主日讀經反思 Sunday Scripture Meditation (04/03/2012)

本主日乙年讀經︰
創世紀　22:1-2,9-13,15-18
聖詠　116[114,115]:9,10,15-19
羅馬書　8:31-34
馬爾谷福音　9:2-10

默想︰

舊約記載天主試探聖祖亞巴郎，囑咐他帶他的獨生子依撒格上山獻為全燔祭。當時客納罕地區的外族，盛行以活人祭神，亞巴郎因為敬畏天主，忍痛從命。天主藉使者不但阻止了亞巴郎宰殺愛子，並降福了他，使他的後裔繁多，並承諾萬民都要因他的後裔而蒙受祝福。聖祖在試探中沒有顧惜自己的愛子，到了新約時代，忠信的天主也沒有憐惜自己的獨生子耶穌。那時亞巴郎的後裔已如天上星辰那麼多，天主記起祂的仁慈，為了拯救以色列民族，竟派遣聖子降生，道成肉身。耶穌更甘心順命為罪人捨身
就義，成為天主的羔羊，贖回所有天主子民。

今天我們再反覆細味這救恩計劃，不禁慨歎世人算甚麼，竟得到天主賜贈如斯厚愛。我們本是迷途的亡羊或為罪惡死亡束縛；耶穌基督卻來到我們中間，作我們的善牧並解除我們的鎖鏈，只為天主是愛的根源。我們唯一可以回報的就是依循天父的囑咐，聽從祂愛子的教導，渴望來日能享見天主聖容的光輝。

主啊！我們仰仗祢不斷為我們增強的信德，全心全意地奉獻自己；求祢使我們由祢的聖言，得到滋養，並能淨化心靈眼目，來日能歡欣地享見祢的榮耀。


【摘自和平三月號】


Readings (Year B) page 23:
Genesis 22: 1-2, 9, 10-13, 15-18
Psalm 116: 10, 15, 16-17, 18-19
Romans 8: 31-34
Mark 9: 2-10

Some time ago, Jesus had spoken to his disciples about his suffering and death. At that time Peter had remonstrated Jesus, but he was strongly rebuked by Jesus.

Now, as Peter journeys up the mountain with Jesus, many questions could have been running through his mind: "Why did Jesus speak about his death?" "If it is true, then what is the use of following Jesus? After all, he's going to die."

Later, at the top of the mountain, Peter receives an amazing insight. He sees Jesus transformed and catches a glimpse of the anticipated glory of the Risen Lord. He also hears the voice of God who reminds him: "This is my beloved Son, listen to him!" The experience makes him realise that the suffering and death of Jesus was in accordance with God's will. It was not what humanity wanted Jesus to do but what Jesus wanted to do for humanity.

As we journey into another Season of Lent, it seems as though we are struggling with the same weaknesses and sins as we did last year. "So, why celebrate another Lent?" "What is the purpose of fasting, giving alms and praying?" "After all, nothing changes."
In reality, Lent is not about how successful we are in giving up things for God be it food, drink, pleasure and so on. It is not about what we can or want to do for God but what God can and wants to do for us. God wishes to reveal more intimately his love and mercy to us during this special time.

Lord, let Your will, not mine, be done.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer