提防心變硬 Hark Heart Hardening

將臨期第一主日，乙年
主題：提防心變硬

將臨期是禮儀年的開始，我們又進入了新的一年，進入了救恩歷程的一個新開始。可能大家會覺得奇怪，教會定下將臨期，不是為了預備聖誕節嗎？為甚麼將臨期的第一第二主日，會默想世界末日呢？答案非常簡單，耶穌基督要降臨世界兩次，二千多年前是第一次，為了成全法律和先知的教訓，並以十字架上的犧牲，奠定救贖的基礎。耶穌基督藉著教會，天天臨現在世上，與我們同在一起，直至世界末日（瑪28:20）。到時，耶穌基督以普世君王的姿態，君臨天下；教會亦完成任務，功成身退。

將臨期第一主日的主題非常簡單直接。在短短五節經文之內，主耶穌說了四次「醒寤」！可惜很多人誤解聖經的教訓，甚至穿鑿附會，並誇大其辭，危言聳聽，以收到佔據市場的效果！遠的不用說，2012年以瑪雅曆法來預言世界末日，不少人因此而發了末日財，今天已經是2020年了。近期疫情肆虐，天災人禍不停，又煽動了不少末日的情緒！難怪主耶穌說：「是就說是，非就說非；其他多餘的便是出於邪惡。」（5:37）主基督真的要我們「醒寤」末日前的預兆嗎？既然沒有人知道那時刻（谷13:33），所以不是與時間有關的「醒寤」。祂究竟要我們「醒寤」甚麼呢？

聖經所紀錄的，並非完全是天主從上而下對人的說話和啟示。聖經中包括了很多祈禱，例如《聖詠集》，是從人的位置，從下到上，表達人類的心聲！注意，祈禱其實是天主與人的互動，因為當我們不知如何向天主說話時，天主「聖神卻親自以無可言喻的歎息，代我們轉求」（羅8:26）。所以即使是人的祈禱，也有天主啟示的成份！
今天第一篇選讀的先知書，是猶太人從下而上，向天主表達的渴望；不是一般和平時期的渴望，而是遭受亡國之苦，求救的渴望！先知呼求上主，再顯神威，「望你衝破諸天降下，諸山在你面前震盪…使萬民在你面前戰慄」（依63:19-64:1）。上主天主應驗了先知的話，「並不是使者，也不是天使拯救他們，而是祂自己」（63:9）。的確，祂親自來了。很奇怪，祂並沒有帶著猶太人所期望的光榮而來。祂出生在馬槽，葬在別人的墳墓裡，由始至終都是貧窮的。祂的光榮，不是熔化群山，分開海水，而是懸於十字架上，求天父寬赦世人（路23:34）！正如先知所說「因為祢行了誰也想不到的驚人事蹟，是人從未聽過的，耳朵從未聽過，眼睛從未見過…」（64:2-3）祂這樣溫良地做，為的是尊重人性的自主，不願強迫人類接受祂的好意！恐怕祇有依照耶穌基督的教訓，經常「醒寤」，好像先知的人，纔會體會得到。天主教徒領了洗，不是分擔了主耶穌的先知職務，是一個先知嗎？

先知的另一句話，是值得我們留意的，因為與我們的本份有關。他說：「上主！祢為甚麼讓我們離開祢的道路？使我們的心變硬而不敬畏祢？」（63:17）很奇怪，倘若是天主令我們心硬，做出壞事，我們還需要負上責任嗎？當年天主令埃及的法朗不斷「心硬」（出4:21），最後招至「殺長子」的災難。那麼，是天主使法朗心硬，所以錯不在法朗了！大家不要奇怪，猶太人沒有我們今天的倫理系統。在他們的心目中，天主掌控一切。所以，「令法朗心硬」，是表現天主是天主，是講故事的手法。其實，一個「殺長子」災難，已經足夠迫使法朗放人，用不著十個災難那麼浪費時間，浪費人力和物力。對嗎？所以，我們不能用「天主讓我們犯罪、天主令我們心硬」，作為我們犯罪的辯護！

是甚麼令我們「心硬」，不敬畏天主呢？注意，有很多原因令人不敬畏天主，例如無知，不知道天主存在，或者即使知道了，但不知道應該要敬畏祂；又或者驕傲，科學昌明，加上對人性過份樂觀，令現代人覺得天主存在與否，與他們無關！今天要默想的，是甚麼令人「心硬」，以至不再敬畏天主。

路加福音中「富翁與拉匝祿」的比喻（路16:19-31），點出財富令人心硬的危險。天天奢華宴樂的富翁，竟然對「躺臥在他的大門前」的乞丐，視若無睹（16:19-20），是「心硬」的寫照。教宗方濟各在《你們要歡喜踴躍》宗座勸諭，論述神貧真福時說得好：「當我們心裡認為自己很富有，就會變得那麼自滿，以至於沒有空間聆聽天主的聖言、愛我們的兄弟姊妹，或享受生命中最重要的事物。」（GE #68）對自己的優勢、財富、權力和成就自滿，被這些東西充塞了自己的心，便沒有空間容納天主聖言、耶穌基督和祂的訓誨。這就是心硬。當我們還懂得向最少的兄弟中的一個，伸出援手（瑪25:40），表示我們仍有血肉之心，而不是冰冷的鐵石心腸！

對於弱勢的一群，當他們受到侮辱、攻擊、欺凌和歧視；既沒有人，包括天主，出現來保護他們，而自己又沒有報復的機會和能力的時候。為了減低痛苦和傷害，受害人容易探取一個消極的方法，就是硬起心腸，表示強壯，不怕攻擊，不需要別人可憐。結果，他們埋怨天主，祇能把自己變得天不怕，地不怕來應付生存。試問他們又怎會敬畏天主呢？在這裡，溫良、哀慟、飢渴慕義、憐憫的真福，變得蠻有意義了！做人抱溫良的心態，又怎會欺凌歧視弱勢的人呢？為罪惡對人的傷害而哀慟流淚，心腸又怎會變硬呢？期望天主的救贖，如飢似渴的人，怎會不敬畏天主呢？憐憫寬恕傷害自己的人，不但釋放了別人，也釋放了自己，不想被報仇的念頭所操控，何來心硬呢？但能做到真福八端的目標，沒有聖神的助祐，聖神七恩的扶助，又怎能成事呢？

各位兄弟姊妹，耶穌基督勸我們「醒寤」，是要我們警醒，不要讓我們的心，因為財富、權勢和成就，變得自滿堅硬，不理別人死活；更不要讓忿怒和仇恨毒害自己的心靈，變得麻木不仁，不再敬畏天主。呼求天主聖神的助祐吧！天父願意所有的人都得救（弟前2:4），一定樂意賜聖神予求祂的人（路11:13）！
天主保祐！
2017年講道
圖片鳴謝：takebackyourtemple.com

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First Advent Sunday, Year B
Theme: Hark Heart Hardening

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The Advent Season is the beginning of a Liturgical Year. We have entered a new year, a new beginning of the Redemption Cycle. Perhaps you would wonder why Advent is not a preparation for Christmas and why we meditate the end of the world during the first two Sundays in Advent. The answer is simple. Jesus Christ comes to the world twice. Two millennia ago was the first visit in which He fulfilled the teachings of the Law and the prophets. With the sacrifice on the cross, He set the foundation of salvation. Jesus Christ is present among us every day through the Church till the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). At the end, Jesus Christ shall appear once more as the King of the Universe. By then, the Church shall have accomplished her mission.

The theme of the First Advent Sunday is simple and direct. In just five verses, Lord Jesus says, "Watch" four times! Regrettably, many people misunderstand the teaching of the Bible. Some even speculate and exaggerate so as to attract attention! Not too long ago, using the Maya calendar to foretell the end of the world in 2012, many people made money and 2020 is approaching its end. Recently, apocalyptic sentiments are fanned by the Covid-19 pandemic and natural disasters! No wonder Jesus says, "Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes', and your 'No' mean 'No'. Anything more is from the evil one." (5:37) Does Jesus Christ really want us to be watchful of the signs before end time? Since nobody knows when the time will come (Mark 13:33), therefore, being watchful has nothing to do with time. Then what does He want us to be watchful?

The Bible is not all top down revelation and words from God. There are many prayers in the Bible, such as the book of Psalms. It is a bottom up expression of human desires! Note that prayers are in fact an interaction between God and men because when we do not know how to pray as we ought, "the Holy Spirit intercedes with inexpressible groanings" (Romans 8:26). That is to say, even our prayers can be part of God's revelation!
The first reading we choose today is a Jewish bottom up prayer to tell God their desires. It is not an ordinary desire during peace time but a distress sigh for being conquered! The prophet begs God to show His glory, "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, with the mountains quaking before you … and the nations would tremble before you." (Isaiah 63:19-64:1) The Lord God fulfils the words of the prophet, "It was not an envoy or a messenger, but His presence that saved them." (63:9) Truly, He came in person. But strangely, He did not come in the glory the Jews had expected. He was born in a manger and buried in other people's tomb. From cradle to grave, He was poor. His glory did not melt the mountains nor split the oceans but hanging on the cross to beg the Father to forgive men (Luke 23:34). Like what the prophet says, "You worked awesome deeds we could not hope for, such as had not been heard of from of old. No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen…" (64:2-3) He works in such a meek manner because He respects human autonomy and does not want to impose His good will on men! I'm afraid only those who follow Jesus Christ's teaching and are watchful like the prophet can understand. Catholics who were baptized have partaken in the prophetic ministry of Lord Jesus. Are they not prophets?

We should pay attention to another verse by the prophet because it is related to our duties. He says, "Why do you make us wander, Lord, from your ways, and harden our hearts so that we do not fear you?" (63:17) Very interesting! If God hardens our hearts so that we do evil, are we still responsible for our actions? In Egypt, God kept hardening the heart of Pharaoh (Exodus 4:21). In the end, God sent the plague of "Killing the firstborns". God hardened Pharaoh's heart. Then it was not Pharaoh's fault! Don't be surprised. Ancient Jews did not follow our moral system. In their minds, God was in full control. Thus "harden Pharaoh's heart" is a narrative technique, showing God is God. In fact, one "Killing the firstborns" plague was enough to bend Pharaoh. Why did God send ten plagues, wasting time and resources, right? Thus, we can't use "God makes us sin. God hardens our hearts" as a defence for our sins.

What hardens our hearts so that we have no fear of God? Be careful! Many things are able to cause the lack of fear of God. For example, ignorance of the existence of God or even if people know God exists but they know not that they should fear Him. Again pride. With the advances in sciences and technology, coupled with an unwarranted optimism on human nature, modern people feel that the existence of God is none of their business! Today, we meditate on what hardens our hearts and leads to a lack of fear of God.

The parable of "The Rich Man and Lazarus" (Luke 16:19-31) is an excellent narrative of how wealth hardens human hearts. The rich man who dined sumptuously each day and ignored the poor Lazarus who was lying at his door was a stark illustration of "heart hardening". In his apostolic exhortation "Gaudete et Exsultate", Pope Francis explains the beatitude of spiritual poverty, "Once we think we are rich, we can become so self-satisfied that we leave no room for God's word, for the love of our brothers and sisters, or for the enjoyment of the most important things in life." (GE #68) When we are satisfied with our merits, wealth, power and achievements, when our hearts are stuffed with these things, there is no more room for God's word, Jesus Christ and His teachings. This heart is hardened. When we are still able to extend a helping hand to "one of the least of these brothers of mine" (Matthew 25:40), it shows that we still have a heart of flesh and blood, not a cold lump of stone!

When the disadvantaged are insulted, attacked, bullied and discriminated, nobody, including God, stands up for them and they themselves don't have the opportunities or abilities to take revenge, in order to reduce the pains and the hurt, victims would take an easy way out: to stiffen their hearts and appear to be tough, appear not to fear attacks and to need no pity. Consequently, they blame God and turn fearless in order to survive. How would they fear the Lord? Here, the beatitudes of meekness, being mournful, hunger for justice and mercy become meaningful! When you are meek, how will you bully or discriminate the disadvantaged? When you mourn for the damages sins inflict on men, how will your hearts be hardened? When you hunger and thirst for God's salvation, how will you not fear the Lord? When you are merciful and forgive those who hurt you, not only do you release the perpetrator, but you also release yourself from being controlled by the thoughts of revenge, how shall your heart be hardened? But to be able to achieve the target of the Beatitudes without the support of the Holy Spirit, the power from His seven gifts, how shall it be possible?

Brethren! Jesus Christ urges us to be watchful always not to allow our hearts to be hardened because of wealth, power and achievements which make us feel satisfied and ignore the plights of other people. Furthermore, don't let anger and hate poison and numb our heart so that we no longer fear the Lord. Invoke the help of the Holy Spirit! The Father in heaven wills everyone to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). He is eager to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13)!
God bless!

君王此中尋 Come Meet Thy King

耶穌基督普世君王節，甲年
主題：君王此中尋

瑪竇福音二十五章，是耳熟能詳的經文。但天主的聖言，的確充滿生命力，不同經歷後的默想，觸動了不同的感應。不知為甚麼，在不同的神職人員團體的分享中，大家不約而同地聚焦到「君王」去。

今天讀的福音，不是耶穌基督虛構的比喻，而是祂以圖像，講述將來必定發生的結局：公審判！今次讀這個公審判的故事時，我的第一個感覺是「當今的君王去了哪」與「世上列王群集一堂，諸侯畢至聚首相商，反抗上主，反抗祂的受傅者」（詠2:2），形成一個強列的對比！為甚麼寶座上祇有「人子」一個？沒有人挑戰祂嗎？那些叱吒風雲，呼風喚雨，有權有勢的人物去了哪？當然，宇宙的君王可以隨時革去世上所有君王的權勢，即使是這樣，以下的默想仍然是有意義的。

按保祿的論述，「在發命時，在總領天使吶喊和天主的號聲響時，主要親自由天降來，那些死於基督內的人先要復活，然後我們這些活著還存留的人，同時與他們一起要被提到雲彩上，到空中迎接主」（得前4:16-17）。非常簡單地，保祿把末日的人，分成兩批：死過的人和仍存活的人。
讓我們先從那些死而復活的人中找打權勢的人吧。他們當中，肯定有很多帝王將相，是曾經擁有過權勢的人。問題是，他們都死了，他們的權力，不是由別人繼承了，便是被他人奪取了。所以從死裡復活的人，生命是恢復了，但權威是沒有了。不要忘記，他們的新生命，都是靠生命之主，耶穌基督賜予的。所以他們即使有權威，也在耶穌基督的權威之下！

那麼，讓我們在那些「活著還存留的人」中找吧。既然他們仍活著，或多或少，總會掌握著一點權勢吧！難道有權勢的人，都在末日前全部死去了嗎？
我們不排除這個可能性，而且，全部有權勢人士的死亡，更有可能是促使世界末日出現的原因之一。聖經中很多末日言論，經常提及「太陽昏暗，月亮無光，星宿墜下」之類「天上萬象動搖」的描述（瑪24:29）。從自然科學看，遠在這些事件發生之前，地球已經不復存在，所以祇能從它們的象徵意義理解。在古代，這些日月星宿大多象徵帝王將相。所以，末日前全球的統治者在相對短的時間內，相繼死去，他們的繼承者或奪權者，把全界推入一個類似戰國的時代，開始末日倒數，是可能發生的。

這樣的「戰國時代」有兩個可能結局：全球亂局達到一個不可收拾的程度，再沒有一個人有任何權勢，全球陷入完全失去秩序的狀態！那時，有待耶穌基督，普世君王，君臨天下，審判生者死者，安排他們到天堂地獄裡去。當然，全球亂局還可以有另一個結果，就是「天下三分」，互相制衡，全球恢復秩序，繼續發展新的可能性，直到下一次「全球戰國時代」的出現。總有一次，結果是全球進入無序狀態，人類不可能再生存，天主子一定要介入！
初步結論，到了末日，世上列王不復存在，宇宙間祇有一個耶穌基督，普世君王。

上面提及的全世界再沒有一個人有任何權勢，可能嗎？這一點需要進一步澄清。
自古以來，權力是怎樣來的呢？在起初可能來自個人的體力。但人類與其他物種不同之處，在於他們懂得為了生存而團結的思維。在團結的大前提下，個體必須作出取捨，犧牲一些利益，換取生存。這樣，權力出現了；而且使這個以權力維系的團體，更成功地生存下去，做更有組織，更龐大的巴貝耳塔！結果本末倒置，追求權力，而不是生存，變成了目標，編織了整部人類歷史！耶穌基督第一次來臨時，不是來廢除權力，而是來完滿它，重申權力的真義：守護、服務兄弟姊妹。祂使用「為門徒洗腳」的圖像，教導我們「若我為主子，為師傅的，給你們洗腳，你們也該彼此洗腳」（若13:14），更正了加音所推卸，守護兄弟的責任（創4:9）！
可以想像，到了末日亂局，再沒有任何精神、政治及文化領袖，全球失去秩序，人人自危自保，再沒有守護服務兄弟的思維，何來權勢，何來君王？

作為執事，我們有幸以服務為本，權力為末，時常嘗試在「我這些最小兄弟中的一個」（瑪25:40），尋找耶穌基督。在監獄中的囚犯及職員、醫院裡的病人，家人及醫護員工、安老院的職員及義工、在船上漂泊的船員或機場過境的機組人員、被社會邊緣化了的露宿者、外判清潔工人等…我天真地，浪漫地，想在他們身上找到我們心目中，曾為門徒洗腳的君王，來肯定自己的服務。無疑地，在服務弱勢社群的時候，接觸個別有需要安慰的靈魂的同時，我自身的傷痛，也獲得處理。可是「君王」呢？仍擦身而過，不留痕跡…
今天我纔清楚看見，耶穌基督並不在這些人身上！這些人並沒有被基督附體！祇要執事們與這些弱勢人士，因耶穌基督之名聚在一起，祂曾應許，要臨在他們中間（18:20）。在理智上，我們一再提醒自己，執事職的服務，不是社會福利服務，而是因主耶穌基督之名，守護兄弟的服務。知易行難，但願我們所領受的聖體聖事，讓我們感受到基督的真實臨在。
主啊！請佔有我。亞孟。
圖片鳴謝：Wikipedia

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The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Year A
Theme: Come Meet Thy King

Matthew 25 is a well-known passage. But the Word of God is full of life. It touches different nerve fibres when we meditate it after different experiences. For some unknown reasons, in different clergy gatherings, all sharing focuses on the King.

The gospel we read today is not a parable. Jesus Christ makes use of images to tell us a definite ending, the Judgment Day. This time, when I read this story, the first thought that jumped up was "Where have all the powerful people today gone?" It is a sharp contrast with "Kings on earth rise up and princes plot together against the Lord and against his Anointed One." (Psalm 2:2) Why is only the Son of Man on the throne? Why is there nobody to challenge Him? Where have all those oligarchs, totalitarians and cartels gone? Of course, the King of Universe can relieve all worldly kings of their powers. Still, it would not make the following meditation meaningless.

According to Paul, "The Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), Paul simply divided people at the end into two groups: those who have died and those who are still alive.
Let us look for those powerful people in the group of the dead. Among them, there were emperors and supreme commanders, people with unchallenged authorities. The problem is that they have died. Their authority was either inherited or usurped by others. Therefore, those who shall come back to life have life but no authority. Don't forget, their new life is given by Jesus Christ, the Author of Life. Even if they have any power, their powers should be subordinate to Christ's authority!

Then, let us turn to those who are still alive. Since they are alive, they should, to some extent, have some power, unless all powerful people die before the end of the world. Would it be possible?
We cannot exclude this possibility and the death of all the powerful people can be one of the reasons that trigger the end of the world. The eschatological narratives in the Bible usually mention "The sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken …" (Matthew 24:29) or something similar. From the knowledge of natural sciences, the world would disappear long before such things happen. Therefore, those narratives can only be understood in a symbolic manner. In ancient times, celestial objects usually represented emperors and commanders. Therefore, the narratives probably mean that within a short period of time, all the powerful people die and their successors or usurpers push the world into a state of warring kingdoms. End time countdown would kick-off in this way.

There are two possible endings to this era of global warring kingdoms: The whole world would become so chaotic that not a single person is able to hold any power. Humanity arrives at a stage of global disorder, awaiting Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe to come down to judge the living and the dead, sending them to heaven and hell. Of course, there is another possible ending. Global chaos sinks into a tripartite state in which three parties log head against each other, reaching equilibrium. Global order is restored and continues to develop into new possibilities until the next global warring state appears. After many such cycles, the final outcome of one such cycle would be a global disorder in which humanity is unable to survive and the Son of God has to intervene!
As a preliminary conclusion, at the end of the world, there shall not be any powerful people on earth. There shall only be one king in the universe, Jesus Christ.

Previously, I mentioned "not a single person is able to hold any power". Is it possible? Let me clarify.
Since ancient times, where does authority come from? At first, it might come from the physical strength of individuals. But human beings are different from other species in that they have the mentality to cooperate in order to survive. With the imperative of solidarity, individuals have to give up some of their benefits and freedom in exchange for survival. Authority appears. Organization makes such authority-bound communities more capable to survive and to build bigger Babel towers! Consequently, the cart has come before the horses. Seeking authority, not survival, has become the end. The rest is history! When Jesus Christ came for the first time, he did not come to abolish authority but to fulfil it, to clarify once more its true meaning: to keep and serve our brethren. Christ made use of the image of "washing the feet of the disciples" to teach us, "If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet." (John 13:14) to correct the sin of Cain, his refusal to be the keeper of his brother (Genesis 4:9)! It is imaginable that at eschatological chaos, there would be no more spiritual, political and cultural leaders. The world would have lost its order. Everybody fends for themselves in order to survive. There's no more mentality of brother's keeper. Where comes authority? Where come the kings?

As deacons, we are blessed to put service as an end and authority as a means. We try to look for Jesus Christ among "one of these least brothers of mine" (Matthew 25:40). Among the inmates and staff in prisons; patients, their family members and medical staff in hospitals; workers and volunteers in homes for the aged; sailors on ships or flight crew in transit; socially marginalized homeless and out-sourcing janitors etc. I naïvely and romantically try to seek among them the king who once had washed the feet of his disciples, thus affirming my ministry. Doubtlessly, when I serve these disadvantaged people or when I encounter souls in need of consolation, my wounds are being dressed. But the king? He is still intangible…
But today I see more clearly that Jesus Christ is not embodied in these people! These people are not "possessed" by Christ! It is only when we deacons and those disadvantaged people come together in the name of Jesus Christ, He promises to be present among us (18:20). Rationally, we keep on reminding ourselves that the diaconal ministry is not social welfare services. Rather, it is the service as a keeper of brothers in the name of Jesus Christ. It is more easily said than done. Pray that we can feel the real presence of Christ in the Holy Communion we receive.
Lord! Possess me. Amen.

行為可以沒有後果嗎？ Is Action Without Consequences Possible?

行為可以沒有後果嗎？（路20:27-40）

人類是有理性的生物，生活在一個有秩序的宇宙中。從觀察所得，世間萬事萬物，必有先後次序，有因有果。中國人以「物有本末，事有終始」（大學 1），來總結出這人類的大智慧。倘若生活是莫名其妙，不明不白；這一刻你是我的丈夫，下一刻我是你的父親，再下一刻你我是陌路人的話，這樣的生活必定會令人精神崩潰！

從來要否定一個命題，較支持一個命題容易。所以就「復活」的命題，撒杜塞人與法利塞人交手，應該佔盡了上風。今次耶穌幫助了法利塞人勝回一仗，所以有幾個經師應聲稱讚耶穌（路20:39），因為耶穌解答了他們很久也未能解答的難題。

耶穌不但為法利塞人勝回一仗，天主子更再次肯定了宇宙是有秩序的！
倘若真的沒有復活，有些行為變成沒有後果了！因為某些行為的後果是即時的，例如，我忽然把一碗熱湯潑在你的面上！但有些行動的後果，卻需要很長的時間，總會彰顯出來，例如，把塑膠廢物傾倒在海裡！沒有復活，就沒有足夠時間讓某些行為的後果彰顯出來。有因卻沒有果，因果定律失效。因果定律不成立，人類沒有倫理道德的可能，因為一旦後果不能溯源，人類便不須要為自己的行為負責任，很多人便可以不顧後果，為所欲為，逍遙法外！到時人人自危，朝不保夕，這真是一個令人精神崩潰的世界！

為甚麼撒杜塞人這樣愚蠢呢？他們是甚麼人？從他們的立論能力看，撒杜塞人並不愚蠢，而是心盲！撒杜塞黨是由司祭組成的，他們堅持現有的特權，以權謀私，纔妄顧事實，否認真理！從他們的立論邏輯看，撒杜塞人認同行為是有後果的。但他們知道否定復活的後果，是這樣嚴重嗎？可能他們心盲，看不見後果的嚴重吧，我實在想不到其他原因了。
主，叫我看見（18：41）。求祢使那些心盲的人，也能看見。亞孟！
生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：Charisma News

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Is Action Without Consequences Possible? (Luke 20:27-40)

Human beings are rational animals living in an ordered universe. From observations, we conclude that events happen in sequence and there are causes. The Chinese aphorism "Things have roots and shoots. Events have beginnings and ends" (Daxue 1) is a distillation of great human wisdom. Had life been arbitrary and absurd: this moment you're my husband, the next I'm your father and the next we are total strangers, such a life would have had all of us suffering nervous breakdowns!

It has always been easier to negate a statement than to affirm it. Thus, in the debate of the existence of resurrection, the Sadducees must have won the upper hand many times over the Pharisees. Now that Jesus helped them defeat the Sadducees, some scribes came to say thanks (Luke 20:39) because Jesus had answered a tough challenge unsolved for a long time.

Not only did Jesus win a battle for the Pharisees, but the Son of God has also affirmed once more that the universe is ordered!
Had there been no resurrection, some actions would have had no consequences! It is because some consequences are instant. E.g. Suddenly, I pour some hot soup on your face! But the consequences of some actions take a long time to manifest. E.g. I dump plastic wastes into the oceans! Had there been no resurrections, there would not have been enough time to allow the consequences of some actions to manifest. When actions have no consequences, the Universal Law of Cause and Effect fails. If the law of cause-effect fails, no morality is possible because consequences cannot be traced back to action and nobody can be held responsible. People would do whatever they fancy and no law can restrain them! Nobody is secure. What a nervous breakdown hell we would be living in!

Why were the Sadducees so stupid? What were they? From their reasoning, the Sadducees were not stupid but blind in hearts! Sadducees were made up of priests who insisted on their privileges and abused their authority to fatten themselves. Thus, they denied the truth! From their logic, they acknowledged consequences. But did they know the gravity of denying resurrection? Perhaps their hearts were genuinely blind and failed to see the seriousness. I could not think of any other reasons.
Lord! Please let me see (18:41). Pray that those who are blind in hearts also see. Amen!

當以權謀私出現時 When Embezzlement Happens

當以權謀私出現時（路19:45-48）

「我的殿宇將稱為萬民的祈禱所」（依56:7；路19:46）所以把聖殿管理好，是全心、全靈、全力、全意愛上主天主（10:27）的表現，是履行「最大誡命」，是非常重要的事。由誰來做？當然是司祭了。

雖然天主不食人間煙火，但一磚一瓦是不會從天而降，而是需要真金白銀買來的。聖殿的維修和負責管理聖殿的司祭們的伙食住宿，是需要相當可觀的金錢來維持的。讓商人在聖殿的外圍擺賣，既方便朝聖者，又可以增加聖殿的租金收入，是一個正確的財政方案。至於執行起來，應該交給誰負責督察呢…

天主子來到聖殿「預檢」，把買賣的人趕出殿院（19:45），是對司祭們的管理，作出很嚴厲的評價，是將來耶路撒冷被毀的預警。之後，耶穌仍然每天在聖殿內施教（19:47），顯示了天主子的不離不棄，祂的清理行動是出於善意的。

司祭們素來不知道自己的錯謬嗎？他們不知道群眾的不滿嗎？朝聖者不是刁民，他們的眼睛是雪亮的，他們是不會無理取鬧的。很明顯，耶穌的清理聖殿行動，是得到耶路撒冷居民和朝聖者的支持（19:48）！
接到了「業績評估」，不但不思改進，反而「設法要除掉」耶穌！可見，司祭們真是心盲了！可惜的是，當今世上，這些司祭並不孤獨，很多當權者也是採取這種不肯面對現實的「滅聲」政策，鏟除「吹哨人」！難道他們這樣天真，「視而不見，聽而不聞」，問題便不存在，問題便會隨著時間而消逝嗎？
主啊！求祢保護執政者的心智，讓他們能認清真理，造福人民。亞孟。
生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：Wikipedia

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When Embezzlement Happens (Luke 19:45-48)

"My house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples" (Isaiah 56:7; Luke 19:46) Therefore, managing the Temple well is to "love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind" (10:27), doing the greatest commandment. It is an extremely important business. Who should take this duty up? Of course the priests.

Although God doesn't need sacrifices, each brick and stone do not descend from heavens but have to be paid for. The maintenance of the Temple and the livelihood of the priests had to be provided for. The amount was huge. Allowing merchants to do business in the outskirt of the Temple was not only convenient for pilgrims but also increased Temple incomes. It was an appropriate financial arrangement. However, who came to inspect the execution?

When the Son of God came to pre-inspect the Temple, he "proceeded to drive out those who were selling things" (19:45) It was a very negative evaluation of the management of the priests, a warning to what was to descend on Jerusalem. Afterwards, Jesus still came to teach every day in the Temple area (19:47), showing that the Son of God never meant to abandon them. His cleansing was well-intended.

Had the priests never known their own mistakes? Were pilgrims' dissatisfactions unknown to them? Pilgrims weren't hooligans. Their visions were sharp. They weren't troublemakers. Obviously, Jesus' cleansing action was supported by pilgrims as well as inhabitants of Jerusalem (19:48)!
After getting the evaluation report, the priests refused to improve. On the contrary, they sought to put Jesus to death! They were genuinely blind at hearts. Regrettably, the priests were not alone in modern times. Today, many people in power deploy the same policy to silence the whistle-blowers! Are they really so naïve as to believe that denying the problem and the problem will pass away in time?
Lord! Protect the hearts and minds of the people in power. Let them know the truth and serve the good of the people. Amen.

與主一起哀悼耶路撒冷 Lament For Jerusalem Together With the Lord

與主一起哀悼耶路撒冷（路19:41-44）

在默想前，必須澄清「眷顧時期」一詞的意義！【思高聖經】的翻譯，反映了神父們對天主慈悲的信靠，卻淡化了天主公義的審判！「眷顧」的原文，是指「督察」的意思，有如巡案大臣代表君王出訪，地方官員向他述職，由巡案大臣作出合理的升遷貶抑決定。福音中，是天主親自出訪！當前，雖然「天主沒有派遣子到世界上來審判世界」（若3:17），但天主子一再警告，「你們應當謹慎，免得…那意想不到的日子臨於你們」（路21:34）。所以是一番好意的預檢。

那督察、檢視的日子，無論是個人的死亡、一個城市的毀滅、一個帝國的覆亡，甚至整個世界的末日，必定來臨！而且，所有行為必定帶有後果，這是物質世界及倫理世界的定律。到最後，天主會否大發慈悲，把所有行為的後果，一筆鉤銷，都不是你和我可以定奪的。

耶路撒冷的命運，是掌握在耶路撒冷的居民手中。同理，我們的命運，是我們自己決定的！因此，我們應該聽從天主子的忠告，「認識眷顧妳的時期」（19:44）。

1. 不要心盲，認清真相。是就說是，非就說非（瑪5:37）；不要心硬，謙遜地承認自己的不足。跟隨天主子，哀慟世人的，包括自己的罪過（5:4）！
2. 應該學習稅吏長匝凱，謀算衡量永生的效益與放棄現世財權的代價，作出明智的抉擇。
3. 把自己的才幹，放在正確的地方，便可以履行天父的旨意，愛人如己。看到每一天和每一個與人的接觸，都是天主給我們履行仁愛，上愛天主，下愛近人的機會。這樣做，便「能獲得永生」（路10:25）。耶路撒冷在公元七十年被毀的命運，是一個標記，警告我們不可重蹈覆轍。

主啊！讓我與祢一起，為耶路撒冷及居住其中的人民哀哭吧。亞孟。
生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：LA Quaker

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Lament For Jerusalem Together With the Lord (Luke 19:41-44)

Before our meditation, let us clarify the meaning of "the time of your visitation"! The Studium Biblicum version shows the steadfast faith of the friars on God's mercy. In effect, it plays down God's righteous judgment! The Greek word means "inspection", like a visiting minister representing the king to investigate the performance of local officials in order to decide their promotion or demotion. In the gospel, God Himself visits! At the moment, although "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world" (John 3:17), the Son of God repeatedly warns, "Beware that … lest that day catch you by surprise" (Luke 21:34). Therefore, it is a good-will pre-inspection. That day of visitation, be it a personal death, the destruction of a city, the collapse of an empire or even the end of the world, shall definitely come! Moreover, all actions bring consequences. This is a law in the physical as well as moral worlds. At the end, whether God shall be so merciful as to wipe out all consequences is not decided by you or me. The fate of Jerusalem was sealed by her people. Similarly, our fates are decided by us! Therefore, we should listen to the advice of the Son of God and "recognize the time of your visitation" (19:44) First of all, don't be blind at heart. Know the truth. Let your yes mean yes and no mean no (Matthew 5:37). Don't harden your heart. Humbly acknowledge your inadequacies. Follow the Son of God to mourn for the sins of the world, including yours (5:4)! Secondly, learn from the chief tax collector Zacchaeus to calculate and evaluate the benefits of eternal life against the cost of abandoning worldly wealth and power. Choice wisely. Thirdly, put your talents in the right place to do the Father's will and love your neighbour. See that every day and every encounter with everyone is an opportunity God gives you to practise charity, to love God and to love your neighbour. Do this to inherit eternal life (Luke 10:25). The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. is a sign, warning us not to repeat our mistakes. Lord! Let us mourn for Jerusalem and her inhabitants. Amen.

被誤會了的主人 A Misunderstood Master

被誤會了的主人（路19:11-28）

我們怎樣評價這位取得了王位的貴人呢（路19：15）？
在兩個成功的僕人身上，我們看到這個貴人是一個知人善任的主人。對一個能夠用一個「米納」賺取了十個「米納」的僕人，便派他掌管十座城（19：16-17）；對一個以一賺五的，便派他掌管五座城（19：18-19）…這位主人/國王，的確能把僕人的才幹，發揮得淋漓盡致！能作為他的僕人，應該慶幸有一個「伯樂」賞識他們！

福音並沒有交代為甚麼「他本國的人，一向懷恨他」（19：14）。假如那個把「米納」收存在手巾裡的「惡僕」（19：20）有代表性的話，就是本國的人，認為這個主人很嚴厲，在「沒有存放的，也要提取；沒有下種的，也要收割」（19：21）。很奇怪，這個描述，是指控主人的「不公義」，拿取不屬於他的財物，而不是甚麼嚴厲，苛求！更奇怪的是，主人竟然同意這個「嚴厲」的描述。那麼，為甚麼「沒有下種的，也要收割」，不算是拿取不屬於他的財物呢？

其實，按天主肖像所造的人類，有無限的潛能！科學家也認同，一般人祇運用了腦袋不足十分一的能力。在那些積極有為的僕人眼中，這個主人賞識他們的才幹，給他們發揮所長的機會，恨不得主人給他們更具挑戰性的工作。但在那些「惡僕」眼中，主人苛求他們做一些他們力有不逮的事。他們惟有採取消極的方法，不做不錯，減少損失！

這樣看來，錯不在主人，而是惡僕的錯誤觀念！既然他「沒有存放，也要提取」，事在必行，他怎會不出手協助，眼巴巴看著你失敗呢？即使是客觀上是沒有可能成功的事，天主又怎會放棄你，讓你失敗呢？祂必會助佑你，幫助你成功。保祿說得好：「罪惡在那裡越多，恩寵在那裡也越格外豐富。」（羅5：20）
天父，願祢的旨意，奉行在人間，如同在天上。亞孟。
生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：Pinterest

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A Misunderstood Master (Luke 19:11-28)

How do we evaluate this nobleman who had obtained his kingship (Luke 19:15)?
From the two successful servants, we see that this nobleman is a master who knows how best to deploy his servants. For one who was able to earn ten additional gold coins with one, he assigned to take charge of ten cities (19:16-17). For another who was able to earn five, he assigned to take charge of five cities (19:18-19) … This Master/King is really capable of hooking the potentials of his servants who should feel honoured to serve such a good master!

The parable doesn't explain why the fellow citizens despised the nobleman (19:14). If the "wicked servant" who kept the gold coin stored away in a handkerchief could supply any clue, the fellow citizens must have felt the same that this master was a demanding person, who takes up what he did not lay down and harvests what he did not plant (19:21). Strangely, this description is an accusation of foul play on the part of the Master, rather than being demanding! Strange still, the Master agreed to this "demanding" accusation. Why is "harvesting what he did not plant" not a foul play?

Indeed, God created men in His image, making men infinite in potentials! Scientists generally agree that we have not deployed more than 10% of our brain's capacity. From the eyes of the proactive servants, this Master knows their capabilities and gives them opportunities. Wish that He had given them more challenging assignments. But in the eyes of the wicked servants, the Master is demanding the impossible. They resort to a passive strategy of not doing anything in order to contain damages!

Then the fault lies not in the Master but in the wrong perception of the wicked servants. Since the Master takes up what He did not lay down, would He stand by to see you fail without giving you additional support? Even if something is objectively impossible, would God forsake you and let you fail? He shall definitely make you succeed. Paul says well, "Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more" (Romans 5:20)
Heavenly Father, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

匝凱老謀深算嗎？ Was Zacchaeus Calculating?

匝凱老謀深算嗎？（路19:1-10）

人類的文明和進步，除了是累積前人的成果，站在「巨人的肩上」之外，好奇心是重要的推動力之一。因為前人的權威，往往是後世進步的絆腳石。自然科學的歷史中，有很多革命性的進步，都不是另起爐灶而來的；而是當舊有的權威不足以處理新現象時，科學家惟有另尋出路了！新現象是從哪來的？好奇心！當然，不是所有的好奇心都會帶來好的效果，例如厄娃的好奇心。不過，沒有犯錯，人類又怎能改善和進步呢？

那些人的好奇心最大呢？當然是小孩子！成年人認為是理所當然的事，例如日出日落，小孩子卻視為奇蹟。成年人不理會的花鳥蟲魚，小孩子會認真地觀察和欣賞！他們沒有機心，不去計算成本效益。在他們充滿神奇事物的宇宙裡，享受好奇心所帶來的樂趣！所以耶穌基督告訴我們：「誰若不像小孩子一樣接受天主的國，決不能進去。」（路18：17）

今天，富有的稅吏長匝凱（19：2），出於好奇心，卻付出了很沉重的代價！有誰願意拿自己一半的財產，換取看看耶穌是甚麼人的幾分鐘呢？作為一個稅吏長，匝凱肯定是一個老謀深算的人，他一定是善於計算成本效益，否則他也不會成為稅吏長！當然，人算不如天算，天主是一個充滿驚喜的天主，是一個我們不能參透的奧秘。倘若匝凱預先知道後果是這樣嚴重，或許他會打消看看耶穌的念頭！但天主是慈悲的，天主有祂的吸引力，可以把一個老謀深算的稅吏長，轉化成為如同小孩子一樣，不去計算成本效益，拿出一半財產，進入天國！「今天救恩來到了這一家」（19：9）

從另一個角度看，匝凱所得到的，不是幾分鐘的「驚鴻一瞥」，而是永恆的救恩。看來，匝凱仍是匝凱，不愧是一個老謀深算的稅吏長！
主啊，雖然我沒有匝凱的家財，但我不介意爬上野桑樹上，渴望見祢一面。希望祢不嫌棄，光臨寒舍。亞孟。
生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：Wikipedia

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Was Zacchaeus Calculating? (Luke 19:1-10)

Human civilization and progress rely not only on accumulating the fruits of predecessors and standing on the shoulder of giants, but curiosity is also an important contributor. It's because the authority of predecessors has often proved to be stumbling blocks of subsequent generations. In the history of natural sciences, many revolutionary progresses did not come about by reinventing the wheel. Rather, when authorities of previous generations were found inadequate in handling newly found phenomena, scientists were forced to break new paths. From where did those new phenomena come? Curiosity! Of course, curiosity does not guarantee to bring good consequences, e.g. Eva's curiosity. However, had men not made mistakes, would they have improved and made progress?

Whose curiosity is the greatest? Of course children's! Things which adults take for granted, such as sunrise and sunset, are wonders in children's eyes. Flowers, birds, insects and fish which adult don't bother are objects of serious observation and admiration for children who don't calculate costs and benefits. In their universe which is filled with wonders, children enjoy the happiness brought about by curiosity. Thus Jesus Christ tells us, "Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it" (Luke 18:17)

Today, Zacchaeus the wealthy chief tax collector (19:2) paid a huge price for his curiosity! Who would take half of his possessions in exchange for a glimpse of Jesus for just a few minutes? As a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus must have been a calculating man, good at calculating costs and benefits. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been chief! Of course, nobody is able to outwit God who has a lot of surprises in store, a mystery we can never fathom. Had Zacchaeus known beforehand how much it would cost him, would he have cancelled the whole curious idea? But God is merciful. He is attractive and capable of turning a calculating chief tax collector into a child, not calculating costs and benefits but willing to offer up half of his possessions to enter the Kingdom of God! "Today, salvation has come to this house" (19:9)

Seen from another perspective, Zacchaeus had secured not a few minutes' glimpse but an eternal salvation. Zacchaeus is after all Zacchaeus, a calculating chief tax collector!
Lord! Though I'm not as wealthy as Zacchaeus, I don't mind climbing a sycamore tree in order to see You. I pray You don't mind staying at my house. Amen.

主，叫我看見 Lord, Please Let Me See

「主，叫我看見」（路18:35-43）

人類在進化的過程中，銳利的視力有助生存，人類便越來越倚重視力。原祖父母犯下「原罪」，除了聽從了撒殫的挑撥離間外，視覺亦加強了誘惑的力度（創3：6）。人類所建設的文化和社會，亦相當注重美術的表達，來傳遞思想。所以，在人類社會中，弱視的人是相當吃虧的，何況是瞎子？在古代，除了在路旁討飯（路18：35），倚賴別人的愛心慷慨外，恐怕再沒有其他可以維生的辦法了。他們所受的苦，可想而知。所以當耶里哥的瞎子聽到是納匝肋人耶穌經過時，知道這是他復明重生的機會，於是求「達味之子」可憐他！

但今天的世界真奇怪，盲的人並不急於復明！請不要誤會，社會福利不是進步了，盲人的權益還未受到足夠的保障，他們的生活質素，尚有很多有待改善的空間…不是這些！我是說心盲的人！

世上有很多人，他們的心盲了，不介意生活在黑暗之中。他們對真理「視而不見，聽而不聞」；雖然「光明就是生命」（若1：4），即使「真理必會使你們獲得自由」（8：32），但是他們好像並不希罕生命，並不希罕自由！他們堅持自己是對的，否認所有說他是錯謬的言論；即使事實擺在眼前，仍指鹿為馬，並不打算改過遷善。他們仍可以快快樂樂，心安理得地繼續生活在自己的世界，為所欲為下去！他們沒有動機，求「達味之子」恢復視力！這樣的人，有如福音中附了「軍旅」，住在墳墓裡的可憐人。他們既傷害自己，又傷害周圍的人；惟有靠耶穌基督，不是以「達味之子」，而是以「至高天主之子」（路8：28）的身份來解放了！
主，叫我看見（18：41）。求祢使那些心盲的人，也能看見。亞孟！
生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：Wikipedia

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Lord, Please Let Me See (Luke 18:35-43)

In the process of human evolution, sharp eyesight helped survival. Human beings rely more and more on sight. The First Parents fell not only because of the cunning words of the Serpent, but sight also augmented the effect of temptation (Genesis 3:6). Human culture and society appeal to the sight with artistic ways to convey ideas. Thus, sight deficiency is a disadvantage in human society, not to mention blindness! In ancient times, other than begging by the roadside (Luke 18:35), relying on the charity of others, there seemed no other ways to earn a livelihood. The plight of being blind was unimaginable. Thus, when the blind man of Jericho heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he knew that that was his opportunity to see again. Thus he begged the Son of David to have pity on him!

But the world today is very strange. The blind are not eager to see again! Don't take me wrong. Social welfare has not improved. The rights of the blind have not been adequately protected. As for the quality of life of the blind, there is still room for improvement … No, not these. I mean those whose hearts are blind!

Many people in the world are blind in hearts. They don't mind living in the dark. To the truth, they listen but not hear, look but not see. Although "life is the light" (John 1:4) and "the truth shall set you free" (8:32), they don't seem to care about life and freedom! They insist that they are right. They deny all proofs to the contrary. They relabel facts and have no intention to correct themselves. In short, they enjoy living in their own world and do whatever they want. There is no incentive for them to beg the Son of David to recover their sight! These people are like the man possessed by Legion, living among tombs, hurting themselves and others. They need Jesus Christ, not as the Son of David, but Son of the Most High God (Luke 8:28) to liberate them!
Lord, Please Let Me See (18:41). Make those whose hearts are blind also see. Amen.

應向窮人伸手施惠 Stretch Forth Your Hand to The Poor

第四屆世界窮人日
主題：應向窮人伸手施惠

2016年慈悲禧年閉幕時，教宗方濟各宣佈，把每年的常年期第三十三主日，即「耶穌基督普世君王節」前一個主日，定為「世界窮人日」，今年已是第四屆了。在慶祝末日時，天主子耶穌基督君臨天下之前，提醒世人關懷窮人，回應耶穌基督在瑪竇福音第二十五章的忠告：「凡你們我這些最小兄弟的一個所做的，就是對我做的。」（瑪25:40）是非常恰當的。今年的主題是「應向窮人伸手施惠」，在疫情變成生活的新常態的今天，真是別有一番意義！

與死亡一樣，病毒無分貴賤，上至總統王子，下至露宿者或者獨居長者，無一倖免。在經濟受到重創的今天，人人都受著不同程度的打擊。雖然富人的財產「蒸發」了很多，但窮人因為缺乏保障，儲蓄不足，承受著比富人更沉重的傷害！因此，因為收入減少了甚至失業了，而硬著心腸，不肯伸手幫助比自己處境更惡劣的窮人，理據並不充份。其實，倘若你想做一件事，你會有一百個理由去做；同樣，倘若你不想做一件事，你也會找到一百個藉口不去做！例如星期六的賣旗，你會考慮賣旗的機構是「黃」還是「藍」，或者引述這個社福團體，性侵當地兒童的陋聞，又或者這個組織把百份之八十的捐款用在行政費上等等的理由，拒絕捐助這些機構…在這一點上，耶穌基督的另一個教訓是一針見血的。

話說耶穌基督榮進耶路撒冷後，有個癩病人西滿，在伯達尼宴請耶穌。席間一個女人拿著一玉瓶貴重的香液，來到耶穌跟前，把香液倒在耶穌的頭上。負責管理錢財的猶達斯表示不滿，覺得浪費，他認為應該把香液賣去，把錢施捨給窮人（26:6-9）！耶穌卻為那女人辯護說：「你們常有窮人同你們在一起，至於我，你們卻不常有。」（26:11）耶穌基督由始至終，都是貧窮的。祂降生在馬槽，並且埋葬在別人的墳墓裡。在這場合，祂再一次肯定了自己與窮人為伍。不但為窮人做的，就是服事耶穌，同樣為耶穌做的，也服事了窮人。值得注意的，是在於我們不是常有直接服事耶穌基督的機會！即是說，向窮人伸手施惠，是上主每一天給予我們服事祂的機會！由此可見，拒絕幫助窮人的藉口，是以「公義」之名，掩蓋「自私」的偽善！結果又一次失落了服事上主的機會！

今天的福音提醒我們，要善用上主所賜予的「塔冷通」，倘若以任何藉口把它埋沒了（25:25），天主一定會找我們算帳。誠然，每個人從天主所領受的「塔冷通」，各有不同，有的多，有的少。有些人天才橫溢，聰明伶俐，人脈廣闊，令人羨慕；有些人卻智商低，自閉，缺乏教養！但每個人最少也有一個塔冷通，這一個塔冷通是甚麼呢？
要知道天主是愛（若一4:8）而天主是按自己的肖像創造我們每一個人（創1:26）。即是說，每一個人都有愛和接受愛的能力，這就是天主交給每個人的，最基本的一個塔冷通！在這個基本的塔冷通之上，再添加聰明才智，壽數和際遇，這些都是點綴品。在孩提時代，我們有能力接受父母的愛，兄弟姊妹的愛，師長和朋友的愛。倘若長大後，我們拿不出天主的愛，親人的愛，師長朋友的愛，去關顧愛護遇上困難的「最小兄弟中的一個」，這表示我們自私，喪失了感恩之心，白白浪費了天主和祂安排在我們身邊栽培我們的人的努力！正如福音另一處所描述的不結果的無花果樹一樣，主人吩咐園丁：「你砍掉它罷，為甚麼讓它荒廢土地？」（路13:7）那麼，為甚麼拒絕行善的人，沒有「現眼報」，即時殘廢又或者暴斃呢？因為耶穌基督是慈悲的園丁，祂願意「在周圍掘土，加上糞」（13:8）給我們更多幫助窮人的機會，直到末日。不過，心腸硬化了的人，能夠看見這是機會嗎？

在俗世生活中，我們的心容易變盲，看不見天主在不斷工作，甚至好像伯多祿陷入恐慌時，否認他的師傅一樣。當初，是伯多祿宣認耶穌基督是默西亞，纔「賺得」教會磐石的地位。不要怪責伯多祿，因為耶穌基督尚未升天，聖神尚未降臨。且看五旬期聖神降臨後，伯多祿怎樣脫胎換骨，真的成為了教會的磐石！
各位兄弟姊妹，相信大家已領受了堅振聖事，天主藉著這件聖事，賜下「聖神七恩」。憑著聖神七恩，我們也可以有如伯多祿一樣，脫胎換骨，成為勇敢的天主教徒，在日常生活中，不怕艱難，為福音作見證。「智慧」是第一個神恩。智慧是甚麼呢？
首先，聖神的「智慧」，不是那些經歷過很多世事的得失，而沉澱出來的人生哲理，不是這些。這樣的話，恐怕真是要七八十歲的長者，纔有資格成為「智慧老人」了，小孩子免問！但耶穌不是說過，「你們若不變成如同小孩子一樣，決不能進天國」（瑪18:3）嗎？大家還記得上星期的福音嗎？胡塗的童女被拒諸天國的門外（25:12）。所以，無論是甚麼年紀的人，若缺乏了聖神的智慧，便會好像胡塗的童女一樣，失去了進入天國的機會。
第二，聖神的智慧，幫助我們看到人生短暫的成就，不能與永生的福樂相比，從而幫助我們渴望親近天主！因此，即使是幾歲的小孩子，在父母和主日學導師的諄諄善誘之下，也可以得到渴求天國永生的智慧。

各位兄弟姊妹，你們求聖神罷！求祂從天放射燭照心靈的真光。聖神被稱為「窮人之父」，求祂讓我們認清自己的貧窮，渴求在天主內得到永恆的富足。在生活中，慷慨大方，向窮人伸手施惠！
天主保祐！
第三屆世界窮人日
圖片鳴謝：vaticannews.va
Fr. Casey, OFM made a thought-provoking video that dwarfs my meditation. Enjoy it.

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Fourth World Day of The Poor
Theme: Stretch Forth Your Hand to The Poor

At the close of the Jubilee Year of Mercy in 2016, Pope Francis decreed every thirty-third ordinary Sunday, i.e. the Sunday before the Solemnity of Christ the Universal King, to be "World Day of The Poor". This is the fourth year. Before we celebrate the second advent of Jesus Christ as the Universal King, it is appropriate to remind humanity to care about the poor in response to Jesus' advice in the gospel, "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). The theme of this year is "Stretch Forth Your Hand to The Poor". It acquires a new meaning when the pandemic has become a new norm today!

Like death, virus does not discriminate. Presidents or princes, homeless or home alone, virus takes no hostages! The global economy has undergone serious damages. All humanity suffers different degrees of impact. Although much wealth of the rich has evaporated, the poor, due to the lack of protect and scarcity of savings, suffer heavier brunt! Thus reduction of incomes or even job losses cannot be an adequate reason not to extend a help hand to the poor whose situation is worse. Indeed, we can think of hundreds of reasons to do what we desire and similarly hundreds of excuses not to do what we don't want to. For example, flag selling on Saturdays, you may have a second thought because of their political background, or you may think of scandals of sexual abuses of indigenous children, or that they spend more than 80% of donation on administration etc. to reject their appeal for donations … On this point, Jesus' teaching is penetrating.

After His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Simon the leper invited Jesus to dinner at Bethany. A woman came up to Him with an alabaster jar of costly perfumed oil and poured it on His head. Judas who was in charge of finance was indignant and said it could have been sold for much and the money given to the poor (26:6-9)! Jesus defended the woman and said, "The poor you will always have with you; but you will not always have me." (26:11) Frome cradle to grave, Jesus Christ was poor. He was born in a manger and buried in somebody else's tomb. In this occasion, He affirms once more that He opts for the poor. Not only is whatever doing to the poor doing to Jesus, similarly whatever is done to Jesus is serving the poor! We should note that we do not often have the opportunities to serve Jesus Christ directly! That is to say, stretching forth our hands to the poor is the opportunity God gives us every day to serve Him! Thus, the excuses to refuse helping the poor are hypocrisy, hiding our selfishness in the name of justice! Consequently, we lose once again an opportunity to serve the Lord!

The gospel passage today reminds us to make good use of the talents God has given us. If we bury them in the ground for whatever excuses (25:25), God will definitely punish. Truly, everybody receives different talents, some more and some less. Some are genius, smart, well-connected and admired by many. Some are dumb; suffer from ADHD and lack of self-discipline! But everybody must have at least one talentum. What is this talentum?
Be known that God is love (1 John 4:8), and God created each one of us in His image (Genesis 1:26). That is to say, everybody has the capacity to love and to be loved. This is the fundamental talendum God gives us! On top of this basic talentum, God adds smartness, longevity and encounters as toppings! In childhood, we have the capacity to receive parental love, sibling love and love from teachers and friends. If after we mature, we are unable to take out God's love, love of friends, relatives and teachers to care about the "least of these brothers of mine", it shows that we are selfish and have lost gratitude. We have wasted the efforts of God and the people whom God have arranged around us to build us up! We are like the barren fig tree mentioned in another part of the gospel. The master tells the gardener, "Cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?" (Luke 13:7) Then, why don't people who refuse to do charity incur immediate punishment, crippled or even drop dead? It is because Jesus Christ is the merciful gardener who is willing to "cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it" (13:8), giving us more opportunities to help the poor until the end of the world. But for people whose hearts are hardened, are they able to see the opportunities?

Our hearts turn blind easily in this secular world. We are unable to see God working and even like Peter who denies his master out of fear. At first, it was Peter who declared that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, thus "earning" the status as the Rock of the Church. Don't blame Peter because Jesus Christ had not yet ascended into heavens and the Holy Spirit had not yet descended. Look at how Peter was transformed after the Pentecost and truly became the Rock of the Church!
Brethren! I'm sure you have received the Sacrament of Confirmation through which God gives us the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. With these gifts, we can be transformed like Peter to become courageous Catholics, undeterred by difficulties to bear witness to the Gospel in our daily life. Wisdom is the first gift. What is wisdom?
First of all, the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit is not the aphorisms distilled through many successes and failures in life. No, not those. Otherwise, only septuagenarians or octogenarians can be called wise. No children can be wise! But hasn't Jesus said, "Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3)? Do you remember the gospel last week? The foolish virgins were locked out from the kingdom of heaven (25:12). Thus, whatever the age, lacking the wisdom of the Holy Spirit will lose the opportunity to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Secondly, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit helps us see the achievements in this short earthly life are incomparable to the beatific happiness of eternal life. Therefore, wisdom helps us desire to come close to God! Thus, even children, under the guidance of parents and instructors in Sunday School, can obtain the wisdom to desire eternal life in the kingdom of heaven.

Brethren! Ask the Holy Spirit! Beg Him to send forth His beaming radiance to brighten our hearts. He is called "Father of the poor". Ask Him to allow us to see clearly our poverty and to desire the eternal consolation in God. Let us generously stretch forth our hands to the poor in our daily life!
God bless!

敬畏上主的恩典 The Gift of Fearing of the Lord

常年期第三十二主日，甲年
主題：敬畏上主的恩典

世界已變得越來越世俗化，大部份現代人對聖經的訊息，不感興趣。即使有興趣，也要放下很多包袱，纔能得到正確的理解。例如要接受今天福音所教訓，就必須要克服對「童女」的偏見。在滿腦子「人權」和「平等機會」的城市人心中，為甚麼是「童女」而不是「童男童女」，甚至祇是「男女」？在今天講求「男女平等」的現代社會，福音實在與現代人的生活太脫節了！那邊廂，倡議女權主義者必定會抗議耶穌選用「童貞女」這個圖像，否定女性對自己身體的主權。尚若祇有「童貞女」纔可以進入天國，不進天國也罷！二千年前是習俗，是理所當然的事，今天卻被人唾棄！在廿一世紀成聖的難度，的確要跨越很多困難！

所以，我們需要澄清一些運用比喻的原則，避免那些浪費時間和精力的爭辯。
首先，直接論述一些深奧的道理，恐怕祇有少數訓練有素的學者，纔有能力明白。這樣做會把大部份人拒諸門外，有違天主願意眾人得救的本意。讓大部份人明白的事物，就是日常生活可以接觸到的事物。所以耶穌基督按照「近取諸身、遠取諸物」的教學方法，以日常生活的材料，描述天國。
第二，有本領從「一顆沙粒看見宇宙，一朵野花參透天堂」（威廉‧布萊克《天真的徵兆》），固然是大智慧的表現。但這詩句背後的意景，告訴讀者，即使是普通的材料，亦足以描述天國的奧秘！所以運用童女迎接新郎的習俗來描述天國，是可行的。
第三，倘若耶穌在廿一世紀講述同樣的比喻，祂一定會選用今天的材料做圖像，例如參加奧運的運動員。有些運動員積極操練，有些隨便，更有些借用禁藥…二千年前在希臘舉行的奧運會，絕對不及婚禮習俗的普遍。同樣道理，倘若二千年後再沒有奧運會，或者人類社會再沒有婚姻制度，童女與運動員的圖像，同樣變得脫離現實了。每個圖像都有它們的「上架年期」，恐怕這是運用圖像的局限性。始終圖像不是它所象徵的事物本身！

在古時，不少教父曾在著作中或講道中，注釋「十童女」的比喻。他們普遍地把「十童女」解釋為教會。所以這個比喻的對象不是全人類，而是已經領洗入教的人。雖然天主願意所有的人得救（弟前2:4），但祂給予眾人平等機會的同時，亦不能強迫所有人接受祂的邀請。所以設下了篩選的機制，限制祇有信奉耶穌是天主子的人（若一4:15），纔有資格參加天上的婚宴，是合理和公義的！
耶穌基督選用了「童貞女」來象徵那些回應天主的邀請，專心一意事奉天主的人（瑪5:8，6:24），並沒有否定女性對自己身體的主權。而教會堅決反對的，是濫用主權，殺害無辜者生命的行為。這樣做，對天主作為生命的主宰是大不敬，是有害而無益的。另一方面，由「童貞女」迎接新郎，然後一起赴宴，既是當時的習俗，又能表達天上婚宴的事實，是當代最恰當的圖像了。

教會內有聖人，有罪人，是眾所周知的事實。可是，最終的比例有多少呢？恐怕祇有天主纔知道。耶穌基督用五個明智，五個愚昧的比例，是正確的安排。倘有六個是明智的，會令人過份樂觀，心存僥倖；倘若六個是愚昧的，會令人灰心喪志！
點燈是為了照亮四周，在瑪竇福音，那照耀的光是指基督徒的善行（5:16），是光榮在天之父的愛德服務。這些愛德服務有別於一般的社會福利，因為是為了「光榮在天之父的」。所以不是對所有人的要求，而是對那些接受邀請，參加天上婚宴者的要求，是他們應該穿著的「婚宴禮服」（22:12）。所以天主教徒要緊記，行善是參加婚宴的入場券，是「孝愛天主」，同時也是為了傳福音，為了令人光耀天主。

「油」既然是發光的燃料，便是行善的動機和能力了！那麼，富有的人有優勢嗎？可幸耶穌基督曾稱讚在聖殿銀庫投下了兩個銅錢的窮寡婦，所以天主仍不失為公義的天主，不是信奉「精英主義」的天主。其實，微不足道的我們，無論行善的數額有多大，無限的天主是不會放在眼內的！因此，祇餘下「動機」一項須要考慮。由此可見，「燈快要滅」（25：8），不是因為沒有了行善的資源，而是失去了行善的正當「動機」。正當的動機祇有一個，就是愛近人的同時，孝愛天主。幾時人為了沽名釣譽，為了接受人們的稱讚而施捨，便會失去了天主（6:1-2）。對不起，動機是不能分施給其他人的。所以，明智的童女，不是出於自私而拒絕分享，而是根本沒有可能分享！但「動機」可以買來的嗎？當然不可以，正當的動機是經年累月，培養出來的。臨急抱佛腳，難怪這些愚昧的童女，最終被拒諸門外。

值得留意的，是明智童女的態度。即使終日抱著正確的動機行善，她們仍然保持一份戰戰兢兢的心態，「怕為我們和你們都不夠」（25:9）。明智的童女是明白「諸聖相通」的道理，她們真的沒有私心，不是祇為了自己而行善，也為了其他同行者的益處行善。另一方面，她們對上主那份敬畏之情，令她們不敢怠慢，終日乾乾！「敬畏上主是智慧的肇基」（箴9:10），難怪她們是明智的。恐怕那些愚昧的童女之所以愚昧，是失去了「敬畏上主」的恩典所致罷！

各位兄弟姊妹，「聖神七恩」是環環相扣的，而且一切都是從「敬畏上主」開始的。世俗主義令人自大，是喪失「敬畏上主」的致命傷。失去「敬畏上主」便沒有智慧；沒有智慧，在各方面都不能明辨是非，隨波逐流，距離天國，越漂越遠。所以，祈求天主聖神，從新激活我們在領受「堅振聖事」所獲得的聖神七恩吧！ 天主保祐！
2017年講道
圖片鳴謝：vaticannews.va

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Thirty Second Ordinary Sunday, Year A
Theme: The Gift of Fearing of the Lord

The World is becoming more secular. Most modern people are not interested in the messages of the Bible. Even for those who are interested, they need to overcome many obstacles in order to attain a correct understanding. For example, in order to accept the teachings of today's gospel, people need to overcome the prejudice against "virgins". The minds of urban citizens are full of human rights and equal opportunities. They would find "virgins" offensive. Why just girls? Why not boys and girls? The gospels have truly lost touched with lives in modern societies which emphasize gender equality! On the other hand, feminists would protest against Jesus for using the image of "virgins" which denies the autonomy of women over the use of their own body. If only virgins could enter the Kingdom of Heaven, forget it! Two thousand years ago, people took the custom for granted. Today, the custom has become offensive! It is getting more and more difficult to attain sainthood in the twenty first century!
Thus, in order not to waste time and energy in futile arguments, we need to clarify the principles behind the use of parables.
First of all, if we explain difficult truths directly, I'm afraid only a handful of well-trained experts would be able to follow. Most people would become outsiders. This goes against God's will for all to be saved. In order to make most people understand, it is necessary to use familiar objects in daily life. Following this pedagogy of "using familiar objects", Jesus Christ makes use of things in people's daily life to talk about the Kingdom of Heaven.
Secondly, the ability "To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower…" ("Auguries of Innocence", William Blake) is great wisdom. But the imagery behind the couplet assures readers that even ordinary materials are able to convey the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven! Thus, using the custom of maidens waiting to meet the bridegroom is a legitimate symbol to talk about the Kingdom of Heaven.
Thirdly, if Jesus is to tell the same parable in this twenty first century, He will surely employ modern images such as Olympic athletes. Some athletes train diligently while others casually and some even use enhancement drugs … Two millennia ago, Olympic Games in Greece were definitely not as common as marriage customs. Similarly, in two thousand more years, there might not be Olympic Games or the institution of marriage in human societies anymore. Both images of virgins and athletes would lose touch with reality. Each image has a "shelf-life" which is the limitations of all images. After all, images are not what they symbolize!

In ancient times, many Church Fathers explained this parable of ten virgins in their treatises and homilies. In general, they agreed that the virgins symbolized the Church. Thus this parable is not meant for all humanity but those who were baptized. Even though God "wills everyone to be saved" (1 Timothy 2:4), while He gives all people equal opportunities, He cannot force people to accept His invitation. Therefore, setting up some election criteria, allowing only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 4:15) to join the heavenly banquet is reasonable and righteous!
Jesus Christ makes use of the image of virgins to symbolize those who respond to God's invitation to serve Him exclusively (Matthew 5:87, 6:24). That does not deny the autonomy of women over the use of their own body. The Church only opposes the abuse of autonomy to kill innocent lives. Doing so is a great rebellion against God who is the Author of Life. It is extremely harmful. On the other hand, virgins waiting to meet the bridegroom to attend wedding banquet was not only a custom, but it also expresses the reality of the heavenly banquet at the end of the world. Therefore, it is the most appropriate image at that time.

It is a truism that there are saints and sinners within the Church. But in the end, what will the proportion be? I'm afraid only God knows. Jesus Christ arranges 5 prudent and 5 foolish virgins in the parable. This is an appropriate proportion. If there are 6 prudent virgins, people may become over optimistic and tend to take chances. If there are 6 foolish virgins, people may become discouraged. People light a lamp to give light to all in a house. In the gospel of Matthew, this light is the good deeds of Christians (5:16) which are charitable works to glorify their heavenly Father. These charitable works are different from services of social welfare because glorification of heavenly Father is the aim. Thus, it is not a demand for all humanity but for those who have accepted the invitation to join the heavenly banquet. It is the wedding garments they should put on (22:12). Therefore, Catholics should bear in mind that charity is the admission ticket to the heavenly banquet. It is piety shown to God and at the same time an act of evangelization so that people shall glorify God.

"Oil" is the fuel that gives light. Then it is the motive and capability to do charity. Would the rich have an edge? Fortunately, Jesus Christ praised the poor widow who dropped in two brass coins in the Temple treasury. After all, God is still a righteous God, not an elitist God. Indeed, we are nothing but dust. However huge our donations are, in the eyes of our infinite God, they are nothing. Therefore, there is only one item, viz. the motive to consider. From this perspective, the reason the "lamps are going out" (25:8) is not a lack of resources, but the vanishing of the proper motive to do charity. There is only one proper motive, viz. to love our neighbour and at the same time, to be pious to God. Whenever people give alms for fame and praises from the others, they lose God (6:1-2). Sorry, motive cannot be shared. Thus, the prudent virgins do not share out of selfishness. It is just impossible to share. But can motive be purchased? Of course not! Proper motive takes years to cultivate. No wonder the foolish virgins who took chances at the last minute were locked out.

We should take note of the attitude of the prudent virgins. Even when they were doing charity with a proper motive, they were still trembling with fear, lest "there may not be enough for us and you" (25:9). The prudent virgins understand the article of faith, viz. "the communion of saints". They are not selfish. They do charitable works not only for themselves but also for the good of their companions. On the other hand, their fear of the Lord prods them on, not daring to be complacent for a moment! "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord" (Proverbs 9:10) No wonder they are wise. I'm afraid the foolish virgins are foolish because they have lost the gift of "the fear of the Lord"!

Brethren! The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are linked together and they begin with "the Fear of the Lord". Secularism inflates people's ego. It is the dart that kills "the Fear of the Lord" in men. Losing the Fear of the Lord loses wisdom. Without wisdom, we cannot discern right from wrongs. We flow with the current and stray from the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus, pray to the Holy Spirit to re-ignite the seven gifts we have received in the Sacrament of Confirmation! God bless!

不認識聖神七恩，不認識上天之門 Ignorance of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Ignorance of the Gate to Heaven

諸聖節，甲年
主題：不認識聖神七恩，不認識上天之門

一年祇有三百六十五天，教會幾乎每天都紀念幾個聖人。但經過二千年的旅程，聖人又豈祇一千幾百個那麼少呢？況且，古今中外，還有很多無名英雄、寂寂無聞，不見經傳，祇有天主纔知道的聖人，他們可謂是「滄海遺珠」的一群。所以今天，教會慶祝「諸聖節」，慶祝天主在他們的生平，展示了慈悲的救贖！

今天選讀的福音很貼切，是瑪竇福音第五章所記載的「真福八端」，又稱為「天國大憲章」，是所有基督徒的生活指標。因為「真福八端」是指導性的大原則，所以在往後的經文，直到第七章結束，瑪竇把「真福八端」更具體地演繹出來。因此，瑪竇福音的第五章到第七章，稱為「山中聖訓」。作為天主教徒，一生人能做得到其中任何一端，便足以進入耶穌基督所應許的天國了！

「山中聖訓」教訓甚麼呢？相信大家一定會聽過其中很經典的章節，連一些教外人士也很熟悉，並且經常拿來揶揄大家的。就是「若有人掌擊你的右頰，你把另一面也轉給他」（瑪5:39）；「借出，不要再有所希望！」（路6:35）對不起，是記載在《路加福音》第六章的「山中聖訓」，祇有一章！今年是甲年，我們讀《瑪竇福音》，暫時忘記路加吧，讓我們繼續。「你們是地上的鹽…你們是世界的光…」（瑪5:13-14）寫得很漂亮吧！好戲還在後頭！「凡向自己弟兄發怒的，就要受裁判…誰若向自己的弟兄說…『瘋子』，就要受火獄的罰。」（5:22）不是嘛，那麼嚴重？《路加福音》並沒有記載這教訓。為甚麼發怒是那麼嚴重？因為人類第一宗謀殺案，加音殺弟，就是出於忿怒。保祿宗徒有關發怒的教訓，寫得溫和些，他忠告信徒「不可讓太陽在你們含怒時西落。」（弗 4:26）福音是天主子耶穌基督的教訓，是不按個人的好惡，是沒有選擇餘地，不應選擇性遵守的！「惟獨堅持到底的，纔可得救」（瑪10:22），大家有勇氣再聽下去嗎？耶穌繼續教訓說：「是就說是，非就說非，其他多餘的便是出於邪惡。」（5:37）這樣做真難，傷了人際關係的感情，別人便不願聽你的話，怎樣把福音傳給他們呢？好吧，倘若執事繼續說，恐怕連大家都不願再聽下去了！

耶穌的教訓，真是不近人情！不是嗎？為甚麼要按「真福八端」生活呢？「溫良和善」、「飢渴慕義」、「憐憫寬恕」、「心裡潔淨」甚至「締造和平」可算是美德，按照這些大原則生活，無可厚非。但人生在世，不外乎尋求幸福，安居樂業。有誰會追求「貧窮」、「哀慟」和「為義而受迫害」，自討苦吃呢？
其實，不要以為溫良、慕義、慈悲、心裡潔淨和追求和平是容易做到的美德。
有誰不希望別人服從自己的意願？不強加自己的意願到配偶、兒女和下屬，要「溫良」談何容易！暴力之所以出現，由是因為強加意願時受到抵抗。所以從源頭出發，不強加一己意願，就可以減少暴力的出現！
試問有誰不希望自己得到公平的對待呢？但對別人公平會導致自己有所損失的話，你還會「飢渴慕義」嗎？在這十多個月來尚未停息的社會動盪中，要慈悲寬恕那些使用暴力的人，談何容易。說他們是「瘋子」已經很客氣，怎可能「把另一面也轉給他們」，簡直是天方夜譚…

真的，以人的本性，按照「真福八端」任何一端生活，都是困難的。可是，作為蒙召成聖，成為天主子女的我們，豈能永遠停留在那不能生活在天上的本性層次，而不去追求更高尚的，屬靈層次的幸福呢？在世上按「真福八端」生活，就是為了磨鍊我們的本性，讓它可以適合，適應將來在天上生活！
那麼，天國是「貧窮」的嗎？不是，而是在天上，我們不再需要金錢財富。所以我們現在，就要學習「擁有天主，比擁有金錢財富更幸福」的心態（6:24）！
在天國是經常傷心哀慟嗎？不是。今天的世界，大部份人追求歡笑，不願意面對罪惡的醜惡，逃避罪惡的痛苦！倘若我們不認清罪惡，不像伯多祿一樣，為自己的罪惡而哀慟痛哭（26:75），又怎能清除自身的罪惡，進入天國呢？
在天國，沒有人有權強加一己私欲在別人身上。倘若我們不從現在開始操練「溫良」，將來在天上，怎能和其他人，永遠相處呢？記住，是永遠！
同理，我們不能強加自己的願意給天主，要求天主接納某人進入天國，把曾經傷害我們的人列入「制裁名單」！倘若我們現在不習慣「憐憫」，將來在天上，又怎能與曾經傷害我們的人永遠相處呢…

我們憑甚麼能夠駕馭自己的本性呢？在「山中聖訓」的尾段，耶穌基督給我們保證，天父明白我們的困難，祂願意無限量支持我們。祂說：「你們縱然不善，尚且知道把好的東西給你們的兒女，何況你們在天之父，豈不更將好的賜與求祂的人？」（7:11）所以，求天父把聖神賜給我們吧！我們既然已經領了「堅振聖事」，領受了聖神，便求聖神再次激活在我們身上的「聖神七恩」吧！活在四世紀的聖奧思定曾把七個「真福」，配合到「聖神七恩」上，可見擁有聖神七恩的我們，是絕對有把握，活出大部份的「真福八端」了。另一方面，活在十三世紀的聖多瑪斯，把「聖神七恩」與我們得救的關鍵，即「信、望、愛」這三個「超性德行」，與及「智、義、勇」，即做人的德行「四樞德」其中三個聯系在一起。可見「聖神七恩」是我們處世做人，邁向天國路上的致勝攻略！能善用聖神七恩，必能穩操進入天國的門券。

各位兄弟姊妹，你們的天國入場券放在哪？大家可記得「聖神七恩」是甚麼嗎？知道「超見」是甚麼？能分辨「聰敏」和「明達」嗎？我們的主保聖葉理諾說：「不認識聖經，不認識基督」。執事不是聖人，但不害羞，不怕拾人牙慧，模仿我們的主保說：「不認識聖神七恩，不認識上天之門」。
天主保祐！
圖片鳴謝：wikipedia

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All Saints' Day, Year A
Theme: Ignorance of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Ignorance of the Gate to Heaven

There are 365 days a year. On each day the Church celebrates a few saints. But throughout the centuries, how can there only be a few hundred saints in the Church? Moreover, whether it was ancient or is modern, East or West, there are many unsung heroes, unrecorded saints whom only God knows. They are the forgotten ones. Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints to commemorate how God manifests His merciful redemption in their lives!

The choice of gospel passage is very appropriate today. It is the "Beatitudes" which is also known as the "Magna Carta of the Kingdom of Heaven". They are guidelines of Christian life. Since the Beatitudes are high level guidelines, Matthew continues to explain them more concretely until the end of Chapter 7. Thus, Matthew Chapters 5 to 7 is also known as the "Sermon on the Mount". As Catholics, if we are able to put one of the Beatitudes into practice, we would be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven promised by Jesus Christ!

What are the teachings of the "Sermon on the Mount"? I'm sure all of you have heard of some of the classic passages which even non-believers are well-versed and tease us with them. They are, "When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well." (Matthew 5:39), "And lend expecting nothing back" (Luke 6:35) Sorry, this is the Lukan version of the "Sermon on the Mount" and there is only one chapter! Sorry, this is Year A. Let's read Matthew and put away Luke for the time being. Let's continue. "You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world…" (Matthew 5:13-14) How beautifully it is written! The best is reserved to the last! "Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment and whoever says to his brother … ‘You fool', will be liable to fiery Gehenna" (5:22) Are you sure it is that serious? Luke does not mention this. Why is anger that serious? It is because the first murder, Cain killing his brother Abel, was committed in anger. Paul teaches more mildly about anger. He advises believers "Do not let the sun set on your anger." (Ephesians 4:26) The gospel is the teaching of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is indifferent to the likes and dislikes of men. It is not optional or should it be selectively obeyed! "Whoever endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 10:22) Do you have the courage to continue? Jesus continues to teach, "Let your ‘Yes' mean ‘Yes', and your ‘No' mean ‘No'. Anything more is from the evil one." (5:37) It is really difficult to put into practice. It hurts people's feelings. When they are not willing to listen to you, how can you spread the good news to them? OK. If I continue to enumerate, I'm afraid you will be reluctant to go on listening!

Jesus' teachings are too harsh! Aren't they? Why should we live according to the Beatitudes? Meekness, hunger for justice, mercy, purity of heart and peace-making are virtues. It is alright to live according to these principles. But what do people look for in life, happiness and a stable life. Who wants to be poor, to be mournful and to be persecuted for the sake of righteousness in life?
In fact, don't ever think that it is easy to practise meekness, justice, mercy, purity and peace-making. Who doesn't want other to follow their wishes? Not imposing one's wishes on spouses, children and subordinates, being meek is more easily said than done! Violence emerges because people resist. Starting from the source, not imposing one's wishes on others will reduce violence!
Who doesn't want to be fairly treated? But when treating others fairly will incur losses on your part, will you still hunger for righteousness?
For the past sixteen months, the social unrest still lingers on. How can we talk about being merciful to those who resort to violence? It is already mild to call them fools. Turn the other cheek? No way…

Truly, it is next to impossible to lead our life according to any one of the Beatitudes with our human nature. But we are called to sainthood to become God's children. How can we stay forever in our nature, which is unable to live in heaven, and do not seek more noble and spiritual happiness? We lead our life on earth according to the Beatitudes in order to train our nature, to make it suitable and to adapt it to life in heaven!
Then, is the Kingdom of heaven poor? No, but in heaven, we don't need money and wealth anymore. Thus now, we need to learn "possessing God is more blessed than possessing mammon" (6:24)!
Do we always mourn in the Kingdom of Heaven? No. In our world today, people seek laughter and are reluctant to confront the ugliness of sins. They evade the pains of sins! If we don't see evils in their eyes like Peter and cry for our sins and others' (26:75), how can we cleanse ourselves of sins and enter the Kingdom?
In the Kingdom, nobody has the authority to impose their personal wishes on others. If we do not start practising meekness now, how can we stay with others forever in heaven? Remember, it is eternity!
Similarly, we cannot impose our wishes on God, demanding God to accept so-and-so into the Kingdom and put those who have hurt us in the "Sanction List"! If we do not get used to being merciful, how shall we live together forever with those who have hurt us …

How can we bridle our human nature? In the last section of the "Sermon on the Mount", Jesus guarantees us that the Father knows our difficulty and is willing to support us. Jesus says, "If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him" (7:11) Thus, ask the Father to give us the Holy Spirit! Since we have received the Sacrament of Confirmation and have received the Holy Spirit, ask the Holy Spirit to activate the seven gifts in us! St. Augustine in the fourth century links seven of the Beatitudes to these seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Thus, we who have the seven gifts have absolute certainty to live out the Beatitudes. Moreover, St. Thomas Aquinas in the thirteenth century links the seven gifts with the three theological virtues, viz. faith, hope and charity which are essential for our salvation and three of the four cardinal virtues, viz. prudence, justice and fortitude. Thus the seven gift of the Holy Spirit are the roadmap to enter the Kingdom. Making good use of them shall surely win us the admission ticket.

Brethren, where have you put your admission ticket? Do you remember what the seven gifts are? What is Counsel? Can you tell the difference between Understanding and Knowledge? Our patron saint, St. Jerome once said, "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ". Though I'm no saint, I won't shy away from parroting our patron saint and say, "Ignorance of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit is ignorance of the Gate to Heaven."
God bless!