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Sunday, 7 September 2025

做個有策略的人 Be Strategic

常年期第廿三主日,丙年
主題:做個有策略的人 Be Strategic

連續幾個主日,耶穌基督教導我們拒絕「七罪宗」的誘惑,幫助我們回歸天父的家園。正如今天的第一篇讀經所說:「因為這必腐朽的肉身,重壓著靈魂;…世上的事,我們還難以測度;…那麼,天上的事誰還能探究?」(智9:15-16)人類受到「原罪」的傷害,在日常生活中經常不分輕重,本末倒置。我們變得短視,貪圖眼前的方便、舒適和利益;卻因小失大,放棄履行天主的旨意,賠上了永恆的生命。出於對世人的憐憫,天主子降生成人,苦口婆心地教導並陪伴我們走上回歸父家的道路。所謂「苦口良藥、忠言逆耳」,要接受主耶穌的教訓是充滿挑戰的,今天的福音就是一個很好的例子。耶穌經常用一些容易明白的比喻,來教導聽眾一些很難解釋的真理。那麼,讓我們先默想祂的比喻,然後嘗試掌握祂那些生硬的教訓。

在今天的福音選段中,主耶穌三次強調在甚麼情況下,人「不能做我的門徒」(路14:26, 27, 33)。並且講了兩個比喻,幫助我們明白當中艱深的教訓。表面上,兩個比喻都好像教導我們,先「籌算」清楚自己有沒有足夠的本錢或者實力,能否惱恨自己的家人,能否背著自己的十字架跟在耶穌後面等等…纔做耶穌的門徒。與其做一個虛有其表的基督徒,倒不如放棄領洗入教,免得貽笑大方!「免得他奠基以後,竟不能完工,所有看見的人都要譏誚他」(14:29)。這樣的解讀未嘗不可,但不是主耶穌的真正意思;否則,祂何必再說多一個比喻補充呢?那麼,兩國交戰的比喻補充了甚麼呢?

首先,耶穌為甚麼選擇說一個戰爭的比喻呢?戰爭是國家大家,不是我們這些平民百姓可以決定的。這個戰爭比喻,與我們有甚麼關係呢?主耶穌在倡議投降給羅馬帝國嗎?或者是倡議世界和平嗎?都不是!因為我們往往忽視了在我們身邊一直進行中的「屬靈戰爭」!作為基督徒,與撒殫的戰鬥是不能置身事外的。不但主耶穌運用戰爭的圖像,連聖保祿宗徒也在他的書信中,描繪了「基督徒全副武裝」的圖像(弗6:11-18)。

在現實世界裡,和平是罕有的,而受苦的多是黎民百姓!所以老子說:「兵者不祥之器,…不得已而用之」(道德經#31)。侵略是不道德的,自衛是應該的。比喻中的第一個國王,是為了保家衛國,不得已而戰。但戰爭的勝負絕非取決於先進的軍備;或者軍隊人數的多寡。古今中外就有不少以少勝多;或者出奇制勝的戰例。因此要「籌算」的不單是本錢和實力那麼簡單,還有「時機」是否成熟!這就是中國文化所說的「天時、地利、人和」,「時機」排第一位!倘若入侵者長途跋涉而來,補給線就是他們的致命傷;加上軍隊疲累,成了強弩之末,殺傷力減弱。倘若我軍據險死守一段時間,以一萬守兵擊敗兩萬入侵者,又有何難!當然,倘若我軍是臨時徵召的烏合之眾,士氣低落;再加上彈盡糧絕;其他國家又拒絕派出援兵…處於這樣惡劣環境之下,「議和」是當前的最佳戰略。請注意,議和不等於投降,而是「緩兵之計」。議和後經過「十年生聚、十年教訓」,我們必定有捲土重來的一天!所以耶穌基督講兩個比喻,教訓我們須要「籌算」,但不是一次過的籌算,而是不斷地考量時機的因素。況且,我們與撒殫的戰鬥,亦不是一仗定生死的!

讓執事我分享自己的聖召經歷,說明「時機」這個因素。香港教區在1997年7月祝聖了第一批兩位終身執事,如今已返回天家,享受天主的賞報了。其中一位是曾繁興執事,當年他奉派前往屯門贖世主堂服務。曾執事在2000年向堂區適合做終身執事的男士,介紹終執職務的內容及要求。那時我也曾考慮,豈料那一年,天主賜給我夫婦倆第四個孩子。於是我以為天主不是召叫我做終身執事,而是做一個稱職的父親。九年後,機緣巧合遇上了教區的陳志明神父,重燃起這份聖召的心火!的確,時機成熟了。六年之後,我成為香港教區第十一屆領職的終身執事。願天主永受讚美,願天主繼續領導!

明白了「籌算」的深層意義之後,讓我們反省那些生硬的,「惱恨自己家人」的教訓。誠然,耶穌基督曾在常年期第二十主日提及過,家庭成員會因為接受或者拒絕祂的福音而引起分裂:父親反對兒子,兒子反對父親…(路12:53)。由「分裂」發展到「惱恨」,不是時間的問題,而是心中有多少親情和多少虔敬的問題。按【舊約】記載,因為利益的原故,兄弟姊妹之間經常有惱恨的情況存在。例如:加音出於嫉妒和忿怒而殺了弟弟亞伯爾、雅各伯騙了厄撒烏的長子名份和祝福、若瑟因父親的偏心而被其他的兄弟賣往埃及;梅瑟的姊姊米黎盎公開反對梅瑟等等。
但子女對父親的惱恨和咒罵,只限於因為父親的不虔敬所招來的蒙羞受辱纔有(德41:10)。【舊約】絕少提及父親惱恨兒子,相反的例子卻有很多。例如:富可敵國的約伯,恐怕子女們犯了罪,心中詛咒了天主,便清早起來照子女的數目〔總共10個〕向天主獻上全燔祭品(約1:5);達味心愛的兒子阿貝沙隆發動政變,達味不願牽連耶路撒冷的居民,便帶領全家徒步出走,只留下十個嬪妃看守王宮(撒下15:16)。有讒臣建議阿貝沙隆親近達味留下的嬪妃,以為可以惹下達味的仇恨,令支持政變的人更加堅強(16:20)。但達味並沒有惱恨阿貝沙隆,並且在反攻時吩咐軍人對阿貝沙隆手下留情(18:5)!原來【舊約】早已啟示了天父對世人的憐愛,父親是不會惱恨自己的子女!

十誡」教導我們「孝敬父母」(出20:12; 申5:16);而主耶穌來不是為廢除法律,而是來成全它(瑪5:17)。三位一體的天主是不會自相矛盾的,所以福音所說的「不惱恨父母家人,不能成為祂的門徒」,必定另有所指。
首先,從兩個有關「籌算」的比喻中,我們學習了在作出抉擇時必須考量時機的因素。即是說,倘若父母家人拒絕福音,是他們領受福音的時機尚未成熟,不應強迫他們接受。但當他們阻止我們領受福音、令我們蒙羞受辱、障礙我們獲得永生的時候,我們自然會惱恨他們的不虔敬,並作出明智的抉擇!

其次,當主耶穌說「我的門徒」一詞時,也許是指蒙召成為教會聖職人員的人而說。
在祂復活後,基督花了40天的時間顯現給曾跟隨祂的人,其中一次顯現給500多人(格前15:6),聚集他們成為耶路撒冷初期教會的班底。在祂升天後,只有120人留下(宗1:15)。他們可以說是經過考驗的、真實的「我的門徒」。在信仰死而復活的耶穌基督的基礎上,他們協助十二宗徒建設這個兀立了二千多年而仍未倒下的天主教會!對於這些教會公務員,主耶穌自然會要求高一些,對嗎?

親愛的兄弟姊妹,對天主子的教導,我們不應該有所選擇。對於可以做的、容易做的和順耳的就實行;對於逆耳的就置諸不理。這是不對的。同時,我們不要因主耶穌生硬的教訓而灰心喪志,因為是時機未成熟,我們的經驗未達標。保持謙虛、忍耐和望德吧!我們知道天父喜歡把天國賞賜給求祂的人(路12:32),總有一天我們可以做得到!讓我們呼求天主聖神,加強我們的望德,成為一個有策略的、知機的希望朝聖者。以我們的愛德善行,帶給世人信心和希望,以光榮天主聖父(瑪5:16)。亞孟。
天主保祐!


2019年反省
圖片鳴謝:ideogram.ai

Sunday, 31 August 2025

滿招損 Pride Before Fall

常年期第廿二主日,丙年
主題:滿招損 Pride Before Fall

同大家一樣,執事我喜歡看電影─不一定是宗教電影─因為電影娛樂性豐富,用誇張的手法,反映現實。例如在武俠片的世界裡,很多人爭權奪利,做甚麼武林盟主、武林至尊…旨在影射現實世界的人情冷暖。當中有不少訊息,頗為附合天主教的價值觀。例如在大多數的武俠片裡,武功高強的人物通常並不顯眼。到了最後關頭,他們纔現身解圍。反而那些花拳綉腿的嘍囉,卻經常欺善怕惡,結果在大俠出手時,便在眾人面前出醜!這些都是娛樂消遣的小事,借文字和影音,勸導讀者和觀眾「謙遜」的重要。在今天的福音裡,耶穌同樣講述日常生活的瑣事,教訓同祂一起吃飯的客人,尤其是那些自以為是的法利塞人,驕傲會出醜(路14:11)。出醜事少,倘若在國家大事上,例如外交和軍事,掌權者的「驕傲」,每每令國家和人民,付出沉重的代價。相信大家一定聽過「紙上談兵」這句成語,表面上沒有甚麼大不了;原來背後卻有一段沉痛的歷史。話說戰國時代,秦昭王派白起代替王齕領兵攻打趙國,他用「離間計」使趙王也陣前易帥,換來一個沒有實戰經驗,只會「紙上談兵」,而且心高氣傲的趙括,帶領數十萬趙軍迎戰入侵的秦軍。趙括一上任,便立刻推翻了老將廉頗的安排,另作部署。結果在長平一役,驕傲的趙括死在亂箭之下,四十萬投降的趙軍被白起坑殺!驕傲的後果,原來可以如此嚴重!

相信大家也有聽過「學而時習之」這經典名句,它是整部《論語》的第一句,點出了儒家思想的精粹。儒家思想認為,人生目標就是成為一個盡善盡美的人,孔子稱他為「君子」。這樣的人是經過千錘百鍊纔修煉得來的。君子有學養,能明辨是非。這修維是經過學習和實踐累積得來的。所以說「學而時習之,不亦悅乎」。把知識付諸實踐,知行合一是快樂的,是有樂趣的。跟著是「有朋自遠方來,不亦樂乎」,點出君子是一個有德行的人,不應該獨善其身,而要兼善天下(孟子‧盡心上)。所謂「德不孤,必有鄰」(論語‧里仁)。君子應該廣交朋友,向不同的人學習,即使不是同道中人,或是遠道而來的人,甚至是小人,也有值得學習或警惕之處!所謂「三人行必有我師焉!擇其善者而從之,其不善者而改之」(論語‧述而),就是這個道理。最後要修煉到「人不知而不慍」的境界。「」是怨恨、憤怒的意思。「懷才不遇」而沒有半點怨憤,當中不知克服了多少「自以為是」的心態,這不就是「君子」嗎?「自以為是」只不過是驕傲的一小步而已,還有更多累人累物的大驕傲!要做到「人不知而不慍」,在古代或許可以,在今天競爭激烈的商業社會裡,簡直沒有生存的空間。倘若你待人謙讓、談吐溫文、舉止儒雅,別人只會踏著你向上爬,連一句多謝也沒有!試問我們怎樣謙遜呢?

天主教的靈修,非常注重修煉謙遜,克制驕傲,因為驕傲是「七罪宗」之一。例如聖本篤在他的《會規》內,便羅列了十二級的「謙遜」,指導本篤會會士如何親近天主。謙遜是重要的,因為只有在謙遜的狀態下,真正的我、即「天主的肖像」,纔能表現出來。要知道天主無處不在,對別人驕傲,同時是對天主驕傲!所以驕傲,只會遮蔽了「天主的肖像」,掩蓋了真我!謙遜是「」,虛偽的謙遜就是「偽善」,是驕傲的技倆!後世很多男女修會,都採用《本篤會規》。例如更嚴格的「熙篤會」,會士們在說話之前,先要獲得院長批准。他們用鉗制口舌的方法來修煉謙遜,是《本篤會規》的第九級謙遜!聖伯爾納鐸是「熙篤會」的一位聖人,他好像聖本篤一樣,羅列了十二級「驕傲」,勸勉會士們警惕。這就是今天福音的主題:「因為凡高舉自己的,必被貶抑;凡貶抑自己的,必被高舉」(路14:11),指出克制驕傲的重要。

今天的福音選段,可能為了時間問題,又或者擔心會出現兩個不同的主題,令教友分心。惟有採取權宜之計,抽起了中間有關耶穌在席間治好「一個患水臌症的人」(14:2)的片段。可惜留下了一條尾巴,沒有交代!今天選段的第一句清楚說明:「安息日,耶穌進了一個法利塞人首領的家中吃飯;他們就留心觀察祂」(14:1)。安息日,法利塞人留心觀察耶穌甚麼呢?今天的選段沒有交代,便立刻說「耶穌注意到…」(14:7)!耶穌由一個「被觀察者」忽然搖身一變,成為了一個「觀察者」,是一個刺耳的破綻,令聽眾不舒服! 其實,法利塞人在觀察耶穌會不會在安息日治病。安息日的法律,和其他梅瑟法律一樣,立法的本意是指導人履行天主的旨意,以獲得生命。可惜法利塞人驕傲偽善,自以為是。他們運用自己的法律知識,來指控耶穌。他們把助人獲得生命的法律,變成殺人的武器,已經不是第一次了。今次他們變本加厲,在同枱吃飯的時候,想近距離地挑剔指摘耶穌,完全沒有理會主人家的面子。或許請耶穌吃飯的法利塞人領袖,也邀請了他的同袍來他家中,默許他們搜集耶穌的「犯罪證據」,也未可知!無論如何,法利塞人的驕傲,已經到了病態的癡迷程度,到了聖伯爾納鐸所說的第十級驕傲:「公開反抗師長」!他們的處境,可謂危在旦夕!

天主子怎會不知道他們的心意呢?但耶穌基督非常忍耐,並沒有直斥其非,恐怕他們灰心喪志。祂本著憐憫的心,只講述了一個日常生活的比喻,柔和地教訓他們謙遜的重要,不要在人前出醜(14:11)。祂進一步教導他們不要短視,只注意世上的賞報和利益,而忘記了天上永恆的賞報,就是永恆的生命。正如第一篇讀經所說:「你越偉大,在一切事上越當謙下:這樣你纔能在上主面前,獲得恩寵」(德3:20)。所以不要把眼光放在現世,而是放在「上主面前」!於是,耶穌教導那個款待他的法利塞人領袖,和在場的所有聽眾,不要請那些可以回報他的人,而是接待那些貧窮病弱,沒有能力報答他的人:「在義人復活的時候,你必能得到賞報」(14:14),就是永恆的生命。

天主子就是天主聖言(若1:1),祂就是「成了血肉」的天主法律(1:14)。法利塞人想用法律來指控耶穌,簡直是班門弄斧!耶穌說:「看,這裡有一位大於撒羅滿的」(瑪12:42)。祂的確是胸襟廣闊,包容萬有的主宰。倘若祂斤斤計較,「有誰還能站立得住?」(詠130:3)且看耶穌被釘十字架受難時,祂不但沒有半句怨憤,反而為加害祂的人求情(路23:34),耶穌「不亦君子乎」!
各位親愛的兄弟姊妹!且讓我們謙虛地接受祂的教導,拒絕「驕傲」的誘惑,把目光放到永生去。亞孟。
天主保祐!


2022反省
圖片鳴謝:creator.nightcafe.studio, youtube.com

Saturday, 30 August 2025

做個懶惰的僕人 How to Serve As a Lazy Servant

案例系列(三)
主題:做個懶惰的僕人(瑪25:14-30

在現實世界裡,位高權重的人只佔小數。應用到今天的比喻中,領了五個「塔冷通」的僕人並不會多,正如教會內,不可能有太多人是掌管天國鑰匙的聖伯多祿宗徒一樣!領了兩個「塔冷通」的,應該是中層的管家,分擔著「掌門人」的職務!至於我們,我們都是平凡的百姓而已,所以要注意今天比喻中領了一個塔冷通的「懶惰僕人」,不要犯上同一個通病:怠惰

世上患難人人難免,但很多人會選擇逃避,離開現場,讓其他人替他們收拾殘局,實在太不負責任了!這樣得來的「安逸」是短暫的,因為困難永遠存在,直到你把它解決了為止!而且大多數的困難是「跟人」的,是個人獨有的,為其他人都不是甚麼困難。所以,逃避困難只會令你錯過成長的機會,和向主人展示實力的機會,把功勞拱手讓給別人!

有時困難看似泰山壓頂,或者是突如其來的海潚,並非個人能力可以應付。再一次,這可能是觀點上的問題。從另一個角度考量,困難不是困難,是踏出「虎度門」的時候到了!即使困難是真實的,求救的責任誰屬?非你莫屬,因為這是你的困難。除了向近人求助之外,怎可以忘記一直在我們身邊陪伴著我們前行的天主子呢?向天主求救吧!保祿說:「天主是忠信的,祂決不許你們受那超過你們能力的試探」(格前10:13)。

Lazy Servant
今天的比喻諷刺地告訴我們,主人教所有「懶惰的僕人」應該如何懶惰!倘若你害怕失敗挫折,害怕做錯事,就請求身邊的人幫助,假手於人,完成你的任務又何妨(瑪25:27)!既然知道了主人的要求,但仍一味「躺平」,只會招來懲罰(25:30; 路12:47)!

聖父,求祢喚醒我們心中的聖神,重振聖神七恩,抗拒七罪宗的誘惑;努力行善,讓更多人看見我們的善行,讚美祢、光榮祢。因我們的主基督,亞孟。
天主保祐!


生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝:creator.nightcafe.studio

Case Study (III)
Theme: How to Serve As a Lazy Servant (Matthew 25:14-30)

In real life, powerful people are a minority. Applying this reality to today’s parable, we may draw a conclusion that not many servants receive 5 talents from the master, just as it is impossible to have many St. Peter’s to keep the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven in the Catholic Church! Those who receive 2 talents must be middle stewards, sharing the ministry of the Gate-Keeper! As for us, we are ordinary common citizens. Therefore, we should pay attention to the deeds of the Lazy Servant, who receives one talent only, and not to make the same mistake: sloth!

It is impossible to run away from difficulties even though many people choose to leave the spot, waiting for other people to pick up the pieces. Such evasions of responsibilities are irresponsible. The peace will be brief because difficulties stay forever until you deal with them! Moreover, many such difficulties are specifically personal. They are unique to the individuals and are nothing for the others. Therefore, running away from difficulties will deprive you of the opportunity to grow, to demonstrate your talents to the master and to surrender your credits to others!

Sometimes, difficulties seem overwhelming like a sudden tsunami which is beyond individual capacity to handle. Once more, it may be a matter of perspectives. Think along another angle, difficulties are no difficulties but are moments to appear on the stage! Even if difficulties are genuine, whose responsibility it is to seek help. If not you, who else? It is your difficulties. Other than seeking help from your neighbour, how can we forget the Son of God who has been accompanying us all along? Seek God’s help! Paul says, “God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Today’s parable sarcastically tells us that the master teaches the Lazy Servant how to be lazy properly! If you fear failures and frustrations, are afraid to make mistakes, it is no harm to ask people around you to help you finish your mission (Matthew 25:27)! After knowing the requirements of the master and yet you continue to do nothing, you deserve the punishments (25:30; Luke 12:47)!

Heavenly Father, awake the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Reinvigorate the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit in us so that we may resist the temptations of the seven deadly sins; diligently do good deeds which when seen by the others, they may praise and glorify you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God bless!

Friday, 29 August 2025

作繭自縛 Digging A Trap for Ourselves

案例系列(二)
主題:作繭自縛(谷6:17-29

黑落德安提帕與若翰洗者的故事,是典型的「昏君」與「先知」的對決。且讓我們默想黑落德的過錯,以史為鑒!

馬爾谷相當厚道,把黑落德描繪為一個尚有良知,懂得困惑憂鬱的人(谷6:20, 26)。若翰洗者批評黑落德,因為他霸佔了自己兄弟斐理伯的妻子黑落狄雅,犯了十誡和梅瑟的法律(6:17)。何況黑落德位高權重,理應以身作則,做百姓的榜樣。因此,黑落德所犯的姦淫罪,比一般的姦淫罪嚴重得多!黑落德自恃有點小聰明,逮捕了若翰洗者,旨在「保護」他(6:17-19)。 結果聰明反被聰明誤,他的驕傲把自己陷入作繭自縛的困局中。他醉酒,不知節制,是七罪宗的貪饕。在失去節制的狀態下,暴露了他對黑落狄雅女兒的淫念(6:23),是七罪宗的色慾。為免當眾食言,竟然殺死了天主的先知(6:26-27)。個人的顏面比公義和生命還重要,又是驕傲的通病!

Herod Antipas & Salome
天主曾忠告加音說:「你若做得不好,罪惡就伏在你門前,企圖對付你,但你應制服它」(創4:7)。但加音沒有理會,結果因嫉妒忿怒而殺死了弟弟亞伯爾。黑落德也走上了加音的道路,沒有制服誘惑,反而降服在貪饕色慾驕傲之下,做出傷天害理的事。真是顛倒黑白,是非不分,泥足深陷!願上主對他的靈魂慈悲。

聖父,求祢喚醒我們心中的聖神,重振「超見」與「剛毅」之恩,幫助我們明辨是非,抗拒誘惑,避免做出反見證。因我們的主基督,亞孟。
天主保祐!


生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝:creator.nightcafe.studio

Case Study (II)
Theme: Digging A Trap for Ourselves (Mark 6:17-29)

The story of Herod Antipas and John the Baptist is a typical duel between evil kings and prophets. Let us meditate on the mistakes made by Herod Antipas and avoid them!

Mark was lenient when he portrayed a conscientious, perplexed and deeply distressed Herod (Mark 6:20, 26). John the Baptist criticized him because he took the wife of his brother Philip, thus breaching the Ten Commandment and Mosaic Law (6:17). Herod was the tetrarch. He should be setting up exemplar for the people. Thus the adultery he committed was worse than other adulteries in general! Herod prided himself of his cunning. He arrested John the Baptist in order to “protect” him (6:17-19). His wits backfired. His pride put him in a trap he had dug for himself. He lacked temperance and got himself drunk. This was gluttony among the seven deadly sins. In a state in which he had lost temperance, he revealed his sexual desires towards the daughter of Herodias (6:23). This was lust. In order not to break his words in front of all guests, he ordered to have the God’s prophet beheaded (6:26-27). Personal face was more important than justice and life. Once again the mistake of pride!

God had advised Cain, saying: “But if you do not act rightly, sin lies in wait at the door: its urge is for you, yet you can rule over it” (Genesis 4:7). Cain ignored and consequently killed his brother Abel out of jealousy and wrath. Herod trod the same path as Cain. He did not rule over temptations but yielded to gluttony, lust and pride, doing evil things. This is calling black white, wrong right and deeply submerged in mud! May the Lord have mercy on his soul.

Heavenly Father, awake the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Reinvigorate the gifts of counsel and knowledge in us so that we can discern right from wrong, resist temptations and avoid setting bad examples. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God bless!

Thursday, 28 August 2025

忠僕與惡僕 Faithful and Unfaithful Servants

案例系列(一)
主題:忠僕與惡僕(瑪24:42-51

物有本末,事有終始,知所先後,則近道矣」(大學‧一)。知道事物的輕重和秩序,又怎可能會行差踏錯呢?「近道」只是謙卑的用辭,「誠意、正心」地尋求天主的旨意,雖不中亦不遠矣(大學‧十一)!何況,關顧我們生死的天主子,在我們身邊,不時耳提面命。既然沒有人知道自己的生命何時完結,或者世界何時末日,因此最有效的對應態度,就是保持「醒寤」,迎接主基督的特如其來(瑪24:42)!在天主子再度來臨之前的人生,就是表現我們自己是「忠僕」或者是「惡僕」的舞台了。

天主子對作為忠僕的要求,並不苛刻,我們不需要飛天遁地,上天下海(申30:12-13);只是「按時配給他們〔其他家僕〕食糧」(瑪24:45)而已。不要忘記,天主委託我們管理大地(創1:28; 2:15);那麼,我們都是同事和兄弟了。兄弟之間守護相助,按時配給食糧,不就是在個別的崗位上,按緩急先後,盡好自己做管家的責任嗎?做「忠僕」是理所當然的。同時,基督並沒有設定評核的指標,怕我們過分重視成就,犯了加音的錯誤。

Good vs. Bad Steward
另一方面,不理會「醒寤」的忠告,以為天主會依從我們定下的時間表出現,便不分輕重,顛倒黑白;不去守護身邊的兄弟,卻反過來剝削欺凌他們;甚至不理會耶穌基督苦口婆心的勸諭,陶醉在個人的成就之上,殘民以自肥,完全沒有履行天主所委派的任務。這樣的人,不就是比喻中的「惡僕」嗎?

聖父,求祢喚醒我們心中的聖神,重振「剛毅」與「敬畏上主」之恩,忠心地承擔責任,建設仁愛、和平、公義的天國。亞孟。
天主保祐!


生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝:

Case Study (I)
Theme: Faithful and Unfaithful Servants (Matthew 24:42-51)

Things have their root and their branches. Affairs have their end and their beginning. To know what is first and what is last will be close to the Way” (Da Xue #1). When we understand the priorities and orders of affairs, how can we make mistakes? “Being close to the Way” is only humble wording. When we seek God’s will with a sincere will and a rectified heart, though we miss, we will not be too far off from hitting the bull’s eye. (Da Xue #11)! Furthermore, the Son of God, who cares very much about our life and death, always stands by us, whispering the Father’s will into our ears. Since nobody knows when our lives end or when the end of the world comes, the most effective attitude is to be always vigilant to welcome the sudden appearance of Christ the Lord (Matthew 24:42)! Before the Son of God comes again, the world is our stage to show whether we are faithful or unfaithful servants.

The Son of God does not put harsh demands on faithful servants. We don’t need to fly to the heavens or to cross the seas (Deuteronomy 30:12-13). We only need “to distribute to the household [i.e. other servants] their food at the proper time” (Matthew 24:45). Don’t forget, God delegates us authority to manage the earth (Genesis 1:28, 2:15). Then we are brother-stewards. Isn’t supporting and protecting each other, distributing food at the proper time, the discharge of our steward duties according to priorities in our individual life stations? Being a faithful servant is reasonable and proper. At the same time, Christ does not set up any assessment criteria lest we are anxious with achievements, making the same mistake as Cain.

On the other hand, ignoring the advice of vigilance, thinking that God will appear according to our schedule, we start wronging the priorities, abusing and exploiting our neighbour. We even reject the advice of Jesus Christ, intoxicate ourselves with personal achievements, self-fattening at the expense of our subjects without discharging God’s delegated missions. Aren’t such people the unfaithful servants in the parable?

Heavenly Father, awake the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Reinvigorate the gifts of fortitude and the fear of the Lord in us so that we may bear our responsibility with loyalty to build up the Kingdom of Heaven which is full of charity, peace and righteousness. Amen.
God bless!

Wednesday, 27 August 2025

逃避責任 Evading Responsibilities

通病系列(三)
主題:逃避責任(瑪23:27-32

當上主天主問亞當:「莫非你吃了我禁止你吃的果子」時(創3:11),天主只要求一個「」,或者 「不是」的答案。可惜亞當已經染上「原罪」,不敢承認犯錯,反而為自己開脫,把責任推在天主和女人身上(3:12)。既然人類開始講「理由」,天主便問厄娃吃禁果的理由(3:13a)。厄娃不愧是由男人的材料所造出來的,她把責任推到蛇身上(3:13b)!從此,推卸責任變成了人類的「第二天性」!

Adam blamed Eve
加音過分注重自己的成就,結果因嫉妒和忿怒,殺死了弟弟亞伯爾。事後天主對加音說:「你弟弟亞伯爾在那裡?」(4:9a),他答說:「我不知道,難道我是看守我弟弟的人?」(4:9b)這不是「顛倒黑白」和「推卸責任」,是甚麼?加音殺了亞伯爾,怎可以說不知道亞伯爾在哪?這是赤裸裸的顛倒黑白。加音和亞伯爾是兄弟,互相守護是天經地義的事,怎可以推卸這責任呢?可歎放眼天下,盡是加音之流,到處都是「功勞歸自己」,出了亂子便即時「割蓆」。

在天主的安排中,「君王」替天行道,拓展上主的國度;「先知」是上主的代言人,告訴世人天主的旨意。君王與先知,理應像兩兄弟一樣,情同手足。可惜,達味王之前,撒羅滿王之後,隨從上主心意的君王(撒上13:14),少之又少!先知便成了上主惟一的喉舌,成了「公義」的化身。經師和法利塞假善人修建先知/義人的墳墓(瑪23:29),表面上站在先知的一面,實際上是為自己建立「公義」形象的工程,這便是他們「功勞歸自己」的表現。當耶穌指出他們的祖先不聽從先知的訓誨和殺害先知時(21:34-36),便進一步與殺害先知/義人的執拗祖先「割蓆」(23:30),他們不愧是亞當的後裔、加音的子孫!

聖父,求祢喚醒我們心中的聖神,重振「剛毅」與「敬畏上主」之恩,勇於承擔責任,恢復祢創造我們時的本來面貎。亞孟。
天主保祐!


生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝:creator.nightcafe.studio

Common Mistakes Series (III)
Theme: Evading Responsibilities (Matthew 23:27-32)

When the Lord God asks Adam, “Have you eaten from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat” (Genesis 3:11), He demands a “Yes” or “No” answer. Unfortunately, Adam had contracted the “Original Sin”. He dared not to admit his wrongs. Instead, he passed the buck to God and the woman (3:12)! Since humanity started reasoning, then God asked Eve the reason she had eaten the Forbidden Fruit (3:13a). Eve proved herself to be made from Adam by passing the buck to the Serpent (3:13b)! Since then, passing the buck has become the second nature of humanity!

Cain cared too much about his own achievements. In the end, out of jealousy and wrath, he killed his brother Abel. Later, God asked Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” (4:9a). Cain answered, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” (4:9b). If this is not calling black white and evading responsibility, what is? Cain had killed Abel. How could he say he did not know? This denial is blatantly calling black white. Cain and Abel were brothers. Supporting and protecting each other is natural. How could Cain evade this obligation? Sad to say, anywhere we set our sight on nowadays, we see many Cain’s who take all the credits for successes and wash their hands of team-members when a project fails!

In God’s plan, kings execute God’s will and expand the sovereignty of the Lord whereas prophets are spokespersons of God, telling people what God’s will is. Kings and prophets are supposed to be siblings. Regrettably, before King David and after King Solomon, there were only a handful of kings “after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14)! Prophets became the only channel of God’s words, the personification of “Justice”. Superficially, scribes and Pharisees stood on the side of justice when they “build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous” (Matthew 23:29). In reality, they were building up their self-image of righteousness. This was taking credits for themselves. But when Jesus pointed out that their ancestors did not listen to the teachings of prophets and even killed them (21:34-36), they washed their hands of their stiff-necked ancestors who killed prophets and righteous people (23:30). They had proven themselves descendants of Adam and of Cain!

Heavenly Father, awake the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Reinvigorate the gifts of fortitude and the fear of the Lord in us so that we may truthfully bear our responsibility to restore the original states when You created us. Amen.
God bless!

Tuesday, 26 August 2025

顛倒黑白 Calling Black White

通病系列(二)
主題:顛倒黑白(瑪23:23-26

過分「輕重不分、本末倒置」會導致「以黑為白,認賊作父」的嚴重後果。
最極端,最容易明白的例子,就是那些在戰爭時為了自保、自利而出賣同胞,為侵略者當鷹犬走狗,俗稱「漢奸」的行為!可是,在日常生活中,為了自己的便利而「蠻不講理」,做出損人利己行為者,大有人在!為了息事寧人,我們通常會啞忍。小心,習慣了,我們可能一樣會做出顛倒黑白的行為!

婚姻制度在不同時代、不同社會中,保障著夫妻關係和生兒育女的責任,是不爭的事實。同樣,性小數,例如同性戀者,在不同時代、不同社會中,受到不同程度的歧視,也是不爭的事實。可是,以「平權」之名,爭取把同性戀者的結合享有婚姻的保障,未免是「以黑為白」了!

Abraham serving 3 angels
我不會挑戰兩個同性戀者之間的關係,但試問兩個同性戀人的DNA,如何生男育女,如何向生命開放,如何造出一個新的人類生命呢?既然不願意負起生兒育女的義務,卻硬要享受婚姻制度的權利,這不是「蠻不講理」,是甚麼?或許同性戀者會群起抗議,為甚麼我容許沒有生育能力的兩個異性結婚,例如長者,而反對他們呢?理由很簡單,天主能夠把即使是長者的異性DNA,造出一個新的人類生命,例如亞巴郎和撒辣(創18:10-14)。對不起,同性的DNA造不到!那麼同性伴侶領養孤兒,不是做福他們,不是主耶穌所說的「善行」(瑪5:16)嗎?對不起,同性伴侶領養孤兒,是剝奪了孤兒們應有的父愛母愛,是「洗擦杯盤的外面」(23:25)。外面是善行,裡面卻是「劫奪」了孤兒應有的權利!顛倒了黑白,難怪耶穌基督慨嘆兩次「禍哉」了!

聖父,求祢喚醒我們心中的聖神,重振「超見」與「明達」之恩,不要讓我們作出損人利己的惡行。亞孟。
天主保祐!


生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝:creator.nightcafe.studio

Common Mistakes Series (II)
Theme: Calling Black White (Matthew 23:23-36)

Going extreme, “Wrong Priorities” will lead to “Calling Black White; Devils Fathers”.
The most extreme and easily understandable examples are traitors during war times, when out of self-preservation, they betray their folks and are happy to become running dogs for invaders! Even during peace time nowadays, many people become unreasonable when they get things they want. In order not to rock the boat, we tend to tolerate and keep silent. Beware, when we get used to such actions, we ourselves might call black white one day!

It is an indisputable fact that in different ages and different societies, the marriage institution protects nuptial relations and the duty of procreation. Similarly, it is also an undeniable fact that in different ages and different societies, sexual minorities suffer from prejudice. However, advocacy for homosexuals to enjoy marital protections in the name of equal rights is in reality calling black white!

I will not challenge the relationship between two homosexuals but how is it possible for the DNA of two homosexuals to procreate, to be open to life and to make a new human life? Relenting the obligation to procreate children but insisting on enjoying the rights of marriages, if it is not unreasonable, what is? Perhaps many homosexuals will protest. Why do I allow two sterile heterosexuals, say seniors, to get married but object to theirs? Simply put, God is able to make a new human life from the DNA of two heterosexual seniors, for example Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18:10-14), but not from the DNA of homosexuals! What about adopting orphans by homosexual couples? Aren’t those “good deeds” Jesus talks about in Matthew 5:16? Sorry for homosexual couples’ adoption of orphans. You are plundering the orphans’ rights to fatherly love and motherly love. This is blatant “cleansing the outside of cup and dish” (23:25). They are good looking deeds on the outside, but plundering the inalienable rights of orphans on the inside! You are calling black white and no wonder Jesus Christ laments “Woe to you” twice!

Heavenly Father, awake the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Reinvigorate the gifts of counsel and knowledge in us so that we can avoid the evils of gaining advantages at the expense of others. Amen.
God bless!