罪人有未來 Sinners Have A Future

常年期第廿六主日，丙年
主題：罪人有未來
雖然曾在天主教勞工事務委員會服務過四年，與堂區關社組組員一起探望過外判清潔工人，但對勞動工人在香港的處境，認識實在膚淺。勞委會邀請我主持「五一證道小組」周年退省，我竟然毫不猶豫地接受；回想起來，真是不自量力。但我喜歡接受挑戰，於是硬著頭皮，拿著聖本篤的「祈禱與工作」，去闖「工作靈修」的關，介紹「聖言誦讀」與日課。豈料「五一證道小組」每月聚會，一向有做「聖言誦讀」的習慣！真是相形見絀，天主又一次教訓我要謙卑了！

在總結分享時，大家都有相同的一個疑問，我們該怎樣做，纔能知道天主的旨意呢？尤其是在當今時勢，連教會也好像無能為力，給教友指出為甚麼天主容許這些破壞香港穩定繁榮的動亂事情發生。今次退省，雖然默想過很多聖經章節，在個人靈修的時候，曾寧靜下來，嘗試聆聽天主的細語。是的，我們或許會得到一點心靈的平安，也解開了一些長期糾纏在心中的鬱結。但天主對香港的計劃呢？好像一點也捉摸不到！真的是天意難料、天意難違嗎？

古老的社會，為了解除疑惑，作出決策，會倚靠卜筮。作為一個天主教徒，我是不會倚靠占卜來釋除疑惑的。但我會讀一點【易經】，膚淺地看看世事的變化軌跡。所謂「君子居則觀其象而玩其辭，動則觀其變而玩其占。」（易‧系辭上）我沒有掌握萬物於指掌之間的野心，祇想細味所見所聞的美妙之處，永遠憑有限的資訊生活，從中發現天主。因此，明白到我不必知道所有事物的真相，有些事物，我是不應該追問的！但天意真的是難料嗎？正如天主曾藉知先之口，告訴我們：「因為我的思念不是你們的思念，你們的行徑也不是我的行徑：上主的斷語。就如天離地有多高，我的行徑離你們的行徑，我的思念離你們的思念也有多高。」（依55:8-9）

但天主又樂意把自己啟示給我們。所以，我們要接受一個事實：我們不應為了滿足一己的好奇心，而試探天主！無論我們喜歡與否，天主吩咐亞當不要吃「知善惡樹」的果子，是有原因的（創2:17）。我們未必有能力明白這個原因，但我們可以肯定，天主並非佈置陷阱來玩弄我們。厄娃犯錯的其中一個原因，就是被好奇心出賣了（3:5b-6a）。

正如上面所說，人類有強烈的好奇心；但另一方面，人卻選擇盲目。對，是選擇的，不是天生的！為甚麼富翁對拉匝祿，竟然可以視若無睹呢（路16:19-21）？可是，在陰間，他卻關心五個仍在世上的兄弟的命運（16:28）！那不是選擇是甚麼？是富有令他心腸硬化了嗎？抑或是偏見歧視，令他認定窮人是「物體」，是沒有持分呢？為甚麼，正當全港市民，包括警察和示威者，建制和泛民，「黃絲」和「藍絲」都同樣捱受了超過一百天的騷亂，仍然選擇盲目，拒絕放下成見來交談和解呢？大家都蒙受損失，但大家仍把責任推到對方身上，拒絕忍讓妥協呢？要知道天主是公義的，祂永遠站在弱勢一方！不過，拉匝祿在生時，並沒有得到任何「勝利」，他要到死後纔在亞巴郎懷中獲得安慰！不要奢望天主的公義，會在世上得到彰顯，我們祇能選擇相信，天主會彰顯祂的公義，但決不會是「以眼還眼，以牙還牙」的公義（出21:23-25）。因此，教會亦不能代表天主，宣布天主的計劃，宣判誰人有罪，誰人可以得救！

天主是自由的，所以祂按自己的肖像創造我們時，令我們也有自由。有了自由，我們纔可以完全發揮天賦的才幹。不單如此，天主尊重我們的自由，甚至不強迫我們相信祂，承認祂是我們的主宰！為甚麼呢？我祇能作這樣的解釋：祂希望我們成為有道德的受造物，要求我們為自己的選擇，自己的行為和後果，負上責任。沒有自由，便沒有承擔責任可言。因此，未到最後一刻，人仍有回頭悔改的可能。所以我們說：「聖人有過去，罪人有未來」。

各位兄弟姊妹，在惡劣困難的時勢中，天主是我們惟一的希望。我們選擇相信天主，是基於對祂的諾言/福音所懷有的希望（哥1:4-5）。但願這望德能鼓舞我們堅忍到底，渡過難關。願天主遣發祂的聖神，開啟我們的眼目，從聖經─天主聖言─之中，認清祂的許諾，刷新我們塵舊的思維，領受祂為我們在創世以前所預備了的國度（瑪25:34）。
天主保祐！




2016年講道
圖片鳴謝：https://www.haikudeck.com/theology-project-inspiration-presentation-o9LiTaBdbh#slide9

如何善用「不義」之財 How To Make Friends With Dishonest Wealth

常年期第廿五主日，丙年
主題：如何善用「不義」之財
耶穌基督是天主子，祂來到世上，教導罪人如何與天父修和，如何回歸父家。在祂快要完成祂的任務，與門徒吃「最後晚餐」時，祂告訴門徒自己是「道路、真理和生命」，惟有信靠祂，我們纔能獲得真正的生命（若14:6）。這話聽來有點刺耳，卻是真理。我們所生活的俗世，很多人為了一己的私利，鼓吹散播著錯謬的思想和言論；結果大部份人被迷惑了，以至是非不分，黑白顛倒，與天父的距離，越走越遠，的確可悲！且看今天繁榮舒適的現代化社會生活，便會看到一些頭緒。
今天的市民，可以享受很多方便和物質上的滿足。從前，荔枝是來自南方夏天的貢品；今天的普羅大眾，也可以隨時享受帝王的口福。從前，皇帝在不同的季節，有不同的行宮居住，可以避寒避暑；今天的小市民，也可以在家中安裝空調，安度四季，不需要勞師動眾地遷徙，一樣可以享受帝王般的舒適生活…這一切都是因為今天的社會，比古代的社會更有經濟效率，帶來很多的方便和享受。之所以更有經濟效率，是因為現代社會比從前的社會，分工更細微，每個成員更專門化。結果，上至整個國家，下至地方單位和組織，變得極度等級化。不過，有其利必有其弊，任何事物總有其代價！一種制度無論如何完美，執行的人始終都是有缺陷的罪人，他們會做出不理想的效果！
讓我們想像在一個有等級的制度裡，例如一間為了賺錢的商業機構，或者是為了服務市民的政府部門，一個從低級做起─姑且稱他做「陳大文」─如果他有能力，有表現，自然會獲得上司的賞識，升遷到更高的位置。對嗎？錯！雖然聽來是理所當然，可是，在現實的世界裡，真的是「有能者居之」嗎？恐怕這祇是儒家的「大同」理想，現實世界始終是殘酷的。
這個故事是如何發展下去呢? 最後的結局是怎樣呢？無論從前陳大文如何稱職，他表現怎樣好；除非他是一個神貧、謙遜和飢渴慕義的基督徒，為了實踐福音精神而拒絕升職，否則到最後，他總會升遷到一個他不稱職的位置！從前很成功的才幹，在新的位置用不著，反而成了他的包袱！這就是在職場中有名的「彼得原理」。你以為陳大文真是憑實力升遷到在這個位置上嗎？世上真是有「伯樂」的嗎？對不起，假的「伯樂」多的是！
因為陳大文不稱職，手上的工作做不了，他可以怎麼辦呢？於是他開設兩個或更多的職位，聘請或調升幾個副手，把手上的工作交給他們，陳大文自己升級成為監督。聘請副手的好處是：功勞歸自己，錯誤就發還副手處理。小的錯誤還可以包庇，大的錯誤就找個代罪羔羊。如果你是陳大文，你會聘請能幹的，還是奉承的人當副手呢？一定不能聘請比你能幹的人！那個做你副手的，以為遇上伯樂，當然會替你賣命！試想想你的副手將來會如何生存下去呢？「少做少錯，不做不錯。」成了座右銘！有一天，他們會模仿陳大文，要求聘請副手的助理！不久，一個和尚能擔的水，要由十個和尚來擔！有名的「帕金遜定律」出現了！今天分工和專門化的社會，必須倚靠等級制度來維持；有等級制度，難免被「彼得原理」和「帕金遜定律」所支配！請注意，商業機構和政府部門，都不是管理自己的錢，而是管理股東和市民的錢。商業機構和政府部門都是管家，而且，大多數是「不義」的管家，因為他們把焦點放在「利潤最大化」，或者所謂「成本效益最大化」之上；所用的每一分錢，要向「持份者」交代，而不是向天主交代！真的，「你們不能事奉天主而又事奉錢財」（路16:13）。

天主是我們的終極主宰，祂按自己的肖像造了我們，並吩咐我們管理這個宇宙（創1:26），所以我們都是管家，每一個人都是天主的傑作，彼此都是兄弟。在加音殺死弟弟亞伯爾的故事中，我們知道大家有彼此守護的責任（4:9）。因此，當我們濫用手上的優勢和制度，剝削別人，把別人變成奴隸，奴役虐待弱小的人，「憑權位，張爪牙，殘民以自肥」的時候，我們成了不義的管家，並且犯了加音殺弟之罪！例如，近來在社交媒體又散播「新移民來港呃綜援」的謬論，宣揚仇視新移民的言論。文章不當人是天主的肖像，祇用金錢來衡量人的價值！這些言論認為新移民對香港沒有貢獻，來港一年便領取綜援，分薄了香港市民的福利，是不公平的。
試問嬰兒和小學生對香港有甚麼貢獻？為甚麼他們又可以享受多方面的福利呢？嬰兒和學生，最少也在他們身上投資二十年以上，纔對香港社會有所貢獻。反觀新來港的移民，領取福利，在香港立足，接受培訓，不出幾年，便可以投入勞動力市場，做那些香港人不大願意做的「安老護理服務」等等，不是更有效率的投資嗎？ 相反，當我們尊重即使是弱小的社群，承認他們是社會中的持份者，應用我們手上，不屬於我們的資源，幫助他們，改善他們的處境，我們祇不過做了耶穌基督的教訓，「用不義的錢財交結朋友，為在你們匱乏的時候，好叫他們收留你們到永遠的帳幕裡。」（路16:9）這樣做，我們祇不過是「無用的僕人，我們不過做了我們應做的事。」（17:10）
各位兄弟姊妹，作為耶穌基督的真實信徒，我們應按自己的處境和能力，依照福音的精神，就是「真福八端」的精神，以神貧和同理心，「與喜樂的一同喜樂，與哭泣的一同哭泣。」（羅12:15）這樣做，在末日，我們纔堪受主人的稱讚（路16:8）。
天主保祐！

2016講道
圖片鳴謝：http://jackypang2.blogspot.com/2016/12/1645.html

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Twenty Fifth Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: How To Make Friends With Dishonest WealthJesus Christ is the Son of God. He came down to earth to teach sinners how to reconcile with the Father and how to return home. When He was about to accomplish His mission and ate the Last Supper with His disciples, He told them that He is "the Way, and the Truth and the Life". Only through Him can we attain genuine life (John 14:6). This statement is hard to swallow but is the Truth. In this secular world we are living, there are many selfish people who spread fallacies in order to take advantages for themselves. Consequently, many people are fooled and unable to tell the right from wrong. It is pitiful that they are straying farther and farther away from the Father. Take a look at the prosperous and comfortable modern social life and you will see a glimpse. Many people today are enjoying many conveniences and material satisfactions. In ancient times, lychee was a royal summer tribute from the south. Today, the general public can enjoy this imperial delicacy at any time. In ancient times, emperors spent their summers and winters at different palaces. Today, we commoners simply install air-conditioners at home and don't have to migrate in order to enjoy palatial comfort... It is because modern societies are more economically efficient than ancient societies that these conveniences and enjoyments are possible. Economic efficiency is made possible because of finer division of labour and specialization. Consequently, all organizations, from a country to a production unit, become highly hierarchical. However, there comes a price. No matter how perfect an institution is, it is carried out by fragile sinners. They make the outcomes less than desirable!
Let us imagine a hierarchical institution, such as a commercial company which aims at making profit, or a government department which aims at serving the citizens, in which a Mr. Able works from bottom up. If he is capable and gets results, his boss shall notice him and promote him. Right? Wrong! Although it sounds logical, in real world, capable people do not occupy top posts. It would only happen in an ideal world. Reality is harsh!
How shall the story develop? What will the finale be? No matter how capable Mr. Able was, unless he is a spiritually poor, humble and hungry for righteousness and refuses to promote in order to lead a life in the spirit of the gospel, sooner or later Mr. Able would rise to a job which he is no longer competent! The previous skills which made him competent were no longer appropriate and even perhaps became stumbling blocks! This is the famous concept of "Peter Principle" in management studies. Do you think Mr. Able really reaches this position with his competence? Are there bosses who genuinely appreciate his competency? Sorry, there are far too many incompetent bosses!
Since Mr. Able is no longer able to finish his works, what should be done? Create two or more posts and hire or promote subordinates to fill them. Mr. Able promotes himself to be the supervisor. What are the advantages? Well, credits go to the supervisor. Subordinates take care of the demerits. Small ones can be tolerated and swept under the carpet. When big ones arise, look for scapegoats. If you were Mr. Able, would you hire capable subordinates or shoe-shiners? Of course you cannot hire people more capable than you are! Your subordinates would work very hard to repay your appreciation. But how would your subordinates survive? "Doing little would make little mistakes and doing nothing would make no mistakes" becomes a motto. One day, your subordinates would follow your example to hire assistants to subordinates! Soon, a job done by one man would be shared by ten. Alas! Parkinson's Law comes alive! Today, a society with high level of division of labour and specialization is maintained by hierarchical institutions which inevitably are "supported" by Peter Principle and Parkinson's Law. Note that, commercial organizations and government departments are stewards and most of them are dishonest because they focus on the maximization of profits, or "cost-benefit" only. Every cent spent is held accountable to stake holders and not to God! Truly, "You cannot serve both God and mammon." (Luke 16:13)
God is our ultimate Lord. He created us in His image and told us to manage this universe (Genesis 1:26). Thus all of us are stewards and each one of us is a masterpiece of God. We are brothers. In the story of Cain murdering Abel, we learn that we should be keepers of each other (4:9). Thus, when we abuse our advantages and institutions to exploit others, turning them into slaves, torture them to fatten ourselves, we are dishonest stewards and commit Cain's fratricide! For example, recently, the fallacy of "newly arrived immigrants cheat CSSA" spreads again in social media. It is a hate-speech. The article does not treat men as God's images but measures their worth by money! It argues that these people have no contribution to the society of Hong Kong. After arriving in one year, they start receiving CSSA, thinning out the social benefits of local citizens. This is unfair.
Just think about it, what have babies and primary students contributed to Hong Kong? Yet, why are they receiving a lot of benefits? They take at least over two decades of investment before they will be able to contribute to the society. Look at those newly arrived immigrants. Yes, they receive CSSA, settle down and receive training. In a couple of years, they shall be able to join the labour market to take up dirty jobs, such as "elderly nursing" etc. Isn't it a more efficient investment?
On the contrary, when we respect these disadvantaged minority, acknowledge their stake-holder status, make use of resources not belonging to us to help them and to improve their situation, we are just practising Jesus' teaching, "Make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings." (Luke 16:9) In so doing, "we are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do." (17:10)
Brethren, as true followers of Jesus Christ, we should lead a life in the spirit of the gospel, that is the spirit of the Beatitudes according to our life situations and capabilities. With spiritual poverty and empathy, let us "rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15) In so doing, at the end of the world, we deserve the commendation of the Master. (Luke 16:8)
God bless!

What Prevents Sinners From Repentance? 甚麼事物阻礙罪人悔改？

Twenty-Fourth Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: What Prevents Sinners From Repentance?
The gospel of Luke is a gospel of mercy. Through the words and deeds of Jesus Christ, it shows us the merciful face of the invisible God. Among the many parables recorded, the parable of the Prodigal Son goes down in history as a classic. Actually, it is one of the three parables which encourage us sinners to repent, to turn back to the Father. But who are the sinners? Tax collectors or Pharisees, or both? The key message is simple. All heavenly hosts rejoice when a sinner repents, whether he is a tax-collector or a Pharisee. It is even more joyful than the good deeds performed by ninety-nine righteous people on earth.

Very few people are natural-born murderers, cheaters, human traffickers or sinners. Didn't God create us in His image (Genesis 1:26)? That is to say, to start with we were all good, very good. In time, however we became evil, very evil. Many factors contribute to the downfall of an upright person. Therefore, we need to be alert and stay away from bad company and bad habits. On a more proactive point of view, we should learn what is good for our eternal spiritual life. We should teach our children what the right things to do are.
However, once a person breaks his oath of allegiance to God and turn away from Him, he has to overcome many obstacles in order to return. Many psychological factors prevent sinners from repentance. 

First of all, it is egoism. People do not want to show their weaknesses before the others. They put up a brave face and never seek help. Some of them may be overconfident and believe in their own strength and charisma. Others may not be as confident and yet, they want to look good in front of the others. Therefore, whether you are strong or weak, capable or incompetent, you don't want to lose face and in particular, you don't want to lose face in front of those you care about most. You have a difficulty in admitting that you need external help, that you need God's help.
Let us meditate what Jesus did in his Passion. The Roman soldiers removed his clothes and crucified him, and hung him nakedly on the cross in full view of many bystanders and passers-by. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is powerful enough to prevent such suffering from happening (Matthew 26:53). Yet He humbly went through such a shameful ordeal (Philippians 2:8)! Why did He do this? Why did Jesus Christ suffer like this? Jesus Christ says that He is "the Way, and the Truth and the Life." (John 14:6) We believe that He wants to show us how to overcome our egoism with humility.

Secondly, it is denial. People always play the "Not Me" game! We all tend to blame others for our faults. We are truly children of Adam! When God asked Adam whether he had eaten the Fruit on the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, instead of answering yes or no, Adam replied that it was the woman whom God created gave him the fruit so he ate it (Genesis 3:12). Adam even blamed God for his own disobedience. When God asked Eve, she pointed her finger to the Serpent! Our First Parent mistakenly thought that they would have saved their skin when somebody had taken the blame. Well, since it is not our fault, then we don't have to apologize, to seek forgiveness and to do compensation. In reality, we miss the opportunity to receive forgiveness and healing! The most difficult patients to cure are those who say that they are not sick! They refuse treatment.
Let us meditate what Jesus has done for the sick. Once a father brought his possessed son to Jesus for exorcism, Jesus did not drive out the demon immediately. He waited for the father to say the most crucial sentence, "I do believe, help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)
Today, we know that Hong Kong is sick. We have suffered a summer of demonstrations, riots, violence and vandalism. Instead of coming forth to acknowledge their faults, people blame each other for the damages done in these three months: external intervention, colour revolution, the failure of our Education system, the unaffordable housing and the younger generation has no say in the society etc. Like the patient who refuses to acknowledge his sickness, if we do not humbly confess our faults, no physician is able to cure us. The worst situation is when we lose hope and give up, we shall perish. If we still keep our hope and faith in Jesus Christ as the Lord of human history, when time comes, He shall deliver us. If we still keep the charity of Jesus Christ, are willing to let go of our prejudice and blindness to become ambassadors of reconciliation, when time comes, He shall deliver us.

Lastly, it is herd mentality. People follow the crowd. When we go to the supermarket alone, we are honest and we pay. However, when a gang of youngsters enter the supermarket, they shoplift! Why? Some young people want to show off their guts while others do not want to be chickens. If you can do it, I can do even better. When you are in the Police Force, you cannot afford to disobey. You cannot afford to be the odd man out. You think you have no choice but to follow the unwritten rules. It is a dirty job. Even if you don't do it, somebody else shall take it up! They blame the system. It is a variant of the "Not-Me" game in a group setting! However, it all boils down to your personal choice and thus your responsibility. If we are sick, admit it and seek treatment. If we are wrong, admit it and seek reconciliation.

The parable of Lost Sheep today is very reassuring and consoling indeed. Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14). He understands our egoism. He knows that we deny. Therefore, He goes all the way out to seek us. He is actually following us, accompanying us all along our strayed path and waits patiently for us to say, "I do believe, help my unbelief!" Finally, we remember Him and call upon Him. He finds us and sets us on His shoulders with great joy (Luke 15:5) to bring us home.
Brethren, let us take a break along our path. Take a look back to review what we have done so far. Are we lost in our prejudice and blindness against others? Have we disobeyed God's commandments to love Him and to love our neighbour as ourselves? Since we are followers of Christ, do we follow Christ's new commandment to love each other like He has loved us, to build up the others? Seek the help of the Good Shepherd. Call out to Him, "I do believe, help my unbelief!"
God bless!

2016 Homily
Picture credit: https://www.monasteryicons.com/product/good-shepherd-portrait-icon-606/icons-of-christ

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常年期第廿四主日，丙年
主題：甚麼事物阻礙罪人悔改？ 

路加福音是一本慈悲的福音，它透過耶穌基督的言行，展示不可見的天主慈悲的面容。在它所記載的比喻中，「浪子回頭」成了膾炙人口的經典。其實，它是三個規勸罪人悔改，回頭歸向天父的比喻之一。誰是罪人呢？是稅吏還是法利塞人，還是兩者皆是呢？比喻的主旨非常簡單。一個罪人，無論是稅吏還是法利塞人，悔改，在天主的使者前的歡樂，勝過九十九個義人的善行（路15:7，10）！
很少人是天生殺人狂，騙子，人口販子或者罪人。不是嗎，人是按天主的肖像所造成的（創1:26）？即是說，在起初，我們是善良的。但假以時日，我們都成了邪惡的。很多因素導致一個義人墮落。因此，我們要提高警覺，不與惡人為伍，並戒除惡習。從積極的角度看，我們應學習對我們的靈性有益的事物，教導我們的孩子做正確的事。
可是，一個人一旦違反了自己的諾言，離棄了天主，他要克服很多障礙，纔能回歸天父。很多心理因素，阻擋罪人悔改。

第一是「自我中心」。一般人不願意在人前示弱，他們流血不流淚，永遠不會求助。部份人可能自信心膨脹，相信自己的能力和魅力；有些人缺乏自信，但仍希望要成為人們心目中的強者。因此，無論你是強者抑或是弱者，能者抑或是無能者，你總不想在人前掉臉，尤其是那些你重視的人。要承認自己需要外力的幫助，需要天主的幫助，非常困難。
讓我們默想耶穌在受難時的經歷。羅馬士兵剝去祂的衣服，在一眾旁觀者和路過的人眼前，把祂赤裸裸地釘在並，懸掛在十字架上。耶穌基督是天主子，祂有能力阻止這苦難發生（瑪26:53），可是祂卻謙遜地、含羞地承受這折磨（斐2:8）！為甚麼祂要這樣做呢？為甚麼祂要捱受這苦楚呢？耶穌基督說：「我是道路、真理和生命。」（若14:6）我們相信祂在教訓我們如何以謙遜，克服「自我中心」。


第二是「否認」。人總喜歡玩「不是我」的遊戲。我們經常把過失推到別人的頭上。我們真是亞當的後裔！當天主問亞當是否吃了「禁果」的時候，亞當並不承認或否認，而是把責任推到天主為他造的女人身上（創3:12），言下之意，是天主的錯！當天主問女人的時候，女人把責任推到蛇身上！我們的原祖父母錯誤地以為把責任推到別人身上，自己便可以置身事外。既然不是我們的錯，我們便不用道歉，不用求寬恕和作出補償。可是在現實生活中，我們卻錯過了接受寬恕和治療的機會！最難醫治的病人是那些否認自己有病的人，他們拒絕接受治療。
讓我們默想耶穌如何對待病人。有一個父親帶著附了魔的兒子，找耶穌驅魔。耶穌並沒有立刻驅逐邪魔。祂等待那父親說出一句關鍵性的說話：「我信！請祢補助我的無信罷！」（谷9:24）
今天，我們知道香港病了。整個夏天，我們捱受示威、暴動、暴力和破壞。三個月來，沒有人出來認錯，祇會互相指摘：外國勢力干預、顏色革命、教育制度失敗、不可能承擔的樓價、沒有持份的青年人等等。像拒絕承認有病的病人一樣，倘若我們不謙遜地承認自己的過錯，沒有醫生可以治好我們的。最壞的情況是當我們失去希望而放棄，我們便會喪亡。倘若我們仍相信耶穌基督是歷史的主宰，時期一滿，祂會出手拯救我們。倘若我們保持耶穌基督的愛德，願意放下自我的偏見和盲目，去做修和的使者，時期一滿，祂會出手拯救我們。


最後是「羊群心理」，以為跟大隊不會錯。當我們一個人到超級市場，我們會誠實地付款。但當一批童黨進入超級市場時，他們會「高買」！為甚麼呢？部份少年人可能想炫耀自己的膽量，其他人不甘示弱。你能做的，我會做得更好！如果你是一個警務人員，你不能違抗命令，鶴立雞群。你以為你別無他選，祇能按潛規則做事。即使你不幹，總會有人幹！人在江湖，身不由己。其實這是「不是我」遊戲的群體變種。歸根究底，都是你個人的選擇和責任。如果我們病了，承認吧，尋求治療吧。如果我們錯了，承認吧，尋求修和吧！
「亡羊的比喻」很令人安慰。耶穌基督是善牧（若10:11，14）。祂明白我們的「自我中心」，祂知道我們否認。所以祂主動尋覓我們。其實祂一路陪伴著我們走在歧途之上，在我們的身邊耐心地等候我們說一句：「我信！請祢補助我們的無信吧！」最後，我們記起祂，呼求祂。祂找著了，就喜歡地把我們放在自己的肩膀上（路15:5），帶我們回家。


各位兄弟姊妹，讓我們在路上休息一會，回顧曾走過的路和我們的所作所為。我們是否迷失在自己的偏見之中？我們違反了愛主愛人的誡命嗎？既然是基督的門徒，我們有沒有遵守「彼此相愛，如同主愛了我們一樣」的新誡命，彼此造就呢？尋求善牧的幫助，向祂呼喊：「我信！請祢補助我們的無信吧！」
天主保祐！

怎樣計算代價？ How to Calculate Costs?

常年期第廿三主日，丙年
主題：怎樣計算代價？
老闆請人，刋登招聘廣告，一定會列出入職的條件。凡認為自己符合條件的，便可以應徵。例如請一個辦公室文員，老闆會要求應徵者中學文憑試合格，能操作電腦文書處理，電話應對有禮貎等等…又因為法例規定，不能有種族歧視、性別歧視、家庭崗位歧視等等，廣告中不可以寫祇招聘女性，南亞裔或者單親媽媽免問等等！幸好二千年前還沒有任何形式的歧視條例，否則，耶穌在今天的福音中，提出有三類人，不能做祂的門徒（路14:26-27，33），恐怕有觸犯歧視條例的嫌疑了！

話倒要說回來，老闆提出的條件是否合理，不是應徵者可以質疑的。老闆絕對可以要求來應徵文員的，最少擁有兩個博士學位；至於沒有博士學位的，在社區內必須是有名的孝子！執事是否誇張了些？不是，要知道，科舉考試是唐代發明的；在漢朝，真的是全鄉里所稱揚的孝子，纔可以當「父母官」。在一個人浮於事的時代，掃街也要大學畢業，不足為怪。所以，耶穌基督提出的條件是否合理，我們是沒有資格質疑的。可是，那兩個比喻聽起來，的確有點不合理！耶穌基督不是教導我們要以一顆赤子之心，去追求天國嗎（瑪18:3，谷10:14，路18:16）？即是說，倘若我們想成為祂的門徒，就不應老謀深算，衡量得失，然後去跟隨祂。為甚麼今天，祂卻鼓勵我們要「籌算」、「運籌」呢？豈不是自相矛盾嗎？

經濟學家告訴我們，世上是沒有「免費午餐」的，任何事物一定要付出代價。但經濟學家卻沒有告訴大家，怎樣去計算代價，因為，每個人的價值觀不一樣。例如，有人會數算這三個月來的動盪，帶給香港經濟多少的損失：零售業生意額跌了多少，與上一季來港遊客相比，少了多少「人次」，有多少億資金流出海外，有多少人受了傷甚至死亡，增加了醫療系統的額外開支和破壞了多少公共設施，帶來了時間上的損失等等。以上所提及的因素，是可以用實在的金錢數目來表達代價的。另一方面，有人會著重市民在心理上的創傷有多廣泛，晚晚從電視畫面看到的暴力鏡頭，或者在社交媒體所獲得的資訊，對情緒造成的負面影響有多大，對人際關係的撕裂有多深，多持久；市民對政府及警察失去了多少的信心和信任，青年一代對祖國的愛戴有多低；為未來的管治，帶來多少困難…等等。雖然這些都不能用金錢數目可以表達的代價，但都是真實和重要的代價！

問題在於，在計算的時候，是沒有人有能力把所有的因素和代價，列舉並計算出來的。大份人祇會計算自己認為重要的因素和代價，而不理會其他非常重要，但當前是不會考慮的因素和代價。例如：站在最前線衝擊防暴警察，破壞公共設施的青年人，他們為甚麼選擇押上自己的前途及生命，不理會被捕，受傷甚至死亡的危險呢？這些代價不重要嗎？是重要的。但對於他們來說，一個沒有希望，沒有自由的明天，比失去前途和生命更可怕。兩害取其輕，於是站出來衝擊和破壞。對於出動防暴警察「止亂制暴」的政府，穩定繁榮壓倒一切。今天不「止亂制暴」，經濟會萎縮，會斷送了國家的安全和自己的政治前途。相對之下，民心不再值錢，下一代的生命前途不再值錢了。注意，這裡祇作陳述，不作是非對錯的判斷。

在福音的比喻中，起塔的人，因為沒有籌算他所忽視的因素和代價，例如天氣對施工的影響，材料的漲價等，結果半途而廢，被所有看見的人譏誚（14:29）。保衛國土的君王，運籌比較全面，他不但知道一萬士兵沒有足夠兵力，抵抗兩萬入侵的大軍，更計算到在本土發生戰爭所要付出如何沉重的代價。於是他不會為了個人的榮辱，勉強迎戰；便遣使求和，避免了生靈塗炭。（14:32）耶穌基督也祇作陳述，並不作出道德的判斷。留待讀者，運用智慧對比兩個的決定，孰優孰劣！

耶穌基督列出三個不能做祂門徒的因素，並不是歧視我們，而是提醒我們，做祂門徒必須考慮的代價：有誰不喜歡享受人際關係所帶來的溫馨呢？那麼，你願意選擇俗世中的人際關係，抑或是天國裡大同的人際關係呢？在那裡，天主會把豺狼與羔羊一起牧放（依11:6），警察與示威者都是兄弟姊妹！有誰不喜歡人生完美和成功呢？那麼，你願意選擇俗世的幸福和成就，抑或是世界因你背起十字架，而得以修和呢？你選擇留戀俗世的事物，抑或空虛自己，讓天父以祂無限的慈愛，灌滿你的生命呢？

各位兄弟姊妹，耶穌基督召叫我們成為祂的門徒，並交付出自己的生命，讓我們成聖，修補這被罪惡所破壞，所撕裂的世界。所以，蒙召成聖的我們，應該把眼光放在不是金錢數目所能表達的因素上。信賴天主聖神的助祐，建立一個充滿希望、自由、公義與和平的天國。 天主保祐！

2016年講道
圖片鳴謝：http://rethinkinghell.com/2015/02/13/what-i-would-have-to-deny/

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Twenty Third Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: How to Calculate Costs? If a boss wants to hire somebody, he will put up a classified advertisement and list the required qualifications. Whoever thinks that he possesses all those qualities can apply. For example, to hire an office clerk, the boss would require applicants to pass DSE, to be able to handle word processing and be polite in answering phone calls etc. Since sexual, racial and family status discriminations are forbidden by law, the advertisement cannot explicitly state that only female can apply, ethnic minorities or single mother need not to! Luckily, no such discrimination legislation was in force two millennia ago. Otherwise, Jesus would become a suspect of breaching discrimination laws when he declared which three types of people could not be his disciples (Luke 14:26-27, 33)!

Take a step back, no applicants can question the reasonableness of the qualities listed by the boss. It is absolutely legitimate for bosses to demand office clerks to be holders of two doctoral degrees without which, the applicant should be well-known in his neighbourhood to be filially pious! Am I exaggerating? Of course not! Recruitment examination was invented in Tang dynasty. During Han dynasty, only renowned filially pious men could be mandarins. In an age where there is an oversupply of labourers, even degree holders are expected to apply for scavenger jobs. However, these two parables sound unreasonable! Didn't Jesus Christ teach us to seek the Kingdom of Heaven like a child (Matthew 18:3, Mark 10:14, Luke 18:16)? That is to say, if we want to become His disciples, we should not be calculating, follow him after doing cost-benefit analysis. Why then does He encourage us to calculate the cost? Isn't that contradictory?

Economists tell us that there is no free lunch in the world. Everything has a cost. But they do not tell us how to calculate the costs! It is because the value system of everybody is different. For example, some people calculate the economic losses during this turbulent summer: how much business retailers have lost, how the number of tourists have fallen, how many billions of dollars have evaporated overseas, how many people are injured or even have died thus increasing expenditures in our hospital system and how many public facilities have been vandalized and brought about time losses etc. All the factors mentioned above can be expressed in concrete monetary terms. On the other hand, some people focus on how extensively the psychological damages have been inflicted; how large negative feelings and how deep divisions among interpersonal relations and for how long have been caused by coverages of violent clashes on TV and social media; how much confidence and trust in government and police force have lost among citizens and how much the younger generation hate mainland China; what amount of difficulties are generated for future governance of the society etc. Although these costs cannot be expressed in monetary terms, they are genuine and serious costs!

The problem is that nobody is able to list and calculate all the factors and costs. Most people only consider the factors and costs which they deem significant and ignore other very important factors and costs which would not be considered at the moment. For example, as for the radical youngsters who clash with riot police and vandalize public facilities, why do they lay their future and life down on the streets, ignoring the risks of being arrested, injured or death? Are those costs not heavy? They are heavy indeed. But for them, a future without hope and freedom is worse than losing their future and life. Choosing the lesser evil, they clash and vandalize. As for the governments which send riot police to put a stop to chaos and violence, stability and prosperity are paramount. If governments fail to put a stop to chaos and violence today, the economy shall wither and national security as well as political careers will be jeopardized. In contrast, people's trust, lives and futures of the next generation are no longer worthy. Please note that the above are only statements. There is no attempt to pass judgment.

In today's parables, the tower builder was laughed at by onlookers for aborting his project halfway because he failed to calculate the factors and costs which he had ignored, such as weather and fluctuations in material prices etc. (14:29). The king who defended his territory was able to calculate more comprehensively. Not only did he know his ten thousand soldiers were unable to fight off an army of twenty thousand invaders, but he was also able to calculate the heavy tolls on fighting battles in his own turf. Thus, he would not care about his own glory to fight against all odds, but to send a delegation of peace to avoid annihilation (14:32). Again, Jesus Christ only narrates and does not pass judgment, leaving the readers latitude to exercise their wisdom to decide which choice is wiser!

Therefore, when Jesus Christ lists three factors failing which a person cannot be His disciple, he is not discriminating anybody. He just reminds us of the importance of considering the costs of being his disciples: who doesn't enjoy the warmth of interpersonal relationships on earth? Then would you choose interpersonal relationships in the secular world or the beatic interpersonal relationships in the Kingdom of Heaven, where "the wolf is a guest of the lamb" (Isaiah 11:6), riot police and demonstrators are brothers? Who doesn't like a perfect and successful life? Then, would you choose happiness and achievements on earth, or a reconciled world because you carry your cross? Would you desire worldly good, or would you empty yourselves, making room for your Heavenly Father to fulfil your life with His infinite mercy?

Brethren, Jesus Christ calls us to be his disciples and offers up His own life to sanctify us and to mend this world which has been laid waste and torn apart by sins. Thus, as we are called to sainthood, let us fix our sight on factors which cannot be expressed in monetary terms. Trust in the help of the Holy Spirit to build a Kingdom of Heaven which is full of hope, freedom, justice and peace.
God bless!

我寧願是盲的 I Wish I Were Blind

我寧願是盲的
原來大部份人都有「確認偏誤Confirmation Bias」的毛病，就是一種「選擇性地回憶，蒐集有利細節，忽略不利或矛盾的資訊，來支持自己已有想法或假設」的傾向！所以，很多人祇看見自己所相信的，自己想看見的事物。
你有這種傾向嗎？以下遊戲，你會怎樣選擇呢？ A?

聲明：「響音（A, E, I, O, U）咭背面是雙數。怎樣揭兩張咭來驗證這聲明呢？」

今天在互聯網發達的時代，資訊泛濫的日子，這種「確認偏誤」以不可想像的速度增加，造成態度極化，信念膠著，先入為主，把不相關的事物也連在一起！大家祇會聽取同聲同氣的意見，加強自己的徧見，享受著「回聲室效應」。在整個大中華地區，這三個月來，因著發生在香港的動盪夏天，正瀰漫著一片「確認偏誤」的氛圍。

1. 在中央人民政府的眼中，香港的示威者是忘恩負義的「暴徒」，向警察掟磚，有警察受傷；衝擊破壞立法機關；掟氣油彈，包圍警署，縱火，破壞公共設施…他們甘心做外國分裂祖國的馬前卒，正在策動「顏色革命」，喊「光復香港」口號，塗污踐踏國徽國旗，侮辱國家主權…所以不能向「暴徒」屈服，答應他們任何的訴求。為甚麼有這種結論呢？因為先入為主，認定外國人亡我中國共產黨之心不死。更有甚者，當在上者認為鹿是馬的時候，在下的有誰敢說是鹿呢？
2. 在香港特區政府的架構裡，特首在憲法上要服事中央人民政府和香港市民。但他們很清楚知道，他們不能同時服事兩個主子。所以他們放棄高度自治，祇能忠心耿耿地服從中央人民政府的指示，用行之有效的方法處理：抗爭者多是「廢青」，是寵壞了的大孩子，做事不顧後果，是通識教育出了問題，教壞了這一代人…惟有出動防暴警察「教仔」、「四點鐘江Sir」記者招待會；出盡語言偽術，拖延時間；運用一切法例，「止亂制暴」。 
3. 在香港警察的眼中，特首說是「暴動」，他們不可以說是「騷亂」。在面前的不再是他們有責任保護的市民，而是搗亂社會秩序的「曱甴」，並且是有能力危害他們性命和他們家眷的「曱甴」。所以有理由保護自己，不展示委任證，派臥底捉拿危險份子。理應罪不及妻兒，現在卻被「起底」，宿舍被襲，開學又恐兒子受欺凌…所以他們會不用多作專業判斷，自然反應地揮動手上的警棍；記者社工，全是敵人，協助「曱甴」偷襲同袍 …
4. 上街的「和理非」群眾，因為人數眾多，成份複雜，任何標籤都會犯上「以偏概全」的毛病。但為了方便討論，惟有略舉一二。
   a) 在部份人眼中，覺得現在若不發聲，恐怕以後再沒有機會發聲。首先，政府偽善地為台灣的死者討公道，默許警方濫暴，不出示委任證，「四點鐘江Sir」不斷自暴其短…
   這場運動是「雨傘運動」的延續，有「問誰還未發聲」，有「連儂場」；不過沒有「大台」，是一場「Be Water運動」；有不同的英雄人物出現「硬淨哥」、蒙面彈叉人（有Hunger Game裡Jennifer Lawrence的影子）；他們是「義士」，不是「勇武派」…警察是走狗，與黑社會合作無間，無差別濫暴，用過期的催淚彈，傷害無辜市民…
   b) 另一些人，可能覺得從前沒有為下一代爭取到一個比較理想的政治制度，現在不做，再沒有機會了。所以銀髮族也上街。可是，眼見青年人被扭斷手，被打爆眼，被性侵…覺得非常慘痛，警察喪盡天良，是名副其實的「黑警」！
   c) 有些人覺得河水不斷侵犯井水，不上街，將來再沒有機會謀生，因為「大灣區」祇是吞噬香港特區，取代「一國兩制」的戰略，今次運動的根源，是共產黨內部「習派」和「江派」在權鬥，有人希望香港發生動亂，可以派解放軍入城鎮壓，從中取利…所以大家不理會種種危險訊號，堅持了整個夏天。
5. 在留下繼續衝擊的「勇武」派眼中，祇看見警察變成了政治工具，不停地「濫暴」和「濫捕」，白色恐怖的打手；中央人民政府正在打壓，連卑微的五個訴求，也堅決不給予半點恩情、一點希望。教他們在未來歲月，如何愛國呢？他們惟有把自己的生命、前途押上，水銀瀉地般地死諫…
6. 在受盡了二等公民待遇之苦，如今喜見祖國崛起，帶來無限興奮的海外華人眼中，樂意接受祖國定性香港的暴徒是「港獨」；為在加拿大、澳洲等地方，享受著言論自由的大陸人，毆打表示與港人團結的香港留學生，而額手稱慶！

以上的論述，的確教人對香港的未來悲觀。
但我仍相信，無論是警察或是暴徒，是特首還是掃街的清潔工人，銀髮族或是爆眼的救護員…所有人都是按天主的肖像所造的，是有能力尋求真理的。當大家仍然覺得自己對，對家錯的時候，請記住，我們都是一家人，住在同一屋簷下，我們每個人都是天主的肖像。
六大宗教領袖已呼籲各方停下，休戰兩個月來冷靜地尋求出路，特首亦宣布撤完修例修訂。但願堅持「不撤不散」的群眾，履行承諾。讓我們停下來，休息一會，像多疑的多默 Doubting Thomas 宗徒一樣，要求看見相反的證據纔相信。


耶穌基督曾警告說：「你們如果是瞎子，就沒有罪。」（若9:39-41）如果我們因懶惰而成為瞎子，我們便罪大惡極了！如果我們仍堅持己見，不停下來反省，我們罪大惡極了！

聖多默宗徒，為我等祈。亞孟。

圖片鳴謝：https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterlazaroff/2016/09/28/confirmation-bias/#81f935d4b7d2

誰人替你捱了刀？ Who Was Chopped In Your Stead?

常年期第廿二主日，丙年
主題：誰人替你捱了刀？
創造我們的天主是看不見的，能看見的是祂臨在或者經過時所留下的痕跡，我們稱呼這些痕跡為「神蹟」：例如從天降下毀滅兩座城市的硫磺和火（創19:24）、分開的紅海（出14:22）、截停了的約旦河（蘇3:16）和停頓了的太陽（10:13）等等。其實，祇要放眼大自然，無論是風和日麗的日或者滿天星宿的夜，都會令人神往，讚嘆造物主的偉大，高不可攀。我們面對祂的創造，或者祂所施行的神蹟，無不衷心敬畏，油然而生孝愛之情！
可是，對於其他的人，因為世間的資源分配不均衡罷，我們會把他們視為競爭對手：爭食物、爭地盤、爭配偶。遇上比自己強的，我們可能會退避三舍，保障自身的安全，保留實力。面對比自己弱小的，我們不會放他在眼內，輕而易舉地驅逐他，或者征服他，作為自己的奴隸。可見人類比較動物優勝的地方，不在於鋒利的爪牙，而是在於制度！那些勢均力敵的，最難處理！惟有用計，減低損害，否則兩敗俱傷，得不償失！所以，和其他人相處的時候，會發展出各種各樣的手段。例如，為了顯示自己的實力、特質，我們會虛張聲勢，目標是使對手知難而退，同時亦為了吸引異性，有如孔雀開屏一樣！久而久之，我們發展了一種成功的手段/制度，稱為「驕傲」。為了力爭上游，成為持份者，人必須奉承上級，爭取功勞，出賣同事，欺壓下屬。與此相反，假如你沉默，你不展示自己的實力，就不能吸引到老闆和異性的注意，成了沒有持份的人，成了社會上的失敗者！在這個俗世之中，「謙遜」不是成功的手段/制度！
在今天的福音中，為甚麼「被邀請的客人，爭選首席」（路14:7）呢？無他，是為了擊敗對手，親近主人，以為可以獨佔主人的恩惠！於是耶穌指出一個很簡單和審慎，待人接物應有的禮貎：你不知道主人邀請了甚麼客人，自己在主人所邀請的客人中，佔第幾位。所以，正確的做法，是任由主人安排吧！倘若真的要先行坐下，最安全的辦法是坐「末席」，因為其他任何一個位置，總比「末席」更有地位！

不過，即使是一個待人接物的策略，亦不能證明「謙遜」比「驕傲」好。耶穌的忠告，不足以證明「凡高舉自己的，必被貶抑；凡貶抑自己的，必被高舉。」（14:11）。其實耶穌是借題發揮，講述有關天國和永生的問題而已。
耶穌喜歡在比喻中，引用「宴席/婚宴」象徵「天國/永生」。在耶穌時代的猶太人社會，婚宴是人生最快樂的事情，富有人家的婚宴，可以長達三日三夜！
「主人」象徵天主，祂邀請所有人進入天國，分享祂的永生。雖然在其他比喻中，耶穌已經指出永生是天主白白的恩賜，不是人類憑自己的努力，可以賺取得來的（瑪20:1-16），但耶穌亦提醒我們，要為享受永生的婚宴，造一件與我們的「蒙召成聖」相稱的「禮服」（22:12）。因此，被邀請的人中，總會有穿著更「名貴」禮服的客人，便會出現比你更尊貴的客人了（路14:8）。倘若我們沒有「謙遜」的美德，卻有「驕傲」的毛病，想與其他人比較誰的「禮服」更尊貴，炫耀自己在世時，曾多麼努力成聖，結果祇會自取其辱（14:9）！
耶穌基督再用另一個比喻來教導我們謙遜，教訓我們要邀請那些沒有能力報答我們的人（14:13-14a）。邀請那些不能報答我們的人，祇是為了不想「要回請而還報你」嗎（14:12）？與謙遜有甚麼關係呢？當然不是表面的那麼簡單！
眼光短小，目中無人，是驕傲者的特徵。所以耶穌基督教導我們不要短視，不要尋求即時的滿足，今世的賞報。因為塵世與永恆相比，祇是大海中的一滴水，大地上的一顆灰塵！我們應追求恆久的賞報，就是「在義人復活的時候」，即末日時候的賞報（14:14b）。
讓我們進入更深一層的默想！為甚麼邀請那些貧窮的、殘廢的、瘸腿的和瞎眼的人，便可以得到永恆的賞報呢？要知道謙卑的人之所以是謙卑，是因為他們尊重每一個人，認為所有的人都非常重要，認為他們比自己偉大，即使是那些貧窮的、殘廢的、瘸腿的和瞎眼的人。他們都是天主按自己的肖像所創造（創1:26），是獨特的，有尊嚴的，不容輕視的！雖然他們在現世沒有能力回報，但在末日，耶穌基督會替他們回報。在瑪竇福音第二十五章的比喻，耶穌基督清楚明白的宣佈，祂臨在於所有弱小者的人身上。所以服事弱勢社群，就是服事主耶穌（瑪25:40）；欺壓毆打手無寸鐵，沒有反抗能力的老弱婦孺的暴徒，每一刀，每一棍，都是打在耶穌基督身上（羅15:3；詠69:10）。
人啊！要知道你每天醒來還呼吸著，是天主對你何等的慈悲，是何等偉大的神蹟！因此，面對著臨在於弱勢社群，沒有持份的人身上的天主，你能不謙遜、孝愛和敬畏嗎？
父啊！寬恕他們吧！因為他們不知道他們做的是甚麼（路23:34）。亞孟。


2019講道
圖片來源：https://mtulode.com/1470/opinion/is-torture-justified-when-used-for-national-security/

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Twenty Second Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: Who Was Chopped In Your Stead? God our Creator is invisible. What we see are signs of His presence or passing-by. We call these signs miracles. For example, the brimstone and fire that destroyed two cities (Genesis 19:24), the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22), the cutting off of the River Jordan (Joshua 3:16) and a sun that stood still (10:13) etc. Indeed, take a look at the Mother Nature, whether on one fine day or a starry night, one shall be enchanted and stand in awe of the unfathomable designs of the Creator before whom or whose miracles, one bends with fear and piety!
However, perhaps because of the uneven distribution of resources, we treat each other as rivals, fighting for food, territory and mates. Before stronger ones, we take flight to safety in order to conserve our strength. Before weaker ones, we look down on them, easily chase them away or conquer and enslave them. Thus, humans excel over other animals not in their sharp claws and teeth but in institutionalization! The most difficult rivals to handle are our equals! We resort to frauds and tricks lest we end up in a Pyrrhic victory! Thus, in dealing with people, we develop all sorts of means. For example, to show our hands, we bluff to scare our rivals off and win potential mates over, such as what peacocks do! In time, we develop an effective means/institution called PRIDE. In order to win and to become a stake holder, we bribe our bosses, steal others' credits, betray teammates and trample on subordinates. On the contrary, if you are reticent and do not exhibit your talents, your bosses or potential mates will never pay attention to you. You are not a stake holder. You are a loser in the society! In this secular world, HUMILITY is not an effective means/institution!
In today's gospel, why were those who had been invited choosing the places of honour at the table (Luke 14:7)? It was nothing but racing against rivals, coming close to the host in order to take all favours from the host! Thus, Jesus gave them a simple and prudent piece of advice on etiquette: You have no idea whom the host has invited, what place you occupy in the guests list. The correct manner is to follow the host's arrangement! If you really have to take a seat for a moment, the best seat is the lowest place because any other place is better than the lowest place! However, such a strategy is insufficient to prove that humility is better than pride. Jesus' advice does not prove that "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (14:11) In fact, Jesus took the opportunity to talk about the question of kingdom of heaven and eternal life.
Jesus likes to make use of banquets in his parables to symbolize kingdom of heaven/eternal life. During Jesus' time, wedding banquet was the happiest event in one's life. Wedding banquets thrown by the rich could last for three consecutive days and nights!
The host symbolizes God who invites all to enter the kingdom of heaven and to partake in His eternal life. Although in other parables, Jesus has pointed out that eternal life is a gift and not a wage (Matthew 20:1-16), he also reminds us that in order to enjoy the wedding banquet of eternal life, we have to put on a "wedding garment" compatible to our call to sanctification (22:16). Thus, among those invited, there shall always be guests whose wedding garment is more precious and thus a more distinguished guest than you (Luke 14:8). If you do not have the virtue of humility but the vice of pride, you might want to compare whose garment is more distinguished, trying to show off how much effort you have put in sanctification during your lifetime. Consequently, "you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place." (14:9)
Jesus Christ uses one more parable to teach us humility. He teaches that we should invite those because of their inability to repay (14:13-14a). Do we do so only because we don't want them to invite us back and we have repayment (14:12)? What has this to do with humility? Of course it is deeper than it appears!
Being short-sighted and haughty are characteristics of the proud. Thus, Jesus Christ teaches us not to be short-sighted, not to seek immediate gratification and rewards in this age. Comparing to eternity, this secular age is no more than a drop in the ocean, a grain of dust on earth! We should seek eternal rewards "at the resurrection of the righteous", the reward on Judgment Day (14:14b).
Let us meditate deeper! Why inviting the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind would earn you the eternal reward? Know what makes the humble humble is that they take everybody seriously. They think that everybody is very important. Even the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind are greater than they are because God created those according to His image (Genesis 1:26). God made those people unique, dignified and ignore them at your own risk! Even though those people are unable to repay, on Judgment Day, Jesus Christ shall repay in their stead. In the parable we find in Matthew 25, Jesus Christ declares unambiguously that He is present among the needy. Thus, when we serve the disadvantaged in the society, we serve the Lord Jesus (Matthew 25:40). When we oppress and beat up the unarmed, the aged, the weak, the women and children, every cut and bruise we inflict with knives and rods, we inflict them on Jesus Christ (Romans 15:3, Psalms 69:10)!
Men! Know thee that when you are able to wake up and breathe at day break, God has shown great mercy on you. It is such a great wonder and miracle! Therefore, can you not be humble, pious and frightened before the God who is present in the disadvantaged and in the non-stake holders?
Father! Forgive them! For they know not what they do (Luke 23:34). Amen.