主日讀經反思 Sunday Scripture Meditation (4/4/2010)

宗徒大事錄　10:34,37-43
聖詠　118[117]:1-2,16-17,22-23
哥羅森書　3:1-4　或
格林多前書　5:6-8
若望福音　20:1-9

默想︰

皈依是個持續發展的過程，包括整個人的心靈、理智及行為等的歸向。當耶穌心愛的門徒看見了空墓，「就相信了」（若20:8）；這相信簡單、純正，不是靠人的力量，而是天主白白賞賜的恩寵。「相信」不是終點，而是開端，需要時間去反覆思量：究竟所「相信」的是甚麼及其意義。沒有理智的認同，很容易墮入「迷信」的陷阱。當伯多祿說：「我真正明白了」（宗10:34），他是經過理智，從頭到尾思考，耶穌向他顯示了甚麼。他得到了結論，與他所相信的一樣。因此他願意公開作證宣講，傳揚基督的喜訊。保祿更進一步指出，對基督的皈依是代表整個人的生活轉變，因為人已經與基督同死同生，應該度相稱的生活。雖然人的得救不是人的功勞，而是相信基督，但沒有行動的信仰卻是假的、死的不是凡向我說「主啊！主啊！」的人……而是承行我在天之父旨意的人，纔能進天國（參瑪7:21）。

主啊！經過興奮的逾越慶典，我再次肯定祢召叫了我的恩寵；求祢賜我勇氣及堅毅，一生不斷深化對祢「相信」的意義，並以行動彰顯出來。

【摘自和平四月號】


Readings (Year C) page 120:
Acts 10: 34a, 37-43
Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Colossians 3: 1-4
John 20: 1-9
Meditation

The proclamation of the first Christians was so simple, powerful, and beautiful. They simply narrated the bare facts of the power-filled life of Jesus, his good deeds, the incredible account of his death and resurrection. It was not a complicated proclamation – no lengthy creeds or theologies – just the joyful news of God’s gracious and loving offer of new life and salvation.

“Think of the things that are above” – this does not mean turning away from the needs of the world or focusing only on religious things. It is an invitation to see the “big picture” – how our life connects with the lives of others and with God. The “things above” are nothing more than viewing the world through the eyes of God: compassion, mercy, and justice.

The empty tomb is the foundation of our faith and yet many saw it and failed to understand its meaning. The two disciples who entered the tomb did not really understand what rising from the dead meant. But there is a clue: the covering from the face of Jesus was carefully and deliberately rolled up and set aside. Death – separation from God – no longer exists for Jesus and for those who live in Him. The love of God is more powerful than even death. If we truly accept this into our hearts, our lives should be reasonably joyful and free of fear. Do our lives witness to the Risen Christ?

Lord, grant me a joyful and faithful heart.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer