God blesses the Catholic Church with a large number of saints. While some of them attained sainthood through martyrdom, like Stephen we have been reading for the last few days, there have been mystics who attained sainthood through leading a secluded prayerful life. Saul began his sainthood journey as a fervent youth, devoting his life to ridding heretics from within Judaism. His was a dramatic and dynamic life spent in the service of God. Such is the diversity of saintly life. God loves diversity.
Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380). At the tender age of six, she began to have visions. She was a mystic crowned with the stigmata of Christ. Though uneducated, she was one of the greatest theologians of that particular generation. At that time, the Catholic Church suffered from the Great Schism. There were currently three popes claiming the chair of Peter. The Catholic Church was badly in need of healing. St. Catherine contributed her effort in the resolution of the Schism. Though we may not be as blessed as St. Catherine, we should learn from her prayerful life. She did not refrain from getting involved in political turmoil of her time. In fact, nobody can. Therefore, the manners in which one gets involved is very critical. Our prayers, our communications with God do not simply help us weather through political difficulties. Perhaps God would work through us to bring about a better and a fairer world to live in.
Saul fervently persecuted the Church in Jerusalem after the martyrdom of Stephen.
And Saul was consenting to his death.
And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles (Acts 8:1).
A merciful, almighty God always poses a dilemma for Christians. Why does He allow evils to befall good people? This question is easier to answer. God gives good people a chance to prove their worth. Then why does God not save them and allow them to die? From what we read today, this question is not as hard as it seems. On the basis of bad things, God makes good things happen.
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he told his apostles to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Unknown to himself, Saul's persecution was instrumental to the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria. Indeed, it has since become the modus operandi of Christians. Whenever and wherever there is persecution, they flee and carry with them the gospel of salvation to the end of the earth.
The success of spreading the gospel to Samaria, the traditional enemy of the Jews, led to greater hostility of the Jews against the Christians.
禍，福之所倚；福，禍之所伏。熟知其极？【道德經‧五十八章】
My Lord, Praise and Glory be Yours forever. Your wisdom is unfathomable. Amen.
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
A Christian understanding of Jewish history
Instead of taking care of daily distribution among Greek-speaking widows in the Christian community, Stephen stepped out of his boundary, preaching the resurrection of Jesus and debating with the Jews (Acts 6:10). He was able to do this because the Holy Spirit had empowered him to perform miracles (Acts 6:8). Unable to defeat Stephen in speech, the Jews accused him of blasphemy against Moses as well as the Holy Temple and brought him before the Jewish Council (Acts 6:11-13). This set the stage for Luke to expound the Christian understanding of the history of Israel.
Beginning with God's promise to Abraham, Stephen traced how the Israelites ended up living in Egypt. Of the 12 sons of Israel, Joseph alone was named and Stephen explained how the other patriarchs sold him to Egypt out of jealousy, but God was with Joseph (Acts 7:9). In the end, it was Joseph who was able to save the whole household from starvation in a severe famine. Obviously, Christians saw Joseph the prototype of Jesus who was betrayed and yet, became the Saviour of all. Enter Moses, yet another prototype of Jesus.
At this time Moses was born, and was beautiful before God. And he was brought up for three months in his father's house (Acts 7:20)
Could Stephen be blasphemous against Moses?
Moses killed an Egyptian to defend a Hebrew slave. Yet, he was betrayed by ungrateful fellow Hebrews.
But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?
Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' (Acts 7:27-28)
In the end, Moses delivered the Israelites from Egypt, the land of bondage. Stephen had established two prototype of Jesus in the Old Testament. Before Moses left the stage, he foretold that God would raise a prophet like him and the Israelites should listen to him.
This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, 'God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up.' (Acts 7:37)
Meanwhile, the Israelites demanded Aaron to make a golden calf to go before them in the wilderness. In so doing, Stephen highlighted the rebelliousness of the Israelites.
Turning to the Temple, Stephen reminded them that God had all along dwelled in the tent of witness and he quoted Isaiah to prove that God had no need of a Temple (Acts 7:44-46). As if it was not enough, Stephen accused the Jews of persecuting prophets, Joseph, Moses and down the line to Jesus.
You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.
Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered,
you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it (Acts 7:51-53).
It is interesting to note that according to Stephen (and Paul in the Epistle to the Galatians), the law was delivered by angels (Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19). This concept is worth investigating and we will leave it for another occasion.
History is never a collection of historical 'facts'. It is always subject to interpretations. From Stephen's point of view, the Israelite history was a history of rebellions against God. And from this rebellion came salvation from God. Isn't it paradoxical?
Dear Lord, praise and glory be Yours forever. You always choose the outcasts to be Your instrument of grace. Have mercy on us and grant us salvation. Amen.
Appendix:
Depart from your land and from your kindred and go into the land which I will show you.ἔξελθε ἐκ τῆς γῆς σου καὶ [ἐκ] τῆς συγγενείας σου, καὶ δεῦρο εἰς τὴν γῆν ἣν ἄν σοι δείξω (Acts 7:3b).
Ἔξελθε ἐκ τῆς γῆς σου καὶ ἐκ τῆς συγγενείας σου καὶ ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ πατρός σου εἰς τὴν γῆν, ἣν ἄν σοι δείξω (Genesis 12:1).
that his posterity would be aliens in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and ill-treat them four hundred years.
'But I will judge the nation which they serve,' said God, 'and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.' ἔσται τὸ σπέρμα αὐτοῦ πάροικον ἐν γῇ ἀλλοτρίᾳ καὶ δουλώσουσιν αὐτὸ καὶ κακώσουσιν ἔτη τετρακόσια·
καὶ τὸ ἔθνος ᾧ ἐὰν δουλεύσουσιν κρινῶ ἐγώ, ὁ θεὸς εἶπεν, καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα ἐξελεύσονται καὶ λατρεύσουσίν μοι ἐν τῷ τόπῳ τούτῳ. (Acts 7:6-7)
ὅτι πάροικον ἔσται τὸ σπέρμα σου ἐν γῇ οὐκ ἰδίᾳ, καὶ δουλώσουσιν αὐτοὺς καὶ κακώσουσιν αὐτοὺς καὶ ταπεινώσουσιν αὐτοὺς τετρακόσια ἔτη.
τὸ δὲ ἔθνος, ὧ ἐὰν δουλεύσωσιν, κρινῶ ἐγώ, μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα ἐξελεύσονται ὧδε μετὰ ἀποσκευῆς πολλῆς. (Genesis 15:13-14).
arose over Egypt another king who had not known Joseph.
ἀνέστη βασιλεὺς ἕτερος [ἐπ' Αἴγυπτον] ὃς οὐκ ᾔδει τὸν Ἰωσήφ. (Acts 7:18, Exodus 1:8)
At this time Moses was born, and was beautiful before God. And he was brought up for three months in his father's house;
Ἐν ᾧ καιρῷ ἐγεννήθη Μωϋσῆς καὶ ἦν ἀστεῖος τῷ θεῷ· ὃς ἀνετράφη μῆνας τρεῖς ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ τοῦ πατρός (Acts 7:20)
καὶ ἐν γαστρὶ ἔλαβεν καὶ ἔτεκεν ἄρσεν, ἰδόντες δὲ αὐτὸ ἀστεῖον ἐσκέπασαν αὐτὸ μῆνας τρεῖς. (Exodus 2:2)
Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?
Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?τίς σε κατέστησεν ἄρχοντα καὶ δικαστὴν ἐφ' ἡμῶν;
μὴ ἀνελεῖν με σὺ θέλεις ὃν τρόπον ἀνεῖλες ἐχθὲς τὸν Αἰγύπτιον; (Acts 7:27b-28, Exodus 2:14a)
I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.
ἐγὼ ὁ θεὸς τῶν πατέρων σου, ὁ θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ καὶ Ἰσαὰκ καὶ Ἰακώβ (Acts 7:32a).
Ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ θεὸς τοῦ πατρός σου, θεὸς Αβρααμ καὶ θεὸς Ισαακ καὶ θεὸς Ιακωβ (Exodus 3:6).
Take off the shoes from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.
λῦσον τὸ ὑπόδημα τῶν ποδῶν σου, ὁ γὰρ τόπος ἐφ' ᾧ ἕστηκας γῆ ἁγία ἐστίν. (Acts 7:33b)
λῦσαι τὸ ὑπόδημα ἐκ τῶν ποδῶν σου, ὁ γὰρ τόπος, ἐν ὧ σὺ ἕστηκας, γῆ ἁγία ἐστίν. (Exodus 3:5b).
I have surely seen the ill-treatment of my people that are in Egypt and heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egyptἰδὼν εἶδον τὴν κάκωσιν τοῦ λαοῦ μου τοῦ ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ καὶ τοῦ στεναγμοῦ αὐτῶν ἤκουσα, καὶ κατέβην ἐξελέσθαι αὐτούς· καὶ νῦν δεῦρο ἀποστείλω σε εἰς Αἴγυπτον. (Acts 7:34)
Ἰδὼν εἶδον τὴν κάκωσιν τοῦ λαοῦ μου τοῦ ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ καὶ τῆς κραυγῆς αὐτῶν ἀκήκοα ἀπὸ τῶν ἐργοδιωκτῶν, οἶδα γὰρ τὴν ὀδύνην αὐτῶν,
καὶ κατέβην ἐξελέσθαι αὐτοὺς ἐκ χειρὸς Αἰγυπτίων (Exodus 3:7-8a).
God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up.προφήτην ὑμῖν ἀναστήσει ὁ θεὸς ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν ὡς ἐμέ (Acts 7:37b).
προφήτην ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν σου ὡς ἐμὲ ἀναστήσει σοι κύριος ὁ θεός σου, αὐτοῦ ἀκούσεσθε (Deuteronomy 18:15).
Make for us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.ποίησον ἡμῖν θεοὺς οἳ προπορεύσονται ἡμῶν· ὁ γὰρ Μωϋσῆς οὗτος, ὃς ἐξήγαγεν ἡμᾶς ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου, οὐκ οἴδαμεν τί ἐγένετο αὐτῷ. (Acts 7:40)
ποίησον ἡμῖν θεούς, οἳ προπορεύσονται ἡμῶν, ὁ γὰρ Μωυσῆς οὗτος ὁ ἄνθρωπος, ὃς ἐξήγαγεν ἡμᾶς ἐξ Αἰγύπτου, οὐκ οἴδαμεν, τί γέγονεν αὐτῷ (Exodus 32:1b).
Did you offer to me slain beasts and sacrifices, forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?
And you took up the tent of Moloch, and the star of the god Rephan, the figures which you made to worship; and I will remove you beyond Babylon.μὴ σφάγια καὶ θυσίας προσηνέγκατέ μοι ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οἶκος Ἰσραήλ;
καὶ ἀνελάβετε τὴν σκηνὴν τοῦ Μόλοχ καὶ τὸ ἄστρον τοῦ θεοῦ [ὑμῶν] Ῥαιφάν,τοὺς τύπους οὓς ἐποιήσατε προσκυνεῖν αὐτοῖς, καὶ μετοικιῶ ὑμᾶς ἐπέκεινα Βαβυλῶνος (Acts 7:42b-43).
μὴ σφάγια καὶ θυσίας προσηνέγκατέ μοι ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ τεσσαράκοντα ἔτη, οἶκος Ισραηλ;
καὶ ἀνελάβετε τὴν σκηνὴν τοῦ Μολοχ καὶ τὸ ἄστρον τοῦ θεοῦ ὑμῶν Ραιφαν, τοὺς τύπους αὐτῶν, οὓς ἐποιήσατε ἑαυτοῖς.
καὶ μετοικιῶ ὑμᾶς ἐπέκεινα Δαμασκοῦ (Amos 5:25-27).
Heaven is my throne, and earth my footstool. What house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest?
Did not my hand make all these things?ὁ οὐρανός μοι θρόνος, ἡ δὲ γῆ ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν μου· ποῖον οἶκον οἰκοδομήσετέ μοι, λέγει κύριος, ἢ τίς τόπος τῆς καταπαύσεώς μου;
οὐχὶ ἡ χείρ μου ἐποίησεν ταῦτα πάντα; (Acts 7:49-50)
Ὁ οὐρανός μοι θρόνος, ἡ δὲ γῆ ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν μου, ποῖον οἶκον οἰκοδομήσετέ μοι; ἢ ποῖος τόπος τῆς καταπαύσεώς μου;
πάντα γὰρ ταῦτα ἐποίησεν ἡ χείρ μου, καὶ ἔστιν ἐμὰ πάντα ταῦτα, λέγει κύριος, (Isaiah 66:1-2).
Beginning with God's promise to Abraham, Stephen traced how the Israelites ended up living in Egypt. Of the 12 sons of Israel, Joseph alone was named and Stephen explained how the other patriarchs sold him to Egypt out of jealousy, but God was with Joseph (Acts 7:9). In the end, it was Joseph who was able to save the whole household from starvation in a severe famine. Obviously, Christians saw Joseph the prototype of Jesus who was betrayed and yet, became the Saviour of all. Enter Moses, yet another prototype of Jesus.
At this time Moses was born, and was beautiful before God. And he was brought up for three months in his father's house (Acts 7:20)
Could Stephen be blasphemous against Moses?
Moses killed an Egyptian to defend a Hebrew slave. Yet, he was betrayed by ungrateful fellow Hebrews.
But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?
Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' (Acts 7:27-28)
In the end, Moses delivered the Israelites from Egypt, the land of bondage. Stephen had established two prototype of Jesus in the Old Testament. Before Moses left the stage, he foretold that God would raise a prophet like him and the Israelites should listen to him.
This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, 'God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up.' (Acts 7:37)
Meanwhile, the Israelites demanded Aaron to make a golden calf to go before them in the wilderness. In so doing, Stephen highlighted the rebelliousness of the Israelites.
Turning to the Temple, Stephen reminded them that God had all along dwelled in the tent of witness and he quoted Isaiah to prove that God had no need of a Temple (Acts 7:44-46). As if it was not enough, Stephen accused the Jews of persecuting prophets, Joseph, Moses and down the line to Jesus.
You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.
Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered,
you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it (Acts 7:51-53).
It is interesting to note that according to Stephen (and Paul in the Epistle to the Galatians), the law was delivered by angels (Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19). This concept is worth investigating and we will leave it for another occasion.
History is never a collection of historical 'facts'. It is always subject to interpretations. From Stephen's point of view, the Israelite history was a history of rebellions against God. And from this rebellion came salvation from God. Isn't it paradoxical?
Dear Lord, praise and glory be Yours forever. You always choose the outcasts to be Your instrument of grace. Have mercy on us and grant us salvation. Amen.
Appendix:
Depart from your land and from your kindred and go into the land which I will show you.ἔξελθε ἐκ τῆς γῆς σου καὶ [ἐκ] τῆς συγγενείας σου, καὶ δεῦρο εἰς τὴν γῆν ἣν ἄν σοι δείξω (Acts 7:3b).
Ἔξελθε ἐκ τῆς γῆς σου καὶ ἐκ τῆς συγγενείας σου καὶ ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ πατρός σου εἰς τὴν γῆν, ἣν ἄν σοι δείξω (Genesis 12:1).
that his posterity would be aliens in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and ill-treat them four hundred years.
'But I will judge the nation which they serve,' said God, 'and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.' ἔσται τὸ σπέρμα αὐτοῦ πάροικον ἐν γῇ ἀλλοτρίᾳ καὶ δουλώσουσιν αὐτὸ καὶ κακώσουσιν ἔτη τετρακόσια·
καὶ τὸ ἔθνος ᾧ ἐὰν δουλεύσουσιν κρινῶ ἐγώ, ὁ θεὸς εἶπεν, καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα ἐξελεύσονται καὶ λατρεύσουσίν μοι ἐν τῷ τόπῳ τούτῳ. (Acts 7:6-7)
ὅτι πάροικον ἔσται τὸ σπέρμα σου ἐν γῇ οὐκ ἰδίᾳ, καὶ δουλώσουσιν αὐτοὺς καὶ κακώσουσιν αὐτοὺς καὶ ταπεινώσουσιν αὐτοὺς τετρακόσια ἔτη.
τὸ δὲ ἔθνος, ὧ ἐὰν δουλεύσωσιν, κρινῶ ἐγώ, μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα ἐξελεύσονται ὧδε μετὰ ἀποσκευῆς πολλῆς. (Genesis 15:13-14).
arose over Egypt another king who had not known Joseph.
ἀνέστη βασιλεὺς ἕτερος [ἐπ' Αἴγυπτον] ὃς οὐκ ᾔδει τὸν Ἰωσήφ. (Acts 7:18, Exodus 1:8)
At this time Moses was born, and was beautiful before God. And he was brought up for three months in his father's house;
Ἐν ᾧ καιρῷ ἐγεννήθη Μωϋσῆς καὶ ἦν ἀστεῖος τῷ θεῷ· ὃς ἀνετράφη μῆνας τρεῖς ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ τοῦ πατρός (Acts 7:20)
καὶ ἐν γαστρὶ ἔλαβεν καὶ ἔτεκεν ἄρσεν, ἰδόντες δὲ αὐτὸ ἀστεῖον ἐσκέπασαν αὐτὸ μῆνας τρεῖς. (Exodus 2:2)
Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?
Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?τίς σε κατέστησεν ἄρχοντα καὶ δικαστὴν ἐφ' ἡμῶν;
μὴ ἀνελεῖν με σὺ θέλεις ὃν τρόπον ἀνεῖλες ἐχθὲς τὸν Αἰγύπτιον; (Acts 7:27b-28, Exodus 2:14a)
I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.
ἐγὼ ὁ θεὸς τῶν πατέρων σου, ὁ θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ καὶ Ἰσαὰκ καὶ Ἰακώβ (Acts 7:32a).
Ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ θεὸς τοῦ πατρός σου, θεὸς Αβρααμ καὶ θεὸς Ισαακ καὶ θεὸς Ιακωβ (Exodus 3:6).
Take off the shoes from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.
λῦσον τὸ ὑπόδημα τῶν ποδῶν σου, ὁ γὰρ τόπος ἐφ' ᾧ ἕστηκας γῆ ἁγία ἐστίν. (Acts 7:33b)
λῦσαι τὸ ὑπόδημα ἐκ τῶν ποδῶν σου, ὁ γὰρ τόπος, ἐν ὧ σὺ ἕστηκας, γῆ ἁγία ἐστίν. (Exodus 3:5b).
I have surely seen the ill-treatment of my people that are in Egypt and heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egyptἰδὼν εἶδον τὴν κάκωσιν τοῦ λαοῦ μου τοῦ ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ καὶ τοῦ στεναγμοῦ αὐτῶν ἤκουσα, καὶ κατέβην ἐξελέσθαι αὐτούς· καὶ νῦν δεῦρο ἀποστείλω σε εἰς Αἴγυπτον. (Acts 7:34)
Ἰδὼν εἶδον τὴν κάκωσιν τοῦ λαοῦ μου τοῦ ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ καὶ τῆς κραυγῆς αὐτῶν ἀκήκοα ἀπὸ τῶν ἐργοδιωκτῶν, οἶδα γὰρ τὴν ὀδύνην αὐτῶν,
καὶ κατέβην ἐξελέσθαι αὐτοὺς ἐκ χειρὸς Αἰγυπτίων (Exodus 3:7-8a).
God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up.προφήτην ὑμῖν ἀναστήσει ὁ θεὸς ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν ὡς ἐμέ (Acts 7:37b).
προφήτην ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν σου ὡς ἐμὲ ἀναστήσει σοι κύριος ὁ θεός σου, αὐτοῦ ἀκούσεσθε (Deuteronomy 18:15).
Make for us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.ποίησον ἡμῖν θεοὺς οἳ προπορεύσονται ἡμῶν· ὁ γὰρ Μωϋσῆς οὗτος, ὃς ἐξήγαγεν ἡμᾶς ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου, οὐκ οἴδαμεν τί ἐγένετο αὐτῷ. (Acts 7:40)
ποίησον ἡμῖν θεούς, οἳ προπορεύσονται ἡμῶν, ὁ γὰρ Μωυσῆς οὗτος ὁ ἄνθρωπος, ὃς ἐξήγαγεν ἡμᾶς ἐξ Αἰγύπτου, οὐκ οἴδαμεν, τί γέγονεν αὐτῷ (Exodus 32:1b).
Did you offer to me slain beasts and sacrifices, forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?
And you took up the tent of Moloch, and the star of the god Rephan, the figures which you made to worship; and I will remove you beyond Babylon.μὴ σφάγια καὶ θυσίας προσηνέγκατέ μοι ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οἶκος Ἰσραήλ;
καὶ ἀνελάβετε τὴν σκηνὴν τοῦ Μόλοχ καὶ τὸ ἄστρον τοῦ θεοῦ [ὑμῶν] Ῥαιφάν,τοὺς τύπους οὓς ἐποιήσατε προσκυνεῖν αὐτοῖς, καὶ μετοικιῶ ὑμᾶς ἐπέκεινα Βαβυλῶνος (Acts 7:42b-43).
μὴ σφάγια καὶ θυσίας προσηνέγκατέ μοι ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ τεσσαράκοντα ἔτη, οἶκος Ισραηλ;
καὶ ἀνελάβετε τὴν σκηνὴν τοῦ Μολοχ καὶ τὸ ἄστρον τοῦ θεοῦ ὑμῶν Ραιφαν, τοὺς τύπους αὐτῶν, οὓς ἐποιήσατε ἑαυτοῖς.
καὶ μετοικιῶ ὑμᾶς ἐπέκεινα Δαμασκοῦ (Amos 5:25-27).
Heaven is my throne, and earth my footstool. What house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest?
Did not my hand make all these things?ὁ οὐρανός μοι θρόνος, ἡ δὲ γῆ ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν μου· ποῖον οἶκον οἰκοδομήσετέ μοι, λέγει κύριος, ἢ τίς τόπος τῆς καταπαύσεώς μου;
οὐχὶ ἡ χείρ μου ἐποίησεν ταῦτα πάντα; (Acts 7:49-50)
Ὁ οὐρανός μοι θρόνος, ἡ δὲ γῆ ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν μου, ποῖον οἶκον οἰκοδομήσετέ μοι; ἢ ποῖος τόπος τῆς καταπαύσεώς μου;
πάντα γὰρ ταῦτα ἐποίησεν ἡ χείρ μου, καὶ ἔστιν ἐμὰ πάντα ταῦτα, λέγει κύριος, (Isaiah 66:1-2).
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Should Stephen be stoned?
Strategic Management has been a fashion for quite a while. Hong Kong SAR government embraces this business model, even in education sector. That every cent spent should be accountable to tax-payers has become the slogan of government officials. Therefore, schools spending public money in Hong Kong have to write up annual reports, school development plans, implementation plans etc. Catholic Diocesan schools in Hong Kong have to follow suit. Depending on the competence of school principals, teachers have to attend meetings after meetings to chunk out documents after documents. Luckily, most of these documents follow a certain format. Most of them begin with an SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. SW are internal while OT are external. It is fun to put the early church under the microscope and do an SWOT analysis.
Strengths & opportunities of the early church were innumerable. For example, the disciples were able to speak in different languages, while the apostles work miracles. Everybody took part in an enviable communist lifestyle. Waves after waves of pilgrims visited Jerusalem day by day ... God is on their side and nothing is impossible for God when He wants things done. Therefore, it will be more meaningful to analyze the weaknesses of and threats to the early church.
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution (Acts 6:1)
Since the disciples were leading an admirable life, they were able to attract a huge number of followers into their community. The early church did not refuse admission. Nor did she raise the 'price' to limit membership. A strength turned out to create a burden too heavy for the church leaders to handle. Weakness of the early church began to surface. She began to buckle under her sheer size. A schism between Greek-speaking Jews and Hebrew-speaking Jews appeared. Solutions had to be sought. The church was badly in need of a structure. A division of labour had to be implemented.
And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty.
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:2-4)
Interestingly, Peter was not mentioned though he was present. It was a collective decision but who was the spokesman? Most probably it was James who was the first apostle to be killed. Seven deacons were elected though they were not yet so named. Their names suggest that they were Greek-speaking Jews. The division was simple. The apostles focussed on prayers and preaching while the deacons served tables and the daily distribution. Obviously, the division was not air-tight. How could it be? These deacons were all men of good repute and full of the Holy Spirit. It was impossible to confine the Holy Spirit to take care of daily distributions alone.
As in all complex situations, solutions generate further problems. The Jewish Council posed a constant threat to the early Church. There were many factors contributing to their hostility toward this newly emerging contestant. They were watching closely this Christ movement which showed no signs of disintegration as suggested by Gamaliel (Acts 5:38). Therefore, when Stephen stepped outside his boundary, the Council immediately sprang into action.
Stephen was supposed to take care of the daily distribution among the Greek-speaking widows. Somehow, the Holy Spirit made him work miracles (Acts 6:8) and spoke through him in debates with the Jews (Acts 6:10). Stephen had stepped outside his boundary. His death was anticipated.
And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel (Acts 6:15).
The expansion of the early Church in Jerusalem was commendable. The achievements of these Galileans were impressive. Even priests were admitted into the fold.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).
The day would come when no more people in Jerusalem would receive baptism because all residents in Jerusalem were baptised. There was no driving force for these Christians to go beyond Jerusalem. They had to be driven out with drastic actions. Looking at this situation, it was understandable that God put an enmity between Jesus and Satan; between the children of Jesus and those of Satan. The Christ movement needed persecutions to make her march outside to the ends of the world. Stephen just happened to be the detonator. Chinese strategists would quote Stephen's case as a counter example to warn people against not following the rules of the game. Stephen should have followed the apostles' instruction to leave the preaching job to them. But how could he?
But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge." (Acts 4:19)
See the truth in this statement? How would Peter answer when Stephen quoted his words while he tried to bring Stephen back along the party line? May God's will be done.
My Lord, You want me to step forth and answer Your call generously. It took a traumatic experience to uproot me from LaSalle. I feel sorry for myself for not answering Your call earlier. Open my eyes to discern Your will. Amen.
Strengths & opportunities of the early church were innumerable. For example, the disciples were able to speak in different languages, while the apostles work miracles. Everybody took part in an enviable communist lifestyle. Waves after waves of pilgrims visited Jerusalem day by day ... God is on their side and nothing is impossible for God when He wants things done. Therefore, it will be more meaningful to analyze the weaknesses of and threats to the early church.
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution (Acts 6:1)
Since the disciples were leading an admirable life, they were able to attract a huge number of followers into their community. The early church did not refuse admission. Nor did she raise the 'price' to limit membership. A strength turned out to create a burden too heavy for the church leaders to handle. Weakness of the early church began to surface. She began to buckle under her sheer size. A schism between Greek-speaking Jews and Hebrew-speaking Jews appeared. Solutions had to be sought. The church was badly in need of a structure. A division of labour had to be implemented.
And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty.
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:2-4)
Interestingly, Peter was not mentioned though he was present. It was a collective decision but who was the spokesman? Most probably it was James who was the first apostle to be killed. Seven deacons were elected though they were not yet so named. Their names suggest that they were Greek-speaking Jews. The division was simple. The apostles focussed on prayers and preaching while the deacons served tables and the daily distribution. Obviously, the division was not air-tight. How could it be? These deacons were all men of good repute and full of the Holy Spirit. It was impossible to confine the Holy Spirit to take care of daily distributions alone.
As in all complex situations, solutions generate further problems. The Jewish Council posed a constant threat to the early Church. There were many factors contributing to their hostility toward this newly emerging contestant. They were watching closely this Christ movement which showed no signs of disintegration as suggested by Gamaliel (Acts 5:38). Therefore, when Stephen stepped outside his boundary, the Council immediately sprang into action.
Stephen was supposed to take care of the daily distribution among the Greek-speaking widows. Somehow, the Holy Spirit made him work miracles (Acts 6:8) and spoke through him in debates with the Jews (Acts 6:10). Stephen had stepped outside his boundary. His death was anticipated.
And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel (Acts 6:15).
The expansion of the early Church in Jerusalem was commendable. The achievements of these Galileans were impressive. Even priests were admitted into the fold.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).
The day would come when no more people in Jerusalem would receive baptism because all residents in Jerusalem were baptised. There was no driving force for these Christians to go beyond Jerusalem. They had to be driven out with drastic actions. Looking at this situation, it was understandable that God put an enmity between Jesus and Satan; between the children of Jesus and those of Satan. The Christ movement needed persecutions to make her march outside to the ends of the world. Stephen just happened to be the detonator. Chinese strategists would quote Stephen's case as a counter example to warn people against not following the rules of the game. Stephen should have followed the apostles' instruction to leave the preaching job to them. But how could he?
But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge." (Acts 4:19)
See the truth in this statement? How would Peter answer when Stephen quoted his words while he tried to bring Stephen back along the party line? May God's will be done.
My Lord, You want me to step forth and answer Your call generously. It took a traumatic experience to uproot me from LaSalle. I feel sorry for myself for not answering Your call earlier. Open my eyes to discern Your will. Amen.
Monday, 27 April 2009
3rd Easter Sunday (Year B)
Fr. Martin began his homily today with something totally irrelevant to the bible readings today --- public phone booth. Yet, he was able to make the link. Last summer, he went camping with the altar boys in Xavier House on Cheung Chau Island. He found a public phone booth in Xavier House and he was puzzled and doubted the usefulness of such an archaic fixture in Hong Kong today. After spending one day in Cheung Chau, he began to appreciate its usefulness. Most of their mobile phones went out of service because Cheung Chau Island is one of the blind spots in these outlying islands these service providers are unable to cover. The public phone booth saved the day. Fr. Martin immediately hit on the theme of "blind spots" in our life.
The gospel reading today was a continuation of the Emmau story. On Easter morning, two disillusioned disciples left Jerusalem for Emmau. On the way, Jesus appeared to them but they could not recognize him. Had Jesus' look changed so much so that after resurrection, even his disciples and relatives could not recognize him? For them, Jesus was dead and buried. It was impossible to see him alive again. Resurrection was something alien to them. Nobody could come back to life by himself. OK, Jesus had raised the only son of the widow of Nain, the daughter of Jairus and his good friend Lazarus. But this time, Jesus himself was dead. Who else could be able to raise him from the dead? This was their blind spot. Later during dinner, Jesus performed something they were familiar with.
When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them (Luke 24:30).
Even if they did not participate in the Last Supper, they must have seen this gesture at the feed of 5000. It was something they had seen for themselves. Only then were they able to recognize this man who had been accompanying in their journey for so long.
And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight (Luke 24:31).
Immediately, they hurried back to Jerusalem to report to the apostles. They confirmed that Jesus had risen and appeared to Simon Peter. At this moment, Jesus joined them.
But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit.
And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? (Luke 24:37-38)
It was all the more amazing that they thought they had seen a ghost, given that three of them had encountered the risen Jesus before! How could they be so blind and so frightened? Resurrection was something too hard for them to accept.
Jesus had to reassure them with a series of steps, showing them his wounds and eating a piece of broiled fish before them.
And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?"
They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
and he took it and ate before them (Luke 24:41-43).
Luke explained that they were too overjoyed to believe. Have we ever been too overjoyed to believe? We had better do otherwise we would have missed a lot of good things in our life. Remember, God always surprises us.
Fr. Martin pointed out that our vision was limited. We are blind to things further ahead of us, like driving in the dark. Yet, we must keep driving ahead until we reach our destination. Then he handed over the remaining time to Sr. Arokia Mary Thangapragasam, a missionary nun from India, to share her vocation call. When we talk about religious matters in India, we will usually think of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism etc. However, Catholic tradition had St. Thomas the Apostle martyred in India. Indeed, Sr. Thangapragasam has been brought up in a Catholic family of several generations. She wanted to become a nun when she was 10. At 16, she asked for advice from the local bishop who told her to continue her study for two more years before she went ahead. So at 18, Arokia began her exploration among the religious orders until she ended up in ISME. It has been a long process for her to know God's will and answer His call.
Today, I took a step forward to ask for an appointment with Deacon Tsang. I have procrastinated for too long. I must act before it is too late.
Dear Lord, I have a lot of blind spots. Open my eyes to discern Your will. I have procrastinated for too long. Prod me ahead. Amen.
The gospel reading today was a continuation of the Emmau story. On Easter morning, two disillusioned disciples left Jerusalem for Emmau. On the way, Jesus appeared to them but they could not recognize him. Had Jesus' look changed so much so that after resurrection, even his disciples and relatives could not recognize him? For them, Jesus was dead and buried. It was impossible to see him alive again. Resurrection was something alien to them. Nobody could come back to life by himself. OK, Jesus had raised the only son of the widow of Nain, the daughter of Jairus and his good friend Lazarus. But this time, Jesus himself was dead. Who else could be able to raise him from the dead? This was their blind spot. Later during dinner, Jesus performed something they were familiar with.
When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them (Luke 24:30).
Even if they did not participate in the Last Supper, they must have seen this gesture at the feed of 5000. It was something they had seen for themselves. Only then were they able to recognize this man who had been accompanying in their journey for so long.
And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight (Luke 24:31).
Immediately, they hurried back to Jerusalem to report to the apostles. They confirmed that Jesus had risen and appeared to Simon Peter. At this moment, Jesus joined them.
But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit.
And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? (Luke 24:37-38)
It was all the more amazing that they thought they had seen a ghost, given that three of them had encountered the risen Jesus before! How could they be so blind and so frightened? Resurrection was something too hard for them to accept.
Jesus had to reassure them with a series of steps, showing them his wounds and eating a piece of broiled fish before them.
And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?"
They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
and he took it and ate before them (Luke 24:41-43).
Luke explained that they were too overjoyed to believe. Have we ever been too overjoyed to believe? We had better do otherwise we would have missed a lot of good things in our life. Remember, God always surprises us.
Fr. Martin pointed out that our vision was limited. We are blind to things further ahead of us, like driving in the dark. Yet, we must keep driving ahead until we reach our destination. Then he handed over the remaining time to Sr. Arokia Mary Thangapragasam, a missionary nun from India, to share her vocation call. When we talk about religious matters in India, we will usually think of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism etc. However, Catholic tradition had St. Thomas the Apostle martyred in India. Indeed, Sr. Thangapragasam has been brought up in a Catholic family of several generations. She wanted to become a nun when she was 10. At 16, she asked for advice from the local bishop who told her to continue her study for two more years before she went ahead. So at 18, Arokia began her exploration among the religious orders until she ended up in ISME. It has been a long process for her to know God's will and answer His call.
Today, I took a step forward to ask for an appointment with Deacon Tsang. I have procrastinated for too long. I must act before it is too late.
Dear Lord, I have a lot of blind spots. Open my eyes to discern Your will. I have procrastinated for too long. Prod me ahead. Amen.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Feast of St. Mark
Today, the Greek and Latin Churches celebrate the Feast of St. Mark, the Evangelist. In the narrative of Jesus' arrest in his gospel, there is an extra piece of information not found in the other gospels.
And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body; and they seized him,
but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked (Mark 14:51-52).
It is generally accepted that this young man was Mark himself. This is his autograph on his own work. His family occupied an important role in the Jerusalem church. Probably, Jesus ate his Last Supper with his apostles in his house which was one of the house churches in the infant church. When Peter was arrested by Herod, the church prayed for his release in his house (Acts 12:12). Paul and Barnabas brought him along on the first missionary journey. However, Mark returned to Jerusalem when they reached Perga in Pamphylia (Acts 13:13). Because of this, Paul refused to take Mark along in his second missionary journey (Acts 15:36-41). But that did not prevent them from reconciliation with each other in the future. Everybody has his own share of flaws. Yet, everybody deserves a second chance. Such is life.
Later, Mark became the secretary of Peter in his missionary work in Rome (1 Peter 5:13). At the request of Roman Christians, Mark committed to writing the life of Jesus. Scholars agree that it was Mark who started the genre of gospel.
In his first Epistle, Peter exhorts all believers to practise the virtue of humility. God will exalt the humble.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you (1 Peter 5:6).
They were living under constant fear of persecution. Peter used the image of a roaring lion seeking its preys to describe the situation. Martyrdom in Roman arena was all too real. But God will console and support them.
Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.
Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour (1 Peter 5:7-8).
Nowadays, we are living in a relatively peaceful time, free from persecutions. We tend to become complacent. Peter's advice becomes all the more appropriate. Be humble, sober and watchful.
Today, I attended a workshop run by RME Centre. They invited Fr. Peter Choy to give a talk on the Creation story in Genesis. Religion and science often clash on the issue of Creation. Fr. Choy systematically explained how the two world views complement each other. Religion talks about why the world is as we now know, leaving the how to scientists. Genesis talks about the relational aspect of God and His Creation, man and the universe. Science deals with the bolts and nuts of the processes happening in this world. Both approaches are true and do not conflict with each other. For an example, Fr. Choy illustrated the situation with how a son and a doctor described the death of a man. The son would focus on his relationship with and his feelings toward the death of this man whereas the doctor would give factual data such as the time and the causes of his death. Both the son and the doctor will not be wrong or contradict each other in their reports. The differences are only the outcomes of two different approaches toward the same event.
During the Q&A session, Fr. Choy had collected many common queries raised by students from kindergartens to secondary schools. He categorized them under several headings along the themes he expounded in the workshop. I was impressed by kind of questions raised. Kindergarten kids usually ask why God does not create us the same, equally smart. Primary students wonder why some classmates are better and smarter, why some people were born poor and crippled. They begin to ask whether God is fair. Secondary students are more aware and interested in cloning, homosexual marriages etc. They even think that God is cruel in the story of Great Deluge and ask why God had not immediately forgiven Adam and Eve. Did God create Satan? Our kids are lovely.
My God, I thank You for my existence. I am sorry that I have not maintained our relationship properly. Forgive me. Let me live and make my life a meaningful song. Amen.
Appendix:
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble[ὁ] θεὸς ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν. (1 Peter 5:5b)
κύριος ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν. (Proverb 3:34).
And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body; and they seized him,
but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked (Mark 14:51-52).
It is generally accepted that this young man was Mark himself. This is his autograph on his own work. His family occupied an important role in the Jerusalem church. Probably, Jesus ate his Last Supper with his apostles in his house which was one of the house churches in the infant church. When Peter was arrested by Herod, the church prayed for his release in his house (Acts 12:12). Paul and Barnabas brought him along on the first missionary journey. However, Mark returned to Jerusalem when they reached Perga in Pamphylia (Acts 13:13). Because of this, Paul refused to take Mark along in his second missionary journey (Acts 15:36-41). But that did not prevent them from reconciliation with each other in the future. Everybody has his own share of flaws. Yet, everybody deserves a second chance. Such is life.
Later, Mark became the secretary of Peter in his missionary work in Rome (1 Peter 5:13). At the request of Roman Christians, Mark committed to writing the life of Jesus. Scholars agree that it was Mark who started the genre of gospel.
In his first Epistle, Peter exhorts all believers to practise the virtue of humility. God will exalt the humble.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you (1 Peter 5:6).
They were living under constant fear of persecution. Peter used the image of a roaring lion seeking its preys to describe the situation. Martyrdom in Roman arena was all too real. But God will console and support them.
Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.
Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour (1 Peter 5:7-8).
Nowadays, we are living in a relatively peaceful time, free from persecutions. We tend to become complacent. Peter's advice becomes all the more appropriate. Be humble, sober and watchful.
Today, I attended a workshop run by RME Centre. They invited Fr. Peter Choy to give a talk on the Creation story in Genesis. Religion and science often clash on the issue of Creation. Fr. Choy systematically explained how the two world views complement each other. Religion talks about why the world is as we now know, leaving the how to scientists. Genesis talks about the relational aspect of God and His Creation, man and the universe. Science deals with the bolts and nuts of the processes happening in this world. Both approaches are true and do not conflict with each other. For an example, Fr. Choy illustrated the situation with how a son and a doctor described the death of a man. The son would focus on his relationship with and his feelings toward the death of this man whereas the doctor would give factual data such as the time and the causes of his death. Both the son and the doctor will not be wrong or contradict each other in their reports. The differences are only the outcomes of two different approaches toward the same event.
During the Q&A session, Fr. Choy had collected many common queries raised by students from kindergartens to secondary schools. He categorized them under several headings along the themes he expounded in the workshop. I was impressed by kind of questions raised. Kindergarten kids usually ask why God does not create us the same, equally smart. Primary students wonder why some classmates are better and smarter, why some people were born poor and crippled. They begin to ask whether God is fair. Secondary students are more aware and interested in cloning, homosexual marriages etc. They even think that God is cruel in the story of Great Deluge and ask why God had not immediately forgiven Adam and Eve. Did God create Satan? Our kids are lovely.
My God, I thank You for my existence. I am sorry that I have not maintained our relationship properly. Forgive me. Let me live and make my life a meaningful song. Amen.
Appendix:
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble[ὁ] θεὸς ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν. (1 Peter 5:5b)
κύριος ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν. (Proverb 3:34).
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Gamaliel's advice
Yesterday, I lamented that the Jewish voice had not been given sufficient hearing in the New Testament. You can prove me wrong today that at least a piece of Jewish advice survives in the New Testament. It is the advice given by Gamaliel, a respectable Rabbi during the apostolic time. The Jewish Council was infuriated by Peter because he made use of God to counter-attack them. They intended to kill all the apostles but Gamaliel advised otherwise (Acts 5:27-40). So, who was this Gamaliel? Was he a Christian, or a Christian sympathizer?
The gospel of John tells us that Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were Jesus' disciples. They were Pharisees and was a minority voice to defend Jesus in the Jewish Council. They were afraid of exposing their identities to their fellow Pharisees. Only after Jesus had died on the cross did they come forth to bury his corpse.
Probably, Gamaliel was also a Christian in secret. Saul had been one of his disciples (Acts 22:3). Obviously, his sympathetic views towards Christians were known among his disciples. Therefore, his view survives in the New Testament. Saul was an over zealous Pharisee (Acts 22:3). He might have clashed with his master over how to deal with Christians. In the end, Saul went his way to persecute Christians in Jerusalem and beyond. Gamaliel must have grieved over this but there was little he could do.
Saul's relationship with Gamaliel enlightens us teachers. We teachers share our best with out students. Yet, we have to tolerate their rebellions. Hopefully, with God's grace, we will be reconciled in the future. Probably, their achievements may even tower over us. They are our pride.
Let's return to Gamaliel. Assuming that he was not a Christian nor a sympathizer, was his advice a sound one? Gamaliel quoted two cases of false Messiahs, Theudas and Judas the Galiean, to support his view of tolerance.
So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail;
but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God! (Acts 5:38-39).
On the surface, it was. Let Christians alone and they would disintegrate if they were a cult. If their religion was true, the Jewish Council was fighting against God. Gamaliel gave Christians the benefit of doubt.
But there was a price to pay. Many people would be brainwashed to do a lot of crazy things. Fighting against them would have saved thousands of lives! Saul must have this view in mind when he fervently persecuted the Christians. In modern times, we have seen enough mass murders and suicides among cult members while we don't have enough Saul's to purge them. This is a price we have to pay in order to uphold the sanctity of religious freedom which we are committed to preserve at all costs.
My Lord, grant me the strength to control my temper and impatience. Help me tolerate rebellious students and help them through their stormy stage of adolescence. Have mercy on them that they may mature through these struggles. Amen.
The gospel of John tells us that Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were Jesus' disciples. They were Pharisees and was a minority voice to defend Jesus in the Jewish Council. They were afraid of exposing their identities to their fellow Pharisees. Only after Jesus had died on the cross did they come forth to bury his corpse.
Probably, Gamaliel was also a Christian in secret. Saul had been one of his disciples (Acts 22:3). Obviously, his sympathetic views towards Christians were known among his disciples. Therefore, his view survives in the New Testament. Saul was an over zealous Pharisee (Acts 22:3). He might have clashed with his master over how to deal with Christians. In the end, Saul went his way to persecute Christians in Jerusalem and beyond. Gamaliel must have grieved over this but there was little he could do.
Saul's relationship with Gamaliel enlightens us teachers. We teachers share our best with out students. Yet, we have to tolerate their rebellions. Hopefully, with God's grace, we will be reconciled in the future. Probably, their achievements may even tower over us. They are our pride.
Let's return to Gamaliel. Assuming that he was not a Christian nor a sympathizer, was his advice a sound one? Gamaliel quoted two cases of false Messiahs, Theudas and Judas the Galiean, to support his view of tolerance.
So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail;
but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God! (Acts 5:38-39).
On the surface, it was. Let Christians alone and they would disintegrate if they were a cult. If their religion was true, the Jewish Council was fighting against God. Gamaliel gave Christians the benefit of doubt.
But there was a price to pay. Many people would be brainwashed to do a lot of crazy things. Fighting against them would have saved thousands of lives! Saul must have this view in mind when he fervently persecuted the Christians. In modern times, we have seen enough mass murders and suicides among cult members while we don't have enough Saul's to purge them. This is a price we have to pay in order to uphold the sanctity of religious freedom which we are committed to preserve at all costs.
My Lord, grant me the strength to control my temper and impatience. Help me tolerate rebellious students and help them through their stormy stage of adolescence. Have mercy on them that they may mature through these struggles. Amen.
Friday, 24 April 2009
The Jews deserve a fair hearing
Of course, the stories recorded in Acts were written from the Christian perspective. Therefore, the Jewish side might not be given sufficient coverage. We can only have a partial, lopsided picture of the whole situation.
The apostles were released by an angel at night and in the morning, they began teaching in the Temple. When the Jewish Council, which had arrested them and put them in prison the day before, discovered this, they sent some officers to bring them back for interrogation without violence. Luke explained that they were afraid of being stoned by the people (Acts 5:26). I think it was unlikely. Luke had imperceptibly added his own interpretation on the situation, hinting that the officers, and thus the Jewish Council, were wrong.
How could the officers be wrong in maintaining order and security of the Temple? They were simply carrying out their assignment. If the apostles were a gang of criminals, of course the officers would resort to violence. If they arrested the apostles without violence, it only showed that the apostles were very cooperative. They did not put up any resistance. Furthermore, they were inside the Temple. I don't think there were stones lying around for the people to pick up to throw at the officers. The Temple was a house of prayer, not a battle field.
If the officers applied excessive violence, of course they were wrong. Now that they did not use violence but Luke hinted that they were also wrong. That is not unfair!
In the Council, the High Priest began to interrogate the apostles.
saying, "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us." (Acts 5:28).
"... have filled Jerusalem with your teaching ..." is understandably an exaggeration. It only serves to show how successful the evangelization work of the apostles had been. Luke had lost track of the membership in the Jerusalem church. But at least, roughly one twelfth of the Jerusalem population had been converted within a couple of months. At such a growth rate, the whole Jerusalem would be converted to Christianity within ten years. It was phenomenal and the Jewish Council could not afford to be complacent.
"... and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us." is no doubt true from the Christian perspective. Peter had pointed the finger at them in his public speeches (Acts 2:22-23, 3:13, 4:10). John also mentioned that Caiaphas suggested Jesus should die for the whole people (John 18:14). Matthew reported that the Jewish crowd madly yelled before Pilate that Jesus' blood be on them and their children (Matthew 27:25). Jewish voice was drowned in these Christian documents. Probably, we will never be able to find out what exactly the Jews had said. It is rather difficult to imagine a people, whose laws required them to redeem their brothers (Leviticus 25:25), to hand Jesus over to Gentiles to be crucified. But such is the fact of history.
Peter, the head Christian, remained defiant. Again, he conjured up God to defend his actions.
But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29).
Once more, Peter's claim remained unchallenged. It was possible that the Jewish Council did challenge Peter's claim. But Luke did not record it for us. Luke did not see the need to do so because the miracles performed by the apostles had clearly demonstrated that God was on their side. If the Jewish Council really wanted to challenge Peter's claim, they had to prove that all those miracles were no miracles at all. No, in the Christian world of Luke, this is impossible. The Holy Spirit was with them to enable them to speak in tongues and to heal diseases.
And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him (Acts 5:32).
Dear Lord, I pray for the Jews of whom You were one. They deserve a hearing. I pray that more and more of them will confess You their Saviour and Lord. Grant me Your Spirit so that I may bear witness for You. Amen.
The apostles were released by an angel at night and in the morning, they began teaching in the Temple. When the Jewish Council, which had arrested them and put them in prison the day before, discovered this, they sent some officers to bring them back for interrogation without violence. Luke explained that they were afraid of being stoned by the people (Acts 5:26). I think it was unlikely. Luke had imperceptibly added his own interpretation on the situation, hinting that the officers, and thus the Jewish Council, were wrong.
How could the officers be wrong in maintaining order and security of the Temple? They were simply carrying out their assignment. If the apostles were a gang of criminals, of course the officers would resort to violence. If they arrested the apostles without violence, it only showed that the apostles were very cooperative. They did not put up any resistance. Furthermore, they were inside the Temple. I don't think there were stones lying around for the people to pick up to throw at the officers. The Temple was a house of prayer, not a battle field.
If the officers applied excessive violence, of course they were wrong. Now that they did not use violence but Luke hinted that they were also wrong. That is not unfair!
In the Council, the High Priest began to interrogate the apostles.
saying, "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us." (Acts 5:28).
"... have filled Jerusalem with your teaching ..." is understandably an exaggeration. It only serves to show how successful the evangelization work of the apostles had been. Luke had lost track of the membership in the Jerusalem church. But at least, roughly one twelfth of the Jerusalem population had been converted within a couple of months. At such a growth rate, the whole Jerusalem would be converted to Christianity within ten years. It was phenomenal and the Jewish Council could not afford to be complacent.
"... and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us." is no doubt true from the Christian perspective. Peter had pointed the finger at them in his public speeches (Acts 2:22-23, 3:13, 4:10). John also mentioned that Caiaphas suggested Jesus should die for the whole people (John 18:14). Matthew reported that the Jewish crowd madly yelled before Pilate that Jesus' blood be on them and their children (Matthew 27:25). Jewish voice was drowned in these Christian documents. Probably, we will never be able to find out what exactly the Jews had said. It is rather difficult to imagine a people, whose laws required them to redeem their brothers (Leviticus 25:25), to hand Jesus over to Gentiles to be crucified. But such is the fact of history.
Peter, the head Christian, remained defiant. Again, he conjured up God to defend his actions.
But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29).
Once more, Peter's claim remained unchallenged. It was possible that the Jewish Council did challenge Peter's claim. But Luke did not record it for us. Luke did not see the need to do so because the miracles performed by the apostles had clearly demonstrated that God was on their side. If the Jewish Council really wanted to challenge Peter's claim, they had to prove that all those miracles were no miracles at all. No, in the Christian world of Luke, this is impossible. The Holy Spirit was with them to enable them to speak in tongues and to heal diseases.
And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him (Acts 5:32).
Dear Lord, I pray for the Jews of whom You were one. They deserve a hearing. I pray that more and more of them will confess You their Saviour and Lord. Grant me Your Spirit so that I may bear witness for You. Amen.
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Angels in the Lucan corpus
The Church collected two books which were written by Luke in the New Testament. They are the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. For convenience's sake, I will call them the Lucan corpus. The Gospel tells us the life of Jesus, and the Acts the development of the early church. The two books were dedicated to Theophilus, probably a noble, or a fictitious character created for literary purposes. Theophilus literally means "People whom God loves", or "People who love God". Both ways, Theophilus represents believers in Christ and they wanted to know more about the life of Jesus and the early church. Therefore, Luke wrote for people who had already believed in Jesus. He didn't need to persuade them to believe. Rather, Luke wanted to raise the spiritual maturity of believers. Luckily, we don't have one official gospel but four. We are able to compare stories reported by them and appreciate the different perspectives as seen through the eyes of four evangelists. In the Lucan corpus, angels play a non-trivial role. Other than acting simply as God's messengers, angels delivered the believers from dangers. What a reassuring idea.
In the story we read in Acts today, angels made their second appearance. In Acts, angels first appeared in the Ascension of Jesus. They told the apostles that Jesus would come back at the end of the world (Acts 1:10-11). They played the messengers role. In this second appearance, the apostles were arrested and put into prison. An angel played the deliverer role. The world of Lucan corpus is permeated with spiritual beings, bearing witness to the presence of God on earth.
Nowadays, people have been brought up with the milk of science and technology. Our world is permeated with fanciful gadgets without a soul, bearing witness to the triumph of scientific thoughts. Therefore, it is easy for scholars to dismiss angels and miracles. So, how do we deal with this miraculous releases of the apostles without angels. Here is how Luke reported the incident and see if we can do without angels.
But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, and they returned and reported,
"We found the prison securely locked and the sentries standing at the doors, but when we opened it we found no one inside." (Acts 5:22-23)
If we believe in what Luke reports, the prison was securely locked and sentries standing at the doors. But the apostles were missing. How do we explain their prison break? According to Luke, the apostles did not escape. They went to the Temple to preach at daybreak (Acts 5:21). They were very bold and were not afraid of being arrested and locked up again.
One possibility was that the Christians outside bribed the prison guard and had the apostles released. But that would incur much money because they would surely be arrested again. Furthermore, Christians were supposed to be moral people and bribery would be very out of character. Therefore, their preaching again in the Temple rules out the possibility of bribery.
Now, if the prison guard and the sentries were Christians themselves or just sympathizers, things would be easier and the Christians did not have to spend even a single cent, not now, not in the future!
Therefore, if you do not have the appetite for any angels, the second possibility is quite an attractive explanation. Still, it fails to explain why this sympathizer would tell the apostles to preach in the Temple. Surely they would be arrested again and why bothered to release them in the first place. Moreover, he must make the sentries swear loyalty and silence. Otherwise, he would be in deep trouble.
"Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life." (Acts 5:20)
I do not know of any other explanations without angels. What do you suggest?
Angels or no angels, we can be angels. Nowadays, there is a resurgence of interests in angels and other spiritual things. Many edifying little stories are spreading around on the Internet on how angels appear when and where we are in deep troubles. They look like ordinary men and women. Probably, they indeed are. However, when proper situations arise, God may send you and me to extend a causal tendering generous helping hand to someone in need. We can be angels.
Dear Lord, I have been very lucky to have You sending many angels surrounding me. I pray for a more generous heart so that I can be Your angel to bring good news and deliverance to people in need. Amen.
In the story we read in Acts today, angels made their second appearance. In Acts, angels first appeared in the Ascension of Jesus. They told the apostles that Jesus would come back at the end of the world (Acts 1:10-11). They played the messengers role. In this second appearance, the apostles were arrested and put into prison. An angel played the deliverer role. The world of Lucan corpus is permeated with spiritual beings, bearing witness to the presence of God on earth.
Nowadays, people have been brought up with the milk of science and technology. Our world is permeated with fanciful gadgets without a soul, bearing witness to the triumph of scientific thoughts. Therefore, it is easy for scholars to dismiss angels and miracles. So, how do we deal with this miraculous releases of the apostles without angels. Here is how Luke reported the incident and see if we can do without angels.
But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, and they returned and reported,
"We found the prison securely locked and the sentries standing at the doors, but when we opened it we found no one inside." (Acts 5:22-23)
If we believe in what Luke reports, the prison was securely locked and sentries standing at the doors. But the apostles were missing. How do we explain their prison break? According to Luke, the apostles did not escape. They went to the Temple to preach at daybreak (Acts 5:21). They were very bold and were not afraid of being arrested and locked up again.
One possibility was that the Christians outside bribed the prison guard and had the apostles released. But that would incur much money because they would surely be arrested again. Furthermore, Christians were supposed to be moral people and bribery would be very out of character. Therefore, their preaching again in the Temple rules out the possibility of bribery.
Now, if the prison guard and the sentries were Christians themselves or just sympathizers, things would be easier and the Christians did not have to spend even a single cent, not now, not in the future!
Therefore, if you do not have the appetite for any angels, the second possibility is quite an attractive explanation. Still, it fails to explain why this sympathizer would tell the apostles to preach in the Temple. Surely they would be arrested again and why bothered to release them in the first place. Moreover, he must make the sentries swear loyalty and silence. Otherwise, he would be in deep trouble.
"Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life." (Acts 5:20)
I do not know of any other explanations without angels. What do you suggest?
Angels or no angels, we can be angels. Nowadays, there is a resurgence of interests in angels and other spiritual things. Many edifying little stories are spreading around on the Internet on how angels appear when and where we are in deep troubles. They look like ordinary men and women. Probably, they indeed are. However, when proper situations arise, God may send you and me to extend a causal tendering generous helping hand to someone in need. We can be angels.
Dear Lord, I have been very lucky to have You sending many angels surrounding me. I pray for a more generous heart so that I can be Your angel to bring good news and deliverance to people in need. Amen.
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Communism without tears
Nowadays, communism can only be practised with military backup. All communist countries in this world have full control over their armies, navies and air forces. It is a basic Maoist tenet: "Guns beget Governments." Drawing on lessons from history, Mao concluded that whoever had secured the support of the soldiers won the political struggle. There has been an exception. The People's Power of the Philippines has successfully overthrown the dictatorship of Marcos. Mao did not live to see this piece of history. If he had, he would probably have modified his view and returned to an ancient aphorism in Tang Dynasty: "Water floats boats. It can also capsize boats."
Now, is it possible to enjoy communism without tears? Once upon a time, it was possible. This is recorded in Acts.
Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had everything in common.
And with great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all (Acts 4:32-33).
Here, we have communism not only on the material level, but also spiritual. First of all, they were believers in Jesus. Moreover, they were of one heart and soul. On this basis, Christian practised communism. It all began on the spiritual level first. Communism was only an outward manifestation of an internal communion. Modern communism turns it on its head. Modern communists ignore the spirit and impose a political communism on the people who are not of one heart and soul.
It should be noted that Christian communism had its own backup. The apostles worked miracles. Modern communism does likewise. They launch missiles, send astronauts to orbit the earth and detonate hydrogen bombs. I do not condemn modern communism. After all, it is truly a heroic human effort to build a Kingdom of Heaven on earth ... minus God.
Now, Joseph Barnabas appeared on stage.
Thus Joseph who was surnamed by the apostles Barnabas (which means, Son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,
sold a field which belonged to him, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:36-37).
I am a little bit puzzled by the identity of Barnabas. When Joshua divided up the Promised Land for the 12 tribes of Israel, the Levites did not inherit any land. Why then had, Barnabas, a Levite, a field to sell? Where did it come from? Was there a change in rule to adapt to changes in the society so that even Levites were allowed to buy and sell land? I hope someone will enlighten me on this.
Luke did not just report good things about the infant Church and hide the bad news away. He continued with the sad story of a couple, Ananias and his wife Sapphira. They wanted to join the Church and sold a piece of property. Yet, they kept back a part of the money. Peter gave them ample chances to retract but they failed to do so. In the end, they died abruptly (Acts 5:1-11).
It is a tragic story indeed. It shows that the believers were no long of one heart and soul. Cracks appeared and more cracks were upcoming. I feel that the story is tragic because these cracks seem so inevitable. Is human nature so hard to transcend, even with the help of the Holy Spirit? I am not pessimistic. I am sure that God will continue to work despite the stubbornness of human selfishness. One day, His mercy will melt away our stupidity, my stupidity.
My Lord, when will I make a U-turn? Is the panel chair my cross to bear? 14 years ago, I had already stepped down from the post in La Salle. Is it Your will for me to take it up again in Shung Tak? No. I am sure with Your blessing, anybody can take it up and do it well. It is not necessarily me. John and Raymond tried very hard to persuade me. Unknown to himself, John had instead encouraged my pursuit of perpetual deaconship. May Your will be done. Amen.
Now, is it possible to enjoy communism without tears? Once upon a time, it was possible. This is recorded in Acts.
Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had everything in common.
And with great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all (Acts 4:32-33).
Here, we have communism not only on the material level, but also spiritual. First of all, they were believers in Jesus. Moreover, they were of one heart and soul. On this basis, Christian practised communism. It all began on the spiritual level first. Communism was only an outward manifestation of an internal communion. Modern communism turns it on its head. Modern communists ignore the spirit and impose a political communism on the people who are not of one heart and soul.
It should be noted that Christian communism had its own backup. The apostles worked miracles. Modern communism does likewise. They launch missiles, send astronauts to orbit the earth and detonate hydrogen bombs. I do not condemn modern communism. After all, it is truly a heroic human effort to build a Kingdom of Heaven on earth ... minus God.
Now, Joseph Barnabas appeared on stage.
Thus Joseph who was surnamed by the apostles Barnabas (which means, Son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,
sold a field which belonged to him, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:36-37).
I am a little bit puzzled by the identity of Barnabas. When Joshua divided up the Promised Land for the 12 tribes of Israel, the Levites did not inherit any land. Why then had, Barnabas, a Levite, a field to sell? Where did it come from? Was there a change in rule to adapt to changes in the society so that even Levites were allowed to buy and sell land? I hope someone will enlighten me on this.
Luke did not just report good things about the infant Church and hide the bad news away. He continued with the sad story of a couple, Ananias and his wife Sapphira. They wanted to join the Church and sold a piece of property. Yet, they kept back a part of the money. Peter gave them ample chances to retract but they failed to do so. In the end, they died abruptly (Acts 5:1-11).
It is a tragic story indeed. It shows that the believers were no long of one heart and soul. Cracks appeared and more cracks were upcoming. I feel that the story is tragic because these cracks seem so inevitable. Is human nature so hard to transcend, even with the help of the Holy Spirit? I am not pessimistic. I am sure that God will continue to work despite the stubbornness of human selfishness. One day, His mercy will melt away our stupidity, my stupidity.
My Lord, when will I make a U-turn? Is the panel chair my cross to bear? 14 years ago, I had already stepped down from the post in La Salle. Is it Your will for me to take it up again in Shung Tak? No. I am sure with Your blessing, anybody can take it up and do it well. It is not necessarily me. John and Raymond tried very hard to persuade me. Unknown to himself, John had instead encouraged my pursuit of perpetual deaconship. May Your will be done. Amen.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
To kill a religion
Peter and John won hands down the first confrontation with the Jewish leaders. Though Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and was very eloquent in his defence, they won for other reasons.
Peter's eloquence was vividly demonstrated with the following exchange.
So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge;
for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:18-20)
Peter skilfully made use of an authority higher than the Roman Empire, viz. God, to counter-attack. Peter implicitly claimed a direct link to God. He was able to listen to God. But why did the Jewish Council fail to challenge Peter's claim, to prove him wrong? Were the Council members not servants of God? Why couldn't they judge whether this Galilean fisherman was an imposer or not? It shows that the Jewish Council had long lost touch with God. Probably they had spent too much time on power politics at the expense of a proper relationship with God. They lost the confrontation not because of the eloquence of Peter. They lost because the lame man whom they could do nothing with was healed by Peter who now had gained popularity. They bent to public pressure. They could only threaten Peter and John but not physically torture them.
Peter and John returned to their friends (Acts 4:23). Were these members of a core group within the Christian community? We can't tell.
After hearing Peter's report, they all prayed together. More and more, they saw themselves on the side of the Messiah and the Jewish Council, Herod, Pilate, Gentiles and the peoples of Israel who had taken part in the killing of Jesus outsiders (Acts 4:27).
Sovereign Lord, who didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them (Acts 4:24b, Psalm 146:6).
This is the basic tenet of Jewish creed, that God is the Creator of the universe. This was also the first time Christians confessed their belief in the Creator God. They began to see themselves the true Israelites to replace those rebellious peoples of Israel who banded together with Gentiles and evil rulers to kill the Saviour. Furthermore, they were able to see that all that had happened were actually God's plan.
to do whatever thy hand and thy plan had predestined to take place (Acts 4:28).
But the threats from the Jewish Council were real. The Christians could not afford to ignore them. Nor did they pray to be free from those dangers. Instead, they prayed that they could continue to bear witness in boldness and God continued to work miracles through the name of Jesus (Acts 4:29-30).
Once again, this incident shows that persecutions will never stamp out religions. Persecutions will only strength them, will only prove that the believers are right and the persecutors are wrong. The only way to destroy a religion is to fatten it, to make it corrupt from within. Of course, a government may not have enough resources to do so. Therefore, my advice is to live with it. It will die out if it is not a true religion.
What makes a religion a true religion? I think a religion is true if she is able to make her believers born anew. This is a huge topic and I can only sketch a few broad strokes.
Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews (John 3:1). He secretly visited Jesus at night in order to know more about him. Jesus told him about being born anew.
Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"
Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:4-6).
Of course, Jesus meant a spiritual renewal, not physical. Therefore, if a religion can renew the physical health of her believers, she is not yet a true religion. Only when she is able to renew the spirit of her believers, it is a true religion. Man has spiritual potentials which need to be awakened. When these potentials are awakened, man becomes more powerful.
My Lord, Creator of the universe. You come to redeem this shattered world. You choose to awaken the spirit of mankind to work with You in this redemption mission. Empower us with Your Spirit. Let us work together to make this world a better place to live, Your Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.
Appendix:
Sovereign Lord, who didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,δέσποτα, σὺ ὁ ποιήσας τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν καὶ τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐν αὐ τοῖς (Acts 4:24b)
τὸν ποιήσαντα τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν, τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐν αὐτοῖς, τὸν φυλάσσοντα ἀλήθειαν εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα (Psalm 145:6 LXX, 146:6 MT).
Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things?
The kings of the earth set themselves in array, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed ἱνα τί ἐφρύαξαν ἔθνη καὶ λαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά;
παρέστησαν οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες συνήχθησαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ κατὰ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ κατὰ τοῦ χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ (Acts 4:25b-26).
Ἵνα τί ἐφρύαξαν ἔθνη καὶ λαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά;
παρέστησαν οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς, καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες συνήχθησαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ κατὰ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ κατὰ τοῦ χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ διάψαλμα (Psalm 2:1-2).
Peter's eloquence was vividly demonstrated with the following exchange.
So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge;
for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:18-20)
Peter skilfully made use of an authority higher than the Roman Empire, viz. God, to counter-attack. Peter implicitly claimed a direct link to God. He was able to listen to God. But why did the Jewish Council fail to challenge Peter's claim, to prove him wrong? Were the Council members not servants of God? Why couldn't they judge whether this Galilean fisherman was an imposer or not? It shows that the Jewish Council had long lost touch with God. Probably they had spent too much time on power politics at the expense of a proper relationship with God. They lost the confrontation not because of the eloquence of Peter. They lost because the lame man whom they could do nothing with was healed by Peter who now had gained popularity. They bent to public pressure. They could only threaten Peter and John but not physically torture them.
Peter and John returned to their friends (Acts 4:23). Were these members of a core group within the Christian community? We can't tell.
After hearing Peter's report, they all prayed together. More and more, they saw themselves on the side of the Messiah and the Jewish Council, Herod, Pilate, Gentiles and the peoples of Israel who had taken part in the killing of Jesus outsiders (Acts 4:27).
Sovereign Lord, who didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them (Acts 4:24b, Psalm 146:6).
This is the basic tenet of Jewish creed, that God is the Creator of the universe. This was also the first time Christians confessed their belief in the Creator God. They began to see themselves the true Israelites to replace those rebellious peoples of Israel who banded together with Gentiles and evil rulers to kill the Saviour. Furthermore, they were able to see that all that had happened were actually God's plan.
to do whatever thy hand and thy plan had predestined to take place (Acts 4:28).
But the threats from the Jewish Council were real. The Christians could not afford to ignore them. Nor did they pray to be free from those dangers. Instead, they prayed that they could continue to bear witness in boldness and God continued to work miracles through the name of Jesus (Acts 4:29-30).
Once again, this incident shows that persecutions will never stamp out religions. Persecutions will only strength them, will only prove that the believers are right and the persecutors are wrong. The only way to destroy a religion is to fatten it, to make it corrupt from within. Of course, a government may not have enough resources to do so. Therefore, my advice is to live with it. It will die out if it is not a true religion.
What makes a religion a true religion? I think a religion is true if she is able to make her believers born anew. This is a huge topic and I can only sketch a few broad strokes.
Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews (John 3:1). He secretly visited Jesus at night in order to know more about him. Jesus told him about being born anew.
Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"
Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:4-6).
Of course, Jesus meant a spiritual renewal, not physical. Therefore, if a religion can renew the physical health of her believers, she is not yet a true religion. Only when she is able to renew the spirit of her believers, it is a true religion. Man has spiritual potentials which need to be awakened. When these potentials are awakened, man becomes more powerful.
My Lord, Creator of the universe. You come to redeem this shattered world. You choose to awaken the spirit of mankind to work with You in this redemption mission. Empower us with Your Spirit. Let us work together to make this world a better place to live, Your Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.
Appendix:
Sovereign Lord, who didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,δέσποτα, σὺ ὁ ποιήσας τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν καὶ τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐν αὐ τοῖς (Acts 4:24b)
τὸν ποιήσαντα τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν, τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐν αὐτοῖς, τὸν φυλάσσοντα ἀλήθειαν εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα (Psalm 145:6 LXX, 146:6 MT).
Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things?
The kings of the earth set themselves in array, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed ἱνα τί ἐφρύαξαν ἔθνη καὶ λαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά;
παρέστησαν οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες συνήχθησαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ κατὰ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ κατὰ τοῦ χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ (Acts 4:25b-26).
Ἵνα τί ἐφρύαξαν ἔθνη καὶ λαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά;
παρέστησαν οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς, καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες συνήχθησαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ κατὰ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ κατὰ τοῦ χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ διάψαλμα (Psalm 2:1-2).
Monday, 20 April 2009
Feast of Divine Mercy (Year B)
The late Pope John Paul II had decreed to celebrate on the Second Sunday in Easter this Feast of Divine Mercy. God is merciful to all of us. This mercy is embodied in the person of Jesus and in his Passion. As followers of Jesus, we should constantly seek the mercy of God and be merciful ourselves. In the Beatitudes of Luke, we find this verse.
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:36).
We are told to become ambassadors of God's mercy.
In the gospel reading today, we read of the apparition of Jesus to his apostles on the first Easter Sunday.
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." (John 20:19)
This is a peace the apostles were badly in need. How could there be peace? They were in great fear for their own lives when Jesus was crucified. Soon, it would be their turn. They fully expected to be slaughtered like their Master. It was only a matter of time unless God intervened. They went hiding. God did intervene. They heard reports, or rather rumours that Jesus had risen. Therefore, what a relief to meet Jesus. They were liberated.
Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you."
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." (John 20:21-23)
No, they would not remain hiding. Jesus sent them out to the world as new creatures. But they did not need to worry because Jesus equipped them with the Holy Spirit, the spirit of love and of truth. Just as the Adam who became a living being when God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Genesis 2:7), the apostles became new spiritual creatures when they received the Holy Spirit from Jesus. They were not mere intelligent animals like Adam. They were sent out to the world, to be ambassadors of God's mercy. As ambassadors of mercy, they will forgive others, to reconcile them to God. Of course, if people reject this mercy, their sins will be retained.
Today is also my 39th anniversary of Confirmation. I received the Holy Spirit 39 years ago from the late Hong Kong Bishop Francis Hsu. Throughout these years, my faith remains cerebral and now, I should live up my faith more with my heart.
Somehow, Thomas was not present when Jesus appeared to the apostles on the first Easter. Always an empiricist, Thomas would not accept the testimony of his fellow apostles unless Jesus passed the verifications he demanded. All too often, we live like Thomas, demanding God to meet our requirements. We simply don't know whom we are dealing with. God works according to His schedule.
Eight days later, Jesus appeared again to his apostles, this time, including Thomas. Of course, Thomas was dumbfounded, but not quite. Jesus really came to meet his challenges, his requirements! Thomas surrendered.
Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)
Fr. Lajeune advised us to whisper the same words in mass when the priests hold up the consecrated Host. Here is the risen Jesus in the form of bread and wine. Here is the mystery of faith.
My Lord and my God. You give us the Holy Spirit to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Let us benefit from Your mercy and convey this mercy of Yours to our neighbours. Amen.
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:36).
We are told to become ambassadors of God's mercy.
In the gospel reading today, we read of the apparition of Jesus to his apostles on the first Easter Sunday.
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." (John 20:19)
This is a peace the apostles were badly in need. How could there be peace? They were in great fear for their own lives when Jesus was crucified. Soon, it would be their turn. They fully expected to be slaughtered like their Master. It was only a matter of time unless God intervened. They went hiding. God did intervene. They heard reports, or rather rumours that Jesus had risen. Therefore, what a relief to meet Jesus. They were liberated.
Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you."
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." (John 20:21-23)
No, they would not remain hiding. Jesus sent them out to the world as new creatures. But they did not need to worry because Jesus equipped them with the Holy Spirit, the spirit of love and of truth. Just as the Adam who became a living being when God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Genesis 2:7), the apostles became new spiritual creatures when they received the Holy Spirit from Jesus. They were not mere intelligent animals like Adam. They were sent out to the world, to be ambassadors of God's mercy. As ambassadors of mercy, they will forgive others, to reconcile them to God. Of course, if people reject this mercy, their sins will be retained.
Today is also my 39th anniversary of Confirmation. I received the Holy Spirit 39 years ago from the late Hong Kong Bishop Francis Hsu. Throughout these years, my faith remains cerebral and now, I should live up my faith more with my heart.
Somehow, Thomas was not present when Jesus appeared to the apostles on the first Easter. Always an empiricist, Thomas would not accept the testimony of his fellow apostles unless Jesus passed the verifications he demanded. All too often, we live like Thomas, demanding God to meet our requirements. We simply don't know whom we are dealing with. God works according to His schedule.
Eight days later, Jesus appeared again to his apostles, this time, including Thomas. Of course, Thomas was dumbfounded, but not quite. Jesus really came to meet his challenges, his requirements! Thomas surrendered.
Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)
Fr. Lajeune advised us to whisper the same words in mass when the priests hold up the consecrated Host. Here is the risen Jesus in the form of bread and wine. Here is the mystery of faith.
My Lord and my God. You give us the Holy Spirit to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Let us benefit from Your mercy and convey this mercy of Yours to our neighbours. Amen.
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Do not dare to believe
Fr. Benjamin began with a briefing, using the story of Jesus' Transfiguration. We would walk slowly into the centre, carrying whatever burden we had in our hearts. Such was the psychological condition of the three apostles when they climbed up the high mountain with Jesus. In the centre of this labyrinth, there is a sign IHS (In Hac Signum): (salvation is) in under the sign. This is the summit where Jesus showed his post-resurrection glory to his apostles. We would stay there for a while, possibly lay down our burden, then return along the same path, carrying whatever Christ bestow us.
We entered the labyrinth one after another when each was mentally prepared to start the journey. I started the walk cautiously, watching my steps, keeping a distance from the one before me, feeling the pebbles with my bare feet. I put one foot forward only after I had securely planted another foot on the ground. What struck me most were the U-turns along the path. I am a rather stubborn and intense man, sticking to my "principles". Once I made a decision, I would not change course. But I had to change course often along this path. If this path symbolizes my life journey, I must have made many many mistakes for not U-turning. Along the path which is rather narrow, we rubbed shoulders with each other. One moment ago, we were walking along the same direction. The next moment, we parted way. Since the path was narrow, we adjusted our body posture in order not to bump onto each other. Gradually, I was no longer walking intensely. I was able to walk faster when there was a long straight path before a U-turn. I was able to try out new things and new feelings. Along the way, it began to dawn on me that the post of RS panel head which I strongly rejected, rather than perpetual deaconship, might probably be the call of God that I should embrace. Before I started the return journey, there was cramp on one of the toes on my left foot. I backed off for a while before I restarted the return journey. Just when I thought the exit was in sight, right ahead of me, only to find myself forced to make one last U-turn! Is this my life?
We celebrated mass before lunch. We read Acts 4:13-21 and Mark 16:9-15. In his homily, Fr. Benjamin brought our attention to the lack of faith of both the Jewish religious leaders and the apostles. But there was a difference. While the Jewish leaders refused to believe even in face of hard evidence of a healed lame man, the apostles did not dare to believe in Jesus' resurrection which was beyond their intellectual grasp. The apostles rejected the women's testimony, thinking that it was typical women fantasies.
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen (Mark 16:14).
Still, Jesus sent the apostles out to bear witness to his resurrection, to preach the gospel of reconciliation.
As for the Jewish leaders, they refused to believe because the witness of the apostles was a direct challenge of their authority over the people and a damage to the privileges they had been enjoying. They could only threaten the apostles and later resort to brute force. Instead of being the servants of God, they became His enemies.
And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for all men praised God for what had happened.
For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old (Acts 4:21-22).
My Lord, I do not dare to believe in the good plan You have in store for me. Many times, I have missed the opportunity to serve You better. Yet, You do not mind making me, Your unworthy servant, a witness to Your love. Guide my steps. Show me new things You have prepared for me. Amen.
Acknowledgement: The photo of the labyrinth was retrieved from
http://www.wisconsintrails.com/culture/16-labyrinths-worth-exploring-200464981.html
Saturday, 18 April 2009
Stand up against official opposition
What should we do in face of official opposition? This is what we learn from Peter today.
When Peter was bearing witness to Jesus in the Temple after healing a lame man, he was arrested.
And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,
annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
And they arrested them and put them in custody until the morrow, for it was already evening (Acts 4:1-3).
Had Peter done anything wrong? Was it wrong to heal a lame man? No. Was it wrong for Peter to bear witness to the resurrection of Jesus? No. Who else would be better to do this job, if not Peter? Was it wrong to teach the people in the Temple about Jesus' resurrection? Probably yes because it was the Temple and Peter did not have the license to teach in the Temple. The Temple was a place to worship and to offer sacrifice. We read of the story of Jesus staying in the Temple for three days, discussing with teachers of the law. Therefore, teaching also took place in the Temple but I'm afraid that was confined to teachers of the law, not a Galilean fisherman. Among those who came to arrest Peter, there were Sadducees who were closely related to the priests. Therefore, Peter was arrested probably because he had intruded into the turf of the priests.
On the other hand, Luke recorded an interesting figure. When Peter delivered the first ever Christian message to the world, three thousand people joined the 120 followers of Jesus (Acts 2:41). In his second message, another two thousand people joined.
But many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to about five thousand (Acts 4:4).
No. The number 2000 was not quite right. Everyday in between, people joined.
(The believers) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:47).
Therefore, we do not know for sure how many people joined because of this second message in the Temple. Anyway, five thousand souls in Jerusalem was a huge crowd that could not be ignored. According to a catechist handbook compiled by the Online School of Evangelization,
In Jesus’ time, the population of Jerusalem was about sixty thousands and there were six thousand Pharisees (e-Catechism pg. 151). We see, then, that Christians were an expanding movement to be reckoned with. No wonder the priests were keeping a watchful eye over their activities.
On the morrow their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem,
with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family (Acts 4:5-6).
Among these two verses, Pharisees were not mentioned. Therefore, this might not be a full Council like the one that condemned Jesus to death. No, the Christian movement had not yet threatened their authority, but not for long. Yet, it is interesting to notice that High Priests were drawn from the high-priestly family. Not only do we have the all too familiar names such as Annas and Caiaphas, but also John and Alexander. Never mind, the crucial point is Annas, not Caiaphas, was the High Priest at the moment. So, did the High Priest office change its incumbent annually (John 18:13)? Peter was asked how he healed the lame man. It was a simple enough question. But Peter made use of this opportunity to preach Jesus.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders,
if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a cripple, by what means this man has been healed,
be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well.
This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner.
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:8-12)
Not only was Peter eloquent, but also well-versed. He was able to paraphrase the Psalm! Alright, you might argue that this was a popular piece of prooftext Christian used for apologetic purposes. But Peter was bold enough to drive it deeper. Priesthood had been established for thousands of years since Aaron. Yet, other than rubbing psychological balm on the guilty conscience of the people, they had never witnessed any healings. But right in front of their eyes, a lame man was healed through conjuring up the name of the crucified Galilean carpenter. What else could the priests say? There is salvation in no one else! Not in Annas, not in Caiaphas.
Of course, had the institution not been wrong, Peter would not have been able to stand up against it. Therefore, you can stand firm when God is on your side.
Dear Lord, I praise You for Your holiness. Let us abide in You and stand firm in our ground to bear witness for You. Amen.
Appendix:
This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner.
οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ λίθος, ὁ ἐξουθενηθεὶς ὑφ' ὑμῶν τῶν οἰκοδόμων, ὁ γενόμενος εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας. (Acts 4:11)
λίθον, ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας (Psalm 117:22 LXX, 118:22 MT).
When Peter was bearing witness to Jesus in the Temple after healing a lame man, he was arrested.
And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,
annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
And they arrested them and put them in custody until the morrow, for it was already evening (Acts 4:1-3).
Had Peter done anything wrong? Was it wrong to heal a lame man? No. Was it wrong for Peter to bear witness to the resurrection of Jesus? No. Who else would be better to do this job, if not Peter? Was it wrong to teach the people in the Temple about Jesus' resurrection? Probably yes because it was the Temple and Peter did not have the license to teach in the Temple. The Temple was a place to worship and to offer sacrifice. We read of the story of Jesus staying in the Temple for three days, discussing with teachers of the law. Therefore, teaching also took place in the Temple but I'm afraid that was confined to teachers of the law, not a Galilean fisherman. Among those who came to arrest Peter, there were Sadducees who were closely related to the priests. Therefore, Peter was arrested probably because he had intruded into the turf of the priests.
On the other hand, Luke recorded an interesting figure. When Peter delivered the first ever Christian message to the world, three thousand people joined the 120 followers of Jesus (Acts 2:41). In his second message, another two thousand people joined.
But many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to about five thousand (Acts 4:4).
No. The number 2000 was not quite right. Everyday in between, people joined.
(The believers) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:47).
Therefore, we do not know for sure how many people joined because of this second message in the Temple. Anyway, five thousand souls in Jerusalem was a huge crowd that could not be ignored. According to a catechist handbook compiled by the Online School of Evangelization,
In Jesus’ time, the population of Jerusalem was about sixty thousands and there were six thousand Pharisees (e-Catechism pg. 151). We see, then, that Christians were an expanding movement to be reckoned with. No wonder the priests were keeping a watchful eye over their activities.
On the morrow their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem,
with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family (Acts 4:5-6).
Among these two verses, Pharisees were not mentioned. Therefore, this might not be a full Council like the one that condemned Jesus to death. No, the Christian movement had not yet threatened their authority, but not for long. Yet, it is interesting to notice that High Priests were drawn from the high-priestly family. Not only do we have the all too familiar names such as Annas and Caiaphas, but also John and Alexander. Never mind, the crucial point is Annas, not Caiaphas, was the High Priest at the moment. So, did the High Priest office change its incumbent annually (John 18:13)? Peter was asked how he healed the lame man. It was a simple enough question. But Peter made use of this opportunity to preach Jesus.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders,
if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a cripple, by what means this man has been healed,
be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well.
This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner.
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:8-12)
Not only was Peter eloquent, but also well-versed. He was able to paraphrase the Psalm! Alright, you might argue that this was a popular piece of prooftext Christian used for apologetic purposes. But Peter was bold enough to drive it deeper. Priesthood had been established for thousands of years since Aaron. Yet, other than rubbing psychological balm on the guilty conscience of the people, they had never witnessed any healings. But right in front of their eyes, a lame man was healed through conjuring up the name of the crucified Galilean carpenter. What else could the priests say? There is salvation in no one else! Not in Annas, not in Caiaphas.
Of course, had the institution not been wrong, Peter would not have been able to stand up against it. Therefore, you can stand firm when God is on your side.
Dear Lord, I praise You for Your holiness. Let us abide in You and stand firm in our ground to bear witness for You. Amen.
Appendix:
This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner.
οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ λίθος, ὁ ἐξουθενηθεὶς ὑφ' ὑμῶν τῶν οἰκοδόμων, ὁ γενόμενος εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας. (Acts 4:11)
λίθον, ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας (Psalm 117:22 LXX, 118:22 MT).
Friday, 17 April 2009
Salvation through Jesus is here and now
After healing the lame man, it was natural for Peter to bear witness to the redemptive work of Jesus. He healed the lame man at the Beautiful Gate and walked into the Solomon's Portico. Peter began his second proclamation as recorded in Acts. (Interested readers should search the Internet to look for the layout of this Second Temple in Jerusalem.) As before, he began with addressing the audience as "Men of Israel" (Acts 2:22; 3:12). Later, he called them "Brethren" in order to win their hearts (Acts 2:29; 3:17).
Peter was now speaking inside the Temple, the heart of Judaism before 70 AD. On Pentecost, he was speaking to the general public. At that time, Peter took a more offensive stance towards the audience. He criticized them for handing Jesus over to the lawless men to be crucified (Acts 2:23). His objective was to prove that Jesus had risen from the dead and ascended into heaven. Now, he was speaking to worshippers. He had to take a more conciliatory stance. Though Pilate was named, Peter excused them for their ignorance.
And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers (Acts 3:17).
Peter did not need to bear witness to the resurrection and ascension of Jesus anymore. Here was a lame man healed. What better evidence did Peter need? It was not Peter who healed the man. It was faith in the name of Jesus that healed the man. Jesus is the Holy and Righteous One (Acts 3:14), the Author of Life (Acts 3:15).
And his name, by faith in his name, has made this man strong whom you see and know; and the faith which is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all (Acts 3:16).
The audience had made a wrong choice before by denying and crucifying Jesus. Now, salvation is staring them in their face. The choice was obvious.
Still, Peter had to rid the audience of their responsibility for crucifying Jesus. He resorted to the prophets.
But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled (Acts 3:18).
After all, it was God's plan that Jesus Christ should suffer to bring us salvation. Theologians have developed a whole branch of soteriology to figure out the process. Anyway, God's plan had been foretold by prophets from of old and every word must be fulfilled.
whom (Jesus) heaven must receive until the time for establishing all that God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old (Acts 3:21).
Peter went further to identify Jesus as the prophet Moses had foretold in Deuteronomy (Acts 3:22-23). God sent Jesus to the Israelites first in order to bless them so as to fulfill His promise to their father Abraham so that the whole world may be blessed (Acts 3:25).
Wasn't it amazing that this fisherman had transformed into a theologian? Indeed, the salvation of Jesus works in different ways in different people.
As for the Greek quotations Luke used in these two occasions, there was a huge difference. On Pentecost, the Psalms Luke quoted were identical with the text in Septuagint which the Jewish Diaspora read whereas in the Temple, the wordings of the Pentateuch text were very different (see appendix). This is worth further exploring.
Dear Lord, You are the Life. You bring out our true potentials. I pray that I may make good use of my potentials bravely to serve You. Amen.
Appendix:
The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul that does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.
προφήτην ὑμῖν ἀναστήσει κύριος ὁ θεὸς ὑμῶν ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν ὡς ἐμέ· αὐτοῦ ἀκούσεσθε κατὰ πάντα ὅσα ἂν λαλήσῃ πρὸς ὑμᾶς.
ἔσται δὲ πᾶσα ψυχὴ ἥτις ἐὰν μὴ ἀκούσῃ τοῦ προφήτου ἐκείνου ἐξολεθρευθήσεται ἐκ τοῦ λαοῦ. (Acts 3:22-23)
προφήτην ἀναστήσω αὐτοῖς ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν αὐτῶν ὥσπερ σὲ καὶ δώσω τὸ ῥῆμά μου ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτοῦ, καὶ λαλήσει αὐτοῖς καθότι ἂν ἐντείλωμαι αὐτῷ,
καὶ ὁ ἄνθρωπος, ὃς ἐὰν μὴ ἀκούσῃ ὅσα ἐὰν λαλήσῃ ὁ προφήτης ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου, ἐγὼ ἐκδικήσω ἐξ αὐτοῦ. (Deuteronomy 18:18-19).
And in your posterity shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
καὶ ἐν τῷ σπέρματί σου [ἐν-]ευλογηθήσονται πᾶσαι αἱ πατριαὶ τῆς γῆς. (Acts 3:25b)
καὶ ἐνευλογηθήσονται ἐν τῷ σπέρματί σου πάντα τὰ ἔθνη τῆς γῆς (Genesis 22:18).
Peter was now speaking inside the Temple, the heart of Judaism before 70 AD. On Pentecost, he was speaking to the general public. At that time, Peter took a more offensive stance towards the audience. He criticized them for handing Jesus over to the lawless men to be crucified (Acts 2:23). His objective was to prove that Jesus had risen from the dead and ascended into heaven. Now, he was speaking to worshippers. He had to take a more conciliatory stance. Though Pilate was named, Peter excused them for their ignorance.
And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers (Acts 3:17).
Peter did not need to bear witness to the resurrection and ascension of Jesus anymore. Here was a lame man healed. What better evidence did Peter need? It was not Peter who healed the man. It was faith in the name of Jesus that healed the man. Jesus is the Holy and Righteous One (Acts 3:14), the Author of Life (Acts 3:15).
And his name, by faith in his name, has made this man strong whom you see and know; and the faith which is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all (Acts 3:16).
The audience had made a wrong choice before by denying and crucifying Jesus. Now, salvation is staring them in their face. The choice was obvious.
Still, Peter had to rid the audience of their responsibility for crucifying Jesus. He resorted to the prophets.
But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled (Acts 3:18).
After all, it was God's plan that Jesus Christ should suffer to bring us salvation. Theologians have developed a whole branch of soteriology to figure out the process. Anyway, God's plan had been foretold by prophets from of old and every word must be fulfilled.
whom (Jesus) heaven must receive until the time for establishing all that God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old (Acts 3:21).
Peter went further to identify Jesus as the prophet Moses had foretold in Deuteronomy (Acts 3:22-23). God sent Jesus to the Israelites first in order to bless them so as to fulfill His promise to their father Abraham so that the whole world may be blessed (Acts 3:25).
Wasn't it amazing that this fisherman had transformed into a theologian? Indeed, the salvation of Jesus works in different ways in different people.
As for the Greek quotations Luke used in these two occasions, there was a huge difference. On Pentecost, the Psalms Luke quoted were identical with the text in Septuagint which the Jewish Diaspora read whereas in the Temple, the wordings of the Pentateuch text were very different (see appendix). This is worth further exploring.
Dear Lord, You are the Life. You bring out our true potentials. I pray that I may make good use of my potentials bravely to serve You. Amen.
Appendix:
The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul that does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.
προφήτην ὑμῖν ἀναστήσει κύριος ὁ θεὸς ὑμῶν ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν ὡς ἐμέ· αὐτοῦ ἀκούσεσθε κατὰ πάντα ὅσα ἂν λαλήσῃ πρὸς ὑμᾶς.
ἔσται δὲ πᾶσα ψυχὴ ἥτις ἐὰν μὴ ἀκούσῃ τοῦ προφήτου ἐκείνου ἐξολεθρευθήσεται ἐκ τοῦ λαοῦ. (Acts 3:22-23)
προφήτην ἀναστήσω αὐτοῖς ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν αὐτῶν ὥσπερ σὲ καὶ δώσω τὸ ῥῆμά μου ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτοῦ, καὶ λαλήσει αὐτοῖς καθότι ἂν ἐντείλωμαι αὐτῷ,
καὶ ὁ ἄνθρωπος, ὃς ἐὰν μὴ ἀκούσῃ ὅσα ἐὰν λαλήσῃ ὁ προφήτης ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου, ἐγὼ ἐκδικήσω ἐξ αὐτοῦ. (Deuteronomy 18:18-19).
And in your posterity shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
καὶ ἐν τῷ σπέρματί σου [ἐν-]ευλογηθήσονται πᾶσαι αἱ πατριαὶ τῆς γῆς. (Acts 3:25b)
καὶ ἐνευλογηθήσονται ἐν τῷ σπέρματί σου πάντα τὰ ἔθνη τῆς γῆς (Genesis 22:18).
Thursday, 16 April 2009
The first Christian miracle
After the Descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the Christian community began to lead a life of "primitive communism".
And all who believed were together and had all things in common;
and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need (Acts 2:44-45).
Several factors explain this blissful paradise on earth.
First of all, the Holy Spirit stirred up the charity in the hearts of the believers. There were rich and poor people and they were all fellow brethren in Christ. Seeing the poverty of fellow brethren, it would be difficult not to take any appropriate actions to relieve them of their plight.
Secondly, the believers were following the teaching of Jesus to renounce worldly riches to store up treasures in heaven. Jesus explicitly told the rich young man to sell all he had and give the money to the poor.
And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." (Luke 18:22)
Lastly, they expected Jesus to return soon. Earthly possession was no longer necessary. They were eager to rid themselves of the burden which hindered them to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
This experimental utopia was never heard of outside Jerusalem. It was short-lived and disbanded by the persecution initiated by Saul.
The early Christian community was marked by another phenomenon not commonly found in Judaism. It was miracles.
and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles (Acts 2:43b)
Luke recorded the first Christian miracle in Acts 3. When Peter and John went to pray in the Temple at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, Peter healed a man born lame (Acts 3:1-10). Daily, the lame man begged at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. Peter must have seen him and probably given him alms many times before. Peter had not made any public proclamation in the Temple before, nor had he performed any miracles in the public. Therefore, unlike the paralyzed man in the gospel, this lame man might not possess any faith in Jesus. Unlike the bleeding woman, this lame man did not expect any healing. He just wanted a few dimes to sustain his life. All these characteristics make this miracle all the more special. Possibly, Peter saw this as his entry point to proclaim the Christian message in the Temple. The success of such an attempt was questionable. However, there was one thing for sure, Jesus' entry into the life of this lame man. Jesus is going to make this lame man whole bodily as well as spiritually. Suddenly, Jesus entered into the imprisoned soul of this lame man, liberating him.
And leaping up he stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
And all the people saw him walking and praising God (Acts 3:8-9)
Dear Jesus, I have been lame, one way or another. With Your grace, I am liberated. I can serve You now without hindrance. Guide my efforts so that they may contribute to the liberation of my neighbours. Amen.
And all who believed were together and had all things in common;
and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need (Acts 2:44-45).
Several factors explain this blissful paradise on earth.
First of all, the Holy Spirit stirred up the charity in the hearts of the believers. There were rich and poor people and they were all fellow brethren in Christ. Seeing the poverty of fellow brethren, it would be difficult not to take any appropriate actions to relieve them of their plight.
Secondly, the believers were following the teaching of Jesus to renounce worldly riches to store up treasures in heaven. Jesus explicitly told the rich young man to sell all he had and give the money to the poor.
And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." (Luke 18:22)
Lastly, they expected Jesus to return soon. Earthly possession was no longer necessary. They were eager to rid themselves of the burden which hindered them to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
This experimental utopia was never heard of outside Jerusalem. It was short-lived and disbanded by the persecution initiated by Saul.
The early Christian community was marked by another phenomenon not commonly found in Judaism. It was miracles.
and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles (Acts 2:43b)
Luke recorded the first Christian miracle in Acts 3. When Peter and John went to pray in the Temple at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, Peter healed a man born lame (Acts 3:1-10). Daily, the lame man begged at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. Peter must have seen him and probably given him alms many times before. Peter had not made any public proclamation in the Temple before, nor had he performed any miracles in the public. Therefore, unlike the paralyzed man in the gospel, this lame man might not possess any faith in Jesus. Unlike the bleeding woman, this lame man did not expect any healing. He just wanted a few dimes to sustain his life. All these characteristics make this miracle all the more special. Possibly, Peter saw this as his entry point to proclaim the Christian message in the Temple. The success of such an attempt was questionable. However, there was one thing for sure, Jesus' entry into the life of this lame man. Jesus is going to make this lame man whole bodily as well as spiritually. Suddenly, Jesus entered into the imprisoned soul of this lame man, liberating him.
And leaping up he stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
And all the people saw him walking and praising God (Acts 3:8-9)
Dear Jesus, I have been lame, one way or another. With Your grace, I am liberated. I can serve You now without hindrance. Guide my efforts so that they may contribute to the liberation of my neighbours. Amen.
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
The use of Prooftext
Today, we continue with Peter's speech on the Pentecost (Acts 2:33-41).
After proving, or rather bearing witness to, Jesus' resurrection, Peter continued to deal with Jesus' ascension.
For Jews, Jesus, the Galilean carpenter, was no more than a rabbi or a prophet. Muslims do not have to deal with the complexity of the two natures of Jesus because for them, Jesus was just one of the prophets. For Christians, Jesus is the Son of God. The Son of God had descended from heaven, took up the form of a servant to die on the cross to redeem mankind. When he had finished his mission, what better place it was for him to return to if not heaven? Jesus had completed his work. He appeared to a selected few and ascended to heaven in their sight, leaving no evidence behind, not even an empty tomb. Now, how would you tell a crowd of potential believers? Some were skeptics, but some would eventually believe.
Before Peter delivered his first Christian proclamation to the world, the Holy Spirit descended in strong winds, thunders and tongues of fires on the 120 believers who then began to speak in tongues. These events alerted the people in Jerusalem, pilgrims as well as residents. Peter had no admissible evidence to demonstrate the ascension of Jesus. He only had these eye-witnesses who were now speaking in tongues, possibly in trance.
Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which you see and hear (Acts 2:33).
Peter interpreted this speaking in tongues as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the believers. This descent of the Holy Spirit was possibly only when Christ had returned to heaven. Again, this is an interpretation and there is no hard evidence. Therefore, alternatives are possible.
Nowadays, there are many charismatic Christian groups in which such speaking in tongues is seen. I have never joined any and will most likely not. I do not know if they are conscious of the fact that they are bearing witness not just to the infusion of the Holy Spirit, but that the ascended Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to them. Probably they are not because they are in trance. A Peter is needed to interpret the phenomenon to the world and we know very well that any interpretation can never be conclusive and exclusive.
To reinforce his interpretation, Peter resorted to Psalm 110, a favourite piece of prooftext for Christians. Jesus used it before to challenge the scribes who taught that the Messiah would be a descendant of David. Jesus wanted them to understand that the Messiah is more than the descendant of David. The Messiah is the Son of God, God Himself. Here comes the messy complexity of the two natures of Jesus --- his humanity and his divinity. As a man, Jesus is the descendant of David. As God, Jesus is the Lord of David. This is the use Christians found in Psalm 110. It becomes their prooftext to show that Jesus is the Son of God.
Peter found a new use of this piece of prooftext. He used it to demonstrate that Jesus had ascended into heaven, sitting at the right hand of God. From the point of view of a non-believer, this piece of text proves nothing definite. It cannot provide an airtight proof that Jesus is the Son of God, nor that he has ascended into heaven. It rings truth only in the ears of the believers. Luke wrote this Luke-Acts corpus to assure the believers.
that you may know the truth concerning the things of which you have been informed (Luke 1:4).
I wonder how the Jews interpret Psalm 110. I would like to know the proper ways to use a piece of prooftext, and if there is any limitation of the scope of its application.
My Lord, I believe in the witness and the interpretation offered by St. Peter. I know that we are not far from the truth. We long for Your return. In the meantime, allow me to serve You in a more appropriate way. Amen.
Appendix:
The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet.εἶπεν [ὁ] κύριος τῷ κυρίῳ μου· κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου. (Acts 2:34b-35, Psalm 109:1 LXX, 110:1 MT)
After proving, or rather bearing witness to, Jesus' resurrection, Peter continued to deal with Jesus' ascension.
For Jews, Jesus, the Galilean carpenter, was no more than a rabbi or a prophet. Muslims do not have to deal with the complexity of the two natures of Jesus because for them, Jesus was just one of the prophets. For Christians, Jesus is the Son of God. The Son of God had descended from heaven, took up the form of a servant to die on the cross to redeem mankind. When he had finished his mission, what better place it was for him to return to if not heaven? Jesus had completed his work. He appeared to a selected few and ascended to heaven in their sight, leaving no evidence behind, not even an empty tomb. Now, how would you tell a crowd of potential believers? Some were skeptics, but some would eventually believe.
Before Peter delivered his first Christian proclamation to the world, the Holy Spirit descended in strong winds, thunders and tongues of fires on the 120 believers who then began to speak in tongues. These events alerted the people in Jerusalem, pilgrims as well as residents. Peter had no admissible evidence to demonstrate the ascension of Jesus. He only had these eye-witnesses who were now speaking in tongues, possibly in trance.
Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which you see and hear (Acts 2:33).
Peter interpreted this speaking in tongues as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the believers. This descent of the Holy Spirit was possibly only when Christ had returned to heaven. Again, this is an interpretation and there is no hard evidence. Therefore, alternatives are possible.
Nowadays, there are many charismatic Christian groups in which such speaking in tongues is seen. I have never joined any and will most likely not. I do not know if they are conscious of the fact that they are bearing witness not just to the infusion of the Holy Spirit, but that the ascended Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to them. Probably they are not because they are in trance. A Peter is needed to interpret the phenomenon to the world and we know very well that any interpretation can never be conclusive and exclusive.
To reinforce his interpretation, Peter resorted to Psalm 110, a favourite piece of prooftext for Christians. Jesus used it before to challenge the scribes who taught that the Messiah would be a descendant of David. Jesus wanted them to understand that the Messiah is more than the descendant of David. The Messiah is the Son of God, God Himself. Here comes the messy complexity of the two natures of Jesus --- his humanity and his divinity. As a man, Jesus is the descendant of David. As God, Jesus is the Lord of David. This is the use Christians found in Psalm 110. It becomes their prooftext to show that Jesus is the Son of God.
Peter found a new use of this piece of prooftext. He used it to demonstrate that Jesus had ascended into heaven, sitting at the right hand of God. From the point of view of a non-believer, this piece of text proves nothing definite. It cannot provide an airtight proof that Jesus is the Son of God, nor that he has ascended into heaven. It rings truth only in the ears of the believers. Luke wrote this Luke-Acts corpus to assure the believers.
that you may know the truth concerning the things of which you have been informed (Luke 1:4).
I wonder how the Jews interpret Psalm 110. I would like to know the proper ways to use a piece of prooftext, and if there is any limitation of the scope of its application.
My Lord, I believe in the witness and the interpretation offered by St. Peter. I know that we are not far from the truth. We long for Your return. In the meantime, allow me to serve You in a more appropriate way. Amen.
Appendix:
The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet.εἶπεν [ὁ] κύριος τῷ κυρίῳ μου· κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου. (Acts 2:34b-35, Psalm 109:1 LXX, 110:1 MT)
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Evidence of Jesus' Resurrection
As far as Jesus' resurrection is concerned, Christians can only put up very weak evidence. For non-believers, these pieces of evidence are no evidence at tall. They are evidence only after you have accepted the resurrection of Jesus. Frankly speaking, it is hopelessly impossible to prove Jesus' resurrection. Either you accept it, or you don't.
Most of the evidence appears in the four gospels. The Shroud of Turin is the best known extra-biblical "evidence" of the authenticity of Jesus' Passion and Resurrection. However, carbon dating has ruled out the claim that it is a first century relics. Modern men are not alone in being skeptical. Jesus' contemporaries also tried to discredit the claims of the apostles. So, let us return to the gospels.
First, let us look at the empty tomb. Matthew tells us that the chief priests and Pharisees demanded Pilate to seal the tomb to make sure that the apostles were not able to steal the corpse of Jesus. Pilate complied (Matthew 27:63-66). Yet, the tomb was later found to be empty. A guest who appears in a BBC documentary suggests that wild dogs had entered the tomb and eaten the corpse inside. He has forgotten the sealed stone that blocked the entrance to the tomb.
Let's call up the witnesses. The first witness must be the angel mentioned in the gospels. However, we cannot summon this angel to bear witness again. So, this angel can only be dismissed.
Then came the group of women, including Mary Magdalene. In ancient time, women witnesses were inadmissible in any court of the law. It is interesting that the evangelists bothered to include them. Women are an important component in the Christian communities throughout the ages. Their presence and contributions could not be ignored by the evangelists. Women, instead of men, have been awarded the honour to be the first witnesses of resurrection, the foundation of Christianity. This is the will of God.
Let's turn to Peter and his speech we read today in Acts. This Peter has been totally transformed. He used to be a fisherman, presumably uneducated. Yet, even before Pentecost, he demonstrated amazing knowledge of the Psalms in the selection of a successor to the vacancy left behind by Judas (Acts 1:20). In the first proclamation of Christianity to the world, Peter did it again with extensive quotations from the Psalms.
After defending the charge of drunkenness, Peter continued to prove the resurrection of Jesus. His audience had witnessed for themselves the miracles worked by Jesus who met his tragic death on the cross in the hands of lawless men (Acts 2:23). Peter claimed that God had risen Jesus from the dead because Jesus was Christ and according to the prophecy of David, Christ would not see corruption of his body (Acts 2:25b-28). The last point Peter made was that they all were witnesses.
This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses (Acts 2:32).
Therefore, Jesus' resurrection hinges on the witnesses of the apostles. Either you accept it, or you don't.
Not all Christians are blessed with encountering the risen Jesus. St. Paul, a fervent Pharisee who before his conversion had persecuted the Christians, was one such blessed one. He became one of the founding fathers of Christianity. For most believers, they have to rely on the witnesses of generations of Christians after the apostles. Upon them, they need to build up a personal relation with the risen Jesus in order to continue and grow in their faith. This is the essence of Christianity which has transformed the history of humanity ever since. This transformation, we will continue until the end of time.
Dear Jesus, in celebrating your resurrection, let us courageously bear witness to those who will accept your redemption. We know very well that many will reject our witnesses. But for the few who will accept, we pray that your peace will reside in them. Amen.
Appendix:
I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will dwell in hope.
For thou wilt not abandon my soul to Hades, nor let thy Holy One see corruption.
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou wilt make me full of gladness with thy presence. προορώμην τὸν κύριον ἐνώπιόν μου διὰ παντός, ὅτι ἐκ δεξιῶν μού ἐστιν ἵνα μὴ σαλευθῶ.
διὰ τοῦτο ηὐφράνθη ἡ καρδία μου καὶ ἠγαλλιάσατο ἡ γλῶσσά μου, ἔτι δὲ καὶ ἡ σάρξ μου κατασκηνώσει ἐππ̓ ἐλπίδι,
ὅτι οὐκ ἐγκαταλείψεις τὴν ψυχήν μου εἰς ᾅδην οὐδὲ δώσεις τὸν ὅσιόν σου ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν.
ἐγνώρισάς μοι ὁδοὺς ζωῆς, πληρώσεις με εὐφροσύνης μετὰ τοῦ προσώπου σου.(Acts 2:25b-28)
προωρώμην τὸν κύριον ἐνώπιόν μου διὰ παντός, ὅτι ἐκ δεξιῶν μού ἐστιν, ἵνα μὴ σαλευθῶ.
διὰ τοῦτο ηὐφράνθη ἡ καρδία μου, καὶ ἠγαλλιάσατο ἡ γλῶσσά μου, ἔτι δὲ καὶ ἡ σάρξ μου κατασκηνώσει ἐπ̓ ἐλπίδι,
ὅτι οὐκ ἐγκαταλείψεις τὴν ψυχήν μου εἰς ᾅδην οὐδὲ δώσεις τὸν ὅσιόν σου ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν.
ἐγνώρισάς μοι ὁδοὺς ζωῆς, πληρώσεις με εὐφροσύνης μετὰ τοῦ προσώπου σου, τερπνότητες ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ σου εἰς τέλος. (Psalm 15:8-11 LXX, 16:8-11 MT).
Most of the evidence appears in the four gospels. The Shroud of Turin is the best known extra-biblical "evidence" of the authenticity of Jesus' Passion and Resurrection. However, carbon dating has ruled out the claim that it is a first century relics. Modern men are not alone in being skeptical. Jesus' contemporaries also tried to discredit the claims of the apostles. So, let us return to the gospels.
First, let us look at the empty tomb. Matthew tells us that the chief priests and Pharisees demanded Pilate to seal the tomb to make sure that the apostles were not able to steal the corpse of Jesus. Pilate complied (Matthew 27:63-66). Yet, the tomb was later found to be empty. A guest who appears in a BBC documentary suggests that wild dogs had entered the tomb and eaten the corpse inside. He has forgotten the sealed stone that blocked the entrance to the tomb.
Let's call up the witnesses. The first witness must be the angel mentioned in the gospels. However, we cannot summon this angel to bear witness again. So, this angel can only be dismissed.
Then came the group of women, including Mary Magdalene. In ancient time, women witnesses were inadmissible in any court of the law. It is interesting that the evangelists bothered to include them. Women are an important component in the Christian communities throughout the ages. Their presence and contributions could not be ignored by the evangelists. Women, instead of men, have been awarded the honour to be the first witnesses of resurrection, the foundation of Christianity. This is the will of God.
Let's turn to Peter and his speech we read today in Acts. This Peter has been totally transformed. He used to be a fisherman, presumably uneducated. Yet, even before Pentecost, he demonstrated amazing knowledge of the Psalms in the selection of a successor to the vacancy left behind by Judas (Acts 1:20). In the first proclamation of Christianity to the world, Peter did it again with extensive quotations from the Psalms.
After defending the charge of drunkenness, Peter continued to prove the resurrection of Jesus. His audience had witnessed for themselves the miracles worked by Jesus who met his tragic death on the cross in the hands of lawless men (Acts 2:23). Peter claimed that God had risen Jesus from the dead because Jesus was Christ and according to the prophecy of David, Christ would not see corruption of his body (Acts 2:25b-28). The last point Peter made was that they all were witnesses.
This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses (Acts 2:32).
Therefore, Jesus' resurrection hinges on the witnesses of the apostles. Either you accept it, or you don't.
Not all Christians are blessed with encountering the risen Jesus. St. Paul, a fervent Pharisee who before his conversion had persecuted the Christians, was one such blessed one. He became one of the founding fathers of Christianity. For most believers, they have to rely on the witnesses of generations of Christians after the apostles. Upon them, they need to build up a personal relation with the risen Jesus in order to continue and grow in their faith. This is the essence of Christianity which has transformed the history of humanity ever since. This transformation, we will continue until the end of time.
Dear Jesus, in celebrating your resurrection, let us courageously bear witness to those who will accept your redemption. We know very well that many will reject our witnesses. But for the few who will accept, we pray that your peace will reside in them. Amen.
Appendix:
I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will dwell in hope.
For thou wilt not abandon my soul to Hades, nor let thy Holy One see corruption.
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou wilt make me full of gladness with thy presence. προορώμην τὸν κύριον ἐνώπιόν μου διὰ παντός, ὅτι ἐκ δεξιῶν μού ἐστιν ἵνα μὴ σαλευθῶ.
διὰ τοῦτο ηὐφράνθη ἡ καρδία μου καὶ ἠγαλλιάσατο ἡ γλῶσσά μου, ἔτι δὲ καὶ ἡ σάρξ μου κατασκηνώσει ἐππ̓ ἐλπίδι,
ὅτι οὐκ ἐγκαταλείψεις τὴν ψυχήν μου εἰς ᾅδην οὐδὲ δώσεις τὸν ὅσιόν σου ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν.
ἐγνώρισάς μοι ὁδοὺς ζωῆς, πληρώσεις με εὐφροσύνης μετὰ τοῦ προσώπου σου.(Acts 2:25b-28)
προωρώμην τὸν κύριον ἐνώπιόν μου διὰ παντός, ὅτι ἐκ δεξιῶν μού ἐστιν, ἵνα μὴ σαλευθῶ.
διὰ τοῦτο ηὐφράνθη ἡ καρδία μου, καὶ ἠγαλλιάσατο ἡ γλῶσσά μου, ἔτι δὲ καὶ ἡ σάρξ μου κατασκηνώσει ἐπ̓ ἐλπίδι,
ὅτι οὐκ ἐγκαταλείψεις τὴν ψυχήν μου εἰς ᾅδην οὐδὲ δώσεις τὸν ὅσιόν σου ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν.
ἐγνώρισάς μοι ὁδοὺς ζωῆς, πληρώσεις με εὐφροσύνης μετὰ τοῦ προσώπου σου, τερπνότητες ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ σου εἰς τέλος. (Psalm 15:8-11 LXX, 16:8-11 MT).
Monday, 13 April 2009
2009 Easter Greeting
HALLELUIA
IN LOVE
JESUS IS RISEN
KING O'LIFE HAS WON
This morning, Fr. Martin Ip co-celebrated the 11 a.m. mass in which more than 20 infants were baptized. He, or rather, his brother caused a stir in the celebration. They are identical twins! Now you see a priest saying mass at the altar. Now you see the "same" man praying among the congregation! What a sensation!Some authors wrote books to discredit resurrection, claiming that Jesus had a double, a twin. The gospel of John has proven this idea wrong. Thomas the famous empiricist has defined the proof acceptable to him. Jesus appeared to them and asked Thomas to see his hands and put his fingers in his side (John 20:27). Let us follow Thomas to acknowledge Jesus.
MY LORD AND MY GOD!
Sunday, 12 April 2009
2009 Easter Vigil
In recent years, I take a less active role in the liturgy tonight, which as usual, lasted for three hours. More than 50 catechumens received their baptism this year. I had to eat a loaf of bread in the middle of the liturgy to sustain my blood sugar level. Watching Deacon Tsang perform his duties tonight, viz. carrying the Easter Candle, singing the Passover Antiphon, Alleluia and serving in the baptismal rite, I wondered how my health could allow me to take up perpetual deaconship. God's will be done. I'm sure there must be a way to deal with this situation.
Tonight, Wulstan had taken up the role as the conductor. He did a better job than I have done before. I am very happy to see this.
Fr. Martin was the chief celebrant. Pardon me for my inattentiveness. I could only remember that he talked about the women who were blessed to be the first witnesses to Jesus' resurrection in his homily. The liturgy really took its toll on me. Luckily, I am able to remember what the priests said near the end. It is the tradition of our parish for each co-celebrant to say a few words after the major feasts.
Fr. Kwan took the lead as the parish priest to thank many groups of people, especially the catechists, for making the liturgy tonight a successful one. He is a typical administrator. He made use of this opportunity to promote a celebration on June 27 for the Diamond Jubilee of ordination of Fr. Lajeune, his own thirtieth anniversary and Fr. Patrick Sun's Silver Jubilee. Everybody eagerly look forward to this memorable event.
Fr. Lajeune said just a few words to greet everybody a happy Easter.
Fr. Patrick Sun told us about what he had gained in this Lent season. He is a mystic. He told us how God had loved him and accepted his imperfections. He encouraged us to be more open to the love of God and let Him work in us.
Deacon Tsang stole the show with his story. He told us that three years ago, his brother-in-law was diagnosed with pancreas cancer which was very close to a tumour in the blood vessel. Doctors said that surgery was out of the question and he only had three more months to live. Then he requested to be baptized and after one year, he was still alive healthily. Then he went through instruction with his wife and tonight in the Cathedral, his wife was baptized and he himself received Confirmation. Not everyone can be as lucky as him but we must open ourselves up to allow God to work miracles in us. Deacon Tsang invited the newly baptized to hand in their conversion experience in about 300 words to him to public in the Parish Newsletter.
Fr. Martin spoke again with his little stories of the old ladies in the Home of the Aged. An old lady was newly baptized and was very eager to meet this young priest. She told him that the two Bodhisattva downstairs at the main door were very efficacious. She was talking about the portraits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Sacred Heart of Our Lady! Fr. Martin told the newly baptized that we can believe in God as simply as this old lady. But we should also try to understand our faith more.
Tonight, we had a very special guest. Fr. Ding is a young priest from mainland China spending his Easter holiday in Hong Kong. He was very much impressed with the liturgies in this Holy Week and was very much moved with the warmth we demonstrated in the parish. He shared that God made the impossible to be possible. He is the only one baptized and ordained in his family back in the mainland. Despite all the turmoil the Church in China has gone through, he brought us the news that in Beijing South Hall this Easter, more than 300 people were baptized. Praise be to God. Fr. Ding asked us to bear witness to Christ whenever we have the opportunity to visit China in the future.
My Risen Lord, you have completed God's will to die on the cross, to conquer death and rise again. In you and, I am sure, in many of us, God will work the impossible. May be bravely bear witness to the greatness of God. Amen.
Tonight, Wulstan had taken up the role as the conductor. He did a better job than I have done before. I am very happy to see this.
Fr. Martin was the chief celebrant. Pardon me for my inattentiveness. I could only remember that he talked about the women who were blessed to be the first witnesses to Jesus' resurrection in his homily. The liturgy really took its toll on me. Luckily, I am able to remember what the priests said near the end. It is the tradition of our parish for each co-celebrant to say a few words after the major feasts.
Fr. Kwan took the lead as the parish priest to thank many groups of people, especially the catechists, for making the liturgy tonight a successful one. He is a typical administrator. He made use of this opportunity to promote a celebration on June 27 for the Diamond Jubilee of ordination of Fr. Lajeune, his own thirtieth anniversary and Fr. Patrick Sun's Silver Jubilee. Everybody eagerly look forward to this memorable event.
Fr. Lajeune said just a few words to greet everybody a happy Easter.
Fr. Patrick Sun told us about what he had gained in this Lent season. He is a mystic. He told us how God had loved him and accepted his imperfections. He encouraged us to be more open to the love of God and let Him work in us.
Deacon Tsang stole the show with his story. He told us that three years ago, his brother-in-law was diagnosed with pancreas cancer which was very close to a tumour in the blood vessel. Doctors said that surgery was out of the question and he only had three more months to live. Then he requested to be baptized and after one year, he was still alive healthily. Then he went through instruction with his wife and tonight in the Cathedral, his wife was baptized and he himself received Confirmation. Not everyone can be as lucky as him but we must open ourselves up to allow God to work miracles in us. Deacon Tsang invited the newly baptized to hand in their conversion experience in about 300 words to him to public in the Parish Newsletter.
Fr. Martin spoke again with his little stories of the old ladies in the Home of the Aged. An old lady was newly baptized and was very eager to meet this young priest. She told him that the two Bodhisattva downstairs at the main door were very efficacious. She was talking about the portraits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Sacred Heart of Our Lady! Fr. Martin told the newly baptized that we can believe in God as simply as this old lady. But we should also try to understand our faith more.
Tonight, we had a very special guest. Fr. Ding is a young priest from mainland China spending his Easter holiday in Hong Kong. He was very much impressed with the liturgies in this Holy Week and was very much moved with the warmth we demonstrated in the parish. He shared that God made the impossible to be possible. He is the only one baptized and ordained in his family back in the mainland. Despite all the turmoil the Church in China has gone through, he brought us the news that in Beijing South Hall this Easter, more than 300 people were baptized. Praise be to God. Fr. Ding asked us to bear witness to Christ whenever we have the opportunity to visit China in the future.
My Risen Lord, you have completed God's will to die on the cross, to conquer death and rise again. In you and, I am sure, in many of us, God will work the impossible. May be bravely bear witness to the greatness of God. Amen.
Saturday, 11 April 2009
2009 Good Friday
I believe that the Passion and Resurrection narratives are the core of Christian message in the apostolic age. It was only later that more materials were added on top of the central Christian message: Jesus reconciled us sinners and God through his death and resurrection. The Evangelists were Christian witnesses who put the Jesus story into writing. They were writing a biography of Jesus, but each one of them had to deal with problems their specific communities faced. Therefore, each Evangelist acted more or less like different movie directors. Each of them selected and highlighted different aspects of the life of Jesus to shed light on different problems they faced. Therefore, some Biblical scholars do not approve of harmonizing all four gospels into one. In ironing out the differences among them, such a harmonizing attempt will rub away much lustre of the Jesus portrayed by the Evangelists.
Tonight, we read the Passion according to St. John. Here, Jesus was in full control of the whole situation!
When the band of soldiers came to the garden to arrest Jesus, instead of waiting for the signal of Judas' kiss, Jesus stepped forwards to ask them whom they sought. When Jesus identified himself, the soldiers fell to the ground!
When he said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground (John 18:6).
Jesus even commanded them to let the others leave. Though Peter drew out a sword to put up a futile resistance, John did not mention the dispersal of the apostles.
There is a little puzzle in the trial of Jesus before the High Priest. At first, Jesus was led to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas the High Priest (John 18:13). Then the High Priest questioned Jesus (John 18:19). In the end, Annas sent Jesus bound to the High Priest (John 18:24). Wait a minute, who questioned Jesus in verse 19, Annas or Caiaphas? No questioning from Caiaphas was actually recorded. There were only Peter's denials of Jesus! Then Jesus was sent to Pilate (John 18:28).
In the Synoptic gospels, Jesus spoke only once before Pilate. But in John, there were a series of exchanges. In John, one gets the impression that Jesus was actually judging Pilate rather than Pilate Jesus. Pilate couldn't do anything to Jesus. In his fear, Pilate wanted to demonstrate his authority/power like what people usually resort to when they run out of reason/logic.
Pilate therefore said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?" (John 19:10)
Even this was denied by Jesus.
Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin." (John 19:11)
Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but he was cornered by the Jews.
Upon this Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend; every one who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar." (John 19:12)
Pilate was furious. He decided to humiliate the Jews by calling Jesus the king of the Jews.
Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold your King!"
They cried out, "Away with him, away with him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar."
Then he handed him over to them to be crucified (John 19:14-16).
Pilate waited until the Jews acknowledged the kingship of Caesar. He was satisfied and handed Jesus over to them. In this narrative, John made the Jews wholly responsible for the death of Jesus. There was no need for a Barabbas for the Jews to choose from. There was no need for Pilate to wash his hands in front of all.
When Jesus was crucified, there were no insults from the bystanders. On the cross, Jesus did not pray for those who crucified him, nor did he recite Psalm 22. The Jesus in the Passion of St. John uttered only four sentences.
My sweet Jesus, you have overcome the world with your death on the cross. May we, your unworthy servants, gain strength from your Passion to sustain all adversities. Amen.
Tonight, we read the Passion according to St. John. Here, Jesus was in full control of the whole situation!
When the band of soldiers came to the garden to arrest Jesus, instead of waiting for the signal of Judas' kiss, Jesus stepped forwards to ask them whom they sought. When Jesus identified himself, the soldiers fell to the ground!
When he said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground (John 18:6).
Jesus even commanded them to let the others leave. Though Peter drew out a sword to put up a futile resistance, John did not mention the dispersal of the apostles.
There is a little puzzle in the trial of Jesus before the High Priest. At first, Jesus was led to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas the High Priest (John 18:13). Then the High Priest questioned Jesus (John 18:19). In the end, Annas sent Jesus bound to the High Priest (John 18:24). Wait a minute, who questioned Jesus in verse 19, Annas or Caiaphas? No questioning from Caiaphas was actually recorded. There were only Peter's denials of Jesus! Then Jesus was sent to Pilate (John 18:28).
In the Synoptic gospels, Jesus spoke only once before Pilate. But in John, there were a series of exchanges. In John, one gets the impression that Jesus was actually judging Pilate rather than Pilate Jesus. Pilate couldn't do anything to Jesus. In his fear, Pilate wanted to demonstrate his authority/power like what people usually resort to when they run out of reason/logic.
Pilate therefore said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?" (John 19:10)
Even this was denied by Jesus.
Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin." (John 19:11)
Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but he was cornered by the Jews.
Upon this Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend; every one who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar." (John 19:12)
Pilate was furious. He decided to humiliate the Jews by calling Jesus the king of the Jews.
Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold your King!"
They cried out, "Away with him, away with him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar."
Then he handed him over to them to be crucified (John 19:14-16).
Pilate waited until the Jews acknowledged the kingship of Caesar. He was satisfied and handed Jesus over to them. In this narrative, John made the Jews wholly responsible for the death of Jesus. There was no need for a Barabbas for the Jews to choose from. There was no need for Pilate to wash his hands in front of all.
When Jesus was crucified, there were no insults from the bystanders. On the cross, Jesus did not pray for those who crucified him, nor did he recite Psalm 22. The Jesus in the Passion of St. John uttered only four sentences.
- Woman, behold your son (John 19:26).
- Behold your mother (John 19:27).
- I thirst (John 19:28).
[John explains that Jesus said this to fulfil the scripture. Contrast what Jesus told the Samaritan woman.
but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14).] - It is finished (John 19:30).
My sweet Jesus, you have overcome the world with your death on the cross. May we, your unworthy servants, gain strength from your Passion to sustain all adversities. Amen.
Friday, 10 April 2009
The Last Supper 2009
Tonight, we celebrated the Last Supper Jesus shared with his apostles. We read of the story of Jesus' washing their feet. The theme is service. This is how priesthood and the church hierarchy are to be seen, an institution of service. Fr. Lajeune celebrated the mass tonight. Despite the difficulty he experiences in his mobility, he insisted on washing the feet of 12 parishioners, including my naughty Symphorian who joined in at the last minute.
In the morning, all able-bodied priests gathered in the Cathedral to celebrate a mass that consecrates the Holy Oil to be used in the Sacraments of Initiation. All of them pledged, once more, their loyalty to the Bishop and his successor. Fr. Lajeune also took part in it.
In his homily, this 83-year old priest spoke about his life as a priest. The congregation paid full attention and were in tune with all his words, punctuating with nodding heads, smiling faces and laughters.
Fr. Lajeune did not boast of his achievements. He stressed a lot of his imperfections just like everyone of us and asked us to tolerate and forgive his failures. How can we not? God has chosen him despite his imperfections. Not just Fr. Lajeune. Indeed, God has chosen us all despite our imperfections. That is why Jesus washed the feet of his apostles who were less than perfect in one way or another. As for us, we feel blessed with Fr Lajeune's walking among us. We have competent administrators, energetic young priests but most of all, the embodiment of God in Fr. Lajeune. He has been very patient and forgiving among us.
He has not expected God to reward him. Rather, he thanks God for allowing him to devote his life to serve Him and His people. He dares not to count his achievements but he is content with all the efforts he has put into his pastoral work. He has put his life in the hand of God, doing His will in Vietnam, in Chai Wan and here in Tuen Mun.
Thinking about my own life, I am not a focused and disciplined man. True, I can indulge myself in whatever work I am doing at hand, but I have not devoted my whole life in pursuing any noble cause. May God be my guide.
At last, Fr. Lajeune told us that he also put his life in our hands. The life of all the priests is not just in the hand of God but also in the hand of the people whom they serve. He remembers saying his last mass in Vietnam before deportation by the Communists. Everybody was in tears and he told the weeping Vietnamese congregation that the life of the remaining Chinese priest was in their hands. He urged them to try their best to shield the Chinese priest from harm and danger. Though the Chinese priest was later imprisoned for several years, he managed to return to serve the Vietnamese community until today. These priests devote their life to serve the people of God. We should also provide for their needs and security.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet (John 13:14).
After homily, Fr. Lajeune washed the feet of the 12 parishioners, including my Symphorian. May God bless my son and Fr. Lajeune who has a noble soul.
Dear Jesus, I am an unworthy servant. Allow me to perform my duties properly. Amen.
In the morning, all able-bodied priests gathered in the Cathedral to celebrate a mass that consecrates the Holy Oil to be used in the Sacraments of Initiation. All of them pledged, once more, their loyalty to the Bishop and his successor. Fr. Lajeune also took part in it.
In his homily, this 83-year old priest spoke about his life as a priest. The congregation paid full attention and were in tune with all his words, punctuating with nodding heads, smiling faces and laughters.
Fr. Lajeune did not boast of his achievements. He stressed a lot of his imperfections just like everyone of us and asked us to tolerate and forgive his failures. How can we not? God has chosen him despite his imperfections. Not just Fr. Lajeune. Indeed, God has chosen us all despite our imperfections. That is why Jesus washed the feet of his apostles who were less than perfect in one way or another. As for us, we feel blessed with Fr Lajeune's walking among us. We have competent administrators, energetic young priests but most of all, the embodiment of God in Fr. Lajeune. He has been very patient and forgiving among us.
He has not expected God to reward him. Rather, he thanks God for allowing him to devote his life to serve Him and His people. He dares not to count his achievements but he is content with all the efforts he has put into his pastoral work. He has put his life in the hand of God, doing His will in Vietnam, in Chai Wan and here in Tuen Mun.
Thinking about my own life, I am not a focused and disciplined man. True, I can indulge myself in whatever work I am doing at hand, but I have not devoted my whole life in pursuing any noble cause. May God be my guide.
At last, Fr. Lajeune told us that he also put his life in our hands. The life of all the priests is not just in the hand of God but also in the hand of the people whom they serve. He remembers saying his last mass in Vietnam before deportation by the Communists. Everybody was in tears and he told the weeping Vietnamese congregation that the life of the remaining Chinese priest was in their hands. He urged them to try their best to shield the Chinese priest from harm and danger. Though the Chinese priest was later imprisoned for several years, he managed to return to serve the Vietnamese community until today. These priests devote their life to serve the people of God. We should also provide for their needs and security.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet (John 13:14).
After homily, Fr. Lajeune washed the feet of the 12 parishioners, including my Symphorian. May God bless my son and Fr. Lajeune who has a noble soul.
Dear Jesus, I am an unworthy servant. Allow me to perform my duties properly. Amen.
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