樂仁聖經人物心理特徵(6):若望宗徒

若望宗徒:火與救贖之旅


Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

雷霆般的開端
太陽漸漸沉入加里肋亞山后,金色的餘暉灑在塵土飛揚的小路上,若望和他的兄弟雅各正與耶穌並肩而行。他們腳步匆匆,滿心沮喪。一個撒瑪黎雅人的村莊拒絕為他們提供住宿——甚至拒絕了默西亞本人。
若望緊握雙拳,內心燃起熊熊怒火,毫不猶豫對耶穌說:“主,禰想要我們如同厄裡亞那樣,召喚火從天降下,讓我們把他們毀掉嗎?”
耶穌停下了腳步,祂轉向他們,他們之間一片靜默,祂用深邃的眼光掃視若望的臉,並沒有向他動怒,而是為他感到悲傷。
“若望,你還是不明白。”
若望感到一陣羞愧,可是,他難以平復其心中的怒火。他們侮辱了默西亞!公道難道不應立刻得彰?天主的國難道不該在威能中來到?
耶穌堅定地把手放在若望的肩上,說:“人子來,不是為毀滅生命,而是來拯救他們。”
若望的臉沉了下來,可是,他沒有說什麼。這是他第一次感受到:天主的恩典溫柔牽制著他火爆的性格。可是,如果想要進一步理解,就需要花些時間。

遠大夢想
幾周以後,若望和雅各伯私下來到耶穌跟前。他們的聲音低沉而急切。
“老師,禰進到禰的光榮時,求禰賞賜我們一個在禰的右邊,一個在禰的左邊。”
若望屏住呼吸,滿心期待耶穌確認他們的榮席。他們畢竟是耶穌最親密的門徒!他們一直忠心耿耿,親眼看到每個神跡,親耳聽到每個教導。他們理當得到這樣的地位。
耶穌歎了口氣,搖搖著說:“你們能飲我要飲的這杯嗎?”
若望猶豫了。他想成為偉人,想要使自己的名字與默西亞一起被銘刻在歷史中。他點點頭說:“是的,主。我們能。”
耶穌的神情變得柔和,可是,祂的聲音依然堅定:“你們定要飲我的杯 …… 可是,坐在我的右邊還是左邊,我可做不了主。”
若望感到一陣失望的刺痛。他迫切地想要靠近耶穌,他想首先進到天國。他為何沒能明白這一點呢?

十字架下
所有的一切都在崩塌。耶路撒冷的街道在哀悼的重壓下戰慄。
耶穌快死了。
若望站在十字架旁,渾身顫抖。他的目光無法從祂的救主身上移開。其他人在哪裡呢?伯多祿在哪裡呢?他們都在恐懼中逃走了。
他的身邊傳來一個溫柔的聲音。那是瑪利亞的聲音。
她沒有放聲大哭,可是,她的悲傷深深刻在她臉上的每道皺紋裡。她親眼看到自己的兒子正在受苦,若望也替她感到心碎。
即使鮮血從耶穌頭上滴落,耶穌仍然低頭看著他們。“女人,看,妳的兒子。”祂的聲音雖然微弱,語氣仍然堅定,接著,祂的眼光與若望交匯。祂說:“看,你的母親。”
若望咽了咽口水。耶穌正把瑪利亞託付給他。這一刻的分量壓垮了他自私的野心。
這就是愛——不是激烈的正義,不是野心,而是無私的愛。
他點點頭,不敢相信自己的聲音,然後向瑪利亞走近了一步。他永遠不會離開她。

轉變
多年過去了。若望不再夢想權力。相反,他夢想著愛情。他在厄弗所對自己的子民寫道:“天主是愛。”那曾想要燒毀村莊的人,如今卻呼籲世人要彼此相愛。他暴躁的性格得到磨礪,不是被磨平,而是得救。
若望在老年時,有一天,他坐在火爐邊上對自己的門徒說話。他們想要聽宏大的故事,可是,他一遍又一遍重複相同的話:“孩子們,你們要彼此相愛。”最後,他們中的一個問他:“老師,你為什麼總是這樣說?”若望笑了笑,眼神變得悠長,回想到他站在十字架前的那天。他回答說:“這就足夠了。”

壹:救贖而非譴責
若望成為門徒之初,他渴望公道,他曾問耶穌:是否應該叫火從天降下,降在撒瑪黎雅人身上(參看:路9:54)耶穌糾正他的想法:教導他說:天主的行徑是救贖,而非毀滅。
教導:真正的力量,在於恢復,而非譴責。

貳:謙遜勝過野心
若望想要在天國內與耶穌並肩的榮席(參看:谷10:35-37)但是,他仍然誤解領導力的本質,。耶穌提醒他:在天國內,偉大不是通過權力取得,而是通過服務和犧牲取得。
教導:領導力與地位無關,而是在於謙遜和為他人服務。

叁:面對苦難時的忠誠與勇氣
別的門徒都逃走的時候,只有若望留在十字架下(參看:若19:25-27)基督處在其最黑暗的時刻,他仍然堅定不移陪伴,這體現出他的忠誠,勇氣和愛。
教導:愛不在於喜樂中的陪伴,更在於痛苦中的忠誠。

肆:關愛他人的責任
耶穌把瑪利亞託付給他,這體現出祂很相信若望,把這責任託付給他。這一時刻表明:若望已經成熟 ,準備好超越自我,去關心和照顧他人。
教導:愛總是要人付出犧牲 ,愛要求我們深切關心他人,而非關心我們自己。

伍:愛是真正的福傳
多年後,若望寫道:“天主是愛”。他徹底改變,從先前那充滿偏情的門徒,成為充滿愛的宗徒。他留給教會的最後資訊,簡單而又深刻:“孩子們,要彼此相愛。”
教導:愛是最大的誡命 —— 它超越野心,復仇和驕傲。

陸:成長和改變的力量
一開始,若望不是一個完美的門徒,可是,他藉著與耶穌的體驗,逐漸成長,徹底轉變。那個追求權力和正義的人,成了宣講憐憫和共融的人。
教導:恩典使我們能超越自身最壞的偏情,並能使我們成長,徹底改變我們的現狀。

結論:愛能改變人生
若望的旅途體現了與耶穌同行帶來的轉變力量。他的失敗,從來沒有被抹去,而是得到救贖。愛把他塑造著在他後期的著作中談論愛,勝過談論別的主題的門徒。

© 全屬於禰 & 樂仁出版社(中國澳門)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

乐仁圣经人物心理特征(6):若望宗徒

若望宗徒:火与救赎之旅


Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

雷霆般的开端
太阳渐渐沉入加里肋亚山后,金色的余晖洒在尘土飞扬的小路上,若望和他的兄弟雅各正与耶稣并肩而行。他们脚步匆匆,满心沮丧。一个撒玛黎雅人的村庄拒绝为他们提供住宿——甚至拒绝了默西亚本人。
若望紧握双拳,内心燃起熊熊怒火,毫不犹豫对耶稣说:“主,祢想要我们如同厄里亚那样,召唤火从天降下,让我们把他们毁掉吗?”
耶稣停下了脚步,祂转向他们,他们之间一片静默,祂用深邃的眼光扫视若望的脸,并没有向他动怒,而是为他感到悲伤。
“若望,你还是不明白。”
若望感到一阵羞愧,可是,他难以平复其心中的怒火。他们侮辱了默西亚!公道难道不应立刻得彰?天主的国难道不该在威能中来到?
耶稣坚定地把手放在若望的肩上,说:“人子来,不是为毁灭生命,而是来拯救他们。”
若望的脸沉了下来,可是,他没有说什么。这是他第一次感受到:天主的恩典温柔牵制着他火爆的性格。可是,如果想要进一步理解,就需要花些时间。

远大梦想
几周以后,若望和雅各伯私下来到耶稣跟前。他们的声音低沉而急切。
“老师,祢进到祢的光荣时,求祢赏赐我们一个在祢的右边,一个在祢的左边。”
若望屏住呼吸,满心期待耶稣确认他们的荣席。他们毕竟是耶稣最亲密的门徒!他们一直忠心耿耿,亲眼看到每个神迹,亲耳听到每个教导。他们理当得到这样的地位。
耶稣叹了口气,摇摇着说:“你们能饮我要饮的这杯吗?”
若望犹豫了。他想成为伟人,想要使自己的名字与默西亚一起被铭刻在历史中。他点点头说:“是的,主。我们能。”
耶稣的神情变得柔和,可是,祂的声音依然坚定:“你们定要饮我的杯 …… 可是,坐在我的右边还是左边,我可做不了主。”
若望感到一阵失望的刺痛。他迫切地想要靠近耶稣,他想首先进到天国。他为何没能明白这一点呢?

十字架下
所有的一切都在崩塌。耶路撒冷的街道在哀悼的重压下战栗。
耶稣快死了。
若望站在十字架旁,浑身颤抖。他的目光无法从祂的救主身上移开。其他人在哪里呢?伯多禄在哪里呢?他们都在恐惧中逃走了。
他的身边传来一个温柔的声音。那是玛利亚的声音。
她没有放声大哭,可是,她的悲伤深深刻在她脸上的每道皱纹里。她亲眼看到自己的儿子正在受苦,若望也替她感到心碎。
即使鲜血从耶稣头上滴落,耶稣仍然低头看着他们。“女人,看,妳的儿子。”祂的声音虽然微弱,语气仍然坚定,接着,祂的眼光与若望交汇。祂说:“看,你的母亲。”
若望咽了咽口水。耶稣正把玛利亚托付给他。这一刻的分量压垮了他自私的野心。
这就是爱——不是激烈的正义,不是野心,而是无私的爱。
他点点头,不敢相信自己的声音,然后向玛利亚走近了一步。他永远不会离开她。

转变
多年过去了。若望不再梦想权力。相反,他梦想着爱情。他在厄弗所对自己的子民写道:“天主是爱。”那曾想要烧毁村庄的人,如今却呼吁世人要彼此相爱。他暴躁的性格得到磨砺,不是被磨平,而是得救。
若望在老年时,有一天,他坐在火炉边上对自己的门徒说话。他们想要听宏大的故事,可是,他一遍又一遍重复相同的话:“孩子们,你们要彼此相爱。”最后,他们中的一个问他:“老师,你为什么总是这样说?”若望笑了笑,眼神变得悠长,回想到他站在十字架前的那天。他回答说:“这就足够了。”

壹:救赎而非谴责
若望成为门徒之初,他渴望公道,他曾问耶稣:是否应该叫火从天降下,降在撒玛黎雅人身上(参看:路9:54)耶稣纠正他的想法:教导他说:天主的行径是救赎,而非毁灭。
教导:真正的力量,在于恢复,而非谴责。

贰:谦逊胜过野心
若望想要在天国内与耶稣并肩的荣席(参看:谷10:35-37)但是,他仍然误解领导力的本质,。耶稣提醒他:在天国内,伟大不是通过权力取得,而是通过服务和牺牲取得。
教导:领导力与地位无关,而是在于谦逊和为他人服务。

叁:面对苦难时的忠诚与勇气
别的门徒都逃走的时候,只有若望留在十字架下(参看:若19:25-27)基督处在其最黑暗的时刻,他仍然坚定不移陪伴,这体现出他的忠诚,勇气和爱。
教导:爱不在于喜乐中的陪伴,更在于痛苦中的忠诚。

肆:关爱他人的责任
耶稣把玛利亚托付给他,这体现出祂很相信若望,把这责任托付给他。这一时刻表明:若望已经成熟 ,准备好超越自我,去关心和照顾他人。
教导:爱总是要人付出牺牲 ,爱要求我们深切关心他人,而非关心我们自己。

伍:爱是真正的福传
多年后,若望写道:“天主是爱”。他彻底改变,从先前那充满偏情的门徒,成为充满爱的宗徒。他留给教会的最后信息,简单而又深刻:“孩子们,要彼此相爱。”
教导:爱是最大的诫命 —— 它超越野心,复仇和骄傲。

陆:成长和改变的力量
一开始,若望不是一个完美的门徒,可是,他藉着与耶稣的体验,逐渐成长,彻底转变。那个追求权力和正义的人,成了宣讲怜悯和共融的人。
教导:恩典使我们能超越自身最坏的偏情,并能使我们成长,彻底改变我们的现状。

结论:爱能改变人生
若望的旅途体现了与耶稣同行带来的转变力量。他的失败,从来没有被抹去,而是得到救赎。爱把他塑造着在他后期的著作中谈论爱,胜过谈论别的主题的门徒。

© 全属于祢 & 乐仁出版社(中国澳门)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

Psychological Profile of Biblical Characters(6) :John the Apostle

John the Apostle: A Journey of Fire and Redemption

Fr. Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

The Thunderous Beginning

The sun dipped behind the hills of Galilee, casting golden light upon the dusty path where John and his brother James walked beside Jesus. Their steps were quick, charged with frustration. A Samaritan village had refused them hospitality—refused the Messiah himself.

John clenched his fists, the injustice burning inside him. “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven, like Elijah did? Let’s destroy them!” His voice held no hesitation.

Jesus stopped walking. The quiet stretched between them as he turned, his deep eyes searching John’s face—not with anger, but sorrow.

“John… you still do not understand.”                                             

John felt a flicker of shame, but the fire in his chest refused to die. They had insulted the Messiah! Shouldn’t justice be swift? Shouldn’t the kingdom of God come in power?

Jesus placed a firm hand on John’s shoulder. “The Son of Man did not come to destroy lives, but to save them.”

John’s face fell, but he said nothing. This was the first time he felt it—the gentle pull of grace against his fiery nature. But understanding? That would take time.

The Ambitious Dream

Weeks later, John and James approached Jesus in secret. Their voices were hushed, urgent.

“Teacher, grant us to sit—one at your right, the other at your left—when you enter your glory.”

John held his breath, waiting for Jesus to confirm their place of honor. After all, they were his closest disciples! They had been faithful, present at every miracle, every teaching. Surely, they deserved it.

Jesus sighed, shaking his head. “Can you drink the cup I drink?”

John hesitated. He wanted greatness, wanted his name etched in history alongside the Messiah. He nodded. “Yes, Lord. We can.”

Jesus’ expression softened, but his voice remained firm. “You will drink my cup… but to sit at my right or left? That is not mine to grant.”

John felt the sting of disappointment. He was desperate to be near Jesus, to be first in the kingdom. Why couldn’t he see that?

The Foot of the Cross

Everything had crumbled. The streets of Jerusalem trembled under the weight of mourning.

Jesus was dying.

John stood near the cross, his body shaking, unable to take his eyes off his Master. Where were the others? Where was Peter? They had fled in fear.

A soft voice beside him. Mary.

She did not weep loudly, but her grief was etched into every line of her face. She watched her Son suffer, and John felt his own heart break for her.

Then, even as blood trickled from his brow, Jesus looked down at them. “Woman, behold your son.” His voice was weak but certain. Then, his eyes met John’s. “Behold your mother.”

John swallowed. Jesus was entrusting Mary to him. The weight of the moment crushed his selfish ambitions.

This was love—not fiery justice, not ambition, but sacrificial love.

He nodded, not trusting his voice, and stepped closer to Mary. He would never leave her side.

The Transformation

Years passed. John no longer dreamed of power.

Instead, he dreamed of love.

In Ephesus, he wrote to his people: “God is love.”

The same man who once asked to burn villages now urged the world to love one another. His once-thunderous nature had been refined—not erased, but redeemed.

One day, as an old man, John sat by the fire, speaking to his disciples. They wanted grand stories, but he repeated just one phrase over and over:

“Little children, love one another.”

One of them finally asked, “Teacher, why do you always say this?”

John smiled, his eyes distant, remembering the day he stood before the cross.

“Because it is enough.”

1. Redemption Over Condemnation

At the beginning of his discipleship, John wanted justice, asking Jesus if they should call down fire on the Samaritans (Luke 9:54). Jesus redirected him, teaching that redemption, not destruction, is the way of God.

Lesson: True power lies in restoring rather than condemning.

2. Humility Over Ambition

John sought positions of honor next to Jesus in heaven (Mark 10:35-37), still misunderstanding the nature of leadership. Jesus reminded him that greatness in the kingdom comes not through power but service and sacrifice.

Lesson: Leadership isn’t about status—it’s about humility and serving others.

3. Loyalty and Courage in the Face of Suffering

When other disciples fled, John remained at the foot of the cross (John 19:25-27). His steadfast presence in Christ’s darkest hour showed loyalty, courage, and love.

Lesson: Love is not just about presence in joy, but faithfulness in suffering.

4. Responsibility in Care for Others

Jesus entrusted his mother, Mary, to John—a gesture of profound trust and responsibility. This moment signified John’s maturity and readiness to care for others beyond himself.

Lesson: Love is sacrificial—it asks us to care deeply for others, not just ourselves.

5. Love as the True Mission

Years later, John wrote, “God is love.” He had been transformed entirely from the fiery disciple to the apostle of love. His final message to the church was simple yet profound: “Little children, love one another.”

Lesson: Love is the greatest commandment—it supersedes ambition, vengeance, and pride.

6. The Power of Growth and Transformation

John didn’t start as a perfect disciple, but through his experiences with Jesus, he grew, changed, and evolved. The same man who sought power and justice became one who preached mercy and unity.

  • Lesson: Grace allows us to grow beyond our worst tendencies—we are never beyond transformation.

Conclusion: A Life Transformed by Love

John’s journey reflects the transformative power of walking with Christ. His failures weren’t erased—they were redeemed, shaping him into the disciple who would ultimately write about love more than any other.

© Claretian Publications, Macau
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

樂仁聖經人物心理特徵(5):撒玛黎雅婦人

破碎的本我和生命的水泉:撒瑪黎雅婦人的心理畫像


Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries


在雅各伯井旁的撒瑪黎雅婦人,正午時分,她與耶穌相遇(參看:若4:1-42)所描繪出來的心理畫像扣人心弦,她試圖回避,好能勉強遮掩其所遭到的孤立。她在最炎熱,最孤獨的時刻出現在井邊,很好的說明了一切。汲水是一項集體的,社交的任務,通常會在涼爽的早晨或傍晚進行。她選擇在中午時分前去,強烈表達出一種深深的疏離感和羞恥感。她處在一個女性的地位與其婚姻狀況存在內在聯繫的社會,試圖避開所有批判的目光,他人對她的竊竊私議,以及隨之而來令人不安的沉默。她的五個前夫和目前的非婚姻關係,使她被社會遺棄,受人嘲笑和同情的對象。這種反復的失敗關係可能會滋生出根深蒂固的孤獨感,低估自我價值,出於防禦的目的選擇退縮。她的孤立不只是身體上,更是一道屏障,以防她的情緒進一步受到傷害。


耶穌主動開啟對話,打破了多重文化禁忌(猶太人/撒瑪黎雅人,男人/女人)時,她的即時反應揭示了她的心理防禦機制。她沒有參與其中,而是選擇轉移話題。她聚焦在神學和實踐上的不同:“禰怎能向我要水喝?”(參看:若4:9)然後轉向撒黎雅人和猶太人在朝拜天主地點上存在的分歧(參看:若4:20)這種智力上的辯論是一種聰明的,潛意識的防禦機制。理智使她避開痛苦的本我,以及其脆弱的地方。探討抽象的宗教觀比直面自己生活中的混亂,描述可恥的自我安全得多。這使得她能抵擋住潛在的評判,能有效使她在互動中避免暴露出自己的內心和自卑。她提出尖銳問題,意在遮掩她畏懼自己被人看透的恐懼。

可是,耶穌巧妙繞開她理性防禦。祂簡短談及神學觀點,然後立刻把談話轉向她內在的核心問題:她的渴望。祂所說的“活水”能滿足她內心最深處的渴望(參看:若4:10-14)巧妙觸及她在生活中流露出來的情感和精神上的乾枯。可是,她仍然暗藏在實踐背後(老師,把這水給我,好使我不再渴),她試圖再次退縮,但是,耶穌進行了一場深刻的心理和精神上的手術。祂溫柔地對她說:“去,叫妳的丈夫再回到這裡來。”(參看:若4:16)這個看似簡單的請求迫使她直面她想要逃避的現實。當她承認自己沒有丈夫時,耶穌展示出祂天主性的洞見:“妳說的對 …… 事實上,妳有五個丈夫,你現在所有的,不是妳的丈夫。”(參看:若4:17-18)


這一刻是轉捩點。耶穌沒有譴責她的羞恥。祂全面看待她 —— 她與社會關係破裂,被社會排斥,把痛苦暗藏起來,祂並沒有拒絕她,而是接納她。祂不與她談論神學,而是肯定她的人性。在耶穌看來,她是躲藏在防禦性理智主義和正午背後,那孤獨和受傷的女性。這種無條件的接納,這種被人認出,但未受到譴責,這恰恰是她得到救贖的本質。


這使她的心理徹底轉變。這個婦人,為了避開人群,獨自一人來到井邊,朝井裡放下自己的水罐,這是她孤立無援完成任務的象徵,然後,她跑回令人蒙羞的小鎮。她公開為耶穌作證,邀請那些曾經輕看過她的人來到“說出我所做過的一切事的那人”(參看:若4:29)面前。她的羞愧化作見證。理性上的偏差消失不見,取而代之的是脆弱的證人。當她重新與自己的團體接觸時,這種孤立感消失不見了,現在,她不再是受人嘲笑的物件,而是驚人消息的傳遞者。耶穌使她直面其內心的羞恥和脆弱的本我。祂藉著向她提供活水,使她在祂身上找到接納,真實的身份和目標,祂沒有回應她的神學問題,而是醫治她的靈魂,使她重新融入團體,把她的痛苦化作充滿天主恩典的強力故事。她的救贖是心理上的(治癒羞恥,恢復自我價值)、社會上的(結束孤立,重新融入)和精神上的(在默西亞中找到真正的生命和目的)。井邊的婦人成為了一個永恆的見證,證明了被真正看見和被愛的力量,將孤立轉化為聯繫,將羞恥轉化為目的。

© 全屬於禰 & 樂仁出版社(中國澳門)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

乐仁圣经人物心理特征(5):撒玛黎雅妇人

破碎的本我和生命的水泉:撒玛黎雅妇人的心理画像


Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries


在雅各伯井旁的撒玛黎雅妇人,正午时分,她与耶稣相遇(参看:若4:1-42)所描绘出来的心理画像扣人心弦,她试图回避,好能勉强遮掩其所遭到的孤立。她在最炎热,最孤独的时刻出现在井边,很好的说明了一切。汲水是一项集体的,社交的任务,通常会在凉爽的早晨或傍晚进行。她选择在中午时分前去,强烈表达出一种深深的疏离感和羞耻感。她处在一个女性的地位与其婚姻状况存在内在联系的社会,试图避开所有批判的目光,他人对她的窃窃私议,以及随之而来令人不安的沉默。她的五个前夫和目前的非婚姻关系,使她被社会遗弃,受人嘲笑和同情的对象。这种反复的失败关系可能会滋生出根深蒂固的孤独感,低估自我价值,出于防御的目的选择退缩。她的孤立不只是身体上,更是一道屏障,以防她的情绪进一步受到伤害。


耶稣主动开启对话,打破了多重文化禁忌(犹太人/撒玛黎雅人,男人/女人)时,她的即时反应揭示了她的心理防御机制。她没有参与其中,而是选择转移话题。她聚焦在神学和实践上的不同:“祢怎能向我要水喝?”(参看:若4:9)然后转向撒黎雅人和犹太人在朝拜天主地点上存在的分歧(参看:若4:20)这种智力上的辩论是一种聪明的,潜意识的防御机制。理智使她避开痛苦的本我,以及其脆弱的地方。探讨抽象的宗教观比直面自己生活中的混乱,描述可耻的自我安全得多。这使得她能抵挡住潜在的评判,能有效使她在互动中避免暴露出自己的内心和自卑。她提出尖锐问题,意在遮掩她畏惧自己被人看透的恐惧。

可是,耶稣巧妙绕开她理性防御。祂简短谈及神学观点,然后立刻把谈话转向她内在的核心问题:她的渴望。祂所说的“活水”能满足她内心最深处的渴望(参看:若4:10-14)巧妙触及她在生活中流露出来的情感和精神上的干枯。可是,她仍然暗藏在实践背后(老师,把这水给我,好使我不再渴),她试图再次退缩,但是,耶稣进行了一场深刻的心理和精神上的手术。祂温柔地对她说:“去,叫妳的丈夫再回到这里来。”(参看:若4:16)这个看似简单的请求迫使她直面她想要逃避的现实。当她承认自己没有丈夫时,耶稣展示出祂天主性的洞见:“妳说的对 …… 事实上,妳有五个丈夫,你现在所有的,不是妳的丈夫。”(参看:若4:17-18)


这一刻是转折点。耶稣没有谴责她的羞耻。祂全面看待她 —— 她与社会关系破裂,被社会排斥,把痛苦暗藏起来,祂并没有拒绝她,而是接纳她。祂不与她谈论神学,而是肯定她的人性。在耶稣看来,她是躲藏在防御性理智主义和正午背后,那孤独和受伤的女性。这种无条件的接纳,这种被人认出,但未受到谴责,这恰恰是她得到救赎的本质。


这使她的心理彻底转变。这个妇人,为了避开人群,独自一人来到井边,朝井里放下自己的水罐,这是她孤立无援完成任务的象征,然后,她跑回令人蒙羞的小镇。她公开为耶稣作证,邀请那些曾经轻看过她的人来到“说出我所做过的一切事的那人”(参看:若4:29)面前。她的羞愧化作见证。理性上的偏差消失不见,取而代之的是脆弱的证人。当她重新与自己的团体接触时,这种孤立感消失不见了,现在,她不再是受人嘲笑的对象,而是惊人消息的传递者。耶稣使她直面其内心的羞耻和脆弱的本我。祂藉着向她提供活水,使她在祂身上找到接纳,真实的身份和目标,祂没有回应她的神学问题,而是医治她的灵魂,使她重新融入团体,把她的痛苦化作充满天主恩典的强力故事。她的救赎是心理上的(治愈羞耻,恢复自我价值)、社会上的(结束孤立,重新融入)和精神上的(在默西亚中找到真正的生命和目的)。井边的妇人成为了一个永恒的见证,证明了被真正看见和被爱的力量,将孤立转化为联系,将羞耻转化为目的。

© 全属于祢 & 乐仁出版社(中国澳门)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

Psychological Profile of Biblical Characters(5) :Samaritan Woman

The Fractured Self and the Living Water: A Psychological Portrait of the Samaritan Woman

Fr. Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries


The Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s well, encountering Jesus at high noon (John 4:1-42), presents a compelling portrait of psychological distress masked by intellectual deflection and enforced isolation. Her very presence at the well during the hottest, most solitary hour speaks volumes. Drawing water was a communal, social task, typically undertaken in the cool morning or evening. Her choice to go alone at midday strongly suggests a profound sense of alienation and shame. She was avoiding the judging eyes, the whispered gossip, the uncomfortable silences that likely followed her in a society where a woman’s status was intrinsically tied to marriage. Her five former husbands and current non-marital relationship marked her as a social pariah, an object of scorn or pity. This repeated relational failure likely bred deep-seated loneliness, low self-worth, and a defensive withdrawal. Her isolation wasn’t merely physical; it was a protective barrier against further emotional wounding.


When Jesus initiates conversation, breaking multiple cultural taboos (Jew/Samaritan, man/woman), her immediate response reveals her psychological armor. Instead of engaging personally, she deflects. She focuses intently on the theological and practical incongruities: “How can you ask me for a drink?” (John 4:9), then shifting to the Samaritan-Jewish divide over worship location (John 4:20). This intellectual debate serves as a clever, subconscious defense mechanism. Intellectualization allows her to avoid the vulnerable territory of her own painful reality. Discussing abstract religious concepts feels safer than confronting the messy, shameful narrative of her own life. It’s a shield against potential judgment, a way to maintain control in an interaction where she feels inherently exposed and inferior. Her sharp questions mask a deep fear of being truly seen and known.


Jesus, however, masterfully bypasses her intellectual defenses. He acknowledges the theological point briefly but swiftly redirects the conversation to the core of her being: her thirst. He speaks of “living water” that quenches the soul’s deepest longings (John 4:10-14), subtly addressing the emotional and spiritual drought her life represents. When she, still partially hidden behind practicality (“Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty…”), seems ready to retreat again, Jesus performs a profound act of psychological and spiritual surgery. He gently but directly pierces her armor: “Go, call your husband and come back” (John 4:16). This seemingly simple request forces her to confront the very reality she avoids. When she admits she has no husband, Jesus reveals his divine insight: “You are right… The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband” (John 4:17-18).


This moment is the turning point. Jesus names her shame without condemnation. He sees her fully – the relational wreckage, the societal ostracization, the hidden pain – and offers acceptance, not rejection. He doesn’t debate her theology; he validates her humanity. He sees the wounded woman behind the defensive intellectualism and the midday isolation. This unconditional recognition, this being known and yet not condemned, is the essence of her redemption.


The psychological transformation is immediate and radical. The woman who came alone at noon to avoid people drops her water jar – the symbol of her isolating task – and runs back into the town, the place of her shame. She publicly testifies about Jesus, inviting those who likely scorned her to “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did” (John 4:29). Her shame is transformed into testimony. The intellectual deflection vanishes, replaced by vulnerable witness. The isolation shatters as she re-engages with her community, now not as an object of scorn but as a bearer of astonishing news. Jesus met her fractured self at the point of her deepest shame and loneliness. By offering living water – acceptance, true identity, and purpose found in him – he didn’t just give her theological answers; he healed her soul, reintegrated her into community, and redeemed her painful past into a powerful story of grace. Her redemption was psychological (healing shame, restoring self-worth), social (ending isolation, reintegrating her), and spiritual (finding true life and purpose in the Messiah). The woman at the well stands as a timeless testament to the power of being truly seen and loved, transforming isolation into connection and shame into purpose.

© Claretian Publications, Macau
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

樂仁聖經人物心理特徵(4):匝加利亞

聖經人物心理特徵(4)
匝加利亞的沉默:信仰與懷疑的旅程

Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

焚香的餘香縈繞在空氣中,匝加利亞獨自佇立於聖殿,雙手微微顫抖著履行司祭職責。歲月雖給了他智慧,卻也帶來苦澀的渴望——他與依撒伯爾祈求子嗣多年,禱聲始終未蒙應允。他以為自己已然接受了這個事實。然而心底深處,寂靜的悲傷已悄然紮根,偽裝成信仰的順從。
就在這寂靜中,一道身影浮現。光芒四射、威嚴凜然的身影立於眼前。匝加利亞喉間驟然窒息——經書裡記載過這樣的相遇,他卻從未想過自己會親歷。

“不要害怕,匝加利亞”天使的聲音既溫柔又堅定,“你的祈禱已蒙應允。你的妻子依撒伯爾將為你生一個兒子,你要給他起名叫若翰。”依撒伯爾的心怦怦直跳。兒子?現在?在他們年邁之時?這消息如巨浪般撞擊著他理智的防線。他早已接受自己無緣為人父的事實。然而此刻,天主的使者竟在此宣告這不可能之事。

“我怎能確信此事?”他聲音裡帶著懷疑,”我已年邁,妻子也年事已高。”
天使的目光毫不動搖:“我是侍立天主前的加俾額爾!奉命向你傳報這喜訊。但因你不信我的話,你將不能說話,直到這事過去。”話音剛落,匝加利亞周圍的世界驟然陷入死寂。

匝加利亞回到家中,不能承受之神聖相遇壓在他的胸口。雙手微微顫抖,嘴唇微張似要開口——卻發不出聲。寂靜令人窒息,但這份寂靜是他此刻唯一的依靠。
依撒伯爾從勞作中轉過身,看見丈夫時眼中閃過喜色。可當她望見他那張蒼白、茫然卻又奇異地發光的臉時,笑容凝固了。依撒伯爾:(關切)匝加利亞?怎麼了?你看起來……不一樣。匝加利亞張口欲言,卻只吐出空氣。他緊咬牙關,眼中閃過挫敗。他手舞足蹈地比劃著,先指向天空,又指向胸口,最後比劃出懷抱嬰兒的姿勢。

依撒伯爾眉頭緊蹙。“你說什麼?”她低聲問道,腳步悄然靠近。匝加利亞抓起石板,顫抖著提筆寫道:“天使顯現。說我們將得一子。我懷疑了。如今我不能說話。”

依撒伯爾倒吸一口涼氣,雙手捂住嘴唇。“兒子?”她聲音顫抖地輕聲重複。“匝加利亞,你是說——這麼多年後——天主終於俯允我們了?”

匝加利亞點頭,眼神裡滿是渴求理解與信任的哀求。

依撒伯爾屏住呼吸。她曾為這一刻祈禱,在寂靜的深夜裡期盼著。而此刻,它終於降臨——裹挾著神秘,帶著神聖的干預,還有丈夫沉默的苦楚。
她伸手輕撫他的臉頰。“你曾懷疑,”她低語著,聲音裡悲傷與愛意交織,“但上主並未拋棄我們。”

匝加利亞的眼睛泛著淚光。他畢生侍奉天主,卻在奇跡面前動搖過。此刻他被困在沉默中,只能傾聽、觀察、毫無保留地相信。

依撒伯爾握住他的雙手,按在自己胸口。“我們會等待,”她堅定地說,“時機到來時,你將重獲言語。而你會給他取名若翰。”

匝加利亞緩緩吐氣,雙肩鬆弛下來。他曾動搖,依撒伯爾卻始終堅信。她承載著他遺失的信仰,在她堅定不移的信念中,他找到了救贖。

日復一日,數周流逝,匝加利亞始終沉默。失語不僅是困擾——它如鏡子般映照出他的懷疑,迫使他直面自己曾宣揚的信仰。他看著依撒伯爾滿溢的喜悅,看著她對應許的堅定信念,自己懷疑的重擔便壓得他喘不過氣。

畢生侍奉上主的他,面對奇跡竟心生動搖。難道他的信仰只是儀式?難道他將慣例誤作信任?

隨著依撒伯爾腹中的胎兒日漸長大,匝加利亞的領悟也日益加深。他的沉默化作沉思的時光,成為蛻變的歷程。他以嶄新的視角審視世界——在無言中,他傾聽得更深,觀察得更細,感受得更真。他終於明白,信仰並非關乎確定性,而是關乎全然的順服。

依撒伯爾分娩之日終於到來。全家歡欣鼓舞,為孩子取名的時刻也隨之降臨。第八日,他們帶著嬰兒前往聖殿行割禮。聖殿庭院裡充滿低語與期待,親友鄰里與祭司們齊聚於此,見證依撒伯爾新生兒子的割禮儀式。按傳統,孩子應隨父名——匝加利亞,這名字承載著尊榮與血脈傳承。

伊莉莎白將嬰兒緊緊擁在懷中,以沉靜而堅定的語氣宣告:“他的名字叫若翰。”

人群中泛起一陣困惑的漣漪。“若翰?”有人重複道,“但你們家族裡沒人叫這個名字。”長老們轉向匝加利亞,期待他糾正妻子的說法。他沉默了數月,聲音被疑慮奪走。此刻,眾人靜待他的決定。

匝加利亞仍無法開口,伸手示意要一塊石板。他穩穩地寫下:“他的名字叫若翰。” 字跡顯現的瞬間,會場霎時寂靜。接著——匝加利亞的雙唇微微張開。
“以色列的上主當受稱頌!”他聲音洪亮清晰,打破數月沉寂。他開口首言並非解釋,亦非悔恨,而是讚美。

眾人驚歎。“他說話了!”人們敬畏地低語,“這孩子註定要成為什麼人物?”
匝加利亞被天主的德能所震撼,繼續宣告:他預言兒子的使命,預言將臨的救贖,預言上主的慈愛。昔日的懷疑已被堅定信心取代,昔日的沉默化作宣告之聲。

若翰的名字並非循規蹈矩,乃是神聖的詔令。就在那一刻,匝加利亞重獲新生。

匝加利亞的故事是關於蛻變的篇章。他本是信徒,卻在奇跡面前陷入懷疑。沉默迫使他自我審視,最終領悟了全然信靠的真諦。他不僅得子,更重獲新生——那份不再猶豫的堅定信仰,那次重拾信心的契機。

© 全屬於禰 & 樂仁出版社(中國澳門)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

乐仁圣经人物心理特征(4):匝加利亚

圣经人物心理特征(4)
匝加利亚的沉默:信仰与怀疑的旅程

Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

焚香的余香萦绕在空气中,匝加利亚独自伫立于圣殿,双手微微颤抖着履行司祭职责。岁月虽给了他智慧,却也带来苦涩的渴望——他与依撒伯尔祈求子嗣多年,祷声始终未蒙应允。他以为自己已然接受了这个事实。然而心底深处,寂静的悲伤已悄然扎根,伪装成信仰的顺从。
就在这寂静中,一道身影浮现。光芒四射、威严凛然的身影立于眼前。匝加利亚喉间骤然窒息——经书里记载过这样的相遇,他却从未想过自己会亲历。

“不要害怕,匝加利亚”天使的声音既温柔又坚定,“你的祈祷已蒙应允。你的妻子依撒伯尔将为你生一个儿子,你要给他起名叫若翰。”依撒伯尔的心怦怦直跳。儿子?现在?在他们年迈之时?这消息如巨浪般撞击着他理智的防线。他早已接受自己无缘为人父的事实。然而此刻,天主的使者竟在此宣告这不可能之事。

“我怎能确信此事?”他声音里带着怀疑,”我已年迈,妻子也年事已高。”
天使的目光毫不动摇:“我是侍立天主前的加俾额尔!奉命向你传报这喜讯。但因你不信我的话,你将不能说话,直到这事过去。”话音刚落,匝加利亚周围的世界骤然陷入死寂。

匝加利亚回到家中,不能承受之神圣相遇压在他的胸口。双手微微颤抖,嘴唇微张似要开口——却发不出声。寂静令人窒息,但这份寂静是他此刻唯一的依靠。
依撒伯尔从劳作中转过身,看见丈夫时眼中闪过喜色。可当她望见他那张苍白、茫然却又奇异地发光的脸时,笑容凝固了。依撒伯尔:(关切)匝加利亚?怎么了?你看起来……不一样。匝加利亚张口欲言,却只吐出空气。他紧咬牙关,眼中闪过挫败。他手舞足蹈地比划着,先指向天空,又指向胸口,最后比划出怀抱婴儿的姿势。

依撒伯尔眉头紧蹙。“你说什么?”她低声问道,脚步悄然靠近。匝加利亚抓起石板,颤抖着提笔写道:“天使显现。说我们将得一子。我怀疑了。如今我不能说话。”

依撒伯尔倒吸一口凉气,双手捂住嘴唇。“儿子?”她声音颤抖地轻声重复。“匝加利亚,你是说——这么多年后——天主终于俯允我们了?”

匝加利亚点头,眼神里满是渴求理解与信任的哀求。

依撒伯尔屏住呼吸。她曾为这一刻祈祷,在寂静的深夜里期盼着。而此刻,它终于降临——裹挟着神秘,带着神圣的干预,还有丈夫沉默的苦楚。
她伸手轻抚他的脸颊。“你曾怀疑,”她低语着,声音里悲伤与爱意交织,“但上主并未抛弃我们。”

匝加利亚的眼睛泛着泪光。他毕生侍奉天主,却在奇迹面前动摇过。此刻他被困在沉默中,只能倾听、观察、毫无保留地相信。

依撒伯尔握住他的双手,按在自己胸口。“我们会等待,”她坚定地说,“时机到来时,你将重获言语。而你会给他取名若翰。”

匝加利亚缓缓吐气,双肩松弛下来。他曾动摇,依撒伯尔却始终坚信。她承载着他遗失的信仰,在她坚定不移的信念中,他找到了救赎。

日复一日,数周流逝,匝加利亚始终沉默。失语不仅是困扰——它如镜子般映照出他的怀疑,迫使他直面自己曾宣扬的信仰。他看着依撒伯尔满溢的喜悦,看着她对应许的坚定信念,自己怀疑的重担便压得他喘不过气。

毕生侍奉上主的他,面对奇迹竟心生动摇。难道他的信仰只是仪式?难道他将惯例误作信任?

随着依撒伯尔腹中的胎儿日渐长大,匝加利亚的领悟也日益加深。他的沉默化作沉思的时光,成为蜕变的历程。他以崭新的视角审视世界——在无言中,他倾听得更深,观察得更细,感受得更真。他终于明白,信仰并非关乎确定性,而是关乎全然的顺服。

依撒伯尔分娩之日终于到来。全家欢欣鼓舞,为孩子取名的时刻也随之降临。第八日,他们带着婴儿前往圣殿行割礼。圣殿庭院里充满低语与期待,亲友邻里与祭司们齐聚于此,见证依撒伯尔新生儿子的割礼仪式。按传统,孩子应随父名——匝加利亚,这名字承载着尊荣与血脉传承。

伊丽莎白将婴儿紧紧拥在怀中,以沉静而坚定的语气宣告:“他的名字叫若翰。”

人群中泛起一阵困惑的涟漪。“若翰?”有人重复道,“但你们家族里没人叫这个名字。”长老们转向匝加利亚,期待他纠正妻子的说法。他沉默了数月,声音被疑虑夺走。此刻,众人静待他的决定。

匝加利亚仍无法开口,伸手示意要一块石板。他稳稳地写下:“他的名字叫若翰。” 字迹显现的瞬间,会场霎时寂静。接着——匝加利亚的双唇微微张开。
“以色列的上主当受称颂!”他声音洪亮清晰,打破数月沉寂。他开口首言并非解释,亦非悔恨,而是赞美。

众人惊叹。“他说话了!”人们敬畏地低语,“这孩子注定要成为什么人物?”
匝加利亚被天主的德能所震撼,继续宣告:他预言儿子的使命,预言将临的救赎,预言上主的慈爱。昔日的怀疑已被坚定信心取代,昔日的沉默化作宣告之声。

若翰的名字并非循规蹈矩,乃是神圣的诏令。就在那一刻,匝加利亚重获新生。

匝加利亚的故事是关于蜕变的篇章。他本是信徒,却在奇迹面前陷入怀疑。沉默迫使他自我审视,最终领悟了全然信靠的真谛。他不仅得子,更重获新生——那份不再犹豫的坚定信仰,那次重拾信心的契机。

© 全属于祢 & 乐仁出版社(中国澳门)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

Psychological Profile of Biblical Characters(4) :Zechariah

The Silence of Zechariah: A Journey of Faith and Doubt

Fr. Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

The scent of burning incense lingered in the air as Zechariah stood alone in the temple, his hands trembling slightly as he performed his priestly duties. The years had been kind to him in wisdom but cruel in longing—he and Elizabeth had prayed for a child, yet their prayers had remained unanswered. He had accepted it, or so he thought. But deep within, a quiet sorrow had settled, a resignation masked as faith.
Then, in the stillness, a presence emerged. A figure, radiant and commanding, stood before him. Zechariah’s breath caught in his throat. He had read of such encounters, but never had he imagined one for himself.
“Do not be afraid, Zechariah,” the angel spoke, his voice both gentle and firm. “Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call him John.” Zechariah’s heart pounded. A son? Now? In their old age? The words clashed against the walls of reason in his mind. He had long accepted that fatherhood was beyond him. And yet, here stood a messenger of God, declaring the impossible.
“How can I be sure of this?” he asked, his voice laced with doubt. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”
The angel’s gaze did not waver. “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and bring you this good news. But because you did not believe my words, you will be silent until the day they come to pass.” And just like that, the world around Zechariah fell into silence.
Zechariah returned home, the weight of the divine encounter pressing against his chest. His hands trembled slightly, his lips parted as if to speak—but no sound came. The silence was suffocating, yet it was the only thing he had now.
Elizabeth turned from her work, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her husband. But the moment she saw his face—pale, bewildered, yet strangely radiant—her smile faltered. Elizabeth: (concerned) Zechariah? What is it? You look… different. Zechariah opened his mouth, but only air escaped. He clenched his jaw, frustration flickering in his eyes. He gestured wildly, pointing to the sky, then to his chest, then miming a child in his arms.

Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. “What are you saying?” she whispered, stepping closer. Zechariah grabbed a tablet and, with shaking hands, began to write: “An angel appeared. Said we will have a son. I doubted. Now I cannot speak.”

Elizabeth gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. “A son?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Zechariah, are you saying—after all these years—God has answered us?”
Zechariah nodded, his eyes pleading for understanding, for belief.
Elizabeth’s breath hitched. She had prayed for this moment, longed for it in the quiet hours of the night. And now, here it was—wrapped in mystery, in divine intervention, in her husband’s silent suffering.
She reached for him, cupping his face gently. “You doubted,” she murmured, sadness and love mingling in her voice. “But God has not abandoned us.”
Zechariah’s eyes glistened. He had spent his life in service to God, yet when faced with a miracle, he had faltered. And now, he was trapped in silence, forced to listen, to observe, to believe without question.
Elizabeth took his hands, pressing them against her heart. “We will wait,” she said firmly. “And when the time comes, you will speak again. And you will name him John.”
Zechariah exhaled, his shoulders relaxing. He had doubted, but Elizabeth had not. She carried the faith he had lost, and in her unwavering belief, he found his own redemption.
Days turned into weeks, and Zechariah remained mute. The absence of his voice was more than an inconvenience—it was a mirror reflecting his doubt, forcing him to confront the very faith he had preached. He watched Elizabeth’s joy, her unwavering belief in the promise, and he felt the weight of his own skepticism.
He had spent his life in service to God, yet when faced with a miracle, he had faltered. Was his faith merely ritual? Had he mistaken routine for trust?

As Elizabeth’s belly grew, so did Zechariah’s understanding. His silence became a time of reflection, a period of transformation. He saw the world differently—without words, he listened more, observed more, felt more. He realized that faith was not about certainty, but about surrender.
The day came when Elizabeth bore their son. The household rejoiced, and the time arrived to name the child. On the 8th day, they took the child to the temple for circumcision. The courtyard of the temple was filled with murmurs and anticipation. Family, neighbors, and priests had gathered for the circumcision of Elizabeth’s newborn son. According to tradition, the child would be named after his father—Zechariah, a name of honor and lineage.
Elizabeth, holding the infant close, spoke with quiet certainty. “His name shall be John.”

A ripple of confusion spread through the crowd. “John?” someone echoed. “But none of your family bears that name.” The elders turned to Zechariah, expecting him to correct his wife. He had been silent for months, his voice stolen by doubt. Now, they waited for his decision.
Zechariah, still unable to speak, gestured for a tablet. With steady hands, he wrote: “His name is John.” The moment the words were revealed, a hush fell over the gathering. And then—Zechariah’s lips parted.
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel!” His voice rang out, strong and clear, breaking months of silence. His first words were not of explanation, nor of regret, but of praise.
The people gasped. “He speaks!” they whispered in awe. “What is this child destined to be?”
Zechariah, overwhelmed by the power of God, continued to speak. He prophesied of his son’s purpose, of the salvation to come, of the mercy of the Lord. His doubt had been replaced with unwavering faith, his silence with proclamation.
John had been named—not by tradition, but by divine command. And in that moment, Zechariah was restored.

Zechariah’s story is one of transformation. He was a man of faith, yet he struggled with doubt when faced with the miraculous. His silence forced him into introspection, leading him to a deeper understanding of trust and surrender. In the end, he was not just given a son—he was given a renewed faith, a second chance to believe without hesitation.

© Claretian Publications, Macau
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

乐仁圣经人物心理特征(3):伯多禄

圣经人物心理特征(3)
伯多禄
渔夫和木匠之子

Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

太阳刚刚升起,柔光洒在革乃撒勒湖的水面上。西满坐在他的船上,脸上的皱纹显出他明显的疲惫,他的双手因多年拉网变得粗糙。他紧紧握着船上破旧的边缘,凝望着空空荡荡的海面。这一夜毫无收获,一条鱼也没有捕到。水面冷酷的寂静嘲弄他辛苦的付出。

随后,一个声音来到。

一个木匠的儿子——年轻却威风凛凛——站在岸边。他们称他为纳匝肋人耶稣。西满曾听人在闲谈中说起祂:祂是一个医治病患者,是一个宣讲者,可是,祂怎会懂得捕鱼呢?

耶稣说:把船划向深处,撒你的网捕鱼。

西满沮丧着嗤笑一声。这个人难到没有看到那些空船吗?难道祂不知道,海里根本没有鱼吗?

“老师”西满抱怨着,揉了揉酸痛的手掌:“我们整夜工作,可是,我们什么都没有捕到。可是 ……”他强迫自己服从 :“既然祢这么说,我就去撒网。”

西满极不情愿地撒网。他的内心依旧抗拒(这太愚蠢了,毫无意义)。然而,船身突然一晃,网剧烈抖动,紧绷起来,收获多得难以置信。网里的网比任何时候看到的都多,溢了出来。他的心砰砰直跳,呼唤雅各伯和若望来帮忙。他们的船几乎沉了。

西满跪在耶稣跟前,睁大眼睛,既惊奇又恐惧。他心中的怀疑在奇迹的重压下土崩瓦解。

“主,离开我吧;我是个罪人!”西满低声说,难以禁受。这的老师,注定不平常。这超越他的洞察 ,祂是一个能掌控人肺腑的人。

然而,耶稣微笑,目光坚定,祂的眼睛没有批判,只有召叫。祂说:“不要怕,从现在开始,你要做捕人的渔夫。”

西满知道,在那一时刻,他再也无法回头,他再也不能如同过去那样,做一个普通的渔夫了。他留下了网,抛下了船,跟随那改变祂一切的人而去。

从一开始,伯多禄是一个现实主义者,艰苦的捕鱼劳动,塑造了他的生活。他务实,因经验变得坚强,不易动摇。在经历了一个疲惫且徒劳无功的夜晚以后,耶稣要他去撒网的时候,他最初的反应是怀疑和沮丧(参看:路5:5)他的不情愿并非源于反抗,而是根深蒂固的实用主义,他对捕鱼了如指掌,逻辑告诉他,他的努力都是徒劳的。

他是一个怀疑论者,只相信实际的事物。伯多禄不盲目接受新思想:他要求,先有证据,他才会相信。他出于本性回应耶稣,他的回应透露出疲惫和轻微的恼怒,展现出他未经过滤,直抒胸臆的性格。

这就是伯多禄蒙召的情形。当我们在福音的最后几幕看到他的时候,他已经变成一个完全不同的人。想想那个场景。

这很可能还是同一个地点,而且是比他首次与耶稣相遇时更早的清晨。加里肋亚海的上空,天空被橙色和金色的色调所渲染,为太阳的升起做准备。西满伯多禄紧握着木船的边缘,感受着老茧和船身的摩擦。他的一生都在这水面上航行,了解水的习性,熟悉它的静默。

然后,耶稣出现,祂的言辞如火,行动如水,难以预测,无情,温柔。

“跟随我。”耶稣说:“我要使你成为捕人的渔夫。”

伯多禄服从了。他亲眼看到发生的奇迹 :瞎子复明,死人复活,只凭几片饼就喂饱了饥肠辘辘的人。他自己也在水面上走了一会儿。可是,他的信德动摇,开始下沉。

现在,多年以后,复活已经到来 —— 那不可能的事情成了可能。可是,伯多禄感受到的,不是坚信,而是难以言喻的空虚。

他真的配得上吗?他失败过很多次吗?

他心中仍萦绕着否认的沉重感——那是公鸡啼叫时第三次背叛的苦涩滋味。

于是,他回归过去的生活,捕鱼和他熟悉的生活。他例行公事,把网撒向深处,看着它沉入冰冷的水中。可是,他感到这比以往更沉重,不是因为鱼,而是因为疑虑。

难道他真的注定承担更多吗?接着,从岸边传来一个声音。一个他熟悉的声音。那声音说:“把网撒到船的右边,你就会找到更多鱼。”伯多禄的呼吸卡在喉咙里,他的心中产生疑虑。这怎么可能?伯多禄颤抖着双手,顺从了。

渔网再次紧绷 —— 奇迹再次上演。鱼如同先前那样涌来。那一刻,伯多禄明白了。这与水无关,而是与鱼有关。这也与风暴无关。这与圣召相关。

他眼含热泪,步伐急促,毅然跳入海中。朝岸边游去。船很慢,他等不及了。

耶稣站在那里。火噼啪作响,鱼被火烤得滋洋作响。等待。接纳,复原。

耶稣问:“若望的儿子西满,你爱我吗?”这些话令他深受触动,这话不是要指责他,而是要使他复原。伯多禄轻声说:“是的,主。”“喂养我的羊。”就这样,他明白了。他注定不再重返大海,不再作为捕鱼的渔夫。他注定要撒网捕心,聚集灵魂,领导羊群。大海曾是他的家,可是,他的志向远在波涛之外。

他站在那里,感受着火光温暖地照在他的皮肤上,做出了一个要永远改变世界的决定。他决定再次跟随耶稣。

伯多禄在否认耶稣之后,迎来了最重要的时刻,他顺从了。公鸡啼叫的时候,他记起耶稣说过的话,痛苦的哭泣。(参看:路22:61-62)他的失败让他崩溃。他心想:“我曾发誓,永不背弃祂。我曾发誓,站在他身边。然而,我失败了。我辜负了祂。我不是领袖,我不是门徒。我什么都不是。”

救主复活以后,伯多禄重拾了捕鱼生涯,并非出于热爱,而是因为他心灰意冷。他觉得自己失去了人生目标。可是,随后,耶稣出现在岸边,再次上演网满的奇迹。

那时候,耶稣三次问伯多禄:你爱我吗?伯多禄明白,这是他的重生。他的顺从,不再是屈服,而是接纳。他放下了自己的骄傲,恐惧和对掌控的需要。他接纳了自己的圣召。

伯多禄的旅途充满不情愿,抵抗和顺从,这是一场深刻的人生困境。他多疑,冲动,惯于自保,不完全。他的皈依,意义深刻。他不是被动顺从,而是主动选择相信,去引领,完全追随基督。

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