主日讀經反思 Sunday Scripture Meditation (7/8/2011)

本主日讀經︰
列王紀上　19:9,11-13
聖詠　85[84]:9-10,11-12,13-14
羅馬書　9:1-5
瑪竇福音　14:22-33

默想︰

耶穌步行湖面，宗徒看見奇蹟，聖伯多祿希望作耶穌相同的事。人要追隨祂，耶穌是同意的。聖伯多祿於是離開船隻，步行湖面，但害怕和信德薄弱，使他的水面跟隨有始無終。以色列人追隨天主，始於聖祖，以致有盟約、法律、禮儀及恩許，但這段超過千年的追隨天主，在基督來世工程中倒塌。這是聖保祿極度痛心的信仰災難。我們現代信徒是新以色列民，繼續追隨天主，在舊恩之上，我們更有了耶穌基督。這追隨已經超過二千年，從基督這福源而來的是聖事、聖神、教會及聖人；但歷史告訴我們，罪惡會挑起我們的害怕並衝擊我們對耶穌的信心，罪惡會挑戰這宏大的基督基石。我們不要作基督的痛心，但要光大天主義子的名分。我們要效法伯多祿，在受到罪惡挑戰時，以祈禱向主耶穌呼救。

主耶穌，請在這個新的千禧年，幫助我們領悟祢所啟示的慈悲聖容，我們願意改變自己，追隨祢的慈悲；好像厄里亞先知，因天主的顯現，從呼火喚雨的先知而改變成為微風細語的培育先知。我們信賴祢，因深信隨天主聖言而來的，是慈愛、真誠、和平及正義。

【摘自和平八月號】


Readings (Year A) page 26:
Kings 19: 9a, 11-13a
Psalm 85: 9, 10, 11-12, 13-14
Romans 9: 1-5
Matthew 14: 22-33

It is most likely that Jesus would have said this to us some time in our lives when we are in situations where we doubted the Lord’s presence. That was what happened to the disciples when they saw Jesus walking on the water. Initially they were terrified (v.26). They thought it was a ‘ghost’. When they heard Jesus’ assuring words especially to Peter, “Courage! It is me. Do not be afraid,” together with Peter they felt safe and not fearful any more.

Jesus is asking us to have greater faith in Jim. Like Peter who had enough faith to get out of the boat and walk on water but not enough to stand up to the storm. We need to be reminded that Jesus has the power to subdue nature.

For Matthew, the boat symbolized the Church and the storm, the persecution. Doesn’t this apply to us now particularly in the Malaysian context when the issues confronting us as Christians are real? What appropriate responses do we give? Today’s readings also remind us that as disciples we are to learn to understand, though may still puzzle over the realities in our lives.

Are we certain on the Lord’s presence in our lives? Like Elijah in the first reading (1 Kings 19), he recognized the Lord’s presence in the gentle breeze. Similarly Paul in his letter to the Romans 9:1-5, talks about his ability to suffer for Christ. Are we ready for this?


Lord, increase my faith in you so that I will be your true witness in the world.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer