2016 Christmas Greeting

Our Lord was born in a manger.
He wants to draw our attention
to the marginalized people.

Let us adore the Lord in

• CSSA Recipients
• Discharged Prisoners
• Drug addicts
• Homeless, and
• Janitors etc.

Merry Christmas!

Picture credit: http://wallpapercave.com/

信仰耶穌基督是最好的禮物 Believing in Jesus Christ is the best gift

聖誕節
主題：信仰耶穌基督是最好的禮物

首先，祝大家聖誕快樂平安。
香港人生活忙碌，為很多的衣食住行，經濟政治等事物憂心，以致很多市民神經衰弱，心情煩躁，不但健康受到影響，而且人際關係也變得緊張。香港人非常需要休息，聖誕節正好給予我們一個休息的機會，恢復身心；還可以有時間修補與親人、朋友和同事的關係。其實，相對世界上其他的地方，香港總算幸福，我們並沒有恐怖襲擊、沒有戰事、沒有霧霾窒息的空氣。這些都是值得感恩的。所以，趁聖誕假期，除了休息和享受天倫樂之餘，讓我們感謝天主，並默想天主聖子降生成人的奧蹟。

猶記得初領洗的時候，關於天主聖子降生成人的奧蹟，祗知是一個奧蹟，並未感受到當中所表達的大愛。當時有一個疑問，不斷地環繞自己的思想：「我們中國人有甚麼不好？為甚麼耶穌不是降生為中國人而是猶太人？」與其他信仰上的疑問一樣，這些問題祗是一個起步點，是一些次要的問題。做了幾十年的天主教徒，今天發覺到問題的核心，是天主的愛。問題變成了：「人類有甚麼好？為甚麼天主對人類不離不棄，要降生成人，為人的罪過，死在十字架上？」不過，我知道這不會是終極的問題，祗是一個過渡性的問題。將來發展如何，現在我沒有能力預知。這就是信仰，是窮一生去追尋的答案，去追求的目標。

今天教會選讀若望福音，不是我們平常聽慣的聖誕故事。這裡沒有二千年前的聖母瑪利亞和若瑟，沒有馬槽，沒有三個賢士，沒有牧羊人等等。這裡，若望宗徒把時間推得更前，推到時間開始之前，即是說，在沒有時間和空間之前，在創世以前。那是一個甚麼也沒有的狀態，人類還沒有存在，遑論對這狀態有所認識。倘若不是天主啟示，人類根本不能想像到正在發生甚麼事。那時存在的惟有天主，因為時間是祂後來所創造的，祂並不存在於時間之中，我們祗能說「在起初祂已存在，祂是沒有開始，沒有來源的。」

天主進一步把自己揭示給我們，讓我們知道祂是「愛」。因為天主是「愛」，所以天主是充滿生命力的。既然祂是充滿力量，所以祂不是靜止的，祂洋溢的愛，創造了整個宇宙和宇宙之內的萬物。健康的「愛」一定要有對象的，否則便是「自戀狂」。那麼，是否在天主以外，還有另一個神呢？從舊約的經驗之中，我們知道天主祗有一個，是獨一無二的一個。那麼，天主所愛的對象是甚麼呢？就是發自天主自己的「說話」，祂所發出的聖言，就創造了宇宙萬物。我們怎樣領受到以上這些天主進一步的啟示呢？就是透過降生成人的耶穌基督。耶穌基督就是那看不見的天主，有形可見的啟示，耶穌基督的一生，由誕生到受難復活升天，每一個細節都在表達著天父的慈愛。若望宗徒用多差不多六十年的時間，默想與耶穌基督一起生活的三年，得到了結論，寫出了：「在起初已有聖言，聖言與天主同在，聖言就是天主…」（若1:1-5）。有了光，我們可以看清楚事物的真相，這真理使我們獲得自由，有了自由，我們的生命得以保存，得以發展。這就是我剛才所說的「天主進一步的啟示」了。我們不一定能明白若望宗徒的意思。有如我剛才所說的，信仰是窮一生去追尋的答案，要將來面對面看見天主時，纔能完全明白。

今天，有十對父母把他們的嬰孩帶到聖堂來接受洗禮。他們與天主合作，把生命傳送給這些嬰孩，把這些嬰兒帶到世上，並承諾盡力把他們養育成人。作為父母，他們當然把最好的事物，送給自己的兒女。無論是出生前的胎教、出生後的一切嬰兒用品、將來入學讀書等等，他們必定揀選最好的。他們對兒女的愛，子女們不一定有能力明白。作為父母的，不會等子女們明白纔去做。天主對我們也是一樣，無論我們明白與否，祂仍舊愛護我們。有一個這樣愛護我們的天主，我們豈能不把信仰傳授給自己的兒女，使他們得到不離不棄的天主的愛護呢？這就是做父母為自己的兒子送上的最好的禮物。

各位家長，您們的信仰未必是完美無缺的。但甭愁，領洗加入教會，您們會得到教會的支援，培育您們的子女。而且，所謂「教學相長」，在教導自己兒女的過程中，您們自己的信仰肯定會有可觀的長進。各位在場的兄弟姊妹，你們除了給予這些父母支援之外，自己亦應回顧身邊尚未信仰耶穌基督的人，使他們能認識到天主是愛的真理，可以得到耶穌基督的光照，可以享受作為天主子女的幸福。
天主保祐！

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Christmas
Theme: Believing in Jesus Christ is the best gift

Hong Kong citizens lead a hectic life. They worry about clothing, food, housing, transportation, economy and politics so much so that many suffer from neurasthenia and shortness of breath. Not only is their health affected, but their interpersonal relationships are also strained. Hongkongers are badly in need of rest. Christmas holidays give us a good opportunity to take a break, refresh our body and mind. Furthermore, we may also make use of the time to mend fences with our family members, relatives, friends and colleagues. In fact, Hong Kong is lucky in comparison with other places on earth. We don't have terrorist attacks, wars and smog. We should be grateful. Therefore, take this holiday, not only to rest and to enjoy family life, but also to thank God and to meditate on the mystery of Incarnation.

When I was newly baptized, the mystery of Incarnation was simply a mystery. I did not feel the great love it expressed. One question kept hovering in my mind, "What is wrong with us Chinese? Why didn't Jesus incarnate to be a Chinese but a Jew?" Like any other questions on faith, these questions are only starting points, non-essential questions. After living as a Catholic for decades, I find that the core question is God's love. Today, the question becomes, "What is so good about humanity? Why did God not abandon us, took up our flesh and died on the cross for our sins?" Well, I know that this is not going to be the ultimate question, but a transitional one. I do not have any foresight to know where it will lead to. This is faith for which we spend our whole life to seek the answer, to pursue the goal.

Today, the Church reads the gospel of John, not the usual nativity stories. Here, we don't have the BVM and Joseph two thousand years ago. There was no crib, no Magi nor shepherds etc. Here, John pushed the time frame even earlier. He pushed it before the beginning of time. That is to say, before Creation where there was no time and space. It was a state of nothingness. Men did not exist, not to mention understanding such a state. If God had not revealed, men would not have imagined what was happening. Only God existed in that state because time was later created by Him. He does not exist in time. We can only say that God was before the beginning. He has no beginning, no origin.

God further revealed Himself to us. He made known to us that He is Love. Since He is Love, He is full of Life. Since He is full of life force, He cannot be static. His overflowing love results in the creation of the known universe and everything within. Healthy love needs an object. Otherwise it is narcissism. Then, is there another deity besides God? From the experience of the Old Testament, we know that God is one. God is unique. Then what is the object of God's love? It is the Word spoken by God. God spoke and the universe was created. How do we know this further revelation? It is through the incarnated Jesus Christ who is the visible revelation of the invisible God. Every detail of the life of Jesus Christ, from birth to Passion, Resurrection and Ascension tells us of the mercy of the Father. John spent nearly six decades to meditate the three years he had spent with Jesus Christ. He drew this conclusion, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ..." (John 1:1-5) With light, we are able to see the truth and the truth shall make us free. With freedom, our life can be preserved and can develop. This is the further revelation of God I mentioned previously. We may not understand John's idea. Like what I said, faith is a lifelong search until we come face to face with God. Then God shall make us understand completely.

Today, ten pairs of parents bring their babies to the Church to receive baptism. They cooperated with God, passed life onto these babies, bringing them into this world and promised to bring them up. As parents, they give their children the best, whether it be pre-natal, post-natal or schooling in the future. They will choose the best. Even though their children may not understand, parents would not wait until they understand to do it. Our God is the same. Whether we understand or not, God loves and cares about us. With such a loving God, how can we not pass on our faith to our children so that they may receive the loving care of a God who never abandons? Believing in Jesus Christ is the best gift parents can ever give their children.

Parents. Your faith may not be perfect. Don't worry! With baptism, you will receive the support of the Church to help you bring up your children. Moreover, teaching and learning go hand in hand. In teaching your children, your own faith will surely undergo tremendous development. Parishioners. Besides supporting these parents, you should also look around yourselves to locate people who have not yet believed in Jesus Chris. Help them understand the truth that God is love so that they will be illuminated by Jesus Christ and can enjoy the happiness to be God's children.
God bless!

搵個好老闆 Look for a perfect boss

聖誕子夜彌撒
主題：搵個好老闆

無論是教徒與否，很多人也喜歡參加聖誕子夜彌撒，因為是一種享受。除了悅耳的聖誕歌曲和充滿節日氣氛的馬槽佈置之外，就是那份非筆墨所能形容的平安。平安不單是一份安心，一份安枕無憂。如果您想安心，您可以買保險。如果您想安枕無憂，您必須好像孟嘗君一樣，為自己安排三條後路。始終，保險也有免責條款，除了戰爭和暴亂，保險公司總會想辦法令自己不用賠償。同樣，無論預留多少條後路，總敵不過毋妄之災，落得一無所有。

那麼，聖誕節帶給我們是怎麼樣的平安呢？讓我們默想路加福音的記載。
首先，讓我們看看凱撒奧古斯都。他為甚麼要做人口登記呢？祗有一個原因，就是要增加稅收。可能他想大興土木，或者籌備額外的軍費。簡單地說，他有野心想幹一番事業。這樣看來，在未來的十年八載，凱撒奧古斯都是沒有平安的。

其次，季黎諾是凱撒的下屬，他是一位清官還是一位貪官，我們無從稽考。即使他不是為了迎合老闆的好大喜功，也決不能馬虎了事。所以，季黎諾因為凱撒的緣故，恐怕這一年半載，也難得平安。

第三，人民的反應又如何呢？試問有誰會樂意為了官府增加稅收，而改動平日的生活程序，浪費時間，回鄉登記？可想而知，這個擾民的政策，一定會令群眾怨聲載道，沒有平安。

第四，若瑟又怎樣呢？他雖然祗是個木匠，學歷未必高。不過，他有可能聽過默西亞在白冷出生的預言。所以，他不會像一般群眾一樣，埋怨凱撒下令他們回鄉登記，反而會讚嘆天主的奧妙安排，連凱撒也成了天主手中的工具，有如他手上的木工工具一樣！當初得知瑪利亞未婚懷孕的消息，若瑟的心一定有很大的掙扎。今天，若瑟的心會更加平安，因為他看到天主的奧妙安排，並且漸漸領會到自己在這救贖工程的貢獻！

第五，牧羊人平安嗎？當時的牧羊人沒有社會地位，沒有謀生技能，祗能生活在城外。用今天的術語，就是那些對社會好像沒有貢獻的人，被邊緣化了的人。例如獨居長者、露宿者、釋囚和外判清潔工人等。天使顯現給他們，把一個有關人類生死存亡的善訊交給他們，由他們向世人通報。在今天的福音以後的數節，記載了他們的反應。他們找到瑪利亞、若瑟和嬰兒，正如天使向他們說的一樣，便傳揚開了。即使聽他們傳福音的人不相信，他們仍光榮讚美天主，因為他們見到了天使和聖嬰。他們一定很興奮，很滿足，因為即使社會不理會他們，天主並沒有離棄他們，並且委以傳福音的重任。

最後，聖母瑪利亞呢？路加福音有關聖誕一段，沒有記載聖母任何一句說話。祗是說：「瑪利亞把這一切事，默存在自己心中，反覆思想。」（路2:19）那麼，聖母瑪利亞平安嗎？一定很平安。她不認識男人而懷孕，她產子而保持童貞，天主在她身上行的大事，實在太奇妙了。她不會明白，祗能反覆思量。但她知道出現在她身邊的人和事物，發生在自己身上的一切，都是天主的旨意。既然是天主的旨意在開展，有甚麼可以令她不安呢？

默想過這些人物之後，我有以下的結論。
原來平安不是因為購買了保險、累積了財富，更不在於預備了後路而安枕無憂，不再煩惱。其實，真正的平安在於找到一個真正的老闆，一個不像凱撒或總督的老闆，而是一個可以照顧您一世的老闆。你可以安心為他工作，而他永遠不會辭退你，不會欠薪，並且有退休長俸。有這樣一個老闆，你還要愁甚麼呢？如果有一個老闆，一個主人，反轉過來無微不至地當你像老闆一樣地服事你，你會為這個老闆工作嗎？這世界上有這樣的老闆嗎？這個老闆是誰？就是今天慶祝降生成人的耶穌基督。他既是我們的主宰，卻無微不至地服事我們，為救贖我們而屈尊就卑，降生成人；並為償還我們的罪債，死在十字架上；為了賜予我們永生而復活升天，派遣聖神，建立教會。不跟隨這樣的老闆 又跟誰呢？

讓我們效法聖若瑟、聖母瑪利亞和牧羊人一樣，樂於看見天主的計劃，在我們每個人身上順利開展，並合併起來，使天主的國逐漸實現。
祝各位聖誕快樂！

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Midnight Mass
Theme: Look for a perfect boss

Whether they are Christians or not, many people like going to midnight masses because it is enjoyable. Besides lovely Christmas hymns and festive decoration of cribs, there is an inexpressible peace. Peace is not just a sense of security or absence of worries. If you want a sense of security, you can buy insurance policies. If you want an absence of worries, you should follow the example of Lord Mengchang to prepare three backup plans. Unfortunately, there are disclaimers in insurance policies so that insurance companies are able to exempt from paying compensations not just in cases of wars and insurgencies. Similarly, no matter how many backup plans you have come up with, a disaster will strike off all your assets.

Then, what kind of peace can we find in Christmas? Let us meditate on the nativity story of Luke.
First of all, take a look at Augustus Caesar. Why did he decree a universal census? There was only one reason: to increase revenue. Perhaps he wanted to start a building project, or he wanted extra military funds. Simply put, he was ambitious. From this, we may conclude that Augustus Caesar would not find peace in at least ten years.

Next, Quirinius was the subordinate of Caesar. We have no clue whether he was a good governor or a corrupt one. Even if he would not buy his boss' ambition, neither could he slight it. Therefore, because of Caesar, Quirinius would not find peace for at least a year.

Thirdly, what would be the reaction of the people? Tell me, who on earth would gladly accept government increase in tax, would interrupt daily business and return to their home cities to register? Such an unpopular policy would stir up people's grumblings and there would be no peace.

Fourthly, what about Joseph? Although he was a carpenter and might not be educated, he might have heard of the prophecy of the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem. Therefore, he might not complain like any other people about returning home to register, but marvel at the wonderful arrangement of God. Even Caesar became a tool in God's hand just like those carpentry tools in his hand! At first, when he heard of the pregnancy news about Mary, his conscience must have gone through a lot of struggles. Today, Joseph's heart was in peace because he saw God's wonderful arrangements and he gradually saw his part in the salvation project.

Fifthly, were the shepherds in peace? Shepherds had no social status, no money making skills and had to live outside the city. Using today's jargon, they were people who seemed not to have any contribution to the society. They were marginalized just like our senior citizens who live alone, the homeless, the discharged prisoners and the outsourcing janitors etc. An angel appeared to them, giving them a piece of good news concerning the life and death of all humanity and sent them to inform the whole world. A few verses after the gospel reading today, we find their reactions. After finding Mary, Joseph and the baby just as it had been told by the angel, the shepherds spread the news. Even if other people did not believe in their report, they still glorified and praised God because they had seen angels and the Holy Infant. They must be very excited and contented. Even if they were ignored by the society, God had not abandoned them and commissioned them an important mission.

Lastly, what about the Blessed Virgin Mary? The BVM does not say a word in Luke's nativity story. Luke only says, "But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart." (Luke 2:19) Then, did the BVM have peace in her heart? Certainly. She did not know men and yet became pregnant. She gave birth to a child and yet retained her virginity. The great things God had done for her were truly wondrous. She would never understand. She could only ponder them in her heart. But she knew it was God's will that such people and events happened around her. Since it was God's will, what could unsettle her?

After meditating all these people, I would draw the following conclusion.
Buying insurance policies, accumulating wealth or preparing several backup plans cannot pacify your heart. In fact, only a genuine boss, someone who is not like Caesar or governor, can give you genuine peace of heart, someone who can take care of your whole life. You can work for him without worries and he shall never fire you. He shall not owe you salary and shall give you pension after retirement. With such a boss, why should you worry? Furthermore, if there is such a boss, a lord, who turns around serves you like a boss, will you work for this boss? Is there such a boss on earth? Who is this boss? He is Jesus Christ whose birthday we celebrate today. He is our Lord, yet he takes care of every detail of ours. For our redemption, he condescended and took up human flesh. To repay our debts, he died on the cross. To give us eternal life, he came back to life, ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to build up the Church. If we don't follow this boss, who else?

Let us follow the example of Joseph, the BVM and the shepherds. Let us be joyful to see God's plan unfold in each one of us and together, the gradual realization of the Kingdom of God.
Merry Christmas to you all!

以聖善和正義事奉祂 Serve Him in Holiness & Righteous

十二月廿四日
「一生一世在他面前，以聖善和正義事奉他。」（路1:75）

人性本善。人類是按天主的肖像所造，人的本性理所當然是美好的，我們的生活本來可以反映天主的聖善和正義的。可惜，人類驕傲自大，妄想自己成為天主，犯了原罪，喪失了原始的恩寵。人類的生活不再聖善，不再合乎正義了。我們甚至不知道怎樣的生活纔算是聖善，纔算是合乎正義。若翰洗者的父親充滿了聖神，講述了天主的許諾。天主要把我們從罪惡這個敵人的手中，解救我們，使我們從此可以無恐無懼地，在祂的面前，以聖善和正義事奉祂。（路1:74-75）若翰洗者的任務，就是為默西亞預備道路，讓以色列人認識這救恩，獲得罪赦。（1:76-77）從這段記載，我們對於「聖善和正義的生活」，有了一點兒頭緒。

首先，必需要從新發現天主。第一步是剔除心中的驕傲，不要以「無神論」為榮。再運用理性，從大自然中發現造物主的神妙偉大。不要懶惰，應勤讀聖經，從中領會到天父的慈悲，天主的心意。讓我再說一遍，第二步是讀大自然和聖經這兩部「天書」，認識天主。

從這兩部天書，我們不但認識到天主，我們還認識到人類的罪惡。原來除了聖經談及罪惡之外，大自然被污染，更顯人類的罪孽深重。認識了天主和世間的罪惡之後，如果我們仍驕傲地認為與我們無關的話，我已無話可說了。但願天主憐憫我們，以祂的慈悲感動我們的心吧！

第三步，讓我們謙卑地承認和懺悔我們的罪過，以獲得罪的赦免。這樣，我們可以從新開始，度以天主為中心的生活，按照祂的旨意，謙卑地生活。這樣做，我們便能「一生一世在祂面前，以聖善和正義事奉祂」，以我們的生命，反映天主的聖善和正義了。

天父啊！請開啟我們的眼睛，看見祢的榮耀，對祢敬畏，徹底消除我們心中的驕傲。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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"Serve him ... in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life." (Luke 1:75)

In the beginning, man was good. He was created in the image of God and his nature should be good. Our life should be able to reflect the holiness and righteousness of God. Unfortunately, men were arrogant and fancied to become God. They lost their Original Grace. We call this loss the Original Sin. Men's life is no longer holy and righteous. We even do not know what makes life holy and righteous.

The father of John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke of God's promise. God promised to deliver us from the hand of our enemies to serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him. (Luke 1:74-75) The mission of the Baptist is to prepare the ways of the Messiah, to give knowledge of salvation to Israelites in the forgiveness of their sins. (1:76-77) From this piece of text, we may gather some clues on how to lead a holy and righteous life.

First of all, we need to rediscover God. The first step is to remove the pride in our hearts, not to be proud of being an atheist. Then, make use of our intellect to discover the wonders of the Creator. Don't be lazy. Study diligently the Bible to know God's mercy and will. Let me repeat. The second step is to read the two "holy books" --- the Mother Nature and the Bible --- in order to know God.

From these two "holy books", not only do we get to know God, but also the sins of men. Besides the sins mentioned in the Bible, the pollution of our Mother Nature tells us the gravity of the sins of men. After knowing God and the sinfulness of men, if we are still arrogant and claim that it has nothing to do with us, I have nothing more to say. May God have pity on us and touch our hearts with His mercy!

Thirdly, let us humbly admit and repent our sins in order to receive the forgiveness of our sins. Then, we may turn a new leaf and start all over again to lead a God-centred life. We follow His will and live humbly. Only in this way can we serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. Only then can our life reflect His holiness and righteousness.

Heavenly Father, open our eyes to see Your glory. Fear You and uproot the pride in our hearts. Amen.

讓天主的慈悲在我們身上展開 Let God's Mercy Work in Us

十二月廿三日
「她的鄰居和親戚聽說上主向她大施仁慈，都和她一同歡樂。」（路1:58）

很多天主教徒覺得傳福音，為耶穌作見証很困難。第一，覺得自己對聖經或者神學認識不足，恐怕講異端，誤人子弟，那就弄巧反拙了。第二，覺得自己沒有基督教徒的口才，不善詞令。基督教的崇拜，著重講道，不重儀式；天主教剛好相反，著重禮儀，不重証道。與其出醜，不如藏拙。第三，天主教徒的強項是愛德服務。就讓我們發揮自己的強項，以派飯傳福音，以替安老院長者剪腳甲作見証吧…

殊不知真正的福傳，真正的見証，不在於高超的智慧或雄辯的詞令（格前3:18-19），亦不在於慷慨的施捨（格前13:3）。真正的福傳其實很簡單，像依撒伯爾一樣，讓天主的慈悲在我們身上發揮作用，就是最好的福傳，最好的見証。不能生育是依撒伯爾的遺憾和恥辱。天主的仁慈，抹去了她的恥辱，並彰顯了天主的光榮。那麼，在我們的身上又怎樣展示天主的仁慈呢？

無論我們如何努力讀完整部聖經，取得所有神學學位；倘若我們沒有讓天主的慈悲改造我們，掌握到的知識，為任何人也沒有作用。無論我們服務過多少不幸的人，倘若我們自己沒有在服務之中，認出耶穌基督，體會到天主在找尋機會疼愛我們，我們所犧牲的時間和精力，為任何人也沒有好處；甚至適得其反，引起家人的投訴，破壞了家庭關係。何苦呢？一如昨天的分享指出，謙卑是領受天主慈悲的先決條件。因此，不是滔滔不絕的游說，也不是忙得不可開交的服務，而是謙卑地生活每一刻，讓天主在我們身上彰顯祂的慈悲，就是最真實的福傳了。

天父啊！我們頌揚祢，因為祢是神聖的，祢在我們身上施行了祢的仁慈。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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"Her neighbours and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had shown great mercy on her, and they rejoiced with her." (Luke 1:58)

Many Catholics think that it is extremely difficult to bear witness to Christ. Firstly, they feel that their biblical or theological knowledge is inadequate. They don't want to say the wrong things and lead people to a wrong understanding. Secondly, they feel that they do not have the eloquence of their Protestant brothers. Christian worships stress more on homily than on rituals whereas Catholics focus more on liturgy than homily. It is unwise to show one's weakness. Thirdly, Catholics are strong in charitable services. So, let Catholics exercise their strength, evangelize through handing out free lunches or cutting finger nails for the elderly ...

In reality, true evangelization is not through wise words or eloquent debates (1 Corinthians 3:18-19), nor in generous almsgiving (13:3). True evangelization is actually very simple. Like Elizabeth, allowing God to work His mercy on us is the best evangelization, the best witness. Barrenness for Elizabeth was regrettable and shameful. God's mercy wiped her shame away and manifested God's glory. So, how do we show God's mercy working in us?

No matter how diligent we finish reading the whole Bible, attain all theological degrees. If we do not let God's mercy reform us, knowing all knowledge is good for nobody. No matter how many unfortunate people we have served, if we are not able to recognize Jesus in whose we serve, that God looks for opportunities to love us through such services, sacrificing all efforts and times is good for nobody. Even worse, our family members would complain us of neglecting them. Why wasting such efforts? As pointed out in the sharing yesterday, humility is the prerequisite of receiving God's mercy. Therefore, it is not eloquence of wise words, nor endless hectic services, but the humility to live up each moment, allowing God to manifest His mercy on us that is genuine evangelization.

Heavenly Father! We praise You because You are holy indeed. You have shown Your mercy on us. Amen.

敬畏天主 Fearing God

十二月廿二日
「祂的仁慈世世代代於無窮世，賜與敬畏祂的人。」（路1:50）

現代人對大自然的控制能力大了，自信心強了。同時，與聖經時代相比，天主好像更加「隱閉」了。結果，現代人對天主的敬畏相對地少了，甚至不知道「敬畏天主」是甚麼意思！

當然，我們知道，我們不應試探天主，要求天主行神蹟，解決我們的困難；或者以驚天動地的姿態，顯示自己的臨在。但同時我們也知道，天主的仁慈是永遠而真實地存在的；祂喜歡俯就我們，因而收歛了自己的榮耀，與我們同行，以至我們覺得祂「隱閉」了，有人甚至狂莽地宣佈「上帝已死」！狂莽自大的人，目中無神，當然不會敬畏天主。他們主動地拒絕了天主的慈悲，咎由自取。從這些反面教材，和參考瑪利亞的言行，可見謙遜、卑微的人，就是福音所指的「敬畏天主」的人。

甚麼是謙遜呢？「自謙」與「矮化自己」是兩碼子事。有人為了邀功，在老闆面前勉強做一些超出自己能力的事，這是驕傲。但亦有人為了奉承主子，在老闆面前未盡全力，這是「矮化自己」。真正的「謙遜」取中庸之道。一方面並不矮化自己，盡力而為；另一方面，功成不必我在，並不居功。同時，亦應了解自己的不足，自己的過失；守在二三線的位置，甚至甘心幫閑。這樣處於卑微地位，便更容易看見天主隱閉地與我們同行，更容易體會到天主的慈悲，好像「法利塞人與稅吏」比喻中的稅吏一樣。瑪利亞和稅吏一樣，清楚認識自己的卑微，並不需要天主閃電打雷，已經敬畏天主，當然領受到天主所賜與的仁慈。

父啊！願我們認清自己的不足，好更能見証祢的慈悲。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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"And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation." (Luke 1:50)

Modern people have greater control over the Mother Nature. Their confidence becomes greater. At the same time, compared with biblical times, God seems to be more difficult to detect. Consequently, modern people fear God less and even have no idea what it means to fear God!

Of course, we know that we should not put God to the test, telling God to work miracles to solve our problems, or to show His presence in heaven-shaking signs. But at the same time, we know that God's mercy truly exists forever. He likes to restrain His glory in order to condescend to our level, to walk with us. Consequently, we feel that He has withdrawn Himself so much so that some people even declare arrogantly "the death of God"! There is no God in the eyes of arrogant people. They do not fear God and actively reject God's mercy. They condemn themselves. From these counter-examples in contrast with Mary's, we can conclude that humble and lowly people are those who fear God mentioned in the gospels.

What is humility? Humility and dwarfing oneself are two different things. Doing things beyond one's capability to draw the attention of the boss is pride. However, there are people who do not put up their full effort in order to flatter their boss. This is dwarfing oneself. Humility takes the middle ground. On one hand, one puts forth one's true capability, thus not dwarfing oneself. On the other hand, one takes no credit when the mission is accomplished. At the same time, always keep in mind one's weaknesses and faults. Be happy to position oneself on the second or third line and even unengaged. In such a lowly position, it will be easier to see God walking with us in a hidden way, easier to feel God's mercy, like the tax-collection in the parable of the Pharisee and Publican. Like the tax-collector, Mary knew her lowly position. She fears God without waiting for Him to hail thunders. Of course she received God's mercy.

Heavenly Father, make us know our inadequacy so that we may bear better witness to Your mercy. Amen.

把聖神帶給你們所接觸的人 Infect people with the Holy Spirit

十二月廿一日
「依撒伯爾一聽到瑪利亞的請安…遂充滿了聖神。」（路1:41）

天主真是神妙莫測。身為宇宙萬物的根源，萬有的創造者，竟然願意由自己一手創造的受造物誕生！祂把自己「無始無終」特質，屈就在有限的時間和空間之中，為的是與人共處，救萬民於水深火熱之中。「但時期一滿，天主就派遣了自己的兒子來，生於女人。」（迦4:4）是瑪利亞孕育了天主子，並把祂帶來這個世界。她的確是所有基督徒的榜樣，基督徒之所以是基督徒，不就是生活福音的教訓，把耶穌基督帶來這個世界嗎？ 瑪利亞不但把聖子帶到這個世界，而且把聖神也帶到這個世界。總領天使讚美她充滿恩寵（路1:28），又說聖神要臨於她，至高者的能力要庇蔭她（1:35）。無論怎樣理解，瑪利亞都是一個充滿聖神，「攜帶」著聖神行走的人。當她問候依撒伯爾的時候，竟然「感染」到依撒伯爾也充滿聖神！這是多麼奇妙啊！ 瑪利亞願意完全地和天主配合（1:38），所以聖子得以降生人間。不但如此，天主更樂意透過瑪利亞，把聖神賦予那些渴望天主救贖，並且是天主願意施恩的人。雖然得到丈夫的愛護，素不生育的依撒伯爾始終生活在遺憾之中。如今已懷孕六個月，天主已把她的恥辱洗刷了。不但如此，天主更藉著瑪利亞，把聖神灌注到她身上，一如將來在五旬節，聖神藉著瑪利亞，降臨在一百二十個信徒的身上一樣（宗2:1-4）。

基督徒，瑪利亞既然是你們的榜樣。那麼，你們該怎樣生活，把聖神帶給你們所接觸的人呢？倘若自己沒有聖神，又怎能把聖神帶給其他人呢？基督徒，你的生活有聖神嗎？
慈悲的天父，祢願意眾人得救。請賦予我們聖神，讓我們跟隨瑪利亞的榜樣，把聖神傳染給我們所接觸到的人。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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"When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary ... and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 1:41)

God is truly ineffable. Being the source and Creator of the known universe, God was willing to be born of a creature of His own creation! Without beginning and end, God bent Himself to fit into a finite space-time to live with men, to deliver them from bondage. "But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman." (Galatians 4:4) It was Mary who nurtured the Son of God in her womb and brought him into this world. She is truly an exemplar of all Christians. Aren't Christians Christians because they live up the gospel and bring Jesus Christ to this world?

Not only did Mary bring the Son of God to this world, but she also brought the Holy Spirit into this world. Archangel Gabriel praised her for being full of grace (Luke 1:28) and that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her (1:35). In whatever way we interpret this piece of text, Mary is full of the Holy Spirit and carries the Holy Spirit around. When she greeted Elizabeth, she was able to "infect" Elizabeth with the Holy Spirit. How amazing!

Mary was willing to cooperate fully with God (1:38) so that the Son of God would take flesh. Not only that, God is more than happy to give the Holy Spirit through Mary to those who desire God's salvation and whomsoever God wants to bestow grace. Although loved by her husband, the life of Elizabeth was regrettable because of her barrenness. Now that she was pregnant for six months, her shame had been cleansed. More than that, God would infuse her with the Holy Spirit through Mary, just as what would happen on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit would descend on the 120 disciples through Mary (Acts 2:1-4).

Christians. If Mary is your exemplar, then how would you lead your life such that you may bring the Holy Spirit to whomsoever you reach? If you do not have the Holy Spirit yourselves, how would you bring the Holy Spirit to others? Christians. Do you have the Holy Spirit in your life?
Merciful Father, You will the salvation of all. Give us the Holy Spirit and let us follow the model of Mary to infect the Holy Spirit to all we are able to reach. Amen.