Who is Jesus for me? 耶穌為我是誰？

Twenty First Ordinary Sunday, Year A
Theme: Who is Jesus for me?

As a warm up, Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13) The title "Son of Man" is ambiguous but here we have no doubt that the disciples understood it to refer to Jesus (Mark 8:27). The question was an opinion poll to measure how effective Jesus' evangelization had been. From what the disciples had seen, people expected Jesus to be one of the prophets, somebody who challenged and criticized the establishment. Some people expected the establishment to try to destroy Jesus. So, they saw Jesus as a Jeremiah or a John the Baptist whom Herod Antipas had beheaded. It was very likely that people tried to scare Herod and fed him the idea that Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead (Matthew 14:2). Of course, seeing Jesus' miracles which reminded them of Elijah, many Jews had high expectation on Jesus. They believed that Elijah would come before the Messiah. So, Jesus could be Elijah!

How could Jesus accept such stereotype answers? As our Saviour, Jesus expected more personal answers. So, he followed up with a piercing question which each of us has to answer ourselves. "But who do you say that I am?" (16:15) Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (16:16). His was genuine because of Jesus' deliverance from his near-drown experience after the Five Loaves Two Fish miracle (14:29-31). Simon Peter was blessed. His experience enabled him to declare the Messiahship of Jesus, to be commissioned the Rock on which Jesus builds his Church, to witness the Transfiguration of Jesus, to deny Jesus three times, to be forgiven and in the end, to be crucified for Jesus. What about us? Who is Jesus for me? No Christian can evade this question.

Jesus is God. But what do you mean by "God"? Is it a distant deity who has created the known universe and left it behind, leaving you behind? Because of it, you have to go to mass on Sundays, to obey the Ten Commandments and to do good? No. The world He created is beautiful. We celebrate its diversity in harmony.

Jesus is my God. He created me. I owe every moment of my existence to Him. He will bless me, keep me safe and give me what I need. I should be grateful and go to mass on Sundays, say prayers and study the Bible every day. I worry about the world which is contaminated by sins. But I believe that my God is almighty. He sees and hears our plights. He is able to relieve us of our sufferings. But has your God ever abandoned you? No. Not that I know of. Good of you.

Jesus Christ is my Saviour. He was crucified on the cross for all my sins. I feel extremely guilty about it. On the other hand, I am blessed to have a new lease of life and continue to grow and become better. I want to cooperate with him and become a better person. I will spend time praying to him and studying the gospels to learn more about him and his teachings. Are you willing to bear witness for how Jesus has saved you and changed you? Of course I am willing to. But are you willing to suffer persecution for Jesus? I am not sure.

Jesus Christ is my Lord. He created me and has given me a new lease of life. I totally surrender my life to serve my Lord. I shall do whatever He tells me to do, even if I have to die for him like all the holy martyrs. Every day, I will pray to seek His will and to beg for His strength to execute His will.

Jesus Christ is my teacher. He takes every opportunity to teach me wisdom. I am able to see with his eyes. The whole world, the people, the places and events are completely different and renewed. I begin to see the Father intervening in our history and His will be done.

Jesus is my friend. He walks with me while I am busy walking around, bumping into people. He accompanies me while I am doing my daily chores. We talk when I lie down to rest. He shows me awesome wonders every day.

Of course, I cannot be exhaustive. I cannot be complete without my Jesus. Amen.

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常年期第廿一主日（甲年）
主題：耶穌為我是誰？

作為一個熱身，耶穌先問門徒：「人們說人子是誰？」（瑪16:13）雖然「人子」一詞語帶含糊，但毫無疑問，門徒知道是指耶穌（谷8:27）。這問題是一個民意調查，可以用來量度耶穌的傳教工作有多大成效。從門徒所見所聞，可見在群眾的心目中，耶穌是挑戰和批評建制的先知中的一位。群眾知道建制會設法剷除耶穌，有如對付耶肋米亞或洗者若翰一樣。正是黑落德安提帕下令把洗者若翰斬首的，所以，可能有人故意說耶穌是洗者若翰復活來恐嚇他（瑪14:2）當然，見過耶穌行類似厄里亞曾行過的神蹟，群眾對耶穌的期望更高。他們相信厄里亞在默西亞來臨前會出現，所以耶穌可能是厄里亞！

耶穌又怎會接受這些樣版的答案呢！作為我們的救主，耶穌期望得到一些更個人化的答案。所以，耶穌緊接問了一個尖銳的問題：「你們說我是誰？」（16:15）西滿伯多祿回答說：「你是默西亞，永生天主之子。」（16:16）他的答案是真誠的，因為五餅二魚神蹟後，他曾經歷瀕臨沒頂，被耶穌拯救經驗。西滿伯多祿真是有福，這經歷讓他能宣認耶穌是默西亞，讓他被委派為建樹教會的磐石，能見證耶穌顯聖容，三次背主後仍能獲得寬恕。最後，他能為耶穌而被釘十字架。我們又如何呢？耶穌為我是誰？沒有一個基督徒能逃避這個問題。

「耶穌是天主」。但你所說的天主是甚麼？是一個不食人間煙火，創造了這個宇宙便放下不理，連你也掉下不理的神？因為祂，你每個主日要參加彌撒，要守十誡，要做好人嗎？不是！祂創造的世界是美麗的，我們欣賞它在多元中的和諧。

「耶穌是我的天主」。祂創造了我，我每一刻的存在倚靠祂。祂祝福我，保護我，賜予我所需要的一切。我應懷著感恩之心，主日參加彌撒，每天祈禱讀經。我為這被罪惡所污染的世界而憂慮。但我相信我的天主是全能的。祂看到並且聽到我們的疾苦。祂能消除我們的苦難。但你的天主曾捨棄了你嗎？沒有。以我所知沒有。恭喜你。

「耶穌基督是我的救主」。他為我的罪被釘十字架。我很內疚。另一方面，我慶幸重獲新生，並繼續成長進步。我願意和他合作成為更好的人。我會向他祈禱，研讀福音，更深入認識他的言行和教訓。你願意為耶穌如何拯救你和改變你而作證嗎？當然願意。那麼，你願意為耶穌受迫害嗎？我不能肯定。

「耶穌基督是我的主」。他創造並救贖了我。我把我的生命完全交付給他，服侍他。他無論吩咐我做甚麼，甚至殉道，我也在所不辭。每天，我會祈禱，尋求他的旨意，並求他賜予力量，承行他的旨意。

「耶穌基督是我的導師」。他抓緊每一個機會，教導我智慧，以他的眼光看這個世界。整個世界，當中的人地事物都改變了，更新了。我看見天父插手人類的歷史。願祂的旨意承行。

「耶穌是我的朋友」。當我營營役役時，他與我同行。當我忙著日常的粗活時，他陪伴著我。我躺下休息時，他與我密談。每天他展示令人讚嘆不已的奇觀。

當然，我不能盡錄。沒有我的耶穌，我不完整。亞孟。

辨別兩難 Discerning Dilemma

辨別兩難
我又把自己推進一個進退兩難，不知如何取捨的局面。
湯漢樞機派遣我到天水圍聖葉理諾堂服務，這是我的首要任命。堂區主任司鐸吳書成神父安排我在八月廿七日上午十一時為顧厚德神父襄禮。這是一個例行的安排。吳神父十分體諒，會因應我的要求作出工作上的調動。
上星期日，顧神父說我不用準備廿七日的主日道理，因為他的朋友會參加彌撒，如果聽不到他講道，他的朋友會感到很失望。所以，我當日襄禮與否，可有可無！
那邊厢，剛晉鐸的黃君右神父將於廿七日上午九時三十分，到他出身的贖世主堂舉行首祭。我與黃神父曾在喇沙書院共事數年，彼此之間有一份靈性上的情誼。而且，周偉文神父將於九月出任新蒲崗善導之母堂的主任司鐸，他會在十一點主持他在贖世主堂最後一台主日彌撒。周神父指導我的執事培育，我素來仰慕他聖經釋經的功力。所以，我有衝動請吳神父免去我在廿七日的職務，好使我能分別為兩位我情繫的神父襄禮。
我進退兩難了。我祈求天主啟示我如何辨別。聖葉理諾堂是我的首要職務，但兩位神父都是我親密戰友，能為他們襄禮是何等的福份，感覺將會是何等的美妙。一如既往，天主是沉默的，但祗維持了很短的時間。
星期四開牧職團會議。會議結束前，我已找到答案。
回到最基本的問題去：我在做天主的工作，還是自己的工作？在彌撒中襄禮，不是做天主的工作嗎？當然是！當我做天主的工作時，感覺良好，恭喜您，因為做自己的工作與做天主的工作重疊了！不過，這事是沒有保證的。有時，甚至是大部份時間，做天主的工作並沒有帶來任何滿足感。
天父啊！我祈求能在做天主的工作時，找到更多的滿足感和安慰。亞孟。

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Discerning Dilemma
I was caught in a dilemma created by myself.
I was assigned by Cardinal John Tong to serve St. Jerome Church in Tin Shui Wai. It is my primary ministry. Fr. Joseph Ng, the parish priest, assigned me to assist mass at 11 a.m. for Fr. Ferdinand Bouckhout, CICM on August 27. It is a routine assignment. Fr. Ng is very considerate. He would adjust the duty roster to meet my requests.
Last Sunday, Fr. Ferdinand relieved me of the duty to deliver homily on August 27 because his friends would be attending the mass. They would be disappointed if he did not deliver the homily himself. So, my service on August 27 is negligible.
On the other hand, Fr. Xavier Wong who was newly ordained would celebrate his first mass at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church where he came from on August 27. We had been colleagues in La Salle College for a couple of years. There is a kind of emotional and spiritual bond between us. Moreover, Fr. Renzo Milanese, PIME, who would be transferred to the Mother of Good Counsel Church at San Po Kong in September, would celebrate his last Sunday mass at 11 a.m. I owed my diaconate formation to Fr. Milanese whose biblical hermeneutics I admire the most. I strongly felt the urge to ask my parish priest me to relieve me of the Sunday duty so that I could go over to assist the two priests whom I am emotionally and spiritually bound. I was caught in a dilemma. I prayed to God to show me the right thing to do. St. Jerome Church is my primary ministry. But the two priests are my intimate comrades. Being able to assist them at mass is such a blessing. The feeling would be extremely good. As usual, God was silent, but not for long.
On Thursday, we had a pastoral team meeting, discussing current parish businesses. Before the end of the meeting, I had already known what the right thing to do.
Back to the most fundamental question. Am I doing God's work, or my work? Isn't assisting mass doing God's work? Of course it is! When I feel good doing God's work, congratulations because doing my work coincides with doing God's work! However, there is no guarantee. Sometimes or even most of the times, doing God's work may not bring any satisfaction at all.
Heavenly Father, I pray that I find more and more satisfaction and consolation in doing God's work. Amen.

一個祈禱經驗 A Prayer Encounter

常年期第二十主日（甲年）
主題:一個祈禱經驗

首先讓我們澄清一些背景資料。提洛和漆冬是外邦人的城市（瑪15:21）。為甚麼耶穌會跑到去外邦人的城市呢？事緣耶穌公開批評法利塞人對天主的虔敬是虛偽的（15:8-9），為了避免進一步的衝突，耶穌退避到外邦人的城市，希望給時間他們冷靜下來。
為猶太人，所有非猶太人就是「外邦人」。外邦人之中，有些是可以合作的，彼此包容的，例如羅馬人。有些外邦統治者的宗教政策是強制性的，令他們憎惡，例如希臘人。今天，瑪竇福音說是一個「客納罕婦人」（15:22）。為猶太人，客納罕地是一個令他們既愛且恨的地方。天主所應許流奶流蜜的福地，就是客納罕。可是，客納罕人又是誘惑以色列人拜偶像的外邦人，導致他們遠離天主、亡國充軍的人。瑪竇福音的讀者，會鉤起這份又愛又恨的心情。但這婦人稱耶穌是「達味之子」（15:22）即是說，這婦人和門徒一樣，承認耶穌是「默西亞」，是同路中人。瑪竇的讀者，會對這婦人增加一份同情感。

今天的事蹟耳熟能詳，我們已知道信德的重要和耶穌救贖的普世性。因此，我想和大家從祈禱的角度，默想這段事蹟的意義。
沒有信仰的人，通常會取笑有信仰的人迷信。更嚴重的，有人把宗教信仰看成為「人民的鴉片」，荼毒人民成為沒有理性，沒有獨立思考能力的人，貶低人性尊嚴。殊不知，有宗教信仰反而提高了人的道德操守。基督信仰強調人是按天主的肖像所創造，天主為每個人都有一個完美的目標。可惜人的生活環境，受到罪惡的污染，人感染了自私的習性，又受到了壞朋友的影響，壞制度的束縛，沒有能力達到天主心目中的目標。信靠主耶穌非但不是迷信，反而能恢復人本來的面貎，並且把人提升到成為天主子女的境界。因此有信仰並不貶低人性尊嚴，反而令人更像一個人！

所有的宗教都有祈禱，它是宗教生活的一個重要部份。很奇怪，天主是全知的，而且耶穌曾告訴我們，「因為你們的父，在你們求祂以前，已知道你們需要甚麼。」（6:8），那麼，為甚麼我們還要向天父祈禱呢？豈不是多此一舉嗎？所以我想以祈禱的角度反省今天的事蹟，看這客納罕婦人的故事，對祈禱有甚麼啟發？請注意，我所說的祈禱，不是指唸經那一種，而是指每天與天主，與耶穌基督獨處十到十五分鐘的「優質時間」。

首先，這婦人的經驗，是一個具體的祈禱經驗。她與耶穌對談，求耶穌為她解決困難，最後得到耶穌的應允。耶穌是「達味之子」，是個具體，真實和可親近的人，而不是「不食人間煙火」的神仙。

其次，在起初，「耶穌卻一句話也不回答她。」（15:23）我相信這是我們所有人的經驗。請問在座之中，誰人在祈禱中聽到耶穌的回應呢？很罕有！的確，我們需要有恆心和耐性來祈禱。因為天主回應與否，不是我們可以強求，可以控制的。

第三，這婦人把自己的苦況告訴耶穌，既做得對，又做得不對。祈禱不是憑空地自言自語，而是把自己的實際生活經歷，作為祈禱的材料，向天父傾訴。所以這婦人做對了。可是，這些生活中的困苦，是「真實」的嗎？婦人疼惜自己的女兒，來求耶穌解救她，是最自然不過的，是母愛的表現！可是，我們日常為糊口，奔波勞碌，擔起多重的角色。哪一個是真正的自己呢？很多時候，我們需要應付手上急迫的事物，但不一定是我們所需要的事物！來到天父前祈禱，祂已知道我們的需要，可是，我們未必知道自己的真正需要和「真正的我」的需要。在祈禱中，在與耶穌基督交談的過程中，我們可以發現自己的真正需要，那個真正的我的需要。最後，婦人不是說:「主，援助我的女兒吧！」，而是說:「主，援助我吧！」（15:25）終於她看到自己的需要！她求耶穌援助她，她做對了！固然，她的女兒是痊癒了（15:28）。不過，我相信那婦人得到的，不止於此！

第四，原來我們祈禱的時候，天上的聖人聖女，我們的主保，天使甚至聖母瑪利亞也來為我們轉禱的！且看耶穌的門徒不是也為這婦人向耶穌說句話嗎（15:23）？所以，雖然看來是我們與耶穌基督的私人時間，其實，當我們祈禱的時候，是整個教會陪伴著我們祈禱！

各位兄弟姊妹，不要灰心，努力改進自己的祈禱習慣，在祈禱中從新發現自己的真我，並與整個教會一起祈禱！
天主保祐！
2014年默想

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Twentieth Ordinary Sunday, Year A
Theme: A Prayer Encounter

First of all, let us clarify some background information. Tyre and Sidon were Gentile cities (Matthew 15:21). Why did Jesus go to Gentile cities? It was because Jesus had openly criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They only paid lip service to honouring God (15:8-9). In order to avoid further conflicts, Jesus withdrew to Gentile cities, giving the Pharisees time to cool down.
For the Jews, all non-Jews were Gentiles. Among Gentiles, some could work together and were tolerant to each other, such as the Romans. Some rulers imposed intrusive religious policies and were abominable, such as the Greeks. Today, Matthew mentions a "Canaanite woman" (15:22). For the Jews, Canaan was a place of love and hate. The Promised Land on which milk and honey flowed was Canaan. However, the Israelites adopted Canaanite idolatry practices and deserted God. They ended up being conquered and exiled. In the minds of the readers of Matthew, this Canaanite woman would call up these complex feelings. But this Canaanite woman also called Jesus "son of David" (15:22). That is to say, like the disciples, this woman acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah, that she cherished the same hope. So, the readers of Matthew would be more sympathetic towards her.

We are very familiar with this story. We already know the importance of faith and the universality of Jesus' salvation. Thus, I would like to meditate the meanings of this story from the perspective of prayer.
People who don't believe in God usually tease people who do as superstitious. Worse still, some people even claim that religion is the opiate of the masses. It makes them irrational, lacking independent thinking and tramples on their dignity. On the contrary, religions raise the morality of men. Christianity teaches that men were created in the image of God who has a perfect target for each one of us. It is regrettable that our living environment has been contaminated by sins. We become selfish and are influenced by bad companions and fettered by bad institutions. We do not have the ability to reach the targets God sets us. Believing in Lord Jesus is not superstitious. Furthermore, it restores our original nature and elevates us to the status of children of God. Thus, religion does not deprave our dignity. On the contrary, it makes us more human!

All religions have rites and ceremonies. Prayers are an essential part of religious life. It is a bit strange. God is omniscient and Jesus tells us, "For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." (6:8) Then why do we pray to the Father? Is it redundant? That is why I want to reflect on the story today from the perspective of prayers to see what it tells us about prayers? Please note that when I say "prayers", I do not mean "prayer recitation". I mean spending 10 to 15 minutes of quality time with God, with Jesus in solitude.

Firstly, the experience of this woman was a concrete prayer experience. She talked with Jesus, begged him to solve her problems and was eventually answered. Jesus is the "son of David", a concrete, real and approachable person, not an imaginary fairy.

Secondly, at first, "Jesus did not answer her a word." (15:23) I believe this is the experience of us all. Who among you have heard Jesus' answer in your prayers? Very rare indeed! Truly, we need perseverance and patience in our prayers. It is because we cannot force and control God to answer.

Thirdly, this woman told Jesus her plights. She did it right as well as wrong. Prayer is not a monologue out of thin air. Rather, we make use of our concrete daily life experiences as the materials of our prayer. We pour out our hearts to the Father. She did it right. However, are those difficulties in our daily life genuine? The woman loved her daughter, begged Jesus to save her. This was mother-nature and nothing can be more natural. However, in our hectic life making a living, we have taken up many different roles. Which one is our true self? Often, we need to handle the more urgent things which however may not be what we need! When we pray before the Father who already knows our needs, we however may not know our true needs or the needs of our true selves. In prayers, in talking with Jesus Christ, we may discover our true needs, the needs of our true selves. In the end, the woman did not say, "Lord, help my daughter!" but "Lord, help me." (15:25) In the end, she saw her needs. She begged Jesus to help her. She did it right! Of course, her daughter was healed (15:28). But I am sure the woman received more than that!

Fourthly, how amazing that when we pray, the saints, our patrons, angels and even the BVM intercede for us! Didn't the disciples say something for the woman (15:23)? Thus, although we are spending some private time with Lord Jesus, the whole Church is actually praying with us!

Brethren, don't be discouraged. Work hard to improve your prayer habits. In prayers, let us rediscover our true selves and pray with the whole Church!
God bless!

天主又一啟示 Yet Another Sign from God

今天，天主又給我一個徵兆，提醒我「探監」不是我的職務。
近兩個月右肩痛了，吃了兩個星期止痛消炎藥，仍未好轉，惟有按醫生指示吃多兩個星期。太太早已為我預準了一個可以拖的背囊，盛載沉重的物品，例如派往監獄裡的公報報和聖經等。可惜我尚未習慣把需要用的東西從用慣的背囊搬到新的背囊。今天就出事了！首先，出門口的時候，竟忘了拿鎖匙包，是Mariane 追上給我的。乘小巴往小欖精神治療中心途中，猛然醒起沒有帶通行証…😱😱
電聯太太，她已乘西鐵外出。惟有急 Call John Lam。太好了，他有空可以接送我……回家取了通行証，直奔停在斑馬線上的轎車，拉開車門，司機哥哥有點愕然，但仍很客氣地問：「有甚麼事？」噢……幾乎上錯車！😵😵

在車上，John Lam 安慰我，並分享他退休後當義工的得著：就是放下從前的權威和雄心去做天主的事，學習用天主的眼光看人，不要判斷他們。時常祈禱，三日、八日、三十日避靜，辨別神類…下車時，我明白天主為甚麼要我忘記帶通行証，祂為我安排了一個護守天使，指給我一條出路，免得我油盡燈枯。

Picture credit: https://crew.co/blog/how-to-bounce-back-after-burning-out/

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Today, God gave me another sign to remind me that visiting prison is not my ministry.
In these two months, my right shoulder aches. Two weeks' medication shows little improvement. I shall have to follow the physician's instruction to take two more weeks of medication. My wife was very considerate. She bought me a snapsack with wheels to carry heavy stuff such as Sunday Examiner and Bibles which I hand out in prisons. Unfortunately, I am not used to using two snapsacks. At last, something went wrong this morning. First of all, I forgot to take my keys. Mariane ran after me to hand me the bunch of keys. On my way to Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre in a minibus, I suddenly remembered that I did not bring my Prison Pass!I called my wife. She was on-board West Rail travelling. I called John Lam. Luckily he was free to drive me home to get the Pass. After taking the Pass, I rushed down to the car on the zebra-crossing. I opened the door, the driver was a little shocked but managed to ask courteously, "What is the matter?" Oh! I nearly boarded the wrong car!
On the way, John Lam consoled me and shared with me his retirement experience as a volunteer: Let go of the previously established authority and ambition to do God's work. Learn to see people in God's eyes. Do not judge them. Pray constantly, go to 3-day, 8-day and even 30-day retreats, discern the spirits etc. When I alighted from his car, I understood at last why God made me forget to bring my Pass. He has sent me a guardian angel to show me the way lest I burn out quickly.

跳出安樂窩 To Jump out of Our Comfort Zone

常年期第十九主日（甲年）
主題：跳出安樂窩
首先，讓我們澄清一些背景資料，因為這段事蹟是發生在上星期「耶穌顯聖容」之前的，次序對調了。「群眾吃飽以後」指出這段事蹟是發生在「五餅二魚」的神蹟之後。按若望福音的記載，當時群眾想擁耶穌為王，因為跟隨祂便不愁饑餓了（若6:15）。所以，耶穌吩咐門徒往對岸等祂，自己負責遣散群眾，然後獨自一人上山祈禱到深夜。「四更時分」（瑪14:25）是凌晨三點，是黎明前最黑暗的時間。
四部福音都有記載五餅二魚和耶穌步行海面的神蹟，但祗有【瑪竇福音】記載了伯多祿在水面上跑向耶穌的事蹟。學者的意見認為這是真實可信的。因為馬爾谷是伯多祿的徒弟，如果伯多祿為了某些原故，不告訴他這段事蹟，馬爾谷當然不得而知。路加是保祿的徒弟，而保祿不在場，當然無從確定。瑪竇和若望當時在場，瑪竇已記載了，若望就沒有必要重覆，始終這事蹟的主角是耶穌，是天主子，而不是伯多祿，這段事蹟並不配合若望寫福音的主題。【瑪竇福音】的重點卻不同，它著重教會的生活。縱使伯多祿可能出於謙遜，可以出於羞慚，不願提及這事蹟，但耶穌將會立他為教會的磐石，所以瑪竇認為這事蹟是值得記載下來，顯示出伯多祿的獨特地位。
究竟這段伯多祿「失敗」的事蹟，有甚麼價值呢？
按對觀福音的記載，耶穌召選門徒時，無論是四個漁夫或者稅吏瑪竇，他們總是出奇地慷慨回應，立刻捨棄一切跟隨了耶穌。但事情一定不會是這樣簡單，過往的事業，可以這樣輕易放棄的嗎？過往的生活，可以一夜之間改變的嗎？且看耶穌復活顯現過給門徒之後，有一天，是伯多祿提出建議，與其他六位門徒重操故業去捕魚（若21:3）。因此，跟隨了耶穌之後，我們經常會受到誘惑，重投以前的安樂窩，因為從前的生活方式是熟識的，是安全的。執事說是「誘惑」，是否嚴重了呢？絕對不是。且看梅瑟解放以色列人離開埃及的時候，群眾因飲食的問題，在路上三番四次要求返回做奴隸的埃及。可見，重投以前的安樂窩，的確是一個「誘惑」。
在一眾門徒之中，惟有伯多祿在這個事蹟之中有勇氣跳出安全的船外。時正凌晨，四周十分黑暗；又逆風而行，船在波浪中顛簸（瑪14:24）；在湖面上相對地安全的，就祗有他們的船。是甚麼吸引伯多祿離開他的安樂窩呢？是耶穌基督！各位兄弟姊妹，從伯多祿的經歷，我們學習到甚麼呢？
首先，我們要警惕自己，不可因循地生活。每個主日參加彌撒，辦告解，領聖體是好事，但不要變成例行公事。沒有平日的讀經和祈禱的習慣配合，這些聖事便不能發揮它們應有的效力。每天吃同一樣的早餐，乘坐同樣的交通工具返工返學，又是舒適的例行公事。我們有沒有嘗試把這些經歷，變成我們祈禱的材料呢？可否在所接觸到的人地事件上，發現天主所賜予的恩賜呢？
其次，我們在甚麼情況下應該離開我們的安樂窩呢？其實，當我們領洗皈依耶穌基督，我們已離開了第一個安樂窩，好像耶穌召選宗徒們一樣。洗禮後不久，我們可能建築了第二個安樂窩，因循地過教友的生活，祗著重領聖事、唸玫瑰經、甚至加入善會…等等，而忘記了向身邊的人傳福音！向世人傳福音不單是神職人員的責任，而是整個教會的責任。我們都是教會的一份子，傳福音是責無旁貸的，我們是有責任走出我們的安樂窩的！在甚麼情況下？就在暗處見到耶穌的時候。
最後，雖然離開安樂窩，外面可能是黑暗的，是危險的，但祗要有耶穌在，一切都會化險為夷。伯多祿起初還可以行在水面上，但一見風勢強便害怕起來而下沉（14:30）。當時他與耶穌應該還有一段距離，但他一呼救，耶穌瞬時來到他身旁拉著他。可以想像，耶穌不像救生員一樣在水裡拖著伯多祿，而是站在水面上拉著半身還浸在水裡的伯多祿！請大家默想這個情景。倘若伯多祿留在船上，留在安樂窩中，他是永遠也不會獲得這種獨特的經驗！同樣，倘若我們留在自己的安樂窩，因偱地過天主教徒的生活，不去傳福音，恐怕我們也會像船上的其他門徒一樣，錯過了與耶穌近距離相遇，獲得耶穌救援和扶持的經驗了。
各位兄弟姊妹，倘若你們覺得自己未準備好傳福音的時候，最有效的方法，就是運用福音來祈禱。教會有很好的「聖言誦讀」的祈禱傳統，可以學習。與耶穌相遇之後，祈求天主聖神賜予我們聖寵，跳出自己的安樂窩，去領受更豐富的恩寵。
天主保祐！
Picture Credit: http://media.salemwebnetwork.com/cms/BST/31479-jesus-pulls-peter-from-water11.jpg

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Nineteenth Ordinary Sunday, Year A
Theme: To Jump out of Our Comfort Zone First of all, let us clarify some background information because this incident happened before the Transfiguration which we read last Sunday. It is out of sequence. "He dismissed the crowd" means this incident took place after the Five Loaves and Two Fish miracle. According to the gospel of John, the crowd wanted to force Jesus to become their king because they would not hunger anymore if they followed Jesus (John 6:15). Therefore, Jesus sent his disciples to go before him to the other side while He dismissed the crowd. Then He went up on the mountain alone to pray. "In the fourth watch" (Matthew 14:25) means three o'clock in the morning, the darkest hour before dawn.
All four canonical gospels mention the miracles of Five Loaves and Two Fish as well as Jesus' walking on the Sea. Only Matthew mentions Peter walking on the sea towards Jesus. Scholars conclude that this incident was credible. Mark was the disciple of Peter. If for some reason Peter did not tell this story, Mark had no way to know. Luke was the disciple of Paul who was not there. There was no way to verify. Both Matthew and John were on the spot. Matthew had written. It was not necessary for John to repeat. After all, the main character of this incident was Jesus, the Son of God, not Peter. Moreover, this incident does not fit into the theme of John's gospel. On the other hand, the focus of Matthew is different. It is more about the life of the Church. Even if Peter, perhaps out of humility or of shame, was reluctant to mention it, Jesus would soon make him the rock on which to build His Church. It is logical for Matthew to think that this incident was worth written down to show the unique role Peter.
So, what value was there in this failure of Peter?
According to the Synoptic gospels, when Jesus called his first disciples, whether the four fishermen or Matthew the tax-collector, they were surprisingly generous to abandon everything to follow Jesus. But things could not be so simple. How can you abandon your career so easily? How can you change your life style overnight? Take a look at what happened after Jesus' apparition after resurrection. One day, it was Peter who proposed to six other disciples to go fishing, their previous career (John 21:3). Therefore, after following Jesus, we will always be tempted to return to our previous life style which we are familiar and feel safe. Was it hyperbole for me to say "be tempted"? Categorically not! Take a look at the Israelites whom Moses liberated from Egypt. For several times, because of hunger and thirst, they demanded returning to the house of slavery, Egypt! Thus, returning to our comfort zone is truly a temptation.
Among the disciples, only Peter had the courage to jump out of the boat. It was the small hours and dark. The boat was beaten by the waves (Matthew 14:24). Only their boat was a relatively safe place. What attracted Peter to leave his comfort zone? It was Jesus Christ! Brethren, what can we learn from Peter's experience?
First of all, we need to remind ourselves not to lead a complacent life. Joining Sunday masses, going to confession and receiving the Holy Communion are good but don't turn them into a routine. If we don't support these with a habit of Bible study and prayers, the effect of these sacraments will not be fully utilized. Every day we eat the same breakfast, take the same vehicles to go to work or school. These are comfortable routines. Have you tried to turn them into materials of your prayers? Have you discovered the gifts God grants you in the people and things you encounter?
Secondly, under what conditions should we leave our comfort zone? In fact, we left our first comfort zone when we were baptized and converted to Jesus Christ like the disciples whom Jesus called. Soon after baptism, we might start building our second comfort zone to lead a complacent Catholic life. We care more about receiving sacraments, about reciting prayers and even joining lay associations etc. and forget all about evangelizing the people around us! Evangelization is the mission of not only the clergy, but also the entire Church. We are one of the members of the Church. Evangelization is an indelible duty. We have the responsibility to jump out of our comfort zone! Under what conditions? When we see Jesus in the dark!
Lastly, although we may jump out of our comfort zone into darkness and danger, with Jesus, everything shall be fine. At first, Peter was able to walk a few steps on the waters. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink (14:30). At that time, he must have been at a distance from Jesus. But when he cried for help, Jesus instantaneously stood by him, reached out his hand to catch him. Unlike a life guard, Jesus was not pulling Peter in the water but standing next to him on the water surface to catch a half-submerged Peter. Please meditate. Had Peter stayed in the boat, in his comfort zone, he would never have had this unique experience! Similarly, if we stay in our comfort zone to lead a complacent life and not to evangelize, I am afraid we shall, like the rest of the disciples on the boat, miss the opportunity to encounter Jesus at close range, to enjoy His rescue and support. Brethren, if you feel that you are not ready to preach the gospel, the most effective way is to pray with the gospel. The Church has a wonderful tradition of Lectio Divina. We can learn this particular way of prayer. After encountering Jesus, beg the Holy Spirit to grant us grace to jump out of our comfort zone to receive more abundant graces.
God bless!

因循的生活 A Complacent Life

今天的我，是過去歲月累積的成果。累積了好壞參半的生活習慣，成為了我的生活模式。其中不少是牽著我的腿，令我寸半難移的。
時至今日，我仍比較倚賴理性的思考方式。以往，這種方式帶給我很多的成功。但很明顯，靈修是用不著理性的。作為一個執事，神學、理性和謹慎依然重要。可是，很快便出現油盡燈枯的現象，急需靈修來補救。到了這個地步，理性已一籌莫展！
因循的生活，就是「既然以往行之有效，就懶得改變」的生活態度，結果沒有長進，困死在安樂窩之中。您可能會說，能舒舒服服地死去，有何不好？對不起，以往行之有效，令您舒舒服服的生活態度，並不保證今天或者明天一樣會舒舒服服。我遇過不少長者，年青力壯時，霸氣十足，呼風喚雨，人人敬畏三分。年紀大了，改變不了自己的性格，又接受不了自己年老力衰，他們的痛苦，可想而知。
最令我感慨的個案，是一位囚友，一個未成年的誤殺犯，被判入精神治療中心，直至醫生簽証他可以「安全地」返回社會為止。四十多年來，經過了十七次覆檢，沒有一個醫生簽証他是安全的。同一樣的結論：「他精神錯亂，他對自己的病情沒有洞悉，他仍對受害人懷有妄想狂，他仍有暴力傾向…」我不禁問，四十多年來的治療白費了嗎？是治療中心的生活方式因循嗎？是治療中心的生活導至這位囚友因循地沒有改進嗎？是醫生們倚賴前人的意見判症嗎？現實是這樣的嗎？我沒有資格判斷！我祗看到一個淒涼，沒有長進，困死在「安樂窩」中的靈魂。
天父啊！教我如何不想他！亞孟。

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I am the fruit of history, a mixture of good and bad habits which form my life style. Many of these habits are pulling my leg, hindering my progress.

As of today, I rely more on rationality. In the past, this mode brought me successes. But obviously, spirituality finds rationality of no benefit. As a permanent deacon, theology, rationality and prudence are still essential. However, a sense of burnt-out caves in very quickly and spiritual rescue is urgently needed. At this stage, rationality leads me nowhere.

A complacent life is such an attitude: if it works, don't rock the boat. Consequently, there is no growth and it results in a smothering in one's Comfort Zone. You may object and say what wrong it is if you may die comfortably. Pardon me, the attitude which worked well and brought you comfort in the past may not work today or tomorrow! I have met many senior citizens who, in their younger stronger days, had enjoyed successes and respect from others. However, in their older age, they could not change their personality. They could not accept their frailty. You can imagine how painful they are!
The most depressing case is an inmate convicted of manslaughter underage. He was sentenced to a psychiatric centre to be released only when doctors certified that he was safe. For more than 4 decades, 17 board reviews, no doctor certified him safe. The same opinions have been given, "He is psychotic. He has no insight of his mental condition. He still harbours paranoid towards the victim. He still has a propensity for violence ..." I can't help but ask, "Has 4 decades of treatment been a waste? Has life in the psychiatric centre been routine? Has life in the psychiatric centre made the inmate routine and make no progress? Have the doctors been relying on the opinions of previous doctors in making recommendations? Is the situation really like this? I am in no position to pass judgment. I only see a pitiful no-growth soul dying in a "Comfort Zone".
Heavenly Father, how can I not think of him! Amen!

復活的光榮 The Glory of Resurrection

耶穌顯聖容慶日（甲年）
主題：復活的光榮
首先，讓我們溫習這段事蹟的背景。
耶穌基督傳福音的任務，已接近尾聲。他向門徒做了一個十分簡單的民意調查，看看三年來的傳教工作，有甚麼成果。門徒七嘴八舌答說群眾認為耶穌是厄里亞、是若翰洗者 、是先知中的一位。耶穌直指其心，問在他們的心目中，他是誰。（瑪16:15）其實耶穌希望透過這個問題，尋找教會的基石。耶穌明白祂復活後要離開這個世界，祂必須把救世的工程，交託給教會繼續完成。這個「得救的團體」需要一個領導人。耶穌就借用這個問題，看看天父揀選了誰人做這個領導人。耶穌找到了，這個領導人就是西滿。於是耶穌替他起名為「伯多祿」，是磐石的意思。無論這塊磐石有多少缺陷，耶穌基督會扶持他，幫助他，並在這塊磐石上建立祂的教會。
不出所料，當耶穌進一步啟示自己的救世計劃──即祂必須經過受難，為人贖罪，並且戰勝死亡，在第三天從死者中復活，帶給我們永生，我們簡稱之為「逾越奧蹟」──的時候，伯多祿可能出於好意，可能出於自私，勸諫耶穌不要去受難。耶穌基督明白人性的軟弱，人類好逸惡勞，追求榮華富貴，逃避痛苦挫折，害怕死亡。即便耶穌說祂第三天會復活，門徒也不甘心三年來浪費了的光陰！耶穌惟有帶領三個入室弟子，上了大博爾山，在他們面前展示自己的天主性，顯現復活的光榮，使他們安心。且看伯多祿的反應：「主啊，我們在這裡真好！如果你願意，我就在這裡搭三個帳棚。」（17:4）在山上當然好，不用經過受難的洗禮，便獲得復活的光榮，有誰還願意下山受難呢？伯多祿的反應，生動地表現出人性的軟弱。不過，天主的旨意，是要以苦難來淨化磨練受傷的人性，使它堪當分享光榮的天主性！
「耶穌顯聖容」為全人類有甚麼意義呢？
天主是愛，祂不忍見自己的創造淪亡，便紆尊降貴，取了人性，降生成為耶穌基督。耶穌基督是真人，又是真天主。這是基督信仰的核心。我們相信耶穌基督是真人，否則，祂在十字架上的死，不是真實的死亡，而是做戲。倘若耶穌基督祗是一個人而不是天主，祂的死不足以贖回過去、現在和未來，全人類所欠下的罪債。正因為耶穌基督是天人的完美結合，所以天主能親身經歷死亡。天主仁慈地陪伴人類經歷種種痛苦甚至死亡。人啊，有天主陪伴真好！讓我們下山去，置諸死地而後生。正因為耶穌基督是天人的完美結合，所以人性有可能提昇到更高的境界，享受永恆光輝的天主性。天主是多麼渴望提拔自己的創造，使他們更臻完美。人啊，起來，不要害怕！讓我們下山去，在生活中磨練自己。
保祿宗徒說得好：「所以誰若在基督內，他就是一個新受造物，舊的已成過去，看，都成了新的。」（格後5:17）我們受洗歸於基督，以「新受造物」，即天主子女的身份生活。我們在領洗後的生活，必須保持在基督之內，與基督結合，每日成為新的受造物，纔能分享天主的永恆光輝。
怎樣可以保持這「新受造物」的狀態呢？

1. 不可怠惰參與主日彌撒，應熱心勤領聖事，與耶穌基督結合。
2. 有計劃地讀聖經，從聖經中認識天主的旨意。首先讀對觀福音，然後讀宗徒大事錄，之後再讀宗徒的書信，先讀短的，再讀長的。
3. 因循的生活容易令人逐漸迷失方向，令人固步自封，沒有進步。因此，我們必須養成良好的祈禱習慣，打破窒息天主恩寵的例行公事的生活方式。祈禱是一個與天主契合的時刻。無論生活如何繁忙，也要每天讓自己享受與天主獨處最少十五分鐘。這樣做，天主的恩寵纔更能發揮效力，改造我們，提昇我們。
4. 怎樣祈禱呢？首先數算天主今天所賞賜的具體恩典，為所求而獲得的，或者沒有求也獲得的一切而感謝祂。其實，能在生活中親驗到天主的恩賜，您祈禱的功力，已經頗有深度了。感恩之後，便開始祈求天主聖神與您一起向天父祈禱。因為我們不懂得如何祈禱，祗有天主聖神纔最能明白天主聖父的思想和心意。沒有聖神的陪伴，我們的祈禱祗不過是自言自語。之後就不用多說話了，讓聖神隨祂的意願，引領我們的靈魂，或者歌頌讚美天主，或者懺悔自己的過錯，或者為所接觸過的人的需要轉求等等，一切一切，不用勉強，祗要享受聖神的帶動，聖神的改造。最後，唸一篇「天主經」結束。

各位兄弟姊妹，「逾越」不一定要轟轟烈烈地殉道。每天十五分鐘的祈禱，也能達到逾越的效果。就讓我們恆心祈禱，放下自我的執著，開放自己給天主聖神改革我們的舊我，生活出福音精神的新我，日復一日地保持「新受造物」的狀態，把軟弱的人性，提昇到光輝燦爛的天主子女地步，有如耶穌基督顯聖容的光榮。
天主保祐！


Picture Credit: https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/media/articles/itisgoodforustobehere/

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Solemnity of Transfiguration, Year A
Theme: The Glory of Resurrection First of all, let us re-visit the background of this incident.
Jesus had nearly finished his evangelization mission. He did a simply opinion poll with His disciples to see how much He had accomplished among the Jews. The disciples were eager to get the master's hearing. Some said the people thought that Jesus was Elijah, John the Baptist or one of the prophets. Jesus asked a penetrating question, "But who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15) In fact, with this question Jesus wanted to find out who would be the foundation stone of the Church. Jesus knew that after resurrection, He would leave this world. He needed the Church to finish His redemption mission. This "community of the redeemed" needs a leader. With this question, Jesus wanted to see whom the Father had chosen to be that leader. Jesus had found him. That leader was Simon. So, Jesus named him Peter, which means the Rock. Despite all the defects of this Rock, Jesus would help him, support him and to build his Church upon him.
As anticipated, when Jesus further revealed his salvation plan, the "Mystery of Passover", i.e. He had to suffer and die to atone for our sins, to conquer death and rise on the third day to bring us eternal life, Peter perhaps out of good will or selfishness persuaded Jesus not to take such a path. Jesus Christ understands our weaknesses. Men love pleasures and detest toils. They pursue honour and wealth, evade pains and frustrations. They fear death. Even though Jesus guaranteed that he would come back to life on the third day, the disciples would not want to see their 3-year investment come to nothing! Thus, Jesus brought His three favourite disciples up Mount Tabor to show them His divinity, to manifest the glory of resurrection in order to reassure them. See how Peter exclaim, "Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here." (17:4) Of course it is good to stay in the mountain, attaining the glory of resurrection without going through the baptism of Passion. Who wants to go down and suffer? Peter's reaction showed vividly the weaknesses of humanity. However, God wants to purify and tune up the wounded humanity to make it worthy to partake in the glorious divinity!
What is the relevance of Jesus' Transfiguration for all mankind?
God is love. He does not want His creation to perish. Thus, He incarnated and took up humanity to become Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is truly human and divine. This is the core of Christianity. We believe that Jesus is truly human. Otherwise, His death on the cross was not genuine but a show. Had Jesus been only a man and not God, His death would not have been capable of redeeming the sins of all men in the past, present and the future. Since Jesus is a perfect union of humanity and divinity, God is able to die. He mercifully accompanies men to go through all sorts of sufferings, even death. Men, how well it is to have God's accompaniment. Let us descend, die and rise again. Since Jesus is a perfect union of humanity and divinity, men can be elevated to a higher level of existence to partake in the eternal and glorious divinity. How much God wants to elevate His creation to a more perfect state. Men, rise and have no fear. Let us descend to purify ourselves in our daily life.
St. Paul says it well, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17) We were baptized to Christ. We lead our life as a new creation, as children of God. After baptism, we need to keep ourselves in Christ, to be united with Christ and become a new creation every day. Then we can partake in the eternal glory of God.
How do we keep this state of a "new creation"?

1. We should not be lazy in joining Sunday Mass. We should be fervent in receiving the sacraments to unite with Jesus Christ.
2. Follow a schedule to study the Bible to discover God's will. Firstly, read the Synoptic gospels, then the Acts of the Apostles. After that, read the epistles of the apostles beginning with the short ones, then the longer ones.
3. We would easily lose our sense of direction when we lead a complacent life. Such a life hinders our spiritual progress. Thus, we need to build up a good habit of prayers to smash the smothering routine way of life. Prayer is a sacred moment of becoming one with God. No matter how busy and hectic life is, we should spend and enjoy at least 15 minutes of solitude with God. In this way, God's grace will become more effective in transforming us, in elevating us.
4. How do we pray? First of all, count concretely the gifts God granted us today, those we asked for and those we didn't. For these, we thank God. In fact, when you are able to locate God's gifts in your daily life, your prayers are already deep. After giving thanks, beg the Holy Spirit to pray with you to the Father. We do not know how to pray and only the Holy Spirit knows the heart and mind of the Father. Without the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit, our prayers are just monologues. After that, we don't have to say much. Let the Holy Spirit carry our souls where He wills, perhaps to sing praises to God, or to repent for our sins, or to intercede for the needs of the people we encounter etc. No need to force yourselves. Just enjoy the embrace of the Holy Spirit, the transformation of the Holy Spirit. In the end, wrap up your prayer by reciting the Lord's Prayer.

Brethren, it is not necessary to die martyrdom to Passover. A 15-minute prayer a day can achieve the Passover effect. Let us pray perseveringly. Let go of our routines. Open up ourselves to the Holy Spirit to reform our Old Self. Live up the spirit of the gospel as a New Self. Stay "New Creation" daily to elevate the fragile humanity into the state of illuminous Children of God, like the glory of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ.
God bless!

一切從感恩開始 It all begins with Gratitude

一切從感恩開始
當我最不留神的時候，天主出手引領我！
今天早上探監後，返回市中心的麥當奴午膳。乘輕鐵回家途中，忽然想起為家母買幾隻粵劇影碟。於是折返市中心。途中更想起要把一本「每日感恩祭」經書交還聖堂。
今天我第一次送聖體給獄中囚友，準備不足，忘記列印今天的福音，所以回聖堂取了一本經書。今次的探訪頗理想，囚友們很感動，因為上庭的日子迫在眉睫。有耶穌同在，心靈得到莫大的安慰。
有一位未探訪的囚友過來，問我以下的一段經文的出處：「舊事已過，都變成新的了。」很熟悉但記不起出處，而且是和合本版。我建議她找【啟示錄】最後的兩章。從這段經文入手，我們分享了撒種比喻和浪子回頭的比喻。她是年青時在華惠神召會受浸的。
入到小聖堂，抬到一望，在「亡者告示板」上，明明就是那段經文！原來是出自格後5:17。
真的，天主無時無刻不停地賜給我禮物，我怎可能看不見呢？我不但為了找到答案而感恩，而且，天主從眾多因友之中，派遣了這位囚友與我分享聖經。我為探監所領受的恩典感恩。我感恩，因為我看見！我看見天主不斷以聖寵令我更新。
「茍日新，又日新，日日新。」（大學）
天父啊，請幫助我填滿感恩與更新之間的空隙。亞孟。

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It all begins with Gratitude God led me when and where I least expected it.
After visiting prison in the morning, I went for lunch at the McDonald's in the Town Centre. When I was taking the LRT home, I suddenly remembered to buy some Cantonese Opera DVD's for my mum. So, I turned back. Then I further remembered that I needed to return a Daily Missal which I had taken from the parish this morning .

This was the first time I administered Holy Communion to inmates in the prison. I was not adequately prepared enough for I did not print the gospel reading. Thus I had taken a Daily Missal from the parish. The visit worked well. The inmates were very much moved and wept because their trial was imminent. With Jesus, they felt uplifted.

An inmate whom I had never met before approached me and asked where she could find a quote in Chinese Union Version, "The old has passed away, behold, the new has come." It was a familiar quote but I could not recall the location. I suggested her looking up the last two chapters of the Revelation. Starting with this quote, we had a good sharing on the parables of the Sower and the Prodigal Son. The lady was a Christian baptized to the Assemblies of God Wa Wai Church.

I entered the chapel and looked up. Alas! I was greeted by the very quote on the board of obituary! It was taken from 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Truly, God showers me with many gifts everyday and every minute. How can I NOT see? I am grateful not only because God has given me the correct answer, but also because He sent this lady, out of so many other inmates, to share with me the scripture. I am grateful because of the gifts I receive in visiting prison. I am grateful because I SEE. I see that God wants me to renew continuously with the graces He showered on me.
"If I renew today, and on the following day. I become new everyday." (Major Studies)
Heavenly Father, help me fill the gap between GRATITUDE and RENEWAL. Amen.

Picture Credit: https://thirdwaychurch.org/sermons/movies-examen-praying-with-gratitude-and-intention-terri-churchill/