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 ngài chữa lành. 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 anh ta chỉ có ý là anh xin được theo như ý Chúa muốn mà thôi.  Cũng vì cử chỉ khiêm tốn và lòng 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, anh 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.
 
Thursday of the First Week of Ordinary Time
A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” Mark 1:40–41
If we come to our divine Lord with faith, kneel down before Him and present our need to Him, then we also will receive the same response given to this leper: “I do will it. Be made clean.” These words should give us hope in the midst of any and every challenge in life.
What is it that our Lord wills for you? And what is it that He desires to make clean in your life? This story of the leper coming to Jesus does not mean that our Lord will grant any and every request we bring to Him. Instead, it reveals that He wills to make us clean of that which afflicts us the most. Leprosy in this story should be seen as a symbol of the spiritual ills that afflict your soul. First and foremost, it should be seen as a symbol of the sin in your life that has become habitual and slowly does great damage to your soul.
At that time, leprosy not only caused grave physical damage to a person, but it also had the effect of isolating them from the community. They had to live apart from others who did not have the disease; and if they came near others, they had to show they were lepers by certain external signs so that people would not come in contact with them. Thus, leprosy had both personal and communal ramifications.
The same is true with many habitual sins. Sin does damage to our souls, but it also affects our relationships. For example, a person who is habitually harsh, judgmental, sarcastic or the like will experience the ill effects of these sins on their relationships.
Returning to the statement of Jesus above, consider that sin which not only affects your soul the most but also your relationships. To that sin, Jesus wishes to say to you, “Be made clean.” He wants to strengthen your relationship by cleansing the sin within your soul. And all it takes for Him to do that is for you to turn to Him on your knees and to present your sin to Him. This is especially true within the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Reflect, today, upon your closest relationships in life. And then consider which of your sins most directly hurts those relationships. Whatever comes to mind, you can be certain that Jesus wants to rid you of that spiritual leprosy within your soul.
My divine Lord, help me to see that which is within me that most harms my relationships with others. Help me to see that which causes isolation and hurt. Give me the humility to see this and the trust I need to turn to You to confess it and seek Your healing. You and You alone can free me from my sin, so I turn to You in confidence and surrender. With faith, I also await Your healing words, “I do will it. Be made clean.” Jesus, I trust in You.
 
Thursday of the First Week of Ordinary Time 2025
Opening Prayer: Lord God, I kneel down before you in prayer and ask that you cleanse me from my sin and any attachments to sin. Help me break the sinful bonds of slavery and experience the fullness of true freedom.
 
Encountering the Word of God
1. Healing the Leper: In Mark’s Gospel, the beginning of Jesus’ ministry was one success after another. Jesus didn’t meet any opposition from the religious authorities or any lack of faith. He was teaching in a new way and the people he encountered marveled at his awesome teaching authority. Jesus cast out demons and commanded them to be silent. He healed everyone who came to him. In today’s Gospel, when Jesus touched the leper, the action did not render Jesus unclean. The exact opposite happened. Jesus touched the leper and rendered the leper clean. The reason why Jesus told him to go to the priests and make an offering for his cleansing was so that the leper could be reintroduced into the community (see Leviticus 14). For years, the leper in today’s Gospel was a social outcast, unable to go into the synagogue, unable to go on pilgrimage with the people of God, and unable to worship at the Temple. By showing himself to the priest and the priest declaring that the leper was now clean, the cleansed leper could rejoin the community and worship the Lord God with his brothers and sisters. 
2. New Covenant Healing: While Jesus’ cleansing action is simple and direct, the ritual prescribed for readmitting a cleansed leper into the community in Leviticus 14 was very involved. It consisted in the offering of birds, lambs, and grain, and anointing with oil. The cleansed leper would have oil placed on their ear, thumb, toe, and head. The complicated rites and burdensome laws of the old covenant are being brought to fulfillment by Jesus in the simplicity and freedom of the New Covenant! When we are healed from our spiritual leprosy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we do not need to offer animal sacrifices in gratitude, but we are given a penance. In the Sacrament, we are not anointed with oil, but we are strengthened by the anointing Spirit for the battle against sin. And in the Sacrament, we are reunited with our brothers and sisters in the Church.
3. Harden Not Your Hearts: The Letter to the Hebrews has proclaimed that as God’s definitive Word, Jesus is superior to all the prophets and that as God’s Son, he is superior to all the angels. In chapter three, the letter recalls the Exodus journey of God’s people and hints at Jesus as being superior to Moses. The letter quotes Psalm 95 which invites the people of Israel to not harden their hearts as the people did in the wilderness. Again and again, the people of the Exodus generation rebelled against God and they were punished with not entering into the Promised Land. The letter warns us that we should not imitate the Exodus generation so that we may enter into the eternal rest of the heavenly Promised Land. We are not led by Moses but by Jesus. As we journey through life, we need to recognize that we have become partners of Christ and need to hold firm until the end, preserving in faith and not succumbing to the deceit of sin.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you are my true leader. I will follow in your footsteps and walk with you on the way that leads to eternal life. Cleanse my heart and soul as I walk beside you. Sustain me when I am weak and weary. Pick me up when I falter. Carry me, like a Good Shepherd, when I need it most.
 
Thursday 1st Week in Ordinary Time 2024
Opening Prayer: Lord, I need to hear your message of mercy over and over again. I can be stubborn and refuse to be merciful. But when I contemplate your love I see that you are always ready to forgive. Help me to do the same.
 Encountering the Word of God
 1. The Ark of the Lord: After the death of the judge of Israel, Samson, there was no warrior to take up Israel’s fight against the Philistines. Today’s First Reading tells us about two battles Israel lost against the Philistines. After the first defeat, Israel attempted to use the Ark of the Covenant to bring them victory in the second battle. In the past, the Ark was a devastating weapon against Israel’s enemies. This time, however, Israel uses the Ark without consulting the Lord through Eli the high priest. By taking the Ark into battle without God’s permission, Israel acted presumptuously. The Ark was captured and Eli’s two priest sons, Hophni and Phineas, were killed. This event was part of the fulfillment of the prophecy about the downfall of Eli’s priestly line (1 Samuel 2:34). When Eli hears about the death of his sons and the capture of the Ark, he falls over and dies (1 Samuel 4:18).
 2. The Mercy Seat: The Ark of the Lord was shaped like a box and had a lid overshadowed by two carved cherubim. This golden lid was called the “mercy seat” or “place of expiation.” Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and sprinkle blood on the mercy seat to expiate the sins of the people and restore them to fellowship with God (Leviticus 16:1-34). In his Letter to the Romans, Paul identifies Jesus as the mercy seat and the expiation for our sins (Romans 3:25). Jesus is the living seat of God’s presence and the place where atonement is truly made. 
 3. Jesus was Moved with Pity: The Ark was a symbol of God’s mercy. Jesus is the very incarnation of God’s mercy. We see that his heart was moved with pity at the sight of the leper. Jesus saw the pain and suffering the leper endured from the disease and the suffering he endured from being separated from the community. Jesus touches the leper and is not rendered unclean. The reverse happens. The leper is made clean and can be restored to the community of Israel. The irony is that because the leper publicizes the healing, Jesus can no longer go about openly. In this way, Jesus takes upon himself the leper’s previous state. While the leper goes about freely, Jesus has to remain in deserted places to avoid being mobbed by the people.
 Conversing with Christ: Your heart was moved with pity when you saw the leper and his suffering. Your heart is moved with pity when you see me. I have experienced the tender gaze of your love. Help me to be an agent of your mercy and pity today.
 Resolution: Jesus’ invitation to the leper is also addressed to us: Go, show yourself to the priest. We do this especially in the sacrament of Reconciliation when we open our hearts to God and show the state of our soul to his minister. Through this sacrament, we can be healed and restored to the Christian community. Through this sacrament, we are sprinkled with the blood of Christ and washed clean! Let us approach this sacrament with a humble and grateful heart.
 
Thursday 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Opening Prayer: Lord, how I need your healing in my own life! Today I kneel before you, and I beg, that if you wish, I may be made clean.
Encountering Christ: 
Kneeling and Begging: Leprosy was a dreaded disease, and in the time of Jesus lepers were considered unclean and had to live segregated from society. The pain and discomfort of their illness were made even worse by the loss of the comfort they needed from other human beings. This leper was truly in a sad state. It took tremendous courage to break the societal rules isolating lepers and seek out Jesus. He prostrated himself and begged to be made clean. Even though this was a life or death matter for the leper, he didn’t demand healing from Jesus. Instead, he told Jesus that he knew his healing would occur only if Jesus wished it. Is this our posture when interceding with the Lord for blessings, conversion, healings, etc.? Do we beg in the words Jesus taught us during his Agony in the Garden, “yet, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39)?
Healing Touch: The leper’s bravery, faith, and humility were richly rewarded. Jesus did the unthinkable for a man of his time. He reached out and touched the leper, this man with a dreadful and highly contagious disease. Moved with pity, Jesus had not let the human revulsion and fear of contagion stop him from his healing mission. As “other Christs” we are called to reach out to the disenfranchised in much the same way Jesus did. Pope Francis calls all members of the church to be “welcoming those who do not think as we do, who do not have faith or who have lost it. Welcoming the persecuted, the unemployed. Welcoming the different cultures, of which our earth is so richly blessed. Welcoming sinners...” (Pope Francis, July 12, 2015).
Can You Keep a Secret?: 9-
Conversation with Christ: Jesus, please make me aware of my deep need to be made clean. I place my mind, body, and soul into your care.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will make an act of faith, asking for healing of mind, body, and soul, if you will it. 
 
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. 
 

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. 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.
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. Nhưng 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 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 Chúa 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.
 
Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.  Mark 1:32–34
Today we read that Jesus once again “drove out many demons…” The passage then adds, “…not permitting them to speak because they knew him.” 
Why would Jesus not permit these demons to speak? Many of the early Church fathers explain that even though the demons had an understanding that Jesus was the promised Messiah, they did not understand fully what that meant and how He would accomplish His ultimate victory. Therefore, Jesus did not want them to speak only half-truths about Him, as the evil one often does, thus misleading the people. So Jesus always forbade these demons from speaking about Him publicly.
It’s important to understand that all of the demonic spirits failed to understand the full truth that it would be Jesus’ death that ultimately destroys death itself and sets all people free. For that reason, we see that these diabolical forces continually conspired against Jesus and tried to attack Him throughout His life.
They stirred up Herod when Jesus was a baby, which forced Him into exile in Egypt. Satan himself tempted Jesus just prior to the beginning of His public ministry so as to try to dissuade Jesus from His mission. There were many diabolical forces who continually attacked Jesus throughout His public ministry, especially through the ongoing hostility of the religious leaders at the time. And it can be presumed that these demons may have initially thought they won the battle when they accomplished their goal of having Jesus crucified. 
The truth, however, is that Jesus’ wisdom continually confounded these demons and ultimately transformed their evil act of having Him crucified into an ultimate victory over sin and death itself by rising from the dead. Satan and his demons are real, but compared to the truth and wisdom of God, these diabolical forces reveal their complete foolishness and weakness. Just like Jesus, we need to rebuke these tempters in our lives and command that they be silent. Too often we allow their half truths to mislead us and confuse us.
Reflect, today, upon the importance of confidently rebuking the evil one and the many lies he tempts us to believe. Rebuke him with the truth and authority of Christ and pay no attention to what he says.
My precious and all-powerful Lord, I turn to You and You alone as the source of all Truth and the fullness of Truth. May I listen to Your voice alone and reject the many deceptions of the evil one and his demons. In Your precious name, Jesus, I rebuke satan and all evil spirits, their lies and their temptations. I send these spirits to the foot of Your Cross, dear Lord, and open my mind and heart only to You. Jesus, I trust in You.
 
Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time 2025
Opening Prayer: Lord God, I have experienced the healing touch of your Son in the waters of Baptism and at the throne of mercy in the confessional. I am humbled by how much you love me and care for me.
Encountering the Word of God
1. Entering Peter’s House on the New Sabbath: On the Sabbath in Capernaum, Jesus taught in the local synagogue and cast out a demon. And, on entering the house of Simon and Andrew, he healed Simon’s mother-in-law. He then had a meal with his new followers. These four actions anticipate our celebration of the New Sabbath, on Sunday. At mass, we listen to and are taught by the Word of God. At the beginning of mass, we confess our sins and receive forgiveness. At mass, we are spiritually healed. And, at mass, we dine with Jesus and receive the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation. Every mass, we spiritually enter into the house of Simon Peter, a symbol of the Church.
2. Healing Ministry Sustained by Prayer: When the Sabbath is over, in the evening, at sunset, the people begin to bring all who were sick or possessed by demons to the door of Simon Peter’s house. The people came to Peter’s house and experienced God’s care and mercy through Jesus. They were healed in body and spirit. The four fishermen, recently called by Jesus to leave their nets, began to observe how their new ministry as followers of Jesus, would unfold. The nets of salvation they will cast to gather the people are spiritual nets of healing and mercy. Just as Jesus rose early in the morning to pray before setting out again to preach and heal, so also the disciples of Jesus need to build their ministry on prayerful communion with the Father. Apart from God, we can do nothing of lasting value; with God, however, all things are possible.
3. A Merciful and Faithful High Priest: The Letter to the Hebrews proclaims what Jesus has done for us. He assumed our human nature: “Since the children share in blood and Flesh, Jesus likewise share in them.” One of the reasons why the Son of God did this was to destroy the Devil and free us. He destroyed death by dying. He freed us from slavery by becoming a servant. Jesus was not sent to help the angels, but the children of Abraham. To help us, he became like us in every way but sin. He was tested like us and can help us who are being tested. He suffered like us and can help us persevere through suffering. He is our high priest with two important characteristics: faithful and merciful. On the one hand, he is worthy of our trust because he is our faithful God who did not fail when tested. On the other, he is merciful because he experienced what we experience and understands our situation.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, help me to see the mystery of the Church revealed in the humble house of Peter in Capernaum. All are welcome into this house and called to enter into it to receive your forgiveness, healing, and nourishment.
 
Wednesday 1st Week in Ordinary Time 2024
Opening Prayer: Lord, sometimes I struggle to hear your voice in a world full of noise and distraction. Help me today to quiet my heart and encounter you and your Word.
 Encountering the Word of God
 1. Eli’s Unfamiliarity with God: There was a prophecy made by an unnamed prophet that announced the fall of the priestly line and house of Eli and, as a sign of this, declared that Eli’s wicked sons, Hophni and Phineas, would die on the same day (1 Samuel 2:27-36). The First Reading tells us that Eli can barely see and has given the task of watching over the golden lampstand in the sanctuary of Shiloh to the young Samuel. When the Lord first calls Samuel, Eli is at first unable to recognize what is happening. Eli has grown so unfamiliar with the things of God that he thought that Hannah was drunk when she was in fact praying and was slow to understand that Samuel heard the voice of the Lord in the sanctuary.
 2. Your Servant is Listening: Samuel presents himself as a servant before the Lord and invites God to speak to him. God confirms the message of the unnamed prophet that Eli’s priestly line will end and that he will raise up a faithful priest. The initial fulfillment of this oracle is the faithful priest Zadok (1 Kings 1:32-40). And Zadok’s line will continue for close to a thousand years. The ultimate fulfillment of this oracle is Jesus, who is called the faithful and merciful high priest (Hebrews 2:17) who ministers on our behalf forever.
 2. Jesus’ Mission is Sustained by Prayer: We witness the mercy Jesus brings as our high priest in today’s Gospel. He travels throughout Galilee, which was part of the ancient kingdom of Israel, curing the sick, preaching in synagogues, and casting out demons from the possessed. As our faithful high priest, Jesus sustains his ministry of mercy with humble prayer and deep communion with God the Father. Jesus often prayed the psalms and we can imagine the words of today’s Psalm on the lips of Jesus, who delights in accomplishing his Father’s will. Jesus doesn’t rely on his strength alone to carry out his Father’s plan of salvation. He truly entrusts himself and his work to the Father.
 Conversing with Christ: Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will. I patiently wait for you to answer my cry. I trust in you completely. To do your will, O Lord, is my delight. Your Spirit is in my heart to guide me and lead me on the path of justice and love. I praise you today and look forward to praising you for all eternity in the assembly of heaven.
 Resolution: Our readings today remind us of the importance of daily prayer. Samuel dwells in the sanctuary and is able to hear the gentle voice of God calling him to an important mission. Jesus rises early in the morning to pray in solitude away from the noise of the crowds and the bustle of the village. We can ask ourselves: Where is my quiet place where I can hear God’s word? What is the principal mission God has given me? What is God calling me to do today concretely to be an agent of his merciful love?
 
Wednesday 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Opening Prayer: Lord, sometimes I struggle to hear your voice in a world full of noise and distraction. Help me today to quiet my heart and encounter you and your Word.
 Encountering the Word of God
 1. Eli’s Unfamiliarity with God: There was a prophecy made by an unnamed prophet that announced the fall of the priestly line and house of Eli and, as a sign of this, declared that Eli’s wicked sons, Hophni and Phineas, would die on the same day (1 Samuel 2:27-36). The First Reading tells us that Eli can barely see and has given the task of watching over the golden lampstand in the sanctuary of Shiloh to the young Samuel. When the Lord first calls Samuel, Eli is at first unable to recognize what is happening. Eli has grown so unfamiliar with the things of God that he thought that Hannah was drunk when she was in fact praying and was slow to understand that Samuel heard the voice of the Lord in the sanctuary.
 2. Your Servant is Listening: Samuel presents himself as a servant before the Lord and invites God to speak to him. God confirms the message of the unnamed prophet that Eli’s priestly line will end and that he will raise up a faithful priest. The initial fulfillment of this oracle is the faithful priest Zadok (1 Kings 1:32-40). And Zadok’s line will continue for close to a thousand years. The ultimate fulfillment of this oracle is Jesus, who is called the faithful and merciful high priest (Hebrews 2:17) who ministers on our behalf forever.
 2. Jesus’ Mission is Sustained by Prayer: We witness the mercy Jesus brings as our high priest in today’s Gospel. He travels throughout Galilee, which was part of the ancient kingdom of Israel, curing the sick, preaching in synagogues, and casting out demons from the possessed. As our faithful high priest, Jesus sustains his ministry of mercy with humble prayer and deep communion with God the Father. Jesus often prayed the psalms and we can imagine the words of today’s Psalm on the lips of Jesus, who delights in accomplishing his Father’s will. Jesus doesn’t rely on his strength alone to carry out his Father’s plan of salvation. He truly entrusts himself and his work to the Father.
 Conversing with Christ: Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will. I patiently wait for you to answer my cry. I trust in you completely. To do your will, O Lord, is my delight. Your Spirit is in my heart to guide me and lead me on the path of justice and love. I praise you today and look forward to praising you for all eternity in the assembly of heaven.
 Resolution: Our readings today remind us of the importance of daily prayer. Samuel dwells in the sanctuary and is able to hear the gentle voice of God calling him to an important mission. Jesus rises early in the morning to pray in solitude away from the noise of the crowds and the bustle of the village. We can ask ourselves: Where is my quiet place where I can hear God’s word? What is the principal mission God has given me? What is God calling me to do today concretely to be an agent of his merciful love?
 
Wednesday 1st Week in Ordinary Time 2022
Opening Prayer: Lord, your power to heal and overcome darkness is as strong today as it was when you walked upon the earth. Strengthen my faith in your power, your goodness, and your plans for me and those I love. I believe; help my unbelief!
Encountering Christ:
Compassionate Healer: Jesus left the synagogue where he had just astounded the congregation with his divine knowledge of Scripture and his power over a demon. When he entered the house of Simon and Andrew, he probably did so as a man who would have liked a hot meal and a rest! However, when he heard that Simon’s mother-in-law was ill, he immediately healed her of her illness. No matter how weary he was, Jesus always drew strength from his Father to minister to the people. His innate compassion and love for everyone he encountered shone throughout the Gospel of Mark. Simon’s mother-in-law was changed fundamentally by her healing experience of Christ. Not only was her illness gone, she felt a compelling desire to wait upon Jesus. She exemplifies the response we should all have when we personally encounter Christ in prayer, in the sacraments, and in others.
Ultimate Power: As the day of miracles seemed to draw to a close, the word was out in Capernaum that a healer was in their midst. Every family in town with a loved one suffering from physical illness or afflicted with demons rushed to Simon’s house, hoping against hope that their loved ones might be healed. Jesus did not disappoint. It is hard to imagine how great the rejoicing must have been as seriously ill people were made well and people who were tormented and afflicted by demons were set free. Nothing like it had ever been recorded in human history! We gather as a community every Sunday at Mass. What is our expectation? Do we anticipate an increased sense of Christian friendship? Are we seeking a healing? A spiritual boost? We encounter Jesus, Son of the living God, who has the ultimate power to heal and strengthen us. He encourages us to hope in him.
Fueled by Prayer: Despite a long and eventful day, Jesus rose early the next morning to seek solitude. Physically fueled as he was by the hospitality of Simon’s mother-in-law, he needed something more than a few extra hours of sleep. He needed the connection with his Father that prayer alone can provide. When the Apostles found Jesus and told him that everyone was looking for him, he responded with renewed purpose, and they left to preach in the neighboring villages throughout Galilee. If we want to be servants of God, we can imitate Jesus by making prayer our first priority. 
Conversation with Christ: Lord, teach me to seek you in prayer at the beginning of each and every day. Open my eyes to those who you are calling me to serve, and give me the grace to serve with love. Give me a grateful heart. May I bless your name in good times and bad, knowing that you will always work for my good in all circumstances. 
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will commit to rising a few minutes early each day to spend more time in prayer, both talking to you and quietly listening.

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 đã 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 đã có sự phản ứng 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 biết làm sao mà Ngài có được những quyền năng như thế. Trên thực tế, Chúa Giêsu đã có quyền lực và sức mạnh vì Ngài chính là Ngôi Lời của Thiên Chúa đã xuống thế nhập thể làm người. Và vì 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 khiêm tốn khi Ngài đã bắt thần ô uế phải im lặng không được tuyên rao Ngài là Đấng Thánh của Thiên Chúa. Ngài đến là để loan truyền và đưa con người hướng về Thiên Chúa. Đối với Chúa Giêsu, Nước Thiên Chúa sẽ chỉ được hiện thực nếu tất cả mọi người biết thống hối, ăn năn và biển đổi cuộc sống và biết trở về với Chúa Kitô.
            Nếu chúng ta biến biến đổi đời sống cá nhân của chúng ta hôm nay 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 là 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.
 
My Reflection for 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).
"Lord, your word is power and life. May I never doubt you’re saving love and mercy, and the power of your word to bring healing and deliverance to those in need?"
 
Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet!  Come out of him!” Mark 1:23–25
There were numerous times when Jesus directly confronted demons in the Scriptures. Each time He rebuked them and exercised His authority over them. The passage above illustrates one such case.
The fact that the devil shows himself over and over in the Gospels tells us that the evil one is real and needs to be dealt with appropriately. And the appropriate way to deal with the evil one and his fellow demons is to rebuke them with the authority of Christ Jesus Himself in a calm but definitive and authoritative way.
It’s very rare that the evil one makes himself fully manifest to us in the way that he did in the passage above to Jesus. The demon speaks directly through this man, which indicates that the man was fully possessed. And though we do not see this form of manifestation often, it doesn’t mean that the evil one is any less active today. Instead, it shows that the authority of Christ is not being exercised by the Christian faithful to the extent that is necessary to combat the evil one. Instead, we often cower in the face of evil and fail to confidently and charitably stand our ground with Christ.
Why did this demon manifest himself in such a visible way? Because this demon was directly confronted with the authority of Jesus. The devil usually prefers to remain hidden and deceptive, presenting himself as an angel of light so that his evil ways are not known clearly. Those whom he controls often do not even know how much they are influenced by the evil one. But when the evil one is confronted with the pure presence of Christ, with the Truth of the Gospel that sets us free, and with Jesus’ authority, this confrontation often forces the evil one to react by manifesting his evil.
Reflect, today, upon the fact that the evil one is constantly at work all around us. Consider the people and circumstances in your life where the pure and holy Truth of God is attacked and rejected. It is in those situations, more than any other, that Jesus wants to bestow upon you His divine authority to confront evil, rebuke it and take authority over it. This is primarily done through prayer and deep trust in the power of God. Don’t be afraid to allow God to use you to confront the activity of the evil one in this world.
Lord, give me courage and wisdom when I face the activity of the evil one in this world. Give me wisdom to discern his hand at work and give me courage to confront and rebuke him with Your love and authority. May Your authority be alive in my life, Lord Jesus, and may I daily become a better instrument of the coming of Your Kingdom as I confront the evil present in this world. Jesus, I trust in You.
 
Tuesday 1st Week in Ordinary Time 2025
Opening Prayer: Lord God, I see both good and evil around me, merciful works of love as well as selfish works of sin. I see both good and evil in my own life. I pray today that I may, with your grace, conquer evil in my life and be an agent for good in my family, my workplace, and my community.
Encountering the Word of God
1. Jesus Taught in the Synagogue: In the Gospel, Mark draws attention to how Jesus went about his ministry in Galilee. Jesus’ custom was to teach in the local synagogues, especially on the Sabbath, when the community gathered to hear the word of God. When Jesus preached, the people realized that the authority of his teaching was superior to that of the scribes. The teachings of the scribes were ineffective at loosening the grip of sin and evil on the human heart. Jesus’ word and teaching have an awesome purifying and healing divine power. They cast out darkness and evil. Jesus’ word is like seed that falls on both good and poor soil (Mark 4:1-20). The Word, sown by God and welcomed into human hearts, can produce abundant and supernatural fruit. The temptations and deceptions of the unclean spirits, who are fallen angels, cannot produce good fruit. Rather, these demons are like birds who take away the seed of God’s Word that falls on hardened and stubborn hearts (Mark 4:4, 15).
2. Overthrow of the Kingdom of Satan: The exorcism in the synagogue is a visible manifestation of the overthrow of the Kingdom of Satan. Earlier, Jesus announced the arrival of the Kingdom of God and called four fishermen to enter into the Kingdom. Today, Jesus battles the kingdom of the evil one, and, in the synagogue, casts the unclean spirit out of the man.  Two thousand years ago, the Word of God entered into a synagogue in Capernaum and taught. In like manner, the Word of God enters into our hearts and teaches us the way that leads to eternal life. Two thousand years ago, the Word of God cast out an unclean spirit. In like manner, the Word can conquer any evil in our hearts.  
3. Made Lower than the Angels: The Letter to the Hebrews argues that not only is Jesus superior to the angels as the Son of God, but that he was, for a little while, made lower than the angels. The Son of God, by his divine nature, is infinitely superior to the angels, but by assuming our human nature, the Son of God was made lower than the angels for a time. This mystery is anticipated in Psalm 8. The psalm begins by marveling at God’s creation and the exalted position of humanity. By nature, however, human beings are inferior to the angels. Angels are pure spirits and have superior intellectual powers. We are composites of body and spirit and our minds are much weaker and slow to understand. The psalm reads: “You have made [man] little less than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him rule over the works of your hands, putting all things under his feet.” This is a reflection on the creation story in Genesis and how God granted dominion over creation to humanity. The subjection of all things is truly fulfilled in Jesus, the New Adam. Jesus is the one who is truly crowned with glory and honor and possesses royal authority. In Christ, we are granted a share in God’s glory and royal authority.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, bless me and keep me safe. Shine your face upon me and be gracious to me. Turn your merciful face toward me and grant me your peace.
 
Tuesday 1st Week in Ordinary Time 2024
 Opening Prayer: Lord, today I will contemplate the unfolding of the history of salvation and the events that preceded the foundation of the Kingdom of David. Help me to see your hand in these events so that I may realize that you guide my life too and care for me as your child.
 Encountering the Word of God
 1. The Reversal of Fortunes: One of the overarching themes of the First and Second Books of Samuel is found in Hannah’s song. She proclaims the “reversal of fortunes” and the way God casts down the proud and exalts the humble. The Book of Samuel will tell us about the downfall of Eli the priest and the rise of Samuel the prophet. As well, we will hear about the downfall of King Saul and the rise of King David. 
 2. Samuel’s Consecration: Hannah promises that if her prayer for a child is granted, then her future son will take the Nazarite vow (see Numbers 6:1-21). A person who takes the vow is dedicated to the Lord and vows not to drink wine or alcohol, vows not to cut their hair, and vows not to touch a dead body. Hannah’s son Samuel will be dedicated as a Nazarite, not just for a time, but for his entire life. Samuel’s consecration to God stands in contrast to Eli who is so unfamiliar with God that he mistakes Hannah’s prayer for drunkenness. Eli will be cast down and Samuel will be exalted.
 3. Undoing the Devil’s Reign: When we look at human history, we see how it has suffered under the power of the evil one. The true reversal of fortunes happens with Jesus. The Gospel today narrates how the reign of the devil is ending and how the kingdom of God is inaugurated by Jesus. Jesus manifests divine authority by rebuking and casting out the unclean spirit. Jesus silences the unclean spirit because the proclamation of Jesus’ identity and mission as the Messiah will unfold gradually throughout Jesus’ public ministry. At his trial before the Sanhedrin, Jesus will be asked whether he is the Messiah, the Son of God. Instead of responding “Quiet!” as he does today, Jesus will answer with the divine name “I AM” (Mark 14:62).
 Conversing with Christ: Lord, I trust that you guide all things and direct the course of human history. At times, it can seem that evil has the upper hand. I know that you will humble the proud and exalt the poor and humble. Help me today to be among the poor exalted to your right hand in glory.
 Resolution: When was the last time we broke out in prayerful song in gratitude like Hannah for the great things that God has done in our lives? Although our lives may be marked more by suffering, trial, and failure, we have so much to be grateful for, especially the gift of existence and life. God did not need to create us or call us to eternal life. And yet, in a plan of sheer goodness, that is what he did. And when we failed, God did not abandon us but sent his Son to redeem and save us and offer us the gift of divine life. Forever, we should sing the goodness of the Lord and exult in the Lord our Savior!
 
Tuesday 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Opening Prayer: Lord, your authority rings out through the ages. May I seek you with true humility each day as I encounter you in your word. May I cling to you when the enemy of my soul agitates me with thoughts and anxieties that do not come from you. I give you thanks for your word, which brings me comfort. May your grace remain with me and with all who are dear to me. 
Encountering Christ:
1.      The Author Has Authority: The scribes were learned men who lectured the people with informed opinions on Scripture. The people were accustomed to seeing the scribes as leaders and authorities. Their teachings were revered. Suddenly, this young preacher Jesus was talking authoritatively about Scripture. His teaching was like nothing they had ever heard, infused with his divine knowledge and wisdom. The listeners began to understand things differently because the author of the word, God himself, was teaching, and his authority was unmistakable. “Let us therefore yield ourselves and bow to the authority of the Holy Scriptures, which can neither err nor deceive” (St. Augustine).
2.      Casting Out Demons: Before this man with an unclean spirit, Jesus’ authority was on perfect display. The crazed man ranted and raved, creating quite a scene, but Jesus wasn’t drawn into his chaos. Jesus simply and commandingly ordered, “Quiet, Come out of him,” and the demon immediately obeyed. No wonder the crowds were amazed! Our modern conception of Jesus tends to focus on his mercy, his forgiveness, and his personal love for each of us. And, while these things are true, Jesus is also a God of infinite power and might. As creatures before our Creator, we owe him praise, humble adoration, and perfect obedience. “Yours, Lord, are greatness and might, majesty, victory, and splendor. For all in Heaven and on earth is yours; yours, Lord, is kingship; you are exalted as head over all” (1 Chronicles 29:11).
3.      Fame and Precedent: This tale of the devil’s expulsion would be told again and again as Jesus’ fame spread. The Gospel of Mark tells us of even more miraculous healings in which Jesus not only brought relief to the healed but belief to the witnesses. Jesus was setting a precedent for the Apostles and for the faithful today. The third luminous mystery, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, recalls this beautiful time in human history. If we are to be known for anything, let us be known for sharing our faith, not just in words, but in active service to everyone we encounter, in imitation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Conversing with Christ: So often the devil besets me with regrets from the past and worries about the future. Lord, keep me centered in the present moment. Ground me in your word, and keep me aware of your love and your power over all evil and temptation. Help me to be a true extension of your power and might in the world today so that your Kingdom may be realized.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will seek out a concrete way to share the Gospel, whether through a social media post, a chat with a friend or neighbor, or serving a neighbor’s need.