著眼小處 Pay Attention to the Negligibles

常年期第十七主日，乙年
主題：著眼小處

上一個主日，我們聽到門徒辛勞地傳福音後，向耶穌基督匯報成果，耶穌便帶他們往荒野去休息。休息是重要的，它不但能恢復我們的體力，更幫助我們靜下來，沉澱我們的意識和經驗，從中體會天父對我們的旨意和慈愛。當耶穌基督和門徒來到目的地的時候，一大夥群眾正在等候著他們。上一個主日的福音說，「耶穌…就對他們動了憐憫的心，因為他們好像沒有牧人的羊。」（谷6:34）今天的福音，承接上一個主日的事蹟。讓我們放下馬爾谷，試從若望宗徒的角度，看跟著發生的「五餅二魚」神蹟。

為甚麼我說「從若望宗徒的角度看」呢？要知道四位聖史寫福音，是宣講同一個耶穌基督的不同面貎，從而建立一個更立體的耶穌基督。四部福音都有記載耶穌基督的受難始末和五餅二魚神蹟，但焦點各有不同。以五餅二魚為例，若望為甚麼要提及「逾越節」呢（若6:4）？為甚麼沒有提及耶穌基督對沒有牧人的群眾動了憐憫的心，卻反而在試探考驗斐理伯（6:5）呢？五餅二魚來自一個兒童（6:9），這個細節是若望所獨家記載的，連在場的瑪竇也沒有提及，若望想藉著這個細節，表達甚麼訊息呢？最後，亦祗有若望記載耶穌吩咐他們，「把剩下的碎塊收集起來，免得糟蹋。」（6:12）這些都是值得我們靜下來默想反省的！

首先，讓我們處理若望沒有把焦點放在耶穌動了憐憫的心，卻來試探斐理伯一事。這是若望反省了幾十年來的心得，他告訴我們三位一體天主的聖子，就是天主聖言，就是天父在創造宇宙萬物時所說的話（1:1）。這「聖言成了血肉，居住在我們中間。」（1:14）這個天主聖子，天主聖言，就是耶穌基督。來到世上，「他自己原知道要做甚麼。」（6:6）從而門徒們可以親眼看見祂的光榮。所以若望為我們塑造出一個控制大局，按天父旨意行事的天主子。在記述耶穌基督的受難始末時，這個「服從天父旨意」和「控制大局」的形象，更為明顯！

其次，為甚麼要提及「逾越節」呢？猶太人慶祝「逾越節」，是慶祝天主施展大能，從埃及拯救解放了他們。他們每年慶祝，不但是為了紀念一段歷史，更是呼籲天主今天繼續履行祂的盟約，來解放他們。天主聖子正是為此而來到世上，為的是彰顯天父的慈愛，兌現天父的承諾，把世人從罪惡的勞役中解放出來。怎樣彰顯，怎樣兌現呢？就是在「逾越節」受難，然後第三天復活。若望看到這個「五餅二魚」神蹟，與後來在舉行「最後晚餐」時所建立的聖體聖事及十字架上犧牲的關係，所以寫下這個「逾越節」標記。

耶穌基督問斐理伯「從哪裡買餅給這些人吃」（6:5），問題的焦點是「哪裡」。耶穌基督期望這個荒野的現場，和這個「哪裡」的問題，可以觸動斐理伯，聯想到天主以「瑪納」，養活六十萬在曠野流浪的以色列人。耶穌希望跟著發生的神蹟，令群眾想起天父會照顧我們的需要，一如當年祂照顧了在曠野裡的以色列人一樣。斐理伯捉錯了用神，把焦點放在「買餅」上，從而計算出二百個「德納」。群眾亦捉錯用神，想擁立可見的耶穌基督為王，而忘記了歸光榮於那看不見的慈悲天父。

天主喜歡鋤強扶弱，例如達味擊敗巨人哥肋雅；祂慣常以一小撮人殲滅大多數人，例如基德紅民長的故事。固然，這樣做纔突顯出天主正在為以色列人作戰，而不是以色列人憑他們的兵器或戰術取勝。另一方面，天主希望我們不要忽視微不足道的事物，例如五餅二魚是出自一個兒童，而不是一個成年人；是五餅二魚而不是二百德納的餅；最後，更要收集剩下的碎塊，不可糟蹋！一如聖德蘭修女所說，我們應該以「大愛做小事」，不要「以善小而不為」。是的，天主不會強迫人相信祂，所以祂喜歡逗留在微不足道的事物裡。其實那些事物並不真的是微不足道，祇是我們太忙碌，沒有注意到它們的重要性。常言道「魔鬼在細節」，更正確地說，應該是「天主在細節」。祂喜歡躲在貧窮的，弱小的，患病的和無家可歸等等的人身上，等待我們去親近祂，好讓我們領受祂的祝福。祂喜歡運用我們所奉獻的小善，做出驚天動地的大事。

各位兄弟姊妹，我們怎樣纔能在這些有待我們伸出援手的，微不足道的人身上，認出耶穌基督和服事祂呢？我們需要休息，需要把波動的心靈靜下來，著眼小處，好能聽到天父的聲音，而不會像斐理伯一樣，誤會了天主的旨意。
天主保祐！

2015講道

---

Seventeenth Ordinary Sunday, Year B
Theme: Pay Attention to the Negligibles

Last Sunday, we read that after the hard work of evangelization, the disciples reported to Jesus what they had done and taught. Then Jesus took them to a deserted place to rest. Rest is important. Not only does rest refresh our strength but it also helps us calm down and it allows our consciousness and experiences to precipitate, thus illuminating us about the will and mercy of the Father. When Jesus Christ and his disciples arrived at a deserted place, a great crowd was already waiting for them. Last Sunday, the gospel says, "His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd." (Mark 6:34) The gospel passage today picks up where we had left last week. Let us put Mark down and try to look at the subsequent Five Loaves and Two Fish miracle from the perspective of John.

Why did I say "from the perspective of John"? We should know that the four Evangelists proclaim the same Jesus Christ from different perspectives in order to paint a multi-dimensional portraital of Jesus Christ. All four canonical gospels tell the same Passion and this Five Loaves and Two Fish miracle but with different foci. Take the example of this Five Loaves Two Fish miracle, why does John mention the "Jewish Feast of Passover" (John 6:4)? Why does John not mention how Jesus was moved with pity by the crowd who were like sheep without a shepherd, but instead tested Philip (6:5)? The five barley loaves and two fish came from a boy (6:9). This detail was exclusively reported by John. Even Matthew who was on the scene does not mention it. What message does John want to convey with this detail? Lastly, only John mentions Jesus telling them to "Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted." (6:12) These details worth our quietude to meditate and reflect!

First of all, let us handle the case of testing Philip without mentioning Jesus' compassion on the crowd. John reached this conclusion as a result of decades of meditation! He tells us that the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, i.e. the Word was what the Father spoke while He was creating the universe (1:1). This "Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." (1:14) This Son of God, Word of God is Jesus Christ. He came to earth, knowing "what he was going to do." (6:6) Then his disciples would be able to witness His glory. John painted a Son of God who is in full control and is doing the Father's will. This obedient and taking full-control portrait is more obvious in the Passion!

Secondly, why is Passover mentioned? Jews celebrate Passover in order to celebrate how God delivered and liberated them from Egyptian bondage with great might. Every year they celebrate, not just to remember a historical event, but to appeal God to continue honouring His covenant to liberate them. God the Son came to earth just to do this. He came to manifest the Father's mercy, to honour His promise and to liberate humanity from the bondage of Sins. How did He manifest and honour? To suffer on Passover and on the third day came back to life again. When John saw the link between this Five Loaves and Two Fish miracle with the Holy Eucharist which was established during the Last Supper as well as the sacrifice on the cross, he put down this Passover sign.

When Jesus Christ asked Philip, "Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?" (6:5), the focus was "where". Jesus Christ expected this deserted scene and this where question could trigger Philip to associate how God fed the 600,000 wandering Israelites with Manna. Jesus hoped that the subsequent miracle would remind the crowd of the Father's providence, just like how He provided for the Israelites in the wilderness in those years. Philip misplaced the focus and concentrated on "buying food", thus he came up with 200 days' wages. The crowd also misunderstood the situation. They wanted to carry him off to make the visible Jesus king and forgot giving glory to the invisible merciful Father.

God likes to beat the strong with the weak, for example David defeated Goliath. God used to destroy the out-numbering with a minority, for example the story of Gideon the Judge. Of course, in this way, it became obvious that God was fighting for the Israelites who did not win with their weaponry or tactics. On the other hand, God doesn't want us to ignore the negligible. For example, the five loaves and two fish came from a child and not from an adult; it was five loaves and two fish and not bread purchased with two hundred days' wages. Lastly, they had to gather the fragments left over so that nothing will be wasted! Just as what St. Mother Teresa says, "Do small things with Great Love". We should not refuse to do good because it is negligible. Yes, God does not force people to believe in Him. Thus He likes to stay with the insignificant things. In fact, those things are not really insignificant. We are just too busy to notice their importance. We usually say, "The Devil is in the Details". But it is more correct to say, "Deus is in the Details". He likes to hide Himself among the poor, the weak, the sick and the homeless etc. He waits for us to come close to Him so that we may be blessed. He enjoys doing earth shaking things with the negligible offerings we make.

Brethren, how can we recognize Jesus Christ and serve Him among those negligible people with hands out-stretched? We need to rest, to calm down our restless spirit. Focus on the negligible. Listen attentively to the whisper of the Father. Do not mistake God's will like Philip.
God bless!

休息的重要 The Importance of Rest

常年期第十六主日，乙年
主題：休息的重要

相信大家都喜歡閱讀武俠小說，或者欣賞武俠片。因為我們喜歡把自己投射到故事中的主角身上。他們武藝高強，而行俠仗義的時候，通常不需要飲食，上廁和睡眠，腰間總有用不盡的金錢。我們的耶穌基督卻不同，祂會感覺到疲倦而在船上睡著了（谷4:38）；祂會感到口渴而問井旁的撒瑪黎婦人要點水喝（若4:7），祂會感到饑餓，門徒要進入城中為他購買食物（4:8）。與那些大俠不同，耶穌基督就是如此真實的。讓我們默想這位「貼地」的，和我們一起呼吸的耶穌基督，在今天的福音中，有甚麼訊息教訓我們。

今天的福音，承接上個主日，耶穌派遣門徒，兩個兩個外出傳教。他們回來，向耶穌「述職」。然後，耶穌便與他們「到荒野的地方去休息一會兒！」（谷6:31）這樣做是很有意思的。休息是十誡中第三誡的精粹。以色列人有「守安息日」的法律，在安息日停止不必要的勞動。基督徒繼承猶太人的傳統，奉耶穌復活的日子為「主的日子」，簡稱「主日」，並視之為神聖的日子。基督徒在主日，也停止了日常的工作。那麼，猶太人為甚麼在安息日，停止日常的工作呢？

按出谷紀的解釋，守安息日是為了紀念天主六日創造，在第七天休息，所以他們也在第七天休息（出20:11）。這個理由並不合理，因為全宇宙的存在，有賴天主的支撐。倘若天主停止活動，我們的存在便岌岌可危了。天父一直在工作，沒有停下來，這是耶穌基督的證言。（若5:17）因此，天主在創造天地後休息，祇是為休息找個藉口。以色列人在埃及為奴不知多少年代，如今得到梅瑟的解放，不再為奴，而奴隸是沒有休息權利的。所以，休息成了自由人的記號。申命紀的解釋，一語中的。守安息日，是為紀念天主把他們從埃及的奴役出，解放出來（申5:15）。無論哪一個解釋，表面上是以天主為中心，但實際上是為了慶祝以色列人不再是奴隸。同樣，基督徒在主日，不做日常的工作來舉行彌撒，也是為了慶祝自己不再是罪惡的奴隸。所以主日不能返聖堂參予彌撒的人，表示他們仍然被奴役。

但耶穌的門徒外出傳福音，是一種服務，而不是一種奴役。既然不是奴役，還有休息的必要嗎？有的。傳福音也必需與靈修配合，便會事半功倍。
首先，讓我們嘗試想像門徒報告傳福音結果時，他們的心情是怎樣的？
從前，他們看見耶穌治病驅魔；今天，他們看見自己能夠治病驅魔，他們的心情是何等興奮；連邪魔也要服從他們，門徒們是何等得意忘形！耶穌卻非常冷靜，明白門徒的狀態，所以，耶穌基督帶他們到荒野的地方，去休息一會，反省這些能力帶來甚麼責任；在行使這些能力時，如何承行天父的旨意。因為歷史上，很多人和國家，因為濫用了天父所賜予的能力或權力，結果招至殺身之禍！
再者，耶穌亦會在休息時，與門徒分享自己傳福音的經驗，教訓他們傳福音時應注意的事項。例如，上面提到他們經過一座撒瑪黎雅城市的時候，門徒去了買食物，耶穌基督獨自一人留下，在井旁與一個撒瑪黎雅婦人交談後，結果全城都相信了耶穌基督就是他們所期待的默西亞（若4）。門徒如何得知發生了甚麼事呢？相信就是他們在休息的時候，耶穌基督把這次使全城皈依天父的心得，與他們分享。

例如，當門徒買了食物回來時，耶穌基督卻說，他的食物，就是承行天父的旨意，完成祂的工程；就是傳福音，在地上建立天國（4:34）。這是甚麼意思呢？原來耶穌基督的食物，即祂的滿足感不是來自飲食，累積財富，建立人際網絡，或者名譽地位；祂的滿足感是來自拯救人靈，來自服從天父的旨意。這樣，便刺激到門徒們和我們，自我反省，我們在甚麼地方找到滿足感呢？是飲食嗎？是金錢嗎？是人際關係嗎？還是名譽地位呢？這些東西有助我們，與天父建立更密切的關係或是更疏離嗎？為這些東西努力，是奉行天父的旨意，還是傷害自己，傷害別人嗎？

各位兄弟姊妹，休息是重要的。休息不但恢復我們的體力，更能給予我們時間和空間，反省自己有沒有盡力，有沒有浪費努力，有沒有在正確的方向努力。得到充份休息之後，我們可以再出發，開拓新的領域。各位，我們可曾在福傳方面，找到滿足感呢？倘若沒有，我們要加把勁休息吧！
天主保祐！

2015講道

---

Sixteenth Ordinary Sunday, Year B
Theme: The Importance of Rest

I trust everybody loves reading martial art novels or movies. It is enjoyable because we can project ourselves onto those heroes. Their fighting skills are superb and when they right wrongs, they don't seem to need any eating, going to the toilet or any sleep. They have inexhaustible reserves of money in their purses. Our Jesus Christ is different. He felt tired and fell asleep on a boat (Mark 4:38); he felt thirsty and asked for a drink from a Samaritan woman by the side of a well (John 4:7); he felt hungry so that his disciples entered the city to buy him food (4:8). Unlike those martial art heroes, Jesus Christ is so authentic. Let us meditate what this realistic Jesus Christ, who is breathing with us today, wants to teach us.

The story today is a continuation of what we heard last Sunday when Jesus sent his disciples, two by two, to evangelize. They reported back what they had done and taught. Then Jesus told them to "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." (Mark 6:31) This action is very meaningful. Rest is the essence of the Third Commandment. The Israelites observe the law to keep Sabbath holy. They stop doing unnecessary labour on Sabbaths. Christians inherit this Jewish tradition. They observe the day of Jesus' resurrection, Sunday and call it the Lord's Day and keep it holy. On Sundays, Christians also stop doing unnecessary labour. Then why did the Jews observe Sabbath and stop doing what they usually do?

According to Exodus, in six days God created the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested. Thus, they too should rest on the seventh day (Exodus 20:11). This reason is not reasonable because the existence of the universe needs God's support. If God were to stop His works, our existence would be jeopardized. Jesus testifies that the Father is at work until now (John 5:17) Thus, that God rests after the Creation is only an excuse for taking a break. The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt for God knows many generations. Now they were liberated by Moses and were no longer slaves who have no right to rest. Thus, "Rest" is a symbol for men of freedom. On the other hand, the explanation given by Deuteronomy hits the bull. Keeping the Sabbath is a remembrance of their delivery from Egyptian bondage by God (Deuteronomy 5:15). Whichever the explanation, this Commandment seems to focus on God but in reality, it is a celebration of freedom from slavery for the Israelites. Similarly, on Sundays, we Christians stop doing work and come together to offer mass to celebrate that we are no longer slaves of sins. Thus, those who cannot come back to Church to celebrate mass are somehow suffering slavery.

But when Jesus' disciples went out to evangelize, it was not slavery but a ministry. If it is not slavery, is it necessary to rest? Yes it is for a deeper reason. Evangelization must go hand in hand with spirituality in order to be effective.
First of all, let us imagine what the disciples felt when they reported back after evangelization. Before their evangelization, they saw Jesus heal and exorcize. Now, they were excited to see that they were able to heal and exorcize. They must have been elated when even demons obeyed them. But Jesus was sober to see the states of mind of his disciples. Thus Jesus Christ brought them to a deserted place to rest, to reflect on what responsibilities these powers entail and how to exercise these powers to do the Father's will. Throughout history, many people and countries were destroyed by the abuse of power or authority granted them by the Father.
Furthermore, during rest, Jesus would also share his experience of evangelization with the disciples, teaching them what to watch out for during evangelization. For example, once they arrived at a Samaritan city, the disciples went to buy food, leaving Jesus behind alone at a well where he had a conversation with a Samaritan woman. In the end, the whole city believed that Jesus Christ was the Messiah they had been waiting for (John 4). How did the disciples know what had happened? I think it was during their "rest" that Jesus shared with them how the whole city was converted to the Father.

For example, when the disciples came back with food, Jesus said that "his food" was to do the will of the Father and to finish His work, viz. to evangelize and to build up the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. (4:34). What does "his food" mean? Well, it means Jesus Christ did not find his satisfaction on food and drinks, on accumulating wealth, on building social supports or on fame and status. His satisfaction comes from the salvation of souls and the obedience to the Father's will. Then, it would stimulate the disciples and us to reflect. Where does our satisfaction come from? Food and drinks? Money? Relationships? Or power and fame? Do these things promote a more intimate relationship with the Father or greater alienation? Does working on these things fulfil the Father's will or harm ourselves and others?

Brethren, rest is important. Not only does rest restore our strength, but it also give us time and space to reflect on whether we have tried our best, whether we are wasting our energies and whether we are heading towards the right direction. With enough rest, we can go ahead to extend new frontiers. Brethren, have you found satisfaction in evangelization? If not, rest more!
God bless!

與基督一起宣講福音 Evangelize Alongside with Christ

常年期第十五主日，乙年
主題：與基督一起宣講福音

上一個主日，教區的教理中心，舉行了第54屆畢業禮。本堂亦有幾位學員畢業，並且更有質素地，投入主日學及慕道班的服務。在此多謝她們的熱心事奉，相信天主一定會賞賜她們更豐富的恩寵。

天主按自己的肖像造了人，並召叫每一個人，無論是信徒或非信徒，做一個頂天立地，無愧於心的人，不要令天主的肖像蒙污。這是第一個聖召，人人有份。在末日審判時，天主看我們的良心，並不看我們有沒有洗禮！
那為甚麼要洗禮呢？又或者，為甚麼不等到臨終時纔接受洗禮，一筆鉤銷呢？犯不著洗禮後仍然犯罪，犯罪後辦告解赦罪，再犯罪，再告解…豈不是多此一舉？
其實，世途凶險，邪說當道，道德淪亡。人單憑良心，很難抗衡世俗的挑戰，容易屈服在罪惡的奴役之下。天主不願看見罪人喪亡，祂渴望離開了正路的人，回頭悔改，重返祂的懷抱（則18:23）。所以，天主透過一些人物，進一步召叫我們成為天主的子民，好像舊約的以色列民族一樣，作為天主的選民，獲得天主的恩寵，天主的保護，抗衡世俗的誘惑。我們坐在聖堂裡的人，都是回應了天主的第二次召叫，接受了洗禮，成為祂的子民。領洗入教，就正如聖保祿宗祿所說，穿上了基督的全副武裝，可以抵抗邪惡，屹立不搖（弗6:13-18）。沒有洗禮，就不能進一步領受其他的聖事，其他的恩寵，祇好赤手空拳與世俗肉搏。

其實，當我們領受洗禮的時候，我們便分享了耶穌基督的三重職務。天主聖父派遣聖子降生成為耶穌基督，以君王、司祭和先知身份，履行天父所委派，分施恩寵的任務。我們也就是透過與耶穌基督一起，履行這些職務，獲得天主的恩寵。
當我們幫助遇到困難的人，或者服務弱勢社群的時候，我們在伸張天主的公義，替天行道，拓展天國。我們在履行君王的職務。當我們參加彌撒，祈禱念經，我們代表全人類，包括那些不認識天主，甚至拒絕天主的人，向天主獻上我們的祈禱和祭獻。我們履行著司祭的職務。當我們研讀聖經，並向人講述天主的道理，表達教會的立場時，我們履行著先知的職務。想當初，我們不是被一些天主教徒的榜樣所吸引，開始參加慕道班，接受洗禮的嗎？這些慕道班的導師，都是經過嚴格的訓練，把天主的道理，教會的立場，有系統地傳授給慕道者。他們在履行在領洗時分享到的，耶穌基督的先知職務。

今天的第一篇讀經，就是亞毛斯先知的自白。亞毛斯本來是一個南方的牧羊人，他並不是因為先知高薪厚職，所以放棄牧羊的工作；而是天主提拔了他，賜給他神視的特恩，並派遣他跑到北方的以色列國，宣講悔改。阿瑪責雅是北方貝特耳的司祭，並得到北國君王的寵信。阿瑪責雅感到亞毛斯的宣講，會引起群眾的恐慌，與及威脅到他的地位，於是下逐客令。所謂忠言逆耳，先知的說話，不一定受大眾所歡迎的！那麼，我們憑甚麼去履行先知的職務呢？福音給我們甚麼啟示呢？

今天的福音，好像是對傳教士說的，與一般教友無關。這樣看是錯的，因為我們在領洗時，已分享了耶穌基督的先知身份，所以我們也是傳教士。而且，我們比一般的傳教士更有優勢，他們去不到，接觸不到的地方，我們可以到。那麼，我們在傳福音的時候，難道也要兩個兩個（谷6:7），甚麼也不要帶（6:8）嗎？聖經當然不可以按字面的意義解釋。

為甚麼要「兩個兩個」呢？因為「天主是愛」（若一4:8, 16），這是我們信仰的核心之一。我們需要建立團體，纔可以實踐愛德。所以我們需要「兩個兩個」。
「甚麼也不要帶」又怎能成事呢？
人傾向信靠自己的能力，相信多勞多得，自食其力是一種美德。我們很容易忘記了，是天主幫助我們獲得救恩。帶的東西越少，越能彰顯天主的助力。帶的東西越多，要兼顧的東西多了，越障礙了我們看到耶穌基督與我們一起傳福音。耶穌基督要借助我們的手，治病驅魔；借助我們的嘴，說安慰鼓舞心靈的說話；借助我們的心，去愛被遺棄的人。有甚麼可以阻礙我們，與耶穌基督一起傳福音呢？是我們的知識水平低嗎？是害怕教錯道理嗎？是忙碌，沒有時間讀經，沒有時間上教理班的課程嗎？

上一個主日的福音，告訴我們納匝肋的鄉親父老拒絕耶穌，結果獲得很少的治療，很少的恩寵。所以，我們不回應耶穌基督的召叫，履行先知的職務，使教外人也能分沾天主的救恩，而我們也因而獲得更豐盛的恩寵，是我們的損失。耶穌基督已習慣了被親人所拒絕！但願我們不在拒絕耶穌基督的人群當中！
天主保祐！

2015講道

---

Fifteenth Ordinary Sunday, Year B
Theme: Evangelize Alongside with Christ

Last Sunday, the Diocesan Catechetical Centre celebrated the 54^th Graduation Ceremony. Some of our parishioners have finished their studies and will serve the Sunday school and catechumen classes with better quality. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their enthusiastic service. I trust God will abundantly award them with overflowing graces.

God created men in His own image and calls every man, be they believers or non-believers, to lead a righteous life of no regret so as not to blemish the image of God. This is our First Call. Everybody is included. At the Last Judgment, God will judge everybody according to his conscience, not whether he was baptized!
Why then should people be baptized? Even more, why not baptize at the deathbed once and for all? Why take the trouble to get baptized and then commit sins; go to confession to beg forgiveness, sin again and confess again and on and on?

In fact, it is difficult to lead a conscientious life in this evil rampant world. It is difficult to counter secular challenges with our conscience alone. We will easily fall prey to the bondage of sins. God does not enjoy seeing sinners perish. He desires people who have gone astray to repent and return to His bosom (Ezekiel 18:23). Thus, through some people we meet, God takes a further step to call us to be a member of the People of God, like the ancient Israelites whom God chose to give grace and to protect against secular temptations. All of us who are sitting here in this Church have responded to the Second Call of God to receive baptism and become His people. After baptism, like what St. Paul says, we put on the full armour of Christ to hold our ground on evil days (Ephesians 6:13-18). Without baptism, people cannot receive further Sacraments and other graces. They have to fight against evils with their bare hands.

In fact, when we were baptized, we partake in the threefold ministry of Jesus Christ. God the Father sent the Son to be incarnated in the person of Jesus Christ who discharges the mission of dispensing graces through the roles of a king, a priest and a prophet. When we help the needy or serve the disadvantaged in the society, God's righteousness is done. We serve God's cause and extend the Kingdom of Heavens. We are discharging the ministry of a king. When we celebrate mass and pray, we represent all humanity, including people who don't know God or even reject God, to offer up our prayers and sacrifices. We are discharging the ministry of a priest. When we study the Bible, tell people the truth of God and explain the position of the Church on social issues, we are discharging the ministry of a prophet. Do you remember how you were attracted by exemplar of some Catholics and started joining catechumen class and received baptism? These catechists have received rigorous training to instruct catechumens on salvific truths and the position of the Church. They are discharging the prophethood of Jesus Christ of which they partook during their baptism.

The first reading today tells us how Amos had become a prophet. Amos was only a herdsman of the southern Kingdom. He did not give up his job because prophets were highly paid (in the court). Rather, it was God who chose him, gave him the grace of visions and sent him to proclaim repentance to the Israelites in the north. Amaziah was the priest of Bethel in the north. He had the ears of the king. Amaziah felt the threats of Amos' proclamation which might panic the people. Thus, he decided to throw Amos out of Israel. A prophet's words are hard to swallow. They are not popular. Then, with what can we discharge our prophethood? What does the gospel tell us?

The passage today seems to address missionaries, not ordinary laity. Wrong. It is because we partake of the prophethood of Jesus Christ during our baptism. We too are missionaries. Furthermore, we have advantages over missionaries. We are able to go where they cannot. Then, when we preach, do we really have to go two by two (Mark 6:7) and to take nothing on our journey (6:8)? Of course, we should not take the Bible literally.

Why do we go two by two? It is because God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). This is one of the cores of our faith. We need to build up a community in order to practise charity. Thus we need "to go two by two".
How can we accomplish anything if we take nothing on our journey?
Men tend to rely on their own abilities. They believe that reward is proportional to effort and that diligence is a virtue. We easily forget that it is God who helps us obtain salvation. The less you carry, the more manifest God's power. The more you bring, the more attention is diverted to the things you bring along, the less we are able to see that Jesus Christ is working alongside us to evangelize. Jesus Christ wants to make use of our hands to heal and to exorcise, our lips to say edifying words and our hearts to love the abandoned. What can prevent us from evangelizing alongside with Jesus Christ? Our lack of knowledge? Our fear of teaching the wrong things? Our being too busy to study the Bible or to attend catechetical courses?

Last Sunday, we read that the folk in Nazareth rejected Jesus. Consequently, there were few healings and little graces. Thus, if we do not respond to the call of Jesus Christ to discharge our prophethood, to help non-believers share God's salvation and in so doing we will also receive more abundant graces, it is our loss. Jesus Christ gets used to being rejected by His folks! Pray that we are not amongst those who reject Him!
God bless!

天主經過，扶持了我 God Passes By Me and Assists Me

天主經過，扶持了我

年紀大了，記性差了，恐怕忘記了，所以不得不寫下來。一連串發生在身邊的事情，很難用「巧合」來解釋，所以我相信是天主扶持了我。

七月五日星期四
約了四位經驗豐富的義工，在下午二時三十分進入小欖精神治療中心做服務。於是上午到大欖探望幾位朋友，談笑甚歡，言之有物，很有挑戰性。我素來不喜歡戴腕表，結果，離開懲教所時已是下午二時了！行上小欖嘛，我又沒氣力（因為沒有時間吃午飯）；截的士嘛，很久也見不到一部。正在心急如鑊上螞蟻的時候，天主派了一位天使來送我上山！他是一位懲教署的巴基斯坦籍長官，伊斯蘭教徒。雖然知道我是天主教執事，他仍落力介紹伊斯蘭教的道理和習俗，給我認識。還教我說：「 الله أكبر Allah is the greatest」，彼此用來打招呼。他比其他同事遲走，是因為他要「拜神」（佢嘅廣東話好掂！）。是巧合？我纔不信！

七月七日星期六
原定上小欖送聖體。不知為甚麼，竟以為當日是七月的第二個星期六，所以返了天水圍聖堂，打算與聖雲先會會員一起查經。當然一個人也沒有，但辦公室桌上卻有一封來自小欖的信，是我打算送聖體的那一位寄來的。他提出了幾個聖經和神學的問題，想向我求教！倘若我不是健忘，恐怕便會錯過了那封信。當然，他仍可在我送聖體時，提出他的疑問。這樣，祇是一個平凡的接觸，而看不見是天主的手在作出干預。你不同意？

七月八日星期日
彌撒中，在信友禱文部份為被困的泰國少年足球隊成員，求天主在未來幾天，阻止當地下雨，好讓拯救行動可以順利完成。下午，與天水圍的英文團體的義工到大欖女懲教所舉辦宗教活動。離開的時候，陰雲密佈，空氣很沉重地壓著，傾盆大雨一觸即發。但很奇怪，直至回到家裡，竟然沒有被淋濕。晚上，從新聞報導得悉，已救出了四個少年隊員，還有九個成員待救！
但願天主以祂大能的手，繼續阻止雨水流向被困的隊員，一如今天祂保護了我和義工們，沒有被大雨淋濕一樣。亞孟！

---

God Passes By Me and Assists Me

I am ageing and my memory is failing. I can't afford not to put my memories into writing. Recently, a string of events have taken place which can't be explained away by coincidences. I'm convinced that God has assisted me.

July 5, Thursday
I made arrangement for four experienced volunteers to visit Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre at 2:30 p.m. Thus, I visited my friends in Tai Lam and had a challenging good chat with them in the morning. I do not wear wrist watches. Consequently, I left the Correctional Institution at 2 p.m.! Walk up Siu Lam? I did not have the strength (because I had had no lunch!). Get a taxi? None was in view for a long time. When I was anxious like ants in a hot pot, God sent me an angel to drive me up to Siu Lam! He is a Pakistani officer, a Muslim. Although he knows that I am a Catholic Deacon, he is never tired of explaining to me Islamic teachings and customs. He taught me "الله أكبر Allah is the greatest" and we greet each other with this phrase. He went home later than other officers because he was saying his Zuhr Prayer. Coincidence? I don't buy it!

July 7, Saturday
I intended to administer Holy Communion to an inmate in Siu Lam. For some unknown reason, I thought that it was the second Saturday of July. So, I returned to my serving Church to have Bible Studies with members of St. Vincent de Paul Society. Of course nobody turned up. But I found a letter on my desk. It was sent by the inmate I intended to visit. In the letter, he asked me several biblical and theological questions. Had I not been absent-minded, I would have missed the letter. Of course, he would still raise the same questions during my visit. But then, the visit would be an ordinary encounter and I would not be able to detect the intervention of God's hands. You don't agree, do you?

July 8, Sunday
During the Prayer of the Faithful in mass, I prayed for the "cave boys" in Thailand. I begged God to withhold rain for the next few days so that the rescue operation might be successful. In the afternoon, I went with the volunteers from the St. Jerome English Community to run religious function at Tai Lam. When we left, the sky was darkened. The air was depressing. Downpour was imminent at any moment. But strangely, we remained dry until we returned home. In the evening, I heard from the news that 4 cave boys were rescued. There were nine remaining!
I prayed that God would extend His mighty hand to restrain rain waters from flowing towards the confined team members, just as He had protected me and my volunteers from getting wet today. Amen!

看不見天主 Unable to see God

常年期第十四主日，乙年
主題：看不見天主

今天的福音，有兩個問題需要處理。
首先，耶穌基督的鄉親父老很奇怪，他們既然驚訝耶穌的智慧和他所行的奇能，為甚麼會對耶穌起了反感呢？（谷6:2-3）
因為他是木匠，出身卑微嗎？不會！與大城市，例如京城耶路撒冷不同，相信位於北方內陸的納匝肋並不會是一個很富裕的地方，大家的收入和地位，應該相差不大。所以，不會因為耶穌是木匠而對他反感。倘若要歧視他，便應該從他的父親若瑟開始，便歧視他們，對他們反感！
因為太熟悉他，又認識他的家人，看著他長大。知道他是木匠的兒子，後來繼承父業做木匠等等，所以對他反感嗎？不會！我們不都是喜歡與熟悉的人來往，與陌生的人保持距離嗎？但為甚麼熟悉耶穌會產生反感呢？

我相信問題在於耶穌基督突然變成了一個陌生的人，所以納匝肋的鄉親父老對耶穌起了反感！耶穌離開納匝肋一段時間後回來，已經不再是他們心目中昔日的木匠了。有一群門徒跟著他，好不威風！他說起話來很有智慧，不再說木匠的話了。雖然他的智慧足以取代納匝肋的會堂長，但對納匝肋沒有實際的幫助！而且，聽說他能赦罪、治病、驅魔、平息風浪，還能復活死人等等，完全不是一個木匠所能做，所應該做的事！納匝肋實在微不足道了，恐怕沒有癩病人、附魔的人、更沒有大湖和死人，讓這位師傅一展身手。老實說，他們寧可多一個木匠，總比多一個宣揚「天國」道理，打破他們傳統安寧生活的辣彼好。納匝肋真的容不下這位「貴客」！

第二個問題是為甚麼「耶穌在那裡不能行甚麼奇能」呢（6:5）？
上個主日的福音提及血漏病的婦人，她因著信德而獲得治癒。難道真是「信則有，不信則無」嗎？不可能！事實的存在與否，怎可能由人主觀決定的呢？即使地球上所有物種，包括人類都消失了，祇要地球仍然存在，仍然轉動，明天，太陽依然會從東方升起，不會因為再沒有人類，再沒有人相信，太陽就不存在！身為天主子的耶穌，當然有行奇蹟的能力。這能力絕對不會由其他人主觀決定的！例如，耶穌基督驅逐魔鬼、平息風浪和五餅二魚神蹟等，完全與當事人或者在場群眾的信德無關。請注意，耶穌基督感到詫異的，不是自己不能行神蹟，而是自己的鄉親父老的無信（6:6）！
其實，耶穌基督的心情，是天主素來的心情。天主滿以為祂一手解放，一手栽培的以色列民族會感恩圖報，會守誡命，履行公義。到頭來他們卻拜偶像和貪污腐敗（依5:7）！耶穌基督滿以為在自己成長的地方，鄉親父老們在熟悉的人手上，會更容易領受福音；到頭來因為利益的問題，拒絕了福音。後來，聖保祿宗徒在傳教的時候，他首先也是向猶太人傳福音的。但招來的卻是嫉妒和迫害，所以他纔向外邦人傳福音（宗13:44-46）。

另一方面，在沒有信德的光照下，神蹟祇會導致迷信和異端。沒有信德，耶穌基督祇是一個神醫，而不是一個靈魂的解放者；沒有信德，耶穌基督的受難是個失敗的革命；祂的復活，祇是一場惡作劇，而不是一個引領罪人回歸天父懷抱的救贖工程。因為納匝肋的鄉親父老沒有信德，倘若耶穌基督行更大的神蹟，既不能激發他們的信德，更可能導致更深的誤會和迷信。所以耶穌在納匝肋沒有行甚麼神蹟。

今天的福音對我們有甚麼啟發呢？
首先，天主是絕對自由的，所以祂給我們自由，並且尊重我們的自由，不強迫我們信靠祂。天主既然把以色列人從埃及的奴役中解放出來，當然不會把以色列人變成奴隸，否則天主祇不過是一個更強大的奴隸主，從埃及搶走以色列民族，據為己有而已！所以，在日常生活中，天主是隱然不可見的，否則我們便被迫相信祂的存在，祂的威能！但祂在我們的周圍，留下蛛絲馬跡，讓我們發現祂的臨在，祂的慈愛。

其次，是甚麼東西障礙了我們，使我們不能體會到天主的臨在呢？
是惰性。出於惰性，我們的靈性生命停滯不前。好像納匝肋的鄉親父老的想法一樣，目前不是很好嗎？為甚麼要改變呢？我們習慣了既定的生活模式，同樣感覺不到有改善的必要。我們從來沒有考慮過，祇是主日參加彌撒、領聖體是不足夠的。我們有必要每天有系統地讀經祈禱，深化耶穌基督與我們的關係。有必要每天讀經祈禱嗎？有！所謂「逆水行舟，不進則退。」同樣，我們與耶穌基督的關係，一樣是不進則退。在組織堂區活動時，我們因循地重覆往年的活動，沒有考慮過為聖堂以外，社區內的市民服務，沒有認識這個社區的需要。我們有必要服務社區內的市民，要認識這個社區嗎？有！這就是耶穌基督的教訓，祂臨現在最小的兄弟中（瑪25:40）。正如剛纔所提及過，天主在我們周圍，留下蛛絲馬跡。祂臨現在社區內被遺忘、請剝削的人身上，好讓我們在服務他們時，能發現祂的臨在，祂的慈愛。

跳出安樂窩，需要很大的決心；走出社區，需要很大的勇氣。這一切都有賴天主聖神的助祐。但這一切都是值得的，因為在我們的安樂窩，好像舊的皮囊，容不了天主的新酒（谷2:22），天主為我們所預備了的豐富恩寵。各位兄弟姊妹，讓我們祈求聖神，賜予我們信德和決心，跳出慣性的生活態度，擁抱天主的召叫，有勇氣地作出回應，領受更豐盛的恩寵。
天主保祐！

2015年講道

---

Fourteenth Ordinary Sunday, Year B
Theme: Unable to see God

We need to handle two issues today.
Firstly, weren't the folk of Jesus Christ behaving strangely? They were astonished by his wisdom and mighty deeds. Yet, they took offence at him (Mark 6:2-3). Why?
Was it because of his lowly status as a carpenter? No way! Unlike big cities such as Jerusalem, Nazareth in the northern inland could not be very prosperous. The incomes and status of the people would be similar. Thus, they should not take offence at Jesus because he was a carpenter. Had they despised him, they would have begun with his father Joseph first!
Was it because of familiarity? They knew his family members, saw him grow up, knew that he was the son of a carpenter and himself a carpenter after his father etc. Therefore, familiarity breeds contempt? No way! Don't we enjoy mixing with familiar people and avoid strangers? Why then familiarity with Jesus would breed offence?

I believe that the people in Nazareth took offence at him because Jesus Christ had become a total stranger to them! Jesus had left Nazareth and returned after a while. He was no longer the carpenter they had been familiar with. A band of disciples followed him. How glamourous! He spoke in wisdom and no longer carpenter's talks. Although his wisdom would enable him to replace the ruler of the synagogue, it did not benefit Nazareth in any practical way! Furthermore, they heard that he was able to forgive sins, cure diseases, exorcize, calm the waves and even raise the dead etc. These were NOT things a carpenter could do and should do! Nazareth was too insignificant. There were no lepers, NO possessed, not even a lake and no dead people for this master to flex his muscles. Frankly, they would rather have one more carpenter than a Rabbi to proclaim news of the Kingdom of Heaven which would disrupt their traditional and peaceful life. There was no room for this VIP!

