2008年10月16日星期四

陳日君樞機於主教會議中發言

閱讀梵蒂岡聖座的網頁,得知原來我們香港教區的主教陳日君樞機,昨天在羅馬舉行的主教會議中,向與會的主教們,用意大利語發表了言論。

這次主教會議的主題,是「在教會生活及使命中的天主聖言」(Verbum Dei in vita et in missione Ecclesiae)。他是在本屆會議的第十七次大會中發言。

綜觀他的演說,內容包括:天主藉著「創世」所表達的言語、在各國大眾文化中的「聖言的種籽」(semina Verbi)、中華教會對傳統智慧和德行(特別是儒家思想)的珍惜和重視。

他指出:當這些德行被忽視的時候,生命和家庭等價值將受到損害;亦導致社會的腐敗、及對良心呼喚的輕視。在此,樞機亦提到最近的奶品污染事件,對兒童的健康甚至生命造成傷害。

他亦提及楊振寧教授對「科學」的深刻體會,及先前被囚禁的記者程翔、因在獄中閱讀聖經而皈依的經歷。



From: No. 23 of the Official Bulletin for the Synod of Bishops

- H. Em. Card. Joseph ZEN ZE-KIUN, S.D.B., Bishop of Hong Kong (CHINA)

I would like to focus for a moment on the Word of God as Creator of the beauty of the universe and of human beings, gifted with intelligence and heart and, therefore, capable of dialogue with its Creator. This aspect of the Word is present in Instrumentum laboris, but coming from a country where the Revealed Word strictly speaking has not reached many and where, on the other hand there is an abundance of semina Verbi in popular cultural wisdom, I would like to come back to the question and to express some personal wishes.

My first wish is that this aspect of the Word be sufficiently developed in the final text and that some pertinent recommendations are made by the Assembly.

In Hong Kong the 6 main religions work together to preserve the precious heritage of Chinese wisdom.

The Catholic Church in China has always found a good ally in the Confucian doctrine.

If, moved by charity, we can manage to instill in the young generation the traditional Chinese virtues, we shall have helped them to take a great leap forward towards sainthood.

We can see, unfortunately, what happens when these virtues are lacking: a frightening decline in the sacred values of life, marriage, the family; brazen corruption, a silencing of the voice of conscience, whereby, with the aim of making easy money, it even becomes possible to taint milk and harm the health of defenseless children or even take their lives.

A second point: it is true that this Word as Creator of the Universe and the human conscience is still a Word whose aim is salvation, which is supernatural.

Accepting this, though, I still think it is possible to recommend that, following the example of the same divine patience, great space be granted to this preparatory Word of God and that we do not fall into the temptation of hurrying. I will provide two examples.

a) I heard Professor Yang, the Nobel prize winner, say,“I am not a believer, but I won't hide the fact that in two instances I feel touched by the mystery: the first is when I found myself faced with a scientific discovery: it is as though we have been caught looking at something we don't have the right to. The second is when I become aware of the destructive force of technology: I begin to think that we are using forces we should not.”I must confess it did not occur to me to ask the professor when he will take the next step. Rather I would have told him he was close to the Kingdom of God.

b) The second episode. A conscientious and patriotic journalist is unjustly condemned for spying. As a young man, when he was a student in a Protestant college, he had refused to read the Bible in public because he was an atheist, but then in the long silence of internment the Gospel had found its way into his heart.

A few days ago we met at a luncheon. Well, I hope you won't be scandalized if I tell you that on that occasion I complimented him for the time he'd refused to read the Bible.

[Original text: Italian]

- Original text -

- S.Em.R. Card. Joseph ZEN ZE-KIUN, S.D.B., Vescovo di Hong Kong (CINA)

Vorrei soffermarmi, un momento, sulla Parola di Dio in quanto Creatrice della bellezza dell'Universo e dell' essere umano, dotato di intelligenza e di cuore e, perciò, capace di dialogo con il suo Creatore. Questo aspetto della Parola è presente nell'Instrumentum laboris, ma venendo da un Paese dove la Parola Rivelata in senso stretto non è ancora arrivata a molti e dove i semina Verbi, invece, abbondano nella cultura sapienziale del popolo, mi permetto di tornare sull'argomento esprimendo qualche mio desiderio.

Il primo desiderio sarebbe che questo aspetto della Parola ricevesse un adeguato sviluppo nel testo finale e che qualche raccomandazione al riguardo venisse formulata da questa Assemblea.

A Hong Kong con le 6 religioni principali conviviamo insieme per conservare la preziosa eredità di saggezza cinese.

La Chiesa cattolica in Cina ha sempre trovato una buona alleata nella dottrina confuciana.

Se noi, mossi dalla carità, riuscissimo ad instillare nella generazione giovane le virtù cinesi tradizionali l'avremmo aiutata a fare un grande passo verso la santità.

Vediamo, purtroppo, cosa avviene quando mancano queste virtù: uno spaventoso declino dei valori sacri della vita, del matrimonio e della famiglia, una corruzione sfacciata, un tacitare la voce della coscienza, per cui, a scopo di facili guadagni, si arriva perfino a inquinare il latte a danno della salute e della vita di bambini indifesi.

Un secondo punto.

È vero che questa Parola Creatrice dell'Universo e della coscienza umana è pure sempre una Parola finalizzata alla salvezza che è soprannaturale. Ammesso questo, però, penso ancora di poter raccomandare che, sull’esempio della stessa pazienza divina, si lasci grande spazio a questa parola propedeutica di Dio e non si cada nella tentazione di bruciare le tappe. Esemplifico con du episodi.

a) Ho sentito il Professor Yang, premio Nobel, dire “Io non sono credente, ma non nascondo che in due casi mi sento toccato dal mistero. Il primo è quando mi trovo davanti ad una scoperta della scienza: è come se fossimo presi in flagrante a guardare qualcosa che non è nel nostro diritto di guardare. Il secondo è quando mi accorgo della enorme potenza distruttrice della tecnica: mi viene da pensare che stiamo usurpando forze che non appartengono a noi”. Devo confessare che non mi veniva l’idea di chiedere al Professore quando farà il prossimo passo. Gli avrei piuttosto detto che era vicino al regno di Dio.

b) Il secondo episodio. Un giornalista coscienzioso e patriottico venne ingiustamente condannato per spionaggio. Da giovane, quando studiava in un Collegio dei protestanti, aveva rifiutato di leggere la Bibbia in pubblico perché era ateo, ma poi nel lungo silenzio della prigionia il Vangelo aveva trovato la via del suo cuore.

Alcuni giorni fa ci siamo trovati insieme ad un pranzo. Beh, spero che non vi scandalizziate se vi dico che in quell’occasione gli ho fatto i miei complimenti per... quella volta che aveva rifiutato di leggere la Bibbia.

[Testo originale: italiano]

其他相關報道:

Intervention by Cardinal George Pell at Synod

I feel glad that my concern over the issue of inerrancy actually echoes that of Cardinal George Pell, as recorded at the Synod of Bishops

Taken from the Official Bulletin (13.10.08):

- S.Em.R. Card. George PELL, Archbishop of Sydney (AUSTRALIA)

Bishops are called to clear the way for the Spirit to work effectively when the Word of God encounters individuals and communities. Hence the following suggestions:

  1. The formation of young adult lay teams to witness to Christ in youth groups, parishes, schools, and universities.
  2. The development of contemporary equivalents of the medieval Mystery Plays to bring the Word of God to the people. The W.Y.D. Ways of the Cross at Sydney and Toronto are two examples: also Oberammergau and "The Passion of the Christ" film.
  3. Develop and support online Catholic social networks in cyberspace such as XT3, Christ for the Third Millennium (www.xt3.com), a Catholic "facebook" with almost 40,000 members launched at Sydney W.Y.D. His Holiness Pope Benedict issued a short message to users on the September 8th.
  4. The development of a central Institute for Bible Translation so the Bible can be translated more quickly and accurately into local languages in Asia, Africa and Oceania. A collection to help finance the work of translation would be useful.
  5. Request the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to produce guidelines on inerrancy in Scripture.

Synod: Interview with Cardinal George Pell

2008年10月15日星期三

Debate over inerrancy

此題與先前另一題呼應。

From John Allen's reports:

Synod: Debate over inerrancy bubbles up around the edges

Synod: Interview with Cardinal Francis George

老實說,小弟從來都不明白,為何聖經的無誤性,可以成為主教們辯論的題目。

若教會能早日作出更明確的定斷,那就好了。

Revised Edition of Roman Missal (Editio Typica Tertia)

Zenit.org 一篇關於禮儀的報道值得注意--

Mass Could End With More Than "Go In Peace"

當中報道引述聖禮部部長Cardinal Arinze的消息:

The alternatives are in the revised third "editio typica" of the Roman Missal, which was printed last week, the cardinal said.

即《羅馬彌撒經書》第三標準版(editio typica tertia)的修訂本,經已付梓出版了。

若有任何來自梵蒂岡書局關於此書的最新消息,請別忘通知小弟啊!

我估新修訂版不會對現時版本作出大幅修改,但會對一些禮節的描述,作更清晰的指引。

在校對過新舊版本之間的差異後,相信舊書是仍可使用的。

若有弟兄或神長有興趣的話,請亦聯絡小弟。

如何守齋?

此外,香港教區的大小齋紀律,原來流傳有(至少)三個版本。

首先是《教友禮儀記事手冊》所記載的:

「小齋」:教會規定凡已足十四歲的教友在每年的聖灰禮儀日及聖週內星期五紀念耶穌聖死日應守小齋,即在那兩天放棄取用熱血動物的肉類食品。

「大齋」:教會也要求年齡已滿十八至五十九歲的教友在上述兩個日子除了守小齋外,還要守大齋,即在那兩天只可食飽一餐,其他兩餐只可進少許食物,其餘時間可飲流質飲品,但不能進食其他食物(藥物除外)。

其次是香港教區網頁的資料,中文版

所謂小齋,即放棄取用熱血動物的肉類食品。所謂大齋,即只可飽餐一頓,但在早上及晚間卻可進少量食物,其餘時間只可取用流質飲品,而不能進食。

英文版
Abstinence means the giving up of eating meat. Fasting permits the eating of one full meal. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one's needs; but, together, they should not equal a full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted; but liquids, including milk and fruit juices, are allowed.
問題:

若按照「官方」中文版的意思,則似乎意味著可以吃飽的那一餐,是「午餐」,而早上和晚間可吃的少許食物,則是分別指「早餐」和「晚餐」。而對照英文版的意思,則中文所指的「少許食物」,是指「少於半飽」。而在實際應用層面,則須視乎:我們想滿全上述所有規定,抑或滿全上述規定的共通點。

奇怪的是,中文版小齋的定義是「放棄取用熱血動物的肉」,而英文版則是指放棄取用「meat」。不知兩者之間的分別,該怎樣解釋?

主教與堂區禮儀

本年聖安德肋堂的主保瞻禮,將邀請助理主教湯漢主持感恩祭。

有教友建議,希望在該台彌撒中,於領聖體後,「邀請」主教祝福小朋友。

並希望接待組的兄弟姊妹,予以協調,務求連在聖堂外、禮堂內參禮的小朋友,都要請過去接受祝福......

