主日讀經反思 Sunday Scripture Meditation (25/12/2011)

本主日讀經︰
依撒意亞先知書　52:7-10
聖詠　98[97]:1,2-3,3-4,5-6
希伯來書　1:1-6
若望福音　1:1-18　或　1:1-5,9-14

默想︰

今天第一篇讀經中，依撒意亞先知在他的詩歌第一節末端歡呼：「你的天主為王了！」詩歌其餘部分，充滿很多字眼，提醒我們，聖誕的奧秘是一個很偉大的恩寵：「喜訊」、「和平」、「佳音」、「救恩」、「歡呼」、「興高釆烈」、「安慰」、「救贖」。默想任何其中一個字眼的含義，都能令我們嘗到天主施恩的偉大，及祂的慈愛關懷。這是新約以很多不同方式向我們宣示的奧秘，是我們藉信德而獲享的安慰。

今天選讀的若望福音序言，論到「聖言成了血肉，寄居在我們中間」時（若1:14），便達到一個高峰。聖若望在福音其他地方（若3:16），斷定蘊含在聖誕故事背後的天主之愛的奧秘：「天主竟這樣愛了世界，甚至賜下了自己的獨生子」。

天主可以選擇任何方式來拯救我們，但在祂永恆的智慧和愛中，聖三選擇了降生成人這個方式。聖若望提醒我們，耶穌來到我們中間，是天主的恩賜：「天主賜下了自己的獨生子」。

瑪利亞，耶穌的母親，在這聖誕日，求您為我們轉求，使我們的內心充滿喜樂與平安，充滿因主耶穌而獲享救恩所帶來的信德的安慰。

【摘自和平十二月號】


Readings page 60:
Isaiah 52: 7-10
Psalm 98: 1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
Hebrews 1: 1-6
John 1: 1-18

Even people who are not very religious feel that there is something special about Christmas. Enemies set aside their differences. Often the guns of war fall silent for a time (unfortunately to resume all too soon.) And there is a longing and expectancy in the air. We want to believe that something special has happened.

Isaiah had it right: blessed is the one who announces peace, good news, and salvation - all in short supply today. Blessed is the one who proclaims that God rules, not humans. Hebrews joyfully announces that God is speaking to us through one who is a reflection of God's glory and an imprint of God's very being - our very own Jesus, born on this night. John tops even this: the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. God Himself became human - one of us - and walks with us throughout all of history. And to all who are willing to receive him he grants the power to become sons and daughters of God in the highest spiritual sense. These wonderful passages stir the heart and soul.

Unfortunately our world has become far too cynical, hard of heart, and suspicious. Perhaps humanity has been hurt too many times. So that is the task of Christians: to joyfully relight the flame of hope for the world and to announce good news as if we believe it with all of our heart. Christmas is not just a winter feast - it is a way of living all year round. Christ is born, but Christ must also be born in every human heart. Let us live Christmas 365 days a year.

Lord, make me a bearer of hope and joy.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer