(若16:23b-28)
中國人是一個很務實的民族,連鬼神也可以驅使。他們心目中理想的神佛,必會是「有求必應」的。在香港的中國人心目中,黃大仙(AD 328-386)成了「有求必應」的代名詞。我想,黃大仙不一定說過他自己是「有求必應」,這句話可能是香港人一厢情願強加在他身上。不過,他的「有求必應」是有條件的,必須是「普濟廣施」1的 。即是說,救人急難,例如贈醫施藥,施粥送飯,施棺助殮,贈送棉衣等等。黃大仙的教訓,竟然與耶穌所教導的「形哀矜」如此相似,直叫人讚嘆天主創世贖世之奧妙!
原來耶穌基督纔是「有求必應」,而且是無條件的。「你們因我的名無論向父求甚麼,祂必賜給你們。」(若16:23)是「無論」,是無條件的!且看,天父對我們是多麼慷慨!祂這樣做,為的是「使你們的喜樂得以圓滿。」(16:24)
你會因耶穌之名求甚麼呢?求用之不盡的金錢嗎?
擁有用之不盡的金錢,我們會是安心的,快樂的。但我們的喜樂未必可以圓滿,因為金錢祗能換來物質的事物,而我們卻是按天主的肖像所造,我們的靈魂,無論用多少的物質,也不能完全滿足。
不如求絕對的權力吧。擁有無上的權力,我們可以隨心所欲,為所欲為,滿足我們的大志,控制所有的人。但我們的喜樂一樣不能圓滿。試問為了維持絕對的權力,經常鉤心鬥角,何來喜樂呢?十九世紀英國政治家亞頓爵士(Lord Acton)曾說:「權力令人腐敗,絕對權力絕對腐敗人!」可見權力不能令人喜樂。
那麼,奉耶穌之名,可以求甚麼呢?
天父啊!願祢的旨意奉行在人間,如同在天上。亞孟。
1https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/黃初平
Always Grants Our Wishes
(John 16:23b-28)
The Chinese are a pragmatic people. They are able even to command spirits and fairies. In their minds, an ideal deity must be one which always grants our wishes. For Chinese in Hong Kong, Wong Tai Sin (AD 328-386) is synonymous with "always grants our wishes". I don't think Wong Tai Sin has made such a promise. It is just wishful thinking of Hongkongers. However, even if he has, his promise is conditional. It must be "relieving needs extensively". That is to say, the wish must be helping the needy such as giving medical care free of charge, free lunches, providing free funerals and clothing etc. It is surprising to see the similarity between the teaching of corporal works of mercy of Jesus and that of Wong Tai Sin. May God be praised for the mystery of salvation!
In fact, Jesus and only Jesus always grants our wishes and it is unconditional! "If you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name." (John 16:23) It is "anything". It is unconditional! Look how generous the Father is to us! He does that so that "[y]our joy may be full." (16:24)
What will you ask in Jesus' name? Will it be an inexhaustible amount of money?
We will feel secured and happy by possessing an inexhaustible amount of money. But our joy may not be full because money can buy only material things. But we were created in the image of God. Our soul will not be fully satisfied with however much amount of materials.
What about possessing absolute authority? When we have absolute authority, we can do whatever we want, to make our dreams come true and to command all people. Once again, our joy will not be full. Just imagine, in order to maintain absolute authority, we will be involved in endless power struggles. Whence comes the joy? Lord Acton, a 19th century British politician once said, "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely!" Thus authority does not bring joy.
Then, what shall we pray for in Jesus' name?
Heavenly Father! May Your will be done one earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
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