主日讀經反思　Sunday Scripture Meditation　(31/10/2010)


本主日讀經︰
智慧篇　11:22-12:2
聖詠　145[144]:1-2,8-9,10-11,13-14
得撒洛尼後書　1:11-2:2
路加福音　19:1-10


默想︰

匝凱想要看看耶穌是甚麼人。 (路12:3)

天天讀福音，理當激發我們像匝凱那樣：想要認識耶穌。讀耶穌的故事、聽耶穌的說話，很容易我們便會深受耶穌所行的奇蹟及祂充滿智慧的說話所吸引。
我們可以默想這些奇蹟和話語的重要性，但若只止於此，我們就錯失了福音要在我們心中孕育的默觀精神。

每當思索耶穌的神蹟，不妨稍作停留，用時間和心神去注視那位行神蹟的耶穌。我們注視，不是由於好奇，而是因為我們信祂、愛祂。

這樣，我們除了能領略耶穌的神蹟和真理，還能進而認識和愛慕耶穌這個人。

同樣地，每當我們聆聽耶穌的教導，不妨稍作停留，舉目觀看說這些話的耶穌──學習從耶穌的話語，默觀耶穌這個人。祂不但是瑪利亞的兒子，同時也是天主的兒子。

天父，教我們在祈禱中默觀，讓我們更深入認識祢的愛子耶穌。


【摘自和平十月號】


Readings (Year C) page 54:
Wisdom 11: 22 – 12: 2
Psalm 145: 1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14 I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
2 Thessalonians 1: 11 – 2: 2
Luke 19: 1-10

Not many would deny that among their deepest desires is the longing for acceptance. Correspondingly, the experience of alienation, of being excluded, of not belonging is something we fear deeply.

Recalling childhood experiences many would probably hear again the echoes of voices saying "You run very fast, come join our group", or "you’re not my friend, you're not my gang." And in the life of grownups, the game of acceptance and alienation is played out over and over again. Why else do we join exclusive clubs or social groups or even Church organizations if not to feel a sense of belonging? After all membership has its privileges.

And yet, it is often the case that once we find ourselves a part of some group, we are loath to extend the same hospitality to newcomers. We thrust out our arms to alienate strangers or people who are different from us, in a version of "you’re not my friend." Recently, the Singapore newspapers carried a feature of how many social clubs refuse admittance to domestic help. "You're just a maid, you’re not my friend."

In this context, our readings portray a very consoling and challenging image of God, the God of open arms. God conserves and calls forth all things into existence. God holds nothing … in abhorrence. God makes us worthy of His call. And the greatest act of hospitality of God is to be found in the person of Christ, who goes to stay in a sinner's house.

Lord, You welcome all with open arms. Thank You.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer