真我的成長 The Growth of the Authentic Self

真我系列之五：
真我的成長（瑪13:54-58）

經過三十年的成長，耶穌基督的「真我」顯露出來了，祂的智慧和奇能，令看著祂長大的同鄉，感到驚訝！（瑪13:54）他們之所以驚訝，是因為他們用了既定的框架來看待耶穌：甚麼「木匠的兒子」、甚麼「他的母親…他的弟兄…他的姊妹」。這種視野並沒有錯，卻未能掌握真理的全部。試問誰無父母？但「虎父」一定無「犬子」嗎？那個父母對出人頭地的子女會不滿呢？所以既定的視野可以用，但應抱開放的態度，說不定天主為我們安排了驚喜！

福音中除了幾個宗徒外，從來沒有人以「天主的肖像」（創1:26）、「天主的聖者」（依12:6）、「天主的聖子」（詠82:6）來看待耶穌基督！這些視野在舊約時代已經啟示了，可能以色列人對天主敬畏有加，不敢褻瀆，不敢高攀，以致從來沒有人用這種視野看待身邊的人。但天主對我們的愛，是何其浩瀚。祂為我們所預備的，是「人心所未想到的。」（依63:3，格前2:9），天主的確是一個充滿驚喜的天主。

天主子降生成人，不但展示了人性的真我，並造就了這真我，令它可以攀登到更高的地步：天主的聖者、天主的子女！耶穌基督以祂的受難和復活，造就了人性的真我！作為蒙召成聖的基督徒，我們享有的「天主肖像」、「天主聖者」和「天主義子」的真我，已經揭示了。讓我們也以這個視野，看待所接觸到的鄰人，並造就他們的真我，破繭而出。
天父啊！求賜我們天主聖神，助「真我」健康成長，成聖，成為祢真正的子女。亞孟！

生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：shutterstock.com

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Authentic Self Series V
The Growth of the Authentic Self (Matthew 13:54-58)

After thirty years of growth, the authentic self of Jesus Christ began to manifest. His wisdom and mighty deeds astonished His native folks (Matthew 13:54). They were astonished because they applied an established perspective to look at Jesus: the carpenter's son, his mother … brothers … and sisters etc. This perspective is not wrong but it is not the whole truth. Who doesn't have parents? But is "like father like son" always right? Which parents would not be satisfied with their children's achievements? Established perspectives are useful but we should be open to surprises which God has in store for us!

Except for a few apostles, nobody in the gospels applied the "image of God" (Genesis 1:26); the "Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 12:6); "offspring of the Most High" (Psalm 82:6) on Jesus Christ! These perspectives have been revealed in the Old Testament. Probably the Israelites were awe-struck by God. They dared not to blaspheme or to approach God so much so that they have never applied these perspectives on people around them. But God's love for us is so boundless. He has prepared for those who love Him "what has not entered the human heart" (Isaiah 63:6, 1 Corinthians 2:9). Our God is a God of surprises indeed.

The Son of God took flesh to become man. Not only did He manifest the "authentic self" of humanity, but He also raised this "authentic self" up to a higher dimension: the Holy One of God, the Children of God! Jesus Christ edified the authentic self of humanity with His Passion and Resurrection. As Christians called to sanctification, our authentic selves as the images of God, the Holy Ones of God and the Adopted Children of God have been revealed. Let us apply these perspectives on the neighbour we meet and help their authentic selves emerge.
Heavenly Father, grant us the Holy Spirit to help our authentic selves grow healthily, be sanctified and become authentic children of Yours. Amen.

「真我」內的新舊寶藏 New & Old Treasures in Authentic Self

真我系列之四：
「真我」內的新舊寶藏（瑪13:47-53）

耶穌的門徒中，也有幾個法利塞人和經師，著名的包括尼苛德摩和阿黎瑪特雅人若瑟（若19:38-39），還有保徒宗徒（宗9:5）。他們的經歷，正好說明耶穌今天所說的「從他的寶庫裡，提出新的和舊的東西。」（瑪13:52）

讓我正式定義這幾天所說的「真我」吧，它就是天主心目中的我。雖然我是按天主的肖像所造，但因為喪失了原始恩寵（簡稱「原罪」）的緣故，我這個天主肖像，未能達到天主心目中的藍圖。而且，我們生活在歷史中，受到時空的限制，要經歷一段時間，困在有限的空間內磨練，纔漸漸達標，還原真我。所以每個人的經驗是獨特的，無論怎樣不愉快，都是珍貴的！今天流行的所謂「集體回憶」，無疑在一輩人的靈魂留下痕跡，但始終痕跡的深度，各人不同。

教會收錄了很多保祿的言論，可以驗證上面提及的「新的和舊的東西」。在歸化前，掃祿這個法利塞人，熱愛祖傳的法律，以捍衛正道為己任（迦1:14），所以對新興的基督信仰，窮追猛打。歸化後，基督的復活，光照了他對舊約法律的理解。保祿但覺天主的救恩，頓然變得清晰明朗！他在書信中的論述，必先以他從前的強項─舊約法律為起點，道出無論如何履行法律，均不足以令人在天主前，無可指摘；然後他再論述「因信成義」的道理。可以說，歸化前的掃祿所追求的，祇不過是舊的寶貝。足以把他的真我，發揮得淋漓盡致，要靠新的寶貝！不過，沒有舊的寶貝，新的寶貝便失去了根基！
天父啊！我們感謝祢，祢以最新，最好的寶貝，養活培育了我們的真我。亞孟。

生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：providenceonline.com

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Authentic Self Series IV
New & Old Treasures in Authentic Self (Matthew 13:47-53)

Among the disciples of Jesus, there were a few Pharisees and scribes such as the well-known Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:38-39) as well as Paul (Acts 9:5). Their experiences illustrate what Jesus says today, “Who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old” (Matthew 13:52).

Allow me to define officially what I meant by "authentic self" on the last few days. It is the "me in God's mind". Although God created us in His image, we are in the state of deprivation of the original grace (aka Original Sin). We have not accomplished the blueprints in God's mind. Moreover, we live in history and are limited within space and time. We need to go through polishing within a confined space and time to restore the authentic self. Thus, the experiences of each of us are unique. Whether they are painful or not, they are precious. Today, it is fashionable to speak of "collective memories" which leave in each of our souls scratches of uniquely different depths.

The Church has collected many treatises of Paul's to demonstrate the "the new and old" mentioned above. Before conversion, Saul was a Pharisee, "a zealot for my ancestral traditions." (Galatian 1:14) Thus, he was frenetic towards destroying the newly emerged Christianity. After conversion, the light of Christ's resurrection illuminated his understanding of the laws in the Old Testament. Suddenly, God's salvation became crystal clear to Paul! In his letters he wrote subsequently, he started with his strength, the Jewish laws, to explain how observing them did not justify one before God. Then he proceeded to explain the doctrine of "justification by faith". Before conversion, Saul sought the old treasures. But it took the new treasures to fully realize his authentic self! Of course, without the old treasures, the new ones lose their foundation!
Heavenly Father! We are grateful that You cultivate our authentic selves with the latest and the best treasures. Amen.

瑪爾大活出「真我」 Martha Lived Up To Her Authentic Self

真我系列之三：
瑪爾大活出「真我」（路10:38-42）

我們沒有絕對的自由，不理他人的死活，任性地活出「真我」。當我們率性而行的時候，不要忘記關懷愛護身邊的人！

福音中的瑪爾大，很明顯是一個行動型的人。她「為伺候耶穌，忙碌不已」（路10：40）。她以具體和實際的行動，展示對主耶穌的愛。這是瑪爾大真我的展現，是值得讚賞的。瑪利亞是一個默觀型的人，她坐在造物主前，聆聽真主的講話。作為受造物，還有甚麼行為比瑪利亞的默觀聆聽，更能表達對天主全心全意的愛呢？當下，兩姊妹都活出了她們的真我！

可惜這美好的時刻並不持久，瑪爾大的真我還有一點兒的好性，喜歡拿妹妹來比較。我不相信瑪爾大對妹妹缺乏關心，或者妒忌妹妹；我更不相信她不能獨力伺候耶穌，我反而相信她是一個越做越起勁的人。瑪爾大向耶穌投訴，不一定是錯，因為這纔是真正的瑪爾大嘛！可能她想耶穌基督肯定她的忙碌，比妹妹的默觀，更能表達對祂的愛！這一比較，幾乎打破了整個愛的氛圍；瑪爾大的率性，險些令她忘記了對妹妹應有的關顧。

幸好有主耶穌在，化解了這場危機。祂肯定了瑪爾大的忙碌是美好的，但天主並不需要我們的勞動來增添祂的光榮。同時耶穌基督指出，瑪爾大的忙碌，倘若用來「護守」妹妹的默觀，將會是主所喜歡的，因為這是更好的一份，不能奪去的一份（10:42）！ 感謝瑪爾大，她教導了我們活出真我，也要關愛別人。
天父啊！求使真正的我，即使犯錯，也能造就身邊的人。亞孟！

生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：virtualpreacher.org

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Authentic Self Series III: Martha Lived Up To Her Authentic Self (Luke 10:38-42) Nobody has the absolute freedom to ignore others and lives up to his authentic self recklessly. When we show our true colours, don’t forget to care and love people around us. The Martha in the gospels was an action type of person. She was burdened with much serving Jesus at her home (Luke 10:40). She showed her love of Lord Jesus with concrete actions. Martha manifested her authentic self and it is commendable. Maria was a contemplative type of person. She sat beside the Lord, her Creator, listening to Him speak. As a creature, what more could Maria do to manifest her total love of God than contemplatively listening to Him? At that moment, both sisters lived up their authentic selves. Unfortunately, this beautiful moment did not last long. The authentic self of Martha is a little bit assertive and likes making comparisons. I don’t believe Martha lacks concerns and care for her sister or even envies her. I don’t even believe that she was incapable of serving Jesus singlehandedly. Rather, I think the more she serves, the more enthusiastic she would become. It is not necessarily wrong for Martha to complain because that’s the authentic Martha! Perhaps she wanted Jesus Christ to affirm that her concrete services show more love than her sister’s contemplation! This comparison nearly ruptures the whole milieu of love. Martha’s assertiveness nearly made her forget the loving care due her sister. Luckily Lord Jesus was there to neutralize this crisis. He affirmed Martha’s industriousness but God does not need our labour to increase His glory. At the same time, Jesus Christ points out that if Martha applied her toil to “keep/defend” her sister’s contemplation, God would love it because this is the better part which would not be taken from her (10:42)! Thanks Martha for showing us that when we live up to our authentic selves, we show show loving care to others as well. Heavenly Father, pray that we may edify people around us even when our authentic selves make mistakes. Amen!

活出「真我」的外來障礙 Obstacles to Live Up To the Authentic Self

真我系列之二：
活出「真我」的外來障礙（瑪13:36-43）

天國有內在和外在的意義。內在的天國位於我們心中，是主觀的。當我們讓天主的旨意和恩寵，在我們的心裡運行無阻的時候，天國便臨現在我們的心中。「撒種的比喻」所描述的，正是這個內在的天國。外在的天國是客觀的，和內在的天國一樣，經過一段時間的發展，便彰顯出來。這客觀的天國要「在今世終結時」（瑪13：39）纔實現。「田間莠子」的比喻所描述的，正是這個到末日纔實現的，外在的天國。

正如內在的天國裡，有荊棘窒息福音種子，使它不能生長，外在的天國也一樣。田就是世界（13：38），就是天國的基地。人子在田裡撒好的種子，為的是在世界上建設天主的國。建設天國是一個過程，需要經過一段時間的發展。同時，在這外在的天國裡，有「使人跌倒的事，及作惡的人」（13：41），障礙著天國的子民，建設天國。

人類社會不斷進化，罪惡不再是個別惡人的行為。罪惡已經制度化，把軟弱的人囚禁在制度之內，成為制度的一部份。昔日祇有個人的貪婪，剝削一小撮家中的僕婢。今天有不公義的法律體系，縱容企業家謀取暴利，剝削整個工人階級，加劇貧富懸殊！企業家之間，在制度內，不擇手段，互相競爭，渴望獨霸整個市場；而工人亦淪為生產的機器！這些結構性的罪惡，扭曲了企業家與勞動人民的尊嚴和人性。當人性蕩然無存的時候，還有「真我」可言，還有「蒙召成聖」的可能嗎？
天父啊！請祢快來，掃除那一切使人跌倒的事，讓義人們的真我，得以「發光如同太陽」。亞孟！

生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：https://zingcreed.wordpress.com/2013/11/05/structural-sin/

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Authentic Self Series II
Obstacles to Live Up To the Authentic Self (Matthew 13:36-43)

The Kingdom of Heaven has both internal and external meanings. The internal one is in our hearts. It is subjective. When we allow God's will and grace to operate in our hearts without obstacles, the Kingdom of Heaven is present in us. The Parable of the Sower describes this "internal" Kingdom of Heaven. The external Kingdom of Heaven is objective and like the internal one, takes time to develop and manifest. The objective Kingdom of Heaven shall actualize at "the end of the age" (Matthew 13:39). The Parable of the Weeds describes this external Kingdom of Heaven at the end of the world.

Just as the in the internal Kingdom of Heaven, there are thorns smothering the seeds, preventing them from growing, the external Kingdom of Heaven is the same. "The field is the world" (13:38) the base of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Son of Man plants good seeds in the world to build up the Kingdom of Heaven. Building it up is a process and takes time to develop. At the same time, there are people who cause others to sin and evildoers in the Kingdom (13:41), hindering the children of the Kingdom to develop the Kingdom.

In the evolution of human societies, sin is no longer the actions of individual evildoers. Sin is institutionalized. Weaklings are imprisoned in the institution and become a part of it. In previous ages, there were only greedy individuals exploiting a small number of domestic slaves. Today, there are unfair legal systems which turn a blind eye to unscrupulous entrepreneurs who exploit an entire class of labourers, quickening the polarization of wealth! Within the system, entrepreneurs compete among themselves in a dog-eat-dog, hoping to monopolize the market. Workers become bolts and nuts of production! These structural sins twist and distort the dignity and humanity of both the entrepreneurs and labouring people. When humanity is so much trampled, is it meaningful to talk about Authentic Self and is sanctification still possible?
Heavenly Father! Come quickly. Remove all stumbling blocks so that the authentic selves of the righteous may "shine like the sun". Amen!

福音助人活出「真我」 The Gospel Helps Us Live Up To Our Authentic Self

真我系列之一：
福音助人活出「真我」（瑪13:31-35）

疫期期間，很多婦女被迫留在家中，減少外出進食。惟有親自下廚，自製點心，烤焗糕點…這段時間，對「酵母的比喻」，有了另一番體會。

1. 原來把酵母均勻地搓揉進麵團裡，是頗為費力的。因此，雖然天國是天主白白的恩賜，但人們仍需努力，與天主合作，纔能享受到天國的福樂。
2. 麵粉的品種有很多，倘若祇把麵粉開水煮熟來吃，雖然可以攝取到營養，卻是淡然乏味！加入了酵母，便可以把各種麵粉的不同特色，彰顯出來。再配合其他不同的材料，便可以烘焙出不同的精美糕點了。

原來天國的福音，在人心內發酵，使人能活出「真我」。這「真我」是天主按自己的肖像所造的，天主「認為樣樣都很好」（創1：31）。可惜，生活迫人，很多人即使努力掙扎，仍改變不了被罪惡污染了的環境，惟有無奈地向現實低頭。為了自保，為了生存，祇有戴上面罩，以一副虛假的嘴臉與人來往，不敢以真我示人！久而久之，這個真我甚至被那面罩所囚禁，所取代！

天主的福音，就是那神奇的酵母，重新激活那個蒙污的真我，使天主的肖像重生。耶穌基督宣講的福音，邀請我們悔改。因為天父是慈悲的，不再計較我們的過錯。這是天主白白的恩賜，倘若我們願意接受，願意出力與天主配合，我們便得到解放，得享天主的永恆生命。
天父啊！願我們能成為祢的美點，給世界獻上些微的飽足。亞孟！

生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：eatthis.com

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Authentic Self Series (I)
The Gospel Helps Us Live Up To Our Authentic Self (Matthew 13:31-35)

During this pandemic, many ladies are forced to stay home, reducing the number of dining-outs. They return to the kitchen to bake. A new understanding of the Parable of the Yeast emerges.

1. It is rather exhausting to knead the yeast thoroughly into the dough. Thus, although God gives the kingdom of heaven freely to us, we need to work hard and cooperate with God in order to partake in the bliss of the kingdom
2. There are different types of flour. If we simply boil it with water and consume, though we are able to absorb the nutrients, it would be bland! Add a little yeast and the flavour of different types of flour is revealed. Together with various dressings and icings, delicious pastry is baked.

The gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven turns out to be the yeast that ignites the "Authentic Self" in us. This Authentic Self was made in the image of God and "God looked at everything He had made, and found it very good." (Genesis 1:31) Unfortunately, life is crashing people down. No matter how hard they struggle, they are unable to change the sins infested environment. Reluctantly they surrender. In order to protect themselves and to continue fighting for their survival, they put on masks to interact, fearing to reveal their Authentic Selves! In times, their Authentic Selves are imprisoned and replaced by their masks.

God's gospel, this marvellous yeast revitalizes our tarnished Authentic Self and revives the image of God. Jesus Christ proclaims this good news and invites us to repent. The Father is merciful. He does not count our trespasses against us. This grace God freely gives. If we accept this invitation and are willing to cooperate with God, we shall be liberated and partake in God's eternal life.
Heavenly Father! May we become Your delicacy to deliver a crumb of satisfaction to the world. Amen!

扎根過去 Our Foundation Is In the Past

常年期第十七主日，甲年
主題：扎根過去

作為一個終身執事，我是堂區慕道班導師團成員之一。把救主耶穌基督的福音，有系統地和清楚明白地傳授給慕道者，實在責無旁貸。所以對今天的福音，另有一番的體會。
對我們教友來說，福音真是無價之寶，值得我們「賣掉他所有的一切」（瑪13:44，46），去追求這得救的真理，以獲得自由（若8:32）。如何幫助慕道者建立這個「賣掉一切」的決心，的確是一個大課題。我覺得當中有很大的，非人力所為的因素在運作，就是天主聖神。我不是推卸責任，也不會因為很難做到而放棄；而是我相信「信德」的產生，不祇是我們的努力，也是天主的恩寵！我知道天主聖神會藉著伯多祿的宣講，藉著歷代聖人的作證和藉著我們的講授，令慕道者「心中刺痛」（宗2:37），決定不惜賣掉一切，也要得到這無價的寶貝（瑪13:44，46）！

與慕道者一樣，我不是在嬰兒時領洗的。成年人考慮加入教會，總會背負著一段或長或短的歷史。他們已建立了一套生活習慣、學養、世界觀和行為模式，有點像福音中提及到「成為天國門徒」的經師（13:52）。在當代，猶太人的「經師」是訓練有素，熟悉梅瑟法律和堅守傳統的專業人士。雖然耶穌基督很清楚表示，祂「來不是為了廢除，而是為成全」（5:17），但祂的「成全」帶有放棄舊有不完善的部份和更新原有的精神。在放棄和更新的過程中，可能會引起整個舊制度的崩潰（9:16-17）。對重視傳統的經師來說，接受這革命性的福音並不容易。因此，能夠成為「天國門徒的經師」，真是難能可貴！「難能」並不是「不可能」（19:26）！所以我在上面說，有很大的非人力因素在運作！

耶穌基督召選宗徒，與他們一起生活三年，訓練他們為教會的未來柱石。祂的榜樣，相信可以啟發我們如何培育慕道者。
首先，耶穌基督沒有既定的課程進度/考試範圍，而是因時制宜，因材施教。雖然沒有我們所理解的「課程」，但福音的內容是確定的，就是「天國」，就是「天主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）。我沒有打算否定現有十八個月的課程，它非常有系統，這是符合教理講授的要求。但不得不承認因材施教的重要，因為完成了十八個月的課程後，不是每一位慕道者都適宜領洗的。

其次：耶穌基督沒有否定宗徒們的過去，而是以他們的過去作為基礎，造就他們。耶穌召叫四個漁夫跟隨祂時，對他們說：「我要使你們成為漁人的漁夫」（瑪4:19），是他們容易明白的。當然到最後，他們都變成了牧羊人（若21:15-17）！他們的使命並不局限在網羅人的靈魂，更要負起訓導與聖化的任務。在瑪竇的例子，耶穌祇簡單地說了一句「跟隨我」（瑪9:9），留給我們很寬的演繹空間。要知道在當代，為羅馬政府收稅，並不是一件光彩的事！耶穌沒有對瑪竇說：「我要使你成為天國的稅吏」，不是否定瑪竇的過去，而是天國真的不需要稅吏！把瑪竇福音與其他福音比較，我們會發覺瑪竇對梅瑟的法律，也有相當的造詣，祇不過他沒有當上經師而已！瑪竇留下給後世的福音，真是「從他的寶庫裡，提出新的和舊的東西」（13:52）！他把耶穌基督如何成全舊的法律，如何更新它，呈現在讀者眼前。綜觀整部聖經，「寶物/寶 庫」一辭出現過十八次，有一半來自瑪竇福音，的確是「稅吏」本色！至於保祿的例子就更加明顯了。耶穌基督召選這位通曉猶太和希臘文化的狂熱法利塞人，成為向猶太外僑和外邦人、向卑微和尊高的人作證（宗26:22）的宗徒。祂沒有否定保祿對猶太傳統的熱誠，反而以復活之光，燭照了他對祖先教訓的理解，並讓教會保留了他大量的書信，使他成為新約的第一位神學家！

第三：「復活」是福音的核心內容。
小時候，在街上曾遇過一位非常熱心的基督教女士，向途人說耶穌怎樣愛你，怎樣為你流血，怎樣痛苦…可能我沒有耐性，沒有聽完她講述耶穌的復活便走了。倘若導師們祇顧宣講耶穌怎樣以死來愛我們，恐怕導師們也會犯了本末倒置的毛病！看到耶穌的受難，一般人頂多是承認「這人真是天主子/義人」（瑪27:54；谷15:39；路23:47）。但所有接觸過復活了的基督的人，都脫胎換骨，成為了新的受造物（格後5:17），以天主為生活的中心，以祂的眼光看世界！例如在厄瑪烏路上遇上復活的主的兩個門徒，他們從失望之中返轉過來（路24:13-35）。保祿是另一個好例子。從前的掃祿，無論如何熱衷祖先的傳授，也沒有像祖先們：亞巴郎、雅各伯、梅瑟和達味一樣，有幸能見天主一面。直到他在大馬士革路上與復活了的耶穌基督相遇後，這份震撼的經驗，令他從新審視以往所學，並在以後的宣講和書信中，以復活之光演繹梅瑟的法律，建立了「因信成義」的神學！

從這些宗徒的經歷可見，耶穌基督更新他們，有如祂來成全梅瑟的法律一樣，刷新原本已有的，被因循和人性的貪婪所污染了的本性！我相信對慕道者也應該一樣，導師們所做的，就是以耶穌基督的復活，來更新慕道者的習慣、學養、世界觀和行為模式。願天主聖神繼續有耐性地啟導我們，更新我們，透過我們更新慕道者，讓他們享受天主新生子女的自由與喜樂。
天主保祐！

2017年講道
圖片鳴謝：Wikipedia

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Seventeenth Ordinary Sunday, Year A
Theme: Our Foundation Is In the Past

As a permanent deacon, I'm a member of the catechist team in the parish. It is our irrevocable duty to systematically and clearly instruct our catechumens. Thus, there is a different understanding of the gospel passage today.
For us Catholics, the gospel is an invaluable treasure which deserves our selling all that we have to acquire it (Matthew 13:44, 46), the salvific truth which will set us free (John 8:32). It is a major topic for us catechists to help catechumens make the determination to "sell all they have". I feel that there is a huge and supernatural element working in the process, viz. the Holy Spirit. I'm not evading my responsibility or giving up because it is next to impossible to get it done. Rather, I believe that "faith" does not come about through our efforts only, but it also comes from God's grace! I'm convinced that the Holy Spirit who worked through Peter's proclamation, witnesses of all saints throughout ages and our instructions shall "cut to the heart" (Act 2:37) of the catechumens, help them decide to sell all they have to acquire the invaluable treasure (Matthew 13:44, 66)!

Like the catechumens, I wasn't baptized in my infancy. Adults to be initiated into the Church carry with them a certain length of history. They have established a certain set of habits, literacy, world-view and modus operandi, like the "scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven" (13:52). For the contemporary Jews, scribes were well trained professionals who knew thoroughly the Mosaic laws and safe-guarded the traditions. Although Jesus Christ made it clear that He has "come not to abolish … but to fulfil" (5:17), His fulfilment involves abolishing the flaws of the old practices and a renewal of the original spirit. This process of abolishing and renewal would probably bring the whole system of old down (9:16-17). It is not easy for scribes who found traditions essential to accept this revolutionary gospel. Thus, becoming a "scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven" is a rarity! But rarity doesn't mean impossibility (19:26)! That's why I said above that "there is a huge and supernatural element working in the process"!

Jesus Christ called the apostles, lived with them for three years to train them into pillars of the Church in the future. I believe that His examples would shed light on how we should instruct our catechumens.
First of all, Jesus Christ did not follow a certain teaching schedule/examination syllabus. Rather, He made use of the situations and the characteristics of His listeners. Although there was no "syllabus" as we understand it today, the content of the gospel is definite. It is the "kingdom of heaven" and that "God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them" (2 Corinthians 5:19). I have no intention to negate the value of the 18-month syllabus which we are using. It is systematic and meets the needs of catechism. But we can't deny the importance of the individuality of the catechumens. After all, not every one of them is ready to be baptized after the 18-month course.

Secondly, Jesus Christ did not reject the past of the apostles. Instead, He edified them upon the foundation of their past. Jesus called four fishermen to follow Him saying, "I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19) which was easily understandable for them. Of course in the end, they turned into shepherds (John 21:15-17)! Their mission was not simply fishing souls, but teaching and sanctifying them. In the case of Matthew, Jesus simply says, "Follow me" (Matthew 9:9) which gives us a lot of latitude to interpret. Bear in mind that in those days, a tax-collector for the Romans was inglorious among the Jews. Jesus did not tell Matthew, "I will make you a tax-collector in the kingdom of heaven." This was not a rejection of Matthew's past but the kingdom of heaven needs no tax-collector! A comparison with the other gospels shows that Matthew was very familiar with Mosaic laws. It was that he didn't end up as a scribe! The gospel he left behind is a legacy in which he "brings from his storeroom both the new and the old" (13:52)! He displays before our eyes how Jesus Christ fulfils the old law and how to renew it. Throughout the whole Bible, "treasures/storeroom" appears 18 times, half of which come from Matthew. What a true colour of a "tax-collector"! The case of Paul is more obvious. Jesus calls a fanatic Pharisee who knew well both Jewish and Greek cultures to bear witness to the gospel to the Jewish Diaspora and Gentiles, to small and great alike (Acts 26:22). Jesus did not reject Paul's enthusiasm toward Jewish traditions. On the contrary, He sheds light on Paul's understanding of ancestral teachings and allows the Church to preserve his epistles, making him the first theologian of the New Testament!

Thirdly, "resurrection" is the core message of the gospel.
When I was small, I met on the street an enthusiastic Protestant lady who spoke to passers-by how Jesus loved them, how He bled for them and how painful it would be … Perhaps I was impatient. I did not remember hearing her finish speaking of Jesus' resurrection and left. If instructors focus too much on how Jesus loves us by dying for us, they probably make the same mistake of putting the cart before the horse! Seeing Jesus' Passion, people at most would confess that "Truly, this was the Son of God/innocent" (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39; Luke 23:47). But all who are touched by the risen Christ are transformed into new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) who lead a Christ-centred life and see the world with Christ's eyes! For example, the two disciples on the way to Emmaus who left Jerusalem in despair met the risen Lord. They turned back with inflamed hearts (Luke 24:13-35). Paul is another exemplar. No matter how enthusiastic towards ancestral traditions, the former Saul did not have the honour to encounter God like his fathers: Abraham, Jacob, Moses and David etc. did until the day he encountered the risen Jesus Christ on the way to Damascus. This shattering experience forced him to evaluate what he had been taught. Subsequently in his preaching and writings, Paul was able to interpret Mosaic laws in the light of resurrection and to establish the theology of "Justification by Faith".

From the experiences of the apostles, we learn that Jesus Christ renews them in the ways He comes to fulfil the Mosaic laws. He polishes the innate essence of humanity which has been contaminated by greed and complacency! I believe that catechists should do the same with the catechumens by renewing their habits, literacy, world-view and modus operandi.
May the Holy Spirit continue to patiently guide us and renew us as well as the catechumens. Let them enjoy the freedom and joy of becoming new-born children of our Father.
God bless!

莠子的命運 The Fate of Weeds

常年期第十六主日，甲年
主題：莠子的命運

這些日子，面對強辭奪理，推卸責任的人，心中固然忿忿不平。他們無視世界是一個地球村，任何的行為總會帶給自己和別人影響！他們自我中心，錯判了形勢。結果作出了錯誤的選擇，做出害己害人的事！雖然我仍堅信天主「願意所有的人得救，並得以認識真理」（弟前2:4），但對這金句的後半段，卻有了另一番感受。在強弱懸殊的形勢下，作為基督徒，祇有為當權者祈禱，希望有朝一日，他們不再像比拉多一樣，面對真理，還問「甚麼是真理？」（若18:38）當然，我必須承認，我並未掌握真理的全部，我希望自己沒有犯著同樣的錯誤，錯判了形勢。

今天的福音，應該可以打消「天主是慈悲的，即使是壞人也可以升天堂」的懸念！
的確，天主的公義，最容易理解的，就是賞善罰惡。雖然我們的善行，並不會增加天父的光榮，但行善始終是祂所喜悅的。所以耶穌基督鼓勵我們行善，讓這些善行有如燈光，在人前照耀，激發其他人行善，讓世人光耀天父（瑪5:16）。這是天主教徒慣常採用的傳福音手法：「小說話，多做事！」

雖然施恩莫望報（6:34），但「賞善」的金句，在福音中俯拾皆是（10:40-42，16:27，19:29，25:34-36）。所以，無論你懷有甚麼企圖行善，天主也會賞賜你。至於「罰惡」方面，瑪竇福音用的字眼是「哀號和切齒」，一共出現過六次。這字眼具體地描述痛苦的表現，與其說是「罰惡」，倒不如說是惡人後悔莫及。這六次所針對的，包括了對耶穌缺乏信德的猶太人（ 8:11-12）；莠子比喻中的使人跌倒和作惡的人（13:42）；撒網比喻中的惡人（13:50）；婚宴比喻中沒有穿禮服的人（22:13）；惡僕和假善人（24:51）和浪費了塔冷通的無用僕人（25:30）。從這六段經文，可以總結出遭受懲罰的，就是那些沒有善用天主所賜予才幹和機會的人，當然也包括濫用權勢和暴力的人！這些是耶穌基督所說的真理，即使不是為了彰顯公義，天主在末日賞善罰惡，是不爭的真理。

讓我們默想莠子是怎樣來的。
耶穌為門徒解釋「莠子比喻」時說：「莠子就是邪惡的子民」（13:38）。我們知道在起初，所有人都是按天主的肖像所造。那麼，這些邪惡的子民是從何而來呢？福音說是來自魔鬼：「那撒莠子的仇人，即是魔鬼。」（13:39）魔鬼沒有創造人類，祇是向人類下手，千方百計把他們「招攬」到自己的陣營（4:8-9）。保祿宗徒也這樣告誡弟茂德：「被魔鬼活捉去順從牠心意的人。」（弟後2:26）那麼，魔鬼成功地引誘到人類的秘訣是甚麼呢？

首先，這個問題是可以思考的，因為魔鬼不能用我們不能明白的方法引誘我們。牠不能控制我們的自由，我們的思想，因為連天主也不容許自己侵犯我們的自由。所以魔鬼祇能用我們理智所能明白的方法，所以魔鬼使用的秘訣，是可以探索的。
我認為心理學家馬斯洛所提出的「需求層次理論」，是一個可以參考的框架，而且符合福音中，「耶穌三退魔誘」的敘述。每個人的生活處境不同，而且社會上資源分配不均，貧富懸殊，是不爭的現實。所以，即使明白「不義之財，理無久享」、凡事應該「取之有道」的倫理原則，為了金錢、愛情和權勢，仍然不顧一切地爭奪，大有人在。最後，懷疑天主的愛，想自己成為天主的誘惑（創3:5），真是魔鬼的必殺技，從亞當開始，幾乎百發百中！即是說，麥子是會變成莠子的！

當然我們要明白比喻的局限性，比喻中的象徵是沒有能力百分百代表所象徵的事物。在生物學上，麥子永遠是麥子，不可能變種成為莠子。拿它來象徵可以改善的人類，是有限的！但我們不用灰心，倘若麥子可以變莠子，「就讓那些莠子變回麥子吧！」（奧思定講道集73A.1）！所以，主人纔容許麥子和莠子一起在田裡生長，直到末日纔判定「義人」和「惡人」！「免得你們收集莠子，連麥子也拔了出來。」（瑪13:29）

的確，生活在世情複雜的世代，要判斷真假正邪，真的不容易。即使對已死的人，也不宜「蓋棺定論」。歷史上不是有很多事件，因為政治氣候不同，對很多人物的功過，作了不同的評價嗎？昨天可以「批林批孔」，今天藉「孔子學院」揚威海外！何況那些還在生的人呢？僕人們不是沒有能力辨別麥子和莠子，而是未到最後一刻，每個人有點像「薛丁格貓」，存在於「量子疊加態」中，生死未卜！憑今天片面的事實，又怎能判斷這是義人，那是惡人呢？所以耶穌基督教訓我們不要判斷人（7:1）。

既然我們每天在罪惡的環境生活，怎樣纔能不致淪為莠子呢？當麥子屈服在誘惑之下，會變成莠子。很明顯，今天想避開誘惑的場所，難比登天。讓我們從耶穌基督三退魔誘的故事中，汲取教訓，倚賴聖神的助祐，以天主作為我們的生活中心。至於如何對待身邊的莠子，保祿宗徒的忠告是有益的：「主的僕人不應當爭吵，但要和氣對待眾人，善於教導；凡事忍耐，以溫和開導反抗的人，或許天主會賜他們悔改而認識真理，使這些被魔鬼活捉順從牠心意的人，能覺悟過來，擺脫魔鬼的羅網。」（弟後2:24-26）我們都是主的無用僕人，且讓我們至少也相信，莠子是可以變回麥子的。
天主保祐！

2017年講道
圖片鳴謝：pinterest.com

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Sixteenth Ordinary Sunday, Year A
Theme: The Fate of Weeds

It is frustrating to see government officials argue against reasons and blame everybody but themselves. They do not see the world as a global village. Every single act affects themselves and everybody. They are egoistic and misjudge the situation. Consequently, they make wrong choices, harming everybody, including themselves! Although I still firmly believe that God "wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4), I have another understanding of the second half of the verse. In front of a Goliath, Christians can only pray for people in power that one day, they will not ask in the face of the Truth the same question as Pilate did "What is truth?" (John 18:38) Of course I must confess that I do not have the whole truth. I hope I myself do not commit the same mistake, misjudging the situation.

The gospel passage today shall shatter a wishful thinking that "Since God is merciful. Even evil people will go to heaven"!
Indeed, the easiest way to understand God's righteousness is "awarding the good and punishing the wicked". Although our good deeds do not add glory to the Father, doing works of mercy pleases Him. Thus, Jesus Christ encourages us to do good. Let our good deeds shine like a lamp before others, encouraging people to do good and glorify our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16). This is the modus operandi of Catholic evangelization: speak less, labour more!

Although we should not seek recompense in doing good (6:34), many verses about rewarding the good are found in the gospels (10:40-42, 16:27, 19:29, 25:34-36). Thus, whatever your motives in doing good, God will recompense. As for punishing the wicked, Matthew uses "wailing and grinding of teeth" six times. This phrase expresses physical pains vividly. I would rather say this expresses the regret of the wicked instead of punishment. Let's survey what people are included: the unbelieving Jews (8:11-12); those who cause others to sin and evildoers in the Parable of Wheat and Weeds (13:42); the wicked in the Parable of the Net (13:50); a man not dressed in wedding garment (22:13); wicked servants and hypocrites (24:51) and the useless servants who bury the talents (25:30). From these six passages, we may draw the conclusion that those who do not make good use of the talents and opportunities God has given them, including those who abuse authority and violence, shall be punished! This is truth spoken by Jesus Christ. Even if it is not for the manifestation of righteousness, God will reward the good and punish the wicked. This truth is indisputable.

Let us reflect from where the weeds come.
Answering the disciples' request, Jesus replies, "The weeds are the children of the evil one." (13:38) We know that from the beginning, all men were created in the image of God. Then from where do these children of the evil one come? The gospel says, "The enemy who sows them is the devil." (13:49) The Devil did not create mankind. It applies all its charm to win mankind over to its side (4:8-9). Paul also advised Timothy as such, "they are entrapped by him (the Devil), for his will." (2 Timothy 2:26) Then, what is the Devil's secret of success in entrapping humanity?

First of all, this question is answerable because the Devil cannot use methods which we don't understand to ensnare us. It cannot overtake our freedom or our will because even God does not allow Himself to violate our freedom. Thus, the Devil can only use methods which our intellect is able to understand. Therefore, it is possible to explore the Devil's secret.
I think the "Hierarchy of Needs" proposed by Maslow the psychologist is a workable frame of reference. It agrees with the Jesus' Temptation narrative. Everybody lives in different situations. The uneven distribution of social resources and the wealth gaps are stark social realities. Even if people know that "unworthy wealth does not last" and there are proper ways to satisfy our needs, still there are many people unscrupulously fighting for money, love and power/esteem. Lastly, doubting God's love and wishing to play God (Genesis 3:5) has always been the Devil's trump card since Adam's time. That is to say, wheat can become weeds!

Of course we should understand the limitations of parables. The symbols employed in parables cannot represent totally the things they symbolize. Biologically speaking, wheat is forever wheat and cannot mutate to weeds. Using it to represent improvable humanity is inadequate! But we shouldn't lose heart. If wheat can become weeds, then "Let those who are weeds be changed into wheat." (St. Augustine, Sermon 73A.1) Thus the Master allows wheat and weeds to grow together in the field and wait until the Judgment Day to pronounce the righteous and the wicked. "No, if you pullup the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them." (Matthew 13:29)

Indeed, it is not easy to distinguish between good and evil in this complicated age. Even for the dead, we are not able to give them a definite evaluation. Throughout history, the fames of historical people shift from time to time depending on the political ethos. Yesterday, let's criticize Lin Biao and Confucius. Today, many Confucius Institutes are established overseas! What about those who are still alive? The servants are not unable to distinguish between wheat and weeds. Rather, everybody is like a Schrödinger's cat which exists in a state of live and death superposition. How can we judge, with fragmented evidence today, a person to be righteous or wicked? Thus, Jesus Christ teaches us not to judge (7:1).

Since we are living in a sinful environment, how do we not become weeds? When wheat succumbs to temptation, it becomes weeds. Obviously, it is next to impossible to stay away from temptations today. Let us learn from the narrative of Jesus' temptation, rely on the support of the Holy Spirit to lead a life centred on God. As for how to deal with weeds, St. Paul's advice is good, "A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth, and that they may return to their senses out of the Devil's snare, where they are entrapped by him, for his will." (2 Timothy 2:24-26) May we unworthy slaves of the Lord, at least believe that weeds can transform back into wheat.
God bless!