記得這條問題,以往亦有談過

一些積極倡導禮儀中偏差行為、並為該些措施護航的人士,往往想盡辦法,力求使該些行徑,在堂區層面獲得認可。

教友在小組會議中,往往不好意思做「醜人」與他們對質。因而這些「建議」往往可以在群眾的沉默聲中,獲得「認可」。

Silentia affirmatio est.

主教到時在禮儀進行中,往往因為「客氣」,亦不好意思違逆堂區「主事人」的「周詳計劃」。因而,一些光怪陸離的「禮儀」舉措,就在主教所主持的禮儀中出現了。

一般教友以為:連主教都這樣做了,還有錯的嗎?

Corruptio optimi pessima.

本人誠切盼望:主教大人,可以事先要求堂區方面,不要作出這些「邀請」。

2008年10月14日星期二

教友禮儀記事手冊:訛誤概覽

小弟今天參與堂區禮儀小組的會議。為慶祝即將於十一月中舉行的主保瞻禮,堂區希望屆時能夠準備好來年度的禮儀記事手冊。

不過在進行準備工作之時,不知大家有沒有看過這本禮儀記事手冊的內容,是否完全沒有問題?

現時不少堂區所使用的這本記事簿,當中「基督徒須知」或「教友應知」事項的部分,乃是各堂區之間共通的。不過,在細讀當中內容時,發現以下問題。現臚列出來,給大家研究一下:
  • 「祈禱」一篇所引述的天主經,按字句而言,應引自瑪6:9而不是路11:2。
  • 此外,「他還說:『你們應當時常祈禱,不要懈怠』(路18:1)」一句含引述錯誤。因為按照福音記載,主耶穌並沒有親口向門徒(以第二人稱動詞)如此說,而是路加憶述主耶穌所設比喻的「用意」。所以更好改為:「他還要我們『應當時常祈禱,不要灰心』(路18:1)。」
  • 「聖體聖事」一篇中,「他使自己真正臨現於餅和酒內,成為信友的食糧」一句,在教義上有所含糊。餅酒既經祝聖,就不再是「餅」和「酒」,而是真實地成為主耶穌的聖身寶血,留下的只有餅酒的「形」而矣。因此,按照天主教的傳統、以及為避免陷於同質說(consubstantialism)的錯誤,說「他使自己真正臨現於餅酒形下,成為信友的食糧」,則較為穩妥。
  • 「領聖體的方法」中,「教友可直接從聖體爵或聖體容器取領聖體──在這種情形下,侍立在旁的司鐸或執事應說:『基督聖體』,而教友應回答:『亞孟』。」此段落乃建基於以下錯誤前題──「教友可直接(從聖體容器)取領聖體」。須知道:現時禮規已禁止此種做法。(參閱:《救贖聖事》,94;《羅馬彌撒經書總論》,160)
  • 「修和聖事」部分,「若我們因罪遠離了天主,我們可藉這聖事與天主及教會重新修好,獲得罪赦」,後一個「我們」,在文法上是累贅的。寫成「……遠離了天主,則可藉這聖事……」可能更好。
  • 「聖秩聖事」部分,「在這聖事中,賦與領聖事者一個不滅的神印,使他永為司鐸;專務行聖事、獻聖祭、宣揚福音及照顧天主子民的工作」,只涵蓋了司鐸聖秩。但聖秩聖事本身,亦包括「主教」和「執事」聖職。

關於「領聖體方法」和「聖秩聖事」的部份,並沒有提出建議--我看是有需要「重寫」了。

2008年10月13日星期一

神長的意見:牧民理由

關於先前探討彌撒讀經中,「弟兄們」改為「弟兄姊妹們」的問題,收到一位本堂神父的意見(身份從略):

我認為任何譯法要看我們的目的,如果要忠於原文,當然弟兄們最為恰當。但我們也要明白當時的文化背景的影響。如果從牧民角度去看,想聽眾〔尤其女性〕更投入,加埋姊妹也可接受。如果保祿生於今天這個時代,你又估下佢會點寫呢?肯定係兄弟姊妹。

小弟的回應:

〔...〕

多謝您的回覆。

這就帶出聖道禮的根本問題了。

聖經是天主自己的話,在祂的選民的具體處境、包括困難和挑戰中,被默感所寫成的。所以當中也會具有其降生環境所帶來的「局限性」甚至「表面缺憾」。這份缺憾亦同時彰顯了天主那份紆尊降貴、彎下身來與孩子談話的慈愛。

若連保祿宗徒說話的背景和語境我們亦要予以「適應」的話,那麼聖經所述的德納、塔冷通、斯塔迪、肘、地理名詞等,是否又要全部轉變為現代單位呢?我們所宣讀的,還可在哪種角度或程度上,被稱為天主的話、而不是「思高學會的神學」呢?

但更深一層的危機則是:我們成了另一意義下的「基要派」--貪求「聖經」(某一版本而矣!)中的「字面」意義,可以即沖即飲地應用在日常生活中。

誠然,聖經中的一些語句,以現代人的心思聽起來,會是難以理解、甚至難以接受。但這不也展示著面對聖經時,所要求我們的那份信德和謙卑的心嗎?

從傳統角度而言,若以本地話讀一段聖經、就意味著教友能從此「明白」和「領會」的話,那麼神學就不需要發展了。但是聖道禮儀當中的講道,正有如擘「聖言之餅」般,使天主的話更容易地、有效地被天父子女們吸收和消化。這亦說明著先前所宣讀的「上主的話」本身,需要且有待「闡釋」(expose)和「開發」(explore)、進而在基督徒生活中體現的現實。

〔...〕

花地瑪聖母,為我等祈






THE FATIMA HYMN

1. In Fatima's cove on the thirteenth of May; the Virgin Maria appeared at mid-day.

2. The Virgin Maria surrounded by light; God's Mother is ours for she gives us this sight.

3. The world was then suffering from war, plague, and strife, and Portugal mourned for her great loss of life.

4. To three shepherd children the Virgin then spoke a message so hopeful, with peace for all folk.

5. With sweet Mother's pleading, she asked us to pray, do penance, be modest, the Rosary each day.

6. All Portugal heard what God's Mother did say, converted it sings of that Queen to this day.

7. We all must remember Our Lady's request, do all that she asks for, obey her bequests.

8. She warned of behavior from which we must turn, of thoughts, words, and actions which Christians must spurn.

9. To her sad, sweet pleading our promise is made, that God's Law in all things be strongly obeyed.

10. From nation to nation her fair name is praised, as souls from sin's bondage are contritely raised.

11. Our thanks to the Godhead, whose ways are so sure, for giving us Mary, our Mother Most Pure.

12. Our hearts, overflowing with kindness and love, thank her for God's graces bestowed from above.



現時羅馬教會以公訂禮儀所普世慶祝的聖母顯現,共有三處:加爾默羅、露德和花地瑪。

禮儀上,三者均為「任選紀念」,但若細究禮儀的經文,則它們本身並沒有明示「聖母顯現」的事跡。它們只從「事跡」去「提煉」一些意義上的「教訓」。例如--

Feb 11 - Concede, misericors Deus, fragilitati nostrae praesidium, ut, qui immaculatae Dei Genetricis memoriam agimus, intercessionis eius auxilio, a nostris iniquitatibus resurgamus. Per Dominum.

這裡提到我們本身的罪性和脆弱、聖母的無玷、但對露德的顯現則隻字未提。

Maii 13 - Deus, qui Genetricem Filii tui Matrem quoque nostram constituisti, concede nobis, ut, in paenitentia et oratione pro mundi salute perseverantes, in dies valeamus regnum Christi efficacius promovere. Per Dominum.

這裡亦提到「悔改」和「祈禱」的「堅持」、與「促進基督國度」,但亦未有提到花地瑪的事跡。

Iul 16 - Adiuvet nos, quaesumus, Domine, gloriosae Virginis Mariae intercessio veneranda, ut, eius muniti praesidiis, ad montem, qui Christus est, pervenire valeamus. Qui tecum.

這裡提到聖母的特殊「助佑」和「庇護」,並以「山」作為基督的象徵,但卻絲毫未有提到「加爾默羅山」和加爾默羅「聖衣」。

反省:

也許,這就是羅馬禮儀的「sobriety」吧?

一些地方的聖母顯現,雖確實為教會所正式認可(officially recognized),但信友並非基於超性的信德、而是以屬乎人性的常情肯定性,而予以接受--即不一定需要「相信」這些顯現確曾發生。這是「超性公教信德」(supernatural, divine and catholic faith)與「人言為信」(natural, human faith)之間的分別。換言之,一位不相信這些聖母顯現或訊息的教友,不一定就是壞教友、或「問題教友」。

至於教會不曾核准的一些所謂「顯現」(如默主哥耶、羅州、加拉班德等個案),其可信性既被教會否定,則教友們實在有責任對它們投以懷疑目光、且審慎對待。若然對之深信不疑,則往往有乖常理;而積極提倡,則甚至對教會共融有所損害。

2008年10月12日星期日

常年期第廿八主日


今天早上,因適逄公教醫療主日,所以去了香港華仁書院的小聖堂望彌撒。

今個主日的舊約和福音讀經,是以筵席為主題。福音更指出這是一場「婚宴」,可謂意義深遠。

恭讀聖瑪竇福音(22:1-14)

那時候,耶穌用比喻對司祭長和民間的長老說:

「天國好比一個國王,為自己的兒子辦婚宴。他打發僕人,去召叫被請的人,來赴婚宴,被請的人,卻不願意來。

「國王又派自己的僕人,說:『你們對被請的人說:看,我已經預備好了我的盛宴,我的公牛和肥畜都宰殺了,一切都齊備了,你們來赴婚宴吧!』

「被請的人卻不理:有的去耕田,有的去做自己的生意,其餘的竟拿住僕人,凌辱後殺死了。

「於是,國王大怒,派自己的軍隊,消滅了那些殺人凶手,焚毀了他們的城市。

「然後,對僕人說:『婚宴已經齊備了,但是被請的人,都不配。現在,你們到各路口去,凡是你們所遇到的,都請來赴婚宴。』

「那些僕人就出去,到大路上,凡遇到的,無論壞人好人,都召集來了,婚宴就坐滿了客人。

「國王進來,巡視參加婚宴的客人,看見在那裡,有一個沒有穿婚宴禮服的人,便對他說:『朋友,你到這裡來,怎麼不穿婚宴禮服?』那人無言以對。國王於是對僕役說:『你們捆起他的手腳,把他丟在外面的黑暗中;在那裡要有哀號和切齒。』

「因為被召的人多,被選的人少。」——上主的話。

默想:

  1. 文字意義(literal sense):耶穌與司祭長及民間長老的衝突漸趨明顯,逐設一比喻映射猶太人舊約的風光年代即將逝去。猶太人既不守約,天主為選民預備的婚宴,就要分施給外邦人,自始進入恩寵的年代。

  2. 借喻意義(allegorical sense):結婚的,是降生成人的天主聖言;「新娘」(文中未有指明)就是教會;「婚宴」是這結合奧秘的慶祝,即聖事(特別是彌撒)。爽約者,乃停留於舊約時代、不肯接受主耶穌為救主的人;「耕田」是指單單著重塵世事物,「做生意」是指以「貪婪」作為生活的指導原則。首位僕人,可借喻為梅瑟;後來的僕人,可代表先知。「公牛和肥畜」:先知作證時所憑持的證據(世事的真實現象、奇跡、徵兆)。

  3. 倫理意義(moral sense):當時的政治領袖既留戀舊約,而不肯聽從天主子的呼召,則天主順勢將救恩拓展到異邦人處。「不論好人壞人,都召集了」:意指教會內有好人亦有壞人,「良莠不齊」。天主恩寵召叫我們,並不看我們本身的好歹,我們本身「都不配」。但祂要求我們「穿上基督」,即比喻所說的「婚宴禮服」--以愛德表現出我們的信仰內涵--生活行為肖似基督,方可堪當稱為「天主的子女」。否則「搞寸party」,就要被攆出去了。

  4. 末世意義(anagogical sense):「國王進來」--即如救主所言「父所定的那日子」,審判者首先要看看誰回應了祂的召叫,而來赴宴;其次就要看清楚來赴宴的人士,有沒有做好準備。

感想:彌撒聖祭有其天上及末世的幅度。聖多瑪斯在〈Lauda Sion Salvatorem〉曾這樣寫道:

Sumunt boni, sumunt mali:
sorte tamen inaequali,
vitae vel interitus.

Mors est malis, vita bonis:
vide paris sumptionis
quam sit dispar exitus.
這可謂:好人與壞人,各參與同一聖餐,但因其靈魂準備的不同,而最終導致不同的命運。我們面對此一聖體奧跡,豈能不必存敬畏?

2008年10月11日星期六

讀者心聲:拙評一覽

今天趁有些少時間,將以往小弟在《公教報》「讀者心聲」所發表過的文章,組織一下。
  1. 韓農於香港世貿期間的「米酒彌撒事件」、關於該事件的相關討論本人的查詢、及教區禮儀委員會辦事處的回應
  2. 關於天主教會對聖公會堅振禮的看法、本人與社論商榷
  3. 本人對彌撒中誦念或詠唱天主經時,應否「手牽手」的看法
  4. 本人對公教媒體刊載未經核實的超性事件的看法、對某些朝聖活動的意見、讀者回應、及小弟的進一步回應
  5. 本人對聖周四濯足禮的看法,網上回應,及讀者回應
  6. 本人對聖儀的看法
  7. 本人對聖母經一連串討論(黎國榮小木)的看法
  8. 「講道」與「證道」的問題
  9. 本人對一篇青年彌撒報道的評論

2008年10月10日星期五

聖經討論

講講下,不經不覺在論盡那邊關於創世紀歷史問題的討論,已有兩星期之久。

聖經所述的原祖父母,以及他們如何墮落的「故事」,究竟是歷史抑或神話?
是怎樣的歷史?何種意義下的神話?
教會現時的立場又是怎樣?

小弟常覺得,對這些問題處理的態度,分分鐘關乎一個人作為天主教徒的身份認同。

可能下一個問題,就是要重提「現代天主教徒,應怎樣理解伽俚略事件」了。

有興趣的兄弟姊妹,可以睇睇

萬聖節與天主教學校

閱讀今期《公教報》,發現在第10頁,刊載了一群教友們的聯署聲明:〈抗議天主教學校內舉辦萬聖節活動聯署聲明〉

他們擔心在公教學校內舉辦萬聖節(Halloween)活動,會成為「糖衣毒藥」,並違背公教教育的辦學宗旨。他們的意見,主要基於以下三個理由(他們在〈聯署〉的內文中,提供了理據)--
  • 萬聖節的活動違反天主教的信仰
  • 萬聖節的活動危害學生的心理健康
  • 萬聖節的活動可能引起學生對靈界的興趣
他們建議:
  • 公教學校,應以十一月一日的諸聖節來替代萬聖節的活動
  • 應以天上諸聖的榜樣來作為學生活動的教材
  • 應鼓勵學生們為亡者獻上祈禱,發揮他們愛的潛力
原來在一些天主教學校,一向有類似的活動。誠然,教育者的用心,很多時是值得欣賞的:
  1. 為同學搞活動
  2. 教英文
迄今為止,咱們天主教香港教區,對此事似乎未有甚麼具體立場。最「正式」(叫做「白紙黑字」寫下來)的,要算是教區禮儀委員會的〈有關萬聖節注意事項〉:
  1. 坊間所謂「萬聖節」,與天主教會於十一月一日的「諸聖節」,及十一月二日的「追思已亡節」有關。
  2. Halloween可能是愛爾蘭口音「諸聖節」之夜(All Hallows Eve)的誤讀。公元五世紀,愛爾蘭人以十一月一日為新年,該假日的發音亦近似「sow-en」。
  3. 古時,愛爾蘭人以十月三十一日及十一月一日間,宇宙法則暫停,去世亡靈會回來,故有習俗生者穿上奇裝異服,遊行驅鬼。
  4. 天主教會移風易俗,於九至十世紀漸漸以十一月一日紀念各位聖人,十一月二日追思所有亡者,並為他們祈禱。
  5. 當時,在歐洲,有為亡者布施糖果的習慣,接受者則答應以「為亡者祈禱」回報。於是發展出孩子們到各家索取「萬聖節」糖果的習慣。
  6. 按愛爾蘭民間故事:有名Jack的人,設陷阱騙魔鬼不再誘惑他,可惜因用了「欺騙」手段,而不能升天堂,但又因魔鬼曾答應不勾引他,故也不該下地獄,於是,為解決他的處境,只好賞他燈籠,幫助他在陰間往來,直到最後審判。這就是點燃Jack’s lantern的由來;萬聖節以南瓜作燈籠,亦由此而來。
  7. 我們知道「萬聖節」的由來,便應以天主教信仰的幅度,來培育學生,以免他們疑神疑鬼。
  8. 老師需要正確地向學生介紹,教會相信:人死後會得到天主公義的審判,並解釋十一月一日「諸聖節」和十一月二日「追思已亡節」的意義。
    十一月一日「諸聖節」的意義:天主願意我們得救,在世上度著充滿著愛的豐富生命,來日在天上做聖人,繼續為世人造福,及為人祈禱;「諸聖節」邀請我們有志氣為人謀幸福,將來做聖人。
    十一月二日「追思已亡節」的意義:天主給機會那些在生活上還未完善的亡者,靠大家的祈禱,互相幫助,可以上天堂。所以我們要以愛心,為亡者祈禱,亦要設法幫助別人,完善自己的生活。
  9. 老師又可以幫助學生移風易俗,布施糖果,與大家分享食物,甚至布施窮人。又可把穿上鬼怪衣裝的習俗,改為扮演聖人,或社會服務人士(如醫生、護士、社工、消防員、警察、律師等),以增加學生做人的志氣、嚮往為大眾服務。
  10. 學校在十一月舉行祈禱會(周會)紀念聖人,介紹聖人榜樣,又為亡者舉行祈禱會,提醒學生要善用生命,並栽培學生良心,留心天主的審判,且不要疑神疑鬼(平生不作歪心事,半夜敲門也不驚),因為天主會照顧和管理生者死者。
網上亦有零星的教友曾以另一角度反省過這問題,例如:

萬聖節與諸聖節

小弟以為,「天主教學校應否慶祝萬聖節」,與「天主教禮儀中可否舞獅」,兩者屬同類問題--基督信仰與主流文化及民間表達之間的「衝突」、「磨合」和「互相增益」的問題。

老實講,現時教會學校的工作,可謂「難撈」得很--既要顧及自身的崇高且獨特的公教教育使命,又要令學生能對身處的文化(甚至「西方主流文化」)有所認識。要有相當的見識和「perspective」才可以處理得好。難矣哉!

也許,上述教友家長們的想法是:對西方現行主流文化的「毒素」(如:「鬼佬」衰習慣、消費主義等),採取「零容忍」態度。他們恐怕萬聖節的活動容易「過火」,對世俗或新紀元思潮過分讓步,就變成與「賣大包」無異。

又或者,公教老師和校長們的想法是:將萬聖節的活動提升至「搞活動」和「英語教育」的層次,則在校內的動員力以至宣傳(publicity)上,均可佔有優勢。坦白講,若將「諸聖節」和「追思已亡(信眾)」搬出來搞,則有可能只得宗教課老師與校牧們艱苦經營。這或多或少帶點「戰略」和「實際」考慮。

當然,現時我們作為教友,對「慶節」(feasts - 聖週、聖誕、新年等)和「前夕」(vigils)的理解和態度,是考慮此一問題的起步點,它亦將不可避免地影響我們的結論。

不知大家點睇?

2008年10月9日星期四

教宗本篤要你知的十件事


近日閱讀 John L. Allen 所寫的一本小冊子,叫《10 Things Pope Benedict Wants You To Know》。作者扼要地指出現任教宗本篤十六世,在2005年上任教宗以來,從他的演說、著作、訓導文件等所帶出的主要訊息。

是哪十件事?
  1. 天主是愛(God is love)

  2. 耶穌是主(Jesus is Lord)

  3. 真理與自由乃一體兩面(Truth and Freedom are two sides of the same coin)

  4. 信德與理性彼此依存(Faith and Reason need one another)

  5. 感恩聖事是基督徒生命的中心(The Eucharist is the heart of the Christian life)

  6. 基督信仰是正面訊息(Christianity is a positive message)

  7. 教會培養人的良心、但不涉足於政治(The Church forms consciences but stays out of politics)

  8. 天主教身份的重要性(The importance of Catholic identity)

  9. 基督與教會乃不可分割(Christ and the Church are inseparable)

  10. 「忍耐」的美德(The virtue of patience)

現任教宗乃著作等身的思想巨人,要為他「撮要」並不是一件容易(或討好)的工作。對此,小弟認為 Allen 的刻劃可說是中肯的。這本34頁的書仔,實在值得一讀。

而書後所列出的參考資料,亦是很好的入門資料。對信仰知識和深度的培養,可謂甚有俾益:

試想若有一天,上述資料能被譯成中文,那就好了。

聖事的標記和本質

閱讀羅國輝神父的網誌,當中讀到--

......洗禮池是墳墓,又是母胎。他請來新教友,分享慕道及浸洗的經驗。該新教友說明,他經過慕道,在浸洗中確實體味到與基督「死而復活」。他的分享引起大家的興趣。近八十位學員中,只有數位見過「浸洗」,故此,他們所問及的,都是技術而已......

......我也介紹了「浸洗」的可行性,以及傅油的認真做法:「像珍貴的油流在亞郎頭上,流在他鬍鬚上,又由他鬍鬚上,流在他衣領上」(詠133:2)「撒慕爾拿出油具,把油倒在他頭上」。(撒上10:1)「撒慕爾拿起油角來,在他兄弟們中給他傅了油。從那天起,上主的神便降臨於達味。(撒上16:13)......

心中不無感想。

將軍澳聖安德肋堂自建成新堂以來,每逢聖周六,都會在新聖洗池舉行洗禮。受洗者可自由選擇「注水」、「水上被注」、或「完全浸洗」的形式。

在舉行入們聖事時,很常遇到的現象是「嘈吵」,且是極度地吵鬧。候洗者在眾目睽睽、且在大銀幕被大特寫地錄影時,很自然會惹來圍觀群眾的喧嘩、叫嚷、鼓掌甚至喝彩;非天主教的親友在場,令情況更加複雜。

相比之下,在同一禮儀行動中,採用注水式的洗禮則較少受到注意。

理性探討:
  1. 理論上,洗禮的最圓滿標記當然是「浸洗」。但當一百多位教友同時受洗時,這是否仍是最佳的施行聖事方式?
  2. 浸洗的其中一個意念是「沐浴」(bathing)。所以在初期教會,洗禮通常是在受洗者一絲不掛的情況下進行,且備有屏障阻隔「外人」視線的。初期教會為適應箇中的需要,甚至設立女執事(非受秩人員)來代替聖職人員施行聖洗。
  3. 在香港的天主教聖堂,最常見的浸洗方式,可被稱為「著住衫沖涼」。(假端莊?)
  4. 當一個「理論上更圓滿」的標記,被配以不恰當的「背景」或「禮節襯托」時,可能得出反效果--參禮者只在乎於標記的外表、而忽略標記所盛載的內涵(聖事恩寵)。後果是:聖事的「奧秘」幅度被減損、信德被減損。
  5. 在神聖禮儀的進行中,鼓吹或促進一些世俗化的心態和表達,間接造就一種「聖事是人的作為、且是做俾人睇的行為」。這將對「天主透過聖事行動,直接介入我們團體的生命中」的意識,有所減損。

想到這裡,我記起聖多瑪斯在〈Pange Lingua〉(皇皇聖體)中的一句:

Praestet fides supplementum, sensuum defectui.

意思是:感官所力有不逮者,望以信德彌補。若沒有信德,則儘管用再大的麵餅開彌撒、將聖油由頭淋到腳、將人浸到死,都是「於事無補」的。

我們是否需要重提羅馬禮的特色:「莊嚴肅穆」(sollemnity, sobriety)、「高貴」(nobility)、「簡樸」(simplicity)?

禮儀行動之中,「信德」、「感官」、「標記」、「禮節」之間的互動和影響,實在值得進一步探討。

The Word of God Is The Ultimate Reality

Excerpts from Catholic World News -

Pointing to the current world economic crisis, the Pope remarked that the collapse of international financial institutions underlines the temporary nature of earthly treasure. "Money disappears; it becomes nothing," he observed. "Only the Word of God is the foundation of reality-- stable, like heaven."

Modern man is tempted to think of material objects as the ultimate reality, the Holy Father continued. But that is an error, he said, adding: "A realist is one who recognizes that the Word of God-- this reality that appears so weak - is in fact the foundation of everything."

The full translated text of the Papal remark at L'Osservatore Romano -

Pope Benedict XVI meditates on God's Word in light of the Synod's work

God's Word More Stable Than Any Human Reality

On the opening day of the Synod, Monday, 6 October, during the Liturgy of the Hours celebration of the Third Hour, the Holy Father addressed the assembly in Italian. The following is a translation.

Dear Brothers in the Episcopacy, Dear Brothers and Sisters,

At the beginning of our Synod the Liturgy of the Hours presents a passage from Psalm 118 on the Word of God: a praise of his Word, an expression of the joy of Israel in learning it and, in it, to recognize his will and his Face. I would like to meditate on some verses of this Psalm with you.

It begins like this: "In aeternum, Domine, verbum tuum constitutum est in caelo... firmasti terram, et permanet". This refers to the solidity of the Word. It is solid, it is the true reality on which one must base one's life. Let us remember the words of Jesus who continues the words of this Psalm: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away".

Humanly speaking, the word, my human word, is almost nothing in reality, a breath. As soon as it is pronounced it disappears. It seems to be nothing. But already the human word has incredible power. Words create history, words form thoughts, the thoughts that create the word. It is the word that forms history, reality.

Furthermore, the Word of God is the foundation of everything, it is the true reality. And to be realistic, we must rely upon this reality. We must change our idea that matter, solid things, things we can touch, are the more solid, the more certain reality.

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount the Lord speaks to us about the two possible foundations for building the house of one's life: sand and rock. The one who builds on sand builds only on visible and tangible things, on success, on career, on money. Apparently these are the true realities. But all this one day will pass away. We can see this now with the fall of large banks: this money disappears, it is nothing.

And thus all things, which seem to be the true realities we can count on, are only realities of a secondary order. The one who builds his life on these realities, on matter, on success, on appearances, builds upon sand.

Only the Word of God is the foundation of all reality, it is as stable as the heavens and more than the heavens, it is reality. Therefore, we must change our concept of realism. The realist is the one who recognizes the Word of God, in this apparently weak reality, as the foundation of all things. Realist is the one who builds his life on this foundation, which is permanent.

Thus the first verses of the Psalm invite us to discover what reality is and how to find the foundation of our life, how to build life.

The following verse says: "Omnia serviunt tibi". All things come from the Word, they are products of the Word. "In the beginning was the Word". In the beginning the heavens spoke. And thus reality was born of the Word, it is "creatura Verbi".

All is created from the Word and all is called to serve the Word. This means that all of creation, in the end, is conceived of to create the place of encounter between God and his creature, a place where the history of love between God and his creature can develop.

"Omnia serviunt tibi". The history of salvation is not a small event, on a poor planet, in the immensity of the universe. It is not a minimal thing which happens by chance on a lost planet. It is the motive for everything, the motive for creation. Everything is created so that this story can exist, the encounter between God and his creature.

In this sense, salvation history, the Covenant, precedes creation. During the Hellenistic period, Judaism developed the idea that the Torah would have preceded the creation of the material world. This material world seems to have been created solely to make room for the Torah, for this Word of God that creates the answer and becomes the history of love. The mystery of Christ already is mysteriously revealed here.

This is what we are told in the Letter to the Ephesians and to the Colossians: Christ is the protòtypos, the first-born of creation, the idea for which the universe was conceived.

