Coffee with God:August 12, 2025

Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Religious
Matthew 18:1-5, 10,12-14
Your angel – a companion on the journey of life

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us of something both tender and powerful: each of us has an angel who sees the face of God (Mt 18:10). What a profound gift! From the moment of our birth, the Lord gives us a companion—our guardian angel—to guide us, protect us, and draw us ever closer to Him.

Life is a journey, and it can be difficult. We face dangers along the way: fear, discouragement, temptation, even the paralysis of comfort. Some people never begin the journey—they bury their gifts, avoid risk, and cling to false peace. But like stagnant water that breeds decay, a life without movement becomes lifeless. God does not call us to stand still. He calls us to walk, to grow, to risk love.

Here, our angels play a vital role. They are “special helpers” God sends before us, to light the path and guard us when we are tempted to go astray or lost in confusion. But we must listen. The Lord says, “Hearken to his voice, and do not rebel against him.” Do we ever speak to our angel? Ask for help? Allow ourselves to be led, like a child trusting a loving hand?

Your angel is not only beside you; your angel also looks upon the face of God. He is your daily link between earth and heaven—a bridge from the ordinary to the divine. Every morning, every night, your angel is present, quietly guiding, always praying for you.

Let us thank God today for this humble, heavenly companion. Let us not walk alone. And let us never forget: we are never without help, never without hope. Our angel walks with us, showing the way to the Father.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

與主嘆啡:2025年8月11日

亞西西的聖加辣(貞女)
福音:瑪17:22-27
你承受什麼,他們說什麼,你可能錯過什麼

生活常給我們帶來三樣挑戰:我們自己的痛苦,他人的評斷,忘記我們已經擁有的美麗的風險。

首先是我們承受的痛苦。耶穌知道等待祂的是什麼,於是,祂告訴門徒實情,他們很是憂愁,我們和他們一樣,也承受著傷痛,遺憾和無聲的負擔。這些常常使我們也不能寐。如果我們不談論它們,它們就以有害的方式爆發:比如,我們會動怒,感到孤立,甚至上癮。可是,我們所談論的一切,都有治癒的可能。與某人交談,真誠祈禱。不要讓痛苦在靜默中化膿。

第二:生活中的“稅吏”,他們是一旁觀望,批評和評斷我們的人。他們可能會說:“你不應該做這事”或“你不屬於這裡。”可是,他們的評斷,不是最終定論。天主看到你的心,就憐憫你。不要讓別人的觀點,給你下定義。你要接近那個不輕易動怒,富於憐憫的人。

第三:我們有可能錯過那在我們身邊的美。儒略(Julius)和他農場的故事提醒我們的:忘記我們已經擁有的價值觀,多麼容易。有時候,我們時常探尋那在我們面前正確的事物 —— 我們的召叫,我們的家庭,我們的信仰,我們內心的平靜。也許我們會因此失掉分辨力。

今天,讓我們勇敢面對我們的痛苦,無視那些不必要的判斷,重新審視我們的生活中,天主賜給我們的恩典。天主與我們同行,祂醫治我們,捍衛我們的尊嚴,使我們的眼睛向喜樂敞開。

交談,信賴,重新發現。要記得:在天主眼中,你從未被遺忘,永遠不被定罪,永遠被愛。

©全属于祢 & 樂仁出版社(中國香港)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

与主叹啡:2025年8月11日

亚西西的圣加辣(贞女)
福音:玛17:22-27
你承受什么,他们说什么,你可能错过什么

生活常给我们带来三样挑战:我们自己的痛苦,他人的评断,忘记我们已经拥有的美丽的风险。

首先是我们承受的痛苦。耶稣知道等待祂的是什么,于是,祂告诉门徒实情,他们很是忧愁,我们和他们一样,也承受着伤痛,遗憾和无声的负担。这些常常使我们也不能寐。如果我们不谈论它们,它们就以有害的方式爆发:比如,我们会动怒,感到孤立,甚至上瘾。可是,我们所谈论的一切,都有治愈的可能。与某人交谈,真诚祈祷。不要让痛苦在静默中化脓。

第二:生活中的“税吏”,他们是一旁观望,批评和评断我们的人。他们可能会说:“你不应该做这事”或“你不属于这里。”可是,他们的评断,不是最终定论。天主看到你的心,就怜悯你。不要让别人的观点,给你下定义。你要接近那个不轻易动怒,富于怜悯的人。

第三:我们有可能错过那在我们身边的美。儒略(Julius)和他农场的故事提醒我们的:忘记我们已经拥有的价值观,多么容易。有时候,我们时常探寻那在我们面前正确的事物 —— 我们的召叫,我们的家庭,我们的信仰,我们内心的平静。也许我们会因此失掉分辨力。

今天,让我们勇敢面对我们的痛苦,无视那些不必要的判断,重新审视我们的生活中,天主赐给我们的恩典。天主与我们同行,祂医治我们,捍卫我们的尊严,使我们的眼睛向喜乐敞开。

交谈,信赖,重新发现。要记得:在天主眼中,你从未被遗忘,永远不被定罪,永远被爱。

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

Coffee with God:August 11, 2025

Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin
Matthew 17: 22-27
What you carry, what they say, and what you might miss

Life often presents us with three challenges: our own pain, others’ judgment, and the risk of forgetting the beauty we already possess.

First, there is the pain we carry. Jesus, knowing what awaited Him, told His disciples the truth—and they were overwhelmed with grief. Like them, we carry wounds, regrets, and silent burdens that often keep us awake at night. When we don’t speak about them, they erupt in harmful ways—through anger, isolation, or even addiction. But everything that is spoken about has the chance to be healed. Talk to someone. Pray honestly. Don’t let pain fester in silence.

Second, there are the “tax collectors” of life—the critics who watch and judge from the sidelines. They may say, “You shouldn’t have done that,” or “You don’t belong here.” But their judgment is not the final word. God sees your heart and responds with mercy. Don’t let others’ opinions define you. Stay close to the One who is slow to anger and rich in compassion.

Third, we risk missing the beauty around us. The story of Julius and his farm reminds us how easy it is to forget the value of what we already have. Sometimes, what we’re searching for is right in front of us—our calling, our family, our faith, our inner peace. Perhaps we’ve just lost perspective.

Today, let us face our grief with courage, disregard the voices of unnecessary judgment, and take a fresh look at the gifts already present in our lives. God walks with us through it all—offering healing, defending our dignity, and opening our eyes to joy.

Speak. Trust. Rediscover. And remember: in God’s eyes, you are never forgotten, never condemned, and always loved.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

與主嘆啡:2025年8月10日

常年期第十九主日
福音:路12:32-48
投資於愛:唯一永存的寶藏

上主日的福音經文提醒我們:相信財富,是愚蠢的。那個囤積財富的富人,失去了一切。今天,耶穌繼續這個對話,而且,祂令我們感到驚喜,祂邀請我們:不要害怕。為什麼要用這個開始對話呢?因為祂的提議挑戰了我們了直覺。這與宗教禮儀或敬禮無關;這關乎我們如何處理我們的財產,金錢和才幹 —— 我們深深依戀的東西。

耶穌對祂“小小的羊群”說話,就是對那些真正追隨祂的人說話,而不是對大家說話。耶穌對這些值得信賴的朋友提出一項激進的投資:不是要投資於股票或存儲,而是投資於愛。祂敦促我們不要把我們的財產用於囤積,而是用於服務。慷慨的施捨,並不魯莽,而是明智。因為愛 —— 藉著慈悲善工 —— 不能被偷走或貶值。房屋,土地,財富,都有貶值可能,可是,愛的行為,在天主的國,永遠回蕩。

耶穌用了一個比喻說明這一點:一個主人離開,去赴婚宴,把家託付給自己的僕人。這些僕人必須保持警醒,點著燈,系著束腰外衣,隨時準備好服務。房子是基督徒團體,這個團體,不是由主人或老闆組成的,而是由僕人所組成的。沒有頭銜或自負的空間,只用服務的空間。基督徒必須隨時做好準備,不是為了自己的利益,而是為了在別人敲門的時候,常以愛作為回應。

主人什麼時候回來呢?一個驚人的逆轉:祂服務自己的僕人。這就是福音經文的核心。在耶穌內的天主,不是一個離我們很遠的天主,而是一位來擦乾我們眼淚的天主。祂來,不為索取,只為賞賜。這個形象顛覆了人們對權力的一切看法。

可是,耶穌也警告我們:會有盜賊來到。那來的,不是死亡,而是突然來到的機會,考驗我們是否準備好施捨。一個尋求幫助的窮人,一個我們原諒他人的機會,一個蒙召服務的機會。如果我們善用我們的寶藏,盜賊一樣都拿不走。因為我們把所有的一切都投入到愛中。

耶穌對那些被託付了更多職責的人,也就那些領導人,牧者,服務人員直言。他們不是主人,而是管家,他們的工作,就是要以關懷和謙遜,使團體得到滋養。然而,其中也暗藏危險:當領導的人,如果忘記自己是僕人,那時候,他們就違背了自己的使命。耶穌用嚴厲的話,不是了譴責他們,而是為了喚醒我們對福音經文的認識。

今天的福音經文挑戰我們所有人:你的財富在哪裡?你拿天主賜給你的一切做了什麼?

讓我們總不懼怕施捨。讓我們不要拖延去愛。讓我們保持醒寤,點著燈,準備好我們的心。每一次敲門,每一次面對那些有需要的人,都是基督來了。

主來到的時候,發現那些醒著的僕人,真是有福。

©全属于祢 & 樂仁出版社(中國香港)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

与主叹啡:2025年8月10日

常年期第十九主日
福音:路12:32-48
投资于爱:唯一永存的宝藏

上主日的福音经文提醒我们:相信财富,是愚蠢的。那个囤积财富的富人,失去了一切。今天,耶稣继续这个对话,而且,祂令我们感到惊喜,祂邀请我们:不要害怕。为什么要用这个开始对话呢?因为祂的提议挑战了我们了直觉。这与宗教礼仪或敬礼无关;这关乎我们如何处理我们的财产,金钱和才干 —— 我们深深依恋的东西。

耶稣对祂“小小的羊群”说话,就是对那些真正追随祂的人说话,而不是对大家说话。耶稣对这些值得信赖的朋友提出一项激进的投资:不是要投资于股票或存储,而是投资于爱。祂敦促我们不要把我们的财产用于囤积,而是用于服务。慷慨的施舍,并不鲁莽,而是明智。因为爱 —— 藉着慈悲善工 —— 不能被偷走或贬值。房屋,土地,财富,都有贬值可能,可是,爱的行为,在天主的国,永远回荡。

耶稣用了一个比喻说明这一点:一个主人离开,去赴婚宴,把家托付给自己的仆人。这些仆人必须保持警醒,点着灯,系着束腰外衣,随时准备好服务。房子是基督徒团体,这个团体,不是由主人或老板组成的,而是由仆人所组成的。没有头衔或自负的空间,只用服务的空间。基督徒必须随时做好准备,不是为了自己的利益,而是为了在别人敲门的时候,常以爱作为回应。

主人什么时候回来呢?一个惊人的逆转:祂服务自己的仆人。这就是福音经文的核心。在耶稣内的天主,不是一个离我们很远的天主,而是一位来擦干我们眼泪的天主。祂来,不为索取,只为赏赐。这个形象颠覆了人们对权力的一切看法。

可是,耶稣也警告我们:会有盗贼来到。那来的,不是死亡,而是突然来到的机会,考验我们是否准备好施舍。一个寻求帮助的穷人,一个我们原谅他人的机会,一个蒙召服务的机会。如果我们善用我们的宝藏,盗贼一样都拿不走。因为我们把所有的一切都投入到爱中。

耶稣对那些被托付了更多职责的人,也就那些领导人,牧者,服务人员直言。他们不是主人,而是管家,他们的工作,就是要以关怀和谦逊,使团体得到滋养。然而,其中也暗藏危险:当领导的人,如果忘记自己是仆人,那时候,他们就违背了自己的使命。耶稣用严厉的话,不是了谴责他们,而是为了唤醒我们对福音经文的认识。

今天的福音经文挑战我们所有人:你的财富在哪里?你拿天主赐给你的一切做了什么?

让我们总不惧怕施舍。让我们不要拖延去爱。让我们保持醒寤,点着灯,准备好我们的心。每一次敲门,每一次面对那些有需要的人,都是基督来了。

主来到的时候,发现那些醒着的仆人,真是有福。

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

Coffee with God:August 10, 2025

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 12: 32-48
Invest in Love: the only treasure that lasts

Last Sunday’s Gospel warned us about the foolishness of placing our trust in possessions. The rich farmer who hoarded his harvest lost everything in an instant. Today, Jesus continues the conversation—but with a surprising invitation: “Do not be afraid.” Why begin with this? Because what He proposes challenges our instincts. It’s not about religious rituals or devotions; it’s about how we handle our possessions, money, and talents—things we deeply cling to.

Jesus addresses His “little flock,” the ones who truly follow Him, not the crowds. To these trusted friends, He proposes a radical investment: not in stocks or storage, but in love. He urges us to use our possessions not for hoarding, but for serving. To give generously is not reckless; it is wise. Why? Because only love—lived through charity—cannot be stolen or devalued. Houses, lands, and wealth may pass, but acts of love echo eternally in God’s kingdom.

Jesus illustrates this with a parable: a master leaves his house for a wedding feast and entrusts it to his servants. These servants must remain alert, with their lamps lit and tunics tied, ready to serve. The house is the Christian community, made up not of lords or bosses, but of servants. There is no room for titles or self-importance—only service. The Christian must always be ready—not for their own gain—but to respond in love when others knock.

And when the master returns? A stunning reversal: he serves the servants. This is the heart of the Gospel. God, in Jesus, is not a distant master but a servant who wipes our tears, who comes not to take but to give. This image overturns all human ideas of power.

But Jesus warns us, too: the thief will come. Not death, necessarily—but opportunities that arrive suddenly and test whether we’re ready to give. A poor person asking for help. A chance to forgive. A call to serve. If we’ve used our treasures well, there will be nothing left for the thief to take—because we’ve already invested them in love.

To those entrusted with more—leaders, pastors, ministers—Jesus speaks plainly. They are not masters, but stewards. Their job is to nourish the community with care and humility. Yet there is danger here too: pride, power, negligence. When leaders forget they are servants, they betray their calling. Jesus uses harsh language—not to condemn—but to awaken us to the weight of responsibility that comes with knowledge of the Gospel.

Today’s Gospel challenges all of us: Where is your treasure? What are you doing with what God has entrusted to you?

Let us not fear giving. Let us not delay loving. Let us stay awake, with lamps lit and hearts ready. In every knock on the door, in every face of need, it is Christ who comes.

And blessed—yes, truly blessed—are those servants whom the Master finds awake when He comes.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

與主嘆啡:2025年8月9日

常年期第十八周星期六 / 十字德肋撒本篤
福音:瑪17:14-20
藉著祈禱,驅逐邪惡

生活中,我們時常無助。就像今天福音中的那個父親一樣,他把自己受苦的兒子帶到耶穌跟前,我們也承受著親人的痛苦。他的兒子所患的癲癇是一種可怕的疾病,會使他失去控制,摔倒或傷及自己。父親不能幫助他。他站在一邊 —— 愛,痛苦,期待。今天,有多少父母,有多少朋友和家人,熟悉這些無助,這種無聲的痛苦?

可是,我們許多人還攜帶另一種疾病 —— 一種精神癲癇。它不會使身體痙攣,反而會使靈魂痙攣。它會讓人感覺自己毫無價值,認為自己並不重要。它會讓人感到困惑,不穩定,無法開始自己心中的工作。有些人感到無聲,好似天主聽不見他們的哭聲。

對於這一切,耶穌給出了一個溫和,堅定的回答:“把他帶到我這裡來。”因此,我們也必須把自己 —— 正如我們所做的那樣 —— 帶到救主跟前。門徒問耶穌:他們為什麼不能醫治好這個男孩。耶穌明確回答他們說:“只有通過祈禱,才能治好那人。”

是的,祈禱。真誠,誠實,親密的祈禱。即使我們靜靜坐著,讓耶穌滿懷慈愛地看著我們。即使我們所能做的,只是在祂面前哭泣。在那裡,在祈禱中,我們的心會煥然一新。上主俯聽,祂扶助我們。

因此,今天,讓我們不要懼怕祈禱。讓我們把我們的痛苦,懷疑,甚至精神上的錯亂,都交給耶穌。哪裡有祂的愛,哪裡就有力量。只有在祂跟前,才有和平。

因著祈禱,常有治癒的奇跡。

©全属于祢 & 樂仁出版社(中國香港)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025

与主叹啡:2025年8月9日

常年期第十八周星期六 / 十字德肋撒本笃
福音:玛17:14-20
藉着祈祷,驱逐邪恶

生活中,我们时常无助。就像今天福音中的那个父亲一样,他把自己受苦的儿子带到耶稣跟前,我们也承受着亲人的痛苦。他的儿子所患的癫痫是一种可怕的疾病,会使他失去控制,摔倒或伤及自己。父亲不能帮助他。他站在一边 —— 爱,痛苦,期待。今天,有多少父母,有多少朋友和家人,熟悉这些无助,这种无声的痛苦?

可是,我们许多人还携带另一种疾病 —— 一种精神癫痫。它不会使身体痉挛,反而会使灵魂痉挛。它会让人感觉自己毫无价值,认为自己并不重要。它会让人感到困惑,不稳定,无法开始自己心中的工作。有些人感到无声,好似天主听不见他们的哭声。

对于这一切,耶稣给出了一个温和,坚定的回答:“把他带到我这里来。”因此,我们也必须把自己 —— 正如我们所做的那样 —— 带到救主跟前。门徒问耶稣:他们为什么不能医治好这个男孩。耶稣明确回答他们说:“只有通过祈祷,才能治好那人。”

是的,祈祷。真诚,诚实,亲密的祈祷。即使我们静静坐着,让耶稣满怀慈爱地看着我们。即使我们所能做的,只是在祂面前哭泣。在那里,在祈祷中,我们的心会焕然一新。上主俯听,祂扶助我们。

因此,今天,让我们不要惧怕祈祷。让我们把我们的痛苦,怀疑,甚至精神上的错乱,都交给耶稣。哪里有祂的爱,哪里就有力量。只有在祂跟前,才有和平。

因着祈祷,常有治愈的奇迹。

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

Coffee with God:August 9, 2025

Saturday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr
Matthew 17:14-20
Drive the evil out by prayer

There are moments in life when we are simply helpless. Like the father in today’s Gospel, who brings his suffering son to Jesus, we too carry the weight of our loved ones’ pain. His son’s epilepsy, a terrible illness, causes him to lose control, fall, and injure himself. The father cannot help him. He stands by, watching—loving, suffering, and waiting. How many mothers and fathers today, how many friends and family members, know this helplessness, this silent anguish?

But there is another illness that many of us carry—a kind of spiritual epilepsy. It doesn’t convulse the body, but it shakes the soul. It makes people feel worthless, as if they don’t matter. It leaves others confused, unstable, unable to finish what they begin. Some feel voiceless, as if their cry cannot be heard, even by God.

To all of this, Jesus offers a gentle yet firm response: “Bring him here to me.” And so we must bring ourselves, too—just as we are—into the presence of the Lord. The disciples once asked why they couldn’t heal the boy. Jesus said plainly: “This kind can only come out through prayer.”

Yes, prayer. Real, honest, intimate prayer. Even if all we do is sit in silence, letting Jesus look at us with love. Even if all we can do is cry in His presence. There, in prayer, our hearts are restored. The Lord listens. He heals. He lifts us up.

So today, let us not be afraid to pray. Let us bring to Jesus our sufferings, our doubts, even our spiritual chaos. In His love, there is power. In His presence, there is peace.

And in prayer, there is the miracle of healing.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025