守法怎樣顯出有智慧 Obeying the Law Shows Wisdom

常年期第廿二主日，乙年
主題：守法怎樣顯出有智慧

貫串今天的三篇讀經，有一個共同主題，就是「智慧」。雖然第一篇讀經是節錄的，但大家應該有能力自己翻查原文的全部。第二篇讀經提及拯救我們靈魂的天主聖言（雅1:21），這天主聖言，這生了我們的「真理之言」（1:18），祇有智慧纔能掌握到，領會到這真理！

回到第一篇讀經，話說梅瑟頒佈法律時，很清楚明白地告訴以列色人，這法律來自天主：「看，我授與你們法令和規律，都是上主我的天主吩咐與我的」（申4:5a）。梅瑟繼續說：「你們要謹守遵行，因為這樣，在萬民眼中，纔能顯出你們的智慧和見識」（4:6）。守梅瑟法律的以色列人，在其他民族眼中顯得有智慧和有見識！
原來法律在某程度上，是真理的載體，例如自然科學所發現的定律，總包含著大自然的奧妙真理，反映出天主創造的智慧！應用到社會上的定律，總不離真理。例如：欠債還錢，是保障私有產業的定律，是表達「公義」這個真理。誠然，某些法律祇是為了方便人與人的交往，與真理無關。例如在公路上超速行車，容易發生危險；行車太慢，又會造成擠塞！所以有必要定下車速限制。
話說回來，那麼，是梅瑟法律本身的設計充滿智慧，還是守法的以色列人本身有智慧，以至在萬民眼中，覺得以色列人有智慧和見識呢？以【申命紀】的立場，是前者。因為舊約聖經時常批評以色列人是執拗的百姓/民族（出32:9，申9:6），所以是梅瑟法律本身的完美，令遵守的人，無論是以色列人，還是其他民族的人，顯得有智慧，有見識。

那麼，人真是這樣不濟，這樣一無是處嗎？
無可否認，沒有法律的指導，人會變得無所適從，容易行差踏錯；但沒有人執法，法律是死的文字而已。所以人與法律是互動的，共生的。要知道文字是死的，人卻是活的，倘若由不理會立法精神的人執法，即使是完美的法律，也會淪為「食人的禮教」！同樣，即使是有缺陷的法律，落在有法治精神的法官手上，也總可以作出合情合理，令人信服的判決。所以，人纔是主角，問題在於守法的人或者執法的人，是按法律的精神行事，還是出於自私，出於耶穌基督今天在福音中數算的邪惡呢？「…惡念、邪淫、盜竊、兇殺、姦淫、貪吝、毒辣、詭詐、放蕩、嫉妒、毀謗、驕傲、愚妄」（谷7:21-22）不按法律精神守法，會帶來甚麼後果？人民祇會想盡辦法逃避責任，推卸責任。不按法律精神執法會怎樣？濫權自肥，此起彼落，祇會累積民怨，造成社會動盪！

當守法/執法由為了幫助人生存（申4:1）變成為了滿足一己的私慾，殘民以自肥的時候，天主，祢會袖手旁觀嗎？
從祂所頒佈的法律，可見天主是「公平」的（4:8）。但這並不意味著天主會立刻追究那些殘民以自肥者的責任。從亞巴郎為索多瑪城，與天主討價還價的例子（創18:22-33）；又或者梅瑟為山下拜偶像的以色列人求情的例子（出32:7-14），可以看到，即使是舊約所描述的天主，在公義以外慈悲的一面。先知繼續說：「我豈能喜歡惡人的喪亡？我豈不更喜歡他離開舊道而得生存？」（則18:23）到了新約時代，天主的慈悲壓倒一切！即是說，天主「是含忍的，慈祥的，不嫉妒，不誇張，不自大，不作無禮的事，不求己益，不動怒，不圖謀惡事，不以不義為樂，卻與真理同樂；凡事包容，凡事相信，凡事盼望，凡事忍耐，因為祂是永存不朽的」（格前13:4-8a）這忍耐包容是天主的智慧，讓人長進和生存的智慧。當保祿宗徒在歌頌「愛」的時候，他不知不覺地在歌頌天主，聖保祿間接地說了一句「天主是愛」（若一4:8）。

更有甚者，天主把復仇保留給自己（羅12:19），免得我們欠下我們沒有能力償還的血債。即是說，祂已暗示了由祂來償還所有血債！具體地，天主子降生成人，死在十字架上，代替世人償還所有血債！罪人要做的，就是向祂呼求便可以了。正如今天第一篇讀經所說：「有那個大民族的神這樣接近他們，如同上主我們的天主，在我們每次呼求祂時，這樣親近我們呢？」（申4:7）天主，罪人們真的被祢的慈悲寵壞了！不過，我要告訴大家，不要企圖佔天主便宜，不要以為無限慈悲的天主，會給我們無限次的悔改機會、給我們無限量的恩寵生活，便可以無後顧之憂地犯罪，滿足一己的私慾！聖保祿也曾反省過這個疑問：「那麼，我們因為…在恩寵權下，就可以犯罪嗎？」（羅6:15）

誠然，無限仁慈的天主，固然會給我們無限次悔改的機會，和無限量的恩寵生活。問題在於我們是微不足道的受造物，我們沒有無限的時間運用這些無限的機會和恩寵。尤有甚者，浸淫在罪惡的時間越長，我們吸收恩寵的能力越弱；以至我們的心腸硬化到不想悔改，不覺得有需要悔改，或者對天主絕望，認為自己罪孽深重，無可藥救，好像猶達斯一樣，一死以謝天下！
看來守法真是有智慧！首先，守法避免沉溺在罪惡中，心腸硬化，不能自拔。其次，遵守法律可以約束著我們的衝動，使我們的精力，在合符公益的渠道內運作，不至傷及無辜，累己累人。最後，受到約束和限制，我們便有動機去發掘潛藏著的本領，有機會提升，甚至超越自己的本質成聖！

各位兄弟姊妹，天主頒佈戒律，目的不在約束我們的自由，而是幫助我們有規範地運用我們的自由；我們守法，亦不應消極地死守條文，反而應該有意識地活出法律的精神，倡議一些放諸四海皆準的倫理！為人為己，以法治精神守法執法，是智慧之選。
天主保祐！
2015年講道
圖片鳴謝：blogs-images.forbes.com/susanadams/

Twenty Second Ordinary Sunday, Year B
Theme: Obeying the Law Shows Wisdom

There is a common thread running through the three readings today, namely “wisdom”. Although the first reading is an excerpt, I’m sure all of you are capable of looking up the text in full. The second reading mentions the “word that is able to save our souls” (James 1:21). This “word of truth” which gave us birth (1:18) can only be grasped by wisdom!

Let’s get back to the first reading. When Moses taught the Israelites the commandments, he told them “See, I am teaching you the statues and ordinances as the Lord, my God, has commanded me” (Deuteronomy 4:5a) and continues, “Observe them carefully, for this is your wisdom and discernment in the sight of the peoples” (4:6). Other peoples would see wisdom and discernment in the Israelites who observe commandments!
To a certain extent, laws are carriers of truth. For example, laws discovered by natural sciences capture wonderful truths of Mother Nature. They reflect God’s creative wisdom! Laws applied to societies can’t stray from the truth. For example, repaying debts is a law which protects private property. It shows the truth of justice. To be honest, some laws are set up to facilitate interpersonal interactions only and may not be related to truth. For example, speeding on highway is dangerous, but driving too slowly creates congestions! Therefore, laws are set up to regulate speeding.
Let’s return to Moses’ laws. Is the design of Moses’ laws full of wisdom, or are the Israelites themselves so wise that other peoples think that they have wisdom and discernment? From the perspective of Deuteronomy, it is the former. It is because the Old Testament always criticizes the Israelites “a stiff-necked people” (Exodus 32:9, Deuteronomy 9:6). Thus, Moses’ laws themselves are so perfect that whoever observe them, be they Israelites or Gentiles, will show wisdom and discernment.

Then, are men really that incompetent and good for nothing?
Undeniably, without laws, men lose direction and make mistakes easily. But without men to enforce them, laws are dead letters. Thus, men and laws tangle and are symbiotic. Letters are dead but men are alive. If laws are enforced by people who ignore the spirit of the law, even perfect laws would become a slaughter house! In a similar manner, in the hands of judges who follow the Rule of Law, sensible and convincing sentences can be meted out even under flawed legislations. Therefore, it is men who play the major roles. The crux of the issue is whether the observers or the enforcers of the law follow the spirit of the law or self-interests, or what Jesus enumerates today in the gospel: “evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly” (Mark 7:21-22) What consequences would it cause when people don’t observe the laws according to the spirit of the law? Citizens would evade responsibilities and pass the buck to others. What about not enforcing the laws according to the Rule of Law? Authority abuses and self-fattening would be rampant. Commoners would grumble and destabilize the society!

When observing/enforcing the laws turns from helping people live (Deuteronomy 4:1) to self-fattening, God, would you simply fold your hands and do nothing?
From the laws He gave, we see that God is righteous (4:8). But that doesn’t imply that God would immediately chase after the abusers. From Abraham’s bargaining with God over Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33), or Moses’ intercession for the Israelites who were worshipping idol below Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:7-14), we see the merciful face of the Old Testament God behind His righteousness. Later, the prophet would say, “Do I find pleasure in the death of the wicked? Do I not rejoice when they turn from their evil way and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23) In New Testament time, God’s mercy overwrites everything! That is to say, God “is patient and is kind. He is not jealous, is not pompous, is not inflated, is not rude, does not seek His own interests. He is not quick-tempered. He does not brood over injury, does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. He bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. He never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a) This patience and tolerance is the wisdom of God, an edifying and life-giving wisdom. When Paul sang this ode of love, perhaps without knowing it, he sang praises to God. Indirectly, Paul says, “God is love.” (1 John 4:8)

More than that, God reserves vengeance for Himself (Romans 12:19) so that we will not be accountable for the bloodguilt which we are unable to repay. That is to say, He has already suggested that He would shoulder all the bloodguilt Himself! In concrete terms, the Son of God would incarnate and be crucified to repay all the bloodguilt for men! What sinners should do is simply to invoke God. Just as it is written in the first reading today, “For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?” (Deuteronomy 4:7). God, sinners are spoiled by Your mercy! However, I won’t encourage you to take advantage of God. Don’t ever think that God is infinitely merciful. He would give us infinite opportunities to repent and infinite grace to live. Therefore, we may sin and gratify all our desires without any worries. St. Paul asks a similar question, “Shall we sin … because we are under grace?” (Romans 6:15)

Frankly, infinitely merciful God will give us infinite number of opportunities to repent and infinite amount of grace to live. The problem is we are mere negligible creatures. We don’t have eternity to enjoy those infinite opportunities and grace. More seriously, the longer we imbue in sins, the weaker our ability to absorb grace so much so that our hearts become hardened. Then we don’t want to repent, don’t feel the need to repent or we despair, thinking that our sins are so grave that we are irredeemable. Like Judas, the only exit is suicide!
From this perspective, obeying the laws is truly wise! First of all, observing the laws prevents us from submerging in sins, having our hearts hardened and forsaking repentance. Secondly, observing the law can restrain our impulses. We are able to channel our energy to do public good and not doing harm to the innocent. Lastly, being restrained, we have the motive to develop our potentials and the opportunity to sublime and even transcend our nature to sanctification!

Brethren! God gives us commandments not to restrict our freedom but to help us exercise our freedom in an appropriate manner. When we observe the laws, we shouldn’t passively obey the letters of the laws. Instead, we should consciously live up the spirit of the laws and advocate some categorical morality. For our good and for the good of all, observe and enforce the laws with the spirit of rule of law is a wise choice.
God bless!

天主聖言的生命力 The Vitality of God’s Word

常年期第廿一主日，乙年
主題：天主聖言的生命力

在曠野接受魔鬼第一個試探的時候，耶穌基督祇回應了一句「經上記載：『人生活不祇靠餅，而也靠天主口中所發的一切言語。」（瑪4:4，申8:3）因此，倘若天主教徒希望自己的信仰生命有活力的話，就必須領聖體與讀聖經並重，否則祇會事倍功半。無論怎樣勤領聖體但不讀經；又或者勤讀聖經而不領聖事，到頭來祇會徒勞無功！天主教的彌撒，聖言與聖體並重。首先是「聖道禮」，先聆聽主的訓誨，預備妥當自己的心神，隨後在「聖祭禮」中，領受聖體聖事，與主結合。所以天主教徒非常重視參加主日彌撒，在他們的信仰中，彌撒是生活的最高峰。且看在福音中，耶穌經常是先講道，之後纔行神蹟，照顧求助者的需要。所以彌撒的安排，非常符合天主子的行動模式。

連續幾個主日的彌撒，我們都在反省耶穌基督在若望福音中有關「生命之糧」的教訓，可見它的重要性。耶穌基督為了我們靈魂的益處，並且為了兌現祂在瑪竇福音中所作的承諾（瑪28:20），留下「聖體聖事」給我們。為天主教徒來說，「聖體聖事」就是這「生命之糧」。一片麵餅可以供應身體所需的能量，這一點我們容易理解；但天主的言語，怎樣提供力量給我們生活呢？今天耶穌說：「我給你們所講論的話，就是神，就是生命。」（若6:63）很清楚表示出祂的說話，即是天主的說話，是使人的生命有活力的言語！讓我們來默想這句話的意義。

人類創造了各式各樣的語言，用來與機器、動物和其他人溝通。例如操控機器用的電腦語言，指揮動物表演的手語，保留人類文化的數學、音樂和藝術語言和文字，當然還有人與人之間溝通的日用語言。上述的語言，大致可分為兩類。第一類是與機器和動物溝通的語言，為了達到功利的目的，獲行最大的利益就是成功，並不需要顧及對方的位格和尊嚴，因為機器和動物根本沒有位格。但第二類與人溝的的語言，涉及與另一個有位格的個體建立關係，情況變得複雜得多了。溝通不但傳遞資訊，因為訊息中包含了情緒的成份。所以人類的語言，除了傳達指令訊息之外，還可以傳情寄意，宣洩情緒，鼓舞人心。說話可以用來教授真理，可以用來欺騙世人；可以安慰傷心的人，可以侮辱踐踏仇人；可以游說對手妥協，可以鼓勵士兵戰死沙場…可見即使是人類的語言，已經擁有十分強大的威力！那麼，天主的說話又怎樣呢？

觀察這個可見的宇宙，我們得到一個肯定的結論，就是它有一個開始。宇宙開始的時候，尚未有人類。因此，所有文明有關宇宙起源的敘述，祇能以故事形式流傳。但不要鄙視這些神話傳說，因為它們嘗試解答一個人類與生俱來必會提出的疑問：我們從那裡來，往那裡去；我們身處的宇宙怎樣出現。今天我們鄙視古代的創世故事，將來的人類同樣會鄙視我們今天所信奉的「大爆炸理論」。各個文化的開天闢地和創造人類的傳說，總帶有幾分政治色彩，為統治者服務。猶太人的【創世紀】有點不同，因為是亡國充軍到巴比倫時寫的，因此少了一份維護統治者的元素，相對地客觀些！它的描述，少了一份對武力的歌頌；天主祇是用說話，便可以創造出一切。而且，這個創造的描述，循序漸進，可以容納「進化論」的演繹；它把創造描述成從混沌（創1:2）變成有秩序，避開了怎樣從「無中生有」的爭論。這個描述，祇涉及可見的宇宙，「有光」（1:3）；對可見宇宙的前身留白，對於天使魔鬼的來源，不置可否，是一個有分寸和負責任的做法。創造可見宇宙的最高峰是創造人類，因為他們是按天主的肖像所造（1:26）。這樣敘述，倡議人人平等，人人有尊嚴。因此，在眾多文明的創造敘述中，我個人認為猶太人的【創世紀】是最可取的。

【創世紀】有關創造人類的描述有兩個，第二個描述更為生動活潑。首先，「上主天主用地上的灰土形成了人」（創2:7a）為甚麼以「地上的灰土」作材料呢？看來並不科學，而且人類好像沒有甚麼價值，與第一章的描述矛盾！
首先，第二章的故事，把天主描繪成為一個陶匠，而人類是祂的精心傑作！因此，這樣的描述並沒有抹煞人類的尊嚴，與第一章並沒有矛盾。而且這描述非常科學，因為人死後的所有物質，無論土葬火葬或其他方式，最後都返回大地，完全合符「物質不滅定律」。在聖經的立場，人類是在這顆行星上土生土長的，不要妄想他們是外星人殖民留下的種子！

但創造人類的第二個故事，最精彩之處是後半句：「上主天主…在他鼻孔內吹了一口生氣，人就成了一個有靈的生物。」（2:7b）。換句話說，沒有上主的一口生氣，人祇不過是一個人形的泥雕塑。憑上主的一口生氣，人變成了生物，而且是有靈性的生物。
「有靈性」是甚麼意思？是能夠超越本性的意思。例如，以動物的神經系統，應該不能了解人類的思維或感情，這是牠們本性上的局限。但很多寵物，甚至動物，好像有能力與主人溝通，並且明白主人的心意。例如，有記載一隻待宰的牛，竟然跪下流淚，好像在乞求主人免牠一死！我們便形容這樣的動物「有靈性」，因為牠的表現，超越了牠的本性。
人有靈性是甚麼意思呢？即是人有能力超越人類的本性，人終非池中物，他日必有超凡的成就！另一方面，缺乏了上主的這一口生氣，人即使成為了生物，也祇能滯留在動物的層次，與禽獸無異。當上主吹一口生氣給這人型泥雕塑的時候，不但賜給它生命，更催促他超越這塵土的本質，昇華到更高層次！這是做人的宿命！

很自然，我們要問，這「一口生氣」是甚麼？
讓我們快速去片到第一個復活主日，若望宗徒告訴我們，復活了的耶穌基督顯現給門徒，「向他們噓了一口氣，說：『你們領受聖神罷！』」（若20:22）這句子與創世紀的記載，首尾呼應。第一，耶穌基督就是創世紀中的上主天主。第二，祂是靈性生命的來源。第三，祂所吹的氣，就是天主聖神。這一口氣，這位天主聖神使我們充滿生命，這一點我們容易明白。但這口氣與耶穌基督所講論的話，有甚麼關係呢？
其實關係十分簡單，因為說話必須倚靠呼吸。難道你能一直閉著氣來說話嗎？耶穌基督向門徒噓氣的行動，是宣示祂自己就是造物主的身份。在祂的公開生活時，天主子通常以征服大自然的神蹟，來宣示自己是天主的身份。但天主的行動模式，即耶穌基督的行動模式，總是以最少的武力來完成祂的旨意。所以，祂祇輕描淡寫地向群眾說：「我給你們所講論的話，就是神，就是生命」（6:63），而沒有運用神蹟作進一步的佐證！

各位兄弟姊妹！向天主聖神祈求吧！願聖神助祐我們，好像伯多祿一樣，領悟到惟有耶穌基督纔有永生的話，我們沒有其他可以投靠了（6:68）；並且在我們的心內，燃起對天主聖言的熱忱，熱愛讀經，與人分享，藉著這樣的方法修煉，超越本性，獲得永生。
天主保祐！
2015年講道
圖片鳴謝：tedwitham.com

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Twenty First Ordinary Sunday, Year B
Theme: The Vitality of God’s Word

Confronting the first temptation from the Tempter in the wilderness, Jesus Christ simply replied, “It is written: ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3) Thus, if Catholics want to lead a vigorous religious life, they must put equal emphasis on receiving the Holy Eucharist as well as bible studies. Otherwise, they need to double up their efforts and yet reap less. No matter how diligent they receive the Holy Communion, but no bible studies, or on the contrary, they study the bible intensely but do not receive the sacraments, it would be fruitless in the end! Catholic masses emphasize both the Word of God and the Holy Communion. They start with the Liturgy of the Word in which they listen to the teaching of the Lord attentively to prepare their hearts and souls. Then in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, they receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion to unite with the Lord. Therefore, Catholics emphasize Sunday masses which they see as the zenith of their life. Take a look at the gospels. Jesus usually preached before He met the needs of the crowd and worked miracles. Thus, the organization of the masses agrees with the modus operandi of the Son of God.

In masses on the last few consecutive Sundays, we reflect on Jesus’s teachings of the “bread of life” in the gospel of John. Obviously, these teachings are extremely important. For the benefits of our souls and for honouring His pledges in the last verse of the gospel of Matthew (Matthew 28:20), Jesus Christ left behind the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. For us Catholics, the Holy Communion is the bread of life. It is easy for us to understand how a piece of bread supplies the energy our bodies need. But how does the Word of God supply us energy for our life? Today, Jesus says, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63) clearly shows that His words, i.e. the words of God, are words that vitalize the life of men! Let us meditate on the meaning of this verse.

Men have in turn created all sorts of languages to communicate with machines, animals and other men. For example, computer languages to control machines, sign languages to instruct animals in shows, mathematical languages, musical languages and art languages to preserve our cultural heritages. Of course, there are also natural languages for human communications on daily basis. The languages mentioned above can broadly be divided into two groups. The first group deals with machines and animals for utilitarian purposes. They are successful when they are able to achieve the greatest benefits. They don’t need to care about the personhood and dignity of the objects because machines and animals are not persons. But the second group communicates with human beings. They involve building up relationships with another person. Things become more complicated. Not only does the communication pass on information, but it also contains emotional elements. Thus, on top of passing on instructions and information, human languages convey feelings, rant emotions and motivate people. Words teach the truth and cheat. They console and humiliate. They persuade rivals to compromise and also are war cries to sacrifice all … Therefore even human languages can be extremely powerful! Then, what about God’s words?

Through the observations of the visible universe, we are able to draw a conclusion with certainty: it has a beginning. In the beginning, there were no human beings. Therefore, all narrations of the genesis of the universe in all civilizations can only be handed down as legends. Don’t despise these legends and myths because they attempt to answer questions all human beings are born to ask: from where we came from, where we shall go and how this universe came about. Today, we slight those ancient genesis stories. In a similar manner, humanity in the future would tease the Big Bang Theory we hold dear today. All genesis narratives in all civilizations carry political agendas to serve the ruling class. The Jewish book of Genesis is a little bit different because it was written during the Babylonian captivity when the Israelites were conquered and exiled. Thus, there are less elements to support the ruling class and is therefore relatively more objective! Its narratives sing less praises to violence. God only used words to create all. Moreover, the Genesis narratives are progressive, thus allowing room for evolutionary interpretation. They describe creation as building up order from something “without form or shape” (Genesis 1:2) leaving aside any controversy over creatio ex nihilo. This narrative confines itself to the visible universe only, “Let there be light” (1:3), leaving blank what came before. It is silent on the matter of the genesis of angels and devils. This is a measured and responsible narrative. The zenith of the creation of the visible universe was the creation of men because they were created in the image of God (1:26). This narrative advocates the equality of men who are endorsed with dignity. Thus, among the genesis narratives of all civilizations, I personality think that the Genesis narrative of the Jewish Scripture is superior.

There are two narratives of the creation of man in Genesis. The second one is livelier and more dramatic. First of all, “The Lord God formed the man out of the dust of the ground,” (Genesis 2:7a) Why did God use “the dust of the ground”? It didn’t look scientific and man looked worthless which contradicts the narration of chapter one!
Firstly, in chapter two the author portrays God as a potter and man was His masterpiece! Thus, this narration does not debase the dignity of man and does not contradict chapter one. It is scientific because after his death, all the materials of a man, whether it is burial or cremation or what not, return to earth, obeying the law of conservation of matter! From the Biblical standpoint, man is a local product of this planet. Don’t ever fancy that we were seeded by colonists from outer space!

But the most crucial point comes from the second half of the verse, “The Lord God … blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living soul.” (2:7b) In other words, without this breath of life, man was only a clay statue. With God’s breath, man came alive. Moreover, he became a living soul.
What does “a living soul” mean? It means it is able to transcend its nature. For example, the nervous structure of animals does not enable an animal to understand human thoughts and feelings. It is their limitation. However, many pets and even animals seem to be able to communicate with their masters and understand their masters’ thoughts. For example, in record there were cows to be butchered which knelt and shed tears. It seemed that they were begging their masters not to slaughter them! We describe such animals as “spirited” because their performance transcends their nature.
What does “a living soul” mean when it is applied to men? It means men are able to transcend human nature. One day, they would be supernatural! On the other hand, lacking God’s breath of life, even when men came alive, they were mere animals. When God breathed the breath of life into the clay statue, not only did the breath give life, but it also urged the man to transcend its clay nature and sublimate to higher levels. This is human destiny!

Naturally, we are eager to know what this “breath of life” is!
Let us fast-forward to the first Easter Sunday. John the apostle tells us that the risen Christ appeared to the disciples, “He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’”(John 20:22) This verse and the Genesis verse together form an inclusio. Firstly, Jesus Christ is the Lord God mentioned in Genesis. Secondly, He is the source of spiritual life. Thirdly, the breath of life is the Holy Spirit. This breath, this Holy Spirit animates our life. This is easy to understand. But how does it relate to the words Jesus Christ has spoken to us?
In fact, the relationship is simple because speaking relies on breathing. Are you able to speak without breath? When Jesus Christ breathed on the disciples, He was proclaiming His identity as the Creator. During His public ministry, the Son of God usually performed miracles which conquered the elements to assert His divinity. But the modus operandi of God, i.e. Jesus’ modus operandi is always to do His will with minimum force. Therefore, He simply says, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (6:63) without further performing a miracle to support it!

Brethren! Invoke the Holy Spirit! May the Holy Spirit support us, like Peter, to understand that only Jesus Christ has the words of eternal life. We have nowhere to go (6:68). May the Holy Spirit enkindle in us a passion for the Word of God, study the bible attentively and share it with others. In this way, may we transcend our nature to attain eternal life.
God bless!

論聖母蒙召升天的重要性 The Importance of the Assumption of the BVM

聖母蒙召升天節
主題：論聖母蒙召升天的重要性

天主教的信仰，絕不迷信，因為她的神學，經過千年來的推敲辯論，去蕪存菁，絕對理性。沒有足夠的哲學訓練，是不能徹底掌握的。所以這個非常理性的信仰和崇拜，絕不會導人迷信。倘若宗教信仰祇有理性的成份，頂多是人生哲理的一種，沒有可能成為一個足以鼓舞人心，甚至不惜赴湯蹈火地殉道的動力。的確，宗教的威力不在其教條，而在它對意志和情感的教化。天主教今天所慶祝的「聖母蒙召升天節」，是一個很清楚的例子，說明這個宗教並不迷信，並且合符人性的情操。

天主教信仰建基於聖經，但聖經並不會自我解說，要靠聖經學者和神學家研究它的含意。有些研究結果是公認的，教會上下成員都同意的，不需要進一步研究討論的，並且足以界定信徒身份的。我們稱這些結果是「當信道理」。例如：天主是「三位一體」，耶穌基督是「真人真天主」是作為一個基督徒所應當相信的真理，不接受這些真理，就沒有資格稱為基督徒。有些研究成果尚有討論的空間，我們稱之為「教義」，甚至祇是「神學意見」。例如，有些學者堅持按字面解經，認為天主祇造了一男一女（創1:26）；有些學者認為這樣解釋聖經，會引起「亂倫」的困難（4:17）。但從聖經研究所累積到的經驗所知，正確的釋經，一般是捨易取難的…所以這些討論，到今天仍未有定案。

「聖母蒙召升天」是天主教有關聖母瑪利亞的四個「當信道理」之一。即是說，如果懷疑聖母瑪利亞死後，靈魂和肉身一起被提升到天上，就沒有資格稱為天主教徒！為甚麼這樣嚴重呢？第一，它是最遲確立的，是之前三個「當信道理」的邏輯結論，是理性的成果。第二，它符合對聖母感情上的要求，符合宗教情操。

第一個聖母的當信道理，宣認聖母瑪利亞是「天主之母」，是在公元431年的厄弗所大公會議所確立。聖母瑪利亞是受造物，造物主又怎可以是受造物所生的呢？所以當時有意見認為聖母祇誕生了天主子人性的部份，所以頂多祇是「基督之母」，不可以是「天主之母」。殊不知這種看來合符邏輯的意見，把耶穌基督的天主性與人性撕開了！因此，捍衛聖母是天主之母的身份，是捍衛天主子是真人真天主的當信道理！

第二個聖母當信道理，宣稱聖母瑪利亞在誕生耶穌前，在誕生過程中和誕生耶穌後，由始至終沒有破損她的童貞，這是公元649年的拉脫朗大公會議所確立。生物學家一定會反對這個結論，認為與科學不符！
首先，我們相信天主的人，一定相信神蹟。下雨是自然現象，但因為下雨而扭轉戰局，在有信仰的人眼中是天意，拒絕神蹟的人惟有尋求其他解釋了！我們相信神蹟是天主臨在的標記，一個祂向我們展示慈悲的痕跡。自古之來，教父認為梅瑟所見沒有焚毀的荊棘（出3:2），就是聖母卒世童貞的標記。聖嬰的出生，無損聖母的童貞，尤如祂復活時透出墳墓，不用挪開堵塞墓門的石頭一樣，是自然定律不能解釋的神蹟！耶穌基督由童貞女所生，是他的天主性的一部份。福音中提及主的兄弟姊妹（谷6:3），教父們一致認為不是聖母瑪利亞所生的。其實，聖母卒世童貞的道理，也是捍衛耶穌基督的天主性所要求的！

第三個聖母當信道理，宣稱聖母瑪利亞從成孕之始，沒有原罪。是教宗庇護九世在公元1854年頒佈的。這道理不是大公會議的決議，不但被基督新教拒絕，連東正教也採取保留的態度。雖然不在大公會議決議，教宗用了五年時間，諮詢了全球主教的意見，百份之九十支持這端教義成為當信道理。是的，這端道理經歷了長時間的爭辯，有待各種的反對意見逐漸退下纔定案下來的。這端道理與「天主之母」的道理吻合，並沒有否定聖母瑪利亞也需要耶穌基督的救贖。天主給聖子之母這特殊的恩寵，是可能並且是恰當的。要知道天主子具有真實的人性，但如何捍衛他的人性，免受原罪的傷害呢？在耶穌基督的族譜中，總要有一個轉捩點，一個界限，令原罪到此為止，不得越雷池半步。「天主為滄海劃定界限，令水不要越境，給大地奠定基礎」（箴8:29）以聖母作為這個界限，是最經濟的做法，是為了捍衛天主子的人性所要求的！

讓我們默想第四端當信道理。
即使是受造物，人類是享有尊嚴的，不應作為工具看待。所以人祇應該是目的，不可以是手段，這是人與人之間最基本的倫理要求。司祭長和長老為了捉拿耶穌而利用猶達斯，不理會他的死活。這種將人用完即棄的態度，絕對是不道德的。人與人之間的交往，尚且如此，難道天主可以不尊重按祂自己肖象所造的人類嗎？試想想，天父會不會利用完瑪利亞作為天主子進入人間的載體後，把她遺棄在世上，任由她腐朽呢？「你也絕不讓你的聖者見到腐朽」（詠16:10）雖然宗徒們引述這句話來證明耶穌基督的復活（宗2:27，13:35），但這句話應用在天主之母身上，同樣恰當！因為聖母死後，靈魂肉身最好的去處，莫過於天主的居所了！可能你會引用保祿論述復活的說話反對：「各人要依照自己的次第：首先是為初果的基督，然後是在基督再來時屬於基督的人。」（格前15:23）不錯，在基督復活與基督再來時之間，是沒有復活！但不要忘記，在舊約時代，哈諾客（創5:24）和厄里亞（列下2:11）沒有經過死亡，被接到天上去；而且在耶穌顯聖容時，厄里亞再次出現。連這些被原罪傷害了的凡夫俗子，也可以在天上享見天主子的聖容，難道被天使尊稱為「充滿恩寵者」（路1:28），天主聖神所庇蔭（1:35）的天主之母，要淪落在陰府裡等候末日復活嗎？

這端當信道理是在1950年，由教宗庇護十二世經廣泛諮詢全球主教意見後，首次引用「教宗不能錯」的權威所頒報。雖然這端道理沒有直接捍衛天主子兩性一位的真理，但它與其餘三端當信道理是前後呼應的。在理性上，聖母蒙召升天是天主聖父的公義；在情操上，是天主聖子孝順的表現；在意志上，是天主聖神的貫徹始終。這端當信道理，即使沒有聖母多次的顯現，也是無懈可擊的！
各位兄弟姊妹，我們有幸作為聖母的子女（若19:27），今天慶祝母親的升天，既有依依不捨想念之情，也有說不清的喜悅。讓我們懷著天鄉重聚的希望，跟隨聖母孕育聖言的榜樣，勤讀聖經，活出福音的精神，把福音的喜樂，感染身邊的人。
天主保祐！
圖片鳴謝：aleteia.org

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Solemnity of the Assumption of the BVM
Theme: The importance of the Assumption of BVM

Catholicism is absolutely not superstitious because her theology has gone through a thousand years of debates, been purified and therefore absolutely rational. It is impossible to comprehend without sufficient philosophical training. Thus, this extremely rational faith and worship can never turn people superstitious. However, if a religion is rational only, it is at most a sort of worldview which is not able to motivate people to seek martyrdom. In fact, the power of religions lies not in their creeds but in their cultivation of will and affection. Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the BVM today. It illustrates clearly how Catholicism is not superstitious but is in harmony with human sensitivity.

Catholicism is founded upon the Bible which is not self-explanatory. Believers rely on scholars and theologians to study its meanings. Some articles of faith are publicly acknowledged and agreed upon by members of all ranks and files. There is no further need to debate and analyse. Furthermore, these articles define the identity of the believers. We call these articles of faith dogmas. For example, God is trinite, i.e. three in one and Jesus Christ is both human and divine are Christian dogmas. If you do not accept these truths, you are not qualified to be a Christian. Some conclusions from studies still leave room for further discussion. We call them doctrines and even theological opinions. For example, some scholars insist on literal interpretation of the Bible. They opine that God had created one man and one woman (Genesis 1:26). Some scholars raise the difficulty of incest (4:17) in taking the literal path. However, from the past experience of biblical exegesis, scholars know that the correct interpretation usually comes from the more difficult one … The discussion is still open.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the four Marian dogmas. That is to say, if you question whether the soul and body of the BVM were taken up to heaven after her death, you’re not qualified to be a Catholic! Why is it as grave as such? First of all, it is the latest Marian dogma, a logical conclusion of the previous three dogmas. It is rational. Secondly, it is in harmony with the affective demand towards the BVM, a proper religious affection.

The first Marian dogma, that she is the Mother of God, was promulgated in the Ephesian Council in 431 AD. But the BVM is only a creature. How could a creature give birth to the Creator? At that time, some people opined that the BVM only gave birth to the humanity of the Son of God. She could at most be called the Mother of Christ, not the Mother of God! However, this seemingly logical opinion tore apart the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ. Thus, defending the identity of the Mother of God is in fact defending the dogma of the humanity and divinity of the Son of God!

The second Marian dogma declares that the BVM retains her virginity before, during and after giving birth to Jesus. The Lateran Council in 649 promulgated this perpetual virginity dogma. Biologists would object, thinking that it is in contradiction with science!
First of all, we who believe in God believe in miracles. Raining is a natural phenomenon. But when a downpour turns the outcome of a battle around, in the eyes of believers, it is a miracle, a God’s will. For those who reject miracles, they have to look for explanation elsewhere! We believe that miracles are signs of God’s presence, signs showing His mercy. Since antiquity, Church Fathers see the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) as a sign of the perpetual virginity of the BVM. When the BVM gave birth to the Holy Infant, her virginity was preserved just as when Christ emerged from the tomb without removing the rock that blocked the entrance. These are miracles which science cannot explain! The virginal birth of Jesus Christ is part of his divinity. The gospels mention the siblings of the Lord (Mark 6:3) whom the Church Fathers opined that they were Joseph’s children from previous marriage. In fact, the dogma of perpetual virginity of the BVM defends the divinity of Jesus Christ!

The third Marian dogma, i.e. the Immaculate Conception of the BVM was promulgated by Pope Pius IX in 1854. This dogma was not defined by ecumenical councils. Not only was it rejected by Protestants, even the Orthodox Church also holds it in reservation. Although this dogma was not a resolution of a council, it came from prior consultation of bishops all over the world for five long years. More than 90% of bishops supported declaring it a dogma. Truly, this dogma has gone through lengthy debates until opposing voices have all died down. It agrees with the dogma of Mother of God and does not deny the necessity of Christ’s redemption. That God gave this special grace to the mother of the Son of God is possible and appropriate. The Son of God is genuinely human. Then how did God defend his humanity from the damage of the Original Sin? Along the genealogy of Jesus Christ, a certain turning point, a boundary must be set up to stop the Original Sin from proceeding. God “set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress His command; when He fixed the foundations of earth” (Proverbs 8:29). Making the BVM this boundary is the most economical way to defend the humanity of the Son of God!

Let us meditate the fourth dogma.
Even though we are creatures, humanity enjoy dignity and should not be treated as tools. Man can only be an end, never a means. This is the most basic moral demand in interpersonal interactions. In order to arrest Jesus, the chief priests and elders manhandled Judas, ignoring his fate. Treating people as dispensable is absolutely immoral. This is a rule of engagement even among men. Can God disregard humanity which He created in His image? Just think about it, could the Father, after making use of the BVM as a carrier to bring the Son of God into this world, abandon her on earth and leave her to decay? “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor let your devout one see the pit” (Psalms 16:10). Although the apostles quoted this verse to prove the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts, 2:27, 13:35), this verse also applies to the Mother of God, most appropriately! It is because after her death, where else can be a better place to settle the soul and body of the BVM than God’s abode? Perhaps you would quote Paul’s treatise on resurrection to object, “each one in proper order: Christ the first fruits; then at his coming, those who belong to Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:23). Truly, between Christ’s resurrection and His second coming, there’s no resurrection! But don’t forget, in Old Testament times, Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) were taken up to heavens without going through death. Moreover, Elijah showed up during Christ’s transfiguration. Even these mortals who were damaged by the Original Sin were able to enjoy in heaven the vision of the Son of God, would the one whom the Angel reveres as “Full of grace” (Luke 1:28), the Mother of God whom the Holy Spirit overshadows (1:35) be degraded to await resurrection in Sheol?

Using papal infallibility for the first time, Pope Pius XII promulgated this dogma in 1950 after extensive consultation with bishops all over the world. Although this dogma does not directly defend the humanity and divinity of the Son of God, it is consistent with the previous three dogmas. Rationally, the assumption of the BVM is the righteousness of the Father. Affectively, it shows the filial piety of the Son of God. In will, the Assumption of the BVM is the perseverance of the Holy Spirit. Even without the many Marian apparitions, this dogma is flawless!

Brethren! We are blessed to be children of the BVM (John 19:27). When we celebrate the Assumption of our Mother, we are filled with this lingering feeling of missing her and an unspeakable joy. Let the hope of reunion in heaven urge us to follow the example of the BVM nurturing the Word of God, to study the Bible diligently and to live up the spirit of the gospel. May we carry and pass on the joy of the gospel to our neighbour.
God bless!

如何滿足人類的渴求？ How Does God Satisfy Men’s Desires?

常年期第十九主日，乙年
主題：如何滿足人類的渴求？

雖然是簡單的一句「天主按自己的肖像造了人」（創1:27），但它卻蘊藏著極其深刻的意義。
首先，在一切受造物中，即使人類自稱為「萬物之靈」，但在許多方面，始終不及天使，沒有天使的大能。「世人算甚麼…竟使他稍遜於天使，以尊貴光榮作他冠冕」（詠8:5-6）沒有人會反對這一點，不論是甚麼文化，「天神比人強」是不爭的觀念。但天使與人類都是受造物，即是說，彼此都是有限的，祇是不同程度的有限而已。既然是有限的，那麼，理論上是沒有能力永恆地運動；要保持著運動狀態，是必須補給的。那麼，天使也需要食糧來補充「體力」了！

我們不知道天使吃甚麼，但猶太人有「天使食糧」的觀念，類似中國人有王母娘娘宴請神仙的蟠桃一樣。這天使的食糧就是「瑪納」。在描述「瑪納」的時候，達味的樂官阿撒夫，把它描述為「天使的食糧，世人可以享受」（78:25）。不要以為瑪納是「露水昇化之後…留下稀薄的碎屑，稀薄得好像地上的霜」（出16:14），便是乏味的營養劑。它被稱為「天使的食糧」，不但因為它從天而降，「像胡荽的種子那樣白，滋味好似蜜餅」（16:31）；而且「具有各種美味，適合各人的口味…合乎取食者的嗜好，隨著人的願望而變化」（智16:20-21）好不誇張！以色列人在曠野漂泊了四十年，經常抱怨梅瑟，卻從來沒有投訴「瑪納」乏味，原來就是這個原因！為甚麼是這樣呢？《智慧篇》的作者解釋說：「這表明你對待兒女如何恩愛」（16:21）！天降瑪納四十年，表示了天主對以色列人的恩愛，把他們當作兒女看待。

在這樣的背景下，我們更理解上一個主日，福音中猶太人要求耶穌行神蹟纔信服他（若6:30），真是一個非同小何的要求！這神蹟不但要從天而來，更要適合各人不同的口味！不要怪責猶太人執拗，因為這是人類的本色。人類是按天主的肖像所造，雖然是有限的血肉之軀，卻充滿著無限的慾望，恐怕祇有無限的天主，纔有能力滿足了！我們不知道是否天主在起初把人類創造成這個模樣，還是人類失去了原始的恩寵之後，受到私慾偏情的影響所至。但無論如何，人類已陷入無限的慾望，不能自拔的處境，不能靠一己的努力，滿足自己，脫離罪惡的奴役，是不爭的事實！所以當人以為可以靠一己的努力，遵守梅瑟的法律，或者教會的法律，甚至自己定下的規矩（路15:19 ），便可以達到得救的目標（即所謂「白拉奇主義」），真是天真，甚至是偽善！

可幸人類是按天主的肖像所造，無論人類如何遠離天主，他們內在的本性，總會帶領他們回歸根源。始終血濃於水，中國人怎會不愛他們的祖國，人類又怎會希望永遠離開他們的造物主！這不是自尋死路是啥？所以請放心，耶穌基督今天在福音中所說的話，並沒有排斥任何人在得救之門外。「凡不是派遣我的父所吸引的人，誰也不能到我這裡來」（若6:44），聽起來好像定下了「父所吸引」的條件，試問有誰不是按天主的肖像所造，不渴望歸根呢？為免誤會，耶穌基督立即跟著說：「在先知書上記載：『眾人都要蒙天主的訓誨』凡由父聽教而學習的，必到我這裡來。」（6:45；依54:13；耶31:34）眾人都有機會，有能力聽教；分別在於是否接受，是否願意學習。拒絕天主的邀請，拒絕謙遜學習，結果失去得救的機會，是咎尤自取！

可能就是這種在私慾偏情影響下的歸根傾向，形成了人類無止境的各種慾望，甚至為了滿足私慾而偽善和作惡，結果拒絕了法律和先知的教訓，離棄了先前的盟約！但天主明白和憐愛世人，所以祂親自來滿足人類無限的慾求！我們應該這樣理解耶穌基督在今天的福音所說的「生活的食糧」，因為這樣纔顯出「天主的肖像」的深刻意義！雖然人類天性歸向他們的造物主，但原罪傷害了這歸根的傾向，使人類改變了方向，追求那些空虛的事物，不能滿足我們真正渴求的事物。人類便長期生活在善惡的抉擇，生死抉擇的張力之中，有待耶穌基督的拯救。

各位兄弟姊妹，我們比猶太人幸福得多。耶穌基督所說的「我是從天上降下的生活的食糧」（6:51）包含了兩度障礙，第一個是「從天上降下」。猶太人因為了解耶穌基督的身世，認識他的父母和兄弟姊妹（6:42），所以不能跨越這度障礙。但作為天主教徒，我們相信耶穌基督是天主子，是真人真天主，我們跨越了第一度障礙，祇剩下第二度障礙：「生活的食糧」。我們真心接受並相信耶穌是「生活的食糧」嗎？所以上一個主日，我問大家相信世上有神蹟嗎？這是一個更難的障礙，讓我們下星期繼續默想「生命之糧」的教訓吧！
天主保祐！
2018年講道
圖片鳴謝：free4kwallpapers.com

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Nineteenth Ordinary Sunday, Year B
Theme: How Does God Satisfy Men’s Desires?

Although it is simply a “God created mankind in his image” (Genesis 1:27), its meaning is profound.
First of all, among all creatures, mankind is the “Zenith of Creation”. But in many ways, men are inferior to angels whose might we lack. “What is man that you are mindful of him … Yet you have made him little less than a god, crowned him with glory and honour” (Psalms 8:5-6). Nobody would disagree. Whatever culture or civilization, “Angels are mightier than men” is indisputable. But both angels and men are creatures. That is to say, they are finite in different degrees. As they are finite, then theoretically they are unable to move perpetually. In order to keep moving, they need spending energy. Then angels also need food of some sort to supply them energy!

We don’t know what food angels take, but Jews have the concept of “the bread of angels”, something similar to the peaches with which the Empress of Paradise served the fairies in Chinese legends. This angelic bread is manna. In describing manna, Asaph, a Davidic music official says, “Man ate the bread of angels” (78:25). Don’t image that manna is bland because “When the layer of dew evaporated, fine flakes were on the surface of the wilderness, fine flakes like hoarfrost on the ground” (Exodus 16:14). It is called “the bread of the angels” not only because it came down from heavens, but also “It was like coriander seed, white, and it tastes like wafers made with honey” (16:31). Moreover, it was “endowed with all delights and conforming to every taste … serving the desire of the one who received it, was changed to whatever flavour each one wished.” (Wisdom 16:20-21) No wonder the Israelites who had always been complaining to Moses in the wilderness for forty years didn’t utter any dissatisfaction about manna! Why? The author explains, “For this substance of yours revealed your sweetness toward your children” (16:21) For forty years God gave Israelites manna to show them sweetness, treating them like His children.

In this context, we understand how demanding the Jews had been in requiring Jesus to perform a sign before believing in him in the gospel reading last week (John 6:30). Not only should it be a sign from heaven, but it should also be able to satisfy different flavour each one wished! Don’t blame the Jews for being stubborn because this is all too human. Men were created in the image of God. Although they are finite flesh and blood, they are full of infinite desires. I’m afraid only an infinite God is able to satisfy them! We don’t know whether God had created them in this way in the first place or it was the consequence of losing the Origin Grace. No matter what, mankind is overwhelmed by infinite desires and is unable to deliver themselves. It is indisputable that men are unable to meet their own needs with their own efforts or to free themselves from the bondage of sins. Thus, when men fancy that they are able to achieve salvation through observing the laws of Moses, or the laws of the Church, or even rules they make up (Luke 15:19), this is Pelagianism. It is naivety and even hypocrisy!

Fortunately, men were created in the image of God. No matter how far they have gone astray, their nature deep inside would bring them to their roots. Blood is always thicker than water. How can Chinese not love their mother country and how can mankind wish to depart from their Creator! This is self-negation, isn’t it? Thus, be assured that Jesus Christ does not set any condition to ban certain groups of people from attaining salvation in what he says in the gospel today. “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him” (John 6:44) It sounds like Jesus setting a “the Father who sent me draw him” condition. But who was not created in the image of God and is not drawn to the Father? In order to avoid misunderstanding, Jesus Christ immediately says, “It is written in the prophets: ‘They shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me.” (6:45, Isaiah 54:13, Jeremiah 31:34) Everyone has the opportunity and the ability to listen. The difference is whether you accept and are willing to learn. Rejecting God’s invitation, refusing to learn humbly and losing the opportunity to receive salvation, you blame nobody but yourself!

Probably our tendency to return to the Creator is hampered by concupiscence which generates infinitely all sorts of desires in us. In order to satisfy these desires, we even become hypocritical and do evils. Consequently, we reject the teachings of the Law and prophets, abandoning the previous covenant! But God understands us thoroughly and has mercy on us. He comes to gratify the infinite desires of mankind in person! This is how we should understand what Jesus Christ teaches in the gospel today about “the living bread” because it manifests the profound meaning of the image of God! Man’s natural tendency to return to God is damaged by the Original Sin which changes its course. We seek vanity which cannot satisfy our genuine needs. Men constantly live in the tendency to choose between good and evil, life and death. We long for the salvation of Jesus Christ.

Brethren! We are more fortunate than the Jews. Jesus Christ says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven” (6:51) which consists of two obstacles. The first one is “came down from heaven”. The Jews knew Jesus, his parents and siblings (6:42). Because of that, they were unable to overcome the first obstacle. But as Catholics, we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, truly divine and human. We have overcome the first obstacle and there remains the second one: “the living bread”. Do we genuinely believe that Jesus Christ is the living bread? That was why I asked you last week whether you believed in miracles. This is a more challenging obstacle. Let us keep meditating this teaching of “the living bread” next week!
God bless!

信德的奧蹟 The Mystery of Faith

常年期第十八主日，乙年
主題：信德的奧蹟

大家相信世上有神蹟嗎？
大部份現代人都接受過科學教育，事事講求證據，相信邏輯。如果在人前表示相信天主，或者相信世上有神蹟，會顯得迷信和落伍。所以很多天主教徒都不大願意在人面前，表露自己是天主教徒的身份，更遑論向外教人宣講福音，幫助身邊的人相信耶穌基督呢？各位每個主日能夠返聖堂參加彌撒領聖體，已經非常難得了。但大家有沒有認真投入參予，獲得實際的神益呢？正如李神父經常提醒大家，參加網上彌撒，「神領聖體，實領基督」，雖然是疫情中不得已的權宜之計，但總比「實領聖體卻沒有神領恩寵」好得多！所以今天，執事我想從「神蹟」入手，同大家一起默想「聖體聖事」，因為「聖體聖事」是一個神蹟，一個每天發生的神蹟。

首先，做天主教徒比較尷尬，因為基督新教，尤其是一些細小進取的教派，經常引用聖經，說「十誡」禁止崇拜偶像，批評我們天主教徒「拜聖母、拜偶像」。誠然，我們少讀聖經，不像他們能說出聖經章節，招架不了他們的批評。但大家在奧運期間看見運動員的努力，多少也應該感染了「勝敗乃兵家常事」，祇要有「屢敗屢戰」的態度，總有一雪前恥的日子。堂區為了慶祝建堂銀禧，推行了「兩年抄經計劃」；繼之正在推行「三年讀經計劃」。這是一個非常好的機會，不但可以裝備自己，一雪前恥；更可藉著每日讀經，領受神益！

所謂「遠水不能救近火」，三年後纔回應有點遲。現在我們如何回應「拜聖母」的批評呢？簡單的回應是：天主教徒對聖母表達孝愛，實在是遵守救主耶穌的命令，並不是拜偶像。因為按【若望福音】的記載，救主耶穌在十字架上，先囑咐聖母照顧教會，然後吩咐教會尊敬聖母為教會的母親。相信三年後，大家一定能說出救主耶穌的吩咐，記載在若望福音的第幾章第幾節吧。
其實，教堂中的聖像，家中掛在牆上的聖相，或者我們隨身攜帶的唸珠，都不是偶像。因為偶像，例如梅瑟上西乃山領受十誡時，以色列人在山下建造的金牛，引誘人遠離天主；而聖像聖相唸珠是指向天主的標記，引領人歸向天主！同理，今時今日的偶像豈是金牛那麼單純，但凡使人成為奴隸的：例如工作、樓宇、權勢、政治人物甚至手機互聯網等等，倘若它們令人忘記了天主，忘記了天主的愛，它們都是偶像！
另一方面，聖經所記載的神蹟，全部都是指向天主，展示天主慈悲的標記，也有引領人歸向天主的作用。所以救主耶穌在福音中施行神蹟，不是為了展示自己的威力，而是告訴世人天主的臨在，天父的慈悲。

大家還記得耶穌在約旦河受洗後，到曠野接受魔鬼試探的故事嗎？當時魔鬼向耶穌獻計，以各式各樣的神蹟，解決充斥世間的罪惡問題。對不起，神蹟不是用來展示威力，解決饑餓、疫症、權力鬥爭或者世界和平等等的問題。這些都是人類自己造成的問題，人類有責任運用真理與及愛心去解決，用不著天主插手干預。但耶穌基督特別提及當中的三個試探，相信是為了我們的益處，提醒我們留意這三個人類的死穴！而第一個試探更加與五餅二魚的神蹟，有很密切的關係！

魔鬼建議耶穌把石頭變成餅，滿足人類口腹上的需要，便可以減少人類犯罪的傾向。耶穌基督拒絕了魔鬼的建議，引用聖經回應說：「人生活不祇靠餅，而也靠天主口中所發的一切言語。」（申8:3；瑪4:4）。倘若耶穌依從魔鬼的建議，人類便與豬狗禽獸沒有分別。所以耶穌對魔鬼的回答，展示了天主對人的喜愛，並保障了人性的尊嚴！ 既然要保障人性尊嚴，為甚麼又要行五餅二魚神蹟，讓五千人吃飽，好像依從了魔鬼的建議呢？要知道耶穌並不是一看見五千人聚集，便行五餅二魚的神蹟。按對觀福音的記載，耶穌首先「給他們講論天主的國，並治好了那些急需要治療的人。」（瑪14:14；谷6:34；路9:11）。即是說，耶穌首先照顧了人性在靈性上的需要，後來纔處理物質上的需要！

與五餅二魚對比，魔鬼建議用的是甚麼？是石頭！試想想，餅和魚尚可充飢，尚有營養；但石頭可以吃，可以充飢，有營養可以維持生命嗎？當然不可以，但為甚麼魔鬼這樣「弱智」，教人用不能充飢的東西來充飢呢？魔鬼的建議對天主子固然失效，但對人類卻依然有效。且看今時今日，很多人不但吃有損健康的「垃圾食物」，而且還浪費很長的時間，沉迷在社交媒體，閱讀和轉發大量一面倒的謠言、文宣和自慰的文章視訊等等，這些都是損害心靈的「毒」物，有毒之物。它們會令讀者心靈硬化，激發彼此的仇恨，製造分裂，使讀者變得鐵石心腸！原來魔鬼不是把石頭變餅那麼簡單，而是引誘人吃這些石頭變成的餅，使人的心變成石頭！

在今天的福音中，耶穌基督說了一句很有意義的說話：「我實實在在告訴你們，你們尋找我，並不是因為看到了神蹟，而是因為吃餅吃飽了。」（若6:26）看到了神蹟找耶穌，與吃餅吃飽了找耶穌，有甚麼分別？兩者都同樣帶領人找到耶穌，不是同樣有效嗎？
吃餅吃飽了找耶穌，是想找一個讓你衣食無憂的靠山。太短視了！人生在世，豈止需要照顧血肉上的需求呢？人有無法填滿的慾望，祇有無限的天主纔有能力填滿。所以耶穌繼續教導這些短視的人，生命之糧，即聖體聖事的真理！魔鬼挑戰天主子行神蹟滿足人類的滿求，可是牠造夢也不敢想像，天主子竟然要以自己的體血來養活人類，讓人類分享天主聖三永恆的生命！

各位兄弟姊妹，大家相信神蹟嗎？大家相信耶穌基督是天主子嗎？在最後晚餐，天主子拿起麵餅，並不是說，「這餅象徵我的身體」，而是說：「這是我的身體」（路22:19）。相信這麵餅是耶穌基督的身體，不是迷信。因為除了宗徒們的實踐外，還有歷代神學家的努力辯證，是理性的實踐，一點也不迷信！「聖體聖事」是一個展示天主慈悲的標記，所以是一個神蹟。正如神父在成聖體後所宣佈的，這是一個「信德的奧蹟」，是天主教徒信仰的考驗。大家真的相信天主子借助神父的手所祝聖的麵餅，就是天主子的身體嗎？大家認同從神父，執事或者送聖體員手上接過的麵餅，真是基督的身體嗎？大家知道「亞孟」是甚麼意思嗎？它不是天主教徒領聖體前的暗號。「亞孟」即是今天福音中耶穌所說的「實實在在」的原文，耶穌說了兩次「亞孟」！基督新教已經放棄了，他們祇有「聖餐」，祇有最後晚餐的紀念，而放棄了天主子恩賜的體血，不接受耶穌在【瑪竇福音】最後一句的承諾：「看！我同你們天天在一起，直到今世的終結」（瑪28:20）。大家領聖體時，如果真的相信，請大聲地宣認「亞孟」，「這真是基督的聖體」。
天主保祐！
2018年講道
圖片鳴謝：catholicleader.com.au

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Eighteenth Ordinary Sunday, Year B
Theme: The Mystery of Faith

Do you believe in miracles?
Most modern people have received some scientific education. They demand proofs and place their trust in logic. They would feel embarrassed if they admit before others their belief in God or in miracles because they would look superstitious and backward. Thus, many Catholics are reluctant to reveal their Catholic identity before the others, not to mention helping people believe in Jesus Christ. When you come back to Church on Sundays and receive the Holy Eucharist, you’re already very good. But do you participate actively and effectively receive God’s grace? Just as Fr. Simon Li always reminds us these days, even though participating online masses, receiving spiritual communion and uniting with Christ is a better than nothing alternative, it is better than those who are able to receive actually the Eucharist but gain no spiritual grace. Therefore today, I would like to mediate with you the Sacrament of Eucharist from the perspective of miracles because this sacrament is a miracle which happens every day.

First of all, it is uneasy to be a Catholic because many Protestants, especially those small and aggressive sects always quote the Bible, saying that the Ten Commandments forbid idolatry and criticize us Catholics for worshipping the BVM and adoring idols. Indeed, we read very little Bible. Unlike them, we’re not able to quote the Bible or to counter their criticisms. But seeing the athletes during this Olympic season, we are touched and to some extent adopt their indifference to losses. One day, we’ll be back. In order to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the establishment of our parish, we mobilized the parishioners to spend two years to make a manuscript of the entire Bible. After this, we are now running a Three-Year-Bible-Study Scheme. It is a good opportunity, not only to equip ourselves to confront challenges, but also to receive spiritual benefits through daily scripture readings!

It would be too late to answer challenges three years from now. At the moment, how do we answer the criticism of our “worshipping the BVM”? Simply put, Catholics honouring the BVM are in fact obeying the command of Jesus, not idolatry. It is because according to the gospel of John which tells us that on the cross, Lord Jesus requested the BVM to take care of the Church. Then he told the Church to honour the BVM as her mother. I believe three years from now, you’ll be able to quote from which chapter and verses Lord Jesus made the request.
In fact, the icons in the Church, the holy pictures we hang on the wall at home and even the rosaries we carry are not idols. It is because idols, like the golden calf the Israelites built when Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, tempt people to turn away from God, while icons, holy pictures and rosaries are signs pointing to God and lead people to approach God. Similarly, idols are no mere simple golden calves nowadays. All those that enslave people, for example work, houses, power, politicians and even mobile phones and the Internet etc., if they make people forget God or forget God’s love, they are idols!
On the other hand, all the miracles recorded in the Bible are signs which point to God, exhibit God’s mercy and lead people towards God. Thus, when Lord Jesus performs miracles in the gospels, He is not showing off his power but telling people the presence of God and the mercy of the Father.

Do you remember the story of Jesus’ Temptation after his baptism in River Jordon? At that time, Satan persuaded Jesus to perform various miracles to solve the problem of evils in the world. Sorry, God would not work miracles to show off His powers, or to solve the problems of starvation, pandemics, power struggles or even world peace. These problems are caused by human beings and we have the responsibility to make use of truth and love to resolve them. We should not invite God to intervene. But I believe that Jesus Christ mentions in particular these three temptations for our sake. Perhaps he wants to remind us to beware of these three Achilles’ heels! In fact, the first temptation is closely coupled with the five loaves two fish miracle!

Satan persuaded Jesus to turn stones into bread to satisfy human hunger so as to reduce their tendency to sin. Jesus Christ rejected Satan’s suggestion and replied with a quotation from the Bible, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4). Had Jesus followed Satan’s suggestion, men would have become no different from animals. Thus, Jesus’ reply to Satan shows God’ love for men and it protects human dignity!< > If Jesus wanted to protect human dignity, why then did He perform the five loaves two fish miracle to feed 5000 people? It seemed after all that Jesus had actually been persuaded by Satan. Well, we should know that Jesus did not work the miracles after seeing the gathering of the crowd. According to the Synoptic gospels, Jesus “spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured.” (Matthew 14:14; Mark 6:34, Luke 9:11) That is to say, Jesus took care of the spiritual needs of humanity before he met their physical needs!

In contrast to five loaves and two fish, what did Satan suggest to use? Stones! Just think about it, bread and fish can feed and are nutritive. But can stones be eaten to fill the hunger or nutritive to sustain life? Of course not! But why did Satan look so stupid to suggest using junk to fill our hunger? Of course Satan’s suggestion had no effect on the Son of God but it is still effective on men. Take a look at the situation today many people are eating junk food which is harmful to their health. They spend and waste a lot of time, indulging on the social media, reading and forwarding a lot of one-sided rumours, propagandas and masturbatory articles and videos etc. These are truly poisonous materials that kill the soul. They harden the readers’ hearts, incite hatred and cause divisions. They turn the readers’ hearts into stone! Therefore, Satan is not simply turning stones into bread. It tempts people to consume that bread from stone to turn their peoples into stone!

In the gospel today, Jesus Christ utters a very meaningful sentence, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled” (John 6:26) Is there any difference between looking for Jesus after seeing signs and looking for him after eating to the full? Both of them bring people to Jesus. Aren’t they the same in effectiveness? Looking for Jesus because the people had eaten to their full, they wanted to follow a leader who had inexhaustible resources. They were too short-sighted! Living involves not only the gratification of physical needs. Men have insatiable desires which only an infinite God is able to satisfy. Therefore, Jesus continued to teach these myopic people the truth of the Bread of Life, i.e. the Sacrament of the Eucharist! Satan challenged the Son of God to deploy miracles to meet human needs. But it would never have dreamt that the Son of God would feed humanity with His own body and blood, to allow us to partake in the eternal life of the Blessed Trinity!

Brethren! Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? During the Last Supper, the Son of God took bread into His hand and not said, “This bread is a symbol of my body”, but says, “This is my body” (Luke 22:19) Believing this bread is the body of Jesus Christ is not superstition. It is because on top of the practice of the apostles, theologians throughout the ages have debated vigorously. It is a rational practice and not a bit superstition! The Sacrament of Eucharist is a sign which shows us God’s mercy. It is a miracle. Just as the priest proclaims after consecration that “This is a mystery of faith”, it is a test of faith for all Catholics. Do you really believe that the bread which the Son of God makes use of the priest hand to consecrate is truly the body of the Son of God? Do you acknowledge the bread which is handed over to you from the priests, deacons or extraordinary ministers is actually the body of Christ? Do you know the meaning of “Amen”? It is not a password for Catholics before they receive the Holy Communion. It is the original words Jesus says today and he says it twice! Protestants have forsaken it. They only have “sacred meals” as a remembrance of the Last Supper. They have forsaken the body and blood of the Son of God. They have forgotten Jesus’ pledge in the last verse of the gospel of Matthew, “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) Therefore, when you receive the Holy Eucharist and truly believe, please proclaim aloud “Amen”, “This is truly the Body of Christ”
God bless!
Picture credit: eatnplay.hk