We Believe in the Resurrection of the Dead

Thirty Second Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: We Believe in the Resurrection of the Dead

During this Month of All Souls, it feels like rubbing salt to festering wounds to see a UST undergraduate fall to his death in suspicious circumstances. But we have to remind ourselves that whatever the causes of his fall, we should keep our faith in the righteousness, viz. the salvation of our Lord. Life must go on despite the possibility that the cause would remain a mystery until the Last Judgment. "Love is patient" (1 Corinthians 13:4). These days, patience is in short supply because love is lacking. The less love we have, the greater the danger of straying away from God we shall be exposed to. Be consoled that the soul of this UST undergraduate is praying for our needs before God at the moment.

Like the Sadducees in the gospel passage today, we like to play God. We take things into our own hand and try to impose our mould of actions upon God. The Sadducees denied resurrection for reasons we no longer know. The way we see it, denial of resurrection entails a serious consequence, viz. God has no power over death. Then, our very foundation of faith shall be shaken to the ground. "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins ... If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all." (15:17, 19) Therefore, defending the belief in resurrection is of utmost importance. But what evidence do we have?

The three resurrection stories of the gospels (viz. Jairus' daughter, the only son of Nain widow and Jesus' friend Lazarus), the empty tomb and even the Shroud of Turin are not forensic proofs convincing enough. No. God does not want these. God wants to give living proofs! Every repentant sinner is a living proof. When a new life emerges from a serial killer, a psychopath, an abusive husband, an exploitative employer and an arrogant executive etc. we are able to witness the power of resurrection, the power of faith in Jesus Christ! Instead of holding onto ourselves and relying on our own strength, we repent, we turn to God, we entrust ourselves onto the mercy of God. Only then shall a new life emerge from the ashes of the sinful self!

Impatience breeds violence. We grow impatient when the other party is not ready to accept the will we impose on them. Then we cut corner by inflicting or threatening violence. How can a Christian not allow others time to get ready while God waits patiently for our repentance? How can we impose our will, no matter how good it is, onto others while God respects our freedom and does not impose His will on us? Be patient and trust in the Lord. Allow Him time to unfold His grand design. "Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart." (Psalm 90:12)

We believe in the healing power of God. It is shown by many healing miracles in the gospel and many biographies of saints in subsequent ages. Therefore, we believe in the resurrection of the body because "He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive." (Luke 20:38) We look forward to the day of resurrection of the flesh when all of us emerge with burst eye-balls restored, shattered skeletons restructured and raped innocence immaculate. Amen.

Picture credit: Wikipedia
2016 Homily

君子善假於物 A Virtuous Man Is Good At Utilizing Things

常年期第三十一主日，丙年
主題：君子善假於物

為甚麼匝凱想見耶穌呢？
按福音的記載，很多當代的猶太人，為了不同的原因，想見耶穌基督：有些是為了充飢，解決貧窮所帶來的問題（若6:26）；有些是為了求醫，解決健康的問題（路5:15）；有些人可能出於好奇，慕名而來，想聽耶穌的教訓，滿足心智上的需求（瑪5:1）；有些人認為耶穌可能是默西亞，想跟隨祂推翻羅馬帝國的殖民地統治，解決政治上的問題（谷8:29），各適其式，莫衷一是。

那麼，匝凱又是個怎麼樣的人，是甚麼動機促使他想見耶穌呢？是出於好奇嗎？匝凱是個稅吏，為羅馬人服務，被同胞唾棄。可以想像他很努力，用自己的方法解決問題。他很努力積蓄財富，用金錢補償他失去了的尊重。所以他一定不會浪費時間，做些不會賺錢的事。所以匝凱想見耶穌，絕不是出於好奇！耶穌能驅魔，匝凱或他的親人附了魔嗎？倘若有，匝凱應該跑到耶穌跟前求祂（路8:28，9:38），而不是爬到樹上，離遠觀望祂；耶穌能治病，但匝凱為了見耶穌而爬上一棵野桑樹上（19:4），可見他不是個生病的人，更不像是個為親人求醫的人；耶穌能增餅，但匝凱很富有，不需要耶穌為他增餅；耶穌能平息風浪，但匝凱目前沒有即時的生命危險；那麽，耶穌還有甚麼可以吸引匝凱呢？

應該是耶穌基督所宣講的福音，和祂對罪人的接納，引起匝凱的注意。
耶穌基督宣講天國，在天國裡，實行天父旨意的人，都成為了兄弟姊妹，成為了一家人（8:21）。天主的旨意是甚麼呢？作為一個稅吏，匝凱是既得利益者，他一定不會支持推翻羅馬帝國的統治。所以在匝凱的心目中，少了一個對福音的誤解。他不會相信耶穌基督是一個煽惑群眾，起義革命的領袖！他會相信，耶穌基督要建立一個彼此相愛，人人都受到尊重的世界，不會因為職業、貧窮或富有而遭受歧視的社會。
耶穌基督對罪人的接納，令當時的宗教權威不滿。傳統的宗教信仰，不但要求信徒遵守梅瑟的法律，更進一步要求與罪人「割席」。猶太人用來祈禱的【聖詠集】第一句是這樣寫的：「凡不隨從惡人的計謀，不插足於罪人的道路，不參與譏諷者的席位，而專心愛好上主法律的，和畫夜默思上主誡命的，像這樣的人纔是有福的！」（詠1:1-2）所以，耶穌基督與稅吏、娼妓和罪人一起吃飯，簡直是醜聞，是對猶太教宣戰！另一方面，作為一個稅吏，被同胞「割席」唾棄，沒有翻身的希望；他每天生活在這種來自宗教制度號召出來的排斥和歧視，甚至可以說，是一種制度的暴力之下，在匝凱眼中，耶穌基督接納稅吏和罪人，是以實際的行動，証明祂宣講的福音是真理。在耶穌基督身上，匝凱看見了希望，匝凱希望能獲得從制度暴力下的解放。所以匝凱渴望看看耶穌是甚麼人（19:3）。匝凱的希望來自哪？應該是稅吏瑪竇蒙召的故事，燃點了匝凱對耶穌基督的希望。

雖然在猶太人的眼中，匝凱是個罪人。不過，以儒家思想來評價，匝凱是一個「君子」！這話怎解？荀子在【勸學篇】解釋，君子並非天生異稟的人，祇不過能善於借用世間的事物，達到他的目標而已！即是說，人人祇要善用身邊的事物，都可以成為正人君子。匝凱不就是「善假諸物」嗎？且看，「因為他身材短少」（19:3），所以他「攀上了一棵野桑樹，要看看耶穌。」（19:4）。匝凱不但看見了耶穌，連他造夢也不敢想像的事情，竟然發生了，耶穌基督主動提出要住在他家裡！從做生意的角度看，匝凱突然發現他的對手，是如此闊綽的！這當然哪，匝凱的真誠，他對解放的渴求，打動了天主慈悲的心！對於誠心渴望得救的人，天主又怎會虧待他們呢？

就這樣，一個「善性循環」發生了！你敬我一尺，我敬你一丈！匝凱於是進一步，善用他手上的財富，「把一半的財物施捨給窮人；如果欺騙過誰，就以四倍賠償。」（19:8）倘若是為了沽名釣譽，犯不著捐出一半財物，捐出比一般的多一些便足夠了；同樣，他犯不著作出四倍賠償，梅瑟法律規定的，是雙倍賠償而已（出22:6-8）。因此，匝凱所做的事，是真心的，所以他獲得耶穌基督的救恩（路19:9）！要注意，每個人成聖的道路不同，匝凱並沒有像瑪竇一樣，放棄一切，跟隨耶穌基督宣講福音，建設天國。福音沒有記載匝凱後來怎樣了。要知道匝凱這樣做，不一定會帶給他即時的好處！不要忘記耶穌基督不久將會被群眾捨棄，被釘十字架上。五旬節後，門徒們在耶路撒冷繼續遭受迫害，天國的出現，遙遙無期！

為所有信徒，匝凱立了一個很好的榜樣。第一，他認識自己的罪過。很多人諱疾忌醫，即使已領洗入教的天主教徒，很多都忽視了辦告解，與自己，與教會，與天主修和的重要性。覺得自己沒有罪過，是信仰的一個危險，因為不再需要天主了！第二，匝凱渴望得到天主的解放。作為天主教徒，在日常的生活中，有沒有留意到自己很不自由呢？經常要討好別人，自己的情緒經常被別人的行為操控著嗎？不能戒酒戒煙戒賭戒手機嗎？大家有沒有渴望得到天主的解放呢？最後，匝凱善用手上的事物，爭取親近天主！我們有善用時間，祈禱，讀經，領聖事，按耶穌基督的教訓幫助窮人，耐心地忍受侮辱和教導愚蒙嗎？更進一步，我們有沒有好像瑪竇宗徒一樣，以自己的蒙恩得救的經驗，燃點別人對耶穌基督的希望呢？我們有沒有好像耶穌基督一樣，接納罪人呢，抑或與罪人割席呢？

各位主內的兄弟姊妹，讓匝凱的榜樣啟發我們，檢討自己的罪過，渴求天主的救贖，並運用身邊的事物，親近天主。
天主保祐！

圖片鳴謝：https://kknews.cc/news/xmg8ek9.html
2016年講道

---

Thirty First Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: A Virtuous Man Is Good At Utilizing Things

Why did Zacchaeus want to see Jesus?
According to the gospels, many contemporary Jews wanted to see Jesus Christ for different reasons: Some wanted to fill their hunger, solving the problem of poverty (John 6:26); some sought healing, solving the problem of health care (Luke 5:15); some probably heard of Jesus and out of curiosity wanted to listen to Jesus' teachings to satisfy their intellectual needs (Matthew 5:1); some thought that Jesus was the Messiah, they wanted to follow Him to overthrow the Roman colonial rule, thus solving their political problem (Mark 8:29). The reasons were various.

Then, what kind of a person was Zacchaeus? What motives prompted him to see Jesus? Was it out of curiosity? Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector, serving the Romans. He was hated by his fellow Jews. We could imagine that he worked really hard to solve his problems. He accumulated wealth to compensate for the respect he had lost. Thus, he would not waste time doing things not profitable. Thus, Zacchaeus would not see Jesus out of curiosity! Jesus had exorcised demons. Was Zacchaeus or his family members possessed? If he had been, Zacchaeus should have knelt before Jesus to beg him (Luke 8:28, 9:38). He shouldn't have climbed up a tree to watch Jesus from afar. Jesus healed diseases. But Zacchaeus was able to climb a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus (19:4). He wasn't sick, nor did he seek healing for his family members. Jesus multiplied loaves of bread but Zacchaeus was wealthy. He didn't need Jesus to multiply bread. Jesus calmed the storm but Zacchaeus' life was not in immediate dangers. Thus, what else was there in Jesus that attracted Zacchaeus?

It must be the gospel Jesus Christ proclaimed and His acceptance of sinners that caught Zacchaeus' attention.
Jesus Christ came to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven in which "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it." (8:21) What is the word of God? As a tax-collector, a stakeholder of the society, he would not want to overthrow the Roman rule. Zacchaeus would misunderstand the gospel less. He would never believe that Jesus Christ would be a revolutionary leader, inciting people to rebel! He tended to believe that Jesus Christ would build up a world in which people love each other and respect each other, a society in which people shall not be discriminated because of their professions or economic status.
Contemporary religious authorities raised their brows because of Jesus Christ's acceptance of sinners. Traditional faith not only demanded believers to observe Moses' commandments, but also expected them to cut off from sinners. The first verses of Jewish prayer book say, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in company with scoffers. Rather, the law of the Lord is his joy; and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalms 1:1-2) Thus, Jesus Christ's sharing table with tax-collectors, prostitutes and sinners was a scandal. He was declaring war against Judaism! On the other hand, as a tax-collector, Zacchaeus was cut off by his fellow Jews. There was no hope in reconciliation. Every day, he was living in rejection and discrimination coming from a religious institution. It could be regarded as an institutional violence. In the eyes of Zacchaeus, Jesus' acceptance of sinners was putting into action the gospel, the truth which He proclaimed. In Jesus Christ, Zacchaeus saw hope. He wanted to be liberated from this institutional violence. Thus Zacchaeus "was seeking to see who Jesus was" (19:3). Where did Zacchaeus' hope come from? It should come from the call of Matthew, a fellow tax collector which enkindled his hope in Jesus Christ.

In the eyes of the Jews, Zacchaeus was a sinner. But if we apply Confucian evaluation, Zacchaeus was a virtuous man! How? Xunzi explains in his "On Learning" that a virtuous man was no different from ordinary men. A virtuous man is just better able to utilize things to achieve his target. That is to say, everybody is able to become virtuous when he makes good use of things around him. Didn't Zacchaeus make good use of things around him? Look, "he was short in stature" (19:3), "so he climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus" (19:4). Consequently, not only did Zacchaeus see Jesus, but something which he dared not even to dream of also happened. Jesus took the initiative to stay at his house! From the perspective of doing business, Zacchaeus suddenly discovered that he was dealing with a very generous party! Of course, Zacchaeus was sincere. His desire to be liberated touched the mercy of God! How would God be a miser towards someone who sincerely desires to be saved?

Thus, a benevolent cycle started! You scratch my back, I scratch yours more! Thus Zacchaeus took a step further. He made good use of his wealth, "Half of my possessions I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over." (19:8) Had Zacchaeus intended to buy fame, he would not have given half of his possessions to the poor. A little bit over the normal would have been sufficient. Similarly, according to Moses' law, making twofold restitution only was required to repay cheating. Zacchaeus would not have to repay four times (Exodus 22:6-8). Thus Zacchaeus' sincerity had earned him Jesus' salvation (Luke 19:9)! Pay heed that everybody's road to sanctification is different. Unlike Matthew who had abandoned all to follow Jesus Christ to preach the gospel and build the Kingdom of Heaven, Zacchaeus' future was not mentioned in the gospel. Suffice to know that Zacchaeus' actions did not bring him immediate advantages! Don't forget that Jesus Christ would soon be rejected by the crowd to be crucified. After the Pentecost, the disciples would continue to be persecuted in Jerusalem. The Kingdom of Heaven was nowhere in sight!

For all Christians, Zacchaeus has set up a very good exemplar. Firstly, he knew his sins. Many of us are afraid to see the truth. After baptism, many Catholics ignore confession as well as the importance of reconciliation with oneself, with the Church and with God. Not recognizing one's sin is detrimental to one's faith because one doesn't need God anymore! Secondly, Zacchaeus desired God's liberation. As Catholics, do we feel a lack of freedom in our daily life? Do we always please others, and our emotions controlled by the actions of the others? Can we quit addictions of smoking, drinking, gambling and mobile phones? Do we desire God's liberation? Lastly, Zacchaeus made good use of things to come close to God! Do we make good use of our time to pray, to study the bible, to receive sacraments? Do we follow Jesus Christ's teachings to help the needy, to bear wrongs patiently and to counsel the doubtful? More than that, do we share, like St. Matthew the Apostle, our experience of salvation with others so as to enkindle their hope in Jesus Christ? Do we accept sinners like Jesus Christ or cut them off?

Brethren, let the example of Zacchaeus inspire us to review our faults, to desire God's salvation and to make good use of things around us to come close to God.
God bless!

耶穌基督要找怎麼樣的信德？ What Kind of Faith Does Jesus Christ Look For?

常年期第三十主日，丙年
主題：耶穌基督要找怎麼樣的信德？

讀聖經不可以脫離「上文下理」的原則，所以要明白今天福音的訊息，應先掌握之前的經文。上一個主日的福音，最後一句是這樣說的：「人子來臨時，能在世上找到信德嗎？」（路18:8）「人子來臨時」，就是「世界末日」的意思。耶穌是否在預言，當世上再沒有人相信天主的時候，或者當教會被破壞毀滅了的時候，就是世界末日呢？我相信不必要這樣悲觀！因為太明顯了！

1. 耶穌基督曾多次提醒我們，祂會在最出人意表的時辰重臨。教會遭受迫害是家常便飯，但如果教會出現被毀滅的危險，那就太明顯，不會是出人意表的時辰了。所以即使教會出現被毀滅的危機，絕對不會是世界末日的徵兆！相反，當教會不用面對內憂外患的時候，到了可以安枕無憂的時候，小心，那可能是耶穌基督選定的突如其來的時辰了！
2. 耶穌基督在這句說話之前和之後，都是在講述祈禱。所以是與祈禱有關。「找不到信德」是指沒有人再祈禱嗎？沒有人再返聖堂領聖事嗎？對不起！我相信天主重質不重量，不會因為沒有人返聖堂就結束這個世界！想當年，亞巴郎曾與天主討價還價，祇要找到十個義人，就赦免索多瑪城（創18:32）。又例如，天主從基德紅民長手上的三萬二千人，祇挑選了三百人（民7:6），便擊敗了米德揚的十三萬五千大軍。最後，耶穌基督曾許諾，「那裡有兩個或三個人，因我的名字聚在一起，我就在他們中間。」（瑪18:20）可見天主是重質不重量的，即使教會祇剩下兩三個義人，天主也不會結束這個世界，因為有耶穌基督與我們同在！所以，耶穌基督那句「找不到信德」的話，是要求我們培養有質素的信德！

祇要你相信兩個信條，你可以算是一個基督徒了。這兩個信條就是：天主祇有一個，祂是三位一體的；耶穌基督是真天主，又真是人。這就是基督徒的信德。固然，要相信這些道理，在理性上是有點難度，但真正的挑戰卻是如何生活出這信德！所以，在俗世生活中實踐出耶穌基督所教導的福音精神，即所謂「真福八端」的成聖之路，纔是困難所在。耶穌基督今天用了「法利塞人和稅吏祈禱」的比喻，把兩種信仰的態度，展示在我們眼前，讓我們作出明智的選擇。

世上最難醫治的病人，是以為自己沒有病的人！
那個法利塞人，懂得感謝天主，他又遵守梅瑟十誡，沒有做傷天害理的事；每周禁食，十一奉獻（路11:11-12）…，他可以說是一個模範猶太教教徒，還有甚麼他沒有做到呢？如果要挑剔他，頂多可以說他沒有提及做過任何愛德工作，幫助貧窮弱小的人！可能他有做過，祇是沒有說出。另一方面，那稅吏又有做過嗎？的確，在表面上，這個法利塞人真是一個無可指責的模範教友。但不要忘記，「人看外貎，上主卻看人心。」（撒上16:7）這個法利塞人的祈禱，暴露了他內心所犯的「三宗罪」。

1. 天主是全知的，你有需要在天主面前，數算自己的優點嗎？天主需要你提醒祂嗎（依40:13-14）？需要你提醒的天主，不信也罷！你這樣做，是反映了自己信德的薄弱，你並不在渴望天主的拯救！你信自己多於信天主！
2. 這個法利塞人說：「因為我不像其他人…」（路18:11）。很多人喜歡越俎代庖，不做自己應該做的事，反而好管閒事，做留給天主做的事！請問這位法利塞人：「誰立了你作我們的首領和判官？」（出2:14）其實，他做好自己份內的事便是，何必批評別人做得不夠好呢？踐踏在別人的短處上來高舉自己，不見得你高了多少！倘若真的想切磋比拼，提高自己的實力，找個高手來比拼纔對，是不是？
3. 看見別人軟弱犯罪，沒有激發起對他們的憐憫之心，祇管譴責，對事情有幫助嗎？又沒有哀慟之心，警惕自己有朝一日，有可能也會墮落，好像他們犯同一樣的罪過。這個法利塞人反過來感謝天主，慶幸自己沒有犯錯，這不是「幸災落禍」是甚麼！

這個法利塞人，就是我所說的，「以為自己沒有病的人」的樣板！他的毛病，在於他相信自己的得救，自己在天主前的成義，完全是自己的努力，而不是天主的慈悲。這樣的人，又怎會接受天主的治療呢？驕傲自大，的確害人不淺。

各位兄弟姊妹，耶穌基督在山中聖訓，教導我們神貧、哀慟和憐憫（瑪5:3-4，7），正是針對驕傲的良藥。讓那個稅吏的祈禱啟發我們，心生謙卑之情，「連舉目望天都不敢」（18:13）好能識清自己的罪過，渴望獲得天主的救贖。這就是真福八端所教導的「飢渴慕義」（瑪5:6）的意義。能做到這四端，相信離「成了正義的」不遠矣！
天主保祐！

圖片鳴謝：http://findingthetruefaith.com/are-you-a-publican-a-pharisee-or-both/

---

Thirtieth Ordinary Sunday, Year C
Theme: What Kind of Faith Does Jesus Christ Look For?

We cannot read bible passages out of context. In order to understand the message of today's gospel, we need to know the context. The last sentence of the gospel passage last Sunday says, "But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8)
"When the Son of Man comes" means the end of the world. Does Jesus foretell that when no more people believe in God, or when the Church is destroyed, it shall be the end of the world? I don't think we need to be pessimistic because it is too obvious!

1. Jesus Christ reminds us many times that He would return at the most unexpected moment. The Church has been routinely persecuted. If the Church faces the danger of annihilation, it would be too obvious a time, not an unexpected time. Therefore, when the Church is besieged both from within and without, it is absolutely not a sign of the end! On the contrary, if the Church does not have to worry about all these troubles and is facing a peaceful and receptive world, beware, most probably that's the moment Jesus Christ has chosen to return!
2. Before and after this comment, Jesus was talking about prayers. Therefore, the comment must be related to prayers. Does "Will he find faith on earth" means nobody pray anymore, that nobody goes to Church to receive sacraments? I believe that God looks for quality, not quantity. He will not end this world because nobody goes to Church! In the Old Testament, Abraham was able to secure a bargain with God sparing Sodom if he would find ten righteous people in the city (Genesis 18:32). As another example, God picked up 300 soldiers from 32,000 people under the command of Gideon (Judges 7:6) to defeat a Midian army of 350,000. Lastly, Jesus Christ promises, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) Thus, we see that quality, not quantity, is God's concern. Even though only two or three righteous people remain in the Church, God shall not end this world because Jesus Christ stays with us! Therefore, Jesus demands us to build up a faith of high quality in His comment.

If you believe in just two creeds, you can be counted a Christian. Those two creeds are: there is only one God who is three in one. Jesus Christ is truly divine and truly human. This is the Christian faith. Of course, it is not easy to believe in these articles with rationality, but the real challenge is how to live up this faith. The difficulty lies in how to live up the evangelical spirit in this secular world, the way towards sanctification with the Beatitudes. Today with the parable of the Prayer of a Pharisee and a Publican, Jesus Christ puts before us two different attitudes towards faith for us to choose.

The most difficult patients on earth to heal are those who deny that they are sick!
The Pharisee is grateful to God, observes the Ten Commandments and does no harm to others, fasts twice a week and pays tithes etc. (Luke 11:11-12). He is an exemplary Jew. What else has he not done? If we want to criticize, at most you can say that he has not mentioned any charity works, helping the needy! Probably he has. He just doesn't mention it. On the other hand, has the publican done any?

Indeed, superficially, you cannot find fault with this exemplary Pharisee. But don't forget, "A mortal sees the appearance. The Lord looks into the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7) The prayer of this Pharisee reveals three vices in his heart.

1. God is omniscient. Do you need to enumerate your merits before Him? Does God need you to remind him (Isaiah 40:13-14)? A deity which needs to be reminded is not worth believing at all! What you have done shows how weak your faith is. You do not desire God's salvation. You believe in yourself more than in God!
2. This Pharisee says, "That I'm not like the rest of humanity…" (Luke 18:11) Many people enjoy playing God. They don't discharge their duties but like to do things reserved for God! Hey, Pharisee, "Who has appointed you ruler and judge over us?" (Exodus 2:14) In fact, it is good of him to do his duties. Is it necessary to pass judgment on the others? Trampling upon others to exalt oneself does not make one any taller! If he really wants to improve himself with challenges, he should challenge the strong ones, shouldn't he?
3. What help is there of condemning others when you see them fall without compassion? Without mourning to remind us, one day we may similarly fall. On the contrary, this Pharisee thanks God for his not sinning. Isn't that callous?

This Pharisee is an exemplar of what I said earlier, "those who deny that they are sick"! His fault is that he believes that his salvation or his justification before God comes totally from his own effort and not God's mercy. How can this kind of people receive God's healing? Arrogance is truly detrimental to our salvation.

Brethren, Jesus Christ teaches us to be spiritually poor, be mournful and merciful (Matthew 5:3-4, 7). These are the antidotes to pride. Let the prayer of the publican inspires in us humility, that we "would not even raise his eyes to heaven" (Luke 18:13) so that we may be able to see more clearly our own vices and desire God's salvation. This is the meaning of "Hunger and thirst for righteous" (Matthew 5:6). We shall not be far away from justification when we are able to practise these four beatitudes.
God bless!

甚麼時機信耶穌基督最有效益？ When Is the Most Efficient Moment To Believe In Jesus Christ?

甚麼時機信耶穌基督最有效益？（路13:1-9）

可能很多人會羨慕與耶穌基督一起被釘的右盜，因為他可能一生做盡壞事，卻能掌握「時機」，在臨終一刻信主（路23:42），而且完全沒有機會做過甚麼愛德服務，也能與耶穌基督一起，共赴天堂！後世很多人，甚至是定性基督信仰不再是邪教，並且召開尼西亞大公會議，捍衛「三位一體」是當信道理的君士坦丁大帝，亦是到臨終時纔領受聖洗聖事。這些事例，難免令人產生疑問，甚麼時候信耶穌是最有效益呢？

在慕道班，一般會鼓勵學員儘快領洗，加入教會。因為世途凶險，容易動搖我們對天主的信仰。早日加入教會，有一班志同道合的人互相支持；有歷代聖人的榜樣作為鼓勵；有教會訓導的指引，不至再次誤入歧途；又可藉著領受各種聖事，獲得天主聖寵的助佑等等…這樣走信仰的道路，回歸父家，就容易得多了。這就是今天福音中的比喻所說的：「待我在它周圍掘土，加上糞」的意義（路13:8）。聖奧思定曾這樣寫：「我愛祢已經太晚了，祢是萬古常新的美善，我愛祢已經太晚了！」（《懺悔錄》十‧27）可見儘早相信耶穌是對的。

另一方面，今天的福音告訴我們一個事實：不是所有的人，可以幸福地壽終正寢，可以好像君士坦丁大帝一樣，臨終受洗的。沒有人知道天主在哪個時刻，會收回我們的靈魂，我們隨時隨地可以死於非命，沒有悔改的機會（路13:1，4）。這一點，耶穌基督在之前的比喻中，也有提及（12:20，38，46）。
結論：不要羨慕與耶穌基督一起被釘的右盜了，儘快悔改，信從福音吧！
父啊！求祢把天國賜給我們（12:32）。亞孟。

生命恩泉

---

When Is the Most Efficient Moment To Believe In Jesus Christ? (Luke 13:1-9)

Perhaps many people would envy the repentant thief crucified with Jesus Christ because probably he had done a lot of evil things during his life time and he seized the last moment to believe in the Lord (Luke 23:42). Moreover, he did not have the opportunity to do any works of mercy but was able to enter heaven with Jesus Christ! Many people in subsequent generations, even Constantine, who declared Christianity not a cult, convoked the First Council of Nicaea to defend the dogma of Trinity, received baptism at his deathbed. These cases inevitably raise questions in people's mind. What is the most efficient moment to believe in Jesus?

In catechumen classes, catechists almost always encourage the catechumens to receive baptism and become a member of the Church as soon as possible. It is because the secular world is full of dangers which shake up our faith easily. Within the Church, people in similar minds support each other. There are saintly exemplars throughout the ages to encourage us. There are Church teachings to guide us. We receive God's graces from the sacraments etc. With such supports to practise our faith, we would return to the Father more easily. This is the meaning the parable conveys in today's gospel, "I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it." (Luke 13:8) St. Augustine also says, "Too late did I love You, O Fairness, so ancient, and yet so new! Too late did I love You!" (Confessions X:27) Obviously, it is right to believe in Jesus as soon as possible

. On the other hand, the gospel tells us one fact: Not all men are so blessed as to die a natural death. Few people can get baptized at their deathbed like Constantine Caesar. Nobody knows at which moment God shall take away his soul. We may die an untimely death at any moment without an opportunity to repent (Luke 13:1, 4). Jesus Christ mentions this point in previous parables (12:20, 38, 46).
Conclusion: Do not envy the penitent thief who was crucified with Jesus Christ. Repent as soon as possible and believe in the good new!
Father! Grant us the Kingdom of Heaven (12:32). Amen.

應該如何理解「天主的正義」呢？ How Should We Understand God's Righteousness?

應該如何理解「天主的正義」呢？（路12:54-59）

耶穌基督在講述最後審判的比喻時，向那些「承受自創世以來，給你們預備了的國度」（瑪25:34）的義人說：「凡你們對我這些最小兄弟中的一個所做的，就是對我做的。」（25:40）雖然這句話是對義人說的，但那些「到那給魔鬼和牠的使者預備的永火裡去」的「可咒罵」的人（25:41），難道聽不到嗎？

他們可曾想過，當他們剝削工人的時候、欺騙長者的「棺材本」的時候、拐帶婦孺到海外賣淫的時候、性侵她們的時候、無差別地用棍棒，利刀，催淚彈，實彈襲擊那些沒有反抗能力的市民或者防暴警察的時候，這一切的傷害，都是落在釘在十字架上的耶穌基督身上呢？

在今天的福音裡，耶穌基督警告我們：「非等你還清最後的一分錢，斷不能從那裡出來。」（路12:59）簡單地說，所有的行為都伴隨著後果。除非一個人沒有明悟，或者是沒有自由，否則，他必須要為自己的行為負責。而天主上智的安排，我們一定會自食其果（則18:20）！天主是正義的，祂一定會給我們足夠的時間，在我們去世之前，賠償我們所犯的罪債。天主的「正義」，未免太恐佈了！

不要害怕，耶穌基督對法學士的批評：「怎麼不能觀察這個時機呢？你們為甚麼不能由自己來辨別正義的事呢？」（路12:56b-57），原來另有玄機！因為天主是慈悲的，所以「天主的正義」，就是祂的拯救，就是祂願意「在基督內使世界與自己和好，不再追究他們的過犯。」（格後5:19）因此，倘若我們掌握「時機」，信靠主耶穌基督，即使我們沒有能力償還（例如殺了很多人的一個連環殺手，他的性命不足以抵償多人失去的性命！），他是非常樂意替我們償還全部的罪債！
耶穌，當你來為王時，請你紀念我（路23:42）。亞孟。

生命恩泉

---

How Should We Understand God's Righteousness? (Luke 12:54-59)

When Jesus Christ tells the parable about the Last Judgment, he speaks to the righteous who shall "inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34), "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (25:40) Although these words are spoken to the righteous, should not those "accursed into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (25:41) have heard them as well?

Has it ever crossed their minds that when they exploit the workers, cheat the elderly of their savings, traffic women and children overseas for prostitution, abuse them sexually, indiscriminately club, knife, tear gas, shoot citizens and anti-riot police who could not resist etc., all these injuries are inflicted upon Jesus Christ who was crucified on the cross?

In the gospel passage today, Jesus Christ warns us, "You will not be released until you have paid the last penny." (Luke 12:59) Simply put, there are consequences in each action taken. Unless a person has no understanding or freedom, he is accountable for all his actions. In God's grand plan, "Justice belongs to the just, and wickedness to the wicked." (Ezekiel 18:20) God is righteous. He shall give us sufficient time to pay the last penny before we leave this world. God's righteousness can be terrifying!

Don't be scared. There is an enigma when Jesus Christ criticizes the scribes, "Why do you not know how to interpret the present time? Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?" (Luke 12:56b-57) Since God is merciful, God's righteousness is His salvation. That is, "God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them." (2 Corinthians 5:19) Thus, if we are able to seize the moment, believe in Lord Jesus Christ, even though we are unable to repay our debts (e.g. a serial killer who has murdered many people and his life is not enough to repay all the lives lost.), Jesus is very happy to repay all the debts for us!
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom (Luke 23:42). Amen.

天主與人類之間的代溝 The Generation Gap Between God and Men

天主與人類之間的代溝（路12:49-53）

在這互聯網發達的年代，兩代人之間的「代溝」問題，非常嚴重！上一代的人，不但不懂年青一代的「潮語」，例如：洗版，KOL，CLS（粵語粗口）等，更完全掌握不到他們的思想模式和價值，不能接受為甚麼青年人會不惜一切，追求一些不切實際的理念！在這個變幻莫測的時代，我們應該怎樣相信天主的真理，是永恆不變，萬古常新呢？難道真的是「變幻原是永恆」嗎？

1. 天主的教訓，永遠是為了人的益處，因為天主愛護我們（若一4:8）。這是肯定不變的。
2. 人有惰性，得過且過，以為把「好」的東西制度化之後，例如訂立法律，建構禮教習俗等，就可以安享萬年基業。殊不知時代不斷以越來越快的速度進化，從前超過一百年的習俗，也沒有改良的必要；今天，超過十年的東西，已經落後，再沒有價值了！
3. 在因循的氛圍之中，天主的教訓，就顯得非常革命性，挑戰我們墨守成規的思想模式！例如，遠在未有綜合援助的社會福利制度之前，天主已定立法律，要求以色列人照顧孤兒寡婦（申24:19-21）！今天，當社會鼓吹「多勞多得」的時候，耶穌基督卻講述一個比喻，當中的工人做了一小時，與做了十二小時的工人，竟然收到相同的工資（瑪20:1-16）！耶穌基督的教訓，的確超越時空，富有挑戰性！

我們因循，思想變成了化石。天主歷久常新，永遠是年青的。結果，我們與天主的「代溝」，越來越嚴重。除非我們悔改，好像孩童一樣接受天主的教訓，否則天國，我們將會不得其門而入。耶穌基督說：「誰若不像小孩子一樣接受天主的國，決不能進去。」（路18:17）誰不擺脫因循的誘惑，決不能進入天國！
天父啊！請賜下聖神，更新我們的心靈，謙遜地接受耶穌基督的教訓。亞孟。

生命恩泉

圖片鳴謝：shutterstock.com

---

The Generation Gap Between God and Men (Luke 12:49-53)

In this Internet Age, the problem of generation gap is grave! Not only do people of the older generation know not the jargons of the younger generation, such as Flooding, KOL and CLS (a Cantonese obscenity) etc., but they are also unable to follow their modes of thinking and values. It is impossible for the older generation to understand why young people would chase after unrealistic ideas at all costs! In this ever changing age, how should we believe that God's truth is unchangeable and eternal? Should we accept changes to be perpetual?

1. God's teachings are always for our sake because God loves us (1 John 4:8). For sure this shall never change.
2. Men are inert and complacent. Thinking that by the institutionalization of the good, such as setting up laws and customs, men can enjoy millennia of stability. Unbeknown to us, social changes evolve in an accelerating speed. Previously, customs do not need any enhancements for centuries. Today, anything older than a decade is falling behind and is of no value at all.
3. In an environment where rocking the boat is a taboo, God's teachings appear to be very revolutionary and challenge our rigid mode of thinking. For example, long before there was Comprehensive Social Security Allowances, God already set up laws, demanding the Israelites to take care of the fatherless and widows (Deuteronomy 24:19-21). Today, when the society advocates “efforts pay”, Jesus' parable in which vineyard workers who had worked for only one hour received the same wage as those who had worked 12 hours (Matthew 20:1-16)! Jesus Christ's teachings really transcend time and space, full of challenges!

We don't want to rock the boat. Our thoughts have become fossils. God is young forever. Consequently, a generation gap develops between God and us and is getting worse. Unless we repent and accept God's teachings like a child, we shall be denied entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus Christ says, "Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." (Luke 18:17) Similarly, whoever refuses to reject the temptation of complacency will not enter the kingdom of God!
Heavenly Father, grant us the Holy Spirit, renew our hearts to accept the Jesus Christ's teaching humbly. Amen.

對領導者的忠告 Advice to Leaders

對領導者的忠告（路12:39-48）

「人單獨不好。」（創2:18）因此，要完成龐大的工程，必需要把一盤散沙般的群眾，團結起來。要組織一群人，自然會產生一些領導者 。為了共同的目的，群眾願意放棄部份的自由，服從領導者的策劃和指揮。領導者變相享有與眾不同的自由和利益（撒上8:11-17），是相當吸引，並且它會反過來，腐蝕領導者的心。所謂「權力令人腐化，絕對的權力令人絕對腐化」，是不無道理的！

主耶穌基督在今天的福音中指出，領導者的權力，是為了服務，為了「按時配給食糧」給其他的家僕（路12:42）！對，我們每個人都是一個家僕，一個管家，管理天主託付給我們的身心、人際關係、生活處境等等。既有責任發展天主賜予的「塔冷通」，又有責任在不同的生活崗位上，拓展天國。可以見得，權力是伴隨著責任的；權力越大，責任越大（12:48）！在天主的全盤計劃之中，祂有系統地安排了各人的崗位；而每個領導人都有他的主子，環環相扣，形成一個秩序井然的架構。

倘若在這架構裡，你覺得「懷才不遇」，你可能是對的！可能有人濫用了制度，埋沒了你的才幹。也有可能你自視過高，缺乏謙遜！在天主的眼中，前者對你無害，後者對你無益！倘若你覺得「時不我予」，你投訴沒有足夠的資源和時間，運用你的權力，或者收集更多的權力，去完成任務。對不起！天主可能會對你說：要知足，「有我的恩寵為你夠了！」（格後12:9）
主啊！請不要讓我們迷失在權力鬥爭之中，忘記了建設祢的天國。亞孟。

生命恩泉

---

Advice to Leaders (Luke 12:39-48)

"It is not good for the man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18) Thus, in order to accomplish a mega project, we need to put together the effort of a lot of people. To organize a group of people, we need leaders. In order to accomplish a common cause, the crowd is willing to abandon some of their freedom to obey the strategy and commands of leaders. Leaders enjoy extraordinary freedom and benefits (1 Samuel 8:11-17) which are very attractive and in turn corrupt the souls of the leaders. There is some truth in the aphorism: "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely"!

In the gospel passage today, Jesus Christ points out that the power of leaders is for service, for "putting in charge of his servants to distribute food allowance at the proper time" (Luke 12:42)! Right, every one of us is a servant, a steward in charge of our body and mind, interpersonal relationships and living situations etc. Not only are we responsible for the development of the talents given us by God, but we also have the responsibility to extend the Kingdom of Heaven in our particular station in life. Thus power comes with responsibility, the greater the power, the greater the responsibility (12:48)! Within God's overall plan, He systematically allocates us into different positions. Every leader has his own boss, linking together and weaving into an orderly structure.

If within this organization, you feel unappreciated. You are probably right! Perhaps somebody abuses the system and buries your talents. Or perhaps you overestimate yourself and lack humility! In God's eye, the former is harmless to you, the latter does you no good! If you feel that you have missed the tide, or you complain that you don't have sufficient resources and time to exercise your power, or gather more power to accomplish your mission, I'm sorry, God probably would tell you: Be content. "My grace is sufficient for you!" (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Dear Lord! Let us not get lost in power struggle and forget building Your Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.