The second issue was why Jesus "was unable to perform any mighty deed there" (6:5)?
Last week, we read about the bleeding woman, who was cured because of her faith. Is it really true that "things exist because we believe and don't if we don't"? Impossible! How can facts be determined by our subjective decisions? Even if all living species, including humanity, cease to exist, as long as the Earth continues to exist and keeps rotating, the sun shall rise in the East tomorrow. The sun would not cease to exist when man no longer exist to believe in the sun's existence! As the Son of God, Jesus has the power to perform miracles. This power is not determined by the subjective decisions of other people! For example, Jesus Christ exorcized, calmed the waves and multiplied the loaves independent of the faith of the people on the spot. Pay attention. Jesus was amazed at, not his inability to perform miracles, but their lack of faith (6:6)!
Indeed, the feeling of Jesus Christ has always been the feeling of God. God thought that the Israelites whom He liberated and raised would be grateful, would keep the Commandments and practise righteousness. In the end, they were idolatrous and corrupt (Isaiah 5:7)! Jesus Christ thought that in his native place, folks would be more receptive to the gospel from somebody they were familiar. In the end, for their own interests, they rejected the good news. Later, when St. Paul evangelized, he firstly preached to Jews. Because of jealousy and persecutions from his own people, Paul had to turn to the Gentiles (Acts 13:44-46).

On the other hand, without the illumination of faith, miracles can lead to superstitions and heresies. Without faith, Jesus Christ was only a faith-healer and not a liberator of the soul. Without faith, Jesus' Passion was a lost cause, his resurrection a hoax and not a salvation project to bring sinners back to the bosom of the heavenly Father. Since the folk at Nazareth lacked faith, had Jesus Christ worked mighty deeds, he would not have triggered their faith and probably would have induced deeper superstitions and misunderstanding instead. Thus Jesus did not work miracles in Nazareth.

What have we learned in the gospel passage today?
Firstly, God is absolutely free. He gave us freedom and respects our freedom. He does not force us to believe in Him. God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Of course, He did not turn the Israelites into slaves again. Otherwise, God was only a stronger slave master, snatched the Israelites from the Egyptians only to possess them! Thus, God is invisible in our daily life. Otherwise, we are forced to believe in His existence and might! But He leaves us traces of His presence and mercy to be discovered.

Secondly, what is hindering us from detecting the presence of God?
It is inertia. Because of inertia, our spiritual life does not grow. Like the mind-set of the folk in Nazareth, isn't the moment alright? Why bother upgrading? We get used to our present ways of life and do not feel the need to improve. We have never thought that it is inadequate to join mass and receive communion on Sundays. Is it really necessary to study the Bible and pray on it every day? Yes, it is! We are rowing upstream. Advance or retreat! Similarly, our relationship with Jesus Christ will either advance or retreat. There is no middle way. When we organize activities in the parish, we routinely do what have previously been done. We do not consider serving citizens outside our church building and know what this neighbour needs. Do we need to serve them and know about the community? Yes, we need to! It is the teaching of Jesus Christ that He is present among the least of the brethren (Matthew 25:40). Just as what I have previously mentioned, God leaves us traces of His presence among the forgotten and the exploited in the neighbourhood so that we may discover His presence and mercy when we serve the needy.

Jumping out of our comfort zone needs great determination. Going out into the community needs great courage. All these rely on the help of the Holy Spirit. But it is worthwhile to do so because our comfort zone is like the old wineskin which is unable to contain the new wine of God (Mark 2:22), the abundant grace which God has prepared for us. Brethren, let us pray to the Holy Spirit to ask for faith and determination to jump out of our routine attitudes of life. Embrace God's call and respond with courage to receive more abundant grace.
God bless!

殉道的價值 The Value of Martyrdom

常年期第十三主日，乙年
主題：殉道的價值

馬爾谷的寫作手法，有點兒特別。他為了強調一些事蹟的教訓，便把兩個相關的故事放在一起。不但如此，他更把故事造成一份三治，來加強傳意的力度。今天的兩個神蹟，就是用了這種寫作手段。

雅依洛是會堂長，很可能是一個法利塞人。他的女兒病重了，便放下與主敵對的立場，求耶穌基督救他的女兒。雅依洛這樣做，可能會受到其他的法利塞人杯葛，甚至懲罰。但為了女兒的生命健康，雅依洛已不會計較自己的名譽和地位了。耶穌基督當然不會和他計較，亦樂意多結交一個朋友。正當他們前往雅依洛的家的時候，就發生了治好血漏病婦人的故事，結果延誤了行程，雅依洛的小女兒死了！

治好血漏病的故事，教訓所有在場的人，信德是啟動神蹟的鎖匙。在場的人，難道祇有這位女仕有病嗎？當然還有其他人。但從耶穌基督身上流出來的力量，祇往血漏病女人身上流，為甚麼呢？因為她有信德，她的信德開啟了耶穌基督身上的治療力量。其他人可能祗抱著湊熱鬧的心態，所以錯失了一個恢復健康的機會。

雅依洛看見了這個神蹟，當然喜出望外，信心倍增。可是，當我們以為很有把握的時候，往往更大的挑戰便接踵而來，等候對付我們！噩耗傳來，女兒死了，這纔是雅依洛要面對的真正挑戰。這個耶穌的確曾治病驅魔，但他能起死回生嗎？除非是厄里亞，或者厄里叟，歷史上記載了他們曾復活死人。但現在到那裡去找厄里亞呢？難道耶穌是厄里亞嗎？最後，耶穌基督復活了雅依洛的女兒，展示出祂是生命的主宰！耶穌基督不是厄里亞，而是比厄里亞更偉大的天主子。這就是馬爾谷福音的寫作目的！

倘若我們再深入默想，便會發現，原來耶穌基督復活了兩個人：除了雅依洛的女兒外，耶穌基督還復活了血漏病婦人！或許你會投訴：這個婦人並沒有死去嘛，耶穌怎樣復活一個活生生的人呢？你有所不知了，這個患血漏病的婦人，不但被法律定為不潔，而且十二年來不能生育！倘若未嫁，沒有人會娶她；倘若已嫁，又不能替丈夫生育，她真是生不如死了。如今她康復了，恢復了失去的生育能力，可以重新做回一個女人了，這不是復活是甚麼？

你對耶穌基督是生命的主宰，有甚麼態度呢？

1. 今天所讀的神蹟，祇不過是一個神話故事，沒有科學根據，我是不會相信的。
   對於不肯相信的，他們已有既定立場，恐怕非三言兩語可以說服，以後有機會再想辦法解釋。
2. 即使耶穌基督真是歷史上的人物，再即使祂真的有起死回生的本領又如何？祂是二千多年前的人物,今天與我何關？
   人生在世，若為錢而死，太不值了。為心愛的人死，一個換一個，也許值得。我相信那些殉道者，可能是出於對耶穌基督的愛，所以願意以殉道來表達對耶穌基督的愛和對耶穌的信德。因為那些殉道者，相信耶穌基督是生命的主宰。能為祂殉道，即使死了，便立刻進入永生。何樂而不為？倘若不死，好像金東周神父昨天提到的「綠色殉道」或者「白色殉道」，那些不流血的殉道者，他們以自己的生命，活出耶穌基督愛的教訓，必定能獲得生命主宰的讚賞，死後必得永生的賞報！

今天的第二篇讀經，給我們另一個殉道的意義。聖保祿說：「在現今的時候，你們的富裕彌補了他們的缺乏，好使他們的富裕也彌補你們的缺乏，這樣就有了均勻。」（格後8:14）就是說，因著聖徒的彼此相通，殉道者的犧牲，彌補了教會內其他兄弟姊妹的罪過，使教會雖然是罪人的教會，仍保持她的神聖性。聖保祿在另一封書信這樣說：「如今我在為你們受苦，反覺高興，因為這樣我可在我的肉身上，為基督的身體──教會，補充基督苦難所欠缺的；」（哥1:24）第一次接觸這句經文時，覺得有點奇怪，為甚麼基督的苦難，會有所欠缺呢？不是「他祇藉一次奉獻，就永遠使被聖化的人得以成全」（希10:12）嗎？真的，耶穌基督祇需要在十字架上犧牲一次，就足以永遠聖化人，成全人。但祂的淨配，祂的身體──教會，仍然需要「以水洗，藉言語，來潔淨她，聖化她。」（弗5:26）在厄弗所書沒有說，在哥羅森書，保祿進一步補充說明。當信徒為教會而遭受迫害時，他們應該高興，因為他們在做著耶穌基督聖化教會的工作，在補充基督苦難的欠缺，在彌補其他兄弟姊妹靈性上的缺乏！

從血漏婦人的復活例子，我們可以看到耶穌基督解放人的能力。相信耶穌基督的人，可以獲得真正的自由。因此，幫助別人認識耶穌基督，從而獲得自由，即使是殉道，無論是流血與否，都是值得的。
天主保祐！

2015講道

---

Thirteenth Ordinary Sunday, Year B
Theme: The Value of Martyrdom

Mark wrote in a special way. In order to emphasize a message, he puts two related stories together to stress his point. Not only that but he also makes a "sandwich" to increase the intensity of his message. The two miracles we read today are arranged in such a way.

Jairus was the ruler of a synagogue. He was most likely a Pharisee. His little daughter was very ill. So, he put down his antagonistic stance against the Lord and begged Jesus to cure his daughter. Probably he would be boycotted by his fellow Pharisees and even be punished. But for the sake of his daughter, Jairus did not care anymore about his fame or his status. Of course Jesus held no grudge against him and was willing to make one more friend. While they were on their way to Jairus' house, the cure of the bleeding woman took place. It disrupted the schedule to save Jairus' daughter and consequently, she died!

Curing the bleeding woman taught an important lesson: faith is the key to trigger miracles. On the spot, was the bleeding woman the only sick person? Of course there were others. But the power of Jesus Christ only flowed to her. Why? It was because she had faith. Her faith opened up the curing power of Jesus Christ. Other people probably just crowded together out of curiosity. That was why they lost an opportunity to recover.

After seeing this miracle, Jairus must be very excited and his faith must have increased. However, just when we think we are competent and confident, greater challenges are waiting to attack us. Bad news arrived. Jairus' daughter was dead. This was the real challenge Jairus had to combat. This Jesus was able to cure diseases and drive out demons. But was he able to restore life? Historically, only Elijah or Elisha had brought the dead to life. Now, where could they find Elijah? Was Jesus Elijah? In the end, Jesus Christ raised Jairus' daughter, showing that He is the Author of Life. Jesus Christ is not Eljah but is greater than Elijah. He is the Son of God. This is the aim Mark wanted to achieve with his gospel.

If we meditate deeper, we shall discover that Jesus Christ has in fact raised two people: besides Jairus' daughter, Jesus brought the bleeding woman to life! Perhaps you would complain that the bleeding woman was not dead. How could Jesus bring a living person back to life! Perhaps you do not know, not only was the bleeding woman deemed unclean by the Law, for twelve years she could not bear a child! If she was not married, no man would marry her. If she was married, she could not bear her husband any children. She was more dead than alive. Now that she was cured, her fertility was restored. She could lead a woman's life again. If this is not resurrection, what is?

What does "Jesus Christ is the Author of Life" mean to you?

1. The miracle we read today are only fairy tales. There is no scientific basis. I will not believe.
   For those who refuse to believe, they already have a stance. I am afraid they cannot be convinced in a few words. I will explain in the future when occasion arises.
2. Even if Jesus Christ was a historical person and that He really has the power to raise the dead. So what? What has a person two millennia ago to do with me?
   It is unworthy to die for money. To die for a loved one, one for one, perhaps worth the while. I think the martyrs were willing to die for Jesus Christ, perhaps out of love. Thus, they were willing to express their love for and faith in Jeus Christ with martyrdom. Since these martyrs believed that Jesus Christ is the Author of Life, it was worthwhile for them to die for the Author of Life and enter eternal life immediately. Why not? If they do not die, they are like what Fr. Kim told us about "green martyrdom" and "white martyrdom" in which the believers do not have to shed their blood. If they lead a life to live up to Jesus Christ's teaching of love, the Author of Life shall surely reward them after death!

The second reading today gives us another hint of the meaning of martyrdom. St. Paul says, "That now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their wat, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want, that there may be equalitie." (2 Corinthians 8:14) That is to say, because of the communion of saints, the sacrifice of martyrs "supply for the want" of brethren in the Church. In another epistle, Paul writes, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the Church." (Colossians 1:24) The first time I read this verse, I was puzzled. Why are Christ's afflictions incomplete? Isn't it true that "For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14)? Truly, Jesus Christ only needs to sacrifice once on the cross to sanctify all and to perfect all. But as for the Church, Christ still needs to "sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word." (Ephesians 5:26). What he does not say in the Ephesians, Paul makes it clear in the Colossians. When believers are persecuted for the sake of the Church, they should rejoice because they are doing the works of Jesus Christ to sanctify the Church, to complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions and to supply for the spiritual wants of the brethren.

From the "resurrection" case of the bleeding woman, we see that Jesus Christ has the authority to liberate us. Those who believe in Jesus Christ will enjoy true freedom. Thus, helping others to know Christ and attain freedom, even at the price of martyrdom, bloody or not, worths the while.
God bless!