主日讀經反思　Sunday Scripture Meditation　(26/9/2010)

本主日讀經︰
亞毛斯先知書　6:1,4-7
聖詠　146[145]:7,8,9,10
弟茂德前書　6:11-16
路加福音　16:19-31

默想︰

「拉匝祿」這名字意謂「上主救助了」；這為拉匝祿，名副其實，因為，看來，天主的確是他唯一的救助。富翁雖然看見拉匝祿受苦，卻選擇視而不見，正因為他拒絕體恤拉匝祿的需要。即使他們的距離是那麽近，卻有如隔著一道鴻溝那麽遠。他們死後，命運就來個逆轉。

今天的福音和亞毛斯先知書，挑戰我們檢視自己的生活方式及所作的選擇；反省自己怎樣取用資源，及資源從何而來。例如：我會否因為貪方便或較低價錢，而購買來自童工等被欺壓者的「血汗商品」？我跟誰分享我的擁有？

我們未必能夠對每一個人，都絕對公平，但我們被召叫去體恤其他弟兄姊妹的需要。那管只是簡單的、出於善意的憐憫或支持，已能把有需要的人帶離孤立無援的境況，消除人與人之間的隔膜。

我們今天的選擇，對我們的來生有著深遠的影響。

主，請幫助我更加懂得體恤有需要的人，以愛回應。

【摘自和平九月號】


Readings (Year C) page 107:
Amos 6: 1a, 4-7
Psalm 146: 8-9, 9-10 Praise the Lord, my soul!
1 Timothy 6: 11-16
Luke 16: 19-31

Meditation

The name 'Lazarus' is related to the name 'Eleazar', which means 'God helps.' This is fitting, since God seems to be the only one who helps Lazarus in this life. The rich man sees Lazarus suffering but chooses to ignore him. Although physically, they live very close to each other, a gulf already exists between them because of the rich man's refusal to be sensitive to Lazarus's pain or needs. In the next life, there is a reversal of fortunes.

Today's Gospel and the reading from Amos challenge us to evaluate our lifestyle and choices. We are invited to reflect upon how we gain and use resources. For example, due to convenience or low price, are the goods I buy obtained at the cost of someone else's suffering (e.g. child labour)? With whom do I share what I have?

We may not be able to live in a way that is completely just to all people. At the same time, we are called to be sensitive to the needs of our brothers and sisters. Even simple gestures of compassion or advocating for those in need can bring someone out of isolation. Such acts can bridge a gap. Our choices today have an impact on the life to come.

Lord, help me to become more sensitive to those in need and to respond in love.