主日讀經反思　Sunday Scripture Meditation（2010年12月19日）

本主日讀經︰
依撒意亞先知書　7:10-14
聖詠　24[23]:1-2,4,5-6
羅馬書　1:1-7
瑪竇福音　1:18-24

默想︰

保祿通常在書信的致候辭裏，介紹自己，有時亦會介紹他的同伴，然後就提到收信人，祝願他們天主的恩寵與平安。保祿書信的致候辭全都包含神學反省、靈修培育、助人祈禱的材料。今天讀到的羅馬書致候辭，比其他書信的致候辭長，也較莊嚴和更具神學價值。

讓我們集中反省保祿在致候辭裏給耶穌的稱謂：祂是基督耶穌，天主之子，達味的後裔，我們的主耶穌基督，耶穌基督，主耶穌基督。稱謂雖有不同，有些卻分別不大，總的來說，道出了道成肉身的奧秘，亦即聖誕的意義。

｢耶穌｣這名字，強調祂的人性。｢天主之子｣這稱謂，強調祂的神性。｢按至聖的神性｣，提醒我們祂是充滿聖神的人，是天主聖三第二位。達味的｢後裔｣，肯定祂是預許的默西亞。

主耶穌，天主子，帶著祢的恩寵與平安降生在我們中間吧！使我們都能像祢，做個充滿聖神的人。


【摘自和平十二月號】


Readings (Year A) page 35:
Isaiah 7: 10-14
Psalm 24: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
Romans 1: 1-7
Matthew 1: 18-24

Meditation

Paul naturally begins his letters by introducing himself and perhaps his companion and then mentions the name of those to whom he writes, wishing them grace and peace. All the introductions to Paul’s letters contain material for theological reflection, spiritual formation and prayer. Today we read the much longer opening passage of the Letter to the Romans, which is more solemn and more theological than many of the others.

Let us reflect especially on the titles which Paul uses in speaking of Jesus. He is Christ Jesus, Son of God, descendant of David, Jesus Christ our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Lord Jesus Christ. The difference between some of these titles may seem to be of very little importance, but all of them taken together sum up the mystery of the Incarnation, which is the meaning of Christmas.

The name “Jesus” stresses his humanity. The title “Son of God” stresses his divinity. When we speak of the “spirit of holiness that was in him”, we remember that he was a man filled with the Holy Spirit and the second person of the Blessed Trinity. “Descendant” of David affirms that he is the promised Messiah.

Lord Jesus, Son of God, come to us with Your grace and peace, and make us also people filled with the Holy Spirit.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer