Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather on this Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are met with the profound words of the Lord in the Priestly Blessing from the book of Numbers. In the context of today’s celebration, we also find ourselves at the threshold of the Vietnamese New Year, a time of joy, renewal, and the spirit of community. Let us reflect on these readings and draw inspiration for the coming year.
In the Priestly Blessing, God instructs Moses to convey a divine message of blessing to Aaron and his sons, a message that is meant not only for the people of Israel but for all of us. The Lord’s desire is to bestow His blessings upon us, to keep us under His loving care, to let His face shine upon us, to be gracious to us, and to grant us peace. It is a beautiful and profound reminder that our lives are marked by the presence and benevolence of God.
As we embrace the Vietnamese New Year, let us carry this divine blessing in our hearts. May the Lord bless our homes, our families, and our communities. May His face shine upon us, filling our lives with grace and peace. In the midst of the celebrations, let us not forget to invoke God’s presence and seek His guidance for the coming year.
The second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians encourages us to live our lives for the glory of God. Paul reminds us that everything we do, whether eating or drinking, should be done with the intention of glorifying God. This call to holiness and selflessness is especially relevant as we embark on a new year. Let us resolve to live our lives in a way that pleases God, seeking not our own benefit but the well-being of others, that they may be saved.
In the spirit of the Vietnamese New Year, let us be imitators of Christ, just as St. Paul exhorts us to imitate him. Christ, in today’s Gospel, encounters a leper who approaches Him with faith, saying, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Touched by compassion, Jesus responds, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy leaves the man immediately.
As we celebrate the New Year, let us approach God with the same trust and confidence. Let us bring our hopes, dreams, and concerns before Him, trusting that His compassionate gaze is upon us. May the Lord, like the good shepherd, stretch out His hand to heal, cleanse, and renew us. In our journey of faith, let us be mindful to follow the example of Christ and bring healing and compassion to those around us.
The Gospel also reminds us of the responsibility that comes with encountering God’s mercy. After healing the leper, Jesus instructs him not to publicize the miracle but to go and show himself to the priest as prescribed by the law. However, the man cannot contain his joy and begins to spread the news, making it difficult for Jesus to enter towns openly.
In our excitement and gratitude for God’s blessings, let us be mindful of how we share His goodness with others. May our actions be in accordance with God’s will, and may we be prudent in our words and deeds, ensuring that we reflect the humility and obedience exemplified by Christ.
As we celebrate the Vietnamese New Year, let us extend our blessings to one another. May this year be filled with joy, prosperity, and an abundance of God’s grace. Let us build a community where love, compassion, and mutual respect prevail. May the Lord bless us and keep us, making His face shine upon us and granting us peace.
In conclusion, dear brothers and sisters, let us carry the Priestly Blessing in our hearts throughout the Vietnamese New Year and the entire Ordinary Time. May the words of St. Paul resonate in our minds as we strive to live for the glory of God in all that we do. May the compassion and healing touch of Jesus inspire us to be instruments of God’s love and mercy in the world. Wishing you all a blessed New Year filled with God’s abundant grace and peace.