Freudians claim that God is no more than a projection of the Superego from the subconsciousness deep down the human psyche. Similarly, Marxists tease Christians that instead of God creating man, man created God. It is hard to blame these atheists because very often, the actions of the believers of God do give such an impression. Isaiah criticized these hypocritical believers.
they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments, they delight to draw near to God (Isaiah 28:2).
What more can God expect from man? Here are people seeking Him daily. They are eager to know His ways. They are happy to draw near to Him. I wish I were able to do the same.
The Confucians also have similar teachings.
In the morning hearing the Word, in the evening I may die satisfied. 朝聞道，夕死可矣。【論語‧里仁】
The Word is what cannot for even a moment be departed from. Departable, not the Word. 道也者，不可須臾離也，可離非道也。【中庸】
Isn't it noble and admirable? The Chinese culture is like a piece of land pregnant with the ideas of truth. What is lacking is a personal God. But what about the Chinese people who are infamous of being pragmatic. They are willing to do anything to get things done. They are prepared to bribe, with money and sex, all the ways from local officials to the Son of Heavens in order to get rich, to get a job in the government etc. In Chinese folklore and customs, we can easily identify similar bribery elements to deities. Don't make me wrong, I am not badmouthing my people. Probably it is human nature. What about the Chosen People of God? Would they be better representatives of humanity? Were they able to demonstrate the better qualities of mankind? Isaiah recorded the following complaints from the Israelites about God.
Why have we fasted, and thou seest it not?
Why have we humbled ourselves, and thou takest no knowledge of it? (Isaiah 58:3a)
Look how the Israelites complained to God as if they could manipulate God to get what they wanted. They fasted and did repentant rituals in order to catch His attention, to demand Him to do their will. So, both Chinese and Israelites try to manipulate their gods to satisfy their wishes. After all, the Freudians and Marxists might probably be right. Men created a pantheon of deities to satisfy their own needs. Since these deities were created by men, by definition, they were idols. This was the number one sin the Israelites had committed because idolatry is a direct assault on God.
Before handling the major issue of idolatry, God dealt with no less an issue: social justice.
Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers (Isaiah 58:3b).
When man is egocentric, whatever good he does turns to bad. Fasting becomes a showing off of piety. Handing over a $10,000,000 cheque to a charity in front of the TV camera becomes a celebrity game.
Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with wicked fist.
Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high (Isaiah 58:4).
Why quarrel? Why fight? Because fasting has turned into a competition, because I want to win.
Shift the centre to God and all fights and quarrels vanish. But how do we know that this new centre which we call "God" is not our own creation? Well, see if we can find our own voice in His words. If we do, this God is our creation. Otherwise, not.
Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? (Isaiah 58:6-7)
I am sure you have your own answer. Maybe this He is the God of Isaiah, not yours. But if you accept Isaiah's God, you will be well taken care of.
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, Here I am (Isaiah 58:8-9a).
Dear God of Isaiah, count me in. May I be willing to share with the needy, to cheer up the downtrodden. May Your light shine forth to empty me, guide me and strengthen me. Amen.
Saturday 28 February 2009
Friday 27 February 2009
Saving my skin
There have been repercussions after the Parents Day on which we gave out report cards to students. I remember once a parent complained to the Principal that the remarks given by the class teachers were unacceptable. The child failed to hand in assignments. There were two class teachers, A and B. A denied having written this particular remark. B said, "I couldn't remember." The next day, B took the trouble to collect written statements from the other subject teachers, proving that the child really had failed to hand in assignments. The problem was that none of them had ever sent the child to the detention class to finish the assignments, nor had they put down any records in the student handbook to inform the parents. In order to save B's skin, B implicated all other subject teachers! Often when we try to cover up one mistake, we make more mistakes.
(BTW, I have, sort of challenging your curiosity, buried the identity, the name of B in this sentence, by ELS. Zero seven on end.)
Deuteronomy is worth studying in great detail. Jesus made use of it to fight against the temptations from Satan after his baptism. It is truly a book of life. Today, we read Deuteronomy 30. There are a lot of ideas permeating into the New Testament.
and return to the LORD your God, you and your children, and obey his voice in all that I command you this day, with all your heart and with all your soul;
then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes, and have compassion upon you, and he will gather you again from all the peoples where the LORD your God has scattered you (Deuteronomy 30:2-3).
These words seem to come from the pens of people returning from exile rather than from Moses. Would it be possible that the final version of Deuteronomy was written after the Babylonian exile? Very likely.
And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live (Deuteronomy 30:6).
Jeremiah and St. Paul speak of the same idea (Jeremiah 4:4, Romans 2:29). We should obey not only the letters of the law but also its spirit. Follow the law and learn from its spirit because letters are dead and new circumstances demand appropriate actions that flow from the spirit of the law.
Neither shall you bear false witness against your neighbor (Deuteronomy 5:20).
This commandment forbids people to bear false witness in legal proceedings. Does it mean we can lie outside the court room? Of course not. The spirit of this commandment is honesty and personal integrity. Without integrity, a person disintegrates into a lump of walking meat, buffeted mercilessly by the surrounding circumstances. Woe to such a person who has to think up lies after lies to cover his tracks.
Is the law of God too idealistic, too difficult to follow? The author of Deuteronomy disagrees.
For this commandment which I command you this day is not too hard for you, neither is it far off.
It is not in heaven, that you should say, `Who will go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?'
Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, `Who will go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?'
But the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it (Deuteronomy 30:11-14).
Jeremiah has a similar idea. When God establishes a new covenant with men, He will put His law in their hearts (Jeremiah 31:33).
In fact, in our hearts, we want to do good, to do the right thing. But very often, we surrounder our integrity in face of hostilities, threats and obstacles. In the end, we simply shut down our defence and plunge into and become part of the bigger current. Woe to them.
I declare to you this day, that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land which you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.
I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live,
loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him; for that means life to you and length of days, that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them (Deuteronomy 30:18-20).
Choose God. Choose life.
Dear Lord, You have shed Your Precious Blood to redeem us. Some of us are in need of Your special love and care. I pray that none of us is lost at the end of the day (John 18:9). Amen.
(BTW, I have, sort of challenging your curiosity, buried the identity, the name of B in this sentence, by ELS. Zero seven on end.)
Deuteronomy is worth studying in great detail. Jesus made use of it to fight against the temptations from Satan after his baptism. It is truly a book of life. Today, we read Deuteronomy 30. There are a lot of ideas permeating into the New Testament.
and return to the LORD your God, you and your children, and obey his voice in all that I command you this day, with all your heart and with all your soul;
then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes, and have compassion upon you, and he will gather you again from all the peoples where the LORD your God has scattered you (Deuteronomy 30:2-3).
These words seem to come from the pens of people returning from exile rather than from Moses. Would it be possible that the final version of Deuteronomy was written after the Babylonian exile? Very likely.
And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live (Deuteronomy 30:6).
Jeremiah and St. Paul speak of the same idea (Jeremiah 4:4, Romans 2:29). We should obey not only the letters of the law but also its spirit. Follow the law and learn from its spirit because letters are dead and new circumstances demand appropriate actions that flow from the spirit of the law.
Neither shall you bear false witness against your neighbor (Deuteronomy 5:20).
This commandment forbids people to bear false witness in legal proceedings. Does it mean we can lie outside the court room? Of course not. The spirit of this commandment is honesty and personal integrity. Without integrity, a person disintegrates into a lump of walking meat, buffeted mercilessly by the surrounding circumstances. Woe to such a person who has to think up lies after lies to cover his tracks.
Is the law of God too idealistic, too difficult to follow? The author of Deuteronomy disagrees.
For this commandment which I command you this day is not too hard for you, neither is it far off.
It is not in heaven, that you should say, `Who will go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?'
Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, `Who will go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?'
But the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it (Deuteronomy 30:11-14).
Jeremiah has a similar idea. When God establishes a new covenant with men, He will put His law in their hearts (Jeremiah 31:33).
In fact, in our hearts, we want to do good, to do the right thing. But very often, we surrounder our integrity in face of hostilities, threats and obstacles. In the end, we simply shut down our defence and plunge into and become part of the bigger current. Woe to them.
I declare to you this day, that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land which you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.
I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live,
loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him; for that means life to you and length of days, that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them (Deuteronomy 30:18-20).
Choose God. Choose life.
Dear Lord, You have shed Your Precious Blood to redeem us. Some of us are in need of Your special love and care. I pray that none of us is lost at the end of the day (John 18:9). Amen.
Thursday 26 February 2009
Ash Wednesday 2009
We begin the season of Lent today. I pray that I will be able to hear God's call more clearly at the end of this season. Of course, God works in a different time-frame and I am in no position to force His hand. Otherwise, I am putting Him to the test.
It is not difficult to know God's will. It is plainly written in the Bible. The only problem is how to apply it in our daily life.
"Yet even now," says the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
and rend your hearts and not your garments." (Joel 2:12-13a)
God wants us to return to Him, including me of course. The procedure is not extraordinarily difficult, just fasting, weeping and mourning. Unlike martyrdom, we don't need high moral courage to follow the procedure. But our God demands our hearts. He doesn't want us to do it superficially as we often do. Out of inertia, we are reluctant to take the first step to do better, to walk the extra mile. For our good, God wants us to do it sincerely and whole-heartedly. Does He need our fasting? Does He need our tears? Of course not. So, why does God care so much about our doing it seriously? I don't think anybody can answer this question satisfactorily. Who knows God's mind?
As a teacher, I always see my image and likeness in my students! They are lazy in doing their assignments. I am complacent about what I use to be doing. Do I need their homework? Of course not. Does God need my repentance? Of course not. Times and again, I am annoyed by the laziness of my students but my 'anger' subsides quickly not because I am soft or merciful like God. Instead, I feel sorry for them. What have happened to these Band One students? Why have they not developed good enough study habits to fulfil their obligations as students? I cannot say I understand God. But at least, I begin to appreciate what it feels like to be let down repeatedly throughout ages immemorial. In this season of Lent, God is calling us once more to live like a decent dignified man should. It is for our good and it is our turn to act.
Then Joel switches from speaking in 1st person to the 3rd person, asking a very pertinent question. What are the chances of sinners repenting?
Who knows whether he will not turn and repent, and leave a blessing behind him, a cereal offering and a drink offering for the LORD, your God? (Joel 2:14)
A chance is a chance. Giving man a second chance opens the possibility for him to improve, to change for the better.
This evening, we attended the Ash Wednesday mass celebrated by Fr. Martin Ip to begin this Lent season. Surprisingly, the church was full-house. Indeed, God's grace is abundant. Many parishioners feel the need to turn to God sincerely. In his homily, Fr. Martin shared a few stories about effecting changes, not through punishment, but through loving care. He mentioned the story of Fr. Peter Newbery, a Salesian priest cum out-reaching social worker. Fr. Newbery used to teach English. One of his students always slept in class. He was annoyed and pounded on the boy's desk, asking him why he slept in his class all the time. The boy retorted that he was tired. Fr. Newbery sent him down to the playground to run 50 laps and returned to the classroom to do 50 press-up's. The boy finished defiantly and was sent down again several times, doing the same routine. The boy hardened each time he returned. Several years later when Fr. Newbery visited the prison. He met this student again. Fr. Newbery had matured and he asked him warmly how his prison life was. Tears ran down from the student. He too had matured. Fr. Martin concluded that God chose to treat us mercifully so as to transform our hardened souls. We too should treat each other mercifully.
My Lord, You have been very patient with me, allowing me room to mature. I pray to devote my remaining days to love You and serve You more. Amen.
It is not difficult to know God's will. It is plainly written in the Bible. The only problem is how to apply it in our daily life.
"Yet even now," says the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
and rend your hearts and not your garments." (Joel 2:12-13a)
God wants us to return to Him, including me of course. The procedure is not extraordinarily difficult, just fasting, weeping and mourning. Unlike martyrdom, we don't need high moral courage to follow the procedure. But our God demands our hearts. He doesn't want us to do it superficially as we often do. Out of inertia, we are reluctant to take the first step to do better, to walk the extra mile. For our good, God wants us to do it sincerely and whole-heartedly. Does He need our fasting? Does He need our tears? Of course not. So, why does God care so much about our doing it seriously? I don't think anybody can answer this question satisfactorily. Who knows God's mind?
As a teacher, I always see my image and likeness in my students! They are lazy in doing their assignments. I am complacent about what I use to be doing. Do I need their homework? Of course not. Does God need my repentance? Of course not. Times and again, I am annoyed by the laziness of my students but my 'anger' subsides quickly not because I am soft or merciful like God. Instead, I feel sorry for them. What have happened to these Band One students? Why have they not developed good enough study habits to fulfil their obligations as students? I cannot say I understand God. But at least, I begin to appreciate what it feels like to be let down repeatedly throughout ages immemorial. In this season of Lent, God is calling us once more to live like a decent dignified man should. It is for our good and it is our turn to act.
Then Joel switches from speaking in 1st person to the 3rd person, asking a very pertinent question. What are the chances of sinners repenting?
Who knows whether he will not turn and repent, and leave a blessing behind him, a cereal offering and a drink offering for the LORD, your God? (Joel 2:14)
A chance is a chance. Giving man a second chance opens the possibility for him to improve, to change for the better.
This evening, we attended the Ash Wednesday mass celebrated by Fr. Martin Ip to begin this Lent season. Surprisingly, the church was full-house. Indeed, God's grace is abundant. Many parishioners feel the need to turn to God sincerely. In his homily, Fr. Martin shared a few stories about effecting changes, not through punishment, but through loving care. He mentioned the story of Fr. Peter Newbery, a Salesian priest cum out-reaching social worker. Fr. Newbery used to teach English. One of his students always slept in class. He was annoyed and pounded on the boy's desk, asking him why he slept in his class all the time. The boy retorted that he was tired. Fr. Newbery sent him down to the playground to run 50 laps and returned to the classroom to do 50 press-up's. The boy finished defiantly and was sent down again several times, doing the same routine. The boy hardened each time he returned. Several years later when Fr. Newbery visited the prison. He met this student again. Fr. Newbery had matured and he asked him warmly how his prison life was. Tears ran down from the student. He too had matured. Fr. Martin concluded that God chose to treat us mercifully so as to transform our hardened souls. We too should treat each other mercifully.
My Lord, You have been very patient with me, allowing me room to mature. I pray to devote my remaining days to love You and serve You more. Amen.
Wednesday 25 February 2009
Which is wiser?
Social scientists classify religions broadly into two types: revelation religions and wisdom religions.
Revelation religions are top-down. They provide answers to existential questions from a deity above. Knowledge about the destiny and well-being of the people is revealed by God. Judaism-Christianity-Islam are typical examples of revelation religions.
Wisdom religions are bottom-up. Some people have gone through vigourous reflections, meditation, learning and a host other human activities. They come up with an enlightenment, an insight into those perennial questions of human existence. Gradually, a system of teachings, ceremonies and institutions evolve into being. Buddhism, Taoism, Confucism etc. are such examples.
These two types of religions will have different interpretations of the meaning of wisdom. For Buddhism, Taoism and Confucism, wisdom is the fruit of human efforts. It is a distillation of their experiences, an insight into difficult situations, the ability to judge or discern what is right, true or lasting etc. Look up any dictionary and you will find such explanations. For Christianity and Judaism, wisdom comes from God. Therefore, they hold the idea that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Which is wiser? Following the Christian tradition, I choose to continue reading Ben Sirach and do no better than paraphrasing it.
My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation (Sirach 2:1).
Temptation is inevitable so long as we continue to lead a mortal life. There are needs to satisfy and there are many shortcuts to satisfy them. For me, these shortcuts are temptations. Ben Sirach has a lot of advice to offer.
Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of calamity.
Cleave to him and do not depart, that you may be honored at the end of your life.
Accept whatever is brought upon you, and in changes that humble you be patient (Sirach 2:2-4).
Trust in him, and he will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in him (Sirach 2:6).
Set your sight to the will of God and stick to it. Trust and hope in God. Be patient and not hasty. Do not depart from His will. Then, we will be able to weather through all temptations.
Fear of the Lord is our only defence. In the end, good things, everlasting joy and mercy will be our reward (Sirach 2:7-9). How do we know we will be rewarded? We don't know. Just trust in Him. For Christians, there is a foundation for this trust, the Holy Spirit. Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee.
he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:22).
Pray to the Holy Spirit in our hearts to verify. The Holy Spirit sets Christianity apart from Judaism, though they have the same root. Returning to the question of temptation, it is consoling to read that God is compassionate.
For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of affliction (Sirach 2:11).
No matter how badly we fail, God forgives and saves because He is God and our Creator.
What will happen to those who are unsure and unsteady? Ben Sirach paints the following picture.
Woe to timid hearts and to slack hands, and to the sinner who walks along two ways!
Woe to the faint heart, for it has no trust! Therefore it will not be sheltered.
Woe to you who have lost your endurance! What will you do when the Lord punishes you? (Sirach 2:12-14)
We cannot take the best of two worlds. If we decide to follow God, we cannot beat the drum and then back off. Christianity is a risky business. Buying insurance does not improve our odds of winning. Once we decide to follow God, it is not wise to walk along two ways. The outcomes are clearly delimited.
In conclusion, fear the Lord.
Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, but not into the hands of men;
for as his majesty is, so also is his mercy (Sirach 2:18).
My dear Advocate, You are my guarantee. Accentuate in me the fear of You to dampen my arrogance. Pray that I seek always Your approval and not man's. Allow me to love You more. Amen.
Revelation religions are top-down. They provide answers to existential questions from a deity above. Knowledge about the destiny and well-being of the people is revealed by God. Judaism-Christianity-Islam are typical examples of revelation religions.
Wisdom religions are bottom-up. Some people have gone through vigourous reflections, meditation, learning and a host other human activities. They come up with an enlightenment, an insight into those perennial questions of human existence. Gradually, a system of teachings, ceremonies and institutions evolve into being. Buddhism, Taoism, Confucism etc. are such examples.
These two types of religions will have different interpretations of the meaning of wisdom. For Buddhism, Taoism and Confucism, wisdom is the fruit of human efforts. It is a distillation of their experiences, an insight into difficult situations, the ability to judge or discern what is right, true or lasting etc. Look up any dictionary and you will find such explanations. For Christianity and Judaism, wisdom comes from God. Therefore, they hold the idea that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Which is wiser? Following the Christian tradition, I choose to continue reading Ben Sirach and do no better than paraphrasing it.
My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation (Sirach 2:1).
Temptation is inevitable so long as we continue to lead a mortal life. There are needs to satisfy and there are many shortcuts to satisfy them. For me, these shortcuts are temptations. Ben Sirach has a lot of advice to offer.
Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of calamity.
Cleave to him and do not depart, that you may be honored at the end of your life.
Accept whatever is brought upon you, and in changes that humble you be patient (Sirach 2:2-4).
Trust in him, and he will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in him (Sirach 2:6).
Set your sight to the will of God and stick to it. Trust and hope in God. Be patient and not hasty. Do not depart from His will. Then, we will be able to weather through all temptations.
Fear of the Lord is our only defence. In the end, good things, everlasting joy and mercy will be our reward (Sirach 2:7-9). How do we know we will be rewarded? We don't know. Just trust in Him. For Christians, there is a foundation for this trust, the Holy Spirit. Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee.
he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:22).
Pray to the Holy Spirit in our hearts to verify. The Holy Spirit sets Christianity apart from Judaism, though they have the same root. Returning to the question of temptation, it is consoling to read that God is compassionate.
For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of affliction (Sirach 2:11).
No matter how badly we fail, God forgives and saves because He is God and our Creator.
What will happen to those who are unsure and unsteady? Ben Sirach paints the following picture.
Woe to timid hearts and to slack hands, and to the sinner who walks along two ways!
Woe to the faint heart, for it has no trust! Therefore it will not be sheltered.
Woe to you who have lost your endurance! What will you do when the Lord punishes you? (Sirach 2:12-14)
We cannot take the best of two worlds. If we decide to follow God, we cannot beat the drum and then back off. Christianity is a risky business. Buying insurance does not improve our odds of winning. Once we decide to follow God, it is not wise to walk along two ways. The outcomes are clearly delimited.
In conclusion, fear the Lord.
Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, but not into the hands of men;
for as his majesty is, so also is his mercy (Sirach 2:18).
My dear Advocate, You are my guarantee. Accentuate in me the fear of You to dampen my arrogance. Pray that I seek always Your approval and not man's. Allow me to love You more. Amen.
Tuesday 24 February 2009
Wisdom of Ben Sirach
Among the books of the Old Testament in the Catholic version of the Bible, the Hebrew texts of seven of them no longer exist. These books and a few more came down from the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew scripture. Scholars suspect that some of these 7 books were Greek to start with and not Greek translations of Hebrew texts. The book I am reading in these two days is Ben Sirach. According to its preface, this book was a Greek translation of a Hebrew text. We can only take its words.
The book began with an ode, singing praises to Wisdom (Sirach 1:1-8). Then it brings in the concept of the fear of the Lord (Sirach 1:9-30). Ben Sirach is not the only book to equate wisdom with the fear of the Lord. The books of Job, Psalm and Proverbs do likewise.
Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding (Job 28:28).
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it.
His praise endures for ever! (Psalm 111:10)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight (Proverbs 9:10).
The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility goes before honor (Proverbs 15:33).
Ben Sirach does a more thorough treatment of the topic.
First of all, Ben Sirach tells us the benefits of the fear of the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation, and gladness and a crown of rejoicing.
The fear of the Lord delights the heart, and gives gladness and joy and long life.
With him who fears the Lord it will go well at the end; on the day of his death he will be blessed (Ben Sirach 1:9-11).
Modern men have difficulty appreciating fear. Fear is negative and unpleasant. However, fear preserves our life. Without fear, we will do a lot of harmful things to ourselves and others. Fear is a necessary evil. But Ben Sirach sees fear, especially the fear of the Lord, in a positive way. It is glory, gladness and joy because with the fear of the Lord, all will go well in the end.
Now, Ben Sirach turns his attention to the relation between the fear of the Lord and wisdom.
To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; she is created with the faithful in the womb.
She made among men an eternal foundation, and among their descendants she will be trusted (Sirach 1:12-13).
Sounds familiar. It echoes the basic tenet of all Israelite wisdom literature. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom because it is the trustworthy foundation of life.
To fear the Lord is wisdom's full measure; she satisfies men with her fruits (Sirach 1:14).
When you have wisdom and your wisdom comes to its fullness, you will fear the Lord because by then, you will be dumbfounded. You will find the Lord and His creation awesome. By then, you will be rewarded with the fruits of wisdom.
The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish
He saw her and apportioned her; he rained down knowledge and discerning comprehension, and he exalted the glory of those who held her fast. (Sirach 1:16-17).
When one fears the Lord, he will be given knowledge and discerning comprehension. With them, one attains glory (crown), peace, perfect health and a long life.
To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom, and her branches are long life (Sirach 1:18).
For Ben Sirach, the fear of the Lord is the beginning, the fullness, the root and the crown of wisdom. Once again, modern men should be forgiven for their ignoring the ways of God because they entertain the notion that there is "no need of the hypothesis of God". Without God, they have other objects to fear instead: fear of aging, of aliens, of darkness, of disapproval, of enclosed spaces, of failures and of successes, of insects, of unemployment and of death etc. To outsiders, these fears are irrational. But for these pitiful people involved, these fears are authentic. In the end, the fear of the Lord seems to be the best option.
Then, how do we proceed with this precious fear of the Lord? Ben Sirach continues to offer some advice.
A patient man will endure until the right moment, and then joy will burst forth for him.
He will hide his words until the right moment, and the lips of many will tell of his good sense (Sirach 1:23-24).
Obviously, a man of wisdom is able to master his tongue. He will speak at the right moment.
If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will supply it for you (Sirach 1:26).
Therefore, the simplest and wisest way is to keep the commandments.
Be not a hypocrite in men's sight, and keep watch over your lips (Sirach 1:29).
True to yourself and keep watch over your lips. It is not easy. Who doesn't want to appear good? Who doesn't want to enlarge oneself? Good advice!
To conclude
Do not exalt yourself lest you fall, and thus bring dishonor upon yourself.
The Lord will reveal your secrets and cast you down in the midst of the congregation (Sirach 1:30).
Be humble and make this your true self.
Dear Lord, I am a man of simple mind. Cultivate in me a proper fear of You. Guard my tongue that I may speak edifying word to encourage others. Amen.
The book began with an ode, singing praises to Wisdom (Sirach 1:1-8). Then it brings in the concept of the fear of the Lord (Sirach 1:9-30). Ben Sirach is not the only book to equate wisdom with the fear of the Lord. The books of Job, Psalm and Proverbs do likewise.
Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding (Job 28:28).
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it.
His praise endures for ever! (Psalm 111:10)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight (Proverbs 9:10).
The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility goes before honor (Proverbs 15:33).
Ben Sirach does a more thorough treatment of the topic.
First of all, Ben Sirach tells us the benefits of the fear of the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation, and gladness and a crown of rejoicing.
The fear of the Lord delights the heart, and gives gladness and joy and long life.
With him who fears the Lord it will go well at the end; on the day of his death he will be blessed (Ben Sirach 1:9-11).
Modern men have difficulty appreciating fear. Fear is negative and unpleasant. However, fear preserves our life. Without fear, we will do a lot of harmful things to ourselves and others. Fear is a necessary evil. But Ben Sirach sees fear, especially the fear of the Lord, in a positive way. It is glory, gladness and joy because with the fear of the Lord, all will go well in the end.
Now, Ben Sirach turns his attention to the relation between the fear of the Lord and wisdom.
To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; she is created with the faithful in the womb.
She made among men an eternal foundation, and among their descendants she will be trusted (Sirach 1:12-13).
Sounds familiar. It echoes the basic tenet of all Israelite wisdom literature. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom because it is the trustworthy foundation of life.
To fear the Lord is wisdom's full measure; she satisfies men with her fruits (Sirach 1:14).
When you have wisdom and your wisdom comes to its fullness, you will fear the Lord because by then, you will be dumbfounded. You will find the Lord and His creation awesome. By then, you will be rewarded with the fruits of wisdom.
The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish
He saw her and apportioned her; he rained down knowledge and discerning comprehension, and he exalted the glory of those who held her fast. (Sirach 1:16-17).
When one fears the Lord, he will be given knowledge and discerning comprehension. With them, one attains glory (crown), peace, perfect health and a long life.
To fear the Lord is the root of wisdom, and her branches are long life (Sirach 1:18).
For Ben Sirach, the fear of the Lord is the beginning, the fullness, the root and the crown of wisdom. Once again, modern men should be forgiven for their ignoring the ways of God because they entertain the notion that there is "no need of the hypothesis of God". Without God, they have other objects to fear instead: fear of aging, of aliens, of darkness, of disapproval, of enclosed spaces, of failures and of successes, of insects, of unemployment and of death etc. To outsiders, these fears are irrational. But for these pitiful people involved, these fears are authentic. In the end, the fear of the Lord seems to be the best option.
Then, how do we proceed with this precious fear of the Lord? Ben Sirach continues to offer some advice.
A patient man will endure until the right moment, and then joy will burst forth for him.
He will hide his words until the right moment, and the lips of many will tell of his good sense (Sirach 1:23-24).
Obviously, a man of wisdom is able to master his tongue. He will speak at the right moment.
If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord will supply it for you (Sirach 1:26).
Therefore, the simplest and wisest way is to keep the commandments.
Be not a hypocrite in men's sight, and keep watch over your lips (Sirach 1:29).
True to yourself and keep watch over your lips. It is not easy. Who doesn't want to appear good? Who doesn't want to enlarge oneself? Good advice!
To conclude
Do not exalt yourself lest you fall, and thus bring dishonor upon yourself.
The Lord will reveal your secrets and cast you down in the midst of the congregation (Sirach 1:30).
Be humble and make this your true self.
Dear Lord, I am a man of simple mind. Cultivate in me a proper fear of You. Guard my tongue that I may speak edifying word to encourage others. Amen.
Monday 23 February 2009
Seventh Ordinary Sunday (Year B)
This morning I had to return to school to see parents, giving them report cards. Therefore, I went to the anticipatory Mass last evening. Fr. John Baptist Kwan celebrated the mass.
In anticipation of the coming Lent season, Fr. Kwan focused on conversion. Many people cannot forgive and are bogged down by painful experiences in the past. They might not have the ability to revenge the wounds sustained. Neither have they the ability to forget those traumas. Instead of dressing the wound, people tear them open repeatedly to relish the pains. I think the defeated king of Yue 越王勾踐had set a very bad example for all Chinese. But God had set us a good example to follow.
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:18-19a)
What new thing does God want to do?
But you have burdened me with your sins, you have wearied me with your iniquities.
I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins (Isaiah 43:24b-25).
So, this is what God will do in the New Covenant. God will blot out our sins. He will not remember our sins.
What good does it bring to God to blot out our sins? Why did God say "... for my own sake ..."?
For men as well as for God, two options are open once they are offended: either destroy/punish the offenders or forgive them.
It is only natural and fair to exact an eye for an eye (Exodus 21:23-24) and blood for blood (Genesis 9:6). This is the morality enshrined in the Torah. However, the Israelites had not improved. Punishments could only make them more stiff-necked.
However, as shown in the Prophets, God's morality has evolved to a new level. God does not want to be burdened and worn down with our sins. Therefore God chose to forgive (Isaiah 43:25, 44:22; Jeremiah 33:8; Ezekiel 37:23). This option is better than the first one because the offenders are given a chance to improve and to evolve, making the offenders responsible for what they have done and holding them responsible for their own recovery.
Apply the same logic to interpersonal relationship, we should forgive ourselves as well as those who have offended us. Give ourselves as well as others a chance to change and to become better.
But how is our fragile psyche capable of such a great feat as to forgive and to forget? St. Paul gave us the answer. Jesus had given us the Holy Spirit to help us.
he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:22).
We should befriend and treasure our relationship with the Holy Spirit. It is the merits of the New Testament to enlighten us on the nature of the Holy Spirit and allow us to know Him better.
There are a number of lessons to be learned in the story of the healing of the paralyzed man. For example, a total healing involves the soul as well as the body etc. But Fr. Kwan urged us to focus on the charity and faith of the four friends who lowered the paralyzed man in front of Jesus to beg him for a cure. Nothing could stop them from helping their friend nor make them doubt the power of Jesus. Neither should we withdraw in face of obstacles.
Now that the man was cured, why did Jesus ask him to take up the pallet and go home?
I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home. (Mark 2:11)
Fr. Kwan asked jokingly whether Jesus wanted the paralyzed man to be environmentally friendly, or to make the pallet a souvenir, a reminder of his former life. No. the paralyzed man was carried by his friends on this pallet to come to Jesus. Now that he was cured, it was his turn to carry other sinners to come to Jesus. He should share his healing experience with the others. All of us should.
Dear Lord, I am sorry. I thought I had forgiven and forgotten. But I have not. This bitterness has a crippling effect on me. Have mercy on me. Help me put down my bitterness and frustration. Help me let go. Help me forgive. Amen.
In anticipation of the coming Lent season, Fr. Kwan focused on conversion. Many people cannot forgive and are bogged down by painful experiences in the past. They might not have the ability to revenge the wounds sustained. Neither have they the ability to forget those traumas. Instead of dressing the wound, people tear them open repeatedly to relish the pains. I think the defeated king of Yue 越王勾踐had set a very bad example for all Chinese. But God had set us a good example to follow.
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:18-19a)
What new thing does God want to do?
But you have burdened me with your sins, you have wearied me with your iniquities.
I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins (Isaiah 43:24b-25).
So, this is what God will do in the New Covenant. God will blot out our sins. He will not remember our sins.
What good does it bring to God to blot out our sins? Why did God say "... for my own sake ..."?
For men as well as for God, two options are open once they are offended: either destroy/punish the offenders or forgive them.
It is only natural and fair to exact an eye for an eye (Exodus 21:23-24) and blood for blood (Genesis 9:6). This is the morality enshrined in the Torah. However, the Israelites had not improved. Punishments could only make them more stiff-necked.
However, as shown in the Prophets, God's morality has evolved to a new level. God does not want to be burdened and worn down with our sins. Therefore God chose to forgive (Isaiah 43:25, 44:22; Jeremiah 33:8; Ezekiel 37:23). This option is better than the first one because the offenders are given a chance to improve and to evolve, making the offenders responsible for what they have done and holding them responsible for their own recovery.
Apply the same logic to interpersonal relationship, we should forgive ourselves as well as those who have offended us. Give ourselves as well as others a chance to change and to become better.
But how is our fragile psyche capable of such a great feat as to forgive and to forget? St. Paul gave us the answer. Jesus had given us the Holy Spirit to help us.
he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:22).
We should befriend and treasure our relationship with the Holy Spirit. It is the merits of the New Testament to enlighten us on the nature of the Holy Spirit and allow us to know Him better.
There are a number of lessons to be learned in the story of the healing of the paralyzed man. For example, a total healing involves the soul as well as the body etc. But Fr. Kwan urged us to focus on the charity and faith of the four friends who lowered the paralyzed man in front of Jesus to beg him for a cure. Nothing could stop them from helping their friend nor make them doubt the power of Jesus. Neither should we withdraw in face of obstacles.
Now that the man was cured, why did Jesus ask him to take up the pallet and go home?
I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home. (Mark 2:11)
Fr. Kwan asked jokingly whether Jesus wanted the paralyzed man to be environmentally friendly, or to make the pallet a souvenir, a reminder of his former life. No. the paralyzed man was carried by his friends on this pallet to come to Jesus. Now that he was cured, it was his turn to carry other sinners to come to Jesus. He should share his healing experience with the others. All of us should.
Dear Lord, I am sorry. I thought I had forgiven and forgotten. But I have not. This bitterness has a crippling effect on me. Have mercy on me. Help me put down my bitterness and frustration. Help me let go. Help me forgive. Amen.
Saturday 21 February 2009
The Babel Story
I always enjoy languages, spoken as well as written. When I was studying S.5, I volunteered to decorate the bulletin board at the back of the classroom. When Christmas approached, I was thinking of putting up the message Joy to the world. There were some PIME priests in the parish. I asked them how to write Joy to the world in Italian. I also asked some Canadian nuns how to write it in French. In the end, I collected Joy to the world in many languages. The board was truly universal, catholic. When I was younger, my father subscribed Reader’s Digest for me to read. Once, I read of the story of an old lady in her nineties studying Greek and Hebrew so as to read the Bible in the original languages. I was fascinated by this little story which planted the seed to drive me on today to study these two sacred languages.
New languages open up new visions and horizons, at least for me. Music and Mathematics have provided me with many hours of enjoyment. Their languages are elegant. Teaching in La Salle, I had an opportunity to study a computer programming language, BASIC, which the Education Department earmarked for the introduction of Computer Studies in secondary schools. Not satisfied with the spaghetti-style of BASIC, I hungered for more and better ones only to discover that different languages served different purposes, ADA for embedded systems, APL for array manipulation, assembly languages to interact with hardware, C for system, COBOL for business, FORTH to maneuver telescopes, FORTRAN for scientific calculations, LISP for artificial intelligence, PROLOG for expert systems etc. Cracking software protection was once my hobby and language becomes a decoding game, hunting down the hidden logic. Diversity of languages is fun and practical.
Of course, people lament the decline of Chinese and English standards of Hong Kong students nowadays. Magistrates complain the poor English standard of some lawyers. Businessmen complain that even university graduates cannot write proper English communications. Teachers complain that advertisements corrupt students with sound-alike phrases and that students write spoken Cantonese and even ICQ shorthand’s in their compositions. Marking their writings involves deciphering the latest gags. Probably, these are all worries from purists. Languages go through evolution on their own. Some subcultures will survive. Some don’t.
The biblical story of Babel is again an etymology. While many people take the diversity of languages for granted, the author of this legend thought otherwise. He attempted to explain the diversity of languages in our daily life. He thought that in the beginning there should only be one language. How did different languages arise? Modern linguists will be able to explain in terms of psychological, sociological and political processes. But how else could the storyteller explain a process on such a large scale? He resorted to God.
And the LORD said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; and nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them (Genesis 11:6).
Language is a unifying force. People speaking the same language are able to communicate and cooperate. When they do, they are able to achieve almost anything.
However, in trying to explain the reality of diverse languages spoken by different peoples, the author put God in a bad light. God seemed to be jealous of what men could achieve.
Come, let us go down, and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech (Genesis 11:7).
Failed to understand each other, the project to build the city of Babel was never accomplished. The storyteller had successfully explained the phenomenon at the expense of God.
The storyteller assumed a single language for one people from the start. I doubt very much such was the case. There are many reasons people speak differently. All languages have different dialects. For selfish purposes, people speak in secret languages/jargons which outsiders/laymen have difficulty to understand. New situations demand new labels. In short, languages have a life of their own. They evolve to adapt to the rising of new situations.
Of course, I am not trying to discredit the storyteller. I wonder why he favoured a single language. Probably, he wanted to control people’s thought. (Here I play a conspiracy theorist.) A unified language facilitates the government of a huge people. Alas! This is impossible. There are always dissidents a government cannot silence. These dissidents will invent a new vocabulary and a new language to fight back. Diversity of languages is a necessity.
Dear Lord, I thank You for implanting this love of languages in my temperament. I pray that I make good use of this love to love You and my students more. Amen.
New languages open up new visions and horizons, at least for me. Music and Mathematics have provided me with many hours of enjoyment. Their languages are elegant. Teaching in La Salle, I had an opportunity to study a computer programming language, BASIC, which the Education Department earmarked for the introduction of Computer Studies in secondary schools. Not satisfied with the spaghetti-style of BASIC, I hungered for more and better ones only to discover that different languages served different purposes, ADA for embedded systems, APL for array manipulation, assembly languages to interact with hardware, C for system, COBOL for business, FORTH to maneuver telescopes, FORTRAN for scientific calculations, LISP for artificial intelligence, PROLOG for expert systems etc. Cracking software protection was once my hobby and language becomes a decoding game, hunting down the hidden logic. Diversity of languages is fun and practical.
Of course, people lament the decline of Chinese and English standards of Hong Kong students nowadays. Magistrates complain the poor English standard of some lawyers. Businessmen complain that even university graduates cannot write proper English communications. Teachers complain that advertisements corrupt students with sound-alike phrases and that students write spoken Cantonese and even ICQ shorthand’s in their compositions. Marking their writings involves deciphering the latest gags. Probably, these are all worries from purists. Languages go through evolution on their own. Some subcultures will survive. Some don’t.
The biblical story of Babel is again an etymology. While many people take the diversity of languages for granted, the author of this legend thought otherwise. He attempted to explain the diversity of languages in our daily life. He thought that in the beginning there should only be one language. How did different languages arise? Modern linguists will be able to explain in terms of psychological, sociological and political processes. But how else could the storyteller explain a process on such a large scale? He resorted to God.
And the LORD said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; and nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them (Genesis 11:6).
Language is a unifying force. People speaking the same language are able to communicate and cooperate. When they do, they are able to achieve almost anything.
However, in trying to explain the reality of diverse languages spoken by different peoples, the author put God in a bad light. God seemed to be jealous of what men could achieve.
Come, let us go down, and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech (Genesis 11:7).
Failed to understand each other, the project to build the city of Babel was never accomplished. The storyteller had successfully explained the phenomenon at the expense of God.
The storyteller assumed a single language for one people from the start. I doubt very much such was the case. There are many reasons people speak differently. All languages have different dialects. For selfish purposes, people speak in secret languages/jargons which outsiders/laymen have difficulty to understand. New situations demand new labels. In short, languages have a life of their own. They evolve to adapt to the rising of new situations.
Of course, I am not trying to discredit the storyteller. I wonder why he favoured a single language. Probably, he wanted to control people’s thought. (Here I play a conspiracy theorist.) A unified language facilitates the government of a huge people. Alas! This is impossible. There are always dissidents a government cannot silence. These dissidents will invent a new vocabulary and a new language to fight back. Diversity of languages is a necessity.
Dear Lord, I thank You for implanting this love of languages in my temperament. I pray that I make good use of this love to love You and my students more. Amen.
Friday 20 February 2009
The nakedness of Noah
Before we finish Genesis 9, we come across an interesting story about the nakedness of Noah. The story follows immediately after God's rainbow covenant and leaves a lot of room for wild interpretations.
The sons of Noah who went forth from the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham was the father of Canaan.
These three were the sons of Noah; and from these the whole earth was peopled (Genesis 9:18-19).
Fair enough. This is a simple genealogy which will be fully expanded in Genesis 10. "Ham was the father of Canaan." Innocent enough. Canaan would be the ancestor of the Canaanites. So, when the Israelites occupied Canaan, the Promised Land, centuries later, it was legitimate enough.
Later, we are told that Noah was a husbandman. He planted a vineyard, brewed some wine, enjoyed it and had himself drunk.
and he drank of the wine, and became drunk, and lay uncovered in his tent (Genesis 9:21).
Natural enough. When you are intoxicated with alcohol, you feel hot and remove your clothing. What came next suggested something else had happened.
And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside (Genesis 9:22).
When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him,
he said, "Cursed be Canaan; a slave of slaves shall he be to his brothers." (Genesis 9:24-25)
First of all, we now know that Ham was the youngest son, though his name always appeared in the middle (Genesis 5:32, 6:10, 7:13, 9:18).
What is really mind-boggling is the fact that Canaan, the son of Ham, was cursed instead of Ham. Ham saw Noah's nakedness, not Canaan. Why was Ham's son cursed instead of Ham himself? The whole story only involves these 4 male-survivors of the Great Deluge. Why was Canaan suddenly brought in to bear the brunt for his father? I think we need to explore more the meaning of "nakedness" in Leviticus. You might protest why I should consult Leviticus. Don't forget, the first 5 books of the Old Testament form one unit, the Torah.
Nakedness usually means nudity. But in Leviticus, "to have sexual intercourse with someone" is almost always expressed as "to uncover the nakedness of someone". The only exception is Leviticus 20:17 where it is expressed as "to see the nakedness of someone". Put this way, Noah was probably having sex with his wife in Genesis 9:21. Ham saw his father Noah making love with his father's wife and told his brothers outside (Genesis 9:22). Now, a behind-the-scene 5th character is introduced in this interpretation. Still, it is difficult to explain why Canaan, Ham's son, was cursed.
Armed with Leviticus 20:17, it is not difficult for some scholars to stretch their imagination wild to come up with some outrageous interpretations. Ham had sex with his father's wife who gave birth to Canaan! That was why Canaan, the outcome of the first incest, was cursed by Noah.
Don't complain if you find this interpretation distasteful. Remember, after the flood, there were only 4 men and 4 women. From them, the whole earth was peopled (Genesis 9:19). Furthermore, Adam and Eve gave birth only to sons. How can we expect them to give birth to grandsons, unless ... ? Therefore, in this primitive stage of the development of societies, there was no incest taboo. Only when a society has reached a certain level of economic development will it be necessary for that society to institutionalize the concept of incest. Marriage inside a family would never yield extra economic gains. Marrying your daughters out would, thus incest between brothers and sisters became a taboo. Similarly, allowing the generation boundary to break down would generate a lot of inheritance disputes, thus incest between parents and children became a taboo. Solving this problem once and for all, Noah declared Canaan a slave to his "brothers" Shem, Ham and Japheth. As a slave, Canaan would have no share in Noah's inheritance. The Bible cannot be too explicit!
Now, let's go back to see what Shem and Japheth had done.
Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it upon both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father's nakedness (Genesis 9:23).
Whatever Ham had done, whether he had simply seen his father's nudity or had actually made love with his father's wife, Shem and Japheth returned the dignity to their father instead. But what had they actually done? What does this "walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father" mean? Since the Bible cannot be too explicit, readers are free to imagine.
One last point before I leave, this interpretation in the light of Leviticus needs a longer time-span to carry through. But once again, the time-frame of this story is not clear. It can be one day. It can be more than decades.
In conclusion, Genesis 9:18-27 explains why Canaan would be a slave to Israel. Most probably, this is also the first incest story with a consequence in the Bible.
Dear Lord, today was the last school day of my S.5 students. These kids are rather sentimental. Many girls shed tears in the classrooms. Koko and Cheryl came to take photos with me and tears burst out from them. I thanked them and reassured them that they had been very supportive of me in these two years. Lord, I pray for all my students. Forgive me for the stupid acts that I had done to them. I entrust them into Your loving care. Amen.
The sons of Noah who went forth from the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham was the father of Canaan.
These three were the sons of Noah; and from these the whole earth was peopled (Genesis 9:18-19).
Fair enough. This is a simple genealogy which will be fully expanded in Genesis 10. "Ham was the father of Canaan." Innocent enough. Canaan would be the ancestor of the Canaanites. So, when the Israelites occupied Canaan, the Promised Land, centuries later, it was legitimate enough.
Later, we are told that Noah was a husbandman. He planted a vineyard, brewed some wine, enjoyed it and had himself drunk.
and he drank of the wine, and became drunk, and lay uncovered in his tent (Genesis 9:21).
Natural enough. When you are intoxicated with alcohol, you feel hot and remove your clothing. What came next suggested something else had happened.
And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside (Genesis 9:22).
When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him,
he said, "Cursed be Canaan; a slave of slaves shall he be to his brothers." (Genesis 9:24-25)
First of all, we now know that Ham was the youngest son, though his name always appeared in the middle (Genesis 5:32, 6:10, 7:13, 9:18).
What is really mind-boggling is the fact that Canaan, the son of Ham, was cursed instead of Ham. Ham saw Noah's nakedness, not Canaan. Why was Ham's son cursed instead of Ham himself? The whole story only involves these 4 male-survivors of the Great Deluge. Why was Canaan suddenly brought in to bear the brunt for his father? I think we need to explore more the meaning of "nakedness" in Leviticus. You might protest why I should consult Leviticus. Don't forget, the first 5 books of the Old Testament form one unit, the Torah.
Nakedness usually means nudity. But in Leviticus, "to have sexual intercourse with someone" is almost always expressed as "to uncover the nakedness of someone". The only exception is Leviticus 20:17 where it is expressed as "to see the nakedness of someone". Put this way, Noah was probably having sex with his wife in Genesis 9:21. Ham saw his father Noah making love with his father's wife and told his brothers outside (Genesis 9:22). Now, a behind-the-scene 5th character is introduced in this interpretation. Still, it is difficult to explain why Canaan, Ham's son, was cursed.
Armed with Leviticus 20:17, it is not difficult for some scholars to stretch their imagination wild to come up with some outrageous interpretations. Ham had sex with his father's wife who gave birth to Canaan! That was why Canaan, the outcome of the first incest, was cursed by Noah.
Don't complain if you find this interpretation distasteful. Remember, after the flood, there were only 4 men and 4 women. From them, the whole earth was peopled (Genesis 9:19). Furthermore, Adam and Eve gave birth only to sons. How can we expect them to give birth to grandsons, unless ... ? Therefore, in this primitive stage of the development of societies, there was no incest taboo. Only when a society has reached a certain level of economic development will it be necessary for that society to institutionalize the concept of incest. Marriage inside a family would never yield extra economic gains. Marrying your daughters out would, thus incest between brothers and sisters became a taboo. Similarly, allowing the generation boundary to break down would generate a lot of inheritance disputes, thus incest between parents and children became a taboo. Solving this problem once and for all, Noah declared Canaan a slave to his "brothers" Shem, Ham and Japheth. As a slave, Canaan would have no share in Noah's inheritance. The Bible cannot be too explicit!
Now, let's go back to see what Shem and Japheth had done.
Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it upon both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father's nakedness (Genesis 9:23).
Whatever Ham had done, whether he had simply seen his father's nudity or had actually made love with his father's wife, Shem and Japheth returned the dignity to their father instead. But what had they actually done? What does this "walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father" mean? Since the Bible cannot be too explicit, readers are free to imagine.
One last point before I leave, this interpretation in the light of Leviticus needs a longer time-span to carry through. But once again, the time-frame of this story is not clear. It can be one day. It can be more than decades.
In conclusion, Genesis 9:18-27 explains why Canaan would be a slave to Israel. Most probably, this is also the first incest story with a consequence in the Bible.
Dear Lord, today was the last school day of my S.5 students. These kids are rather sentimental. Many girls shed tears in the classrooms. Koko and Cheryl came to take photos with me and tears burst out from them. I thanked them and reassured them that they had been very supportive of me in these two years. Lord, I pray for all my students. Forgive me for the stupid acts that I had done to them. I entrust them into Your loving care. Amen.
Thursday 19 February 2009
God's Covenant with Noah
After the Great Deluge, Noah emerged from the ark. God blessed him and his family with a blessing similar to that given to the first family.
And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth (Genesis 9:1)
It should be noted that these survivors were old according to our standard. Noah was 601 and his sons more than 100 (Genesis 5:32). Yet, through these old men, the new humanity arose. People in modern societies do not pay enough respect to the aged. They should reflect more on this message from the Bible. Respect the aged!
From then onward, men were no longer vegetarians. They were allowed to eat meat, but not with its blood. Here, some legalistic elements creep into the text.
For your lifeblood I will surely require a reckoning; of every beast I will require it and of man; of every man's brother I will require the life of man.
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for God made man in his own image (Genesis 9:5-6).
Murder is forbidden because man was made in the image of God and whoever murders would be murdered. God requires this but God would not kill. He allows man to handle the killings. Man is given more and graver responsibilities now. Indeed, in previous chapters, men seemed like the pets of God. Now, they had become more autonomous, thus carrying more obligations. They were prepared to enter into another level of relationship with God.
The Christian Bible is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament. The word "Testament" appears in the KJV translation, meaning Covenant. It appears only in the New Testament, whereas the word "Covenant" appears in both. Noah was the first man with whom God established a covenant (Genesis 6:18, 9:9).
Covenants are agreements between tribes and between nations. It is never meant to be personal, to be one on one. Noah was a survivor of the Great Deluge. He was a representative of humanity. Therefore, this covenant was between God and men, including those born in the future.
When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds,
I will remember my covenant which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.
When the bow is in the clouds, I will look upon it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth."
God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth." (Genesis 9:14-17)
Covenants carry obligations and rights. Both parties must do something. The rights of one party are the obligations of the other party. However, in this first covenant with God, men did not have to do anything. God made a promise not to destroy the world again with flood. In other words, God promised NOT to do something. At most, God's action was to remember! So, in a way, this covenant was rather rudimentary. Both parties did not do anything concrete. I wonder whether this "covenant" can even be called a covenant at all.
Scholars would concur that this story is an etymology. It explains the origin of the rainbow. However, this story is wrapped in a covenant language. It is a very serious matter and cannot simply be a legend to explain a physical phenomenon to children.
I think the story indicates a new stage of human evolution where man has reached a certain degree of autonomy and morality. God was giving man greater autonomy and responsibilities to help him mature morally. Eating of meat (protein) strengthens men physically. His brain activities are enhanced. Man can be more destructive now. He needs a stronger morality to counteract this destructiveness. God taught him with a series of covenants. More covenants were on the pipeline.
Dear Lord, for our benefits You establish covenants with us. We are not worthy to participate in these covenants. May we grow healthily and morally in them. Amen.
And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth (Genesis 9:1)
It should be noted that these survivors were old according to our standard. Noah was 601 and his sons more than 100 (Genesis 5:32). Yet, through these old men, the new humanity arose. People in modern societies do not pay enough respect to the aged. They should reflect more on this message from the Bible. Respect the aged!
From then onward, men were no longer vegetarians. They were allowed to eat meat, but not with its blood. Here, some legalistic elements creep into the text.
For your lifeblood I will surely require a reckoning; of every beast I will require it and of man; of every man's brother I will require the life of man.
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for God made man in his own image (Genesis 9:5-6).
Murder is forbidden because man was made in the image of God and whoever murders would be murdered. God requires this but God would not kill. He allows man to handle the killings. Man is given more and graver responsibilities now. Indeed, in previous chapters, men seemed like the pets of God. Now, they had become more autonomous, thus carrying more obligations. They were prepared to enter into another level of relationship with God.
The Christian Bible is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament. The word "Testament" appears in the KJV translation, meaning Covenant. It appears only in the New Testament, whereas the word "Covenant" appears in both. Noah was the first man with whom God established a covenant (Genesis 6:18, 9:9).
Covenants are agreements between tribes and between nations. It is never meant to be personal, to be one on one. Noah was a survivor of the Great Deluge. He was a representative of humanity. Therefore, this covenant was between God and men, including those born in the future.
When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds,
I will remember my covenant which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.
When the bow is in the clouds, I will look upon it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth."
God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth." (Genesis 9:14-17)
Covenants carry obligations and rights. Both parties must do something. The rights of one party are the obligations of the other party. However, in this first covenant with God, men did not have to do anything. God made a promise not to destroy the world again with flood. In other words, God promised NOT to do something. At most, God's action was to remember! So, in a way, this covenant was rather rudimentary. Both parties did not do anything concrete. I wonder whether this "covenant" can even be called a covenant at all.
Scholars would concur that this story is an etymology. It explains the origin of the rainbow. However, this story is wrapped in a covenant language. It is a very serious matter and cannot simply be a legend to explain a physical phenomenon to children.
I think the story indicates a new stage of human evolution where man has reached a certain degree of autonomy and morality. God was giving man greater autonomy and responsibilities to help him mature morally. Eating of meat (protein) strengthens men physically. His brain activities are enhanced. Man can be more destructive now. He needs a stronger morality to counteract this destructiveness. God taught him with a series of covenants. More covenants were on the pipeline.
Dear Lord, for our benefits You establish covenants with us. We are not worthy to participate in these covenants. May we grow healthily and morally in them. Amen.
Wednesday 18 February 2009
386 days a year
There are a number of interesting questions related to the story of the Great Deluge. Digging into them can be very revealing. For example, for how long did the waters flood the earth? And for how long did Noah and his family stay in the ark?
Answering the first question is not too difficult. Read up Genesis 7-8 and simply add up the days.
And rain fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:12).
And the waters prevailed upon the earth a hundred and fifty days (Genesis 7:24).
and the waters receded from the earth continually. At the end of a hundred and fifty days the waters had abated (Genesis 8:3);
Adding them up will give a simple answer, 340 days.
But the problem is ...
In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened (Genesis 7:11).
In the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried from off the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and behold, the face of the ground was dry (Genesis 8:13).
The Israelites followed a lunar calendar. There are 29/30 days a lunar month. Therefore, 46 days into the 600th year of Noah's life, the flood began (Genesis 7:11). The flood lasted 340 days, a total of 386 days from the first day of the 600th year of Noah's life. Now according to Genesis 8:13, on the first day of the 601st year of Noah's life, the ground was dry. Therefore, there were 386 days in the 600th year of Noah's life. Not only did legendary biblical figures live longer, a greater number of years, but their year was also longer, a greater number of days! This will disprove some theorists who hypothesize that the 'year' in Genesis 5 was shorter. Interested readers may visit the following link to Judaism 101 to know more about it.
Briefly, twelve lunar months are 11 days shorter than a solar year and thirteen 19 days too long. Therefore, the beginning of a year would drift 11 days earlier. Like the Chinese, a leap month would be added before the last lunar month to compensate for this drift at intervals. Therefore, there are roughly 356 days in an ordinary year and 386 days in a Jewish leap year.
Noah stayed another 57 days before he came out from the ark (Genesis 8:14-18). Therefore, Noah and his family stayed in the ark for 397 days.
And every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves upon the earth, went forth by families out of the ark.
Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar (Genesis 8:19-20).
Within these 397 days, the animals reproduced. One pair, male and female, became one family (Genesis 8:19) so that Noah might sacrifice the clean animal and offered them as burnt offerings on the altar. Otherwise, only unclean animals would remain on earth! Asking interesting questions throws light on our understanding of the Bible.
Dear Lord, I thank You for remembering Noah and all the animals with him in the ark. Remember us and keep us safe in the Church You establish. Amen.
Answering the first question is not too difficult. Read up Genesis 7-8 and simply add up the days.
And rain fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:12).
And the waters prevailed upon the earth a hundred and fifty days (Genesis 7:24).
and the waters receded from the earth continually. At the end of a hundred and fifty days the waters had abated (Genesis 8:3);
Adding them up will give a simple answer, 340 days.
But the problem is ...
In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened (Genesis 7:11).
In the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried from off the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and behold, the face of the ground was dry (Genesis 8:13).
The Israelites followed a lunar calendar. There are 29/30 days a lunar month. Therefore, 46 days into the 600th year of Noah's life, the flood began (Genesis 7:11). The flood lasted 340 days, a total of 386 days from the first day of the 600th year of Noah's life. Now according to Genesis 8:13, on the first day of the 601st year of Noah's life, the ground was dry. Therefore, there were 386 days in the 600th year of Noah's life. Not only did legendary biblical figures live longer, a greater number of years, but their year was also longer, a greater number of days! This will disprove some theorists who hypothesize that the 'year' in Genesis 5 was shorter. Interested readers may visit the following link to Judaism 101 to know more about it.
Briefly, twelve lunar months are 11 days shorter than a solar year and thirteen 19 days too long. Therefore, the beginning of a year would drift 11 days earlier. Like the Chinese, a leap month would be added before the last lunar month to compensate for this drift at intervals. Therefore, there are roughly 356 days in an ordinary year and 386 days in a Jewish leap year.
Noah stayed another 57 days before he came out from the ark (Genesis 8:14-18). Therefore, Noah and his family stayed in the ark for 397 days.
And every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves upon the earth, went forth by families out of the ark.
Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar (Genesis 8:19-20).
Within these 397 days, the animals reproduced. One pair, male and female, became one family (Genesis 8:19) so that Noah might sacrifice the clean animal and offered them as burnt offerings on the altar. Otherwise, only unclean animals would remain on earth! Asking interesting questions throws light on our understanding of the Bible.
Dear Lord, I thank You for remembering Noah and all the animals with him in the ark. Remember us and keep us safe in the Church You establish. Amen.
Tuesday 17 February 2009
Noah's Ark
In Genesis 5, there is a genealogy of Adam. The following table is a summary. Cain and Abel were not mentioned, only Seth. Abel might not have left any offspring but Cain definitely had (Genesis 4:17-18). The last name mentioned along the Cain line was Lamech! However, Cain was cursed. The author was only interested in following the major line, the line of blessing. Therefore, the second column does not indicate the age in which the FIRST son was born. Similarly, in the case of Noah (the bottom row), he was 500 when he was the father of 3 sons. Were they triplets? Might not be!
After Noah was five hundred years old, Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Genesis 5:32).
People have tried various ways to explain away the long age of these biblical figures. But such attempts are futile to start with. Who can verify these figures independently? The Bible is our only evidence. Of course, for believers, the Bible is the word of God. It must be true. Yes, it must be true in different ways. It can be true literally. It can also be true as some sorts of ciphers, secret messages to be decoded. However, who can verify? Better leave them as they are.
In Genesis 6:2, another enigmatic figure appears --- the sons of God. Like the cherubim which guarded the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24), they appear out of nowhere. Scholars tend to interpret them as angels.
the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair; and they took to wife such of them as they chose.
Then the LORD said, "My spirit shall not abide in man for ever, for he is flesh, but his days shall be a hundred and twenty years." (Genesis 6:2-3)
In one stroke, the author explained why our life span is so short as compared to those legendary biblical figures. However, Noah was an exception. He died 950 years old after Genesis 6!
Nearly every civilization has its own version of a great flood that wiped out the world. Probably, this is the remnant of a memory of an Ice Age deposited in the deep psyche of human collective unconsciousness. Naturally, deity was the origin of such a great catastrophe. The gods were annoyed by human beings for whatever reason. They decided to wipe them out, leaving a remnant to start anew. The earlier Creation was an experiment that went wrong. Humanity deserves a second chance.
When we read the biblical story of the Great Deluge in Genesis 6-7, we cannot escape the impression that it is an attempt to piece together several traditions. The most obvious line is the number of living things to be saved in the ark.
And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female.
Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to you, to keep them alive (Genesis 6:19-20).
Later, the concept of unclean animals creeps in. Instead of one pair, we have seven pairs.
Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate; and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate;
and seven pairs of the birds of the air also, male and female, to keep their kind alive upon the face of all the earth (Genesis 7:2-3).
There are a lot more to be pondered upon. Let's take a break here.
Dear Lord, I thank You for giving us chances of repentance. Let us work, despite failed attempts, towards a better and brighter future for our children. Amen.
After Noah was five hundred years old, Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Genesis 5:32).
| Name | Age son was born | Age lived |
| Adam | 130 | 930 |
| Seth | 105 | 912 |
| Enosh | 90 | 905 |
| Kenan | 70 | 910 |
| Mahalalel | 65 | 895 |
| Jared | 162 | 962 |
| Enoch | 65 | 365 (God took him away) |
| Methuselah | 187 | 969 |
| Lamech | 182 | 777 |
| Noah | 500 | 950 (Genesis 9:29) |
People have tried various ways to explain away the long age of these biblical figures. But such attempts are futile to start with. Who can verify these figures independently? The Bible is our only evidence. Of course, for believers, the Bible is the word of God. It must be true. Yes, it must be true in different ways. It can be true literally. It can also be true as some sorts of ciphers, secret messages to be decoded. However, who can verify? Better leave them as they are.
In Genesis 6:2, another enigmatic figure appears --- the sons of God. Like the cherubim which guarded the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24), they appear out of nowhere. Scholars tend to interpret them as angels.
the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair; and they took to wife such of them as they chose.
Then the LORD said, "My spirit shall not abide in man for ever, for he is flesh, but his days shall be a hundred and twenty years." (Genesis 6:2-3)
In one stroke, the author explained why our life span is so short as compared to those legendary biblical figures. However, Noah was an exception. He died 950 years old after Genesis 6!
Nearly every civilization has its own version of a great flood that wiped out the world. Probably, this is the remnant of a memory of an Ice Age deposited in the deep psyche of human collective unconsciousness. Naturally, deity was the origin of such a great catastrophe. The gods were annoyed by human beings for whatever reason. They decided to wipe them out, leaving a remnant to start anew. The earlier Creation was an experiment that went wrong. Humanity deserves a second chance.
When we read the biblical story of the Great Deluge in Genesis 6-7, we cannot escape the impression that it is an attempt to piece together several traditions. The most obvious line is the number of living things to be saved in the ark.
And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female.
Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to you, to keep them alive (Genesis 6:19-20).
Later, the concept of unclean animals creeps in. Instead of one pair, we have seven pairs.
Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate; and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate;
and seven pairs of the birds of the air also, male and female, to keep their kind alive upon the face of all the earth (Genesis 7:2-3).
There are a lot more to be pondered upon. Let's take a break here.
Dear Lord, I thank You for giving us chances of repentance. Let us work, despite failed attempts, towards a better and brighter future for our children. Amen.
Monday 16 February 2009
My brother's keeper
Today is the Monday of the 6th Ordinary Week. The first psalm we recite in the Laud of the Office is Psalm 42, the first psalm of Book 2 of the Psalms. Nothing usual happened when I read this psalm in the morning. Back to school, we had hymn singing during lunch time in the school chapel. Rosanna chose the hymns and the first song we sang was a Christian hymn "As a deer". I was overpowered by a sudden emotional surge. I could not contain my tears when we came to that part of the lyrics. I covered my mouth with my right hand, trying to suppress my sobs and I was unable to sing that line.
"You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee."Oh, my God. You have touched me. You are telling me to wake up to Your call.
We sang several other hymns as well. Near the end, I requested the whole group to sing "As a deer" again. My tears gushed out again. I could not resist.
I searched the Internet and located from YouTube a video clip of "As a deer". I listened to it. Nothing happened. I broke down only while I was singing that hymn. I told Erminia. She said music is really very powerful.
I sat down to read the first murder case in human history. It was fratricide. Cain the elder brother killed Abel.
Cain was a farmer and Abel was a shepherd. Cain brought an offering of fruits to God and Abel the firstlings of his flock.
And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering,
but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell (Genesis 4:4b-5).
Some people tease the Christians and say that God loves lamb chops rather than fruits. It is not true. They have not read the Bible story carefully enough. God loves Abel and his offering, not the other way round. The person goes first. Cain probably did things badly and God had no regard for him.
It is the first time anger enters the Bible. There are various reasons people become angry. In the case of Cain, he was probably short of reasons and used anger to get his way.
The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen?
If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is couching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:6-7)
Yes, if we do well, there is no need of anger. We will find acceptance in God. If we do not do well, we invite disasters.
Cain did not listen to the counsel of God. Instead of mastering his own shortcomings, he directed his anger to his brother and killed Abel.
Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9)
Of course God knew what had happened. Once again, He gave Cain an opportunity to explain himself. Again, Cain was unable to make use of this opportunity to repent. He denied his guilt and his own responsibility. Of course, Cain was the keeper of Abel. When brothers work together heart to heart, they are invincible 兄弟同心，其利斷金。 Yet, he rejected this responsibility and opportunity. What a pity!
My Lord, the time has probably come. You have visited me and touched me. Take my hand and lead me on. Amen.
Appendix:
Psalm 42 (RSV)To the choirmaster. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah.
As a hart longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?
My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me continually, "Where is your God?"
These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I went with the throng, and led them in procession to the house of God, with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help
and my God. My soul is cast down within me, therefore I remember thee from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,
from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep at the thunder of thy cataracts; all thy waves and thy billows have gone over me.
By day the LORD commands his steadfast love; and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God, my rock: "Why hast thou forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
As with a deadly wound in my body, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me continually, "Where is your God?"
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.
Lyrics of "As a deer"As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee
You’re my friend and you are my brother
Even though you are a king
I love you more than any other
So much more than anything
You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee
I want you more than gold or silver
Only you can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye
You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee
"You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee."Oh, my God. You have touched me. You are telling me to wake up to Your call.
We sang several other hymns as well. Near the end, I requested the whole group to sing "As a deer" again. My tears gushed out again. I could not resist.
I searched the Internet and located from YouTube a video clip of "As a deer". I listened to it. Nothing happened. I broke down only while I was singing that hymn. I told Erminia. She said music is really very powerful.
I sat down to read the first murder case in human history. It was fratricide. Cain the elder brother killed Abel.
Cain was a farmer and Abel was a shepherd. Cain brought an offering of fruits to God and Abel the firstlings of his flock.
And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering,
but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell (Genesis 4:4b-5).
Some people tease the Christians and say that God loves lamb chops rather than fruits. It is not true. They have not read the Bible story carefully enough. God loves Abel and his offering, not the other way round. The person goes first. Cain probably did things badly and God had no regard for him.
It is the first time anger enters the Bible. There are various reasons people become angry. In the case of Cain, he was probably short of reasons and used anger to get his way.
The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen?
If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is couching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:6-7)
Yes, if we do well, there is no need of anger. We will find acceptance in God. If we do not do well, we invite disasters.
Cain did not listen to the counsel of God. Instead of mastering his own shortcomings, he directed his anger to his brother and killed Abel.
Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9)
Of course God knew what had happened. Once again, He gave Cain an opportunity to explain himself. Again, Cain was unable to make use of this opportunity to repent. He denied his guilt and his own responsibility. Of course, Cain was the keeper of Abel. When brothers work together heart to heart, they are invincible 兄弟同心，其利斷金。 Yet, he rejected this responsibility and opportunity. What a pity!
My Lord, the time has probably come. You have visited me and touched me. Take my hand and lead me on. Amen.
Appendix:
Psalm 42 (RSV)To the choirmaster. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah.
As a hart longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?
My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me continually, "Where is your God?"
These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I went with the throng, and led them in procession to the house of God, with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help
and my God. My soul is cast down within me, therefore I remember thee from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,
from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep at the thunder of thy cataracts; all thy waves and thy billows have gone over me.
By day the LORD commands his steadfast love; and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
I say to God, my rock: "Why hast thou forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
As with a deadly wound in my body, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me continually, "Where is your God?"
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.
Lyrics of "As a deer"As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee
You’re my friend and you are my brother
Even though you are a king
I love you more than any other
So much more than anything
You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee
I want you more than gold or silver
Only you can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye
You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee
Sunday 15 February 2009
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Today, Cardinal Joseph Zen visited our parish in his pastoral tour before retirement. He celebrated the 11 a.m. mass and commissioned new members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of our parish. The Society was established in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam (1813-1853) who was beatified by the late Pope John Paul II in 1997. The aim of the Society is the service of God in the persons of the poor. St. Vincent de Paul (1580-1660) was chosen as their patron saint because he championed the cause of the poor. Indeed, this should be the option of all Christians for all ages. The Society gained international footing and there is a branch in Hong Kong. Today, we had Society members joining us in the mass.
It was an appropriate occasion because in the gospel reading today, we read the story of Jesus healing a leper (Mark 1:40-45). Leprosy is a disfiguring disease. The fungus eats away the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes. Noses and fingers fall off. Lepers were forced to live away in colonies. In Hong Kong, they were treated in Hei Ling Chau. In Macau, the St. Lazarus Macau Church was built for lepers to worship God in 1557. In 1947, the leper colony was moved to Coloane. Nowadays, we seldom meet lepers. We have AIDS patients instead.
Cardinal Zen shared his impressions of the work for the lepers in Macau more than 50 years ago. Together with more able-bodied lepers, a missionary priest transformed the leper colony into a decent community. They had a tiny electricity generator which was able to supply spare power to the surrounding villages. Lepers, whether they were believers or not, prayed in the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows. This was Jesus at work, though his mission was to proclaim the good news, the reconciliation between God and sinners, the coming of the Kingdom of God.
The story of the leper is instructive. A leper, a symbol of public sinners, recognized his own plights. He humbly knelt before Jesus to beg for restoration.
And a leper came to him beseeching him, and kneeling said to him, "If you will, you can make me clean." (Mark 1:40)
We cannot force the hand of God. If a man can manipulate God, as the Chinese often do, God is no God. Even if we have a noble cause to fight for, we should not force the hand of God to do us favours. We can only put our good cause in front of God and seek His support. God is free to refuse.
Jesus could have refused the leper for a host of good reasons. Indeed, healing and teaching the leper brought Jesus obstacles so that he could not enter the towns openly.
But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter (Mark 1:45).
Jesus was filled with compassion for the plight of this leper. He wanted to heal the leper.
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, "I will; be clean." (Mark 1:41)
When God is willing to support our fight, He will. But Jesus did not cure all lepers. Once, he told us
For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you will, you can do good to them; but you will not always have me (Mark 14:7).
Jesus gave us a chance to continue his work of charity.
According to the Torah, Jesus was not allowed to touch the leper because leprosy was an unclean disease. Touching a leper would contaminate Jesus. Would he be?
Many biblical scholars suggest that before the moment Jesus touched the leper, Jesus' power had already made the leper clean. Therefore, Jesus had not disobeyed the Torah. In fact, he instructed the leper to follow all the rituals to show that his leprosy had been healed. Jesus was law-abiding. He even told the others to do so.
Then the Cardinal switched the topic to chastity. He condemned pornography and sexual immorality as a kind of leprosy. They made a person unclean, thus isolating him/her from the others. Sexual desires are very powerful. People easily get addicted in indulgence. However, not only does addiction enslave a person, but such indulgence would also deprive a person of ideals. A person indulged in immediate gratifications can never live up to ideals. A person without ideals leads an aimless life, wasting his energies and his time. All Christians should lead a life of holiness and chastity.
Dear Lord, I thank You for allowing us to celebrate Your compassion. May You instill in us high ideals in life so that we may live up to the potentials You have granted us. Amen.
It was an appropriate occasion because in the gospel reading today, we read the story of Jesus healing a leper (Mark 1:40-45). Leprosy is a disfiguring disease. The fungus eats away the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes. Noses and fingers fall off. Lepers were forced to live away in colonies. In Hong Kong, they were treated in Hei Ling Chau. In Macau, the St. Lazarus Macau Church was built for lepers to worship God in 1557. In 1947, the leper colony was moved to Coloane. Nowadays, we seldom meet lepers. We have AIDS patients instead.
Cardinal Zen shared his impressions of the work for the lepers in Macau more than 50 years ago. Together with more able-bodied lepers, a missionary priest transformed the leper colony into a decent community. They had a tiny electricity generator which was able to supply spare power to the surrounding villages. Lepers, whether they were believers or not, prayed in the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows. This was Jesus at work, though his mission was to proclaim the good news, the reconciliation between God and sinners, the coming of the Kingdom of God.
The story of the leper is instructive. A leper, a symbol of public sinners, recognized his own plights. He humbly knelt before Jesus to beg for restoration.
And a leper came to him beseeching him, and kneeling said to him, "If you will, you can make me clean." (Mark 1:40)
We cannot force the hand of God. If a man can manipulate God, as the Chinese often do, God is no God. Even if we have a noble cause to fight for, we should not force the hand of God to do us favours. We can only put our good cause in front of God and seek His support. God is free to refuse.
Jesus could have refused the leper for a host of good reasons. Indeed, healing and teaching the leper brought Jesus obstacles so that he could not enter the towns openly.
But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter (Mark 1:45).
Jesus was filled with compassion for the plight of this leper. He wanted to heal the leper.
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, "I will; be clean." (Mark 1:41)
When God is willing to support our fight, He will. But Jesus did not cure all lepers. Once, he told us
For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you will, you can do good to them; but you will not always have me (Mark 14:7).
Jesus gave us a chance to continue his work of charity.
According to the Torah, Jesus was not allowed to touch the leper because leprosy was an unclean disease. Touching a leper would contaminate Jesus. Would he be?
Many biblical scholars suggest that before the moment Jesus touched the leper, Jesus' power had already made the leper clean. Therefore, Jesus had not disobeyed the Torah. In fact, he instructed the leper to follow all the rituals to show that his leprosy had been healed. Jesus was law-abiding. He even told the others to do so.
Then the Cardinal switched the topic to chastity. He condemned pornography and sexual immorality as a kind of leprosy. They made a person unclean, thus isolating him/her from the others. Sexual desires are very powerful. People easily get addicted in indulgence. However, not only does addiction enslave a person, but such indulgence would also deprive a person of ideals. A person indulged in immediate gratifications can never live up to ideals. A person without ideals leads an aimless life, wasting his energies and his time. All Christians should lead a life of holiness and chastity.
Dear Lord, I thank You for allowing us to celebrate Your compassion. May You instill in us high ideals in life so that we may live up to the potentials You have granted us. Amen.
Saturday 14 February 2009
Laying the blame on others
Often in Hong Kong, we hear people say, rather proudly of themselves, that problems that can be solved with money are no problems at all. This suggests that there are problems which cannot be solved with money, worse still, cannot be solved at all.
In order to stay psychologically healthy, to feel good, we lay the blame on our subordinates. They continue to pass the buck down the line until it reaches some inanimate objects. How often do computers fail to work when we do our presentation in front of an expectant audience?
Recently, Shung Tak teachers experienced the frustration of inaccessibility of our data folders for more than one whole week. Many teachers are setting Mock Exam papers! It is all the computer's fault! In this way, we reduce a problem to one that can be solved with money, buying a new tigabyte hard disk. Then everybody is happy again. It was not successful. The duration of outage is outrageous. One whole week! We need to put the blame on people, on other people. It is their fault. The technician has not done the maintenance well. They sabotage us. It is not my/our faults.
Some people are even worse. They love to play this 'Not Me' game. After enjoying the advantages which they are not entitled to, they point their fingers at others and blow the whistles. By the time the truth is established, they have already gone for good.
After disobeying the command of God, Adam hid himself away.
We know that running away from a problem does not solve it. Still, we run away, dreaming that the problem will disappear in the future. Doesn't time heal? Not many of us are courageous enough to experience more failures. Seldom do we tackle our problems head-on.
The first instinct of sinners is to hide or to deny. But where can we hide from our God?
When God called Adam, He should have already known the situation. It is always God who takes the initiative to seek while we hide. What a hide-and-seek game! In the gospel, Jesus mixed with tax-collectors and sinners, making the self-righteous Pharisees raise their eyebrows.
But the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9)
Adam had to face the reality. We all have to, sooner or later.
And he said, "I heard the sound of thee in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." (Genesis 3:10)
This was a factual statement. There was no exaggeration.
He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" (Genesis 3:11)
Unfortunately, texts do not carry the tone. Did God utter the above questions kindly? Firmly? Forcefully? Furiously? Note that God did not say "Who told you that you were naked? You must have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat!" God gave Adam a chance to explain himself.
Very often we jump to conclusion too soon, without giving the other party enough time to explain themselves!
Though he had gained some knowledge of good and evil, Adam the first man was still very childish when God gave him a chance to explain himself. As if by instinct, he put the blame on the woman. But much more than that. He put the blame on God as well! Why did you make me such a trouble-causing woman?
Many times, my Symphorian makes similar remarks like this. We are truly descendants of Adam.
The man said, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." (Genesis 3:12)
Adam blamed his boss! What would you call this? Courage? Naivety? Self-autonomy? Stupidity?
What about Eve? She passed the buck to the Serpent, neither blaming the man nor God. But God did not give the Serpent a chance! Conspiracy theorists would say that God was behind all these and He silenced the witness which would incriminate Him. These theoriests are also true descendants of Adam.
Why didn't Adam die the day he ate the forbidden fruit as God had warned (Genesis 2:17)? He died at the age of 930 (Genesis 5:5). Then God's word was not true. He should not be God. On the other hand, trying to explain the problem away with "the love of God" may not be acceptable by many others. So far, the only answer I find acceptable is that God lives in a different time frame. His day is not our days. Remember that the sun and the moon were created on the fourth day (Genesis 1:16). This is our day, a solar day, one complete self rotation of the earth. What about the three previous days of Creation? The time scale was totally different.
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night (Psalm 90:4).
Adam did not live a thousand years. God's word was still true. Q.E.D.
My dear Lord, I lack faith and run away from problems. Help me Lord. Amen.
In order to stay psychologically healthy, to feel good, we lay the blame on our subordinates. They continue to pass the buck down the line until it reaches some inanimate objects. How often do computers fail to work when we do our presentation in front of an expectant audience?
Recently, Shung Tak teachers experienced the frustration of inaccessibility of our data folders for more than one whole week. Many teachers are setting Mock Exam papers! It is all the computer's fault! In this way, we reduce a problem to one that can be solved with money, buying a new tigabyte hard disk. Then everybody is happy again. It was not successful. The duration of outage is outrageous. One whole week! We need to put the blame on people, on other people. It is their fault. The technician has not done the maintenance well. They sabotage us. It is not my/our faults.
Some people are even worse. They love to play this 'Not Me' game. After enjoying the advantages which they are not entitled to, they point their fingers at others and blow the whistles. By the time the truth is established, they have already gone for good.
After disobeying the command of God, Adam hid himself away.
We know that running away from a problem does not solve it. Still, we run away, dreaming that the problem will disappear in the future. Doesn't time heal? Not many of us are courageous enough to experience more failures. Seldom do we tackle our problems head-on.
The first instinct of sinners is to hide or to deny. But where can we hide from our God?
When God called Adam, He should have already known the situation. It is always God who takes the initiative to seek while we hide. What a hide-and-seek game! In the gospel, Jesus mixed with tax-collectors and sinners, making the self-righteous Pharisees raise their eyebrows.
But the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9)
Adam had to face the reality. We all have to, sooner or later.
And he said, "I heard the sound of thee in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." (Genesis 3:10)
This was a factual statement. There was no exaggeration.
He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" (Genesis 3:11)
Unfortunately, texts do not carry the tone. Did God utter the above questions kindly? Firmly? Forcefully? Furiously? Note that God did not say "Who told you that you were naked? You must have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat!" God gave Adam a chance to explain himself.
Very often we jump to conclusion too soon, without giving the other party enough time to explain themselves!
Though he had gained some knowledge of good and evil, Adam the first man was still very childish when God gave him a chance to explain himself. As if by instinct, he put the blame on the woman. But much more than that. He put the blame on God as well! Why did you make me such a trouble-causing woman?
Many times, my Symphorian makes similar remarks like this. We are truly descendants of Adam.
The man said, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." (Genesis 3:12)
Adam blamed his boss! What would you call this? Courage? Naivety? Self-autonomy? Stupidity?
What about Eve? She passed the buck to the Serpent, neither blaming the man nor God. But God did not give the Serpent a chance! Conspiracy theorists would say that God was behind all these and He silenced the witness which would incriminate Him. These theoriests are also true descendants of Adam.
Why didn't Adam die the day he ate the forbidden fruit as God had warned (Genesis 2:17)? He died at the age of 930 (Genesis 5:5). Then God's word was not true. He should not be God. On the other hand, trying to explain the problem away with "the love of God" may not be acceptable by many others. So far, the only answer I find acceptable is that God lives in a different time frame. His day is not our days. Remember that the sun and the moon were created on the fourth day (Genesis 1:16). This is our day, a solar day, one complete self rotation of the earth. What about the three previous days of Creation? The time scale was totally different.
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night (Psalm 90:4).
Adam did not live a thousand years. God's word was still true. Q.E.D.
My dear Lord, I lack faith and run away from problems. Help me Lord. Amen.
Friday 13 February 2009
The Fall of Mankind
Genesis 3 is a literary gem, a narrative masterpiece. The author was a very perceptive writer, in particular, of easily suggestible women. In general, women are more sensitive than men. They make full uses of their senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch etc. to explore the world. Colours, music, fragrance, candies, velvet etc appeal to them. The Creation story began well in the Garden of Eden, a paradise on earth. Then, why are there so many evils and sufferings? Where did they come from? Why did God allow such things to happen? The author attempted to explain them all.
Now the serpent was more subtle than any other wild creature that the LORD God had made (Genesis 3:1a). True, snakes are stealthy and subtle. They are appropriate candidates for a story with a Midlle East background. We Chinese do not share such sentiment. But there may be other reasons. The Egyptians were fond of snakes and there were many idols in snake form. Making the serpent the arch culprit of all evils and sufferings was a natural choice.
He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat of any tree of the garden'?" (Genesis 3:1b)
A talking serpent. Immediately, the author signalled the readers that he was writing a fable, something not to be taken literally. This personified Evil began its entry from hearing because the target was a woman who likes hearing gossips. When God called Moses, He chose a visual entry, a burning bush. A spectacular sight is more appealing to man. What a stroke of genius!
The talking serpent made an obvious blunder to entice the woman. It deliberately made a mistake to engage the woman to refute it so as to ensnare her further.
And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden;
but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" (Genesis 3:2-3)
Let's compare the original saying from God.
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden;
but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die." (Genesis 2:16-17)
Did the man not faithfully pass on this command to the woman, leaving out the crucially messages of "freely", "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil"? Had the woman exaggerated when she said "neither shall you touch it" and "in the day that you eat of it"? We cannot tell. Most likely, the woman had exaggerated as most women tend to do.
Here came the true art of deception --- half truth and smear campaign!
But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die.
For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:4-5)
It was a sugar-coated poison, clothing a lie with a layer of truth. It is true that after eating the fruit, Adam and Eve did not die immediately the day they ate it. It is true that after eating the fruit, the eyes of Adam and Eve were opened, knowing good and evil. But eventually, they died. We all die. God did not kill them the day they ate it. God's heart was soft because of His love. Yet, man's heart had already been poisoned with the seed of mistrust the Evil had planted. Man questions God's intention. God was jealous. He did not want us to be like God, knowing good and evil.
Some scholars with depth-psychology background would speculate that the Serpent was actually internal. It was part of the human psychological make-up. It was the personification and projection of our own desires. The woman was put into a dialogue with her own desires. In the end, the Serpent was to blame, not the woman who was playing a "Not Me" game. This interpretation has its merits and like all other interpretations, none would be able to claim a total victory.
Nowadays, men still question why the all-knowing God had put the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden in the first place, knowing all too well that leaving on his own, man would succumb to the temptation of the Serpent. Why did God create the Serpent, or the strong desires within us? I have no satisfactory defence.
she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, and he ate (Genesis 3:6b).
Did she give some to her husband out of love to share the knowledge? Or was a knowledgeable wife unhappy and uncomfortable with a dumb and stupid husband? Or did she want her man to shoulder the blame together if they were caught in the future? Who can read the mind of a woman living thousands of years ago? Any interpretation reflects only the interpreter's leaning. No more. No less.
My Lord, I thank You for leaving us this beautiful story to reflect upon our current state. Let us make good use of this knowledge of good and evil brought about by our First Parents. May it guide us along the right path. Amen.
Now the serpent was more subtle than any other wild creature that the LORD God had made (Genesis 3:1a). True, snakes are stealthy and subtle. They are appropriate candidates for a story with a Midlle East background. We Chinese do not share such sentiment. But there may be other reasons. The Egyptians were fond of snakes and there were many idols in snake form. Making the serpent the arch culprit of all evils and sufferings was a natural choice.
He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat of any tree of the garden'?" (Genesis 3:1b)
A talking serpent. Immediately, the author signalled the readers that he was writing a fable, something not to be taken literally. This personified Evil began its entry from hearing because the target was a woman who likes hearing gossips. When God called Moses, He chose a visual entry, a burning bush. A spectacular sight is more appealing to man. What a stroke of genius!
The talking serpent made an obvious blunder to entice the woman. It deliberately made a mistake to engage the woman to refute it so as to ensnare her further.
And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden;
but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" (Genesis 3:2-3)
Let's compare the original saying from God.
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden;
but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die." (Genesis 2:16-17)
Did the man not faithfully pass on this command to the woman, leaving out the crucially messages of "freely", "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil"? Had the woman exaggerated when she said "neither shall you touch it" and "in the day that you eat of it"? We cannot tell. Most likely, the woman had exaggerated as most women tend to do.
Here came the true art of deception --- half truth and smear campaign!
But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die.
For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:4-5)
It was a sugar-coated poison, clothing a lie with a layer of truth. It is true that after eating the fruit, Adam and Eve did not die immediately the day they ate it. It is true that after eating the fruit, the eyes of Adam and Eve were opened, knowing good and evil. But eventually, they died. We all die. God did not kill them the day they ate it. God's heart was soft because of His love. Yet, man's heart had already been poisoned with the seed of mistrust the Evil had planted. Man questions God's intention. God was jealous. He did not want us to be like God, knowing good and evil.
Some scholars with depth-psychology background would speculate that the Serpent was actually internal. It was part of the human psychological make-up. It was the personification and projection of our own desires. The woman was put into a dialogue with her own desires. In the end, the Serpent was to blame, not the woman who was playing a "Not Me" game. This interpretation has its merits and like all other interpretations, none would be able to claim a total victory.
Nowadays, men still question why the all-knowing God had put the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden in the first place, knowing all too well that leaving on his own, man would succumb to the temptation of the Serpent. Why did God create the Serpent, or the strong desires within us? I have no satisfactory defence.
she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, and he ate (Genesis 3:6b).
Did she give some to her husband out of love to share the knowledge? Or was a knowledgeable wife unhappy and uncomfortable with a dumb and stupid husband? Or did she want her man to shoulder the blame together if they were caught in the future? Who can read the mind of a woman living thousands of years ago? Any interpretation reflects only the interpreter's leaning. No more. No less.
My Lord, I thank You for leaving us this beautiful story to reflect upon our current state. Let us make good use of this knowledge of good and evil brought about by our First Parents. May it guide us along the right path. Amen.
Thursday 12 February 2009
The Creation of Woman
Today is the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Darwin. In his time, the idea of natural selection had already been floating in the air for quite some time. In 1858, Darwin jointly published his theory with that of his friend Alfred Wallace. 150 years ago, Darwin published "On the Origin of Species".
Darwin assumed that all species evolved from a common ancestor and branched out as "a tree of life". The differences shown by different animals were the result of natural selection. Those mutations that help survival stayed. Others were extinct. When enough fossils were collected, when the missing links were found, we might be able to trace our ancestors back to apes! This view was outrageous to many church people but a welcome war cry for scientists. Nowadays, more church people are becoming more understanding towards the theory and they understand the teachings of the Bible better. In the meantime, scientists continue to refine the theory and become less defiant towards the idea of Creation. True dialogue becomes possible.
Today, we continue reading the second Creation story in which woman was created. According to this version of the story, God created man first and because he was the first, he was alone.
Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." (Genesis 2:18).
Truly, man is a social animal. Indeed, he can hardly survive alone. Robinson Crusoe was not at all alone. He found Friday! Anyway, this statement prepares the context in which other animals were created.
So out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name (Genesis 2:19).
OK, this version contradicts scientific evidence. The first version in Genesis 1 agrees with the Evolution Theory in which man was the apex of evolution. This version does not. Shall we reject it because it does not agree with objective evidences? Well, not yet. Shall I say this version agrees with objective evidences in the psychological sense? Remember that in this Creation story, man is the centre of Creation. Have you forgotten how you got to know cat, dog, fish, goat, hen and ox? You exist before you come to meet them, name them and know them. In this sense, God created you before He created them. You are the centre of Creation. Q.E.D.
but for the man there was not found a helper fit for him (Genesis 2:20b).
Of course not. Therefore, God began a cloning operation, with a difference. He anaesthetized the man, took a rib out of him and made not a copy of the man, but a woman.
Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." (Genesis 2:23)
Nowadays, scientists would not use a rib. A swab of the mouth might be enough. But that would miss the whole point. The rib cage protects the heart and the lungs which are the most vital organs of the human body. The choice of a rib symbolizes the loving relationship between man and woman more than the lining of his mouth can convey. Once again, we are dealing with literature here, not science.
Moreover, Adam the first man was made from the dust of the ground, while Eve the first woman was made from the flesh and bone of the first man. Therefore, woman is a more advanced version of man, if not more equal than man. Conspiracy theory would suggest that man was afraid of this advanced version of himself. Therefore, throughout history, men built up a patriarchy society to put women under control. Doing so, men have forgotten the teaching of Genesis. Woman is the bone of man's bone and flesh of man's flesh. How can a man ill-treat his own body?
and they become one flesh (Genesis 2:24b).
Before the creation of woman, man and woman were one. After a separated, independent state of life for some time, they come back together in marriage and become one again. Man and wife recover their missing parts, complement each other and lead a more fulfilling life.
Dear Lord, nowadays many people are leading a single life, a separated life or a homosexual life. Their situations must be very difficult. They are also Your children. I entrust their souls into Your loving hand. Married life is not easy though. I pray that You keep us, sanctify us in our families. Amen.
Darwin assumed that all species evolved from a common ancestor and branched out as "a tree of life". The differences shown by different animals were the result of natural selection. Those mutations that help survival stayed. Others were extinct. When enough fossils were collected, when the missing links were found, we might be able to trace our ancestors back to apes! This view was outrageous to many church people but a welcome war cry for scientists. Nowadays, more church people are becoming more understanding towards the theory and they understand the teachings of the Bible better. In the meantime, scientists continue to refine the theory and become less defiant towards the idea of Creation. True dialogue becomes possible.
Today, we continue reading the second Creation story in which woman was created. According to this version of the story, God created man first and because he was the first, he was alone.
Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." (Genesis 2:18).
Truly, man is a social animal. Indeed, he can hardly survive alone. Robinson Crusoe was not at all alone. He found Friday! Anyway, this statement prepares the context in which other animals were created.
So out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name (Genesis 2:19).
OK, this version contradicts scientific evidence. The first version in Genesis 1 agrees with the Evolution Theory in which man was the apex of evolution. This version does not. Shall we reject it because it does not agree with objective evidences? Well, not yet. Shall I say this version agrees with objective evidences in the psychological sense? Remember that in this Creation story, man is the centre of Creation. Have you forgotten how you got to know cat, dog, fish, goat, hen and ox? You exist before you come to meet them, name them and know them. In this sense, God created you before He created them. You are the centre of Creation. Q.E.D.
but for the man there was not found a helper fit for him (Genesis 2:20b).
Of course not. Therefore, God began a cloning operation, with a difference. He anaesthetized the man, took a rib out of him and made not a copy of the man, but a woman.
Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." (Genesis 2:23)
Nowadays, scientists would not use a rib. A swab of the mouth might be enough. But that would miss the whole point. The rib cage protects the heart and the lungs which are the most vital organs of the human body. The choice of a rib symbolizes the loving relationship between man and woman more than the lining of his mouth can convey. Once again, we are dealing with literature here, not science.
Moreover, Adam the first man was made from the dust of the ground, while Eve the first woman was made from the flesh and bone of the first man. Therefore, woman is a more advanced version of man, if not more equal than man. Conspiracy theory would suggest that man was afraid of this advanced version of himself. Therefore, throughout history, men built up a patriarchy society to put women under control. Doing so, men have forgotten the teaching of Genesis. Woman is the bone of man's bone and flesh of man's flesh. How can a man ill-treat his own body?
and they become one flesh (Genesis 2:24b).
Before the creation of woman, man and woman were one. After a separated, independent state of life for some time, they come back together in marriage and become one again. Man and wife recover their missing parts, complement each other and lead a more fulfilling life.
Dear Lord, nowadays many people are leading a single life, a separated life or a homosexual life. Their situations must be very difficult. They are also Your children. I entrust their souls into Your loving hand. Married life is not easy though. I pray that You keep us, sanctify us in our families. Amen.
Wednesday 11 February 2009
Another Creation Story
Today, we read another version of the biblical Creation Story. It does not begin in Genesis 2:1, but in Genesis 2:4. The perspective is totally earthly. There was no big bang, no sun, no moon nor any stars in the heavens. There were no seas, only rivers, a garden, plants and herbs. The vision and horizon are not as grand as that found in Genesis 1 which was supposed to be penned by scribes or priests. There is no more chorus. Genesis 2 seems to come from the grassroots.
when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up -- for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no man to till the ground (Genesis 2:5).
This is the experience of farmers who know all too well that their harvest depends on rainfall from heavens. Hard work alone is not enough. On the other hand, it is also an affirmation of the dignity of work. Without man tilling the ground, no rain can bring forth any plant or herb. The author knew very well the importance of keeping a harmonious relation with God. It is a matter of life and death. However, man played a no less important role in bringing about life on earth. Without man, the world was inanimate, lifeless. In short, man is the centre of Creation, whereas in Genesis 1, man is the apex of Creation.
There is also another peculiarity in the vocabulary of Genesis 2. Starting from Genesis 2:4, God is not just Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) but Yahweh Elohim (יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים). In English, it was translated as the LORD God. Therefore, since 17th century, biblical scholars have come to the conclusion that the author of the so called "Five Books of Moses" was actually an editor who strung together different traditions and filled in the gaps to give us the Pentateuch we have today.
First of all, water came up to moisten the land.
but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground (Genesis 2:6).
Then, God made man (הָאָדָם) out of the dust from the ground (מִן-הָאֲדָמָה).
then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being (Genesis 2:7).
We see that in Hebrew man and ground is the same word ha'adam. Later the first man was called Adam (Genesis 3:17). However, Genesis 2 does not say that man possesses the nobility of the image and likeness of God. Rather, man was as lowly as the dust from the ground, truly a grassroot creature. He came from dust and to dust he would return. This has been the reality of the destiny of man. No matter what, God was the origin of both water and man. Together they generated life on earth.
What about the mission given to man?
God planted a garden in Eden and put the man there (Genesis 2:8).
The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it (Genesis 2:15).
The mission is to till and keep the garden. Though it is no longer a dominion over the sky, the seas and the land (Genesis 1:27), the idea of environment protection is still there. Yet, life is not boring. The Author of Life has laid down a command for the human drama to unfold in the future.
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden;
but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die." (Genesis 2:16-17)
Man was a vegetarian. He could eat freely but there was a forbidden fruit which symbolizes God's command. Modern men like to challenge this idea and blame God for laying a trap to ensnare Adam. Why made a forbidden fruit if God knew in advance that Adam would succumb to temptation and eat it? Can this be love?
I have no satisfactory explanation. I think that Adam was not mature enough to eat it. Probably, some time in the future, Adam would be mature enough to eat this fruit of knowledge of good and evil. But Adam ate it too soon.
My Lord, I am but dust and to dust I will return. I am grateful that You give me life, sustain me and want me to make good use of it. I pray that I may partake in Your eternal life in the future. Amen.
when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up -- for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no man to till the ground (Genesis 2:5).
This is the experience of farmers who know all too well that their harvest depends on rainfall from heavens. Hard work alone is not enough. On the other hand, it is also an affirmation of the dignity of work. Without man tilling the ground, no rain can bring forth any plant or herb. The author knew very well the importance of keeping a harmonious relation with God. It is a matter of life and death. However, man played a no less important role in bringing about life on earth. Without man, the world was inanimate, lifeless. In short, man is the centre of Creation, whereas in Genesis 1, man is the apex of Creation.
There is also another peculiarity in the vocabulary of Genesis 2. Starting from Genesis 2:4, God is not just Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) but Yahweh Elohim (יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים). In English, it was translated as the LORD God. Therefore, since 17th century, biblical scholars have come to the conclusion that the author of the so called "Five Books of Moses" was actually an editor who strung together different traditions and filled in the gaps to give us the Pentateuch we have today.
First of all, water came up to moisten the land.
but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground (Genesis 2:6).
Then, God made man (הָאָדָם) out of the dust from the ground (מִן-הָאֲדָמָה).
then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being (Genesis 2:7).
We see that in Hebrew man and ground is the same word ha'adam. Later the first man was called Adam (Genesis 3:17). However, Genesis 2 does not say that man possesses the nobility of the image and likeness of God. Rather, man was as lowly as the dust from the ground, truly a grassroot creature. He came from dust and to dust he would return. This has been the reality of the destiny of man. No matter what, God was the origin of both water and man. Together they generated life on earth.
What about the mission given to man?
God planted a garden in Eden and put the man there (Genesis 2:8).
The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it (Genesis 2:15).
The mission is to till and keep the garden. Though it is no longer a dominion over the sky, the seas and the land (Genesis 1:27), the idea of environment protection is still there. Yet, life is not boring. The Author of Life has laid down a command for the human drama to unfold in the future.
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden;
but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die." (Genesis 2:16-17)
Man was a vegetarian. He could eat freely but there was a forbidden fruit which symbolizes God's command. Modern men like to challenge this idea and blame God for laying a trap to ensnare Adam. Why made a forbidden fruit if God knew in advance that Adam would succumb to temptation and eat it? Can this be love?
I have no satisfactory explanation. I think that Adam was not mature enough to eat it. Probably, some time in the future, Adam would be mature enough to eat this fruit of knowledge of good and evil. But Adam ate it too soon.
My Lord, I am but dust and to dust I will return. I am grateful that You give me life, sustain me and want me to make good use of it. I pray that I may partake in Your eternal life in the future. Amen.
Tuesday 10 February 2009
Feast of St. Scholastica
St. Scholastica was the sister of St. Benedict, the founder of Western monasticism. His Benedictine Rules were designed to help laymen lead a life as closely to the spirit of the gospel as possible. They turned out to become a blueprint for many other monasteries and religious orders. Around 6th century, there were already many houses and convents for virgins dedicated to God. St. Benedict was in great demand to give them spiritual guidance. His sister, Scholastica, must have been an indispensable helping hand for St. Benedict. She died in 543 A.D. closely followed by her brother St. Benedict.
Today, we come to the remaining part of the Creation story in Genesis 1. Though the Catholic Church does not find evolution theory incompatible with the Creation story, many hardcore scientists reject Creation outright. The Church only insists on the message that God is the origin. The Bible only tells us what has happened and leaves out the details of the how. The scientific community has a free rein in hypothesizing whatever scientists think reasonable. Evolution is a splendid idea. Living things develop from simplicity to complexity. Those more capable of adapting to the surrounding survive. Others are extinct, leaving room for other forms of life to occupy. Yet, life is not passive. Its interaction with the environment modifies it and itself. The world is vibrant with all sorts of interactions. The world is highly animated. The origin of life on earth has occupied many brilliant minds for decades. The final goal is yet to reach.
From the Bible, we are comfortable to read that God is the origin. We are jubilant that man was made in the image of God.
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." (Genesis 1:26)
Therefore, man can be intelligent and creative just as God is. Furthermore, man has a destiny beyond this earthly existence because we are images of God. To fulfil this destiny, we are entrusted with the stewardship of this world. The world is a stage and man is to play out his role here. It is our responsibility to take good care of this world while we are playing out our roles because God says several times that His Creation is good.
And God saw that XXX was good (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31).
This environmental protection message is loud and clear.
And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done (Genesis 2:2).
Unrestrained pursuit of success will only lead to downfall. Overprotection will only bring up weaklings, over-supervision only mediocrity and overwork only breakdowns. God is wise. He knows when to work and when to stop. After six days of work, He takes a rest and allows His Creation to unfold its fullness without further intervention. We cannot fully fathom His wisdom. Nowadays, we can only talk about sustainable development to approximate this great wisdom.
My Lord, teach me to strike the right balance between prayer and work, Ora et Labora. May my life be a song singing praises to Your wisdom and wonders. Amen.
Today, we come to the remaining part of the Creation story in Genesis 1. Though the Catholic Church does not find evolution theory incompatible with the Creation story, many hardcore scientists reject Creation outright. The Church only insists on the message that God is the origin. The Bible only tells us what has happened and leaves out the details of the how. The scientific community has a free rein in hypothesizing whatever scientists think reasonable. Evolution is a splendid idea. Living things develop from simplicity to complexity. Those more capable of adapting to the surrounding survive. Others are extinct, leaving room for other forms of life to occupy. Yet, life is not passive. Its interaction with the environment modifies it and itself. The world is vibrant with all sorts of interactions. The world is highly animated. The origin of life on earth has occupied many brilliant minds for decades. The final goal is yet to reach.
From the Bible, we are comfortable to read that God is the origin. We are jubilant that man was made in the image of God.
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." (Genesis 1:26)
Therefore, man can be intelligent and creative just as God is. Furthermore, man has a destiny beyond this earthly existence because we are images of God. To fulfil this destiny, we are entrusted with the stewardship of this world. The world is a stage and man is to play out his role here. It is our responsibility to take good care of this world while we are playing out our roles because God says several times that His Creation is good.
And God saw that XXX was good (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31).
This environmental protection message is loud and clear.
And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done (Genesis 2:2).
Unrestrained pursuit of success will only lead to downfall. Overprotection will only bring up weaklings, over-supervision only mediocrity and overwork only breakdowns. God is wise. He knows when to work and when to stop. After six days of work, He takes a rest and allows His Creation to unfold its fullness without further intervention. We cannot fully fathom His wisdom. Nowadays, we can only talk about sustainable development to approximate this great wisdom.
My Lord, teach me to strike the right balance between prayer and work, Ora et Labora. May my life be a song singing praises to Your wisdom and wonders. Amen.
Monday 9 February 2009
Let there be light
Today, we start reading Genesis, the first book of the Bible, though it was not the first book to be written. It was simply put there because it talks about the origin of nearly everything created by God. I said "nearly everything" because it does not mention where angels have come from. They are just there. We cannot expect chapter one of Genesis to be a scientific account of creation because its structure clearly shows that Genesis 1 is a hymn. The refrain "God saw that so-and-so was good ... And there was evening and there was morning, N day." repeats itself after each stanza sings the creative act of Elohim.
Yet, theories in modern cosmology, such as the Big Bang model, find their inspiration from the first day of creation, and evolution theory from day 5 and 6. Every culture has its own creation account. Where did we come from? How did the world as we know it come into existence? These are perennial questions asked by intelligent beings endowed with self-consciousness. I always fancy what if the creation account in Genesis were replaced by the 盤古 story, would cosmologists come up with the Big Bang model we have today? I am sure it would be a totally different version.
In 1929, Edwin Hubble, an American astronomer, discovered that the visible universe was still expanding. Reverse the timeline, we had a smaller universe a day, a year, a billion years ago. There must be a time when all the materials of the universe were concentrated within a very tiny space, as tiny as an atom. This, the scientists call the Super Atom. But where did it come from? How did it come into existence? Scientists cannot tell. This Super Atom is a given. If you like, it can be the primordial egg in the 盤古 story. Its gravity was unimaginably greater than any dark holes. All physical laws known nowadays would be broken down. Scientists call it a "singularity". There was not yet time! Some unknown process disturbed the symmetry of this Super Atom. It underwent an inflation stage. When space expanded, time came into existence. Changes and decays crept in. When more symmetry was disturbed, the four basic forces of the known universe were released. This was the moment when photons were able to escape from the gravity of this Super Atom.
And God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light (Genesis 1:3).
Scientists calculated that this took place within the first one thousandth of a second of the existence of the Super Atom. The estimated age of this universe is about 13.7 billion years. Day has no meaning in this early stage of evolution because the sun and the earth did not exist yet. On the other hand, the primordial egg in which 盤古 resided went through a similar expansion process. But it took many eons, not days to finish. No light was emitted.
Nobody coexisted with Elohim to witness the creation process. Genesis 1 was an artistic master piece inspired by God. It carries a message that the world was created by Elohim. We are free to accept this or reject it. It only serves to answer the perennial question. We are free to come up with more acceptable hypothesis. Judaism and Christianity take this as their starting point. God created this universe for us.
Dear Lord, I thank You for creating this universe suitable for the evolution of self-conscious beings. You have left us the Bible as well as this wonderful universe to explore our destiny. May we make good use of them to foster a better and closer relationship with You. Amen.
Yet, theories in modern cosmology, such as the Big Bang model, find their inspiration from the first day of creation, and evolution theory from day 5 and 6. Every culture has its own creation account. Where did we come from? How did the world as we know it come into existence? These are perennial questions asked by intelligent beings endowed with self-consciousness. I always fancy what if the creation account in Genesis were replaced by the 盤古 story, would cosmologists come up with the Big Bang model we have today? I am sure it would be a totally different version.
In 1929, Edwin Hubble, an American astronomer, discovered that the visible universe was still expanding. Reverse the timeline, we had a smaller universe a day, a year, a billion years ago. There must be a time when all the materials of the universe were concentrated within a very tiny space, as tiny as an atom. This, the scientists call the Super Atom. But where did it come from? How did it come into existence? Scientists cannot tell. This Super Atom is a given. If you like, it can be the primordial egg in the 盤古 story. Its gravity was unimaginably greater than any dark holes. All physical laws known nowadays would be broken down. Scientists call it a "singularity". There was not yet time! Some unknown process disturbed the symmetry of this Super Atom. It underwent an inflation stage. When space expanded, time came into existence. Changes and decays crept in. When more symmetry was disturbed, the four basic forces of the known universe were released. This was the moment when photons were able to escape from the gravity of this Super Atom.
And God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light (Genesis 1:3).
Scientists calculated that this took place within the first one thousandth of a second of the existence of the Super Atom. The estimated age of this universe is about 13.7 billion years. Day has no meaning in this early stage of evolution because the sun and the earth did not exist yet. On the other hand, the primordial egg in which 盤古 resided went through a similar expansion process. But it took many eons, not days to finish. No light was emitted.
Nobody coexisted with Elohim to witness the creation process. Genesis 1 was an artistic master piece inspired by God. It carries a message that the world was created by Elohim. We are free to accept this or reject it. It only serves to answer the perennial question. We are free to come up with more acceptable hypothesis. Judaism and Christianity take this as their starting point. God created this universe for us.
Dear Lord, I thank You for creating this universe suitable for the evolution of self-conscious beings. You have left us the Bible as well as this wonderful universe to explore our destiny. May we make good use of them to foster a better and closer relationship with You. Amen.
Sunday 8 February 2009
Fifth Ordinary Sunday (Year B)
This morning, Fr. Lejeune celebrated the 11 a.m. mass with us. Though starting from last September, the Sunday School had switched to Saturday and thus we expected less parents attending mass on Sunday, we still had a full house in the Church this morning. From my conductor stand, I could see many people standing at the back. All seats had been occupied. The Liturgical Assistants had done a good job in ushering people to vacant seats. The Holy Redeemer Church is a vibrant parish. The congregation participates actively. After mass, there was a lunch banquet to entertain the senior parishioners.
The first reading this morning was taken from the book of Job. This is a book of wisdom, expressing the author's views on evils and sufferings. It goes beyond the traditional view that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. The first two chapters and the last one probably come from Jewish folklore. The 39 chapters in-between consist of three rounds of debate between the evil-struck Job and his 3 friends who came to console him. It is actually a debate between the traditional views and the author's.
In his homily, Fr. Lejeune addressed the senior parishioners.
When I lie down I say, `When shall I arise?'
But the night is long, and I am full of tossing till the dawn (Job 7:4).
It is an apt description of the life of many old people and Fr. Lejeune is one. He is the most appropriate person to share with them. He simply told them that the hardship of daily life, the incapacity of their bodies were a different form of blessing from God. Let's embrace it till the end. God will reward.
According to the story, Job was as rich as Mr. Lee Ka Shing. Suddenly, both of them lost most of their riches. Job lost all his riches and family while the financial tsunami reduced Mr. Lee's riches to half. Job endured to the end without saying a word of blasphemy against God. In the end, his riches and family were doubled. So, don't worry, Mr. Lee.
Fr. Lejeune was more interested in sharing the gospel message. He turned to Mark.
Jesus' healed the mother-in-law of Simon Peter and many others who suffered from all kinds of illnesses and were possessed by demons.
As followers of Christ, we should extend our helping hand to whoever in need. That is why all Christian churches take an active part in providing medical and educational services wherever their missions happen to be. We may not be able to provide them medical or educational help. But working with the Holy Spirit, our charity and good actions will be able to attract people to seek instruction and be baptised.
After a busy day, Jesus rose early before dawn and went out to pray. Simon and the others sought him.
And he said to them, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out."
And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons (Mark 1:38-39).
We shouldn't neglect our prayers. Our actions should proceed from prayers if we don't want our actions to be futile. Through prayers, we come close to God, our nourishment and our strength. So, don't be distracted by irrelevant excuses not to pray.
Dear Lord, draw us near and energize us in our work. May we know Your will and go forth to preach Your good news to souls thirsty for Your truth. Amen.
The first reading this morning was taken from the book of Job. This is a book of wisdom, expressing the author's views on evils and sufferings. It goes beyond the traditional view that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. The first two chapters and the last one probably come from Jewish folklore. The 39 chapters in-between consist of three rounds of debate between the evil-struck Job and his 3 friends who came to console him. It is actually a debate between the traditional views and the author's.
In his homily, Fr. Lejeune addressed the senior parishioners.
When I lie down I say, `When shall I arise?'
But the night is long, and I am full of tossing till the dawn (Job 7:4).
It is an apt description of the life of many old people and Fr. Lejeune is one. He is the most appropriate person to share with them. He simply told them that the hardship of daily life, the incapacity of their bodies were a different form of blessing from God. Let's embrace it till the end. God will reward.
According to the story, Job was as rich as Mr. Lee Ka Shing. Suddenly, both of them lost most of their riches. Job lost all his riches and family while the financial tsunami reduced Mr. Lee's riches to half. Job endured to the end without saying a word of blasphemy against God. In the end, his riches and family were doubled. So, don't worry, Mr. Lee.
Fr. Lejeune was more interested in sharing the gospel message. He turned to Mark.
Jesus' healed the mother-in-law of Simon Peter and many others who suffered from all kinds of illnesses and were possessed by demons.
As followers of Christ, we should extend our helping hand to whoever in need. That is why all Christian churches take an active part in providing medical and educational services wherever their missions happen to be. We may not be able to provide them medical or educational help. But working with the Holy Spirit, our charity and good actions will be able to attract people to seek instruction and be baptised.
After a busy day, Jesus rose early before dawn and went out to pray. Simon and the others sought him.
And he said to them, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out."
And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons (Mark 1:38-39).
We shouldn't neglect our prayers. Our actions should proceed from prayers if we don't want our actions to be futile. Through prayers, we come close to God, our nourishment and our strength. So, don't be distracted by irrelevant excuses not to pray.
Dear Lord, draw us near and energize us in our work. May we know Your will and go forth to preach Your good news to souls thirsty for Your truth. Amen.
Saturday 7 February 2009
We need the prayers of others
My boss has fought a long and hard battle to attain her present position in a Band One EMI school. Every time she shares her experiences, she has to fight back her tears. At the end of the Benediction Bible Service yesterday, she spoke to the senior students in plaint Cantonese of her pains after the HKCEE. Her mother decided not to support her further studies. She had to fend for herself. It was a candid sharing but I don't know how much our S.5 & S.7 students resonated with her feelings. She needs our prayers.
In wrapping up his epistle, the author of Hebrews also asks his readers to pray for him and his co-workers.
Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things (Hebrews 13:18).
We wish to do good because it is a pleasing sacrifice to God.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16).
Yet, there are many internal weaknesses and external obstacles hindering us. We need the prayers of others. We need support from our God. We need God to work in us.
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Hebrews 13:20-21).
We wish to do good, but our 'good' may not be God's will. Seek God's will. Make it our good. Pray that we may be equipped with His support. Open ourselves up to His will and let go. Let God work in us.
My Lord, show me Your will. Grant me the support I need. Work in me so that I may be Your handy instrument of peace. Grace be with us. Amen.
In wrapping up his epistle, the author of Hebrews also asks his readers to pray for him and his co-workers.
Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things (Hebrews 13:18).
We wish to do good because it is a pleasing sacrifice to God.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16).
Yet, there are many internal weaknesses and external obstacles hindering us. We need the prayers of others. We need support from our God. We need God to work in us.
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Hebrews 13:20-21).
We wish to do good, but our 'good' may not be God's will. Seek God's will. Make it our good. Pray that we may be equipped with His support. Open ourselves up to His will and let go. Let God work in us.
My Lord, show me Your will. Grant me the support I need. Work in me so that I may be Your handy instrument of peace. Grace be with us. Amen.
Friday 6 February 2009
Feast of Japanese martyrs
Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. Paul Miki and 25 companions who were crucified on February 5, 1597. More background information can be found in the Catholic Encyclopedia. Once again, it demonstrates the catholicity of the Christianity which embraces all races of humanity.
Today in Shung Tak, we organized a Benediction Bible Service for the S.5 and S.7 students who will be going off for their public examinations. Unlike previous years, there were more student participation in the ceremony. Credit goes to our new pastoral assistant, Ms. Cecilia Lee. I encouraged her to try out what she had done in her previous school. Besides the routines of a bible service, we included student sharing of their campus life, making the whole ceremony more meaningful for them. In December, she gave out worksheets to them to put down their memorable experiences in pictures and in words. One of the worksheets was to be filled in by classmates. They filled in their impressions of the student concerned. Cecilia then summarized them for each student, made an individualized blessing card to be distributed near the end of the ceremony. She scanned the pictures they drew and showed them in PowerPoint. All of the students resonated with the images on screen.
Each class would send a representative to share in the ceremony. I think it was the most touching part of all. It was a rare opportunity for us teachers, at least for those who were present, to gain a glimpse into what makes campus life tick. It was genuine and at times hilarious. The two-year studying together and growing up together in the same class moulds them into a tightly knitted basic community. Their laughers and sweats stick them together. My eyes were wet.
The author of Hebrews is wrapping up his homily. In the last chapter of the epistle, he exhorts them to lead a decent Christian life with brotherly love, extending hospitality to strangers, visiting prisoners, purity in marriage and freedom from the love of money.
Let brotherly love continue.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you also are in the body.
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have (Hebrews 13:1-5a)
Nowadays, showing hospitality to strangers is more difficult in urban societies. In ancient Middle East when people were leading a nomadic life, it was a duty to shelter strangers. Otherwise, they would easily die in the wilderness. When people were settling down in villages, they knew each other like the back of their hands. The whole village would know when a stranger arrived and entertaining him became the business of the whole village. When towns and cities rose up on the land, people became more alienated and isolated. We no longer know even our neighbours next door. Entertaining angels probably dates back to the story of Abraham. But I think the story of Tobia was probably in the mind of the author when he said "... for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." We are less adventurous nowadays to do likewise.
At last, I will follow the author's advice not to give hard times to my bosses. That would be of no advantage to me.
Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you (Hebrews 13:17).
My Lord, You were the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). I will submit to my bosses and let it be my sacrifice of praise to My God (Hebrews 13:15). Amen.
Appendix:
I will never fail you nor forsake youοὐ μή σε ἀνῶ οὐδ' οὐ μή σε ἐγκαταλίπω, (Hebrews 13:5b)
ἀνδρίζου καὶ ἴσχυε, μὴ φοβοῦ μηδὲ δειλία μηδὲ πτοηθῇς ἀπὸ προσώπου αὐτῶν, ὅτι κύριος ὁ θεός σου ὁ προπορευόμενος μεθ̓ ὑμῶν ἐν ὑμῖν οὐ μή σε ἀνῇ οὔτε μή σε ἐγκαταλίπῃ. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?
κύριος ἐμοὶ βοηθός, [καὶ] οὐ φοβηθήσομαι, τί ποιήσει μοι ἄνθρωπος; (Hebrews 13:6b; Psalm 117:6 LXX, 118:6 MT)
Today in Shung Tak, we organized a Benediction Bible Service for the S.5 and S.7 students who will be going off for their public examinations. Unlike previous years, there were more student participation in the ceremony. Credit goes to our new pastoral assistant, Ms. Cecilia Lee. I encouraged her to try out what she had done in her previous school. Besides the routines of a bible service, we included student sharing of their campus life, making the whole ceremony more meaningful for them. In December, she gave out worksheets to them to put down their memorable experiences in pictures and in words. One of the worksheets was to be filled in by classmates. They filled in their impressions of the student concerned. Cecilia then summarized them for each student, made an individualized blessing card to be distributed near the end of the ceremony. She scanned the pictures they drew and showed them in PowerPoint. All of the students resonated with the images on screen.
Each class would send a representative to share in the ceremony. I think it was the most touching part of all. It was a rare opportunity for us teachers, at least for those who were present, to gain a glimpse into what makes campus life tick. It was genuine and at times hilarious. The two-year studying together and growing up together in the same class moulds them into a tightly knitted basic community. Their laughers and sweats stick them together. My eyes were wet.
The author of Hebrews is wrapping up his homily. In the last chapter of the epistle, he exhorts them to lead a decent Christian life with brotherly love, extending hospitality to strangers, visiting prisoners, purity in marriage and freedom from the love of money.
Let brotherly love continue.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you also are in the body.
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have (Hebrews 13:1-5a)
Nowadays, showing hospitality to strangers is more difficult in urban societies. In ancient Middle East when people were leading a nomadic life, it was a duty to shelter strangers. Otherwise, they would easily die in the wilderness. When people were settling down in villages, they knew each other like the back of their hands. The whole village would know when a stranger arrived and entertaining him became the business of the whole village. When towns and cities rose up on the land, people became more alienated and isolated. We no longer know even our neighbours next door. Entertaining angels probably dates back to the story of Abraham. But I think the story of Tobia was probably in the mind of the author when he said "... for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." We are less adventurous nowadays to do likewise.
At last, I will follow the author's advice not to give hard times to my bosses. That would be of no advantage to me.
Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you (Hebrews 13:17).
My Lord, You were the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). I will submit to my bosses and let it be my sacrifice of praise to My God (Hebrews 13:15). Amen.
Appendix:
I will never fail you nor forsake youοὐ μή σε ἀνῶ οὐδ' οὐ μή σε ἐγκαταλίπω, (Hebrews 13:5b)
ἀνδρίζου καὶ ἴσχυε, μὴ φοβοῦ μηδὲ δειλία μηδὲ πτοηθῇς ἀπὸ προσώπου αὐτῶν, ὅτι κύριος ὁ θεός σου ὁ προπορευόμενος μεθ̓ ὑμῶν ἐν ὑμῖν οὐ μή σε ἀνῇ οὔτε μή σε ἐγκαταλίπῃ. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?
κύριος ἐμοὶ βοηθός, [καὶ] οὐ φοβηθήσομαι, τί ποιήσει μοι ἄνθρωπος; (Hebrews 13:6b; Psalm 117:6 LXX, 118:6 MT)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)