謙卑之六 Humility VI

謙卑之六（路18:9-14）

耶穌基督的比喻，必定帶有令人意料之外的部份。這個比喻並沒有令聽眾失望！
首先，要祈禱，犯不著跑到老遠的耶路撒冷聖殿去（路18:10）。到聖殿是為了祭獻，是朝聖的部份行程，是猶太成年人每年的本份。

本來，祈禱可以在會堂，在十字街頭（瑪6:5-6）。但稅吏是公開罪人，不容於本地的會堂。所以，他選擇前往耶路撒冷，一個沒有人認識他的地方，混在群眾之中祈禱，反而合理。但這個法利塞人不在熟識的群眾面前，反而選擇「上聖殿去祈禱」，的確誇張了一點！這是意料之外其一！

不要以為比喻中的法利塞人，他立著祈禱是驕傲的表現（路18:11），那個稅吏不也是站著的嗎（18:13）？這個沒有犯罪，又懂得感謝天主的法利塞人（18:11），回家後卻成不了正義的（18:14），這纔是意料之外的其二！

一年一次祭獻天主，向祂還願求恩，免不了會向天主「述職」，向天主交待自己守誡命，沒有犯罪，有禁食捐獻，求天主悅納，來年繼續照顧…等。這樣做本來沒有甚麼不妥當，問題出在這個法利塞人，和我們大部份人，包括伯多祿（谷14:29）在內，一樣，踐踏別人來抬舉自己，「我不像其他人…也不像這個稅吏」（路18:11）。人誰無過？稅吏認清自己的不足，沒有逃避自己的罪過，懂得謙卑地求天主寬恕。天主哪有不寬恕呢？因此稅吏回家時已成為正義的！法利塞人雖然懂得感謝天主的恩寵，使他沒有犯罪，並且有能力禁食奉獻；但他無視自己的不足，對自己的罪過避而不談。更有甚者，自大地踐踏他人，的確是罪加一等！難怪他回家時仍然是個不義的人！
天父啊！讓我們不但懂得感恩，更讓我們認清自己的不足，懂得謙遜。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Humility VI (Luke 18:9-14)

There are always surprise elements in Jesus Christ's parables. This parable does not disappoint the audience!
First of all, if a Jew wanted to pray, why took the trouble to go up to the Temple in Jerusalem (Luke 18:10)? Jews offered sacrifices at the Temple. It was the duty of an adult Jew to go pilgrimage to Jerusalem annually to offer sacrifice.

Indeed, Jews prayed in the synagogues and on street corners (Matthew 6:5-6). But tax collectors were public sinners and were not welcome in synagogues. Therefore, going to Jerusalem where they prayed among strangers was quite a reasonable action. That this Pharisee chose not to pray among peers, but among unknown people in the Temple was a bit exaggerating! This is surprise number one!

Do not think that the Pharisee who stood and prayed was proud (Luke 18:11). Was not the tax collector standing as well (18:13)? That this Pharisee who had not committed any sins and knew to thank God (18:11) went home and failed to be justified (18:14) is surprising!

Offering thanksgiving and supplication sacrifices to God once a year, it is only natural for the Jews to "report" to God during this visit ad limina, that they had kept the commandments, had not committed any sins, had fast and given alms, pleaded God to accept the offer and continue to provide ... etc. This was perfectly alright except that this Pharisee, like most of us, including Peter (Mark 14:29) trampled upon others to elevate himself "I am not like the rest ... or even like this tax collector." (Luke 18:11) Who can be blameless? The tax collector knew his inadequacy. He did not evade his wrongs and humbly begged for God's forgiveness. God surely forgives. Thus the tax collector returned home and was justified. Although the Pharisee was grateful for God's graces, had not committed sins and was able to fast and give alms, he ignored his own inadequacy and evaded to talk about his sins. Worse, he self-righteously trampled on the others. No wonder he failed to be justified when he returned home!
Heavenly Father! Let us not only be grateful but also be able to see clearly our inadequacies and be humble. Amen.

謙卑之五 Humility V

謙卑之五（谷12:28b-34）

在這一篇經師與耶穌基督的對話中，又一次顯示出謙遜，對得救成義的重要性。沒有謙遜，根本進不了天國！

經師在哪一方面表現出他缺乏了謙遜呢？他提出問題，挑戰耶穌基督，是學者之間的切磋討論，並非出於驕傲。問題出在，耶穌基督回覆了一個令他口服心服的答案後，這位經師祇說一句「不錯，師傅說得實在對」，不是已經足夠了嗎？他並沒有必要改述一次（谷12:32-33）。耶穌基督在山中聖訓曾說過：「你們的話當是：是就說是，非就說非；其他多餘的便是出於邪惡。」（瑪5:37）可惜，原文已經是最好的，任何改述都祇能是「次貨」。這位經師為了面子，勉強改述經文，暴露出一副不服氣的嘴臉。他還說：守誡命「遠超過一切全燔祭和犧牲。」（谷12:33）

是的，在舊約的經典中，天主曾多次表示祂喜歡聽命勝於祭獻（撒上15:22，詠40:7-9）；祂喜歡仁慈和認識天主勝過全燔祭（歐6:6）雖然這位經師想肯定自己的價值，但他沒有必要用「遠超過」來踐踏司祭，抬舉自己。

當知識是用來炫耀的時候，內心便會缺乏對天主的敬畏。而敬畏上主是「智慧的肇基」（詠111:10；箴1:7，9:10）是真正知識的根源。這份敬畏從何而來呢？「謙卑的賞報，是敬畏上主。」（22:4）原來一切皆從謙卑開始。謙卑生敬畏，敬畏生智慧，智慧生對天主真正的認識，這纔是天主所喜歡的。耶穌基督是慈悲的，祂並不審判，亦不會勉強不服氣的人接受福音。一句「離天國不遠」（谷12:34），鼓勵這位缺乏謙遜的經師，朝正確的方面前進。
天父啊！讓我們的眼目，不知高視逞能（詠131:1）。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Humility V (Mark 12:28b-34)

The dialogue between Jesus Christ and the Scribe shows once more the importance of humility for justification. Without humility, one cannot enter the Kingdom of God!

How did the Scribe show a lack of humility? His posing Jesus Christ a question to challenge him was a common way of discussion among scholars. It was not pride. The problem arose when Jesus Christ gave him a perfect answer. Was it not enough for the Scribe simply said, "Well said, teacher. You are right"? It was superfluous for him to paraphrase (Mark 12:32-33) once more. Jesus Christ once said in the Sermon on the Mount, "Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes' and your 'No' mean 'No'. Anything more is from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37) Unfortunately, the original scripture is already the best rendition. Any paraphrasing shall be inferior. In order to save face, this Scribe attempted to paraphrase the scripture, exposing his reluctance to acknowledge defeat. Moreover, he says, "[Love] is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." (Mark 12:33)

Indeed, God has shown many times in the Old Testament that He delights in obedience more than sacrifices (1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 401:7-9). He desires mercy and knowledge of God more than holocausts. (Hosea 6:6) Although this Scribe wanted to affirm his importance, it was not necessary for him to trample on the priests with "is worth more than" to elevate himself.

When knowledge serves only to show off, the heart shall lack a fear of the Lord. And fear of the Lord is "the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7, 9:10), the source of authentic knowledge. Where does this fear come from? "The result of humility and fear of the Lord is riches, honour and life." (22:4) Therefore, all things start off from humility which breeds fear. Fear of the Lord breeds wisdom and wisdom breeds genuine knowledge of the Lord. This is what God desires. Jesus Christ is merciful. He does not pass judgment and shall not impose the gospel on people who are reluctant. "You are not far from the Kingdom of God" (Mark 12:34) encourages this Scribe who lacks humility to move ahead in the right direction.
Heavenly Father! Let my heart not be proud; nor my eyes haughty (Psalm 131:1). Amen.

謙卑之四 Humility IV

謙卑之四（路11:14-23）

古代的人，對於不能解釋的疾病，多用「附魔」來解釋。今天科學昌明，感謝生物學家，心理學家和醫生們的努力，很多疾病已經可以追溯到病茵、病毒等物體所做成，很多精神病可以用童年的陰影來解釋。醫學的進步，把附魔的應用範圍，越來越縮窄。不過，人類仍未能夠完全否定邪魔的存在。

耶穌基督來為人驅魔，把受害人從邪魔的手出解放出來，本來是一樁美事。為甚麼竟然會有人譭謗他：「他是仗賴魔王貝耳則步驅魔」（路11:15），甚至想否定耶穌基督的使命而挑戰他，要求一個自天而來的徵兆（11:16）呢？這都是不服氣，不認輸的表現。

這種態度固然是缺乏謙遜的表現，但都是根源於人的本性。當初天主創造人的時候，作出一個很大的冒險，就是給予人類自由意志。天主是自由的，按祂的肖像所創造的人，怎能沒有自由呢？人於是可以自由地行事，從中肯定自己的存在，肯定自己作為「天主肖像」的價值。但自由是很容易被濫用的，一旦濫用了，便遠離了天主，結果就是罪惡，就是死亡。面對耶穌基督成功地驅魔，本來可以是驚訝讚嘆的，卻換來譭謗和挑戰。換了是現代人，更加會懷疑整件驅魔事件的真實性，因為在他們的心目中，天主和魔鬼根本不存在。在他們的公式裡，沒有天主和魔鬼的變數！這又是另一種自由的濫用，缺乏謙遜的表現。他們好像忘記了以今天的科學水平，仍然未能排除天主與魔鬼的存在。「如果我是仗賴天主的手指驅魔，那麼，天主的國已來到你們中間了。」（11:20）耶穌基督所說的「如果」，不是對天主和魔鬼的存疑，而是聽眾是否願意謙遜地接受驅魔的事實。耶穌基督尊重他們的自由，他們有自由接受或拒絕。如果他們接受，那麼，天主的國已來到了！
天父啊！不要讓我們陷於濫用自由的誘惑，謙遜地接受並履行祢的旨意。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Humility IV (Luke 11:14-23)

Ancient people made use of demonic possession to explain inexplicable diseases. Today, sciences are advanced. Thanks to the efforts of biologists, psychologists and physicians, the causes of many diseases can be traced to microorganisms and viruses. Many mental illnesses can be explained in terms of childhood traumas. Advances in medicines shrink the applicability of demonic possession in explaining anything. However, men still cannot deny the existence of demons.

Jesus Christ came to exorcise, to liberate victims from the bondage of demons. It was supposed to be a good deed. Why did people defame him, saying "By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons" (Luke 11:15)? They even tried to deny the mission of Jesus Christ, challenging him to perform a sign from heaven (11:16). Their actions showed that they refuse to submit and refuse to acknowledge defeat.

This attitude shows a lack of humility. But it is human nature. When God created men, He took a big risk by giving men a free will. God is free. He made men in His own image. How could there be no freedom? Then men are able to act freely to affirm their existence and their value as God's image. However, freedom can easily be abused. Once abused, men drift away from God. The consequence can only be sin and death. Seeing Jesus Christ successfully exorcise could be awe-inspiring and stunning. Instead they defamed and challenged Jesus. If they were modern men, they would even question the authenticity of the whole incidence of exorcism. It is because in the mind of modern men, God and demons do not exist. In their equations, there is no such variable as God and demons. This is another form of abuse of freedom, showing a lack of humility. They seem to have forgotten that sciences at the present level are not able to exclude the existence of God and demons. "But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." (11:20) The "if" which Jesus says is not a doubt of the existence of God and demons. Rather, it is a question of whether the audience were humble enough to accept the fact of exorcism. Jesus Christ respected their freedom. They were free to accept or reject. If they accepted, then the Kingdom of God had already come!
Heavenly Father! Lead us not into the temptation of freedom abuse. Help us humbly accept and do Your will. Amen.

謙卑之三 Humility III

謙卑之三（瑪5:17-19）

人除了在科技上進步之外，社會及經濟生活亦有所長進。從前的社會是帝王專制的，今天是相對地民主多了。從前的經濟是農耕的，今天已是後資訊時代！經濟、科技和社會是進步發達了，可惜我們的倫理及靈性生活，卻遠遠落後。今天的科技成就，不斷挑戰著人性的尊嚴，我們賴以保障人可以像人一樣生活的倫理，對科技的衝擊，明顯地沒有招架的能力。而我們賴以保障倫理生活的法律，亦被社會上的權貴濫用操控，謀求一己在政治上及經濟上的私利，殘民以自肥！

俗世的法律在不斷變，因為政治環境在變，社會文化生活在變。雖然當權者不斷安慰群眾，祇要他們不觸犯法律，法律沒有甚麼可怕，沒有甚麼約束力。聽來好像有理，實在是愚弄人民！因為法律祇保障懂法律的人，而大部份的民眾不懂法律上的技術細節，沒有能力保護自己！人生在這個變幻無常的世界，連法律也不能保證一個安穩的生活。但人不可以終日惶恐不安，對心靈、對精神和對身體都不是健康的。我們有權追求安居樂業的生活，但當今天下，我看不見有多少政權，有能力提供這個微不足道的保證。

我別無他選，惟有投靠天主，依恃天主的法律，它是放諸四海皆準的法則，幫助我們走過人生的旅程，返回天鄉。我們不需要擁有高超的法律知識，也可以掌握天主的法律，不愁當權者濫用這法律。因為「我要將我的法律放在他們的肺腑裏，寫在他們的心頭上；我要作他們的天主，他們要作我的人民。那時，誰也不再教訓自己的近人或弟兄說：『你們該認識上主』，因為不論大小，人人都必認識我。」（耶31:33-34）這個願景，今天還沒有完全實現，因為全人類還沒有接受這法律，還沒有完全實踐這法律。感謝耶穌基督的保證，「即使天地過去了，一撇或一劃也決不會從法律上過去，必待一切完成。」（瑪5:18）
天父啊！願我們能謙恭地在這天地間，奉行祢的旨意。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Humility III (Matthew 5:17-19)

Besides making scientific and technological advances, men also make progress in their social and economic life. The society had been ruled by imperial tyrants. Nowadays, it is more democratic. The economy used to be agricultural. Now it is post-informational! Progresses in economic, scientific and social spheres have been achieved. Unfortunately, our ethical and spiritual life is falling far behind. Today, many technologies are challenging our human dignity. In front of technological assaults, the ethics which guarantee us to live like a man have no defence. And the laws, on which we rely to safeguard our ethical life, are being abused and manipulated by the rich and powerful for personal gains!

Secular laws keep changing because the political environment is changing, social and cultural lives are changing. Although people in power try unceasingly to pacify us that if we do not breach the laws, there is nothing to fear about the laws which do not restrict us much. It sounds reasonable but in fact it tries to fool the people! We are living in an ever changing world in which even the laws cannot guarantee us a stable life. But men cannot live in uncertainty forever. It is unhealthy for the mind, the soul as well as the body. We deserve a steady life in which we can make our living peacefully. But I do not see which state today is able to guarantee us such a trivial request.

I have no choice but to rely on God and on His Law which is universally valid. It helps us through this life journey to return home above. We do not need to possess high level of legal knowledge to master God's law. We do not need to worry about the powerful manipulating it. It is because, "I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. They will no longer teach their friends and relatives, 'Know the Lord!' Everyone, from least to greatest, shall know me." (Jeremiah 31:33-34) This vision has not yet been fully realized today because not all members of the humanity accept this Law and not all the Law have been put into practice. Thank Jesus Christ for his guarantee, "Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place." (Matthew 5:18)
Heavenly Father! Let us humbly do your will between heaven and earth. Amen.

謙卑之二 Humility II

謙卑之二（瑪18:21-35）

倘若發問的人是猶達斯，他會寬恕得罪他的弟兄多少次呢？可能一次也不會！
其實，寬恕自己比較寬恕別人更難！可幸伯多祿有一顆寬大的心，願意寬恕他的弟兄七次。否則，他怎樣面對自己三次否認主呢？且看，猶達斯負賣耶穌，結果上吊死了（瑪27:5）。當然，你可能認為「賣主求榮」與為了保命而「六親不認」的嚴重性不同，客觀地一個不可饒恕，一個情有可原。錯！客觀地兩者都與耶穌基督斷絕關係，沒有分別！但正是主觀的嚴重性，決定了兩位門徒的不同命運！

一個把自己看得很重要的人，是不會輕易放過自己和其他人的。他對自己和對別人，都有很嚴厲的要求。對其他人，他有很高的期望，期望得到別人絕對的尊重和即時的回應。「我值得你給我八分的尊敬，你祇給我四分，你欠我！」對自己也有很苛刻的期望，把達標的尺度抬得很高。總而言之，他們不會輕易寬恕他人或者自己！與這樣的人相處，非常辛苦，令人窒息。

伯多祿是漁夫出身，知道自己的社會地位不高，總算是個知道天高地厚的人。所以他還有一點謙卑，不敢對別人有過份的期望。即使面對別人不合理的要求，亦不會反對（路5:5）。他問耶穌基督，要容忍寬恕弟兄們不合理的要求多少次（瑪18:21），讓自我有機會行使權力，宣示自我。耶穌基督知道不願寬恕的害處， 告戒伯多祿要不斷寬恕，否則，受害的是自己！哪怕祇有一次不寬恕別人，祇要一次不寬恕自己，就足以致命了！
天父啊！讓我們學習謙卑，讓我們享見祢的慈愛。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Humility II (Matthew 18:21-32)

If Judas had asked the same question, how many times would he have forgiven his brothers who sinned against him? Probably not even once!
Alas! It is more difficult to forgive oneself than to forgive others! Luckily, Peter had a big heart. He was willing to forgive his brothers seven times. Otherwise, how could he face his three denials of the Lord? Look, after betraying Jesus, Judas hanged himself (Matthew 27:5). Of course, you might argue that betrayal of your master is a worse and more serious sin than denial. Objectively, the former is not forgivable and the latter is. Wrong! Objectively, there is no difference because both sins cut off the relationship with Jesus Christ. It was the perceived seriousness that determined the different fates of the two disciples!

Someone who thinks highly of himself will not let himself or others go easily. He demands heavily on themselves and others. He has high expectations on others, demanding absolute respect and immediate response. "I deserve an eight degree respect but you only gave me four. You owe me!" He is harsh on himself, raising targets high! In a word, they will not forgive others and themselves easily! It is burdening and suffocating to deal with these people.

Peter had been a fisherman. He knew that his social status was not high. He knew his position. Thus, he still possessed a bit of humility and did not expect unrealistically on others. He even did not reject unreasonable demands from others (Luke 5:5). He asked Jesus Christ how many times he had to tolerate and forgive unreasonable demands from brothers (Matthew 18:21) probably because he wanted to allow himself an opportunity to exercise authority and to declare himself! Jesus Christ knows very well the danger of the reluctance to forgive. He told Peter to forgive unceasingly. Otherwise, he would be a victim himself. Not to mention unforgiving others once, not forgiving oneself once is enough to be fatal!
Heavenly Father! Let us learn humility. Let us see your mercy. Amen.

謙卑之一 Humility I

謙卑之一（路1:26-38）

現代科學昌明，人運用才智，已解決了很多生存上的問題，世間幾乎沒有甚麼不能解釋，不能明白的事。人漸漸對大自然，對神明失去了害怕的情緒，變成了真正的「天不怕，地不怕」，「不知天高地厚」的人，反而變得無知！要求現代人培養一顆對天主敬畏的心，十分困難。因此，我們很難想像，是甚麼令童貞瑪利亞感到害怕（路1:30）？

是加俾額爾突然出現，令瑪利亞吃驚嗎？若是這樣，這位總領天使太不稱職了！第一次顯現給匝加利亞，令匝加利亞驚惶失措（1:12），是可原諒的，因為是第一次。加俾額爾應該學會如何與人類接觸，令他們感到平安罷！所以，不是他的突如其來令童貞女吃驚！但加俾額爾那充滿「正能量」的請安（1:28），是不可能會令任何人害怕的！那麼，瑪利亞因何害怕呢？

我相信是童貞瑪利亞的謙遜，引起這份「害怕」。現代人充滿自信，把億萬光年外的宇宙，拉近到眼前；他們手握權勢，把核子擊碎，釋放用之不竭的能量；他們心高氣傲，把自己的基因切割，隨意調配，設計製造超級人類等等…，區區一個總領天使，又如何會令他們害怕呢！
相反，童貞瑪利亞認識到自己的卑微，她祇是一個寂寂無聞的鄉村少女（1:48，52），祇有一個微末的志願，渴望守貞事奉天主（1:34），願意讓神聖的天主，在她身上成就偉大的事業（1:49）；她任憑父母把她許配給若瑟，沒有反抗，表現出她敬畏全能者的旨意，因而享受到上主的仁慈（1:50）；她了解自己的貧乏，因而獲得舉揚（1:52）。是謙遜栽培出一份「渺小面對無限」的敬畏，所以加俾額爾帶來的天主氣息，令瑪利亞害怕！
天主啊！讓我們看見祢的光榮，敬畏祢，愛慕祢。亞孟。

生命恩泉

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Humility I (Luke 1:26-28)

With advances in physical sciences, humans are able to make use of their intellect to solve most existential problems. There seems to be nothing in the world inexplicable. Gradually, men lose their fear of the Mother Nature or deities. They have genuinely become fearless and ignore their positions. In the end, they become ignorant. It is extremely difficult to cultivate a fear of God in modern men. Thus, it is difficult for us to imagine what made the Blessed Virgin Mary afraid (Luke 1:30)?

Did the sudden appearance of Gabriel scare Mary? If it were the case, this archangel was not doing his job properly! At first, he appeared to Zechariah and fear came upon him (1:12). This was forgivable because it was the first assignment. Gabriel should have learnt the proper manners to make contacts with humans and be at peace! Thus, it was not his sudden appearance that scared the Virgin! But how a positive-energy filled greeting (1:28) could have disturbed anybody! Then, why was Mary afraid?

I believe that the humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary triggered this fear. Modern people are full of confidence. They are able enough to draw the universe which is zillions of light years away in front of their eyes. They are powerful enough to smash nucleii to release inexhaustible energy. They are arrogant enough to manipulate their own genes whimsically to design and make super humans etc. What is an archangel which could frighten them!
On the contrary, the Blessed Virgin Mary knew her own lowliness. She was just an ordinary country girl whom nobody knew (1:48, 52). She had a negligible wish to preserve her virginity to serve God (1:34). She was willing to let the Mighty One whose name is holy to do great things for her (1:49). She did not resist her parents betrothing her to Joseph, showing her fear of the will of the Almighty, thus enjoying His mercy (1:50). She knew her lowliness, thus was lifted up (1:52). Her humility has cultivated in her a fear of "the insignificant before the infinite". Thus the breath of God carried along with Gabriel scared Mary!
O God! Let us see your glory so that we shall fear you and love you. Amen.

天主的慈悲有限期嗎？ Shall God's Mercy Expire?

四旬期第三主日，丙年
主題：天主的慈悲有限期嗎？

天主按自己的肖像，創造了人類（創1:26）。雖然人類並不完美，但人類始終擁有天主的特質。我們相信「公義」是天主的本質之一，所以人類與生俱來，渴望公義。
可惜我們所生活的社會中，充斥著各式各樣，我們認為不公義的事物。雖然眼見作惡的人消遙法外，正直的人受盡挫折，但我們仍然相信，這個世界是有公義的，有報應的。「善有善報，惡有惡報，善惡到頭終有報」等是多麼合理的思想，它可以保持我們心理健康。倘若長時間生活在不明朗的環境中，對發生在身邊的事物，長期得不到合理的解釋，不能作出合理的預測，我們的心靈會很困擾，精神容易崩潰！可惜，這些思想都是錯誤的！

我們相信一個有如慈父的天主，當我們遇上任何困難挫折，天父必定會出手援助，祂不會讓我們遭遇不幸！這種思想不但給予我們很大的安慰，而且這是真理，是聖經的真理。另一方面，我們相信天主是公義的。所以，即使現世看不到正義的伸張，我們仍深信有「最後審判」，「賞善罰惡」的天主，會還含冤受屈者一個公道！這是真理，但不是真理的全部。雖然人類吃了「知善惡樹」的果子，有知善惡的能力，但是我們心目中的善惡，不一定符合天主心目中的善惡。因為我們受到原罪的影響，受私慾偏情所束縛。我們認為好的，可能祇滿足一己的私慾，沒有考慮到為身邊的人帶來甚麼影響。人類的思想，始終不及天主的思想（依55:8-9）；我們對於公義的尺度，始終不及天主的公義。所以當痛苦發生在我們身上時，我們很容易受到「賞善罰惡」思想的影響，以為疾病，災難或者任何的不幸，都是天主懲罰我們所犯的罪。今天的福音，正要處理這個問題。

首先，請注意耶穌基督的用詞：「…比其他所有的加里肋亞人更有罪，纔遭此禍害嗎？…比耶路撒冷的其他一切居民罪債更大嗎？」（路13:2，4）耶穌基督用了「所有人」和「一切居民」，言下之意，所有人或多或少都有罪。保祿說：「所有的人都犯了罪，都失掉了天主的光榮」（羅3:23），就是這個意思。今天社會進步了，科學昌明了，很多生存的問題已解決了，人的自信加強了。要現代人承認自己是個罪人，一個有缺陷的人，一個虧欠了天主的人，非常困難！而且，我們生活有後資訊科技的時代，當權者操控傳媒，製造假新聞，散播謠言，找社會上的弱勢群做代罪羔羊，轉移群眾對當權者的不滿，令大部份人真假難分，看不清誰來負上道德責任！請記著！無論我們是有權勢，抑或是蟻民；是富有抑或是貧窮；站在道德高地抑或是被千夫所指，在天主面前，我們全部不合格，浪費了天主所賜的「塔冷通」，喪失了天主所賜的恩寵與光榮（瑪25:25）。當我們慶幸自己沒有犯罪，並且鄙視那些「公開罪人」時，我們祇不過是「五十步笑百步」而已（路18:11）！我們忘記了自己的好大喜功，忘記了自己的執著，忘記了自己正在「好心做壞事」，忘記了自己正在做「怪獸家長」，令自己和身邊的人受苦，違反了愛德！我們真的全部不合格。

因此，當災難發生在某一小撮人身上時，並不表示他們更有罪。所謂「生有時，死有時。」（訓3:2）他們祇不過時辰到了，他們用完了他們在世的時間而已。好像一般的天災人禍一樣，可能他們剛巧在錯誤的時間，出現在錯誤的地點，結果死於非命，甚至死無葬身之地！因此，說在這些事件中死去的人「更」有罪，並不符合邏輯。所以，耶穌基督忠告聽眾，「如果你們不悔改，你們都要同樣喪亡。（路13:3，5）這句說話，耶穌基督不是說了一次，而是兩次，可見祂是如何焦急。因為世人時常被似是而非的謬論，例如「善有善報，惡有惡報」、「多勞多得」等所誤導！

真理其實並不複雜，聖經說：「天主是愛」（若一4:8，16），又說：「天主願意所有的人都得救，並得以認識真理」（弟前2:4）。既然天主愛我們，又願意所有的人都得救，天主一定不會讓我們落地獄的！錯！天主的愛並非溺愛，縱容人類犯罪。犯罪使我們遠離天主，天主豈會自我矛盾呢？十年前，榮休教宗本篤十六世，發表了【在真理中實踐愛德】的通諭，說：「本人深知愛德能迷失方向，也能喪失它本有的意義…我們有可能誤解愛，把它排除於倫理生活之外…使愛德不能發揮應有的功效…所以，我們一定要將愛德與真理相提並論。」（CV #2）天主透過耶穌基督，教導我們真理。所以我們有責任認識耶穌基督，認識真理，力行仁愛，在真理中實踐愛德，使愛德能發揮它應有的功效！這就是耶穌基督所指的「悔改」（路13:3，5），就是按福音的精神，即「真福八端」的精神生活！

今天聽到福音的第二部份是一個種植無花果樹的比喻。無花果樹（13:6）象徵了甚麼呢？三年（13:7）象徵了甚麼呢？糞（13:8）代表甚麼？眾多教父的釋經之中，我認為聖奧思定的解釋貼合路加的寫作動機，所以我探取他的解釋。聖奧思定認為「無花果樹」象徵全人類，「三年」象徵三個天主接觸人類的時代：聖祖時代、法律與先知時代和福音時代。很令天主失望，三個時代都交白卷，沒有結出信德的果實！可幸天主是仁慈的，是很有耐性的。「糞」象徵謙卑。天主願意開展第四個時代，加強謙卑，希望人類會回頭悔改，信從福音，按真福八端的精神生活！那麼，第四個時代何時結束呢？會不會結束呢？天主的仁慈有限期嗎？沒有，但我們每個人都有自己的大限，是我們所不知道的。即使天主的慈悲沒有時限，我們總不能任性妄為，錯過了自己的大限，死不悔改！

各位兄弟姊妹，讓我們響應教宗方濟各，在【你們要歡喜踴躍】宗座勸諭的呼籲，按真福八端的精神，活出基督徒成聖的寵召！
天主保祐！

2016年講道

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Third Lenten Week, Year C
Theme: Shall God's Mercy Expire?

God created men in His own image (Genesis 1:26). Although men are not perfect, men possess God's characteristics. We believe that justice is one of God's characteristics. Therefore, the desire for justice is innate.
Unfortunately, the society in which we live in is full of all sorts of injustice in our eyes. We see the wicked prosper and the righteous frustrated. But we still believe that there is justice in the world. "Good and evil shall be rewarded accordingly". "In the end, justice shall prevail". Such ideas are very reasonable. They help maintain our sanity. If we stay in uncertainty for too long or things cannot be reasonably explained for too long or we cannot make reasonable predictions, our minds will be disturbed. Our sanity will collapse. Unfortunately, these ideas are wrong!

We believe in a fatherly God. When we encounter any difficulties, God will deliver us from evil. This idea is not just consoling but is also a truth, a Biblical truth. On the other hand, we believe that God is righteous. Thus, even if justice does not prevail in this world, we strongly believe in the Last Judgment. God, who rewards the good and punishes the evil, shall see justice done to the oppressed! This is a truth, but not the whole truth. Although we have eaten the fruit of the tree of "Knowledge of Good and Evil" and have the ability to know such, the good and evil in our hearts may not be the same as in God's heart. It is because we are affected by the Original Sin, stumbled by concupiscence. What we see as good might only satisfy our selfish desires. We might not have thought about how it affects people around us. Our thoughts are not God's thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Our measure of justice does not match God's justice. Thus, when sufferings fall upon us, we are easily affected by the idea of "rewarding good and punishing evil". We think that illnesses, disasters or misfortunes are punishments for our sins. The gospel today deals with this problem.

First of all, pay attention to Jesus' wording, "… Were they greater sinners than all other Galileans? … Were they more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?" (Luke 13:2, 4) Jesus Christ uses "all other" and "everyone else". In other words, everybody is somewhat sinful. Paul says the same when he writes, "All have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Today, the society has become progressive. Science is so advanced that many existential problems have been solved. Men have become more confident. It is extremely difficult for modern men to admit that they are sinners, are inadequate and owe God something! Moreover, we are living in a post-Information Technology era. People in power manipulate the media, farm fake news, spread rumours and make scapegoats out of the underprivileged to divert people's dissatisfaction. Many people are unable to tell truth from fallacies, to see clearly who are morally responsible! Remember! Whether you are in power, or are just commoners, rich or poor, morally impeccable or publicly scandalous, all of us fail before God. We waste God's given "talents" and lose God's grace and glory (Matthew 25:25). When we are glad that we have not sinned, and despise public sinners, we are only pots calling kettles black (Luke 18:11)! We forget that we are ambitious, that we are stubborn, that we are doing evil in good intentions and that we are "monster parents" etc. We make ourselves and people close to us suffer. It is against charity! Truly, we all fail.

Therefore, when disaster strikes and a group of people demise, it does not mean that they are more sinful! "A time to give birth, and a time to die." (Ecclesiastes 3:2) Their time has come. They have used up all their time on earth. Just like any other disasters or accidents, they just happen to turn up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Consequently, they die an untimely death and even cannot be properly buried. Thus, it is illogical to say that these people are more sinful. Thus, Jesus Christ advised the audience, "If you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!" (Luke 13:3, 5) Not just once, but twice. How anxious Jesus was! It is because people are often misguided by fallacies such as "The good shall be rewarded and evil punished" and "Efforts pay" etc.

Truth is not complicated. The Bible says, "God is love" (1 John 4:8, 16) and that "God wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) Since God loves us and wills that all shall be saved, God will not send us to hell! Wrong! God's love is not an indulgent love which allows humanity to commit sins which drag us away from God. How can God be contradictory? Ten years ago, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI issued the encyclical "Caritas in Veritate" which says, "I am aware of the ways in which charity has been and continues to be misconstrued and emptied of meaning, with the consequent risk of being misinterpreted, detached from ethical living… hence the need to link charity with truth." (CV #2) Through Jesus Christ, God teaches us the truth. It is our responsibility to know Jesus Christ, to know the truth and practise charity. Practise charity in truth so that charity can be relevant in different fields of human lives! This is what Jesus Christ teaches about "repentance" (Luke 13:3, 5). It is to lead a life in the spirit of the gospel, in the spirit of the Beatitudes!

The second part of the gospel we read today is a parable of planting a fig tree. What does the fig tree (13:6) symbolize? Three years (13:7)? Dung (13:8)? Among the exegesis of Church Fathers, I think that of St. Augustine comes close to Luke's writing purpose. Thus I choose his interpretation. St. Augustine opines that the fig tree symbolizes the whole humanity. Three years symbolizes the three ages in which God came into contact with humanity: the Patriarchs era, Law & Prophet era and the Gospel era. Disappointingly, they bore no fruit of faith! Fortunately, God is merciful and patient. Dung symbolizes humility. God is willing to kick off a fourth era in which He shall strengthen humility, hoping that men would repent, believe in the good news and lead a life in the spirit of the Beatitudes! Then, when will the fourth era close? Will it come to an end? Has God's mercy an expiry date? No, but the days of each of us are numbered and we don't know when. Even though God's mercy never expires, we cannot lead a reckless life and meet our doomsday before we repent!

Brethren! Let us follow the appeal of Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation, "Gaudete et Exsultate", lead our life in the spirit of the Beatitudes, a life called to sanctification!
God bless!