新的生活方式 A New Style of Life

五旬節，甲年
主題：新的生活方式

耶穌基督死而復活，顯示了祂真是我們的天主。祂不但創造了我們，賜給我們生命；祂更從水深火熱的罪惡中，拯救了我們，使我們不再受罪惡的奴役。祂並且提昇了我們的地位，成為天父的子女，分享天父永恆的生命。

門徒們正處於失望疑慮之中，有如驚弓之鳥，憂慮自己的人身安全。從清晨與及之後陸續打聽到的訊息，並沒有釋除他們的疑慮：耶穌的遺體不見了，這是伯多祿和若望驗證了的。瑪利亞瑪達肋納說見到主，這是不能驗證的。後來，兩個離開了耶路撒冷，後來卻折返的門徒也說見了主，兩個人的見證是可信的。但這樣重要的事件，如果不是自己親眼見證，門徒們絕對有懷疑的權利…

「正是那一周的第一天晚上，門徒所在的地方，因為怕猶太人，門戶都關著，耶穌來了，站在中間。」（若20:19）復活了的主顯現給自己親手揀選的人，站在他們當中，表示祂不離不棄，永遠與他們同在；無論環境順逆，陪伴他們。而且祂是站在中間的，令每一個人都有相同的機會親近祂，沒有人享有特權，亦沒有人被遺棄！祂首先祝願他們平安，這正是他們當前最需要的。這平安讓他們可以釋放埋藏了的力量和勇氣，幫助他們以後的工作。不再以刀劍拒捕，卻以平安感化所接觸到的人。

接著，祂把自己的傷痕展示給他們看（20:20）。主耶穌基督絕對有能力消除這些傷痕，不留任何痕跡。相信在末日，祂纔會抹去這五傷，並且「天主也要從他們的眼上拭去一切淚痕。」（默7:17）這些傷痕，見證了罪惡與痛苦的真實，基督在十字架上的死，決不是幻象。另一方面，復活的基督帶著這些傷痕，有如戰利品，標緻著真正徹底的勝利。雖然罪惡「傷害祂的腳跟」（創3:15），但沒有任何罪惡可以擊敗祂，可以隔絕祂對我們的愛。保祿說：「無論是死亡，是生活…或其他任何受造之物，都不能使我們…與我們的主基督耶穌之內的愛相隔絕。」（羅8:38-39）這勝利的標記帶給門徒莫大的喜歡（若20:20）。

耶穌表示要派遣他們，有如父派遣祂一樣（20:21）；並向他們噓了一口氣，說：「你們領受聖神罷！」（20:22）。這動作讓我們想起「上主天主用地上的灰土形成了人，在他鼻孔吹了一口生氣，人就成了一個有靈的生物。」（創2:7）。這動作又一次肯定了耶穌基督是天主，是生命主宰的身份。領受了聖神之後，門徒們獲得了新的生命。不但是一個有靈的生命，更不再是以往有靈但怯懦的生命。因為聖神「是大能、愛德和慎重之神。」（弟後1:7）從此以後，門徒憑藉大能、愛德和慎重之神，可以放心大膽地履行使命，向世人宣佈天主對人的愛。

怎樣宣佈呢？以愛，以修和的態度，作基督的修和大使（格後5:19-20）。
從前的我們在世俗打混，為了保護自己，不願意遭受傷害，於是我們斤斤計較，我們強加自己的意願在別人身上，我們拒絕寬恕…如今，大能的聖神，愛德的聖神，慎重的聖神，會給我們足夠的恩寵和力量，讓我們明瞭修和的長遠好處，並且鼓舞我們樂意寬恕，讓其他人獲得釋放，重新做人。復活了的主耶穌對我們說：「你們赦免誰的罪，就給誰赦免。」（若20:23）為的是要造就軟弱的人，減輕罪惡加給他們的重擔，使他們可以輕鬆地事奉天主。耶穌基督從來沒有保留誰的罪，作為祂的門徒，我們也應該多寬恕，少保留。憑人力做不了的，藉聖神的大能和愛，我們一定可以做到，使這個世界與天主修和。

各位兄弟姊妹，從今以後，我們的生活方式不一樣了！與天父一起生活，「凡我所有的，都是你的。」（路15:31）即使別人如何剝削我們，我們仍一無所缺，用不著把持不捨（斐2:6），讓剝削我們的人知道，我們是富有的！即使別人的決定如何不合乎我們的意願，我們仍是平安的，用不著強迫別人接受我們的意願（瑪5:5），讓他們知道天主的旨意，最終承受土地的是我們這些溫良的人！且翻開歷史看一看，有那一個憑暴力鞏固的政權，能千秋萬世呢？倘若我們有幸殉道，就讓世人認識生活在基督內的我們，享受著基督的生命，這生命比死亡還要強，因為「死亡不再統治祂了！」（羅6:9）
天主保祐！

2017年講道
圖片鳴謝：abstract.desktopnexus.com

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Pentecost, Year A
Theme: A New Style of Life

Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. It shows that He is truly our God. Not only did He create us and gave us life, but He also delivers us from the fire pit of sin, the bondage of sin. He further elevates our status to be children of the Father, to partake His eternal life.

The disciples were desperate and worried about their personal safety like caged birds scared by shooting sounds. All messages received since dawn did not alleviate their fear: Jesus' body was missing. It was verified by Peter and John. Mary Magdalene claimed that she had seen the Lord. This could not be verified. Later, two disciples who had earlier left Jerusalem but turned back also claimed to have seen the Lord. The testimony of two people was credible enough but important events such as this required seeing with their own eyes. Disciples had the full right to doubt …

"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst." (John 20:19) The risen Lord appeared to those He had handpicked and stood in their midst to show that He would never abandon them and would always stay with them. In times of hardships or celebrations, He would stand by them. Moreover, He stood in their midst, giving everybody the same opportunity to be intimate with Him. Nobody enjoys special privileges and nobody is abandoned! First of all, He wished them peace which they desperately needed at that moment. This peace would unleash the power and courage hidden within, helping them in their subsequent mission. No longer would they fight with swords, but to touch people with peace.

Then, He showed them His wounds (20:20). Lord Jesus Christ surely has the power to erase these wounds without a trace. I believe He would do so at the end of the world, "and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17) These wounds witness the reality of sins and sufferings. His death on the cross was not an illusion. On the other hand, the Risen Christ carries these wound like spoils showing off His victory. Although sins "strike at their feet" (Genesis 3:15), no sins could defeat Him and could separate us from His love. St. Paul says, "Neither death, nor life … nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 38-39). This signs of victory brought the disciples no greater joy (John 20:20).

Jesus said that He would send them, like His Father had sent Him (20:21). He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (20:22) This action reminds us of "The Lord God formed the man out of the dust of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." (Genesis 2:7) This action confirms once more that Jesus Christ is God. He is the Author of Life. After receiving the Holy Spirit, the disciples shall lead a new life. Not only do they become living beings, but they also no longer lead a timid life as before. It is because the Holy Spirit is "a spirit of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7) From then on, the disciples would boldly discharge their mission to proclaim God's love to mankind with the spirit of power, charity and self-control.

How are they going to do it? By becoming an ambassador of Christ with love and reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19-20).
Previously when we were living in the secular world, we wanted to protect ourselves. We didn't want to be hurt. Thus, we calculated, we imposed our wishes upon others and we refused to forgive etc. Now, the Spirit of power, love and self-control will grant us sufficient grace and power to know the long-term benefits of reconciliation. The Spirit encourages us to enjoy forgiving, to let go of the others. They deserve a second chance. The risen Lord Jesus says, "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them." (John 20:23) The whole point is to raise the fragile ones, relieve them of their burden of sins so that they may serve God with a cheerful heart. Jesus Christ has never retained anybody's sins. Being His disciples, we should forgive more and retain less. There is not much we are able to do. With the power and love of the Holy Spirit, we can surely accomplish it, to help God and the world reconcile.

Brethren! From now one, our life style shall no longer be the same! We are always living with the Father, "Everything I have is yours." (Luke 15:31) No matter how others exploit us, there is nothing I lack. There is nothing to be grasped (Philippians 2:6). Let the exploiters know that we are rich! No matter how disappointing the others' decisions may be, we are still in peace. There is no need to impose our wishes on them (Matthew 5:5). Let them know God wills that the meek should inherit the land! Study history. Can any regime which makes use of violence to retain her sovereignty last? If we are worthy enough to die martyrdom, let the world know that we who lead our life in Christ is enjoying Christ's life which is stronger than death because "death no longer has power over Him." (Romans 6:9)
God bless!

行使權柄 Exercising One's Power

耶穌升天節，甲年
主題：行使權柄

中國的歷史故事中，有不少令人津津樂道的英雄豪傑。他們表現出不同的非凡能力，令我們這些平民百姓嚮往。他們有不同的領導才幹：有些人能力拔山河；有些運籌帷幄，決勝千里；有些精通兵法，萬夫莫敵；有些一無是處，卻能善用各下屬的長處，把整隊軍隊的戰鬥力，發揮得淋漓盡致，達成改朝換代的目的！
領導是一種風格，既科學，又藝術。對於每個處境，因應天時、地利、人和的條件約束，沒有最好的領導方式，祇有更好的領導方式！一般來說，尤其是在資訊科技發達的年代，集體的智慧，總比個人獨大好！且看被神化了的諸葛亮，雖然早期的他以用人精明見稱；但三分天下入蜀之後，凡事親力親為；結果「食少事繁」，保不住蜀國，有負先帝所託，誠為可惜！古代社會如是，現代社會何嘗不是！現代成功的企業，大多把股權分配給員工，信任員工們不願看見自己公司倒閉；做主管的，願意接納持與他不同意見的下屬，大家攜手合作，使企業健康地增長…；雖然治理企業與治理國家屬於不同層次，但總有參考價值。

讓我們默想超性一點，作為造物主，天主是怎樣治理這個宇宙呢？
首先，祂很滿意自己的創造，看了認為好（創1:4, 8, 10… ），「樣樣都很好」（1:31）。然後，祂把自己的創造，交給祂的傑作，人類管理（1:26，2:15）！天主懂得下放權力，並且信任按祂自己肖像所做的傑作，人類！說也奇怪，為甚麼不下放權力，交給更有本領的天使，而是交給人類呢？即使人類犯錯，並且不斷犯錯，天主仍沒有收回這個管治大地的權力。這裡，我們看到，擁有絕對權力的天主，並不是暴君，隨意行使自己的權力。祂可以行使權力，但祂並沒有運用祂的權力，約束受造物的活動和發展空間。為甚麼呢？我相信天主希望看到人類能圓滿地生活得像一個人，而不是奴隸，不是玩物！人類既是天主的肖像，就應該好像天主一樣，是自由的，有尊嚴的！即使怎樣不濟，仍可以從失敗中站起來，再接再礪，屢敗屢戰！

的確，天主是自由的，按天主的肖像所造的人類便應享有自由。一般的動物離開母體時，已經完全發展，可以獨立生存。人類與其他動物不同之處，就是他們離開母胎時，並未完全發展。這是可貴的，因為這樣，人類可以更有彈性，更能適應環境。看，不論你出生是甚麼種族，你說的母語是你出生最初幾年所處的言語環境。可見人是擁有很多有待發展的潛質。沒有自由，人類的潛質，就得不到應有的充份發揮。這就是自由的可貴之處，就是天主也尊重人類自由的原因！

你一定會問，既然天主尊重我們的自由，為甚麼祂還要頒下誡命，來限制我們，使我們不能隨心所欲地生活呢？這是容易理解的，限制是為了集中我們的精力，朝向成聖的方向。誡命是為了指導我們如何生活，如何成聖。當我們因種種原因沒有遵從誡命的時候，祂並沒有即時懲罰我們，消滅我們。祂仍給予我們改過自新的機會，寬恕我們，不祇七十個七次，而是每一次！祂甚至寬恕那些把祂的獨生子釘死在十字架上的士兵（路23:34）！天主祇會邀請我們與祂合作，除了很特殊的個別例子，祂不會強迫我們！祂邀請亞巴郎做救世主的祖先、邀請法郎釋放以色列奴隸、邀請達味替祂消滅哥肋雅、邀請先知替祂教訓拜偶像的君王、邀請瑪加伯家族為祂悍衛宗教自由、邀請童貞瑪利亞做聖子的母親、邀請稅吏成為宗徒…邀請我們信從祂的聖子耶穌基督，但並不強迫世人領洗入教。看來祂並不希罕出於被迫的愛，而是想與我們自由地談戀愛！

為甚麼世上竟然有如此愚蠢的人，以為強迫的愛會帶來幸福呢？一個不受愛戴的皇帝，不思勵精圖治，反而靠各式各樣的暴力，強迫人民愛他，而愛他的表現就是服從他。這樣做，成功的機會，微乎其微！我們不要怪責天主沒有為我們的好處，消滅那些暴君。天主降雨給義人，也給不義的人（瑪5:45）。天主尊重我們的自由，不斷給予我們改過遷善的機會，為甚麼不可以給暴君改過遷善的機會呢？即使你不高興，也要接受這個享受自由的代價，就是接受其他人濫用自由的代價！誠然，人不能與天主相比，我們怎能期望暴君能好像天主一樣，下放權力呢？暴君祇會把自己的錯，「下放」到代罪羔羊身上。正如紅十字會的呼籲捐血海報所說：「石中能取血，何需向君求！」要求鐵石心腸的暴君，變成惠化萬民的仁君，是沒可能的（則36:26）！真的是不可能的嗎？天使加俾額爾說：「在天主前是沒有不可能的事！」（路1:37）

各位兄弟姊妹，天父把天上地下的一切權柄，交給了經過受難考驗的耶穌基督（瑪28:18），我們可以放心了！「因為我們所有的，不是一位不能同情我們弱點的大司祭，而是一位在各方面與我們相似，受過試探的，祇是沒有罪過。」（希4:15）祂不會濫權，反而不行使權力，陪伴我們，出死入生。所以我們可以放心大膽地傳福音，使萬民成為門徒了（瑪28:19）。
天主保祐！

2017年講道
圖片鳴謝：香港紅十字會

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The Ascension of the Lord, Year A
Theme: Exercising One's Power

In historical stories of China, there are many legendary heroes. They possessed extraordinary powers enchanting us commoners. They showed different styles of leadership: some were powerful like Hercules; some were able to calculate each and every single step of rivals and won; some knew the art of wars so well that they were invincible; some others had no specific skills but were able to glue their subordinates together so that the whole army was able to build a new dynasty under their leadership!
Leadership is a style, a science as well as an art. In every situation, because of constrains of time, space and people, no leadership style is the best. There can only be better style of leadership! In general, especially in the age of Information Technology, democratic is almost always better than autocratic. Take a look at the deified Zhuge Liang. Although early in his career, he was well known in allocating duties to the best of the subordinates, after tri-partitioning China and entering Shu (Sichuan today) he took upon his shoulders all the administration. Consequently, "eating little and doing a lot", he was unable to defend Shu and failed to discharge the duty assigned him by the deceased Lord. It is such a pity! Ancient society was as such. Modern societies are the same! Many successful enterprises give out company shares to employees, trusting that they don't want to see the company close. Supervisors are willing to accept subordinates who hold different views and are willing to work with them to develop the enterprise … Although governing an enterprise is not on a par with governing a country, there are similarities that deserve consideration.

Let us meditate more supernaturally. As the Creator, how does God govern this universe?
First of all, He was happy with His own creation, saw them good (Genesis 1:4, 8, 10 …) "God looked at everything He had made, and found it very good." (1:31) Then, He gave all His creation to His masterpiece, human beings to manage (1:26, 2:15)! God knows how to delegate authority and He trusts humanity who was created in His image! Don't you find it strange why God did not delegate His authority to more capable angels but to fragile mankind? Even though we are prone to making mistakes and continue to do so, God does not take back this sovereignty. Here, we see God who holds absolute power does not exercise it like a tyrant. He could but He doesn't rein back our activities or space of growth. Why? I believe that God wants to see us lead our life fully like a human being, not a slave or an object! Men were created in the image of God. Like God, men are free and dignified. No matter how incompetent we are, we are able to stand up again right where we have fallen and keep trying hard without giving up!

Truly, God is free. We who were created in God's image should also be free. Most animals are fully developed and are able to live independently once they leave their mothers' womb. But men are different from animals. We are born pre-maturely. This is an asset. Human beings can be more flexible, more capable of adapting to the environment. Whatever races you are, the mother tongue you speak came from the language environment of the first few years of your life. Thus, men have a lot of potentials to be developed. Without freedom, these potentials will never be fully realized. That's why freedom is precious and God also respects our freedom!

You will definitely ask why God, who respects our freedom, gave us commandments, restricting us so that we cannot do what we want! This is easy to understand because restrictions help us focus our energy towards sanctification. Commandments are meant to guide our lives, guide our steps towards becoming saints. When for various reasons we do not follow the commandments, God does not punish us immediately and annihilate us. He still gives us chances to repent and to forgive us not just seventy times seven but every time! He even forgave soldiers who crucified His only begotten Son (Luke 23:34)! God only invites us to work with Him, except for some special cases, He never coerces! He invited Abraham to become the ancestor of the Saviour, Pharaoh to release the Israelite slaves, David to help Him wipe out Goliath, prophets to chasten idolatrous kings, the Maccabees to defend religious freedom, the Blessed Virgin Mary to become the mother of the Son, tax collectors to become apostles … He invites us to believe in His Son Jesus Christ but does not force us to be baptized. It looks as if He does not bother with coerced love. He wants us to fall in love freely with Him!

Why are there people on earth so stupid as to think that coerced love can bring happiness? A king whom his subjects hate, instead of working hard to galvanize his governance, conjures up all sorts of violence to force his subjects to love him, and to love him is to obey him. In this way, the chance of his success is next to zero! We should not blame God for not removing those tyrants for our sake. God "causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust." (Matthew 5:45) God respects our freedom and continuously gives us opportunities to repent. Why can't He give tyrants opportunities to repent? Whether you like it or not, you have to pay this price of enjoying freedom, the price of others' abuse of freedom. Frankly speaking, man can't be compared with God. How can we expect a tyrant to be able to delegate his power, like God does? Tyrants would only "delegate" their faults to scapegoats. Just as a Red Cross poster says, "Need we to beg you if rock is able to yield blood!" It is impossible to expect a tyrant with a heart of stone to transform into a merciful king with a heart of flesh! Is it really impossible? Angel Gabriel says, "For nothing will be impossible for God." (Luke 1:37)

Brethren! Our hearts may rest assured because the Father has given all power in heaven and on earth to Jesus Christ who has gone through passion! "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) Surely He shall not abuse His power. Instead, restraining His power, He accompanies us, going through death into life. We may boldly preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
God bless!

生活在平行宇宙中 Living In Parallel Universes

復活期第六主日，甲年
主題：生活在平行宇宙中

持續了接近一年的社會動盪，突顯了一個無可否定的社會現實：抱不同政治立場的人，好像生活在平行宇宙中。為了肯定自己的立場，為了肯定自己真的存在，肯定自己是正確的，甚至是正義的，便圍爐取暖，互相肯定；對家的所作所為，祇會肯定己方是正確的。真令人懷疑真理，是否客觀地存在著！

為信仰耶穌基督的人，這社會動盪眾多難忘的場景中，莫過於執法者大聲向神職人員喝道：「叫你個耶穌落嚟見我」與及伸腳踢開跪求不要動粗的疑似傳道人的震憾！我相信神職人員與及那位傳道人，絕對不會感到氣憤；相反，他們會感到歡喜，堪配為耶穌基督受侮辱（宗5:41）；我相信作為神職人員及傳道人，一定會跟隨救主在十字架上的榜樣，為那些執法人員祈禱，求天父的寬恕（路23:34）。的確，他們像歸化之前的掃祿一樣，不知道在傷害基督徒的時候，就是在迫害耶穌基督，生命的主宰（宗9:5）！幸好，耶穌基督有海量的胸襟，不會與世人秋後算帳。倘若出言干犯聖神，恐怕後果堪虞（瑪12:31-32）！這是基督徒在宇宙這一邊的見解，在宇宙另一邊的執法者和選擇使用暴力者，又會看見甚麼呢？可以幫助他們看見他們想看見的耶穌基督呢？其實耶穌基督有指示看見祂的方法！

主耶穌基督在最後晚餐時，對門徒說：「接受我的命令而遵守的，便是愛我的人；誰愛我，我父也必愛他，我也要愛他，並將我自己顯示給他。」（若14:21）原來，想看見生命之主的人，先要愛護生命，熱愛耶穌，便可以見耶穌！不論你站在宇宙的那一邊，雖然祂樂意好像僕人一樣，表達對世人的慈悲；但祂始終不是任由世人操控，呼之則來，揮之則去的僕人，因為耶穌基督是天主。倘若你真心想看見尊貴的耶穌基督，首先要遵守祂的命令（13:34）；祂就會按自己的意願，把自己顯示給你。即使你現在遵守祂的誡命，這並不表示祂會立刻顯示給你，因為「事事有時節」（訓3:1），天主有祂自己的時間表。且看偉大如聖德蘭修女，也有半世紀的時間，處於靈性的一片漆黑之中，完全感受不到主耶穌基督的臨在，何況是我們這些凡夫俗子哩！那我們可怎麼辦呢？我們怎樣說服宇宙另一邊的人，遵守主耶穌基督的命令，怎樣把天主的慈悲展示給他們看呢？

我為宇宙另一邊的人心痛。雖然我不會否定他們的真理，但我知道耶穌基督是真理（若14:6），是真理的化身。祂把天主是愛（若一4:8）的真理，展現無遺。祂具體地被世人釘死在十字架上，並且真實地復活了，展露出生命的威力！生命來自愛，亦祇有愛纔能維持生命。我們這些基督徒，和所有懷有善意的人，懂得愛，聚在宇宙的這一邊，生氣蓬勃。那在宇宙另一邊的，那選擇暴力而不能愛的，祇會日益趨向衰亡。看著生命被如斯糟蹋，怎不教人心痛！但我知道現在不是末日，宇宙的兩邊尚未形成不可跨越的鴻溝，目前應該還有溝通的可能！莫非要耶穌基督像召喚掃祿一樣，不停在宇宙的另一邊顯現嗎？即使祂真的願意這樣做，都應該是由我們這奧體的肢體來做纔對。憑我們，行嗎？

我們為甚麼如此怯懦呢？保祿的說話非常管用：「天主所賜給我們的，並非怯懦之神，而是大能、愛德和慎重之神。」（弟後1:7）倘若我們怯懦，表示我們並不認識那在我們內的聖神了！的確，我們對聖神比較陌生。我們的靈修實在膚淺，還未能進入內心的深處，認清自我，認清天主！
在宗教知識的層面上，我們不用愁，因為聖神，那真理之神與我們同在，並在我們內（若14:17）！祂必要教訓我們一切，也要使我們想起，耶穌基督對我們所說的一切（14:26）。這一切都是主耶穌在最後晚餐的許諾，並在五旬節兌現了，所以知識不是我們的弱點。
是對主耶穌基督死而復活的信心嗎？這一點是我們基督信仰的根基，懷疑它就不配稱為基督徒了。反而是在面對罪惡和暴力時，我們容易被個人的政見所蒙蔽，指揮天主作出附合我們心意的行動，在不知不覺中試探了天主！在這方面，我們的確因信心不足，不以天主為我們生活的中心而陷於誘惑！願聖神使我們想起，耶穌基督三退魔誘的教訓！
是我們的愛心不足嗎？所謂知易行難，而且德行絕不是一蹴即至，而是經過長年累月磨練而成的。保祿宗徒的一席名言，給我們很大的鼓舞。他說：「因為我們知道：磨難生忍耐，忍耐生老練，老練生望德，望德不叫人蒙羞，因為天主的愛，藉著所賜與我們的聖神，已傾注在我們心中了。」（羅5:3-5）原來聖神更是愛德之神，愛心不足，其實是聖神不足而已。
各位兄弟姊妹，讓我們打開自己的心，祈求聖神的降臨，更新整個大地（詠104:30），也更新我們的心。亞孟。
天主保祐！

圖片鳴謝：medium.com
2017講道

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Sixth Easter Sunday, Year A
Theme: Living In Parallel Universes

The social unrest, which has lasted for nearly one year, shows an undeniable social reality: people with different political convictions seem like living in parallel universes. In order to affirm one's conviction, one's existence, one's correctness and even righteousness, they huddle together affirming each other. Whatever the opposition says or does affirms only that they are on the right. One really doubts whether truth exists objectively!

For Christians, among the unforgettable scenes in this unrest, none are more shocking than law enforcers yelling to the face of clergy, "Tell your Jesus to come down and see me" and kicking somebody to the ground, who looked like a kneeling catechist trying to beg officers not to use violence! I believe the clergy and the catechist were not angry. On the contrary, they should rejoice that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonour for the sake of Jesus (Acts 5:41). I believe the clergy and the catechist would follow the example of the Lord on the cross to pray for the law enforcers for the Father's forgiveness (Luke 23:34). Indeed, they looked like Saul before his conversion, not knowing that hurting Christians is persecuting Jesus Christ, the Author of Life (Acts 9:5)! Lucky for them because Jesus Christ is always tolerant and would not chase after them until the last penny is repaid. However, if they have blasphemed the Holy Spirit, their ending would be lamentable (Matthew 12:31-32)! This is the understanding of Christians on this side of the universe. What would the law enforcers and those who chose violence on the other side of the universe see? Can we help them see the Jesus Christ they want to see? In fact, Jesus Christ has instructed us the way to see Him!

During the Last Supper, Jesus Christ told His disciples, "Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him." (John 14:21) So, whoever wants to see the Author of Life must love life and Jesus first before he can see Jesus! Whichever side of the universe you are in, although He is willing to show His mercy to mankind like a slave, He can after all not be manipulated whimsically by us like a slave because Jesus Christ is God. If you genuinely want to see His Holiness, Jesus Christ, you should first of all observe His commandment (13:34). He would reveal Himself at His pleasure. Even though now you observe His commandment, it doesn't mean He would necessarily reveal Himself immediately to you because "There is an appointed time for everything." (Ecclesiastes 3:1) God has His own schedule. Take a look at St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, for half a century she remained in spiritual darkness and did not feel the presence of Lord Jesus Christ at all. So who are we mere mortals! Then what can we do? How can we convince people on the other side of the universe to observe Jesus' commandment? How do we show them God's mercy?

My heart aches for people on the other side of the universe. Although I do not deny their version of truth, I know that Jesus Christ is the Truth (John 14:6). He is the embodiment of "God is love" (1 John 4:8) and manifests it fully. He was concretely crucified and genuinely raised from the dead, showing off the power of life! Life comes from love and only love can sustain life. We Christians and people of good will know love and come together on this side of the universe vibrant with life. Those who are on the other side of the universe, those who prefer violence to love are decaying daily. It hurts to see life being wasted in this way! But I know it is not the end yet. The abyss between the two sides of the universe is still surmountable. We can still communicate! Is it necessary for Jesus Christ to appear continually on the other side of the universe like the calling of Saul? Even if it is, it should be us, members of the Mystical Body to do the job. But are we capable?

Why are we so cowardly? The word of St. Paul is appropriate here, "For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7) If we hesitate, it shows that we do not know the Holy Spirit within us. Indeed, we are not familiar with the Holy Spirit. Our spirituality is shallow. We have not fathomed into the depth of our soul to know ourselves and to know God!
On the level of religious knowledge, we don't have to worry because the Holy Spirit who dwells within us is the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17)! He will teach us everything and remind us of all that Jesus told us (14:26). Jesus pledged this promise during the Last Supper and honoured it on the Pentecost. Thus knowledge is not our weakness.
Do we lack faith in the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ? Resurrection is the foundation of our faith. If we doubt it, we are not Christians. On the contrary, confronted with evil and violence, we are easily blinded by our political views and command God to take actions after our hearts. Imperceptibly we put God to the test! In this manner, we lack faith, do not make God the centre of our life and fall into temptation! May the Holy Spirit reminds us of the teachings of Jesus Christ when He underwent temptation!
Are we short of love? It is more easily talked than done. Virtue cannot be attained overnight. It is an achievement of long time struggle. Once again, St. Paul's words are very encouraging. He says, "Knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5) The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Love. If we are short of love, we are in fact short of the Spirit.
Brethren! Open up our hearts and pray for the descent of the Holy Spirit to renew the earth (Psalm 104:30) and renew our hearts. Amen.
God bless!

耶穌基督為我們預備地方 Jesus Christ Prepares Room For Us

復活期第五主日，甲年
主題：耶穌基督為我們預備地方

首先，對思高聖經的翻譯，感覺有點奇怪。今天福音經文的第二節是這樣的：「在我父的家裡，有許多住處。我去，原是為給你們預備地方；如不然，我早就告訴了你們。」（若14:2）讀來有點莫明其妙！「如不然」是甚麼意思呢？是指「如果我不去」？還是「如果不是給你們預備地方」呢？百思不得其解。放回句子中，那一個較為合理呢？「如果我不去，我早就告訴了你們」合理，還是「如果不是給你們預備地方，我早就告訴了你們」合理呢？
「我去」是指耶穌將會受難及以後的事，將會離開祂的門徒。如果耶穌不去受難，他早就告訴了門徒。當然，這是沒有意義的，因為受難復活是耶穌基督的使命，祂曾掙扎過，晚一點在山園也有求過天父免去苦杯，但祂仍接受了，何況從前祂曾三次預言自己受難！所以這個「如果我不去」不合理。
可是第二個解釋亦好不了多少。「給你們預備地方」是更接近「如不然」的文字，按上文下理，「如不然」應該是用來否定「給你們預備地方」的。可是，耶穌從來沒有說過：「我是不會為你們在天堂留位的！」反而說：「今天你就要與我一同在樂園裡。」（路23:43）以至有人蠻有信心地說自己在天堂已留有一席位！何況，耶穌離門徒而去，不一定要為門徒預備地方，還可以做其他的事。做其他的事，有必要「早就告訴門徒」嗎？邏輯上更糟糕！

胡亂瞎猜，倒不如檢視原文，竟然發覺思高版把文句次序顛倒了！按原文的順序翻譯是這樣的：「在我父的家裡，有許多住處。如不然，我早就告訴了你們。我去，原是為給你們預備地方。」這樣，再沒有任何不清楚了！天父的家裡，當然有許多住處。可是《默示錄》不是說「額上蓋了印」的，有十四萬四千人嗎（默7:4,14:1）？古往今來何止千億以上的人口，這數字不是很少嗎？其實，《默示錄》在另一不遠處有說：「我看見有一大夥群眾，沒有人能夠數清」（7:9）。所以，我覺得這個數字，可能是指殉道者，因為「他們在寶座前…唱歌，似乎是一首新歌…誰也不能學會那歌。」（14:3）其實除了他們外，天上應該還包括了其他人，祇不過我們不知有多少！思高聖經可能出於文字暢順，或者按某權威手抄本，又或者一些神學立場，纔作出這個翻譯決定，有機會要請教他們。

值得默想的，是耶穌基督怎樣為我們預備地方。
首先來一個前設：一日在生，我們一日還能善用天賜的塔冷通，成為殉道者，爭取額上的印章；或者即使不能以殉道方式，也能爭取到天上的一席位。一旦死後，我們再沒法運用這些塔冷通了。傳統的天主教教義指出，那些並非罪大惡極，一定會在地獄承受懲罰的靈魂，將會被送往「煉獄」，加以煉凈之後，纔能升天堂。因此，耶穌基督所指的預備地方，有可能指那些在煉獄中的「更新」計劃，是度身訂造的，讓煉獄的靈魂適應將來在天堂上的生活。他們可能仍要除去自私自大的心，學習更加正確地關懷別人等等。

由這論點推演，耶穌基督可能為每一個在世的人，規劃一個度身訂造的人生靈修計劃。這亦解釋了為甚麼祂復活後必須升天的原因：為我們預備地方，預備一套靈修計劃！每個人的塔冷通固然是天賜的恩寵，幫助我們服事近人，親近天主。可是，我們大有濫用塔冷通的危險，以至我們沉迷於自己的成就，甚至忘記了天主。靈修提醒我們在生活中渴望天主，尋找天主！歷代的聖人，除了那些沒有留下文字的殉道者外，他們的經驗，反映出靈修可以是多彩多姿的，有如不同的珠寶，都是用不同的材料和工序，雕琢而來一樣。

各位兄弟姊妹，洗者若翰是天主派遣的先知，作為默西亞的先驅，為祂預備一個民族，在地上建立新以色列。耶穌基督來了，開始宣講福音，召選門徒，留下聖事，建設教會。洗者若翰功成身退殉道了，回到羔羊寶座前唱新歌。耶穌基督升天去了，返回天父的右邊，為每一隻羔羊預備羊棧；並遣發聖神，聖化教會！其實，每一位基督徒在世，照樣也要為自己、為身邊的人，預備天上的地方。即使怎樣忙碌，也要心繫天主，依賴聖神；毋忘天父的旨意，善用一分一毫的塔冷通，忠信地辦事。
天主保祐！
2017年講道
圖片鳴謝：shutterstock.com

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Fifth Easter Sunday, Year A
Theme: Jesus Christ Prepare Room For Us

First of all, the translation of the Studium Biblicum Version is a bit strange here. In the gospel passage today, it reads, "In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. I am going to prepare a place for you. Otherwise, would I have told you?" (John 14:2, SBV) Isn't it strange? What does "otherwise" refer to? Does it refer to the going or the preparing? It's difficult to decipher. Let's put it back into the verse and read it once more. "If I'm not going, would I have told you?" or "If I do not prepare a place for you, would I have told you?" Which one is reasonable?
"I go" refers to the Passion of Jesus and the subsequent events. He would be leaving them. If Jesus did not go to die, He would have told them. This is meaningless because His mission is to go through Passion and Resurrection. He had struggled and later in the evening in the garden, He begged the Father to remove this cup of suffering from Him but He finally obeyed. Moreover, He had previously announced His passion three times before. Therefore, this "If I'm not going" is not reasonable.
But the second explanation is no better. "To prepare a place for you" is closer to "Otherwise". From the context, "otherwise" should negate "to prepare a place". But Jesus has never said, "I would not reserve a place in heaven for you". Instead, He says, "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43) so much so that some people confidently claim that they have a place reserved in heaven for them! Furthermore, Jesus does not necessarily leave His disciples to prepare a place for them. He could have many other things to do. Would it be necessary for Jesus "to have told them"? It is logically even worse!

Rather than blind guessing, let us turn to the original and I found that the SBV has exchanged the order of the phrases! According to the Greek original, the translation should be: "In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you." Now that is clear enough! Of course, there are many dwelling places in the Father's house. But doesn't the book of Revelation say that "the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked" (Revelation 7:4, 14:1)? Compared to zillions of souls throughout the ages, isn't this number a bit small? In fact, not far from the verse mentioned above it continues, "I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count" (7:9) Therefore, I speculate that the number probably refers to the martyrs because "They were singing a new hymn … No one could learn this hymn except the hundred and forty-four thousand" (14:3) It suggests other than these 14,000 there should be other people whose number we don't know! SBV probably wants to achieve a smooth rendering, or to follow an authoritative manuscript, or even based on a certain theological stance to reach this translation. Check it out with them when opportunity arises.

Therefore, let us meditate how Jesus Christ prepares a place for us.
Let us agree on a common ground first. Whenever we are alive, we are able to make use of the talents God gave us to become martyrs, to get sealed or to achieve a place in heaven even if we don't die martyrdom. And once we die, we are no longer able to make use of the talents. Traditional Catholicism holds that those who are not evil enough to end up in hell are sent to the Purgatory. After purification, they go to heaven. Thus, Jesus goes to prepare us a place probably means He would be preparing a tailor made "rehabilitation" programme for these souls to adjust themselves to subsequent life in heaven. Perhaps they need to remove their selfishness and pride and learn to care about others correctly.

Extrapolate from here, Jesus Christ would be preparing for each individual on earth a tailor made spirituality programme. That also explains why He had to ascend into heavens after His resurrection: to prepare a place, a spirituality training programme for His disciples. Our talents are given by God to help us serve our neighbours and to love Him. But we are prone to abusing these talents so much so that we are addicted to our achievements and forget about God. Spirituality reminds us to desire God and seek Him in our daily life! The experiences of the saints throughout the ages, except for those who have died without leaving us any writings, show how multifaceted spirituality can be, just like jewellery resulted from different materials and polishing processes.

Brethren! John the Baptist was a prophet God sent to be the precursor of the Messiah, to prepare a people for Him to build up a new Israel. Jesus Christ came to proclaim the good news, to recruit disciples, to leave behind sacraments and set up the Church. John the Baptist retired as a martyr and returned before the throne of the Lamb to sing a new hymn. Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and returned to the right hand of the Father to prepare a place for each one of His lambs. He sent the Holy Spirit to sanctify His Church! Indeed, each one of us, Christian on earth, should also prepare a place in heaven for ourselves and the people around us. No matter how busy we are, we should rely on the Holy Spirit to desire God, forget not the will of the Father. Make good use of every bit of talents to accomplish our mission faithfully.
God bless!

聽牧者的聲音 Hear The Shepherd's Voice

復活期第四主日（聖召主日），甲年
主題：聽牧者的聲音

我生性魯鈍，後知後覺。與其他人比較，起步總是慢一些、遲一些！例如，回應執事聖召和為家母洗禮等。說得冠冕堂皇點，是小心謹慎，沒有足夠的把握，不會採取行動。說得實在點，是怕失敗，不敢冒險！且看，我不怕沉悶，總是做一些重複乏味的，但肯定有成果的事，例如編寫電腦程式，卻甚少花時間在美化畫面和優化運作時間上！耶穌基督曾警告在末世時期，「將有假默西亞和假先知興起，行異跡和奇事，如果可能的話，他們連被選者都要欺騙。」（谷13:22）所以，無論是小心謹慎也好，還是怕失敗也好，我總要找出一些準則，憑著這些準則來判斷是牧者的聲音而跟隨他（若10:4），還是假先知的聲音而拒絕它。

綜觀這十個月來的社會動盪和新型肺炎疫情，偽資訊和謠言滿天飛，令人產生末世已近的感覺。很多KOL和有影響力的人也曾發放了不少假消息，應驗了耶穌基督的警告！我發覺這些偽資訊有一個共同特點，就是非常直覺，非常容易明白，不需要真憑實據的支持！「那些暴徒有外國勢力撐腰」、「別具用心的老師透過通識教育毒害青年人的心智」、「病毒是人造的」、「WHO收受利益，粉飾太平」…但願真相/真理可以如此簡單，如此容易明白，天意不再這樣難料！

可是，我所信的天主是一個不斷令人感到意外的天主！九十歲的撒辣要給一百歲的亞巴郎生依撒格、在焚燒的荊棘中召叫八十歲的梅瑟帶領以色列人直奔紅海，與法郎背水一戰、一個牧童從河裡拾一塊光滑的石頭擊倒一個巨人、一個外邦人寡婦竟然要在旱災時供養先知厄里亞三年、邀請一位願望以守貞事奉天主的瑪利亞做救世主的母親、榮進耶路撒冷的耶穌不是驅逐羅馬人，而是聖殿裡的商人，並且死在十字架上…天主令人意外的所作所為，真是罄竹難書！難怪匝加利亞不敢相信自己的妻子可以為他生洗者若翰、厄里亞發現還有七千人從未向巴耳屈過膝後，一定很失望、撒烏耳不想達味功高蓋主、梅瑟五次拒絕天主的差遣和撒辣在心裡竊笑！先知依撒意亞說得好：「誰曾指揮過上主的心靈；或做過祂的參謀，教導過他呢？」（依40:13）所以，我們能夠很容易便明白的，一定不是天主的聲音！當天主召叫我們的時候，起初甚至在整個過程中，我們必定是莫名其妙，有待我們不斷祈禱和辨明的，這段心路歷程，即使不是痛苦的，也必定是辛苦的。這是第一個特點，一個負面的特點。

當然我們不明白的，並不保證一定是天主的聲音！但有一點是正面的，是天主與眾不同的特點！在舊約，天主直呼不少人物的名字來召喚他們：亞巴郎、梅瑟、撒慕爾…新約中最戲劇化的，要數耶穌基督從墳墓中，呼喚拉匝祿出來（若11:43）！還有瑪利亞瑪達肋納。今天的福音，記載主耶穌要「按著名字呼喚自己的羊，並引領出來。」（10:3）假設我都是蒙恩得救的人，的確是主的羊。祂會以我們的名字呼喚我們，這一點是正面的。但問題出現了：我們每個人都擁有不祇一個名字，天主以哪一個名字呼喚我們呢？可能出於迷信，為了保護我們，兒時父母祇呼喊我們「豬仔、牛仔」的「乳名」、還有同輩之間互相嘲諷「鋼牙佬、金魚佬」的「花名」、身份證明文件上的名字、出版時用的如「金庸」的「筆名」和社會上人們流傳如「689」的「渾名」…哪一個纔是我們的真實名字呢？可能不是上述任何一個！我相信這個名字，必定是天主用以專門呼喚我們用的（當然不祇在我們彌留時纔用），祇有天主纔知道，而且我們是懂得回應的！天主按名字呼喚我們，真是非常奇妙的一回事！

第三，「祂會走在羊前面，羊也跟隨祂，因為認得祂的聲音。」（10:4）主耶穌在前面，為我們蒙召的人開闢了返回天父家鄉的前途。福音記載了祂吩咐我們愛仇人，希望我們跟著做；祂寬恕釘死祂的人，希望我們也跟著做。倘若我們真的按福音的記載跟著做，我相信我們不會偏離祂太遠了！
我們怎樣認得祂的聲音，而不是自己幻聽，或者假先知的謊言呢？我知道祂的聲音是充滿生命力，並賜予生命的。正如祂說：「我來，是為叫他們獲得生命，且獲得更豐富的生命。」（10:10）耶穌基督不祇空談，祂有如天主創生萬物時一樣，一聲號令，便恢復了拉匝祿的生命（11:43）。注意，我們認得的，是祂的聲音，而不是祂高尚、高超、令人莫名其妙的道理。正如聖詠所說：「不是語，也不是言，是聽不到的語言…沒有一物可避免它的熱燄。」（詠19:4，7）是非筆墨所能形容的。我們又回到第一點了！

各位兄弟姊妹，「天主為愛祂的人所預備的，是眼所未見，耳所未聞，人心所未想到的。」（格前2:9，依64:3）聖保祿宗祿也同意天主是令人意料之外的天主。願天主賜下智慧，讓我們認得祂的聲音，跟隨祂賦予生命的呼召，「可以進，可以出，可以找著草場。」（若10:9）辨明到適合自己的聖召，並放膽跟隨祂。不要落後，免得主要捨下其他人，回頭來尋找你！
天主保祐！
2017年講道
圖片鳴謝：Good Shepherd Catholic Community

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Fourth Easter Sunday (Vocation Sunday), Year A
Theme: Hear The Shepherd's Voice

I'm dumb and slow. Comparing with the others, I always take my first step slower and later than most people, for example, my decision to become a permanent deacon and my mother's baptism. On an optimistic stroke, I'm prudent and do not act unless I'm 100% certain. In reality, failures and risk-takings are aversive to me! Look, I'm not afraid of boredom. Most of the time, I perform repetitive and bland tasks which definitely yield results. For example, I write computer programmes but spend little time embellishing the layout or optimizing the efficiency! Jesus Christ has warned that when the end comes, "False messiahs and false prophets will arise and will perform signs and wonders in order to mislead, if that were possible, the elect." (Mark 13:22) Thus, whether I'm prudent or afraid of failures, I need to work out some criteria which enable me to judge whether it is the shepherd's voice so that I may follow (John 10:4), or it is false prophets' so that I would reject.

For the last ten months of social unrest and pandemic, we have been bombarded by a lot of misinformation and rumours. We feel that the end is literally near. Many KOL and influential people have spread a lot of fake news, thus fulfilling Jesus Christ's warning! I discover that they share a common characteristic. These fake news and rumours are very intuitive, easy to understand and do not need any evidence to support! "Foreign influences support those thugs"; "Teachers with ulterior motives poison the minds of students through Liberal Studies"; "Covid-19 was manufactured" and "WHO is bribed to white wash the pandemic" etc. How I wish that the truth were so simple, so easy to understand and God's will were fathomable!

Alas, the God I believe in is a God of surprises! A ninety-year-old Sarah gave birth to Isaac for a hundred-year-old Abraham; An eighty-year-old Moses was summoned in a burning bush to lead the Israelites to the Red Sea to engage in a mortal combat with Pharaoh; a shepherd boy picked up a smooth stone from the wade to defeat a giant; a gentile widow supported Elijah for three years during a drought; God invited a young girl who wanted to serve Him in celibacy to become the mother of the Saviour; after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem Jesus did not chase out the Romans, but merchants in the Temple and finally died on the cross … There are many other surprises that God did, but if these were to be described individually, I don't think the whole world would contain the books that would be written! No wonder Zechariah did not believe that his wife would be able to give birth to John the Baptist; Elijah would be extremely disappointed to know that 7000 men in Israel had never bent their knees to Baal; Saul did not want David to overshadow him; Moses rejected God's call five times and Sarah laughed in her heart! Isaiah had written well, "Who has directed the spirit of the Lord, or instructed Him as His counsellor?" (Isaiah 40:13) Thus, things which we can easily understand definitely do not come from God! From the start and even throughout the whole process of God's call, we surely do not understand and need to pray and discern continually. This soul searching journey is treacherous if not painful. This is the first characteristic, a negative characteristic.

Of course, not understandable does not guarantee that it is God's voice! Luckily we have a positive characteristic now! In the Old Testament, God called out directly the names of many people: Abraham, Moses and Samuel etc. The most dramatic call in the New Testament is Jesus Christ called Lazarus out of his tomb (John 11:43)! There is Mary Magdalene as well. The gospel passage today says that Lord Jesus shall "calls His own sheep by name and leads them out" (10:3) Assuming that we are the elected and are genuinely lambs of God. He would call us by name. This is certain and positive. But a question follows: each one of us possesses more than one name. By which name shall God call us? Perhaps out of superstition, in order to protect us, our parents called us lac-names such as "Piggy, Oxie"; our peers teased each other with nicknames such as "Steel Teeth, Peeping Tom"; our official names on identity documents; pseudonyms of authors and names such as "689" given to politicians etc. Which one is our genuine name? Probably none of the above! I believe that this name must be the one which God calls us exclusively (of course not only when we are taking our last breath). Only God knows and to which we respond! God calls us by name. How amazing it is!

Thirdly, "He walks ahead of them and the sheep follow Him because they recognize His voice" (10:4) Lord Jesus walks ahead of us the elected to break the path which leads home to the Father. The gospel says He tells us to love our enemies and wish that we follow. He forgave those who had nailed Him to the cross and wish that we follow. If we follow the gospel, I believe that we would not stray too far off!
How do we know that it is His voice, not our hallucinations or the lies of false prophets? I know that His voice is full of life and is life-giving. Just as He says, "I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." (10:10) Jesus Christ does not give empty talks. Just as God who created everything with a command, Jesus commanded and Lazarus came back to life (11:43). Notice that we recognize His voice and not the noble, transcendental and unfathomable truth. The Psalmist says well, "There is no speech, no words … nothing escapes its heat." (Psalm 19:4, 7) It is beyond description. We have come back to the first point!

Brethren! "What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9, Isaiah 64:3) St. Paul also agrees that God is a God of surprises. May God grant us wisdom so that we may recognize His voice and follow His life-giving call, so that we "will come in and go out and find pasture," (John 10:9) discern the appropriate call and follow Him bravely. Don't fall behind lest He left others behind, turn back to fetch you!
God bless!