福傳不論「業績」 Evangelization Does not Count Performance

福傳不論「業績」（路10:13-16）

我們寧願躲在安樂窩中，是因為我們怕失敗，怕不受歡迎。
其實，我們在傳福音的任務中，祇不過擔任一個推銷員的角色。如果推銷失敗，不一定是我們無能，可能是產品本身缺乏吸引力。所以錯不在我們！如果不受歡迎，可能是這產品主人的形象不好。所以錯也不在我們！耶穌不是說過：「聽你們的，就是聽我；拒絕你們的，就是拒絕我」（路10:16）嗎？所以，耶穌基督已為傳福音，負起了全部的責任，我們還有甚麼顧慮，不願意傳福音呢？

其實，耶穌基督的「業績」亦好不了多少。按對觀福音的記載，祂在北部加里肋亞省傳教兩年有多，直到最後纔南下耶路撒冷受難。今天，祂抱怨苛辣匝因、貝特賽達和葛法翁的無信，這些城鎮全部位於加里肋亞省。尤其是葛法翁，它可以說是耶穌基督的傳教中心，福音記載祂經常回到那裡去。「沒有徒弟勝過師傅的。」（6:40）既然耶穌基督的業績那麼差，我們比祂更失敗，是理所當然的。那麼，還有甚麼失敗可以唬嚇我們呢？

其實，加里肋亞各城鎮的居民，不也是生活在安樂窩中，不願意跳出來，接受更豐富的福音生活嗎？要改變舊我，回頭悔改，從此以福音的價值生活，以天主聖神為生活的中心，談何容易。沒有人會輕易放棄舊有的思維，放棄爭權奪利，放棄安全感！在他們的心目中，溫柔、慈悲、和平等等祇會招致損失，怎教人作出這樣愚蠢的抉擇哩！我同情、理解加里肋亞居民對福音的不安。他們沒有「平安之子」，承受不了福音所帶來的喜樂，耶穌基督亦沒有勉強他們（10:6）。
主啊！讓我們以一顆平常心，不斤斤計較成果，與祢一起福傳。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Evangelization Does not Count Performance (Luke 10:13-16)

We prefer hiding in the comfort zone because we are afraid of failures and of being unpopular.
In fact, during evangelization, we only play the role of a salesman. If the sale fails, it probably is not due to our incompetence. Perhaps the goods itself lacks attraction. Thus, it is not our fault! If the commodity is not popular, perhaps the image of the producer is not good enough. Again, it is not our fault! Doesn't Jesus say, "Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me." (Luke 10:16) Thus, Jesus has taken up the full accountability of evangelization. What else should we worry such that we are reluctant to evangelize?

As a matter of fact, Jesus' performance was not that good. According to the Synoptic gospels, Jesus spent more than 2 years preaching in Galilee in the north before he finally turned south to be killed in Jerusalem. Today, Jesus lamented the lack of faith in Chorazin and Bethsaida which were cities in Galilee. In particular, Capernaum was Jesus' missionary centre where he always returned during his public ministry. "No disciple is superior to the teacher." (6:40) Since the performance of Jesus Christ is that bad, it is logical that ours is worse. Thus, what else can deter us?

Were people of Galilee not living in comfort zone, not willing to jump out to embrace more abundant life according to the Gospel? It is more easily said than done to change the old self, to repent and lead our life according to the values advocated in the Gospel and to make the Holy Spirit the centre of our life. Nobody would forsake easily their established mind set, to give up entering into disputes for personal gains and to abandon a sense of security. In their minds' eyes, being meek, merciful and peaceful etc. would invite losses. How can you tell people to make such stupid choices! I sympathize and understand the Galileans' anxiety towards the Gospel. Few peaceful persons lived there to accept the joy of the Gospel. Jesus Christ did not force them to accept. (10:6)
Lord! Grant us a peaceful heart, not to worry about our performance and evangelize together with you. Amen.