耶穌基督要找怎麼樣的信德？ What Kind of Faith Does Jesus Christ Look For?

常年期第三十主日，丙年
主題：耶穌基督要找怎麼樣的信德？

讀聖經不可以脫離「上文下理」的原則，所以要明白今天福音的訊息，應先掌握之前的經文。上一個主日的福音，最後一句是這樣說的：「人子來臨時，能在世上找到信德嗎？」（路18:8）「人子來臨時」，就是「世界末日」的意思。耶穌是否在預言，當世上再沒有人相信天主的時候，或者當教會被破壞毀滅了的時候，就是世界末日呢？我相信不必要這樣悲觀！因為太明顯了！

1. 耶穌基督曾多次提醒我們，祂會在最出人意表的時辰重臨。教會遭受迫害是家常便飯，但如果教會出現被毀滅的危險，那就太明顯，不會是出人意表的時辰了。所以即使教會出現被毀滅的危機，絕對不會是世界末日的徵兆！相反，當教會不用面對內憂外患的時候，到了可以安枕無憂的時候，小心，那可能是耶穌基督選定的突如其來的時辰了！
2. 耶穌基督在這句說話之前和之後，都是在講述祈禱。所以是與祈禱有關。「找不到信德」是指沒有人再祈禱嗎？沒有人再返聖堂領聖事嗎？對不起！我相信天主重質不重量，不會因為沒有人返聖堂就結束這個世界！想當年，亞巴郎曾與天主討價還價，祇要找到十個義人，就赦免索多瑪城（創18:32）。又例如，天主從基德紅民長手上的三萬二千人，祇挑選了三百人（民7:6），便擊敗了米德揚的十三萬五千大軍。最後，耶穌基督曾許諾，「那裡有兩個或三個人，因我的名字聚在一起，我就在他們中間。」（瑪18:20）可見天主是重質不重量的，即使教會祇剩下兩三個義人，天主也不會結束這個世界，因為有耶穌基督與我們同在！所以，耶穌基督那句「找不到信德」的話，是要求我們培養有質素的信德！

祇要你相信兩個信條，你可以算是一個基督徒了。這兩個信條就是：天主祇有一個，祂是三位一體的；耶穌基督是真天主，又真是人。這就是基督徒的信德。固然，要相信這些道理，在理性上是有點難度，但真正的挑戰卻是如何生活出這信德！所以，在俗世生活中實踐出耶穌基督所教導的福音精神，即所謂「真福八端」的成聖之路，纔是困難所在。耶穌基督今天用了「法利塞人和稅吏祈禱」的比喻，把兩種信仰的態度，展示在我們眼前，讓我們作出明智的選擇。

世上最難醫治的病人，是以為自己沒有病的人！
那個法利塞人，懂得感謝天主，他又遵守梅瑟十誡，沒有做傷天害理的事；每周禁食，十一奉獻（路11:11-12）…，他可以說是一個模範猶太教教徒，還有甚麼他沒有做到呢？如果要挑剔他，頂多可以說他沒有提及做過任何愛德工作，幫助貧窮弱小的人！可能他有做過，祇是沒有說出。另一方面，那稅吏又有做過嗎？的確，在表面上，這個法利塞人真是一個無可指責的模範教友。但不要忘記，「人看外貎，上主卻看人心。」（撒上16:7）這個法利塞人的祈禱，暴露了他內心所犯的「三宗罪」。

1. 天主是全知的，你有需要在天主面前，數算自己的優點嗎？天主需要你提醒祂嗎（依40:13-14）？需要你提醒的天主，不信也罷！你這樣做，是反映了自己信德的薄弱，你並不在渴望天主的拯救！你信自己多於信天主！
2. 這個法利塞人說：「因為我不像其他人…」（路18:11）。很多人喜歡越俎代庖，不做自己應該做的事，反而好管閒事，做留給天主做的事！請問這位法利塞人：「誰立了你作我們的首領和判官？」（出2:14）其實，他做好自己份內的事便是，何必批評別人做得不夠好呢？踐踏在別人的短處上來高舉自己，不見得你高了多少！倘若真的想切磋比拼，提高自己的實力，找個高手來比拼纔對，是不是？
3. 看見別人軟弱犯罪，沒有激發起對他們的憐憫之心，祇管譴責，對事情有幫助嗎？又沒有哀慟之心，警惕自己有朝一日，有可能也會墮落，好像他們犯同一樣的罪過。這個法利塞人反過來感謝天主，慶幸自己沒有犯錯，這不是「幸災落禍」是甚麼！

這個法利塞人，就是我所說的，「以為自己沒有病的人」的樣板！他的毛病，在於他相信自己的得救，自己在天主前的成義，完全是自己的努力，而不是天主的慈悲。這樣的人，又怎會接受天主的治療呢？驕傲自大，的確害人不淺。

各位兄弟姊妹，耶穌基督在山中聖訓，教導我們神貧、哀慟和憐憫（瑪5:3-4，7），正是針對驕傲的良藥。讓那個稅吏的祈禱啟發我們，心生謙卑之情，「連舉目望天都不敢」（18:13）好能識清自己的罪過，渴望獲得天主的救贖。這就是真福八端所教導的「飢渴慕義」（瑪5:6）的意義。能做到這四端，相信離「成了正義的」不遠矣！
天主保祐！

圖片鳴謝：http://findingthetruefaith.com/are-you-a-publican-a-pharisee-or-both/

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Thirtieth Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: What Kind of Faith Does Jesus Christ Look For?

We cannot read bible passages out of context. In order to understand the message of today's gospel, we need to know the context. The last sentence of the gospel passage last Sunday says, "But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8)
"When the Son of Man comes" means the end of the world. Does Jesus foretell that when no more people believe in God, or when the Church is destroyed, it shall be the end of the world? I don't think we need to be pessimistic because it is too obvious!

1. Jesus Christ reminds us many times that He would return at the most unexpected moment. The Church has been routinely persecuted. If the Church faces the danger of annihilation, it would be too obvious a time, not an unexpected time. Therefore, when the Church is besieged both from within and without, it is absolutely not a sign of the end! On the contrary, if the Church does not have to worry about all these troubles and is facing a peaceful and receptive world, beware, most probably that's the moment Jesus Christ has chosen to return!
2. Before and after this comment, Jesus was talking about prayers. Therefore, the comment must be related to prayers. Does "Will he find faith on earth" means nobody pray anymore, that nobody goes to Church to receive sacraments? I believe that God looks for quality, not quantity. He will not end this world because nobody goes to Church! In the Old Testament, Abraham was able to secure a bargain with God sparing Sodom if he would find ten righteous people in the city (Genesis 18:32). As another example, God picked up 300 soldiers from 32,000 people under the command of Gideon (Judges 7:6) to defeat a Midian army of 350,000. Lastly, Jesus Christ promises, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) Thus, we see that quality, not quantity, is God's concern. Even though only two or three righteous people remain in the Church, God shall not end this world because Jesus Christ stays with us! Therefore, Jesus demands us to build up a faith of high quality in His comment.

If you believe in just two creeds, you can be counted a Christian. Those two creeds are: there is only one God who is three in one. Jesus Christ is truly divine and truly human. This is the Christian faith. Of course, it is not easy to believe in these articles with rationality, but the real challenge is how to live up this faith. The difficulty lies in how to live up the evangelical spirit in this secular world, the way towards sanctification with the Beatitudes. Today with the parable of the Prayer of a Pharisee and a Publican, Jesus Christ puts before us two different attitudes towards faith for us to choose.

The most difficult patients on earth to heal are those who deny that they are sick!
The Pharisee is grateful to God, observes the Ten Commandments and does no harm to others, fasts twice a week and pays tithes etc. (Luke 11:11-12). He is an exemplary Jew. What else has he not done? If we want to criticize, at most you can say that he has not mentioned any charity works, helping the needy! Probably he has. He just doesn't mention it. On the other hand, has the publican done any?

Indeed, superficially, you cannot find fault with this exemplary Pharisee. But don't forget, "A mortal sees the appearance. The Lord looks into the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7) The prayer of this Pharisee reveals three vices in his heart.

