滿招損 Pride Before Fall

常年期第廿二主日，丙年
主題：滿招損 Pride Before Fall

同大家一樣，執事我喜歡看電影─不一定是宗教電影─因為電影娛樂性豐富，用誇張的手法，反映現實。例如在武俠片的世界裡，很多人爭權奪利，做甚麼武林盟主、武林至尊…旨在影射現實世界的人情冷暖。當中有不少訊息，頗為附合天主教的價值觀。例如在大多數的武俠片裡，武功高強的人物通常並不顯眼。到了最後關頭，他們纔現身解圍。反而那些花拳綉腿的嘍囉，卻經常欺善怕惡，結果在大俠出手時，便在眾人面前出醜！這些都是娛樂消遣的小事，借文字和影音，勸導讀者和觀眾「謙遜」的重要。在今天的福音裡，耶穌同樣講述日常生活的瑣事，教訓同祂一起吃飯的客人，尤其是那些自以為是的法利塞人，驕傲會出醜（路14:11）。出醜事少，倘若在國家大事上，例如外交和軍事，掌權者的「驕傲」，每每令國家和人民，付出沉重的代價。相信大家一定聽過「紙上談兵」這句成語，表面上沒有甚麼大不了；原來背後卻有一段沉痛的歷史。話說戰國時代，秦昭王派白起代替王齕領兵攻打趙國，他用「離間計」使趙王也陣前易帥，換來一個沒有實戰經驗，只會「紙上談兵」，而且心高氣傲的趙括，帶領數十萬趙軍迎戰入侵的秦軍。趙括一上任，便立刻推翻了老將廉頗的安排，另作部署。結果在長平一役，驕傲的趙括死在亂箭之下，四十萬投降的趙軍被白起坑殺！驕傲的後果，原來可以如此嚴重！

相信大家也有聽過「學而時習之」這經典名句，它是整部《論語》的第一句，點出了儒家思想的精粹。儒家思想認為，人生目標就是成為一個盡善盡美的人，孔子稱他為「君子」。這樣的人是經過千錘百鍊纔修煉得來的。君子有學養，能明辨是非。這修維是經過學習和實踐累積得來的。所以說「學而時習之，不亦悅乎」。把知識付諸實踐，知行合一是快樂的，是有樂趣的。跟著是「有朋自遠方來，不亦樂乎」，點出君子是一個有德行的人，不應該獨善其身，而要兼善天下（孟子‧盡心上）。所謂「德不孤，必有鄰」（論語‧里仁）。君子應該廣交朋友，向不同的人學習，即使不是同道中人，或是遠道而來的人，甚至是小人，也有值得學習或警惕之處！所謂「三人行必有我師焉！擇其善者而從之，其不善者而改之」（論語‧述而），就是這個道理。最後要修煉到「人不知而不慍」的境界。「慍」是怨恨、憤怒的意思。「懷才不遇」而沒有半點怨憤，當中不知克服了多少「自以為是」的心態，這不就是「君子」嗎？「自以為是」只不過是驕傲的一小步而已，還有更多累人累物的大驕傲！要做到「人不知而不慍」，在古代或許可以，在今天競爭激烈的商業社會裡，簡直沒有生存的空間。倘若你待人謙讓、談吐溫文、舉止儒雅，別人只會踏著你向上爬，連一句多謝也沒有！試問我們怎樣謙遜呢？

天主教的靈修，非常注重修煉謙遜，克制驕傲，因為驕傲是「七罪宗」之一。例如聖本篤在他的《會規》內，便羅列了十二級的「謙遜」，指導本篤會會士如何親近天主。謙遜是重要的，因為只有在謙遜的狀態下，真正的我、即「天主的肖像」，纔能表現出來。要知道天主無處不在，對別人驕傲，同時是對天主驕傲！所以驕傲，只會遮蔽了「天主的肖像」，掩蓋了真我！謙遜是「善」，虛偽的謙遜就是「偽善」，是驕傲的技倆！後世很多男女修會，都採用《本篤會規》。例如更嚴格的「熙篤會」，會士們在說話之前，先要獲得院長批准。他們用鉗制口舌的方法來修煉謙遜，是《本篤會規》的第九級謙遜！聖伯爾納鐸是「熙篤會」的一位聖人，他好像聖本篤一樣，羅列了十二級「驕傲」，勸勉會士們警惕。這就是今天福音的主題：「因為凡高舉自己的，必被貶抑；凡貶抑自己的，必被高舉」（路14:11），指出克制驕傲的重要。

今天的福音選段，可能為了時間問題，又或者擔心會出現兩個不同的主題，令教友分心。惟有採取權宜之計，抽起了中間有關耶穌在席間治好「一個患水臌症的人」（14:2）的片段。可惜留下了一條尾巴，沒有交代！今天選段的第一句清楚說明：「安息日，耶穌進了一個法利塞人首領的家中吃飯；他們就留心觀察祂」（14:1）。安息日，法利塞人留心觀察耶穌甚麼呢？今天的選段沒有交代，便立刻說「耶穌注意到…」（14:7）！耶穌由一個「被觀察者」忽然搖身一變，成為了一個「觀察者」，是一個刺耳的破綻，令聽眾不舒服！ 其實，法利塞人在觀察耶穌會不會在安息日治病。安息日的法律，和其他梅瑟法律一樣，立法的本意是指導人履行天主的旨意，以獲得生命。可惜法利塞人驕傲偽善，自以為是。他們運用自己的法律知識，來指控耶穌。他們把助人獲得生命的法律，變成殺人的武器，已經不是第一次了。今次他們變本加厲，在同枱吃飯的時候，想近距離地挑剔指摘耶穌，完全沒有理會主人家的面子。或許請耶穌吃飯的法利塞人領袖，也邀請了他的同袍來他家中，默許他們搜集耶穌的「犯罪證據」，也未可知！無論如何，法利塞人的驕傲，已經到了病態的癡迷程度，到了聖伯爾納鐸所說的第十級驕傲：「公開反抗師長」！他們的處境，可謂危在旦夕！

天主子怎會不知道他們的心意呢？但耶穌基督非常忍耐，並沒有直斥其非，恐怕他們灰心喪志。祂本著憐憫的心，只講述了一個日常生活的比喻，柔和地教訓他們謙遜的重要，不要在人前出醜（14:11）。祂進一步教導他們不要短視，只注意世上的賞報和利益，而忘記了天上永恆的賞報，就是永恆的生命。正如第一篇讀經所說：「你越偉大，在一切事上越當謙下：這樣你纔能在上主面前，獲得恩寵」（德3:20）。所以不要把眼光放在現世，而是放在「上主面前」！於是，耶穌教導那個款待他的法利塞人領袖，和在場的所有聽眾，不要請那些可以回報他的人，而是接待那些貧窮病弱，沒有能力報答他的人：「在義人復活的時候，你必能得到賞報」（14:14），就是永恆的生命。

天主子就是天主聖言（若1:1），祂就是「成了血肉」的天主法律（1:14）。法利塞人想用法律來指控耶穌，簡直是班門弄斧！耶穌說：「看，這裡有一位大於撒羅滿的」（瑪12:42）。祂的確是胸襟廣闊，包容萬有的主宰。倘若祂斤斤計較，「有誰還能站立得住？」（詠130:3）且看耶穌被釘十字架受難時，祂不但沒有半句怨憤，反而為加害祂的人求情（路23:34），耶穌「不亦君子乎」！
各位親愛的兄弟姊妹！且讓我們謙虛地接受祂的教導，拒絕「驕傲」的誘惑，把目光放到永生去。亞孟。
天主保祐！

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2022反省
圖片鳴謝：creator.nightcafe.studio, youtube.com

做個懶惰的僕人 How to Serve As a Lazy Servant

案例系列（三）
主題：做個懶惰的僕人（瑪25:14-30）

在現實世界裡，位高權重的人只佔小數。應用到今天的比喻中，領了五個「塔冷通」的僕人並不會多，正如教會內，不可能有太多人是掌管天國鑰匙的聖伯多祿宗徒一樣！領了兩個「塔冷通」的，應該是中層的管家，分擔著「掌門人」的職務！至於我們，我們都是平凡的百姓而已，所以要注意今天比喻中領了一個塔冷通的「懶惰僕人」，不要犯上同一個通病：怠惰！

世上患難人人難免，但很多人會選擇逃避，離開現場，讓其他人替他們收拾殘局，實在太不負責任了！這樣得來的「安逸」是短暫的，因為困難永遠存在，直到你把它解決了為止！而且大多數的困難是「跟人」的，是個人獨有的，為其他人都不是甚麼困難。所以，逃避困難只會令你錯過成長的機會，和向主人展示實力的機會，把功勞拱手讓給別人！

有時困難看似泰山壓頂，或者是突如其來的海潚，並非個人能力可以應付。再一次，這可能是觀點上的問題。從另一個角度考量，困難不是困難，是踏出「虎度門」的時候到了！即使困難是真實的，求救的責任誰屬？非你莫屬，因為這是你的困難。除了向近人求助之外，怎可以忘記一直在我們身邊陪伴著我們前行的天主子呢？向天主求救吧！保祿說：「天主是忠信的，祂決不許你們受那超過你們能力的試探」（格前10:13）。

今天的比喻諷刺地告訴我們，主人教所有「懶惰的僕人」應該如何懶惰！倘若你害怕失敗挫折，害怕做錯事，就請求身邊的人幫助，假手於人，完成你的任務又何妨（瑪25:27）！既然知道了主人的要求，但仍一味「躺平」，只會招來懲罰（25:30; 路12:47）！

聖父，求祢喚醒我們心中的聖神，重振聖神七恩，抗拒七罪宗的誘惑；努力行善，讓更多人看見我們的善行，讚美祢、光榮祢。因我們的主基督，亞孟。
天主保祐！

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生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：creator.nightcafe.studio

Case Study (III)
Theme: How to Serve As a Lazy Servant (Matthew 25:14-30)

In real life, powerful people are a minority. Applying this reality to today’s parable, we may draw a conclusion that not many servants receive 5 talents from the master, just as it is impossible to have many St. Peter’s to keep the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven in the Catholic Church! Those who receive 2 talents must be middle stewards, sharing the ministry of the Gate-Keeper! As for us, we are ordinary common citizens. Therefore, we should pay attention to the deeds of the Lazy Servant, who receives one talent only, and not to make the same mistake: sloth!

It is impossible to run away from difficulties even though many people choose to leave the spot, waiting for other people to pick up the pieces. Such evasions of responsibilities are irresponsible. The peace will be brief because difficulties stay forever until you deal with them! Moreover, many such difficulties are specifically personal. They are unique to the individuals and are nothing for the others. Therefore, running away from difficulties will deprive you of the opportunity to grow, to demonstrate your talents to the master and to surrender your credits to others!

Sometimes, difficulties seem overwhelming like a sudden tsunami which is beyond individual capacity to handle. Once more, it may be a matter of perspectives. Think along another angle, difficulties are no difficulties but are moments to appear on the stage! Even if difficulties are genuine, whose responsibility it is to seek help. If not you, who else? It is your difficulties. Other than seeking help from your neighbour, how can we forget the Son of God who has been accompanying us all along? Seek God’s help! Paul says, “God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Today’s parable sarcastically tells us that the master teaches the Lazy Servant how to be lazy properly! If you fear failures and frustrations, are afraid to make mistakes, it is no harm to ask people around you to help you finish your mission (Matthew 25:27)! After knowing the requirements of the master and yet you continue to do nothing, you deserve the punishments (25:30; Luke 12:47)!

Heavenly Father, awake the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Reinvigorate the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit in us so that we may resist the temptations of the seven deadly sins; diligently do good deeds which when seen by the others, they may praise and glorify you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God bless!

作繭自縛 Digging A Trap for Ourselves

案例系列（二）
主題：作繭自縛（谷6:17-29）

黑落德安提帕與若翰洗者的故事，是典型的「昏君」與「先知」的對決。且讓我們默想黑落德的過錯，以史為鑒！

馬爾谷相當厚道，把黑落德描繪為一個尚有良知，懂得困惑憂鬱的人（谷6:20, 26）。若翰洗者批評黑落德，因為他霸佔了自己兄弟斐理伯的妻子黑落狄雅，犯了十誡和梅瑟的法律（6:17）。何況黑落德位高權重，理應以身作則，做百姓的榜樣。因此，黑落德所犯的姦淫罪，比一般的姦淫罪嚴重得多！黑落德自恃有點小聰明，逮捕了若翰洗者，旨在「保護」他（6:17-19）。 結果聰明反被聰明誤，他的驕傲把自己陷入作繭自縛的困局中。他醉酒，不知節制，是七罪宗的貪饕。在失去節制的狀態下，暴露了他對黑落狄雅女兒的淫念（6:23），是七罪宗的色慾。為免當眾食言，竟然殺死了天主的先知（6:26-27）。個人的顏面比公義和生命還重要，又是驕傲的通病！

天主曾忠告加音說：「你若做得不好，罪惡就伏在你門前，企圖對付你，但你應制服它」（創4:7）。但加音沒有理會，結果因嫉妒和忿怒而殺死了弟弟亞伯爾。黑落德也走上了加音的道路，沒有制服誘惑，反而降服在貪饕、色慾和驕傲之下，做出傷天害理的事。真是顛倒黑白，是非不分，泥足深陷！願上主對他的靈魂慈悲。

聖父，求祢喚醒我們心中的聖神，重振「超見」與「剛毅」之恩，幫助我們明辨是非，抗拒誘惑，避免做出反見證。因我們的主基督，亞孟。
天主保祐！

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生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：creator.nightcafe.studio

Case Study (II)
Theme: Digging A Trap for Ourselves (Mark 6:17-29)

The story of Herod Antipas and John the Baptist is a typical duel between evil kings and prophets. Let us meditate on the mistakes made by Herod Antipas and avoid them!

Mark was lenient when he portrayed a conscientious, perplexed and deeply distressed Herod (Mark 6:20, 26). John the Baptist criticized him because he took the wife of his brother Philip, thus breaching the Ten Commandment and Mosaic Law (6:17). Herod was the tetrarch. He should be setting up exemplar for the people. Thus the adultery he committed was worse than other adulteries in general! Herod prided himself of his cunning. He arrested John the Baptist in order to “protect” him (6:17-19). His wits backfired. His pride put him in a trap he had dug for himself. He lacked temperance and got himself drunk. This was gluttony among the seven deadly sins. In a state in which he had lost temperance, he revealed his sexual desires towards the daughter of Herodias (6:23). This was lust. In order not to break his words in front of all guests, he ordered to have the God’s prophet beheaded (6:26-27). Personal face was more important than justice and life. Once again the mistake of pride!

God had advised Cain, saying: “But if you do not act rightly, sin lies in wait at the door: its urge is for you, yet you can rule over it” (Genesis 4:7). Cain ignored and consequently killed his brother Abel out of jealousy and wrath. Herod trod the same path as Cain. He did not rule over temptations but yielded to gluttony, lust and pride, doing evil things. This is calling black white, wrong right and deeply submerged in mud! May the Lord have mercy on his soul.

Heavenly Father, awake the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Reinvigorate the gifts of counsel and knowledge in us so that we can discern right from wrong, resist temptations and avoid setting bad examples. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God bless!

忠僕與惡僕 Faithful and Unfaithful Servants

案例系列（一）
主題：忠僕與惡僕（瑪24:42-51）

「物有本末，事有終始，知所先後，則近道矣」（大學‧一）。知道事物的輕重和秩序，又怎可能會行差踏錯呢？「近道」只是謙卑的用辭，「誠意、正心」地尋求天主的旨意，雖不中亦不遠矣（大學‧十一）！何況，關顧我們生死的天主子，在我們身邊，不時耳提面命。既然沒有人知道自己的生命何時完結，或者世界何時末日，因此最有效的對應態度，就是保持「醒寤」，迎接主基督的特如其來（瑪24:42）！在天主子再度來臨之前的人生，就是表現我們自己是「忠僕」或者是「惡僕」的舞台了。

天主子對作為忠僕的要求，並不苛刻，我們不需要飛天遁地，上天下海（申30:12-13）；只是「按時配給他們〔其他家僕〕食糧」（瑪24:45）而已。不要忘記，天主委託我們管理大地（創1:28; 2:15）；那麼，我們都是同事和兄弟了。兄弟之間守護相助，按時配給食糧，不就是在個別的崗位上，按緩急先後，盡好自己做管家的責任嗎？做「忠僕」是理所當然的。同時，基督並沒有設定評核的指標，怕我們過分重視成就，犯了加音的錯誤。

另一方面，不理會「醒寤」的忠告，以為天主會依從我們定下的時間表出現，便不分輕重，顛倒黑白；不去守護身邊的兄弟，卻反過來剝削欺凌他們；甚至不理會耶穌基督苦口婆心的勸諭，陶醉在個人的成就之上，殘民以自肥，完全沒有履行天主所委派的任務。這樣的人，不就是比喻中的「惡僕」嗎？

聖父，求祢喚醒我們心中的聖神，重振「剛毅」與「敬畏上主」之恩，忠心地承擔責任，建設仁愛、和平、公義的天國。亞孟。
天主保祐！

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生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：

Case Study (I)
Theme: Faithful and Unfaithful Servants (Matthew 24:42-51)

“Things have their root and their branches. Affairs have their end and their beginning. To know what is first and what is last will be close to the Way” (Da Xue #1). When we understand the priorities and orders of affairs, how can we make mistakes? “Being close to the Way” is only humble wording. When we seek God’s will with a sincere will and a rectified heart, though we miss, we will not be too far off from hitting the bull’s eye. (Da Xue #11)! Furthermore, the Son of God, who cares very much about our life and death, always stands by us, whispering the Father’s will into our ears. Since nobody knows when our lives end or when the end of the world comes, the most effective attitude is to be always vigilant to welcome the sudden appearance of Christ the Lord (Matthew 24:42)! Before the Son of God comes again, the world is our stage to show whether we are faithful or unfaithful servants.

The Son of God does not put harsh demands on faithful servants. We don’t need to fly to the heavens or to cross the seas (Deuteronomy 30:12-13). We only need “to distribute to the household [i.e. other servants] their food at the proper time” (Matthew 24:45). Don’t forget, God delegates us authority to manage the earth (Genesis 1:28, 2:15). Then we are brother-stewards. Isn’t supporting and protecting each other, distributing food at the proper time, the discharge of our steward duties according to priorities in our individual life stations? Being a faithful servant is reasonable and proper. At the same time, Christ does not set up any assessment criteria lest we are anxious with achievements, making the same mistake as Cain.

On the other hand, ignoring the advice of vigilance, thinking that God will appear according to our schedule, we start wronging the priorities, abusing and exploiting our neighbour. We even reject the advice of Jesus Christ, intoxicate ourselves with personal achievements, self-fattening at the expense of our subjects without discharging God’s delegated missions. Aren’t such people the unfaithful servants in the parable?

Heavenly Father, awake the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Reinvigorate the gifts of fortitude and the fear of the Lord in us so that we may bear our responsibility with loyalty to build up the Kingdom of Heaven which is full of charity, peace and righteousness. Amen.
God bless!

逃避責任 Evading Responsibilities

通病系列（三）
主題：逃避責任（瑪23:27-32）

當上主天主問亞當：「莫非你吃了我禁止你吃的果子」時（創3:11），天主只要求一個「是」，或者 「不是」的答案。可惜亞當已經染上「原罪」，不敢承認犯錯，反而為自己開脫，把責任推在天主和女人身上（3:12）。既然人類開始講「理由」，天主便問厄娃吃禁果的理由（3:13a）。厄娃不愧是由男人的材料所造出來的，她把責任推到蛇身上（3:13b）！從此，推卸責任變成了人類的「第二天性」！

加音過分注重自己的成就，結果因嫉妒和忿怒，殺死了弟弟亞伯爾。事後天主對加音說：「你弟弟亞伯爾在那裡？」（4:9a），他答說：「我不知道，難道我是看守我弟弟的人？」（4:9b）這不是「顛倒黑白」和「推卸責任」，是甚麼？加音殺了亞伯爾，怎可以說不知道亞伯爾在哪？這是赤裸裸的顛倒黑白。加音和亞伯爾是兄弟，互相守護是天經地義的事，怎可以推卸這責任呢？可歎放眼天下，盡是加音之流，到處都是「功勞歸自己」，出了亂子便即時「割蓆」。

在天主的安排中，「君王」替天行道，拓展上主的國度；「先知」是上主的代言人，告訴世人天主的旨意。君王與先知，理應像兩兄弟一樣，情同手足。可惜，達味王之前，撒羅滿王之後，隨從上主心意的君王（撒上13:14），少之又少！先知便成了上主惟一的喉舌，成了「公義」的化身。經師和法利塞假善人修建先知/義人的墳墓（瑪23:29），表面上站在先知的一面，實際上是為自己建立「公義」形象的工程，這便是他們「功勞歸自己」的表現。當耶穌指出他們的祖先不聽從先知的訓誨和殺害先知時（21:34-36），便進一步與殺害先知/義人的執拗祖先「割蓆」（23:30），他們不愧是亞當的後裔、加音的子孫！

聖父，求祢喚醒我們心中的聖神，重振「剛毅」與「敬畏上主」之恩，勇於承擔責任，恢復祢創造我們時的本來面貎。亞孟。
天主保祐！

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生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：creator.nightcafe.studio

Common Mistakes Series (III)
Theme: Evading Responsibilities (Matthew 23:27-32)

When the Lord God asks Adam, “Have you eaten from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat” (Genesis 3:11), He demands a “Yes” or “No” answer. Unfortunately, Adam had contracted the “Original Sin”. He dared not to admit his wrongs. Instead, he passed the buck to God and the woman (3:12)! Since humanity started reasoning, then God asked Eve the reason she had eaten the Forbidden Fruit (3:13a). Eve proved herself to be made from Adam by passing the buck to the Serpent (3:13b)! Since then, passing the buck has become the second nature of humanity!

Cain cared too much about his own achievements. In the end, out of jealousy and wrath, he killed his brother Abel. Later, God asked Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” (4:9a). Cain answered, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” (4:9b). If this is not calling black white and evading responsibility, what is? Cain had killed Abel. How could he say he did not know? This denial is blatantly calling black white. Cain and Abel were brothers. Supporting and protecting each other is natural. How could Cain evade this obligation? Sad to say, anywhere we set our sight on nowadays, we see many Cain’s who take all the credits for successes and wash their hands of team-members when a project fails!

In God’s plan, kings execute God’s will and expand the sovereignty of the Lord whereas prophets are spokespersons of God, telling people what God’s will is. Kings and prophets are supposed to be siblings. Regrettably, before King David and after King Solomon, there were only a handful of kings “after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14)! Prophets became the only channel of God’s words, the personification of “Justice”. Superficially, scribes and Pharisees stood on the side of justice when they “build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous” (Matthew 23:29). In reality, they were building up their self-image of righteousness. This was taking credits for themselves. But when Jesus pointed out that their ancestors did not listen to the teachings of prophets and even killed them (21:34-36), they washed their hands of their stiff-necked ancestors who killed prophets and righteous people (23:30). They had proven themselves descendants of Adam and of Cain!

Heavenly Father, awake the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Reinvigorate the gifts of fortitude and the fear of the Lord in us so that we may truthfully bear our responsibility to restore the original states when You created us. Amen.
God bless!

顛倒黑白 Calling Black White

通病系列（二）
主題：顛倒黑白（瑪23:23-26）

過分「輕重不分、本末倒置」會導致「以黑為白，認賊作父」的嚴重後果。
最極端，最容易明白的例子，就是那些在戰爭時為了自保、自利而出賣同胞，為侵略者當鷹犬走狗，俗稱「漢奸」的行為！可是，在日常生活中，為了自己的便利而「蠻不講理」，做出損人利己行為者，大有人在！為了息事寧人，我們通常會啞忍。小心，習慣了，我們可能一樣會做出顛倒黑白的行為！

婚姻制度在不同時代、不同社會中，保障著夫妻關係和生兒育女的責任，是不爭的事實。同樣，性小數，例如同性戀者，在不同時代、不同社會中，受到不同程度的歧視，也是不爭的事實。可是，以「平權」之名，爭取把同性戀者的結合享有婚姻的保障，未免是「以黑為白」了！

我不會挑戰兩個同性戀者之間的關係，但試問兩個同性戀人的DNA，如何生男育女，如何向生命開放，如何造出一個新的人類生命呢？既然不願意負起生兒育女的義務，卻硬要享受婚姻制度的權利，這不是「蠻不講理」，是甚麼？或許同性戀者會群起抗議，為甚麼我容許沒有生育能力的兩個異性結婚，例如長者，而反對他們呢？理由很簡單，天主能夠把即使是長者的異性DNA，造出一個新的人類生命，例如亞巴郎和撒辣（創18:10-14）。對不起，同性的DNA造不到！那麼同性伴侶領養孤兒，不是做福他們，不是主耶穌所說的「善行」（瑪5:16）嗎？對不起，同性伴侶領養孤兒，是剝奪了孤兒們應有的父愛母愛，是「洗擦杯盤的外面」（23:25）。外面是善行，裡面卻是「劫奪」了孤兒應有的權利！顛倒了黑白，難怪耶穌基督慨嘆兩次「禍哉」了！

聖父，求祢喚醒我們心中的聖神，重振「超見」與「明達」之恩，不要讓我們作出損人利己的惡行。亞孟。
天主保祐！

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生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：creator.nightcafe.studio

Common Mistakes Series (II)
Theme: Calling Black White (Matthew 23:23-36)

Going extreme, “Wrong Priorities” will lead to “Calling Black White; Devils Fathers”.
The most extreme and easily understandable examples are traitors during war times, when out of self-preservation, they betray their folks and are happy to become running dogs for invaders! Even during peace time nowadays, many people become unreasonable when they get things they want. In order not to rock the boat, we tend to tolerate and keep silent. Beware, when we get used to such actions, we ourselves might call black white one day!

It is an indisputable fact that in different ages and different societies, the marriage institution protects nuptial relations and the duty of procreation. Similarly, it is also an undeniable fact that in different ages and different societies, sexual minorities suffer from prejudice. However, advocacy for homosexuals to enjoy marital protections in the name of equal rights is in reality calling black white!

I will not challenge the relationship between two homosexuals but how is it possible for the DNA of two homosexuals to procreate, to be open to life and to make a new human life? Relenting the obligation to procreate children but insisting on enjoying the rights of marriages, if it is not unreasonable, what is? Perhaps many homosexuals will protest. Why do I allow two sterile heterosexuals, say seniors, to get married but object to theirs? Simply put, God is able to make a new human life from the DNA of two heterosexual seniors, for example Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18:10-14), but not from the DNA of homosexuals! What about adopting orphans by homosexual couples? Aren’t those “good deeds” Jesus talks about in Matthew 5:16? Sorry for homosexual couples’ adoption of orphans. You are plundering the orphans’ rights to fatherly love and motherly love. This is blatant “cleansing the outside of cup and dish” (23:25). They are good looking deeds on the outside, but plundering the inalienable rights of orphans on the inside! You are calling black white and no wonder Jesus Christ laments “Woe to you” twice!

Heavenly Father, awake the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Reinvigorate the gifts of counsel and knowledge in us so that we can avoid the evils of gaining advantages at the expense of others. Amen.
God bless!

輕重不分、本末倒置 Wrong Priorities

通病系列（一）
主題：輕重不分、本末倒置（瑪23:13-22）

天主選擇執拗的以色列人（申9:6）做「特選的民族」（伯前2:9），因為他們最能代表全人類的各方面！新約時代，經師和法利塞人是「以色列人的師傅」（若3:10），天主倚重他們教化百姓，所以主耶穌對他們悉心教導。可是部份人自私自利，把生活的目標放在眼前短暫的利益上，變成了主所說的「瞎眼的嚮導」（瑪23:16）。在這三天的讀經，我們聽到耶穌基督以嚴厲的措辭警告他們，可見主基督「愛之越深，責之越切」。既然以色列人是人類的代表，他們所犯的錯誤，也是我們所犯的通病；耶穌基督對他們的警誡，也是對我們的忠告！

「急功近利」容易使人在作出抉擇時，輕重不分、本末倒置。例如在競爭激烈的商業社會裡，很多工人誤信鋪天蓋地的「多勞多得」謊言，為生計而奔波勞碌，結果賠上了健康、家庭關係、同事之間的團隊關係和與天主的關係，這不是本末倒置，是甚麼？又例如很多父母誤信「贏在起跑線」的迷思，為了安排子女入讀「名校」，便把他們起居生活的時間表塞滿，除了正常上課外，還有補習、體育、音樂、演藝課程…沒有給他們半點喘息的機會。到頭來兒女不但身心疲累，成續退步；更甚者，他們在同輩中只有「對手」，沒有「隊友」…對子女們的身、心、靈成長，造成嚴重的傷害。這不是「輕重不分」，是甚麼？

親愛的兄弟姊妹，主耶穌在常年期十八主日的「富翁的比喻」中，曾忠告我們應積財於天，否則只會徒勞無功。祂說：「那為自己厚積財產而不在天主前致富的，也是如此」（路12:21）。大家都是明白事理的人，孰輕孰重，你們一定心裡有數。

聖父，求祢喚醒我們心中的聖神，重振「上智」和「聰敏」之恩，讓我們認清邁向天國之路。亞孟。
天主保祐！

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生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：1st-art-gallery.com, grok.com

Common Mistakes Series (I)
Theme: Wrong Priorities (Matthew 23:13-22)

God chose the “stiff-necked” Israelites (Deuteronomy 9:6) to be “a chosen race” (1 Peter 2:9) because they are able to represent all aspects of humanity. In New Testament times, scribes and Pharisees were “teachers of Israel” (John 3:10). God relies on them to teach the people. Therefore, Lord Jesus patiently instructs them. Regrettably, some of them were selfish and self-fattening. They set their targets on short-sighted temporary advantages and became “blind guides” (Matthew 23:16). In the readings of these three days, we hear how Jesus Christ reprimand them with harsh words, showing the depth of Jesus’ love towards them. Since the Israelites represent humanity, their mistakes are also ours. Jesus’ reprimands also apply to us!

When people make decisions with an “instant results” mentality, they will easily turn priorities upside down. For example, in a competitive commercial society, many employees wrongly believe in the overwhelming propaganda of “Efforts Pay” such that they overwork to earn a decent livelihood. Consequently, they lose their health, their families, the collegiality of their teams and finally, their relationship with God. If this is not wrong priorities, what is? Here is yet another example. Some parents wrongly buy the idea of “Winning at the Starting Line”. In order to enrol children into elite schools, parents stuff the schedule of their children with tuitions, sports, music, performance classes … on top of the regular school calendar, without giving their children a moment to breathe. In the end, their children are physically and mentally exhausted. Their studies deteriorate. Worse still, they have no comrades but rivals among their peers … Such parents seriously damage the physical, psychological and spiritual growth of their children. If this is not wrong priorities, what is?

Beloved brethren! In the parable of the Rich Fool on the 18th Ordinary Sunday, Lord Jesus advised us to store up treasures in heaven. Otherwise, our efforts are futile. He says, “Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God” (Luke 12:21). You are wise. I’m sure you know the priorities by heart.

Heavenly Father, awake the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Reinvigorate the gifts of wisdom and understanding in us so that we are able to discern clearly the path to the Kingdom of heaven. Amen.
God bless!