2016 Christmas Greeting

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

Let us adore the Lord in

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

Merry Christmas!

Picture credit: http://wallpapercave.com/

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

聖誕節
主題：信仰耶穌基督是最好的禮物

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Christmas
Theme: Believing in Jesus Christ is the best gift

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

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

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

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

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

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

搵個好老闆 Look for a perfect boss

聖誕子夜彌撒
主題：搵個好老闆

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Midnight Mass
Theme: Look for a perfect boss

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

十二月廿四日
「一生一世在他面前，以聖善和正義事奉他。」（路1:75）

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

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

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

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

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

生命恩泉

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

天父啊！我們頌揚祢，因為祢是神聖的，祢在我們身上施行了祢的仁慈。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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

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

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

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

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

敬畏天主 Fearing God

十二月廿二日
「祂的仁慈世世代代於無窮世，賜與敬畏祂的人。」（路1:50）

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

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

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

父啊！願我們認清自己的不足，好更能見証祢的慈悲。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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

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

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

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

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

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

十二月廿一日
「依撒伯爾一聽到瑪利亞的請安…遂充滿了聖神。」（路1:41）

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

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

生命恩泉

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

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

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

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

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

放棄自己的執著 Abandon our stubbornness

十二月二十日
「因為在天主前沒有不能的事。」（路1:37）

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

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

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

生命恩泉

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

生命恩泉

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

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

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

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

學習祈禱 Learn to pray

將臨期第四主日（甲年）
主題：學習祈禱

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

將臨期第三主日（甲年）
主題：比洗者若翰還要大

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

履行先知職務 To discharge the prophetic ministry

將臨期第二主日（甲年）
主題：履行先知職務

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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