1. God is omniscient. Do you need to enumerate your merits before Him? Does God need you to remind him (Isaiah 40:13-14)? A deity which needs to be reminded is not worth believing at all! What you have done shows how weak your faith is. You do not desire God's salvation. You believe in yourself more than in God!
2. This Pharisee says, "That I'm not like the rest of humanity…" (Luke 18:11) Many people enjoy playing God. They don't discharge their duties but like to do things reserved for God! Hey, Pharisee, "Who has appointed you ruler and judge over us?" (Exodus 2:14) In fact, it is good of him to do his duties. Is it necessary to pass judgment on the others? Trampling upon others to exalt oneself does not make one any taller! If he really wants to improve himself with challenges, he should challenge the strong ones, shouldn't he?
3. What help is there of condemning others when you see them fall without compassion? Without mourning to remind us, one day we may similarly fall. On the contrary, this Pharisee thanks God for his not sinning. Isn't that callous?

This Pharisee is an exemplar of what I said earlier, "those who deny that they are sick"! His fault is that he believes that his salvation or his justification before God comes totally from his own effort and not God's mercy. How can this kind of people receive God's healing? Arrogance is truly detrimental to our salvation.

Brethren, Jesus Christ teaches us to be spiritually poor, be mournful and merciful (Matthew 5:3-4, 7). These are the antidotes to pride. Let the prayer of the publican inspires in us humility, that we "would not even raise his eyes to heaven" (Luke 18:13) so that we may be able to see more clearly our own vices and desire God's salvation. This is the meaning of "Hunger and thirst for righteous" (Matthew 5:6). We shall not be far away from justification when we are able to practise these four beatitudes.
God bless!

甚麼時機信耶穌基督最有效益？ When Is the Most Efficient Moment To Believe In Jesus Christ?

甚麼時機信耶穌基督最有效益？（路13:1-9）

可能很多人會羨慕與耶穌基督一起被釘的右盜，因為他可能一生做盡壞事，卻能掌握「時機」，在臨終一刻信主（路23:42），而且完全沒有機會做過甚麼愛德服務，也能與耶穌基督一起，共赴天堂！後世很多人，甚至是定性基督信仰不再是邪教，並且召開尼西亞大公會議，捍衛「三位一體」是當信道理的君士坦丁大帝，亦是到臨終時纔領受聖洗聖事。這些事例，難免令人產生疑問，甚麼時候信耶穌是最有效益呢？

在慕道班，一般會鼓勵學員儘快領洗，加入教會。因為世途凶險，容易動搖我們對天主的信仰。早日加入教會，有一班志同道合的人互相支持；有歷代聖人的榜樣作為鼓勵；有教會訓導的指引，不至再次誤入歧途；又可藉著領受各種聖事，獲得天主聖寵的助佑等等…這樣走信仰的道路，回歸父家，就容易得多了。這就是今天福音中的比喻所說的：「待我在它周圍掘土，加上糞」的意義（路13:8）。聖奧思定曾這樣寫：「我愛祢已經太晚了，祢是萬古常新的美善，我愛祢已經太晚了！」（《懺悔錄》十‧27）可見儘早相信耶穌是對的。

另一方面，今天的福音告訴我們一個事實：不是所有的人，可以幸福地壽終正寢，可以好像君士坦丁大帝一樣，臨終受洗的。沒有人知道天主在哪個時刻，會收回我們的靈魂，我們隨時隨地可以死於非命，沒有悔改的機會（路13:1，4）。這一點，耶穌基督在之前的比喻中，也有提及（12:20，38，46）。
結論：不要羨慕與耶穌基督一起被釘的右盜了，儘快悔改，信從福音吧！
父啊！求祢把天國賜給我們（12:32）。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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When Is the Most Efficient Moment To Believe In Jesus Christ? (Luke 13:1-9)

Perhaps many people would envy the repentant thief crucified with Jesus Christ because probably he had done a lot of evil things during his life time and he seized the last moment to believe in the Lord (Luke 23:42). Moreover, he did not have the opportunity to do any works of mercy but was able to enter heaven with Jesus Christ! Many people in subsequent generations, even Constantine, who declared Christianity not a cult, convoked the First Council of Nicaea to defend the dogma of Trinity, received baptism at his deathbed. These cases inevitably raise questions in people's mind. What is the most efficient moment to believe in Jesus?

In catechumen classes, catechists almost always encourage the catechumens to receive baptism and become a member of the Church as soon as possible. It is because the secular world is full of dangers which shake up our faith easily. Within the Church, people in similar minds support each other. There are saintly exemplars throughout the ages to encourage us. There are Church teachings to guide us. We receive God's graces from the sacraments etc. With such supports to practise our faith, we would return to the Father more easily. This is the meaning the parable conveys in today's gospel, "I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it." (Luke 13:8) St. Augustine also says, "Too late did I love You, O Fairness, so ancient, and yet so new! Too late did I love You!" (Confessions X:27) Obviously, it is right to believe in Jesus as soon as possible

. On the other hand, the gospel tells us one fact: Not all men are so blessed as to die a natural death. Few people can get baptized at their deathbed like Constantine Caesar. Nobody knows at which moment God shall take away his soul. We may die an untimely death at any moment without an opportunity to repent (Luke 13:1, 4). Jesus Christ mentions this point in previous parables (12:20, 38, 46).
Conclusion: Do not envy the penitent thief who was crucified with Jesus Christ. Repent as soon as possible and believe in the good new!
Father! Grant us the Kingdom of Heaven (12:32). Amen.

應該如何理解「天主的正義」呢？ How Should We Understand God's Righteousness?

應該如何理解「天主的正義」呢？（路12:54-59）

耶穌基督在講述最後審判的比喻時，向那些「承受自創世以來，給你們預備了的國度」（瑪25:34）的義人說：「凡你們對我這些最小兄弟中的一個所做的，就是對我做的。」（25:40）雖然這句話是對義人說的，但那些「到那給魔鬼和牠的使者預備的永火裡去」的「可咒罵」的人（25:41），難道聽不到嗎？

他們可曾想過，當他們剝削工人的時候、欺騙長者的「棺材本」的時候、拐帶婦孺到海外賣淫的時候、性侵她們的時候、無差別地用棍棒，利刀，催淚彈，實彈襲擊那些沒有反抗能力的市民或者防暴警察的時候，這一切的傷害，都是落在釘在十字架上的耶穌基督身上呢？

在今天的福音裡，耶穌基督警告我們：「非等你還清最後的一分錢，斷不能從那裡出來。」（路12:59）簡單地說，所有的行為都伴隨著後果。除非一個人沒有明悟，或者是沒有自由，否則，他必須要為自己的行為負責。而天主上智的安排，我們一定會自食其果（則18:20）！天主是正義的，祂一定會給我們足夠的時間，在我們去世之前，賠償我們所犯的罪債。天主的「正義」，未免太恐佈了！

不要害怕，耶穌基督對法學士的批評：「怎麼不能觀察這個時機呢？你們為甚麼不能由自己來辨別正義的事呢？」（路12:56b-57），原來另有玄機！因為天主是慈悲的，所以「天主的正義」，就是祂的拯救，就是祂願意「在基督內使世界與自己和好，不再追究他們的過犯。」（格後5:19）因此，倘若我們掌握「時機」，信靠主耶穌基督，即使我們沒有能力償還（例如殺了很多人的一個連環殺手，他的性命不足以抵償多人失去的性命！），他是非常樂意替我們償還全部的罪債！
耶穌，當你來為王時，請你紀念我（路23:42）。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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How Should We Understand God's Righteousness? (Luke 12:54-59)

When Jesus Christ tells the parable about the Last Judgment, he speaks to the righteous who shall "inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34), "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (25:40) Although these words are spoken to the righteous, should not those "accursed into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (25:41) have heard them as well?

Has it ever crossed their minds that when they exploit the workers, cheat the elderly of their savings, traffic women and children overseas for prostitution, abuse them sexually, indiscriminately club, knife, tear gas, shoot citizens and anti-riot police who could not resist etc., all these injuries are inflicted upon Jesus Christ who was crucified on the cross?

In the gospel passage today, Jesus Christ warns us, "You will not be released until you have paid the last penny." (Luke 12:59) Simply put, there are consequences in each action taken. Unless a person has no understanding or freedom, he is accountable for all his actions. In God's grand plan, "Justice belongs to the just, and wickedness to the wicked." (Ezekiel 18:20) God is righteous. He shall give us sufficient time to pay the last penny before we leave this world. God's righteousness can be terrifying!

Don't be scared. There is an enigma when Jesus Christ criticizes the scribes, "Why do you not know how to interpret the present time? Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?" (Luke 12:56b-57) Since God is merciful, God's righteousness is His salvation. That is, "God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them." (2 Corinthians 5:19) Thus, if we are able to seize the moment, believe in Lord Jesus Christ, even though we are unable to repay our debts (e.g. a serial killer who has murdered many people and his life is not enough to repay all the lives lost.), Jesus is very happy to repay all the debts for us!
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom (Luke 23:42). Amen.

天主與人類之間的代溝 The Generation Gap Between God and Men

天主與人類之間的代溝（路12:49-53）

在這互聯網發達的年代，兩代人之間的「代溝」問題，非常嚴重！上一代的人，不但不懂年青一代的「潮語」，例如：洗版，KOL，CLS（粵語粗口）等，更完全掌握不到他們的思想模式和價值，不能接受為甚麼青年人會不惜一切，追求一些不切實際的理念！在這個變幻莫測的時代，我們應該怎樣相信天主的真理，是永恆不變，萬古常新呢？難道真的是「變幻原是永恆」嗎？

1. 天主的教訓，永遠是為了人的益處，因為天主愛護我們（若一4:8）。這是肯定不變的。
2. 人有惰性，得過且過，以為把「好」的東西制度化之後，例如訂立法律，建構禮教習俗等，就可以安享萬年基業。殊不知時代不斷以越來越快的速度進化，從前超過一百年的習俗，也沒有改良的必要；今天，超過十年的東西，已經落後，再沒有價值了！
3. 在因循的氛圍之中，天主的教訓，就顯得非常革命性，挑戰我們墨守成規的思想模式！例如，遠在未有綜合援助的社會福利制度之前，天主已定立法律，要求以色列人照顧孤兒寡婦（申24:19-21）！今天，當社會鼓吹「多勞多得」的時候，耶穌基督卻講述一個比喻，當中的工人做了一小時，與做了十二小時的工人，竟然收到相同的工資（瑪20:1-16）！耶穌基督的教訓，的確超越時空，富有挑戰性！

我們因循，思想變成了化石。天主歷久常新，永遠是年青的。結果，我們與天主的「代溝」，越來越嚴重。除非我們悔改，好像孩童一樣接受天主的教訓，否則天國，我們將會不得其門而入。耶穌基督說：「誰若不像小孩子一樣接受天主的國，決不能進去。」（路18:17）誰不擺脫因循的誘惑，決不能進入天國！
天父啊！請賜下聖神，更新我們的心靈，謙遜地接受耶穌基督的教訓。亞孟。

生命恩泉

圖片鳴謝：shutterstock.com

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The Generation Gap Between God and Men (Luke 12:49-53)

In this Internet Age, the problem of generation gap is grave! Not only do people of the older generation know not the jargons of the younger generation, such as Flooding, KOL and CLS (a Cantonese obscenity) etc., but they are also unable to follow their modes of thinking and values. It is impossible for the older generation to understand why young people would chase after unrealistic ideas at all costs! In this ever changing age, how should we believe that God's truth is unchangeable and eternal? Should we accept changes to be perpetual?

1. God's teachings are always for our sake because God loves us (1 John 4:8). For sure this shall never change.
2. Men are inert and complacent. Thinking that by the institutionalization of the good, such as setting up laws and customs, men can enjoy millennia of stability. Unbeknown to us, social changes evolve in an accelerating speed. Previously, customs do not need any enhancements for centuries. Today, anything older than a decade is falling behind and is of no value at all.
3. In an environment where rocking the boat is a taboo, God's teachings appear to be very revolutionary and challenge our rigid mode of thinking. For example, long before there was Comprehensive Social Security Allowances, God already set up laws, demanding the Israelites to take care of the fatherless and widows (Deuteronomy 24:19-21). Today, when the society advocates “efforts pay”, Jesus' parable in which vineyard workers who had worked for only one hour received the same wage as those who had worked 12 hours (Matthew 20:1-16)! Jesus Christ's teachings really transcend time and space, full of challenges!

We don't want to rock the boat. Our thoughts have become fossils. God is young forever. Consequently, a generation gap develops between God and us and is getting worse. Unless we repent and accept God's teachings like a child, we shall be denied entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus Christ says, "Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." (Luke 18:17) Similarly, whoever refuses to reject the temptation of complacency will not enter the kingdom of God!
Heavenly Father, grant us the Holy Spirit, renew our hearts to accept the Jesus Christ's teaching humbly. Amen.

對領導者的忠告 Advice to Leaders

對領導者的忠告（路12:39-48）

「人單獨不好。」（創2:18）因此，要完成龐大的工程，必需要把一盤散沙般的群眾，團結起來。要組織一群人，自然會產生一些領導者 。為了共同的目的，群眾願意放棄部份的自由，服從領導者的策劃和指揮。領導者變相享有與眾不同的自由和利益（撒上8:11-17），是相當吸引，並且它會反過來，腐蝕領導者的心。所謂「權力令人腐化，絕對的權力令人絕對腐化」，是不無道理的！

主耶穌基督在今天的福音中指出，領導者的權力，是為了服務，為了「按時配給食糧」給其他的家僕（路12:42）！對，我們每個人都是一個家僕，一個管家，管理天主託付給我們的身心、人際關係、生活處境等等。既有責任發展天主賜予的「塔冷通」，又有責任在不同的生活崗位上，拓展天國。可以見得，權力是伴隨著責任的；權力越大，責任越大（12:48）！在天主的全盤計劃之中，祂有系統地安排了各人的崗位；而每個領導人都有他的主子，環環相扣，形成一個秩序井然的架構。

倘若在這架構裡，你覺得「懷才不遇」，你可能是對的！可能有人濫用了制度，埋沒了你的才幹。也有可能你自視過高，缺乏謙遜！在天主的眼中，前者對你無害，後者對你無益！倘若你覺得「時不我予」，你投訴沒有足夠的資源和時間，運用你的權力，或者收集更多的權力，去完成任務。對不起！天主可能會對你說：要知足，「有我的恩寵為你夠了！」（格後12:9）
主啊！請不要讓我們迷失在權力鬥爭之中，忘記了建設祢的天國。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Advice to Leaders (Luke 12:39-48)

"It is not good for the man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18) Thus, in order to accomplish a mega project, we need to put together the effort of a lot of people. To organize a group of people, we need leaders. In order to accomplish a common cause, the crowd is willing to abandon some of their freedom to obey the strategy and commands of leaders. Leaders enjoy extraordinary freedom and benefits (1 Samuel 8:11-17) which are very attractive and in turn corrupt the souls of the leaders. There is some truth in the aphorism: "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely"!

In the gospel passage today, Jesus Christ points out that the power of leaders is for service, for "putting in charge of his servants to distribute food allowance at the proper time" (Luke 12:42)! Right, every one of us is a servant, a steward in charge of our body and mind, interpersonal relationships and living situations etc. Not only are we responsible for the development of the talents given us by God, but we also have the responsibility to extend the Kingdom of Heaven in our particular station in life. Thus power comes with responsibility, the greater the power, the greater the responsibility (12:48)! Within God's overall plan, He systematically allocates us into different positions. Every leader has his own boss, linking together and weaving into an orderly structure.

If within this organization, you feel unappreciated. You are probably right! Perhaps somebody abuses the system and buries your talents. Or perhaps you overestimate yourself and lack humility! In God's eye, the former is harmless to you, the latter does you no good! If you feel that you have missed the tide, or you complain that you don't have sufficient resources and time to exercise your power, or gather more power to accomplish your mission, I'm sorry, God probably would tell you: Be content. "My grace is sufficient for you!" (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Dear Lord! Let us not get lost in power struggle and forget building Your Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.

我們肯立刻給主開門嗎？ Would You Open the Door to the Lord Immediately?

我們肯立刻給主開門嗎？（路12:35-38）

我們承認耶穌基督是主。祂要求我們在這個世界上，建設一個充滿正義和平的天國。這是祂離世升天時的遺囑，也是教會存在世上的目的（瑪28:19）。不傳福音，教會也沒有存在的理由，把她解散可也！所以，今天的福音所指的「把腰束起，把燈點著」（路12:35），就是教會傳福音的使命。「束著腰」就是為了工作，做主人吩咐的工作，而不是做自己喜歡做的，或者做賺錢最多的工作。「點著燈」就是為了照亮四周的人，就是向萬民介紹耶穌基督的道路，祂的真理和祂的生命（若14:6），指點出生命的終向和永生的可貴！這不就是傳福音，建設天國嗎？

至於「等候主人，給他開門」（路12:36）有甚麼意義呢？作為主人，當然要等到僕人的工作，有了滿意的成果纔會回來。太早，僕人還沒有完成他的任務，主人沒有甚麼可以獎賞這僕人；太遲，僕人可能已經取代了主人的地位！其實，主人十分清楚明白甚麼時候出現，接收僕人的成果是最理想的。作為僕人的，又應該如何自處呢？我們祇知道要傳福音，但我們根本不知道主人給我們多少時間去傳福音！主人回來的一刻，一定是突如其來的。到時，你會問心無愧地立刻開門迎接主？抑或突然發覺沒有甚麼可以向主人交代，惟有給主人吃「閉門羹」，拒祂於門外呢？
主啊！我會努力以赴，當祢來接我回歸的時候，我不會令祢空手而回。亞孟！

生命恩泉

圖片鳴謝：https://aleteia.org/2019/02/07/this-painting-of-jesus-knocking-at-a-door-is-the-most-traveled-work-of-art-in-history/

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Would You Open the Door to the Lord Immediately? (Luke 12:35-38)

We acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Lord. He demands us to build up a righteous and peaceful Kingdom of Heaven on earth. This is His last will before He ascended into heavens and this is the raison d'être of the Church. (Matthew 28:19) If she does not evangelize, her existence is meaningless. We can disband her! The gospel passage today, "Gird your loins and light your lamps" (Luke 12:35) speaks about this very mission. "Gird your loins" is to work, to do what the Lord tells you to do. Neither is it the work you enjoy doing nor the work that earns most. "Light your lamps" is to brighten people around with the Way, and the Truth and the Life of Jesus Christ (John 14:6). This is the final destination of our life and the preciousness of eternal life. Isn't this evangelization, the building up of the Kingdom of Heaven?

What does "awaiting the master's return and opening immediately" mean? (Luke 12:36) The Lord knows how long He should wait until the works are satisfactory before He returns. If He returns too early, the servants have not accomplished their tasks and there would be nothing for the Lord to reward. If He returns too late, the servants might have usurped His place! Indeed, the Lord knows what the perfect timing would be to reap the harvest. As servants, how should we handle the situation? We only know that we should evangelize but we don't know how much time the Lord gives us to preach! Surely the Lord would return at the most unexpected moment. Then, are you ready to open the door immediately to welcome Him without regret? Or would you suddenly discover that you have nothing to submit to the Lord such that out of fear, you can only attempt to shut the Lord outside?
Dear Lord, I will work diligently so that when You come to take me home, we shall not return with empty hands. Amen.

我們的生命建基在哪？ What Does Our Life Consist Of?

我們的生命建基在哪？（路12:13-21）

耶穌基督的道理，淺易近人，並沒有甚麼難明之處。可是實踐起來，卻是很大的挑戰！

今天的道理也並不複雜，耶穌基督教訓說：「一個人…的生命並不在於他的資產」（路12:15）那是最顯而易見罷！避免我們不明白，祂跟著再強調一次：「因為生命貴於食物，身體貴於衣服。」（12:23）衣食住行是生活的必需品，不是奢侈品，它們的價值，絕對不會比生命本身貴重。且看，有些人為了追求理想，可以廢寢忘餐地創作，可以為了爭取公義而絕食，甚至為了信仰而殉道…這些創作，這些公民抗命甚至忍受宗教迫害，清楚展現出生命的超越性─人類是可以運用有限的生命，來爭取永恆的事物，人類是可以享有永生的！

可惜，我們本末倒置了！為了過舒適方便的生活，我們不惜做兩份兼職，賺取更多的收入；為了「供樓」，為了增加安全感，我們變成「工作狂」，甚至偷呃拐騙。結果賠上了健康和家人的關係，並且喪失了與造物主的聯系！

基督徒相信復活，相信永恆的生命，它是俗世生命所不能比擬的。耶穌基督不斷提醒我們，生命是掌握在天主的手中。所以我們應善用此生，促進並改善與天主的關係，為永生鋪路。實踐這個教訓非常容易，祇要把我們的視線，放在正確的焦點上─永生，就可以了。
天父啊！讓我們嚮往祢的慈愛，注視未來永恆的生命。亞孟。

生命恩泉

Picture credit: https://www.dreamstime.com/hand-hold-magnet-pulling-dollar-coins-to-money-purse-successful-accumulation-wealth-growing-financial-success-flat-vector-image128981135

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What Does Our Life Consist Of? (Luke 12:13-21)

The teachings of Jesus Christ are simple and not difficult to understand. However, it is a huge challenge to put them into practice!
The message today is not complicated. Jesus teaches, "One's life does not consist of possessions." (Luke 12:15) That is pretty straight forward! To prevent our misunderstanding, Jesus stresses once more, "For life is more than food and the body more than clothing." (12:23) Food and clothing are basic necessities, not luxuries. Their values can't surpass that of our life. Behold, some people skip their meals as well as rests to focus on artistic creation. Some starve themselves to death in order to fight for noble causes and some are even willing to die martyrdom. These creations, civil disobedience and martyrdoms show clearly the transcendence of life --- human beings are able to make use of their finite life to fight for eternal entities. Humanity is able to enjoy eternal life!

Unfortunately, we turn things upside down! In order to enjoy a more comfortable living standard, we work two extra part time jobs to earn more money. In order to buy a flat to increase a sense of security, we become workaholics and even resort to cheatings. Consequently, it takes toll on our health, on our family relationships and on our connection with the Creator!

Christians believe in resurrection and eternal life which dwarves the secular life. Jesus Christ reminds us unceasingly that God is the author of our life. Thus, we should make good use of our life to enhance and promote our relationship with God, to pave our way to eternal life. Putting this teaching into practice is easy. Simply focus our gaze on eternal life. That's all.
Heavenly Father, enchant us with your mercy. Direct our gaze to eternal life in the world to come. Amen.

吾未見好德如好色者 I Have Never Seen Zeal For Virtue Like Lust

傳教節，丙年
主題：吾未見好德如好色者
這幾個月的社會動盪，把市民分化成兩大陣營。在家庭裡、在同學和同事之間，在公私營機構之中和在群組之中，即使沒有把爭論表面化，內心已形成不假思索的條件反射，認為對方是錯的，是不可理喻的。為甚麼會這樣呢？
互聯網表面上可以很民主地，很自由地，提供多方面的資訊。殊不知瀏覽器的cookies技術，為了加快搜尋的速度，用cookies記載著你曾瀏覽過的資料，然後過濾了你「不喜歡」看的資訊，並主動建議你想看的資訊。例如在Youtube，如果你曾看過一些粵劇，Youtube會推薦更多粵劇給你，不用你再浪費時間搜尋。其他的社交平台，例如Facebook也一樣，會推薦一些相關的廣告，群組及你可能認識的朋友給你。結果形成了「回音室效應」，我們再聽不到與我們不同的意見，我們的視野變得非常狹窄，我們認為對方的理由，莫名其妙，不可理喻。在群組，在聚會，在私下或公開場合，我們爭論到面紅耳赤，想讓對方看見真相，想證明自己是對的。我相信大家都是真心的，都是為了對方的好處的。倘若大家有這種真心熱誠，為對方的好處，向他們傳福音，我相信香港的面貎，會完全不同了！可惜，吾未見好福傳如好與人爭辯者！

