christ 
When Jesus preached the gospel message he called others to follow as his disciples and he gave them a mission - "to catch people for the kingdom of God." What kind of disciples did he choose? Smelly fishermen! In the choice of the first apostles we see a characteristic feature of Jesus' work: he chose very ordinary people. They were non-professionals, had no wealth or position. They were chosen from the common people who did ordinary things, had no special education, and no social advantages. Jesus wanted ordinary people who could take an assignment and do it extraordinarily well. He chose these individuals, not for what they were, but for what they would be capable of becoming under his direction and power. 
When the Lord calls us to serve, we must not think we have nothing to offer. The Lord takes what ordinary people, like us, can offer and uses it for greatness in his kingdom. Do you believe that God wants to work in and through you for his glory? 
Jesus speaks the same message to us today: we will "catch people" for the kingdom of God if we allow the light of Jesus Christ to shine through us. God wants others to see the light of Christ in us in the way we live, speak, and witness the joy of the gospel. Paul the Apostles says, But thanks be to God, who in Christ Jesus always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15). Do you witness to those around you the joy of the Gospel and do you pray for your neighbors, co-workers, and relatives that they may come to know the Lord Jesus Christ and grow in the knowledge of his love? 
"Lord Jesus, you have called me personally by name, just as you called your first disciples, Simon, Andrew, James, and John. Help me to believe your word and follow you faithfully. Fill me with the joy of the gospel that your light may shine through me to many others.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Chúa Nhật Chúa Giêsu Chịu Phép Rửa

 Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Chúa Nhật Chúa Giêsu Chịu Phép Rửa 

"Con là Con yêu dấu của Cha, Con đẹp lòng Cha".
Hôm nay chúng ta cử hành trọng thể mừng ngày Chúa chịu Phép Rửa và cũng là ngày kết thúc mùa phụng vụ Giáng Sinh Giáo Hội muốn nhắc nhở chúng ta về Phép Rửa của chúng ta, không phải chỉ là việc chúng ta được thánh tẩy nhưng điều quan trọng hơn là chúng ta được làm con cái của Thiên Chúa. Trong tinh thần bí tích Thánh Tẩy của chúng ta, không phải là việc áp đặt một tín ngưỡng hay lễ nghi, nhưng được hiểu là một lời kêu gọi chia sẻ một cuộc sống. Trong Phép Rửa của chúng ta, mỗi người chúng ta được mời gọi sống một cuộc sống nhân ái và trung thực, với lòng từ bi và sự tha thứ, trong sự công bằng và yêu thương. Những cách mà chúng ta đang sống là bằng chứng xác thực về sự thật của Phép Rửa mà chúng ta đã nhận được.
Một ngưởi thực sự đã chịu Phép Rửa là một người biết sống ngay lành, sống bên cánh phải của một cuộc sống trong thế giới đảo lộn. Chúng ta sống một cuộc sống của mình theo cách bình dị trong đức Tin mà không hể đem lại cho thế giới bất cứ vấn đề, hay trở ngại, nhưng là góp phần trong những giải pháp cho các vấn đề của thế giới hiện tại. Một ngườ đã nhận Phép Rửa thực sự thì họ luôn có sự hiện diện tình yêu noi họ trong thế giới ngày nay.
Làm thế nào để chúng ta có thế sống trong sứ vụ tình yêu này theo sự đòi hỏi trong Phép Rửa ? Giáo Hội Công Giáo của chúng ta có rất nhiều người Kitô hữu “đã nghỉ hưu", nghĩa là Họ là những người không còn phải là người lữ hành trên đường đến với Chúa chính gốc, vì họ không chịu thăng tiến trong cuộc sống, họ là con người đã nhận lấy Phép Rửa, nhưng vẫn tiếp tục sống trong tình trạng tội lỗi của họ ,và sống với anh em của họ như sống với kẻ thù. Một người đã thật sự nhận Phép Rửa, là người biết kinh hoàng , sợ hãi với trạng tội lỗi của mình và tội lỗi của thế giới.
Khi nhận Phép Rửa, chúng ta không phải chỉ được ơn tha thứ tội nguyên tổ mà thôi, Nhưng Phép Rửa còn là một sự thách thức và một sự kêu gọi chúng ta biết sống một đời sống thánh thiện, sống trong tình yêu thương. Chúng ta càng hiểu biết về bí tích Thánh Tẩy, chúng ta sẽ càng không hài lòng với cuộc sống không có mục đích và định hướng của chúng ta, chúng ta càng sẽ khao khát cho sự thánh thiện. Nếu chúng ta muốn thuyết phục người khác về giá trị của Phép Rửa của họ, chúng ta phải biết sống với những sự thách thức đang đòi hỏi nơi chúng ta. Chúng ta phải sống đức tin mà chúng ta đã tuyên xưng khi chúng ta nhận Phép Rửa để chúng ta có thể giúp những người khác tin vào Thiên Chúa và sống đời sống đức tin của họ.
Lạy Chúa, xin cho chúng con nhận được những ân sủng của Chúa ban để tham dự vào mối quan hệ tình yêu thương này với Thiên Chúa Ba Ngôi và có được cuộc sống mới. Qua bí tích rửa tội, Xin giúp chúng con biết tin tưởng và theo Chúa Giêsu Kitô, Con Thiên Chúa, Chúa chúng con.

Reflection:
"You are my Son, the Beloved, the One I have chosen." The baptism of Jesus by his cousin John the Baptist at the Jordan River inaugurates Jesus' mission to the poor and sinners. Today's feast which ends the liturgical Christmas season reminds us of our own baptism, not so much of our being cleansed but, more important, of our being made adopted children of God called to be men and women for others.
The spirit of our baptism is not to just impose a creed or ritual but is meant to be a call to share a life. In our baptism each one of us is called to a life of kindness and honesty, of compassion and forgiveness, of fairness and love. The type of life we live is the real evidence of the reality of our baptism.
One truly baptized is a person who lives right-side-up in a world that is upside-down. He/she lives his/her life in such a way that he/she does not add to the world's problems but is part of the solution to the world's problems. One truly baptized is the presence of love in today's world.
How do we live this mission of love demanded by our baptism? Our Church has so many "retired" Christians, those who are not genuine pilgrims because they do not advance in life, baptized people who continue in their sinfulness and with their fraternization with the enemy. One truly baptized is one horrified at his/her own sinfulness and the sinfulness of the world.
Our baptism is not only about the forgiveness of original sin. Our baptism is a challenge and a call to live holy lives, lives of love. The better we understand our baptism, the more we will be dissatisfied with lives without purpose or direction and the more we will aspire for holiness. If we wish to convince others of the value of their baptism, we must live the challenges demanded of us by our baptism. We have to live the faith we professed when we were baptized to be able to help others believe in God and live lives of faith.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Chúa Giêsu Chịu Phép Rửa 

Việc Chúa Giêsu chịu Phép Rửa có những ý nghĩa đặc biệt.
- Thứ nhất, Chúa Giêsu muốn trở nên giống như những người khác đến sông Giôdan để nhận phép Rửa của ông Gioan Tẩy Giảt, người tiên tri cuối cùng. Những việc làm của Chúa Giêsu cho chúng ta thấy rõ mặc dù Ngài là Thiên Chúa nhưng vẫn chấp nhận truyền thống của con người.
- Thứ hai, Phép Rửa này biểu lộ sự khiêm tốn của Chúa Jêsus, là Con của Thiên Chúa, Ngài vô tội và không cần phải chịu phép Rửa để ăn năn, sám hối như con người; nhưng Ngài đã tự hạ mình xuống và chịu phép Rửa của Gioan.
- Thứ ba, sự kiện này cho thấy sự hiệp nhất của Chúa Jêsus với con người tội lỗi. Ngài đã xác định chính bản thân mình với con người đến nỗi Ngài còn đứng trong hàng ngũ con người tội lỗi. Điều này cho chúng ta thấy tình yêu Thiên Chúa không thể nào thể hiểu được và so sánh trong sự khiêm tốn.
Những lời Đức Chúa Gêsus đã nghe từ thiên đàng sau khi Ngài nhận phép Rửa đã biểu lộ cho cho con người chúng ta biết rằng Ngài chính của Người là Con Thiên Chúa trong bản tính loài người. Với Kinh nghiệm "Abba" “Thiên Chúa là Cha” này đã chứng minh Ngài dang sống trong con người nhập thể của Ngàio cho đến khi Ngài chịu chết trên cây Thập Giá. Tất cả chúng ta ai cũng đã được chịu phép Rửa trong vinh danh Chúa Ba ngôi. Vứi Phép Rửa, chúng ta được tái sanh và được làm con cái của Thiên Chúa. Không ai có thể cướp được hay lấy đi được cái phẩm giá mà Thiên Chúa đã ban cho chúng ta. Việc xác nhận phẩm giá con người của chúng ta cũng là một lời mời gọi để sống với những lời hứa khi Rửa Tội của chúng ta. Xin vì bí tích Rửa Tội của chúng ta luôn luôn sẽ là sự hỗ trợ liên tục cho chúng ta trong cuộc hành trình đức tin của chúng ta.

Baptism of the Lord (B)
The baptism of the Lord has special significance.
Firstly, Jesus, like so many others come to the river Jordan to receive baptism from John the Baptist, the last of the prophets. Jesus’ action shows the divine approval of the human tradition.
Secondly, it manifests Jesus’ humility for, being the Son of God, he was sinless and had no need of a baptism of repentance; yet he humbled himself and underwent John’s baptism.
Thirdly, this event shows us Jesus’ solidarity with sinners. He identified himself with human beings so much that he stood in the line of sinners. This shows us the unmatchable and incomprehensible divine love being humbled.The words that Jesus heard from heaven during his baptism manifested to him in his human nature his true identity as Son of God. This “Abba experience” supported him in his incarnate human life till his death on the cross. We all are baptized in the name of the Trinity. By baptism we are re-born as children of God. No one can rob us of this dignity which God has given us. This confirmation of our human dignity is also an invitation to live it out. May our Baptism experience be our continuous support in our faith journey.

Opening Prayer:
Lord, come into my being during this time together. Reside in my heart and enlighten my mind as only you can.
Encountering Christ:
1. Baptism: In humility, John the Baptist knew his place before the Lord. He would baptize with water and preach repentance but made it clear that one mightier than he would baptize with the Holy Spirit. Knowing full well his lowliness, how surprised must John have been when the “Lamb of God” came to the Jordan River one day to be baptized! “John tried to prevent him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?’” (Matthew 3:14). His words were reminiscent of his mother, who said to Mary thirty years prior, “And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43). The virtue of humility makes us keenly aware that we are never worthy of Christ’s visitation–in prayer, through the Eucharist, in others–but we are always ever-grateful.
2. Signs and Wonders: When Jesus is baptized in the Jordan by John, the Spirit appeared like a dove, and the Father made clear that Jesus was his Son with whom he was well pleased. Did the clouds part to make way for the Holy Spirit? Was the voice of the Father audible or more like the sound of rumbling thunder? Did the crowd gasp aloud or murmur to themselves? What a scene this must have been! God was drawing our attention to baptism. Every baptism is miraculous. “Everything that happened to Christ lets us know that, after the bath of water, the Holy Spirit swoops down upon us from high heaven and that, adopted by the Father's voice, we become sons of God” (CCC 537).
3. The Trinity Revealed: As Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon him and the Father spoke of his praises. The Trinity was present in three persons. “Just as our first creation was the work of the Trinity, so our second creation is the work of the Trinity.” (Chromatius, Sermon 18A). At every baptism, the person receiving the sacrament is baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and the Trinity is also present, welcoming that soul into divine adoption.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, I thank you for the sacrament of baptism and all the sacraments of the church. May I worship the Father and invoke the Spirit as I converse with you, Christ, acknowledging your Trinitarian nature—a mystery too profound for me to fathom.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will carry out the duties and responsibilities of my vocation in cooperation with the Holy Spirit.