The Feast of Annunciation is usually celebrated on March 25. Nine months after Archangel Gabriel had visited the Blessed Virgin Mary, getting her consent to work with God to deliver the Saviour to this world, Jesus was born and we celebrate Christmas. This year, the feast falls within Easter Octave. Therefore, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast today. I was baptised on the Feast of Annunciation. Therefore, each year, I celebrate my baptism anniversary as well.
In my early years after baptism, I was not very devoted to the Blessed Virgin and did not spend time meditating on her virtues. Our Lady is humble and patient. It is one of her virtues to be able to wait patiently for things to unfold. She has never put up any obstacles for God's work to be done. But when situation arises, she is courageous enough to 'force' the hand of God to work, as illustrated in the story of Cana wedding banquet. Indeed, it was also God's will she sought. Teaching in La Salle College, I was privileged to be assigned to supervise a praesidium of the Legion of Mary. I had a good chance to imbue in the spirituality of Marian devotion for 19 years.
Today, we read of Hebrews 10.
Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,
"Sacrifices and offerings thou hast not desired,
but a body hast thou prepared for me;
in burnt offerings and sin offerings thou hast taken no pleasure.
Then I said, `Lo, I have come to do thy will, O God,'
as it is written of me in the roll of the book." (Hebrews 10:5-7)
God has also prepared a body for me. I have come to this world to do God's will.
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your (Gabriel's) word. (Luke 1:38)
What is the secret of success of the Blessed Virgin? She might not be very intelligent according to worldly standard. Whatever she did not understand (But who can understand God's actions?),
But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart (Luke 2:19, 51).
Thank Luke for revealing her secret.
My sweet Jesus, You have chosen wisely Our Lady to be Your mother. You are generous in giving her to be our mother as well. Pray that we, her worthless children, may imitate her examples in cooperating with You to redeem the world. Amen.
Monday 31 March 2008
Sunday 30 March 2008
2nd Sunday of Easter (Year A)
Man is a visual animal. Our vision gives us a survival advantage and man evolves to the highest rung in the Evolution ladder. We rely heavily on our sight rather than on our hearing. Unfortunately, faith comes from hearing (Romans 10:17), not sight. Take a very simple example. If you see a dog, you know that there is a dog. You don't have to believe that there is a dog. Now, close your eyes and imagine you are blind. If you hear barking, you have to exercise your faith to believe that there is a dog. Why? It is because the barking may come from a real dog or some recordings. You need faith to accept the existence of a dog and not a tape recorder. Of course, smell and touch may help reinforce this faith.
In the gospel of John today, we read of the well-known story of Thomas who did not believe in the testimony of the 10 apostles.
So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." (John 20:25) What an empiricist! By the time Jesus appeared to Thomas and invited him to put his finger into the wounds on his hand, Thomas' doubt had all but vapourized. It is a reality and you don't have to believe in it anymore.
Thomas was modern, in the sense that he defined the criteria God must meet in order to prove His existence. Yes, God must comply to our terms in order to acquire our approval. He must vibrate within the wavelengths of 380-750 nm. Otherwise, we don't see Him and accept His existence. He must speak with frequencies of 400-3500 Hz. Otherwise, we don't hear Him and listen to His Word. He must appear at 31°46′N and 35°14′E. Otherwise, the apostles would not be able to meet Him and touch Him etc. Welcome aboard, Thomas. But would you accept such demands from a lower creature, say your dog? Your master would. But Jesus taught him and us an important lesson.
Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 20:29)
When Jesus appeared to the 10 apostles, he was willing to reveal his hands and his side (John 20:20). Eight days later, he did the same to Thomas. He loved his apostles. These showings were consolations rather than proofs. They were hiding from the hostile forces that once crucified their master. They might be seeking after their lives very soon. Nowadays, though we do not risk our lives believing in Jesus who still loves us, we don't have the luxury to see and touch him. Yet, we are more blessed because we have not seen Jesus and yet we believe in him.
My sweet Jesus, let us not be arrogant. Let us see our status clearly, that we are but humble insignificant creatures. Our relationship should not be dictated in our own terms, but yours. We believe in You though we have not seen You. We believe because we hear the testimony of generations of faithful Christians. We hope that You will grant us the grace to meet You face to face later. Amen.
In the gospel of John today, we read of the well-known story of Thomas who did not believe in the testimony of the 10 apostles.
So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." (John 20:25) What an empiricist! By the time Jesus appeared to Thomas and invited him to put his finger into the wounds on his hand, Thomas' doubt had all but vapourized. It is a reality and you don't have to believe in it anymore.
Thomas was modern, in the sense that he defined the criteria God must meet in order to prove His existence. Yes, God must comply to our terms in order to acquire our approval. He must vibrate within the wavelengths of 380-750 nm. Otherwise, we don't see Him and accept His existence. He must speak with frequencies of 400-3500 Hz. Otherwise, we don't hear Him and listen to His Word. He must appear at 31°46′N and 35°14′E. Otherwise, the apostles would not be able to meet Him and touch Him etc. Welcome aboard, Thomas. But would you accept such demands from a lower creature, say your dog? Your master would. But Jesus taught him and us an important lesson.
Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 20:29)
When Jesus appeared to the 10 apostles, he was willing to reveal his hands and his side (John 20:20). Eight days later, he did the same to Thomas. He loved his apostles. These showings were consolations rather than proofs. They were hiding from the hostile forces that once crucified their master. They might be seeking after their lives very soon. Nowadays, though we do not risk our lives believing in Jesus who still loves us, we don't have the luxury to see and touch him. Yet, we are more blessed because we have not seen Jesus and yet we believe in him.
My sweet Jesus, let us not be arrogant. Let us see our status clearly, that we are but humble insignificant creatures. Our relationship should not be dictated in our own terms, but yours. We believe in You though we have not seen You. We believe because we hear the testimony of generations of faithful Christians. We hope that You will grant us the grace to meet You face to face later. Amen.
Saturday 29 March 2008
Preach the Gospel to the whole Creation
Among the Chinese priests I know, Fr. Anthony Chang 鄭生來神父 is one of his kind. When you first meet him, you will feel that his complexion is too dark to be Chinese. That probably is more a reflection of his life-long contribution to ecology than his genes. His speech is gentle like breeze, never an aggressive type. This is actually very appropriate for an advocate of environmental protection.
The Christian drama begins in the once harmonious Eden. The Fall of the first man alienated him from God
And he said, "I heard the sound of thee in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." (Genesis 3:10),
from his fellow (wo)man
The man said, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." (Genesis 3:12),
and from the Creation
cursed is the ground because of you;
in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life (Genesis 3:17b).
Sins spread like virus on this planet and contaminate everything they touch. St. Paul says
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now (Romans 8:22). Therefore, not only man, but also the whole creation needs redemption, a reconciliation with the Creator.
Today, we read of the appendix in Mark. In quick succession, Mark summarizes Jesus' apparitions to Mary Magdalene (as found in John), to 2 disciples (as in Luke) then to the 11 apostles (as in Luke and John).
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen (Mark 16:14).
Then, Jesus commissioned them out to preach the good news to the whole world (as in Matthew). It reads
And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel κηρύξατε τὸ εὐαγγέλιον to the whole creation πάσῃ τῇ κτίσει (Mark 16:15).
Indeed, Mark has quite a total vision of redemption. I think all Christians should. Our redemption comes from believing in the risen Jesus, from reconciling with God. Human beings can believe in Jesus. What about the other creatures? For most pet owners, they are able to experience a kind of emotional bond with their pets. It seems to me to be a first step towards our reconciliation with the alienated Creation since the Fall. Naively put, in Christ, we achieve reconciliation with God as well as our fellow men. When we treat the planet like our pet, we achieve reconciliation with the Creation and restore it to the original design of God. Of course, we need more than just one Fr. Anthony Chang to flesh out this simplistic skeleton of 'ecology theology'.
My sweet Jesus, we Christians should be active environmental protectors. Let us care more about the health of this alienated planet. May the day come when the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together. Amen.
The Christian drama begins in the once harmonious Eden. The Fall of the first man alienated him from God
And he said, "I heard the sound of thee in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." (Genesis 3:10),
from his fellow (wo)man
The man said, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." (Genesis 3:12),
and from the Creation
cursed is the ground because of you;
in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life (Genesis 3:17b).
Sins spread like virus on this planet and contaminate everything they touch. St. Paul says
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now (Romans 8:22). Therefore, not only man, but also the whole creation needs redemption, a reconciliation with the Creator.
Today, we read of the appendix in Mark. In quick succession, Mark summarizes Jesus' apparitions to Mary Magdalene (as found in John), to 2 disciples (as in Luke) then to the 11 apostles (as in Luke and John).
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen (Mark 16:14).
Then, Jesus commissioned them out to preach the good news to the whole world (as in Matthew). It reads
And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel κηρύξατε τὸ εὐαγγέλιον to the whole creation πάσῃ τῇ κτίσει (Mark 16:15).
Indeed, Mark has quite a total vision of redemption. I think all Christians should. Our redemption comes from believing in the risen Jesus, from reconciling with God. Human beings can believe in Jesus. What about the other creatures? For most pet owners, they are able to experience a kind of emotional bond with their pets. It seems to me to be a first step towards our reconciliation with the alienated Creation since the Fall. Naively put, in Christ, we achieve reconciliation with God as well as our fellow men. When we treat the planet like our pet, we achieve reconciliation with the Creation and restore it to the original design of God. Of course, we need more than just one Fr. Anthony Chang to flesh out this simplistic skeleton of 'ecology theology'.
My sweet Jesus, we Christians should be active environmental protectors. Let us care more about the health of this alienated planet. May the day come when the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together. Amen.
Friday 28 March 2008
Editorial autonomy
For those of us who are familiar with the Passion of John, we know that Annas was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest (John 18:13). And we can safely assume that there was only ONE high priest at a time. Indeed, a search on the web, say Wikipedia, yields a list of High Priests quoted from Jewish encyclopaedia. The Appendix III of 【思高聖經】is also a list of High Priest. From there, we see that there was only one High Priest since Zadok. We also find that Annas (Ananus) was the High Priest from 6 to 15 A.D. and Caiaphas from 18 to 36 A.D. Therefore, it is puzzling that Luke gives a different picture.
In the gospel of Luke, when he told us the ministry of John the Baptist, we have
in the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness (Luke 3:2). Luke reports two high priests in about 28 A.D. Then, when Peter and John were arrested after healing a lame man, they were brought in front of the rulers of Israel. We have
On the morrow their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem,
with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family (Acts 4:5-6). Luke has Annas as the High Priest in 30 A.D. Did Luke make some mistakes and left them in the bible? God forbids! Then, how are we to harmonize the bible and external evidence? Some scholars suggest that Annas was the Emeritus High Priest. He had retired but still kept the title and influence. When Luke wrote his corpus, he did not make the distinction or rather, people in the first century did not make such distinction as we do today. In fact, there were also times in the Israelite history when the old king became a co-regent with his son to rule over the land. Therefore, the idea of Annas being a retired High Priest seems plausible.
Now, let us turn to John 21. This chapter reads like a postscript because John 20:30-31 seems to have close the book. However, all extant manuscripts include John 21. Therefore, this chapter deserves our attention and respect. The story today highlights one important nature of gospels: the evangelists did not write news reports. They enjoyed an editorial autonomy to put together materials to proclaim the Jesus they knew.
The gospel of John does not follow the general plot of the other 3 synoptic gospels. There is no nativity story, no temptation story after Jesus' baptism, no calling of fisher of men, no calming of the storm on the Sea of Galilee, no walking on the water after feeding 5000, no Transfiguration, no establishment of the Holy Eucharist in the Last Supper, no agony in Gethsemani etc. The list continues as long as you like. John did not bother to record them because enough had been written by the previous gospels. Yet, he put some of them in different contexts.
In the gospels, there are 2 accounts of the apostles catching a large number of fish, one in Luke and the other in John. In Luke 5, we read that Jesus got on Simon's boat to preach because there were too many people.
And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." (Luke 5:4). He caught so many that he reckoned his partners, James and John, to help. Both boats were filled and nearly sank. This is Luke's account of the call of the first 4 fishermen disciples. Luke had Simon confessed that he was a sinner first, before Jesus made him a fisher of men. Instead, Mark and Matthew told the same call of the fishermen story without this miraculous catch, nor confession of sins.
In John's story, the catch took place at the third apparition after resurrection, not at the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Jesus was NOT on their boats but standing on the beach. Again, the fishermen did not recognize him after two previous appearances (John 21:4)!
He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish (John 21:6). The disciple whom Jesus loved told Peter that it was the Lord. How did he know? It must have been a previous experience, most probably the earlier miraculous catch recorded in Luke. Once again, we rely on experience of previous encounters in order to recognize the risen Jesus. This is the paradigm employed in the gospels.
After hearing this suggestion, Peter put on his clothes and jumped into the sea and ran to the shore to meet Jesus (John 21:7). This seems to be Peter's routine. We have a similar incident in Matthew 14:28-33. Jesus was walking on the water after feeding the 5000. Peter and the others were straining at the oars. When he knew that it was Jesus, he jumped into the sea to meet him. Peter was nearly drowned because he lost faith in the big waves. Of course, Jesus saved Peter and all the people on the boat confessed that Jesus was the Son of God (Matthew 14:33). In most likelihood, people on board would be dumbfounded and confused.
In John's story,
Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord (John 21:12).
I dare not say that Luke's and John's (and even Matthew's) were one and the same story. The most reasonable interpretation would be that the evangelists highlighted different themes with materials in their hands. They wanted to reinforce the faith in the believers.
but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name (John 20:31).
My sweet Jesus, I thank the evangelists for their efforts in handing down this precious faith to us. I humbly listen to them, reflect on their messages. May their experience awaken my self-knowledge, my need to repent and strengthen my faith in You day by day. Amen.
In the gospel of Luke, when he told us the ministry of John the Baptist, we have
in the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness (Luke 3:2). Luke reports two high priests in about 28 A.D. Then, when Peter and John were arrested after healing a lame man, they were brought in front of the rulers of Israel. We have
On the morrow their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem,
with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family (Acts 4:5-6). Luke has Annas as the High Priest in 30 A.D. Did Luke make some mistakes and left them in the bible? God forbids! Then, how are we to harmonize the bible and external evidence? Some scholars suggest that Annas was the Emeritus High Priest. He had retired but still kept the title and influence. When Luke wrote his corpus, he did not make the distinction or rather, people in the first century did not make such distinction as we do today. In fact, there were also times in the Israelite history when the old king became a co-regent with his son to rule over the land. Therefore, the idea of Annas being a retired High Priest seems plausible.
Now, let us turn to John 21. This chapter reads like a postscript because John 20:30-31 seems to have close the book. However, all extant manuscripts include John 21. Therefore, this chapter deserves our attention and respect. The story today highlights one important nature of gospels: the evangelists did not write news reports. They enjoyed an editorial autonomy to put together materials to proclaim the Jesus they knew.
The gospel of John does not follow the general plot of the other 3 synoptic gospels. There is no nativity story, no temptation story after Jesus' baptism, no calling of fisher of men, no calming of the storm on the Sea of Galilee, no walking on the water after feeding 5000, no Transfiguration, no establishment of the Holy Eucharist in the Last Supper, no agony in Gethsemani etc. The list continues as long as you like. John did not bother to record them because enough had been written by the previous gospels. Yet, he put some of them in different contexts.
In the gospels, there are 2 accounts of the apostles catching a large number of fish, one in Luke and the other in John. In Luke 5, we read that Jesus got on Simon's boat to preach because there were too many people.
And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." (Luke 5:4). He caught so many that he reckoned his partners, James and John, to help. Both boats were filled and nearly sank. This is Luke's account of the call of the first 4 fishermen disciples. Luke had Simon confessed that he was a sinner first, before Jesus made him a fisher of men. Instead, Mark and Matthew told the same call of the fishermen story without this miraculous catch, nor confession of sins.
In John's story, the catch took place at the third apparition after resurrection, not at the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Jesus was NOT on their boats but standing on the beach. Again, the fishermen did not recognize him after two previous appearances (John 21:4)!
He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish (John 21:6). The disciple whom Jesus loved told Peter that it was the Lord. How did he know? It must have been a previous experience, most probably the earlier miraculous catch recorded in Luke. Once again, we rely on experience of previous encounters in order to recognize the risen Jesus. This is the paradigm employed in the gospels.
After hearing this suggestion, Peter put on his clothes and jumped into the sea and ran to the shore to meet Jesus (John 21:7). This seems to be Peter's routine. We have a similar incident in Matthew 14:28-33. Jesus was walking on the water after feeding the 5000. Peter and the others were straining at the oars. When he knew that it was Jesus, he jumped into the sea to meet him. Peter was nearly drowned because he lost faith in the big waves. Of course, Jesus saved Peter and all the people on the boat confessed that Jesus was the Son of God (Matthew 14:33). In most likelihood, people on board would be dumbfounded and confused.
In John's story,
Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord (John 21:12).
I dare not say that Luke's and John's (and even Matthew's) were one and the same story. The most reasonable interpretation would be that the evangelists highlighted different themes with materials in their hands. They wanted to reinforce the faith in the believers.
but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name (John 20:31).
My sweet Jesus, I thank the evangelists for their efforts in handing down this precious faith to us. I humbly listen to them, reflect on their messages. May their experience awaken my self-knowledge, my need to repent and strengthen my faith in You day by day. Amen.
Thursday 27 March 2008
Handle me
Before we continue our reading of the apparition story in Luke, let us take stock of the very first apparitions of Jesus after resurrection in the four canonical gospels.
Mark ends at 16:8. Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James and the third woman Salome entered the tomb only to find an angel. The angel told them to report to Peter and the other disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee. The women fled because they were afraid (Mark 16:8).
Scholars believe that an appendix of various apparitions was added. Firstly, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene alone (Mark 16:9-11). Next, the appendix mentions Jesus' apparition to 2 disciples, agreeing with Luke's account (Mark 16:12-13). In both cases, Jesus' disciples did not believe the reports.
Matthew does not mention Salome in the Easter visit to the tomb early in the morning. They saw an angel of the Lord descend to roll away the stone at the entrance of the tomb. The angel instructed them to report to the disciples, without mentioning Peter, and told them to meet Jesus in Galilee. The women returned in fear and joy and met Jesus on the way (Matthew 28:9-10). So, Jesus first appeared to two Mary's.
Luke reports the women seeing 2 angels instead of one. Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James were named. But Jesus did not appear to them in Luke's account. Instead, Jesus appeared to 2 disciples on their way back to Emmaus. When they reported to the apostles, Luke also mentions that Jesus had appeared to Simon (Luke 24:34).
John reports that only Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and found the rock at the entrance removed. She reported to Peter and the disciple Jesus loved. They went to investigate. Mary Magdalene followed. After the two had left, she saw two angels in the tomb. At that moment, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene (John 20:14).
In summary, there are two traditions about Jesus' first apparition after resurrection. One tradition, represented by Matthew and John, has Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first and the other, represented by Luke, to 2 disciples in Emmaus. The 2 traditions do not mention each other. Of course, we cannot conclude that these 2 traditions are mutually exclusive. Both can be true and Mark collects both. Now, let's move forward in Luke.
After realizing what they had seen, the 2 disciples from Emmaus hurried back to Jerusalem to report to the eleven apostles and those who were with them (Luke 24:33). While they were reporting, Jesus appeared to these 13 plus people. Jesus tried to help them understand him.
See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me ψηλαφήσατέ με, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have (Luke 24:39). He even asked for a piece of fish and ate before them to demonstrate that after resurrection, he still had flesh and bone.
ψηλαφήσατέ means to seek, grope (like a blind) one's way. We Christians understand our Lord no better even after his resurrection. We need to seek, to grope our way to know him better. Like the blind groping an elephant, we will only be able to gain a partial understanding of him at best. Grope we have to until the end of time when we will be able to see him, not in a mirror, but face to face, see him as he is (1 Corinthians 13:12). Luckily, Jesus has promised to send us the Holy Spirit to enlighten us in our understanding. We can completely rely on this Counsellor.
My sweet Jesus, the evangelists have reminded us again and again that we need to seek You after Your departure. Our relationship with You is going to be a life long journey, full of grace and truth, sins and doubts. Come, O Holy Spirit, to strengthen our feeble limbs in this journey that we may reach home safely. Amen.
Mark ends at 16:8. Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James and the third woman Salome entered the tomb only to find an angel. The angel told them to report to Peter and the other disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee. The women fled because they were afraid (Mark 16:8).
Scholars believe that an appendix of various apparitions was added. Firstly, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene alone (Mark 16:9-11). Next, the appendix mentions Jesus' apparition to 2 disciples, agreeing with Luke's account (Mark 16:12-13). In both cases, Jesus' disciples did not believe the reports.
Matthew does not mention Salome in the Easter visit to the tomb early in the morning. They saw an angel of the Lord descend to roll away the stone at the entrance of the tomb. The angel instructed them to report to the disciples, without mentioning Peter, and told them to meet Jesus in Galilee. The women returned in fear and joy and met Jesus on the way (Matthew 28:9-10). So, Jesus first appeared to two Mary's.
Luke reports the women seeing 2 angels instead of one. Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James were named. But Jesus did not appear to them in Luke's account. Instead, Jesus appeared to 2 disciples on their way back to Emmaus. When they reported to the apostles, Luke also mentions that Jesus had appeared to Simon (Luke 24:34).
John reports that only Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and found the rock at the entrance removed. She reported to Peter and the disciple Jesus loved. They went to investigate. Mary Magdalene followed. After the two had left, she saw two angels in the tomb. At that moment, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene (John 20:14).
In summary, there are two traditions about Jesus' first apparition after resurrection. One tradition, represented by Matthew and John, has Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first and the other, represented by Luke, to 2 disciples in Emmaus. The 2 traditions do not mention each other. Of course, we cannot conclude that these 2 traditions are mutually exclusive. Both can be true and Mark collects both. Now, let's move forward in Luke.
After realizing what they had seen, the 2 disciples from Emmaus hurried back to Jerusalem to report to the eleven apostles and those who were with them (Luke 24:33). While they were reporting, Jesus appeared to these 13 plus people. Jesus tried to help them understand him.
See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me ψηλαφήσατέ με, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have (Luke 24:39). He even asked for a piece of fish and ate before them to demonstrate that after resurrection, he still had flesh and bone.
ψηλαφήσατέ means to seek, grope (like a blind) one's way. We Christians understand our Lord no better even after his resurrection. We need to seek, to grope our way to know him better. Like the blind groping an elephant, we will only be able to gain a partial understanding of him at best. Grope we have to until the end of time when we will be able to see him, not in a mirror, but face to face, see him as he is (1 Corinthians 13:12). Luckily, Jesus has promised to send us the Holy Spirit to enlighten us in our understanding. We can completely rely on this Counsellor.
My sweet Jesus, the evangelists have reminded us again and again that we need to seek You after Your departure. Our relationship with You is going to be a life long journey, full of grace and truth, sins and doubts. Come, O Holy Spirit, to strengthen our feeble limbs in this journey that we may reach home safely. Amen.
Wednesday 26 March 2008
The Emmaus Story
Today, we read of the famous Emmaus story in Luke 24:13-35. Simply put, two disillusioned disciples returned to their home town Emmaus from Jerusalem on Easter Sunday. Jesus had been crucified and buried on the previous Friday. Although they heard rumours of the disappearance of Jesus' corpse and visions of angels, their hope to rid themselves of Roman occupation had been smashed. All they could do was to return to their life before hearing about Jesus. Throughout the journey, Jesus accompanied them, interpreting to them the teaching of the Torah and prophets about the Suffering Messiah. Throughout the journey, they failed to recognize Jesus. Arriving Emmaus, they invited Jesus to dinner. At table, Jesus took the bread, blessed and gave them. Only then did their eyes open and recognize Jesus. Then Jesus vanished (Luke 24:30-31). There are a lot of things we can learn from this story. Dr. Francis Chan of the Religious and Moral Education Centre (RME) run by the Catholic Education Office (CEO) actively promotes an experiential teaching method based on the lessons drawn from this story.
In theological term, God is omnipresent, meaning God is present everywhere. He is not limited spatially. We can even boldly claim that He penetrates every available space in the universe. Yet, God is obviously absent and nowhere to be found. We cannot do any experiments to demonstrate His existence. Otherwise, everyone has already believed in Him. Why? I think the Emmaus story has told us the answer. The disciples were not able to recognize Jesus because they had a preconceived idea of who he was.
But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel (Luke 24:21a).
For them, Jesus was a preacher from Nazareth, a half pagan little town in the north. With his mighty words and deeds, Jesus was able to show them that he was sent by God. But they wanted liberation, not from the bondage of sins, but the Roman bondage. They missed the true mission of Jesus. Similarly, we expect a relationship with God different from what God expects from such a relationship. We Christians think that we have established a relationship with God Almighty but most likely, we have only established a relationship with a god we ourselves create. We miss the one true God. Christians, where can you find your God?
After the disappearance of Jesus, the two disciples reflected on their experience.
They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:32)
The scriptures! Without any knowledge of the scriptures, their hearts would not burn when Jesus spoke to them. They would not know what Jesus was talking about. Our knowledge of the Bible may not be perfect. Yet, the Holy Spirit would enlighten us. But first of all, study the Bible. Quiet your heart. Let the word of God speaks to you. When our hearts are ready, we will be able to see God.
The disciples recognized Jesus when he performed the same gestures he did in the feeding miracles. Had the disciples been present at the Last Supper, they would surely have recognized that Jesus was giving them the Holy Eucharist. Yes, in worship and in sacraments, we will be able to encounter the risen Lord again and again. Christians, don't be lazy. Give no excuses not to attend Masses and receive the Holy Eucharist. The sweet Jesus has further condescended himself into a slice of bread, unable to move, waiting patiently for us to receive him in our heart. Such is a sign of great love and sacrifice. Before this invitation, what better response do we have than to receive him humbly, desiring a total union with him?
My sweet Jesus, I thank Luke for telling us this Emmaus story. He has shown us unmistakably that You love us. You are willing to accompany us on our journey. You want to enlighten us, driving out all our hesitations, doubts and darkness. May we be nourished by Your words and sacraments so that our feet will be strengthened to continue our journey home. Amen.
In theological term, God is omnipresent, meaning God is present everywhere. He is not limited spatially. We can even boldly claim that He penetrates every available space in the universe. Yet, God is obviously absent and nowhere to be found. We cannot do any experiments to demonstrate His existence. Otherwise, everyone has already believed in Him. Why? I think the Emmaus story has told us the answer. The disciples were not able to recognize Jesus because they had a preconceived idea of who he was.
But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel (Luke 24:21a).
For them, Jesus was a preacher from Nazareth, a half pagan little town in the north. With his mighty words and deeds, Jesus was able to show them that he was sent by God. But they wanted liberation, not from the bondage of sins, but the Roman bondage. They missed the true mission of Jesus. Similarly, we expect a relationship with God different from what God expects from such a relationship. We Christians think that we have established a relationship with God Almighty but most likely, we have only established a relationship with a god we ourselves create. We miss the one true God. Christians, where can you find your God?
After the disappearance of Jesus, the two disciples reflected on their experience.
They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:32)
The scriptures! Without any knowledge of the scriptures, their hearts would not burn when Jesus spoke to them. They would not know what Jesus was talking about. Our knowledge of the Bible may not be perfect. Yet, the Holy Spirit would enlighten us. But first of all, study the Bible. Quiet your heart. Let the word of God speaks to you. When our hearts are ready, we will be able to see God.
The disciples recognized Jesus when he performed the same gestures he did in the feeding miracles. Had the disciples been present at the Last Supper, they would surely have recognized that Jesus was giving them the Holy Eucharist. Yes, in worship and in sacraments, we will be able to encounter the risen Lord again and again. Christians, don't be lazy. Give no excuses not to attend Masses and receive the Holy Eucharist. The sweet Jesus has further condescended himself into a slice of bread, unable to move, waiting patiently for us to receive him in our heart. Such is a sign of great love and sacrifice. Before this invitation, what better response do we have than to receive him humbly, desiring a total union with him?
My sweet Jesus, I thank Luke for telling us this Emmaus story. He has shown us unmistakably that You love us. You are willing to accompany us on our journey. You want to enlighten us, driving out all our hesitations, doubts and darkness. May we be nourished by Your words and sacraments so that our feet will be strengthened to continue our journey home. Amen.
Tuesday 25 March 2008
Two turns of Mary Magdalene
The reading today is a continuation of the Sunday story. Here is a pericope of Jesus' apparition to Mary Magdalene alone. To Catholics of later generations, it has been regretable that there is NO mention of Jesus' apparition to the Blessed Virgin Mary among the four gospels. Even Mary Magdalene was awarded an apparition, but not his mother! No wonder these days, many speculate that Mary Magdalene in fact commanded a high status among the male apostles. The male-dominant Church has been accused of a smear campaign, championing the idea that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, which has NO biblical evidence. Now, let's find out what John has to tell us.