作為基督徒，我們蒙召成聖。所謂「成聖」，從負面看，就是在天主面前，無可指摘。可惜，自從人類失去了原始的恩寵，即是我們所謂，墮入「原罪」的狀態時，「我所願意的善，我不去行；而我所不願意的惡，我卻去作。」（羅7:19）天主知道我們的無能為力，便採取主動，幫助我們脫離困境。於是祂派遣聖子降生成人，為我們清還所有罪債。這就是聖保祿宗徒所說的：「天主在基督內使世界與自己和好，不再追究他們的過犯。」（格後5:19a）這的確是天大的好消息：天主憐憫世人沒有償還的能力，便藉著耶穌基督的苦難，償還人類古往今來的一切罪債，予以一筆鉤銷。這就是福音的全部內容，一點也不複雜。聖保祿宗徒繼續說：「且將和好的話放在我們的口中。所以我們是代基督作大使了，好像是天主藉著我們來勸勉世人。我們如今代基督請求你們，與天主和好罷！」（5:19b-20）所以，按保祿的教訓，傳福音就是做修和大使，勸勉世人與天主和好！
今天所讀的一段若望福音，是出自耶穌基督被捕前，在最後晚餐所做的「大司祭祈禱」的最後一部份。祂的禱告十分清楚：「願眾人都合而為一！」（若17:21）是不是所有人接受洗禮，成為天主教徒，就可以達到耶穌基督所祈求的「合而為一」呢？我敢說不是。且看今天在香港的天主教會，過往四個月的社會動盪，把香港教區內部的裂痕表面化了！
這三年來，梵蒂岡已召開過不少主教代表會議，討論有關青年的牧民問題。香港教區亦有響應，這兩年的牧民重點是「青年年」和「實‧信‧青年」，由年青有為的神父協調，放手交給青年人推動了不少青年活動，聆聽青年人的心聲，希望可以回應他們的訴求。教宗方濟各強調，青年人不是未來主人翁，青年人是教會的現在，是社會的現在，是世界的現在。但實踐是不可以盲目衝動的，所以這兩年來，教區同時推動研讀DOCAT，它是一本「天主教社會訓導」的濃縮版。教區希望藉著研讀它，可以擦亮所有教友的眼睛，認識到自己在領洗時所領受的先知職務，認識到天主教在迫切的社會議題上的立場。這些社會議題包括生命，家庭，工作，經濟，政治，國際社會，環境和戰爭等。面對這些挑戰著我們信仰的議題，教會本著「四大原則」去處理，當然最後，我們信靠天主的力量。
可惜天主太高估了我們香港教區的實力，在我們還未有充份裝備好自己的時候，今年二月起，便發生了「反對逃犯條例修訂」所引發起的社會動盪！市民大眾眼見抗爭由議會走到街上，由和平遊行變成不斷升級的暴力，無論內心如何焦急，卻無能為力。教友問，天主，祢在哪裡？教友問，教會，我們應怎樣做？教友問，樞機，各位神長，你們為甚麼不譴責暴力？再加上前面提到的互聯網「回音室效應」，很多有知識的教友把矛頭指向樞機，認為他不譴責「暴徒」的暴力，就是默許和縱容他們破壞社會秩序安寧；那邊廂，另一批很有正義感的教友，認為樞機不譴責警察的濫用暴力，就是助紂為虐，是暴政的幫兇！大家都很失望，他們認為自己對，教會錯；他們認為自己愛耶穌，但不再愛教會了！我敢說，他們愛的是自己，而不是耶穌。樞機錯，是因為他沒有代他們說出，他們心裡想說話。所以即使樞機所說的，是耶穌的話，樞機也一樣是錯！
在香港的六大宗教，最少四次發表聯合聲明，呼籲各方克制，停下來兩個月去冷靜反省等。譴責是多麼容易，但於事無補，反而加劇分裂，完全不符合保祿所教訓的修和角色。呼籲各方克制，反省，交談纔是踏出「合而為一」的正著。可惜，當權者聽而不聞，教友覺得太軟弱，隔靴搔癢。結果樞機仍然是錯！
今天我們仍然迷茫，仍未能看到出路。讓我們繼續與耶穌基督一起祈禱，求天父以真理祝聖我們（17:17）。因為真理令人得到自由（8:32），就讓天父的真理，把我們從回音室解放出來，認清真相。願世人知道是天父派遣了耶穌基督，並且愛了教會，如愛耶穌基督一樣。（17:23）
天主保祐！

2016年講道
圖片鳴謝：https://www.nationthailand.com/ann/30346422

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Mission Sunday, Year C
Theme: I Have Never Seen Zeal For Virtue Like Lust In these months of social unrest, citizens are divided into two camps. In families, among classmates or colleagues, in public or private enterprises and chat groups, even though controversies brew under the surface, within our hearts, we react like reflexes without thinking that the other side is wrong and unreasonable. How do such reflexes come about?
The Internet is supposed to be delivering information in a democratic and liberal way. However, in order to increase the searching performance, browsers make use of "cookies" to store your preferences and actively suggest information you want to know. For example in Youtube, if you have watched some classical music videos, Youtube will recommend more classical music videos to you to save your searching time. Other social media do likewise. For example, Facebook will recommend commercials you might enjoy and suggest groups or friends that you may know. Consequently, users suffer from the "Echo Chamber Effect". We no longer hear dissident opinions and our horizon becomes narrow. We question the reasonableness of the opposite side. In groups, gatherings, in private or public, we lock in heated arguments. We want to show them the truth. We want to prove that we are right. I believe that you are sincere and argue for their sake. If we apply this sincere zeal for the good of the others in preaching the gospel to them, I believe that the situation of Hong Kong shall be totally different! Unfortunately, I have never seen zealous evangelists like people who are eager to prove themselves right!
As Christians, we are called to be saints. Negatively speaking, sanctification is being blameless before God. Unfortunately, after losing our Original Grace, in other words, falling into the state of Original Sin, "I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want." (Romans 7:19) God knew that we were unable to save ourselves. So He took the initiative to help deliver us. He sent the Son of God to take flesh and repay all our debts. This is what St. Paul says, "God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them." (2 Corinthians 5:19a) This is truly a good news: God took pity on our inability to repay the debts. He made use of the passion of Jesus Christ to repay all the sins of humanity across time. This is the gospel, not complicated at all. St. Paul continues to say, "And entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (5:19b-20) Thus, according to the teachings of St. Paul, evangelization is to be an ambassador of reconciliation, exhorting people to be reconciled to God.
The gospel passage we read today is taken from the last part of the "Prayer of the High Priest" during the Last Supper before Jesus Christ was arrested. His prayer is very clear, "That they may all be one." (John 17:21) Does it mean baptizing all men into Catholicism will fulfil Jesus' prayer that they may all be one? I dare to say negative. Look at the Catholic Church in Hong Kong today, the underlying divisions within the Church have surfaced during these four months' social unrest.
In these three years, Vatican has convened many bishop synods to discuss the pastoral ministry for young people. The Hong Kong Diocese supports by setting the pastoral focus to "Year of the Youth" and "Practice, Faith & the Youth". A young and energetic priest was assigned to coordinate and to delegate autonomy for young people to organize activities, to listen to their views, hoping that the Church is able to meet their demands. Pope Francis stressed that young people were not masters of the future. They are the moment, the moment of the Church, the moment of the society and the moment of the world. But we cannot act blindly. Thus for the last two years, the Diocese promotes studying DOCAT, which is a summary of the Catholic Social Teachings. The Diocese hope that through studying DOCAT, we are able to brush up the vision of the laity, so that they recognize the prophetic ministry which they received during baptism, and to know the Catholic stance on some pressing issues, such as life, family, work, politics, international community, environment and wars etc. The Church based on four principles to handle these social issues which are pressing on our faith. In the end, we trust in the power of God.
Unfortunately, God overestimates the stamina of the Catholic Hong Kong Diocese. Before we are fully equipped, beginning in February, social unrest erupted because citizens object to the Fugitive Bill Amendments. Conflicts spilt out from legislative chamber to the streets, from peaceful demonstrations to escalating violence. Citizens are worried but helpless. The laity asks, "God where are you?" The laity asks, "Church, what should we do?" The laity asks, "Cardinal and clergy, why don't you condemn violence?" Compounded by the "Echo Chamber Effect" mentioned above, many educated laity accuses the Cardinal for not condemning the violence of the rioters. The Cardinal's reticence is encouraging disruption of social stability. On the other hand, some righteous laity accuses the Cardinal for not condemning the brutality of the police. This is siding with the dictator, becoming an accomplice to tyranny! Everybody is disappointed. They think that they are right and the Church is wrong. They claim that they love Jesus but not the Church! I dare to say, they love themselves and not Jesus. The Cardinal is wrong because he did not speak for them, to speak out what they want to speak out. Even though the Cardinal speaks Jesus' messages, the Cardinal is wrong!
Six religions in Hong Kong have made public statements for at least four times. They appeal restrains for all parties and stop for two months to calm down. Condemnation is easy and cheap, but it does not help. Worse, it only quickens divisions. Condemnation goes against St. Paul's teaching of reconciliation. Appealing all sides to restrain, to reflect and to dialog is a correct move towards "Communion". Unfortunately, people in power do not hear it. The laity feels that the public statements are too tame and do not help. Consequently, the Cardinal is still wrong!
Today, we are still lost and do not see any exit. Let us continue to pray with Jesus Christ, asking the Father to consecrate us in the truth (17:17) because the truth will set us free (8:32) Let the Father's truth liberates us from the Echo Chamber. Then we will be able to know the truth. May all humanity know that the Father has sent Jesus Christ and He loved the Church even as He loved Jesus Christ. (17:23)
God bless!

Healed But Not Saved 痊癒了不一定得救了

Twenty Eighth Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: Healed But Not Saved
What have lepers to do with us today? We are not lepers and leprosy is almost extinguished in modern societies like Hong Kong. What does Jesus want to tell us today with the story of the ten lepers?
In ancient times, lepers were sinners. First of all, leprosy is infectious. Therefore, lepers were quarantined from the community because they were threats to the community. Leprosy was incurable and lepers were driven away from villages, to live or die on their own. Secondly, people believed that leprosy was a punishment from God. Lepers must have committed some terrible sins so that God punishes them with leprosy. Therefore, in the Bible, lepers symbolize sinners.
Don't forget that all of us are sinners before God who created us in His image (Genesis 1:26) but we fall short of His expectations. In the words of St. Paul, we "all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). It is extremely difficult and offensive to tell people bluntly that they are sinners! Let's look at sin in another perspective. What is darkness? It is an absence of light. In a similar manner, sin is an absence of grace. That is to say, we have lost the graces which God had given us when He created us. So, we are sinners, not necessarily because we have committed some grave crimes but because we have lost God's grace for some reasons. We have all become some kind of lepers!
Because of our pride and selfishness, we are doing harm to each other in our families, our working places, our neighbourhood, our society and humanity. See how we have polluted the environment, destroyed the habitat of many species, caused global warming and created super typhoons these days. See how kingpins make huge profits through human trafficking and drug trafficking, how land developers in Hong Kong are driving up prices of housing beyond the affordability of the citizens in general. See how Hong Kong people have become workaholic "zombies", feeling guilty not going to work, sacrificing their health and family life! There is no doubt that Hong Kong is sick. Hong Kong people are sick!
The key message of today's gospel is gratitude. The Samaritan leper was grateful and returned to glorify God in a loud voice (Luke 17:15) Does it imply that the other nine lepers were ungrateful? Not necessarily! They were simply following Jesus' instruction to visit priests who would inspect them. They were definitely healed, but not necessarily saved, because they did not have the faith of the Samaritan leper! That is to say, the physical health of the nine lepers was restored but their relationship with God might not have! The Samaritan leper was both healed and saved because he was grateful! I believe that the Samaritan leper was not grateful suddenly. He had always been grateful, when he was healed and while he was suffering from leprosy! Being always grateful, he knew it was God's mercy and salvation that healed him, not because of his own efforts. On the other hand, the nine lepers knew that by following, doing Jesus' command, they would be healed. Perhaps they thought that their efforts contributed to their healing! God played no part! Gratitude guarantees that we do not stray too far away from God. That explains why Jesus says, "Your faith has saved you!" (17:19)
Since June 9, everybody has been drawn into the social unrest without exemption. All of us suffer a certain degree of inconvenience and probably sleepless nights. Many activities have to be cancelled, such as the annual Caritas Bazaar. Today is already the 126^th day and the end is nowhere in sight. Most of us are bystanders. We have never taken to the streets. We have never chanted slogans or sung revolutionary anthems. We have followed the Church's requests to say the rosary, to abstain and to fast, to adore the Eucharist and to join benediction masses etc. Following Christ's instruction to help the needy, some Protestant as well as Catholic churches, not all because it depends on the location and physical settings of the churches, have made themselves accessible to whoever is in need, giving them a quiet place to pray to God, to take a rest or to dress their wounds physically as well as spiritually. Leaders of six religions in Hong Kong have tried to be peacemakers, appealing to the government as well as to the people to calm down and to make peace in four different occasions before today. Yesterday, our Apostolic Administrator Cardinal John Tong spoke on a radio program, "Letter to Hong Kong". He appealed to the Government to listen to the people and appealed to law enforcers to discharge their duties with conscience within the power endorsed them by the law so as to rebuild the respect and trust of the citizens etc. Inevitably, we ask God, "Where are you when we need you? Why should all of us suffer? What have you done so far for us etc.?"
Truly, this is a time of trial, a time to test our faith in God. Therefore, we should learn from the Samaritan leper and be grateful for our safety as well as the inconveniences we have to suffer. We have faith in God because at the request of Abraham, God pledged to spare a sinful city if Abraham was able to locate ten righteous people.
Brethren, are you righteous before God? I'm sure all of you are! Since more than ten people are sitting in this church, I believe God will spare this city from destruction.
God bless!

2016 Homily

Picture credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleansing_ten_lepers

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常年期第廿八主日，丙年
主題：痊癒了不一定得救了

痲瘋病人與今天的我們有甚麼關係？我們又不是痲瘋病人，痲瘋病在像香港這樣的現代城市中，幾乎已經絕跡。耶穌今天想通過十個痲瘋病人的故事，告訴我們甚麼呢？
在古代，痲瘋病人是罪人。首先，痲瘋具有傳染性。痲瘋病人威脅到社區的安危，因此被社區隔離。痲瘋病是無法治癒的，所以痲瘋病人被驅逐出村外，自生自滅。其次，人們認為痲瘋病是天主的懲罰。痲瘋病人一定犯了一些可怕的罪，致使天主用痲瘋病來懲罰他們。因此，在聖經中，痲瘋病人象徵著罪人。
不要忘記，我們所有人在天主面前都是罪人。天主按照祂的肖象創造了我們（創1:26），但我們沒有達到祂的期望。用聖保祿的話來說，我們「所有的人都犯了罪，都失掉了天主的光榮」（羅3:23）。坦率地告訴人們他們是罪人，是極其困難和冒犯性的！讓我們從另一個角度來看待「罪」。甚麼是黑暗？這是缺乏光明。同樣道理，罪惡就是缺乏恩寵。也就是說，我們失去了天主創造我們時所賦予我們的恩寵。因此，我們是罪人，不一定是因為我們犯了一些嚴重罪行，而是因為某些原因，我們失去了天主的恩典寵。我們都變成了「痲瘋病人」！
由於我們的自尊心和自私，我們在家庭，職場，鄰舍，社會和人類之間彼此傷害。且看我們如何污染環境，如何破壞許多物種的棲息地，導致全球變暖，並造成超級颱風。且看黑幫如何通過人口販運和毒品交易賺取巨額利潤，香港的地產發展商如何將樓宇價格推高到一般市民無法承受的水平。且看香港人如何成為工作狂的「喪屍」，不工作便感到很內咎，從而犧牲了他們的健康和家庭生活！毫無疑問，香港生病了。香港人都病了！
今天福音的主旨是感恩。那個撒瑪黎雅的痲瘋病人懂得感恩，並回來大聲光榮天主（路17:15），這是否意味著其餘九名痲瘋病人沒有感恩之心呢？未必！他們祇顧按照耶穌的指示去找司祭檢驗他們。他們肯定可以得到治癒，但不一定得救，因為他們沒有撒瑪黎雅痲瘋病人的信德！也就是說，九名痲瘋病人的身體健康得到了恢復，但他們與天主的關係可能還沒有！撒瑪黎雅痲瘋病人得到了救治，因為他感恩！我相信撒瑪黎雅的痲瘋病患者並非突然感恩的。當他被治癒時，以及他患上痲瘋病時，他對天主總是懷著感恩之情！他總是心存感激，知道治癒他的是天主的憐憫和救贖，而不是因為他自己的努力。另一方面，九名痲瘋病人知道，按照耶穌的吩咐，他們會得到醫治。也許他們認為自己的努力有助於他們的康復！反而天主並沒有扮演任何角色！感恩保證我們不會離天主太遠。這就解釋了耶穌為甚麼說：「你的信德救了你！」（17:19）？
自從六月九日以來，每個人都無一倖免，陷入今次發生的社會動盪之中。我們所有人都遭受一定程度的不便，甚至失眠。許多活動被取銷，例如一年一度的「明愛賣物會」。今天已經是第126天了，動盪的結束，遙遙無期。我們大多數人都是旁觀者。我們從來沒有上過街。我們從來沒有高喊口號，或者唱過社運歌曲。我們按照教會的要求唸玫瑰經，守大小齋，明供聖體，並參加祈福彌撒等。教會遵循基督愛人如己的教訓，向有需要的人伸出援手。一些基督新教以及天主教會─並不是全部，因為這取決於教堂的位置和教堂本身的設施─開放聖堂給任何需要幫助的人士，為他們提供了一個安靜的地方，可以向天主祈禱，休息或在身心上，為他們包紮傷口。在香港，六大宗教的領袖試圖締造和平，在今天之前的四個不同場合中，呼籲政府和市民冷靜下來，尋求和解。昨天，我們的宗座署理湯漢樞機，在廣播節目「香港家書」中發表了講話。他呼籲政府聽取民意，並呼籲執法人員在法律認可的權力範圍內，憑良心履行職責，以重建市民的尊重和信任等。我們無可避免地要問天主：「我們需要祢的時候，祢在哪裡？為甚麼我們所有人都要受苦？到目前為止，您為我們做過甚麼？」
確實，這是一個動盪困難的時期，是考驗我們對天主的信德的時期。 因此，我們應該向撒瑪黎雅痲瘋病人學習，為我們的安全以及我們捱受的不便，表示感謝。 我們對天主有信心，因為在亞巴郎的請求下，天主保證，如果亞巴郎能夠找到十個義人，祂會寬恕那座罪惡之城。
各位兄弟姊妹，你們在天主面前是義人嗎？ 我肯定在座中的各位都是！ 由於有超過十個人坐在這座教堂裡，我相信天主會保護這座城市，免遭毀滅。
天主保佑！

為甚麼教會不譴責暴力？ Why Does the Church Not Condemn Violence?

常年期第廿七主日，丙年
主題：為甚麼教會不譴責暴力？
天主按祂的肖像造了人（創1:26），祂完全明白人的美麗和人的有限，祇不過人自己不知道。天主明白知識的威力，亦知道有限的人，沒有足夠能力駕馭知識。因此，天主吩咐亞當不要吃「知善惡樹」上的果子（2:17）。不要以為這是神話故事，其實很多神話故事，記載了不少智慧，不少人生哲理。
真的，知識的確帶來力量。且看，人類掌握了越來越多的知識，帶來了越來越進步的社會生活。人類懂得運用火，既可以取暖，又可以驅趕猛獸；還可以煮食，更好地吸收營養，令腦袋更發達，累積更多知識。運用火力，可以不再倚賴動物的能量或天然的風力，穿州過省，遠渡重洋。後來更開發了電的能量，不但照亮黑夜，更可超越空間的限制，進行通訊。今天，人類已經掌握核能，幾乎有用之不盡的能源了！但同時，因為我們沒有足夠能力駕馭知識，我們對善惡的判斷，我們的倫理道德和我們的法律，遠遠落後我們發明的科技。更有甚者，我們的驕傲和自私，令我們凌駕道德和法律之上，有法不依，做出害己害人的不道德行為。結果，我們污染了我們所生活的環境，毀滅了不少地球上其他的物種；連我們自己的基因，也被一些沒有道德底線的野心家，扮演天主，試圖改造！
隨著社會的進步，人民的生活環境改良了不少；人民的教育水平高了，民智提高了。今天的互聯網，使普羅大眾，輕而易舉地接收到很多的資訊和知識。可惜，我們對善惡的標準，對頒布這標準的天主的認識，並沒有相應的提高。難怪耶穌基督在二千年前，已慨嘆：「引人跌倒的事是免不了的。」（路17:1）
是驕傲和自私在作祟，使我們雖然擁有大量的資訊，但我們卻未能從中找到真理，以為自己所見所聞的，就是正確；雖然我們接觸到大量的言論，但我們卻不能判辨善惡，還以為自己站在道德高位；雖然我們每天在社交媒體看到大量的新聞，但我們竟然習慣了暴力場面，對傷者毫無惻隱之心，以為那些「暴徒」抵死；雖然我們每天唸天主經，說甚麼「願祢的旨意奉行在人間，如同在天上。」（瑪6:10）但我們竟然覺得天意難料！倘若我們仍然是自我中心的話，天主的旨意，真是很難掌握啊！
聖經記載了天主的聖言，在那裡我們不難找到天主的旨意。

首先，天主喜歡站在弱勢社群之中。我們在聖詠集，法律書、先知書及宗徒書信中，找到很多天主為孤兒寡婦和異鄉人伸張正義的章節，並警告那些欺負他們的人，天主會令他們的兒子成為孤兒，他們的妻子成為寡婦（出22:22-24；詠68:6，146:9；依1:17；雅1:27）。耶穌基督在「慈善撒瑪黎雅人」的比喻中，教導我們不分種族、宗教、政見，無差別地伸手援助遇到困難的人，履行「愛近人如愛自己」的誡命。在論及末日審判時，更清楚明白地說：「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） 教外人，例如「大公網」及一些人大政協，批評宗教人士包庇暴徒，提供地方給他們休息，更換衣物和逃避警察追捕云云！這些人不明白聖經的教訓，情有可原。可惜，有些有學問的教友，同樣批評神父，並寫信向樞機施壓！難道他們不知道，幫助有困難的人，是天主教社會訓導，沒有爭議空間的基本立場嗎？
另一方面，有些教堂，因為個別原因，沒有開放給有需要的人休息避難的時候，又令到部份教友對教會失望！他們可曾體諒，為甚麼聖堂沒有開放呢？
其次，教友蒙召成聖，作為耶穌基督在世的大使，宣講福音。福音是甚麼？就是保祿宗徒說的：「天主在基督內使世界與自己和好，不再追究他們的過犯。」（格後5:19）。所以，我們作為基督的大使，就是做「修和大使」，宣講「與天主修和，與人修和」的說話。怎樣宣講呢？做「時事評論員」嗎？這邊廂，教友覺得教會沒有譴責暴徒掟磚縱火，非常失望，覺得教會在默許暴力，推青年人去死！那邊廂，又有教友怪責主教沒有遺憾不守法的警察，把無辜市民毆打致終身殘廢，助紂為虐，沒有履行教會作為社會良心，作為先知的角色。
請問譴責和遺憾，就是宣講修和嗎？
這120日以來，不少基督教天主教的神職人員，走出教堂，進入人群中間，尋找並安慰受傷的人；或者邀請市民和教友守齋祈禱，唸玫瑰經，明供聖體，參加彌撒和心靈治療工作坊等，讓願意的人，可以與天主和好，尋求身心的修和！六大宗教領袖，

• 於6月12日呼籲政府尊重民意；
• 於6月18日呼籲市民接受特首的道歉；
• 8月31日呼籲政府及示威人士停下來，給大家兩個月的冷靜期；
• 10月2日，呼籲政府與市民克制等等。

天主尊重人的自由，天主不歡喜大聲疾呼，祂祇在輕微細弱的風聲中說話（列上19:12）。可惜，這些話落在驕傲自私，自我中心的人的心中，祇不過是「耳邊風」而已；沒有人理會，沒有人回應，他們繼續互相廝殺。天主藉保祿宗徒，已經向我們發出警告：「如果你們彼此相咬相吞，你們要小心，免得同歸於盡。」（迦5:15）這不就是天主的旨意嗎？ 各位兄弟姊妹，給自己冷靜下來，接受天主的治癒罷。不要做「引人跌倒」的絆腳石（路17:1b）。不再驕傲，認為自己百份百正確，其他人是錯誤的，被人誤導的。放下自我，謙遜地求天主容許我們刻苦，補贖這120日以來，在自己，在別人和在耶穌基督的身心上，所造成的創傷。信賴天主，這120天，祂已行了不少奇蹟，你看見了嗎？「心裡潔淨的人是有福的，因為他們要看見天主。」（瑪5:8）
天主保祐。

2016年講道
圖片鳴謝：https://www.christiantoday.com/article/3-ways-you-can-cause-others-to-stumble-on-their-faith/90952.htm

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Twenty Seventh Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: Why Does the Church Not Condemn Violence? God created men in His image (Genesis 1:26). He knows perfectly the beauty and limitations of mankind, but we don't. God also knows the power of knowledge and the finitude of men. They don't have enough power to handle knowledge. Thus God told Adam not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (2:17). Don't dismiss it as a myth because myths carry much wisdom and lessons of life.
Truly, knowledge brings power. See how more and more knowledge men accumulate, social life is getting more and more advanced. Men discovered fire which gave warmth and chased away wild beasts. Moreover, with cooking, men were able to obtain more nutrition and their brains developed and accumulated more knowledge. Using fire power, men no longer relied on animal forces to travel or wind forces to sail across the oceans. With the discovery of electricity, men were able to work longer hours even when night fell. We were even able to communicate across vast distances. Today, humanity seems to be able to harness infinite power with nuclear energy! But at the same time, we do not have enough power to handle knowledge. Our judgment of good and evil, our morality and laws fall far behind the technology we have invented. Worse still, our pride and selfishness put us above the law. We do not follow proper procedures, taking unethical actions which harm everybody. Consequently, we contaminate the environment we live in and destroy many other species. Some unscrupulous and ambitious people even want to play God to modify our own genes!
With advances in the society, the living standard of people has improved. Most people are literate. The Internet is making much information and knowledge accessible to most people. Unfortunately, our standard of good and evil as well as our knowledge of God who sets the standard have never been raised. No wonder Jesus Christ lamented two millennia ago that "Things that cause sin will inevitably occur!" (Luke 17:1a)
It is due to our pride and selfishness. Although we can gain access to a large amount of information, we are not able to discover the truth. We think what we have seen and heard are true. Although we come into contact with many opinions, we are not able to discern good from bad. We think that we are standing on moral high ground. Although we are fed much news every day from the social media, we get so used to violent scenes that we do not feel sad about the victims. We believe that they deserve to be beaten up. Although we recite the Lord's Prayer daily, saying "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10), we find God's will evasive! If we are self-centred, God's will can be evasive!
The Word of God is found in the Bible where it is not difficult to discover God's will.
First of all, God loves the disadvantaged. Many passages from the Torah, Psalms, Prophets and Apostolic Epistles confirm that God works righteousness for the fatherless, widows and aliens and warn that if we ill-treat them, God shall make our children fatherless and our wives widows. (Exodus 22:22-24; Psalms 68:6, 146:9; Isaiah 1:17; James 1:27) In the famous Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus Christ teaches us to disregard races, religious affiliation as well as political stance and extend a helping hand to the needy indiscriminately so as to practise the commandment of "loving thy neighbour as thyself". In the discourse on the Last Judgment, he makes it clear that "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)
Non-believers, such as editors of takungpao.com and delegates of CPPCC, criticize the Church for sheltering the rioters, giving them place to hide, to change clothes to evade police arrest etc. It is understandable because they do not know the teachings of the Bible. Regrettably, some learned members of the laity criticized our priests in similar manners. They even wrote to the Cardinal to complain! Don't they know that helping the needy is an indisputable stance of the social teachings of the Church?
On the other hand, some members of the laity are disappointed because some churches, for some reasons, were not open to shelter the needy! Have they ever tried to understand why those churches were not open?
Secondly, we are called to sanctification, to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ to proclaim the gospel. What is the gospel? St. Paul says, "God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them." (2 Corinthians 5:19) Therefore, as Christ's ambassadors, we are ambassadors of reconciliation, proclaiming words of "reconciliation with God and reconciliation with men". How do we proclaim? Shall we become commentators of current affairs? On one side, some members of the laity are disappointed that the Church did not condemn rioters who threw bricks and set fire. When the Church is silent before violence, she is pushing young people to die! On the other side, other members of the laity blame the bishop for not reproaching the Police who do not follow the procedures, crippling innocent bystanders. She is supporting a repressive regime, not acting as the conscience of the society and discharging the ministry of a prophet!
I would like to ask, are condemnation and reproach appropriate ways to proclaim reconciliation?
On the previous 120 days, many Christian pastors and Catholic clergy went out of the church, entered the crowd to seek and to console the wounded; or to invite people and faithful to fast, pray, say the rosary, adore the Holy Eucharist, join masses and attend spiritual healing workshops etc. For those who are willing, the Church helps them reconcile with God and with themselves! Leaders of six major religions in Hong Kong

• appealed to the government to listen to the demands of the people on June 12,
• appealed to the people to accept the apology of the Chief Executive on June 18,
• appealed to the government as well as the rioters to stop and calm down for two months on August 31 and
• appealed to the government to restrain on October 2 etc.

God respects our free-will. God does not enjoy yelling. He only speaks in a light silent sound (1 Kings 19:12). Unfortunately, when God's word comes to proud, selfish and self-centred people, it falls on deaf ears. Nobody cares, nobody responds and they continue to bite each other. Through the words of St. Paul, God has warned, "If you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another." (Galatians 5:15) Brethren, allow ourselves to calm down and receive God's healing. Do not become "the person through whom scandals occur." (Luke 17:1b) Don't be arrogant and believe that you are 100% right and others wrong, or misguided. Lower yourself, humbly beg God to allow yourself to suffer in compensation for the wounds you have inflicted physically and spiritually, upon yourself, on others and on Jesus Christ on these 120 days. Trust the Lord. He has performed many miracles within these 120 days. Are you able to see them? "Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8)
God bless!

中槍青年的護守天使在哪？ Where's the Guardian Angel of Youngster Shot?

中槍青年的護守天使在哪？
十月二日，天主教紀念「護守天使」。繼承著猶太人的傳統（例如，詠91:11）和新約的教訓（例如：瑪18:10；希1:14），天主教一向相信天主為每一個人，無論是得救的人抑或是落地獄的人，派遣一位「護守天使」，不離不棄，終身守護著他們，直到他們上了天堂或者落到地獄為止。
護守天使主要的任務，是引領我們回歸天父的懷抱。一方面，他們保護我們避免邪靈的攻擊；必要時，在合乎天主神聖旨意的情況下，他們可以在物質世界行神蹟，拯救我們脫免凶險！另一方面，他們光照我們的理智intellect，啟導我們的想像力imagination和改變我們的感覺senses。不過，為了尊重天賦的自由意志，即使是天使，也不能改變人類的意志will，每個人仍可以選擇抗拒天主！因此，人是有道德的，並且為自己選擇的行為，負上責任，承擔後果。當然，附魔者又當別論！

從以上的信仰條款，我們肯定開槍的警察，中槍的青年，和他們的護守天使，當時是在現場的。我們自然會問，這兩位護守天使究竟在做甚麼？

1. 示威者的護守天使為甚麼沒有保護示威者，使他不中槍，避免悲劇的發生？
   這個不難回答：可能護守天使令子彈偏離心臟，這一槍沒有奪去他的生命！
   可是，倘若示威者死了又如何？一句「天意」就可以脫身嗎？護守天使的任務就此完成了嗎？你可以保證示威者回歸天父的懷抱嗎？我不知道怎樣回答這追問，惟有謙遜說：「願祢的旨意奉行在人間，如同在天上。」（瑪6:10）
2. 警察的護守天使為甚麼不制止警察開槍？
   這也不難回答：警察的守護天使不能改變警察的意志。警察搶救同袍心切，開槍射擊在他面前揮動鐵通的示威者。他的行為雖然並不專業，但是理直氣壯！
   可是，護守天使還可以光照警察的理智，啟導他的想像力，使他能更有效地搶救自己的同袍。為甚麼會讓這樣不專業的事情發生，令市民對警隊更加絕望，令香港警察成為國際笑柄？有另外一個可能，但我不願意向這個方向繼續默想下去!

其實，不單止每個人有自己的護守天使，在聖經舊約的書卷中，也有提及一個地區，甚至一個國家的護守天使（達10:13，20-21）。我相信香港應該有她的護守天使，但一定不是車公、關帝、黃大仙或者天后，因為他們不會引領香港回歸天父的懷抱。這位香港的護守天使是誰？我不知。或者可以問樞機。從六月九日到今天，已115天了，我相信這位護守天使，仍然在履行天父委派他為香港護航的任務，協調每一個守護香港市民的護守天使，實行天父的全盤大計！
『天主光明的天使，上主派遣您來世上陪伴我。保護我不要陷入魔鬼的羅網，但幫助我常保持天主孩子的身份，祂是我的造主。天主真理的天使，您擁有完美的知識，為真理服務。保護我不要陷入謊言與誘惑，但幫助我認識真理，並常在真理中生活。天主愛的天使，您常讚美耶穌基督，天主唯一聖子，為愛我們犧牲自己的生命。請支持我學習這神聖的愛，學習慷慨的犧牲、溫柔與謙卑的心。我天上的朋友，謝謝您無微不至的保護。在死亡的時刻，帶我到唯一至聖天主前，祂是光明、真理與愛，永生永王！亞孟。』（來自一個默主哥耶的微博）


圖片鳴謝：WhatsApp收到，來自一位Vxxx Lxxx