謙卑之六 Humility VI

謙卑之六（路18:9-14）

耶穌基督的比喻，必定帶有令人意料之外的部份。這個比喻並沒有令聽眾失望！
首先，要祈禱，犯不著跑到老遠的耶路撒冷聖殿去（路18:10）。到聖殿是為了祭獻，是朝聖的部份行程，是猶太成年人每年的本份。

本來，祈禱可以在會堂，在十字街頭（瑪6:5-6）。但稅吏是公開罪人，不容於本地的會堂。所以，他選擇前往耶路撒冷，一個沒有人認識他的地方，混在群眾之中祈禱，反而合理。但這個法利塞人不在熟識的群眾面前，反而選擇「上聖殿去祈禱」，的確誇張了一點！這是意料之外其一！

不要以為比喻中的法利塞人，他立著祈禱是驕傲的表現（路18:11），那個稅吏不也是站著的嗎（18:13）？這個沒有犯罪，又懂得感謝天主的法利塞人（18:11），回家後卻成不了正義的（18:14），這纔是意料之外的其二！

一年一次祭獻天主，向祂還願求恩，免不了會向天主「述職」，向天主交待自己守誡命，沒有犯罪，有禁食捐獻，求天主悅納，來年繼續照顧…等。這樣做本來沒有甚麼不妥當，問題出在這個法利塞人，和我們大部份人，包括伯多祿（谷14:29）在內，一樣，踐踏別人來抬舉自己，「我不像其他人…也不像這個稅吏」（路18:11）。人誰無過？稅吏認清自己的不足，沒有逃避自己的罪過，懂得謙卑地求天主寬恕。天主哪有不寬恕呢？因此稅吏回家時已成為正義的！法利塞人雖然懂得感謝天主的恩寵，使他沒有犯罪，並且有能力禁食奉獻；但他無視自己的不足，對自己的罪過避而不談。更有甚者，自大地踐踏他人，的確是罪加一等！難怪他回家時仍然是個不義的人！
天父啊！讓我們不但懂得感恩，更讓我們認清自己的不足，懂得謙遜。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Humility VI (Luke 18:9-14)

There are always surprise elements in Jesus Christ's parables. This parable does not disappoint the audience!
First of all, if a Jew wanted to pray, why took the trouble to go up to the Temple in Jerusalem (Luke 18:10)? Jews offered sacrifices at the Temple. It was the duty of an adult Jew to go pilgrimage to Jerusalem annually to offer sacrifice.

Indeed, Jews prayed in the synagogues and on street corners (Matthew 6:5-6). But tax collectors were public sinners and were not welcome in synagogues. Therefore, going to Jerusalem where they prayed among strangers was quite a reasonable action. That this Pharisee chose not to pray among peers, but among unknown people in the Temple was a bit exaggerating! This is surprise number one!

Do not think that the Pharisee who stood and prayed was proud (Luke 18:11). Was not the tax collector standing as well (18:13)? That this Pharisee who had not committed any sins and knew to thank God (18:11) went home and failed to be justified (18:14) is surprising!

Offering thanksgiving and supplication sacrifices to God once a year, it is only natural for the Jews to "report" to God during this visit ad limina, that they had kept the commandments, had not committed any sins, had fast and given alms, pleaded God to accept the offer and continue to provide ... etc. This was perfectly alright except that this Pharisee, like most of us, including Peter (Mark 14:29) trampled upon others to elevate himself "I am not like the rest ... or even like this tax collector." (Luke 18:11) Who can be blameless? The tax collector knew his inadequacy. He did not evade his wrongs and humbly begged for God's forgiveness. God surely forgives. Thus the tax collector returned home and was justified. Although the Pharisee was grateful for God's graces, had not committed sins and was able to fast and give alms, he ignored his own inadequacy and evaded to talk about his sins. Worse, he self-righteously trampled on the others. No wonder he failed to be justified when he returned home!
Heavenly Father! Let us not only be grateful but also be able to see clearly our inadequacies and be humble. Amen.

謙卑之五 Humility V

謙卑之五（谷12:28b-34）

在這一篇經師與耶穌基督的對話中，又一次顯示出謙遜，對得救成義的重要性。沒有謙遜，根本進不了天國！

經師在哪一方面表現出他缺乏了謙遜呢？他提出問題，挑戰耶穌基督，是學者之間的切磋討論，並非出於驕傲。問題出在，耶穌基督回覆了一個令他口服心服的答案後，這位經師祇說一句「不錯，師傅說得實在對」，不是已經足夠了嗎？他並沒有必要改述一次（谷12:32-33）。耶穌基督在山中聖訓曾說過：「你們的話當是：是就說是，非就說非；其他多餘的便是出於邪惡。」（瑪5:37）可惜，原文已經是最好的，任何改述都祇能是「次貨」。這位經師為了面子，勉強改述經文，暴露出一副不服氣的嘴臉。他還說：守誡命「遠超過一切全燔祭和犧牲。」（谷12:33）

是的，在舊約的經典中，天主曾多次表示祂喜歡聽命勝於祭獻（撒上15:22，詠40:7-9）；祂喜歡仁慈和認識天主勝過全燔祭（歐6:6）雖然這位經師想肯定自己的價值，但他沒有必要用「遠超過」來踐踏司祭，抬舉自己。

當知識是用來炫耀的時候，內心便會缺乏對天主的敬畏。而敬畏上主是「智慧的肇基」（詠111:10；箴1:7，9:10）是真正知識的根源。這份敬畏從何而來呢？「謙卑的賞報，是敬畏上主。」（22:4）原來一切皆從謙卑開始。謙卑生敬畏，敬畏生智慧，智慧生對天主真正的認識，這纔是天主所喜歡的。耶穌基督是慈悲的，祂並不審判，亦不會勉強不服氣的人接受福音。一句「離天國不遠」（谷12:34），鼓勵這位缺乏謙遜的經師，朝正確的方面前進。
天父啊！讓我們的眼目，不知高視逞能（詠131:1）。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Humility V (Mark 12:28b-34)

The dialogue between Jesus Christ and the Scribe shows once more the importance of humility for justification. Without humility, one cannot enter the Kingdom of God!

How did the Scribe show a lack of humility? His posing Jesus Christ a question to challenge him was a common way of discussion among scholars. It was not pride. The problem arose when Jesus Christ gave him a perfect answer. Was it not enough for the Scribe simply said, "Well said, teacher. You are right"? It was superfluous for him to paraphrase (Mark 12:32-33) once more. Jesus Christ once said in the Sermon on the Mount, "Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes' and your 'No' mean 'No'. Anything more is from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37) Unfortunately, the original scripture is already the best rendition. Any paraphrasing shall be inferior. In order to save face, this Scribe attempted to paraphrase the scripture, exposing his reluctance to acknowledge defeat. Moreover, he says, "[Love] is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." (Mark 12:33)

Indeed, God has shown many times in the Old Testament that He delights in obedience more than sacrifices (1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 401:7-9). He desires mercy and knowledge of God more than holocausts. (Hosea 6:6) Although this Scribe wanted to affirm his importance, it was not necessary for him to trample on the priests with "is worth more than" to elevate himself.

When knowledge serves only to show off, the heart shall lack a fear of the Lord. And fear of the Lord is "the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7, 9:10), the source of authentic knowledge. Where does this fear come from? "The result of humility and fear of the Lord is riches, honour and life." (22:4) Therefore, all things start off from humility which breeds fear. Fear of the Lord breeds wisdom and wisdom breeds genuine knowledge of the Lord. This is what God desires. Jesus Christ is merciful. He does not pass judgment and shall not impose the gospel on people who are reluctant. "You are not far from the Kingdom of God" (Mark 12:34) encourages this Scribe who lacks humility to move ahead in the right direction.
Heavenly Father! Let my heart not be proud; nor my eyes haughty (Psalm 131:1). Amen.

謙卑之四 Humility IV

謙卑之四（路11:14-23）

古代的人，對於不能解釋的疾病，多用「附魔」來解釋。今天科學昌明，感謝生物學家，心理學家和醫生們的努力，很多疾病已經可以追溯到病茵、病毒等物體所做成，很多精神病可以用童年的陰影來解釋。醫學的進步，把附魔的應用範圍，越來越縮窄。不過，人類仍未能夠完全否定邪魔的存在。

耶穌基督來為人驅魔，把受害人從邪魔的手出解放出來，本來是一樁美事。為甚麼竟然會有人譭謗他：「他是仗賴魔王貝耳則步驅魔」（路11:15），甚至想否定耶穌基督的使命而挑戰他，要求一個自天而來的徵兆（11:16）呢？這都是不服氣，不認輸的表現。

這種態度固然是缺乏謙遜的表現，但都是根源於人的本性。當初天主創造人的時候，作出一個很大的冒險，就是給予人類自由意志。天主是自由的，按祂的肖像所創造的人，怎能沒有自由呢？人於是可以自由地行事，從中肯定自己的存在，肯定自己作為「天主肖像」的價值。但自由是很容易被濫用的，一旦濫用了，便遠離了天主，結果就是罪惡，就是死亡。面對耶穌基督成功地驅魔，本來可以是驚訝讚嘆的，卻換來譭謗和挑戰。換了是現代人，更加會懷疑整件驅魔事件的真實性，因為在他們的心目中，天主和魔鬼根本不存在。在他們的公式裡，沒有天主和魔鬼的變數！這又是另一種自由的濫用，缺乏謙遜的表現。他們好像忘記了以今天的科學水平，仍然未能排除天主與魔鬼的存在。「如果我是仗賴天主的手指驅魔，那麼，天主的國已來到你們中間了。」（11:20）耶穌基督所說的「如果」，不是對天主和魔鬼的存疑，而是聽眾是否願意謙遜地接受驅魔的事實。耶穌基督尊重他們的自由，他們有自由接受或拒絕。如果他們接受，那麼，天主的國已來到了！
天父啊！不要讓我們陷於濫用自由的誘惑，謙遜地接受並履行祢的旨意。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Humility IV (Luke 11:14-23)

Ancient people made use of demonic possession to explain inexplicable diseases. Today, sciences are advanced. Thanks to the efforts of biologists, psychologists and physicians, the causes of many diseases can be traced to microorganisms and viruses. Many mental illnesses can be explained in terms of childhood traumas. Advances in medicines shrink the applicability of demonic possession in explaining anything. However, men still cannot deny the existence of demons.

Jesus Christ came to exorcise, to liberate victims from the bondage of demons. It was supposed to be a good deed. Why did people defame him, saying "By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons" (Luke 11:15)? They even tried to deny the mission of Jesus Christ, challenging him to perform a sign from heaven (11:16). Their actions showed that they refuse to submit and refuse to acknowledge defeat.

This attitude shows a lack of humility. But it is human nature. When God created men, He took a big risk by giving men a free will. God is free. He made men in His own image. How could there be no freedom? Then men are able to act freely to affirm their existence and their value as God's image. However, freedom can easily be abused. Once abused, men drift away from God. The consequence can only be sin and death. Seeing Jesus Christ successfully exorcise could be awe-inspiring and stunning. Instead they defamed and challenged Jesus. If they were modern men, they would even question the authenticity of the whole incidence of exorcism. It is because in the mind of modern men, God and demons do not exist. In their equations, there is no such variable as God and demons. This is another form of abuse of freedom, showing a lack of humility. They seem to have forgotten that sciences at the present level are not able to exclude the existence of God and demons. "But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." (11:20) The "if" which Jesus says is not a doubt of the existence of God and demons. Rather, it is a question of whether the audience were humble enough to accept the fact of exorcism. Jesus Christ respected their freedom. They were free to accept or reject. If they accepted, then the Kingdom of God had already come!
Heavenly Father! Lead us not into the temptation of freedom abuse. Help us humbly accept and do Your will. Amen.

謙卑之三 Humility III

謙卑之三（瑪5:17-19）

人除了在科技上進步之外，社會及經濟生活亦有所長進。從前的社會是帝王專制的，今天是相對地民主多了。從前的經濟是農耕的，今天已是後資訊時代！經濟、科技和社會是進步發達了，可惜我們的倫理及靈性生活，卻遠遠落後。今天的科技成就，不斷挑戰著人性的尊嚴，我們賴以保障人可以像人一樣生活的倫理，對科技的衝擊，明顯地沒有招架的能力。而我們賴以保障倫理生活的法律，亦被社會上的權貴濫用操控，謀求一己在政治上及經濟上的私利，殘民以自肥！

俗世的法律在不斷變，因為政治環境在變，社會文化生活在變。雖然當權者不斷安慰群眾，祇要他們不觸犯法律，法律沒有甚麼可怕，沒有甚麼約束力。聽來好像有理，實在是愚弄人民！因為法律祇保障懂法律的人，而大部份的民眾不懂法律上的技術細節，沒有能力保護自己！人生在這個變幻無常的世界，連法律也不能保證一個安穩的生活。但人不可以終日惶恐不安，對心靈、對精神和對身體都不是健康的。我們有權追求安居樂業的生活，但當今天下，我看不見有多少政權，有能力提供這個微不足道的保證。

我別無他選，惟有投靠天主，依恃天主的法律，它是放諸四海皆準的法則，幫助我們走過人生的旅程，返回天鄉。我們不需要擁有高超的法律知識，也可以掌握天主的法律，不愁當權者濫用這法律。因為「我要將我的法律放在他們的肺腑裏，寫在他們的心頭上；我要作他們的天主，他們要作我的人民。那時，誰也不再教訓自己的近人或弟兄說：『你們該認識上主』，因為不論大小，人人都必認識我。」（耶31:33-34）這個願景，今天還沒有完全實現，因為全人類還沒有接受這法律，還沒有完全實踐這法律。感謝耶穌基督的保證，「即使天地過去了，一撇或一劃也決不會從法律上過去，必待一切完成。」（瑪5:18）
天父啊！願我們能謙恭地在這天地間，奉行祢的旨意。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Humility III (Matthew 5:17-19)

Besides making scientific and technological advances, men also make progress in their social and economic life. The society had been ruled by imperial tyrants. Nowadays, it is more democratic. The economy used to be agricultural. Now it is post-informational! Progresses in economic, scientific and social spheres have been achieved. Unfortunately, our ethical and spiritual life is falling far behind. Today, many technologies are challenging our human dignity. In front of technological assaults, the ethics which guarantee us to live like a man have no defence. And the laws, on which we rely to safeguard our ethical life, are being abused and manipulated by the rich and powerful for personal gains!

Secular laws keep changing because the political environment is changing, social and cultural lives are changing. Although people in power try unceasingly to pacify us that if we do not breach the laws, there is nothing to fear about the laws which do not restrict us much. It sounds reasonable but in fact it tries to fool the people! We are living in an ever changing world in which even the laws cannot guarantee us a stable life. But men cannot live in uncertainty forever. It is unhealthy for the mind, the soul as well as the body. We deserve a steady life in which we can make our living peacefully. But I do not see which state today is able to guarantee us such a trivial request.

I have no choice but to rely on God and on His Law which is universally valid. It helps us through this life journey to return home above. We do not need to possess high level of legal knowledge to master God's law. We do not need to worry about the powerful manipulating it. It is because, "I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. They will no longer teach their friends and relatives, 'Know the Lord!' Everyone, from least to greatest, shall know me." (Jeremiah 31:33-34) This vision has not yet been fully realized today because not all members of the humanity accept this Law and not all the Law have been put into practice. Thank Jesus Christ for his guarantee, "Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place." (Matthew 5:18)
Heavenly Father! Let us humbly do your will between heaven and earth. Amen.

謙卑之二 Humility II

謙卑之二（瑪18:21-35）

倘若發問的人是猶達斯，他會寬恕得罪他的弟兄多少次呢？可能一次也不會！
其實，寬恕自己比較寬恕別人更難！可幸伯多祿有一顆寬大的心，願意寬恕他的弟兄七次。否則，他怎樣面對自己三次否認主呢？且看，猶達斯負賣耶穌，結果上吊死了（瑪27:5）。當然，你可能認為「賣主求榮」與為了保命而「六親不認」的嚴重性不同，客觀地一個不可饒恕，一個情有可原。錯！客觀地兩者都與耶穌基督斷絕關係，沒有分別！但正是主觀的嚴重性，決定了兩位門徒的不同命運！

一個把自己看得很重要的人，是不會輕易放過自己和其他人的。他對自己和對別人，都有很嚴厲的要求。對其他人，他有很高的期望，期望得到別人絕對的尊重和即時的回應。「我值得你給我八分的尊敬，你祇給我四分，你欠我！」對自己也有很苛刻的期望，把達標的尺度抬得很高。總而言之，他們不會輕易寬恕他人或者自己！與這樣的人相處，非常辛苦，令人窒息。

伯多祿是漁夫出身，知道自己的社會地位不高，總算是個知道天高地厚的人。所以他還有一點謙卑，不敢對別人有過份的期望。即使面對別人不合理的要求，亦不會反對（路5:5）。他問耶穌基督，要容忍寬恕弟兄們不合理的要求多少次（瑪18:21），讓自我有機會行使權力，宣示自我。耶穌基督知道不願寬恕的害處， 告戒伯多祿要不斷寬恕，否則，受害的是自己！哪怕祇有一次不寬恕別人，祇要一次不寬恕自己，就足以致命了！
天父啊！讓我們學習謙卑，讓我們享見祢的慈愛。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Humility II (Matthew 18:21-32)

If Judas had asked the same question, how many times would he have forgiven his brothers who sinned against him? Probably not even once!
Alas! It is more difficult to forgive oneself than to forgive others! Luckily, Peter had a big heart. He was willing to forgive his brothers seven times. Otherwise, how could he face his three denials of the Lord? Look, after betraying Jesus, Judas hanged himself (Matthew 27:5). Of course, you might argue that betrayal of your master is a worse and more serious sin than denial. Objectively, the former is not forgivable and the latter is. Wrong! Objectively, there is no difference because both sins cut off the relationship with Jesus Christ. It was the perceived seriousness that determined the different fates of the two disciples!

Someone who thinks highly of himself will not let himself or others go easily. He demands heavily on themselves and others. He has high expectations on others, demanding absolute respect and immediate response. "I deserve an eight degree respect but you only gave me four. You owe me!" He is harsh on himself, raising targets high! In a word, they will not forgive others and themselves easily! It is burdening and suffocating to deal with these people.

Peter had been a fisherman. He knew that his social status was not high. He knew his position. Thus, he still possessed a bit of humility and did not expect unrealistically on others. He even did not reject unreasonable demands from others (Luke 5:5). He asked Jesus Christ how many times he had to tolerate and forgive unreasonable demands from brothers (Matthew 18:21) probably because he wanted to allow himself an opportunity to exercise authority and to declare himself! Jesus Christ knows very well the danger of the reluctance to forgive. He told Peter to forgive unceasingly. Otherwise, he would be a victim himself. Not to mention unforgiving others once, not forgiving oneself once is enough to be fatal!
Heavenly Father! Let us learn humility. Let us see your mercy. Amen.

謙卑之一 Humility I

謙卑之一（路1:26-38）

現代科學昌明，人運用才智，已解決了很多生存上的問題，世間幾乎沒有甚麼不能解釋，不能明白的事。人漸漸對大自然，對神明失去了害怕的情緒，變成了真正的「天不怕，地不怕」，「不知天高地厚」的人，反而變得無知！要求現代人培養一顆對天主敬畏的心，十分困難。因此，我們很難想像，是甚麼令童貞瑪利亞感到害怕（路1:30）？

是加俾額爾突然出現，令瑪利亞吃驚嗎？若是這樣，這位總領天使太不稱職了！第一次顯現給匝加利亞，令匝加利亞驚惶失措（1:12），是可原諒的，因為是第一次。加俾額爾應該學會如何與人類接觸，令他們感到平安罷！所以，不是他的突如其來令童貞女吃驚！但加俾額爾那充滿「正能量」的請安（1:28），是不可能會令任何人害怕的！那麼，瑪利亞因何害怕呢？

我相信是童貞瑪利亞的謙遜，引起這份「害怕」。現代人充滿自信，把億萬光年外的宇宙，拉近到眼前；他們手握權勢，把核子擊碎，釋放用之不竭的能量；他們心高氣傲，把自己的基因切割，隨意調配，設計製造超級人類等等…，區區一個總領天使，又如何會令他們害怕呢！
相反，童貞瑪利亞認識到自己的卑微，她祇是一個寂寂無聞的鄉村少女（1:48，52），祇有一個微末的志願，渴望守貞事奉天主（1:34），願意讓神聖的天主，在她身上成就偉大的事業（1:49）；她任憑父母把她許配給若瑟，沒有反抗，表現出她敬畏全能者的旨意，因而享受到上主的仁慈（1:50）；她了解自己的貧乏，因而獲得舉揚（1:52）。是謙遜栽培出一份「渺小面對無限」的敬畏，所以加俾額爾帶來的天主氣息，令瑪利亞害怕！
天主啊！讓我們看見祢的光榮，敬畏祢，愛慕祢。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Humility I (Luke 1:26-28)

With advances in physical sciences, humans are able to make use of their intellect to solve most existential problems. There seems to be nothing in the world inexplicable. Gradually, men lose their fear of the Mother Nature or deities. They have genuinely become fearless and ignore their positions. In the end, they become ignorant. It is extremely difficult to cultivate a fear of God in modern men. Thus, it is difficult for us to imagine what made the Blessed Virgin Mary afraid (Luke 1:30)?

Did the sudden appearance of Gabriel scare Mary? If it were the case, this archangel was not doing his job properly! At first, he appeared to Zechariah and fear came upon him (1:12). This was forgivable because it was the first assignment. Gabriel should have learnt the proper manners to make contacts with humans and be at peace! Thus, it was not his sudden appearance that scared the Virgin! But how a positive-energy filled greeting (1:28) could have disturbed anybody! Then, why was Mary afraid?

I believe that the humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary triggered this fear. Modern people are full of confidence. They are able enough to draw the universe which is zillions of light years away in front of their eyes. They are powerful enough to smash nucleii to release inexhaustible energy. They are arrogant enough to manipulate their own genes whimsically to design and make super humans etc. What is an archangel which could frighten them!
On the contrary, the Blessed Virgin Mary knew her own lowliness. She was just an ordinary country girl whom nobody knew (1:48, 52). She had a negligible wish to preserve her virginity to serve God (1:34). She was willing to let the Mighty One whose name is holy to do great things for her (1:49). She did not resist her parents betrothing her to Joseph, showing her fear of the will of the Almighty, thus enjoying His mercy (1:50). She knew her lowliness, thus was lifted up (1:52). Her humility has cultivated in her a fear of "the insignificant before the infinite". Thus the breath of God carried along with Gabriel scared Mary!
O God! Let us see your glory so that we shall fear you and love you. Amen.

天主的慈悲有限期嗎？ Shall God's Mercy Expire?

四旬期第三主日，丙年
主題：天主的慈悲有限期嗎？

天主按自己的肖像，創造了人類（創1:26）。雖然人類並不完美，但人類始終擁有天主的特質。我們相信「公義」是天主的本質之一，所以人類與生俱來，渴望公義。
可惜我們所生活的社會中，充斥著各式各樣，我們認為不公義的事物。雖然眼見作惡的人消遙法外，正直的人受盡挫折，但我們仍然相信，這個世界是有公義的，有報應的。「善有善報，惡有惡報，善惡到頭終有報」等是多麼合理的思想，它可以保持我們心理健康。倘若長時間生活在不明朗的環境中，對發生在身邊的事物，長期得不到合理的解釋，不能作出合理的預測，我們的心靈會很困擾，精神容易崩潰！可惜，這些思想都是錯誤的！

我們相信一個有如慈父的天主，當我們遇上任何困難挫折，天父必定會出手援助，祂不會讓我們遭遇不幸！這種思想不但給予我們很大的安慰，而且這是真理，是聖經的真理。另一方面，我們相信天主是公義的。所以，即使現世看不到正義的伸張，我們仍深信有「最後審判」，「賞善罰惡」的天主，會還含冤受屈者一個公道！這是真理，但不是真理的全部。雖然人類吃了「知善惡樹」的果子，有知善惡的能力，但是我們心目中的善惡，不一定符合天主心目中的善惡。因為我們受到原罪的影響，受私慾偏情所束縛。我們認為好的，可能祇滿足一己的私慾，沒有考慮到為身邊的人帶來甚麼影響。人類的思想，始終不及天主的思想（依55:8-9）；我們對於公義的尺度，始終不及天主的公義。所以當痛苦發生在我們身上時，我們很容易受到「賞善罰惡」思想的影響，以為疾病，災難或者任何的不幸，都是天主懲罰我們所犯的罪。今天的福音，正要處理這個問題。

首先，請注意耶穌基督的用詞：「…比其他所有的加里肋亞人更有罪，纔遭此禍害嗎？…比耶路撒冷的其他一切居民罪債更大嗎？」（路13:2，4）耶穌基督用了「所有人」和「一切居民」，言下之意，所有人或多或少都有罪。保祿說：「所有的人都犯了罪，都失掉了天主的光榮」（羅3:23），就是這個意思。今天社會進步了，科學昌明了，很多生存的問題已解決了，人的自信加強了。要現代人承認自己是個罪人，一個有缺陷的人，一個虧欠了天主的人，非常困難！而且，我們生活有後資訊科技的時代，當權者操控傳媒，製造假新聞，散播謠言，找社會上的弱勢群做代罪羔羊，轉移群眾對當權者的不滿，令大部份人真假難分，看不清誰來負上道德責任！請記著！無論我們是有權勢，抑或是蟻民；是富有抑或是貧窮；站在道德高地抑或是被千夫所指，在天主面前，我們全部不合格，浪費了天主所賜的「塔冷通」，喪失了天主所賜的恩寵與光榮（瑪25:25）。當我們慶幸自己沒有犯罪，並且鄙視那些「公開罪人」時，我們祇不過是「五十步笑百步」而已（路18:11）！我們忘記了自己的好大喜功，忘記了自己的執著，忘記了自己正在「好心做壞事」，忘記了自己正在做「怪獸家長」，令自己和身邊的人受苦，違反了愛德！我們真的全部不合格。

因此，當災難發生在某一小撮人身上時，並不表示他們更有罪。所謂「生有時，死有時。」（訓3:2）他們祇不過時辰到了，他們用完了他們在世的時間而已。好像一般的天災人禍一樣，可能他們剛巧在錯誤的時間，出現在錯誤的地點，結果死於非命，甚至死無葬身之地！因此，說在這些事件中死去的人「更」有罪，並不符合邏輯。所以，耶穌基督忠告聽眾，「如果你們不悔改，你們都要同樣喪亡。（路13:3，5）這句說話，耶穌基督不是說了一次，而是兩次，可見祂是如何焦急。因為世人時常被似是而非的謬論，例如「善有善報，惡有惡報」、「多勞多得」等所誤導！

真理其實並不複雜，聖經說：「天主是愛」（若一4:8，16），又說：「天主願意所有的人都得救，並得以認識真理」（弟前2:4）。既然天主愛我們，又願意所有的人都得救，天主一定不會讓我們落地獄的！錯！天主的愛並非溺愛，縱容人類犯罪。犯罪使我們遠離天主，天主豈會自我矛盾呢？十年前，榮休教宗本篤十六世，發表了【在真理中實踐愛德】的通諭，說：「本人深知愛德能迷失方向，也能喪失它本有的意義…我們有可能誤解愛，把它排除於倫理生活之外…使愛德不能發揮應有的功效…所以，我們一定要將愛德與真理相提並論。」（CV #2）天主透過耶穌基督，教導我們真理。所以我們有責任認識耶穌基督，認識真理，力行仁愛，在真理中實踐愛德，使愛德能發揮它應有的功效！這就是耶穌基督所指的「悔改」（路13:3，5），就是按福音的精神，即「真福八端」的精神生活！

今天聽到福音的第二部份是一個種植無花果樹的比喻。無花果樹（13:6）象徵了甚麼呢？三年（13:7）象徵了甚麼呢？糞（13:8）代表甚麼？眾多教父的釋經之中，我認為聖奧思定的解釋貼合路加的寫作動機，所以我探取他的解釋。聖奧思定認為「無花果樹」象徵全人類，「三年」象徵三個天主接觸人類的時代：聖祖時代、法律與先知時代和福音時代。很令天主失望，三個時代都交白卷，沒有結出信德的果實！可幸天主是仁慈的，是很有耐性的。「糞」象徵謙卑。天主願意開展第四個時代，加強謙卑，希望人類會回頭悔改，信從福音，按真福八端的精神生活！那麼，第四個時代何時結束呢？會不會結束呢？天主的仁慈有限期嗎？沒有，但我們每個人都有自己的大限，是我們所不知道的。即使天主的慈悲沒有時限，我們總不能任性妄為，錯過了自己的大限，死不悔改！

各位兄弟姊妹，讓我們響應教宗方濟各，在【你們要歡喜踴躍】宗座勸諭的呼籲，按真福八端的精神，活出基督徒成聖的寵召！
天主保祐！

2016年講道

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Third Lenten Week, Year C
Theme: Shall God's Mercy Expire?

God created men in His own image (Genesis 1:26). Although men are not perfect, men possess God's characteristics. We believe that justice is one of God's characteristics. Therefore, the desire for justice is innate.
Unfortunately, the society in which we live in is full of all sorts of injustice in our eyes. We see the wicked prosper and the righteous frustrated. But we still believe that there is justice in the world. "Good and evil shall be rewarded accordingly". "In the end, justice shall prevail". Such ideas are very reasonable. They help maintain our sanity. If we stay in uncertainty for too long or things cannot be reasonably explained for too long or we cannot make reasonable predictions, our minds will be disturbed. Our sanity will collapse. Unfortunately, these ideas are wrong!

We believe in a fatherly God. When we encounter any difficulties, God will deliver us from evil. This idea is not just consoling but is also a truth, a Biblical truth. On the other hand, we believe that God is righteous. Thus, even if justice does not prevail in this world, we strongly believe in the Last Judgment. God, who rewards the good and punishes the evil, shall see justice done to the oppressed! This is a truth, but not the whole truth. Although we have eaten the fruit of the tree of "Knowledge of Good and Evil" and have the ability to know such, the good and evil in our hearts may not be the same as in God's heart. It is because we are affected by the Original Sin, stumbled by concupiscence. What we see as good might only satisfy our selfish desires. We might not have thought about how it affects people around us. Our thoughts are not God's thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Our measure of justice does not match God's justice. Thus, when sufferings fall upon us, we are easily affected by the idea of "rewarding good and punishing evil". We think that illnesses, disasters or misfortunes are punishments for our sins. The gospel today deals with this problem.

First of all, pay attention to Jesus' wording, "… Were they greater sinners than all other Galileans? … Were they more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?" (Luke 13:2, 4) Jesus Christ uses "all other" and "everyone else". In other words, everybody is somewhat sinful. Paul says the same when he writes, "All have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Today, the society has become progressive. Science is so advanced that many existential problems have been solved. Men have become more confident. It is extremely difficult for modern men to admit that they are sinners, are inadequate and owe God something! Moreover, we are living in a post-Information Technology era. People in power manipulate the media, farm fake news, spread rumours and make scapegoats out of the underprivileged to divert people's dissatisfaction. Many people are unable to tell truth from fallacies, to see clearly who are morally responsible! Remember! Whether you are in power, or are just commoners, rich or poor, morally impeccable or publicly scandalous, all of us fail before God. We waste God's given "talents" and lose God's grace and glory (Matthew 25:25). When we are glad that we have not sinned, and despise public sinners, we are only pots calling kettles black (Luke 18:11)! We forget that we are ambitious, that we are stubborn, that we are doing evil in good intentions and that we are "monster parents" etc. We make ourselves and people close to us suffer. It is against charity! Truly, we all fail.

Therefore, when disaster strikes and a group of people demise, it does not mean that they are more sinful! "A time to give birth, and a time to die." (Ecclesiastes 3:2) Their time has come. They have used up all their time on earth. Just like any other disasters or accidents, they just happen to turn up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Consequently, they die an untimely death and even cannot be properly buried. Thus, it is illogical to say that these people are more sinful. Thus, Jesus Christ advised the audience, "If you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!" (Luke 13:3, 5) Not just once, but twice. How anxious Jesus was! It is because people are often misguided by fallacies such as "The good shall be rewarded and evil punished" and "Efforts pay" etc.

Truth is not complicated. The Bible says, "God is love" (1 John 4:8, 16) and that "God wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) Since God loves us and wills that all shall be saved, God will not send us to hell! Wrong! God's love is not an indulgent love which allows humanity to commit sins which drag us away from God. How can God be contradictory? Ten years ago, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI issued the encyclical "Caritas in Veritate" which says, "I am aware of the ways in which charity has been and continues to be misconstrued and emptied of meaning, with the consequent risk of being misinterpreted, detached from ethical living… hence the need to link charity with truth." (CV #2) Through Jesus Christ, God teaches us the truth. It is our responsibility to know Jesus Christ, to know the truth and practise charity. Practise charity in truth so that charity can be relevant in different fields of human lives! This is what Jesus Christ teaches about "repentance" (Luke 13:3, 5). It is to lead a life in the spirit of the gospel, in the spirit of the Beatitudes!

The second part of the gospel we read today is a parable of planting a fig tree. What does the fig tree (13:6) symbolize? Three years (13:7)? Dung (13:8)? Among the exegesis of Church Fathers, I think that of St. Augustine comes close to Luke's writing purpose. Thus I choose his interpretation. St. Augustine opines that the fig tree symbolizes the whole humanity. Three years symbolizes the three ages in which God came into contact with humanity: the Patriarchs era, Law & Prophet era and the Gospel era. Disappointingly, they bore no fruit of faith! Fortunately, God is merciful and patient. Dung symbolizes humility. God is willing to kick off a fourth era in which He shall strengthen humility, hoping that men would repent, believe in the good news and lead a life in the spirit of the Beatitudes! Then, when will the fourth era close? Will it come to an end? Has God's mercy an expiry date? No, but the days of each of us are numbered and we don't know when. Even though God's mercy never expires, we cannot lead a reckless life and meet our doomsday before we repent!

Brethren! Let us follow the appeal of Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation, "Gaudete et Exsultate", lead our life in the spirit of the Beatitudes, a life called to sanctification!
God bless!

我們都是天父所揀選的 We Are Chosen by the Father

四旬期第二主日，丙年
主題：我們都是天父所揀選的

在四旬期第一主日，福音告訴我們耶穌基督如何三退魔誘。受造物中，祇有人類纔會受試探誘惑。動物不會，天使和魔鬼也不會。因為在一般的情況下，動物按牠們的本能生活，沒有所謂濫殺無辜，犯姦淫和說謊等。天使和魔鬼是定了型的靈體，他們各自擁有清晰的立場和任務，塵世間沒有甚麼事物可以改變他們，引誘他們。人類既是天主的肖象，能分辨善惡，又有天主賜予的自由。因此，宇宙間惟有人類經常處於「心神固然切願，但肉體卻軟弱」（谷14:38）的狀態之中，我們必需作出努力，纔能克服拉扯我們離開天主的誘惑。上一個星期的福音，告訴我們一個基督宗教的當信道理：耶穌基督是真正的人，祂的死亡是真實的，不是一個假象！在四旬期，我們與候洗者一起，用四十天的時間準備慶祝復活節。從耶穌基督三退魔誘的事蹟中，學習基督運用天主的聖言，幫助我們拒絕遠離天主。

今天我們耹聽耶穌基督顯聖容的事蹟，默想祂是真天主的道理。在默想前，讓我們澄清一些細節。耶穌顯聖容的事蹟，記載在三部對觀福音之中，發生在伯多祿宣認耶穌為默西亞和耶穌基督第一次預言受難復活之後。雖然耶穌基督想告訴他們復活的喜訊，可惜門徒接受不了他們的師傅，要前往耶路撒冷受死的計劃，伯多祿甚至想阻止耶穌，結果被耶穌斥責他是撒殫！後來，耶穌基督決定帶三名入室弟子，上山顯聖容，讓他們明白復活後分享天主永恆生命的光榮。

三部對觀福音之中，惟有路加福音記載了梅瑟，厄里亞與耶穌基督對話的內容：「他們出顯在光耀中，談論耶穌的去世，即祂在耶路撒冷必要完成的事。」（路9:31）希臘文原文並不是用「去世」一辭，而是「出谷」。即是說，耶穌基督將來在耶路撒冷受難，死亡，復活和升天，是一個「出谷」事件。耶穌基督的死亡和復活，是一個逾越到永生的程序。從此，信仰祂的人，死亡不再是灰飛煙滅，而是跨越到永生的門限，是一次「出谷」！我們與候洗者在四旬期的準備，就是準備一次「出谷」。候洗者準備逾越，度一個脫免罪惡奴役的基督徒恩寵生活；已經是基督徒的我們，準備再跨進一步，走近天父多一些，接受更豐盛的恩寵。

瑪竇福音和馬爾谷福音說是「六天後」（瑪17:1；谷9:2），路加福音卻說是「過了八天」（路9:28）。那麼究竟是「六天」還是「八天」呢？其實，「六天」還是「八天」並不重要，福音的作者這樣安排，自有他所希望表達的訊息。聖安博認為「八天」是指耶穌基督的復活，因為耶穌基督是在一周的第一天復活，亦可以說是第八天。聖安博說：「誰聽了基督的話並相信的，在復活時將會看見基督的光榮。」倘若我們聽了並相信耶穌基督的教訓，並在生活中為祂的復活作見證；在末日，我們也可以像三位宗徒一樣，享見基督聖容的光輝。

除了表示復活之外，「八天」也可以象徵神聖的集會。在舊約的法律和歷史事蹟中，多次提及「在第八天舉行盛大的，全民的神聖集會。」（肋23:36，戶29:35，編下7:9，厄下8:18）雖然在顯聖容時，門徒祇看見梅瑟和厄里亞兩個，並不算甚麼盛大的集會。但不要忘記，梅瑟代表了法律，厄里亞代表了先知，兩個人一起代表著整個舊約。因此，梅瑟和厄里亞代表著整個舊約的所有人物，把新的盟約交託到耶穌基督的手中。三位宗徒是教會的支柱，他們在現場，同樣代表著新約時代所開展的教會所組成的一個神聖集會，他們要向世界見證天父對世人的慈愛。

最後，按猶太人的習俗，在第八天為初生男嬰舉行「割損禮」，並給他起一個名字，使他正式成為猶太人團體的一份子！在描述雲中出現的聲音時，路加福音的記載很特別，說：「這是我的兒子，我所揀選的…」（路9:35）。我們的信仰，宣稱耶穌基督是天主子，是聖父所生，而非聖父所造。既是聖父所生的，為甚麼是「揀選」的呢？要知道路加福音是一本祈禱書。固然，他描述耶穌生平的時候，經常提及耶穌基督的祈禱，不但如此，路加把每件事蹟，都描述成為祈禱的材料。整個顯聖容的事蹟，是一個默想祈禱的材料，尤其是這句「這是我的兒子，我所揀選的」，不單指示耶穌基督本人的身份，更是指耶穌基督的奧體，祂的教會！我們與及所有候洗者，都是天父所揀選的！我們的「割損禮」就是「洗禮」，我們要割損的，不再是肉體上的包皮，而是我們的心靈（申30:6，耶4:4，羅2:29）。我們真是幸福，有幸被天父所揀選，他日將分享復活永生光榮的福樂！

各位兄弟姊妹，為了承受這幸福，今天我們應做甚麼呢？我們既蒙召成為聖徒，組合成一個神聖的集會。讓我們跟隨教宗方濟各在【你們要歡喜踴躍】的號召，在生活中活出「真福八端」的精神，朝著永生邁進，他日有資格分享耶穌基督的天主性！
天主保祐！

2016年講道

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Second Lenten Sunday, Year C
Theme: We Are Chosen by the Father

On the first Sunday of Lent, the gospel told us how Jesus Christ overcame temptations. Among the Creation, only human can be tempted. Animals won't be, neither be angels nor devils. It is because under normal circumstances, animals act according to their instincts. It is meaningless to say they kill the innocent, commit adultery and tell lies etc. Angels and devils are fixed spirits. Their stance and missions are fixed. Nothing on earth is able to tempt them to change their courses. But men were created in the image of God. They are able to know good from evil. Furthermore, God gave them freedom. Thus, only humans among the Creation always remain in a state of "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:38) We have to work hard in order to overcome temptations that drag us away from God. The gospel on last Sunday tells us an important Christian dogma: Jesus Christ is genuinely human. His death is real, not an illusion! During Lent, we together with the elect shall spend forty days preparing for the celebration of Easter. We learn from Jesus' example of overcoming temptations how to make use of the Scriptures to refuse drifting away from God.

Today, we hear of the narrative of the Transfiguration. We meditate on the divinity of Jesus Christ. Before the meditation, let us clarify the context. The three Synoptic Gospel report the incident. It happened after Peter's Declaration of Jesus' Messiahship and Jesus' first Passion Prediction. Although Jesus wanted to tell his disciples the good news of resurrection, they could not accept their master's plan to suffer in Jerusalem. Peter even tried to stop Jesus. Consequently, Jesus rebuked him and called him Satan! Later, Jesus decided to take the core of the apostles to witness his Transfiguration, allowing them to understand the glory of partaking in God's eternal life after resurrection.

Among the Synoptic Gospel, only Luke mentions the contents of the exchanges between Jesus with Moses and Elijah, "Who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem." (Luke 9:31) The word "exodus" was used. That is to say, the passion, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem would be an Exodus event. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a process of Passover to eternal life. From hence, for all believers, death is no longer an annihilation but a passover of the threshold to eternal life. It is an Exodus! Together with the elect, we prepare in Lent an Exodus once more! The elect prepare to passover to lead a Christian life of grace free from the bondage of sins. We, who are Catholics, prepare to move a step closer to the Father to receive more abundant life.

Matthew and Mark talks about "six days later" (Matthew 17:1, Mark 9:2). But Luke says, "About eight days after this" (Luke 9:28). Well then, was it six or eight? In fact, whether it is six or eight is not important. The Evangelists wish to express their messages with such arrangements. St. Ambrose opined that "eight days" refers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is because Jesus Christ rose on the first day of the week. It can be said to be the eighth day. St. Ambrose continued, "He who listen to the words of Christ and believe shall be able to see the glory of Christ at resurrection." If we listen and believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ and bear witness to his resurrection in our daily life, at the Last Judgment, we shall be able to see the glory of his countenance like the three apostles.

Other than resurrection, "eight days" also symbolizes sacred assemblies. In Torah as well as historical events in the Old Testament, "sacred assemblies of the people on the eighth day" were mentioned many times. (Leviticus 23:36, Numbers 29:35, 2 Chronicles 7:9, Nehemiah 8:18) Although the apostles only saw Moses and Elijah, which was not a big assembly, don't forget, Moses represents the Law and Elijah the Prophets, together they represented the whole of the Old Testament. Thus, Moses and Elijah represented all the people of the Old Testament to pass on the New Testament to Jesus Christ. The three apostles are the pillars of the Church. Their presence represented the sacred assembly of the Church inaugurated in the New Testament. They shall bear witness to the mercy of the Father to the world.

Lastly, according to Jewish customs, a male baby should be circumcized on the eighth day and given a name so that it would be formally declared a member of the Jewish community! The Lukan narration of the voice in the cloud is peculiar, "This is my chosen Son" (Luke 9:35). In Christianity, Jesus Christ is the Son of God, begotten of the Father, not made. If he was "begotten", why "chosen"? We have to appreciate that the gospel of Luke is a book of prayer. Of course, in telling the life of Jesus, Luke always mentions the prayings of Jesus Christ. Not only that, Luke narrates every event as materials of prayer. The Transfiguration is stuff for meditation and prayer. In particular, "This is my chosen Son" not only indicates the identity of Jesus Christ, but it also points to the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church! Together with the elect, we are chosen by the Father. Our baptism is the circumcision. We should circumcise, not the foreskins of our body but our hearts (Deuteronomy 30:6, Jeremiah 4:4, Romans 2:29). How blessed we are to be chosen by the Father to partake in the glory of eternal life after resurrection!

Brethren! In order to inherit this blessedness, what shall we do today? Since we are called to be saints, to form a sacred assembly, let us follow the call of Pope Francis in Gautete et Exsultate to lead a life in accordance to the spirit of the Beatitudes. Let us march ahead towards eternal life so that someday we may partake in the divinity of Jesus Christ!
God bless!

地獄不空 Hell Is Not Empty

四旬期第一主日，丙年
主題：地獄不空

今天的福音，講述耶穌基督如何戰勝撒殫的試探，為我們作出完美的示範。耶穌基督是天主子，面對誘惑當然穩操勝券。我們先天不足，面對試探便要加倍小心了。

為甚麼在我們的生活中會出現試探呢？試探其實是一個警號，顯示我們的生活出現了危機。當我們財政穩健時，金錢決不能吸引我們。正因為沒有儲備應急的現金，所以金錢突然變得十分吸引！當我們的婚姻美滿的時候，美色決不能令我們心動。正因為夫妻缺乏溝通，婚姻出現了裂痕，第三者纔能乘虛而入，破壞家庭。正因為政治前景不明朗，當權者纔會埋沒良知，找個代罪羔羊開刀，讓自己覺得仍然大權在握。

所謂「有危必有機」，出現危機的時候，祇要處理得恰當，便是翻身的機會；處理錯了，便會一敗塗地。從信仰角度看亦是如此。天主容許試探的出現，必會給我們足夠的恩寵應付，讓我們返回祂的懷抱，給予我們更多的恩寵。例如亞巴郎獻子的考驗，亞巴郎成功了，日後成為了萬民的福源。倘若他自私地不願捨棄百歲得來的愛子依撒格，「萬民之父」將會是另有其人了！又例如達味，他原可以輕易取去追殺他的撒烏耳王的首級。倘若他這樣做，他固然可以取代撒烏耳成為以色列王，但達味必然失去天主的歡心，日後便不能成為默西亞的祖先了。因此，我們應該認真地看待試探，不能掉以輕心。

另一方面，「心神固然切願，但肉體卻軟弱。」（瑪26:41）聖經中不乏抗拒誘惑失敗的人物！從對拉匝祿無慟於衷的富翁，到利用色迷心竅的黑落德，借刀殺人，殺死洗者若翰的黑落狄雅，還有出賣耶穌基督的猶達斯。雖然教會沒有宣佈猶達斯或者黑落狄雅一定會被懲罰到地獄裡去，但大家都心裡有數！沒有殺人放火，祇是對窮人鐵石心腸的富翁也要在地獄受苦，何況那些流無辜者的血的凶手呢？雖然聖保祿宗徒告訴我們，「天主願意所有的人都得救。」（弟前2:4）但人類以往的「業績」，實在太差勁了。他們經常濫用了自由，拒絕了天主的忍耐和慈愛。所以，我們祇能對聖保祿的說話，保持審慎樂觀，「地獄」應該不是空空如也的！

既然地獄是真實的，並不是虛構來恐嚇世人行善的手段，我們對生活中所遇到的試探考驗，就不能掉以輕心了，因為一旦屈服在一次試探之下，便離開天主遠一些，接近地獄多一些。福音所記述的三個試探，是有代表性的試探。它們在耶穌基督日後的公開生活中，以另外的形式出現。因此，這些試探，將會在我們的世俗生活中，包裝成另外的形式出現。

例如互聯網和手機，就是今天最流行的試探了。在起初，互聯網帶給世人一個自由民主的願景。從前祇有大企業家，大財團纔有足夠的財力物力，出版書藉、報紙、雜誌，投資拍攝電影，在電台或電視台廣播等。這些傳媒，可以監察政府的運作，可以製造輿論，督促政府。有了互聯網，大家都可以成為企業家、作家、出版家、電影電視紅人等。表面上是民主化了，但明顯地，媒體的質素低劣了。大家經常在群組內，接收到一些不費吹灰之力轉發出來的謠言和假新聞，真叫人煩惱，卻又捨不得脫離這些群組。為甚麼我們願意把自己的精神和時間，被這些劣質的資訊充塞呢？因為我們害怕空虛！這也就是撒殫對耶穌基督的第一個試探。

肚腹的空虛，可以藉著吃適當和適量的食物，把它填滿，帶來滿足感。不過，人為了追求這種肚腹的滿足感，饑不擇食，甚至暴飲暴食，結果食出病來。同樣，心靈的空虛，我們也會想辦法把它填滿，得到心靈上的滿足感。可是，人為了追求心靈的滿足感，或者逃避一些心靈上的寂寞、痛苦、罪惡感，而「饑不擇食」，無事忙，做一些沒有多大意義的事情來填滿自己的時間。互聯網和手機，就是最應手，最能充塞時間的工具。的確，今天很多人，不但染上毒癮、賭癮，更成為工作狂、購物狂和上網成癮，都是為了填滿空虛的心靈。

在四旬期，我們預備心靈，慶祝耶穌基督的逾越奧蹟，迎接耶穌基督戰勝死亡，復活升天所帶來的永生。為甚麼我們選擇以守齋的方式來預備心靈呢？因為守齋讓我們保持肚腹空虛，處於一個空虛的狀態而不去填滿它，滿足它。我們忍受這份空虛所帶來的軟弱，並不逃避。我們倚靠的是甚麼？就是倚靠天主！我們知道，選擇垃圾食物來填滿空虛的肚皮，會影響健康，並且變成癡肥。同樣，我們可以不選擇無聊的八卦網媒，而是選擇閱讀勵志的聖人著作，使自己的心靈更健康，更渴慕天主。因此，在四旬期守齋之餘，也應該為自己的心靈，訂下促進神益的閱讀材料和閱讀計劃。守「互聯網」齋和「手機」齋！騰出時間來閱讀滋潤心靈的雞湯！

執事在這裡，推介教宗方濟各這三年來頒佈的兩份宗座勸諭：就是【愛的喜樂】和【你們要歡喜踴躍】。【愛的喜樂】探討如何藉著婚姻及家庭生活成聖。它重申彼此尊重的重要性，我們不應強加自己的意願，到配偶及子女身上。這正是針對魔鬼的第二個試探：權力慾，控制慾！所以，執事邀請大家在四旬期內，默想這兩份文件的教訓，以取代「上網癮」和「手機癮」所浪費了的時間，親近天主，遠離地獄的永火。
天主保祐！

2016講道

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First Lenten Sunday, Year C
Theme: Hell Is Not Empty

The gospel today tells how Jesus overcame Satan's temptations. It is a perfect exemplar for us. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He surely overcomes all temptations. But we are inadequate. We should be more careful with temptations.

Why are there temptations in our daily life? Temptations can be an alarm showing the emergence of crises. When our financial situation is sound, money is not attractive. Just because there is no emergency fund, money suddenly becomes attractive! When our marriages are sweet, lust cannot lure us. Just because there is a breakdown of communication between the spouses, cracks appear and the third-party comes plundering. Just because the political scene is unclear, people in power will unscrupulously butcher scapegoats in order to feel that they are still in power.

Crises come with opportunities. If they are handled properly, we can overturn the tide. Otherwise, we will fall. The same applies in faith. God allows temptations and will give us enough grace to handle them so that we shall return to His bosom and obtain more graces. For example, Abraham passed the test to offer Isaac in holocaust and became the fount of blessings to all nations. Had Abraham been reluctant to give up this beloved son in old age, the Father of Many Nations would have been somebody else! David is another example. He would have easily beheaded Saul who ran after his life out of jealousy. Had David done so, he would have replaced Saul as the King of Israel but he would also have lost favour before God and failed to become the ancestor of the Messiah. Thus, we should take temptations seriously.

On the other hand, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41) The Bible is littered with people fallen prey to temptations. From the Rich Man who was indifferent to Lazarus, to Herodias who killed John the Baptist with the hand of a lustful Herod, and Judas who betrayed Jesus Christ. Although the Church has never announced that Judas and Herodias were condemned to hell, few people would doubt it. Even though he had not murdered anybody, the Rich Man suffered in hell all because he was indifferent to the plights of the poor. So, what would happen to those who drank the innocent's blood? Although St. Paul tells us, "God wills everyone to be saved," (1 Timothy 2:4) the past records of humanity are too disappointing. Men always misuse their freedom and rejects God's patience and mercy. Thus, we should be cautiously optimistic with St. Paul's view. Hell will not be empty!

Since hell is for real and is not a fabrication to scare people into doing good, we should face temptations in our daily life squarely. Once we fail, we come closer to hell and farther away from God. The three temptations in the gospel are typical temptations. They appeared again in different guises later in the public ministry of Jesus Christ. Thus, these temptations shall be packaged and appear in other manners in our secular life.

For example, the Internet and the mobile phones are the most popular temptations today. In the beginning, the Internet gave us an appealing vision of freedom and democracy. Before the Internet, only cartels, entrepreneurs had the resources to publish books, newspapers, magazines; to invest in movies and to broadcast in radio and TV stations. These mass media were able to monitor the running of the state and to shape public opinions to put pressure on the government. With the Internet, all of us can be entrepreneurs, authors, publishers, movies and TV stars etc. Superficially, the media have become democratic, but obviously, the quality of the media is sickening. We are often overwhelmed by rumours and fake news in our social media groups. They could be forwarded without any effort. It is troublesome but we don't want to leave the groups. Why are we willing to fill up our time and energy with such low quality information? It is because we are afraid of emptiness! This is also Satan's first temptation to Jesus Christ.

When our stomach is empty, we fill it up with appropriate amount and kinds of food and it brings satisfaction. However, some people seek that satiation and eat without restrain. Consequently, they develop eating disorders. In a similar manner, we also want to fill up the emptiness in our hearts in order to obtain spiritual satisfaction. Some people seek spiritual satisfaction while others perhaps want to run away from spiritual loneliness, pain and guilt. They fill up their time with meaningless activities. The Internet and mobile phones are the handiest tools to fill time up. So, nowadays, not only do many people abuse substances and obsess with gambling, but they also become workaholic, shopaholic and addicted to the Internet in order to fill up the void in their hearts.

In Lent, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the Passover of Jesus Christ who defeated death, came back to life and ascended to heaven to bring us eternal life. Why do we choose fasting to prepare our hearts? Fasting keeps our stomach empty and we choose not to fill it, not to satiate it. We refuse to evade from enduring the weakness brought about with an empty stomach. Upon what do we rely? God! We know that choosing junk food to fill up an empty stomach will be harmful to our health and make us obese! Similarly, we choose not garbage social media but soul lifting holy writings of saints to make our hearts healthier and desire God more. Thus, on top of fasting in Lent, we should set up a reading schedule for our spirit. Abstain from the Internet, abstain from mobile phones! Make room for time to read chicken essence for our souls!

Here, I would like to recommend for your spiritual reading two recent Apostolic Exhortations issued by our Pope Francis: Amoris Laetitia and Gaudete et Exsultate. The former explores Christian sanctification through married and family life. It reiterates the importance of mutual respect. We should never impose our own will upon our spouses and children. This is a direct answer to the Satan's second temptation: the desire for power, the desire to control! Thus, I would like to invite all of you to meditate on the teachings of these two documents in Lent to make up the time wasted on the addiction to the Internet and mobile phones. Get close to God and stay away from the eternal life of hell.
God bless!

論「交友」 On Companions

論「交友」
三月九日聖灰瞻禮後星期六（路5:27-32）
肋未在自己家中為祂擺設了盛筵，有許多稅吏和其他的人，與他們一同坐席。（路5:29）

在耶穌時代猶太人的社會裡，稅吏是不受歡迎的人物。肋未是稅吏，與他來往的，恐怕亦祇有稅吏和罪人而已（谷2:15）。另一方面，能夠加入法利塞黨的人，恐怕亦祇有那些熟悉經典，自以為高人一等的經師和法學士。當然亦有例外的，例如尼苛德摩和阿黎瑪特雅人若瑟。肋未之流，想加入法利塞黨，一定被拒諸門外；而法利塞人亦不屑與肋未為伍！這是意料中事，但不要忘記，「近朱者赤，近墨者黑」。那麼，你希望參加一個怎麼樣的團體呢？一個聖人/義人的團體？還是一個罪人的團體？

天主教幾乎每一天都會慶祝聖人的瞻禮，這些聖人都非常英勇地，以不同的方式，見証福音的教訓。天主教高舉這些榜樣，鼓勵信徒效法。可惜，在缺乏聖神的推動之下，這些聖人祇不過是「記憶博物館」中的展品，對信徒的生活起不了甚麼作用！（【你們要歡喜踴躍】#139）另一方面，天主教不斷被性侵醜聞所困擾，更與無神權政權妥協，令教會內外人士齒冷…雖然她是號稱「至聖」，並且「由宗徒傳下來」的教會，但她的表現，的確令人喪失信德！伯多祿不是被曾是法利塞黨的保祿猛力評擊嗎（迦2:11-14）？

不過，正因為她是一個罪人的團體，她纔可以邀請到耶穌基督一起坐席！耶穌基督沒有嫌棄罪人，並樂意與他們為伍。所以祂接受若翰的洗禮，跟肋未和他的罪人朋友一同坐席。且看，耶穌基督並沒有加入法利塞黨，提昇自己的社會地位，反而親近罪人，感染他們成聖！很難明白，罪人有甚麼值得耶穌基督的錯愛呢？但小心謹記，既然法利塞人中有尼苛德摩，罪人中也有拒絕悔改，自甘墮落之徒！
天主啊！我寧站在祢殿宇的門限，也不願逗留在惡人帳幕的裡面（詠84:11）。亞孟。

論盡神學

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On Companions
March 9, Saturday after Ash Wednesday (Luke 5:27-32)
"Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them." (Luke 5:29)

In Jesus' time, tax collectors were unpopular in the Jewish society. Levi was a tax collector. Most likely, only tax collectors and public sinners could be his friends (Mark 2:15). On the other hand, probably only those who were well-versed in Scriptures and the Law, such as those self-important teachers of the law and scribes, could join the Pharisees party. Of course, there were exceptions such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. Even if people like Levi wanted to join the Pharisees party, they would be rejected because the Pharisees despised their companionship. This was to be expected. Don't forget, birds of the same feather flock together. Then what kind of community would you like to join? A community of saints and righteous people? Or a community of sinners?

The Catholic Church celebrates feast-day of saints nearly everyday. These saints bravely bore witness to gospel teachings in various manners. The Church highlights their examples and encourages the laity to follow them. Unfortunately, lacking the push from the Holy Spirit, these saints are merely show pieces in a museum of memories. They do not help the life of believers! (GE #139) On the other hand, the Catholic Church is scandalized with sexual abuses. Her moral position is compromised by signing deals with atheist regimes. Many people, those within and without the Church, are disappointed. Although she claims to be holy and apostolic, her performance makes people lose their faith! Wasn't Peter criticized harshly by Paul the Pharisee (Galatians 2:11-14)?

Exactly because she is a community of sinners, she is able to invite Jesus Christ to join her at the table! Jesus Christ does not reject sinners and is happy to keep them company. Thus, Jesus received the baptism of John, joined Levi and his sinner friends at the table. Furthermore, Jesus Christ did not join the Pharisees to raise his social status. Instead, he stayed among sinners, influenced them to become saints! It is difficult to understand why Jesus Christ loved these worthless scums! Watch out! Since there was Nicodemus, the Pharisee, there must be sinners who refuse to repent and enjoy falling from grace!
Dear Lord! Better the threshold of the house of my God than a home in the tents of the wicked (Psalm 84:11). Amen.

論「隔絕」 On Separation

論「隔絕」
三月八日聖灰瞻禮後星期五（瑪9:14-15）
耶穌對他們說：「當新郎從他們中被劫去時，那時他們就要禁食了。」（瑪9:15）

「新郎被劫去」（瑪9:15）是甚麼意思？是指耶穌基督受難嗎？不但如此，更進一步指我們會否因為眼見耶穌基督受難，而像伯多祿一樣否認祂？抑或像在刑場上的右盜，眼見一個被虐待到不成人形的死囚，仍然承認祂是君王？我們當然不會否認耶穌基督！可是，不要忘記，教會是基督的奧體。當她被性侵醜聞纏身時，我們仍會信任她嗎？當教宗與迫害信徒的無神論政權簽訂協議時，我們會失望地離開天主教嗎？

保祿宗徒曾這樣問：「誰能使我們與基督的愛隔絕？是困苦嗎？是窘迫嗎？是迫害嗎？是饑餓嗎？是赤貧嗎？是危險嗎？是刀劍嗎？」（羅8:35）他跟著說，他深信世上現存的或將來的事物，沒有一樣能使我們與基督的愛隔絕（8:38-39）。是我們有不離不棄基督的本領嗎？沒有！而是基督對我們不離不棄，耐心地等著我們回頭，讓祂望我們一眼，熔化我們的恐懼，幫助我們悔改（路22:61）！政治交易、性侵醜聞、赤貧甚至迫害等等，都不會使基督放棄我們！

既然如此，「禁食」又有甚麼作用呢？禁食不但戒吃熱血動物的肉，更要絕食，令自己饑餓，令我們感到空虛無力！這樣，我們便會渴求天主來填滿這份空虛！因此，禁食並不會救出被劫去的新郎，而是騰出心靈的空間，去接受不符合我們心意的教宗，去原諒性侵醜聞纏身的教會，去渴求耶穌基督轉身望我們一眼！
天主啊！不要讓我們陷於「自以為是」的誘惑，教導我們禁食，渴求祢的拯救。亞孟。

論盡神學

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On Separation
March 8, Friday after Ash Wednesday (Matthew 9:14-15)

Jesus answered them, "They days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast." (Matthew 9:15)

What does "the bridegroom is taken away" (Matthew 9:15) mean? Jesus' Passion? Not only this, but also whether seeing the sufferings of Christ, we would deny him like Peter had done? Or whether seeing a broken, disfigured and condemned prisoner on the cross, we would still acknowledge him king, like the repentant thief? Of course we shall not deny Jesus Christ. However, remember that the Church is the Mystical Body of Christ. Will you still trust her when she is scandalized with sexual abuses? Will you leave her in disappointment when she signs agreements with an atheist regime which persecutes believers?

St. Paul once says, "What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?" (Romans 8:35) Then he continues and claims that neither present things or future things will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (8:38-39). Are we able not to abandon Christ? No, we aren't. It is Christ who does not abandon us, patiently waiting for us to return, allowing him to gaze upon us, melt our fear and help us repent (Luke 22:61)! Political deals, scandals of sexual abuses, poverty and even persecutions are unable to make Christ abandon us!

Then, what's the use of fasting? We abstain from meat of warm-blooded animals and fast in order to make us hungry and void. With an empty stomach, we feel our powerlessness. Then, we shall desire God to fill up this void! Thus, fasting will not release the bridegroom who was taken away, but will make room in our heart to accept a Pope who doesn't follow our wishes, to forgive a Church which is scandalized by sexual abuses and to desire Jesus Christ to turn and gaze at us!
God! Lead us not into the temptation of self-righteousness. Teach us fasting and hunger for your salvation. Amen.

論「益處」 On Gain

論「益處」
三月七日聖灰瞻禮後星期四（路9:22-25）
「人縱然賺得了全世界，卻喪失了自己，或賠上自己，為他有什益處呢﹖」（路9:25）

用不著喪失了自己，或者賠上性命那麼嚴重。即使是為了賺得全世界，卻賠上自己的健康，失去了享受成果的機會；又或者喪失了親情，不能與家人共享成就，的確沒有益處，的確可惜。但耶穌基督在這一段經文所提出的告誡，並不是指這些人之常情！

基督徒不是蒙召成聖的嗎？作為基督徒，不是富有「犧牲小我，完成大我」的宏願嗎？不是懷有「功成不必我在」的豪情壯志嗎？那麼，賠上健康、性命和親情，又有甚麼大不了呢？教會的禮儀日曆上，不是充斥著以各式各樣方法殉道的聖人嗎？他們為信仰而作出犧牲，名留清史，獲得後世信徒的歌頌。有何不對？

的確，憑表面很難判別誰是革命烈士，誰是殉道者。大家都是為了一個更高尚，更偉大的理想而作出犧牲，實在令人敬佩。不過，革命烈士祇是烈士，不是聖人；至於殉道者，卻是聖人！分別在哪？聖保祿宗徒曾教訓說：「我若捨身投火被焚，但我若沒有愛，為我毫無益處。」（格前13:3）又是「益處」？真巧合！

基督徒，不要忘記，「天主是愛」（若一4:8，16）聖經的教訓是非常明明白白的。我若沒有天主，即使賺得了全世界也是枉然；我若沒有天主，喪失了性命，成為革命烈士也是毫無益處！我若沒有天主，無論怎樣盡力為教會奉獻精神時間，也是在浪費天主所賜的「塔冷通」，白費心機！
天主啊！請不要向我掩面，讓我找到真正的心靈富足。亞孟！

論盡神學

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On Gain
March 7, Thursday after Ash Wednesday (Luke 9:22-25)
"What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?" (Luke 9:25)

You don't need to lose your life or forfeit yourself in order to suffer. Even if you gain the whole world at the expense of your health so that you are unable to enjoy the fruit of your efforts; or at the expense of your family relations so that they are not able to share your joy of achievement, it is already pitiful. But Jesus Christ does not warn us against these natural consequences!

Aren't Christians called to be saints? As Christians, aren't we filled with the passion of sacrificing oneself for the bigger good? Do we not cherish the noble ideal of ploughing without expecting to see the harvest? Then, losing one's health, life and families is no big deal. Isn't the Church calendar filled with saints who suffered martyrdom in various manners? They lost their lives to bear witness for their faith. They are immortalized and praised throughout the ages. Is there anything wrong?

Truly, it is difficult to differentiate revolutionaries from martyrs. All of them die for a nobler and greater ideal and have earned our respect. But revolutionaries are not saints. Martyrs are. What is the difference? St. Paul says, "If I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:3) It is "gain" again. What a coincidence?

Christians! Don't forget that "God is love." (1 John 4:8, 16) The teaching of the Bible is crystal clear. If I don't have God, it is pointless to gain the whole world. If I don't believe in God, losing my life as a revolutionary is worthless! If I don't have God, it will be a waste of God's given talents to spend all my time and energy to serve the Church!
My God, don't hide your countenance from me. Let me find true satisfaction in you. Amen.

Build Up Our Store of Goodness 填滿我們的善庫

Eighth Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: Build Up Our Store of Goodness

Jesus Christ made use of parables to preach the Kingdom of Heaven to simple people. Therefore, we should not find fault with his parables, complaining that they are not accurate. For example, Jesus Christ says, "No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher." (Luke 6:40) Well, as a teacher for forty years before I was ordained, it is difficult for me to agree because my students almost always do better than I did as lawyers, doctors, engineers and professionals in the society. Furthermore, if no disciple were superior to the teacher, how would we make advances in science, technology, music and arts etc.? There would not be any progress in societies and civilizations! However, this way of thinking is hair-splitting. We should focus on the message of the parables as a whole, rather than debating on the validity of the details.

What does Jesus Christ want to tell the crowd with the parable of the blind leading the blind? Of course they all knew that a blind man should not lead another blind man. It was very obvious and no explanation was needed! What the crowd did not know was that they were also blind, one way or the other.
What does Jesus Christ want to tell the crowd with the parable of the disciple and the teacher? Most of them were farmers, craftsmen, fishermen, perhaps a few Pharisees and teachers of the law. There was no need for Jesus Christ to tell them that they were better than their disciples. They all knew it. What the listeners did not know was that all of them were disciples and not teachers! They, and all of us, need to be fully trained.
What does Jesus Christ want to tell the crowd with the parable of the wooden beam and the splinter in the eyes? It is easy to discover mistakes in other people, but not in ourselves. So, Jesus Christ was warning us NOT to be hypocrites. What we are not aware of is that most of the time, we too are hypocrites.
By combining the three parables together, we begin to see a pattern. We see that Jesus Christ is trying to stop a natural human tendency: Pride. "I'm OK. You ain't OK. Let me fix you!"

Many a blind person does not think he is blind, does not see his own blindness. He offers to help, to lead other blind men. Many people think that they are good enough and are even experts. They enjoy thinking that their opinions are the only correct ones. Other people's ideas are faulty and even wrong. They enjoy telling others that they are wrong, they are inferior and they need help! "Brother! I'm OK. You ain't OK. Let me fix you! Let me remove the splinter in your eyes. Let me teach you the proper way to do things, the right way to interpret the Bible and the right way to save your marriage etc..." Gradually, they do not feel the need of God's forgiveness and salvation.

In his Apostolic Exhortation, "Gaudete et Exsultate", which explores the call of Christians to holiness in the modern world, Pope Francis warns us of two subtle enemies of holiness. One of them is a modern version of Pelagianism which overemphasizes the importance of human will and human efforts over that of grace. Like the Prodigal Son who thought that by working hard as a servant, he would be able to win the father's forgiveness (15:19). Similarly, modern Pelagians think that they can be justified by their own efforts and with their own abilities. They don't need God's grace or the support of the Holy Spirit. They are obsessed with the law, absorbed with social and political advantages, meticulous concern for the Church's liturgy, doctrine, prestige, programmes of self-help and personal fulfilment etc. (GE #57) The recent controversy over the proper manner to receive the Holy Communion is a good illustration of this subtle Pelagianism. Some people find pride in their particular manner of receiving the Holy Eucharist. Other manners are inferior. In short, I'm OK. You ain't OK. Let me remove the splinter in your eyes!

Let us return to the basics. We Catholics are called to be saints, to lead a life of holiness. Pope Francis tells us that we should always bear in mind that there is a hierarchy of virtues the most important of which are the three theological virtues --- faith, hope and charity which have God as the object and motive. At the centre is charity. (GE#60) In today's gospel, Jesus Christ says, "A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good ... for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)
Brethren, inspect your store of goodness in your heart now. Is your store empty, half-full or full? I'm sure nobody in this Church whose store is empty. Otherwise, you will not be sitting here. Nor is it full. There is always room in our hearts to put in more goodness. How do we fill up our store of goodness? Of course, we fill it up by doing charity! We follow the teachings of the gospel to serve the hungry, to clothe the naked, to shelter the refugees, to nurse the sick and to visit the imprisoned. When we do these Corporal Works of Mercy, we love one another and at the same time, we love God. It is because Jesus Christ says, "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40) This is also what Pope Francis repeats in his "Gaudete et Exsultate". Furthermore, Pope Francis says that the Beatitudes are the ID card of Christians (GE#63) He spends the whole Chapter 3 on how we should put the Beatitudes into practice. The Beatitudes are more than goodness. They are holiness! With poverty in spirit and a merciful heart, we shall never be proud. With meekness and empathy, we will never judge others and volunteer to correct their "mistakes". With hunger for righteousness and purity of heart, we shall see God and are not blind. In making peace and suffering persecution, we shall be fully trained to become mature Christians. Therefore, in practising the Beatitudes, we are building up not just a store of goodness, but a store of holiness.

So Brethren, let all of us remember St. Paul's words, "And those God predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified." (Romans 8:30) So, let us store up more holiness by practising the Beatitudes so that we shall be shining brilliantly in the age to come. Amen.
God bless!

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常年期第八主日，丙年
主題：填滿我們的善庫

耶穌基督運用比喻，教導平民百姓天國的道理。因此，我們不應挑剔那些比喻，抱怨它們不正確。例如，耶穌基督說：「沒有徒弟勝過師父的：凡受過完備教育的，僅相似自己的師父而已。」（路6:40）曾執教鞭四十年的我，不敢苟同。當年的學生，今天大多數已成為了律師、醫生、工程師或者其他專業人士，貢獻社會。而且，倘若沒有「青出於藍」的話，何來科技藝術的發展，何來社會及文明的進步呢？不過，這種思想，祇不過是在雞蛋裡挑骨頭。我們應該注意比喻的整體意義，而不應爭辯細節上的合理性。

耶穌基督運用「瞎子給瞎子領路」的比喻，告訴群眾甚麼呢？當然大家都知道瞎子不應給其他的瞎子領路。這是清楚不過而無需解釋的。但群眾卻不知道，他們在某方面也是瞎子。
耶穌基督運用「徒弟和師父」的比喻，告訴群眾甚麼呢？聽眾多是農民、工匠、漁夫或者一些法利塞人和法學士。他們不需要耶穌基督告訴他們比自己的徒弟優勝。他們全知道。但聽眾卻不知道，他們全部都是徒弟而不是師父！他們，與我們，都需要完備的教育！
耶穌基督運用「眼中的大樑和木屑」比喻，告訴群眾甚麼呢？我們很容易找到別人的錯處，至於自己的，就視而不見。因此，耶穌基督警告我們不要做假善人。但我們察覺不到的，在大部份的時候，我們都是假善人。
把三個比喻合併來看，我們可以看到一個共同點。耶穌基督想制止一個本性的自然傾向：驕傲。「我掂，你唔掂。等我攪掂你啦！」

很多人心盲，並不以為自己盲，看不到自己的盲點，他們樂意幫助盲人。很多人認為自己有本事，甚至是專家。他們樂於認為自己的意見是惟一正確的見解，其他人的見解不是千瘡百孔，就是完全的錯誤。他們喜歡指出別人是錯的，是不濟的，需要他們的幫助！「兄弟！我掂，你唔掂，等我攪掂你！等我攞走你眼中嘅木碎，等我教你點去做嘢，點樣正確讀經，點樣挽回你段婚姻…」等等。漸漸地，他們不再感到需要天主的寬恕和拯救。

在他探討基督徒在當代世界成聖的召叫的宗座勸諭【你們要歡喜踴躍】中，教宗方濟各警告我們要提防「潛伏於成聖旅程上的兩個仇敵」。其中一個，就是當代的白拉奇主義，它過份重視人的意志和個人努力，忽視了恩寵的重要。有如蕩子一樣，以為當一個傭工，憑努力可以贏取父親的寬恕（15:19）。同樣，當代的白拉奇主義者，以為憑一己的努力和能力，可以成義，不必倚賴天主的恩寵或聖神的幫助。他們「偏執法律，迷戀社會和政治的得益，炫耀禮儀、教義或教會的威望…為自我提升和自我實現的項目而著迷。」（GE#57）近來在有關領聖體方式的爭論，可見一斑。有些人把他們領聖體的方式，引以為榮，不屑使用其他的方式。一言以蔽之：「我我掂，你唔掂。等我幫你攞走你眼中嘅木碎！」

讓我們回歸本源。作為天主教徒，我們蒙召成聖，度聖潔的生活。教宗方濟各說「我們應當時常提醒自己，德行有等級之分，要掌握最必要的部份。最基本的就是信、望、愛三德。這三種神學美德以天主為對象和動機，其核心就是愛德。（GE#60）在今天的福音中，耶穌基督說：「善人從自己心中的善庫發出善來…因為心裡充滿甚麼，口裡就說甚麼。」（路6:45）
各位兄弟姊妹，現在就檢查你們心中的善庫吧！是空的？半滿的？抑或是全滿了？相信在座各位心中的善庫，決不會是空的，否則你們就不會坐在這裡。亦不會是全滿了的，我們的心永遠都有空間，容納更多的善。怎樣填滿這善庫呢？當然是行愛德！我們遵從福音的教訓，飢者食之、裸者衣之、接待難民、看顧病弱和探望在囚人士。當我們履行這些「形哀矜」的時候，我們彼此相愛，同時愛天主。因為耶穌基督這樣說：「凡你們對我這些最小兄弟中的一個所做的，就是對我做的。」（瑪25:40）教宗方濟各在【你們要歡喜踴躍】一再強調這一點。再進一步，教宗方濟各更說：「真福八端乃基督信徒的身份證明！」（GE#63）他用整個第三章述說了我們應怎樣實踐真福八端。真福八端不單是善，更是「賴以成聖的聖德」！當我們神貧和擁有一顆憐憫的心的時候，我們不再驕傲。當我們溫良和擁有一顆同理心的時候，我們不會判斷別人，樂意改正別人的「錯謬」。當我們饑渴慕義，擁有一顆純潔的心的時候，我們將看見天主而不至盲目。在締造和平和遭受迫害時，我們接受完備的教育，成為成熟的基督徒。因此，實踐真福八端時，我們不但充實我們的善庫，更是一個神聖的寶庫。

各位兄弟姊妹，請銘記聖保祿的說話：「天主不但召叫了祂所預定的人，而且也使祂所召叫的人成義，並使成義的人分享祂的光榮。」（羅8:30）所以，讓我們實踐真福八端，充實我們神聖的寶庫，在來世光輝地照耀罷。亞孟。
天主保祐！

2016年沒有常年期第八主日