2016 Christmas Greeting

Our Lord was born in a manger.
He wants to draw our attention
to the marginalized people.

Let us adore the Lord in

• CSSA Recipients
• Discharged Prisoners
• Drug addicts
• Homeless, and
• Janitors etc.

Merry Christmas!

Picture credit: http://wallpapercave.com/

信仰耶穌基督是最好的禮物 Believing in Jesus Christ is the best gift

聖誕節
主題：信仰耶穌基督是最好的禮物

首先，祝大家聖誕快樂平安。
香港人生活忙碌，為很多的衣食住行，經濟政治等事物憂心，以致很多市民神經衰弱，心情煩躁，不但健康受到影響，而且人際關係也變得緊張。香港人非常需要休息，聖誕節正好給予我們一個休息的機會，恢復身心；還可以有時間修補與親人、朋友和同事的關係。其實，相對世界上其他的地方，香港總算幸福，我們並沒有恐怖襲擊、沒有戰事、沒有霧霾窒息的空氣。這些都是值得感恩的。所以，趁聖誕假期，除了休息和享受天倫樂之餘，讓我們感謝天主，並默想天主聖子降生成人的奧蹟。

猶記得初領洗的時候，關於天主聖子降生成人的奧蹟，祗知是一個奧蹟，並未感受到當中所表達的大愛。當時有一個疑問，不斷地環繞自己的思想：「我們中國人有甚麼不好？為甚麼耶穌不是降生為中國人而是猶太人？」與其他信仰上的疑問一樣，這些問題祗是一個起步點，是一些次要的問題。做了幾十年的天主教徒，今天發覺到問題的核心，是天主的愛。問題變成了：「人類有甚麼好？為甚麼天主對人類不離不棄，要降生成人，為人的罪過，死在十字架上？」不過，我知道這不會是終極的問題，祗是一個過渡性的問題。將來發展如何，現在我沒有能力預知。這就是信仰，是窮一生去追尋的答案，去追求的目標。

今天教會選讀若望福音，不是我們平常聽慣的聖誕故事。這裡沒有二千年前的聖母瑪利亞和若瑟，沒有馬槽，沒有三個賢士，沒有牧羊人等等。這裡，若望宗徒把時間推得更前，推到時間開始之前，即是說，在沒有時間和空間之前，在創世以前。那是一個甚麼也沒有的狀態，人類還沒有存在，遑論對這狀態有所認識。倘若不是天主啟示，人類根本不能想像到正在發生甚麼事。那時存在的惟有天主，因為時間是祂後來所創造的，祂並不存在於時間之中，我們祗能說「在起初祂已存在，祂是沒有開始，沒有來源的。」

天主進一步把自己揭示給我們，讓我們知道祂是「愛」。因為天主是「愛」，所以天主是充滿生命力的。既然祂是充滿力量，所以祂不是靜止的，祂洋溢的愛，創造了整個宇宙和宇宙之內的萬物。健康的「愛」一定要有對象的，否則便是「自戀狂」。那麼，是否在天主以外，還有另一個神呢？從舊約的經驗之中，我們知道天主祗有一個，是獨一無二的一個。那麼，天主所愛的對象是甚麼呢？就是發自天主自己的「說話」，祂所發出的聖言，就創造了宇宙萬物。我們怎樣領受到以上這些天主進一步的啟示呢？就是透過降生成人的耶穌基督。耶穌基督就是那看不見的天主，有形可見的啟示，耶穌基督的一生，由誕生到受難復活升天，每一個細節都在表達著天父的慈愛。若望宗徒用多差不多六十年的時間，默想與耶穌基督一起生活的三年，得到了結論，寫出了：「在起初已有聖言，聖言與天主同在，聖言就是天主…」（若1:1-5）。有了光，我們可以看清楚事物的真相，這真理使我們獲得自由，有了自由，我們的生命得以保存，得以發展。這就是我剛才所說的「天主進一步的啟示」了。我們不一定能明白若望宗徒的意思。有如我剛才所說的，信仰是窮一生去追尋的答案，要將來面對面看見天主時，纔能完全明白。

今天，有十對父母把他們的嬰孩帶到聖堂來接受洗禮。他們與天主合作，把生命傳送給這些嬰孩，把這些嬰兒帶到世上，並承諾盡力把他們養育成人。作為父母，他們當然把最好的事物，送給自己的兒女。無論是出生前的胎教、出生後的一切嬰兒用品、將來入學讀書等等，他們必定揀選最好的。他們對兒女的愛，子女們不一定有能力明白。作為父母的，不會等子女們明白纔去做。天主對我們也是一樣，無論我們明白與否，祂仍舊愛護我們。有一個這樣愛護我們的天主，我們豈能不把信仰傳授給自己的兒女，使他們得到不離不棄的天主的愛護呢？這就是做父母為自己的兒子送上的最好的禮物。

各位家長，您們的信仰未必是完美無缺的。但甭愁，領洗加入教會，您們會得到教會的支援，培育您們的子女。而且，所謂「教學相長」，在教導自己兒女的過程中，您們自己的信仰肯定會有可觀的長進。各位在場的兄弟姊妹，你們除了給予這些父母支援之外，自己亦應回顧身邊尚未信仰耶穌基督的人，使他們能認識到天主是愛的真理，可以得到耶穌基督的光照，可以享受作為天主子女的幸福。
天主保祐！

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Christmas
Theme: Believing in Jesus Christ is the best gift

Hong Kong citizens lead a hectic life. They worry about clothing, food, housing, transportation, economy and politics so much so that many suffer from neurasthenia and shortness of breath. Not only is their health affected, but their interpersonal relationships are also strained. Hongkongers are badly in need of rest. Christmas holidays give us a good opportunity to take a break, refresh our body and mind. Furthermore, we may also make use of the time to mend fences with our family members, relatives, friends and colleagues. In fact, Hong Kong is lucky in comparison with other places on earth. We don't have terrorist attacks, wars and smog. We should be grateful. Therefore, take this holiday, not only to rest and to enjoy family life, but also to thank God and to meditate on the mystery of Incarnation.

When I was newly baptized, the mystery of Incarnation was simply a mystery. I did not feel the great love it expressed. One question kept hovering in my mind, "What is wrong with us Chinese? Why didn't Jesus incarnate to be a Chinese but a Jew?" Like any other questions on faith, these questions are only starting points, non-essential questions. After living as a Catholic for decades, I find that the core question is God's love. Today, the question becomes, "What is so good about humanity? Why did God not abandon us, took up our flesh and died on the cross for our sins?" Well, I know that this is not going to be the ultimate question, but a transitional one. I do not have any foresight to know where it will lead to. This is faith for which we spend our whole life to seek the answer, to pursue the goal.

Today, the Church reads the gospel of John, not the usual nativity stories. Here, we don't have the BVM and Joseph two thousand years ago. There was no crib, no Magi nor shepherds etc. Here, John pushed the time frame even earlier. He pushed it before the beginning of time. That is to say, before Creation where there was no time and space. It was a state of nothingness. Men did not exist, not to mention understanding such a state. If God had not revealed, men would not have imagined what was happening. Only God existed in that state because time was later created by Him. He does not exist in time. We can only say that God was before the beginning. He has no beginning, no origin.

God further revealed Himself to us. He made known to us that He is Love. Since He is Love, He is full of Life. Since He is full of life force, He cannot be static. His overflowing love results in the creation of the known universe and everything within. Healthy love needs an object. Otherwise it is narcissism. Then, is there another deity besides God? From the experience of the Old Testament, we know that God is one. God is unique. Then what is the object of God's love? It is the Word spoken by God. God spoke and the universe was created. How do we know this further revelation? It is through the incarnated Jesus Christ who is the visible revelation of the invisible God. Every detail of the life of Jesus Christ, from birth to Passion, Resurrection and Ascension tells us of the mercy of the Father. John spent nearly six decades to meditate the three years he had spent with Jesus Christ. He drew this conclusion, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ..." (John 1:1-5) With light, we are able to see the truth and the truth shall make us free. With freedom, our life can be preserved and can develop. This is the further revelation of God I mentioned previously. We may not understand John's idea. Like what I said, faith is a lifelong search until we come face to face with God. Then God shall make us understand completely.

Today, ten pairs of parents bring their babies to the Church to receive baptism. They cooperated with God, passed life onto these babies, bringing them into this world and promised to bring them up. As parents, they give their children the best, whether it be pre-natal, post-natal or schooling in the future. They will choose the best. Even though their children may not understand, parents would not wait until they understand to do it. Our God is the same. Whether we understand or not, God loves and cares about us. With such a loving God, how can we not pass on our faith to our children so that they may receive the loving care of a God who never abandons? Believing in Jesus Christ is the best gift parents can ever give their children.

Parents. Your faith may not be perfect. Don't worry! With baptism, you will receive the support of the Church to help you bring up your children. Moreover, teaching and learning go hand in hand. In teaching your children, your own faith will surely undergo tremendous development. Parishioners. Besides supporting these parents, you should also look around yourselves to locate people who have not yet believed in Jesus Chris. Help them understand the truth that God is love so that they will be illuminated by Jesus Christ and can enjoy the happiness to be God's children.
God bless!

搵個好老闆 Look for a perfect boss

聖誕子夜彌撒
主題：搵個好老闆

無論是教徒與否，很多人也喜歡參加聖誕子夜彌撒，因為是一種享受。除了悅耳的聖誕歌曲和充滿節日氣氛的馬槽佈置之外，就是那份非筆墨所能形容的平安。平安不單是一份安心，一份安枕無憂。如果您想安心，您可以買保險。如果您想安枕無憂，您必須好像孟嘗君一樣，為自己安排三條後路。始終，保險也有免責條款，除了戰爭和暴亂，保險公司總會想辦法令自己不用賠償。同樣，無論預留多少條後路，總敵不過毋妄之災，落得一無所有。

那麼，聖誕節帶給我們是怎麼樣的平安呢？讓我們默想路加福音的記載。
首先，讓我們看看凱撒奧古斯都。他為甚麼要做人口登記呢？祗有一個原因，就是要增加稅收。可能他想大興土木，或者籌備額外的軍費。簡單地說，他有野心想幹一番事業。這樣看來，在未來的十年八載，凱撒奧古斯都是沒有平安的。

其次，季黎諾是凱撒的下屬，他是一位清官還是一位貪官，我們無從稽考。即使他不是為了迎合老闆的好大喜功，也決不能馬虎了事。所以，季黎諾因為凱撒的緣故，恐怕這一年半載，也難得平安。

第三，人民的反應又如何呢？試問有誰會樂意為了官府增加稅收，而改動平日的生活程序，浪費時間，回鄉登記？可想而知，這個擾民的政策，一定會令群眾怨聲載道，沒有平安。

第四，若瑟又怎樣呢？他雖然祗是個木匠，學歷未必高。不過，他有可能聽過默西亞在白冷出生的預言。所以，他不會像一般群眾一樣，埋怨凱撒下令他們回鄉登記，反而會讚嘆天主的奧妙安排，連凱撒也成了天主手中的工具，有如他手上的木工工具一樣！當初得知瑪利亞未婚懷孕的消息，若瑟的心一定有很大的掙扎。今天，若瑟的心會更加平安，因為他看到天主的奧妙安排，並且漸漸領會到自己在這救贖工程的貢獻！

第五，牧羊人平安嗎？當時的牧羊人沒有社會地位，沒有謀生技能，祗能生活在城外。用今天的術語，就是那些對社會好像沒有貢獻的人，被邊緣化了的人。例如獨居長者、露宿者、釋囚和外判清潔工人等。天使顯現給他們，把一個有關人類生死存亡的善訊交給他們，由他們向世人通報。在今天的福音以後的數節，記載了他們的反應。他們找到瑪利亞、若瑟和嬰兒，正如天使向他們說的一樣，便傳揚開了。即使聽他們傳福音的人不相信，他們仍光榮讚美天主，因為他們見到了天使和聖嬰。他們一定很興奮，很滿足，因為即使社會不理會他們，天主並沒有離棄他們，並且委以傳福音的重任。

最後，聖母瑪利亞呢？路加福音有關聖誕一段，沒有記載聖母任何一句說話。祗是說：「瑪利亞把這一切事，默存在自己心中，反覆思想。」（路2:19）那麼，聖母瑪利亞平安嗎？一定很平安。她不認識男人而懷孕，她產子而保持童貞，天主在她身上行的大事，實在太奇妙了。她不會明白，祗能反覆思量。但她知道出現在她身邊的人和事物，發生在自己身上的一切，都是天主的旨意。既然是天主的旨意在開展，有甚麼可以令她不安呢？

默想過這些人物之後，我有以下的結論。
原來平安不是因為購買了保險、累積了財富，更不在於預備了後路而安枕無憂，不再煩惱。其實，真正的平安在於找到一個真正的老闆，一個不像凱撒或總督的老闆，而是一個可以照顧您一世的老闆。你可以安心為他工作，而他永遠不會辭退你，不會欠薪，並且有退休長俸。有這樣一個老闆，你還要愁甚麼呢？如果有一個老闆，一個主人，反轉過來無微不至地當你像老闆一樣地服事你，你會為這個老闆工作嗎？這世界上有這樣的老闆嗎？這個老闆是誰？就是今天慶祝降生成人的耶穌基督。他既是我們的主宰，卻無微不至地服事我們，為救贖我們而屈尊就卑，降生成人；並為償還我們的罪債，死在十字架上；為了賜予我們永生而復活升天，派遣聖神，建立教會。不跟隨這樣的老闆 又跟誰呢？

讓我們效法聖若瑟、聖母瑪利亞和牧羊人一樣，樂於看見天主的計劃，在我們每個人身上順利開展，並合併起來，使天主的國逐漸實現。
祝各位聖誕快樂！

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Midnight Mass
Theme: Look for a perfect boss

Whether they are Christians or not, many people like going to midnight masses because it is enjoyable. Besides lovely Christmas hymns and festive decoration of cribs, there is an inexpressible peace. Peace is not just a sense of security or absence of worries. If you want a sense of security, you can buy insurance policies. If you want an absence of worries, you should follow the example of Lord Mengchang to prepare three backup plans. Unfortunately, there are disclaimers in insurance policies so that insurance companies are able to exempt from paying compensations not just in cases of wars and insurgencies. Similarly, no matter how many backup plans you have come up with, a disaster will strike off all your assets.

Then, what kind of peace can we find in Christmas? Let us meditate on the nativity story of Luke.
First of all, take a look at Augustus Caesar. Why did he decree a universal census? There was only one reason: to increase revenue. Perhaps he wanted to start a building project, or he wanted extra military funds. Simply put, he was ambitious. From this, we may conclude that Augustus Caesar would not find peace in at least ten years.

Next, Quirinius was the subordinate of Caesar. We have no clue whether he was a good governor or a corrupt one. Even if he would not buy his boss' ambition, neither could he slight it. Therefore, because of Caesar, Quirinius would not find peace for at least a year.

Thirdly, what would be the reaction of the people? Tell me, who on earth would gladly accept government increase in tax, would interrupt daily business and return to their home cities to register? Such an unpopular policy would stir up people's grumblings and there would be no peace.

Fourthly, what about Joseph? Although he was a carpenter and might not be educated, he might have heard of the prophecy of the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem. Therefore, he might not complain like any other people about returning home to register, but marvel at the wonderful arrangement of God. Even Caesar became a tool in God's hand just like those carpentry tools in his hand! At first, when he heard of the pregnancy news about Mary, his conscience must have gone through a lot of struggles. Today, Joseph's heart was in peace because he saw God's wonderful arrangements and he gradually saw his part in the salvation project.

Fifthly, were the shepherds in peace? Shepherds had no social status, no money making skills and had to live outside the city. Using today's jargon, they were people who seemed not to have any contribution to the society. They were marginalized just like our senior citizens who live alone, the homeless, the discharged prisoners and the outsourcing janitors etc. An angel appeared to them, giving them a piece of good news concerning the life and death of all humanity and sent them to inform the whole world. A few verses after the gospel reading today, we find their reactions. After finding Mary, Joseph and the baby just as it had been told by the angel, the shepherds spread the news. Even if other people did not believe in their report, they still glorified and praised God because they had seen angels and the Holy Infant. They must be very excited and contented. Even if they were ignored by the society, God had not abandoned them and commissioned them an important mission.

Lastly, what about the Blessed Virgin Mary? The BVM does not say a word in Luke's nativity story. Luke only says, "But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart." (Luke 2:19) Then, did the BVM have peace in her heart? Certainly. She did not know men and yet became pregnant. She gave birth to a child and yet retained her virginity. The great things God had done for her were truly wondrous. She would never understand. She could only ponder them in her heart. But she knew it was God's will that such people and events happened around her. Since it was God's will, what could unsettle her?

After meditating all these people, I would draw the following conclusion.
Buying insurance policies, accumulating wealth or preparing several backup plans cannot pacify your heart. In fact, only a genuine boss, someone who is not like Caesar or governor, can give you genuine peace of heart, someone who can take care of your whole life. You can work for him without worries and he shall never fire you. He shall not owe you salary and shall give you pension after retirement. With such a boss, why should you worry? Furthermore, if there is such a boss, a lord, who turns around serves you like a boss, will you work for this boss? Is there such a boss on earth? Who is this boss? He is Jesus Christ whose birthday we celebrate today. He is our Lord, yet he takes care of every detail of ours. For our redemption, he condescended and took up human flesh. To repay our debts, he died on the cross. To give us eternal life, he came back to life, ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to build up the Church. If we don't follow this boss, who else?

Let us follow the example of Joseph, the BVM and the shepherds. Let us be joyful to see God's plan unfold in each one of us and together, the gradual realization of the Kingdom of God.
Merry Christmas to you all!

以聖善和正義事奉祂 Serve Him in Holiness & Righteous

十二月廿四日
「一生一世在他面前，以聖善和正義事奉他。」（路1:75）

人性本善。人類是按天主的肖像所造，人的本性理所當然是美好的，我們的生活本來可以反映天主的聖善和正義的。可惜，人類驕傲自大，妄想自己成為天主，犯了原罪，喪失了原始的恩寵。人類的生活不再聖善，不再合乎正義了。我們甚至不知道怎樣的生活纔算是聖善，纔算是合乎正義。若翰洗者的父親充滿了聖神，講述了天主的許諾。天主要把我們從罪惡這個敵人的手中，解救我們，使我們從此可以無恐無懼地，在祂的面前，以聖善和正義事奉祂。（路1:74-75）若翰洗者的任務，就是為默西亞預備道路，讓以色列人認識這救恩，獲得罪赦。（1:76-77）從這段記載，我們對於「聖善和正義的生活」，有了一點兒頭緒。

首先，必需要從新發現天主。第一步是剔除心中的驕傲，不要以「無神論」為榮。再運用理性，從大自然中發現造物主的神妙偉大。不要懶惰，應勤讀聖經，從中領會到天父的慈悲，天主的心意。讓我再說一遍，第二步是讀大自然和聖經這兩部「天書」，認識天主。

從這兩部天書，我們不但認識到天主，我們還認識到人類的罪惡。原來除了聖經談及罪惡之外，大自然被污染，更顯人類的罪孽深重。認識了天主和世間的罪惡之後，如果我們仍驕傲地認為與我們無關的話，我已無話可說了。但願天主憐憫我們，以祂的慈悲感動我們的心吧！

第三步，讓我們謙卑地承認和懺悔我們的罪過，以獲得罪的赦免。這樣，我們可以從新開始，度以天主為中心的生活，按照祂的旨意，謙卑地生活。這樣做，我們便能「一生一世在祂面前，以聖善和正義事奉祂」，以我們的生命，反映天主的聖善和正義了。

天父啊！請開啟我們的眼睛，看見祢的榮耀，對祢敬畏，徹底消除我們心中的驕傲。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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"Serve him ... in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life." (Luke 1:75)

In the beginning, man was good. He was created in the image of God and his nature should be good. Our life should be able to reflect the holiness and righteousness of God. Unfortunately, men were arrogant and fancied to become God. They lost their Original Grace. We call this loss the Original Sin. Men's life is no longer holy and righteous. We even do not know what makes life holy and righteous.

The father of John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke of God's promise. God promised to deliver us from the hand of our enemies to serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him. (Luke 1:74-75) The mission of the Baptist is to prepare the ways of the Messiah, to give knowledge of salvation to Israelites in the forgiveness of their sins. (1:76-77) From this piece of text, we may gather some clues on how to lead a holy and righteous life.

First of all, we need to rediscover God. The first step is to remove the pride in our hearts, not to be proud of being an atheist. Then, make use of our intellect to discover the wonders of the Creator. Don't be lazy. Study diligently the Bible to know God's mercy and will. Let me repeat. The second step is to read the two "holy books" --- the Mother Nature and the Bible --- in order to know God.

From these two "holy books", not only do we get to know God, but also the sins of men. Besides the sins mentioned in the Bible, the pollution of our Mother Nature tells us the gravity of the sins of men. After knowing God and the sinfulness of men, if we are still arrogant and claim that it has nothing to do with us, I have nothing more to say. May God have pity on us and touch our hearts with His mercy!

Thirdly, let us humbly admit and repent our sins in order to receive the forgiveness of our sins. Then, we may turn a new leaf and start all over again to lead a God-centred life. We follow His will and live humbly. Only in this way can we serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. Only then can our life reflect His holiness and righteousness.

Heavenly Father, open our eyes to see Your glory. Fear You and uproot the pride in our hearts. Amen.

讓天主的慈悲在我們身上展開 Let God's Mercy Work in Us

十二月廿三日
「她的鄰居和親戚聽說上主向她大施仁慈，都和她一同歡樂。」（路1:58）

很多天主教徒覺得傳福音，為耶穌作見証很困難。第一，覺得自己對聖經或者神學認識不足，恐怕講異端，誤人子弟，那就弄巧反拙了。第二，覺得自己沒有基督教徒的口才，不善詞令。基督教的崇拜，著重講道，不重儀式；天主教剛好相反，著重禮儀，不重証道。與其出醜，不如藏拙。第三，天主教徒的強項是愛德服務。就讓我們發揮自己的強項，以派飯傳福音，以替安老院長者剪腳甲作見証吧…

殊不知真正的福傳，真正的見証，不在於高超的智慧或雄辯的詞令（格前3:18-19），亦不在於慷慨的施捨（格前13:3）。真正的福傳其實很簡單，像依撒伯爾一樣，讓天主的慈悲在我們身上發揮作用，就是最好的福傳，最好的見証。不能生育是依撒伯爾的遺憾和恥辱。天主的仁慈，抹去了她的恥辱，並彰顯了天主的光榮。那麼，在我們的身上又怎樣展示天主的仁慈呢？

無論我們如何努力讀完整部聖經，取得所有神學學位；倘若我們沒有讓天主的慈悲改造我們，掌握到的知識，為任何人也沒有作用。無論我們服務過多少不幸的人，倘若我們自己沒有在服務之中，認出耶穌基督，體會到天主在找尋機會疼愛我們，我們所犧牲的時間和精力，為任何人也沒有好處；甚至適得其反，引起家人的投訴，破壞了家庭關係。何苦呢？一如昨天的分享指出，謙卑是領受天主慈悲的先決條件。因此，不是滔滔不絕的游說，也不是忙得不可開交的服務，而是謙卑地生活每一刻，讓天主在我們身上彰顯祂的慈悲，就是最真實的福傳了。

天父啊！我們頌揚祢，因為祢是神聖的，祢在我們身上施行了祢的仁慈。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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"Her neighbours and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had shown great mercy on her, and they rejoiced with her." (Luke 1:58)

Many Catholics think that it is extremely difficult to bear witness to Christ. Firstly, they feel that their biblical or theological knowledge is inadequate. They don't want to say the wrong things and lead people to a wrong understanding. Secondly, they feel that they do not have the eloquence of their Protestant brothers. Christian worships stress more on homily than on rituals whereas Catholics focus more on liturgy than homily. It is unwise to show one's weakness. Thirdly, Catholics are strong in charitable services. So, let Catholics exercise their strength, evangelize through handing out free lunches or cutting finger nails for the elderly ...

In reality, true evangelization is not through wise words or eloquent debates (1 Corinthians 3:18-19), nor in generous almsgiving (13:3). True evangelization is actually very simple. Like Elizabeth, allowing God to work His mercy on us is the best evangelization, the best witness. Barrenness for Elizabeth was regrettable and shameful. God's mercy wiped her shame away and manifested God's glory. So, how do we show God's mercy working in us?

No matter how diligent we finish reading the whole Bible, attain all theological degrees. If we do not let God's mercy reform us, knowing all knowledge is good for nobody. No matter how many unfortunate people we have served, if we are not able to recognize Jesus in whose we serve, that God looks for opportunities to love us through such services, sacrificing all efforts and times is good for nobody. Even worse, our family members would complain us of neglecting them. Why wasting such efforts? As pointed out in the sharing yesterday, humility is the prerequisite of receiving God's mercy. Therefore, it is not eloquence of wise words, nor endless hectic services, but the humility to live up each moment, allowing God to manifest His mercy on us that is genuine evangelization.

Heavenly Father! We praise You because You are holy indeed. You have shown Your mercy on us. Amen.

敬畏天主 Fearing God

十二月廿二日
「祂的仁慈世世代代於無窮世，賜與敬畏祂的人。」（路1:50）

現代人對大自然的控制能力大了，自信心強了。同時，與聖經時代相比，天主好像更加「隱閉」了。結果，現代人對天主的敬畏相對地少了，甚至不知道「敬畏天主」是甚麼意思！

當然，我們知道，我們不應試探天主，要求天主行神蹟，解決我們的困難；或者以驚天動地的姿態，顯示自己的臨在。但同時我們也知道，天主的仁慈是永遠而真實地存在的；祂喜歡俯就我們，因而收歛了自己的榮耀，與我們同行，以至我們覺得祂「隱閉」了，有人甚至狂莽地宣佈「上帝已死」！狂莽自大的人，目中無神，當然不會敬畏天主。他們主動地拒絕了天主的慈悲，咎由自取。從這些反面教材，和參考瑪利亞的言行，可見謙遜、卑微的人，就是福音所指的「敬畏天主」的人。

甚麼是謙遜呢？「自謙」與「矮化自己」是兩碼子事。有人為了邀功，在老闆面前勉強做一些超出自己能力的事，這是驕傲。但亦有人為了奉承主子，在老闆面前未盡全力，這是「矮化自己」。真正的「謙遜」取中庸之道。一方面並不矮化自己，盡力而為；另一方面，功成不必我在，並不居功。同時，亦應了解自己的不足，自己的過失；守在二三線的位置，甚至甘心幫閑。這樣處於卑微地位，便更容易看見天主隱閉地與我們同行，更容易體會到天主的慈悲，好像「法利塞人與稅吏」比喻中的稅吏一樣。瑪利亞和稅吏一樣，清楚認識自己的卑微，並不需要天主閃電打雷，已經敬畏天主，當然領受到天主所賜與的仁慈。

父啊！願我們認清自己的不足，好更能見証祢的慈悲。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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"And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation." (Luke 1:50)

Modern people have greater control over the Mother Nature. Their confidence becomes greater. At the same time, compared with biblical times, God seems to be more difficult to detect. Consequently, modern people fear God less and even have no idea what it means to fear God!

Of course, we know that we should not put God to the test, telling God to work miracles to solve our problems, or to show His presence in heaven-shaking signs. But at the same time, we know that God's mercy truly exists forever. He likes to restrain His glory in order to condescend to our level, to walk with us. Consequently, we feel that He has withdrawn Himself so much so that some people even declare arrogantly "the death of God"! There is no God in the eyes of arrogant people. They do not fear God and actively reject God's mercy. They condemn themselves. From these counter-examples in contrast with Mary's, we can conclude that humble and lowly people are those who fear God mentioned in the gospels.

What is humility? Humility and dwarfing oneself are two different things. Doing things beyond one's capability to draw the attention of the boss is pride. However, there are people who do not put up their full effort in order to flatter their boss. This is dwarfing oneself. Humility takes the middle ground. On one hand, one puts forth one's true capability, thus not dwarfing oneself. On the other hand, one takes no credit when the mission is accomplished. At the same time, always keep in mind one's weaknesses and faults. Be happy to position oneself on the second or third line and even unengaged. In such a lowly position, it will be easier to see God walking with us in a hidden way, easier to feel God's mercy, like the tax-collection in the parable of the Pharisee and Publican. Like the tax-collector, Mary knew her lowly position. She fears God without waiting for Him to hail thunders. Of course she received God's mercy.

Heavenly Father, make us know our inadequacy so that we may bear better witness to Your mercy. Amen.

把聖神帶給你們所接觸的人 Infect people with the Holy Spirit

十二月廿一日
「依撒伯爾一聽到瑪利亞的請安…遂充滿了聖神。」（路1:41）

天主真是神妙莫測。身為宇宙萬物的根源，萬有的創造者，竟然願意由自己一手創造的受造物誕生！祂把自己「無始無終」特質，屈就在有限的時間和空間之中，為的是與人共處，救萬民於水深火熱之中。「但時期一滿，天主就派遣了自己的兒子來，生於女人。」（迦4:4）是瑪利亞孕育了天主子，並把祂帶來這個世界。她的確是所有基督徒的榜樣，基督徒之所以是基督徒，不就是生活福音的教訓，把耶穌基督帶來這個世界嗎？ 瑪利亞不但把聖子帶到這個世界，而且把聖神也帶到這個世界。總領天使讚美她充滿恩寵（路1:28），又說聖神要臨於她，至高者的能力要庇蔭她（1:35）。無論怎樣理解，瑪利亞都是一個充滿聖神，「攜帶」著聖神行走的人。當她問候依撒伯爾的時候，竟然「感染」到依撒伯爾也充滿聖神！這是多麼奇妙啊！ 瑪利亞願意完全地和天主配合（1:38），所以聖子得以降生人間。不但如此，天主更樂意透過瑪利亞，把聖神賦予那些渴望天主救贖，並且是天主願意施恩的人。雖然得到丈夫的愛護，素不生育的依撒伯爾始終生活在遺憾之中。如今已懷孕六個月，天主已把她的恥辱洗刷了。不但如此，天主更藉著瑪利亞，把聖神灌注到她身上，一如將來在五旬節，聖神藉著瑪利亞，降臨在一百二十個信徒的身上一樣（宗2:1-4）。

基督徒，瑪利亞既然是你們的榜樣。那麼，你們該怎樣生活，把聖神帶給你們所接觸的人呢？倘若自己沒有聖神，又怎能把聖神帶給其他人呢？基督徒，你的生活有聖神嗎？
慈悲的天父，祢願意眾人得救。請賦予我們聖神，讓我們跟隨瑪利亞的榜樣，把聖神傳染給我們所接觸到的人。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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"When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary ... and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 1:41)

God is truly ineffable. Being the source and Creator of the known universe, God was willing to be born of a creature of His own creation! Without beginning and end, God bent Himself to fit into a finite space-time to live with men, to deliver them from bondage. "But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman." (Galatians 4:4) It was Mary who nurtured the Son of God in her womb and brought him into this world. She is truly an exemplar of all Christians. Aren't Christians Christians because they live up the gospel and bring Jesus Christ to this world?

Not only did Mary bring the Son of God to this world, but she also brought the Holy Spirit into this world. Archangel Gabriel praised her for being full of grace (Luke 1:28) and that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her (1:35). In whatever way we interpret this piece of text, Mary is full of the Holy Spirit and carries the Holy Spirit around. When she greeted Elizabeth, she was able to "infect" Elizabeth with the Holy Spirit. How amazing!

Mary was willing to cooperate fully with God (1:38) so that the Son of God would take flesh. Not only that, God is more than happy to give the Holy Spirit through Mary to those who desire God's salvation and whomsoever God wants to bestow grace. Although loved by her husband, the life of Elizabeth was regrettable because of her barrenness. Now that she was pregnant for six months, her shame had been cleansed. More than that, God would infuse her with the Holy Spirit through Mary, just as what would happen on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit would descend on the 120 disciples through Mary (Acts 2:1-4).

Christians. If Mary is your exemplar, then how would you lead your life such that you may bring the Holy Spirit to whomsoever you reach? If you do not have the Holy Spirit yourselves, how would you bring the Holy Spirit to others? Christians. Do you have the Holy Spirit in your life?
Merciful Father, You will the salvation of all. Give us the Holy Spirit and let us follow the model of Mary to infect the Holy Spirit to all we are able to reach. Amen.

放棄自己的執著 Abandon our stubbornness

十二月二十日
「因為在天主前沒有不能的事。」（路1:37）

不可能的事，怎可能會發生呢？
當然，我不是指違反大自然的現象，例如太陽從西方升起，這是地球自轉的視覺效果。我們所相信的天主是造物主，祂當然可以暫時擱置大自然的定律，行「神蹟」來向人類宣示自己的臨在。但在沒有重大的理由之下，天主是不會違反大自然定律的。

在我們狹隘的眼光和思想中，很多事情看來是不可能的。習以為常了，覺得真的不可能發生。患痲瘋病是絕症，認命吧！盲了跛了，當乞丐吧！老而無子，與老伴相依為命吧，不必奢望了！可是，若是天主願意，是沒有不能的事。若不是天主願意，一切都成了不可能的。問題在於，我們是否在追求天主願意的事，還是自己願意的事呢？當我們知道了天主的旨意後，我們願意放棄自己的執著嗎？

瑪利亞願意終其一生，以童貞之身，事奉天主。（路1:34）這是難能可貴的。但天主另有計劃，想邀請她作為救世主的母親。作為母親，便要放棄童貞的宏願。瑪利亞，妳願意嗎？當妳知道了天主的旨意後，妳願意放棄自己的執著嗎？同樣，匝加利亞，你願意老年得子，栽培他成為默西亞的先驅嗎？痲瘋病人、瞎子、癱子、附魔人，你們願意不再倚靠世人的憐憫，康復過來，自力更新，並且為天主的慈悲作見証嗎？可以肯定，很多人會希望維持現狀，甚至拒絕天主的邀請。可幸童貞瑪利亞願意放棄自己的執著，開啟了全人類得救的工程。
天父啊，願照祢的話，成就於我吧！亞孟。

生命恩泉

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"For with God nothing will be impossible." (Luke 1:37)

How would something which is impossible happen?
Of course, I am not talking about anti-natural phenomena such as the sun rising in the west. Sunrise sunset are visual illusions due to the rotation of the earth. The God we believe in is the Creator. Of course He is able to put natural laws aside temporarily to work miracles to declare His presence among us. But without extraordinarily serious reasons, God would not suspend laws governing the Nature.

In our narrow sight and mind, many things look impossible. When we get used to it, we will feel that it is impossible to happen. Leprosy was incurable. Too bad! Being blind or crippled? Be a beggar! Being childless and aged? Stay old with your spouse and forget about raising children! But if God wills, nothing will be impossible. If it is not God's will, nothing would happen. The problem is, are we seeking God's will or our will? After knowing God's will, are we willing to abandon our stubbornness?

It was Mary's will to serve the Lord as a virgin (Luke 1:34). This is commendable. But God had another plan. He invited her to become the mother of the Saviour. As a mother, she had to abandon her virginity. Mary, are you willing? When you know that it is God's will, are you willing to forsake your insistence? Similarly, Zechariah, I give you a son at your advanced age, are you willing to raise him up as the forerunner of the Messiah? Lepers, the blind, the paralyzed, the possessed, are you willing not to rely on the charity of people, be healed, earn your own living and bear witness to God's mercy? To be sure, many people would prefer remaining in the status quo and reject God's invitation. Luckily, the Blessed Virgin Mary was willing to abandon her insistence, thus opening up the project of salvation.
Heavenly Father, let it be to me according to Your word. Amen.

因循是生命的對頭人 Routine is the Nemesis of Life

十二月十九日
「在天主前是義人，都照上主的一切誡命和禮規行事，無可指摘。」（路1:6）

福音告訴我們，匝加利亞和妻子依撒伯爾，「在天主前是義人，都照上主的一切誡命和禮規行事，無可指摘。」（路1:6）作為基督徒，能夠成為「義人」並不足夠。基督徒蒙召，不是為了成義/稱義，而是為了「成聖」。

匝加利亞伉儷，按照一切誡命和禮規行事，在人的面前當然是無可指摘；在天主前，天主亦找不到他們做得不足夠之處，所以他夫婦倆都是「義人」。在任何世代，都已經是難能可貴的了。可惜，人總有因循的傾向，倘若一切順利，就沒有改變的必要，就喪失了進步的動力。當一個天主教徒能定時辦告解、每個主日參加彌撒、領聖體，參加堂區的愛德服務、周年退省、出席講座、參加神學課程、每日讀經祈禱…已經是難能可貴的了，尚有甚麼可以改進的地方呢？

匝加利亞的故事告訴我們，因循是生命的對頭人。夫妻倆可能已經接受了沒有子嗣的現實，心理上已經作出相依為命，相伴終老的準備。當加俾額爾告訴匝加利亞，他將會成為父親的時候，他不一定不相信天使的訊息，因為他不會不熟識舊約的故事，聖祖們也是老年得子的；祗不過他懷疑已經年邁的他倆，怎樣有能力把兒子教養成人。他不願意走出已經穩定的「安樂窩」，沒有準備接受天主為他倆安排的更大的恩賜。

作為一個記號，標誌著將要出生的嬰孩是天主所挑選的先知，並幫助匝加利亞默想這嬰孩的使命，天使宣佈匝加利亞要變成啞巴，直到一切應驗為此。天主的恩寵，何其偉大！
天父啊！請幫助我們日新又新，領受祢為我們安排更豐富的恩寵。亞孟！

生命恩泉

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"And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." (Luke 1:6)

Luke tells us that Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth were righteous and blameless before the Lord. As Christians, it is not enough to be righteous. We are called, not to be justified but to be saints. Mr. & Mrs. Zachariah walked in all the commandments and ordinances. Naturally, they were blameless before men. Even God could not find fault with them. Thus they were both righteous. In any age and by any standard, they were commendable. Unfortunately, men tend to be complacent. When things go well, there is no urgent need to change. People begin to lose momentum to make progress. When a Catholic goes regularly to confession, attends mass on Sundays, receives Holy Communion, takes part in charitable services in the parish, joins retreats, talks, theology courses, prays and studies the Bible daily etc., he is already very commendable. What else do you expect him to improve?

The story of Zechariah tells us that routine is the nemesis of life. Perhaps both Zechariah and Elizabeth had accepted the reality of not capable of having children. Psychologically, they were prepared to stay together as a childless couple for the rest of their life. Thus, when Archangel Gabriel told Zechariah that he would have a child, he should have no doubt about the message because he was familiar with Old Testament stories in which the Patriarchs had children at the old age. Zechariah only doubted whether he was able to raise the child as he was already advanced in age. He was not willing to move out of his “comfort zone”. He was not ready to receive greater grace God had prepared for him.

As a sign to show that the child would be a prophet chosen by God and to help Zechariah meditate the mission of his child, the angel pronounced that Zechariah would be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass. How great is God’s grace!
Heavenly Father, help us renew day by day so as to receive more abundant grace You have prepared for us. Amen.

學習祈禱 Learn to pray

將臨期第四主日（甲年）
主題：學習祈禱

這兩天與慕道班前往長洲慈幼靜修院退省，跟堂區主任司鐸吳書成神父學習祈禱。作為一個已領洗超過四十五年的教徒，祈禱理應是家常便飯。況且，溫故知新也是一件好事。事實証明，今次的退省，作為導師之一的我，獲益良多。老實說，領了執事職已有十八個月，生活比退休之前更忙碌，甚至可以說是疲於奔命，很容易出現油盡燈枯的感覺，靈修上出現危機。雖然每月約見神師，跟進靈修的進度。很慚愧，彼此都很忙，間中也要失約。好性的我，始終認為祈禱不會難倒我…

我是個理性的人，知道自己在感性方面比較弱，所以徧向運用聖經來祈禱。不過多年來，都是停滯在理性的層次。可能年紀大了，感觸多了，感性上比從前發達了，漸漸可以進入較為感性的層次，在聖經祈禱中，開始能夠與主耶穌基督對談，傾訴自己的意見和感受，靜待祂的回應。主耶穌並沒有令我失望。例如，今天作為練習，默想復活雅依洛女兒的故事時（谷5:21-43），就出現了完全湛新的體會。

雅依洛的女兒死了，一家正在辦理喪事，請了人來家中哭喪（5:38），但雅依洛不能接受這個事實，跑去找耶穌醫治「快要死了」的女兒（5:23）。要知道這行為是違反法利塞人的「潛規則」的，因為耶穌素來與法利塞人為敵。耶穌當然知道一切，但慈悲的祂，並沒有即時拆穿他。另一方面，他的妻子發現丈夫跑了出外，便派僕人四出找他。找著了，想勸他回去：「你的女兒死了，你還來煩勞師傅做甚麼？」（5:35）面對事實真相，雅依洛感到非常痛苦和害怕。於是耶穌說：「不要怕，祗管信。」（5:36）有天主同在，不用害怕死亡。相信祂，天主自會照顧…

這樣的演繹，正好回應我當前的心境。探監的經驗，使我發覺到很多人是不能面對現實的，他們會編造一些令自己好過一點的故事來告訴我，說不定他們連自己也欺騙了。生活在謊言之中令人失去自由，阻礙了他們尋找對自己最有益的事物。所以耶穌說「真理必會使你們獲得自由。」（若8:32）我沒有耶穌的本領，看透他們的謊言。雖然身為天主的耶穌基督有能力點破他們的自我防禦機制，但他沒有這樣做。最後，耶穌基督不但復活了雅依洛的女兒，還讓他不再害怕死亡，不用倚靠編造謊言來生活。耶穌解放了雅依洛，復活了雅依洛！

編造謊言欺騙自己，令自己好過些的，大有人在，又豈祗雅依洛呢！猶大王阿哈次也是如此。明明大軍壓境，仍是希望以軍事或外交手段去應付而不投靠天主。明明是不信天主，卻好像很忠信地，拒絕試探天主（依7:12）依撒意亞就沒有耶穌基督的包容，直斥其非（7:13）。並許下「厄瑪奴耳」的諾言，永遠與人同在！天主是慈悲的，祂並沒有因人類的過犯而放棄他們，反而更加與他們同行。縱使人類自以為是，用自己的方法處理問題，天主仍不離不棄他們。

不要以為祗有壞人纔會自作聰明，欺騙自己。若瑟也是想用自己的方法，解決問題。瑪利亞是未過門的妻子，未婚懷孕是一件不能原諒的死罪，若瑟竟「有意暗暗地休退她」了事。雖然說若瑟是一個義人（瑪1:19），也未能完滿地解釋他這個非常不合情理的決定。他的心理狀態太複雜了，非三言兩語可以完滿地說明。無論如何，若瑟的經歷，一如我們的祈禱。

我們生活在自己編織的世界裡，用自己的理性處理問題。縱使我們認識天主，承認祂的存在，但要全心、全靈、全意地愛慕祂，談何容易。我們需要天主介入，需要天主幫忙。當困難己超出理性的能力，我們需要在祈禱中尋求天主的啟示。在祈禱中，我們解除理性的裝備，開放自己的心靈，讓天主向我們說話。

有如阿哈次一樣，若瑟有意用自己的方法去處理問題。一如阿哈次一樣，天主沒有等待阿哈次的同意，便賜下一個徵兆；同樣，天主沒有等待若瑟的同意，直接介人若瑟的夢境，啟示自己的旨意。我們沒有若瑟的福氣，但我們一樣可以在祈禱中，面對面與主交談，聆聽祂的啟示。相信我，天主是不會令你失望的。
天主保祐。

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Advent Fourth Sunday (Year A)
Theme: Learn to pray

These two days, I went with the catechumens to Salesian Retreat House in Cheung Chau to attend a prayer workshop conducted by our parish priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Ng. As a Catholic of more than 45 years, praying should be a piece of cake to me. After all, revision is always a good thing. It turns out that as one of the instructors, I learned a lot from this workshop. To be frank, it has been 18 months since ordination. Life is busier and more exhausted than before retirement. A crisis of burning out is brewing and is affecting my spiritual life. I am supposed to meet my spiritual director once a month. But both of us are very busy. Occasionally, we missed appointments. But I never give up easily. I don't think I cannot overcome obstacles in prayers.

I am a rational man. I know that I am weak in affection. Thus, I prefer praying with the Bible. However, all these years, I got stuck in the rational level. As I advance in age, my affection is more developed. Gradually, I can enter the affective level. I begin to be able to engage in a dialogue with our Lord Jesus Christ, telling him my ideas and feelings and wait patiently for his response. Lord Jesus never disappoints. For example, as an exercise, I meditated on the story of Jesus' raising Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:21-43). A whole new understanding emerged.

The daughter of Jairus had already died. The family was arranging funeral. People were hired to wail (5:38). But Jairus could not accept this fact. He ran to Jesus to beseech him to heal his daughter who "was at the point of death." (5:23) You should know that Jairus' action went against the hidden agenda of Pharisees because Jesus was their nemesis in the open. Of course Jesus knew everything. But he was merciful. He did not expose Jairus. Meanwhile, Jairus' wife found that her husband had run out. She sent servants to fetch him back. Finding Jairus, the servant said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" (5:35) To face the reality was very painful and frightening for Jairus. Thus Jesus said, "Do not fear, only believer." (5:36) When God is with us, there is nothing to fear. Trust Him, God will provide.

Such an interpretation corresponds to my experiences these days. During my prison visits, I discover that many people cannot face the reality. They make up and tell me stories acceptable to them. Perhaps they believe in these stories themselves. Living in lies deprives people of freedom, hindering them from seeking the best things for themselves. Thus Jesus said, "And the truth will make you free." (John 8:32) I do not have Jesus' ability to see through their lies. Although as God, Jesus had the powerful to neutralize their defence mechanisms, he did not do so. In the end, not only did Jesus raise Jairus' daughter, but he also freed Jairus from the fear of death so that he no longer need to live on lies. Jesus liberated Jairus, raised Jairus from death!

Many people, not only Jairus, make up stories to cheat themselves, to make themselves feel better. Ahaz, king of Judah did the same. An alliance army was approaching. He wanted to deal with it with military or diplomatic means, not by relying on God. He did not believe in God and yet refused to put the Lord to the test like a righteous man (Isaiah 7:12). Isaiah was less tolerant than Jesus. He scolded Ahaz directly (7:13). God commits Himself by making a promise of Emmanuel. God is merciful. He does not give men up because of their failings but walked by them. Even though men are too clever to deal with their problems in their own ways, God does not abandon them.

Do not think that only bad people cheat themselves by being too smart. Joseph also tried to deal with his problem in his own ways. Maria had been betrothed to Joseph and before they came together, she was found to be pregnant. Being an unwed mother was a mortal sin but Joseph resolved to divorce her quietly. Although Joseph was said to be a just man (Matthew 1:19), it cannot explain this unreasonable decision in any satisfactory manner. His mind was too complicated and could not be satisfactorily explained away in a few lines. No matter what, the experience of Joseph was the same as our prayer.

We live in our man-made world. We make use of our rationality to solve problems. Although we know God, acknowledge His existence, it is not easy to love Him with all our heart, and with all our soul and with all our mind. We need the intervention of God and we need His assistance. When the problem is beyond the capacity of our rationality, we need to seek God's revelation in prayers. In prayer, we disarm our rationality, open up our hearts and minds. Let God speak to us.

Like Ahaz, Joseph resolved to deal with the problem in his own way. Like Ahaz, God did not wait for his consent to bestow a sign. Similarly, God did not wait for the consent of Joseph, intervene directly in Joseph's dream and revealed His will. We are not as lucky as Joseph, but we can still talk face to face with God in our prayers and listen to His revelation. Trust me, God will not disappoint you.
God bless.

比洗者若翰還要大 Greater than John the Baptist

將臨期第三主日（甲年）
主題：比洗者若翰還要大

將臨期已過了一半，教會把將臨期第三主日稱為「喜樂主日」，祭披用玫瑰紅色而不是紫色。用紫色是表示悔改，用玫瑰紅色代表喜樂。兩個星期後便過聖誕節了，試想像一個距離預產期兩個星期的孕婦，又或者一個距離出嫁兩個星期的準新娘，她有一種禁不住的喜樂，在這個期待的時期，湧上心頭。今天就是這種感覺。所以，今天的進堂詠引用了聖保祿宗徒至斐理伯人書的章節，我們應當喜樂，因為主快來了（斐4:4-5）。當然，聖保祿可能過份樂觀了，過了兩千年，主還未起程重臨人間。不過，有一件事是肯定的。這個世界一定會終結，耶穌基督一定會重臨。

上星期的福音很特別，隻字不提耶穌基督，祗說若翰洗者的事蹟。到了今天的福音，若翰已完成了他的任務，被黑落德關進監獄，不久將會死在這昏君手上。今天我們聽到耶穌基督對若翰洗者的評價。耶穌說：「在婦女所生的，沒有興起一位比洗者若翰更大的。」（瑪11:11）那麼，洗者若翰有甚麼任務，有甚麼偉大呢？

天主的救贖世界計劃，是透過亞巴郎的家族，建立一個司祭的國家，神聖的民族。然後讓天主子降生成人，成為這個神聖民族的一份子，帶領全人類返回祂的身邊。天主的計劃是周密的。祂在世上找到一個有信德的亞巴郎之後，便安排他的子孫到富庶的埃及國生育繁殖，經過四百多年，由一家七十口繁衍至六十多萬人，便離開埃及，至西乃山立約，然後進駐天主所預許了的福地─客納罕。十二支派起初各自為政，後來經過民長的努力團結，形成聯邦制。最後一個民長是撒慕爾，是他祝聖了第一任和第二任以色列的君王。君王出現，統一了十二支派成為以色列王國。可惜因為拜偶像的緣故，人心敗壞。三代之後，以色列國一分為二。與此君王出現的同時，出現了一批「天主的代言人」，即是我們稱為的「先知」，抗衡誤入歧途的君王。第一個先知，亦是以色列的「造王者」，就是撒慕爾。

先知的任務，除了抗衡昏君作惡之外，更重要的是提醒人民，天主纔是真正的君王，真正的主宰。當經濟繁榮時，人變得貪得無厭，貧富開始懸殊，富有的人剝削貧窮的同胞的時候，先知發出社會公義的咆哮，警告痛罵官商鉤結，殘民自肥。當外敵大軍壓境，君王天真地想找結盟國家出兵援助時，先知發揮政治的智慧，勸導君王投靠人類歷史的主宰、天主。可惜，君王拒絕接受先知的意見，結果北國南國，先後亡國給亞述及巴比倫，落得聖殿被毀，全國君民充軍收場。在亡國充軍的時期，先知代表天主安慰他們，亞巴郎的天主、依撒格的天主、雅各伯的天主並沒有忘記祂對他們祖先的許諾。天主一定會再次解放他們，回國重建聖殿。經過亡國的教訓之後，希望他們會改過，度聖善正義的生活。天主更進一步許諾，將來要興起一位默西亞、一位天主的受傅者。他要來重建以色列王國，到時天下萬民要來到耶路撒冷，朝拜這位救世主，接受祂的教誨。這一系列的先知之中，知名度較高的計有咆哮社會公義的亞毛斯先知；呼籲君王投靠天主，不要信靠盟友的耶肋米亞先知；充軍時安慰百姓的厄則克耳先知；預言默西亞出現的依撒意亞先知和經常與君王唱反調、增餅、復活死人，並與400多位假先知比試求雨的厄里亞先知。天主後來用噴火的馬車接了他升天。所以猶太人相信在末日，默西亞出現之前，厄里亞會出現，為默西亞預備道路。相信大家開始明白，洗者若翰就是這一系列先知中，最後而且是最偉大的一位。雖然他並沒有像厄里亞一樣行神蹟── 那些神蹟，在如今天福音第一段所說，是保留給耶穌基督做的（11:5）── 但洗者若翰的任務，十分清楚，就是在耶穌基督出現之前，為他預備猶太人的心靈。洗者若翰以曠野的呼聲的姿態出現，大聲疾呼，勸人悔改。天主的斧頭已放在根上，凡不結相稱果實的要被砍掉（3:10）！他與厄里亞一樣，不畏權貴，直斥黑落德的錯處，置生死於度外。

但耶穌說，「在天國裡最小的，也比他大。」（11:11）這是甚麼意思呢？聽來，洗者若翰好像不在天國裡。對，同時也是不對。首先，天國的成員是甚麼人呢？就是相信耶穌的人，在今天就是基督徒：包括天主教、東正教、基督教等。洗者若翰當時被囚，不知耶穌是否默西亞，便派他的門徒探聽。所以，洗者若翰尚未進入天國。福音沒有記載他被斬首之前，他的門徒有沒有回報給他。倘若沒有，他的確死不瞑目。無論如何，他為仗義執辭，不留情面地直斥黑落德違返十誡，結果被殺，可算是一位殉道者，承受了血的洗禮。教會確認他的正義，和他作為耶穌基督的先鋒，宣認洗者若翰為聖人。所以洗者若翰現在是在天國裡。

另一方面，耶穌基督以自己的受難、復活建立教會、建立七件聖事。洗者若翰是在耶穌基督建立教會和聖事之前進入了天國，無緣領受其他聖事。包括領受聖神七恩的堅振聖事和領受耶穌基督自己的聖體聖事。所以，從這個角度看，洗者若翰的確遜於天國中最小的一個。

各位求道者，今晚教會舉行收錄禮，接受你們加入慕道者的行列，進一步認識耶穌基督的言行、認識教會如何把天主子耶穌基督，實現在世界之中。請好好學習，並培育出愛主、愛人、愛大地的慈悲之心，將來在慶祝耶穌基督復活的前夕，領受入門聖事，加入教會的大家庭，成為耶穌基督奧體的一份子。各位在場的教友，你們今天參加慕道者收錄禮，正好再次刷新自己的信仰，感受到自己如何幸福、喜樂、如何比聖洗者若翰，還要偉大。
天主保祐！

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Gaudete Sunday (Year A)
Theme: Greater than John the Baptist

We have come midway through the Advent Season. The Church calls the third Advent Sunday "Gaudete Sunday". The vestments are rose-coloured, not purple. Purple symbolizes repentance and rose joy. In two weeks' time, it will be Christmas. Imagine a pregnant lady expecting her baby in two weeks or a bride-to-be whose wedding is two weeks away. An irrepressible joy is emerging in this expectant time. This is the kind of feeling we have today. Thus, we quote St. Paul's letter to the Philippians in the Entrance Hymn. "Rejoice in the Lord always ... The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:4-5) Of course, St. Paul was probably over optimistic. Two thousand years have passed and the Lord seems not to have started His return trip. But one thing is certain. The world shall come to an end one day. Jesus Christ shall return.

The gospel we read last week was a bit unusual. Not a word was mentioned about Jesus. It talked about John the Baptist only. In the gospel reading today, John the Baptist had finished his mission and was locked up by Herod. Soon, he would be beheaded by this tyrant. Today, we hear of Jesus' evaluation of the Baptist. Jesus says, "Among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist." (Matthew 11:11) So, what was the mission of the Baptist? What made him so great?

God's salvation plan was to build up a priestly nation, a saintly people through the family of Abraham. Then, the Son of God would become flesh and a member of that saintly people to lead the humanity to return to Him. God's plan is fool-proof. After locating Abraham, the father of faith, God arranged his offspring to multiply in the fertile country of Egypt. After more than 400 years, about 70 family members had grown into more than 600,000. They left Egypt, came to Mount Sinai to establish a covenant with God. Then they moved in to occupy the Promised Land, Canaan. At first, each of the 12 tribes struggled on their own. Then, there arose Judges to bring them together forming a kind of federation. The last Judge was Samuel who anointed the first and second kings of Israel. With the emergence of kings, the 12 tribes were united into a kingdom. Unfortunately, idolatry corrupted their hearts. After three kings, Israel was divided into two. To counter balance these evil kings, a series of Spokesmen of God whom we call "prophets" emerged. The first prophet, also the king-maker of Israel, was Samuel.

Besides counteracting evil kings, a more important mission of prophets was to remind people that their king was actual God who was the real Lord over them. When the economy was good, people became greedy. The income gap widened and the rich exploited the poor. Prophets roared social justice, criticizing the collusion of mandarins and merchants to fatten themselves. When invasion was imminent and kings naively sought support from so called alliance, prophets, full of political wisdom, exhorted them to approach God, the invisible hand behind human history. Unfortunately, kings rejected their advice. Consequently, the Northern and Southern kingdoms were conquered by Assyria and Babylon respectively. The Temple was destroyed. The kings and their subjects were exiled. During captivity, prophets consoled the people that the God of their fathers, of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had not forgotten them. He would liberate them once more to return home to rebuild the Temple. God willed that they would lead a holy and righteous life after this chastisement. God further promised to raise up a Messiah, an Anointed One of God who would rebuild Israel. All peoples would come to Jerusalem to worship this Saviour and listen to His teaching.

Among this list of prophets were Amos who roared social justice; Jeremiah who appealed kings to turn to God and not to alliance; Ezekiel who consoled the people during captivity; Isaiah who prophesized about the Messiah and Elijah, the "Troubler of Israel" who rebuked the king, multiplied bread, raised the dead and challenged 400 plus false prophets to call down fire from heaven. Later, God sent a chariot of fire to carry him up to heaven. That was why Jews believed that at the end of the world, before the coming of the Messiah, Elijah would appear to prepare his way. I believe you have come to the understanding that John the Baptist was the last and the greatest in the list of prophets. Although he had never performed any miracles like Elijah --- these miracles were reserved for Jesus (Matthew 11:5) --- the mission of the Baptist was very clear. He came before Jesus Christ to prepare the hearts of the Jews. John the Baptist came as "a voice in the wilderness" to exhort people to repent. The axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down! (3:10) Like Elijah, the Baptist was not afraid of kings. He rebuked Herod at the expense of his life.

But Jesus says, "Yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (11:11) What does it mean? It sounds like the Baptist was not in the kingdom of heaven. Right and at the same time wrong. Firstly, who are members of the kingdom? They are those who believe in Jesus, i.e. Christians today, including Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants etc. The Baptist was imprisoned at that time. He did not know whether Jesus was the Messiah or not. So, he sent his disciples to find out. In short, the Baptist had not entered the kingdom. The gospels do not say whether his disciples had reported to him before he was beheaded. If they had not, the Baptist would have died with eyes widely open. Anyway, he righteously rebuked Herod for breaching the Ten Commandments and was consequently beheaded. He died a martyrdom, a baptism with blood. The Church recognizes his righteousness and his role as the forerunner of Christ. She proclaims him a saint. Thus, the Baptist is in the kingdom.

On the other hand, through his passion and resurrection, Jesus Christ established the Church and the seven sacraments. The Baptist had entered the kingdom before Jesus established the Church and the sacraments. He missed the other sacraments, including Confirmation which bestows the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist which is Jesus Christ himself. From this perspective, the Baptist is really inferior to the least of the kingdom.

Dear aspirants, the Church celebrates the Rite of Election to admit you into the community of Catechumens so that you may know better the words and deeds of Jesus Christ and how the Church actualizes the presence of Jesus Christ, the Son of God in the world today. Study well and build up the love of God, of men and of the Creation. On the Eve of Easter, you will receive the sacraments of Christian Initiation, become members of the Church and the Mystical Body of Christ. Brethren, you take part in this Rite of Election today. It is high time you brushed up your faith, felt how happy and joyful you have been because you are greater than St. John the Baptist.
God bless!

履行先知職務 To discharge the prophetic ministry

將臨期第二主日（甲年）
主題：履行先知職務

每個天主教徒在領洗的時候，領受了，分擔了耶穌基督的君王、先知和司祭職務。即是說，每個天主教徒都是所謂的「先知」。其實，中文把Prophet翻譯為「先知」，有點不妥，但勝在方便和容易上口。倘若譯為「天主的代言人」，是最接近原意，卻稍嫌累贅。代表天主向世人說話，當然可以宣佈未來的事，即是講預言。這樣做的確是先知。但天主亦會警告、教訓甚至安慰祂的選民，這些說話就不一定是預言了。那麼，作為天主的代言人，一個天主教徒應該怎樣做呢？好像若翰洗者一樣，穿駱駝毛做的衣服，腰間束著皮帶，以蝗蟲和野蜜為食物嗎（瑪3:4）？縱使我們真的這樣做，祗不過是虛有其表，而並沒有內涵。那麼，做先知的內涵又是甚麼呢？既然當上天主的代言人，內涵當然就是天主的說話了。

首先，我們必須擁有「天主的說話」，否則，我們便是「假傳聖旨」的太監了！其實，舊約聖經中，亦記載了一些假先知禍國殃民的事蹟。有些腐敗的君王為了挽回自己的民望，便發動戰爭，企圖以勝利，堵塞人民的口。那些假先知為了討好君王好戰的心理，於是假傳天主的旨意，預言戰爭勝利。結果一敗塗地，君王戰死，割地賠款。可見假先知害人不淺。那麼，我們怎樣得知天主的說話呢？

天主的說話其實離我們不遠，就在聖經裡。所以，我們既分擔耶穌基督的先知職，便有責任每個主日參加彌撒，留心聆聽讀經和講道。這是最低的要求。請問大家還記得上一個主日的讀經嗎？上個月的讀經呢？執事並不是要求高，考驗大家的記憶力，為難大家。其實，所謂「溫故知新」，我們記不了是因為讀得少。倘若我們祗在主日彌撒聽聖經，一篇經文要三年纔再聽一次。倘若每天參加平日彌撒，或者因為工作而不能每天參加彌撒，至少每天也讀平日彌撒的讀經。這樣，就增加了接觸聖經的機會，一篇讀經再不是三年聽一次，而是三年聽幾次。這樣，天主的聖言就不再顯得陌生了。

其次，擁有了「天主的說話」，我們便成為了第一個受益人。正如保祿宗徒在今天的第二篇讀經所說，聖經給我們教訓和安慰，使我們生活在困難中，仍滿懷希望。（羅15:4）這「望德」從何而來呢？就是來自聖經。聖經記載了天主對人類的諾言，記載了天主如何在藉著選民的經歷，並藉著耶穌基督，一一兌現祂的諾言。從聖經記載的這些事蹟之中，我們看到天主是一位慈悲的父親，而且天主是信實的，一定實踐祂的諾言。所以，我們從聖經之中，可以獲得安慰，對天父懷有希望。縱使我們沒有傳福音所需要的口才，我們也可以好像童貞聖母瑪利亞一樣，把天主的說話，「默存心中，反覆思量。」（路2:19; 51）經常以天主聖言作為祈禱的材料，默想天主的聖言，我們也可以好像童貞聖母瑪利亞一樣，充滿恩寵，蒙受祝福。所以我說，擁有了「天主的說話」，我們是第一個受益人。

第三，我們可以得到甚麼恩寵呢？今天的第一篇讀經，是「聖神七恩」的出處。讓我們溫習在慕道班所學習過的道理。在領受堅振聖事的時候，我們領受了聖神七恩。這些恩寵，就好像我們在學校所學習到的學問一樣，在適當的環境中，纔有機會發揮作用。所謂「學而時習之」，不運用，不經常練習就會變得生疏了。同樣，倘若我們把所領受的「聖神七恩」收藏起來，恐怕也會落得「生銹」的命運了。
「智慧」是指渴望屬靈的事物。星期日在與朋友旅行BBQ與參加彌撒之間，你有「智慧」、有渴望參加彌撒嗎？「聰敏」指明辨是非。在社會上大多數人都做的行為之中，如買六合彩，唱K等，你能辨別出那些行為是符合天主的旨意嗎？「超見」指正確的判斷。在社會上議論紛紛的意見中，你能判別到那些主張符合福音的精神呢？「剛毅」指道德勇氣。既然知道了天主的旨意，你有勇氣堅持做正確的事嗎？「明達」指對天主的知識。你們報讀教理班，抑或是美容班呢？禮儀課程，抑或是投資課程呢？「孝愛」是尊重天主，「敬畏天主」是在生活中，感覺和讚嘆天主的光榮和偉大。這兩種恩寵，幫助我們遵守十誡之中的第一、二誡。養成讀經祈禱的生活習慣，使我們不致荒廢了聖神七恩，並且能更好地履行先知的職務。

最後，我們已來到將臨期的第二個主日，這個主日的主題是「悔改」。其實，福音對若翰洗者的描述，是形象化地表達悔改。若翰是司祭匝加利亞的兒子。他本來可以繼承父業，做一個不愁衣食，受人尊重的司祭。但天主在若翰洗者身上有更重大的計劃，要他作默西亞的先鋒，幫助猶太人迎接救主。他的衣著和飲食，不是為了標奇立異，而是表現中完全地轉向天主。讓我們檢視自己的生活，調教生活的步伐，悔改轉向天主。

此外，教區在未來一年會著重婚姻、家庭和生命的牧民工作。就讓我們從家庭做起，不但自己一個人讀經祈禱，嘗試在忙碌的生活中，騰出一點時間與家人團聚。並且一起讀經祈禱，讓救主耶穌基督，臨現在家庭之中，使我們的家庭生活更完美，更充滿祝福。
天主保祐！

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Second Sunday of Advent (Year A)
Theme: To discharge the prophetic ministry

All Catholics received and shared the threefold kingly, priestly and prophetic ministry of Jesus Christ when they were baptized. That is to say every Catholic is prophet. The Chinese translation of the word "prophet" into "seer of the future" is rather misleading. It would be more faithful to translate it into "spokesman of God". Speaking for God, a prophet may proclaim future events. That would be prophecy. But God would also warn, exhort and even console His Chosen People. These messages might not be prophecies. Then, as a spokesman for God, what should a Catholic do? Shall they live like John the Baptist, wearing garment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle around the waist; eating locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4)? Even if we did, we would only be superficial and lack the essence. So, what is the essence of a prophet? As a spokesman of God, the essence must be the Word of God.

First of all, we need to possess the Word of God. Otherwise, we would be false prophets! In fact, the Old Testament records terrible casualties caused by false prophets. Some idolatrous kings wanted to win their subjects over by starting wars, hoping to become a war hero. In order to please these kings, those false prophets claimed that God willed them victories. In the end, the kings were killed in action and the country conceded territories. These false prophets did great damage to the empire and the people. Then, how do we know the Word of God?

The Word of God is not far away from us. It can be found in the Bible. Since we share the prophetic ministry of Jesus Christ, it is our duty to attend Sunday masses, listen attentively to the readings and homily. This is the minimum requirement. Do you remember the readings of last Sunday? Last month? I am not demanding and have no intention to tease you or discourage you. Alas, we need more practices. We don't remember because we have read too little. If we read the Bible during Sunday masses only, it takes three years to hear the same passage again. If we are able to attend daily masses, or because of work we cannot attend, at least we should read the daily reading. Then, we will turn the pages of the Bible more often, not once every three years but several times. Then, we can be more familiar with the Word of God.

Secondly, we become the first beneficiary when we possess the Word of God. Just as what St. Paul wrote in the second reading today, "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4) Where does this hope come from? From the Bible. The Bible put down the promises God made for us, how through the experiences of the Chosen People and Jesus Christ, God honoured His promises one by one. From these stories, we see a merciful father in God and He is faithful. He keeps His promises. From these passages, we obtain consolation. We are full of hope in the Father. Even though we may not possess the eloquence to preach, we can follow the example of the BVM, "kept all these things, pondering them in her heart." (Luke 2:19; 51) When we pray with the Word of God, meditate the Word of God, we can be full of grace and blessed like the BVM. That is why I said we become the first beneficiary when we possess the Word of God.

Thirdly, what graces do we get? The first reading today is the biblical reference of "the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit". Let us revise what we learnt in catechumen class. We receive seven gifts of the Holy Spirit when we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. These graces, like what we study in school, will work in appropriate environment. If we do not make use of them, they will turn rusty.
Wisdom is the desire of spiritual things. Between going picnicking and BBQ and joining mass on Sunday, do you have the wisdom to desire Sunday mass? Understanding is the ability to discern which action is right. There are many popular acts in the society, such as buying Mark Six or Karaoke. Are you able to discern which action follows God's will? Counsel is the ability to make right judgments. There are divergent opinions in the society. Can you tell which ones agree with the teachings of the gospel? Fortitude is moral courage. After knowing the will of God, do you have the courage to insist on doing the right thing? Knowledge is the knowledge of God. Will you enrol in catechist courses of cosmetic courses? In liturgy workshops or investment workshops? Piety is the respect of God and Fear of God is the awe and wonder in seeing God's glory in everyday life. These two graces help us keep the first and second Commandments. When we build up the habit of bible study and prayer, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit will not turn rusty and we can discharge the prophetic ministry better.

Lastly, we have come to the Second Sunday of Advent. The theme is Repentance. The description of John the Baptist in the gospel is a vivid expression of repentance. John was the son of Zachary the priest. He would have inherited priesthood and enjoyed a comfortable and respectable life. But God had a more important plan for John. He would become the forerunner of the Messiah to prepare the Jews to receive the Saviour. John did not wear and eat to impress. He wanted to show a total turning towards God. Let us review of life style and adjust our pace. Repent and turn towards God.

Furthermore, the Diocesan pastoral focus for the coming year will be on marriage, family and life. Let us begin with our family. Not only do we read the Bible and pray, but we also try to squeeze some time out of our busy life to stay with our family members. Study the Bible and pray together with them. Make Christ present in our home, to make it more nearly perfect and full of blessing.
God bless!

新禮儀年願望 New Liturgical Year Resolutions

將臨期第一主日（甲年）
主題：新禮儀年願望

將臨期的第一個主日，是禮儀年度的開始。三年一個循環，今天是甲年的開始。甲年主要讀瑪竇福音，它是寫給對猶太背景有所認識的信徒。所以閱讀的時候，要求我們對舊約有相當的認識。例如，瑪竇福音的第一句是這樣寫的：「亞巴郎之子，達味之子耶穌基督的族譜：」（瑪1:1）瑪竇假設讀者已經認識亞巴郎和達味是誰，知道他們在基督徒的信仰之中，佔了甚麼地位，並且知道族譜有甚麼作用。所以，執事所推薦的讀對觀福音次序，不是按新約目錄的順序，而是先讀馬爾谷，其次是路加；第三纔是瑪竇。無論如何，讓我們立定志向，今年之內，好好地默想瑪竇福音。

將臨期是聖誕節前的四個星期，目的是為救主耶穌的來臨，做好準備。不過，救主耶穌的來臨有兩個意義。第一是祂二千年前的降生，第二是祂在末日從天而降，審判生者死者。很奇怪，瑪竇福音的最後一句是這樣寫的：「看！我同你們天天在一起，直到今世的終結。」（28:20）既然耶穌天天與我們同在一起，而「天天」當然包括世界末日的那一天。那麼，祂在末日重臨，審判世人又有甚麼特別的意義呢？

首先，我們要對「審判」有一個正確的理解。在人類的世界裡，「審判」是按「公義」原則，賞善罰惡的意思。如果天主的「正義」好像人類的「正義」一樣，那麼，天主當然好像人類的法官一樣，按法律賞善罰惡。例如你殺了人，判你死刑或者終身監禁；你貪污舞弊，於是充公家產，坐牢三十年。咦，為甚麼法律好像沒有賞善，祗有罰惡呢？對！因為人世間的「公義」是消極的公平，為了維持社會的穩定運作，並不能保護弱勢社群，或者帶給市民真正的幸福。而且，還造就了一群專業利用法律漏洞發財的人。

我們所信的天主不是法官。因為在天主的字典裡，祂的「正義」在於拯救和解放信仰祂的人。在聖詠集和依撒意亞先知書中，有很多章節把天主的「正義」，等同祂的「救恩」，當作同義詞互換。這是合理的。因為人類是按天主的肖像所造，人類背逆天主後，天主並沒有放棄祂的傑作，並許下救贖人類的諾言（創3:15）。所以，當天主拯救人類的時候，天主在履行祂的諾言。倘若天主不拯救人類，反而是祂「不義」。即是說，天主以祂的救恩來表示祂的正義，而天主的所謂「審判」，實際上是祂的拯救行動。福音和保祿的書信，多處強調「因信德而生活」（羅1:17; 迦3:11），信耶穌得永生（若3:15-16, 36），「信而受洗的必要得救，但不信的必被判罪。」（谷16:16）等。不相信耶穌基督，就是不相信天主在履行祂的諾言，來拯救我們。試問，這樣的態度，又怎能獲得天主的救贖呢？

今天的福音，可以從兩個層面看人子的再來。 第一個是普世的層面：是指世界的末日。到時，耶穌要重臨， 拯救信靠祂的人，至於那些不接受祂的，耶穌祗有把他們遺棄在地獄之內了（瑪24:40-41）。世界末日，比較遙不可及，所以今天我想和大家反省第二個層面，就是個人的層面：
我們每個人死後，靈魂會被引領到天主台前，交待一生的所作所為。但是沒有人知道自己的死期，所以，惟一最明智的做法是時時刻刻保持醒寤，做好準備，隨時可以回到天父面前交待。
教會有很優良的傳統，幫助我們預備自己的末日。教會提醒我們要定期辦告解，最少每年一次，檢討與天主的關係，與天主修好。所以告解又稱為「修和聖事」。剛結束的慈悲禧年，再三強調天主在赦罪之中，在修和聖事之中，不斷展示祂的慈悲。雖然禧年已經結束，但天主的慈悲永遠長存。所以，我們應繼續領受修和聖事，領受天父的慈悲。
其次，教會鼓勵我們每晚在睡前做「夜禱」，好好省察每日的過失，向天父懺悔，保持靈魂的潔淨，縱使天主即晚收回我們的靈魂，我們亦無憂無懼。
第三，我們要恆常讀經祈禱。為甚麼呢？請問大家，您們能否認出耶穌呢？耶穌在復活後顯示給門徒時，門徒未能認出復活的主，直至耶穌做一些他們熟識的行為，例如擘餅，門徒纔認出祂來。所以，我們需要讀經，認識耶穌的言行；我們要默想祈禱，體會耶穌的心意。否則，當我們的靈魂前往天主台前，在路上遇見耶穌的時候，有如陌路人，我們又怎能認出主耶穌基督呢？大家在丙年，有沒有讀完路加福音呢？倘若沒有，兩年後再讀吧！趁禮儀年開始，讓我們立志完成瑪竇福音吧！
第四，耶穌在瑪竇福音第廿五章，一再強調在服務最弱小的兄弟時，就是服事祂。在慈悲禧年，教會一再鼓勵並提供機會，讓大家履行神形哀矜。大家應爭取機會，慰問病人，探訪外判清潔工人等，服事臨現在他們身上的耶穌基督，將來與祂重逢的時候，再不會感到陌生。
最後，我們每個領了洗的人，是蒙召成聖的。我們每一個人，都生活在家庭之中，或者身為子女，或者身為父母、丈夫或者妻子。我們都是蒙召在家庭或婚姻生活中成聖。我們的樞機在將臨期期牧函中，提出未來一年的牧民重點在於婚姻、家庭及關愛生命。請大家在彌撒後買一份【公教報】，知道教區的未來動向。
上述五點，希望可以幫助大家訂立新禮儀年的願望。
天主保祐！

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First Sunday of Advent (Year A)
Theme: New Liturgical Year Resolutions

This Sunday is the beginning of the Liturgical Year. It is Year A of a 3-year cycle. In Year A, we mainly read the gospel of Matthew which was written for Jewish Christians. Therefore, you need to know something about the Old Testament in order to read it fruitfully. For example, the gospel begins with "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." (Matthew 1:1) Matthew assumed that the readers know who Abraham and David were and their position in Christianity. Furthermore, they should be familiar with the use of genealogy. Therefore, I always recommend reading the Synoptic gospels, not according to the Table of Contents of the New Testament, but according to the sequence Mark, Luke and then Matthew. Whatever, let us make this our New Year resolution to read and meditate the gospel of Matthew within this year.

The Advent Season is the four weeks before Christmas. The purpose is to prepare for the coming of Lord Jesus. His coming consists of two meanings. The first one is his birth two thousand years ago. The second is his coming at the end of the world to judge the living and the dead. The last sentence of Matthew reads, "Lo, I am with you always, to the close of this age" (28:20). Since he is with us always, which includes the Last Day, then what special meaning does the second coming at the end have?

First of all, we need to have a correct understanding of the word "judge". In our secular world, "to judge" is to reward good and punish wrongs according to some "justice" principles. If God's justice were like human justice, then God would pass judgment like human judges according to the law. For example, you are guilty of murder. God would sentence you to death or life imprisonment. You are guilty of corruption. God would confiscate your assets and put you behind bars for thirty years. Wait. Why does the law only punish evil but does not reward good? You are right! It is because human justice is a rather passive justice. It maintains the smooth running of a society but cannot protect the minority or bring true happiness to the citizens. Furthermore, it breeds a bunch of professionals who abuse the loopholes to make money.

The God we believe in is not a judge. It is because in His dictionary, justice means the deliverance and liberation of those who believe in Him. In the Psalms and Isaiah, there are many passages in which God's righteousness and His salvation are synonymous. This is reasonable because men were created in the image of God. After the Fall of humanity, God did not abandon His creation and promised to redeem humanity (Genesis 3:15). Therefore, when God carries out His salvation, He is honouring His promise. Had God failed to redeem humanity, He would have been "unjust". That is to say, God expresses His justice with His salvation. The so-called "judgment" of God is actually His saving act. Among the gospels and Pauline epistles, we find many passages, such as "He who through faith is righteous shall live" (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11) "Whosoever believes in him may have eternal life" (John 3:15-16, 36) "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:16) Not believing in Jesus Christ means not believing that God is honouring His promise to save us. How can one obtain God's redemption with such an attitude?

There are two different levels to read the second coming of the Son of Man in the gospel today. The first level is a universal level. It means the end of the world. By then, Jesus shall come again to deliver those who believe. For those who refuse to believe, the Son of Man will naturally leave them behind in hell (Matthew 24:40-41). The end of the world is a bit far off. So, I would like to reflect with you the second level, i.e. the personal level.
After we die, our souls will be taken before God to review what we have done in life. But nobody knows when he dies. Therefore the best strategy is to be ready all the time to return to the Father.
The Church has good practices to help us prepare for our last days. She reminds us to do confession regularly, at least once a year to evaluate our relationship with God and reconcile with God. Thus, confession is also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During the Jubilee of Mercy which has just come to an end, the Church kept reiterating that God shows His mercy all the times through the forgiveness of sins and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Although the Jubilee of Mercy has come to an end, God's mercy lasts forever. Therefore, we should continue to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to receive the mercy of the Father.
Secondly, the Church encourages us to pray the Completorium before going to bed. We reflect on what we have done or what we have failed to do during the day. We repent to keep our souls clean. Then, even if God takes back our souls tonight, we have nothing to worry or fear.
Thirdly, we should keep studying the scriptures and praying. Why? Let me ask you. Can you recognize Jesus? After resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples who could not recognize him until Jesus did something they were familiar, e.g. breaking of bread. Therefore, we need to study the scriptures to know the words and deeds of Jesus. We need to meditate to feel His will. Otherwise, when on their way to God, our souls meet Jesus. How could we recognize him if we are not familiar with him? In Year C, have you finished reading the gospel of Luke? If you haven't, read it again two years later. Let us make a resolution to finish reading the gospel of Matthew in this liturgical year!
Fourthly, in Matthew 25, Jesus tells us that in serving the least of our brethren, we are serving him. During the Jubilee of Mercy, the Church repeatedly encouraged and provided opportunities for us to perform Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. So, let us take the opportunity to visit the sick and the out-sourcing janitors etc. Serve the Jesus present in them. When we meet in the future, we will not be unfamiliar with him.
Lastly, we were baptized and were called to become saints. Each one of us leads a family life as children, or parents or husbands or wives. We are called to sanctification through family or married life. In the Advent Pastoral Letter, our Cardinal informs us that the pastoral focus of the Diocese next year will be about marriage, family and life. Buy a copy of Sunday Examiner after mass to know where the Diocese is heading.
I hope the five points above may help you formulate your New Liturgical Year Resolutions.
God bless.

重溫「平信徒」的王者職務 The kingship of the Laity

耶穌基督普世君王節（丙年）
主題：重溫「平信徒」的王者職務

在今天強調民主、人權的世界， 我們慶祝耶穌基督普世君王節，是否太封建，太不合時宜呢？其實，人不能單獨生存。無論是原始的世界或者先進的社會，人必須團結纔能生存。無論用甚麼稱號，例如酋長、皇帝、總統或者總裁，任何團體或組織必須有領袖。這個領袖之所以是領袖，可以源於他個人的能力或者魅力；可以是傳統習俗；可以來自團體所建立的合約或憲法。

耶穌基督是怎樣成為君王呢？是靠魅力、抑或是傳統世襲、抑或是憲法呢？ 保祿宗徒在第二篇讀經告訴我們，耶穌基督是天主子，宇宙萬物是靠祂所創造，靠祂所維持。若望福音的第一章亦有相同的見解。人類雖然背叛了天父，但天父並沒有放棄祂的創造，更派遣聖子降生成人，引領世人回歸父家。在起初，耶穌的確是憑個人的魅力吸引追隨者。他行神蹟，以革命性的言論宣講天主的慈悲，並再三擊敗宗教權貴的挑戰。不過，他自己說：「當我從地上被高舉時，我要吸引眾人歸向我。」（若12:32）所以，耶穌基督不是憑世襲或者憲法成為君王，而是以受難復活來羅致他的追隨者。耶穌基督為甚麼不打一場漂亮的仗，擊倒撒殫為王，而要釘十字架呢？這是出於天主子對人類自由的尊重，並不強迫人類接受祂的大愛。倘若人類能像被釘的右盜，在苦難和失敗之中，仍能承認耶穌是主，這樣的信德纔是真實的。所謂「以力服人者霸，以德服人者王」。耶穌以十字架作為他的寶座，古往今來，恐怕祗有耶穌基督一個是用這種方式宣示主權的。耶穌就是以他偉大的愛，征服全世界。

在我們藉著洗禮，與基督合成一體，成了天主的子民，按自己的生活處境，分享基督的司祭、先知和王者的職務(CCC#897)。分享耶穌基督的三重職務，就是在我們的生活中，有創意地「把基督的教義和基督徒生活的要求滲入社會、政治和經濟領域」(CCC#899)。今天是基督普世君王節，是默想如何「分享基督的王者職務」的好機會。

我們是藉耶穌的寶血所贖回來，歸祂名下的天主子民。我們享有他的王者職務，即享有君王的權利與義務。甚麼權利呢？古今中外，與開國皇帝打江山的，都有份分封土地。我們可以默想路加福音記載的「米納比喻」（路19:12-27），得到相關的啟示。話說主人遠行，把財物交與管家發展，待主人回來，論功行賞。結果，那個賺了十倍的，主人賜他掌管十個城，那個賺了五倍的，主人賜他掌管五個城。這個比喻告訴我們，祗要我們在世時善用天主所賜予的才幹，履行君王、先知和司祭的職務，拓展天國；在末日，當耶穌基督以整個宇宙的君王身份第二次來臨，審判生者死者的時候，祂會賞賜我們掌管宇宙的一部份。即是說，在履行君王職務的時候，拓展天國是義務；掌管宇宙是權利。讓我們進一步反省如何善用天賦的才幹，具體地履行君王的職務吧！

我們中國人有所謂「格物、致知、誠意、正心、修身、齊家、治國、平天下」的政治理想，一切是從自己做起，在認知上做到「格物、致知」，在靈修上做到「誠意、正心」，在待人接物上做到「修身」。這樣做，建立天國就有基礎了。所以，履行君王職務的第一階段在於「修身」，戰勝「原罪」在我們身上所做成的傷害。「以克己和聖德的生活，在自己身上戰勝罪惡的王國。」(CCC#908)
接下來的第二個階段，就是在家庭中，在工作崗位上，發揮酵母的作用，把福音的教訓，生活出來。在家庭中，建立與家人一起祈禱讀經的習慣，奉耶穌基督為家庭之主；在工作崗位中，勇敢地表露自己是天主教徒的身份，對有困難的人關懷愛護，與受到不公義對待的兄弟姊妹同行。履行君王職務的第二階段是在於「齊家治國」，在自己的崗位中，灌注基督福音的精神。「把道德價值灌注在人類的文化和活動中。」(CCC#909)
最後，一個人的力量始終有限，而且將來要管理的宇宙，單憑一人的力量是不可能掌管的。所以，我們需要練習與人合作。那裡是學習合作的好地方呢？當然就是堂區及教區大家庭了。所以，我們應該與牧者合作，服務教會團體，例如參加教友總會、教區議會、堂區的善會及各種愛德服務。(CCC#910)

這個星期禮儀年的結束，我們慶祝耶穌基督在末日要君臨天下，作為整個宇宙的君王。在這個禮儀年，教宗方濟各頒布了慈悲特殊禧年，舉辦了各項活動，鼓勵普世教會默觀、見証和宣講天父的慈悲。大家有朝聖、辦告解、參加慈悲善功嗎？隨著今天梵蒂崗聖伯多祿大殿聖門的關閉，禧年是結束了，但天父的慈悲仍會繼續。讓我們繼續透過履行耶穌基督的君王職務，讓世人體會天父的慈悲，回頭悔改，領受天父的救恩。
天主保祐！

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Feast of Christ the King (Year C)
Theme: The kingship of the Laity

Is it feudalistic and outdated to celebrate the Feast of Christ the King in a world which emphasizes democracy and human rights? The fact is men cannot survive alone. Whether we live in a primitive world or an advanced society, men need to stand together to survive. Whatever name you call, such as chief, king, president or CEO, leaders are indispensable in all communities or organizations without exception. One can be a leader through his charisma or capability; or through tradition and customs; or through contracts and constitutions.

How did Jesus Christ become a king? Was it through charisma, or traditional inheritance or through constitution? In the second reading today, St. Paul tells us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The universe was created and is sustained through Him. John 1 shares the same opinion. Even though men rebelled against the Father, He did not abandon His creation. He even sent His Son to incarnate and became man to lead the humanity back to Himself. At the beginning, Jesus did make use of his charisma to attract followers. He worked miracles and proclaimed a revolutionary view on God's mercy and refuted challenges from the religious authorities. However, he says, "When I am lifted from the earth, I will draw all men to myself." (John 12:32) Therefore, Jesus Christ did not become king through inheritance or constitution but through his Passion and Resurrection to draw followers. Why didn't Jesus fight a spectacular battle to defeat Satan to become king, but instead chose to be crucified? It was because the Son of God respected our freedom. He does not want to impose His great love on us. If we can acknowledge Jesus as our Lord while we are in adversity and defeat, like the repentant thief, then our faith is genuine. As the Chinese idiom goes, "A warlord bends people with might. A king wins people over with virtue." Jesus took the cross as his throne. Nobody has ever claimed sovereignty in this way, not even in the future. In short, Jesus "conquers" the world with his great love.

Through baptism, we are incorporated with Christ and integrated into the People of God. We are made sharers of the priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ. (CCC#897) Sharing the threefold office of Christ means that we should discover or invent means for permeating social, political and economic realities with the demands of Christian doctrine and life. (CCC#899) Today, we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. It is high time we meditated how we share the kingly office.

We were redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus. We make up the People of God and belong to him. We share his kingly office, i.e. we enjoy the privileges and obligations of kings. What are the privileges? Throughout history, those who fought with kings to build up an empire would be given a piece of land. Meditating on the parable of pounds (Luke 19:12-27) will shed light on the privileges. A nobleman was going to a far away place. He called his servants and gave them pounds to make money. He would reward them accordingly when he returned. Consequently, the one who gained tenfold was given authority over ten cities. The one who gained fivefold was given authority over five cities. This parable tells us that if we make good use of the talents given by God to discharge our kingly, prophetic and priestly office, to extend the kingdom of heaven, on Judgment Day when Jesus Christ returns as the King of the Universe to judge the living and the dead, he would give us authority over a portion of the universe. That is to say, in discharging the kingly office, our obligation is to expand the kingdom of heaven and our privilege is to have authority over a portion of the universe. Let us reflect further more concretely how we make use of talents given by God to discharge the kingly office.

Confucian political philosophy teaches eight steps to achieve the political ideal. They are: observe things, construct knowledge, have a sincere will, form a clear conscience, build a disciplined character, manage a family, govern a country and maintain peace on earth. Everything begins with the self. Observe things and construct knowledge are the achievements on the intellectual level. Have a sincere will and form a clear conscience are the targets on the spiritual level. Build a disciplined character is the aim of interpersonal level. Thus done, we have laid the foundation of building up the kingdom of heaven. Thus, the first stage of discharging the kingly office is to build a disciplined character, to overcome the damages done by the Original Sin on us. "By the self-abnegation of a holy life, we might overcome the reign of sin in ourselves." (CCC#908)
The next stage is to leaven our family and our work with the teaching of the gospel, to live up the spirit of the gospel in our life stations. Let us build up the habit of prayers and scripture studies in the family. Make Jesus the Lord of our home. In our office, be courageous in showing our Catholic identity, care about colleagues in difficulties and accompany those who are unfairly treated. To discharge the kingly office in Stage 2 is to manage our family and govern our office with the spirit of the gospel. "We will impregnate culture and human works with a moral value." (CCC#909)
Lastly, the capability of a single person is limited. When we manage the universe in the future, the capability of one single person is insufficient. Thus, we need to practise collaboration. Which is a good place to practise collaboration? Of course, the big family of the parish and the diocese are the best choices. Thus, we should cooperate with our pastors in the service of the ecclesial community. For example, to participate in the Central Council of the Laity, Diocesan Commissions, service groups in the parish and all sorts of charitable works. (CCC#910)

This Sunday marks the end of the liturgical year. We celebrate Jesus Christ coming majestically on the Judgment Day to be the king of the whole universe. In this liturgical year, Pope Francis proclaimed an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, organized a variety of activities to encourage the Church to contemplate, to witness and to proclaim the mercy of the Father. Did you go pilgrimage, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation or take part in deeds of mercy? With the closing of the Gate of Mercy at St. Peter's Basilica today in Vatican, the Jubilee comes to a close. But the mercy of the Father lasts forever. Let us, by discharging the kingly office of Jesus Christ, show the mercy of the Father to all men and help them repent to receive the salvation of the Father.
God bless.

How to Benefit from Discrimination

Thirty Third Ordinary Sunday (Year C)
Theme: How to Benefit from Discrimination

The Second World War ended more than 70 years ago. Very few of us here are older than seventy. This means that very few of us have actual experiences of wars. We know of wars only through documentaries. We have never heard sirens of air-strikes, nor have we smelt of gun powder or burning flesh. Horrors of war and war crimes exist only in our imagination. Let's face it. There are more immediate things to worry about than wars, earthquakes, famines and plagues (Luke 21:12). It is persecution. Nowadays, many societies are civilized. There are less blatant persecutions, but implicit ones. We call these implicit persecutions discriminations. Whatever name you call them, they are cruel and unfair treatments.

Most people are narrow-minded, especially when they are the majority. The Cantonese-speaking Chinese in Hong Kong is an example. Nowadays, many Putonghua speaking mainlanders come shopping in Hong Kong. The local Cantonese-speaking Chinese do not welcome them. They see the mainlanders as a threat to their benefits. They come to take away our resources, e.g. maternity beds, milk powder and even our houses and our jobs. Everything becomes more expensive because of them. Life becomes more competitive because of them. Most of these accusations are only exaggerations.
Like their counterparts in other countries, the local politicians want to divert the dissatisfaction of the citizens of Hong Kong away from them. They make the mainlanders scapegoats so that the citizens of Hong Kong pour their anger on those mainlanders and not on these incompetent and greedy politicians. When you are the minorities, you become handy scapegoats. Of course this is unfair. But what can we do or say when we are the minority?

Followers of Christ have always been a minority. In the early history of the Church, there were many martyrs. They suffered and even died because they persevered in keeping their faith. What did Jesus command us to do in face of discrimination? First of all, he told us that we should be happy. Happy? Impossible! How can we be happy in face of discrimination? We should be happy because this is going to be a good opportunity to bear witness to Jesus and his love of sinners (21:13). Jesus promised to give us the Holy Spirit, the wisdom in speaking so that our persecutors are unable to refute. In the end, Jesus will award us a place in the kingdom of heaven.

On the other hand, discrimination helps the minority to be more united. The early Christians were more united because there were persecutions. In order to survive in a hostile environment, they needed to put away their differences and be united. After the Roman Caesar had given them freedom of worship, they began arguing over whether Jesus Christ was a man or a god, whether Mary should be the Mother of Christ or Mother of God etc. Nowadays, the homosexuals are more united because of discrimination. Rational people are sympathetic to them because they think discrimination is irrational. If we had respected the homosexuals as persons created in the image of God, they would not have developed into a political movement fighting for equal rights. When we were more tolerant towards the homosexuals, less people would be sympathetic to them, thinking them to be greedy because they want the benefits of marriage but they do not want to take up the responsibility to beget children. Paradoxically, as a minority group, we benefit from discrimination.

Thirdly, we should not be timid even though the whole world hates us (21:17). Why are we so confident? It is because we believe in God who is the Creator of the whole universe. Jesus promised us that not a hair on our head would be destroyed (21:18). Jesus promised to protect us and deliver us from evil. So, remember to say the Lord's Prayer every day to remind God to keep His promise.

Of course, the society has developed into a more civilized community. Basic human rights will be protected. Therefore, when we receive unfair treatments, we may choose to suffer patiently. This is a Spiritual Work of Mercy. We may also choose to complain to the rightful authority. If justice is not done, let us follow Jesus' command to pray for the souls of the discriminators (6:28).

Brethren, remember to say 5 mysteries a day for the souls in the Purgatory. Some of them might have discriminated against good Christians. We pray for them so that they may enter Heaven earlier. There will be a great Reconciliation in Heaven. What a joyful event it will be!
God bless.

Life after Death 死後的生命

Thirty Second Ordinary Sunday (Year C)
Theme: Life after Death

There are two types of people on earth. The first type of people looks forwards to the future and plans ahead. They believe in some kind of life after death. If there is injustice in this life, justice will be done in the next. Therefore, they try to lead a life of morality and are willing to suffer patiently, believing that there will be a final Judgment Day when God will reward the righteous and punish the wicked. People of the second type are usually either ignorant or rich and powerful. They enjoy the moment and couldn't care less what takes place after death. The rich and powerful encourage people to believe in God and claim that God blesses them with the power and wealth they are enjoying. In reality, they make use of God to justify their power and riches. However, they dislike the idea of a final Judgment Day because their riches usually came from an unfair manner. Therefore, the prospect of resurrection is unpleasant to them.

The Sadducees in the gospel reading today were a political party formed by the priests of the Jerusalem Temple. They were rich and powerful and did not believe in resurrection. It was because deep in their hearts, they were afraid of God's judgment after death. The money they had in their purses was usually dirty money. For example, they collected money from traders to do maintenance works of the Temple. In return, they allowed them to sell sacrificial animals in the Temple area. The most lucrative business was money exchange which would be given to people who offered the priests the most money. That explains why Jesus was furious and cleansed the Temple of traders after he had entered Jerusalem triumphantly.

The Sadducees were intelligent people. They challenged Jesus with a hypothetical case to prove that there is no resurrection and therefore no Judgment Day. They made use of a Mosaic law to prove that resurrection would create a contradiction. Since God cannot contradict Himself, therefore, there is no resurrection. How did they prove it?
They made use of a Mosaic law which required the brother of a deceased man to take his wife to give birth to an heir for the dead man. When the seven brothers and the woman were alive, the woman had only one husband at a time. Now, if there were resurrection, seven men would be her husbands at the same time. But the Ten Commandments which came from God forbid adultery. If there were resurrection, the woman would be committing adultery because she would have seven husbands at the same time. It would be contradictory for God to allow adultery and at the same time allows resurrection. Since, the idea of resurrection contradicts the Ten Commandments. Therefore, there is no resurrection.

Of course the Sadducees were wrong because God is not a God of the dead (Luke 20:38). If God were a God of the dead, what's the point of believing in such an impotent God? You believe in Him but He cannot give you life. He cannot guarantee you life. Since our God is a God of the living, He deserves our belief and adoration.

Since there is resurrection and there is life after death, we must lead this present life on earth carefully. There are consequences of whatever action we take. The consequences will bring judgment back on us. Most of us are ordinary people. It is extremely rare for us to commit mortal sins. Therefore, we should pay attention to our words and deeds and be careful not to damage our relationship with people. After resurrection, there will be no more death. There is no need of a husband-wife relationship to give birth to children. We are all brothers and sisters. We will be leading an eternal life, a life forever. There will be no time limit. Today, I do not know you well. In heaven, we will have endless life to know each other. Just imagine, there are many interesting people out there for you to befriend. Therefore, do good in order to gain a place in heaven. Otherwise, you may not be able to live with those people you want to meet. Be kind to each other. You don't want to live forever with someone you dislike but out of God's mercy, she also gains a place in heaven like you. You cannot argue with God who can go to heaven with you, can you? Be merciful to people in need, the poor, the sick, the refugees and the ignorant. They may not be able to repay you in this life. In heaven, you will have many people grateful to you.

Brethren, this month of November is a good opportunity to practise mercy, especially to those who cannot help themselves. I am talking about all the souls in the Purgatory. Promise me. Say five mysteries of rosary for these miserable souls in purgatory every day.
God bless.

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  常年期第三十二主日（丙年）
主題：死後的生命

世上有兩類人，第一類人富前瞻性，他們相信人死後以某種生命繼續存在。倘若於今世沉冤受屈，來世正義必得伸張。因此，他們持守道德生活，願意耐心地忍受磨難，相信末日審判時，天主會賞善罰惡。第二類人多是無知者或者坐擁權貴者，他們享受目前的快活，無視身後之事。有權有錢的人通常鼓吹別人信神，並說權勢財帛是神的賞賜，其實是借助神明，為他們的權勢財富辯護。可是，他們並不喜歡末日審判的觀念，因為他們的財富多是來於不義。所以他們不歡迎復活。

今天福音中讀到的撒杜塞人是耶路撒冷聖殿的司祭所組成的政治黨派。他們有錢有權，而且不相信有復活。在他們心底深處，害怕死後天主的審判。他們的財富，多是不義之財。例如，為了籌募聖殿的維修費用，司祭向商人索取金錢，容許他們在聖殿範圍擺賣祭祀的牛羊。而最賺錢的貨幣找換，當然是獻金高者得之。這說明了為甚麼耶穌榮進耶路撒冷後，憤怒地驅趕商人，清理聖殿。

撒杜塞人是高智商的人，他們用一個假設的案例，挑戰耶穌，推翻復活審判的概念。他們運用梅瑟的「為兄立嗣」法律，證明復活會產生矛盾。天主是不能自相矛盾的，所以沒有復活。他們是怎樣證明的呢？
梅瑟的「為兄立嗣」法律，要求無後的亡者的兄弟，娶亡者的妻子，為兄弟生子，繼後香燈。當七個兄弟和那婦人在生之時，婦人在任何時刻，祗有一個丈夫。但復活後，婦人將同時是七個男人的妻子。但從天主而來的十誡禁止通姦，有復活的話，婦便犯了通姦之罪。倘若天主容許復活，便出現通姦的情況，天主豈能自相矛盾呢？所以沒有復活。

當然撒杜塞人是錯的，因為天主不是死人的天主（路20:38）。倘若天主祗是死人的天主，你相信祂，但祂不能給你生命，不能保證你的生命，這樣無能的天主，不信也罷！但我們的天主卻是活人的天主，祂值得我們相信和敬拜。

既然死後有復活，有永生，今世我們必須謹慎生活了。所有的行為都有後果，這些後果將來會審判我們。我們祗不過是普通人，很少犯下大罪。因此我們反而要謹慎自己的言行，不要傷害我們與人的關係。復活後再沒有死亡，因此不再需要生兒育女的夫妻關係了，到時大家都是兄弟姊妹。我們會享受永生，再沒有時間的限制了。今天我並不熟識大家，在天堂上，我們有用不盡的時間深入了解對方。試想想，那裡有很多我們希望結交的有趣的人。因此，多行善事去爭取天堂的一席位吧，否則，你未必能夠與你渴望相聚的人一起了！對人和善吧，你總不想與一個你不喜歡，但天主卻出於慈悲收留她的人，在天堂上永遠與你一起嘛！你能否定天主的決定嗎？對有需要的人慈悲吧，對那些貧窮、患病、流離失所及無知的人慈悲吧。他們在今世未必能報答你，在天上，有很多人會感激你。

各位兄弟姊妹，十一月是實踐慈悲的好機會，特別是為那些不能幫助自己的人，我是指煉獄裡的靈魂。答應我，每天為煉獄中可憐的靈魂唸一串玫瑰經吧。
天主保祐。

要付出努力方能得救 We need to work hard to earn salvation

常年期第三十一主日（丙年）
主題：要付出努力方能得救

在眾多的福音人物之中，匝凱給我很好的親切感。固然，我並沒有他的財富，沒有他的賺錢能力和他的領導才幹。但彼此都是「身材短小」（路19:3），而且對他那份鍥而不捨的態度，很有共鳴，可謂惺惺相惜。我佩服他的，還是那份慷慨疏財的氣概。

在耶穌時代，做稅吏不是一份受尊重的職業。羅馬政府是你的老闆，做稅吏的你要向同胞收稅，然後上繳中央。猶太人比香港的所謂「熱心公民」還要熱血，有些激進的更不惜使用暴力和暗殺，驅逐你的老闆。所以在你的老闆眼中，他們是「恐怖份子」。為了宣示主權，保障你的人身安全和保証稅收，你的老闆會派駐一些軍隊來保護你。因此你除了收稅外，還要供養老闆派來「保護」你的羅馬兵。在這種情形之下，你按規定徵收得來的稅款，又如何應付這麼龐大的支出呢？你惟有巧立名目，收取額外的稅收。你固然賺到很多的錢，但結果是民怨沸騰，增加了你的同胞對你的老闆的憎恨。在群眾的心目中，你是替外族統治同胞的漢奸走狗，是一個大罪人。耶穌時代的社會形態，與香港的情況相比，不遑多讓。

福音告訴我們，匝凱是個富有的人。看他後來能在餘下的一半財產中，竟然還可以向被他欺騙過的人賠償四倍，可以看到他賺錢的能力相當高。這樣的一個人，為甚麼會對耶穌發生興趣呢？【路加福音】並沒有交待，這樣就留下很大的想像空間給我們了。匝凱留意這位來自加里肋亞的木匠師傅的舉動，因為他會影響到你的生意。匝凱沒有機會聽過耶穌的言論和教訓，祗聽過他的行徑和神蹟，知道他樂意與罪人來往。這正是匝凱所需要的，當世人唾棄他的時候，耶穌可能會接受他。所以，如果能夠邀請耶穌到自己家中一聚，可以說是吐氣揚眉了。
一大群人擁著耶穌來，朝著耶路撒冷的方向走，他們的來意，大家心裡有數。倘若耶穌願意接受他的贊助，他日耶穌趕走了羅馬人之後，相信不會忘記他今天的奉獻。在懂得做生意的匝凱心中，買這份保險是必須的。以上是從俗世的眼光分析匝凱，是很容易的，但並不是路加寫作的原意。

路加的寫作特色，不但報導耶穌的故事，而且在字裡行間，提供很大的空間，幫助讀者默想自己與耶穌的關係。例如，在報導耶穌的誕生故事，他引領大家注意到連凱撒的決定，也在幫助應驗救世主在白冷出生的預言；作為救世主，耶穌的出生不為人所知，不為人所歡迎，這是值得作為門徒的我們，細心反省的。在「蕩子比喻」中，代表自以為是的長子，最後有沒有接受父親的邀請，進入天國，一起分享罪人悔改的喜樂，路加是留白的，讓每一個讀者，每一個信徒自己作出抉擇。

回到匝凱的故事。匝凱這樣努力攀上了一顆野桑樹上，福音說是為了「要看看耶穌」（19:4）。匝凱想看甚麼呢？當然是耶穌的真面目。看到了又如何呢？
路加的讀者，包括我們，全都是第二代以上的門徒，從來沒有親眼見過耶穌。我們祗能借助畫家的想像力，加上我們的虔誠，看到耶穌的面貎。請問，各位有沒有看過一幅以居高臨下的角度所描繪的耶穌呢？今天的福音，就是邀請大家以這樣的一個角度看耶穌，一個耶穌要「抬頭對你說話」（19:5）的角度。請大家回到家裡，默想這段故事，嘗試聽聽耶穌抬頭對你所說的話，「我今天必須住在你家中…今天救恩臨到了這一家。」（19:5, 9）

各位，匝凱是怎樣得到這樣不堪當的恩典和榮譽呢？是他努力攀上野桑樹的成果。所以，我們是不得不付出努力去爭取救恩的。天主為我們預備了很豐富的恩寵，倘若我們懶得去尋寶，懶得去發掘，又怎能得到天主的恩寵呢？
我們該怎樣努力呢？我主張首先做好「基本功」，就是培養讀經、祈禱和領聖事的習慣。聖經記載了天主的說話，記載了人回應天主的經驗。我們希望知道天主的旨意，並按天主的旨意行事。怎樣做纔能知道天主的旨意呢？莫非要跑上高山，或者在聖堂裡「閉關」，等待天主向你發言嗎？與其守株待兔，不如翻開聖經，細味天主寫給我們的書信吧！在那裡我們一定可以找到所需要的啟示！

不過，終日躲在聖堂祈禱、讀經和領聖事，也是無益的。且看耶穌對匝凱說甚麼？耶穌說：「匝凱！你快下來。」（19:5）在教會內，今天流行一個口頭禪，就是「堅離地」，用來諷刺神職人員的主日講道或者日常的處事態度，滿口高超的道理，但沒有照顧現實生活的需要。所以，耶穌提醒我們，攀上野桑樹之後，也要下來，纔能回家享受與主一起的喜樂。所以，飽讀聖經，了解天國之餘，也要返回現實世界，關心時事；虔誠唸經，為生者死者祈禱之餘，亦要進入社區，探訪獨居長者和為受工傷的工友清潔家居；勤領聖體、辦告解之餘，亦應主動向身邊的人，把你領受了的耶穌介紹給他們，與他們分享蒙恩得救的喜樂。

各位兄弟姊妹，匝凱的故事，有很豐富的默想素材。請大家在未來的一個星期，每天都撥出十分鐘，默想箇中的情節，邀請耶穌進入你們的內心，享受主賜的救恩。
天主保祐！

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Thirty First Ordinary Sunday (Year C)
Theme: We need to work hard to earn salvation

Among the gospel characters, I feel identified with Zacchaeus. Of course, I am not as rich and don't have his earning power and leadership. But both of us are "small of stature" (Luke 19:3) and persevere in the pursuit of ideals. Moreover, I admire him of his generosity in letting go of his wealth.

During Jesus' time, a tax-collector was not a respectable profession. The Roman Empire was your boss. Your job was to collect tax from your own people and handed it to the Central Government. Jews were even more hot-blooded than the "Civic Passion" in Hong Kong. Some extremists even resorted to violence and assassination to drive out your boss. In the eyes of your boss, they were terrorists. In order to assert sovereignty, to protect your safety and to guarantee tax income, your boss would station a garrison to 'protect' you. Thus, besides handing over the required tax, you needed to feed the Roman soldiers whom your boss sent to protect you. Under such a situation, how could you handle such a huge expenditure if you collected tax according to the book? You had to think up new ways to collect tax. Of course, you made money but at the same time, you increased the resentment of the people against the Romans. In the eyes of your own people, you were the running dog of the oppressors, a public sinner. The social situation in Jesus' time was not much different from that of Hong Kong today.

The gospel tells us that Zacchaeus was a rich man. See how after setting aside half of his goods for the poor, he would restore fourfold to whomsoever he had defrauded. His earning power must have been good. Why was such a man interested in Jesus? The gospel did not explain why. This leaves us a lot of room for imagination. Zacchaeus paid attention to the movement of this Galilean carpenter preacher because he would affect his business. Zacchaeus had not heard of Jesus' words or teachings, only his behaviours and miracles and knew that Jesus was willing to accept sinners. This was what he needed. When the whole world condemned him, Jesus might accept him. Thus, if he was able to invite Jesus home, he would walk tall among those who despised him.

Jesus was moving to Jerusalem thronged by a huge following. His intention was clear. If Jesus was willing to receive his sponsorship and after the Romans were driven out, he betted that Jesus would remember his offer today. In the mind of 'Zacchaeus, the businessman', this insurance was not optional. Beware of this secular way of interpretation. This was not what Luke had in mind.

Luke does not simply report the Jesus story. Between the lines, he provides a lot of space to help readers meditate their relation with Jesus. For example, in the nativity narrative, he draws our attention to the fact that even Caesar's decision helped the prophecy of the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem. As his followers, we should ponder why Jesus' birth was known by nobody and why his birth was not welcomed. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, whether the elder son, who represents the self-righteous, accepted the Father's invitation to enter the Kingdom of Heaven to share the joy of sinners' repentance is left open. It is up for the readers to decide.

Let us return to Zacchaeus' story. The gospel tells us that Zacchaeus climbed up a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus (19:4). What did he want to see? Of course he wanted to see the face of Jesus. What then?
Luke's readers, including us, are second or latter generation disciples. We have never seen Jesus with our own eyes. We rely on the imagination of artists, together with our own piety to see the face of Jesus. Have you ever seen a picture of Jesus from an angle of depression? The passage today invites us to see Jesus from this angle, a Jesus who "looked up and said to you" (19:5) When you go home, meditate on this passage and try to hear Jesus looking up saying "for I must stay at your house today … Today, salvation has come to this house." (19:5, 9)

Brethren, how did Zacchaeus obtain these undeserved grace and honour? It was because he strove to climb up the sycamore tree. Thus, we cannot but strive to obtain salvation. God has prepared abundant grace for us. If we are too lazy to explore and to excavate, how can we obtain God's grace?
Then, what should we do in order to be saved? I always stress the fundamentals. That is, we should build up good habits of scripture studies, prayers and receiving sacraments. We can find God's words in the scripture and the stories of how people have responded to God. We want to know God's will and follow. How do we know God's will? Shall we climb to the top of mountains, or lock ourselves up inside the monastery to wait for God to speak out? Rather than waiting passively for God's revelation, why don't we open the Bible to read the letters written to us by God? There we will definitely find the revelation we need.

But let me tell you. It is not good to stay inside the Church all the day to pray, to study scriptures and to receive sacraments. Let's take a look at what Jesus said to Zacchaeus. Jesus said, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down." (19:5) Today, it is a cliché to say "Kennedy" (in Chinese, it sounds like "insistently leaving the ground") in the Church as a criticism of clergy whose homilies and attitude to life are not down-to-earth enough. They preach high-sounding theology without touching on the necessities of daily life. Therefore, Jesus reminds us that we must come down from the sycamore tree. Otherwise, we cannot return home to share the joy with the Lord. Thus, as we study the scriptures and know a lot about the Kingdom of Heaven, we need to come back to our daily life and pay attention to current affairs. As we piously say prayers for the living and the dead, we should go into our community to visit senior citizens who live alone, or help those who suffer from occupational injuries clean up their houses. As we piously receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and Reconciliation, we should tell our neighbour the Jesus you have just received and share with them the joy of salvation.

Brethren, the story of Zacchaeus is full of meditational food. For the coming week, let us spend 10 minutes a day to meditate the details. Invite Jesus into our heart and enjoy the salvation granted by the Lord.
God bless.

基督徒已被祝聖 Christians are consecrated

傳教節（丙年）
主題：基督徒已被祝聖

教會的禮儀年，每年主力讀一部對觀福音，加深對救主耶穌基督的認識。三年一個循環，今年的主力是路加福音，從耶穌基督的言行，認識天父的慈悲。不過，教會沒有忽略第四部福音，雖然它的故事性不強，讀來比較吃力；即使在說故事的時候，神學反省比較重；但作為成熟的基督徒，不能不涉獵若望福音。

今天的福音，取材自耶穌在最後晚餐時的結束祈禱，學者一般稱之為「大司祭的祈禱」。若望福音的第十三章至第十七章，記載了耶穌在最後晚餐所做的事和所作的教訓，包括為門徒洗腳，勸勉他們要彼此洗腳，履行彼此相愛的新誡命。耶穌並許諾派遣聖神，在他離開為門徒預備地方之後，安慰和教導他們一切。在這時，耶穌啟示了自己與門徒的親密關係：耶穌是葡萄樹，門徒是枝條。與主結合的，能結長存的、永生的果實；那些離開了主的，他們的靈性生命會逐漸凋謝。門徒在世上，受苦在所難免，但耶穌基督許諾末日時祂重臨時，我們將會得到喜樂。教訓完門徒之後，耶穌以「大司祭的祈禱」，結束最後晚餐，起程到革責瑪尼園，開始他的受難。

「大司祭的祈禱」籠統地分成三部份，包括耶穌為自己祈禱、為門徒祈禱和最後為教會祈禱。今天所讀的福音，就是為門徒和為教會祈禱的部份片斷。這裡有一個神學上的概念，需要澄清。就是「祝聖」。「祝聖」是甚麼意思呢？

我想從根源開始考慮，就讓我先解釋耶穌所說：「我為他們祝聖我自己。」（若17:19）這個「祝聖」有甚麼意思呢？耶穌身為天主子，已經絕對神聖了，又何需「祝聖」呢？所以，耶穌在這裡所說的「祝聖」，與第17節的不同。
其實，古往今來，所有的宗教活動，都是人與神的交往。人為了各種原因，例如祈福、謝恩、討好、甚至贖罪，都會奉獻一些禮物給他們所信仰的神。神是高高在上的，送禮又豈能苟且。所以，一定要送上一些相稱的、恰當的、神聖的禮物。但怎樣送到神的手裡，送到另一個世界呢？所以，人類通常把禮物宰殺了，然後燒了它，把它送入另一個世界。我們稱這份禮物為「犧牲」。因此，耶穌說祝聖祂自己的時候，祂在宣佈，十字架就是祭台，祂自己就是拯救世界的贖罪犧牲，而且，祂同時也是奉獻犧牲的大司祭。其實耶穌在說：「我為他們犧牲我自己。」也是藉著這份犧牲，我們被祝聖了。

那麼，我們又怎樣被祝聖呢？從字面的意思看，「祝聖」就是把一件本來並不怎樣神聖的事物，變成神聖。例如：在玫瑰月，妳到聖物部買一串玫瑰念珠。念珠可能是塑膠的、水晶的，甚至珍珠寶石造的。但始終不是怎樣神聖的。然後找神父或者執事，「祝聖」把串念珠，送給朋友，或者留給自己唸玫瑰經用。又例如自來水，本來並不特別神聖的。在復活前夕，神父唸一些經文，祝聖洗禮池中的自來水，水成了神聖的，可以為候洗者洗禮，洗去原罪和本罪；可以用來聖屋、在棺木上或者其他場合灑水，以獲得天主的恩寵和祝福。麵餅並不特別神聖，在彌撒中祝聖之後，成為了聖體聖事，教友分領神糧，滋養靈性的生命。每一個人都可以自由地選擇做任何的工作，但有些人，在人群中被選拔出來，經過祝聖之後，一生祗事奉天主，服務祭台和聖言，成為了神職人員。在這裡，被祝聖了的人和事件，從一般的日常用途，變成了祗有服事天主的特殊用途。
例如水本來可以用來洗衣服，煮飯等。但祝聖了的水，就祗有特殊的宗教用途。可以用祝聖了的水洗衣服、洗地、洗車甚至煮飯嗎？你們覺得可以嗎？一串祝聖了的唸珠，可否掛在頸項上作飾物嗎？祝聖了的聖體，可以用來當作藝術品般展覽嗎？神父可以和女人同居嗎？這樣做就可能構成「褻瀆神聖」了。 從以上的舉例可以看到，「祝聖」的第二個意義，是指藉耶穌基督的救贖，天主從世人之中選拔了一些人出來，經洗禮所祝聖，一生分擔耶穌基督的君王、先知和司祭的職務，事奉天主，成聖自己，聖化他人，轉化世界。

我們蒙召成聖的人，成為一個得救的團體，就是教會。這個團體是神聖的，並不是因為蒙召的人已變成了無可指責的聖人，而是他們是朝著成聖的道路邁進。而這個由耶穌基督所建立的團體，有幫助成員成聖的工具，就是禮儀和聖事。所以主日彌撒唸信經的時候，我們宣認「唯一、至聖、至公、從宗徒傳下來的教會」。為了我們的益處，耶穌基督沒有獨攬一切工作，祂願意我們分擔這份聖化他人，轉化世界的使命。所以，天主祝聖我們，賜予我們恩寵，履行這份轉化世界的使命。倘若我們不傳福音，教會是沒有存在價值的。

今天是傳教節，讓我們領受耶穌基督的聖體聖血之後，既然因聖事已被聖化，就帶著耶穌基督返回自己生活的社區，以言以行，為福音作見証，履行這份聖化他人，轉化世界的使命。
天主保祐！

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  Mission Sunday (Year C)
Theme: Christians are consecrated

In each liturgical year, we focus on one of the three Synoptic Gospels to know more about Jesus Christ. This year, we focus on Luke. From the words and deeds of Jesus Christ, we know the mercy of the Father. However, the Church does not ignore the fourth gospel. Although its readability is not high because it carries more theological reflections than story-telling, a mature Christian cannot brush the Gospel of John aside.

The gospel reading today is taken from the closing prayer of the Last Supper which scholars usually call "The HighPriestly Prayer" of Jesus. What Jesus did and said during the Last Supper were put down in John 13-17, including washing of the disciples' feet, commanding them to wash each other's feet, to observe the new commandment of loving each other. Jesus further promised to send them the Holy Spirit to console and teach them all things when he left them to prepare rooms for them. He revealed his intimate relationship with them: He is the true vine and they the branches. Whoever abides in the Lord will bear eternal fruits. Whoever leaves him, their spiritual life will gradually wither. It is inevitable for the disciples to suffer persecution but Jesus Christ promised them to return on the Last Day. Then they will be happy. After teaching his disciples, Jesus finished the Last Supper with this "HighPriestly Prayer". After that, Jesus went to Gethsemane to begin his Passion.

The HighPriestly Prayer can be roughly divided into three parts, including Jesus praying for himself, for his disciples and lastly for the Church. The gospel passage we read today is an excerpt from the prayer for the disciples and the Church. A theological terms needs clarification: consecration. What does "consecrate" mean?

I want to start from the root. Let me explain what Jesus says, "And for their sake I consecrate myself." (John 17:19) What does this "consecrate" mean? Jesus is the Son of God and is absolutely holy. Why needs he consecrate himself? Therefore, the "consecrate" here must be different from that found in verse 17.
In fact, throughout the ages and locations all religious activities are interactions between men and their deities. For various reasons such as petition, thanksgiving, flattery and even atonement, men would offer up gifts to the deities they believed. Deities are transcending. Offerings had to be exact. They must be compatible, appropriate and sacred. But how could you deliver your offerings to deities, to another realm? Therefore, men usually slaughtered the offerings and burnt them into another world. We call this offering "sacrifice". Thus, when Jesus said that he consecrated himself for our sake, he declared that the cross was the altar. He himself was the sacrifice which redeemed and saved the world. At the same time, he was also the High Priest that offered up the sacrifice. Jesus was indeed saying, "For their sake, I sacrifice myself." With this sacrifice, we are consecrated.

How are we consecrated? Literally, to consecrate is to make some ordinary things sacred. For example, in this month of the Rosary, you buy a rosary over the counter. The beads can be made of plastic, crystal or even gemstones. The rosary is not yet holy. Then you ask a clergy to bless the rosary and give it to your friend or you keep it for yourself to say the Rosary. And for example, tap water. It is very ordinary. On Easter Eve, the priest says a prayer over the water in the baptistery. The water becomes sacred and is used in baptism to wash away the Original Sin and actual sins, to bless the house, the coffin or any other occasions in order to obtain God's blessing and grace. Bread is not sacred. After the consecration in Mass, it becomes the Holy Communion, the food that nourishes our spiritual life. Everybody is free to choose whatever career he desires but some people are elected from the crowd. After consecration, they dedicate their whole life to serve God, to serve the altar and the Scripture. They become clergy. Here after whatever ordinary is consecrated, it takes up the special purpose to serve God alone.
We use ordinary water to wash clothes and to cook rice etc. After consecration, the water serves religious purposes only. Can we wash clothes or cars, clean the floor or cook the rice etc. with holy water? Do you think it is permissible? Can we wear a consecrated rosary as an ornament? Can we use Holy Communion as exhibits? Can priests cohabit with women? These actions can probably be blasphemous. These examples above illustrate the second meaning of "consecrate". It means with the salvation of Jesus Christ, God chooses the elected from the world, consecrates them through baptism to share the triple ministry of king, prophet and priest of Jesus Christ. They serve God, sanctify themselves, sanctify others and to transform the world.

We are called to become saints. We form a community of the redeemed --- the Church. This community is holy not because her members are blameless saints but that they are moving towards sainthood. Moreover, this community which was established by Jesus Christ has the tools to help her members become sanctified. The tools are liturgies and sacraments. Therefore, we declare that "the Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic" when we recite the Creed in Mass. For our sake, Jesus does not monopolize the project. He wishes us to share his mission to sanctify others and to transform the world. Thus, God consecrates us and gives us grace to fulfil this mission to transform the world. If we do not preach the gospel, the existence of the Church has no value.

Today is Mission Sunday. After we receive the Holy Communion, we are sanctified by this sacrament. Let us bring Jesus Christ into the community where we live. Bear witness to the gospel. Discharge our mission to sanctify others and to transform the world.
God bless.