主日讀經反思 Sunday Scripture Meditation (04/09/2011)

本主日讀經︰
厄則克耳先知書　33:7-9
聖詠　95[94]:1-2,6-7,8-9
羅馬書　13:8-10
瑪竇福音　18:15-20

默想︰

讀經一和福音，包含一個共同的主題：規勸別人。福音中耶穌所說的，是大家已經互相認識的朋友、兄弟之間的規勸。已有一點關係的人，出現了爭端之後要調解，其實也算是日常生活司空見慣的事情。至於厄則克耳先知所講的，卻是規勸惡人，內容不是一般的爭端，而是足以引致喪亡的罪惡。在這樣的情況下，規勸便難免要面對很大的困難，而遇到的挑戰和壓力也應該會很大。無論是日常生活的規勸，還是免人陷於喪亡的規勸，先知和耶穌都指出，人有彼此互相規勸的義務。不但因為他們視每一個人都是自己的弟兄姊妹，更因為他們都著眼於天主對所有人都能得救那份關懷。天主總是不想有任何一個人跌倒。因此，如果只把互相規勸視為一種工作，或只是怕要承擔別人犯錯的責任，便無法體會先知和耶穌的心意，更無法真正的通過人與人之間的彼此規勸，而體會天主對人得救的渴望：天主不但渴望某些人得救，而是所有人都得救。

耶穌基督，祢說只要二人同心合意祈禱，天父必定俯允。求祢打開我們的心胸，讓我們都能通過彼此規勸，分享天父和祢賜給我們的救恩。

【摘自和平九月號】

Readings (Year A) page 68:
Ezekiel 33: 7-9
Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Romans 13: 8-10
Matthew 18: 15-20

What would you do if you notice another Christian behaving or acting in a way that is not in accordance with the teachings of Christ and the Church? Do you try to advise him or her? Or do you remain silent because you do not want to offend the person or because you feel it was “none of your business”?

Today’s readings remind us that as members of the Christian Community, we have a responsibility for the welfare and the salvation of other Christians. In the first reading, for example, God tells Ezekiel that he has a duty to proclaim God’s message of salvation to those living sinful lives. In fact, Ezekiel is warned by God that he will be personally held responsible for the lives of those to whom he fails to preach to.

Paul, in the second reading reminds Christians in Rome of the importance of loving one another as the fulfillment of God’s law. The Gospel passage advises Christians to be concerned about reconciling with other Christians. It speaks of the steps to be taken to bring about reconciliation within the community.

Basically, the message for the day is that since as Christians we belong to the same community, we have a responsibility to lovingly advise, correct or to take the necessary steps to reconcile with other members of the community. The other party may not wish to listen to us, accept out advice or be open for reconciliation. Still, we have to do our part.

Lord, help me speak Your Word in truth.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer