傳教士是解放者 MISSIONARIES ARE LIBERATORS

傳教士是解放者（路10:1-9）

作為外來人，傳教士必會帶給當地居民不安。例如，來自東方的賢士，前往耶路撒冷，尋覓新生的猶太人君王，結果引起全城恐慌（瑪2:1-3）。東方賢士把觀測到、領受到的真理，帶給耶路撒冷的居民，他們可算是傳教士。可惜，東方賢士不明白猶大當時的政治氣候，他們帶來的真理，卻動搖了現存的體制。新生王不是大黑落德的兒子，卻要取代他成為猶太人未來的君王，哪有不恐慌的道理！同樣，後世的傳教士，把福音的價值觀傳授給本地人的時候，既得利益者會覺得福音太革命性，當權者認為福音反動，受壓迫者覺得福音是解放他們、改善他們生活的一線曙光！整個社會何來和平呢？難怪耶穌基督說：「那裡如有和平之子，你們的和平就要停留在他身上；否則，仍歸於你們。」（路10:6）難道福音真的不能帶來和平嗎？

俗世的建制所營造的和平，祇是為了保存建制內，一少撮既得利益者的利益，其中的不公義，有目共睹，所以那表面的和平是不穩定的。當四周的環境改變了，現存的制度也要適應新環境，配合改變，否則便會被淘汰。耶穌基督是天主子，惟有祂所傳授的福音，纔會帶來永恆的和平。哪一種和平是好的呢？不證自明！ 世上有甚麼人，有能力成為「和平之子」，領受到福音所帶來的和平呢？是那些良善心謙的人（瑪5:3-10），他們在弱肉強食的建制之内，通常是受壓迫者。他們渴求這永恆的和平，他們容易接納福音的價值觀，所以他們是新皮囊，可以把福音新酒裝進去（谷2:22）。「那傳報福音者的腳步，在山上是多麼美麗啊！」（依52:7）
主基督，讓我們在福音中找到和平，再把這和平傳開去。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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MISSIONARIES ARE LIBERATORS (Luke 10:1-9)

As foreigners, missionaries will bring unrest to local people. For example, the Magi from the East came to Jerusalem to look for the Jewish new born king. Consequently all Jerusalem was greatly troubled together with Herod the Great (Matthew 2:1-3). The Magi had discovered and accepted the truth which they brought to the people of Jerusalem. They could be called missionaries. Unfortunately, the Magi did not understand the political climate of the Jews at that time. They brought the truth which shook the existing establishment. The new born king was not the son of Herod the Great. But the baby would one day replace him to become the king of the Jews. How could people not be alarmed! In the same way, missionaries in subsequent ages brought to the local people a gospel which the establishment deemed too revolutionary, the people in power deemed it counter-revolutionary while the oppressed would see it as liberation, a ray of hope to improve their life. How could the whole society be peaceful? No wonder Jesus Christ says, "If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you." (Luke 10:6) Can the gospel bring us genuine peace?

The peace enforced by secular establishment is to protect the interests of a minority. The injustice is crystal clear. This superficial peace is unstable. When new circumstances arise, the establishment needs to adapt to the new environment and make changes. Otherwise, it will be overturned. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Only the peace He teaches in His gospel can bring eternal peace. Which peace is better is obvious!

What kind of people on earth can be "a peaceful person" who can receive the peace brought by the gospel? The meek and humble (Matthew 5:3-10). They are usually the oppressed inside the establishment which is ruled by the law of the jungle. The meek and humble desire eternal peace. They are more receptive to the values of the gospel. They are fresh wineskins into which the new wine of the gospel can be poured (Mark 2:22). "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news!" (Isaiah 52:7)
Lord Jesus Christ! Let us find peace in the gospel and spread it. Amen.

放下成見說新語言 PUT DOWN PREJUDICE TO SPEAK NEW LANGUAGES

放下成見說新語言（谷16:15-18）

耶穌基督在最後晚餐時，曾告訴門徒，他們必會遭受迫害：「人要把你們逐出會堂；並且時候必到，凡殺害你們的，還以為是盡恭敬天主的義務。」（若16:2）殺人竟是盡恭敬天主的義務，聽來的確諷刺！但為宗教狂熱之徒，這是寫照。掃祿就是為了捍衛一神信仰的純正，便狂熱地掃蕩「異端邪說」，四出迫害初期教會的信徒，因為他們把一個木匠拉彼，當作神一般敬拜！中世紀的道明會士及方濟會士，在宗教裁判所，也曾心安理得地大開殺戒！

今天的福音告訴我們，「信的人必有這些奇蹟隨著他們…說新語言…」（谷16:17）看，有史以來的傳教士們，努力學習，並說得一口流利的當地語言，向人民傳福音，成績斐然。大家可曾想過，第一個接觸土著的傳教士，是怎樣與他們溝通呢？身體語言足夠嗎？我相信一定有聖神的助佑，使雙方共同努力，放下對錯的成見，在不斷嘗試、犯錯、再嘗試的努力下，建築了一條方便後世溝通的橋樑。另一方面，有些傳教士或許認為當地的習俗是迷信，應該剷除。他們認為自己擁有絕對的真理，原始部落的文化是落後的。這樣是一面倒的說教，結果原始部落的文化被消滅了！傳教士心安理得，覺得自己是「盡恭敬天主的義務」！殊不知這是文化侵略滅絕。

「說新語言」不單是靠模仿和不斷練習能練成的，也必要聖神的恩寵，放下從前的習慣，對陌生的事物開放。這樣不但減少破壞迫害，更是傳福音的契機！掃祿經過耶穌基督的干預之後，搖身一變，成了一位偉大的傳教士，聖保祿宗徒。
主基督，請賜下聖神，更新我們的心志，學習聆聽新的語言，新的事物。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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PUT DOWN PREJUDICE TO SPEAK NEW LANGUAGES (Mark 16:15-18)

During the Last Supper, Jesus Christ told the disciples that they would be persecuted. "They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God." (John 16:2) How sarcastic it is to worship God by killing people! But this is a portrayal of fanatics. In order to defend the purity of monotheism, Saul went about routing "heretics", persecuting members of the early Church because they worshipped a carpenter rabbi like God! During the Middle Age, Franciscans and Dominicans killed with a clear conscience in the Holy Inquisition!

The gospel passage today tells us, "These signs will accompany those who believe … they will speak new languages." (Mark 16:17) Behold, throughout history, missionaries have studied hard to preach fluently in local languages. They have been very successful. Have you ever imagined how a missionary and an aborigine communicated in their first encounter? Was body language adequate? I believe the Holy Spirit must have helped both sides put away the prejudice of right and wrong, build a bridge of communication for the generations to come through many trials and errors. On the other hand, perhaps some missionaries thought that the local customs were superstitious and needed to be uprooted. The missionaries thought that they possessed the absolute truth and the culture of local savages was backward and primitive. This was lopsided preaching and in the end, primitive tribal cultures were annihilated! With a clear conscience, those missionaries felt that they were offering worship to God! Unbeknown to them, it was cultural intrusion and annihilation.

"Speaking new languages" cannot be achieved with rote learning and imitation alone. We need the grace of the Holy Spirit to down away what we have learnt and to open ourselves up to unfamiliar things. Not only will such an attitude reduce destructive persecutions, but it is also an opportunity of evangelization! After Jesus Christ's intervention, Saul was converted into an outstanding missionary, St. Paul the Apostle.
Lord Jesus Christ! Grant us the Holy Spirit to renew our hearts and wills to learn listening to new languages and new things. Amen.

耶穌基督善待眾生 JESUS CHRIST LOVES ALL

耶穌基督善待眾生（谷3:7-12）

有深厚的學歷，優美的文筆，卻能以自制、省察和克己，控制到自己的易怒和急躁；並且能以愛心，溫良地教化眾多加爾文主義者，親切地接待無禮的乞丐、和善地對待多言的婦女及仇視他的人，聖方濟各沙雷氏，的確充份地把耶穌基督的面容，彰顯在我們的面前。尊稱他為「天主之愛的聖師」，他當之無愧。

雖然今天的讀經，祇是一段「過門」的連接文字，卻處處反映出主耶穌基督對人的關懷。「同自己的門徒退到海邊去。」（谷3:7）是海邊，而不是曠野。因此他們並不是去休息，而是準備舉行「佈道大會」！

耶穌基督有先見之明，預料有很多群眾會出現，所以他準備離岸講道，利用海岸線為界，控制人數，減低意外的發生！海邊又有漁獲，可以解決食物供應的問題。那麼飲用水呢？福音裡的海不是海，而是湖。湖必然有河流灌注，可以解決食水供應的問題。
除了應付到群眾的物質需要外，耶穌基督更治療他們的病苦，並把他們從邪魔手中，解放出來，照顧他們肉體上及靈性上的需要。可見耶穌基督是何等細心體諒。耶穌基督是我們的「善牧」，他當之無愧。

那麼，耶穌基督一定不會善待邪魔了，看他怎樣「嚴厲責斥他們，不要把他顯露出來。」（3:12）此言差矣！對於人類而言，「心裡相信，可使人成義；口裡承認，可使人獲得救恩。」（羅10:10）雖然相信和承認主對人有益，但對邪魔就不一樣了。牠們信天主，且怕得打顫（雅2:19）卻不會使牠們成義；牠們口裡承認，卻不會使牠們獲得救恩。所以耶穌基督制止牠們，不要白費心機，混淆視聽！
主基督，請加強我們的愛德，領會別人的需要，並善待他們。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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JESUS CHRIST LOVES ALL (Mark 3:7-12)

Exceedingly learned, gifted with elegance to articulate his ideas but was capable of restraining his haste and anger with temperance, reflections and abstinence; converting many Calvinists with charity and meekness, embracing impolite beggars, treating gossipy women and enemies with kindness, St. Francis de Sales was truly able to manifest the countenance of Jesus Christ before us all. Calling him the Doctor of Charity is no flattery.

Although the pericope today is a piece of connective, it shows how Lord Jesus Christ cares for all. "Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples." (Mark 3:7) It was towards the sea and not the wilderness. Thus, they did not go for a rest, but to prepare for an evangelization event!

Jesus Christ predicted correctly that a large crowd would gather. So, he decided to speak offshore, making use of the coastline to control the crowd and minimize accident! There was fish, thus food supply from the sea. What about water? The sea in the gospel was not actually a sea but a lake which must be fed by rivers. Water supply was no longer a problem.
Besides meeting the physical needs of the crowd, Jesus Christ healed their infirmities and liberated them from demons, thus taking care of their bodily and spiritual needs. We can see how considerate Jesus Christ is. He is irrefutably our Good Shepherd.

Then, Jesus Christ must be unkind to demons. See how "He warned them sternly not to make him known." (3:12) That is not quite right! For us human beings, "For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved," (Romans 10:10) believing and confessing are beneficent but not for demons. They believe in God and tremble (James 2:19), but that does not justify them. They confess but that does not save them. Thus, Jesus Christ stopped them so as not to waste their breath and to confuse us!
Lord Jesus Christ. Increase our charity to understand other people's needs and treat them well. Amen.

耶穌基督動怒了 Jesus Christ Was Angered

耶穌基督動怒了（谷3:1-6）

耶穌基督素來給我們善良慈悲的形象，祂處處維護反對和攻擊祂的人，甚至連祂被釘在十字架上的時候，祂還祈求天父寬恕那些殘害祂的人（路23:34）。所以很難想像耶穌基督是怎樣發怒的。但祂的確曾經動怒，但不是失控的那種發怒！

一般人發怒時，情緒容易失控，繼而動武，做出令自己後悔的事。加音沒有聽從天主的忠告，管理好自己的妒忌和忿怒（創4:7），結果謀殺了自己的兄弟，從此變成了一個沒有生產力，並且是流離失所的人（4:12）！可見讓忿怒失控的後果，是非常嚴重的！

是甚麼人引起耶穌基督的忿怒呢？是那些法利塞人（谷6:3），猶太人的導師和領袖。他們為了自己的地位和利益，便運用自己在法律上的專業知識，企圖製造耶穌基督觸犯法律的証據！耶穌基督尊重他們是知識份子，是猶太人的領袖，願意跟他們理性地討論（6:4），澄清守安息日的精神。可惜他們冥頑不靈，不願認錯，無意悔改。耶穌動怒了！

耶穌怎樣表達祂的忿怒呢？「耶穌遂含怒環視他們，見他們的心硬而悲傷！」（3:5）耶穌祇以眼神表達祂的忿怒，而祂的忿怒竟然是悲傷的，哀慟的（瑪5:4）。耶穌基督始終是慈悲的，祂憐憫法利塞人被自己的知識所束縛（5:7）。緊隨著忿怒，並不是可怕的暴力，竟然是治療（谷3:5）！主耶穌基督，教我如何不敬佩祢呢！
主基督，請賜予我們一顆哀慟憐憫的心，愛護故意攻擊我們的人。亞孟！

生命恩泉

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Jesus Christ Was Angered (Mark 3:1-6)

Jesus Christ gives us a merciful impression. He always defends those who oppose and attack him. When he was crucified on the cross, he even asked the Father to forgive them all (Luke 23:34). Therefore, it is very difficult to imagine how Jesus Christ could be angered. He was angered indeed but not the type of unrestrained fury!

In general, when people are infuriated, their emotion flares up and they turn aggressive, doing things which they would later regret. Cain did not heed God's advice to manage his jealousy and fury (Genesis 4:7). Consequently he murdered his brother. From then on, he became an unproductive fugitive (4:12)! Thus, we can see the seriousness of unrestrained fury!

Who had angered Jesus Christ? The Pharisees who were teachers and leaders of the Jews had done it (Mark 6:3). For their own status and interests, they made use of their professional legal knowledge and attempted to create criminal evidences of Jesus Christ. Out of respect for their being Jewish intelligentsia and leaders, Jesus Christ was willing to discuss rationally with them to clarify the spirit of observing the Sabbath (6:4). Unfortunately, they were stubborn and refused to admit their errors and to repent. Jesus was angered!

How did Jesus express his anger? "Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart" (3:5), Jesus expresses his anger only with his stare and his anger was grievous and mournful (Matthew 5:4). After all, Jesus Christ is merciful. He felt sorry for the Pharisees who were enslaved by their own knowledge (5:7). Immediately following his anger was not violence but healing (Mark 3:5)! Lord Jesus Christ, how can I not admire you!
Lord Jesus Christ, grant us a mournful and merciful heart to love those who deliberately attack us. Amen.

教導愚蒙 INSTRUCTING THE IGNORANT

教導愚蒙（谷2:23-28）

守法律有錯嗎？當然沒有錯。
但當我們忘記了立法的原意，是為了人的益處的時候，「安息日是為了人立的」（谷2:27），守法律也是白費心機。即是說，盲目地守法，沒有意識地守法，是守法，但沒有增加大眾的益處！如果運用法律來陷害人，更是罪加一等！法利塞人當面直斥耶穌，沒有好好管教自己的門徒，任由門徒「做安息日不許做的事」（2:24），他們正是運用法律來陷害耶穌，是何等的凶狠！

我們的師傅是體諒的。他明白僵化地遵守法律的人，思想容易變得狹窄，把自己困在一個漸漸縮小的銅牆鐵壁之內，身心疲憊，需要解放。怎樣解救他們呢？
既然他們守舊，我們的師傅便「從他們的寶庫裡，提出新的和舊的東西。」（瑪13:52）對！就跟他們說歷史吧！守舊的人喜歡「以史為鑒」。但願投其所好，能教導他們遵守法律的精神所在。法津固然尋求公義，但天主的公義就是愛，是慈悲，是拯救。所以法律的精神不單是公義，還要有慈悲！守安息日、禁食、行割損禮等等，都是為人的益處而立！守安息日，不是為了紀念上主解放為奴的以色列人嗎？（申5:15）那麼，在安息日解除人的困境，不是履行上主天主的旨意嗎？雖然達味違反了法律的條文，但是他實踐了法律的精神，法利塞人也不敢說達味做錯了。如果能引而申之，我們的師傅也沒有錯。可惜，法利塞人好像不懂引申的道理！耶穌也再沒辦法幫助他們了。
主基督，我們願意學習祢，從對方的處境著想，教導愚蒙。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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INSTRUCTING THE IGNORANT (Mark 2:23-28)

Is it wrong to observe the law? Of course not!
But when we forget the intention of legislation, which is for the benefit of men, "The Sabbath was made for men." (Mark 2:27), observing the law is futile. That is to say, observing the law blindly or unconsciously is observing the law, but it benefits nobody! It would be a worse crime to make use of the law to harm people. When the Pharisees accused Jesus for not instructing his disciples properly, letting them do "what is unlawful on the Sabbath" (2:24), they were using the law to harm Jesus. How wicked they were!

Our Master is very understanding. He understands that it is easy for people who observe the law rigidly to trap themselves inside a contracting iron cell. Their hearts and minds are exhausted and in need of liberation. How do we liberate them?
Since they are conservative, our Master "brings from their storeroom both the new and the old." (Matthew 13:52) Right! Tell them history! Conservative people enjoy taking lessons from history. Hopeful, hitting on their likes would teach them the spirit of observing the law. The law seeks righteousness. But God's righteousness is love, mercy and salvation. Thus, the spirit of the law is not only righteousness but also mercy. Keeping the Sabbath, fasting and circumcision etc. are made for the good of men! Is keeping the Sabbath not to remember how God liberated the Israelites from slavery (Deuteronomy 5:15)? Then, isn't relieving people from difficulty on Sabbath doing God's will? Although David broke the letters of the law, he was actually practising the spirit of the law. The Pharisees dared not to accuse David of doing wrong. By extrapolation, our Master was not doing wrong too. Unfortunately, the Pharisees did not seem to understand the concept of extrapolation. Jesus could help them no more.
Lord Jesus Christ, we are willing to learn from you, to consider from the others' point of view and to instruct the ignorant. Amen.

忍耐磨難 BEARING WRONGS PATIENTLY

忍耐磨難（谷2:18-22）

當你信靠天主，做事問心無愧，卻有人在你面前，或在你背後，甚至背著你，向你的上司說三道四，投訴你的不是的時候，基督徒，你應如何自處呢？向你的師傅學習吧！

首先，你的師傅經常祈禱，尋求天父的旨意。所以，第一步是自我檢討，我有沒有犯了錯而不知道；又或者，我有沒有暫時忘記了天主，所以天主找個投訴人來提醒我呢？

誠然，如果投訴人在你背後批評你，你是沒有解釋的機會，他也沒有明白事實的機會。你沒有甚麼可以做了，難道窮追猛打，找他出來澄清嗎？於事無補！倘若他想明白事實，他就不會匿名投訴。所以，惟有為他祈禱，希望他有明白的一天。

如果他當面向你投訴，表示他想明白事理。但在你回答之前，也應停下來想一想，你的師傅是何等的體諒：「新酒應裝在新皮囊裡！」（谷2:22）因為投訴的人沒有你的修維，也未必明白、喜歡你新穎的做事方式。他「喝著陳酒，不願意喝新酒，因為他說：還是舊的好。」（路5:39）這時候，出於愛德，為了他的尊嚴，你嘗試用比喻向他解釋吧，不要據理力爭，傷及兄弟情誼！但比喻有效嗎？天曉得！恐怕若翰的門徒和法利塞人，聽完「新郎伴郎」的比喻之後，到最後一刻也沒有接受你師傅的解釋！軟比喻與硬道理之間，還是軟的好！

基督徒，愛那批評你的人啊！你的師傅也是這樣做的！「忍耐磨難」是神哀矜！
主基督，請增加我們的愛德，多行神哀矜，特別是忍耐磨難。亞孟。 生命恩泉

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BEARING WRONGS PATIENTLY (Mark 2:18-22)

When you trust in the Lord and work conscientiously, somebody speaks ill of you before you or behind your back; and even accuse you before your boss without letting you know. Christians, what should you do? Learn from your Master!

For of all, your Master always prays to seek the Father's will. Thus, the first step you should take is to evaluate whether you have done anything wrong without knowing it. Or perhaps have you forgotten God temporarily so that He sends a complainant to wake you up? Frankly, if the complainant criticizes you behind your back, you have no opportunity to explain and he has no opportunity to know the truth. There is nothing you can you. Dig him up to clarify? It won't work! If he wants to know the truth, he won't make anonymous complaints. So, you can only pray for him, hoping that he will understand one day.

If he confronts and complains you, it shows that he wants to know the truth. But even before you explain, you should also stop to think. How understanding your Master is! "New wine is poured into fresh wineskins." (Mark 2:22) The complainant does not have your experiences. He may not understand or appreciate your new style of working. "No one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.'"(Luke 5:39) At this moment, out of charity and for his dignity, try to explain yourself in parables. Don't argue with reasons and injure fraternity! Would parables work? God knows! I am afraid after hearing the parable of the bridegroom and wedding guests, the disciples of John the Baptist and Pharisees would never accept your Master's explanation even on the day they died! Between soft parables and hard reasons, I prefer soft ones!

Christians! Love those who criticize you! Your Master did it! Bearing wrongs patiently is a spiritual work of mercy!
Lord Jesus Christ, increase our charity to do more spiritual works of mercy, in particular, bearing wrongs patiently. Amen.

我的時刻尚未來到 My Hour Has Not Yet Come

常年期第二主日，丙年
主題：我的時刻尚未來到

天主教的社會訓導，強調教會的君王角色，替天行道，「以貧為先」，服侍社會上貧窮的人。社會訓導亦強調教會的先知角色，向世人宣講天主的公義，並且為受壓迫者發聲。不過，有些對天主教社會訓導稍有認識的人，會反過來批評香港教區，過份攀附權貴，在一些他們認為不公義的情況下，教區不敢為受壓迫者出頭等等。慈母聖教會對這些批評，雖然不會反感，但亦不會置之不理。希望「青年年」是一個好的場合，聆聽並交換意見，促進彼此間的諒解。

事實上，關顧窮人和與權貴來往，彼此互不排斥，除非我們在關顧窮人的同時，歧視富貴和有權勢的人！耶穌基督有歧視富有的人嗎？沒有！且看今天的福音，耶穌基督和他的門徒應邀出席加納的婚宴。家中有僕人在婚宴上工作，不足為奇；但有六口取潔禮用的石缸（若2:6），恐怕這家是一個大宅門吧。而且有司席試酒（2:8），滿意後纔拿出去奉客，怎可能是一般平民百姓，窮等人家呢？除此之外，耶穌基督主動提出到稅吏長匝凱的家中成為座上客（路19:5）；不介意幫助羅馬百夫長，治好他僕人的病（7:9）。最後，是一個顯貴的議員，阿黎瑪特雅人若瑟埋葬耶穌基督的（谷15:43）。可見，耶穌基督一視同仁，絕不歧視權貴或者嫌棄窮人和外人。在祂慈悲的眼中，有需要幫助的人，是沒有貧窮和富貴，受壓迫和有權勢的分別！

但是，為甚麼當聖母瑪利亞向耶穌基督，提出主人家的困窘時，耶穌基督的反應，「女人，這於我和妳有甚麼關係？ 我的時刻尚未來到。」（若2:4），是如此冷漠呢？耶穌基督不是樂意幫助有困難的人嗎？為甚麼祂覺得主人家缺酒，與祂沒有關係呢？兩母子一起生活了三十年，雖然未到心有靈犀的境界，但聖母熱心助人，關顧別人的需要，是基督徒的好榜樣，耶穌基督是欣賞的。那麼，二話不說，直接行個神蹟，解決了當前的困難，不是很好嗎？最後，祂不是行了第一個神蹟，把水變成了酒，解決了主人家的困難嗎？耶穌基督對聖母的答覆，豈不是多此一舉嗎？所以，耶穌基督的答覆，必定別具意義，值得我們默想！

耶穌基督在若望福音中，很喜歡運用「時刻」或者 「時辰」一辭，共10節；另外，若望也說了兩次，猶太人想捉拿耶穌基督，但沒有成功，「因為他的時辰還沒有到。」（7:30；8:20）可見，在若望福音所說「耶穌基督的時刻」，是指祂公開傳福音直到在十字架上受難和往後的復活。當時，耶穌基督祇是應邀出席婚宴，尚未公開傳道，所以祂的時刻尚未來到。這種解釋，未免太迂腐了！婚宴不也是一個傳福音很好的場合嗎？耶穌基督曾運用「婚宴」來比喻「天國」，那麼，在婚宴上宣講天國的道理，不是最貼切嗎？所以，耶穌基督這樣「冷漠」地回覆聖母瑪利亞，好像嫌棄她麻煩，必定有所教訓。

是的。一切都在天主的掌握之中。在聖母指出主人家缺酒之前，難道耶穌基督不知道嗎？需要聖母提示嗎？祂一定知道，並且心裡有數，在適當的時候，祂將會出手做一些事，例如把剩下的酒，好像五餅二魚一樣增多。聖母瑪利亞以母親的身份，向耶穌基督指出主人家缺酒，是愛德的表現；作為兒子的耶穌基督，是非常明白的。不過，在這裡，耶穌基督卻以天主子的身份回應聖母瑪利亞，提醒聖母，「事事有時節」，而祂的時刻尚未來到！作為一個人，聖母焦急，是可以理解的。作為天主，耶穌基督心裡有數，要對祂的安排有信心！聖母並沒有令耶穌基督失望，她滿懷信心地吩咐僕人，依照耶穌基督的指示做事（2:5）！

的確，「事事有時節…生有時，死有時。」（訓3:1-2）
在楊主教病危時，雖然教區在上午發出訊息，請大家為楊主教的康復祈禱，但不出三小時，楊主教便息勞歸主，令教區措手不及。祈禱沒有用嗎？不是所有的人都像聖母瑪利亞一樣有福，聖母向耶穌基督求甚麼，都得蒙應允。我們呢？是我們的信德不夠嗎？對，我們的信德很脆弱！因為我們堅持要求我們所渴望的事物，沒有讓天主在適當的時候，做適當的事！在梵蒂岡與中國簽署任命主教的臨時協議前，我們不肯相信教會與無神論政權打交道；簽署後，很多人感到失望，因為結果並不符合他們的意願，他們懷疑教廷出賣中國教會。楊主教去世，很多人希望夏主教執掌教務，結果湯樞機被委任處理過渡期的教務，又令很多教友不滿，覺得教廷向無神主義政權屈服等等。請問，倘若耶穌基督拒絕了聖母瑪利亞的請求，拒絕在加納婚宴上行水變酒的神蹟，大家會失望嗎？

請大家不要依賴神蹟來解決困難，這是一個動搖信德的誘惑！魔鬼不是曾誘惑耶穌基督從聖殿頂跳下嗎？群眾不是嘲弄耶穌基督，要祂從十字架上下來便相信祂嗎？即使在神蹟面前，有些人仍然是不明就裡，神蹟對他們根本起不了甚麼作用。司席和新郎就是一個例子了。請大家記住，神蹟是用來表達天主對人的愛護，藉神蹟讓人得到更豐盛的生命。其實，耶穌基督絕對有自由，可以拒絕為新郎新娘錦上添花，送給他們最好的美酒。但耶穌基督願意人類領受福音，使貧乏如水的生命，變得好像美酒一樣，更喜樂更豐盛。所以，即使祂的時刻尚未來到，即使祂尚未公開傳道，祂仍樂意使我們的生命更喜樂更豐盛。

神蹟後，司席和新郎仍然不明就裡，但僕人們卻是知道的。這些卑微的人，會有甚麼反應呢？他們後來跟隨了耶穌基督，亦未可知！聖母瑪利亞把一切看在眼裡，必定默存心裡，反覆思量。三年後在十字架下，聽到耶穌基督再稱呼她一次「女人」（若19:26），她終於明白一切了！門徒們，包括寫福音的若望，看見了天主聖子的光榮，就信從了祂（2:11），日後獲得信仰上的榮冠。
各位兄弟姊妹，我們在祈禱的時候，是強加自己的意願到天主身上呢？還是尋求天父的旨意，讓天父按祂的時辰，開展祂的計劃呢？我們真的要看到神蹟，纔相信天主嗎？
天主保祐！

2016講道

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Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
Theme: My Hour Has Not Yet Come

The Catholic Social Teachings stress the kingship role of the Church to work on behalf of God to opt for the poor and to serve the poor in the society. CST also stress the prophetic role of the Church to proclaim the righteousness of God and speak up for the oppressed. However, some who know a bit about CST turn around to criticize the Hong Kong Diocese for their amiable relationship with the rich and powerful. In some unfair situations in their eyes, the Diocese have not stood up for the oppressed etc. Although the motherly Church is not offended, she will not ignore such criticisms. We hope that this Year of the Youth can be a good occasion to exchange opinions and to promote mutual understanding.

Indeed, option for the poor and maintaining an amiable relationship with the rich and powerful is not mutually exclusive, unless you prejudice against the rich and powerful while you serve the poor! Did Jesus prejudice against the rich? No! Take a look at the gospel today. Jesus and his disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana. Servants serving in a wedding were no surprise, but the six stone water jars for ceremonial washings (John 2:6) show that the house must be a big one. There was even a headwaiter to taste the wine before serving (2:8). How could it be a house of commoners? Besides, Jesus Christ took the initiative to stay at the house of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:5); did not mind healing the servant of a Roman centurion (7:9). Lastly, it was Joseph of Arimathea, a distinguished member of the council, who buried Jesus Christ (Mark 15:43). Thus, Jesus Christ does not prejudice against the rich, the powerful, the poor and the aliens. In His merciful gaze, there is no difference between people in need, be they poor or rich, oppressed or powerful!

But why was Jesus' answer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, when she mentioned the embarrassment of the host, so indifferent? "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." (John 2:4) Isn't Jesus Christ happy to help the needy? Why isn't he bothered when the host has no more wine? Mother and son have been living together for thirty years. Though their minds have not yet become one, Jesus Christ should appreciate the BVM's eagerness to help the needy which is a good Christian exemplar. Then wouldn't it be good to work a miracle immediately without much ado to solve the host's problem? Wasn't Jesus Christ's answer to the BVM a bit superfluous? Thus, there must be deeper meanings in the Jesus Christ's answer which is worth meditating!

In the gospel of John, Jesus Christ uses the word "hour" in more than 10 verses. Besides, John also says twice "His hour has not yet come" (7:30, 8:20) when the Jews tried to arrest Jesus and failed. Thus, in the gospel of John, "the hour of Jesus Christ" means his public ministry up to his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. At that time, Jesus Christ was only a guest at a wedding. He had not begun his public evangelization. Thus his hour has not yet come. This explanation is a bit too narrow-minded. Isn't a wedding banquet not a good evangelization occasion? Jesus Christ makes use of wedding banquets to symbolize the Kingdom of Heaven. Then isn't it the more appropriate to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven at a wedding banquet? Thus, the "indifferent" manner with which Jesus Christ answered the BVM, seemingly rejecting her intervention must have some special teachings.

Indeed, God has everything under His control. Didn't Jesus Christ know before the BVM told him that the host had no wine? Did he need the BVM's reminder? He must have known and planned to act when the time comes, such as multiplying the remaining wine, like five loaves and two fish. The BVM spoke to her son that the host had no wine. It was charity which as a son must be familiar. But here, Jesus Christ answered the BVM as the Son of God, reminding her that "There is an appointed time for everything." His hour has not come yet. The eagerness of BVM as a human being is understandable. As God, Jesus Christ knows it all. We have to put our trust fully in Him! The BVM did not disappoint Jesus Christ. Full of faith, she told the servants to do whatever he told them. (2:5)

Indeed, "There is an appointed time for everything ... a time to give birth, and a time to die." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)
When the late Bishop Michael Yeung was on his deathbed, although the Diocese appealed the faithful to pray for the recovery of the Bishop, less than three hours later, the Bishop passed away. The Diocese was taken by surprise. Is prayer useless? Not everybody is as blessed as the BVM. Whatever she requests from Jesus Christ, it is granted her. What about us? Is our faith too weak? Yes, our faith is too fragile! It is because we insist on what we desire and have not allowed God time to act! Before the Vatican signs a temporary agreement on the appointment of bishops with People's Republic of China, we refused to believe that the Church had any dealing with an atheist regime. After signing the agreement, many people are disappointed because the outcome doesn't follow their wishes. They suspect that the Church in China has been betrayed by the Roman Curia. After the death of Bishop Michael Yeung, many people want Bishop Ha to take over. It turns out that the Roman Curia appointed Cardinal John Tong to be the Apostolic Administrator to handle the transition. Again, this disappoints many faithful who feel that the Curia bent her knees to the atheist regime etc. Let's think about it. Had Jesus Christ refused the request of the BVM, refused to turn water into wine in Cana, would you be disappointed?

Please, do not rely on miracles to solve problems. It is a temptation that weakens our faith! Didn't the Devil ask Jesus Christ to jump down from the top of the Temple? Didn't the people tease Jesus, asking him to jump down from the cross so that they might believe in him? Some people remain ignorant even seeing a miracle face to face. Miracles just don't work. The headwaiter and the bridegroom are examples. Bear this in mind. Miracles show God's love for men. God makes our lives more abundant with miracles. In fact, Jesus Christ has absolute freedom to refuse icing the cake with the best wine. But Jesus Christ wants us to receive the gospel, to turn a life of poverty like plain water into a joyful and fulfilled life like good wine. Thus, even though his hour has not yet come, he has not yet begun his public ministry, Jesus Christ is happy to make our life more joyful and more fulfilled.

After the miracle, the headwaiter and bridegroom remained ignorant, but the servants knew. How would these humble servants respond? Perhaps they might follow Jesus! The BVM saw everything and reflecting on them in her heart. Three years later under the cross, when Jesus Christ called her "Woman" once more (John 19:26), at last, she understood all! The disciples, including John who wrote the gospel, saw his glory and began to believe in him (2:11) and were crowned with laurel wreaths of faith in the days to come.
Brethren, do we impose our will on God when we pray? Or do we seek the Father's will, allowing Him time to unfold His plan? Do we really need to see miracles to believe in God?
God bless!