When the two disciples (Peter and the beloved disciple) left, Mary appeared on the scene. She stood weeping outside the tomb and stooped to look inside (John 20:11). Very likely, she followed them to find out what she had missed earlier on because of the darkness of the circumstance. This time, she was definitely alone. She saw two angels in white, sitting where the corpse of Jesus was lain (John 20:12). This is the one and only instant in John where angels appeared. Matthew and Luke have many. Mark also has one occasion: Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. The angels in John did nothing but asked one question.
They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? γύναι, τί κλαίεις;" (John 20:13a)
Mary Magdalene replied with the same answer she reported to the disciples, with a difference. She said "... I do not know ...", instead of " ... we do not know ..." (John 20:13b, 20:2). Without further ado, John reports that Mary turned around ἐστράφη εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω and saw Jesus standing, but she did not recognize the risen Jesus (John 20:14). John's angels were insignificant. They brought no new messages like those in the other gospels. They only highlighted the present state of Mary Magdalene, what she had been doing. Therefore, we Christians need to turn to the core of our faith: Jesus, our risen Lord.
Then Jesus asked Mary two questions instead of one.
Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek? τίνα ζητεῖς;" (John 20:15a)
Alas! The risen Jesus has to be sought! Jesus has died for us, cleansed us of all our sins even when we are still sinners. Yet, we need to seek the risen Lord. Why? Because we may not recognize him. Like Mary Magdalene and many other disciples, we may have preconceived ideas of who Jesus is. In Jesus' time, they expected him to be a military Messiah to liberate them from Roman occupation. They were correct to a certain extent. In hind sight, we know that Jesus is the Messiah to liberate all mankind, not just Jews, from the bondage of sins. Nowadays, we may have similar misconception that Jesus is the solution to all our problems. We are correct, only to a certain extent. Believing in Jesus does not solve all our problems, but give us a new perspective to deal with our problems, the world's problems. Anyway, we cannot take God's grace for granted. Efforts have to be paid on our part to obtain this salvation. Once more, we find the 'already' - 'but not yet' paradigm of Christianity. The Kingdom of Heaven has already come, but is not yet fulfilled. Jesus has already died and risen for us, but we have not yet been fully redeemed. Everything has to wait until the end of time. Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6). Do it now before it is too late, Isaiah warned.
Mary Magdalene recognized Jesus only when Jesus called out her name (John 20:16a). Yes, Jesus is our personal Saviour. He deals with us individually, according to our personalities and defects. It is curious for John to report another turn of Mary Magdalene. She had already turned around and saw Jesus, though she was not yet able to recognize him. Now, if she turned again, would she turn away from Jesus? Which direction did she turn?
She turned στραφεῖσαand said to him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (John 20:16b)
In her first turn around, Mary Magdalene was facing Jesus, the core of her faith, but not recognizing him. Our conversion to Christianity may be an effect of too big, or too little, a turn from our previous life. It takes time, possibly a very long time, to fine-tune, to recognize the reality of Christian truth even after baptism. Only after hearing the Lord's call can we truly recognize Him, recognize what Christianity is all about.
My sweet Jesus, after these many years, I am probably still groping, holding on to half-truths. Open my ears. Quiet my heart so that I may clearly hear Your call and come to know You truly. Amen.
When the two disciples (Peter and the beloved disciple) left, Mary appeared on the scene. She stood weeping outside the tomb and stooped to look inside (John 20:11). Very likely, she followed them to find out what she had missed earlier on because of the darkness of the circumstance. This time, she was definitely alone. She saw two angels in white, sitting where the corpse of Jesus was lain (John 20:12). This is the one and only instant in John where angels appeared. Matthew and Luke have many. Mark also has one occasion: Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. The angels in John did nothing but asked one question.
They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? γύναι, τί κλαίεις;" (John 20:13a)
Mary Magdalene replied with the same answer she reported to the disciples, with a difference. She said "... I do not know ...", instead of " ... we do not know ..." (John 20:13b, 20:2). Without further ado, John reports that Mary turned around ἐστράφη εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω and saw Jesus standing, but she did not recognize the risen Jesus (John 20:14). John's angels were insignificant. They brought no new messages like those in the other gospels. They only highlighted the present state of Mary Magdalene, what she had been doing. Therefore, we Christians need to turn to the core of our faith: Jesus, our risen Lord.
Then Jesus asked Mary two questions instead of one.
Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek? τίνα ζητεῖς;" (John 20:15a)
Alas! The risen Jesus has to be sought! Jesus has died for us, cleansed us of all our sins even when we are still sinners. Yet, we need to seek the risen Lord. Why? Because we may not recognize him. Like Mary Magdalene and many other disciples, we may have preconceived ideas of who Jesus is. In Jesus' time, they expected him to be a military Messiah to liberate them from Roman occupation. They were correct to a certain extent. In hind sight, we know that Jesus is the Messiah to liberate all mankind, not just Jews, from the bondage of sins. Nowadays, we may have similar misconception that Jesus is the solution to all our problems. We are correct, only to a certain extent. Believing in Jesus does not solve all our problems, but give us a new perspective to deal with our problems, the world's problems. Anyway, we cannot take God's grace for granted. Efforts have to be paid on our part to obtain this salvation. Once more, we find the 'already' - 'but not yet' paradigm of Christianity. The Kingdom of Heaven has already come, but is not yet fulfilled. Jesus has already died and risen for us, but we have not yet been fully redeemed. Everything has to wait until the end of time. Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6). Do it now before it is too late, Isaiah warned.
Mary Magdalene recognized Jesus only when Jesus called out her name (John 20:16a). Yes, Jesus is our personal Saviour. He deals with us individually, according to our personalities and defects. It is curious for John to report another turn of Mary Magdalene. She had already turned around and saw Jesus, though she was not yet able to recognize him. Now, if she turned again, would she turn away from Jesus? Which direction did she turn?
She turned στραφεῖσαand said to him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (John 20:16b)
In her first turn around, Mary Magdalene was facing Jesus, the core of her faith, but not recognizing him. Our conversion to Christianity may be an effect of too big, or too little, a turn from our previous life. It takes time, possibly a very long time, to fine-tune, to recognize the reality of Christian truth even after baptism. Only after hearing the Lord's call can we truly recognize Him, recognize what Christianity is all about.
My sweet Jesus, after these many years, I am probably still groping, holding on to half-truths. Open my ears. Quiet my heart so that I may clearly hear Your call and come to know You truly. Amen.
Monday 24 March 2008
Proof of resurrection
It is next to impossible to demonstrate the resurrection of Jesus. Whatever evidences and witnesses Christians produce would not pass the requirements of a court of law.
Our Father in Heaven, it is not easy to build up a relationship with You. You respect our freedom and do not impose an undeniable presence on us. You allow us to seek you freely. Animate us with Your Holy Spirit that we may bear witness with joy. Comfort us in our times of despair that we may console our depressed neighbours. Amen.
Evidence:
- There is an empty tomb. But it can mean anything people can imagine. Some suggest that Jesus did not actually die. He passed out on the cross and revived in the tomb. He left when the rock that block the entrance of the tomb was removed. Of course, this is refuted by John when he said a soldier pierced Jesus' heart. Blood and water gushed out. Jesus was dead. Some other suggest that the disciples stole the corpse. This charge against the disciples is defended by Matthew in today's reading. For us Christians, the simplest answer is that Jesus has risen from the dead as he had foretold.
- There is the Turin Shroud. The Catholic Church has wisely never declared it an authentic relics. Recently, scientists have carbon-dated it to the 12th century. Catholics are free to venerate it. They would be foolish to base their faith on a piece of questionable cloth. Their faith must be grounded on something else.
Witnesses:
- Angels. Unfortunately, a court of law cannot subpoena them at will.
- Women. In ancient time, their witness was worthless. Therefore, it was curious for Jesus to choose them as the first witnesses of his resurrection.
- Other disciples. Whatever their claims, they laid down their lives for this cause. Their post-Easter lives had changed radically. This is the point. This Easter experience has changed their lives forever.
Our Father in Heaven, it is not easy to build up a relationship with You. You respect our freedom and do not impose an undeniable presence on us. You allow us to seek you freely. Animate us with Your Holy Spirit that we may bear witness with joy. Comfort us in our times of despair that we may console our depressed neighbours. Amen.
Sunday 23 March 2008
Easter Sunday (Year A)
Of the resurrection narratives, the synoptic gospels tell us that the women reported to the apostles that the tomb was empty, that they met angels or even the risen Lord etc. Only John gives us a glimpse of what was inside the empty tomb.
Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John mentions only Mary Magdalene of her visiting the tomb. She came early in the morning while it was still dark. She saw that the rock had been moved away from the tomb (John 20:1). John does not name other women nor does he mention whether Mary Magdalene entered the tomb. Most likely not, because it was dark and you won't be able to see better even if you dare enough to enter the tomb. Mary Magdalene ran and reported to Simon Peter.
So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." (John 20:2)
So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." (John 20:2)
It was dark. How could Mary Magdalene, without entering the tomb, conclude that the tomb was empty? Only the rock was removed. From this, she concluded that the body of Jesus was removed as well. There was a pre-conceived idea floating in the air. Jesus' body would be stolen so that the disciples would claim that he had risen from dead.
Consider the next curious point. Who were 'they' whom Mary Magdalene referred to? Did she mean the Jewish authority who handed Jesus over to the Roman procurator? But why would they bother to remove the corpse of Jesus. As reported by Matthew, the more sensible action was to tighten the security by posting guards at the tomb. Would they be other factions of Jesus' disciples more inclined to create a myth which the Jewish authority feared most? You can dismiss it as a wild imagination.
Moreover, it was curious that she reported that 'we' knew not where they had laid Jesus. Were there other women or people visiting the tomb with Mary Magdalene, like the tradition of the other gospels, and John did not mention them in the first verse? Did Mary Magdalene embellish her report so that she was not the sole witness and therefore her report was trustworthy? Or shall we put the blame on the sloppy Greek grammar of the author of John? I am posing more question than sharing my prayer.
Moreover, it was curious that she reported that 'we' knew not where they had laid Jesus. Were there other women or people visiting the tomb with Mary Magdalene, like the tradition of the other gospels, and John did not mention them in the first verse? Did Mary Magdalene embellish her report so that she was not the sole witness and therefore her report was trustworthy? Or shall we put the blame on the sloppy Greek grammar of the author of John? I am posing more question than sharing my prayer.
Hearing her report, Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved ran to the tomb to investigate. John reported that the other disciples outran Peter (John 20:4). He outran Peter, most likely because he was younger, or he loved Jesus more and therefore more anxious to find out what had actually happened.
and stooping to look in, he (the disciple whom Jesus loved) saw the linen cloths τὰ ὀθόνια lying there, but he did not go in (John 20:5). I suppose it was no longer dark and there was enough light for the disciple to see what was inside the empty tomb. He saw the linen cloths, which is plural! Can this deny the authenticity of the Turin Shroud? I do not know much about the Jewish burial customs and remember, Jesus was buried in a hurry. There must be a piece of linen cloth touching his corpse. Then more linen cloths might be used to wrap up the corpse. Therefore, the plurality of linen cloths is unable to deny the authenticity of the Turin Shroud.
This disciple was prudent. He only looked in without entering the tomb. He waited for Peter to enter first.
Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying,
and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself ἀλλὰ χωρὶς ἐντετυλιγμένον εἰς ἕνα τόπον.[but, by itself, wrapped up in one place] (John 20:6-7). The napkin could not have wrapped up by itself. There must have been some human activities going on inside the tomb! On the other hand, if I were a tomb raider to remove the corpse of Jesus, would I carry it away, wrapped in linen cloths or would I take the trouble to remove the linen cloths, carry it naked, half decaying?
Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying,
and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself ἀλλὰ χωρὶς ἐντετυλιγμένον εἰς ἕνα τόπον.[but, by itself, wrapped up in one place] (John 20:6-7). The napkin could not have wrapped up by itself. There must have been some human activities going on inside the tomb! On the other hand, if I were a tomb raider to remove the corpse of Jesus, would I carry it away, wrapped in linen cloths or would I take the trouble to remove the linen cloths, carry it naked, half decaying?
Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; (John 20:8) John does not say whether Peter believed after seeing the scene. Very likely, Peter remained cautious, until he saw the risen Lord himself. After all, John could not read Peter's mind. But the linen cloths inside the empty tomb were enough to convince the other disciple. This other disciple must have some previous experience which enabled him to believe that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. That is why some scholars speculate that this beloved disciple of Jesus was not John, but Lazarus.
Truly, it is not easy to believe in the Resurrection of Jesus with just an empty tomb, some linen cloths and a napkin. We cannot blame modern men for their skepticism. Even the disciples themselves found it difficult to believe, in view of the traumatic experience on the previous Friday. Only someone who already has some faith in Jesus would believe it. They can only believe it. They cannot prove it. If his resurrection can be proved beyond doubt, we don't have to believe in him, to put our hope in him. Pure water boils at 100o C . We don't have to believe in it, or to hope that it boils at 100o C. Modern, convenient life has deprived us of a lot of opportunities to exercise our faith. We are a pretty faithless people.
My sweet Jesus, I know that You have overcome death and won us a decisive victory. I have no proof available for my students. But they may not be interested in the evidence I could offer either. So, help me lead a more Christian life to bear witness to Your resurrection and new life. Amen.
Saturday 22 March 2008
Easter Vigil 2008
Of all the celebrations in the Catholic Church, the most dignified and magnificent one is the Easter Vigil. On top of the solemnity of the Eucharistic celebration, there are the Rite of the Light and the Baptism of the catechumens who have undergone at least 18 months of instruction and the final scrutinies in the Lent season.
The congregation gather inside the church shrouded in darkness. The chief celebrant, Fr. John Kwan, blesses a new fire, lights up the huge Easter Candle which leads the whole procession, catechumens and celebrants, into the church. Lumen Christi is sung 3 times and the altar boys light up their own candles from the Easter Candle. Then they pass the flame to candles in the hands of congregation. The whole church is flooded with a sea of candle lights. With a candle in hand, Fr. Martin Ip leads the congregation to sing a Passover Ode. Then several passages from the Bible which trace out the theme of salvation history from creation, election of Abraham, Exodus and universal salvation of all mankind, are read. Gloria, which is not sung throughout the Lent season, is then sung. Romans 6 is read.
St. Paul points out that we are baptized into Christ Jesus. Which means, through baptism, we are united with Jesus in his death. This union with Christ enables us to be raised from the dead.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). But what kind of death have we undergone in baptism? We are still alive after baptism, aren't we?
St. Paul continues to explain.
We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin (Romans 6:6). Therefore, death in baptism means crucifixion of our old self, the destruction of the sinful body and the freedom from the slavery of sin. The fact is, baptized Christians continue to sin. Is their baptism not effective? No. Far be it. We have only considered half of the picture. We have focused on death, one side of the coin of existence. The other side is life.
Life and death are engaged in a constant battle which will only end at the end of the world. As long as man exists, this struggle will continue. It will continue even without men. From a naturalistic point of view, death is a necessary evil. Death curbs the spread of life which consumes the limited resources in the universe. Life must come to an end, decay, become the nutrients of other lives and recycle. This is natural because the universe has only finite resources to sustain the activities of living organisms.
Despite attempts from scientists to dethrone man from the centre of Creation, they cannot deny the fact that man holds a disproportional stake in Creation. Man concentrates most of the resources in his hands. With more resources and greater power come graver responsibility. So far, man seems to be the only self-conscious creature in Creation. He is aware of himself, his situation and is able to build up a dialogue with the Creator. Therefore, he is held responsible for upholding Creation. St. Paul expresses it well.
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God;
for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope;
because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now;
and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:19-23).
Baptism does not mean death and only death. It also means a new life. St. Paul explains.
The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.
So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:10-11).
Therefore, baptism starts our life in God.
My sweet Jesus, we celebrate Your Passover. We await Your return. Through baptism we are united in Your death as well as Your resurrection. May the new life You awaken in us bear fruit and lead us home. Amen.
The congregation gather inside the church shrouded in darkness. The chief celebrant, Fr. John Kwan, blesses a new fire, lights up the huge Easter Candle which leads the whole procession, catechumens and celebrants, into the church. Lumen Christi is sung 3 times and the altar boys light up their own candles from the Easter Candle. Then they pass the flame to candles in the hands of congregation. The whole church is flooded with a sea of candle lights. With a candle in hand, Fr. Martin Ip leads the congregation to sing a Passover Ode. Then several passages from the Bible which trace out the theme of salvation history from creation, election of Abraham, Exodus and universal salvation of all mankind, are read. Gloria, which is not sung throughout the Lent season, is then sung. Romans 6 is read.
St. Paul points out that we are baptized into Christ Jesus. Which means, through baptism, we are united with Jesus in his death. This union with Christ enables us to be raised from the dead.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). But what kind of death have we undergone in baptism? We are still alive after baptism, aren't we?
St. Paul continues to explain.
We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin (Romans 6:6). Therefore, death in baptism means crucifixion of our old self, the destruction of the sinful body and the freedom from the slavery of sin. The fact is, baptized Christians continue to sin. Is their baptism not effective? No. Far be it. We have only considered half of the picture. We have focused on death, one side of the coin of existence. The other side is life.
Life and death are engaged in a constant battle which will only end at the end of the world. As long as man exists, this struggle will continue. It will continue even without men. From a naturalistic point of view, death is a necessary evil. Death curbs the spread of life which consumes the limited resources in the universe. Life must come to an end, decay, become the nutrients of other lives and recycle. This is natural because the universe has only finite resources to sustain the activities of living organisms.
Despite attempts from scientists to dethrone man from the centre of Creation, they cannot deny the fact that man holds a disproportional stake in Creation. Man concentrates most of the resources in his hands. With more resources and greater power come graver responsibility. So far, man seems to be the only self-conscious creature in Creation. He is aware of himself, his situation and is able to build up a dialogue with the Creator. Therefore, he is held responsible for upholding Creation. St. Paul expresses it well.
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God;
for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope;
because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now;
and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:19-23).
Baptism does not mean death and only death. It also means a new life. St. Paul explains.
The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.
So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:10-11).
Therefore, baptism starts our life in God.
My sweet Jesus, we celebrate Your Passover. We await Your return. Through baptism we are united in Your death as well as Your resurrection. May the new life You awaken in us bear fruit and lead us home. Amen.
Friday 21 March 2008
Good Friday 2008
Before going into the readings, let me handle some odd bits. This year, Easter comes very early. Why? The question actually is why Easter, unlike Christmas, is not fixed. The reason is a paradox. While nobody knows on which day Jesus was born, we can be relatively sure when he died. Since nobody knew the birthday of Jesus, the Roman Emperor was free to fix any convenient date. December 25 was the feast of Apollo, the sun-god. Now that the Roman Empire had converted to Christianity and Christ was now their sun of justice, it would be convenient to replace Apollo with Jesus. On the other hand, Jesus died before the Jewish feast of Passover. Therefore, it would be easy to determine when Jesus died and rose again from the dead. However, the Jews follow the lunar calendar, not the solar one like the Romans. Therefore, the Nicean Council in 325 AD defined Easter to be the first Sunday after the first full moon after Spring Equinox. Yesterday was Spring Equinox and tomorrow (Saturday) is full moon. Therefore, the coming Sunday is Easter. Interested readers may click this link to my webpage to know more about it.
Tonight, we read the Passion according to John. In his account, Jesus was in full control of everything. In the story of his arrest, Jesus confronted his captors. He took the initiative.
Then Jesus, knowing all that was to befall him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" (John 18:4) His captors answered Jesus of Nazareth.
When he said to them, "I am he Ἐγώ εἰμι," they drew back and fell to the ground (John 18:6)! How powerful these two words are! And scholars usually interpret them as Jesus' claim to his divinity. These captors were powerless in front of the God of most high. Jesus had to surrender himself to these incompetent captors. He was led to the house of Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest.
The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching (John 18:19).
In John's account, Jesus was tried by the high priest not in the Sanhedrin, but in the house of Annas. Then comes a curious verse.
Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest (John 18:24). Didn't the high priest question Jesus in Annas' house? Why does John say Annas sent Jesus bound to the high priest? Probably, it means to the house of the high priest. But nothing happened there. Then Jesus was sent to Pilate and another drama unfolds (John 18:28).
When Pilate asked the Jewish leaders what accusation they brought against Jesus, they did not answer directly. They simply said that Jesus was an evildoer and they had no way to put him to death according to their law (John 18:31). Killing Jesus was their sole intention. Then Pilate asked Jesus whether he was the King of the Jews (John 18:33). Where did Pilate learn of this charge? John does not give a clue. Now, it was Jesus' turn to question Pilate.
Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" (John 18:34) Of course, Pilate did not believe Jesus was a king and would never acknowledge him one. How would a king land in his court, to be tried by him?
Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?" (John 18:35)
For Pilate, a Jew would probably acknowledge Jesus king. But the fact was Jesus was disowned by his own people. Then Jesus talked about his kingship and his kingdom.
Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." (John 18:36) His kingship is neither of this world nor from the world. When Pilate showed doubt of his kingship, Jesus explained further.
Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice." (John 18:37) Jesus' kingship is to bear witness to the truth.
Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" (John 18:38) Was Pilate interested in knowing the truth? I think not. Seeing this miserable preacher, Pilate was only sarcastic. Later, when Pilate learned that Jesus had claimed to be the Son of God, he was afraid (John 19:8). What made the Roman procurator afraid? What did the Son of God mean to him? Why was he afraid of the Son of God?
Pilate entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave no answer.
Pilate therefore said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?"
Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin." (John 19:9-11) This is the last sentence Jesus spoke to Pilate. The Roman procurator had no power over this Jewish preacher.
My Lord, You are all powerful. You hold all the trump cards. Yet, You do not use them like a tyrant. You confront us only to show us our true state of life. We are powerless and miserable. Have mercy and grant us new life. Amen.
Tonight, we read the Passion according to John. In his account, Jesus was in full control of everything. In the story of his arrest, Jesus confronted his captors. He took the initiative.
Then Jesus, knowing all that was to befall him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" (John 18:4) His captors answered Jesus of Nazareth.
When he said to them, "I am he Ἐγώ εἰμι," they drew back and fell to the ground (John 18:6)! How powerful these two words are! And scholars usually interpret them as Jesus' claim to his divinity. These captors were powerless in front of the God of most high. Jesus had to surrender himself to these incompetent captors. He was led to the house of Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest.
The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching (John 18:19).
In John's account, Jesus was tried by the high priest not in the Sanhedrin, but in the house of Annas. Then comes a curious verse.
Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest (John 18:24). Didn't the high priest question Jesus in Annas' house? Why does John say Annas sent Jesus bound to the high priest? Probably, it means to the house of the high priest. But nothing happened there. Then Jesus was sent to Pilate and another drama unfolds (John 18:28).
When Pilate asked the Jewish leaders what accusation they brought against Jesus, they did not answer directly. They simply said that Jesus was an evildoer and they had no way to put him to death according to their law (John 18:31). Killing Jesus was their sole intention. Then Pilate asked Jesus whether he was the King of the Jews (John 18:33). Where did Pilate learn of this charge? John does not give a clue. Now, it was Jesus' turn to question Pilate.
Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" (John 18:34) Of course, Pilate did not believe Jesus was a king and would never acknowledge him one. How would a king land in his court, to be tried by him?
Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?" (John 18:35)
For Pilate, a Jew would probably acknowledge Jesus king. But the fact was Jesus was disowned by his own people. Then Jesus talked about his kingship and his kingdom.
Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." (John 18:36) His kingship is neither of this world nor from the world. When Pilate showed doubt of his kingship, Jesus explained further.
Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice." (John 18:37) Jesus' kingship is to bear witness to the truth.
Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" (John 18:38) Was Pilate interested in knowing the truth? I think not. Seeing this miserable preacher, Pilate was only sarcastic. Later, when Pilate learned that Jesus had claimed to be the Son of God, he was afraid (John 19:8). What made the Roman procurator afraid? What did the Son of God mean to him? Why was he afraid of the Son of God?
Pilate entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave no answer.
Pilate therefore said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?"
Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin." (John 19:9-11) This is the last sentence Jesus spoke to Pilate. The Roman procurator had no power over this Jewish preacher.
My Lord, You are all powerful. You hold all the trump cards. Yet, You do not use them like a tyrant. You confront us only to show us our true state of life. We are powerless and miserable. Have mercy and grant us new life. Amen.
Thursday 20 March 2008
Maundy Thursday 2008
Tonight, we read of the famous story of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples in John 13. It has become the tradition of the parish for the celebrant to wash the feet of 12 parishers selected in advance. Most of them have been active in the parish for quite some time so that it is easier to contact them for the liturgy. So, every year, the congregation watch the drama of feet washing. They remain spectators. This year, Fr. Martin Ip was the chief celebrant. He is young and had just been consecrated last year. He has other ideas. Instead of selecting 12 people in advance, he, together with the other co-celebrants, priests and perpetual deacon, went into the congregation and invited them to be washed on the spot. The congregation was caught unprepared. 17 parishers were washed, not 12. It is a good beginning. I hope one day, the Supervisor has the chance to wash the feet of the teachers of the school. Then, Jesus' teaching would be more manifest.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you (John 13:14-15).
John does not record the institution of the Holy Eucharist in his Last Supper story. The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament of love. The washing of each other's feet is an act of love. So, John left us a more vivid narrative of this sacrament of love. It is not far off to witness this act of love. Fr. Martin reminded us how, when a mother changes the soiled napkin of a baby, we witness Jesus' washing the feet of the disciples, Jesus' love, how Jesus loves us to the end (John 13:1).
My Lord, You do not simply wash our feet. You love us to the cross, to Your very end. Your love towers over us. Yet, You allow us to freely reject You, deny You. How long can we turn a blind eye to Your mercy? I surrender. Make me Your prisoner, that I may not depart from You. Amen.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you (John 13:14-15).
John does not record the institution of the Holy Eucharist in his Last Supper story. The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament of love. The washing of each other's feet is an act of love. So, John left us a more vivid narrative of this sacrament of love. It is not far off to witness this act of love. Fr. Martin reminded us how, when a mother changes the soiled napkin of a baby, we witness Jesus' washing the feet of the disciples, Jesus' love, how Jesus loves us to the end (John 13:1).
My Lord, You do not simply wash our feet. You love us to the cross, to Your very end. Your love towers over us. Yet, You allow us to freely reject You, deny You. How long can we turn a blind eye to Your mercy? I surrender. Make me Your prisoner, that I may not depart from You. Amen.
Wednesday 19 March 2008
Was Judas Jesus' friend?
Whenever we read of Matthew's story of Jesus' arrest, we will always be puzzled by the way Jesus addressed Judas. Here is Matthew's account.
Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him."
And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Hail, Master!" And he kissed him.
Jesus said to him, "Friend ἑταῖρε, why are you here? ἐφʼ ὃ πάρει " Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him (Matthew 26:48-50).
In this story, we have located the origin of the famous phrase "Judas' kiss". But why did the Jesus of Matthew call Judas friend?
Mark was the first to tell the story. In his version, Jesus said nothing.
Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him and lead him away under guard."
And when he came, he went up to him at once, and said, "Master!" And he kissed him.
And they laid hands on him and seized him (Mark 14:44-46). Matthew added this 'friend' statement of Jesus. What about Luke?
Luke does not mention the pre-defined signal and Jesus made a different statement.
While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him;
but Jesus said to him, "Judas, would you betray the Son of man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:47-48)In Luke, there are 3 persons who kissed: Mary who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and kissed them; the father who kissed the repentant Prodigal Son and Judas who kissed Jesus. In the arrest story, Luke asked all the disciples of Jesus why they would betray him in the name of love. This is an altogether different spirituality.
In the arrest story of John, there is not even a trace of Judas' kiss. Jesus simply surrendered himself. So, let us return to Matthew to explore this ἑταῖρε. A search of ἑταῖρε in the Greek New Testament yields only 3 results: Matthew 20:13, Matthew 22:12 and Matthew 26:50, all in Matthew! How lucky!
Matthew 20 tells us the parable of the vineyard owner who hired workers at different hours of the day. At the end of the day, he paid each of them a denarius, those who had worked for just one hour and those who had worked since the early hours. When they complained,
But he replied to one of them, `Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius?
Take what belongs to you, and go; I choose to give to this last as I give to you.
Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?'
So the last will be first, and the first last." (Matthew 20:13-16) When Jesus called Judas 'friend', Jesus told Judas that he was doing Judas no wrong!
Matthew 22 tells us yet another parable of the Kingdom of Heaven, the king's marriage feast for his son. Many were invited but did not come. So, the king sent his servants to gather all they could find, both good and bad, to fill the wedding hall.
"But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment; and he said to him, `Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.
Then the king said to the attendants, `Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.'
For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:11-14)When Jesus called Judas 'friend', Jesus asked why he had ended up in this state. He was called into the Kingdom of Heaven, but in the end, not chosen. Poor Judas.
My God, You are generous and do us no wrong. It is our fault not to have made the best out of this opportunity to enter into Your eternal life. We are only to blame. Have mercy and grant us more time so that we can make an appropriate wedding garment to enjoy Your banquet. Amen.
Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him."
And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Hail, Master!" And he kissed him.
Jesus said to him, "Friend ἑταῖρε, why are you here? ἐφʼ ὃ πάρει " Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him (Matthew 26:48-50).
In this story, we have located the origin of the famous phrase "Judas' kiss". But why did the Jesus of Matthew call Judas friend?
Mark was the first to tell the story. In his version, Jesus said nothing.
Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him and lead him away under guard."
And when he came, he went up to him at once, and said, "Master!" And he kissed him.
And they laid hands on him and seized him (Mark 14:44-46). Matthew added this 'friend' statement of Jesus. What about Luke?
Luke does not mention the pre-defined signal and Jesus made a different statement.
While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him;
but Jesus said to him, "Judas, would you betray the Son of man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:47-48)In Luke, there are 3 persons who kissed: Mary who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and kissed them; the father who kissed the repentant Prodigal Son and Judas who kissed Jesus. In the arrest story, Luke asked all the disciples of Jesus why they would betray him in the name of love. This is an altogether different spirituality.
In the arrest story of John, there is not even a trace of Judas' kiss. Jesus simply surrendered himself. So, let us return to Matthew to explore this ἑταῖρε. A search of ἑταῖρε in the Greek New Testament yields only 3 results: Matthew 20:13, Matthew 22:12 and Matthew 26:50, all in Matthew! How lucky!
Matthew 20 tells us the parable of the vineyard owner who hired workers at different hours of the day. At the end of the day, he paid each of them a denarius, those who had worked for just one hour and those who had worked since the early hours. When they complained,
But he replied to one of them, `Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius?
Take what belongs to you, and go; I choose to give to this last as I give to you.
Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?'
So the last will be first, and the first last." (Matthew 20:13-16) When Jesus called Judas 'friend', Jesus told Judas that he was doing Judas no wrong!
Matthew 22 tells us yet another parable of the Kingdom of Heaven, the king's marriage feast for his son. Many were invited but did not come. So, the king sent his servants to gather all they could find, both good and bad, to fill the wedding hall.
"But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment; and he said to him, `Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.
Then the king said to the attendants, `Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.'
For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:11-14)When Jesus called Judas 'friend', Jesus asked why he had ended up in this state. He was called into the Kingdom of Heaven, but in the end, not chosen. Poor Judas.
My God, You are generous and do us no wrong. It is our fault not to have made the best out of this opportunity to enter into Your eternal life. We are only to blame. Have mercy and grant us more time so that we can make an appropriate wedding garment to enjoy Your banquet. Amen.
Tuesday 18 March 2008
The identity of the traitor
We are on the second day of the Holy Week. Today's gospel has fast forwarded a bit and tells us about the Last Supper our Lord ate with his disciples. While they were eating, Jesus announced that one of them would betray him. The 4 gospels describe, each in its way, how the identity of the traitor was revealed. Let's start with Mark.
He said to them, "It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me.
For the Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." (Mark 14:20-21) Mark does not identify Judas. He continues to describe the establishment of the Holy Eucharist. Judas must have eaten Christ's body and drunk his blood before he left together with the whole group. Matthew made amendment to Mark.
He answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me, will betray me.
The Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born."
Judas, who betrayed him, said, "Is it I, Master?" He said to him, "You have said so." (Matthew 26:23-25) The identity of the traitor is revealed. Then Matthew follows Mark to describe the establishment of the Holy Eucharist. All of them, including Judas, partook the Holy Communion before they left for Mount Olives.
Luke took a different line. While Jesus was establishing the Holy Eucharist, he announced that someone would betray him.
And likewise (he took) the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
But behold the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.
For the Son of man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" (Luke 22:20-22) Again, Judas shared the Holy Communion with the rest of the disciples.
During supper, John tells us how Jesus rose and washed the feet of all his disciples, including Judas (John 13:4-5). Then he taught them to wash each others' feet, to serve and love each other.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you (John 13:14-15).
Then Jesus was troubled in spirit and announced that one of them would betray him. John, the beloved disciple, was close to Jesus and Peter told him to find out from Jesus who the traitor was.
Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give this morsel when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
Then after the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly." (John 13:26-27) After receiving the morsel, Judas left. The establishment of the Holy Eucharist is not recorded in John.
Paul speaks well in his letter to the Romans.
While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man -- though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die.
But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-8).
My Lord, Your great love is shown in how You treated Judas. You love each and everyone of us, sinners. You wash the feet, not just of saints, but of sinners as well. You are willing to give Your precious body and blood to us, even to us sinners. You do not consider it a waste. How amazing Your love and Your patience to us is. May we respond in kind and do not allow Your love to go forth in vain. May we receive Your Holy Eucharist in worthy manners. May Your love rekindle a new life in us. Amen.
He said to them, "It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me.
For the Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." (Mark 14:20-21) Mark does not identify Judas. He continues to describe the establishment of the Holy Eucharist. Judas must have eaten Christ's body and drunk his blood before he left together with the whole group. Matthew made amendment to Mark.
He answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me, will betray me.
The Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born."
Judas, who betrayed him, said, "Is it I, Master?" He said to him, "You have said so." (Matthew 26:23-25) The identity of the traitor is revealed. Then Matthew follows Mark to describe the establishment of the Holy Eucharist. All of them, including Judas, partook the Holy Communion before they left for Mount Olives.
Luke took a different line. While Jesus was establishing the Holy Eucharist, he announced that someone would betray him.
And likewise (he took) the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
But behold the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.
For the Son of man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" (Luke 22:20-22) Again, Judas shared the Holy Communion with the rest of the disciples.
During supper, John tells us how Jesus rose and washed the feet of all his disciples, including Judas (John 13:4-5). Then he taught them to wash each others' feet, to serve and love each other.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you (John 13:14-15).
Then Jesus was troubled in spirit and announced that one of them would betray him. John, the beloved disciple, was close to Jesus and Peter told him to find out from Jesus who the traitor was.
Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give this morsel when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
Then after the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly." (John 13:26-27) After receiving the morsel, Judas left. The establishment of the Holy Eucharist is not recorded in John.
Paul speaks well in his letter to the Romans.
While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man -- though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die.
But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-8).
My Lord, Your great love is shown in how You treated Judas. You love each and everyone of us, sinners. You wash the feet, not just of saints, but of sinners as well. You are willing to give Your precious body and blood to us, even to us sinners. You do not consider it a waste. How amazing Your love and Your patience to us is. May we respond in kind and do not allow Your love to go forth in vain. May we receive Your Holy Eucharist in worthy manners. May Your love rekindle a new life in us. Amen.
Monday 17 March 2008
Fighting battles
When Fr. John Kwan revealed, in the Prayer of the Faithful, that the 7-year-old boy who died mysteriously with flu symptoms was in fact a Catholic in our parish, I sensed that death was close and near. Symphorian, my youngest son, studies in the AM session of the same school the 7-year-old boy studied. It was the first primary school to close because of the outbreak of a minor flu endemic. EDB closed all the primary schools and kindergartens the next day. Death is doubly close. This morning, when George, my god-son, called me to ask for the phone number of the parish priest, because his mother-in-law had just passed away, I was more certain that death was really close and near.
My DM has passed the two decade mark. Complications start surfacing. The first one is a small scratch on my left ankle which has not yet recovered since the first day of the Lunar New Year. I have been depressed and withdrawn for more than a decade and my two elder sons have suffered most and lived like fatherless for that period of time. I began to emerge when I started teaching in Shung Tak because a new environment and new battle cries demand a call to pump up my energy. The battle to fight for EMI status for Shung Tak gave me a new lease of life. The diploma course in Catholic Biblical Institute gives me another boosting shot. I thank God for all these gifts. Though the battle ahead is a losing one, I will put up a hard fight till the end.
In fighting a battle, we can choose a hard line or a soft one. Jesus, the Suffering Servant, has chosen the soft line.
He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice (Isaiah 42:2-3).
Currently, a battle is being fought in Shung Tak to prevent her from downfall. Some parents and teachers are taking a hard line to achieve their goal. The CEO and SMC are resisting. Nobody can predict the outcome. I don't know if justice can ever be brought forth. May God see us through. Amen.
My God, we are Your unfaithful servants. Most of the time, our will be done instead of Yours and we make a mess out of the whole incident. Teach us the virtue of patience. Give us a glimpse of hope to quench our impatience. I put my trust in You. Carry us through so that we may help our students grow and develop according to Your will. Amen.
My DM has passed the two decade mark. Complications start surfacing. The first one is a small scratch on my left ankle which has not yet recovered since the first day of the Lunar New Year. I have been depressed and withdrawn for more than a decade and my two elder sons have suffered most and lived like fatherless for that period of time. I began to emerge when I started teaching in Shung Tak because a new environment and new battle cries demand a call to pump up my energy. The battle to fight for EMI status for Shung Tak gave me a new lease of life. The diploma course in Catholic Biblical Institute gives me another boosting shot. I thank God for all these gifts. Though the battle ahead is a losing one, I will put up a hard fight till the end.
In fighting a battle, we can choose a hard line or a soft one. Jesus, the Suffering Servant, has chosen the soft line.
He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice (Isaiah 42:2-3).
Currently, a battle is being fought in Shung Tak to prevent her from downfall. Some parents and teachers are taking a hard line to achieve their goal. The CEO and SMC are resisting. Nobody can predict the outcome. I don't know if justice can ever be brought forth. May God see us through. Amen.
My God, we are Your unfaithful servants. Most of the time, our will be done instead of Yours and we make a mess out of the whole incident. Teach us the virtue of patience. Give us a glimpse of hope to quench our impatience. I put my trust in You. Carry us through so that we may help our students grow and develop according to Your will. Amen.
Sunday 16 March 2008
Passion Sunday (Year A)
In Year A, we read of the Passion story of Matthew. Before Mass, there was a procession in which everybody held a palm branch to celebrate Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. This procession kick started the Holy Week. The Jews welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem as a king to liberate them from the Roman Occupation. They had no red carpet. They spread their garments on the ground instead. They had no national flags to wave, but branches from the trees instead. After Mass, we brought the palm branch home and hung it up. This is our 'national flag', showing our identity as citizens of the Kingdom of God.
Mark 11 told us that the disciples fetched an ass for Jesus to ride on. Matthew, who was an eye-witness and knew of Zechariah's prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, corrected Mark to have the disciples fetching an ass and a colt (Matthew 21:7). Which one did Jesus ride, the ass or the colt? Matthew does not make it clear, leaving room for Fr. Patrick Sun to assign the colt for Jesus, showing his humility.
And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, "Hosanna ὡσαννὰ to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:9) Hosanna ὡσαννὰ
is in fact a cry for help, save. Save us, Son of David! The whole atmosphere was explosive and would trigger a riot. Jesus was indeed a very dangerous person in the eyes of people in authority.
When Pilate asked whether he was the king of the Jews, Jesus said, "You have said so." (Matthew 27:11). Other than that, Jesus said no more. That was enough to condemn him to death. Throughout the whole Passion story in Matthew, Jesus said very little. When he was hanging on the cross, he uttered
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, la'ma sabach-tha'ni?" that is, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) Jesus rounded up his Passion with Psalm 22. He has accomplished his mission as the Suffering Servant.
My God, I thank You for giving me Your Son to die for my redemption. Allow me to embrace my Redeemer who lives. May my soul find repose in Him, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
Mark 11 told us that the disciples fetched an ass for Jesus to ride on. Matthew, who was an eye-witness and knew of Zechariah's prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, corrected Mark to have the disciples fetching an ass and a colt (Matthew 21:7). Which one did Jesus ride, the ass or the colt? Matthew does not make it clear, leaving room for Fr. Patrick Sun to assign the colt for Jesus, showing his humility.
And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, "Hosanna ὡσαννὰ to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:9) Hosanna ὡσαννὰ
is in fact a cry for help, save. Save us, Son of David! The whole atmosphere was explosive and would trigger a riot. Jesus was indeed a very dangerous person in the eyes of people in authority.
When Pilate asked whether he was the king of the Jews, Jesus said, "You have said so." (Matthew 27:11). Other than that, Jesus said no more. That was enough to condemn him to death. Throughout the whole Passion story in Matthew, Jesus said very little. When he was hanging on the cross, he uttered
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, la'ma sabach-tha'ni?" that is, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) Jesus rounded up his Passion with Psalm 22. He has accomplished his mission as the Suffering Servant.
My God, I thank You for giving me Your Son to die for my redemption. Allow me to embrace my Redeemer who lives. May my soul find repose in Him, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
Saturday 15 March 2008
Feast of St. Joseph, Husband of BVM
Since the Feast of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, March 19, falls into the Holy Week, the Church celebrates today instead. St. Joseph is a very humble saint. He remains anonymous in the public life of Our Lord.
The season of Lent ends today. What have I achieved? How much has my heart been softened? How near have I approached my God? Not much, I am afraid but I will persist. May St. Joseph be my aid. He did not do extraordinary things. But with God, he did wonders.
In the Old Testament, Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob, was a dreamer. He was famous for his dreams as well as his ability to interpret dreams. Through interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh, Joseph was elevated from a prisoner to the post of the governor over the land. In the New Testament, Joseph also had a number of dreams in which he received God's revelations. When he discovered that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit, Joseph was pondering divorcing her according to the Law. God's angel told him in his dream to marry Mary and named the son Jesus (Matthew 1:20-21). His faith in God reckoned him righteous. When Herod the Great wanted to murder the new born king, an angel of the Lord told Joseph to bring the baby and his mother to flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13). After the death of Herod, an angel of the Lord told Joseph to bring the baby and his mother to return to Israel (Matthew 2:20). They returned to Nazareth and remained anonymous for the rest of his life. A faithful and humble saint indeed.
Divorcing Mary according to the Law would not reckon Joseph righteous. Rather, it was his faith in the Lord that counted him righteous. When exhausting all possible options according to our previous experiences does not show us an exit, we have to take a leap of faith.
In hope he (Abraham) believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations (Romans 4:18).
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? (Romans 8:24).
Our faith needs to be sustained by hope, a hope in the promised made by God who is forever faithful.
My God, my faith is weak probably I have not put sufficient hope in Your promises. I pray that You rekindle my hope in Your promises. May this hope strengthen my faith to continue my journey. I have reached the end of this Lent journey. I see it as the beginning of yet another quest ahead. Prod me on with Your kindness.
St. Joseph, pray for us. Amen.
The season of Lent ends today. What have I achieved? How much has my heart been softened? How near have I approached my God? Not much, I am afraid but I will persist. May St. Joseph be my aid. He did not do extraordinary things. But with God, he did wonders.
In the Old Testament, Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob, was a dreamer. He was famous for his dreams as well as his ability to interpret dreams. Through interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh, Joseph was elevated from a prisoner to the post of the governor over the land. In the New Testament, Joseph also had a number of dreams in which he received God's revelations. When he discovered that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit, Joseph was pondering divorcing her according to the Law. God's angel told him in his dream to marry Mary and named the son Jesus (Matthew 1:20-21). His faith in God reckoned him righteous. When Herod the Great wanted to murder the new born king, an angel of the Lord told Joseph to bring the baby and his mother to flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13). After the death of Herod, an angel of the Lord told Joseph to bring the baby and his mother to return to Israel (Matthew 2:20). They returned to Nazareth and remained anonymous for the rest of his life. A faithful and humble saint indeed.
Divorcing Mary according to the Law would not reckon Joseph righteous. Rather, it was his faith in the Lord that counted him righteous. When exhausting all possible options according to our previous experiences does not show us an exit, we have to take a leap of faith.
In hope he (Abraham) believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations (Romans 4:18).
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? (Romans 8:24).
Our faith needs to be sustained by hope, a hope in the promised made by God who is forever faithful.
My God, my faith is weak probably I have not put sufficient hope in Your promises. I pray that You rekindle my hope in Your promises. May this hope strengthen my faith to continue my journey. I have reached the end of this Lent journey. I see it as the beginning of yet another quest ahead. Prod me on with Your kindness.
St. Joseph, pray for us. Amen.
Friday 14 March 2008
Being Unpopular
Prophets, whether ancient or modern, have never been popular. They claim to be the voice of God and the conscience of the society. They are the arch-enemies for those who are in power, who cling on to the status quo. Most scholars agree that Jeremiah was the prototype of Jesus. Both of them shared the same fate, being rejected and killed by the people in authority.
In Jeremiah 19, the fate of Judah was pronounced. First of all, Jeremiah listed their sins: The people had forsaken the Lord (Jeremiah 19:4a)
which I did not command or decree, nor did it come into my mind (Jeremiah 19:5c),
this was exactly what He instructed Abraham to do in Genesis 22! Of course, it was a test of Abraham's faith and Abraham passed this test with flying colours. Although the holocaust of Isaac was never realized, many a Catholic (Mr. Peter Chiu, ex-vice principal of La Salle College) finds it hard to swallow such cruelty towards a 107-year-old Abraham. Anyway, for all the sins committed, Judah would be conquered and the people sent to exile. The siege of the land was so severe that
And I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and their daughters, and every one shall eat the flesh of his neighbor in the siege and in the distress, with which their enemies and those who seek their life afflict them (Jeremiah 19:9). Cannibalism awaited them!
After hearing this prophecy, the priest Pashhur beat Jeremiah and locked him up (Jeremiah 20:2). Then Jeremiah revealed the identify of the enemy: Babylon.
For thus says the LORD: Behold, I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends. They shall fall by the sword of their enemies while you look on. And I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon; he shall carry them captive to Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword.
Moreover, I will give all the wealth of the city, all its gains, all its prized belongings, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah into the hand of their enemies, who shall plunder them, and seize them, and carry them to Babylon.
And you, Pashhur, and all who dwell in your house, shall go into captivity; to Babylon you shall go; and there you shall die, and there you shall be buried, you and all your friends, to whom you have prophesied falsely." (Jeremiah 20:4-6)
Jeremiah had God on his side so that he was able to confront people in authority. Prophets always think that they possess the truth. That's why many people in authority find them offensive. Sometimes, some prophets were smart enough to package their message in a more palatable coating such as the beautiful parable of 'the poor man and his ewe' by Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:1-5. Jeremiah did not enjoy such luxury. His was a generation of imminent disaster. Here, we have a rare glimpse of the psychology of prophets.
O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived;
thou art stronger than I, and thou hast prevailed.
I have become a laughingstock all the day; every one mocks me.
For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, "Violence and destruction!"
For the word of the LORD has become for me a reproach and derision all day long.
If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,"
there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones,
and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot (Jeremiah 20:7-9).
Indeed, the life of a prophet is anything but to be envied. If you proclaim the truth, you will be derided or even die. If you don't, God's word will burn in your bones. Woe to you, prophets of Yahweh. You will suffer unto death if you insist on standing your ground. What will be your reward?
Yet it was the will of the LORD to bruise him; he has put him to grief;
when he makes himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand;
he shall see the fruit of the travail of his soul and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous; and he shall bear their iniquities (Isaiah 53:10-11).
My God, I thank You for sending Your Servant to suffer for us so that we may have life. I am not the stuff of a prophet. I am only an insignificant teaching man. May Your Word be planted in the hearts of students who lend me their ears. May this Word of Yours grow and prosper in their hearts so that they may become loving children of Yours. Console me when I am depressed, often. Prod me on when I am tired. May Your kingdom come. Amen.
In Jeremiah 19, the fate of Judah was pronounced. First of all, Jeremiah listed their sins: The people had forsaken the Lord (Jeremiah 19:4a)
- They profaned the place by burning incense to alien gods (Jeremiah 19:4b)
- They shed the blood of the innocents (Jeremiah 19:4c)
- They built altars to worship Baal (Jeremiah 19:5a)
- They burned their sons as burnt-offerings to Baal (Jeremiah 19:5b)
which I did not command or decree, nor did it come into my mind (Jeremiah 19:5c),
this was exactly what He instructed Abraham to do in Genesis 22! Of course, it was a test of Abraham's faith and Abraham passed this test with flying colours. Although the holocaust of Isaac was never realized, many a Catholic (Mr. Peter Chiu, ex-vice principal of La Salle College) finds it hard to swallow such cruelty towards a 107-year-old Abraham. Anyway, for all the sins committed, Judah would be conquered and the people sent to exile. The siege of the land was so severe that
And I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and their daughters, and every one shall eat the flesh of his neighbor in the siege and in the distress, with which their enemies and those who seek their life afflict them (Jeremiah 19:9). Cannibalism awaited them!
After hearing this prophecy, the priest Pashhur beat Jeremiah and locked him up (Jeremiah 20:2). Then Jeremiah revealed the identify of the enemy: Babylon.
For thus says the LORD: Behold, I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends. They shall fall by the sword of their enemies while you look on. And I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon; he shall carry them captive to Babylon, and shall slay them with the sword.
Moreover, I will give all the wealth of the city, all its gains, all its prized belongings, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah into the hand of their enemies, who shall plunder them, and seize them, and carry them to Babylon.
And you, Pashhur, and all who dwell in your house, shall go into captivity; to Babylon you shall go; and there you shall die, and there you shall be buried, you and all your friends, to whom you have prophesied falsely." (Jeremiah 20:4-6)
Jeremiah had God on his side so that he was able to confront people in authority. Prophets always think that they possess the truth. That's why many people in authority find them offensive. Sometimes, some prophets were smart enough to package their message in a more palatable coating such as the beautiful parable of 'the poor man and his ewe' by Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:1-5. Jeremiah did not enjoy such luxury. His was a generation of imminent disaster. Here, we have a rare glimpse of the psychology of prophets.
O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived;
thou art stronger than I, and thou hast prevailed.
I have become a laughingstock all the day; every one mocks me.
For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, "Violence and destruction!"
For the word of the LORD has become for me a reproach and derision all day long.
If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,"
there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones,
and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot (Jeremiah 20:7-9).
Indeed, the life of a prophet is anything but to be envied. If you proclaim the truth, you will be derided or even die. If you don't, God's word will burn in your bones. Woe to you, prophets of Yahweh. You will suffer unto death if you insist on standing your ground. What will be your reward?
Yet it was the will of the LORD to bruise him; he has put him to grief;
when he makes himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand;
he shall see the fruit of the travail of his soul and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous; and he shall bear their iniquities (Isaiah 53:10-11).
My God, I thank You for sending Your Servant to suffer for us so that we may have life. I am not the stuff of a prophet. I am only an insignificant teaching man. May Your Word be planted in the hearts of students who lend me their ears. May this Word of Yours grow and prosper in their hearts so that they may become loving children of Yours. Console me when I am depressed, often. Prod me on when I am tired. May Your kingdom come. Amen.
Thursday 13 March 2008
Covenants with God
In the creation story of Genesis 1, God created animals in the seas and birds of the air on the fifth day and blessed them (Genesis 1:23). On the sixth, God created animals on land and blessed them as well. Then God created man in His image and likeness, male and female (Genesis 1:26). When God blessed them, He spoke to them לָהֶ֜ם (Genesis 1:28). As for the other animals, God simply spoke. But when it came to men, God spoke to them, showing an intention and a possibility to build up a relation with them. It was the beginning of an ongoing dialogue, interaction and relation between God and man. But what kind of relation was it, an owner and His pets? This was probably true before the Fall. But later, it is one of covenant.
God continues to show his kindness, despite man's rebellion. God forbade man to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, for in the day that they ate of it, they would die (Genesis 2:17). In fact, Adam and Eve did not die the day they ate the fruit. When God drove them out of Eden, God even made garments of skins to clothe them (Genesis 3:21). Despite God's warning, Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger. As a punishment, he became a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth (Genesis 4:12). When Cain complained that the punishment was too severe because whomever he met would slay him, God protected him with a mark אֹ֔ות (Genesis 4:15). God even responded to requests for protection from murderers! His kindness resulted in the spread of sins. When sins and men multiplied on earth, God decided to cut short men's life-span from hundreds of years (Adam 930; Seth 912; Enosh 905; Kenan 910; Mahalalel 895; Jared 962 and Methuelah 969) to 120 in order to contain the damages (Genesis 6:3). As a last resort, He decided to blot out man and beast and creeping things and birds with a flood of waters (Genesis 6:17). Then came the first formal covenant.
The first formal covenant was between God and Noah. After the Deluge, God unilaterally established with Noah and his descendants a covenant in which God promised not to destroy mankind with a flood and He would set the rainbow as a sign of covenant (Genesis 9:9-17). It was unilateral in that man did not have to do anything in return. The second covenant was between God and Abram in which God promised him descendants and land (Genesis 15:18-21). Once more, it was unilateral in that Abram did not have to do anything. He believed the Lord and God counted him righteous (Genesis 15:6).
In today's reading of Genesis 17, God re-established His covenant with Abram when he was 99 years old and Ishmael was born of Hagar 13 years ago. God changed Abraham's name to Abraham (discounting Ishmael?). God would give him descendants and land and the Lord would be their God (Genesis 17:4-8). But this time, Abraham had to do one thing: circumcision (Genesis 17:10). It was a circumcision of the flesh and later in the New Testament, St. Paul extended it to the circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29).
The Old Testament is a covenant in which our obligation was to listen to God, obey Him and follow the Torah. The New Testament is a covenant in which our obligation is to put our faith in Jesus and abide in him. We are but lowly and unworthy creatures, yet God intends to raise us to the status of adopted children.
My God, we are not worthy to enter into any covenant with You. Let us circumcise not just our skin but our hearts so that we may lead a compatible covenant life in You. In this time of flu alert, I pray for the families of the children who have died. May Your Spirit console them and strengthen them in this time of pain and loss. May we learn another lesson and lead a healthier life. In the days to come, may we continue to praise You and sanctify Your name. Amen.
God continues to show his kindness, despite man's rebellion. God forbade man to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, for in the day that they ate of it, they would die (Genesis 2:17). In fact, Adam and Eve did not die the day they ate the fruit. When God drove them out of Eden, God even made garments of skins to clothe them (Genesis 3:21). Despite God's warning, Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger. As a punishment, he became a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth (Genesis 4:12). When Cain complained that the punishment was too severe because whomever he met would slay him, God protected him with a mark אֹ֔ות (Genesis 4:15). God even responded to requests for protection from murderers! His kindness resulted in the spread of sins. When sins and men multiplied on earth, God decided to cut short men's life-span from hundreds of years (Adam 930; Seth 912; Enosh 905; Kenan 910; Mahalalel 895; Jared 962 and Methuelah 969) to 120 in order to contain the damages (Genesis 6:3). As a last resort, He decided to blot out man and beast and creeping things and birds with a flood of waters (Genesis 6:17). Then came the first formal covenant.
The first formal covenant was between God and Noah. After the Deluge, God unilaterally established with Noah and his descendants a covenant in which God promised not to destroy mankind with a flood and He would set the rainbow as a sign of covenant (Genesis 9:9-17). It was unilateral in that man did not have to do anything in return. The second covenant was between God and Abram in which God promised him descendants and land (Genesis 15:18-21). Once more, it was unilateral in that Abram did not have to do anything. He believed the Lord and God counted him righteous (Genesis 15:6).
In today's reading of Genesis 17, God re-established His covenant with Abram when he was 99 years old and Ishmael was born of Hagar 13 years ago. God changed Abraham's name to Abraham (discounting Ishmael?). God would give him descendants and land and the Lord would be their God (Genesis 17:4-8). But this time, Abraham had to do one thing: circumcision (Genesis 17:10). It was a circumcision of the flesh and later in the New Testament, St. Paul extended it to the circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29).
The Old Testament is a covenant in which our obligation was to listen to God, obey Him and follow the Torah. The New Testament is a covenant in which our obligation is to put our faith in Jesus and abide in him. We are but lowly and unworthy creatures, yet God intends to raise us to the status of adopted children.
My God, we are not worthy to enter into any covenant with You. Let us circumcise not just our skin but our hearts so that we may lead a compatible covenant life in You. In this time of flu alert, I pray for the families of the children who have died. May Your Spirit console them and strengthen them in this time of pain and loss. May we learn another lesson and lead a healthier life. In the days to come, may we continue to praise You and sanctify Your name. Amen.
Wednesday 12 March 2008
The Truth will make you free
Today, we continue to read John 8:31-42. By coincidence, we come upon the topic of freedom again.
Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word ἐὰν ὑμεῖς μείνητε ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τῷ ἐμῷ , you are truly my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:31-32)
The word μείνητε means 'you stay, remain, abide' etc. If we abide in Jesus' teaching, we are truly his disciples. Then we will know the truth and the truth will make us free. However, according to the analysis of Erich Fromm, we are afraid of freedom! We don't want to be free but prefer the comfortable state of addiction. Therefore, very often, we are afraid to know the truth and being ignorant is so comfortable until, of course, it is too late! Then we regret and continue regretting and doing nothing to improve the situation. Taking action is so risky and learning the truth so painful. So, we simply deny the truth! It is not my fault. It is their fault that causes so many troubles.
What was the reaction of the Jews?
We are descendants of Abraham, and have never been in bondage to any one. (John 8:33) What? How could they forget the Egyptian bondage, the Babylonian Captivity? In fact, in Jesus' time, they were under the Roman rule and had lost their national independence for more than 400 years! How could they be so blind to these historical realities, not to mention the spiritual situation? Blatant denial!
So, what is the truth?
Jesus said to him (Thomas), "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; Ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ὁδὸς καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια καὶ ἡ ζωή no one comes to the Father, but by me (John 14:6). Further down,
Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth ὁ λόγος ὁ σὸς ἀλήθειά ἐστιν (John 17:17). Therefore, Jesus is the truth. He is the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14) and God's Word, of course, is wisdom and truth. This truth brings us life in God. Jesus shows us the way. He is the way, the Torah himself. In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites the Torah to help them lead a holy life, a life full of freedom. God had already given the Israelites Jesus in the form of the Torah, but they didn't recognise that it was Jesus. They only saw two tablets of stone. They had been following Jesus for more than a thousand years when they kept the Torah. Now, Jesus came in person to lead us the way.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:29-30).
Therefore, the freedom Jesus gives us is easy and light.
My God, through Your love, You gave us freedom. But it was such a heavy responsibility. The burden was very crashing. In Your mercy, You sent us Jesus and bid us to take up our cross. I know that You do not give us a cross too heavy to bear. Strengthen my limbs that I may stand up again to continue this journey home. May I abide in Jesus and take up his yoke, learn his humility and find rest for my soul. Amen.
Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word ἐὰν ὑμεῖς μείνητε ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τῷ ἐμῷ , you are truly my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:31-32)
The word μείνητε means 'you stay, remain, abide' etc. If we abide in Jesus' teaching, we are truly his disciples. Then we will know the truth and the truth will make us free. However, according to the analysis of Erich Fromm, we are afraid of freedom! We don't want to be free but prefer the comfortable state of addiction. Therefore, very often, we are afraid to know the truth and being ignorant is so comfortable until, of course, it is too late! Then we regret and continue regretting and doing nothing to improve the situation. Taking action is so risky and learning the truth so painful. So, we simply deny the truth! It is not my fault. It is their fault that causes so many troubles.
What was the reaction of the Jews?
We are descendants of Abraham, and have never been in bondage to any one. (John 8:33) What? How could they forget the Egyptian bondage, the Babylonian Captivity? In fact, in Jesus' time, they were under the Roman rule and had lost their national independence for more than 400 years! How could they be so blind to these historical realities, not to mention the spiritual situation? Blatant denial!
So, what is the truth?
Jesus said to him (Thomas), "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; Ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ὁδὸς καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια καὶ ἡ ζωή no one comes to the Father, but by me (John 14:6). Further down,
Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth ὁ λόγος ὁ σὸς ἀλήθειά ἐστιν (John 17:17). Therefore, Jesus is the truth. He is the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14) and God's Word, of course, is wisdom and truth. This truth brings us life in God. Jesus shows us the way. He is the way, the Torah himself. In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites the Torah to help them lead a holy life, a life full of freedom. God had already given the Israelites Jesus in the form of the Torah, but they didn't recognise that it was Jesus. They only saw two tablets of stone. They had been following Jesus for more than a thousand years when they kept the Torah. Now, Jesus came in person to lead us the way.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:29-30).
Therefore, the freedom Jesus gives us is easy and light.
My God, through Your love, You gave us freedom. But it was such a heavy responsibility. The burden was very crashing. In Your mercy, You sent us Jesus and bid us to take up our cross. I know that You do not give us a cross too heavy to bear. Strengthen my limbs that I may stand up again to continue this journey home. May I abide in Jesus and take up his yoke, learn his humility and find rest for my soul. Amen.
Israelites' rebellions
In the gospel reading today, we read of
So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority but speak thus as the Father taught me." (John 8:28) Jesus was applying the 'Bronze Serpent' typology in Numbers 21 on himself.
The middle section of Numbers records a string of rebellions of the Israelites in their wilderness journey (Numbers 10:11-21:25). The 'Bronze Serpent' is the last one recorded in this section of Numbers. Maybe it is beneficial for us to reflect on these incidents which were very human indeed.
and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said to them, "You have gone too far! For all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them; why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?" (Numbers 16:3) Their argument was legitimate though their motives were not. In the end, the earth opened up and swallowed them and their households alive (Numbers 16:32-33).
"Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water; so you shall bring water out of the rock for them; so you shall give drink to the congregation and their cattle." (Numbers 20:8) Instead of telling the rock to bring forth water, Moses told the people
"Hear now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?" (Numbers 20:10) Water gushed out when Moses struck the rock twice with his rod.
And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them." (Numbers 20:12) This incident cost Moses his own entry into the Promised Land. How Moses fell! How Moses fell!
And the people spoke against God and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food." (Numbers 21:5) God sent fiery serpents among the people to bite them and many died. Fulfilling the role of the Prophet, Moses prayed for the people
And the LORD said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and every one who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live."
So Moses made a bronze serpent, and set it on a pole; and if a serpent bit any man, he would look at the bronze serpent and live. (Numbers 21:8-9)
The Ancient Serpent tempted Eve and Adam and man fell from the state of grace. Jesus became the Healing Serpent to restore our state of grace and beyond. The Son of God won for God adopted sons and inheritors who are willing to confess their faith in God.
Praise be Christ Jesus forever and ever. Amen.
So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority but speak thus as the Father taught me." (John 8:28) Jesus was applying the 'Bronze Serpent' typology in Numbers 21 on himself.
The middle section of Numbers records a string of rebellions of the Israelites in their wilderness journey (Numbers 10:11-21:25). The 'Bronze Serpent' is the last one recorded in this section of Numbers. Maybe it is beneficial for us to reflect on these incidents which were very human indeed.
To improve the living standard
In Numbers 10, the Israelites had already received the 10 commandments and God had started supplying them daily with manna. Now, they were not satisfied with manna only. They wanted meat. To improve the living standard was a totally legitimate request. Therefore, God instructed Moses to gather 70 elders to bear the burden of the people with Moses (Numbers 11:16-17). Then God gave them quails (Numbers 11:31).To escape from freedom
Then they sent men to spy out the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:2). After 40 days, the spies returned and reported that it was truly flowing with milk and honey (Numbers 13:27), but was heavily fortified and guarded by giants. In face of such difficulty, the Israelites decided to make another captain to lead them back to Egypt (Numbers 14:4). God was angry and sent the people in a zigzag circuit for 40 years, everyday a year (Numbers 14:34) instead of occupying the Promised Land directly and immediately. God spent 40 years to purge the Israelites of their slavery mentality developed for 400 years in Egypt. They preferred the security and comfort of slavery to the risks and hardship of freedom. Erich Fromm, a social psychologist who authored The Art of Loving (1956), first wrote The Fear of Freedom (1941) to explore man's struggle with this gift from God.To demand democracy
Then came the rebellion from a group of Israelites led by Korah, Dathan and Abiram. They were joined by 250 leaders of the congregation (Numbers 16:1-2) to challenge the authority of Moses.and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said to them, "You have gone too far! For all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them; why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?" (Numbers 16:3) Their argument was legitimate though their motives were not. In the end, the earth opened up and swallowed them and their households alive (Numbers 16:32-33).
To demand living water
Then came the Meribah incident in Numbers 20. This time, the Israelites demanded water in the wilderness and Moses fell. God instructed Moses:"Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water; so you shall bring water out of the rock for them; so you shall give drink to the congregation and their cattle." (Numbers 20:8) Instead of telling the rock to bring forth water, Moses told the people
"Hear now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?" (Numbers 20:10) Water gushed out when Moses struck the rock twice with his rod.
And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them." (Numbers 20:12) This incident cost Moses his own entry into the Promised Land. How Moses fell! How Moses fell!
Becoming impatient
After their victory over Canaan, the Israelites became impatient and rebelled for the last time.And the people spoke against God and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food." (Numbers 21:5) God sent fiery serpents among the people to bite them and many died. Fulfilling the role of the Prophet, Moses prayed for the people
And the LORD said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and every one who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live."
So Moses made a bronze serpent, and set it on a pole; and if a serpent bit any man, he would look at the bronze serpent and live. (Numbers 21:8-9)
The Ancient Serpent tempted Eve and Adam and man fell from the state of grace. Jesus became the Healing Serpent to restore our state of grace and beyond. The Son of God won for God adopted sons and inheritors who are willing to confess their faith in God.
Praise be Christ Jesus forever and ever. Amen.
Tuesday 11 March 2008
Adulterous woman
Yesterday, learning of an adulterous relationship between two friends in the parish, I was very much shaken. Why was I so much shaken? It is because suddenly I realize that adultery can be so close, so near. I felt like a survivor in an air-crash, having just rubbed shoulders with death.
Regrettably, among my friends and classmates, some Catholic, some non-Catholic, a number of them suffer from failed marriages because of extra-marital affairs. I would say it was understandable because some of them were too young, or because they had to work across the border, or because there were some chinks in the personality, or because it had been a mistake for the two of them to get married in the first place etc. In ancient times, women were mostly confined at home and adultery probably was a luxury for the rich, as demonstrated by a Chinese idiom：「妻不如妾，妾不如偷。」Nowadays, with greater independence, women are working hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder with men. Men are meeting more and more women in the workplace. More choices, more comparisons are inevitable. Many a man would easily harbour some adulterous fantasies and who knows, a sip of wine in time of boredom, and the floodgate is flown fully open.
I feel blessed because my god-brothers lead wonderful married lives and I share the joy with them. We are children of a more conservative generation.
Eric did not enter university in Hong Kong. Instead, he migrated to the States, got his degree, married an American lady who gave birth to four children for him. Every year, he sends me family photos around Christmas time. It is such a wonderfully warm family.
Felix is less fortunate. His first wife was not a Catholic and had suffered from cancer for a long, long time. Eventually she died, leaving behind a daughter. During the whole time, Felix took care of her and their daughter. He loved his wife like his own flesh and bone. After spending some years as a widower, God gave Felix another wife, this time a fervent Christian. Their marriage was the happiest news that boosted my morale in my last year in La Salle.
As for me, I feel blessed to be a diabetic. Erminia has been taking care of this fragile body of mine. With God's blessings, she gave birth to four children for me. Had I not been a diabetic, I would probably have been one of those adulterers myself.
We have heard too many negative stories. Let us not forget there are many more positive ones, including today's story in John 8 where Jesus forgave an adulterous woman caught in the very act. We, bystanders, have no right to cast the first stone because we are also sinners and adulterers lucky enough not to have been exposed openly. Rather, as adulterers in heart, let us be more sympathetic towards these fallen brothers and sister. Try to understand their plight. Pray to the merciful Lord to bring them home.
My God, forgive me of my adulterous fancies. May we discern the true love around us, around our beloved ones and Your love for us. May we not point our fingers at our fallen brothers but extend a peaceful hand to help them stand. May the merciful Lord show us the way to true love. Amen.
Regrettably, among my friends and classmates, some Catholic, some non-Catholic, a number of them suffer from failed marriages because of extra-marital affairs. I would say it was understandable because some of them were too young, or because they had to work across the border, or because there were some chinks in the personality, or because it had been a mistake for the two of them to get married in the first place etc. In ancient times, women were mostly confined at home and adultery probably was a luxury for the rich, as demonstrated by a Chinese idiom：「妻不如妾，妾不如偷。」Nowadays, with greater independence, women are working hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder with men. Men are meeting more and more women in the workplace. More choices, more comparisons are inevitable. Many a man would easily harbour some adulterous fantasies and who knows, a sip of wine in time of boredom, and the floodgate is flown fully open.
I feel blessed because my god-brothers lead wonderful married lives and I share the joy with them. We are children of a more conservative generation.
Eric did not enter university in Hong Kong. Instead, he migrated to the States, got his degree, married an American lady who gave birth to four children for him. Every year, he sends me family photos around Christmas time. It is such a wonderfully warm family.
Felix is less fortunate. His first wife was not a Catholic and had suffered from cancer for a long, long time. Eventually she died, leaving behind a daughter. During the whole time, Felix took care of her and their daughter. He loved his wife like his own flesh and bone. After spending some years as a widower, God gave Felix another wife, this time a fervent Christian. Their marriage was the happiest news that boosted my morale in my last year in La Salle.
As for me, I feel blessed to be a diabetic. Erminia has been taking care of this fragile body of mine. With God's blessings, she gave birth to four children for me. Had I not been a diabetic, I would probably have been one of those adulterers myself.
We have heard too many negative stories. Let us not forget there are many more positive ones, including today's story in John 8 where Jesus forgave an adulterous woman caught in the very act. We, bystanders, have no right to cast the first stone because we are also sinners and adulterers lucky enough not to have been exposed openly. Rather, as adulterers in heart, let us be more sympathetic towards these fallen brothers and sister. Try to understand their plight. Pray to the merciful Lord to bring them home.
My God, forgive me of my adulterous fancies. May we discern the true love around us, around our beloved ones and Your love for us. May we not point our fingers at our fallen brothers but extend a peaceful hand to help them stand. May the merciful Lord show us the way to true love. Amen.
Monday 10 March 2008
5th Sunday in Lent (Year A)
Today, we read of Jesus' raising of Lazarus in John 11. Before Mass, my wife told me about a tragedy in the parish. A pair of parishers, both of whom we know, committed adultery! I was shaken. Immediately, I thought of their children and their children-in-laws. They must be terribly hurt. Then, these two friends came to my mind. They have disappeared from the parish and must be suffering silently somewhere. Like Lazarus, they are shut off from us and probably from God. May Jesus have mercy on them, give them the Spirit and raise them from their tomb.
In his homily, Father Martin Ip said that when we are selfish, we become autistic and shut ourselves up in our tomb. We need to reach out and come back to life again. He told us the story of a reporter in an hunger-stricken region in Africa. He saw a starving woman and gave her a piece of bread. She was so hungry that without a thought, she shoved the whole piece of bread into her mouth and munched. Then, before she would swallow this life-saving piece of bread, she seemed to remember something. From inside her mouth, she slowly removed the paste and started feeding a tiny, bony baby in her bosom. This woman has the right and freedom to preserve her life. Yet, it is a greater freedom to restrain from what she can do, what she wants to do. Very often, we misunderstand the meaning of freedom and do whatever pleases us in the name of freedom. Yet, it is a higher freedom not to satisfy our own selfish desires. Very often, we abuse the freedom God has given us and become the slave of our lust.
Twice, St. Paul has said
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12).
All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up (1 Corinthians 10:23). How wise he was.
In Analect, Confucius shared with us the journey of his heart. It took him 70 years to coach his heart so that he was able to follow his heart's desires without breaching the rules.
吾十有五而志於學；三十而立；四十而不惑；五十而知天命；六十而耳順；七十而從心所欲，不踰矩。【論語‧為政】
We are no Confucius or St. Paul. Nor are we seventy yet. How much more should we be careful lest we abuse our freedom and be enslaved by harmful desires, bringing tragedy to ourselves and our beloved?
My God, I pray to surrender my freedom and autonomy. Bring us out of our tombs so that we may see Your light again. May I whole-heartedly follow Your Wisdom throughout this life. Amen.
In his homily, Father Martin Ip said that when we are selfish, we become autistic and shut ourselves up in our tomb. We need to reach out and come back to life again. He told us the story of a reporter in an hunger-stricken region in Africa. He saw a starving woman and gave her a piece of bread. She was so hungry that without a thought, she shoved the whole piece of bread into her mouth and munched. Then, before she would swallow this life-saving piece of bread, she seemed to remember something. From inside her mouth, she slowly removed the paste and started feeding a tiny, bony baby in her bosom. This woman has the right and freedom to preserve her life. Yet, it is a greater freedom to restrain from what she can do, what she wants to do. Very often, we misunderstand the meaning of freedom and do whatever pleases us in the name of freedom. Yet, it is a higher freedom not to satisfy our own selfish desires. Very often, we abuse the freedom God has given us and become the slave of our lust.
Twice, St. Paul has said
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12).
All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up (1 Corinthians 10:23). How wise he was.
In Analect, Confucius shared with us the journey of his heart. It took him 70 years to coach his heart so that he was able to follow his heart's desires without breaching the rules.
吾十有五而志於學；三十而立；四十而不惑；五十而知天命；六十而耳順；七十而從心所欲，不踰矩。【論語‧為政】
We are no Confucius or St. Paul. Nor are we seventy yet. How much more should we be careful lest we abuse our freedom and be enslaved by harmful desires, bringing tragedy to ourselves and our beloved?
My God, I pray to surrender my freedom and autonomy. Bring us out of our tombs so that we may see Your light again. May I whole-heartedly follow Your Wisdom throughout this life. Amen.
Sunday 9 March 2008
Forbidding a prophet to intercede
One of the roles of a prophet is to intercede for the people. When God intends to send punishment, a prophet is able to change God's mind. He can pray to God for the sinful people so that God aborts the punishment. The story of Abraham's bargain with God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18 is one such example. Another one can be found in Exodus 32 when God was so furious with the golden calf that He intended to wipe out all the Israelites and establish Moses instead. In both cases, the prophets were allowed to touch on a 'weak spot' of God to avert the disaster.
Wilt thou indeed destroy the righteous with the wicked? (Genesis 18:23)
Far be it from thee to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from thee! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? (Genesis 18:25) The Judge of all the earth cannot afford to be unjust!
Why should the Egyptians say, `With evil intent did he bring them forth, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth'? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou didst swear by thine own self, and didst say to them, 'I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it for ever.' (Exodus 32:12-13). The Almighty God cannot undo His own wonders in the eyes of the enemies and forget His promises to the Patriarchs!
However, there is a bottom line. When despite repeated warnings from the prophets, the Jews persisted in worshipping idols and offering sacrifices to Baal, God would not listen to the intercessions from the prophets. Jeremiah was less fortunate. His was a generation of imminent doom. The Babylonians were already at the door.
As for you, do not pray for this people, or lift up cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with me, for I do not hear you. (Jeremiah 7:16)
Therefore do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer on their behalf, for I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their trouble. (Jeremiah 11:14).
The LORD said to me: "Do not pray for the welfare of this people.
Though they fast, I will not hear their cry, and though they offer burnt offering and cereal offering, I will not accept them; but I will consume them by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence." (Jeremiah 14:11-12).
We should be responsible for our own actions and bear the consequences. It is no good for us to sin and leave the prophets to pray to God to pardon our iniquities. Repentance is our business and if we don't take care of our own business, someone will. If we do not repent and make necessary changes, God will take over to clean up the mess in His way. In the end, our incompetence will be rendered impotence.
My God, I pray for myself as well as other incompetent neighbours. May we repent and make changes before it is too late. Have mercy on us all. We look forward to celebrating joyfully the Golden Jubilee of our Shung Tak. Amen.
Wilt thou indeed destroy the righteous with the wicked? (Genesis 18:23)
Far be it from thee to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from thee! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? (Genesis 18:25) The Judge of all the earth cannot afford to be unjust!
Why should the Egyptians say, `With evil intent did he bring them forth, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth'? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou didst swear by thine own self, and didst say to them, 'I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it for ever.' (Exodus 32:12-13). The Almighty God cannot undo His own wonders in the eyes of the enemies and forget His promises to the Patriarchs!
However, there is a bottom line. When despite repeated warnings from the prophets, the Jews persisted in worshipping idols and offering sacrifices to Baal, God would not listen to the intercessions from the prophets. Jeremiah was less fortunate. His was a generation of imminent doom. The Babylonians were already at the door.
As for you, do not pray for this people, or lift up cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with me, for I do not hear you. (Jeremiah 7:16)
Therefore do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer on their behalf, for I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their trouble. (Jeremiah 11:14).
The LORD said to me: "Do not pray for the welfare of this people.
Though they fast, I will not hear their cry, and though they offer burnt offering and cereal offering, I will not accept them; but I will consume them by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence." (Jeremiah 14:11-12).
We should be responsible for our own actions and bear the consequences. It is no good for us to sin and leave the prophets to pray to God to pardon our iniquities. Repentance is our business and if we don't take care of our own business, someone will. If we do not repent and make necessary changes, God will take over to clean up the mess in His way. In the end, our incompetence will be rendered impotence.
My God, I pray for myself as well as other incompetent neighbours. May we repent and make changes before it is too late. Have mercy on us all. We look forward to celebrating joyfully the Golden Jubilee of our Shung Tak. Amen.
Saturday 8 March 2008
The Holy Spirit is the Living Water
As a diabetic, I always feel thirsty. My throat is dry. My skin is dry and brittle. It is irritatingly itchy. I always feel want scratching it. Wounds inflicted take a long time to heal, leaving spotty scars. In fact, I haven't gone swimming for more than a decade! The thirst is only physical and there will be an end to it.
But how am I to put in words yet another kind of thirst, which words fail to convey? Am I too demanding, asking too much from life, always feeling itchy and restless? Have I been too much a perfectionist, suffocating everybody around me? Then St. Augustine's famous line came to my mind:
Tu excitas, ut laudare te delectet, quia fecisti nos ad te et inquietum est cor nostrum, donec requiescat in te.
Thou movest us to delight in praising You; for You have formed us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in You. (Confessions 1.1)
Jesus promised to give us living water when he engaged in a revealing dialogue with a Samaritan woman.
but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14). He meant the Holy Spirit.
Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, "If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink.
He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, 'Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.'"
Now this he said about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (John 7:37-39). Consequently, the crowd was divided. Some thought that Jesus was a prophet, others the Christ. There were always some who remained skeptical through and through. All of them knew that Jesus came from Galilee but they argued that the Scripture had foretold that Christ had to be born in Bethlehem (John 7:40-43). So, they would not accept Jesus as their Christ. (From this, we may conclude that not many people in the 1st century knew that Jesus was born in Bethlehem as Matthew and Luke had reported in the Nativity narratives in their gospels.) Later, when Nicodemus asked the Pharisees to be open-minded and scrutinize objectively what Jesus had done, they retorted that
Search and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee (John 7:52). Jonah, son of Amittai, came from Gath-hepher which was in Galilee (2 Kings 14:25). Moreover, it was very near Nazareth! (Oxford Bible Atlas, 3rd ed., OUP 1984, pages 62 & 86) Once more, too much prejudice had blocked the minds of the Pharisees from seeing the truth. Some biblical scholars would forgive them by interpreting their 'no prophet' as 'not the eschatological prophet' of v.40 above (Jerome Biblical Commentary New Jersey:Prentice-Hall, 1968, 63:106).
My God, I am tired. Give me living water so that I may not thirst, that I may take a good rest and continue my quest. Amen.
But how am I to put in words yet another kind of thirst, which words fail to convey? Am I too demanding, asking too much from life, always feeling itchy and restless? Have I been too much a perfectionist, suffocating everybody around me? Then St. Augustine's famous line came to my mind:
Tu excitas, ut laudare te delectet, quia fecisti nos ad te et inquietum est cor nostrum, donec requiescat in te.
Thou movest us to delight in praising You; for You have formed us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in You. (Confessions 1.1)
Jesus promised to give us living water when he engaged in a revealing dialogue with a Samaritan woman.
but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14). He meant the Holy Spirit.
Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, "If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink.
He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, 'Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.'"
Now this he said about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (John 7:37-39). Consequently, the crowd was divided. Some thought that Jesus was a prophet, others the Christ. There were always some who remained skeptical through and through. All of them knew that Jesus came from Galilee but they argued that the Scripture had foretold that Christ had to be born in Bethlehem (John 7:40-43). So, they would not accept Jesus as their Christ. (From this, we may conclude that not many people in the 1st century knew that Jesus was born in Bethlehem as Matthew and Luke had reported in the Nativity narratives in their gospels.) Later, when Nicodemus asked the Pharisees to be open-minded and scrutinize objectively what Jesus had done, they retorted that
Search and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee (John 7:52). Jonah, son of Amittai, came from Gath-hepher which was in Galilee (2 Kings 14:25). Moreover, it was very near Nazareth! (Oxford Bible Atlas, 3rd ed., OUP 1984, pages 62 & 86) Once more, too much prejudice had blocked the minds of the Pharisees from seeing the truth. Some biblical scholars would forgive them by interpreting their 'no prophet' as 'not the eschatological prophet' of v.40 above (Jerome Biblical Commentary New Jersey:Prentice-Hall, 1968, 63:106).
My God, I am tired. Give me living water so that I may not thirst, that I may take a good rest and continue my quest. Amen.
Friday 7 March 2008
Applying Game Theory to study Exodus 32
Game theory is a very powerful tool for strategic management. It is also a useful model in analyzing rational behaviour. The Holy Bible is full of characters outwitting each other in high dramas. Therefore, she is a fertile field to make use of Game Theory. Today, I would like to make use of 'Game Theory' to analyze the story in Exodus 32.
When Moses went up the mountain to bring down the Ten Commandments, he took 40 days. The Israelites below were getting impatient and forced Aaron to make a golden calf to lead them on their Exodus. God was furious and planned to destroy them all (Exodus 32:9-10).
(A) was the original, ideal situation for both parties. Israel had seen how God had worked great wonders to deliver them from the bondage in Egypt. It would be wise for Israel to listen to God and obeyed all His commandments. God would show the whole world that He is almighty. He is able to make a small nation Israel great among all nations on earth.
(B) would be an unfortunate destiny for Israel. The God they had followed was very cruel indeed. What else could they do? Bad luck!
(C) would be the actual outcome in the future. Now, God and Moses had vanished in the mountain. Perhaps He and Moses would retire there forever. Then, how would they survive in the wilderness without someone or something to unite them? Abandoning God was risky. Yet, God and Moses might no longer exist. If He was still there, perhaps He would keep His promises to the fathers and continue to accompany them through this journey. So, this risk was worth taking. See (F) below.
(D) would be the most logical outcome at the moment. Israel deserved to be punished because they worshipped idols instead of the one, true God. God was a God of justice. He was keeping His covenant sealed on Mount Sinai. No complaint.
Now, God was offering Moses to make him and his children a great nation instead. Should Moses accept this offer?
(E) This was God's proposal. Moses would father a great nation. This was a very attractive option indeed. But there would be a complication. Moses could not guarantee that his children would not abandon God in the future. Then, God would destroy them again as He would destroy Israel now. God had repented before and would repent in the future. This option needed a second thought.
(F) Moses reminded God of the damages God would bring to His own reputation if He destroyed Israel (Exodus 32:12). Furthermore, by rejecting God's offer, Moses deprived God an opportunity to repent. Moreover, Moses reinforced the promise God made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Moses forced God to be faithful now and in the future. God had to work extra hard to keep His promises (Exodus 32:13). By not being selfish, Moses had saved the Israelites from being wiped off from the surface of the earth, had kept God's reputation intact before the Egyptians and made God faithful to His promises. Moses was truly Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed (Genesis 32:28). Rejecting God's offer was a win-win strategy in this case.
My God, You had set up Moses as a great Prophet to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He had done a wonderful job in interceding for the Israelites. In end times, You sent Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus to deliver us from the bondage of sins with his death. Our Lord Jesus is still interceding for us sinners. Have mercy and remember Your faithfulness to the whole Creation which we have contaminated. May we humbly reconcile with You and renew Your Creation. Amen.
When Moses went up the mountain to bring down the Ten Commandments, he took 40 days. The Israelites below were getting impatient and forced Aaron to make a golden calf to lead them on their Exodus. God was furious and planned to destroy them all (Exodus 32:9-10).
| God | |||
| keeps Israel | destroys Israel | ||
| Israel | follow God | A | B |
| abandon God | C | D | |
(B) would be an unfortunate destiny for Israel. The God they had followed was very cruel indeed. What else could they do? Bad luck!
(C) would be the actual outcome in the future. Now, God and Moses had vanished in the mountain. Perhaps He and Moses would retire there forever. Then, how would they survive in the wilderness without someone or something to unite them? Abandoning God was risky. Yet, God and Moses might no longer exist. If He was still there, perhaps He would keep His promises to the fathers and continue to accompany them through this journey. So, this risk was worth taking. See (F) below.
(D) would be the most logical outcome at the moment. Israel deserved to be punished because they worshipped idols instead of the one, true God. God was a God of justice. He was keeping His covenant sealed on Mount Sinai. No complaint.
Now, God was offering Moses to make him and his children a great nation instead. Should Moses accept this offer?
| God | ||
| elevates Moses | ||
| Moses | accepts God's offer | E |
| rejects God's offer | F | |
(F) Moses reminded God of the damages God would bring to His own reputation if He destroyed Israel (Exodus 32:12). Furthermore, by rejecting God's offer, Moses deprived God an opportunity to repent. Moreover, Moses reinforced the promise God made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Moses forced God to be faithful now and in the future. God had to work extra hard to keep His promises (Exodus 32:13). By not being selfish, Moses had saved the Israelites from being wiped off from the surface of the earth, had kept God's reputation intact before the Egyptians and made God faithful to His promises. Moses was truly Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed (Genesis 32:28). Rejecting God's offer was a win-win strategy in this case.
My God, You had set up Moses as a great Prophet to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He had done a wonderful job in interceding for the Israelites. In end times, You sent Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus to deliver us from the bondage of sins with his death. Our Lord Jesus is still interceding for us sinners. Have mercy and remember Your faithfulness to the whole Creation which we have contaminated. May we humbly reconcile with You and renew Your Creation. Amen.
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