主日讀經反思 Sunday Scripture Meditation (08/04/2012)

本主日乙年讀經︰
宗徒大事錄　10:34,37-43
聖詠　118[117]:1-2,16-17,22-23
哥羅森書　3:1-4或
格林多前書　5:6-8
若望福音　20:1-9

默想︰

在教會所有慶節中，復活節具有最重要、最核心的地位。因著復活，耶穌生平的所作所為有了救恩意義。否則，祂只像歷史上眾多富於愛心、為正義而獻身的人，是人們敬仰、學習的榜樣，但對同樣受苦的人沒有幫助，更不能向人類展現確定的未來。如今，耶穌由死者中復活，證明苦難、迫害雖然曾經傷害了祂的肉體，卻無法再限制祂  連死亡對祂也無可奈何。也正因為耶穌以復活戰勝了苦難和死亡，祂才給所有處於同樣境況的人帶來了希望：祂生前的教導和宣講，不只是安慰人的言語或純粹的人間智慧，而是代表著權能和力量。祂活著的時候，有能力醫治人，使人復生；祂死後仍能從死者中復活，這樣還有甚麼祂不能克服的呢？耶穌的復活，不僅證實了祂所宣講的，更顯示了祂的身分：祂就是真實的天主！天主降來與人一起受苦，旨在拯救人，給人指出希望：所有信祂的人，雖然在世仍會面對挫折甚至迫害，但這不是終極結局。在基督內，人類的終極是復活、光榮和徹底的自由。

勝利的君王，求祢垂憐我們。

【摘自和平四月號】


Readings (Year B) page 120:
Acts 10: 34, 37-43
Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Colossians 3: 1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5: 6-8
John 20: 1-9

The readings for the Easter Vigil cover most of the history of God’s relationship with the world of people as related in the Bible. Not only do we find here an account of the origin of all things as God shares His goodness with the whole of creation, but we also see God coming to the rescue of His people in times of distress. God is shown as being always close to His creatures and even wanting to spend time in intimate communication with them.

He is a God who understands us better than we understand ourselves. He is generous in forgiving and filled with pity for those who turn to Him. Though infinitely superior to us, He desires union with us for our sakes. We add nothing to His greatness but He desires to shower us with His gifts. Even when we turn away from Him and bring misery on ourselves His healing powers are always available to us. He promises us certain victory over sin and hell. Above all He wants to raise us to share in His own life for ever.


Lord, grant that we may not be blind to our blessings. May we frequently express our thanks to You. Help us to rise to the new life of Easter.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer