Be Present Physically & Spiritually 靈與肉的臨在

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Year B
Theme: Be Present Physically & Spiritually

Does anyone of you receive cakes, or cards or gifts on your birthdays?
How long are you able to keep those cakes, cards or gifts?
Why do you want to eat the cakes? Do you throw the cards or gifts away? Why do you want to keep them? In order to remember the love of the people who gave you these. So, next time, don't give cakes. Cakes are eaten and easily forgotten. Give something more endurable instead.

In the gospel reading today, Jesus says, "And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) Jesus Christ is able to make this promise because He is the Son of God. He is able to keep His promise. Not only does He stay spiritually with us, but He also stays physically with us in the Holy Eucharist. He loves us. He gives Himself to us in the Holy Eucharist. He is able to do this because Jesus Christ is our God.

However, we are all too human. Sometimes, we may not be able to be present physically as well as spiritually at the same time. Imagine you are speaking with your friend, or your family members or even your child over the phone. She is not here physically. Yet you enjoy the company and share your love over the phone. Imagine again you invite another person to dinner. However, you can sense that she is not there. There is something else occupying her mind. Will you enjoy the dinner? If you have a choice, which one do you prefer, physically present or spiritually present? When we are not able to make the best of both worlds, we prefer the spiritual presence because at least we can share our love. Out of love, we travel here far away from home to work and send money home to our loved ones. Out of love, we give our friends birthday cakes, cards and gifts. Even though we are not able to be present physically, we wish our love may last long enough in the token of cakes, cards and gifts.

Why does Jesus make this promise of staying with us until the end of the age? On one hand, it is an expression of His love. On the other, it is because He gives us a mission to accomplish. To order to ensure that we are able to get it done, He equips us with the strength we need by staying with us. What mission does Jesus Christ commission us? "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ... teaching them ..." (28:19-20). There are four actions here: to go, to make disciples, to baptize and to teach. In short, Jesus Christ commissions us to build up a bigger family, a community of redeemed people, a People of God, the Church. It is a mission of love, a mission of spreading God's love.

Out of love, we leave behind our families to work overseas. Similarly, out of love, we leave behind the comfort of our homes and the people we are familiar. We go and meet strangers in a foreign land, to know them, to engage them, to serve them, to be present physically as well as spiritually to share God's love with them. We do not choose likeable people to be our employers. Similarly, we do not choose likeable people to make disciples. We reach out to all and do not discriminate: the hungry, the thirsty, those who have no dignity, refugees, the sick as well as prisoners (25:35-36). This is respect. We respect all people alike because all of them were created in the image of God, because we are brothers and sisters in Christ. Of course, we respect their freedom. We cannot impose our faith upon them. Our job is to go and make disciples. Whether people want to be baptized or not, it is God's business. Our job is to be present, both physically and spiritually to tell people that the Father loves them, that Jesus Christ loves them and that the Holy Spirit loves them.

The God we believe in is a great and difficult mystery. Throughout the centuries, theologians have tried to make God understandable to us. They have tried different jargons and images in order to highlight some aspects of our God. For example, God is almighty. Heavens and earth are the manifestations of His power. We call this Creator the Father. "Father" was a good image in ancient times. The father is the origin of a family. He is the breadwinner of the family and sustains the family. So, the "father" has been a good metaphor for God because God created and sustains the whole universe. However, time has changed. Those who go to work and sustain the families are mothers and daughters. So, we should bear in mind the limitations of these jargons when we talk about the mystery of God in terms of the Blessed Trinity. Thus, don't feel offended if people argue that God should be a mother-figure! Bear with them.

If God is such a great and difficult mystery, how can we explain this mystery to people? Don't worry. Jesus promises to stay with us to help us till the end of the age. Just remember the two most essential features of our God. They are His love and His omnipresence. John the Apostle says, "God is love." (1 John 4:8, 16) Out of love, God created us. Out of love, He sends Jesus Christ to save us after we have fallen. Out of love, He continues to send the Holy Spirit to guide us and support us. Out of love, Jesus Christ stays with us physically and spiritually within the Church and outside the Church among the poor and the needy. We see God in face of all these people. But we also make His presence felt when we love. When we love ourselves, our family members, our friends and colleagues, our employers and the people in need, God the Blessed Trinity is physically and spiritually present among us. When we do these, we put Jesus' commands into practice.

The last command Jesus gives us is to teach people "to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:20) What has Jesus commanded us to do? He gave us a new commandment during the Last Supper, i.e. to love each other as He has loved us. (John 13:34) Therefore, in our words and in our deeds, we should teach other people to love each other. We should set examples by loving each other just as Jesus Christ has loved us. Is it an impossible mission? No. Jesus Christ is with us.
Brethren, when we meet people, let us engage them by physically and spiritually present like what Jesus is doing. Then, we are able to demonstrate the love of God, the love of the Blessed Trinity.
God bless!

---

天主聖三節，乙年
主題：靈與肉的臨在

你們生日的時候，有收到過生日蛋糕、生日咭或生日禮物嗎？
你能夠保存這些蛋糕、咭和禮物有多久呢？
你為甚麼會吃這些蛋糕呢？你會把哪些咭或禮物扔掉嗎？你為甚麼想保存它們呢？為了記著這些送禮的人對我的愛。因此，下次不要送蛋糕了。蛋糕吃了之後便容易遺忘，還是送些較耐用的東西吧！

在今天的福音中，耶穌說：「看！我同你們天天在一起，直到今世的終結。」（瑪28:20）耶穌基督有能力許下這個諾言，因為祂是天主子，祂有能力遵守祂的許諾。祂不但靈性上與我們同在，而且祂還能夠實在地臨在聖體聖事內，物質地臨在我們當中。祂愛我們，在聖體聖事內，祂把自己交付給我們。祂有能力這樣做，因為耶穌基督是我們的天主。

但我們不竟是人嘛。有時，我們不能肉體與靈性同時臨在。試想想，當你用電話與你的朋友，家人甚至子女談話的時候，她的肉身根本不在你身旁，但你仍可以透電話，享受這份團聚，分享彼此之間的愛。再想想，你邀請一位朋友共晉晚餐，但你隱約感覺到她心不在焉，正在處理一些要事。你會享受這頓晚餐嗎？倘若你可以選擇，你要她的人，還是她的心呢？當魚與熊掌，二者不可得兼的時候，我會選擇她的心，因為我們最少也可以分享心中的愛。出於愛，我們離鄉別井，來到香港工作，賺錢匯返家鄉我們所愛的人。出於愛，我們送生日蛋糕、生日咭和生日禮物朋友。雖然人不能到，但禮總不可缺少。我們希望蛋糕、咭和禮物，能保存到足夠的時間，表達出我們心中的愛意。

耶穌為甚麼應許與我們在一起，直到今世的終結呢？一方面，這表達了祂的愛。另一方面，祂派遣我們執行一項任務。為了保證我們能完成任務，祂與我們同行，來裝備我們，給我們足夠的力量，來完成任務。耶穌基督差遣我們的任務是甚麼呢？就是「所以你們要去使萬民成為門徒…給他們授洗，教訓他們…」（28:19-20）這裡有四個行動：去、使萬民成為門徒、授洗和教訓。簡而言之，耶穌基督差遣我們去建立一個更大的家庭、一個得救者的團體，天主的子民，教會。這是一個愛的使命，一個傳揚主愛的任務。

出於愛，我們留下家人，飄洋過海到外地工作。同樣，出於愛，我們離開家庭的安樂窩和熟識的人物，去到陌生的地方接觸陌生的人、認識他們、與他們來往、服務他們，身與心一起臨在，與他們分享天主的愛。我們不能選擇可愛的人做我們的僱主。同樣，我們也不能選擇可愛的人做門徒。我們向所有人招手，不歧視任何人：飢饑的、口渴的、沒有尊嚴的、難民、病人和在囚人士（25:35-36）。這是尊重。我們尊重所有的人，因為他們都是按天主的肖像所造，因為他們在耶穌基督內，都是我們的兄弟姊妹。當然我們要尊重他們的自由，我們不可把我們的信仰強加給他們。我們的工作是去使人成為門徒，至於他們是否願意受洗，這是天主的事。我們的工作就是身和心同時臨在，告訴他們天主愛他、耶穌基督愛他，天主聖神愛他。

我們所信的天主是一個偉大而難明的奧秘，自古以來，神學家們努力幫助我們明白天主。他們用了不同的術語和圖像，顯示天主的某些特徵。例如，天主是全能的，天與地都顯示出祂的大能。我們稱這位創造者為「父」。在古代，「父」是一個很適當的形像。父親是家庭的根源，是他賺錢供養整個家庭。因此，「父」曾是一個很好的比喻，來形容天主，因為宇宙萬物都是天主所創造和維持的。可是，時移世易，今天工作養家的多是母親和女兒。所以，當我們用天主聖三來論述天主的奧秘時，我們要意識到所用的術語是有限的。因此，當有人爭論說天主應該是母親的形像時，他們無意冒犯你！忍耐他們吧！

倘若天主是這樣偉大和難以理解的一個奧秘，我們怎能向人解釋呢？不要擔心，耶穌曾許諾與我們同在，直到今世的終結。祇要記著天主最重要的兩個要素就可以了：就是天主的愛和天主無處不在。若望宗徒說：「天主是愛。」（若一4:8，16）出於愛，天主創造了我們；出於愛，當我們犯罪跌倒後，天主派遣耶穌基督來拯救我們。出於愛，天主繼續派遣聖神來指導和支援我們。出於愛，耶穌基督身心都臨現在教會內，和在外面的窮人和有需要的人身上。在所有這些人的臉上，我們看見天主。而且，我們還能藉著愛，實現祂的臨在。當我們自愛和愛我們的家人、愛我們的朋友同事、愛我們的僱主和有需要的人時，天主聖三的靈性和人性，就會臨在我們當中。我們這樣做，便實踐了耶穌吩咐我們應做的。

耶穌最後的命令是要我們「教訓他們遵守我所吩咐你們的一切。」（瑪28:20）耶穌曾命令我們做甚麼？在最後晚餐時，耶穌給我們一條新誡命：「你們該彼此相愛；如同我愛了你們。」（若13:34）因此，我們必須以言以行，教訓別人彼此相愛。我們應立下榜樣，彼此相愛，如同耶穌基督愛了我們一樣。這事怎能成就？不要怕，耶穌基督與我們同在。
各位兄弟姊妹，當人遇到我們時，讓我們以身心與他們來往，一如耶穌基督所做的。這樣，我們便能展示天主的愛，天主聖三的愛。
天主保祐！

來自聖神的平安 The Peace that Comes from the Holy Spirit

五旬節聖神降臨，乙年
主題：來自聖神的平安

雖然故事發生在大約二千年前，但故事中人物的經歷和心情，今天仍歷歷在目，因為我們也經歷著門徒們的經驗。
這是第一個復活主日的故事。這邊厢，耶穌基督非常忙碌，復活後顯現給熱心的瑪利亞瑪達肋納，吩咐她告訴門徒們他已復活了。然後，耶穌趕往厄瑪烏的路上，陪兩個門徒走路，向他們解釋默西亞必須受難的事實，直到黃昏吃晚飯時，纔開啟他們的眼目，認出他來。這兩個門徒趕回耶路撒冷報告，耶穌亦跟著出現在他們面前。路加福音和今天我們所讀的若望福音，就是講述這段事蹟。請留意門徒的處境。福音說：「因為怕猶太人，門戶都關著。」（若20:19）他們的師父得罪了猶太的權貴，被交到羅馬人處死了。剛好安息日快到了，猶太權貴沒有立刻採取行動，斬草除根。不過，安息日一過，他們預料會大難臨頭。

那邊厢，瑪利亞瑪達肋納跑來報告，說見到復活了的耶穌。門徒們惟有派伯多祿和若望去確定她所說的話。第一，在當代的猶太文化，婦女的證言是不被接納的。第二，要兩個男人的作證，纔會接納是事實。所以，他們派伯多祿和若望去調查。而多默亦自動請纓，去探聽外面的風聲。伯多祿和若望回來報告，墳墓的確空了，耶穌的屍體不翼而飛，但他們沒有親眼看見到復活的耶穌 。所以婦女帶來的，並不是甚麼好消息，甚麼福音，而是更多的疑問和恐懼。
是誰移走了耶穌的屍體呢？有甚麼目的呢？是否猶太權貴的陰謀，以耶穌的屍體來迫他們投降自首呢？或者作為證明復活是謊言的證據呢？門徒們困在屋內，有如「驚弓之鳥」。恐懼不但令他們關閉著窗戶，更是他們的心靈，令他們祇循偷屍的方向想，卻看不見復活的真理。終於，從厄瑪烏趕回來的兩個門徒到了，現在最少有三個人，見過復活了的耶穌基督！即使在猶太的文化中，婦女的證言不被接納，還有兩個男見證人，他們的證言是成立的！問題是他們勢孤力弱，怎與猶太權貴周旋呢？就在這個時候，耶穌基督顯現了，並且賜予他們聖神，那來自天上的力量，協助他們為耶穌基督的復活作見證！

耶穌基督開口說的第一句話，就是：「願你們平安。」（20:21）可見這是當前，為門徒和為我們是最重要的。門徒們和我們受到很多事物的困擾，沒有平安：門徒們為了目前的人身安危，惶恐不安；往後的日子如何，門徒們感到迷茫不安；他們甚至後悔浪費了三年時間，錯跟了耶穌，而對自己，對同伴們，對耶穌感到忿怒！今天也有很多事物令我們不安，更嚴重的是令我們關閉了心靈，看不透天父的旨意。父母為子女的教育不安；同學們為考試不安；青年人為前途，為事業不安；成年人為經濟，為政局不安；長者們為健康，為晚年的生活不安；無論男女老幼，都為各種人際關係中的衝突，感到不安。當你感到沒有人了解你，甚至有人冤枉你，利用你，令你感到忿怒，卻無能為力，你哪有平安呢？請問耶穌基督憑甚麼，賜給我們平安呢？憑甚麼化解我們的困擾呢？

耶穌基督接著說的第二句話，是平安的關鍵：就是領受聖神和赦罪（20:22-23）。請注意，這裡所說的「赦罪」，並不是我們今天的修和聖事。今天的修和聖事，祗有神父及主教可以施行，即使是在神職班中的執事，也沒有神權可以施行這件聖事。若望福音所說的，是領受了聖神的信徒，是你和我。你和我可以赦免得罪我們的人的罪，使自己得到平安！至於神父主教赦免與他們無關的人的罪，權力來自瑪竇福音，耶穌基督立伯多祿為教會磐石的時候所賦予的（瑪16:19）。

赦免得罪我們的人，說來容易，實行很難。若不是來自聖神的力量，我們根本沒有能力寬恕。當你受委屈，你忿忿不平，對方是不會遭受任何損害的，反而自己會增加傷痛。何苦呢！當你受的傷害，是來自制度上的剝削，有組織的不公義，你的忿怒對制度是起不了任何作用，祗會增加自己和身邊的人的傷害。你的忿怒又有何用呢？

求聖神吧！求聖神賜予真理之光，敞開關閉了的心靈，照亮我們的智慧，看清楚天主的寵召帶來甚麼希望。天主召叫我們分享祂的生命，但我們還有很多瑕疵，有待天主的雕琢，纔堪分享祂的生命。說不定那些委屈，正是天父安排給我們的磨練。所謂「玉不琢，不成器」。另外，我們需要聖神的智慧，看清楚天主的寵召，帶來甚麼使命。天父召叫我們作修和的使者，帶給世界恩寵與和平。我們看到嗎？求聖神賜予愛德之火，軟化那被自私、被貪婪、被忿怒所硬化了的鐵石心腸，以謙遜的態度，對有需要的弱小兄弟姊妹，伸出援手，結出聖神的效果，就是「仁愛、喜樂、平安、忍耐、良善、溫和、忠信、柔和、節制。」（迦5:22-23）我們做得到嗎？

今天我們慶祝聖神降臨節，讓我們再次沐浴在聖神的洗禮中，接受聖神的平安和力量，安心離開封閉的安樂窩，到外面去向區內的居民，宣講耶穌基督的復活，接受天主的救恩，獲得罪惡的赦免和心靈的解放。
天主保祐！

---

Solemnity of Pentecost, Year B
Theme: The Peace that Comes from the Holy Spirit

Although the story took place almost two millennia ago, the experiences and emotions of the characters are still vivid because we share the same experiences like those of the disciples.
This is the story of the first Easter Sunday. On one hand, Jesus Christ was having a hectic day. He appeared to the pious Mary Magdalene, instructing her to tell his disciples that he had come back to life. Then Jesus hurriedly joined two disciples on the way to Emmaus, explaining to them till evening that the Messiah had to suffer. The two disciples recognized Jesus only at dinner and they hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the Apostles. Subsequently, Jesus appeared to them all. The gospel of Luke and the passage we read today tell this story. Pay attention to the situation of the disciples. The gospel says, "The doors were locked for fear of the Jews." (John 20:19) Their Master had offended the Jewish authority. He was handed over to the Romans and was executed. Luckily, Sabbath was only a few hours away. The Jewish authority did not take immediate actions to uproot them. They expected their doom would descend once Sabbath was over.

On the other hand, Mary Magdalene reported to the Apostles that she had seen the risen Jesus. The disciples had no choice but to send Peter and John to verify her words. Firstly, testimony by women was not admissible in contemporary Jewish culture. Secondly, they needed the testimony of two men to establish the truth. So, Peter and John were sent out to investigate. Moreover, Thomas probably volunteered to scout around for news. Peter and John returned to confirm that the tomb was empty. The corpse of Jesus was gone but they did not see the risen Jesus with their own eyes. So, the women brought more questions and fear than good news.
Who had removed the corpse of Jesus? For what purpose? Did the Jewish authority want to make use of the corpse of Jesus to force them to surrender? Or as an evidence to prove that any resurrection talk would be a hoax? The disciples were hiding in the house like wanted fugitives. Fear not only made them close the doors but also their hearts, made them think along the line of "stolen corpse" but could not see the truth of resurrection. At last, the two disciples from Emmaus had arrived. Now there were at least three people who had seen the risen Jesus Christ! Even if the Jewish customs did not accept women testimony, there were still two male witnesses. Their claim stands! The problem was that they were outnumbered. How could they stand against the Jewish authority? Just at this moment, Jesus Christ appeared and gave them the Holy Spirit, the power from heavens, to help them bear witness to His resurrection!

The first greeting Jesus Christ gave was, "Peace be with you." (20:21) Thus, we see that peace was what the disciples and we are badly in need of. The disciples and we are distressed by many things. We have no peace: The disciples worried about the personal safety. They were confused about the future. Some might regret wasting three years following a wrong man. They might be angry with themselves, with their companions and even with Jesus! Today, we are also worried by many things so much so that we close our hearts and fail to see the will of the Father. For example, parents are sleepless about the education of their children and students about examinations. Young people find no direction for their future and career. Adults are anxious about the economy and politics. Senior citizens worry about their health and their death. All the people, young and old, feel uneasy about conflicts in interpersonal relationships. When you feel that nobody understands you, or even being framed or spent, you feel angry but helpless. From where does your peace come? By what can Jesus Christ grant us peace? By what can he clear away our distresses?

The following sentence Jesus Christ spoke was the key to peace: i.e. to receive the Holy Spirit and forgive sins (20:22-23). Be careful! The "forgive sins" here has nothing to do with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Today, only bishops and priests can administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Even deacons do not have the authority to administer it. The gospel passage talks about believers who have received the Holy Spirit. They are you and I. You and I can forgive those who sin against us and obtain peace! The authority with which bishops and priests forgive sins against other people comes from the gospel of Matthew when Jesus Christ made Peter the Rock of the Church. (Matthew 16:19)

To forgive those who sin against us is easier said than done. If the Holy Spirit does not give us strength, we cannot forgive. When you are wronged, you are angry but this anger does the trespasser nothing. Yet you are more damaged. Why allow yourself to suffer more! When your grievances come from institutional exploitation or from organized injustice, your anger does not move a bolt in the system but increases the damages on you and those close to you. What is the use of being angry?

Beseech the Holy Spirit! Beg the Holy Spirit to give you the light of truth, to open up your closed heart and enlighten your wisdom to see what hope God's call brings. God calls us to share His life but we have shortcomings waiting for God to prune to become worthy of sharing His life. Perhaps those grievances are arranged by the Father to polish us. As an aphorism goes, "A piece of jade cannot become useful without sculpting." Moreover, we need to wisdom of the Holy Spirit to see clearly what mission God's call assigns. The Father calls us to be ambassadors of reconciliation to bring grace and peace to the world. Do we see this? Beseech the Holy Spirit to grant us the fire of charity, to soften our hearts which have been hardened by selfishness, greed and anger. Let us extend a helping hand to the needy brethren with humility to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit. They are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). Are we able to do this?

On Pentecost, we celebrate the Descent of the Holy Spirit. Let us bathe once more in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, to receive His peace and strength. Leave our comfort zones in peace. Go out to the community to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ, accept the salvation of God to receive the forgiveness of sins and the liberation of the heart.
God bless!

抗衡假新聞 To Combat False News

第五十二屆世界社會傳播日
主題：抗衡假新聞

執事讀高小的時候，中文老師苦口婆心地鼓勵同學們，閱讀【華僑日報】，提高中文的水平，以應付升中考試。當年，報紙是最有效力的大眾傳媒。隨著時代的遷移，大眾傳媒憑藉科技的發展，由電影、播音、電視以致今天的互聯網，更深入和更全面地影響著每個人的生活。從前，祗有國防部、銀行和大機構纔擁有電腦；今天，每人手上的流動電話，它的運算能力，比當年計算登陸月球的「亞頗羅計劃」的電腦，強勁32,000倍 ¹！倘若你覺得這不同年代的比較不公平，讓我告訴你，你的手機所擁有的運算能力，足以媲美1996年擊敗國際象棋特級大師卡斯帕洛夫的「IBM深藍」。新的科技固然帶來更大的方便和更高的工作效率，但正如一則亞爾巴尼亞諺語所云：「火可以是忠僕，亦可以是惡主」。倘若我們不善用這些科技，我們不但成為受害人，更成為它的奴隸。現在，讓我們認識互聯網，帶給我們甚麼的影響。

1. 互聯網是一個不斷進化的，免費的百科全書，可以想像到的資訊，應有盡有。從前祇有圖書館纔可擁有的【大英百科全書】，今天的維基百科Wikipedia，幾乎可以取代它的地位，更重要的，它是免費的。相信大家手機中的應用程式，大多數是免費的。免費的東西，如何保證它能維持下去？答案就是廣告。稍後會解釋。
2. 互聯網打破了地域與時間的限制。從前因為天氣惡劣而停課，今天即使停課，同學們仍然可以留在家中，透過互聯網自學和交功課。從前跨國機構召開會議，來自世界各地的人，舟車勞頓，集合一起討論議決。今天透過互聯網和透過視像會議，節省了不少交通和酒店食宿開支；行動不便的人歡迎互聯網，因為「足不出戶而知天下事」不再是夢想，連彌撒也有直播，雖然未能領聖體，但總算履行了做教友的本份！
3. 互聯網使全世界「民主化」。從前，出版一份報紙，不但須要資金，更須要有份量的稿件。拍攝一齣電影，須要明星和劇本。今天，你和我祇需繳付數十元的月費，便可在互聯網上寫微博、在「臉書」上發表意見、上傳相片到 Instagram，你和我都可以成為記者，報導災難或戰爭的現場；又或者把短片發報到Youtube去，賺取陌生人的Like，吸引讀者訂閱。祇要點擊率達到一百萬，便會有商人接觸你，在你的頻道Channel賣廣告！你和我不必投資上千萬，祇要一機在手，便可以成為大明星、大導演和KOL了！倡議民主的人歡迎互聯網，因為出版事業不再是大財團的專利，每個人都可以在互聯網上發表意見，做記者，做時事評論員，做總編輯！不過，為了增加「點擊率」，「標題黨」便應運而生。在矚目的標題之下，大部份都是「貨不對辦」的垃圾！

傳統上，大眾傳媒負有四大使命。即是提供資訊、提供娛樂、製造輿論和監察政府。資訊要求真和及時，娛樂要求美，輿論和監察要求善！每天與市民接觸的報紙、電台、電視和互聯網，既然操控著如此強而有力的資源，就應按真善美的準則來履行這四個使命。但是，在互聯網的時代，在你和我都成為了記者的時代，我們有沒有按真善美的準則，來承擔大眾傳媒的使命呢？

例如：當郵政服務開始的時候，就有「連鎖信」的濫用，當中夾雜了祝福和恐嚇！當我們發展到使用電郵的時候，經常會收到一些利用人類慈悲心的惡作劇信件，說某某患了癌症，祇餘下半年壽命，沒有醫藥費。請收到電郵後，轉發給朋友，電訊公司便會按每封轉發的電郵，贊助三美仙云云。倘若是真的，這封電郵一定有病毒，否則電訊公司如何跟蹤你轉發的電郵呢？當你好心轉發給朋友的時候，你豈不是把病毒傳給你的朋友，苦害了他們？通常，這類電郵沒有標明日期和出處，即是說，當你收到電郵的時候，病人可能已在十多年前去世了。結果，一年半載之後，我仍會收到類似的電郵，真是啼笑皆非，信中的病人，不是已經死了嗎？更惡毒的，就是信中附有醫生或者相關人士的查詢電話！這位可憐的醫生，不知收到過多少個認真求證的電話了！原來這是一個報復、甚至是網上欺凌的手段！你竟然成了幫兇。

網上資訊的另一個缺點是質素。從前知名道高的報紙，會報導事實，揭發真相。可是，今天從網上，從WhatsApp傳來的資訊，有多少是真實的，有多少被人加鹽加醋呢？相信大家收過不少伊斯蘭教如何殘殺基督徒的資訊吧！連聖德蘭修女所創辦的仁愛傳教修會的修女也不能倖免，慘死在這些伊斯蘭國的凶徒手上。例如：2014年曾有一封廣傳的電郵，說ISIS已佔領伊拉克Queragosh城，並在城內有系統地把基督徒斬首。電郵呼籲為Queragosh的基督徒祈禱，並捐助一個所謂「國際危機救援」的組織 ²。今年，當伊斯蘭國已被擊退了，這電郵再一次在WhatsApp散播！這種假消息，不但是假，而且煽動仇恨的情緒。倘若我們不假思索，盲目地傳給我們的朋友群組，我們便成了一個不負責任的記者，不負責任的謠言散播者，有違真善美的原則和至真至善至美的天主了！

教宗方濟各把今年，第52屆世界社會傳播節的主題，聚焦在假新聞上 。有甚麼方法驗證消息的真偽呢？首先，要找獨立的媒體，看看相關的報導。其次，我們不能偏聽！雨傘運動展示了一個互聯網的趨勢，就是彼此壁壘分明，互相謾罵，對方的意見，充耳不聞。這樣，我們祇會接受我們喜歡的消息，便容易被人蒙閉了。
最後，教宗說：「因此，確保消息來源的正確性，並小心謹慎的予以傳播，才是推動良善、 促進信任並開展共融與和平道路的真正方法。」³
各位兄弟姊妹，對於來歷不明，未能驗證的訊息，請不要轉發！
天主保祐！

LII World Communications Day
Theme: To Combat False News

When I was studying in senior primary, our Chinese teachers always advised all pupils to read Wah Yiu Yat Po to raise our Chinese proficiency in order to meet requirements of the Secondary School Entrance Examination. In those years, newspapers were the most powerful mass media. Time passes. Mass media went through the evolution from movies, radio broadcasting, TV and today the Internet. They become more intensive and extensive in affecting our daily life. Once upon a time, only the Department of Defence, Banks and Big Enterprises had computers installed. Today, the computing power of the mobile phones in our hands is 32,000 times more powerful than the computers that sent the Apollo's to the moon¹ . If you think this comparison is unfair, let me tell you, the computing power in your hand is comparable to IBM Deep Blue which defeated Kasparov, the Chess Grand Master in 1996. New technology makes life more convenient and productivity more efficient. But just like what an Albanian proverb says, "Fire is a good servant but a bad master." If we are unable to make good use of these technologies, not only will we become victims, but also their slaves. Now, let us know how the Internet affects our life.

1. The Internet is an ever evolving and free encyclopedia that contains any idea you can think of. Previously, only libraries can have a copy of the Encyclopedia Britannica. Today, Wikipedia can nearly take over its place. Moreover, it is free. I believe most of the Apps in your mobile phones are free of charge. How can we guarantee their survival? The answer is advertisement which we will explain later.
2. The Internet overcomes space-time limitations. Previously, schools closed on adverse weathers. Today, even if all schools are closed, students can stay home to study and submit homework through the Internet. Previously, executives from all over the world had to fly into one place to discuss and deliberate. Today, through the Internet and video conferencing, a lot of money is saved on transportation and accommodation. People with disabilities embrace the Internet because it is no longer a dream to stay home and know the world. Yes, they literally know the world without leaving their houses. Even masses go live. Though one cannot receive the Holy Communion, he has already fulfilled his Sunday obligation.
3. The Internet democratizes the world. Previously, one needed capital and quality articles to publish; stars and scripts to make a movie. Today, you and I only need to pay less than a hundred dollars to write blogs on the Internet, to air your voices on Facebook and to upload photographs to Instagram etc. You and I suddenly become reporters to cover disasters and wars live. We may upload video clips on Youtube to earn Likes from total strangers and to attract subscriptions. When the hit-rate reaches a million, publicity people will place advertisements on your channel. You and I do not need to invest millions of dollar. With a phone in hand, we can be movie stars, famous directors and KOL. Democracy advocates embrace the Internet because publishing is no longer controlled by cartels. Anybody can make their voice heard on the Internet. Anybody can be a journalist, a commentator of social issues and a chief editor! However, in order to enhance the hit-rate, "Headline Gangs" emerge. Underneath eye-catching headlines, most likely we only find irrelevant rubbish!

Traditionally, mass media carry out four social functions: to provide information, to entertain, to shape public opinions and to scrutinize government. Information is required to be true and timely, entertainment beautiful. Moulding public opinions and scrutinizing governments aim at goodness. Newspapers, radio and television stations as well as the Internet possess and control huge resources. They should follow the principles of truth, beauty and goodness to discharge the four social functions. In the age of the Internet, the age in which you and I are journalists, do we follow these principles to carry out our missions?

For example, at the dawn of postal service, there had already been abuses of chain letters which carry blessings and curses! When email was developed, people often received hoaxes which took advantage of people's compassion. These emails say so-and-so suffered from cancer, had only a few months to live and had no money. If we forwarded the email to friends, the Internet service provider would donate 3 cents etc. If it were true, the email must carry a virus. Otherwise, how could the ISP track your forward mails? You forwarded your friends out of good intentions. Were you not spreading virus to your friends? Usually these emails carry no date and no origins. That is to say, when you receive these emails, probably the patients mentioned might have died already for more than ten years. Subsequently, after some 20 months, you still receive such emails. How curious! Hadn't the patient already died? More maliciously, the email gave you the telephone number of the doctor or carer in charge. Poor doctor! Imagine how many verification telephone calls he had received! It turns out to be a revenge or even a means of cyber bullying! You become an accomplice!

The quality of information from the Internet is questionable. Previously, well-known papers reported and exposed the truth. But today, how many WhatsApp messages you have receives are immune to alterations or exaggerations? I am sure you must have received many messages about how Muslims butcher Christians! Even nuns of the Missionaries of Charity were victims of ISIS murderers! For example, in 2014, an email went viral. It claims that ISIS had captured Queragosh in Iraq and begun beheading Christians systematically inside the city. This email appeals for urgent prayers and donation to the "International Crisis Relief", a fictitious organization². This year, ISIS has receded. This email emerges and starts spreading in WhatsApp again. These hoaxes are not only fake, but they also fan up hatred. If we forward them blindly to our friend groups, we become irresponsible reporters, irresponsible rumour-mongers. We go against the principles of truth, goodness and beauty. We go against God who is true, good and beautiful.

This year, Pope Francis made "Fake News" the theme of the 52^nd World Communications Day⁴. How can we tell if a message is piece of fake news? First of all, cross check it with other independent media. Secondly, we cannot afford to listen to one side of a story only. The Umbrella Movement shows a trend on the Internet. People are polarized and exchange punches. They close their ears and do not listen to the other side. In this way, we only hear what we like to hear. Then we can be easily fooled.
Lastly, Pope Francis says, "That is why ensuring the accuracy of sources and protecting communication are real means of promoting goodness, generating trust, and opening the way to communion and peace."
Brethren, do not forward unverified messages from questionable sources.
God bless!

¹https://www.zmescience.com/research/technology/smartphone-power-compared-to-apollo-432/
²https://www.catholic.org/news/international/middle_east/story.php?id=57051
³http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/zh_tw/messages/communications/documents/papa-francesco_20180124_messaggio-comunicazioni-sociali.html
⁴http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/communications/documents/papa-francesco_20180124_messaggio-comunicazioni-sociali.html

The Art of Loving 愛的藝術

Sixth Easter Sunday, Year B
Theme: The Art of Loving

Every mature Christian should study the gospel of John. Unlike the other three gospels, John's gospel is not simply a recording of the words and deeds of Jesus Christ. It is a meditation on the life of the Word, the Son of God. Therefore, sometimes it is difficult to follow his train of thoughts. Just as what Fr. Joseph always teaches us, "In his gospel, John takes us on quantum jumps. We always have to jump from the literal level to the symbolic levels." The passage today is probably an exception. It is very straightforward. We don't need to jump because we have come to a theme which John repeats many times in different occasions: LOVE. God is love. Jesus Christ loves us without reservation. We should obey him and love one another because only love bears fruits that will remain.

Unlike other living creatures, human babies are born prematurely. They cannot survive without the help from others. In one sense, it is their weakness. But it also provides them with great potential to learn and advance. Other animals don't have to learn. They survive by instincts. Human babies take several years to learn before they can stand on their own. Now they dominate the whole Creation! They were truly created in the image of God. We hear people say, "No man is an island." All human beings rely on relationships to survive, to grow, to develop, to make advancements and turn the "image of God" within us into reality.

When we look at relationships, some are sour and even deadly because there are selfish people whose motto in life is "What I can't get, nobody can. When I am unhappy, nobody can be happy." In such a "lose-lose" relationship, all parties suffer.
There are beautiful relationships in which all parties become better and better. All parties grow and help each other grow. This is a "win-win" relationship in which love flourishes. For example, Catholic domestic helpers and their Catholic employers are examples of such a "win-win" relationship. The newly-wed couple is another.
In most relationships, one party gains at the expense of the other. It is a "zero-sum" relationship. Immediately, an exploitative employer-employee relationship comes to mind, right? However, because human beings are able to grow and develop the "image of God" within them, the party that gains may be able to amplify the benefits while the party that loses may be able to heal itself. So, the "zero-sum" relationship is only temporary and in the end, both parties are happy. Your relationship with your boss may improve in time. A mother-infant relation which develops into a mother-child relationship and a mother-son relationship is another good illustration of this type of transient "zero-sum" relationships.

When we look deeper, we will discover that love is an essential element to make a relationship healthy, happy and sustain it. Who doesn't want to enjoy a healthy and happy relation? Therefore, many best-sellers teach people "The Art of Loving". For example, Erich Fromm wrote that there are four elements in love: care, responsibility, knowledge and respect. Alas! There is nothing new under the sun. Actually, all these ideas came from Jesus' teachings. So, why don't we go back to the root to find out what Jesus' teaching is!

1. Jesus describes His relationship with us as one between a good shepherd and his flock (John 10:11). This is care. Whatever Jesus does, he does it for our good. Similarly, whatever we do, we do it for the good of the other party. We fed infants the best milk and sent them to the best school for their good. That is also why we baptize them to make them not just our children but also the children of God so that they may lead a life full of grace.
2. Jesus gave us the Holy Communion to feed us until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). He also took up the cross and lay down his life to pay for our sins (John 10:15). This is responsibility. Do you remember the story of Cain and Abel? When God asked Cain the where-about of his brother Abel, we hear the immortal line, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9) Yes Cain, you are! This is a tragic example of being irresponsible. As parents, we do not just baptize our children. We help them build up intimate relationship with Jesus and obey God's Commandments. We bring them to the Sunday School.
3. As our personal Saviour, Jesus calls us by names (John 10:3) and He knows our personal needs. This is knowledge. However, some parents have become Monsters by imposing their personal wishes on their children without knowing whether those actions really do their children any good. They force their children to take many classes on Sundays instead of bringing them to Sunday mass. Monster parents demonstrate a lack of knowledge.
4. All of us are free because God our Creator is free. He does not force us to believe in Him or to do His will. This is respect. God even respects His creatures! Do we treat other people with respect? Do we take advantage of others, exploit them and trample on their dignity? Alas! Human beings even abuse their freedom to do harms to themselves and others. What does Jesus do? He cleans up our mess by dying on the cross for us! This is more than respect. This is LOVE, Jesus' love.

But wait, Jesus' love should be unconditional. Why then does Jesus tell us to obey his commandments in order to remain in his love (15:10)? That is an order and there is no respect for our freedom. Isn't it contradictory? Think again. Jesus is our God and we are His sheep, His creatures (Psalm 100:3). When God gives a commandment, it is for our good. It is to help us actualize the "image of God" within us. In obeying His commandment, we may remain in His love and our joy may be complete (John 15:11).

Brethren, let us bear in mind at least these four elements of love: care, responsibility, knowledge and respect. Let us bear in mind our call to actualize the "image of God" in us and in others. Let us put into practice Jesus' command and love one another like what He has done for us.
God bless!
2015年默想

---

復活期第六主日，乙年
主題：愛的藝術

每個成熟的基督徒，必須研讀【若望福音】。與其他三部對觀福音不同，若望的福音不單是耶穌基督言行的紀錄，更是天主聖言、天主聖子生平的「默想錄」。所以，有些時候，跟隨若望的思路是一點艱難的。正如吳神父經常說：「在他的福音中，若望經常帶領我們跳躍，從字面的層次跳進象徵的層次。」今天的經文可能是一個例外，它非常直截了當，沒有要求我們作思維的跳躍。因為今天的主題，是若望在不同場合經常強調的：愛。天主是愛，耶穌基督毫無保留地愛我們，我們應遵從祂的誡命，彼此相愛，因為祇有愛，纔能結常存的果實。

與其他生物不同，人類的嬰兒是早產的。沒有其他人的幫助，它們不能生存。表面上這是它們的弱點，但這弱點卻包含了極大的潛能，讓它們學習和進步。其他動物無須學習，牠們靠本能生活。人類的嬰兒卻要費幾年的時間纔能站地來，今天他們統治著整個創造！他們確是按天主的肖像所造。常言道：「沒有人是個孤島。」所有人都倚賴人際關係存活、成長、發展、進步並現實「天主的肖像」。

當我們研究人際關係的時候，我們會發現一些酸苦甚至致命的關係，因為有些自私的人，他們人生的座右銘是：「我得不到的，沒有人可以得到；我不快樂，沒有人可以快樂！」在這些關係裡，人人痛苦，可謂「雙輸關係」。
有些美麗的關係，人人受惠，人人變得愈來愈好，大家互相扶持彼此的成長。這些充滿著愛的關係，可謂是「雙贏關係」。例如，天主教外傭與她們天主教僱主的關係，新婚燕爾的夫婦關係，都是「雙贏關係」。
在其他大部份的關係中，總是一方獲益，一方受損，我們稱這些關係為「零和關係」。大家的腦海立刻浮現出一個僱主剝削她外傭的圖像，對不對？不過，人是有能力成長，並且發展在他們內的「天主肖像」。受益的一方可以擴大她的利益，而受損的一方可能會自我治療。因此，「零和」是短暫的，最後大家都稱心滿意。假以時日，你和僱主的關係得以改進；一個母嬰關係發展成母子關係，是另一個「臨時零和關係」的寫照。

當我們更深入反省時，我們會發覺「愛」能持續令一個關係健康愉快。有誰不希望享受一個健康愉快的關係呢？所以，有很多暢銷書籍教人「愛的藝術」。例如，艾里希‧弗洛姆認為，愛有四個主要元素：關懷、責任、認識和尊重。唉！太陽之下無新事，上述高見亦不過是耶穌的教訓。那麼，何不尋根究底，看看耶穌有甚麼教訓吧！

1. 耶穌把祂與我們的關係，形容為善牧與羊群的關係（若10:11）。這就是「關懷」。無論耶穌做甚麼，總是為了我們的益處。同樣，無論我們做甚麼，都應該為對方的益處而做。我們以最好的奶餵哺我們的嬰兒，我們送他們到最好的學校讀書。所以我們為嬰兒洗禮，讓他們不但成為我們的子女，更成為天主的子女，好能度一個充滿恩寵的生活。
2. 耶穌賜給我們聖體聖事，直到今世的終結（瑪28:20）。祂為我們的罪，背負十字架，並捨棄了自己的性命（若10:15）。這就是負「責任」的表現！還記得加音和亞伯爾的故事嗎？當天主問加音，他的弟弟亞伯爾在哪時，加音說了一句不朽的名言：「難道我是看守我弟弟的人？」（創4:9）加音，你當然是！這是一個不負責任的悲劇性例子。作為父母，我們不但為子女施洗，我們更應幫助他們與耶穌建立親密的關係，和遵守天主的誡命，我們帶他們到主日學。
3. 作為我們個人的救主，耶穌按著名字呼喚我們（若10:3），祂知道我們需要甚麼。這就是「認識」。可惜，有些父母變成「怪獸家長」，在不清楚他們的行動，是否對孩子有益時，便把自己的意願，強加在子女身上。他們迫子女在星期日參加很多學習班，而不是帶子女參加主日彌撒。這些怪獸家長，是典型缺乏認識的例子。
4. 我們是自由的，因為創造我們的天主是自由的。祂並沒有強迫我們相信祂，或者服從祂的旨意。這就是「尊重」。連天主也尊重祂的受造物！我們以尊重待人嗎？我們有佔人便宜，剝削他們，並踐踏他們的尊嚴嗎？唉！人甚至濫用他的自由，傷害自己和他人。耶穌怎麼辦？祂死在十字架上為我們善後！這不祇是尊敬，這是愛，耶穌的愛。

等等！耶穌的愛不是無條件的嗎？為甚麼耶穌命令我們，服從祂的誡命，好能存留在祂的愛內（15:10）呢？這是一道命令，當中沒有半點尊重我們的自由。這不是很矛盾嗎？請再三思。耶穌是我們的天主，我們是祂的羊群，祂的受造物（詠100:3）。天主賜給我們一條誡命，是為了我們的益處，幫助我們彰顯內在的「天主肖像」。當我們遵守祂的誡命時，我們便存留在祂的愛內，我們的喜樂便得以完滿（若15:11）。

各位兄弟姊妹，我們最少也要緊記愛的四大元素：關懷、責任、認識和尊重。讓我們牢記我們的聖召，在於把我們的和別人的內在「天主肖像」，實現出來。讓我們實踐耶穌的命令，彼此相愛，如同耶穌愛了我們一樣。
天主保祐！