Coffee with God: April 14, 2025

Monday of Holy Week
John 12:1-11
The patience of God and our response

As we enter into the depths of Holy Week, we are invited into the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Mary, who has encountered the love of Christ, stands before us as a witness of gratitude and humility. She does not dwell in guilt but rejoices in the mercy she has received. She sees the world through the lens of forgiveness, and like Mary, we are called to recognise the immense gift of God’s mercy.

This week, we also reflect on the patience of Jesus—especially towards Judas. Knowing of his betrayal, Jesus does not expose or condemn him but instead extends patience and love, hoping for his conversion. How often do we test God’s patience with our sins, our doubts, and our failures? Yet, like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, God continues to wait, arms open, always ready to welcome us home. When we contemplate this mystery of divine patience, our hearts should echo a simple but profound prayer: Thank You, Lord.

Judas is a man consumed by material concerns. Do we sometimes fall into the same trap, allowing our worries about finances and worldly possessions to overshadow our faith? Do we calculate and measure everything—even our devotion to God—through the lens of personal gain? Holy Week is a time for honest self-examination.

Finally, let us turn our hearts to the poor. True faith must be expressed in action. This Easter, let us perform concrete acts of love—feeding the hungry, assisting the elderly, and comforting the lonely. May our faith come alive through charity. May this Holy Week be a time of grace.

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

與主嘆啡:2025年4月13日

救主苦難主日/聖枝主日
福音:路22:14-23:56
耶穌,請記得我!

兩種思考方式在加爾瓦略山上碰撞。百姓的領袖嘲笑祂:“如果祂是天主的基督,被揀選的那位,就讓祂救救自己。”(參看:路23:35)士兵與之呼應:“如果禰是猶太人的王,救禰自己吧。”(參看:路23:37節)甚至在祂邊上,被釘在十字架上的一個罪犯,也嘲笑祂說:“禰不是基督嗎?救禰自己吧。”(參看:路23:39)

救你自己。照顧好你自己。想想你自己。這是一個癡迷於自我保護,個人成功和權力的世人的口頭禪。這就是那把耶穌釘在十字架上之人的聲音,也是今天世人普遍的心態。

耶穌反對這種以自我為中心的心態,祂主動舍掉自己,而非拯救自己。在這段福音經文,耶穌只講了三次話,但是,祂沒有給自己辯護。相反,祂向天父祈求,向那表示悔改的強盜表示憐憫。祂的聖言:“父啊,寬恕他們吧”(參看:路23:34)體現了祂使命的核心。

在這痛苦不堪的時刻,出於本能,我們會在痛苦或憤怒中哭泣,但是,耶穌選擇寬恕那些殺害祂的人。祂的愛始終如一,祂的寬恕,堅定不移。這就是我們相信的天主。讓我們凝視被釘在十字架上的基督。祂的寬恕,從祂的傷處流出。因祂所受的苦難,愛凱旋得勝。

在十字架上 ,耶穌完成了祂最具挑戰性的誡命。我們經常沉浸在過去的創傷,以及創傷助長的怨恨中。耶穌邀請我們打破這個迴圈:用愛回應生活中的釘子,用寬恕回應仇恨。我們是以基督為榜樣,還是尋隙報復?這是我們必須自問的問題。

如果我們想知道我們是否真正屬於基督,我們就必須審視我們對待那些冤枉我們之人的方法。耶穌不僅祈求寬恕那些迫害祂的人,還解釋了緣由:“因為他們不知道他們在做什麼。” (參看:路23:34)儘管他們有預謀地施加了暴力,祂卻把他們看成是無知的人。祂繼續充當我們的中保,為我們求得憐憫,而非求得定罪。

罪過往往源於無知。我們訴諸暴力的時候,就是我們忘記天主的愛和他人尊嚴的時候。我們能從心存恐懼,為孩子感到悲傷的的母親,流離失所的難民,被遺棄的老人,被剝奪未來或吸毒成癮的年輕人,被派去殺害自己兄弟姐妹的士兵身上,看到這種悲劇性的無知。今天,基督在我們的世界上,一次又一次地被釘在十字架上。

然而,在這黑暗中,有人回應了耶穌的憐憫:那就是悔改的強盜。他敢於尋求希望,因此,他尋求耶穌的寬免,他求說:“耶穌,求禰記得我。”(參看:路23:42)耶穌以難以想像的恩典,作為回應:“今天,你要和我一起,在樂園裡。” (參看:路23:43)那個強盜,在自己生命的最後時刻,得到了新生。這就是天主寬恕的力量。

當我們度過聖周,讓我們堅信,沒有一個罪過是超出天主憐憫幅度的。祂寬恕我們,不知疲倦;我們只是因為厭倦,不向祂懇求。有耶穌的地方,就有希望。與祂同行,就不算晚。我們因著基督,總能常新。

讓我們鼓起勇氣,以一顆對祂的寬恕,敞開心扉的心,邁向復活節。即使現在,耶穌依然在聖父面前替我們懇求(參看:希7:25)祂不斷重複:“聖父,寬恕他們吧,因為他們不知道他們在做什麼。”願我們在靜默中,在我們的心中,在我們的生活中,做同樣的事情。

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

与主叹啡:2025年4月13日

救主苦难主日/圣枝主日
福音:路22:14-23:56
耶稣,请记得我!

两种思考方式在加尔瓦略山上碰撞。百姓的领袖嘲笑祂:“如果祂是天主的基督,被拣选的那位,就让祂救救自己。”(参看:路23:35)士兵与之呼应:“如果祢是犹太人的王,救祢自己吧。”(参看:路23:37节)甚至在祂边上,被钉在十字架上的一个罪犯,也嘲笑祂说:“祢不是基督吗?救祢自己吧。”(参看:路23:39)

救你自己。照顾好你自己。想想你自己。这是一个痴迷于自我保护,个人成功和权力的世人的口头禅。这就是那把耶稣钉在十字架上之人的声音,也是今天世人普遍的心态。

耶稣反对这种以自我为中心的心态,祂主动舍掉自己,而非拯救自己。在这段福音经文,耶稣只讲了三次话,但是,祂没有给自己辩护。相反,祂向天父祈求,向那表示悔改的强盗表示怜悯。祂的圣言:“父啊,宽恕他们吧”(参看:路23:34)体现了祂使命的核心。

在这痛苦不堪的时刻,出于本能,我们会在痛苦或愤怒中哭泣,但是,耶稣选择宽恕那些杀害祂的人。祂的爱始终如一,祂的宽恕,坚定不移。这就是我们相信的天主。让我们凝视被钉在十字架上的基督。祂的宽恕,从祂的伤处流出。因祂所受的苦难,爱凯旋得胜。

在十字架上 ,耶稣完成了祂最具挑战性的诫命。我们经常沉浸在过去的创伤,以及创伤助长的怨恨中。耶稣邀请我们打破这个循环:用爱回应生活中的钉子,用宽恕回应仇恨。我们是以基督为榜样,还是寻隙报复?这是我们必须自问的问题。

如果我们想知道我们是否真正属于基督,我们就必须审视我们对待那些冤枉我们之人的方法。耶稣不仅祈求宽恕那些迫害祂的人,还解释了缘由:“因为他们不知道他们在做什么。” (参看:路23:34)尽管他们有预谋地施加了暴力,祂却把他们看成是无知的人。祂继续充当我们的中保,为我们求得怜悯,而非求得定罪。

罪过往往源于无知。我们诉诸暴力的时候,就是我们忘记天主的爱和他人尊严的时候。我们能从心存恐惧,为孩子感到悲伤的的母亲,流离失所的难民,被遗弃的老人,被剥夺未来或吸毒成瘾的年轻人,被派去杀害自己兄弟姐妹的士兵身上,看到这种悲剧性的无知。今天,基督在我们的世界上,一次又一次地被钉在十字架上。

然而,在这黑暗中,有人回应了耶稣的怜悯:那就是悔改的强盗。他敢于寻求希望,因此,他寻求耶稣的宽免,他求说:“耶稣,求祢记得我。”(参看:路23:42)耶稣以难以想象的恩典,作为回应:“今天,你要和我一起,在乐园里。” (参看:路23:43)那个强盗,在自己生命的最后时刻,得到了新生。这就是天主宽恕的力量。

当我们度过圣周,让我们坚信,没有一个罪过是超出天主怜悯幅度的。祂宽恕我们,不知疲倦;我们只是因为厌倦,不向祂恳求。有耶稣的地方,就有希望。与祂同行,就不算晚。我们因着基督,总能常新。

让我们鼓起勇气,以一颗对祂的宽恕,敞开心扉的心,迈向复活节。即使现在,耶稣依然在圣父面前替我们恳求(参看:希7:25)祂不断重复:“圣父,宽恕他们吧,因为他们不知道他们在做什么。”愿我们在静默中,在我们的心中,在我们的生活中,做同样的事情。

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

Coffee with God: April 13, 2025

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
Luke 22:14-23-56
Jesus, Remember me!

On Calvary, two ways of thinking collided. The leaders of the people mocked him: “Let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One” (Lk 23:35). The soldiers echoed this: “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself” (v. 37). Even one of the criminals crucified beside him taunted: “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself” (v. 39).

Save yourself. Take care of yourself. Think of yourself. This is the mantra of a world obsessed with self-preservation, personal success, and power. It is the voice of those who crucified Christ and a mindset still prevalent today.

Against this self-centred mentality stands Jesus, who offers himself instead of saving himself. Jesus speaks only three times in this Gospel passage, but never in his own defence. Instead, he prays to the Father and offers mercy to the repentant thief. His words, “Father, forgive them” (v. 34), embody the very heart of his mission.

At such a time of excruciating pain, when our natural instinct would be to cry out in agony or anger, Jesus chose to forgive his killers. His love remained unbroken, his forgiveness unwavering. This is the God we believe in. Let us gaze upon the crucified Christ. From his wounds, forgiveness flows. From his suffering, love triumphs.

On the cross, Jesus fulfilled his most challenging commandment. We often dwell on past wounds, feeding resentment. Jesus invites us to break this cycle: to react to the nails in our lives with love and to respond to hatred with forgiveness. Do we follow Christ’s example, or do we seek retaliation? This is the question we must ask ourselves.

If we want to know whether we truly belong to Christ, we must examine how we treat those who have wronged us. Jesus did not just ask for his persecutors’ forgiveness; he also explained why: “For they know not what they do” (v. 34). Despite their premeditated cruelty, he saw their ignorance. He continues to act as our advocate, seeking mercy for us rather than condemnation.

Sin is often born of ignorance. When we turn to violence, we forget God’s love and the dignity of others. We see this tragic ignorance in the horrors of mothers, grieving for their children, in displaced refugees, in abandoned elderly, in young people robbed of a future or addicted to drugs, in soldiers sent to kill their own brothers and sisters. Christ is crucified again and again in our world today.

Yet, amid this darkness, one man responded to Christ’s mercy: the repentant thief. Seeing Jesus’ forgiveness, he dared to hope and asked: “Jesus, remember me” (Lk 23:42). Jesus replied with unimaginable grace: “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (v. 43). In his final moments the thief found new life. This is the power of God’s forgiveness.

As we journey through Holy Week, let us embrace the certainty that no sin is beyond God’s mercy. He never tires of forgiving; we are the ones who tire of asking. With Jesus, there is always hope. With him, it is never too late. In Christ, we can always begin anew.

Let us take courage and walk toward Easter with hearts open to his forgiveness. For even now, Jesus intercedes for us before the Father (cf. Heb 7:25), ever repeating: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” May we do the same, in silence, in our hearts, and in our lives.

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

與主嘆啡:2025年4月12日

四旬期第五周星期六
福音:若11:45-57
一人為眾人死

今天的福音經文展現了耶穌一生中的轉捩點。拉匝祿復活以後,許多人相信祂,另一些人趕忙跑去通知當局。法利賽人和大司祭,因越來越多的人追隨耶穌,感到焦慮,於是,他們召開會議。他們的憂慮,顯而易見:“如果我們讓祂繼續下去的話,所有人都會相信祂 …… 羅馬人會來,毀掉我們的國家。”(參看:若11:48)真理和自保之間,引發了衝突,最終,他們悲劇性進行了選擇:“最好有一個人為眾人死,否則整個民族都要滅亡。”

這段敘述提醒我們:誘惑是怎樣在我們心中運作的。罪往往是從細微的恐懼,驕傲或誘惑開始的。如果不加以解決,罪就會擴大,影響他人,最終在我們的腦海中變得理所應當。宗教領袖為自己的信仰辯護:耶穌必須為和平而死,但是,實際上,他們是在維護自己的權利和安逸。

有多少次,我們會把自己所犯的罪看得理所應當?我們把流言蜚語當作“關心”,把自私當作“謹慎”。我們也能如同法利賽人一樣,因懼怕變局,選擇對天主的臨在,視而不見。

然而,,即使是在黑暗的時刻,天主依然會展開祂的計畫。蓋法(Caiaphas)的話,無意間預言了一個更偉大的真理:耶穌不只為一個民族死,而是為了聚集所有四散的天主兒女。

隨著聖周的臨近,我們受邀更深入的反思。小誘惑是從哪裡潛入我們的心?它們是否已經增長,誘引我們為那些使我們疏遠天主的態度或行為辯護?

願聖神恩賜我們智慧,好使我們能更早識別誘惑,鼓起勇氣,阻止罪惡,繼續蔓延,恩賜我們恩賜,歸向仁慈的天主。

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

与主叹啡:2025年4月12日

四旬期第五周星期六
福音:若11:45-57
一人为众人死

今天的福音经文展现了耶稣一生中的转折点。拉匝禄复活以后,许多人相信祂,另一些人赶忙跑去通知当局。法利赛人和大司祭,因越来越多的人追随耶稣,感到焦虑,于是,他们召开会议。他们的忧虑,显而易见:“如果我们让祂继续下去的话,所有人都会相信祂 …… 罗马人会来,毁掉我们的国家。”(参看:若11:48)真理和自保之间,引发了冲突,最终,他们悲剧性进行了选择:“最好有一个人为众人死,否则整个民族都要灭亡。”

这段叙述提醒我们:诱惑是怎样在我们心中运作的。罪往往是从细微的恐惧,骄傲或诱惑开始的。如果不加以解决,罪就会扩大,影响他人,最终在我们的脑海中变得理所应当。宗教领袖为自己的信仰辩护:耶稣必须为和平而死,但是,实际上,他们是在维护自己的权利和安逸。

有多少次,我们会把自己所犯的罪看得理所应当?我们把流言蜚语当作“关心”,把自私当作“谨慎”。我们也能如同法利赛人一样,因惧怕变局,选择对天主的临在,视而不见。

然而,即使是在黑暗的时刻,天主依然会展开祂的计划。盖法(Caiaphas)的话,无意间预言了一个更伟大的真理:耶稣不只为一个民族死,而是为了聚集所有四散的天主儿女。

随着圣周的临近,我们受邀更深入的反思。小诱惑是从哪里潜入我们的心?它们是否已经增长,诱引我们为那些使我们疏远天主的态度或行为辩护?

愿圣神恩赐我们智慧,好使我们能更早识别诱惑,鼓起勇气,阻止罪恶,继续蔓延,恩赐我们恩赐,归向仁慈的天主。

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

Coffee with God: April 12, 2025

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent
John 11: 45-57
One Man dies for the people

Today’s Gospel presents a critical turning point in Jesus’ life. Following the resurrection of Lazarus, many came to believe in him, while others hurried to inform the authorities. The Pharisees and high priests, already anxious about Jesus’ growing following, convened a council. Their apprehension was evident: “If we allow him to continue this way, everyone will put their faith in him… and the Romans will come and destroy our nation.” (John 11:48). The conflict between truth and self-preservation prompted a tragic choice: “It is better for one man to die, lest the whole nation should perish.”

This narrative serves as a caution regarding how temptation operates within us all. Sin typically starts subtly—with minor fears, pride, or jealousy. If not addressed, it expands, influences others, and ultimately becomes rationalised in our minds. The religious leaders justified their belief that Jesus must die for peace when in reality, they were safeguarding their own power and comfort.

How often do we rationalise sin in our own lives? We justify gossip as “concern,” and selfishness as “prudence” or unforgiveness as “justice.” Like the Pharisees, we can become blind to God’s presence because we fear change.

Yet, even in this dark moment, God’s plan unfolds. Caiaphas’ words unintentionally prophesied a greater truth: Jesus would die, not just for one nation, but to gather all of God’s scattered children.

As Holy Week approaches, we are invited to reflect deeply. Where have small temptations crept into our hearts? Have they grown and led us to justify attitudes or actions that distance us from God?

May the Holy Spirit grant us the wisdom to recognise temptation early, the courage to stop its spread, and the grace to return to God’s mercy.

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

與主嘆啡:2025年4月11日

四旬期第五周星期五 / 聖達尼老·帕普欽斯基(主教殉道)
福音:若10:31-42
石頭,工作,信德

在今天的福音經文中,耶穌再次面對敵意。祂的話激怒了祂的對手,使得他們拿起石頭準備殺了祂。為什麼呢?因為耶穌挑戰了他們對天主的理解,邀請他們更深入理解天主的奧秘。他們沒有接受真理,反而執著於恐懼,選擇訴諸暴力。

很多時候,我們也做相同的事。在當今世界,我們扔的石頭,不再是字面意義上的,我們的言語,我們的觀點,我們的判斷可能會給他人造成深深的傷害。社交媒體已然成了戰場,人們不知道的是,他們自由投下石頭,對自己給他人的內心和生命造成了傷害,全然不知。耶穌召叫我們走一條不同的路 —— 一條慈悲,對話,理解的道路。

祂也提醒我們:我們蒙召過聖善的生活。耶穌引用聖經中的話“你們是神”,並不是否認天主的超性,而是提醒我們:我們是按照祂的肖像造成的,我們蒙召反思祂的聖潔。我們身上有神聖的火花。四旬期是一個藉著祈禱,靜默,善悲工夫滋養這種神聖臨在的時刻。

耶穌指出祂的工作就是祂身份的見證。祂的行動反映了天父的愛。同樣,我們的行動,不只是我們的話,必須顯露出我們是門徒的身份。信仰不是我們佩戴的標籤,而是我們的生命。 他人會通過我們的行動知道我們屬於基督。

值此我們接近聖周,願我們把我們自己託付給瑪利亞,她忠信地站在十字架旁。當生活支離破碎,希望看似遙不可及的時候,她提醒我們:天主的恩許,永遠長存。即使耶穌的敵人試圖讓祂緘默不言,祂的愛依然凱旋得勝。同樣,如果我們存留在祂內,我們的忠信就會結出果實。

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

与主叹啡:2025年4月11日

四旬期第五周星期五 / 圣达尼老·帕普钦斯基(主教殉道)
福音:若10:31-42
石头,工作,信德

在今天的福音经文中,耶稣再次面对敌意。祂的话激怒了祂的对手,使得他们拿起石头准备杀了祂。为什么呢?因为耶稣挑战了他们对天主的理解,邀请他们更深入理解天主的奥秘。他们没有接受真理,反而执着于恐惧,选择诉诸暴力。

很多时候,我们也做相同的事。在当今世界,我们扔的石头,不再是字面意义上的,我们的言语,我们的观点,我们的判断可能会给他人造成深深的伤害。社交媒体已然成了战场,人们不知道的是,他们自由投下石头,对自己给他人的内心和生命造成了伤害,全然不知。耶稣召叫我们走一条不同的路 —— 一条慈悲,对话,理解的道路。

祂也提醒我们:我们蒙召过圣善的生活。耶稣引用圣经中的话“你们是神”,并不是否认天主的超性,而是提醒我们:我们是按照祂的肖像造成的,我们蒙召反思祂的圣洁。我们身上有神圣的火花。四旬期是一个藉着祈祷,静默,善悲工夫滋养这种神圣临在的时刻。

耶稣指出祂的工作就是祂身份的见证。祂的行动反映了天父的爱。同样,我们的行动,不只是我们的话,必须显露出我们是门徒的身份。信仰不是我们佩戴的标签,而是我们的生命。 他人会通过我们的行动知道我们属于基督。

值此我们接近圣周,愿我们把我们自己托付给玛利亚,她忠信地站在十字架旁。当生活支离破碎,希望看似遥不可及的时候,她提醒我们:天主的恩许,永远长存。即使耶稣的敌人试图让祂缄默不言,祂的爱依然凯旋得胜。同样,如果我们存留在祂内,我们的忠信就会结出果实。

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

Coffee with God: April 11, 2025

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
John 10: 31-42
Stones, Works, and Faith

In today’s Gospel, Jesus once again faces hostility. His words provoke such anger that his opponents pick up stones, ready to kill Him. Why? Because Jesus challenged their understanding of God, inviting them to go deeper into the mystery of who God is. Instead of embracing the truth, they clung to their fears and chose violence.

How often do we do the same? In today’s world, the stones we throw may not be literal, but our words, opinions, and harsh judgments can wound deeply. Social media has become a battleground where people freely cast stones without knowing the hearts or lives they harm. Jesus calls us to a different way—a way of mercy, dialogue, and understanding.

He also reminds us that we are called to live a divine life. “You are gods,” Jesus quotes from Scripture, not to deny God’s transcendence but to remind us that we are made in His image and called to reflect His holiness. We carry a spark of the divine in us. Lent is a time to nourish this divine presence through prayer, silence, and works of charity.

Jesus points to His works as testimony to who He is. His actions reveal the Father’s love. Likewise, our actions—not just our words—must reveal who we are as disciples. Faith isn’t a label we wear; it’s a life we live. Others will know we belong to Christ by how we act.

As we approach Holy Week, may we entrust ourselves to Mary, who stood faithfully by the Cross. When life feels broken, and hope seems distant, she reminds us that God’s promise endures. Even as Jesus’ enemies tried to silence him, his love triumphed. So too, our faithfulness will bear fruit if we remain in Him.

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