可以愛耶穌但不愛教會嗎？ Can I love Jesus without loving His Church?

耶穌基督普世君王節，丙年
主題：可以愛耶穌但不愛教會嗎？

來自香港某所以英國統治者命名學校的學生，寫信給當今英女皇陛下，把香港目前的困局，描述成為「最黑暗的時日」，並請女皇支持他們捍衛民主和自由！可能有人會抹黑他們，向前殖民地主子搖尾乞憐；再加一條邀請外國勢力干預香港事務的「通番賣國」罪名，更有點像吳三桂當年引清兵入關，加速明朝的覆滅一樣云云…在我眼裡，這些青年人，無論香港有多少缺陷，仍然熱愛這片家園。他們有能力獨立思考，跳出成年人的思想框架，四處尋覓出路，不輕言放棄。縱然方法笨拙，仍不失「屢敗屢戰」的態度，精神可嘉。

反觀這168天以來，教會內固然有不少兄弟姊妹，努力祈禱，祈求天主出手解困。另一方面，有為數不少的教友，不停抱怨教區神長在這場運動中的表現，未能令他們滿意。一方面，有些教友覺得教會向政權叩頭，不敢開罪政府，不敢譴責警察濫暴，沒有擔當社會良心和履行先知的角色！他們甚至質問，當人民需要他們的時候，當示威者被虐殺，被捕人士被自殺，教堂被警察闖入和大學被圍的時候，教會的牧者在哪！另一方面，有些教友覺得教會為了討好青年一代，不敢指出他們叛逆的錯誤，反而開放聖堂包庇他們，默許鼓勵他們暴力的行為。這樣做是斷送青年人的前途，推青年人墮入萬劫不復的死地！注意，這些抱怨的教友，大部份都是有識之士；他們的見解，絕非一般婦孺之見！教會的表現，令他們失望地離開教會，不再參加彌撒，領受聖事了。其實，因為神職人員令人失望的表現而離開教會，原因多不勝數。有些人因為求助遭到拒絕，或者神職人員狂莽自大的脾氣、喜歡弄權、或者貪污甚至性侵…有些是個別的，有些是集體的。教友們不能接受一個這樣醜惡的教會，他們質問天主在那裡，為甚麼公義得不到彰顯。最後，他們聽不到天主的答覆，便憤然離開教會！

真的，天主的思念不是我們的思想，我們的行徑也不是天主的行徑（依55:8）。
祂所揀選為祂工作的人，沒有一個是無可指摘的。亞巴郎可以為了保命，要求妻子在人前認做自己的妹妹（創12:12-13）；依撒格懦弱（創26）；雅各伯狡猾（創27，30）；梅瑟是個殺了人的逃犯（出2:12-15）；天主篩選來擊敗十三萬米德楊大軍的300個基德紅麾下的戰士，是「用舌頭舔水像狗舔水似的」（民7:5），一點也不像精銳的部隊。耶穌基督的祖先達味王，他的曾祖母盧德，是個外族摩阿布女子（盧1:4）。雖然說「天主的看法與人不同：人看外貎，上主卻看人心」（撒上16:7），但當天主派撒慕耳為達味傅油的時候，難道祂不知將來達味王的姦淫和殺人勾當嗎（撒下11）？

耶穌基督揀選了又衝動（若18:10）又膽小（路22：61-62）的伯多祿做教會的磐石（瑪16:18）；揀選了滿腦子法利塞人思想的保祿（宗23:6）做外邦人的宗徒。除了幾個議員之外，耶穌基督喜歡親近罪人和被社會邊緣化了的人，令權威人士側目（路5:30），甚至抹黑（谷3:22）。祂把這些被社會所遺棄的人，組織起來，成為一個得救的團體。祂在最後晚餐時，不是選用名貴的食材，卻是普通的無酵餅，祝聖成為祂的聖體！在大馬士革路上顯示給掃祿，令掃祿歸化的時候，啟示了一端重要的道理：教會是甚麼？教會就是耶穌基督的奧體（格前12）！雖然貴為天主子，但耶穌基督並沒有嫌棄無酵餅的簡陋，沒有嫌棄教會是由軟弱的人所組成。耶穌基督願意臨在於卑微的無酵餅和千瘡百孔的教會之中，表達出祂對人類不離不棄的愛！祂是善牧，四出尋找迷失的羊，把他們贖回。祂應許與教會在一起，直到世界末日（瑪28:20）。

今天的福音，給我們很大的挑戰！「耶穌，當你來為王時，請你紀念我！」（路23:42）被釘的凶犯看到了甚麼？一個眾叛親離，被虐待到遍體鱗傷，和他一樣被釘在十字架上等死的耶穌基督！他憑甚麼說出「當你來為王時」？眼前是一個自身難保，一敗塗地的垂死之人。這樣一個軟弱無能的耶穌，不就是教會今天的寫照嗎？或許我們更像另一個凶犯，教導耶穌如何做救世主：「你不是默西亞嗎？救救你自己和我們吧！」（23:39），指導我們的牧者，如何與香港市民，渡過當前的困局。他們期望會有奇蹟出現！對不起，沒有！耶穌斷了氣，兩個凶犯最後也被打斷雙腿死了（若19:32），相信耶穌，或者懷疑祂奧體的人，一樣會死！

君臨天下的耶穌基督尚未出現，當下可以看到的，是由一群沒有號召力的平庸牧者所領導的，醜聞纏身的教會。看到這模樣的教會，你願意好像與耶穌一起被釘的凶犯一樣，相信耶穌基督會紀念你，願意借助祂奧體成員的手，去祝福這個多災多難的世界嗎？
天主保祐！

圖片鳴謝：wallpapertag.com

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Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Year C
Theme: Can I love Jesus without loving the Church?

A group of students from a school named after a British Monarch wrote to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. They described the present dire situation in Hong Kong as "This is our darkest hour" and pleaded Her Majesty's "support in defence of freedom and democracy of our home." Probably people would bad-mouth them for begging and wagging their tails at their former master. These students committed treason, inviting foreigners to interfere the internal affairs of Hong Kong. This is like Wu Sangui who allowed Manchu army passage into the Middle Kingdom, thus quickening the demise of Ming Dynasty etc. But in my eyes, these young people love their home, no matter how tattered Hong Kong is. They are able to think independently and jump out of the mind set of most adults. They leave no stone unturned to find paths and do not give up easily. Though their means are stupid, their never-say-die attitude is commendable.

Looking back on these 168 days, many parishioners pray hard, beseeching God to deliver. On the other hand, many others are not happy with and complain about the actions of the clergy in this social unrest. On one hand, some parishioners blame the Church for kowtowing to the State, not daring to offend the government and to condemn the excessive brutality of the police. The Church fails to act as the conscience of the society and to fulfil her prophetic role! They even query the where-about of the clergy when they were needed most, when demonstrators were brutally killed, arrested people had suicide imposed on them, one church was raided and the universities were sieged. On the other hand, some parishioners feel that the Church is trying to please the young. They dare not to point out the mistakes of their rebellion. On the contrary, they open up Church premises to shelter the rioters, are reticent about their violence, thus encouraging them. Consequently, they kill the future of the youngsters and push them to hell. Notice that most of these unhappy parishioners are well educated. The Church does not meet their expectations, disappoints them. Thus they leave the Church, do not go to mass or receive sacraments anymore. In fact, there are many innumerable reasons people feel disappointed and leave the Church. Some seek help but are rejected. Or some clergy are arrogant, power-thirsty, corrupt or even sexually abusive... some individually and some collectively. Parishioners cannot accept such an ugly Church. They question where God is and why righteousness is not seen done. Lastly, not hearing any answer from God, they quit bitterly!

Truly, God's "thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are our ways His ways" (Isaiah 55:8). None of the people He chose to serve Him is blameless. In order to save his life, Abraham told his wife to tell people that she was his sister (Genesis 12:12-13); Isaac was a coward (Genesis 26); Jacob was cunning (Genesis 27, 30); Moses was a fugitive guilt of manslaughter (Exodus 2:12-15); Gideon's 300 men who would defeat a 130,000 Midian army were chosen because they who "lap up the water as a dog does with its tongue" (Judges 7:5) did not look like any professional soldiers. King David, the ancestor of Jesus Christ, had a Moabite Ruth as his great-grand-mother (Ruth 1:4); Even though "God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The Lord looks into the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7), when He sent Samuel to anoint David, didn't God know the adultery and murder King David would commit in the future (2 Samuel 11)?
Jesus Christ chose an impulsive (John 18:10) but timid (Luke 22:61-62) Peter to be the rock upon which He would build His Church (Matthew 16:18), chose a Pharisaic Paul (Acts 23:6) to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. Other than a handful of Sanhedrin members, Jesus loved to befriend sinners and social outcasts. Such actions angered the religious authorities (Luke 5:30) and they even defamed him (Mark 3:22). Jesus called these marginalized people to form a redeemed community. During the Last Supper, Jesus did not choose expensive stuff but took ordinary unleavened bread and consecrated it into His body. On the road to Damascus when He appeared and converted Saul, He revealed to him an important dogma: What is the Church? The Church is the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12). Although He was the Son of God, Jesus Christ did not slight the simplicity of unleavened bread nor that the Church was made up of sinners. He is willing to be present in the humble unleavened bread and the scandal ridden Church to express His unreserved love for humanity! He is the Good Shepherd, looking everywhere for lost sheep and redeems them. He promises to stay with the Church until the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

The gospel passage today is really challenging! "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." (Luke 23:42) What did this criminal see? A forsaken, tortured Jesus Christ on his last breath like him! By why could he say, "When you come into your kingdom"? Crucified next to him was someone who could not save himself, a total failure who was passing away. Isn't this weak and incompetent Jesus a portrait of the Church today? Perhaps we are more like the other criminal, teaching Jesus how to be the Saviour, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." (23:39), teaching our pastors how to weather through this social unrest with the citizens of Hong Kong. They are expecting miracles! Sorry, there shall be none! Jesus breathed His last. The two crucified criminals died after their legs were broken (John 19:32). People who believe in Jesus, or doubt His Mystical Body die without exception!

The Jesus Christ who shall come in glory and majesty has not yet arrived. What we can see now is a Church led by mediocre pastors and ridden by scandals. Seeing such a Church, are you willing to be the criminal who trusts that Jesus Christ would remember him, would still bless this worn and torn world with the hands of members of His Mystical Body?
God bless!

見錢開眼 Money Can Be Eye Opening

見錢開眼 Money Can Be Eye Opening

擁有基督徒的國家，其實非常幸福。基督徒受耶穌基督的約束，必須做一個奉公守法的公民（凱撒的歸凱撒）。不但要納稅，投票，做陪審員，甚至服兵役，他們還要為統治者祝禱安康！宗教信仰又怎可以不與政治打交道呢！（你今日為特首，為主席祝禱咗未？）
讓我們看看在落後的政治體制下，基督徒是怎樣生存罷！

第一世紀的一位聖人，殉道者猶思定Justin Martyr這樣說。
「我們祇欽崇天主，但在世俗的事物上，我們樂於承認你是君王和統治者，並且為你祈禱，希望你擁有王權之外，還有一個健全的腦袋。即使你不理會我們的祈禱和我們對所有事情坦白的論述，這樣不會傷害到我們。我們毫不懷疑地相信，到末日，每個人都要為他們自願的行為，接受神聖的判決。每個人都要向天主交代，從祂手上接過來的責任。」（第一本護教書，17章）

So we worship God only, but in temporal matters we gladly serve you, recognizing you as emperors and rulers, and praying that along with your imperial power you may also be found to have a sound mind. Suppose you pay no attention to our prayers and our frank statements about everything. That will not injure us, since we believe, and are convinced without doubt, that everyone will finally experience the restraint of divine judgment in relation to their voluntary actions. Each will be required to give account for the responsibilities which he has been given by God. (Justin Martyr, First Apology 17)

另一位第三世紀的拉丁教父，戴都良Tertullian也在類似的教訓。
「我們為君王的安全，向真實而永生的天主祈禱。君王自己也渴望這位「萬神之上」的惟一真主，保祐他們。我們向天高舉雙手，因為我們絕對不會傷害任何人；我們不蒙頭，因為我們並沒有任何值得羞愧之處；我們不需要任何人提示，因為我們由心底恆常地為所有君王祈禱，祝願他們長夀，有一個固若金湯的帝國，有一個安全的管治核心，充夠的防禦，忠心的參議院，有教養的國民，一個太平的國度。這都是任何一位凱撒，在公在私，都夢寐以求的。」（護教書，30章）

We pray for the safety of the emperors to the eternal God, the true, the living God, whom emperors themselves would desire to be benevolent to them, the One who is "above all others who are called gods." We, looking up to heaven with outstretched hands, because we are harmless, with naked heads, because we are not ashamed, without a prompter, because we pray from the heart, constantly pray for all emperors, that they may have a long life, a secure empire, a safe center of governance, adequate defense, a faithful senate, a well-instructed people, a quiet state—whatever Caesar would wish for himself in his public and private capacity. (Tertullian, Apology 30)

有關納稅的問題，戴都良Tertullian也按創世紀，有所發揮。
「錢幣上有凱撒的肖像，所以把印有他肖像的錢幣歸還給他。而天主的肖像，是刻在人身上的。所以把錢歸還給凱撒（即納稅），把你自己歸還給天主。」（論拜偶像，15章）

That means render the image of Caesar, which is on the coin, to Caesar, and the image of God, which is imprinted on the person, to God. You give to Caesar only money. But to God, give yourself. (Tertullian, On Idolatry 15)

第五世紀的教父，聖奧思定St. Augustine與戴都良的意見一致，另外亦有所發揮。
「我們是天主的錢。但我們好像離開了鑄幣廠的錢幣一樣，經不起歲月沖洗，都磨損了。在起初鑄造我們的那一位，也就是再鑄造我們的同一位。正如凱撒追求他的錢幣，天主也四出尋找祂的錢幣。憑這個意思，『凱撒的歸凱撒，天主的歸天主』是指交錢幣給凱撒，交你自己給天主。」（若望福音專論，40卷9章）

We are God’s money. But we are like coins that have wandered away from the treasury. What was once stamped upon us has been worn down by our wandering. The One who restamps his image upon us is the One who first formed us. He himself seeks his own coin, as Caesar sought his coin. It is in this sense that he says, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s," to Caesar his coins, to God your very selves (Augustine, Tractate on John 40.9)

文化上的差異，令福音的論據失色。在殖民地時代的香港，耶穌基督的教訓尚可據理力爭。回歸後成立了特區政府，所鑄造的錢幣，耶穌基督用不著它來教訓香港人了。反而祖國的紙幣，卻強而有力地，響亮地，證明毛澤東同志，也贊成耶穌基督的教訓！

https://mediakron.bc.edu/edges/british-colonial-currency-in-hong-kong

http://www.cachecoins.org/brit03.htm

https://coinstamp.in/shop/coins/worldcoins/hong-kong-set-5-coins/

https://www.leftovercurrency.com/exchange/chinese-yuan/chinese-yuan-renminbi-coins/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renminbi

「世界窮人日」導讀 Introducing "World Day of the Poor"

常年期第三十三主日，丙年
主題：「世界窮人日」導讀

2016年11月20日，教宗方濟各在結束「慈悲禧年」年時，頒佈了一份名為【慈悲與憐憫】的宗座牧函，重溫「慈悲」的聖經、神學、聖事及基督徒生活的重要性，並宣佈了兩件事。

1. 是有關處理犯了墮胎罪的問題。天主是生命的主宰，殺害無辜的生命是對天主的大不敬。所有胎兒都是無辜的，所以墮胎是一項嚴重的罪行。從前，墮胎罪是保留給主教處理的。時移世易，天主教徒生活在非教徒佔大多數的社會中，墮胎很普遍。於是有些教區的主教，委派部份司鐸，代表主教免除墮胎的罪罰。其實墮胎的問題很複雜，而且在女性的身心靈上做成嚴重的創傷和枷鎖！所以教宗方濟各授權全體司鐸，在慈悲禧年期間，可以行使免除墮胎罪罰的權力。不是為了鼓勵墮胎，而是鼓勵痛悔定改的教友，領受天主的慈悲，重新自由喜樂地，度天主子女的生活。在這宗座牧函中，教宗宣布這項權力，正式延續下去。（【慈悲與憐憫】#12）
2. 宣布每年常年期第33主日為「世界窮人日」。教宗說：「…這將會是慶祝我們的主耶穌基督普世君王慶節的最佳準備，因為主耶穌把自己當作最卑微、最貧困者的一員；我們的慈悲善工，將成為祂審判我們的準則（瑪25:31-46）。這『世界窮人日』將幫助各基督信仰團體，以及所有已領洗者，去反思福音的中心議題──貧困，只要拉匝祿依然躺臥在我們家大門前（路16:19-21），世界便不會有公義，社會亦不得和平…」（#21

「貧窮」原來有很多不同面貎，在以後的日子，教宗陸續說明。要解決問題，必先正視問題，所以首先，把眼光聚焦在「貧窮」的問題上。

2017年6月13日，教宗為第一屆世界窮人日（19/11/2017）發表文告，第一句便引用若望書信說：「孩子們，我們愛，不可祇用言語…而要用行動。」（若一3:18）這是第一屆世界窮人日的主題。教宗與我們重溫作為基督徒蒙召的本質，教宗教導我們，天主教徒應怎樣看「貧窮」：貧窮首先是一份召叫，跟隨貧窮的耶穌；是擁有一顆謙遜的心，是一種內在的態度。貧窮創造出全心信賴天主與人同在的條件，我們應在窮人身上，發現天主的福音！（文告#4）
他跟著說：「貧窮每日以千萬種方式挑戰我們：受苦、邊緣化、壓迫、暴力、酷刑和監禁、戰爭、自由與尊嚴受到剝奪、無知與文盲、醫療急需和工作短缺、人口販運和奴役制度、流亡、赤貧以及被迫移民等等…面對這種種不同形式的貧窮，我們必須對生命和社會，抱持嶄新的視野，予以回應。」（文告#5）
所以，貧窮不單是金錢上的貧窮，還有關係上的貧窮，知識上的貧窮和靈性上的貧窮。而貧窮背後，就是不公義的制度。認清了目標，就不會盲目地回應了。

2018年6月13日，教宗發表了第二屆世界窮人日（18/11/2018）的文告，第一句引用聖詠來默想說：「卑微（貧困）的人一呼號，上主立即俯允。」（詠34:7）這是第二屆世界窮人日的主題。跟著，他以馬爾谷福音中巴爾提買的故事，指出天主如何實現了祂的承諾。教宗訓導說，貧窮的人受苦，他們渴望脫貧，渴望有人伸出援手，最少也希望獲得一點安慰。不幸的是，大部份人恐懼窮人，拒絕窮人，視窮人為不安全不穩定的根源。拒絕窮人就是拒絕耶穌基督，教會豈可這樣呢？（文告#5）
教宗繼續以保祿宗徒的書信（羅12:15-16；格前12:26；斐2:5），再次提醒我們，不能與世界同流合污，緊記「貧窮」是基督徒的聖召，貧窮就是福音。（文告#8）

2019年6月13日，教宗發表了第三屆世界窮人日（17/11/2019）的文告，第一句引用聖詠來默想說：「窮人的依靠永不會喪亡。」（詠9:19）這是第三屆世界窮人日的主題。從文告中的內容可見，非常切合香港當前的局勢。今年，教宗把我們的眼光，聚焦到信德上。
他說：「…信德特別銘刻在窮人的心中，在遭遇不公義、痛苦和生活的不確定時，它重新恢復失去的希望。」可是在現實生活所見，「…祂怎能讓窮人飽受侮辱而不前來相助？尤其眼看窮人飽受苦楚，為什麼祂反而允許壓迫的人繁榮興盛，卻不譴責他們的行為？」（文告#1）為甚麼天主不譴責他們的行為？同樣，在今天的香港社會，很多人不停地問，為甚麼教會不譴責他們的暴力行為？
教宗繼續說，忍受著不公義、痛苦和失望的我們，祇要是「信賴上主」，堅定相信天主永遠不會拋棄我們，我們就成了有福的「窮人」。為甚麼天主對窮人「念念不忘、銘記在心」呢？因為窮人「認識」天主，與天主建立了一份充滿愛與感情的個人關係，這關係就是希望的來源！（文告#3）
天主會為窮人做甚麼？祂「聆聽」窮人的呼聲，並「前來救助他們」；祂「保護」並「捍衛」他們，祂「拯救」並「援助」他們。祂是窮人的避難所，永遠扶助他們。（文告#4）

看來，香港社會之所以還沒有走出當前的困局，香港教區決定取銷慶祝已準備就緒的「世界窮人日」，是因為我們認識上主未深，信賴祂不足，忘記了呼求祂吧，所以祂還沒有「前來救助、保護、捍衛、拯救和援助」我們！
天主保祐！
第二屆世界窮人日

文憲：
http://www.vatican.va/content/dam/francesco/pdf/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera-ap_20161120_misericordia-et-misera_zh_tw.pdf

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/zh_tw/messages/poveri/documents/papa-francesco_20170613_messaggio-i-giornatamondiale-poveri-2017.html

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/zh_tw/messages/poveri/documents/papa-francesco_20180613_messaggio-ii-giornatamondiale-poveri-2018.html

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/zh_tw/messages/poveri/documents/papa-francesco_20190613_messaggio-iii-giornatamondiale-poveri-2019.html

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Thirty Third Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: Introducing "World Day of the Poor"

On November 20, 2016, Pope Francis closed the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy with an Apostolic Letter "Misericordia et Misera" to review the important theme of mercy in the scriptures, theology, sacraments and Christian life. Moreover, he made two announcements.

1. It is about abortion. God is the author of life. Killing the innocent is a grave contempt to God. All foeti are innocent. Therefore abortion is a grave sin. In earlier generations, abortion was an offence reserved for bishops to absolve. As time moves on, many Catholics are now living in societies outnumbered by non-believers. Abortion is common. Thus, in some dioceses, bishops delegate the faculty to absolve abortions to certain priests. In fact, abortion is a complex issue and women who have undergone abortions are left with trauma and bondage physically, psychologically as well as spiritually. Thus Pope Francis granted provisional faculty to all priests to absolve the sin of abortion during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. The Church does not encourage abortion. She only encourages the faithful to repent and reconcile with God, to embrace His mercy and lead the life of God's children in freedom. In this Apostolic Letter, Pope Francis extended this faculty indefinitely. (Misericordia et Misera #12)
2. Pope Francis decided that the whole Church should celebrate "World Day of the Poor" on the Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time. The Pope says, "This would be the worthiest way to prepare for the celebration of the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, who identified with the little ones and the poor and who will judge us on our works of mercy (Matthew 25:31-46). It would be a day to help communities and each of the baptized to reflect on how poverty is at the very heart of the Gospel and that, as long as Lazarus lies at the door of our homes (Luke 16:19-21), there can be no justice or social peace." (#21)

Poverty wears many faces. In subsequent years, the Pope would explain. In order to solve the problem, let us face the problem squarely and focus our gaze on the problem of poverty first.

On June 13, 2017, Pope Francis issued a Message for the First World Day of the Poor (19/11/2017). He quoted John's Epistle "Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth." (1 John 3:18) This was also the theme of the First World Day of the Poor. The Pope helps us revise the nature of Christian call. He teaches us how to look at poverty: Let us never forget that, for Christ's disciples, poverty is above all a call to follow Jesus in his own poverty which means having a humble heart. It is an interior attitude. Poverty creates the conditions for us to trust in God's closeness and the support of his grace. In short, the poor manifest God's gospel! (Message#4)
He continues, "In myriad ways poverty challenges us daily, in faces marked by suffering, marginalization, oppression, violence, torture and imprisonment, war, deprivation of freedom and dignity, ignorance and illiteracy, medical emergencies and shortage of work, trafficking and slavery, exile, extreme poverty and for forced migration ... To all these forms of poverty we must respond with a new vision of life and society." (Message#5)
Thus, poverty is not only financial poverty, but also relational poverty, intellectual poverty and spiritual poverty. Behind all forms of poverty is an unrighteous institution. Focusing on a clear target, we will not respond blindly.

On June 13, 2018, Pope Francis issued a Message for the Second World Day of the Poor (18/11/2018). For meditation, he quoted a psalm, "The poor cried out and the Lord heard, and from all his distress He saved him." (Psalm 34:7) This is the theme of the Second World Day of the Poor. Following the meditation, the Pope pointed out that the story of Bartimaeus in the gospel of Mark makes visible what the Psalm proclaims as a promise. The Pope teaches that the poor suffer. They desire deliverance, desire somebody to lend them a helping hand or at least some consolation. Sadly, most people fear the poor, reject them and consider them a source of insecurity and unrest. Rejecting the poor is rejecting Jesus Christ. How can the Church do that? (Message#5)
The Pope continues to remind us to go against the trends with passages from Pauline epistles (Romans 12:15-16, 1 Corinthians 12:26, Philippians 2:5). Bear in mind that poverty is a Christian call. Poverty is the Gospel. (Message#8)

On June 13, 2019, Pope Francis issued a Message for the Third World Day of the Poor (17/11/2019). For meditation, he quoted "The hope of the needy will never fade." (Psalm 9:19) This is the theme of the Third World Day of the Poor. From the contents of the Message, we see that they fit the situation of Hong Kong at the moment. This year, the Pope moves our focus onto faith. He says, "Faith impresses above all on the hearts of the poor, restoring lost hope in the face of injustice, sufferings and the uncertainties of life." However, what we see in real life situations is differnt. "How can God let the poor be humiliated without coming to their aid? Why does He allow oppressors to prosper instead of condemning their conducts?" (Message#1) Yes, why does God not condemn the conduct of the oppressors? Similarly, many people in Hong Kong today keep asking why the Church does not condemn brutality.
The Pope continues to teach that we, who endure injustice, suffering and disappointment, must "put our trust in the Lord", in the certainty that we will never be forsaken, will become the Blessed Poor. Why is God "mindful" of the poor? It is because the poor has established a personal relationship of affection and love with God. They "know" the Lord. This relationship is the source of hope! (Message#3)
What does God do on behalf of the poor? He "hears" their cry and "comes to their aid". He "protects" and "defends" them. He "rescues" and "saves" them. He is their refuge and never fails to come to their assistance. (Message#4)

In light of the Pope's teachings, the Hong Kong society fails to emerge from the present predicament and that the Hong Kong Diocese cancels the long prepared celebration of the World Day of the Poor indicate that we don't know the Lord deep enough, not trust in Him enough and forget to cry to Him. Thus, He has not come to our aid, protection, defence, rescue and assistance yet!
God bless! Reference:
http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera-ap_20161120_misericordia-et-misera.html

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/poveri/documents/papa-francesco_20170613_messaggio-i-giornatamondiale-poveri-2017.html

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/poveri/documents/papa-francesco_20180613_messaggio-ii-giornatamondiale-poveri-2018.html

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/poveri/documents/papa-francesco_20190613_messaggio-iii-giornatamondiale-poveri-2019.html

Picture Credit:
https://www.greynun.org/2017/10/world-day-of-the-poor/
https://orderofmaltaamerican.org/2018/11/13/the-second-world-day-of-the-poor-on-november-18th/ (page not found)
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/11/07/church-to-observe-world-day-of-the-poor/

We Believe in the Resurrection of the Dead

Thirty Second Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: We Believe in the Resurrection of the Dead

During this Month of All Souls, it feels like rubbing salt to festering wounds to see a UST undergraduate fall to his death in suspicious circumstances. But we have to remind ourselves that whatever the causes of his fall, we should keep our faith in the righteousness, viz. the salvation of our Lord. Life must go on despite the possibility that the cause would remain a mystery until the Last Judgment. "Love is patient" (1 Corinthians 13:4). These days, patience is in short supply because love is lacking. The less love we have, the greater the danger of straying away from God we shall be exposed to. Be consoled that the soul of this UST undergraduate is praying for our needs before God at the moment.

Like the Sadducees in the gospel passage today, we like to play God. We take things into our own hand and try to impose our mould of actions upon God. The Sadducees denied resurrection for reasons we no longer know. The way we see it, denial of resurrection entails a serious consequence, viz. God has no power over death. Then, our very foundation of faith shall be shaken to the ground. "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins ... If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all." (15:17, 19) Therefore, defending the belief in resurrection is of utmost importance. But what evidence do we have?

The three resurrection stories of the gospels (viz. Jairus' daughter, the only son of Nain widow and Jesus' friend Lazarus), the empty tomb and even the Shroud of Turin are not forensic proofs convincing enough. No. God does not want these. God wants to give living proofs! Every repentant sinner is a living proof. When a new life emerges from a serial killer, a psychopath, an abusive husband, an exploitative employer and an arrogant executive etc. we are able to witness the power of resurrection, the power of faith in Jesus Christ! Instead of holding onto ourselves and relying on our own strength, we repent, we turn to God, we entrust ourselves onto the mercy of God. Only then shall a new life emerge from the ashes of the sinful self!

Impatience breeds violence. We grow impatient when the other party is not ready to accept the will we impose on them. Then we cut corner by inflicting or threatening violence. How can a Christian not allow others time to get ready while God waits patiently for our repentance? How can we impose our will, no matter how good it is, onto others while God respects our freedom and does not impose His will on us? Be patient and trust in the Lord. Allow Him time to unfold His grand design. "Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart." (Psalm 90:12)

We believe in the healing power of God. It is shown by many healing miracles in the gospel and many biographies of saints in subsequent ages. Therefore, we believe in the resurrection of the body because "He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive." (Luke 20:38) We look forward to the day of resurrection of the flesh when all of us emerge with burst eye-balls restored, shattered skeletons restructured and raped innocence immaculate. Amen.

Picture credit: Wikipedia
2016 Homily

君子善假於物 A Virtuous Man Is Good At Utilizing Things

常年期第三十一主日，丙年
主題：君子善假於物

為甚麼匝凱想見耶穌呢？
按福音的記載，很多當代的猶太人，為了不同的原因，想見耶穌基督：有些是為了充飢，解決貧窮所帶來的問題（若6:26）；有些是為了求醫，解決健康的問題（路5:15）；有些人可能出於好奇，慕名而來，想聽耶穌的教訓，滿足心智上的需求（瑪5:1）；有些人認為耶穌可能是默西亞，想跟隨祂推翻羅馬帝國的殖民地統治，解決政治上的問題（谷8:29），各適其式，莫衷一是。

那麼，匝凱又是個怎麼樣的人，是甚麼動機促使他想見耶穌呢？是出於好奇嗎？匝凱是個稅吏，為羅馬人服務，被同胞唾棄。可以想像他很努力，用自己的方法解決問題。他很努力積蓄財富，用金錢補償他失去了的尊重。所以他一定不會浪費時間，做些不會賺錢的事。所以匝凱想見耶穌，絕不是出於好奇！耶穌能驅魔，匝凱或他的親人附了魔嗎？倘若有，匝凱應該跑到耶穌跟前求祂（路8:28，9:38），而不是爬到樹上，離遠觀望祂；耶穌能治病，但匝凱為了見耶穌而爬上一棵野桑樹上（19:4），可見他不是個生病的人，更不像是個為親人求醫的人；耶穌能增餅，但匝凱很富有，不需要耶穌為他增餅；耶穌能平息風浪，但匝凱目前沒有即時的生命危險；那麽，耶穌還有甚麼可以吸引匝凱呢？

應該是耶穌基督所宣講的福音，和祂對罪人的接納，引起匝凱的注意。
耶穌基督宣講天國，在天國裡，實行天父旨意的人，都成為了兄弟姊妹，成為了一家人（8:21）。天主的旨意是甚麼呢？作為一個稅吏，匝凱是既得利益者，他一定不會支持推翻羅馬帝國的統治。所以在匝凱的心目中，少了一個對福音的誤解。他不會相信耶穌基督是一個煽惑群眾，起義革命的領袖！他會相信，耶穌基督要建立一個彼此相愛，人人都受到尊重的世界，不會因為職業、貧窮或富有而遭受歧視的社會。
耶穌基督對罪人的接納，令當時的宗教權威不滿。傳統的宗教信仰，不但要求信徒遵守梅瑟的法律，更進一步要求與罪人「割席」。猶太人用來祈禱的【聖詠集】第一句是這樣寫的：「凡不隨從惡人的計謀，不插足於罪人的道路，不參與譏諷者的席位，而專心愛好上主法律的，和畫夜默思上主誡命的，像這樣的人纔是有福的！」（詠1:1-2）所以，耶穌基督與稅吏、娼妓和罪人一起吃飯，簡直是醜聞，是對猶太教宣戰！另一方面，作為一個稅吏，被同胞「割席」唾棄，沒有翻身的希望；他每天生活在這種來自宗教制度號召出來的排斥和歧視，甚至可以說，是一種制度的暴力之下，在匝凱眼中，耶穌基督接納稅吏和罪人，是以實際的行動，証明祂宣講的福音是真理。在耶穌基督身上，匝凱看見了希望，匝凱希望能獲得從制度暴力下的解放。所以匝凱渴望看看耶穌是甚麼人（19:3）。匝凱的希望來自哪？應該是稅吏瑪竇蒙召的故事，燃點了匝凱對耶穌基督的希望。

雖然在猶太人的眼中，匝凱是個罪人。不過，以儒家思想來評價，匝凱是一個「君子」！這話怎解？荀子在【勸學篇】解釋，君子並非天生異稟的人，祇不過能善於借用世間的事物，達到他的目標而已！即是說，人人祇要善用身邊的事物，都可以成為正人君子。匝凱不就是「善假諸物」嗎？且看，「因為他身材短少」（19:3），所以他「攀上了一棵野桑樹，要看看耶穌。」（19:4）。匝凱不但看見了耶穌，連他造夢也不敢想像的事情，竟然發生了，耶穌基督主動提出要住在他家裡！從做生意的角度看，匝凱突然發現他的對手，是如此闊綽的！這當然哪，匝凱的真誠，他對解放的渴求，打動了天主慈悲的心！對於誠心渴望得救的人，天主又怎會虧待他們呢？

就這樣，一個「善性循環」發生了！你敬我一尺，我敬你一丈！匝凱於是進一步，善用他手上的財富，「把一半的財物施捨給窮人；如果欺騙過誰，就以四倍賠償。」（19:8）倘若是為了沽名釣譽，犯不著捐出一半財物，捐出比一般的多一些便足夠了；同樣，他犯不著作出四倍賠償，梅瑟法律規定的，是雙倍賠償而已（出22:6-8）。因此，匝凱所做的事，是真心的，所以他獲得耶穌基督的救恩（路19:9）！要注意，每個人成聖的道路不同，匝凱並沒有像瑪竇一樣，放棄一切，跟隨耶穌基督宣講福音，建設天國。福音沒有記載匝凱後來怎樣了。要知道匝凱這樣做，不一定會帶給他即時的好處！不要忘記耶穌基督不久將會被群眾捨棄，被釘十字架上。五旬節後，門徒們在耶路撒冷繼續遭受迫害，天國的出現，遙遙無期！

為所有信徒，匝凱立了一個很好的榜樣。第一，他認識自己的罪過。很多人諱疾忌醫，即使已領洗入教的天主教徒，很多都忽視了辦告解，與自己，與教會，與天主修和的重要性。覺得自己沒有罪過，是信仰的一個危險，因為不再需要天主了！第二，匝凱渴望得到天主的解放。作為天主教徒，在日常的生活中，有沒有留意到自己很不自由呢？經常要討好別人，自己的情緒經常被別人的行為操控著嗎？不能戒酒戒煙戒賭戒手機嗎？大家有沒有渴望得到天主的解放呢？最後，匝凱善用手上的事物，爭取親近天主！我們有善用時間，祈禱，讀經，領聖事，按耶穌基督的教訓幫助窮人，耐心地忍受侮辱和教導愚蒙嗎？更進一步，我們有沒有好像瑪竇宗徒一樣，以自己的蒙恩得救的經驗，燃點別人對耶穌基督的希望呢？我們有沒有好像耶穌基督一樣，接納罪人呢，抑或與罪人割席呢？

各位主內的兄弟姊妹，讓匝凱的榜樣啟發我們，檢討自己的罪過，渴求天主的救贖，並運用身邊的事物，親近天主。
天主保祐！

圖片鳴謝：https://kknews.cc/news/xmg8ek9.html
2016年講道

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Thirty First Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: A Virtuous Man Is Good At Utilizing Things

Why did Zacchaeus want to see Jesus?
According to the gospels, many contemporary Jews wanted to see Jesus Christ for different reasons: Some wanted to fill their hunger, solving the problem of poverty (John 6:26); some sought healing, solving the problem of health care (Luke 5:15); some probably heard of Jesus and out of curiosity wanted to listen to Jesus' teachings to satisfy their intellectual needs (Matthew 5:1); some thought that Jesus was the Messiah, they wanted to follow Him to overthrow the Roman colonial rule, thus solving their political problem (Mark 8:29). The reasons were various.

Then, what kind of a person was Zacchaeus? What motives prompted him to see Jesus? Was it out of curiosity? Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector, serving the Romans. He was hated by his fellow Jews. We could imagine that he worked really hard to solve his problems. He accumulated wealth to compensate for the respect he had lost. Thus, he would not waste time doing things not profitable. Thus, Zacchaeus would not see Jesus out of curiosity! Jesus had exorcised demons. Was Zacchaeus or his family members possessed? If he had been, Zacchaeus should have knelt before Jesus to beg him (Luke 8:28, 9:38). He shouldn't have climbed up a tree to watch Jesus from afar. Jesus healed diseases. But Zacchaeus was able to climb a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus (19:4). He wasn't sick, nor did he seek healing for his family members. Jesus multiplied loaves of bread but Zacchaeus was wealthy. He didn't need Jesus to multiply bread. Jesus calmed the storm but Zacchaeus' life was not in immediate dangers. Thus, what else was there in Jesus that attracted Zacchaeus?

It must be the gospel Jesus Christ proclaimed and His acceptance of sinners that caught Zacchaeus' attention.
Jesus Christ came to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven in which "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it." (8:21) What is the word of God? As a tax-collector, a stakeholder of the society, he would not want to overthrow the Roman rule. Zacchaeus would misunderstand the gospel less. He would never believe that Jesus Christ would be a revolutionary leader, inciting people to rebel! He tended to believe that Jesus Christ would build up a world in which people love each other and respect each other, a society in which people shall not be discriminated because of their professions or economic status.
Contemporary religious authorities raised their brows because of Jesus Christ's acceptance of sinners. Traditional faith not only demanded believers to observe Moses' commandments, but also expected them to cut off from sinners. The first verses of Jewish prayer book say, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in company with scoffers. Rather, the law of the Lord is his joy; and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalms 1:1-2) Thus, Jesus Christ's sharing table with tax-collectors, prostitutes and sinners was a scandal. He was declaring war against Judaism! On the other hand, as a tax-collector, Zacchaeus was cut off by his fellow Jews. There was no hope in reconciliation. Every day, he was living in rejection and discrimination coming from a religious institution. It could be regarded as an institutional violence. In the eyes of Zacchaeus, Jesus' acceptance of sinners was putting into action the gospel, the truth which He proclaimed. In Jesus Christ, Zacchaeus saw hope. He wanted to be liberated from this institutional violence. Thus Zacchaeus "was seeking to see who Jesus was" (19:3). Where did Zacchaeus' hope come from? It should come from the call of Matthew, a fellow tax collector which enkindled his hope in Jesus Christ.

In the eyes of the Jews, Zacchaeus was a sinner. But if we apply Confucian evaluation, Zacchaeus was a virtuous man! How? Xunzi explains in his "On Learning" that a virtuous man was no different from ordinary men. A virtuous man is just better able to utilize things to achieve his target. That is to say, everybody is able to become virtuous when he makes good use of things around him. Didn't Zacchaeus make good use of things around him? Look, "he was short in stature" (19:3), "so he climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus" (19:4). Consequently, not only did Zacchaeus see Jesus, but something which he dared not even to dream of also happened. Jesus took the initiative to stay at his house! From the perspective of doing business, Zacchaeus suddenly discovered that he was dealing with a very generous party! Of course, Zacchaeus was sincere. His desire to be liberated touched the mercy of God! How would God be a miser towards someone who sincerely desires to be saved?

Thus, a benevolent cycle started! You scratch my back, I scratch yours more! Thus Zacchaeus took a step further. He made good use of his wealth, "Half of my possessions I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over." (19:8) Had Zacchaeus intended to buy fame, he would not have given half of his possessions to the poor. A little bit over the normal would have been sufficient. Similarly, according to Moses' law, making twofold restitution only was required to repay cheating. Zacchaeus would not have to repay four times (Exodus 22:6-8). Thus Zacchaeus' sincerity had earned him Jesus' salvation (Luke 19:9)! Pay heed that everybody's road to sanctification is different. Unlike Matthew who had abandoned all to follow Jesus Christ to preach the gospel and build the Kingdom of Heaven, Zacchaeus' future was not mentioned in the gospel. Suffice to know that Zacchaeus' actions did not bring him immediate advantages! Don't forget that Jesus Christ would soon be rejected by the crowd to be crucified. After the Pentecost, the disciples would continue to be persecuted in Jerusalem. The Kingdom of Heaven was nowhere in sight!

For all Christians, Zacchaeus has set up a very good exemplar. Firstly, he knew his sins. Many of us are afraid to see the truth. After baptism, many Catholics ignore confession as well as the importance of reconciliation with oneself, with the Church and with God. Not recognizing one's sin is detrimental to one's faith because one doesn't need God anymore! Secondly, Zacchaeus desired God's liberation. As Catholics, do we feel a lack of freedom in our daily life? Do we always please others, and our emotions controlled by the actions of the others? Can we quit addictions of smoking, drinking, gambling and mobile phones? Do we desire God's liberation? Lastly, Zacchaeus made good use of things to come close to God! Do we make good use of our time to pray, to study the bible, to receive sacraments? Do we follow Jesus Christ's teachings to help the needy, to bear wrongs patiently and to counsel the doubtful? More than that, do we share, like St. Matthew the Apostle, our experience of salvation with others so as to enkindle their hope in Jesus Christ? Do we accept sinners like Jesus Christ or cut them off?

Brethren, let the example of Zacchaeus inspire us to review our faults, to desire God's salvation and to make good use of things around us to come close to God.
God bless!