主日讀經反思　Sunday Scripture Meditation　(20/03/2011)

本主日讀經︰
創世紀　12:1-4
聖詠　33[32]:4-5,18-20,22
弟茂德後書　1:8-10
瑪竇福音　17:1-9

默想︰

讀經一短短四節經文，講述了以色列民族的起源。事件的背景可追溯到三千八百多年前，居於美索不達米亞的遊牧民族阿摩黎人，其中一個以亞巴郎為首的家族，蒙天主召叫，移民到南方的客納罕地。憑著亞巴郎的信德，天主使他的後裔成為一個大民族。

一九九七年，香港回歸祖國，很多人對前途無信心，而移民他方。在八四至九七年間，就有八十萬港人，移民到世界各地。九七之後，香港安定繁榮，回流潮繼而湧現，估計有五十萬人回歸香港，重建家園。這次移民潮釀成很多悲劇，令香港損失慘重；很多夫婦更因長期分隔兩地而導致離婚。事件與亞巴郎因信從天主而移民，有天淵之別。他的子孫成了一個大民族、天主的選民，默西亞出生其中，萬民藉默西亞而得救贖，亞巴郎留芳百世。

天父，祢祝福了亞巴郎，請祢也祝福香港及全世界所有的移民。

【摘自和平三月號】



Readings (Year A) page 21:
Genesis 12: 1-4a
Psalm 33: 4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
2 Timothy 1: 8b-10
Matthew 17: 1-9

The Sunday scripture readings in Lent each year present for our instruction and prayerful reflection some of the major milestones on the road of salvation history, and in the life of Jesus. The calling of Abram to put his trust completely in God; and the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain: how do these two events figure in my present life? If I sometimes feel, or say, that my faith is weak or inadequate, am I perhaps unwittingly blaming God because I haven't got the courage or strength to trust Him? Yet my faith itself is His gift; so, why do I hold on to my fears and rely on my own weakness rather than His grace? The Lord asked Abram to do something radical and heroic, without any 'guarantee' of His promise being fulfilled, and Abram trusted Him hugely.

He asks me to love and has shown me how it is done, in the life of Jesus. In that extraordinary event on the mountain, He's even pointed out to me His beloved Son in glory now, telling me to listen to Him. And I'm still hesitant, afraid to give myself in love without limit? Through my prayer this Lent, may I have the grace to catch a glimpse of His glory. Such a vision would not be a personal guarantee, but something to share with others. Coming down the mountain, Jesus told His disciples not to talk yet about the vision they'd experienced, but now is the time and it's my calling.

"This is my Son, my beloved, in whom is all my delight." Yes, Lord, I believe in Him.

Shalom– Thoughts for Prayer