2022(丙) 常年期第卅主日:上主面前的德行證書

福音: 路18:9-14

Fr. Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

今天福音中的比喻是指向整個時代的基督徒。在天主面前有“德行”的觀念,在我們的腦海中,根深蒂固,沒有人能這污染和腐蝕基督徒團體的“酵母”產生免疫。(穀8:16)

在起初,我們不喜歡虛偽,令人不悅,驕傲,專橫的法利塞人。我們同情的,是貧窮,做了錯事,但有善心的稅吏。如果我們不帶偏見,重讀法利塞人的祈禱,我們意識到,我們面對的,是一個正直,誠實,誠樸的人。他所做的一切,遠超法律所載的一切。他以自己的仁義為傲,他使自己異於他人,使自己同罪人保持距離。他令人生厭,但沒有嚴重的過錯。讓我們略欣然原諒他的驕傲。

與法利塞人相反,稅吏發自內心的謙遜,引起了我們的同情。然而,肯定的是,他是一個盜賊,一個令人惱恨的剝削者,他的罪孽沉重。法律規定了,這個稅吏,怎樣才能得救。他必須償還他偷來的一切,還要額外償還20&的孳息,立即捨棄那個,令他臭名昭著的職業。他是一個不可救藥的人!

那麼,耶穌怎能譴責這樣良好品行的,聲明那“罪人”是義人呢?事實是:(耶穌)評判的,不是兩人道德上的行為。耶穌並不是說那稅吏是善人,那法利塞人是壞人,是一個騙子。祂並沒有從根本上說一人是品德端正的,另一人是試圖遮掩自己罪過的。祂只是說,第一人“將要成義”,就是說:天主要使那人成義。第二人,當他如往常一樣,回家的時候,帶著確鑿的善行,卻不能說:使自己成義的,並不是上主。這才是重點。

法利塞人所犯的錯誤是什麼呢?他犯罪,是因為他用一種錯誤的方式,把自己置於天主面前。他帶著自己通過刻苦的悔改,嚴格遵守一切誡命,累積起來的累累善行,來到聖殿。他相信,這一切,足以使自己成義。假如他對上主說:“看,我現在的生活,何等可奧!禰從未想到,有這樣一位忠信朝拜禰的人。現在,請宣告,我是義人!”

在天主面前,每人都會發現,自己兩手空空。憑藉自己,沒有什麼可以展示的。沒有一樣,使保證他們得到天主的賞賜。

稅吏並非一品行端正度生之人的典範。他是一個窮人,他知道,能獻給天主,只有自己“破碎撕裂的心”。他甚至不會冒錯覺的風險,即:他擁有行善的權利,因為他什麼也沒有可宣告為善行的事。所以他兩手空空。

法利塞人(在這事上,任何人)必不能宣告自己的生活,無可指摘,卻錯想天主是一會計,祂記錄人的善行與惡行,負責分施獎懲。隨這畸形的天主肖像而來的,是其他的麻煩,最重要的是:是要在義人和惡人之間,創造一個隔閡。正如法利塞人名字的含義是:“分離者”。分開站立,好像是他們與生俱來的喜好。

誰若認為:結束此生之前,在天主面前積累功德,必會輕看他人。他們不願與惡人有任何關聯。他們相信,他們必能把天主囊括在他們的分裂行為中。他們招募天主,使天主進入他們的行列,加入“義人的俱樂部”。他們想要使天主成為一個法利塞人。在這裡,天主並不恰當。如果天主不得不選擇,天主寧願站在罪人的一邊。

借用Fernando Armellini SCJ神父的文段進行分析

©全屬於禰(Totus Tuus) & Claretian Missionaries(聖母聖心愛子會)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2022

2022(丙)常年期第卅主日:上主面前的德行证书

上主面前的德行证书
福音: 路18:9-14

Fr. Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

今天福音中的比喻是指向整个时代的基督徒。在天主面前有“德行”的观念,在我们的脑海中,根深蒂固,没有人能这污染和腐蚀基督徒团体的“酵母”产生免疫。(谷8:16)

在起初,我们不喜欢虚伪,令人不悦,骄傲,专横的法利塞人。我们同情的,是贫穷,做了错事,但有善心的税吏。如果我们不带偏见,重读法利塞人的祈祷,我们意识到,我们面对的,是一个正直,诚实,诚朴的人。他所做的一切,远超法律所载的一切。他以自己的仁义为傲,他使自己异于他人,使自己同罪人保持距离。他令人生厌,但没有严重的过错。让我们略欣然原谅他的骄傲。

与法利塞人相反,税吏发自内心的谦逊,引起了我们的同情。然而,肯定的是,他是一个盗贼,一个令人恼恨的剥削者,他的罪孽沉重。法律规定了,这个税吏,怎样才能得救。他必须偿还他偷来的一切,还要额外偿还20&的孳息,立即舍弃那个,令他臭名昭著的职业。他是一个不可救药的人!

那么,耶稣怎能谴责这样良好品行的,声明那“罪人”是义人呢?事实是:(耶稣)评判的,不是两人道德上的行为。耶稣并不是说那税吏是善人,那法利塞人是坏人,是一个骗子。祂并没有从根本上说一人是品德端正的,另一人是试图遮掩自己罪过的。祂只是说,第一人“将要成义”,就是说:天主要使那人成义。第二人,当他如往常一样,回家的时候,带着确凿的善行,却不能说:使自己成义的,并不是上主。这才是重点。

法利塞人所犯的错误是什么呢?他犯罪,是因为他用一种错误的方式,把自己置于天主面前。他带着自己通过刻苦的悔改,严格遵守一切诫命,累积起来的累累善行,来到圣殿。他相信,这一切,足以使自己成义。假如他对上主说:“看,我现在的生活,何等可奥!祢从未想到,有这样一位忠信朝拜祢的人。现在,请宣告,我是义人!”

在天主面前,每人都会发现,自己两手空空。凭藉自己,没有什么可以展示的。没有一样,使保证他们得到天主的赏赐。

税吏并非一品行端正度生之人的典范。他是一个穷人,他知道,能献给天主,只有自己“破碎撕裂的心”。他甚至不会冒错觉的风险,即:他拥有行善的权利,因为他什么也没有可宣告为善行的事。所以他两手空空。

法利塞人(在这事上,任何人)必不能宣告自己的生活,无可指摘,却错想天主是一会计,祂记录人的善行与恶行,负责分施奖惩。随这畸形的天主肖像而来的,是其他的麻烦,最重要的是:是要在义人和恶人之间,创造一个隔阂。正如法利塞人名字的含义是:“分离者”。分开站立,好像是他们与生俱来的喜好。

谁若认为:结束此生之前,在天主面前积累功德,必会轻看他人。他们不愿与恶人有任何关联。他们相信,他们必能把天主囊括在他们的分裂行为中。他们招募天主,使天主进入他们的行列,加入“义人的俱乐部”。他们想要使天主成为一个法利塞人。在这里,天主并不恰当。如果天主不得不选择,天主宁愿站在罪人的一边。

借用Fernando Armellini SCJ神父的文段进行分析

©全属于祢(Totus Tuus) & Claretian Missionaries(圣母圣心爱子会)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2022

Homily for Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time in Year C

The Merit Certificate Before God
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14


Fr. Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

The parable in today’s gospel is directed to Christians of all times. The idea of “meriting” before God is profoundly rooted in our minds. No one is completely immune to this “leaven” which pollutes and corrupts the life of the community (Mk 8:16).

At the outset, we dislike the hypocritical, disagreeable, proud and presumptuous Pharisee. Our sympathies are all for the publican who, poor guy, did something wrong but has a golden heart. If we reread the Pharisee’s prayer without prejudice, we realize that we are faced with an upright, honest person of integrity. He does even more than what is prescribed in the law. He is proud of his righteousness, contrasts himself with other persons and distances himself from sinners. It is a nuisance, but with no serious faults. Let us willingly forgive a little bit of his pride.

In contrast to the Pharisee, the publican attracts our sympathies for his humility initially. However, he is a certified thief, a hated exploiter, a jackal. He is loaded with sins. The law stipulates how this tax collector can be saved. He must give back all that he has stolen plus 20% interest and to immediately abandon his infamous profession. He is irredeemable!

How can Jesus, then, condemn a person who has behaved well and declare the sinner just? The truth is: the judgment is not about the moral behavior of the two. Jesus does not say that the publican is good and the Pharisee bad and a liar. He does not say that one is fundamentally virtuous while the other is a sinner who managed to hide his sins. He only says that the first “was justified,” that is, was made just by God. The second returned home as before, with all his undeniable good works but without saying that God was able to make him just. This is the point.

What is the Pharisee’s error? He makes an error because he puts himself before God in a wrong way. He goes to the temple carrying with him a load of good works accumulated with rigorous penance and scrupulous observance of all the commandments. He is convinced that this is sufficient to merit him righteousness. As if he would say to the Lord: “Look, what a marvelous life I’m presenting! To tell you the truth: I astonished you! You did not expect to have such a faithful worshiper. Now, declare that I am ‘just’!”

Before God, everyone finds oneself empty-handed. They have nothing of themselves to show. They have nothing that make them worthy of divine assurance.

The publican is not a model of a virtuous life. He is a poor man who knows he can offer to God only his “broken and torn down heart.” He does not even run the risk of an illusion that good acts give him the right to lay claim because he has none. He is empty-handed.

The Pharisee (any one for that matter) must not renounce his blameless life but the false image of God as an accountant who takes note of good and bad works of people, a distributor of prizes and punishments. From this deformed image of God other troubles come, foremost is the need to create a dividing barrier between righteous and sinners. As the name of Pharisee means “separated,” he inherently likes to stand separated.

Whoever thinks of accumulating merits before God ends inevitably despising others. They do not want to have anything to do with the wicked. They are convinced of being able to involve God in this separation. They would like to enlist God in his group, in the righteous’ club. They would like to make of God a Pharisee. God does not fit here. If God has to choose, God would side with the sinners.

Indebted to Fr. Fernando Armellini for the textual analysis

© Claretian Missionaries
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2022

2022(丙) 常年期第廿九主日:容易失去信德之時

容易失去信德之時
福音:路 18:1-8

Fr. Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

人的信德,在逆境中經受考驗。這是確實的,特別是我們在祈禱中遭受挫折的時候。反復祈禱後,如果我們發現:天主並沒有採取行動,絕大多數人會感到沮喪。有些人會開始抱怨天主,有些人會失去信心,另有些人會自我懷疑。人會指責自己過去做的錯事,假想天主為了這些錯事,懲罰他們。那些自我懷疑的,特別容易受到巫術,和其它在魔鬼的説明下,實現某個目的行為的傷害。

今天的讀經幫助我們反思我們自己的祈禱習慣。福音的段落,使我想到了,有些我常常想要求問的問題。我們為何要受到邀請,堅持祈禱呢?祈禱的意義是什麼?

耶穌藉不義判官的比喻作為回應。判官的職責,應當是保護弱者和無防衛者。但是,這人是邪惡的。他既不怕懼天主,也不關心於人,對寡婦要求對她案件的關注,漠不關心。

這位寡婦,是那些無防衛者和遭受虐待者的象徵。她被不公正對待,主張權利,但是,沒有人聽她。使全世界的窮人明白的事情,只有一樣:公正指的是那些有錢有勢的人。他們時常選擇,不為自己的權利而戰,因為他們害怕自己會變得更貧窮,甚至失去性命。這位婦女手中的牌只有一張,她打出了這張牌:她不斷糾纏那位判官,執拗,以自己的不嚴謹,作為代價。

在一個長時間等待以後,那位判官決定解決這個案件,並不是因為他覺察到自己的行為不當,而是因為他由於這婦人的執拗和糾纏,感到疲憊,感到惱火。他認為:這位婦人使人感到痛苦,她使我煩惱,使我無法忍受。

誰是這位不義的判官?誰是這位寡婦?為了明白這點,我們需要了解說這話的歷史時刻。我們正處於第一世紀八十年代,那時候,在小亞細亞,一場血腥的迫害開始了。圖密善(Domitian)聲明:眾人必須把他當作神明一樣朝拜。外邦的宗教團體已經臣服了。基督徒並沒有臣服。他們不能 —— 正如默示錄所說的那樣(默13)—— 在“野獸”(圖密善女神)面前跪拜,為此,他們受到滋擾,並被區別對待。

顯然,比喻中提到的寡婦就是:路加的教會,就是新郎被帶走的教會;一個期盼祂來臨的團體,即使她不能知道祂回來的時日,她每天都在祈求:“主耶穌,快來。”(默22:20)

上主答覆了路加所在團體的疑問,祂提出一個頗有修辭性的問題:“天主不會替那日夜向祂哀求的人伸張正義嗎?”隨之而來的,是一個無可爭辯的答覆:“是的,我給你說,祂很快就替他們伸張正義;雖然他們已經等待了很長的時間。”

引誘基督徒的一個主要誘因是:當他們面臨:長久等待,新郎來遲,經受不公的時候,他們會變得沮喪。寡婦看到判官無理由的遲緩, 本可以放棄,因那一日遭受不公,感到絕望。上主再次警醒基督徒團體留意 :不斷沮喪的危險舉動,認為新郎不會來到,不會主持公道。祂必要來到,但是,祂會找到那些預備妥當,蒙祂揀選,正在等待祂的人嗎?對某些人而言,新郎的遲延來到,可能會使他們失去信德!

這是這則預言的訊息:祈禱。耶穌這樣說 —— 聖史說 —— 不斷灌輸這樣的信念:時常祈禱,十分必要。祈禱是不斷同上主對話和磋商。向上主舉起祈禱的手臂,直到晚上,直到戰勝沮喪!

最後一樣:有些延遲應允的祈禱,是相當的,這樣,我們就會重視天主對我們祈禱的回應。立刻就能得到的應允是廉價的,容易荒廢的。時間會使我們分辨出什麼是我們真切需要的。但是,在那個階段,不應出現沮喪的情緒。我們的力量,不斷是出於信德的力量,或是出於出於人性的力量,在於我們用來化解沮喪的時候,天主賜給我們恩寵的幅度。

借用Fernando Armellini SCJ神父的文段進行分析

©全屬於禰(Totus Tuus) & Claretian Missionaries(聖母聖心愛子會)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2022

2022(丙)常年期第廿九主日:容易失去信德之时

容易失去信德之时
福音:路 18:1-8

Fr. Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

人的信德,在逆境中经受考验。这是确实的,特别是我们在祈祷中遭受挫折的时候。反复祈祷后,如果我们发现:天主并没有采取行动,绝大多数人会感到沮丧。有些人会开始抱怨天主,有些人会失去信心,另有些人会自我怀疑。人会指责自己过去做的错事,假想天主为了这些错事,惩罚他们。那些自我怀疑的,特别容易受到巫术,和其它在魔鬼的帮助下,实现某个目的行为的伤害。

今天的读经帮助我们反思我们自己的祈祷习惯。福音的段落,使我想到了,有些我常常想要求问的问题。我们为何要受到邀请,坚持祈祷呢?祈祷的意义是什么?

耶稣藉不义判官的比喻作为回应。判官的职责,应当是保护弱者和无防卫者。但是,这人是邪恶的。他既不怕惧天主,也不关心于人,对寡妇要求对她案件的关注,漠不关心。

这位寡妇,是那些无防卫者和遭受虐待者的象征。她被不公正对待,主张权利,但是,没有人听她。使全世界的穷人明白的事情,只有一样:公正指的是那些有钱有势的人。他们时常选择,不为自己的权利而战,因为他们害怕自己会变得更贫穷,甚至失去性命。这位妇女手中的牌只有一张,她打出了这张牌:她不断纠缠那位判官,执拗,以自己的不严谨,作为代价。

在一个长时间等待以后,那位判官决定解决这个案件,并不是因为他觉察到自己的行为不当,而是因为他由于这妇人的执拗和纠缠,感到疲惫,感到恼火。他认为:这位妇人使人感到痛苦,她使我烦恼,使我无法忍受。

谁是这位不义的判官?谁是这位寡妇?为了明白这点,我们需要了解说这话的历史时刻。我们正处于第一世纪八十年代,那时候,在小亚细亚,一场血腥的迫害开始了。图密善(Domitian)声明:众人必须把他当作神明一样朝拜。外邦的宗教团体已经臣服了。基督徒并没有臣服。他们不能 —— 正如默示录所说的那样(默13)—— 在“野兽”(图密善女神)面前跪拜,为此,他们受到滋扰,并被区别对待。

显然,比喻中提到的寡妇就是:路加的教会,就是新郎被带走的教会;一个期盼祂来临的团体,即使她不能知道祂回来的时日,她每天都在祈求:“主耶稣,快来。”(默22:20)

上主答复了路加所在团体的疑问,祂提出一个颇有修辞性的问题:“天主不会替那日夜向祂哀求的人伸张正义吗?”随之而来的,是一个无可争辩的答复:“是的,我给你说,祂很快就替他们伸张正义;虽然他们已经等待了很长的时间。”

引诱基督徒的一个主要诱因是:当他们面临:长久等待,新郎来迟,经受不公的时候,他们会变得沮丧。寡妇看到判官无理由的迟缓, 本可以放弃,因那一日遭受不公,感到绝望。上主再次警醒基督徒团体留意 :不断沮丧的危险举动,认为新郎不会来到,不会主持公道。祂必要来到,但是,祂会找到那些预备妥当,蒙祂拣选,正在等待祂的人吗?对某些人而言,新郎的迟延来到,可能会使他们失去信德!

这是这则预言的讯息:祈祷。耶稣这样说 —— 圣史说 —— 不断灌输这样的信念:时常祈祷,十分必要。祈祷是不断同上主对话和磋商。向上主举起祈祷的手臂,直到晚上,直到战胜沮丧!

最后一样:有些延迟应允的祈祷,是相当的,这样,我们就会重视天主对我们祈祷的回应。立刻就能得到的应允是廉价的,容易荒废的。时间会使我们分辨出什么是我们真切需要的。但是,在那个阶段,不应出现沮丧的情绪。我们的力量,不断是出于信德的力量,或是出于出于人性的力量,在于我们用来化解沮丧的时候,天主赐给我们恩宠的幅度。

借用Fernando Armellini SCJ神父的文段进行分析

©全属于祢(Totus Tuus) & Claretian Missionaries(圣母圣心爱子会)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2022

Homily for twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time in Year C

At times it is easy to lose one’s faith
Gospel: Luke 18:1-8


Fr. Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

A person’s faith is tested in adversities. It is true especially when we are facing discouragements in prayer. After repeated prayers, if we find God is not taking any action, most people feel discouraged. Some will start complaints about God and some lose faith and there are still others who fall into self-doubt. One could accuse oneself of wrong doings of the past and imagine God punishing for them. Those who are in self-doubt are particularly vulnerable to witchcrafts, and other practices to achieve their objective with the help of the evil.

The readings today help us to reflect on our own habits of prayer. The passage brings to mind some questions we have always wanted to ask. Why are we invited to pray insistently? What is the meaning of prayer?

Jesus responds today with a parable of an unjust judge. The duty of the judge should be to protect the weak and the defenseless. But this man is wicked. He neither fears God nor cares about people and is totally unspymathetic to the widow who is asking for his attention on her case.

The widow is a symbol of the defenseless and those exposed to abuse. She has been wronged and claims her rights but no one listens to her. If there is one thing that the poor understand all over the world is one thing; justice is meant for those who have money and influence. They often choose not to fight for their rights, for justice for fear of becoming even poorer or losing their lives. This woman has a single card in hand and she plays it: she pesters the judge repeatedly, with obstinacy, at the cost of looking indiscreet.

After a long wait, the judge decides to solve the case not because he realizes his misbehavior but he is tired and annoyed by the insistence of the woman. He thinks, this widow is troublesome; she pesters me and becomes unbearable.

Who is the unjust judge? Who is the widow? To understand this we need to know the historical juncture in which the words are spoken. We are in the 80s of the first century, when, in Asia Minor, a very violent persecution starts. Emperor, Domitian claims that all should adore him as a god. The pagan religious institutions have surrendered. The Christians have not. They cannot—as the book of Revelation says (Rev 13)—bow before the “beast” (the Domitian divo) and for this, they undergo harassment and discrimination.

Now it’s clear who the widow of the parable is: it is the church of Luke, the church whose Spouse is taken away; it is this community that awaits his coming, even though she may not know the day or the hour of his return and that each day, with insistence, she is pleading: “Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev 22:20).

The Lord is answering the dilemma of the Lukan community. He makes a rhetoric question, “And will God not give justice to his chosen ones who day and night cry to him!” followed by a peremptory affirmation, “Yes, I tell you, he will bring justice to them soon; even if he makes them wait for long.”

A major temptation of Christians is to get discouraged and in the face of a long wait for the Spouse who delays and tolerates injustice. Seeing the inexplicable slowness of the judge, the widow could have resigned and despaired to the fate of not obtaining justice one day. The Lord alerts the community against this danger represented by discouragement and resignation to the thought that the Spouse is not coming any more to render justice. He will surely come, but will he find his chosen ones ready to welcome him? To someone, his slowness could cause a loss of faith!

Here is the message of the parable: pray. Jesus has told so—says the evangelist—to inculcate the belief that it is necessary to pray always, without ceasing. Prayer is being in constant conversation and consultation with the Lord. Keep the arms of prayer raised to the Lord until evening, until the battle over discouragement is won!

And the last thing is; some delay in answering to the prayers is worth the while so that we value the answers to our prayers. What is available immediately is also considered cheap and wasted easily. Time also makes us discern what we really need. But, discouragement in the process should not happen. Our strength, be it of faith or personality, is measured to the grace with which we handle discouragement

Text analysis indebted to Fr. Fernando Armellini SCJ

© Claretian Missionaries
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2022

Homily for 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year C in 2022

From Healing to Faith
Gospel: Luke 17:11-19


Fr. Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

The gospel narrates the healing of ten persons with leprosy. The significant part of it is that one Samaritan among the ten returns to meet Jesus. We can run the risk of reducing the message of today’s Gospel to a lesson of good manners, to remember to say thank you to those who help us.

The invisible codes running in this narrative is stunning. Think of the Jews and Samaritans who have traditional enmity, now living together, once they contracted leprosy! Sometimes, it needs an adversity for us to forgo our egos and false securities and identities we have built around us. An Indian village where people practiced caste distances suddenly began to submerge in a flood in 2018. Some low caste men reached out to a high cast lady to move her to safety. This lady who would not have allowed any low cast people to touch her, now had to literally sit on their shoulders to move to safety. Adversities make people forget futile marginalization of people to feel proud about themselves.

The story extends to our own faith lives as well. All of us, one or the other way are scarred by the leprosy of sin. Whoever is not aware of one’s own condition of being a sinner ends up considering oneself righteous and with the duty to condemn others to the margins. God has not created two worlds: one for the good ones and the other for the wicked ones but—be it in the present or in the future—a unique world wherein he calls all his children to live together, all sinners saved by his love.

The numbers referred in the gospel passage are not casual but shockingly meaningful. There were nine Jews among the lepers and one Samaritan! How do the Jews who practiced such ritual purity and cleanliness end up having more lepers among them! The story is not just about leprosy but about sin and marginalization. It says that there are more marginalized people from Jewish religion than from the Samaritans. It also talks about the inability of the nine to identify God’s presence even when they got healed. Jesus is challenging the religion that marginalizes and outcasts people.

In the gospel of Mark we read, after stretching his hand and curing them, Jesus could no longer enter publicly in a city but stayed outside in deserted places (Mk 1:45). Jesus knew that touching the leper he made a gesture that would make him unclean and for that, he had to distance himself from the society of the pure. He touched him all the same because he chose to share the condition of the marginalized, excluded and outcasts.

At the end, Jesus remains surprised: a Samaritan—a heretic, a non-believer—had an insight, which the nine Jews, sons of his people, educated in the faith and knowledgeable of the Scriptures, did not have. Along the way, all ten were aware that Jesus was a healer. The great news was immediately announced to the spiritual guides of Israel. God has visited his people. He has sent a prophet on par with Elisha. Until here, all the ten arrived.

A new light brightened only in the mind and heart of the Samaritan: he understood that Jesus was more than a healer. In his act of salvation, the leper captured the message of God. He, the heretic who did not believe in the prophets, had surprisingly intuited that God has sent him, whom the prophets announced: He opens the eyes of the blind, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the dead are raised to life and the lepers are made clean (Lk 7:22).

He is the first to truly grasp that God is not far from the lepers. He does not escape nor reject them. He knew what he must say to those who institutionalized, in the name of God, the marginalization of the lepers: get over with religion that excludes, judges, condemns the impure persons! In Jesus, the Lord appeared in their midst; he touches and heals them. The message of joy is this: the impure, the heretics, the marginalized are not only closer to God, but they get to him and to Christ first and in a more authentic way than the others.

Not everyone who is healed is saved. One was saved, the one Samaritan who recognized Jesus as the saviour. The others were only healed. Getting healed and working miracles are not the guarantee to be part of God’s Kingdom but, faith is, the faith that Jesus is the savior and is closer to the poor and marginalized, and that he would touch them personally and intervene in their lives.

Indebted to Fr. Armellini for some textual analysis

© Claretian Missionaries
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2022

2022(丙)常年期第廿八主日:從被醫治到相信

福音:路 17:11-19

Fr. Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

福音講述的是十位癩病人獲得痊癒的故事。其中最重要的部分是:十人中的一個撒瑪黎雅人,回來見耶穌。我們能把今天的福音,看作一個冒險以良好的行為,減少風險的教訓,使我們記得,向那些幫助我們的人致謝。

在這敘述中隱性法律令人震驚。想一下:猶太人和撒瑪黎雅人之間有世仇,他們一患上癩病,就一起生活!有時,為我們而言,急需一個困境,使我們放棄自負,虛假的安全感,分辨在我們四周的人。在一個印度村莊,在那裡遵行的是有距離的種姓制度。在2018年,一陣洪水突然把那裡淹沒。有些低階種姓的男人,伸手營救一位高階種姓的女子,把她轉移到一個安全的地方。這位女子不許任何低階種姓的人觸碰她,現在,她必須坐在他們的肩上,才能被轉移到一個安全的地方。困境使人忘記無效的邊緣化,為自己感到自豪。

這則故事,也延展到我們的信仰生活。我們眾人,不論怎樣,都因罪的癩病,傷痕累累。誰若不知道自己成了罪人的處境,最終都會把自己看作義人,認為自己有責任使別人被邊緣化。天主並沒有創造兩個世界:一個是為善人,另一個是為惡人 —— 不論是在當下,或是在未來 —— 一個獨特的世界,祂召叫所有祂的子女在一起度生,所有罪人,因祂的仁愛而獲救 。

福音中提到的數位,並非是隨意的,而是具有非凡含義的。在癩病人中間,有九個是猶太人,一個是撒瑪黎雅人!舉行取潔和潔淨禮的猶太人,在他們中間,患癩病的,怎麼會更多呢?這則故事,不僅是關於癩病的,也關於罪惡和邊緣化。就是說:從猶太教被邊緣化的人,比從撒瑪黎雅人被邊緣化的人要多。這也是在講論,那九人的無能,即使他們已被治癒,也沒有分辨出臨在的天主。耶穌是在挑戰使人被邊緣化和把人驅逐出去的宗教觀。

在我們讀過的聖瑪律谷福音中,耶穌伸手治好他們以後,耶穌不能公開進城,只能在城外的荒野地方(參看:穀1:45)。耶穌知道,祂接觸癩病人的舉止,使自己變得不潔,因此,衪不得不離開純潔的社會。祂接觸他們所有人,因為祂選擇分擔被人邊緣化,被人排除,被人驅逐的狀況。

最後,耶穌仍然感到驚訝:一個撒瑪黎雅人 —— 一個異教徒,一個不相信的人 —— 具有這樣的觀點,那九個,受過信仰和聖經智識教育的,自己的子民,並沒有這樣的遠見。在路上,那十人意識到,耶穌就是醫治他們的人。這則重大的新聞,傳遍了受聖經引導的以色列。天主眷顧了自己的百姓。祂派遣了一位與厄裡亞不相上下的先知。至此,那十人才明白。

一束新光,只光照那撒瑪黎雅人的心思:他明白,耶穌不僅僅是一個醫治人的人。在祂的救援性行動中,自己作為一個不相信先知書的異教徒,憑藉直覺,意外認為:是天主派遣祂,是先知所預言的:祂要開啟盲人的眼睛,使聾子聽見,使跛子行走,使死人復活,使癩病人潔淨(路7:22)

他是那癩病人中間,首個真正緊緊把握住,離癩病人不遠的天主。祂並沒有逃避他們,並沒有拒絕他們。他明白,自己必須要因主之名,向那些教條主義的人,向那些被邊緣化的癩病人發言:終結被排除,審斷,譴責不潔之人的宗教觀!天主在耶穌內,在他們中間顯現:祂接觸他們,醫治他們。福音的喜訊就在於此:不潔的人,背命的人,被邊緣化的人,不但更容易接近天主,也能更容易得到祂,藉比別人更真誠的行為,率先接近耶穌。

並非所有得到醫治的人都得救。只有一人得救了,就是那認出耶穌是救主的撒瑪黎雅人。其他人只是得到醫治。得到醫治,彰顯奇跡,不能保證有份于天主的國,但是,信德,相信耶穌是救主的信德,接近窮人和邊緣化的人,好使祂能親自接觸他們,介入他們的生活。

借用Fr. Fernando Armellini SCJ的文段進行分析

©全屬於禰(Totus Tuus) & Claretian Missionaries(聖母聖心愛子會)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2022

2022(丙) 常年期第廿八主日:从被医治到相信

福音:路 17:11-19

Fr. Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

福音讲述的是十位癞病人获得痊愈的故事。其中最重要的部分是:十人中的一个撒玛黎雅人,回来见耶稣。我们能把今天的福音,看作一个冒险以良好的行为,减少风险的教训,使我们记得,向那些帮助我们的人致谢。

在这叙述中隐性法律令人震惊。想一下:犹太人和撒玛黎雅人之间有世仇,他们一患上癞病,就一起生活!有时,为我们而言,急需一个困境,使我们放弃自负,虚假的安全感,分辨在我们四周的人。在一个印度村庄,在那里遵行的是有距离的种姓制度。在2018年,一阵洪水突然把那里淹没。有些低阶种姓的男人,伸手营救一位高阶种姓的女子,把她转移到一个安全的地方。这位女子不许任何低阶种姓的人触碰她,现在,她必须坐在他们的肩上,才能被转移到一个安全的地方。困境使人忘记无效的边缘化,为自己感到自豪。

这则故事,也延展到我们的信仰生活。我们众人,不论怎样,都因罪的癞病,伤痕累累。谁若不知道自己成了罪人的处境,最终都会把自己看作义人,认为自己有责任使别人被边缘化。天主并没有创造两个世界:一个是为善人,另一个是为恶人 —— 不论是在当下,或是在未来 —— 一个独特的世界,祂召叫所有祂的子女在一起度生,所有罪人,因祂的仁爱而获救 。

福音中提到的数字,并非是随意的,而是具有非凡含义的。在癞病人中间,有九个是犹太人,一个是撒玛黎雅人!举行取洁和洁净礼的犹太人,在他们中间,患癞病的,怎么会更多呢?这则故事,不仅是关于癞病的,也关于罪恶和边缘化。就是说:从犹太教被边缘化的人,比从撒玛黎雅人被边缘化的人要多。这也是在讲论,那九人的无能,即使他们已被治愈,也没有分辨出临在的天主。耶稣是在挑战使人被边缘化和把人驱逐出去的宗教观。

在我们读过的圣马尔谷福音中,耶稣伸手治好他们以后,耶稣不能公开进城,只能在城外的荒野地方(参看:谷1:45)。耶稣知道,祂接触癞病人的举止,使自己变得不洁,因此,衪不得不离开纯洁的社会。祂接触他们所有人,因为祂选择分担被人边缘化,被人排除,被人驱逐的状况。

最后,耶稣仍然感到惊讶:一个撒玛黎雅人 —— 一个异教徒,一个不相信的人 —— 具有这样的观点,那九个,受过信仰和圣经智识教育的,自己的子民,并没有这样的远见。在路上,那十人意识到,耶稣就是医治他们的人。这则重大的新闻,传遍了受圣经引导的以色列。天主眷顾了自己的百姓。祂派遣了一位与厄里亚不相上下的先知。至此,那十人才明白。

一束新光,只光照那撒玛黎雅人的心思:他明白,耶稣不仅仅是一个医治人的人。在祂的救援性行动中,自己作为一个不相信先知书的异教徒,凭借直觉,意外认为:是天主派遣祂,是先知所预言的:祂要开启盲人的眼睛,使聋子听见,使跛子行走,使死人复活,使癞病人洁净(路7:22)

他是那癞病人中间,首个真正紧紧把握住,离癞病人不远的天主。祂并没有逃避他们,并没有拒绝他们。他明白,自己必须要因主之名,向那些教条主义的人,向那些被边缘化的癞病人发言:终结被排除,审断,谴责不洁之人的宗教观!天主在耶稣内,在他们中间显现:祂接触他们,医治他们。福音的喜讯就在于此:不洁的人,背命的人,被边缘化的人,不但更容易接近天主,也能更容易得到祂,藉比别人更真诚的行为,率先接近耶稣。

并非所有得到医治的人都得救。只有一人得救了,就是那认出耶稣是救主的撒玛黎雅人。其他人只是得到医治。得到医治,彰显奇迹,不能保证有份于天主的国,但是,信德,相信耶稣是救主的信德,接近穷人和边缘化的人,好使祂能亲自接触他们,介入他们的生活。

借用Fr. Fernando Armellini SCJ的文段进行分析

©全属于祢(Totus Tuus) & Claretian Missionaries(圣母圣心爱子会)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2022

2022(丙) 常年期第廿七主日:我們能繼續在一個有功績的宗教中度生嗎?

福音: Luke 17:5-10

Fr. Jijo Kandamkulathy CMF
Claretian Missionaries

“請增加我們的信德。”是今天,門徒的祈禱。信德能增長嗎?如果信德淪為對一系列真理的認同,信德就不能增長。但是,如果信仰在對上主的無條件依賴中成長,那麼,就能很容易辨識出信德的增衰。就像一個孩子越來越信任一個讓人放心的父親一樣,情感聯繫是建立在熟悉的基礎上的。一個父親,如果在孩子出生後的最初幾年,沒有在孩子身邊,這樣的信賴,就會衰減。

我們每天體驗的,是不確定和動搖的信仰。我們相信耶穌,但是,我們不完全信賴祂。我們沒有勇氣,把自己從某些習慣中解脫出來,放棄某些習慣。這樣,我們就需要一個加強自身的信念。為解釋在信仰中成長,耶穌用一棵樹作比喻。如果耶穌是指梧桐樹,便是在影射被連根拔起。這樹的根徑,能存活六百年,難以被連根拔起。耶穌說:信仰能實現某些,如同把梧桐樹連根拔起,或把桑樹投到海中一樣,不可能的一些事。

祂談到的這些奇跡,是指當我們相信福音,付諸實行,使我們的社會,我們身處的世界,發生可能的轉變。因為凡相信的 ——耶穌說—— 不存在不可挽回的狀況。那些相信祂的話的,必要成為傑出和意想不到之事的證人。但是,耶穌提醒說:沒有人為了得到巨大的賞報,相信天主。祂講述了一個僕人的比喻,給我們留下一些痛苦的失望。一天勞苦工作以後,僕人非常疲憊,回到家中。主人沒有為他提供的服務讚賞他,相反,主人邀請他坐下 ,吃一塊餅,嚴厲要求說:“先事奉我,我吃飽以後,你才可以吃飯。”

耶穌運用這個舉例,傳播祂神學性的訊息。祂想要糾正在那個時代,法利塞神師所宣講的,有功績的宗教。那時,他們說:生命終了的時候,天主要按照每人的表現,予以酬報。 多多行善:祈禱,禁食,施捨,行為虔誠,獻祭,仔細遵守誡命和規條,從天主那裡得到賞報,就是法利塞人。

天主好似一個主人,祂獎賞行為完備的僕人,完全符合我們的邏輯。我們認為:理當這樣想像天主。我們沒有意識到:我們的推論,與法利塞人,極其相似。品行正直,以得功績,把自己放在個人利益的中心,幫助兄弟/姐妹更好地度一個屬靈的生活。因有功績的生活所引發的主要問題是:把天主降維成一個負責維護會計帳目的會計,好能準確無誤,記錄每筆帳目的借方和貸方。這樣的比喻,是想毀掉天主的形象。

我們行善,好能在天主前賞報,正是因為這樣根深蒂固的觀念,使得我們不斷重複說:“我們只是僕人,我們沒有做超越我們職責的事。”的時候,感到非常不安。耶穌並非是要降低對善行的評價。相反,祂試圖要把我們從一個危險的利己行為中得到解放。耶穌想要我們明白:法利塞式行善的行為是愚蠢的,因為所有的善行,常常是天主白白賞賜的。保祿說:“你有什麼呢?你所有的,不正是你所領受的嗎?如果是你所領受的,那麼,你為什麼驕傲,好像這不是你所領受的呢?”(格前4:7)

借用Fr. Fernando Armellini SCJ的文段進行分析

©全屬於禰(Totus Tuus) & Claretian Missionaries(聖母聖心愛子會)
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2022