Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Hai tuần thứ Hai Thường Niên

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Hai tuần thứ Hai Thường Niên
Trong bài Tin Mừng hôm nay, Chúa Giêsu cảnh báo các môn đệ không nên hẹp hòi tâm hồn khi từ chối đón nhận và học hỏi những điều mới. Chúa Giêsu đã dùng một hình ảnh quen thuộc và thực tế với nggười Do thái đó là hình ảnh miếng vải mới dùng đề vá lên chiếc áo cũ, khi miếng vải mới bị thấm nước rồi khi khô lại sẽ làm co rút chỗ vá và chiêc áo cũ sẽ rách to thêm, hay là hình ảnh thực tiễn nhất đó bầu rượu da mới và cũ. Trong thời của Chúa Giêsu, rượu đã được đựng trong các bầu làm bằng da thú vì thời đó chưa có chai… (chai ly lông như hôm nay.)
- Rượu mới đổ vào bầu da vẫn lúc còn lên men làm các chất khí phản ứng và gây ra áp suất cao. bầu da mới rất dễ đàn hồi và đủ để chịu đựng những áp suất cáo của rượu mới, nhưng nếu rượu mới đựng trong bầu da cũ, bầu da cũ đã được dùng và đã mất hết sự đàn hồi, nên khi rượu mới lên mem, bầu da cũ rất dòn và dễ bể và làm đổ hết rượu.
            Tại sao Chúa Giêsu đã có sự so sánh ý nghĩa này? Có phải chúng ta đang từ cũ thay mới? Thời gian phải ăn chay và dự tiệc thoải mái phải đúng nơi và phải đúng lúc. Vì thế phải có một nơi thích hợp riêng cho cái cũ cũng như cái mới. Thử nghĩ, chúng ta sẽ bị thiệt thòi như thế nào nếu chúng ta chỉ có một Kinh Thánh Cựu Ước hay Kinh Thánh một Tân Ước mà thôi. Thiên Chúa đã ban cho chúng ta sự khôn ngoan để chúng ta có thể thực hiện việc sử dụng cả hai Kinh Thánh Cựu Ước và Tân Ước một cách hoàn hảo nhất. Chúa không bao giờ muốn chúng ta bảo tồn "cứng ngắc" về quá khứ và chống đối mãnh liệt công việc mới của Chúa Thánh Thần trong cuộc sống của chúng ta. Chúa muốn tâm hồn và trái tim của chúng ta được nên giống như bầu rượu da mới được mở ra và sẵn sàng để nhận được rượu mới của Chúa Thánh Thần.
Chúng ta mong muốn được phát triển trong kiến ​​thức và sự hiểu biết qua lời của Thiên Chúa và những kế hoạch mà Ngài đã sắp đặt sẵn cho cuộc sống của chúng ta ?
Lạy Chúa Giêsu, xin Chúa ban đầy ơn Chúa Thánh Thần xuống cho chúng con, để chúng con lớn lên trong sự hiểu biết về tình yêu và lẽ thật cao cả của Chúa. Xin Chúa giúp chúng con tìm kiếm Chúa một cách tha thiết trong lời cầu nguyện và biết ăn chay hãm mình để chúng con có thể từ bỏ tội lỗi và những tật nết xấu xa, Cũng xin Chúa  làm cho cuộc sống của con trở nên trọn vẹn hơn theo ý Chúa. Xin Chúa cho chúng con luôn tìm thấy niềm vui khi biết yêu thương và phục vụ Chúa trong là Tất cả.
 
Meditation: 
Which comes first, fasting or feasting? The disciples of John the Baptist were upset with Jesus' disciples because they did not fast (Mark 2:18). Fasting was one of the three most important religious duties, along with prayer and almsgiving. Jesus gave a simple explanation. There's a time for fasting and a time for feasting (or celebrating).
To walk as a disciple with Jesus is to experience a whole new joy of relationship akin to the joy of the wedding party in celebrating with the groom and bride their wedding bliss. But there also comes a time when the Lord's disciples must bear the cross of affliction and purification. For the disciple there is both a time for rejoicing in the Lord's presence and celebrating his goodness and a time for seeking the Lord with humility and fasting and for mourning over sin. Do you take joy in the Lord's presence with you and do you express sorrow and contrition for your sins? The closed mind that rejects all of God's Word
Jesus goes on to warn his disciples about the problem of the "closed mind" that refuses to learn new things. Jesus used an image familiar to his audience - new and old wine skins. In Jesus' times, wine was stored in wine skins, not bottles. New wine poured into skins was still fermenting. The gases exerted gave pressure. New wine skins were elastic enough to take the pressure, but old wine skins easily burst because they were hard. What did Jesus mean by this comparison? Are we to reject the old in place of the new? Just as there is a right place and a right time for fasting and for feasting, so there is a right place for the old as well as the new.
Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old (Matthew 13:52). How impoverished we would be if we only had the Old Testament books of Scripture or the New Testament books of Scripture, rather than both. The Lord gives us wisdom so we can make the best use of both the old and the new. He doesn't want us to hold rigidly to the past and to be resistant to the new work of his Holy Spirit in our lives. He wants our minds and hearts to be like new wine skins - open and ready to receive the new wine of the Holy Spirit. Are you eager to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God's word and plan for your life?
Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit, that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Help me to seek you earnestly in prayer and fasting that I may turn away from sin and wilfulness and conform my life more fully to your will. May I always find joy in knowing, loving, and serving You who are My All.
 
Monday 2nd Week of Ordinary Time - Scripture: Mark 2:18-22
“Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.” Mark 2:19–20
The passage above reveals Jesus’ response to the disciples of John the Baptist and some Pharisees who question Jesus about fasting. They point out that the disciples of John and the Pharisees each follow the Jewish laws on fasting, but Jesus’ disciples do not. Jesus’ answer goes to the heart of the new law on fasting.
Fasting is a wonderful spiritual practice. It helps to strengthen the will against disordered fleshly temptations and helps to bring purity to one’s soul. But it needs to be pointed out that fasting is not an eternal reality. One day, when we are face-to-face with God in Heaven, there will no longer be any need to fast or do any form of penance. But while on earth, we will struggle and fall and lose our way, and one of the best spiritual practices to help us return to Christ is prayer and fasting combined.
Fasting becomes necessary “when the bridegroom is taken away.” In other words, fasting is necessary when we sin and our union with Christ begins to fade. It is then that the personal sacrifice of fasting helps open our hearts once again to our Lord. This is especially true when habits of sin form and become deeply ingrained. Fasting adds much power to our prayer and stretches our souls so as to be able to receive the “new wine” of God’s grace where we need it the most.
Reflect, today, upon your approach to fasting and other penitential practices. Do you fast? Do you make regular sacrifices so as to strengthen your will and help you to turn more fully to Christ? Or has this healthy spiritual practice been somewhat neglected in your life? Renew your commitment to this holy endeavor today and God will work powerfully in your life.
Lord, I open my heart to the new wine of grace that You wish to pour forth upon me. Help me to be properly disposed to this grace and to use every means necessary to become more open to You. Help me, especially, to commit to the wonderful spiritual practice of fasting. May this act of mortification in my life bear abundant fruit for Your Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You.
 
Monday 2nd Week of Ordinary Time 2025
Opening Prayer: Lord God, you are awesome in your glory and love your people so much that you willed to be our bridegroom. Help me to understand and delve into so great a mystery.
Encountering the Word of God
1. Why do your Disciples not fast? After a number of successes in the opening chapter of Mark’s Gospel, the second chapter begins a series of five conflicts. The first conflict (Mark 2:1-12) centered on Jesus claiming the divine ability to forgive sins. The second (Mark 2:13-17) involved Jesus reclining at table and eating with tax collectors and sinners. The third conflict, which we read in today’s Gospel, concerns the practice of fasting. In each conflict, Jesus was doing something good but was falsely accused of doing something evil. Jesus was accused of blasphemy, of associating with public sinners, and now, of not obligating his disciples to fast like the pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist. The opposition of the religious authorities to Jesus only increases with each encounter. The Pharisees in Jesus’ day prided themselves on fasting twice a week. They mistakenly thought that such ascetical practices made them righteous before God. They had yet to learn that only with the new wine that Jesus brings – the grace of the New Covenant – will pious practices like fasting, almsgiving, and prayer be meritorious for eternal life.
2. Jesus the Bridegroom: Jesus used each one of the five conflicts to reveal something about his identity. The first conflict gave Jesus the opportunity to reveal that he is the Son of Man, prophesied by Daniel, who possesses the divine power and authority to heal the sick and forgive sins. In the second conflict, Jesus revealed himself as the divine physician who attends to the physically and spiritually sick and calls sinners to follow him and dine with him at table. The third conflict revealed Jesus as the divine bridegroom promised by the prophets like Hosea, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Jesus compares his disciples to groomsmen or “sons of the bridal chamber.” As the bridegroom, Jesus brings the new wine of salvation. The old wineskins, symbols of the Old Covenant, were unable to contain the new wine that Jesus brings. The saving grace that Jesus, our divine Bridegroom and eternal High Priest, merited for us through his passion and death needs the new wineskins of the New Covenant.
3. Priestly Mediation: In the First Reading, the Letter to the Hebrews considers how a priest acts as a mediator between God and humanity. It points out how the high priests – Aaron and his priestly descendants – were appointed priests by God, but that they were beset by weakness and committed many sins. They not only offered sin offerings on behalf of the people but had to offer sin offerings for themselves too. When Aaron and his sons offered a bull in sacrifice once a year on the Day of Atonement it served as a reminder of the original sin of the first high priest, who fashioned a golden calf for the people of Israel to worship. The high priests of the Old Testament were able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, because they themselves were ignorant, erring, weak, and sinful. Sin tragically breaks the relationship with God and humanity. And so, when a priest offered a sacrifice for sins, they were acting as mediators by offering the worship of the people to God and by asking God for mercy to be given to his sinful people. Jesus, like the high priests of the Old Covenant, did not appoint himself to the high priesthood, but was appointed by his Father. Jesus assumed our human nature and brought it to perfection through his obedience and suffering. And through this priestly act he became the source of our eternal salvation.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, eternal high priest and divine bridegroom, intercede before the Father for your bride and pour out the Spirit into her heart so that she may return your love with joy.
 
Monday 2nd Week of Ordinary Time 2024
Opening Prayer: Lord, at times it is difficult for me to understand the books of the Old Testament and things like placing entire peoples under the ban of destruction. I know, though, that you are a God of justice and mercy. I trust in you as you direct the course of human history.
Encountering the Word of God
1. The Old Wine of Moses: One of the responsibilities given to King Saul by the prophet Samuel was to utterly destroy the sinful Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:1-3). Centuries before, the Amalekites tried to ambush and kill the people of Israel as they were leaving Egypt (Exodus 17:8-16). As a punishment, the Amalekites dwelling in Canaan were put under the ban of destruction. This was the law given by Moses in the Book of Deuteronomy (20:16-18). Israel was to utterly destroy the Amalekites when they conquered the land of Canaan.
2. Saul’s Disobedience: But Saul disobeyed the Law of Moses. His men kept the best sheep and oxen and Saul spared the life of Agag the king of the Amalekites. When Saul was confronted by Samuel for his disobedience, Saul insisted that he had obeyed and tried to justify his actions saying that his men took the animals and that he was going to offer up the animals in sacrifice to the Lord. As well, even though he spared Agag, Saul insisted that he utterly destroyed the Amalekites. In response, Samuel teaches Saul that obedience to the Lord is better than animal sacrifice. Sin is rebellion and presumption is idolatry. Because of his actions, Saul will lose the kingship. After hearing this, Saul finally acknowledges that he has sinned.
3. The New Wine of Christ: One of the things that Jesus does in his Sermon on the Mount is correct several laws that Moses gave the people in the Book of Deuteronomy. We are probably more familiar with Jesus correcting the Law of Moses regarding divorce (Matthew 5:31-32). In fact, Jesus clarifies that Moses gave the law about divorce due to the people’s hardness of heart (Matthew 19:3-9). The same can be said about the Law of Moses to utterly destroy the enemies of Israel in the land of Canaan. Jesus corrects the Law of Moses and exhorts us to love, not destroy, our enemies and pray for them (Matthew 5:43-48). Moses gave the law of destruction because of the people’s hardness of heart. When Israel came into contact with other nations they almost always fell into sin and idolatry. And so, Moses gave them laws in Deuteronomy to protect them from these influences. In the New Covenant, however, all nations are invited to become members of God’s people. And the New Law is one of love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. While the old wine of the Law of Moses commanded the destruction of Israel’s enemies, the new wine of the Law of Christ the bridegroom is one of love, joy, and salvation for all peoples.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, I sometimes fail to follow your new Law of charity. I know that you offer me the grace necessary to live your law to the full. I ask for your grace today and the virtue of charity. I want all men and women to experience your love and forgiveness.
Resolution: One way to love our enemies is to pray for them. Love is an action in which a person wills the good of another person. Our highest good is the attainment of eternal salvation. We should pray that everyone, including our enemies, attain eternal life. We can accompany our prayer with the pleasing sacrifice of fasting. Who will I be praying and fasting for today?
 
Suy Niệm Thứ Hai Tuần Thứ Hai Thường Niên (Tin Mừng Mark 2:18-22)
Hôm nay cả hai bài đọc đã thách thức chúng ta trả lời hai câu hỏi quan trọng trong cuộc sống của chúng ta, cụ thể là, "Chúng ta có biết được những ý của Thiên Chúa muốn nơi  chúng ta là những gì không?" Và " chúng ta phải làm theo những gì để sống theo như ý muốn của Thiên Chúa?"
Trong Bài Đọc I, vua Saul đã nghĩ rằng ông đã nghe theo tiếng nói của Chúa bằng việc hiến tế những hy lễ toàn thiêu lên Thiên Chúa . Trong  bài Tin Mừng, người Pharisêu, đã ăn chay theo luật Do Thái, Họ nghĩ là họ đã làm như thế là họ đã vâng lời Thiên Chúa. Thậm chí họ còn ăn chay hai lần một tháng.
Vì vậy, để biết hay nhận thức rõ được ý muốn của Thiên Chúa, chúng ta cần phải tự hỏi chính mình: "Chúng ta có mối quan hệ gì với Thiên Chúa ?"  Để biết ý muốn của Thiên Chúa một cách rõ ràng hơn, chúng ta cần phải phân biệt rõ ràng những động tác, hay hành động riêng của chúng ta hay là những ý thúc đẩy bởi ơn Chúa Thánh Thần. Thứ hai là chúng ta cũng cần biết phân biệt những động tác được thúc đẩy bởi Chúa Thánh Thần và những thức đẩy của ma quỷ.
Nếu chúng ta biết luôn cầu nguyện trước mỗi công việc, chúng ta dựa trên sự hướng dẫn của Chúa Thánh Thần và các dấu hiệu của thời gian, và bằng cách này, chúng ta được phát triển trong sự nhận thức mục đích của Thiên Chúa trong đời sống chúng ta một cách rõ rang hơn.
 "Lạy Chúa, xin ban cho chúng con có được một tinh thần sáng suốt trong những việc làm, trong sự phản ứng với những thử thách hàng ngày trong cuộc sống của chúng con."
 
Reflection 2016 SG
Today’s two readings challenge us to address two important questions in our lives, namely, “Do we know what is God's will for us?” and “What does it entail to do the will of God?”
In the first reading, King Saul thought that he had obeyed the voice of the Lord by offering holocausts and sacrifices. In the Gospel, the Pharisees, by fasting according to the rules and regulations of the established religion, deemed that they had obeyed the will of God.  They even fasted twice a month. So, to know or discern the will of God, we need to ask ourselves: “What is my relationship with God?” as this is the basis upon which God reveals His will for us.  Then we enter into the process of waiting and listening to God’s revelation. It may involve the ‘letting go' of the old wine and garment as Jesus used the example of  the new patch and new wine to illustrate the newness of the reality of the Kingdom.
In order to know God’s will better, we need to discriminate the movements which are merely from ourselves or those prompted by some other spirits. Secondly to discriminate those movements which are prompted by the Holy Spirit and those from the other spirits. Accompanied by ‘prayer’ we rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the signs of the time. In this way we grow in discerning God’s purpose in our lives.
 “Lord, grant us the spirit of discernment in our responses to our daily challenges.”

Suy Niện Tin Mừng Chúa Nhật thứ Hai Thường Niên C

Suy Niện Tin Mừng Chúa Nhật thứ Hai Thường Niên nam C
Qua bài Tin Mừng hôm nay, chúng ta tự hỏi, Chúa Giêsu là ai đối với chúng ta? Thánh Gioan TG đã gọi Chúa Giêsu là Con Chiên của Thiên Chúa và danh xưng đó biểu hiệu cho sứ mệnh của Chúa Giêsu là Đấng cứu thế, cứu chuộc chúng ta khỏi tội lỗi. Theo sách Xuất hành chương 12, Máu của Chiên Con trong Lễ Vượt đã giải cứu dân Israel ra khỏi sự áp bức và nô lệ ở Ai Cập và khỏi bệnh dịch của sự chết. Trong thư thứ nhất gởi cho dân thành Corinto, Thánh Phaolô đã viết “Chúa Jêsus đã tự hiến mạng sống mình vì chúng ta trên thập giá như của lễ chuộc tội cho chúng ta “(1 Côr 5: 7). Máu mà Ngài đổ ra cho chúng ta trên thập giá đã tẩy sạch, chữa lành và giải phóng chúng ta khỏi sự nô lệ của tội lỗi, và "sự hủy diệt cả thể xác lẫn linh hồn trong địa ngục ”(Mt 10:28).
Nơi Chúa Giêsu, ông Gioan TG đã nhìn thấy sự hy sinh đích thực và duy nhất có thể giải thoát chúng ta khỏi ách nô lệ tội lỗi, sự chết và quyền lực của hoả ngục.Làm thế nào mà ông Gioan TG có thể biết được danh tính thật của Chúa Giêsu, là Con Thiên Chúa và là Đấng Cứu Rỗi của thế gian (Jn 1:29)? Chính Chúa Thánh Thần đã tỏ lộ cho ông Gioan TG biết rõ về bản chất chân thật của Chúa Giêsu, để ông làm chứng rằng đây là Con Thiên Chúa.
Còn chúng ta, làm sao chúng ta có thể chắc chắn rằng Chúa Giêsu thực sự là Đấng Kitô, Con Thiên Chúa hằng sống? Chúa Thánh Thần cũng soi sáng cho chúng ta được biết đến Chúa Giêsu Kytô qua ân sủng của đức tin. Thiên Chúa tự do ban cho chúng ta Chúa Thánh Thần để chúng ta có thể thấu hiểu với trí óc được soi sáng bằng con mắt đức tin, về sự mầu nhiệm và kế hoạch vĩ đại của Thiên Chúa trong sự hợp nhất mọi sự trong Con của Ngài, Chúa chúng ta là Đức Chúa Jêsus Kitô.
Trong sự khiêm tốn đặc trưng của mình, Ông Gioan TG đã háo hức hướng về Chúa Kitô, có nghĩa là Đấng được xức dầu và Đấng Cứu Thế. Ông không ngần ngại chỉ ra các môn đệ của mình đến với Chúa Giêsu. Và khi hai môn đệ của ông GioanTG bắt đầu tìm kiếm Chúa Giêsu, Chúa Giêsu đã chủ động mời họ vào đồng hành với ngài. Ngài không đợi họ thu hút sự chú ý của Ngài. Thay vào đó, Ngài đã gặp họ nửa đừơng. Ngài hỏi họ một trong những câu hỏi cơ bản nhất về cuộc sống: "các ngươi tìm gì?"
Chúa Giêsu cũng đang hỏi mỗi người chúng ta cùng một câu hỏi: "các ngươi đang tìm gì? Chúng ta có biết ý nghĩa và mục đích cho cuộc sống của mình không?" Chỉ có Thiên Chúa là Cha và là đấng tác tạo mọi sự sống, mới có thể trả lời câu hỏi đó và làm cho chúng ta biết rõ mục đích của chúng ta. Đó là lý do tại sao Chúa Jêsus mời gọi mỗi người chúng ta đến gần với chính Ngài. Chúa muốn chúng ta biết Ngài một cách cá nhân, thân thiết để chúng ta có thể biết những gì Ngài đã đến để làm cho chúng ta và những gì Ngài muốn ban cho chúng ta.
“Hãy đến và xem” đó là lời mời gọi của Chúa Giêsu dành cho mỗi người chúng ta để chúng ta khám phá ra được niềm vui của tình bạn và sự hiệp thông với Đấng đã làm cho chúng ta sống trong tình yêu. Thánh Augustinô nhắc nhở chúng ta rằng chính Thiên Chúa, Đấng Tạo Hóa và Đấng Cứu Chuộc của chúng ta, là Đấng tìm kiếm chúng ta, ngay cả những khi chúng ta không tìm kiếm Người: "Nếu anh chị em không được Chúa kêu gọi, thế thì anh chị em có thể làm gì để quay lại? Chẳng phải chính Đấng đã gọi anh chị em khi anh chị em chống đối Ngài đã khiến anh chị em có thể quay trở lại sao?" Chính Chúa là Đấng khởi xướng và là Đấng lôi kéo chúng ta đến với chính Ngài. Nếu không có sự thương xót và giúp đỡ của Chúa, chúng ta không thể tự mình tìm thấy Chúa. Khi chúng ta tìm thấy thứ gì đó có giá trị to lớn, điều tự nhiên là chúng ta muốn chia sẻ tin vui về khám phá của chúng ta với gia đình, bạn bè và hàng xóm.
Khi ông Andrê gặp được Chúa Giêsu và khám phá ra rằng Ngài đích thực là Đấng Cứu Thế, ông liền đến gặp anh của mình là ông Simon và báo tin mừng cho ông Simon. Ông Andrê đã đưa người anh em của mình đến gặp Chúa Giêsu để người anh em của mình có thể “đến xem” cho tận mắt. Khi Chúa Giêsu thấy ông Simon đến gần, Chúa Giêsu nhìn ông Simon và đặt cho ông một cái tên mới để chứng tỏ là Thiên Chúa đã kêu gọi ông và đã có sẵn cho ông một cái sứ mệnh riêng cho ông. Chúa Giêsu đặt cho ông Simon cái tên “Kêphas”, là tiếng A-ram có nghĩa là “đá”. Kephas được dịch là Peter theo tiếng Hy Lạp và cũng có nghĩa đen là "đá".Nhờ đức tin, ông Phêrô hiểu được rằng Chúa Giêsu thực sự là ai; Đấng được xức dầu, là Đấng Cúa Thế, là Chúa Kitô và là Con một của Thiên Chúa. Tân Ước mô tả Hội thánh như là một ngôi nhà hoặc đền thờ tâm linh với mỗi thành viên được ghép lại với nhau như những viên đá sống động (1 Ph 2: 5). Đức tin nơi Chúa Giêsu Kytô đã biến chúng ta thành những tảng đá hay những viên đá tâm linh.
Chúa Thánh Linh ban cho chúng ta những ân sủng của đức tin để chúng ta nhận biết Chúa Jêsus một cách thân mật, và ban cho chúng ta sức mạnh để trung thành sống theo phúc âm, và can đảm làm chứng cho lẽ thật và niềm vui của Tin Mừng cho người khác. Chúa Jêsus luôn sẵn sàng thu hút chúng ta đến với chính Ngài. Còn phần chúng ta, chúng ta có tìm cách để sống lớn lên trong sự hiểu biết và tình yêu thương của Chúa Giêsu Kytô không?
Lạy Chúa Giêsu Kitô, xin ban xuống cho chúng con sức mạnh của Chúa Thánh Thần để chúng con được lớn lên trong sự hiểu biết về tình yêu và lẽ thật cao cả của Chúa. Xin hãy làm cho ơn Chúa Thánh Thần rực cháy trong trái tim của chúng con để chúng con có thể vui vẻ tìm cách làm theo ý muốn của Chúa trong mọi việc.
 
Meditation: 
Who is Jesus for you? John calls Jesus the Lamb of God and thus signifies Jesus' mission as the One who redeems us from our sins. The blood of the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) delivered the Israelites from their oppression in Egypt and from the plague of death. The Lord Jesus freely offered up his life for us on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7). The blood which he poured out for us on the cross cleanses, heals, and frees us from our slavery to sin, and from the "wages of sin which is death" (Romans 6:23) and the "destruction of both body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28).
It is significant that John was the son of the priest, Zachariah, who participated in the daily sacrifice of a lamb in the temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29). In Jesus John saw the true and only sacrifice which could deliver us from bondage to sin, death, and the powers of hell. How did John know the true identity of Jesus, as the Son of God and Savior of the world (John 1:29)? The Holy Spirit revealed to John Jesus' true nature, such that John bore witness that this is the Son of God. How can we be certain that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God? The Holy Spirit makes the Lord Jesus Christ known to us through the gift of faith. God gives us freely of his Spirit that we may comprehend - with enlightened minds and eyes of faith - the great mystery and plan of God to unite all things in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
"What do you seek?"
John in his characteristic humility was eager to point beyond himself to the Christ (means Anointed One and Messiah). He did not hesitate to direct his own disciples to the Lord Jesus. When two of John's disciples began to seek Jesus out, Jesus took the initiative to invite them into his company. He did not wait for them to get his attention. Instead he met them halfway. He asked them one of the most fundamental questions of life: "What are you looking for?" Jesus asks each one of us the same question:"What are you searching for? Do you know the meaning and purpose for your life?" Only God, the Father and Author of life, can answer that question and make our purpose fully known to us. That is why the Lord Jesus invites each one of us to draw near to himself. He wants us to know him personally - to know what he came to do for us and what he wants to offer us.
"Come and see"
"Come and see" is the Lord's invitation for each one of us to discover the joy of friendship and communion with the One who made us in love for love. Saint Augustine of Hippo reminds us that it is God, our Creator and Redeemer, who seeks us out, even when we are not looking for him: "If you hadn't been called by God, what could you have done to turn back? Didn't the very One who called you when you were opposed to Him make it possible for you to turn back?" It is God who initiates and who draws us to himself. Without his mercy and help we could not find him on our own.
When we find something of great value it's natural to want to share the good news of our discovery with our family, friends, and neighbors. When Andrew met Jesus and discovered that he was truly the Messiah, he immediately went to his brother Simon and told him the good news. Andrew brought his brother to meet Jesus so he could "come and see" for himself. When Jesus saw Simon approaching he immediately reached out to Simon in the same way he had done for Andrew earlier. Jesus looked at Simon and revealed that he knew who Simon was and where he came from even before Simon had set his eyes on Jesus. Jesus gave Simon a new name which signified that God had a personal call and mission for him. Jesus gave Simon the name "Cephas" which is the Aramaic word for "rock". Cephas is translated as Peter (Petros in Greek and Petrus in Latin) which also literally means "rock".
To call someone a "rock" was one of the greatest compliments in the ancient world. The rabbis had a saying that when God saw Abraham, he exclaimed: "I have discovered a rock to found the world upon." Through Abraham God established a nation for himself. Through faith Peter grasped who Jesus truly was - the Anointed One (Messiah and Christ) and the only begotten Son of God. The New Testament describes the church as a spiritual house or temple with each member joined together as living stones (see 1 Peter 2:5). Faith in Jesus Christ makes us into rocks or spiritual stones. The Holy Spirit gives us the gift of faith to know the Lord Jesus personally, power to live the gospel faithfully, and courage to witness the truth and joy of the Gospel to others. The Lord Jesus is ever ready to draw us to himself. Do you seek to grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Let your Spirit be aflame in my heart that I may joyfully seek to do your will in all things.
 
Opening Prayer: 
Dear Jesus, I want to come and stay with you during this prayer. Help me to set aside distractions and worries so that I can hear your voice in my heart.
Encountering Christ:
1. What Are You Looking For? The questions God asks through the Bible are always penetrating and pertinent. Today, he asks us, “What are you looking for?” That is to say, when we approach Jesus, are we looking for a solution to a problem? Someone to blame? An answer? Consolation? Or, are we looking for a person? Do we approach prayer as a relationship? Time to be with someone whom we love and who loves us? If we want to know Jesus better, let’s imitate the disciples in this Gospel and stay with him. 
2. Where Are You Staying? The questions we ask God are also important. We shouldn’t be afraid to ask God questions, especially questions that can lead us into a deeper relationship with him, such as, “Where are you Lord? Where are you staying? Where do I find you time and again?” And we ask ourselves, “What aspects of Christ in the Gospel always stand out to me? What kind of needs do I feel called to respond to? Where do I experience God working through me for the good of others?” By seeking the answers to these questions, we discover Christ within us.
3. Come and See: In the day-to-day experience of prayer, it can be hard to see where God is leading us, but by looking back and seeing the patterns of his presence and love in our lives, we can grow in our recognition of his guidance. When the first apostles initially experienced Christ, they immediately invited others to come and see. The Christ that we experience is the Christ that we are called to transmit to others. By reflecting upon our own experiences of Christ’s loving presence in our lives, we become better apostles of his love for those around us.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, help me to enter into dialogue with you every day. I want to be able to hear your questions and also ask you mine. I want to know you better so that I can follow you more closely and bring others to do the same.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Bẩy Tuần 1 Thường Niên

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Bẩy Tuần 1 Thường Niên (Mark 2:13-17)

 Những ràng buộc của chúng ta vào thế giới vật chất bởi vì chúng ta đang ở trong một thế giới tiêu dùng; chúng ta không có thời giờ cho người khác vì lối sống máy móc,với kỹ thuật tân tiến đã hủy hoại các mối quan hệ cá nhân của chúng ta với gia đình và những người khác. Những quy tắc đã trở nên quan trọng hơn con người; chúng ta không nhìn xuyên qua trái tim hay tình cảm mà chỉ biết nhìn bằng mắt thường. Chúng ta không nhận ra rằng các ràng buộc đấy sẽ dẫn đưa chúng ta đến hư không.
Lời Chúa có sức mạnh thâm nhập vào linh hồn và tâm hồn của chúng ta. Lời Chúa đánh giá những suy nghĩ và thái độ của tâm hồn con tim chúng ta. Lời Chúa kêu gọi sự suy nghĩ phán đoán của chúng ta như ông Lêvi (Mathêu) đáp lại lời kêu gọi của Chúa Giêsu. Ông ta lắng nghe Chúa Giêsu, tin vào những gì Chúa Giêsu nói và đi theo Chúa Giêsu không chút do dự. Phản ứng kịp thời của ông Lêvi đối với Lời Chúa đã khiến ông ta mời Chúa Giêsu dùng bữa cơm tối vớiông ta. Thiên Chúa phán xét chúng ta về cách chúng ta đáp lại lời Chúa, không phải về cách chúng ta làm sạch hay giữ vệ sinh bề ngoài, mà chính là sự giữ cho tâm hồn bên trong chúng ta được sạch sẽ.
Chỉ có Chúa mới có thể phán xét và tha thứ vì thế chúng ta không nên xét đoán người khác mà nên biết tha thứ. Chúa Giêsu, là Chúa, Ngài đã trở thành con người như chúng ta, Ngài biết mọi yếu điểm của chúng ta. Là con của Thiên Chúa, Ngài biết mọi nhu cầu vần thiết của chúng ta. Do đó, Ngài biết mọi thứ, kể cả những suy nghĩ và thái độ của chúng ta; không có gì mà có thể che giấu được khỏi tầm nhìn của Ngài. Ngài đã đến là để củng cố tâm hồn chúng ta nếu chúng ta tin tưởng vào Ngài, Ngài sẽ an ủi và dẫn đưa chúng ta nghỉ ngơi trong Ngài.
Lạy Chúa, xin giúp chúng con biết sống theo đức tin.  Xin giúp chúng con biết dùng lời nói và sự suy nghĩ của chúng con tìm thấy sự ưu ái trước tôn nhan Chúa.
 
Saturday on 1st Week in Ordinary Time  Heb. 4:12-16;  Mk. 2:13-17
Our assumptions are worldly because we are in a consumerist world; we do not have time for others because a mechanical life style has ruined our personal relationships. Rules have become more important than human beings; we do not see through hearts but see through our naked eyes. We do not realize that assumptions lead us to nowhere.
The Word of God has the power to penetrate the soul and spirit. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. It calls for our response as Levi responded to Jesus’ call. He listened to Jesus, believed in what he said and followed him without hesitation. His prompt response to the Word of God led him to dine with Jesus. God judges us on how we respond, not on how we are outwardly clean, but inwardly clean.
A clear judgement can come only through Jesus our Lord. Jesus, who became human for us, knows our every weakness. As Son of God he knows our every need. Thus he knows everything of our thoughts and attitudes; nothing is hidden from his sight. He will strengthen us if we trust him alone. He will comfort us if we rest in him.
Dear Lord, help us to live by faith. Let our words and thoughts find favour before You.
 
Saturday of the First Week of Ordinary Time
As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. Mark 2:14
How do you know the will of God for your life? In his spiritual classic, The Spiritual Exercises, Saint Ignatius of Loyola presented three ways in which we come to know the will of God. The first way is the clearest and most definitive way. It is a time in which the person experiences a “clarity beyond doubting” as a result of a special grace of God. In describing this experience, Saint Ignatius mentions the passage quoted above as an illustration of this experience.
There is little said about this call of Levi in the Gospel of Mark, which is also recorded in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 9:9). Levi, who is also known as Matthew, was going about his occupation of collecting taxes at his customs post. It appears that Jesus spoke only these two simple words to Levi: “Follow me.” As a result of these two words, Levi abandons his former life and becomes a follower of Jesus. Why would Levi do such a thing? What was it that convinced him to follow Jesus? Clearly there was much more than just a two-word invitation from Jesus that convinced him to respond.
That which convinced Levi was a special grace of God which produced within his soul a “clarity beyond doubting.” Somehow Levi just knew that God was calling him to abandon his former life and embrace this new life. There was no long discussion, no weighing of the pros and cons, no prolonged thinking about it. Levi just knew, and he responded.
Though this form of clarity in life is rare, it’s important to be aware of the fact that sometimes God does act this way. This is a great gift when it happens! And though this depth of instant clarity is not always the way God speaks to us, it’s important to acknowledge that God does speak to us this way at times.
Reflect, today, upon this call of Levi. Ponder this inner certitude he was given in that moment. Try to imagine what he experienced and what others may have thought of his choice to follow Jesus. Be open to this same grace; and if you ever feel as if God speaks to you with such clarity, be ready and willing to respond without hesitation.
My dear Lord, thank You for calling us all to follow You without hesitation. Thank You for the joy of being Your disciple. Give me the grace to always know Your will for my life and help me to respond to You with total abandonment and trust. Jesus, I trust in You.
 
Saturday of the First Week of Ordinary Time 2025
Opening Prayer: Lord God, the world easily attracts all my attention. I can be like Levi with my head buried in numbers and money. Lift my gaze to see your Son calling me to follow him. Give me the strength to leave my earthly customs post behind and dine with your Son at the heavenly banquet.
Encountering the Word of God
1. The Second Conflict: In the first conflict, narrated yesterday in Mark’s Gospel, the scribes accused Jesus of blasphemy. Today the local scribes who belonged to the Pharisees accuse Jesus of associating with tax collectors and public sinners. The Pharisees were a reform movement that sought to attain and maintain ritual purity through strict obedience to the Law of Moses and their traditions. They wanted nothing to do with the Roman Gentiles who occupied the land or with the people who collaborated with them, such as tax collectors. They can’t believe that Jesus and his disciples are having a meal in the house of Levi, a tax collector, and dining with other tax collectors and public sinners. Just as the scribes did not openly accuse Jesus of blasphemy, but did so in the thoughts of their hearts, the Pharisees did not directly accuse Jesus, but went to his disciples and tried to undermine their commitment to him.
2. Jesus, the Physician for Sinners: Jesus heard their question and responded by giving a deeper insight into his person and ministry. On the one hand, he identifies himself as a physician. From Mark’s Gospel, we know that Jesus does not just heal physical ailments, but is also capable of healing spiritual ones. He can cast out demons and forgive sins. On the other, Jesus’ ministry is directed to sinners: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” This contains a riddle for the Pharisees, who thought that they were righteous because of their meticulous fulfillment of the Law of Moses. As Paul will later teach, the works of the Law of Moses were unable to justify or make someone righteous. We are justified, not by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus. The Pharisees were blind to their sin. They didn’t recognize that they needed Jesus, the divine physician, to heal their sickness. They thought that they could be in a right relationship with God through their works. As Christians, however, we know that only the grace of God can justify us and that the only works that are meritorious for eternal life are those works of charity empowered by divine grace.
3. Confidently Approach the Throne of Grace: The Letter to the Hebrews exhorts us to confidently approach the throne of divine grace. Because God’s Word is powerful enough, like a sharp sword, to expose our innermost thoughts and desires, we could be tempted to remain in fear. And yet the letter tells us that when we become aware of ourselves as we truly are, we will recognize our need for a trustworthy and merciful high priest to advocate and intercede before God on our behalf. The letter proclaims that we have such a great high priest, Jesus Christ. Aware of this truth we can confidently approach the throne of grace not out of presumption but because of the mercy of Jesus, our high priest. Jesus is the great high priest, and his priestly ministry surpasses all other high priests in power and efficacy. The ancient Levitical and Aaronic priests passed through the veil of the sanctuary of the earthly temple; Jesus, by contrast, has passed the veil of the heavens into the heavenly sanctuary where God dwells. This is the place of his priestly intercession for us. 
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, your Apostle Levi, rose from sitting at his customs post and sat down with you in his house for a meal. Enable me to do the same each day, to leave aside the cares and worries of the present age and experience the transforming and eternal life you offer.
 
Saturday 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Opening Prayer: Lord, you call me today to be a saint, to pass from the darkness of sin to the light of your Son, Jesus Christ. Fill my soul with your holiness and grace so that, like Levi, I can leave everything and follow you.
 Encountering the Word of God
 1. The Call of King Saul: Saul and his servants were having trouble finding the lost sheep of his father, Kish. When Saul learned that there was a seer – a prophet – in the nearby city, he decided to consult him about the sheep. It was revealed earlier to the prophet Samuel that he would encounter a man from the tribe of Benjamin who would be chosen by the Lord God to be the leader of his people. When Samuel saw Saul for the first time, the Lord confirmed that this was the man chosen to be the ruler of his people. Saul was tall and handsome and had many physical attributes and human qualities to be the king and political leader of Israel. He was a valiant and successful warrior and was even a prophet (1 Samuel 10-11). 
 2. The Defects of King Saul: At the same time, Saul had many serious defects. He was given to pride, arrogance, and disobedience. He was impatient and took upon himself the role of a priest and offered the sacrifice before battle (1 Samuel 13:8-9). He uttered a rash oath and curse that marred the victory of Israel and fell upon the head of his son, Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:24-46). Saul disobeyed Samuel’s command to utterly destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:1-22). For assuming the rights of the priesthood, Samuel lost his dynasty. For disobeying Samuel’s command, Samuel lost his kingship. Saul never manifested true repentance when he was confronted for his sins. His pride and arrogance led him to continually choose his own will over God’s will. He lied about the intention of his actions. Saul was a man who sinned and chose to remain in his sin rather than seek God’s mercy.
 3. Levi: The Public Sinner who became a Saint: In contrast to Saul, we have the tax collector, Levi, who can be identified as the future apostle Matthew. As an apostle, Levi was chosen to be a leader of God’s people and sit on a throne, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (see Luke 22:30). As a tax collector, Levi, is considered to be a public sinner. Levi leaves aside his sinful life and begins a new life with Christ. Unlike Saul, Levi does not fail in his mission. He remained united to the vine of Christ and was able to bear fruit for the kingdom of God.
 Conversing with Christ: Lord, you transformed the life of Levi. He was involved with the affairs of this world, yet had a heart open to your word. Many times I am like Levi, immersed in the things of this world, yet I long to hear your voice calling me to leave everything and follow you. Call me by name today, challenge me to follow you, and give me the strength to persevere on the path.
 Resolution: The question posed to us in today’s readings is this: Will we give in to our pride like Saul and fail to respond to God with love and seek forgiveness and mercy? Or will we allow Christ into our lives and allow him to heal us and lead us to the Father?
 
Saturday 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Opening Prayer: Lord, please give me the grace to answer your call. Free me from any wrong thinking or constraint that may hinder me. Teach me humility. Make me keenly aware of my need for your healing and your mercy as I read these words today. 
Encountering Christ:
Calling All Sinners: Jesus’ fame is spread far and wide at this point in his ministry. He needed no one to help him succeed or make him more popular. We don’t know why he called Levi, the tax collector, to follow him, but by doing so, Jesus sent a powerful message to those of us who may feel unwelcome or unworthy to be Christians. Clearly, the Kingdom of God is open to anyone who accepts the invitation. 
Tax Collectors and Sinners: It is especially significant that Jesus “was at table in his (Levi’s) house.” Eating a meal with someone, whether accepting or offering hospitality, can be a sign of intimate friendship. We break bread with those we love or those whom we wish to know better. In his book A Meal with Jesus, author Tim Chester says, “His (Jesus’) mission strategy was a long meal, stretching into the evening. He did evangelism and discipleship around a table with some grilled fish, a loaf of bread, and a pitcher of wine.” Here, in this simple setting, Jesus was exercising his divine physicianship, showing his unconditional love for Matthew and his friends (Matthew 9:12). He has the same unchanging and perfect love for us.
Doctor, Doctor: Just in case the Pharisees or anyone else missed the point, Jesus drove it home with a clear analogy: People do not seek out medical care when they are well. It is when we are sick, injured, or infirm that we seek a doctor. Likewise, people who are full of their own righteousness are sometimes so intent on judging others that they do not always see their deep need for Christ’s healing in their lives. “All have sinned” (Romans 3:23). As sinners, we humbly acknowledge our sicknesses–our attachments–and leave the judgment of others to Christ. We seek with faith and hope our personal cure from the Divine Physician. 
Conversing with Christ: Jesus, how easily I can fall into the trap of judging other people. Please remind me that I will be judged the same way I judge others (Matthew 7:2). Soften my heart that I might look at my sinfulness with honesty and humbly come to you for the cure. Help me to look at the people in my life with love and mercy. I give you thanks for your love, grace, and mercy. 
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will pause before each meal to give praise and thanks for the food and drink you provide, also remembering your merciful love. 
 
Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Bẩy Tuần 1 Thường Niên (Mark 2:13-17 )
Bài đọc thứ nhất đã giới thiệu chúng ta về con người của Saul, người mà sẽ trở thành vị vua đầu tiên của Israel. Ông được mô tả là đẹp trai, cao ráo và là con của một người giàu có.  Người viết sách này dường như cảnh báo cho chúng ta nhận ra rằng những hồng ân, tài năng của con người không nhất thiết hay không đồng nghĩa với sự chấp thuận của Thiên Chúa và những năng khiếu Chúa ban cho này có thể là nguyên nhân của niềm tự hào, đâm ra kêu ngạo và rồi lại coi thường luật của Thiên Chúa. Lời nhắn nhủ rõ ràng: Không phải là dáng vóc bề ngoài mà Thiên Chúa ưng nhận, nhưng những chính là những gì ẩn chứa trong tâm hồn.
Điều này hiển nhiên rõ ràng trong quyết định của Chúa Giêsu trong việc chọn ông Lêvi (Mathêu) để làm một trong những môn đệ của Ngài. Điều này cho thấy Chúa Jêsus chọn những người có vóc dáng dễ nhìn bên ngoài, giản dị, thậm chí có cả những người có những nghề nghiệp "đáng xấu hổ theo Ngài. Lêvi là người bị những người Do Thái lên án, khinh rẻ vì là ông là người thu thuế, là tay sai cho người La Mã. Nghề nghiệp của ông đã kết tội chính  ông vì thâu thuế ông đã phạm tội phản quốc, phản dân tộc, và còn cả cái tội tham lam và tham nhũng, ..... Điều đáng kể là Chúa Jêsus đã đến nhà của ông và cùng ăn uống với ông và những người thu thuế và tội lỗi khác.
Bằng với cử chỉ trên,  trong cả hai bài đọc hôm nay chúng ta thấy Giáo Hội như muốn nhắc nhở chúng ta rằng Thiên Chúa không "nhìn" bề ngoài như con người đã làm. Thiên Chúa "nhìn thấy" rõ những cái gì đẹp  trong thâm tâm, trong tâm hồn chứ không phải chỉ là những dáng vẻ bên ngoài. Chúng ta hãy cầu nguyện xin Chúa ban cho chúng ta có được ân sủng là để 'thấy' những gì như Chúa 'thấy'.  Lạy Chúa, xin giúp con "được thấy" như Ngài thấy.
 
Sat 13th Jan 2018 - 1st Week in Ordinary Time
The first reading introduces the person of Saul, who later becomes the first king of Israel. He is described as being handsome, taller than most, and the son of a wealthy man. It is interesting that in the two Books of Samuel, there are others who are described as beautiful or handsome, or people of wealth: David, Bathsheba, Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah. More often than not, these people come to an unhappy or tragic end. The author of these Books seem to warn that such external gifts do not necessarily indicate divine approval and that these gifts can infact be a source of pride and disobedience to God’s law. The message is clear: It is not the externals that God approves, but what is in the heart.
This is clearly evident in the decision by Jesus in choosing Levi as one of his disciples. It indicated that Jesus chooses his followers from among those who are seen, externally, as simple and even those with 'disgraceful' occupations. Levi would have been held in contempt by his fellow Jews because as a tax collector, he cooperated with the Romans in exacting taxes for the emperor. His profession would clearly place him among the recognised ‘sinners’ of the Jewish people. Even more significant is that Jesus goes to Levi’s house to associate with other ‘sinners’. By this, the readings today remind us that God does not ‘see’ as human beings do. God ‘sees’ the ‘heart’ and not the externals. May we pray for the grace to ‘see’ as God ‘sees’. Lord, help me to ‘see’ as You see.

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 hay qua 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 đang âm ỉ 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 là tạo vật do Thiên Chúa sáng tạo ra 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 sự kêu ngạo, 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.
            "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.
 
Friday of the First Week of Ordinary Time
They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. Mark 2:3–4
This paralytic is a symbol of certain people in our lives who seem to be incapable of turning to our Lord by their own effort. It’s clear that the paralytic wanted healing, but he was unable to come to our Lord by his own effort. Therefore, the friends of this paralytic carried him to Jesus, opened the roof (since there was such a large crowd), and lowered the man down before Jesus.
The paralysis of this man is a symbol of a certain type of sin. It’s a sin for which someone desires forgiveness but is incapable of turning to our Lord by their own effort. For example, a serious addiction is something that can so dominate a person’s life that they cannot overcome this addiction by their own effort. They need the help of others to even be able to turn to our Lord for help. 
We each must see ourselves as the friends of this paralytic. Too often when we see someone who is trapped in a life of sin, we simply judge them and turn away from them. But one of the greatest acts of charity we can offer another is to help provide them with the means they need to overcome their sin. This can be done by our counsel, our unwavering compassion, a listening ear, and by any act of fidelity to that person during their time of need and despair.
How do you treat people who are caught in the cycle of manifest sin? Do you roll your eyes at them and turn away? Or do you firmly determine to be there for them to give them hope and to assist them when they have little or no hope in life to overcome their sin? One of the greatest gifts you can give to another is the gift of hope by being there for them to help them turn fully to our Lord.
Reflect, today, upon a person you know who seems to be not only caught in the cycle of sin but has also lost hope to overcome that sin. Prayerfully surrender yourself over to our Lord and commit yourself to the charitable act of doing anything and everything you can so as to help them fully turn to our divine Lord.
My precious Jesus, fill my heart with charity toward those who need You the most but seem incapable of overcoming the sin in their lives that keep them from You. May my unwavering commitment to them be an act of charity that gives them the hope they need to surrender their life to You. Use me, dear Lord. My life is in Your hands. Jesus, I trust in You.
 
Friday of the First Week of Ordinary Time 2025
Opening Prayer: Lord God, allow me to experience again the newness of what you have done through the sending of your Son into the world. Do not let me take the grace received in baptism for granted, or be indifferent to the communion I experience with you in the Eucharist.
Encountering the Word of God
1. The First Conflict: Chapter Two in Mark’s Gospel signals a change in the narrative. The “bad guys,” so to speak, are introduced. Chapter One was breathless in narrating one success after another. Jesus taught, healed, and exorcised demons and the people responded to him with faith in his authority and power. Today, we hear of the first opposition to Jesus and his ministry. Jesus returned to Capernaum, to the house of Simon and Andrew, after having traveled around all of Galilee, having preached in the synagogues, and having driven out demons. Many gathered in and around the house in Capernaum to hear Jesus’ preaching. Four men brought a paralytic to Jesus and had to break through the roof of the house to get to Jesus. On seeing the faith of the four men, Jesus responds first not by healing the physical paralysis but by forgiving the spiritual paralysis caused by sin.
2. The Authority of the Son of Man: Instead of believing in Jesus like the four men, the scribes immediately begin to think that Jesus is blaspheming. They know that only God has the power to forgive sins. And if Jesus claims he can do what God alone can do, then he is implicitly claiming to be God. Mark lets us know not only that Jesus is divine because of his power over sickness and demons, but also because Jesus knows the inner thoughts of those around him. God alone knows the human heart, and Jesus manifests this same knowledge. Jesus then performs the miracle of healing to show that he possesses the divine authority to forgive sins. When Jesus says, “Your sins are forgiven,” this is not just lip service or a false claim. If Jesus can forgive physical paralysis, then it is a sign that he can forgive spiritual paralysis and even give this power to forgive sins to his apostles, the successors of the apostles, and the priestly coworkers of these successors.
3. Entering into God’s Rest: The Letter to the Hebrews continues drawing a parallel between the story of the Exodus and our story as Christians. The author notes that the promise of entering into God’s rest remains. The people of the Exodus generation did not enjoy the physical rest offered in the promised land. Even when they entered the land under the leadership of Joshua, they still had to do battle with the pagan peoples who inhabited the land. Only under David, who finished the conquest of Canaan, and Solomon, who built the Temple, did the people experience a partial fulfillment of enjoying divine rest. This period of peace, however, was short-lived. Only through Jesus – who is the New Moses, the New Joshua, the New David, and the New Solomon – are we able to enter into divine rest. We do this through faith: “For we who believed enter into that rest” (Hebrews 4:3). Faith and obediential love go hand in hand. The people of Israel received the Good News of salvation but did not enter into divine rest “because of [their] disobedience.” In these last times, we are encouraged to hear and heed God’s voice and harden not our hearts. Ultimately, Joshua was unable to give the people the promised divine rest, and “a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). We are able, through Jesus, to enjoy that rest, especially on the Lord’s Day, which is a sharing in and an anticipation of the eternal rest in the heavenly Promised Land.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, bring me into the heavenly Promised Land so that I may taste the fruit of the Tree of Life and experience the cleansing power of your gracious mercy. Grant me a share in the divine life and rest you promise.
 
Friday 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?
 
Friday 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Opening Prayer: Lord, soften my heart and teach me to lose my doubt. I love you; I have faith in you. I want to serve you, but sometimes doubt creeps in. Strengthen my faith and my trust in you. You alone are the source of life and healing. 
Encountering Christ:
Extraordinary: The readings of this first week of Ordinary Time have depicted events that are anything but ordinary. Today’s Gospel is no exception. Jesus had shown that he could heal lepers, free the possessed, and raise the dying. His popularity had exploded. Excitement was at a fever pitch. When the word got out that he was at home, the crowds who followed him unrelentingly gathered there as well. They were all looking for healing, meaning, purpose. We come to Jesus’ home every Sunday. What are we looking for?
Friends Like This: The paralytic has some very devoted and loyal friends. Their faith and devotion moved the heart of Jesus and won for their friend the greatest of all gifts—forgiveness of his sins. Jesus’ message to us is clear: it is good to be physically well, but to avail ourselves of the sacrament of Reconciliation so as to be forgiven our sins is a far greater good. This paralytic, with the help of his friends, went to great lengths to encounter Christ. We have only to prepare our hearts and show up at church at the appointed time. How grateful are we for this experience of divine forgiveness? “Every time you go to confession, immerse yourself in My mercy, with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that I myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I Myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy…”) Jesus to Sr. Faustina, Divine Mercy in My Soul).
They Just Didn’t Get It: One would think that the scribes, who had spent their lives studying Scripture, would recall the words of the prophets regarding the Messiah and realize that he was in their midst. Instead, they criticized Jesus and demanded to know why he thought he had the right to forgive sins. Jesus’ brilliant response did three things: it established his authority to heal, it established his authority to forgive sins, and it held the door open for the scribes to accept the Messiah. Jesus, our Savior, is a God of second chances. He truly loves each one of us and wants us to enter into a loving relationship with him. Jesus can reach even the most hardened sinners. Jacques Fesch was a murderer in the 1950s who experienced a profound conversion while in prison. He said of this experience: “At the end of my first year in prison, a powerful wave of emotion swept over me, causing deep and brutal suffering. Within the space of a few hours, I came into possession of faith, with absolute certainty. I believed … Grace came to me. A great joy flooded my soul, and above all a deep peace.” Jacques Fesch is being considered for canonization. Truly no one is beyond the reach of Jesus’ saving grace–not the scribes who tried to derail his mission, not a man who found Our Lord while he was on death row–no one.
Conversation with Christ: Oh my Lord. I am so grateful for two things: that you look beyond my prayer to see what I really need; and that you are a God of second chances. Often I pray for something and you do not grant what I ask. Later I see that you were working the whole time for the betterment of my soul. When I mess up, you are always there to redirect, transform, and forgive me. I give you thanks for your great wisdom and your great mercy.