Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Tư tuần thứ Hai Phục Sinh

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Tư tuần thứ Hai Phục Sinh
Trong bài Tin Mừng hôm nay chứa đựng một câu Kinh Thánh rất phổ biến: đó là "Thiên Chúa yêu thương thế gian đến nỗi Ngài đã ban Con Một của Ngài, để ai tin vào Con của Ngài thì không bị hư mất, nhưng sẽ được sống đời đời. Đối với Thiên Chúa, Ngài sai Con của Ngài đến với thế gian không phải là để lên án thế gian, nhưng là qua Chúa Con mà cả nhân loại được cứu rỗi ".
            Câu Kinh Thánh này cho chúng ta thấy được tầm quan trọng mà chúng ta phải xác tín rằng: trong Kitô giáo thì chính tình yêu của Thiên Chúa là nguyên lý căn bản và  năng động cho sự cứu rỗi thế giới. Việc này cho thấy rằng Thiên Chúa trong bản tính con người là Chúa Giêsu, mà chúng ta tin rằng Ngài cũng là một với Thiên Chúa. Bằnh với một tình yêu vô biên và tuyệt vời Thiên Chúa đã ban tặng cho thế giới chúng ta Người Con độc nhất của Ngài. Qua Chúa Giêsu, chúng ta biết rằng "thế giới", có nghĩa là, toàn thể tạo vật, và đặc biệt là nhân loại con người là đối tượng của tình yêu cứu độ của Thiên Chúa. Vì vậy, Thánh Gioan đã nói: "Bề rộng của tình yêu Thiên Chúa là thế giới của loài người trong đó Chúa Kitô đã chết, và độ sâu của tình yêu Thiên Chúa là món quà quý giá nhất của Ngài đó chính là Con yêu dấu của Ngài."
            Điều này nhắc nhở chúng ta là Thiên Chúa đã muốn chia sẻ "sự sống đời đời" của Ngài với chúng ta biết bao nhiêu. Là người Kitô hữu, chúng ta được mời gọi để tham dự  vào sự hiệp thông trong sự sống lại với Chúa Giêsu, và đến để chia sẻ sự cứu rỗi này trong đức tin. Với một Đức tin như thế, chúng ta cần phải có những hành động liên tục hướng tới Chúa Giêsu, và tận hiến chính mình cho Chúa  Kitô trong việc chấp nhận Chúa là Thiên Chúa như Ngài đã tỏ lộ chính Ngài cho chúng ta, vâng chính Ngài là Con yêu dấu mọi đàng, là biểu tượng cao nhất của tình yêu Thiên Chúa.
            Lạy Chúa, chúng con cảm tạ ơn Chúa vì Chúa đã tỏ lộ tình yêu của Thiên Chúa cho chúng ta biết.
 
Reflection SG 2016
The Gospel reading today contains one of the most popularly quoted verses in the Bible: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.” These verses show how important is the conviction that in Christianity it is God’s love which is the dynamic principle for the salvation of the world. It shows that the God whom Jesus revealed, and whom we believe, is a God who is motivated by a love so great that He has gifted the world with His own Son. Through Jesus, we learn that the “world”, that is, the whole of creation, and in particular its human inhabitants, who are the object of God’s saving love. Therefore, as one writer puts it, “The breadth of God’s love is the world of mankind for whom Christ died, and the depth of God’s love is His most precious gift, His only beloved Son.”
            It reminds us how much God wants to share His own “eternal life” with us. As Christians, we are called to enter into a life-giving communion with Jesus, and come to share in this saving “life” through faith. Such faith calls for a constant movement towards Jesus and, the giving of ourselves to him and in accepting him as he has revealed himself, that is, the only beloved Son, the supreme expression of God’s love.    Lord, thank You for revealing God’s love to us. \
 
Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter
“God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” John 3:16
We continue, today, to read from the conversation that Jesus had with Nicodemus, the Pharisee who ultimately converted and is venerated as one of the early saints of the Church. Recall that Jesus challenged Nicodemus as a way of helping him to make the difficult decision to reject the malice of the other Pharisees and to become His follower. This passage quoted above comes from Nicodemus’ first conversation with Jesus and is often quoted by our evangelical brothers and sisters as a summary of the whole Gospel. And indeed it is.
Throughout Chapter 3 of John’s Gospel, Jesus teaches about light and darkness, being born from above, wickedness, sin, condemnation, the Spirit and much more. But in many ways, all that Jesus taught in this chapter and throughout His public ministry can be summed up in this short and to-the-point statement: “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” This short teaching could be broken down into five essential truths.
First, the Father’s love for humanity, and specifically, for you, is a love so deep that there is no way we will ever fully understand the depths of His love. 
Second, the love the Father has for us compelled Him to give us the greatest gift we could ever receive and the greatest gift the Father could give: His own divine Son. This gift must be prayerfully pondered if we are to come to a deepening understanding of the infinite generosity of the Father.
Third, as we prayerfully enter deeper and deeper into our understanding of this incredible gift of the Son, our only appropriate response is faith. We must “believe in Him.” And our belief must deepen just as our understanding deepens.
Fourth, we must realize that eternal death is always possible. It is possible that we eternally “perish.” That realization will give even greater insight into the gift of the Son, in that we will realize that the first duty of the Son is to save us from eternal separation from the Father.
Lastly, the gift of the Son from the Father is not only to save us but also to draw us to the heights of Heaven. That is, we are given “eternal life.” This gift of eternity is of infinite capacity, value, glory and fulfillment.
Reflect, today, upon this summary of the whole Gospel: “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” Take it line by line, prayerfully seeking to understand the beautiful and transforming truths revealed to us by our Lord in this holy conversation with Nicodemus. Try to see yourself as Nicodemus, a good person who is trying to understand Jesus and His teachings more clearly. If you can listen to these words with Nicodemus and accept them deeply in faith, then you, too, will share in the eternal glory these words promise.
My glorious Lord, You came to us as the greatest Gift ever imagined. You are the gift of the Father in Heaven. You were sent out of love for the purpose of saving us and drawing us into the glory of eternity. Help me to understand and believe all that You are and to receive You as the saving Gift for Eternity. Jesus, I trust in You.
 
Wednesday 2nd Week of Easter 2025
Opening Prayer: Lord God, you sent your Son into the world to save it. He is the light who overcomes the darkness of evil, sin, and death. By dying, he destroyed our death. By rising, he established the way to eternal life with you. Grant me a deeper participation in the life, death, and resurrection of your Beloved Son.
Encountering the Word of God
1. Eternal Life: When John writes that those who believe in Jesus have eternal life, this does not mean that if someone makes an act of faith, then they are saved. Salvation is not a once-and-done event. Salvation is an ongoing process with a beginning, a middle, and an end. What Jesus means here is that faith brings about an initial participation in eternal (divine) life. Faith is the beginning of eternal life; charity – union with God – is the end. Faith doesn’t last forever. Faith in God in this earthly life will give way to the vision of God in heaven. As Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 13:12-13: “At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present, I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” In heaven, faith in God becomes the vision of God. In heaven, the desire for God and hope in God become the possession and enjoyment of God. In heaven, our imperfect love for God is transformed and brought to perfection.
2. Belief in the Name of the Son of God: Jesus has been speaking to Nicodemus about the cross and faith. While the link between spiritual rebirth and baptism is more explicit, John subtly links baptism with the cross. The last element in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus underscores the importance of faith for coming to eternal life (see Morales, The Bible and Baptism, 96). In the Gospel, Jesus refers to the importance of believing in his name. In fact, believers will be baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Now, the “name of the Lord” has a rich and profound meaning in the Old Testament. One dimension concerns the sacrificial worship of God. A person is encouraged to “call upon the name of the Lord,” and the Temple is designated as the place where the name of the Lord dwells. “These associations between the name and worship, on the one hand, and between the name and baptism, on the other, once again point to worship as an important aspect of baptism” (Morales, The Bible and Baptism, 110). What this teaches us is that Baptism incorporates the believer into the new temple. By calling upon the name of the Lord Jesus, the Spirit comes to dwell in the believer as in a temple (see Morales, The Bible and Baptism, 119).
3. Live the Truth: The Gospel of John is full of stark contrasts: between truth and falsehood, between light and darkness, and between life and death. The Gospel today draws out the connection between light and Baptism. In fact, the early Church referred to the Sacrament as “Illumination.” “Baptism is not simply a new birth but also the enlightening of the mind to know God and so to come to eternal life” (Morales, The Bible and Baptism, 96). Jesus is the light of God and has come into the world. Those who do evil works hate the light of God. They want their evil works to remain hidden. Those who do good works, empowered by God’s grace, have nothing to fear. They live in the truth and the light. 
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, I trust in you as my king, my savior, and my redeemer. You are my Lord and my God. Help me overcome any temptations to envy so that I can focus on loving others and seeking their good.
 
Wednesday 2nd Week of Easter
Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, you desire that I might know you–that all people might know you–and welcome the salvation you so lovingly offer. I believe in your mercy. Let me begin this time of prayer from that place in your heart where you are salvation and closeness and mercy. How I need you to speak these truths in my life today! I trust in you, Lord, and I love you. Let me enter this time of prayer with you. 
Encountering Christ: 
Timeless Truth: Is there a passage from the Gospels more well-known or loved than this one, John 3:16? Reading this today, whether it strikes a deep chord or seems to slide off the back in trite repetition, let us ask the Lord to reveal this truth in a new, personal way. His word is life-giving, penetrating, and able to discern the thoughts of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). He knows us more deeply than we know ourselves, and desires that we might have life, that we might share in his life. May this truth touch any shadows of doubt and darkness in our hearts today. 
This Love: “This is one of the central verses of the Gospel,” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI says in the homily of November 4, 2010. He says, “The subject is God the Father, the origin of the whole creating and redeeming mystery. The verbs ‘to love’ and ‘to give’ indicate a decisive and definitive act that expresses the radicalism with which God approached man in love, even to the total gift, crossing the threshold of our ultimate solitude, throwing himself into the abyss of our extreme abandonment, going beyond the door of death.” How radical, indeed, is the love with which God draws near to us. Do we pause often enough to consider that he offers us his whole self–he who can be neither measured nor contained–if only we will accept his love? 
This Light: Christ affirms that the light has already come into the world. The question is not whether he will come, but rather whether we will choose to receive the light. Benedict continues, “God does not domineer but loves without measure. He does not express his omnipotence in punishment, but in mercy and in forgiveness.” This, he says, is what it means to enter this saving mystery. “Jesus came to save, not to condemn; with the sacrifice of the cross he reveals the loving face of God.” Let us not be afraid to let the Lord draw us to himself, though it means taking up our cross beside him and letting him bind our crosses to his own. 
Conversing with Christ: Jesus, you have come to reveal your Father’s love and to give me life by your Spirit. You wait at the door and knock (Revelation 3:20), and sometimes I don’t hear you knocking—or maybe sometimes I do, but I don’t want to open. Today, Lord, open my heart to this truth of your love and light which you come to proclaim. May your words bring healing to my heart today. 
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will strive to make a Spiritual Communion at some point during my busy day to deepen my understanding of this passage of your Gospel. 
 
Wednesday 2nd Week of Easter
Opening Prayer: Lord, let there be light in my soul as I reflect on your profound words in today’s Scripture verses.
Encountering Christ:
John 3:16: These are some of the most famous words of Scripture. We see this passage written on signs at public venues, prominently displayed on the faces of sports players, and printed on t-shirts. It’s no wonder—this simple phrase assures us that God is love, that he loved us enough to sacrifice his Son for our good, and that we need not die because eternal life awaits us. Our greatest two fears are not being loved and dying. If we can believe in Jesus, we need not fear any longer! But belief can be costly, can’t it?
I Believe: Belief in God requires our turning away from sin and striving to live according to the commandments and Church teaching. But many in our modern, post-Christian, individualistic society believe that obedience to God is a price too high to pay. It restricts “freedom,” they complain. How foolish! If God so loved the world as to give his Son in sacrifice, then we can trust that his commandments are also for our own good. It can be very hard to conform our lives to the commandments and Church teaching, but that’s one important way we show that we believe! It’s one beautiful way to show our love for God! And through our obedience, we experience true freedom as Jesus told us in John 8:32: “...the truth will set you free.” 
Condemnation: When we refuse to believe in Jesus, we “have already been condemned.” We are condemned even before we die as we wallow in unrepentant sin, enslaved by our passions. This spiritual reality binds us to the darkness, but even more tragically, we miss out on the delight and wonder of coming to know our loving God here and now. Life can be wonderfully illuminated by God’s light–in the faces of our loved ones, in the glories of nature, in the experiences of his grace–or we can choose to live in darkness day after day. All it takes is a little faith to break free of darkness. “Lord, I do believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).
Conversing with Christ: When my own “works are done in God” I radiate your light and, by your grace, can reach into another’s darkness to help him or her break free. Lord, I want to be an instrument of your light for many of my family and friends. Please continue to bless me with your grace so that I may “let my light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16).
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will reach out to one person with a kindness, knowing that your light is shining through me.
 
Suy Niệm Thứ Tư Tuần thứ Hai Phục Sinh
Quyền năng Thiên Chúa vượt xa các quy tắc và cấu trúc nhân tạo của con người . Điều này được thấy rõ trong bài đọc thứ nhất hôm nay. Các tông đồ đã bị bắt và bị giam cầm. Tuy nhiên, nhờ quyền năng của Thiên Chúa, họ đã được đưa ra khỏi nhà tù và tiếp tục hướng dẫn để rao giảng trong các đền thờ mà họ ngoan ngoãn vâng lời Thiên Chúa và thực hành. Chính trong bối cảnh này mà các tín hữu và môn đệ của Chúa Giêsu, đã đáp lại với những tiếng gọi của Chúa để tiếp tục sứ mạng của Chúa Giêsu, Nhất định họ phải có niềm tin vào sự can thiệp của Thiên Chúa; và tất cả có thể được tiến hành tốt trong tình yêu của Thiên Chúa. Tuy nhiên tình yêu của Thiên Chúa không phải là những cảm giác mơ hồ hay cảm giác tình cảm mà là một tình yêu phải trả giá. Thiên Chúa đã cho chúng ta những gì là thân yêu nhất với Thiên Chúa; đó là Con của Ngài, là Chúa Giêsu Kitô đã chết cho chúng ta để cho chúng ta thấy tình yêu của Thiên Chúa như là tình yêu của Cha  mẹ và Ngài đã thực hiện lời hứa của Ngài là ban cho chúng ta "sự sống đời đời". Do đó sự cứu rỗi là trọng tâm sứ mệnh của Chúa Giêsu trên trái đất này.
            Làm thế nào để chúng ta có thể đáp ứng lại với lời kêu gọi của Chúa, để tiếp tục sứ mệnh của Chúa Giêsu trong bất cứ nơi nào chúng ta đến và trong mọi hoàn cảnh trong cuộc sống (kinh nghiệm tích cực và tiêu cực) của chúng ta. Có phải chúng ta chuẩn bị để vượt xa hơn những cơ cấu và các quy tắc và chọn con đường dọi ánh sáng của Chúa Kitô thay vì bóng tối? Để kiểm tra động cơ thúc đẩy của chúng ta trong tất cả các lời nói và hành động của chúng ta, chúng ta được mời tham dự những thách thức, thử thách để thực hành việc xem xét và kiểm thảo chính mình  mỗi ngày;  kiểm thảo (kiểm tra) cuộc sống của chúng ta hàng ngày trong ánh sáng của Chúa Kitô,  để thấy sự hiện diện của Thiên Chúa trong kinh nghiệm cuộc sống hàng ngày của chúng ta. Như những người được Phục Sinh trong Chúa Kitô, chúng ta được gọi là những người mang ánh sáng của Chúa Kitô và là các nhân chứng tình yêu của Thiên Chúa cho tất cả mọi người.
 
Reflection: 2014
God’s power goes beyond man-made rules and structures.  This is clearly seen in the first Reading. The apostles were arrested and imprisoned. Yet by the power of God, they were taken out of the prison and further instructed to preach in the temple which they obediently carried out. It is in this context that the believers and followers of Jesus, in responding to the call to continue the mission of Jesus, ought to have faith in the intervention of God — that all may be well (Julian of Norwich) in God's love.  However God’s love is not vaguely sentimental feeling but a love that costs.  God gave what was most dear to God — His Son, Jesus Christ whose death reveals God's love as the Father/Mother and the fulfillment of God's promise of ‘eternal life’. Hence salvation is central to Jesus’ mission on earth.
            How do we respond to this call, to continue Jesus' mission wherever we are and under all circumstances in life (positive and negative experiences). Are we prepared to go beyond structures and rules and choose the path of light of Christ instead of the darkness? In order to check our motivations in all our words and actions, we are invited to take up the challenge to practice the Daily Examine — to check our life daily in the light of Christ, and to see God’s presence in our daily life experiences.  As Easter people, we are called to be bearers of light and witnesses of God’s love for all.
 
Reflection:
Today the Gospel proposes to us once more to follow in the footsteps of Thomas the Apostle, that go from doubt to faith. Like Thomas, we approach the Lord full of doubts, but He also comes to meet us: «God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but may have eternal life» (Jn 3:16).
            Thomas was not present in the first apparition of Jesus to the apostles, that Easter morning. «A week later» (Jn 20:26), in spite of his refusal to believe, Thomas joins the other disciples. The hint is quite clear: faith is not maintained far from the community. Far from our brothers, our faith does not grow nor ripen. At each Sunday's Eucharist we recognize his Presence. If Thomas was honest enough to show his doubts it was because the Lord did not initially grant him what He did to Mary of Magdala: not only to listen and to see the Lord, but to touch him with her own hands. Christ comes to meet us, mostly when we are together with our brothers and are celebrating with them the partition of the Bread, that is, the Eucharist. It is then when He invites us to “put our fingers in His side”, that is, to penetrate the impenetrable mystery of His life.
            The move from incredulity to Faith has its stages. Our conversion to Jesus Christ —our step from darkness into light— is a personal process, but we need the community. These past Easter days, we all have felt the urge to follow Jesus on his way of the Cross. Now, fully in Easter time, the Church invites us to enter the new life with Him, with our works being done in God (cf. Jn 3:21).
            Today, we also have to personally feel Jesus' invitation to Thomas: «and be not faithless, but believing» (Jn 20:27). Our life is at stake, as «he that believed on him is not condemned» (Jn 3:18), but goes to the light

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Ba tuần thứ Hai Phục Sinh

 Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Ba tuần thứ Hai Phục Sinh

ua sách Tông Đồ Công Vụ, vì chúng ta đã có thể nghĩ câu chuyện có thể đã được phóng đại vì có bao giờ chúng ta có thể thấy được một cộng đồng rất hoàn hảo và hài hòa? Họ cũng có những vấn đề của họ như bất cứ nhóm người nào như Thánh Phaolô cũng đã chúng ta biết. Nhưng có một điều chắc chắn là: họ biết cách để chia sẻ, Họ biết làm thế nào để đảm bảo rằng không có ai phải thiếu thốn bất cứ thứ gì. Và họ yêu thương nhau, biết cách hỗ trợ nhau và sống hoà đồng trong sự hiệp nhất. Sự hỗ trợ lẫn nhau, và chia sẻ với nhau, đó là nguồn sức mạnh lớn lao của họ.

Thiên Chúa có thể sống ở giữa họ và thực hiện phép lạ nơi họ, vì họ dành chỗ riêng cho Ngài và sẵn sàng đón nhận Ngài vào sống ngay trong trái tim của họ. Sự đoàn kết và chia sẻ của họ chính là sinh lực và sức mạnh. Có lẽ đây là món quà lớn nhất mà chúng ta có thể chia xẻ cho những người khác và thế giới: Sự thể hiện cuộc sống của chúng ta và những gì mà con người chúng ta thực sự đã sống. Nắm bắt thời cơ của sự việc và nói rằng "tôi đã làm" thay vì "chúng ta đã làm" chính là nguồn gốc của nhiều vấn đề trong thế giới của chúng ta. Cái “TÔI” và tự hào chính là nguyên nhân chính gây chia rẽ và thù hận, cũng là đầu mối của mọi tội lỗi và sự dữ.

Chúng ta không thể lý luận, mua bán, hoặc thao tác con đường của chúng ta đến với Thiên Chúa. Là một con người bình thường chúng ta chỉ có thể đi xa hơn nữa; chúng ta không thể đi tắt. Để bước đi được xa hơn nữa và đến với Thiên Chúa, chúng ta cần phải được tái sinh thêm một lần thứ hai; Đó sự giác ngộ và tái sinh qua Thánh thần..

Reflection

We almost wonder if Luke exaggerated a bit. When have you ever seen a community so perfect and harmonious? They had their problems like any group of human beings ;Paul keeps us well informed. But one thing is for sure: they knew how to share. They knew how to ensure that no one was in need. And they knew how to support and love one another and to agree on the important things that they all held dear. It was this unity, mutual support, and sharing that was the source of their great power.

God was able to dwell in their midst and work miracles because they made room for Him and invited God into their hearts. There is power and strength that comes from unity and sharing. Perhaps this is the greatest gift we can offer others and the world: showing in our own lives what truly human living is. Grasping at things and saying ‘mine’ instead of ‘ours’ is the source of much of our world’s problems.

Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony.” John 3:9–11

As we reflected upon yesterday, Nicodemus is one of the only Pharisees who ultimately converted, became a follower of Jesus, and is today considered a saint. The only other Pharisees who were recorded by name as converts to Christianity were Saint Paul and Gamaliel. Acts 15:5 also indicates that some other Pharisees ultimately converted.

When the many encounters between Jesus and the Pharisees are considered as a whole, it’s clear that there was great resistance among them toward Jesus and His teaching. They were constantly seeking to trap Him and, of course, ultimately were responsible for His death, along with other leading religious leaders from the Sanhedrin. For that reason, it’s easy to understand that there must have been great pressure upon all the Pharisees to reject Jesus. Each one of them would have felt the power of peer pressure to act in accord with the general view of Jesus’ condemnation. This is the context of this passage above in which Nicodemus questions Jesus. This passage continues yesterday’s Gospel conversation in which Jesus says clearly to Nicodemus that the way to Heaven is to be “born from above.” Nicodemus questions how one can “be born again,” and then Jesus issues this apparent criticism of Him quoted above.

We cannot reason, buy, or manipulate our way to God. As ordinary human beings we can only go so far; we always fall short. To go any further, we need a second birth; enlightenment and rebirth through the spirit

It’s helpful to understand that Jesus’ criticism was not a condemnation of Nicodemus. It was not in the tone of His normal “Woe to you…” statements; rather, it was a gentle but very direct challenge to Nicodemus so as to move him from his questions to faith. And that’s the key. Nicodemus did not come to Jesus to trap and condemn Him like the other Pharisees did. Nicodemus came because he was confused. And most likely, he was confused because he felt great peer pressure from his fellow Pharisees to condemn Jesus.

Understanding this context should help us understand not only the goodness and courage of Nicodemus but also the loving boldness of Jesus. Jesus knew that Nicodemus was open. He knew that Nicodemus could be won over. But Jesus also knew that Nicodemus needed to be challenged in a direct and firm way. He needed a bit of a “holy push” so as to enter into the gift of faith. Of course, Jesus’ challenge ultimately won Nicodemus over.

Reflect, today, upon any way in which you, too, need a “holy push” from our Lord. What form of worldly pressure do you experience in life? Do friends, neighbors, family members or co-workers impose upon you in some way a peer pressure that is contrary to the life of true holiness? If so, ponder the ultimate courage of Nicodemus, Saint Paul and Gamaliel. Let their witness inspire you and allow our Lord to challenge you where you need it the most so that you, too, will receive the “holy push” that you need to be a more faithful follower of Jesus.

My Lord of all strength, You are unwavering in Your determination to challenge me in the area that I need it the most. Help me to receive Your gentle rebukes of love when I am weak so that I will have the courage and strength I need to be a faithful follower of You. Give me clarity and understanding, dear Lord, and help me to overcome the misleading pressures of the world. Jesus, I trust in You.

Reflection Tuesday 2nd week of Easter

Opening Prayer: Lord God, I have been spiritually reborn through the waters of Baptism as your adopted child. I have been regenerated and recreated in the image of your Son, Jesus Christ. I desire to be a faithful child who seeks to please you in all that I do.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Riddle of Wind and Spirit: Throughout the Gospel of John, we encounter Jesus’ riddles and irony. His seemingly simple words have multiple levels of meaning and deep references to the Scriptures. In his conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus speaks about spiritual rebirth through water. Nicodemus mistakenly thought he was speaking about a physical rebirth and didn’t grasp the depth of Jesus’ teaching. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus introduces a new riddle about the Holy Spirit. The Hebrew word for spirit, “ruah,” also meant “wind” and “breath.” Jesus points Nicodemus to the opening lines of the Bible, which speak about the “ruah” of God hovering over the waters (Genesis 1:2). Just as the wind is seemingly arbitrary and blows sometimes from the west, sometimes from the south, and sometimes from the north, so also the Holy Spirit directs those in whom he dwells. What Jesus taught Nicodemus was the need for a person reborn in the Spirit to be docile to the motions of that same Spirit. Sometimes the Spirit will move a person this way and sometimes that way.

2. The Riddle of the Descent of the Son of Man: Jesus used riddles and parables to speak not only about the Holy Spirit, but also about his own identity. Jesus’ parables (meshalim) were not exclusively narrative stories. “Jesus was known for utilizing meshalim that took the form of riddles, puzzling sayings, and/or questions that were deliberately intended to be both ambiguous and thought-provoking” (Pitre, Jesus and Divine Christology, 111). Jesus used riddle-like parables to both reveal and conceal the mystery of the kingdom of God and the mystery of his divinity (see Pitre, Jesus and Divine Christology, 112). Instead of openly referring to himself as God, Jesus preferred to refer to himself as “the Son of Man.” In this way, he pointed the people to passages from the Hebrew Scriptures. On the one hand, the title meant that Jesus is a human being. He is a descendant of Adam. And, on the other hand, the title refers to a prophecy and vision of the prophet Daniel about a person with both divine and human qualities. The “Son of Man,” in Daniel’s prophecy, received divine authority and an everlasting kingdom from God, the Ancient of Days. Here, in a cryptic way, Jesus alludes to his Incarnation, his descent from heaven, and also his future Ascension, his going up to heaven.

3. The Riddle of Being Lifting Up: Jesus speaks to Nicodemus not only about the Sacrament of Baptism in the New Covenant, and not only about his identity as the Son of Man, but also about his destiny. He, the Son of Man, will be lifted up. And he will be lifted up in three ways. First, Jesus will be lifted up on the Cross. Second, Jesus will be lifted up from the grave. Third, Jesus will be lifted up at the Ascension. Jesus is our King and now sits at the right hand of his Father. He is our eternal and royal High Priest and intercedes for us at the Father’s right hand. And Jesus has sent us the Spirit to sanctify believers and guide the Church to all truth.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, I contemplate today the revelation of your passion and resurrection to Nicodemus and the revelation of the mystery of Baptism. You have revealed heavenly things, and I welcome them in faith. I believe you are the Son of Man, lifted up, so that I may enjoy eternal life with you.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng thứ Ba tuần thứ Hai Phục Sinh

Đọc qua các Tin Mừng, chúng ta gần như tự hỏi hình như Thánh Luca đã phóng đại một chút trong sách Tông Đồ Công Vụ, vì chúng ta đã bao giờ thấy được một cộng đồng rất hoàn hảo và hài hòa như chúng ta thấy trong Tông Đồ Công Vụ? Họ cũng có những vấn đề của họ như bất cứ nhóm người nào như Thánh Phaolô  cũng đã chúng ta biết. Nhưng có một điều chắc chắn là: họ biết cách để chia sẻ, Họ biết làm thế nào để đảm bảo rằng không có ai phải thiếu thốn bất cứ thứ gì. Và họ biết cách để hỗ trợ và yêu thương nhau, Họ hoà đồng về những điều quan trọng mà tất cả đều thân thương, Đó là sự hiệp nhất, sự hỗ trợ lẫn nhau, và chia sẻ với nhau, đó là nguồn sức mạnh lớn lao của họ.

            Thiên Chúa đã có thể sống ở giữa họ và thực hiện  phép lạ nơi họ, vì họ dành chỗ riêng cho Ngài và sẵn ssàng đón nhận Chúa vào sống ngay vtrong trái tim của họ. Sự đoàn kết và chia sẻ của họ lả sinh lục và sức mạnh. Có lẽ đây là món quà lớn nhất mà chúng ta có thể chia xẻ cho những người khác và thế giới: Sự thể hiện cuộc sống của chúng ta và những gì mà con người chúng ta thực sự đã sống.

            Nắm bắt thời cơ của sự việc và nói rằng "tôi đã làm" thay vì "chúng ta đã làm" chính là nguồn gốc của nhiều vấn đề trong thế giới của chúng ta. Cái “TÔI” và tự hào chính là nguyên nhân chính gây chia rẽ và thù hận, cũng là mối đầu của mọi tội lỗi và sự dữ.

            Chúng ta không thể lý luận, mua bán, hoặc thao tác con đường của chúng ta đến với Thiên Chúa. Là một con người bình thường chúng ta chỉ có thể đi xa hơn nữa; chúng ta không thể đi tắt. Để bước đi được xa hơn nữa đến với Thiên Chúa, chúng ta cần phải được tái sinh thêm một lần thứ hai; Đó sự giác ngộ và tái sinh qua Thánh thần.

 

Reflection

We almost wonder if Luke exaggerated a bit. When have you ever seen a community so perfect and harmonious? They had their problems like any group of human beings; Paul keeps us well informed. But one thing is for sure: they knew how to share. They knew how to ensure that no one was in need. And they knew how to support and love one another and to agree on the important things that they all held dear. It was this unity, mutual support, and sharing that was the source of their great power.

            God was able to dwell in their midst and work miracles because they made room for Him and invited God into their hearts. There is power and strength that comes from unity and sharing. Perhaps this is the greatest gift we can offer others and the world: showing in our own lives what truly human living is. Grasping at things and saying ‘mine’ instead of ‘ours’ is the source of much of our world’s problems.

            We cannot reason, buy, or manipulate our way to God. As ordinary human beings we can only go so far; we always fall short. To go any further, we need a second birth; enlightenment and rebirth through the spirit.

 

Reflection Tuesday 2^nd week of Easter

Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, you sent your Son into the world that I might know him; you give me your Spirit so that I might be born again in you. You give me life, and I thank you. Let me pause, in this time of prayer. Remind me of these truths; speak your life-giving word to my heart. I believe in you; increase my faith. I trust in you; increase my hope. And Lord, I love you. Let me know you more. 

Encountering Christ: 

The Holy Spirit as Wind: Numerous Old Testament passages are referenced in this timeless and beautiful dialogue between Nicodemus and Our Lord. The wind that blows where it wills reminds us of the gentle breeze in which Elijah encountered the Lord (1 Kings 19:11-13). The Lord was not in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but in the tiny whispering sound of the breeze. Perhaps in recalling this imagery with Nicodemus–and with us–the Lord Jesus wishes to remind us that his Spirit is the true craftsman of holiness and that he does not ask us to be in control, but to lend ourselves, entirely, in faith to him. 

The Holy Spirit Lifts Up: Another Old Testament passage is referenced by Our Lord, here: Numbers 21:1-9, when the bronze serpent on the staff made by Moses brought healing to those who looked upon it. Pope Benedict XVI comments on this passage in a homily (see link below). He says, “St. John sees precisely in the mystery of the cross the moment in which the real glory of Jesus is revealed, the glory of a love that gives itself totally in the Passion and death. Thus, paradoxically, from a sign of condemnation, death, and failure, the cross becomes a sign of redemption, life, and victory, through faith, the fruits of salvation can be gathered.” Perhaps in prayer, we can pause and invite this same Holy Spirit to enlighten in our own hearts where we need the Lord to be lifted up, on his glorious cross, over the struggles, sufferings, and doubts in our hearts today. 

The Holy Spirit Gives Eternal Life: “The Lord, the Giver of Life,” we pray in the Nicene Creed. This is also the title that St. John Paul II gave to his encyclical letter on the Holy Spirit, for it is for this purpose that the Spirit has come: to give us eternal life. The Lord has won this life for us through his suffering, death, and resurrection. Let us be neither surprised nor afraid when salvation is lived out in our individual stories through a sharing in Christ’s suffering, death, and promise of Resurrection. May we learn to listen to the Holy Spirit’s whispers throughout our life’s journey. 

Conversing with Christ: Jesus, you promise eternal life to your followers, to be lifted up, for our sake, and to draw all things to yourself. Draw me to yourself, Lord, even if the ladder up to your heart is a cross. Teach me to listen to your Spirit and to respond to you, step by step, in faith, hope, and love. 

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will strive to be attentive to the whispers of your Holy Spirit. At the end of my day, I will pause and reflect upon where and how you have made yourself present. 

 

Tuesday 2^nd week of Easter

Opening Prayer: Holy Spirit, be with me as I reflect on the Scriptures today. Warm my heart with your presence and fill my soul with grace.

Encountering Christ:

Face to Face: Nicodemus had the grace to talk about spiritual truths with the living God, Jesus Christ. He knew Christ was someone special, and we can assume Nicodemus was seeking truth when he met with Christ. Why else would he have risked his reputation? But he was very confused by Jesus’s answers. Did he go away sad? Frustrated by his lack of understanding? We know that his encounter with Jesus was so compelling that Nicodemus eventually came out of the shadows to help with Christ’s burial (John 19:39-42). What would you say to Jesus if you had the opportunity to talk with him alone, face to face? 

Mission and Responsibility: Jesus seemed disappointed that Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, could not grasp the concept of being born again. Furthermore, Jesus expressed his frustration that “you people do not accept our testimony.” Like Nicodemus, modern-day teachers, preachers, priests, and laypeople–all of us–have unique missions and responsibilities. Jesus has a right to demand of us an accounting for all we’ve been given. After all, he gave us our individual missions and all the grace and talent we need to succeed in them. Sometimes people will reject our testimony, as they did Jesus. Sometimes we will bear crosses, as did Jesus. Jesus invites us to rest in him (his yoke is light) so that we can fulfill our responsibility to know, love, and serve God and be with him forever in the next (Baltimore Catechism).

Lifted Up: Even though Nicodemus repeatedly asked “why” and failed to grasp the truths Jesus was imparting, Jesus blessed him—Jesus predicted his crucifixion and shared with Nicodemus the totality of his Father’s mission: “so that all may have eternal life.” Nicodemus knew well from the Old Testament that anyone who gazed on Moses’s serpent lived (Numbers 21:9) and perhaps he finally understood what Jesus had been saying all along. Might he have trembled at the dawning realization that God was truly speaking to him? Was this the moment of conversion for this Pharisee?

Conversing with Christ: Lord, in our relationship, I have been confused, dense, doubting, and discouraged. But there have also been beautiful “Ah Ha!” moments where you blessed me with new insight or loving peace. I am grateful that you love me for who I am, not for what I do. I acknowledge my mission, and with the help of your grace, I will continue to try to achieve it little by little every day.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will reflect back on the “Ah Ha!” moments you have blessed me with to rekindle my faith. 

Suy Niệm Thứ Hai Tuần thứ Hai Phục Sinh

Suy Niệm Thứ Hai Tuần thứ Hai Phục Sinh
Trong Tin Mừng, chúng ta lưu ý các trường hợp của ông Nicôđêmô, một người Biệt Phái và thành viên của các công nghị Do Thái, những lại là người môn đệ “chui” của Chúa Giêsu đã đến gặp Chúa Giêsu một cách bí mật. Điều thật là thú vị để quan sát các tình huống khác nhau và các tình huống mà chúng ta được thấy trong bức thư của các tông đồ và trong các bài đọc Tin Mừng. Một mặt, chúng ta đọc về một công cộng, cởi mở, trong khi mặt khác có những điểm riêng tư, nhưng trong cả hai trường hợp đó là một tuyên bố rõ ràng và sinh động trong đức tin. Chúng ta cũng đọc về ông Nicôđêmô, người đã bí mật theo Chúa Giêsu, và các môn đệ như ông Phêrô và Gioan đã công khai tuyên bố là họ trung thành với Chúa Giêsu.
Trong bài đọc thứ nhất, Phêrô và Gioan đã can đảm giảng dạy Tin Mừng Chúa Kitô trước các nhà lãnh đạo tôn giáo của Israel, và tự bào chữa cho chính mình thoát khỏi cảnh ngục tù với  chỉ một lời"cảnh báo nghiêm khắc ... là đừng bao giờ nhắc đến tên của người đó cho bất cứ ai nữa."
Quay trở lại với cộng đồng cùng đức tin của họ, họ đã có niềm vui rất lớn  giữa các tông đồ, các môn đệ và các tín hữu ban đầu và đã đưa họ đến những lời cầu nguyện vững chắc với lời khen ngợi và tạ ơn Thiên Chúa. Mặc dù bị sách nhiễu, kỳ thị tôn giáo và đàn áp bởi các vị lãnh đạo Do Thái, cộng đồng các tín hữu luôn tiếp tục theo đuổi nhiệt tình với mọi người để công bố sự phục sinh của Chúa Giêsu Kitô.
            Chúng ta hãy bắt chước những người trong cộng đồng Kitô hữu tiên khởi, ngưỡng mộ cách rõ ràng và mạnh dạn thể hiện đức tin của chúng ta trong Chúa Giêsu Christ là Đấng đã Phục Sinh . Chúng ta có thể rao truyền bằng lời nói, nếu cần thiết, nhưng điều quan trọng hơn là chúng ta có thể phản ánh niềm tin của chúng ta trong cuộc sống hằng ngày của chúng ta bằng việc làm và cách sống trong gia đình của chúng ta.
 
REFLECTION
Entering into the second week of Easter, we note in the Book of Acts, the boldness of the early church in proclaiming Christ Jesus as the messenger and the message. In the first reading, Peter and John courageously teach and preach to the religious and political leaders of Israel, and find themselves released with a mere "stern warning ... never to mention that man's name to anyone again." Returning to their community of faith, there was great rejoicing amongst the apostles, disciples and the early believers that led to powerful prayers of praise and thanksgiving. Despite the harassment, religious discrimination and persecution, the leaders of the community of believers continued to pursue with great zeal the person, work and proclamation of theresurrected Jesus Christ.
            In the Gospel, we note the circumstances of Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, who came to see Jesus secretly. It is interesting to observe the varied circumstances and situations in our epistle and Gospel readings. On one hand, we read about a public, open setting while on the other hand there is a private venue but in both cases there is a clear and spirited declaration of faith. We also read about Nicodemus, who secretly admires Jesus, and the disciples Peter and John who openly announce their allegiance to Jesus.
Let us imitate the early Christian community, clearly admiring and boldly manifesting our faith in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. We can use words, if necessary, but more importantly we can reflect our faith in our life-style and family life.
 
Monday of the Second Week of Easter
There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” John 3:1–2
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews, is mentioned three times in the Gospel of John. The passage above comes from the first time he’s mentioned. The second time is when he reminds the Sanhedrin that Jesus should be heard by them before they condemn Him, and the third time is when Nicodemus assists with Jesus’ burial after His death. John’s Gospel is very symbolic. He especially uses the images of light and dark. For example, when Judas went out to betray Jesus, John’s Gospel notes that “it was night.” In the passage above, John’s Gospel notes that Nicodemus came to Jesus “at night.”
Saint Augustine, in commenting upon this passage, says that Nicodemus came to Jesus “at night” because Nicodemus was not yet fully born again and, therefore, was not yet living fully in the light of faith. But the fact that Nicodemus does come to Jesus and questions Him at length shows that he had a spark of faith and that he wanted to deepen that faith. He clearly hoped that Jesus was the Messiah and professed that Jesus was “a teacher who has come from God.”
From early times, prior to the formalization of canonization practices, Nicodemus has been given the title of “saint” within the Catholic Church as well as in the Orthodox Church. He is especially venerated because he stood up against the other religious leaders at the time to defend Jesus and show support for Him. This took courage. He was ridiculed and risked being shunned by the others. But Nicodemus knew there was something special about Jesus, and he persevered in following that inspiration.
In many ways, Nicodemus is a great example for us today in our modern world. More and more, in most secular world cultures, being a follower of Jesus is looked down upon. This is especially true if you choose to live your faith openly and believe all that the Gospels teach. Many Christians find that living their faith openly, especially within the workplace, school environments, and other civic circles, is challenging. And like Nicodemus, many find it easier to come to Jesus “at night,” meaning, in a hidden way. And though Nicodemus started this way, he eventually spoke openly in defense of Jesus in the presence of his fellow Pharisees who, according to some traditions, persecuted him and drove him into exile.
Reflect, today, upon Saint Nicodemus. He allowed the spark of faith within him to grow as He listened to Jesus, struggled with the pressure from his peers, but ultimately openly professed his faith in Christ. And though this hurt his worldly position of honor within the Sanhedrin and among the earthly rulers, it earned Nicodemus an eternal honor in Heaven. Reflect upon the courage he must have had to go against the pressure of his peers by allowing the faith he found in Christ to grow and fill his life with the light of Truth. Seek to imitate this good man and allow yourself to be inspired by his courage so that you, too, will receive the same eternal glory he now enjoys in Heaven.
Lord of light and truth, You reveal Yourself to those who come to You with faith. Help me to follow the example of Nicodemus so that all confusion and darkness will be dispelled by the light of Your truth. Give me courage, dear Lord, to follow You and to set my heart on all that You reveal. Jesus, I trust in You.
 
Monday of the Second Week of Easter.
Opening Prayer: Lord God, I thank you for the gift of rebirth. I have been reborn of water and the Spirit and now live under your reign. You are my king and my Lord. Grant me your Spirit so that I may serve faithfully.
Encountering the Word of God
1. Rabbinic Riddles with Nicodemus the Pharisee: In the context of Jesus’ first Passover pilgrimage during his public ministry, Nicodemus sought Jesus out. Nicodemus heard about what Jesus taught around Galilee and the signs Jesus performed in that same region. While some of the Pharisees objected and condemned Jesus’ words and actions, Nicodemus judged with some of the other Pharisees and “rulers of the Jews” that  Jesus was a “rabbi” who had come from God. They also determined that God was “with Jesus.” As a good rabbi, Jesus employs riddles in his teaching. This was a technique that invited listeners and students to ponder what was being proposed and didn’t try to forcefully impose something upon the listeners. Instead of going around Galilee saying to everyone, “I am God,” Jesus used rabbinic riddles to invite his listeners to make an act of faith in him and his divinity. Jesus referred to himself as the “Son of Man,” and this invited his listeners to ponder the meaning of the prophet Daniel’s vision and how Jesus related to that vision.
2. The Riddle of Spiritual Rebirth: In his encounter with Nicodemus, Jesus didn’t say, “You need to be baptized with water and invoke the name of the Trinity to be incorporated into the Church.” Instead, he used riddles and words with multiple levels of meaning. He tells Nicodemus, “You need to be born again,” which could also mean, “You need to be born from above.” He also says, “You need to be born of water and the Spirit.” When Nicodemus said that a person couldn't reenter the womb and be born again, Jesus didn’t respond by saying, “I’m sorry that I wasn’t clear earlier. When I said to be born again or from above, I meant that a person needs to be spiritually reborn through the first of seven sacraments that I will institute. Sacraments are visible signs that effectively communicate invisible grace. While circumcision was the sign that incorporated a man into the Old Covenant people of Israel, Baptism will be the sign that incorporates a person into the New Covenant people of God.” Instead, Jesus sticks with the riddles to engage Nicodemus and invite him to faith.
3. The Riddle of Water and Spirit: Jesus’ words to Nicodemus are full of allusions and references to the Old Testament. He speaks to Nicodemus about what is needed to see and enter the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God was a major theme of Jesus’ preaching and teaching in Galilee. In the Book of Exodus, Moses and the Israelites sang a song of praise to the Lord for delivering them from the Egyptians. They prayed: “May the Lord reign forever and ever” (Exodus 15:18). Entering the Kingdom of God means being delivered not from a political power like the Egyptians but being delivered from the slavery of sin and the fear of death. Water and Spirit are likewise found throughout the Old Testament, with the Spirit hovering over the waters at the dawn of creation. This highlights how Baptism, rebirth through water and the Spirit, brings about a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, I see how much you enjoy riddles. My own life is a riddle, with twists and turns, ups and downs, light and darkness. Guide me always to the truth about myself and who I am, so that I may enjoy eternal life with you and the Father and the Spirit.
 
Monday of the Second Week of Easter,
There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Opening Prayer: Come Holy Spirit into my heart as I reflect on the words of the Gospel and listen to the message that will be your gift to me for this day. Encountering Christ: What Can We Take Literally?: We can assume that Nicodemus was learned and high-ranking among his peers as a leading Pharisee. He made a nighttime visit to Jesus at great personal risk to his reputation. He acknowledged Jesus as a rabbi and recognized that “God is with him.” Yet, his spiritual sensitivity failed him when Jesus spoke of being “born from above.” Nicodemus apparently took Jesus literally asking, “How can a man once grown old be born again?” When we approach the work of the Spirit, especially in Scripture, we must be cognizant of discerning the proper sense. “According to an ancient tradition, one can distinguish between two senses of Scripture: the literal and the spiritual, the latter being subdivided into the allegorical, moral, and anagogical senses.” (CCC 115) The more time we spend with the word, the more spiritually sensitive we’re likely to become, and the less likely we’ll be to misinterpret Jesus’s actions in our life. Christ Is Approachable: Nicodemus chose to visit Jesus under cover of dark but many others of higher rank societally and much lower as well came to Jesus without reserve, in broad daylight, wherever he was—in the synagogue, on a boat in the Sea of Galilee, at Lazarus’s house, eating with sinners like Matthew and his friends, or at a well. What did they seek? The same things we look for in Jesus: peace, healing, security, and love. Jesus couldn’t have spread his arms any wider than he did from the cross to embrace every race, creed, and color of humanity. All are welcome in his kingdom. And as Christ’s disciples, we are also called to make no distinctions—to look at souls as Christ does, with unconditional love. The Mystery of the Spirit: Jesus told Nicodemus, “The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is perhaps the most mysterious person of the Trinity. We call the Spirit “Counselor “or “Paraclete” but those words don’t begin to capture the Spirit’s dynamism. “The Holy Spirit, whom Christ the head pours out on his members, builds, animates, and sanctifies the Church. (CCC 747) When we are born of the Spirit, he burns away our sinfulness and transforms us by his gifts until we can’t help but yield the fruits of the Spirit in our lives: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity (CCC 1832). Conversing with Christ: Lord, as a baptized Christian, I have been born of the Spirit. Help me to comprehend the workings of the Spirit in my soul so that I can more deeply appreciate the graces and gifts I have been given. Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will read something illuminating about the Holy Spirit. (The Catechism is a good resource.) For Further Reflection: The Sanctifier, by Archbishop Luis Martinez.
 
Suy Niệm Thứ Hai Tuần thứ Hai Phục Sinh
 Hôm nay chúng ta bước vào tuần thứ hai của mùa Phục Sinh, chúng ta thấy trong sách Công vụ, với sự bạo dạn của Hội Thánh trong những ngày đầu tiên trong việc loan báo Chúa Giêsu Kitô là đấng Thiên Sai và những giáo huấn của Ngài.
Trong bài đọc thứ nhất, Phêrô và Gioan đã can đảm giảng dạy và rao giảng cho các nhà lãnh đạo tôn giáo và chính trị của Israel, và tự bào chữa cho chính mình thoát khỏi cảnh ngục tù với  chỉ một lời"cảnh báo nghiêm khắc ... là đừng bao giờ nhắc đến tên của người đó cho bất cứ ai nữa."
Quay trở lại với cộng đồng cùng đức tin của họ, họ đã có niềm vui rất lớn  giữa các tông đồ, các môn đệ và các tín hữu ban đầu và đã đưa họ đến những lời cầu nguyện vững chắc với lời khen ngợi và tạ ơn Thiên Chúa. Mặc dù bị sách nhiễu, kỳ thị tôn giáo và đàn áp bởi các vị lãnh đạo Do Thái, cộng đồng các tín hữu luôn tiếp tục theo đuổi nhiệt tình với mọi người để công bố sự phục sinh của Chúa Giêsu Kitô.
            Trong Tin Mừng, chúng ta lưu ý các trường hợp của ông Nicôđêmô, một người Biệt Phái và thành viên của các công nghị Do Thái, những lại là người môn đệ “chui” của Chúa Giêsu đã đến gặp Chúa Giêsu một cách bí mật. Điều thật là thú vị để quan sát các tình huống khác nhau và các tình huống mà chúng ta được thấy trong bức thư của các tông đồ và trong các bài đọc Tin Mừng. Một mặt, chúng ta đọc về một công cộng, cởi mở, trong khi mặt khác có những điểm riêng tư, nhưng trong cả hai trường hợp đó là một tuyên bố rõ ràng và sinh động trong đức tin. Chúng ta cũng đọc về ông Nicôđêmô, người đã bí mật theo Chúa Giêsu, và các môn đệ như ông Phêrô và Gioan đã công khai tuyên bố là họ trung thành với Chúa Giêsu.
            Chúng ta hãy bắt chước những người trong cộng đồng Kitô hữu tiên khởi, ngưỡng mộ cách rõ ràng và mạnh dạn thể hiện đức tin của chúng ta trong Chúa Giêsu Christ là Đấng đã Phục Sinh . Chúng ta có thể rao truyền bằng lời nói, nếu cần thiết, nhưng điều quan trọng hơn là chúng ta có thể phản ánh niềm tin của chúng ta trong cuộc sống hằng ngày của chúng ta bằng việc làm và cách sống trong gia đình của chúng ta.
 
REFLECTION
Entering into the second week of Easter, we note in the Book of Acts, the boldness of the early church in proclaiming Christ Jesus as the messenger and the message. In the first reading, Peter and John courageously teach and preach to the religious and political leaders of Israel, and find themselves released with a mere "stern warning ... never to mention that man's name to anyone again." Returning to their community of faith, there was great rejoicing amongst the apostles, disciples and the early believers that led to powerful prayers of praise and thanksgiving. Despite the harassment, religious discrimination and persecution, the leaders of the community of believers continued to pursue with great zeal the person, work and proclamation of theresurrected Jesus Christ.
            In the Gospel, we note the circumstances of Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, who came to see Jesus secretly. It is interesting to observe the varied circumstances and situations in our epistle and Gospel readings. On one hand, we read about a public, open setting while on the other hand there is a private venue but in both cases there is a clear and spirited declaration of faith. We also read about Nicodemus, who secretly admires Jesus, and the disciples Peter and John who openly announce their allegiance to Jesus.
Let us imitate the early Christian community, clearly admiring and boldly manifesting our faith in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. We can use words, if necessary, but more importantly we can reflect our faith in our life-style and family life.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Chúa Nhật Thứ Hai Phục Sinh. Lòng Thương Xót Chúa

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Chúa Nhật Thứ Hai Phục Sinh. Lòng Thương Xót Chúa.
Trong bài Tin Mừng hôm nay chúng ta thấy rằng các tông đồ sợ hãi những người do thái ví sợ bị bắt và bị tù đày vì rao giảng về chúa Giêsu sống lại, vì thế đã tự nhốt khóa chính họ trong căn phòng trên lầu, nhưng " Đức Giêsu đã hiện ra giữa họ, đứng trước mặt họ ... và đã phán “Bình an cho cho các con”, rồi Người thổi hơi vào các ông và bảo : “ Các con hãy nhận lấy Thánh Thần, Nếu các con tha thứ cho ai thì người đó được tha, nếu các con cầm buộc ai thì họ sẽ bị cầm buộc,. " Trong mùa Phục Sinh này , chúng ta cử hành sự sống lại cùng với những hồng ân của Thiên Chúa của ngôi thứ ba trong một Thiên Chúa Ba Ngôi , Đó là Chúa Thánh Thần, như là một làn sóng mới của Chúa Kitô Phục Sinh. Hôm nay Giáo Hội chia sẽ sự phục sinh sống lại của Chúa Kitô bằng sự hiện diện của Chúa Thánh Thần. Nếu như không có ân sũng Chúa Thánh Thần này thì Giáo Hội ngày nay còn có ý nghĩa gì nơi chúng ta?  Sự bình an của Chúa Kitô, chúng ta luôn luôn có sự thương xót và tha thứ do ơn Chúa Giêsu Kitô đã sống lại từ cõi chết và đem lại sự hòa giải giữa nhân loại con Người với Thiên Chúa và nhờ đó Thiên Chúa đã xóa bỏ tội lỗi cho chúng ta và còn nhận đón chúng ta là con cái của Ngài.
Sách Giáo Lý Công Giáo (CCC) dạy chúng ta là Giáo Hội đã luôn luôn tin rằng qua cách tuyên xưng trong Kinh Tin Kính : "Tôi tin vào sự tha tội ": ân sủng của chúng ta do sự cứu rỗi trong Chúa Thánh Thần. Các liên kết đức tin " sự tha thứ tội lỗi " với lời tuyên xưng đức tin trong Chúa Thánh Thần , vì Chúa Kitô phục sinh trao phó cho các tông đồ quyền tha tội khi Ngài đã ban cho họ Chúa Thánh Thần. Bí tích Rửa tội là bí tích đầu tiên và là đầu cỗi của lòng Thương xót của Chúa Kitô: đó là sự kết hợp giữa chúng ta với Chúa Kitô, Đấng đã chết cho tội lỗi của chúng ta và đã sống lại để làm hòa giữa chúng ta và Thiên Chúa, và chính thế Ngài đã ban cho chúng ta Chúa Thánh Thần. Theo ý của Chúa Kitô, Giáo Hội có quyền lực để tha thứ tội lỗi cho chúng ta sau khi được rửa tội và qua các giám mục và các linh mục chúng ta được sống bình thường trong tình Yêu Của Thiên Chúa qua Bí tích Hòa giải .
" Trong sự hòa giải, cả linh mục và bí tích hòa giải đều là những công cụ mà Đức Giêsu Kitô Chúa chúng ta, chính là vị sáng lập và là Đấng ban ơn cứu độ và giải thoát chúng ta được tự do." ( CCC 984-987 )
Nếu chúng ta có thể bảo quản " từ tất cả các sự lo lắng " trong khi chúng ta sốt sắng cầu nguyện trong Thánh Lễ , tham dự thường xuyên các Bí Tích Giải Tội và Bí tích Thánh Thể. Ơn cứu độ đã bắt đầu ngay từ hôm nay và  bây giờ như chúng ta đang bắt đầu giải phóng những sự sợ hãi và lo lắng, Phần đầu tiên phải là tìm đến ơn tha thứ cho tất cả các tội lỗi của chúng ta . Xưng tội là một bí tích của sự Phục Sinh. Mừng lễ Phục Sinh: chúng ta mừng kỷ niệm sự hòa giải lòng Thương Xót của Chúa Kitô. Xin Chúa Thánh Thần sẽ thương ban giúp cho chúng ta sự bình an của niềm tin và sự đam mê vào ơn cứu độ của Chúa Kitô và sự phục sinh trong Lòng Thuơng Xót của Chúa bao la..
 
 
SECOND Sunday of Easter
Today we hear that the apostles, bound by the imprisonment of fear, have locked themselves into the upper room, and that "Jesus came and stood before them...Then he breathed on them and said: 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive men's sins, they are forgiven them; if you hold them bound, they are held bound.' "
In this Easter season, we celebrate the Divine gift of the third person of the Blessed Trinity, the Holy Spirit, as an outpouring of the Risen Christ. Today the Church shares in the Resurrection and the life of Christ by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. What does this gift mean to the Church? The peace of Christ, always ours with the forgiveness of our sins.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) teaches us what the Church has always believed by professing in the Creed "I believe in the forgiveness of sins": our gift for salvation in the Holy Spirit. The Creed links "the forgiveness of sins" with profession of faith in the Holy Spirit because the risen Christ entrusted to the apostles the power to forgive sins when he gave them the Holy Spirit. Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of the forgiveness of sins: it unites us to Christ, who died and rose, and gives us the Holy Spirit. By Christ's will, the Church possesses the power to forgive our sins after baptism and exercises it through bishops and priests normally in the sacrament of Penance.
"In the forgiveness of sins, both priests and sacraments are instruments which our Lord Jesus Christ, the only author and liberal giver of salvation, wills to use in order to efface our sins and give us the grace of justification." (CCC 984-987) If you would be preserved "from all anxiety" as we pray in the Mass, regularly practice the Sacrament of Confession. Salvation begins now as we are released from the bonds of fear and anxiety, in the first place by the forgiveness of our sins. Confession is an Easter sacrament. Celebrate Easter: celebrate Confession. The Holy Spirit will give you the peace of confidence in Christ's saving passion and Resurrection.
I look forward to meeting you here again next week as, together, we "meet Christ in the liturgy" –
This is a very special Sunday. First, it is Divine Mercy Sunday or the day to glorify the Mercy of God. But, also, today in Rome two men, Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II, will be canonized as Saints in the Church. It seems like only yesterday in 2005 on Divine Mercy Sunday that Pope John Paul II died. For most of us, he was the man we identified most with the Church and the papacy. This is because he served as Holy Father for almost 27 years and traveled all over the globe. Blessed John Paul II will forever be connected to the feast of Divine Mercy since he established it, he died on it, and he is now canonized on it. But, the connections don’t stop there.
Blessed John Paul II was deeply moved by this devotion, which was based on the private revelations and visions of a Polish religious sister, St Faustina. He lived during her lifetime and experienced the power of the message God gave her to spread.
Suffering IS Real
It can be difficult to speak of the topic of the Lord’s Divine Mercy. God’s Mercy is endless, but it also must be acknowledged that the Lord allows suffering and other forms of evil to happen in the world because of man’s sinfulness. To see this we only need to look at the last century which included two World Wars, the Holocaust, the atomic bomb, legalized abortion, and most recently the attacks of 9/11. Most of us, if we are honest, have questioned why the all-good God would permit such sufferings? Where is His Divine Mercy in such tragedies?
The answer is found in the Gospel and especially in today’s passage. Jesus appears to his disciples saying, “Peace be with you!” As He does this we are told that He shows them His hands and His side. Jesus has just walked through a wall and is standing before the terrified disciples with the appearance of a ghost. The veil to the Lord’s divinity is fully lifted, but He draws their attention to His Sacred Wounds. There in His side and hands are the remnants of the terrible evil that the Son of God endured. Yet, now things are different. This is not the dying Christ, but the Glorified Body. These wounds are no longer signs of shame, but trophies of His victory over evil.
Good or Evil, Our Choice to Make
As Jesus holds these Sacred Wounds up to the disciples, He is showing them tangibly the limit that God places on evil. The greatest of evil was done, not to us, but to Jesus Christ who is God and thus totally innocent. But, by this one sacrifice for all, God has forever placed a limit on evil. When Christ rose from the dead this marked the limit of suffering, death, and evil. Yes, Sin and the devil can cause evil to happen in the world, but only to a degree. This degree is permitted so that we can freely chose God; Choose good over evil, live over death. In our free will, we can choose to respond to Divine Mercy or not. Seeking God’s mercy is done when we freely accept the Lord’s forgiveness, love, and strength through the Sacraments of His Body the Church. First and foremost, this is given in Confession and the Holy Eucharist. God so loves us that he wants us to choose for ourselves good over evil.
This Sunday is a special time to choose to glorify the Divine Mercy. To implore the Lord: “for the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world!” This day we bring ourselves and our loved ones to the Font of Mercy. We come to Jesus’ side, pierced by the soldier’s lance, from which flows a fountain of Mercy for us all. St. Thomas placed his hand into Jesus’ side. We bring to the Sacred Heart all of those we know who are in need of God’s boundless mercy. First, we begin with ourselves. We have all sinned and contributed to the evil and suffering in the world. Thanks to the Divine Mercy, Jesus places a limit on how far this evil can go. He forgives. God spares us from countless evils and showers us with graces we do not deserve.
So as we give thanks for the life of two holy popes, let us recognize that all the Saints are products of God’s Divine Mercy. They are not holy because of anything they did or supernatural qualities they had. The Saints are holy because they had the humility and courage to come to the Font of Mercy. To place themselves under the blood and water which flowed from Jesus pierced side. It was God who cleansed them of their sins and enabled them to achieve great heights of holiness. Let us all come to His Side and receive the new life won for us by God’s Divine Mercy.
 
The Divine Mercy
Divine Mercy Sunday (Year C)
Today is the Feast of all Feasts! It is the Feast of Mercy! This Feast originated from the private revelations given to Sr. Maria Faustina Kowolska, a Polish cloistered nun who died in 1938. In the year 2000, she was canonized by Saint Pope John Paul II, and the Feast of Mercy was instituted as a universal Feast of the Church. To better understand this Feast, let’s read some of the private revelations Jesus gave to Saint Faustina:
“Whoever approaches the Fountain of Life on this day will be granted complete forgiveness of sins and punishment” (Diary #300).
“This Feast emerged from the very depths of My mercy, and it is confirmed in the vast depths of my tender mercies” (Diary #420).
“On one occasion, I heard these words: My daughter, tell the whole world about My Inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flows are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy” (Diary #699).
“Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to our neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to absolve yourself from it” (Diary #742).
“Souls perish in spite of My bitter Passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation; that is, the Feast of My Mercy. If they will not adore My mercy, they will perish for all eternity” (Diary #965).
“I want to grant complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My mercy” (Diary #1109).
In addition to the above quotes about the celebration of the Feast of Mercy, below are some quotes revealing more about The Divine Mercy itself:
“Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My Mercy” (Diary #300).
“My Heart overflows with great mercy for souls, and especially for poor sinners. If only they could understand that I am the best of Fathers to them and that it is for them that the Blood and Water flowed from My Heart as from a fount overflowing with mercy” (Diary #367).
“I desire trust from My creatures. Encourage souls to place great trust in My fathomless mercy. Let the weak, sinful soul have no fear to approach Me, for even if it had more sins than there are grains of sand in the world, all would be drowned in the unmeasurable depths of My mercy” (Diary #1059).
“Tell all people, My daughter, that I am Love and Mercy itself. When a soul approaches Me with trust, I fill it with such an abundance of graces that it cannot contain them within itself, but radiates them to other souls” (Diary #1074).
“My daughter, write that the greater the misery of a soul, the greater its right to My mercy; urge all souls to trust in the unfathomable abyss of My mercy, because I want to save them all” (Diary #1182).
Reflect, today, upon God’s infinite and unfathomable Mercy. The Divine Mercy is especially for those who struggle with sin. Jesus says, “The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy” (Diary #723). The Divine Mercy is the very tenderness and compassion of God. Run to Him, trust in Him, open your soul to Him and allow Him to pour forth an ocean of Mercy on this holy day.
Most Merciful Lord, I desire to receive the superabundance of Your Mercy poured forth from Heaven today. Please open my heart so that I will turn to You in my need. I am a sinner, dear Lord, but for that reason I am in most need of You in my life. Help me to trust in You with all my might. Jesus, I do trust in You!
 
 
2nd Sunday of Easter or Sunday of Divine Mercy
Many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. (Acts 2:43)
“Miracles.” What does this word bring to mind for you? Spectacular healings? Multiplication of food? Suspension of the laws of nature? Signs and wonders relegated to biblical times? As Catholics, we have living proof that miracles are not things of the past. Every time a new saint is canonized, we are reminded that miracles still happen. We see in these saints evidence of God breaking into our world and transforming people in concrete ways!
Today we celebrate the canonization of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, two modern-day examples of God’s power to perform miracles—and not just the physical healings that have been attributed to their intercession. Who could deny the miracle of John XXIII opening the Church to the modern world and speaking timeless truths in a new way to a world that desperately needed it? Countless lives were changed around the globe because of what he did. Countless people—unbelievers as well as believers—stood in awe of how vital the Church is and how active a role it can play in the world.
And who could not but stand in awe of the largely bloodless way that the walls of communism came down during the papacy of John Paul II? Or think of the lives that were touched when they saw him forgive the assassin who tried to kill him. The world looked on in amazement!
As we are inspired by the lives of these two holy popes, we know there’s always more of God’s mercy. Even now, two thousand years after Christ’s birth, we see just the beginnings of how God wants to inspire awe in the world! So together let’s celebrate Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II—and let’s keep expecting miracles!
“Thank you, Father, for the lives of John Paul II and John XXIII. Thank you for touching the world through their witness. May their lives continue to move people to love you as they did.”
 
Reflection:
     More than a thousand years ago Jesus liberated the disciples from their fears. The Resurrection so empowered them that they came out of their hiding places and they openly proclaimed the risen Lord as a fundamental belief of their lives. The first reading tells that they went further. They were so overjoyed with the rising of Jesus from the dead that they would be willing to give everything for God. So they sold their properties and shared the sale of the proceeds to members of the community. They took care of one another. Gentiles who saw how the early Christians treated one another were so impressed by their lifestyle so that they commented how Christians loved one another.    
     The resurrection of Jesus and later the outpouring of the Holy Spirit gave the disciples the power to go out and transform the world. He greeted them with peace and then gave them the power to forgive sins. No one other religious leader had done that before. Now they were able to heal broken bodies but more importantly Christ empowered them to heal people so that they could be reconciled to community and to God.     But there was one problem during the week of rejoicing. Thomas, one of the disciples, was not present when Jesus appeared to the community and when he was informed of the appearances of Jesus he did not believe what he heard. He told them that he would only believe when he would see the nail marks on Jesus' hands and put his fingers on the nail marks and his hands into his side. Jesus came back later and appeared to the community assembled and chided Thomas for his lack of faith. The Thomas event is another happy fault because it is really a lesson for all us. We all believe in the Resurrection even if none of us personally witnessed it. The story of the Resurrection has been transmitted to us through countless men and women in the past. We can think of missionaries, our parents, our teachers, priests or catechists who first taught us the rudiments of our faith.
     We need to believe that Christ is with us today in spite of the problems that we encounter.  We look at a Church in crisis: a Church ridden with scandals, and with many leaving her. One begins to wonder whether Christ has abandoned his flock as some shepherds have deliberately led people astray by their distorted lives of sexual deviancy. Neither does it help when some bishops who are expected to protect the vulnerable assign known sexual predators to take care of innocent children. It certainly gives reasons for some to leave the Catholic Church and go elsewhere. There is no easy answer to scandals of incompetent leaders of the Church. In some countries the civil authority takes over and punishes the offenders and costs financial woes to the concerned dioceses. However, what we need to do is recall Jesus' promise that he would be with the Church till the end of time. Scandals will continue to rock and embarrass the Church because human beings run it. Christ himself could not prevent Judas from committing the ultimate scandal by selling his master for thirty pieces of silver. Sinful shepherds and lame bishops do not constitute the Church, you and I make up the body of Christ. We have to look at the countless followers of Jesus who believe what the Gospel points out today that Jesus came that we may have life in his name. St. Peter Canisius certainly believed in the power of the resurrection and he was able to keep the flock faithful to Jesus. Jesus alone can heal and transform the hearts and minds of people. We need to believe that.