主日讀經反思 Sunday Scripture Meditation (11/12/2011)

本主日讀經︰
依撒意亞先知書　61:1-2,10-11
（詠）路加福音　1:46-48,49-50,53-54
得撒洛尼前書　5:16-24
若望福音　1:6-8,19-28

默想︰

將臨期提醒我們要好好準備迎接天主子降生成人。聖子降生是救恩史中的大事，因為沒有降生，也就沒有耶穌的死亡與復活的逾越奧蹟，使我們罪人賴以得救，享永生的福樂。洗者若翰以宣講及實際的生活為那將要降生的真光作證（若1:8），說自己「當不起解他的鞋帶」（若1:27）。其實若翰當時還沒有遇到耶穌，但他心裏明白，欲在芸芸眾生之中認出那照世真光的先決條件，就是要懷有一顆謙遜、受教、接受的心，才可以在那些貧苦、患病、飢餓、受戰火蹂躪、流離失所的卑微弟兄姊妹身上，認識取了奴僕形體的耶穌基督。「那吩咐『光從黑暗中照耀』的天主，曾經照耀在我們心中，為使我們以那在基督的面貎上，所閃耀的天主的光榮的知識，來光照別人」（格後4:6）。洗者若翰以過來人的身分向我們宣示誰是那降生成人的天主子。我們要是跟從他的指引，我們不難發現基督就在身旁：「聖言成了血肉，寄居在我們中間」（若1:14）。結果，我們會發覺今個聖誕節更有意義。

主，感謝祢舉揚了卑微貧困的人，使飢餓者飽饗美物（參路1:53-54）。

【摘自和平十二月號】


Readings (Year B) page 27:
Isaiah 61: 1-2, 10-11
Responsorial Psalm – Lk 1: 46-48, 49-50, 53-54
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24
John 1: 6-8, 19-28

John the Baptist gives a sincere self-testimony which is integral to his mission: “to be but a Voice crying out in the wilderness: make straight the way of the Lord.” Because of his personal life of holiness and integrity, his prophetic message rings clear: “among you stands one whom you do not know; and although he comes after me, I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal.” He brings to completion the long waiting of the prophets of the Old Testament. In a way he is only the shadow to the true light, which illumines the world - though it is his prerogative to introduce the Light of the World! His followers would leave him to follow the Way, the Truth and the Light - Jesus Christ.

John is dead certain about his singular vocation; born to show the way and then disappear from view! Like John the Baptist, there are many persons we have encountered and still do who show us the Truth, along the road we are travelling. Sometimes they could be just chance acquaintances - we meet and disappear from each other's view. But the Way ahead is clearer for us.

Lord, bless each person who has been a guiding light along the way I am traveling.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer