主日讀經反思  Sunday Scripture Meditation (03/06/2012)

本主日乙年讀經︰

申命紀　4:32-34,39-40

聖詠　33[32]:4-6,9,18-20,22

羅馬書　8:14-17

瑪竇福音　28:16-20

默想︰

耶穌從死者中復活了，但門徒們還「有人心中疑惑」。然

而，耶穌還是邀請他們參與祂的使命。信德雖有待完善，他

們還是要去使萬民成為門徒，邀請他們接受洗禮，成為天主

的兒女。

約於一四一零年，俄羅斯藝術家安德烈․盧布耶夫畫了一幅叫

天主聖三的畫象。畫中三人穿著長袍，圍著桌子而坐。這幅

畫象有許多象徵性意義，例如三人的樣貌都是一樣的；而當人站在畫象前凝神觀看，盧布耶夫的巧妙構圖，會使這位站著觀賞的人，成為第四位圍著桌子而坐的人。我們藉著耶穌

基督成為天主的兒女，成為永生的承繼人。我們被邀請與天主聖三永遠同坐一席。但，目前，我們被邀請去延續聖三在世上的工程。我們要以言以行，彰顯聖三對我們的愛，為祂們作見證。愛需要付出，需要承受被拒絕的傷害，但走在這條愛主愛人的使命路途，我們並不孤單。無論甘苦榮辱，耶穌都在我們身邊相伴，堅強我們，養育我們。祂天天同我們在一起，直到今世的終結。

主，請賜我恩寵，勇敢地跟別人分享祢的愛。

【摘自和平六月號】

Readings (Year B) page 6:

Deuteronomy 4: 32-34, 39-40

Psalm 33: 4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22

Romans 8: 14-17

Matthew 28: 16-20

Although Jesus has risen from the dead, the faith of the disciples is still far from perfect; it is mixed with doubt. Still, Jesus invites them to take part in his mission. These imperfect people are to invite all people to come to God and be baptized as God’s children.

In approximately 1410, the Russian artist, Andrei Rublev, created an icon known simply as Trinity. It depicts three robed figures sitting around a table. The icon has many symbols, for example, each person has the same face. Rublev also painted the icon in such a way, that when a person stands in front of the icon to gaze upon it, he or she becomes the fourth person around the table.

We have become children of God through Christ. Through him, we have become heirs to eternal life. We are invited to sit with the Trinity at table forever. Now, however, we are invited to continue a mission, their mission here on earth. By what we say and what we do, we are to witness to the love they have shown us.

Loving others is not easy; we risk being rejected. On this mission, however, we are not alone. In hardship and in glory, Christ nourishes us. Christ is with us and will always be with us.

Lord, give me courage and grace to share Your love with others.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer                                 

主日讀經反思  Sunday Scripture Meditation (27/05/2012)

本主日乙年讀經︰

宗徒大事錄　2:1-11

聖詠　104[103]:24,29-30,31,34

迦拉達書　5:16-25

若望福音　15:26-27; 16:12-15

默想︰

耶穌已從死者中復活了！這的確是個天大的喜訊。然而，世界

還未盡完美。今天，我們聽到門徒因為害怕而把自己關在屋內。

耶穌來到驚慌的門徒中間，祂沒有發怒，反而將平安賜給他

們。雖然他們都不夠完美，耶穌卻揀選

了他們去繼續祂的使命，並給他們恩賜了聖神。他們領受的神

恩，各有不同，但每個恩寵都是為大眾的益處，並為建樹基督

的教會。

我們在今時今日領受的，是同一位聖神，同蒙祝福。也許我們

都有疑問、躊躇、甚或恐懼，耶穌卻願意在我們的不完美當

中，與我們相遇，並邀請我們在聖神內，深信祂與我們同在。

主日讀經反思  Sunday Scripture Meditation (20/05/2012)

本主日乙年讀經︰

宗徒大事錄　1:1-11

聖詠　47[46]:2-3,6-7,8-9

厄弗所書　1:17-23 或 4:1-13 或 4:1-7,11-13

馬爾谷福音　16:15-20

默想︰

耶穌升天意味著祂和天父圓滿地融合為一，證明祂就是那超乎諸天，充滿萬有的那一位。祂的光榮升天使基督徒充滿希望，切望在塵世結束之後，也分享天主的光榮。這位進入天父光榮中的耶穌，就是那位為正義和真理而死的人。祂生命的點點滴滴聚合在一起，促成了祂和天父的完全融合。基督徒既切望死後的安息和新生命，就應激勵自己在生活中懷著謙遜、溫和、愛德，做耶穌的證人。耶穌的一舉一動都展示了天父對人的愛，祂的升天是因為天父願意光榮祂，願意藉著祂賜給人更豐厚的恩寵和智慧，從而使他們認清，人性所應達到的尊貴程度。耶穌為人指出了一條淬礪人性的道路，就是信賴和捨己。

耶穌鼓勵基督徒懷著這樣的態度等候天父的恩許。爲了建樹自己的教會，耶穌賜予基督徒不同的職位，職位雖不同，卻是爲了相同的目標：與人分享耶穌的福音，彰顯天父的大愛。基督徒就是一個被派遣的人，進入世界並聖化世界。

天主，為耶穌作證的能力取決於靈修深度及個人修養，請祢教我坦蕩開懷，讓祢的聖神進入我的生命，將我改造，將我聖化。

【摘自和平五月號】

Readings (Year B) page 64:

Acts 1: 1-11

Psalm 47: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Ephesians 1: 17-23 or 4: 1-13 or 4: 1-7, 11-13

Mark 16: 15-20

The Feast of the Ascension is really the completion of Jesus' Resurrection from the dead. In His Resurrection He returned from death on the cross to a new and never-ending life. In today's feast we celebrate the second element - Jesus' return to the glory He shares with His Father. It is more the meaning of what we celebrate that we need to concentrate on rather than focus on how it happened. In fact, there are quite different accounts in the four gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles.

And today, too, is not an occasion for us simply to recall something that happened about 2,000 years ago. The Ascension is something which touches our Christian lives today. Jesus makes it very clear that His going away does not mean the end of His work. On the contrary, he calls on every one of His followers to continue the work He has been doing. We are to proclaim the Word that gives life, we are to heal and reconcile; we are to give witness as the visible Body of Christ in whatever part of the world we live in. As we saw in an earlier reading this month, we are called to bring the Good News of the Kingdom to all the places that Jesus was never able to reach. The Ascension is not an end; it is really only the beginning.

I am with you always, to the end of the world.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer 

主日讀經反思  Sunday Scripture Meditation (13/05/2012)

本主日乙年讀經︰

宗徒大事錄　10:25-26,34-35,44-48

聖詠　22[21]:26-27,28-30,31-32

若望一書　4:7-10

若望福音　15:9-17

默想︰

今天的福音是耶穌話別言論的一部分，「揀選」二字在這篇經

文中引起我極大的共鳴與回響。環顧周圍，接觸到的多是中產

人士，物質生活上的揀選特別多，因而時常帶來不必要的煩

惱。精神生活方面可供揀選的也是五花八門：不同的哲學、神

學理念和價值觀正等待我們去了解和接受，以形成個人的生活

模式和生命意義。何去何從使人困擾、迷惘、甚至憂慮，無所

適從。

以上的困境從今天的福音，得到一個解決性的提示：「不是你

們揀選了我，而是我揀選了你們」（若15:16）。只要我們接受

耶穌的揀選，成為祂的門徒，緊密地跟隨祂，實行祂的教誨，

所有困境便可迎刃而解。一切隨遇而安，為能快樂地享受所得

所有而感恩。

主日讀經反思  Sunday Scripture Meditation (06/05/2012)

本主日乙年讀經︰

宗徒大事錄　9:26-31

聖詠　22[21]:26-27,28-30,31-32

若望一書　3:18-24

若望福音　15:1-8

默想︰

「枝條若不留在葡萄樹上，憑自己不能結實」，指的是哪一棵
葡萄樹呢？因為不是每一棵葡萄樹都是一樣的，不是每一棵都能給予生命力，不是每一棵都把我們與耶穌連在一起的。如果我們追求快捷與容易，而不是耐心去尋求穩健妥當的永恆價值，我們往往就是犯上錯誤。揠苗助長，又不願下苦工，都會出錯。有時我們不願意留在耶穌這棵葡萄樹上，而選擇走捷徑，因為與耶穌連結就是要背負十字架。我們被其他看似是回
報高的葡萄樹所吸引，譬如是股票市場、優薪高位等。但這些
葡萄樹不會令我們心滿意足，只會令我們感到窒息；但它們也
的確吸引，比起要苦幹、忍耐、鍛鍊、翻土、除草、施肥……舒服多了！況且我們亦不願意被修剪，雖然我們身上有許多枯枝，又或許有許多奇型怪狀的枝條。我們想選擇自己喜歡的葡萄樹，甚至想自己做園丁！然而，當我們脫離那棵真葡萄樹，而接枝到只能讓我們痛快一時，卻沒有將來沒有前途的其他葡萄樹上時，我們的心中是有感覺的是知道的。

Readings (Year B) page 31:

Acts 9: 26-31

Psalm 22: 26-27, 28, 30, 31-32

1 John 3: 18-24

John 15: 1-8

We can only bear fruit if we are branches on the vine, but which vine? Not all vines are the same. Not all are life-giving; not all connect us with Jesus. We make a mistake when we try for something quick and easy rather than slow and steady. We err when we want that fast growth and little effort. Sometimes we want easy alternatives to God’s way, to being a branch of Jesus’ Vine because that Vine requires carrying our cross. We get distracted by other vines that look easier and more promising – the stock market, some love object, a promising career – whatever vine, pyramid, fad, or gimmick that looks quick and easy. And then we act surprised when the vine either overwhelms us, or suffocates us, when it cannot provide what we really need. That other vine seems so much more attractive and enticing compared to hard work and patience and practice and drills and weeding and hoeing and fertilizing. And we don’t want to be pruned either; not of our dead branches nor of our excess growth. We want to choose the vine and the vinedressers! We know in our hearts when we are detaching ourselves from the real Vine and grafting our future onto something that might bring some quick thrills but not lasting pleasure or fulfillment. In our heart of hearts where God speaks to us, we know when we sin, when we turn away from God and latch onto something other than the Vine.

Lord, help us to bear much fruit and glorify the Father..

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer



主日讀經反思  Sunday Scripture Meditation (29/04/2012)

本主日乙年讀經︰

宗徒大事錄　4:8-12

聖詠　118[117]:1,8,9,21-23,26,28,29

若望一書　3:1-2

若望福音　10:11-18

默想︰

「在天下人間，沒有賜下別的名字，使我們賴以得救」。不少人會認為伯多祿這說法很特別，又有些人會覺得他浮誇；然而，在伯多祿所處的歷史實況當中，他說這話絕無半點特別，也絕對不是浮誇。由於他對耶穌的體驗，尤其對耶穌復活的體驗，使他能夠肯定地這樣說了。在他的猶太信仰與文化傳統當中，伯多祿能夠肯定，耶穌就是那位應許的默西亞。

很多人不認識耶穌或不能接受祂，致使他們偏離耶穌，

以其他方式、不同的宗教，尋找救恩。亦有很多人，無論有沒有宗教信仰，都喜歡以各種不同的「主義」形式，尋求救援；例如：享樂主義、人道主義、資本主義、共產主義、消費主義等等；因為這些「主義」聲稱能帶給他們幸福或能幫助解決世界上的問題。這些現象顯示，人在心底裏渴望的，始終就是得到幸福，尤其現世的幸福。耶穌卻指示另類的途徑  真福的道路  神貧的人是有福的。

主耶穌，祢在世上時的生活和教導，向我們顯示了：除祢以外，別無救恩。願我們常能活在祢內，得享祢的救贖。

【摘自和平四月號】

Readings (Year B) page 31:

Acts 4: 8-12

Psalm 118: 1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29

1 John 3: 1-2

John 10: 11-18

“Of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one by which we can be saved.” Many people will find this an extraordinary claim and others will find it arrogant. In the historical circumstances, however, for Peter it was neither extraordinary nor arrogant. His experience of Jesus, especially in the Resurrection, had led him to this affirmation. Within the tradition of his Jewish faith and culture, he was affirming that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

Many people do not know Jesus or accept Him so that, in fact, they seek salvation of some kind apart from Jesus, in many different religions. Many others, whether they profess any religion or not, seek some form of salvation in one of the many “-isms” which promise experiences of blessedness or solutions to the world’s problems: hedonism, humanism, capitalism, communism, consumerism, and so on. Behind all these, there lies the desire of the human heart for happiness, especially happiness in this world. Jesus, however, took a different path, the path of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”

Lord Jesus, Your life and teaching have revealed to us that there is no salvation apart from You. Grant us the grace to live in close union with You and enjoy the grace of Your salvation.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer 

主日讀經反思  Sunday Scripture Meditation (22/04/2012)

本主日乙年讀經︰

宗徒大事錄　3:13-15,17-19

聖詠　4:2,7,9

若望一書　2:1-5

路加福音　24:35-48

默想︰

在第二篇讀經，若望告訴我們：遵守天主誡命的人，才可以說

自己愛天主。若翰馬殊在企鵝叢書對若望著作的詮釋，用了這

樣一句精彩的說話，來總結福音闡述對天主的「認識」︰若望

所指的「認識」不單純是指運用腦力去思考，而是指心靈上和

意志上的回應，即接受並信賴天主所做的一切，願意在感恩中

服膺，將愛奉獻。

諸如馬殊這般的注釋，給我們證明了，我們絕對需要一些人，
盡力去尋求對天主的認識，使得我們從中，至少得到一些在書
本上得來的對天主的認識。不過我們對天主的信仰，不能只停留在對一個美麗的故事或一個高尚的人物，所進行的學術性或
賞識性或藝術性的欣賞。

成熟的信仰是以熱情奔放的情懷去擁抱的生活方式。當然，這

種生活方式對我們是有要求的。但漸漸地我們會變得那麼溶入

這種生活方式，我們不會認為自己在做的，有甚麼特別。我們

不會時常停下來欣賞自己的成就。不過，偶然我們都會因為看

到自己的生活有了更深的意義和價值，而感到安慰。

天父，請幫助我以熱情的言語和積極的行動去愛祢。

【摘自和平四月號】

Readings (Year B) page 19:

Acts 3: 13-15, 17-19

Psalm 4: 2, 4, 7-8, 9

1 John 2: 1-5

Luke 24: 35-48

In today’s second reading John tells us that we can truly say that we love God only when we keep His commandments. In a memorable sentence in his “Penguin New Testament Commentary of John” (Penguin Books 1968 p.34) John Marsh sums up the meaning of “knowing” God as it is presented in the Gospel, “The knowledge John would bring to men is not pure intellection; it is a response of mind and heart and will to an acceptance of and trust in what God has done, in the gratitude of obedience and the devotion of love.”

The very existence of a commentary like Marsh’s proves the absolute necessity that at least some of us should know as much as possible about God and that all of us would benefit by at least some “book knowledge” of Him. Our Christian belief does not, however, stop at a scholarly or admiring or artistic appreciation of a beautiful story or a noble character.

In its fullness our belief is an active embrace of a way of life. This way of life may, indeed, make demands on us. Progressively, however, it engrosses us so that, for much of the time, we may not think that we are doing anything particularly unusual. We won’t be pausing from time to time to gaze admiringly at our achievements. Only rarely, satisfyingly, will it strike us that our lives have been upgraded in meaning and value.

Heavenly Father, help me to love You in the warmth of my words and in the energy of my action.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer 

主日讀經反思　Sunday Scripture Meditation　(15/04/2012)

本主日乙年讀經︰

宗徒大事錄　4:32-35

聖詠　118[117]:2-4,16-18,22-24

若望一書　5:1-6

若望福音　20:19-31

默想︰

我們的信仰並不憑藉親睹一位站立在我們面前，可供我們看見祂手上的釘孔，用手指探入，而相信的活生生血肉之軀的救主，而是憑藉奉這位復活之主臨別囑咐，往使萬民成為門徒的宗徒，二千多年來歷盡考驗、血汗所承傳下來的喜訊。信德是未見之事的確證（希11:1），決非今天這自命資訊及科技進步的世代，事事講求驗證，卻藉科技充斥流傳大量種種真偽模糊，迷惑人心的訊息。這點是聖史若望早於二千多年前已預見的，也是巴貝耳塔悲劇的重演，以致興起了種種荒誕的謬論，試圖以甚麼「節日」取代及淹沒以創世救世真天主為中心的慶節，以無神及自我「神」化取代創世的唯一真主，而落得對神、人及萬物都信心淡化而關係湮滅。「……得勝世界的勝利武器，就是我們的信德」。復活後一週的第一天，門徒因救主的臨在與賜贈的平安祝福而化害怕為歡喜。又一週的第一天，多默因目睹救主的臨在而化無信為信服。

主，在這一週的第一天，請賜我們祢復活的平安與喜樂，堅強我們的信德，使成為這世代的中流砥柱，同心合意，為祢的復活奧蹟作證。

【摘自和平四月號】

Readings (Year B) page 6:

Acts 4: 32-35

Psalm 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24

1 John 5: 1-6

John 20: 19-31

Unity of mind and heart characterizes those who know that Christ – not money or power – is their centre. It’s a simple fact that life changes for those who see the Risen Lord because deception cannot co-exist with truth. The first reading from Acts shows that those who have heard the message of the Resurrection are not deaf to the needs of others, nor are they afraid to give the power of their resources to others. Easter faith creates communities dedicated to the common good of all. And the message stressed in 1 John is that belief in Jesus the Christ is love of God and love of one another. It is to know the truth that conquers the world.

This is seen in the Gospel reading. The Risen Christ is sufficient to conquer the world of our fears, doubt, disbelief, and inertia. Jesus is able to break into our lives at unexpected times and in hidden places. It was Jesus who came to the frightened disciples to give them what they needed to take up His ministry of remitting and retaining sins. The peace of Jesus realigns the centre of our lives, and this realignment permits communal life to take the shape described in Acts and 1 John. The practice of right living flows from an encounter with the living God, not the other way round. 

Lord, help me to see in faith the One who says “Peace be with You.”

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer 

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

主日讀經反思 Sunday Scripture Meditation (01/04/2012)

本主日乙年讀經︰
依撒意亞先知書　50:4-7
聖詠　22[21]:8-9,17-18,19-20,23-24
斐理伯書　2:6-11
馬爾谷福音　14:1-15:47

默想︰

瑪竇和路加福音給我們記載了極富戲劇性的耶穌在曠野受試探的故事。當然，我們相信耶穌是天主子，但千萬不要忘記祂同樣是人，有人性的一面。任何一個人在曠野四十天四十夜禁食祈禱，都會收深遠的效果，更何況是聖潔的，並對天主的敏感度極高的耶穌！毋庸置疑，耶穌在曠野裏，一定對靈魂歷盡了一番探索。

瑪竇和路加的戲劇性記載，不應該使我們忽略了耶穌同我們一樣，都要面對日常生活中的種種誘惑：耶穌「在各方面與我們相似，受過試探，只是沒有罪過」（希4:15）。人生充滿考驗試煉：磨難我們的愛情，打擊我們的喜樂，動搖我們的平安，毁壞其他諸如保祿給我們指出的聖神在我們的生活中結出的美果（迦5:22）。

也許對觀福音視耶穌「榮進」耶路撒冷，聖若望則視之為「誘惑」。凡事都有兩面，不同的情況召叫我們從不同的角度揣摩。

主耶穌，在陪伴祢進入耶路撒冷之際，我們祈求，免陷於誘惑。

【摘自和平四月號】


Readings (Year B) page 8:
Isaiah 50: 4-7
Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-19, 19-20, 23-24
Philippians 2: 6-11
Mark 14: 1 – 15: 47, or 15: 1-39

This feast marks the beginning of the Church’s greatest event – the celebration of our redemption. The triumphant ride into Jerusalem on a humble donkey foreshadows for Jesus and for us the whole paradox of His life, death and resurrection. The cries of the welcoming crowd echoes the song of the angels at His birth, “Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heavens.”

But this joy is fleeting, as the liturgy unfolds the drama of the Passion, Isaiah sings the Song of the Suffering Servant of Yahweh, while Paul recalls an ancient hymn praising the God who chose to become Man. From a distance, we are safe in our cocoon of rituals and guilt-ridden devotions. Could we pause a while, reflect and enter into the Passion with Him, Who chose to be like us that we might become more like Him?

Could we, like Him, stand before our accusers with the same spirit of truth, dignity and conviction in our mission? Could we, like Him, watch in silence as one of our closest and dearest friends betrayed us turning his back on us? Could we accept all this and more? We can only answer “Yes” because Christ has made it possible.

Lord Jesus, strengthen us with Your Spirit that we may hold on to faith in the darkness of our pain and difficulties.
Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer

主日讀經反思 Sunday Scripture Meditation (25/03/2012)

本主日乙年讀經︰
耶肋米亞先知書　31:31-34
聖詠　51[50]:3,12-13,14-15
希伯來書　5:7-9
若望福音　12:20-33

默想︰

生老病死本是人生千年不變的現象，但基督打破了這個宿命論，在生老病死之後加上了復活。復活更新了人的病苦與死亡，那裏不再只是負面的恐慌與絶望。當耶穌看到祂聖死的來臨時，對於那時辰，正面地強調是永遠生命的開始，視為造生千萬麥粒的良機，更邀請所有人在病苦與死亡中追隨祂，分沾祂的光榮與新生命。祂利用了那一生一次的時刻來造福身邊的其他人。當耶穌被高舉時，祂會吸引眾人，因為祂對天主順命致死，使自己的死亡升格到天主的光榮，那也是我基督，祢的革新並不限於人在世的最後時刻，四旬期也是我們的心神的病死時刻。求基督祢引導我們順命於天主的慈愛，助我們善用天父透過基督祢給予我們的聖事，在四旬期死於罪過，並在將臨的復活期，從基督祢獲得一顆再造的新心。求基督祢給我們的肺腑注入新的精神，助我們活出一個心神合乎天主法律的新生命。求基督祢幫助我們明悟祢的聖死與復活，支持我們在世的心神悔改復活，使我們以這個現世的復活而與祢的教會一同造福世人。

【摘自和平三月號】


Readings (Year B) page 75:
Jeremiah 31: 31-34
Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 14-15
Hebrews 5: 7-9
John 12: 20-33

In the first reading, we hear the famous prophecy of the prophet Jeremiah. It is a prophecy that provides the foundation and the very core of the central teaching of the New Testament. What is 'new' about the new covenant that Jeremiah speaks about? In contrast to the Old Covenant made at Mount Sinai which failed because the people of Israel did not respond to God's love, the new covenant will be successful. Why is this so?

The new covenant will be successful because it will be God and God alone who put into the hearts of the people the power to love and to respond with love. This power is called 'grace'. Grace is a gift freely given to us by God through Jesus Christ, who as high priest lovingly sacrificed himself for humanity.

Today, Jesus reminds us in the Gospel that he has given us new life through his death. He had buried himself like a seed on the cross, so that we may enjoy the fruits of his sacrifice in our own lives. But sometimes, we can forget this. In the face of challenges and problems, we can fail to realise that we are blessed with God's amazing grace each day because of the self-sacrificing love of Jesus.

So, let us live today as grace-filled people. After all as someone once said, "We are too blessed to be stressed."

Lord, thank You for the gift of grace.

Shalom – Thoughts for Prayer