為甚麼耶穌基督啟示自己給我們 Why Does Jesus Christ Reveal Himself to Us

復活期第六主日，丙年
主題：為甚麼耶穌基督啟示自己給我們

按照香港現時的法例，倘若我們獨留不足16歲的兒童或少年人在家，我們可能會被檢控虐待兒童罪！但香港社會的現況，很多父母需要外出工作，纔能維持到一家的生活水平。平日孩子們上學，在學校有老師看管，但假期又怎麼辦呢？請祖父母到家看管？找鄰居照顧？尋求社區中心的暫託服務可以嗎？當然，要多謝從菲律賓、印尼、泰國甚至斯里蘭卡請來的外佣，母親纔可以出外工作，多賺金錢以維持生活水平！但照顧兒童的問題，並沒有解決，祇是把問題從香港轉嫁到菲律賓、印尼和泰國而已！而且，不是一兩天暫託的問題，而是幾年合約，拋夫棄子的問題，其嚴重性，可想而知！這些外佣，必須妥當解決照顧家中兒童的問題，否則縱然在香港賺錢比菲律賓多，但最後可能換來婚姻破裂，兒女誤入歧途，真是得不償失！

耶穌基督在最後晚餐時所面對的，是更嚴重的問題。固然，宗徒們已經是成年人，不是16歲以下的少年，但他們和耶穌基督一起生活，祇不過三年時間，在靈性上，可以說是幼稚的三歲孩童。現在耶穌基督要離開他們，去受難、復活，然後升天，要到末日纔回來審判生者死者。這是相當長的一段時間，耶穌基督有甚麼辦法，照顧這些門徒，避免出現「樹倒猢猻散」的後果呢？關鍵在於與他們建立一份超性的愛德，把他們彼此聯繫，並與自己保持聯繫！

讓我們看看今天的福音片段的上文罷。耶穌說：「接受我的命令而遵守的，便是愛我的人；誰愛我，我父也必愛他，我也要愛他，並將我自己顯示給他。」猶達斯─不是那個依斯加略人─遂問他說：『主，究竟為了甚麼祢要將祢自己顯示給我們，而不顯示給世界呢？』」（若14:21-22）
首先，這個猶達斯即是馬爾谷福音宗徒名單裡的達陡（谷3:18），或者路加福音宗徒名單裡雅各伯的兄弟猶達（路:16），而不是出賣耶穌的加略人猶達斯。
其次，達陡所提出的問題，是非常重要的，是後世所有基督徒需要不斷提醒自己的一件事。生活在俗世中的基督徒，如何保持基督徒的身份，不會被世俗所同化、所吞噬呢？世俗的人標榜「愛，大愛，平權的愛」，與基督徒所標榜的「彼此相愛」有甚麼分別呢？大眾傳媒所樂於報導的，和所投資製作的節目中所謂的愛，通常是可愛的男神、女神之間的互相追求，強調的是一份溫馨或者激情的感覺。那麼，不可愛的人物呢？試問掃地的亞嬸，洗廁所的外判清潔女工，我們關懷愛護她們嗎？倘若愛祇有激情的感覺，祇有慾望的滿足或者利益的追求，而沒有彼此的尊重和對後代子孫的責任，難怪越來越多國家把同性婚姻合法化了！

耶穌基督的教訓是絕對不一樣的。
首先，「彼此相愛」是耶穌基督在最後晚餐時所頒布的新誡命（若13:34a），因為是誡命，所以基督徒別無選擇，祇有服從。又因為是誡命，是應該做的，所以不能期望得到任何報酬。即是說，附帶任何條件的愛，不是基督徒的愛。例如：如果你考試取得90分，爸爸送部PS4給你；如果你乖，帶你去迪士尼樂園；如果妳減30磅，妳的男朋友會好愛妳！這些「如果」，這些有條件的，都不是基督徒的愛。

其次，耶穌基督的要求是高的，基督徒彼此相愛要好像耶穌基督愛了我們一樣。（13:34b）耶穌基督對我們的愛，在於完全的自我交付和犧牲，使我們獲得豐盛的生命。在最後晚餐，祂建立聖體聖事滋養我們的靈魂；祂死在十字架上為我們償還罪債，並賜給我們自己的母親聖母瑪利亞，作為教會的母親，照顧我們；升天後，祂派遣聖神協助教會應付世途的艱險。可見耶穌基督的愛，是非常全面的。

1. 主說：「我是善牧，我認識我的羊，我的羊也認識我。」（10:14）祂認識人類的軟弱，了解我們的需要，祂對我們的所作所為，完全是為了我們的益處。因此，基督徒的愛，也要建基於認識對方，而不是單憑感覺。
2. 祂對人類的愛，正如上面所說，是毫無保留的完全交付。所以，基督徒的愛，要好像基督為祂的羊群，好像母親對子女，照顧不能自理的親人者的，無償的愛一樣，毫無保留地，為對方的益處而愛到痛，而並不是為了上天堂，所以去愛。
3. 祂尊重我們的自由，絕對不會強迫我們相信祂。這正回答了達陡所提出的問題，為甚麼耶穌基督祇將自己顯示給他們，而不顯示給整個世界。因為那些願意接受和遵守祂愛的命令的人，那些願意不求己益，不強加自己意願在對方身上的人，纔能看見耶穌基督。那些眼中祇有自己，祇有利益，祇有滿足自己慾望的人，即使耶穌基督顯現在他們面前的窮人、無家可歸的人、病人、在囚人仕（瑪25:35-36），他們又怎能看到耶穌基督呢？
4. 亦惟有愛慕渴望耶穌基督，遵守祂所頒布的彼此相愛的新誡命的人，纔能保存基督徒的身份，不致與世俗同流合污。因為耶穌說：「誰愛我，必遵守我的話，我父也必愛他，我們要到祂那裡去，並要在祂那裡作我們的住所。」（若14:23）耶穌基督給我們保證，天上纔是我們真正的歸宿。

天主保祐。

2016年講道

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Sixth Easter Sunday, Year C
Theme: Why Does Jesus Christ Reveal Himself to Us

According to the Ordinances in Hong Kong, if we leave minors under 16 unattended at home, we would be charged with ill-treatment of children. But in the present situation of Hong Kong, many parents have to work together in order to sustain a certain level of living standard. During ordinary days, children are taken care of in schools. But what about holidays? Ask the grandparents to come to watch over them? Ask neighbours to look after them? Or seek respite care service for children from community centres? Of course, we should thank domestic helpers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and even Sri Lanka for releasing mothers to work, making more money to maintain a certain living standard! But the problem of child care is not solved. It is only transferred from Hong Kong to the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand! Moreover, it is not a problem of a few days' respite care but the problem of contractual absence, abandoning husbands and children for a couple of years. The severity of problem cannot be ignored. If those domestic helpers fail to arrange things properly, even though they earn more money in Hong Kong than at home, their marriages might be neutralized and their children become delinquent. Is it worthwhile?

During the Last Supper, Jesus Christ had to deal with a graver problem. Of course, the disciples were adults, not under 16 minors. But they had lived with Jesus for only three years. Spiritually, they were still naïve kids. Now Jesus had to leave them behind, himself to be crucified, to come back to life and then to ascend to heavens. He shall come back only at the end of the world. This is going to be a long time. What should Jesus Christ do to take care of those disciples, to prevent them from dispersal in his long absence? The key is to build up a supernatural charity to join them together and to maintain a link with them!

Let us take a look at the context of the gospel passage today. Jesus says, "Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him." Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, "Master, what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?" (John 14:21-22)
First of all, this Judas is the Thaddeus of Mark's Apostles' list (Mark 3:18) or Judas the son of James (Luke 6:16) and not the traitor, Judas from Kariot.
Secondly, the question Thaddeus raised is of extreme importance. All Christians in subsequent generations have to keep asking themselves this question. How do Christians living in a secular world keep their identity without being assimilated or swallowed up by the world? Secular people uphold "love, universal love and love of equal rights". How does it square with the "loving each other" which Christians uphold? The kind of love which mass media enjoy reporting and investing in programmes, is usually the dating of beautiful ladies and handsome men. They focus on the feelings and passion. Then what about unlovable people? Do you love and care about the aged janitor who sweeps the ground or the outsourced janitor who cleans the toilets? If love is only a passion, a satisfaction of desires and the pursuit of interests without mutual respect and a responsibility to the future generations, no wonder more and more countries are legalizing same-sex marriages!

The command of Jesus Christ is totally different.
First of all, "loving each other" is a new commandment Jesus Christ gave in the Last Supper (John 13:34a). Since it is a commandment, Christians have no choice but to obey. And since it is a commandment, we should do it without expecting any reward. That is to say, Christian love is not conditional. For example, if you score 90 marks in tests, daddy will buy you a PS4; if you are good, mother will bring you to Disneyland; if you shed 30 lb., your boyfriend will love you! With these if's, these conditions, it cannot be Christian love.

Secondly, the demand of Jesus Christ is heavy. Christians should love one another just as Christ has loved us (13:34b). Christ's love for us is a total self-giving and sacrifice in order to give us abundant life. During the Last Supper, he established the Sacrament of Holy Communion to nourish our souls; he died on the cross to repay our debts and he gave his mother, the BVM to be the Mother of the Church to look after us; after the Ascension, he sent the Holy Spirit to help the Church weather through worldly adversities. His love for us is comprehensive.

1. He says, "I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me." (10:14) He knows the weaknesses of humanity. He understands our needs. All that he does is for our benefits. Thus, Christian love is based on knowing the other party, not on feelings.
2. As it was mentioned above, his love for men is an unreserved total sacrifice. Thus, Christian love is like his love for his flock, like mothers to children and carers of loved ones who cannot take care of themselves. It is gratuitous and unreserved for the good of the others. It is to love until it hurts, not for going to heaven.
3. He respects our freedom and never forces us to believe in him. This answers the question Jude raised why he revealed himself to us and not to the whole world. It is because only those who are willing to receive and observe his commandment of love, those who do not seek self-interests, who do not impose their personal wishes upon the others, are able to see Jesus Christ. For those in whose eyes there are only themselves, only advantages, only gratification of desires, even if Jesus appears to them among the poor, the homeless, the sick and the imprisoned (Matthew 25:35-36), how could they see him?
4. Lastly, only those who desire Jesus Christ, observe the commandment of loving each other are able to keep the Christian identity and resist following the secular world. Jesus says, "Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him." (John 14:23) Jesus Christ guarantees us that heaven is our true home.

God bless!

How Jesus Has Loved Us 耶穌怎樣愛了我們

Fifth Easter Sunday, Year C
Theme: How Jesus Has Loved Us

Suppose you are going away for a short trip overseas. What would you do since you are leaving your beloved ones behind for a couple of days? You would probably leave behind enough money to ensure that their daily needs would be met. If your children are very young, perhaps you would send them to your close relatives to stay there for a couple of days. In this way, your kids might play with their cousins. If your kids are old enough to take care of themselves at home, perhaps you would tell your kids to report to some uncles or aunts in the village regularly instead. These close relatives, uncles and aunts take up the roles of foster parents.

What if you are going away for a couple of years? I'm sure the arrangements would be very different. Who could come over to take up your role, to take your place for a couple of years? But you need to. So, perhaps you would ask somebody close, somebody whom you trust, to come over to take care of them during your absence. You wouldn't have left behind one whole sum of money to last for several years. A better arrangement would be remitting money home regularly from overseas instead. Meanwhile, your kids would go through stages of development, perhaps finishing their college and dating their girl friends etc. Now, how could you ensure that your kids would behave themselves well during your absence? The best way is to leave behind something to show that no matter what happens, you still love them. Now suppose you are going away, not just for a few years, but for centuries and even millenia?

Exactly. This is the problem which Jesus has to handle when He has accomplished His redemptive mission. He could not stay behind because God respects our freedom. God doesn't want to force us to believe in Him. We have a choice to believe in Jesus or to reject Jesus. Moreover, Jesus has to take care of other business. According to the gospel of John, He told the disciples during the Last Supper that He returned to the Father to prepare room for them (John 14:2). Therefore Jesus had to leave His disciples behind not for a couple of weeks, or months or years but millenia. Like all of you, Jesus has to do something to take care of the well-being of His beloved ones, all of us. So, what has Jesus done for us?

First of all, Jesus Christ chose Simon Peter to be the Rock upon which He would build His Church. During His absence the Church takes up the role of a foster mother, just like the uncle or aunt mentioned above. Like any foster mother who can never replace the genuine mother, the Church which is not perfect, cannot totally replace Jesus Christ. But no matter how imperfect the Church is, Jesus Christ trusts in the Church to take care of us, His beloved ones. So, don't despise the Church even when she is infested with scandals. Remember, Jesus Christ trusts her.

On the other hand, the Church protects the People of God entrusted into her hands. The Church stands firm on moral grounds and takes up the prophetic role of telling the world of God's truth. The Church teaches the dignity of human person. So, Catholics are pro-life. We say no to abortion and euthanasia. The Church advocates the protection of the common good. So, on one hand, the Church fight for human rights and freedom. For example, in view of the recent controversy over the proposed amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, the Apostolic Administrator, Cardinal John Tong appeals to all of us to pray for the personal saftety and liberty of the citizens. Without the protection of personal safety or liberty, our God given potentials may not be actualized. On the other hand, the Church also objects to excessive, disorderly indulgences on personal rights at the expense of the common good. So, Catholics oppose the passing of same-sex marriage ordinances.

Just as what I have mentioned above, in order to make sure that your kids behave well even when you are absent for a long time, you need to leave behind something to guarantee your love for them. The Church is what Jesus left behind as a guarantee of His love for all of us. In order to help us remember and understand His teachings, Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit (14:26) through the Church. Through the imposition of hands and anointment of oil, the Church gives the recipients the Holy Spirit in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and Anointment of the Sick. In particular, the sacrament of Holy Orders ordains different ministers of the Hierarchy. Through the hands of bishops, chrism is consecrated to anoint the sick, the catechumens and priests. Through the hands of priests and bishops, the Holy Spirit is invoked to consecrate unleavened bread into Holy Communion to nurture the souls of the faithful. This is like the mothers working overseas. They remit money home regularly. Similarly, Christ regularly invites people to answer the priestly vocation generously to feed and tend His sheep. (21:16-17)

Today, Jesus gives us a new commandment to love one another just as he has loved us (14:34). He has shown us how He has loved us by laying down His life on the cross to pay for the debts of our sins. He came back to life to give those who believe in him a new life which would eventually lead to eternal life. To feed our spiritual needs, He leaves behind His body and blood to nurture us. He sends the Holy Spirit to warm up our frozen hearts to love one another generously and to enlighten our mind to remember and understand His teachings etc. All in all, Jesus Christ teaches us the true meaning of love. Love is to do things for the good of the others even at the expense of our life. More concretely, we work hard to earn the livelihood for our family members. We share the house chores. We care about the physical and emotional health of our spouses and children. We teach our children God's truth. We relieve the sufferings of the needy in the community and we guide the ignorant etc.

Brethren, all these little things we do for the good of the others in our daily life is the LOVE which Jesus Christ has commanded us to share. When love is inspired and motivated by the Holy Spirit, it becomes powerful and is able to heal the wounds of the world and renew it. Since God is love (1 John 4:8). If we love one another, God remains in us (4:12). May the Holy Spirit work in and among us to heal our wounds and the wounds of the world. Amen.
God bless!

2016年講道

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復活期第五主日，丙年
主題：耶穌怎樣愛了我們

假如你要前往外地數天，要離開你的至親數天，你會怎樣安排呢？或許你要留下一筆金錢，足夠解決他們這幾天的所需。如果你的孩子年幼，你可能會送他們到近親家中幾天，有表弟妹作玩伴。如果他們可以照顧自己，你可能會吩咐他們，向長輩每日匯報。這些長輩便成了他們的監護人。

假如你要離開幾年呢？我相信安排上會完全不同了。有誰能擔任你未來數年的角色呢？但你不能不走。你惟有找一個可以信任的親人來照顧一切。在財務上，你當然不會留下一大筆金錢，一個更好的安排是定期從海外匯錢回家。與此同時，你的孩子會經歷幾個成長的階段，可能完成大學，甚至在談戀愛！那麼，有甚麼辦法保證你不在時，他們能循規蹈矩呢？最好的方法，是留下一些信物，讓他們知道，無論發生了甚麼事，你仍然愛他們。好了，倘若你要離開不是幾年，而是百年，千年呢？

對了！這就是耶穌基督完成了祂的救世任務後所要處理的問題。祂不能留在世上，因為天主尊重我們的自由。天主不想迫我們相信祂，我們可以選擇信耶穌或者拒絕耶穌。況且，耶穌還要處理其他事務。據若望福音記載，在最後晚餐時，耶穌告訴祂的門徒，要回天父家中為門徒預備地方（若14:2）。所以耶穌不得不離開，祂離開不是幾個星期，或者幾個月，幾年而是幾千年！與我們一樣，耶穌為門徒們的益處，必須作出安排。那麼，耶穌為我們做了甚麼呢？

首先，耶穌基督立了西滿伯多祿為教會的磐石。祂不在時，教會承擔起領養母親的角色，有如上述的監護人一樣。正如任何養娘也不能取代生娘一樣，不完美的教會，是不能取代耶穌基督的。但無論教會有多少缺陷，耶穌基督信任教會對我們的照顧。所以，不能因為教會受到醜聞的攻擊便離棄她。要記住！耶穌基督信任她！

另一方面，教會有責任保護天主所託付的子民。在倫理道德方面，教會要立場堅定，擔任先知的角色，向世人宣講天主的真理。教會訓導人性尊嚴。因此，天主教徒支持生命，反對墮胎及安樂死。教會訓導保障公益。因此，一方面教會爭取人權及自由。例如，對於近來因【逃犯條例】的修訂所產生的爭議，我們的宗座署理，湯漢樞機便呼籲教友，為市民的人身安全和自由，祈求上主的眷顧。倘若市民的人身安全和自由失去了保障，又如何發揮天賦的潛能呢？另一方面，教會反對損害公益的過份紊亂的人權濫用。因此，天主教反對同性婚姻合法化。

正如上面提到，為了使孩子們循規蹈矩，我們需要留下一些信物，以表達我們對他們不變的愛。教會就是耶穌基督留下的信物，表達祂對我們的愛。透過教會，耶穌基督賜下聖神，教訓我們一切，並使我們想起祂所說的一切（14:26）。藉著覆手和傅油，教會在聖洗聖事、堅振聖事、聖秩聖事與及病人傅油聖事中，賜予領受者聖神。尤其是聖秩聖事，教會藉著它，祝聖神職班中的各級神職人員：藉主教的手祝聖病人聖油、慕道聖油及至聖聖油；藉主教及神父呼求聖神，把無酵餅祝聖為聖體，滋養信友的心靈。有如到海外工作的母親，定期匯錢回家一樣，主基督亦經常召叫青年人，慷慨地回應司鐸聖召，餵養牧放祂的羊群（21:16-17）。

今天，耶穌給我們一條「彼此相愛，如同祂愛了我們一樣」的新誡命（14:34）。祂顯示了如何愛護我們：祂為了償還我們的罪債，死在十字架上；祂復活了，賜予信從祂的人新生，從而達到永生；為了滋養我們的靈魂，留下了自己的體血；祂派遣聖神，熾熱我們冰冷的心，好能慷慨地彼此相愛，還啟發我們的理智，記憶起並明白到祂的教導等等。總括地這，耶穌基督教導我們愛的真義。愛就是為對方的益處，不惜捨棄自己的生命。具體地，我們為了家人，勤力賺錢，分擔家務，照顧配偶及家人的身心健康，教導兒童天主的真理，在社區內減輕貧困者的疾苦，並教導愚蒙等等。

各位兄弟姊妹，這些每天生活中所做的瑣碎事，就是履行耶穌基督命令我們彼此相愛的誡命。當這些事是出於聖神的推動，它們會變成了強而有力，治療世界的創傷，使大地更新的力量。天主是愛（若一4:8）。如果我們愛，天主就住在我們中間（4:12）。願聖神在我們內，在我們中，治療我們的傷痕，治療世界的創傷。
天主保祐！

回應聖召 Answering God's Call

復活期第四主日，丙年
主題：回應聖召

天主是愛（若一4:8），而我們是按天主的肖像創造出來的，並吩咐我們管理祂為我們，適合我們生活的宇宙大地（創1:26）。祂賜給每人不同的恩寵，不同數目的塔冷通，去完成這個使命（瑪25:14-30）。因為天主是愛，所以這是一個愛的使命。從瑪竇福音中「塔冷通比喻」的教訓中，我們明白到天主並不苛刻，祂並沒有要求我們做驚天動地的大事，祇要求我們不要埋沒這些天賦的恩寵，按良心生活，做個頂天立地，無愧於心的人就可以。這是全人類的第一個聖召，適用於每個人身上。所以，在「山羊綿羊的比喻」中，復活升天了的主耶穌基督，在末日重臨審判生者死者的時候，祇提出最低的要求，以有沒有實踐六個「形哀矜」作為進入永生的標準（25:31-40）。比喻中，君王沒有提及洗禮或參加主日彌撒，祂祇要求我們去愛，去關懷弱小！

不過，世界被罪惡所污染，變得邪惡。我們每天所呼吸的，是污染了的空氣；所食用的，是被各式各樣的有害物質和病毒所污染的水和食物；這些祇危害我們肉體的健康，可是更嚴重的，就是我們所耳濡目染，充斥著歪理的社交媒體所提供的娛樂和資訊！這些東西危害著我們靈魂的健康！天主是愛，祂怎會忍心看著我們無助地掙扎呢？因此，祂賜給部份肯回應祂召叫的人，成為天主子女的特恩，獲得祂賜予的聖神，抗衡世俗的邪惡（路11:13）。這是天主對全人類的第二個聖召，就是召選他們藉著「入門聖事」，成為天主教徒。在教會內，繼續領受其他聖事，獲得天父經常的保護和照顧。領受了入門聖事，我們分擔了耶穌基督的三重職務，就是君王、先知和司祭的職務。君王的職務，就是替天行道，拓展天國，服務弱小；先知的職務，就是成為天主的代言人，宣講真理，對抗謊言歪理；最後，司祭的職務，就是耶穌基督在若望福音所說：「天主是神，朝拜祂的人，應當以心神以真理去朝拜祂。」（若4:24）作為天主教徒，我們有責任履行司祭職務，為自己和代表未信仰天主的人，獻上屬神的朝拜和祈禱，例如為他們唸玫瑰經，獻彌撒。

為蒙召成為天主子女的我們，領洗入教是一條成聖之路，是邁長的，是需要有人同行的。同行的人就組成了教會。今天，全世界約有13億1,300萬天主教徒，佔全世界總人口17.7%。但全球神職人員，祇得41萬4,500人，即平均每位神職人員，需要照顧3,167位教友。在香港教區永久居民中，教友人數為399,000人，連同212,000其他國籍天主教徒，香港教區共有611,000教友，佔全港人口8.17%。教區共有322位神職人員，即平均每位神職人員，需要照顧1,898位教友。但這個數字嚴重低估了實際情況，因為祇有三份一的神職人員，直接參與牧民工作，接觸教友，照顧教友靈性上的需要；其他的三份之二，需要全力投入管理和教化的工作，因為擁有13億1,300萬成員，的確是一個龐大的組織，需要投放大量人手到管理和教化的工作上。尤其在教化上，因為教會所扎根的世界裡，鼓吹著各式各樣的歪風：例如，以人的賺錢能力，去衡量一個人的價值，而不是以他的人性尊嚴；以功利主義去衡量生命和人際關係的價值，形成沒有利用價值的便可以拋棄的「死亡文化」，所以墮胎和安樂死在世界各地變成合法化；鼓吹個人自由，不理會責任和公益，以致社會繼同性戀非刑事化後，邁向性別多元化，同性婚姻合法化等，動搖和破壞蒙天主所祝福的婚姻和家庭生活。教會兀立在這世界之中，要成為地上的鹽，世界的光（瑪5:13），有賴大量神職人員，專注研究倫理神學，確立正確的社會訓導，讓教宗頒布通諭及宗座勸諭，給面對世俗挑戰的天主子民正確的教化，成聖自己，聖化他人，轉化世界！41萬4,500位教會的公務員，真是任重道遠。

這是作為天主教徒的第三個聖召，就是以婚姻生活，或者獻身生活，光榮天主。大部份人行婚姻生活成聖的道路，祇有三千份一的人，走神職人員成聖之路。以這兩種生活方式成聖，並不容易。但天主樂意額外灌注恩寵，幫助度婚姻生活和修道生活的人，克服困難，成聖自己，光榮天主。母親節適逢聖召主日，是一個很好的機會，默想作為母親的聖召。的確，母親帶我們進入這個世界，母親教養我們長大成人，認識造物主。母親的使命是完全愛的使命，她們是司鐸聖召的榜樣！
那為甚麼祇得三千份一人以修道生活成聖呢？是教會訂立的條件過份嚴格嗎？不會，進入聖神修院辨別自己有沒有做教區神父的聖召，學歷要求是預科，即是考完DSE，但沒有入大學的3322要求。所以不是教會要求過份嚴格。其實，天主又怎會吝嗇祂的恩寵呢？是人好像富貴少年一樣，捨不得已經擁有，或者可能擁有的財富和成就嗎（路18:23）？這可能是最大的原因。香港作為一個商業社會，大部份人以功利主義作為思考模式，急功近利，很少人有遠大高尚的抱負。其實，即使是功利主義，也應考慮長遠的利益。缺乏神職人員，缺乏捍衛倫理價值的隊伍，對社會整體，有害無益。是因為很多人好像伯多祿一樣，對自己缺乏信心，怕帶給教會醜聞，於是好像耶穌基督召喚他時，伯多祿反而請求耶穌離開他，因為他是個罪人嗎（5:8）？的確，作為宗徒之長的伯多祿，竟在危急關口，為了保命，三次否認耶穌基督（22:54-62），真是羞家。但天主的慈悲和恩寵是如此偉大，耶穌基督在復活後，不是三次問伯多祿愛祂否，並差遣伯多祿照顧教會嗎？可見天主是非常渴望我們不要害怕回應召叫，不要害怕接受恩寵。

各位兄弟姊妹，時代不斷變動，教會面對不斷變化的挑戰。我們沒有百份百成功的策略，解決問題，無論是教會的內憂抑或是外患。讓我們信靠愛我們的天主，向祂祈求，賜給我們聖神，建設祂的天國。
天主保祐！

2016年講道

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Fourth Easter Sunday, Year C
Theme: Answering God's Call

God is love (1 John 4:8) and we were created in the image of God to govern the universe which was created in such a way that is suitable for humanity to live (Genesis 1:26). He gave us different graces, different number of Talents to accomplish this mission (Matthew 25:14-30). Since God is love, this mission is a mission of love. From the Parable of Talents in Matthew, we understand that God is not harsh at all. He does not ask us to do ground-breaking works. He just wants us not to bury our talents, but to lead a life according to our conscience without regrets. This is the first call to all humanity, applicable to everybody. Thus, in the Parable of Sheep and Goats, when the risen Lord comes to judge the living and the dead on the Judgment Day, He demands only the minium requirements, using the six Corporal Works of Mercy as the criteria to enter eternal life (25:31-40). In the Parable, the King does not mention baptism or going to Sunday masses. He only demands us to love and to care about the needy!

But the world is contaminated by sins and becomes evil. What we breathe everyday is polluted air. What we eat and drink are water and food polluted with poisonous chemicals and viruses. Those are detrimental to our physical health. More seriously, we are fed with callous entertainments and fake news on the mass media. These are harmful to our spiritual health. God is love. How could He bear to see us struggling helplessly? Thus He gives those who answer His call special graces to become His children and gives us the Holy Spirit to counter secular evils (Luke 11:13). This is God's second call to all humanity. That is, to become Catholics with the Rites of Christian Initiation. Joining the Church, we can continue to receive other sacraments to be protected and taken care of. Through receiving Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion, we partake in the threefold ministries of king, prophet and priest. As kings, we work on behalf of God to extend the Heavenly Kingdom through serving the needy. As prophets, i.e. spokesmen of God, we declare the Truth to countact lies and fallacies. Lastly, as priest, just as what Jesus Christ teaches, "God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth." (John 4:24) As Catholics, we have the responsibility to discharge the priestly ministry by offering spiritual worship and prayer for ourselves and as representatives of all those who do not yet believe in God. For example, we say the Rosary and offer masses.

As the People of God, entering the Church through baptism is a long road to sanctification. We need companions. These co-pilgrims form the Church. Today, there are 1,313,000,000 all over the world, about 17.7% of the world population. But there are only 414,500 clergy. That is, each clergy serving about 3,167 Catholics. Among the permanent residents of the Catholic Hong Kong Diocese, there are 399,000 Catholics. Together with 212,000 other nationalities, there are 611,000 Catholics in total, about 8.17% of the Hong Kong population. There are 322 clergy in the Diocese, i.e. in average each clergy serves nearly 1,900 laity. But this number seriously underestimates the actual situation. It is because only about one-third of clergy directly take part in pastoral work, getting in touch with the laity to meet their spiritual needs. The other two-thirds have to commit themselves in the governance and teaching roles. 1,313,000,000 members make a huge organization which absorbs a huge number of administrators and teachers. In particular, the teaching office is essential. It is because the Church is grounded in a world which entertain all sorts of fallacies. For example, the value of a person is measured by his ability of making money and not his human dignity. In a utilitarian society, the value of life and inter-personal relationship is measured by its utility, thus creating a "death culture" in which anything which is of no utility can be dispensed of. Thus abortion and euthanasia are legalized in many parts of the world. The society advocates personal freedom and ignaores duties and common good. Thus after the decriminalization of homosexuality, gender plurality is drummed up and same-sex marriage is legalized. In so doing, marriage and family life which God bless are shaken and damaged. The Church stands alone in the world to become its salt and light (Matthew 5:13). She needs a large number of clergy to focus on the study of theological ethics to establish the correct social teachings of the Church, allowing the Pope to promulgate encyclicals and apostolic exhortations to give correct teachings to the People of God who are being challenged so that they may sanctify themselves, sanctify others and transform the world! 414,500 civil servants of the Church are undertaking a Herculian task.

This is the third call to all Catholics to glorify God through married or consecrated life. Most people take the married life to sanctification. Only one-three thousandth of people take the clergy way. Both styles of life to sanctification is not easy. But God is happy to infuse extra graces to help those who lead a married life or a consecrated life to overcome difficulties, to sanctify and to glorify God. Today is Mother’s Day as well as Vocation Sunday. It is a good opportunity to meditate the vocation of mothers. Truly, mothers brought us into this world. They rear us up and show us the Creator. The mission of mothers is a mission of total love. They are exemplars of priestly vocation!
Why then do only one-three thousandth of people take the clergy way to sanctification? Does the Church set too harsh the requirements? No. In order to enter the Holy Spirit Seminary to discern whether you have priestly vocation, you only need to finish DSE, not even 3322, the minimum requirement to enrol in university. Therefore, the requirements of the Church are not harsh. In fact, how would God be a miser in showering us with grace? Or do people, then like the rich young man, not willing to forsake what they possess or would possibly possess, money or achievements (Luke 18:23)? Probably it is the biggest factor. In a commercial society like Hong Kong, most people think in a utilitarian manner. They look for quick gain and lack long term noble causes. However, to be utilitarian, one need to think for long term benefit as well. In the long run, a society will suffer if there are not enough clergy teams to defend the moral values of this society. Or do people, like Peter, lack faith and fear bringing down the Church with scandals? So when Jesus Christ called him, Peter asked Jesus to leave him alone because he was a sinner (5:8). Truly, it was scandalous for Peter, who is the Prince of the Apostles, to deny Jesus Christ three times to save his own skin (22:54-62). But how great are the mercy and grace of God! After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, didn't He ask Peter 3 times whether he loved him and sent him to take care of the Church? Thus, we see how God desires us not to be afraid to answer His call and not to be afraid to accept grace.

Brethren, the age is changing constantly. The Church is facing constantly changing challenges. We do not have sure-win strategies to solve all problems, be they internal or external. Let us put our trust in the God who loves us, beg Him to send us the Holy Spirit to build up His Church.
God bless!

認出耶穌基督 Recognize Jesus Christ

復活期第三主日，丙年
主題：認出耶穌基督

首先，讓我們了解今天福音的背景。耶穌基督復活後，顯現給祂選定的人，而不是所有的人。那些見過耶穌基督顯現的人，成了祂復活的見證人，負擔起作見證的責任，向世人宣講耶穌基督的復活，使更多人能分享復活所帶來的新生命！
其次，耶穌基督受難和復活的地點，是京城耶路撒冷。在復活後的第一天和第八天，耶穌基督在耶路撒冷顯現給門徒。根據若望福音的版本，今次是第三次顯現，地點在提庇黎雅海（若21:1），即加里就亞海，在北方。即是說，在復活與升天的四十天之間（宗1:3），耶穌基督並不是天天與門徒在一起。祂的顯現，可以說是神出鬼沒的。所以大家不要奇怪，為甚麼伯多祿打算重操故業，「我去打魚」，而其餘的人也附和他（若21:3）。三年來追隨耶穌基督，滿以為在推翻羅馬統治之後，可以在天國裡獲得一官半職。如今一敗塗地，想東山再起，談何容易！雖然耶穌基督復活了，有新的轉機。可是復活了的主，卻是行蹤飄忽，難以觸摸。遇到這種前路茫茫的處境，選擇做新的事物，比較冒險。最安全的辦法，還是「再作馮婦」罷了。

按福音的記載，門徒們認不出復活了的耶穌基督。無論在墳墓旁顯現給瑪利亞瑪達肋納（若20:15），還是在厄瑪烏路上與兩個門徒同行（路24:16），與及今次（若21:4），沒有人能立刻認出耶穌基督。每次都是憑耶穌基督曾做過的事，認出祂來。瑪利亞瑪達肋納先入為主，以為站在她面前的是一個園丁，搬走了耶穌基督的遺體。當基督叫她的名字時，纔認出師傅來（20:15-16）。前往厄瑪烏的兩個門徒，以為同行的是一個朝聖者，在京城過完了逾越節便回鄉。當基督在他們面前擘餅並遞給他們時，他們纔認出耶穌來（路24:30-31）。他們不一定有份出席最後晚餐，見過基督建立聖體聖事。很大機會，他們在五餅二魚神蹟的現場，見過耶穌望著天，祝福了餅的情景（9:16）。今次一樣，一整夜捕魚，一無所獲。但按主的指示撒網，就得到豐富的魚獲（5:4-7）。因此，門徒是憑耶穌從前所行的事蹟，認出復活的主。
這事實給我們後世的信徒，一個非常重要的啟示。耶穌基督復活後升了天，你和我並沒有這份福氣，可以親眼看見祂，親耳聽到祂，甚至好像宗徒們一樣，親手觸摸到復活了的主所保留的傷口。不過，透過認識福音，認識福音所記載的耶穌基督的言行，我們也可以憑這些事蹟，認出復活的主。

為甚麼可以呢？
第一，耶穌基督在講論最後審判時，已經事先張揚了「考試題目」，就是教會所教導的「形哀矜」。君王說：「凡你們對我這些最小兄弟中的一個所做的，就是對我做的。」（瑪25:40）即是說，耶穌基督臨現在需要照顧的病弱者身上，在被邊緣化的弱勢社群之中，在流離失所的難民之中，在被剝奪了尊嚴的外籍勞工之中和被拐帶販賣的人口之中等等。君王給予我們機會，正在等候著我們去服侍祂，並認出祂來！倘若我們不認識這段福音，又怎會主動地去服事祂呢？
第二，耶穌基督升天前曾許諾天天與門徒在一起，直到今世的終結（28:20）。因此，教會每天（除了聖周五）舉行彌撒，把無酵餅祝聖為聖體，兌現主耶穌的諾言。倘若我們不認識這段福音，又怎會主動地去參與平日彌撒，天天領聖體呢？

正如認出臨現在聖體聖事中的耶穌基督，需要很大的信德，同樣，在被歧視的難民，少數族裔，新移民，被遺棄在醫院裡，安老院裡的長者，監獄中的囚犯，飽受剝削的外判清潔工人和很多勞動貧窮的人等，要認出臨現在他們身上的耶穌基督，極需要靈活的信德。這靈活的信德，是如何栽培得來呢？
讀聖經當然是基本功。可是，我們沒有接受過適當的訓練，沒有留心彌撒中的講道，就未必有能力明白聖經了。即使你願意參加訓練課程，與及聚精會神留心耹聽神父的講道，也未必明白聖經，因為秘訣在於聖神。耶穌基督在最後晚餐時，許諾賜下護慰者，就是聖神，那位真理之神，「祂必要教訓你們一切，也要使你們想起，我對你們所說的一切。」（若14:26）聖神賜予「智慧」，讓我們愛慕天主的事，而不是世俗的事；「聰敏」，讓我們理解做耶穌門徒應該做的事；「超見」幫助我們明辨是非，遠避罪惡；「剛毅」令我們能擇善固執，不怕困難，為主作證；「明達」給我們所需要的能力，明白基督和教會所訓導的真理；「孝愛」使我們謙遜地信靠基督和祂的教會；「敬畏上主」使我們害怕犯罪，不願意離開天主。最後，「敬畏上主是智慧的開端」（箴9:10），我們又回到智慧了。聖神的七恩，原來是環環相扣，循環不息的！聖神七恩，不單在理性上幫助我們明白，還暖化我們冰冷了的心靈，熱愛天主。因此，是主耶穌所愛的門徒，首先認出在岸上的是主（若21:7）。有了聖神在心中，我們的信德那有不活潑之理？要認出耶穌基督，又有何難？

各位兄弟姊妹，不要忘記耶穌基督藉著聖體聖事，與我們結合為一，祂也同樣臨現在我們身上。因此，我們應多向聖神祈求，時常賜下七樣神恩，幫助我們認識真理，愛慕基督。也許，耶穌基督會藉著我們說話，把自己啟示給我們所接觸到的人，也未可知！
天主保祐！

2016講道

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Third Easter Sunday, Year C
Theme: Recognize Jesus Christ

First of all, let us clarify the context of the gospel today. After His resurrection, Jesus Christ appeared to elected ones, not to all. Those to whom Jesus had appeared became His witnesses. They are entrusted with the mission to proclaim Jesus' resurrection, making more people enjoy the new life brought about by resurrection!
Secondly, the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ took place in Jerusalem. On the first and eighth days, Jesus Christ appeared to his disciples. According to the gospel of John, this apparition was the third. It took place at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1), the Sea of Galilee in the north. That is to say, during the forty days (Acts 1:3) between His Resurrection and Ascension, Jesus Christ did not stay with the disciples every day. His apparitions were sporadic. Thus, we should not be surprised when Peter wanted to go back fishing while the others joined him (John 21:3). Following Jesus for three years, the disciples expected some positions in the Kingdom of Heaven after overthrowing the Romans. Now that the whole endeavour ended up in a tragedy, it was easier said than done to talk about standing up where you fell. Although new opportunities arose after Jesus Christ had risen, his apparitions were so unpredictable! When chances of success were slim, it would be rather risky to try new things. The safest bet is to take up the previous job again.

According to the gospel narratives, the disciples failed to recognize the risen Lord. Whether it was Mary Magdalene at the tomb (John 20:15), or the two disciples on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:16) and the story today (John 21:4), nobody was able to recognize Jesus Christ instantly. Every time, they recognized Jesus only after seeing what He had done before. Mary Magdalene had the preconception that the guy standing before her was the gardener who moved Jesus' corpse away. When Christ called her by her name, she immediately recognized that it was Rabbouni (20:15-16). The two disciples on their way to Emmaus thought that their new companion was a pilgrim who was returning home after celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem. When Christ broke the bread and gave it to them, their eyes opened and recognized Him (Luke 24:30-31). They might not be present at the Last Supper to see the institution of the Sacrament of Eucharist. Most likely, they were present at the miracle of five loaves and two fish. They saw Jesus looking up to heaven and said the blessing over the bread (9:16). This time, the same story repeated. They fished the whole night and caught nothing. But when they followed the Lord's command, they caught a large number of fish (5:4-7). Thus, the disciples recognized the risen Lord by seeing what Jesus had done before.
This fact is an important revelation to disciples of the future generations. Jesus Christ ascended to heaven after resurrection. You and I do not have the blessing to see Him with our own eyes, to hear with our own ears, or even like the apostles, to touch the wounds which the risen Lord has deliberately kept with our own hands. But through knowing the gospel, knowing the words and deeds of Jesus Christ, we are able to recognize the risen Lord.

How can this be possible?
First of all, when Jesus Christ spoke about the Last Judgment, He leaked the "examination topics" to us. They are the Corporal Works of Mercy the Church teaches. The King says, "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40) That is to say, Jesus Christ is present among the weak and the sick who need to be taken care of, among the marginalized disadvantaged social groups, the rootless refugees, the foreign domestic helpers whose dignity has been trampled and the victims of human trafficking etc. The King is giving us opportunities and waiting for us to serve Him and to recognize Him! If we do not know this passage, how shall we take the initiative to serve Him?
Secondly, before His ascension, Jesus Christ promised His apostles to be with them always until the end of the age (28:20). Thus, in order to honour the Lord's promise, the Church celebrates masses everyday (except on the Good Friday) to consecrate unleavened bread into the body of Christ. If we do not know this passage, how shall we attend mass to receive the Holy Communion every day?

It takes a very strong faith to recognize the presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Communion. Likewise, it is as difficult to recognize His presence among the despised refugees, ethnic minorities, newly arrived immigrants, abandoned elderly in hospitals as well as homes for the aged, inmates in prisons, exploited outsourced janitors and the working poor etc. It takes an active faith to be able to recognize. How shall we cultivate such an active faith?
Bible study is the foundation. Unfortunately, if we have not received proper training or have not paid attention to the homilies during mass, we may not have the capability to understand the Bible. Even if you attend training courses, or listen to the priest's homilies attentively, you may not understand because the Holy Spirit is essential. During the Last Supper, Jesus Christ promised to send the Advocate, i.e. the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of Truth, "He will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." (John 14:26) The Holy Spirit gives us Wisdom which helps us desire God instead of secular things; Understanding which helps us understand as Jesus' disciples, what the right things to do are; Counsel helps us discriminate right from wrong and avoid sins; Fortitude helps us insist on doing good, overcoming difficulties to bear witness for the Lord; Knowledge gives us the capability to understand the truth of Jesus Christ and the Church; Piety helps us humbly put our trust in Christ and His Church and Fear of the Lord helps us refrain from committing sins and be reluctant to leave God. Lastly, "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord" (Proverbs 9:10). We are back to square one, Wisdom. Actually, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are linked and circular! Not only do these gifts help us understand rationally, but they also warm and melt our frozen hearts to love God. Thus, the disciple whom Jesus loved was the first to recognize the Lord on the shore (John 21:7). With the Holy Spirit in our hearts, can our faith not be active? What difficulty there is to recognize Jesus Christ?

Brethren, never forget that Jesus Christ makes us one in Him through the Holy Communion. He is also present in us. Thus, let us pray more to the Holy Spirit, to request the seven gifts to help us know the truth and love Christ. Perhaps Jesus Christ would speak through us and reveal Himself to those we come into contact!
God bless!

曾繁興執事逝世三周年逾越聖祭

曾繁興執事逝世三周年逾越聖祭
2019年4月29日
屯門贖世主堂
教宗方濟各於2018年頒佈的宗座勸諭【你們要歡喜踴躍】，提醒我們每一個基督徒都有「成聖」的本份。他引用梵二的【教會憲章】，指出我們「不是孤立地獨自得救的」，而是藉著「人類社會錯綜複雜的人際關係」走向祂。（GE 6）。教會的聖人是成聖的榜樣，「有助鼓舞人心，激勵我們前進，但這並不表示我們必須有樣學樣…」（GE 11）

今天教會紀念聖女加大利納，她是十四世紀的意大利人，短暫的一生，以貞女的身份，全心愛慕耶穌基督。她有很多神魂超拔的經驗，在靈修方面指導了很多人。她曾勸導在從法國亞維農管治教會的教宗額我略十一世返回羅馬，解決了教會受國家操控的危機。她對教會貢獻良多，死後80年，教會便封她為聖女。1970年，聖教宗保祿六世宣報她為教會聖師之一！天主教教會目前有36位聖師，其中女性祇有4位。我們不可能模仿聖女加大利納的聖德，這是天主獨特賜給她的。雖然成聖之路各有不同，但我們知道，我們每個人都可以憑藉聖神的助祐成聖。
今天的福音，告訴我們尼苛德摩的故事。他是法利塞人，明白自己的同僚與耶穌基督作對，於是他小心謹慎地在夜間拜訪耶穌基督，學習真道。耶穌基督與他的對話，聽來玄之又玄，其實是指出聖神對我們成聖的幫助。耶穌基督生前，尼苛德摩曾在公議會力排眾議，為耶穌發聲；耶穌死後，是他和另一個法利塞人，阿黎瑪特雅人若瑟，無懼同僚的排斥，合力埋葬了耶穌。他對耶穌基督，可算有情有義。 耶穌基督在與他的對話中，曾說：「你是以色列的師傅，連這事你都不知道嗎？」（若3:10）聽來好像批評尼苛德摩不學無術，不配作以色列人的經師，師傅。這句話可以不是這樣理解的！其實，耶穌基督是想造就尼苛德摩，讓他藉聖神的助祐，自己發現真道。因為天主已把以色列子民所需要認識的所有真理，啟示在舊約之中。可惜，沒有聖神的助祐─祂是真理之神，愛德之神，以色列的經師，師傅和法學士等等的人物，無法洞悉真理的全部，甚至出於私慾偏情，與耶穌基督為敵，與真理為敵。耶穌基督信任尼苛德摩的能力，讓他遇上挑戰困難，從而發現永生的真道。這樣辛苦出力得來的成果，人便會珍而重之，永留心中。

感謝廖神父讓我今晚在紀念曾執事的逾越聖祭中講道，曾執事是我在執事聖召上的啟蒙導師，後來執事委員會安排他作我的靈修導師。我感激他，因為他好像耶穌基督造就尼苛德摩一樣造就我。

公元2000年，他在堂區介紹終身執事的職務，是我回應執事聖召的第一步。後來，當我成為有志者繼而是候選人的時候，終身執事委員會委派曾執事作我的靈修導師。他對我說：「郭Sir，你係有本事嘅，唔駛神師指導！」雖然我倆都是教育界出身，但我始終做慣前線的教育工作，而他的管理經驗比我豐富。他對我說不用神師指導，我以為他客氣。後來回想，其實曾執事了解我的性格，知道我不怕犯錯，喜歡自學。所以他對天主、對我滿懷信心，把我交託到上主的手裡，造就我，讓我在靈修路上摸索前進！

我探病時，為他送上聖體。我始終是新手，沒有按「外送聖體牧民指引」的程序做，雞手鴨腳。之後，他鼓勵我，說喜歡我送聖體的方式。最令我感到震撼的，是有一次離開前，他說：「郭執事，請你降福我！」那時，我強忍激動的心情，迫自己用穩定的手，以略為顫抖的聲音，為造就我的曾執事降福。曾執事造就後進的功夫，我望塵莫及，仍需努力趕上。
跟隨他，學習他教慕道班。每一堂他總要我作些許補充，是給我一展身手的機會。他喜歡在他的教學PowerPoint中，加插他兒孫滿堂的生活照。參加慕道班的學員，家庭背景各有不同，有單親的、離婚的、有家庭成員需要特別看護的…可謂「家家有本難唸的經」。曾執事樂意分享他自身的家庭生活，鼓舞慕道者對公教婚姻及家庭生活，懷有信心。這方面亦是我應著力學習的地方！
我們最需要學習的是「愛」而不是「神學」，不是甚麼「社會訓導」。無可否認，神學和社會訓導是重要的，是需要認識的，但不是最重要的課題。聖女加大利納對耶穌基督的愛，使她成為一代宗師，在靈修上，政治上作出偉大的貢獻。微末的我們，也應該朝著這個方向邁進，成聖自己，聖化他人，轉化世界。
天主保祐

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