主日讀經反思 Sunday Scripture Meditation (18/09/2011)

本主日讀經︰
依撒意亞先知書　55:6-9
聖詠　145[144]:2-3,8-9,17-18
斐理伯書　1:20-24,27
瑪竇福音　20:1-16

默想︰

答唱詠這樣歌頌：「上主慈悲為懷，寬宏大方，他常緩於發怒，仁愛無量」。這正好用來形容福音中的家主，特別是他僱用工人時，是他親自出去聘請，絕不假手於下屬或管工，因為他心裏重視每個「人」。不但如此，他還在整日分五段時間到街市，往往返返僱用的，並不是條件好的工人，而是那些「閒著」的人  被忽視的人，並給予他們合理的報酬。

耶穌藉此比喻帶出天主（家主）的慷慨，就如讀經一中，依撒意亞先知所形容：「來歸附我們的天主，因為他是富於仁慈的」。天主憐恤每一個人，希望我們人人都得救，就如比喻中的家主，到了黃昏還擔心街上閒著的工人的生計，走到街上請他們到葡萄園裏工作。可惜，家主這份慷慨，卻惹來最先僱用的工人的妒忌。他們沒有感謝家主的大方聘用，只著意與其他工人作比較；指家主虧待了他們。真的，家主（天主）的思念與人的思念不同，天主的仁慈遠超過人的想像；就如依撒意亞所說：「我的思念，不是你們的思念，你們的行徑也不是我的行徑」。

上主，求祢以祢的聖神光照我們，轉化我們的思念，教我們以祢身為家主的仁慈、慷慨的心，對待在我們身邊的人。

【摘自和平九月號】


Readings (Year A) page 91:
Isaiah 55: 6-9
Psalm 145: 2-3, 8-9, 17-18
Philippians 1: 20c-24, 27a
Matthew 20: 1-16a

In the Sunday liturgy of the word, the first reading is chosen to echo and underline the Gospel message. Today's Gospel is the parable of the workers in the vineyard, who all received the same pay no matter how late they began to work. And the first reading is Isaiah's message from Yahweh, "Let the scoundrel forsake his way and turn to the Lord." While God does not force anyone to accept salvation (since He always respects our freedom), He keeps seeking and "seducing" us until the end of our days on earth. No wonder Yahweh says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts; nor are your ways my ways". What human being could ever be so patient and humane in seeking the conversion and repentance of another human being?
Seen against this background, Paul's proclamation that he will work until his last breath (in the second reading) is a beautiful expression of his gratitude that God saved and healed him. Even though he desires to die and to be with Christ, his gratitude to God and his love for sinners makes him choose to live longer and work for their salvation.

Let us look into our own hearts today. Do I really appreciate the pure gift of faith and love? And do I see my life as a time of grateful response, shown in love and service of others, for God's totally free gift?

Lord, Your mercy endures for ever. Thank You, Lord, for saving me each day!

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer