主日讀經反思 Sunday Scripture Meditation (27/11/2011)

本主日讀經︰
依撒意亞先知書　63:16-17,19; 64:2-7
聖詠　80[79]:2-3,15-16,18-19
格林多前書　1:3-9
馬爾谷福音　13:33-37

默想︰

各類書籍、電影和雜誌均有論及何時世界末日，這並不新鮮，類似的預言已出現了幾個世紀。事實上，我們不可能知道世界末日甚麼時候來臨。

也許，聽起來會令人不安，但將臨期一開始，就提醒我們，末日隨時來到。這也鼓勵我們要把握時機，行善避惡；邀請我們用更多時間與基督建立更親密的關係，並致愛關懷服侍有需要的人。這些都是保持醒寤，並作好準備去迎接末日的方法。

保祿致書給格林多的信眾一提筆便先感謝天主，感謝祂的恩寵在早期信徒的生命中，所展開的工作。保祿亦堅強他們對基督的信念，清楚地說：「天主必要堅固你們到底，使你們在我們的主耶穌基督的日子上，無瑕可指」。

教會以將臨期展開新的一年，新年伊始，讓我們撫心反省：最近我發現基督是怎樣臨於我的生命中？我要為何感恩？我可怎樣善用這段將臨期，助我在耶穌聖誕的日子，更親近聖嬰，更有能力向他人傳布這個主愛世人的喜訊？

主，請幫助我時刻作好準備，與祢相遇。


【摘自和平十一月號】


Readings (Year B) page 6:
Isaiah 63: 16-17, 19; 64: 2-7
Psalm 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19
1 Corinthians 1: 3-9
Mark 13: 33-37

Books, films and magazines all present us with theories about when the world will end. This is not new, similar speculation has been going on for centuries. The fact is that we do not know when the end will come.

Though it may be disconcerting to hear, at the beginning of Advent we are reminded that the end may come at anytime. It is an encouragement to do good now. We are invited to spend time deepening our relationship with Christ in some way. We are called to support and serve others. These are ways of staying awake, of being ready.

In his writings to the Corinthians, Paul begins by giving thanks to God for the gifts and grace already at work in the lives of the early believers. He assures them of Christ's strength as they wait for Christ to come again.

Today, we begin a new year - today is the start of the Church's liturgical calendar. As I reflect at the start of this year, how has Christ been present in my life recently? Is there something for which I would like to give thanks? In the days before Christmas, is there some way in which I desire to draw nearer to Christ or to share his love with others?


Lord, help me to be ready to meet You.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer