輕重不分、本末倒置 Wrong Priorities

通病系列（一）
主題：輕重不分、本末倒置（瑪23:13-22）

天主選擇執拗的以色列人（申9:6）做「特選的民族」（伯前2:9），因為他們最能代表全人類的各方面！新約時代，經師和法利塞人是「以色列人的師傅」（若3:10），天主倚重他們教化百姓，所以主耶穌對他們悉心教導。可是部份人自私自利，把生活的目標放在眼前短暫的利益上，變成了主所說的「瞎眼的嚮導」（瑪23:16）。在這三天的讀經，我們聽到耶穌基督以嚴厲的措辭警告他們，可見主基督「愛之越深，責之越切」。既然以色列人是人類的代表，他們所犯的錯誤，也是我們所犯的通病；耶穌基督對他們的警誡，也是對我們的忠告！

「急功近利」容易使人在作出抉擇時，輕重不分、本末倒置。例如在競爭激烈的商業社會裡，很多工人誤信鋪天蓋地的「多勞多得」謊言，為生計而奔波勞碌，結果賠上了健康、家庭關係、同事之間的團隊關係和與天主的關係，這不是本末倒置，是甚麼？又例如很多父母誤信「贏在起跑線」的迷思，為了安排子女入讀「名校」，便把他們起居生活的時間表塞滿，除了正常上課外，還有補習、體育、音樂、演藝課程…沒有給他們半點喘息的機會。到頭來兒女不但身心疲累，成續退步；更甚者，他們在同輩中只有「對手」，沒有「隊友」…對子女們的身、心、靈成長，造成嚴重的傷害。這不是「輕重不分」，是甚麼？

親愛的兄弟姊妹，主耶穌在常年期十八主日的「富翁的比喻」中，曾忠告我們應積財於天，否則只會徒勞無功。祂說：「那為自己厚積財產而不在天主前致富的，也是如此」（路12:21）。大家都是明白事理的人，孰輕孰重，你們一定心裡有數。

聖父，求祢喚醒我們心中的聖神，重振「上智」和「聰敏」之恩，讓我們認清邁向天國之路。亞孟。
天主保祐！

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生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：1st-art-gallery.com, grok.com

Common Mistakes Series (I)
Theme: Wrong Priorities (Matthew 23:13-22)

God chose the “stiff-necked” Israelites (Deuteronomy 9:6) to be “a chosen race” (1 Peter 2:9) because they are able to represent all aspects of humanity. In New Testament times, scribes and Pharisees were “teachers of Israel” (John 3:10). God relies on them to teach the people. Therefore, Lord Jesus patiently instructs them. Regrettably, some of them were selfish and self-fattening. They set their targets on short-sighted temporary advantages and became “blind guides” (Matthew 23:16). In the readings of these three days, we hear how Jesus Christ reprimand them with harsh words, showing the depth of Jesus’ love towards them. Since the Israelites represent humanity, their mistakes are also ours. Jesus’ reprimands also apply to us!

When people make decisions with an “instant results” mentality, they will easily turn priorities upside down. For example, in a competitive commercial society, many employees wrongly believe in the overwhelming propaganda of “Efforts Pay” such that they overwork to earn a decent livelihood. Consequently, they lose their health, their families, the collegiality of their teams and finally, their relationship with God. If this is not wrong priorities, what is? Here is yet another example. Some parents wrongly buy the idea of “Winning at the Starting Line”. In order to enrol children into elite schools, parents stuff the schedule of their children with tuitions, sports, music, performance classes … on top of the regular school calendar, without giving their children a moment to breathe. In the end, their children are physically and mentally exhausted. Their studies deteriorate. Worse still, they have no comrades but rivals among their peers … Such parents seriously damage the physical, psychological and spiritual growth of their children. If this is not wrong priorities, what is?

Beloved brethren! In the parable of the Rich Fool on the 18th Ordinary Sunday, Lord Jesus advised us to store up treasures in heaven. Otherwise, our efforts are futile. He says, “Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God” (Luke 12:21). You are wise. I’m sure you know the priorities by heart.

Heavenly Father, awake the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Reinvigorate the gifts of wisdom and understanding in us so that we are able to discern clearly the path to the Kingdom of heaven. Amen.
God bless!