Lễ Thánh Thomas, tông đồ- Ngày 3 Tháng 7

Lễ Thánh Thomas, tông đồ- Ngày 3 Tháng 7
Với Đấng Kitô, không có ai là “người xa lạ”. Bất cứ ai xưng Chúa Kitô là Chúa và Thiên Chúa của họ, thì họ đã được liên kết với Chúa Kitô một cách đặc biệt. Đây là thông điệp chính trong bài đọc. Trong bài thứ Nhất, các Kitô hữu không phải người Do Thái đã được nhắc nhở rằng, bất chấp vị thế văn hóa hay xã hội của họ, nhưng vì đức hạnh và mối quan hệ của họ với Đức Kitô thì họ sẽ không còn là những kẻ xa lạ nữa. Thay vào đó, họ là những công dân, là đồng bào của Giáo Hội cùng với các Kitô hữu Do Thái. Cả hai đều có quyền bình đẳng và hoàn toàn là thành viên gia đình của Thiên Chúa.
Hình ảnh của một tòa nhà cho thấy sự thống nhất tồn tại giữa người ngoại và người Do Thái trong Giáo hội. Họ là những thành phần được các tông đồ và tiên tri kết tạo làm cấu trúc mà chính Chúa Kitô là nền tảng. Tòa nhà Giáo Hội đã được liên kết với nhau trong Chúa Kitô, phát triển thành một đền thánh, nơi Thiên Chúa ngự trong Thánh Linh.
Qua bài Tin Mừng,  Ý tưởng, không có ai là “người xa lạ đối với Đấng Kitô”.  Mặc dù ông Thomas là một tông đồ, nhưng ông Thomas là một “người xa lạ” bởi vì ông không trải nghiệm được những gì mà các tông đồ khác đã làm và đã được trải nghiệm. Đó là, sự xuất hiện của Đấng Kitô. Tuy nhiên, Chúa Giêsu không 'loại trừ' ông Thomas. Khi ông Thomas yêu cầu Chúa Giêsu đưa ra được bằng chứng là Chúa Giêsu đã sống lại thật, Chính Chúa Giêsu đã không phủ nhận lời yêu cầu tìm kiếm bằng chứng của ông Thomas.
Có lẽ, chúng ta có thể nghĩ đến hoặc cảm thấy rằng chúng ta là những người ngoài hay xa lạ của Giáo Hội khi chúng ta so sánh với những người khác mà chúng ta cho là thánh thiện hơn hoặc những người tích cực tham gia nhiều hơn trong các sinh hoạt trong giáo xứ hay trong cộng đồng. Với Chúa Giêsu, không một ai có thể bị loại trừ. Qua phép rửa tội, chúng ta đã được trở nên một với Chúa Giêsu Kitô và chúng ta cũng được thông phần như tất cả mọi người trong Giáo Hội của Chúa Kitô. Chúng ta không bao giờ phải cô đơn, một mình! Lạy Chúa, Chúng con cảm ơn Ngài vì đã khiến chúng con được trở thành một phần của Chúa.
 
Feast of St Thomas, Apostle
With Christ, there are no “outsiders”. Whoever professes Christ as their Lord and God, are linked to him in a special way. This seems to be the key message in the readings. In the first reading, Gentile Christians are reminded that, regardless their cultural or social standing, by virtue of their relationship with Christ, they are no longer strangers. Instead, they are fellow citizens of the Church together with Jewish Christians. Both have equal rights and are full members of God's family.
The image of a building indicates the unity that exists between Gentiles and Jews in the Church. They form part of the structure which has its foundation the apostles and prophets, where Christ is the capstone. The whole building, having been fit together in Christ, grows into a holy temple, where God dwells in the Spirit.
The idea that there are no ‘outsiders’ in Christ can also be seen in the Gospel passage. Although he was an apostle, Thomas was an ‘outsider’ because he did not experience what the rest of the apostles did. That is, the appearance of the Risen Christ. Yet, Jesus did not ‘exclude’ Thomas. When Thomas asked for proof that Jesus has risen, Jesus himself did not deny Thomas the evidence he was seeking.  
Perhaps, we may think or feel we are the ‘outsiders’in church when compared to others whom we deem to be holier or more involved. To Jesus, no one is excluded. By virtue of baptism, Jesus makes us one with him and with the rest of the church. We are never alone!  Lord, thank You for making me part of You.
 
Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
“Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” John 20:27–29
Thomas the Apostle, in many ways, represents each and every one of us in this exchange with Jesus. We’d like to believe that we always believe and are not unbelieving. But it’s important to admit the humble truth that we may not believe as deeply as we should. And it’s important to reflect upon our own reaction to the blessings that others receive that we do not.
Recall that Thomas was not among the other Apostles when Jesus first appeared to them. Therefore, when Thomas returned and heard that Jesus had appeared and that he missed His appearance, he clearly felt bad. Unfortunately, the sorrow Thomas felt at not being present when the Lord appeared to the others left him with a certain bitterness rather than joy. This is the sin of envy. Envy is a certain sorrow over the blessings others receive that we do not. Ideally, Thomas would have rejoiced at the blessing that the other Apostles received by encountering the risen Lord. But, instead, his sorrow at missing this even left him sad. He said, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Why was Thomas absent from this encounter with our Lord? Perhaps it was by divine providence, in that God wanted Thomas to set an example for us. If so, then one example Thomas set was that we must humbly rejoice in the blessings others receive when we are not also the recipient. Of course, if Thomas were there, then it would have been easier for him to share in the joy. But, in many ways, Thomas’ absence provided him an even greater opportunity. An opportunity that he failed to embrace.
When you see others receive blessings from God, how do you respond? Many people respond by immediately looking at themselves, wishing they were blessed in the same way. They struggle with envy. They think, “I wish I had received that blessing.” This form of envy is not always easy to see. For that reason, Thomas is given to us as a witness of what not to do in this situation.
Of course, Thomas is not a horrible person, which is why Jesus does later appear to him. That time, Thomas spoke words that are traditionally spoken as a devotion by the faithful at Mass when the Consecration occurs. He said, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus then gently rebukes Thomas by saying, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” But this gentle rebuke was an act of love, in that Jesus wanted Thomas to ponder the reason for his unbelief. Jesus clearly wanted Thomas to examine the unbelief caused by envy, which appears to have led to an intentional lack of faith.
Reflect, today, upon this holy Apostle. Today, Saint Thomas the Apostle is among the great saints in the Kingdom of Heaven. God used him to teach us these important lessons about envy, humility and faith. Let his weakness, from which he fully recovered, help you examine your own struggle with envy over the blessings that others receive that you do not. Learn to rejoice always in the ways that God is at work in our world and learn to grow in humility, so that when others are blessed in ways that you are not, you react as Saint Thomas ultimately did: “My Lord and my God!”
My most generous Lord, You pour forth Your blessings upon others, day and night. As I see those blessings, help me to overcome all temptations toward envy so that I may rejoice in Your grace given to all. You are my Lord and my God, and I thank You for every way that You bless my life and the lives of those around me. Fill me with a deeper gratitude, dear Lord, for every grace and blessing I see every day, especially those graces not given directly to me. Jesus, I trust in You
 
July 3 - Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle 2024
Opening Prayer: Lord God, I renew my faith in your Son. I humbly ask for help to overcome any unbelief that remains. I trust in you, Lord, and will spend my life in the service of your Kingdom. Grant me your peace.
Encountering the Word of God
1. The Personalities of Peter and Paul: Last week we celebrated the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. They were two different men with different personalities, yet both encountered Jesus and dedicated their entire lives to him. Peter was a man who understood the depth of his sin and was attentive to the voice of God and the inspirations of the Spirit. He was a man who wept and repented immediately when he failed, was somewhat primary in his actions, but could also be bold when empowered by the Spirit in proclaiming the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. Paul’s energy level and courage were extraordinary. He was fearless as he was more aware of God’s power working in and through him rather than of his limits. He was less cautious than Peter, but not imprudent. He was able to confidently confront those in authority (Galatians 2:11-21), but could also submit to them for the good of the local Church (Acts 21:22-26). Paul, we know, was difficult to get along with and was constantly on the move. Peter’s message was simple and straightforward: to the Jews he proclaimed that God raised Jesus of Nazareth from the dead and made him both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:22-36); to the Gentiles he proclaimed that Jesus will judge the living and the dead and that he who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43). His straightforward style differs from Paul, who meditated and wrote at length on the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, between the Old Law and the New. Paul approached the argument from different angles and builds up his case in an articulate way. Peter is aware of Paul's more difficult style and even wrote to other Christians that some of the things that Paul writes are hart to understand (2 Peter 3:16).
2. The Personality of Thomas: Today we celebrate a third Apostle, Saint Thomas the Twin, whom Fulton J. Sheen characterized as always looking on the darker side of things: “When the news came to Our Lord about the death of Lazarus, Thomas wanted to go and to die with him. Later on, when Our Blessed Lord said that He would return again to the Father and prepare a place for His Apostles, Thomas’ doleful answer was that he knew not where the Lord was going, nor did he himself know the way. [...] His refusal to trust the testimony of ten competent companions, who had seen the Risen Christ with their own eyes, proved how skeptical was the gloomy man” (Sheen, Life of Christ, 422). Pope Benedict sees other dimensions of Thomas’ actions in the Gospel: his desire to stand by Jesus and share with Christ the supreme trial of death; his request for understanding in dialogue with Jesus; his conviction that after his death and resurrection Jesus is recognized by his wounds rather than by his face; his profound acknowledgment of Jesus' divinity. He concludes that “the Apostle Thomas' case is important to us for at least three reasons: first, because it comforts us in our insecurity; second, because it shows us that every doubt can lead to an outcome brighter than any uncertainty; and, lastly, because the words that Jesus addressed to him remind us of the true meaning of mature faith and encourage us to persevere, despite the difficulty, along our journey of adhesion to him" (Benedict XVI, September 27, 2006).
3. Our Personality: Our temperaments, characters, and personalities all differ. Some of us are like Peter – sentimental, attentive to the needs of others, cautious at times, but not timid. Some of us are like Paul – passionate, demanding with others, bold, but not imprudent. And some of us are like Thomas – realistic about life, eager to experience things first-hand, insecure at times, yet capable of profound thoughts and acts of heroism. Despite their differences, all three became great saints: they united themselves to God through Jesus Christ and sought to bring others into God’s family. They placed their talents and gifts at the service of the community and of the Gospel. Peter stayed in or near Jerusalem for over a decade and ministered primarily to Jewish Christians. He then went to Rome and ministered to the growing Christian community as their bishop. Paul went west and ministered to the Jews and Gentiles of the Roman Empire. Thomas went east and spread the Gospel to Syria, Persia, Western India, and even reached Southern India. All of us are encouraged by the saints and challenged by them: their lives are “standards, living points of reference to what it means to give glory to God, to do the will of the Father, and to be like Christ” (O’Callaghan, Christ Our Hope, 146)
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you know me better than I know myself. You know the depths of my heart. Grant me true knowledge so that I may better serve my brothers and sisters. Help me to know my strengths and my weaknesses and where I need your grace.
Living the Word of God: Can I spend time in prayer and self-reflection today? In God’s presence, discern the pros and cons of your personality. Is there a saint who has a personality like mine? What can I learn from their path to holiness?
 
Suy Niệm Lễ Kính Thánh Phêrô và Phaolô Tông Đồ Ngày 29-6
Lời nguyện:
Lạy Chúa Giêsu, Chúa đã kêu gọi các tông đồ của Ngài lãnh đạo Hội thánh mới của Ngài, và đặt Thánh Phêrô đứng đầu và Thánh Phaolô làm tông đồ cho dân ngoại. Trong sự kết hợp với Vị Đại Diện của Chúa Kitô trên đất, và các giám mục đang hiệp thông với Ngài với tư cách là những người kế vị các tông đồ, hãy giúp chúng con cũng nhận ra lời mời gọi trong ơn gọi của chúng con để phục vụ Chúa như một nhân chứng để thu hút mọi người xung quanh của chúng con nhận thức về Chúa là Chúa cứu thế của họ và Chúa là Đường, Sự thật và là Sự sống.
Gặp gỡ Chúa Kitô:
• Qua Tin Mừng hôm nay, chúng ta phải trả lời thế nào cho câu hỏi của Chúa Giêsu: "Người ta nói Con Người là ai?"
Trong nền văn hóa hiện tại của chúng ta, cách mà những người Kitô giáo chúng ta trả lời câu hỏi này quan trọng hơn bao giờ hết. Sự bối rối nghi ngờ bao quanh nhân cách con người của Đức Kitô, đặc biệt là giữa những người trẻ hôm nay. “Việc xác minh giáo lý của Giáo hội Công giáo không dễ dàng và thoải mái với hầu hết những người trưởng thành có tên tuổi trong xã hội ngày nay, những người có xu hướng nghi ngờ những gì họ coi là quan điểm hẹp và cứng nhắc.” Nếu chúng ta không thể làm chứng đầy đủ về việc Đấng Cứu thế là ai, thì làm thế nào thế giới mới đi đến được với ân sủng cứu rỗi mà chỉ Đấng Cứu thế ban cho? Chúng ta hãy cầu nguyện xin Chúa giúp gia tăng đức tin của chúng ta để câu trả lời của chúng ta cho thế hệ trẻ trung ngày nay có thể được xác thực và thuyết phục: là  "Chúa Giêsu Kitô là Đấng Cứu Thế, là Con của Thiên Chúa Cha hằng sống trên Trời."
"Con là Phêrô, và trên tảng đá này, ta sẽ xây Giáo Hội của ta." Một phần trong kế hoạch của Thiên Chúa dành cho con người, nhân loại của chúng ta là trở nên những thành viên của gia đình Ngài, thành viên trong Giáo hội của Ngài, và có Cha chung Đại diện cho Ngài. Thánh Phêrô và những người kế vị Ngài là cáv Giáo Hoàng, dẫn dắt chúng ta cho đến với Chúa Giêsu trong ngày sống lại trong vinh quang. Thánh Phêrô đã tuyên xưng đức tin của mình vào nơi Chúa Kitô là Đấng Cứu Thế và để đáp lại, Chúa Giêsu đã chọn ông để lãnh đạo Giáo hội của Ngài. Chúa Kitô không bao giờ để chúng ta một mình. Ngài chọn chúng ta để đảm nhận một vai trò quan trọng và không thể lặp lại trong việc thành lập vương quốc của Ngài Trên Trời. Ngài đã cho chúng ta sự hướng dẫn mà chúng tôi cần và Ngài chỉ muốn chúng ta trung thành với Gíao Hội của Ngài va và Vị Đại diện của Giáo Hội.
" Tên đá này Thầy sẽ xây Hội Thánh của Thầy, và cửa địa ngục sẽ không thắng được" Chắc chắn, trong thời kỳ bất đồng chính kiến ​​và tai tiếng, có thể là một thách thức để tin rằng địa ngục không thắng Giáo Hội, nhưng chúng ta luôn có thể tin tưởng vào lời hứa của Thiên Chúa. Và trong những lúc như thế này, chúng ta phải nhận ra rằng chúng ta được Chúa Kitô chọn để làm chứng cho Ngài và bất chấp những sự chống đối và hoài nghi. Chúng ta biết rằng Chúa Thánh Thần luôn ở bên cạnh và dẫn dắt chúng ta qua Vị Đại Diện của ngài, là Đức Giáo Hoàng, qua cộng đồng Giáo Hội địa phương của chúng ta, và qua sự soi sáng, hướng dẫn cá nhân của Thiên Chúa trong cuộc sống hàng ngày của chúng ta. Chúng ta có thể cầu xin Chúa Thánh Thần mọi lúc, đặc biệt là mỗi khi chúng ta cảm thấy thất vọng hoặc bối rối, để Chúa Thánh Thần giúp chúng ta luôn kiên định trong lẽ thật của Phúc Âm.
Đối thoại với Chúa Kitô: Lạy Chúa, Chúa đã giao phó Giáo hội, Hiền thê của Chúa, cho những con người tội lỗi và thiếu sót như chúng con đây. Nhưng nhờ vào thánh ý của Chúa, chúng con được Chúa Thánh thần soi sáng hướng dẫn và ban cho những ân sủng riêng của Chúa Thánh Linh. Xin giúp chúng con trở thành những người con trung thành của Giáo Hội và làm chứng nhân cho Chúa Kitô bằng lòng trung thành của chúng con trong kế hoạch cứu rỗi của Chúa trong mọi trường hợp và bất kể giá nào. Lạy Chúa, hôm nay nhờ ân sủng của Chúa ban, con cầu xin Chúa cách riêng cho Đức giáo hoàng và các ý nghĩ riêng của ngài.
 
Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe in you! Strengthen my faith so it may be living and active.
Encountering Christ:
Doubting Thomas: Thomas rightly attained the appellative “doubting” after this scenario, but what an opportunity this afforded him as well! Thomas was graced with an appearance from Jesus himself, and the invitation to put his finger into Jesus’s wounded side. In this passage, Jesus proved that he will do whatever it takes to help us overcome our doubts. Doubts are a normal part of being human, but also an open door to something more for those who strive to reach out and put their finger into Jesus’s open wounds.
My Lord and My God! Thomas went from doubt to a tremendous proclamation of faith! For Thomas, Jesus was no longer simply the rabboni or master. He was the incarnate God! Can we find a greater profession of faith in the Scriptures? Thomas reminds us that faith is not only a gift but also a human act. Where doubt surfaces, let us wrestle with God, like Jacob in the Old Testament, until we receive the invitation to touch Jesus and discover that he is truly present. When grace begins to bless our wrestling, faith becomes a living testimony of the God who first reached out to us. The words and doctrine that we articulate in the Creed suddenly take on flesh, and our hearts perceive truth differently than before.
Another Thomas: St. Thomas Aquinas lived in the thirteenth century. He is considered a giant of the faith who attempted a systematic explanation of theology in his Summa Theologica. Take comfort in the testimony of these two Thomases. Thomas the Apostle walked with Jesus in his public ministry and he still doubted. But the Lord came to strengthen his faith. St.Thomas Aquinas labored for years on his work for the Lord and after one mystical experience, one touch of Christ realized that his great labor paled in comparison with “my Lord and my God!” Let us strive to live faith while also trusting that the Lord will present himself when, where, and as he wants. He knows the best timing for our soul.
Conversing with Christ: My Lord and my God, I praise you for your goodness in my life. You know when to hide and when to reveal yourself. Help me have the patience to let you work as you desire.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will make many acts of faith in your presence. And I will decide to study and wrestle with one teaching of the Church that I do not understand.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Ba Tuần 13 Thường niện

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Ba Tuần 13 Thường niện     

                                                                          

Đoạn Tin Mừng Máthêô mà  chúng ta đọc hôm nay rất quang trọng vì đó là một câu chuyện thật kỳ diệu, cho thấy sức mạnh và quyền năng của Chúa Giêsu,  thậm chí Ngài có quyền đối với cả vũ trụ và thiên nhiên. Tuy nhiên, trong Tin Mừng này cho chúng ta biết được những đòi hỏi, đìều kiện mỗi mà người chúng ta cần phải có nếu chúng ta  thực sự muốn theo và làm môn đệ của Chúa Giêsu. Vì như trong đoạn đầu của bài Tin Mừng, chúng ta thấy là các môn đệ đã theo lên một chiếc thuyền theo sau Chúa Giêsu. Khi Chúa Giêsu đã lên vào trong khoang thuyền, Ngài đã làm khoang thuyền này trở nên một chỗ cho chúng ta có thể đến với Ngài qua môn đệ, và qua việc từ bỏ mọi thứ mà theo Ngài.

            Câu chuyện Tin Mừng hôm nay sẽ trở trở thành một dụ ngôn cho chúng ta thấy về cuộc sống trong Giáo Hội trong sự hiệp nhất với Chúa Giêsu. Các cơn bão dữ dội là một biểu tượng của những khó khăn, những nguy hiểm về sự cấm và bắt đạo và thậm chí là cả các vụ bê bối nghiêm trọng của hàng giáo sĩ đã làm đau khổ và ảnh hưởng đến Giáo Hội trên thế giới. Đối mặt với tội lỗi gây ra ngay ở trong hội thánh, chúng ta có thể cảm nhận như thấy rằng Thiên Chúa đang ngủ quên trong con thuyền của hội thánh, và Ngài đã bỏ rơi chúng ta. Như thế, chúng ta cần phải cầu nguyện cho hội thánh, như Chúa Giêsu nói chúng ta cần phải cầu nguyện với lòng can đảm và trong đức tin.

            Lạy Chúa, trong những thời gian khó khăn và thử thách, Xin Chúa chúc lành cho chúng con và tất cả các thành viên của Giáo Hội có một lòng can đảm vững mạnh hơn và một đức tin sâu sắc hơn.

 

Reflection from Jesuit

This passage from Matthew’s Gospel is a fine example of the pedagogical techniques of the Evangelists. They weave together different types of material and so educate us to look into the deeper meanings of the Gospel and consequently into the deeper meaning which we can derive from or give to things that occur in our own lives.

            This passage from Matthew is essentially and primarily a miracle story, showing the power of Jesus even over nature. However, within the Gospel it is set after a number of stories about following Jesus, about discipleship. So the passage begins with Jesus getting into a boat and the disciples following him. As Jesus gets into the boat he makes it a place where we can be with him through discipleship, through following him.

            The story then becomes a parable of life in the Church in union with Jesus. The violent storm is a symbol of the difficulties, dangers and even scandals which seriously and grievously affect the Church in the world. Facing the sinful side of the church we may often feel that God is asleep, that he has abandoned us. Then we must pray, as Jesus says, with courage and faith.

Lord, in times of difficulties, bless us and all members of the Church with greater courage and a deep faith

 

Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35–36

Jesus was quite zealous for souls. Zeal is an energy, a passion and a drive to accomplish some task. The task that Jesus was zealous for was the conversion of every heart that He encountered. As He walked from town to town, encountering person after person, Jesus could see into their hearts. He saw that so many people were “troubled and abandoned.” He could see they were like “sheep without a shepherd.” And this moved Him to compassion with a zeal to become their Shepherd, to remove the trouble from their hearts and to let them know they were invited to belong to His new Kingdom.

The image of Jesus encountering numerous people who were troubled and abandoned is a good image to ponder. The reason is that this is us. Each one of us has our own interior troubles. We can feel alone, confused, uncertain and lost at times. The person who doesn’t feel this way is either a perfect saint or is not being honest. Deep holiness and union with God does, of course, cure this interior struggle that many have. In that case, the person clearly knows they belong to the family of God, understands himself or herself as a son or daughter of God, and finds deep peace in this truth. But for those who struggle, this Scripture passage is especially for you.

First of all, to be “troubled” could be caused by many things. For some, they struggle with memories of the past, broken relationships, a lack of direction, serious sin, anger and the like. So the first question to honestly ponder is whether or not you have a troubled heart. Even the greatest of saints will find some areas they struggle with. So what is that for you?

Secondly, feeling “abandoned” is a heavy cross. The reason Jesus came was to enable us to belong to His family. That is accomplished by the gift of eternal salvation which must begin now. By receiving the forgiveness of sins and growing in a life of prayer, we come to know God in a very intimate and personal way. Yes, He is the Almighty God and Creator of all. But He is also deeply personal and intimate, and He wants to form a real relationship of love with you.

If you struggle with either of these, being troubled and/or abandoned, then consider the zeal that Jesus has for you. His tireless and extensive travels, by foot, while He was engaging in His public ministry, should be seen as a sign to you of His zeal to come to you, personally, to become your Shepherd. He wants to lift every burden and clear the way for you to discover your place in His family. The “Gospel of the Kingdom” that Jesus preached was one that invited everyone to become a member of that Kingdom. As He comes to you, know that His heart is filled with compassion for you, just as it was when He traveled the countryside so long ago. He sees you, gazes at your heart with love, and never takes His eyes off of you in your need, weakness and sin.

Reflect, today, upon the zeal that Jesus has for your own eternal salvation and holiness of life. You cannot make it through this world without Him. Let Jesus seek you out, come to you, speak to you and invite you to allow Him to shepherd you. He wants to do so with every fiber of His being; let Jesus fulfill His mission in you.

My divine Shepherd, You seek out all people with the greatest of zeal and compassion. You see every hurting and broken heart, and You desire to heal each one. Thank You for coming to me, dear Lord, for being my Shepherd and Guide. Help me to see You as You gaze at me in my weakness and pain. And help me to open my heart to You now and throughout my life. I love You, my Lord. Jesus, I trust in You.

 

Reflection Tuesday week of 13^th Ordinary Time 2024

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, you called your apostles to lead the new church, placing St. Peter at the head and St. Paul as the apostle to the gentiles. In union with your Vicar of Christ on earth and the bishops who are in communion with him as successors of the apostles, help me to also realize my call to serve you as a witness so as to draw men and women to the knowledge of you: the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Encountering Christ:

Our Answer: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” In light of our current culture, the way Christians answer this question is more vital than ever. Confusion surrounds the person of Christ, especially among young adults. “The verities of Catholic Church teachings sit uncomfortably with most emerging adults today, who tend to be suspicious of what they view as narrow and rigid viewpoints.” If we can’t give adequate witness to who Christ is, how will the world come to the saving grace that only Christ offers? Let us pray for an increase in faith so that our answer to today’s youth can be authentic and convincing: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

The Rock of Our Church: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.” Part of God’s plan for us is to become a member of his family, the Church, and to have a Vicar, St. Peter and his successors, to lead us until Christ comes again in all his glory. St. Peter professed his faith in Christ as the Messiah and Jesus, in response, chose him to lead the Church. Christ never leaves us alone. He chooses us to take an important and unrepeatable role in establishing his kingdom. He has given us the guidance we need and only asks us to be faithful to his Bride and her Vicar. 

Gates of Hell: “And the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Certainly, in times of dissent and scandal, it can be challenging to believe that hell is not prevailing against the church, but we can always trust in God’s promise. And in times like this, we must realize that we are chosen by Christ to bear witness despite opposition and skepticism. We know that the Holy Spirit leads us through his Vicar, the pope, through our local church community, and through God’s personal inspirations in our life. We can call upon the Holy Spirit, especially when we feel a bit disillusioned or confused, to keep us steadfast in the truth of the Gospel.

Conversing with Christ: Lord, you entrusted the Church, your Bride, to flawed humans like me. But through your will, I am endowed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Help me to be a faithful son or daughter of the Church and bear witness by my fidelity to your plan of salvation, no matter the cost.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will pray in a special way for the pope and his intentions.

 

Reflection Tuesday week of 13^th Ordinary Time

Opening Prayer: Lord God, I do not want to be of little faith. I want to grow in my faith and trust in you each day. I have no reason to be terrified, for you are my Lord and my God. Save me, O Lord. Calm the winds around me and speak to me in the stillness of my heart. 

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Hypocrisy of the Wealthy in Israel: In the First Reading, the prophet Amos continues to communicate God’s judgment on the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The ten northern tribes of Israel were accused of oppression, robbery, and violence. For this, they will suffer invasion and plunder. The wealthy women of Samaria are judged for their oppression of the poor and for their indulgent lifestyle. For this, they will be led into exile (Amos 4:1-3). The men of Israel are judged for their idolatrous worship at the sanctuaries of Bethel and Gilgal. For this, they will suffer famine, drought, pestilence, and agricultural ruin (Amos 4:4-13). Amos established himself at the sanctuary of Bethel, in Southern Israel, to preach to the community when they assembled for worship. He did this because he “knew that spiritual lethargy derives from ritual without God’s word. … From Amos, we hear not only God’s word but also the sound of his voice. [The Lord] roars like a lion” (Duggan, The Consuming Fire, 248). Amos knew that the wealthy people of Israel fell into hypocrisy. On the one hand, they were celebrating elaborate rites at the sanctuary of Bethel, and, on the other, they were oppressing the poor and needy in Israel. Centuries later, Jesus will teach that: “if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering” (Matthew 5:23-24). The First Letter of John will echo this: If anyone says they love God, but hate their brother, they are a liar (see 1 John 4:20). Prayer: Is there any hypocrisy in my life? Am I going to mass on Sundays and neglecting the needy around me?

2. Resisting the Word of God: God tried to bring the Northern Kingdom of Israel back and sent them Elijah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea, but ultimately Israel rejected God’s word: “By rejecting the words of Amos (7:10-13) and by silencing other prophets (2:12), Israel demonstrates an unwillingness to hear the Lord. Amos perceives that the Lord will correct Israel precisely by giving in to her demand for silence: he will not speak to her for some time. In the near future, this materially prosperous land will experience a deep, pervasive famine, not for physical bread, but for hearing God’s word” (Duggan, The Consuming Fire, 248). Israel refuses to listen to God’s word, communicated through the prophets, and this stubbornness will eventually trigger the affliction of exile. In all this God never abandons his people. He permits their humiliation and suffering in an effort to bring them back. Where do I resist God’s word?

3. God Is With His People: Today’s Gospel is an invitation to trust in God and in his Word. The episode in the boat recalls the story of Jonah, when the sea was calmed only by throwing the reluctant prophet into the sea. Jesus, though, is greater than Jonah (Matthew 12:41). Jesus, the Son of God, doesn’t need to be thrown into the sea to calm it, he demonstrates that he has power over all creation, the winds, and the sea. The situation of the apostles reflects the situation of Israel and Judah before the coming of Jesus Christ. They cried out in the psalms and in their prayer: “Lord, save us! We are perishing.” It seemed like God was asleep and indifferent to their cry. However, the opposite is true: God was with his people all along. He prepared them to receive his Son who would save them not just from one storm or for a day, but from the enemy of death and grant them eternal life. The situation of the apostles also reflects our own lives. We battle against the waves, against the temptations of the flesh, against the devil. And it can seem like we are about to perish, overcome by things too great for us to handle. Only when we turn to God, to Jesus Christ, who was there from the beginning, is peace restored. The exile of Israel in 722 B.C. and Judah in 586 B.C., were both allowed by God, so that the people would turn back to him. In exile, they learned the hard lesson to call out to God in their suffering and place their trust in him. God often allows trials in our lives in order to help us turn our hearts to him with renewed trust and love. God is a good Father and will give good things to his children who ask for them. God heard the cry of Israel and sent them a Savior. Christ heard the cry of the Apostles and saved them from the sea. God hears our cry and sends us his Holy Spirit to lead us back to Him through his only-begotten Son Jesus Christ. Do I cry out to God for salvation in prayer?

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, save me. Rouse your strength and defend me. When I am tempted to think you are asleep or have forgotten me, I need to learn that you are always there in the stern of my boat, ready to help. You are mighty and can calm the forces of evil. You are God and can lead me to safe harbor.

Living the Word of God: If I found hypocrisy in my life, how can I work with God’s grace to eradicate it? If I found resistance to God’s word in my life, how can I welcome it better?