He welcomes all. We enter in the movement of the universe by uniting with Christ. One can say that, while material creation is the condition for the history of salvation, the history of the Covenant is the true cause of the cosmos. We reach the roots of being by reaching the mystery of Christ, his living word that is the aim of all creation.

"Omnia serviunt tibi". In serving the Lord we achieve the purpose of being, the purpose of our own existence.

Let us take a leap forward: "Mandata tua exquisivi". We are always searching for the Word of God. It is not merely present in us. Just reading it does not mean necessarily that we have truly understood the Word of God. The danger is that we only see the human words and do not find the true actor within, the Holy Spirit. We do not find the Word in the words. In this context St Augustine recalls the scribes and pharisees who were consulted by Herod when the Magi arrived. Herod wants to know where the Saviour of the world would be born. They know it, they give the correct answer: in Bethlehem.

They are great specialists who know everything. However they do not see reality, they do not know the Saviour. St Augustine says: they are signs on the road for others, but they themselves do not move. This is a great danger as well in our reading of Scripture: we stop at the human words, words form the past, history of the past, and we do not discover the present in the past, the Holy Spirit who speaks to us today in the words from the past. In this way we do not enter the interior movement of the Word, which in human words conceals and which opens the divine words.

Therefore, there is always a need for "exquisivi". We must always look for the Word within the words.

Therefore, exegesis, the true reading of Holy Scripture, is not only a literary phenomenon, not only reading a text. It is the movement of my existence. It is moving towards the Word of God in the human words. Only by conforming ourselves to the Mystery of God, to the Lord who is the Word, can we enter within the Word, can we truly find the Word of God in human words. Let us pray to the Lord that he may help us search the word, not only with our intellect but also with our entire existence.

At the end: "Omni consummationi vidi finem, latum praeceptum tuum nimis". All human things, all the things we can invent, create, are finite. Even all human religious experiences are finite, showing an aspect of reality, because our being is finite and can only understand a part, some elements: "latum praeceptum tuum nimis". Only God is infinite. And therefore His Word too is universal and knows no boundaries.

Therefore by entering into the Word of God we really enter into the divine universe. We escape the limits of our experience and we enter into the reality that is truly universal. Entering into communion with the Word of God, we enter a communion of the Church that lives the Word of God. We do not enter into a small group, with the rules of a small group, but we go beyond our limitations. We go towards the depths, in the true grandeur of the only truth, the great truth of God. We are truly a part of what is universal.

And thus we go out into the communion of all our brothers and sisters, of all humanity, because the desire for the Word of God, which is one, is hidden in our heart.

Therefore even evangelization, the proclamation of the Gospel, the mission are not a type of ecclesial colonialism, where we wish to insert others into our group. It means going beyond the individual culture into the universality that connects all, unites all, makes us all brothers. Let us pray once again that the Lord may help us to truly enter the "breadth" of His Word and thus to open ourselves to the universal horizon that unites us with all our differences.

At the end, we return to a preceding verse: "Tuus sum ego: salvum me fac". The text translates as: "I am yours". The Word of God is like a stairway that we can climb and, with Christ, even descend into the depths of his love. It is a stairway to reach the Word in the words.

"I am yours". The word has a Face, it is a person, Christ. Before we can say "I am yours", he has already told us "I am yours". The Letter to the Hebrews, quoting Psalm 39, says: "You gave me a body.... Then I said, 'Here I am, I am coming'". The Lord prepared a body to come. With his Incarnation he said: I am yours. And in Baptism he said to me: I am yours. In the Holy Eucharist, he say ever anew: I am yours, so that we may respond: Lord, I am yours.

In the way of the Word, entering the mystery of his Incarnation, of his being among us, we want to appropriate his being, we want expropriate our existence, giving ourselves to him who gave Himself to us.

"I am yours". Let us pray the Lord that we may learn to say this word with our whole being. Thus we will be in the heart of the Word. Thus we will be saved.

2008年10月8日星期三

Jésus le Christ





在香港,一首教友們很熟悉的泰澤短誦,是〈Jesus, Your Light〉--
Jesus, your light is shining within us.
Let not my doubt and my darkness speak to me.
Jesus, your light is shining within us.
Let my heart always welcome your love!
首次認識這短誦,是在95年普世青年節時。反觀當時參與各種活動的心態,可說是「齊哇哇」。先是被曲調和韻律所觸動,然後才是歌詞。不過大家都知道,單單理解歌詞的「文法」和「字面」意義,這種認識仍是相當表面的。

這首歌的歌詞,其實源於法文版--
Jésus le Christ, Lumière intérieure.
Ne laisse pas les ténèbres me parler.
Jésus le Christ, Lumière intérieure.
Donne-moi d’accueillir ton amour!
法文歌詞,將主耶穌形容為「內裡的光」(interior light)。而整首歌的體裁,似是一個人單獨地、親密地與主交談。因此,英文的眾數「us」就有點失真了。

原來這首歌的歌詞大有來頭--它是出自聖師奧斯定的手筆。詳見《懺悔錄》(Confessions)第十二卷、第十章:

10. O Truth, O Light of my heart, let not my own darkness speak to me! I had fallen into that darkness and was darkened thereby. But in it, even in its depths, I came to love thee. I went astray and still I remembered thee. I heard thy voice behind me, bidding me return, though I could scarcely hear it for the tumults of my boisterous passions. And now, behold, I am returning, burning and thirsting after thy fountain. Let no one hinder me; here will I drink and so have life. Let me not be my own life; for of myself I have lived badly. I was death to myself; in thee I have revived. Speak to me; converse with me. I have believed thy books, and their words are very deep.

X. O veritas, lumen cordis mei, non tenebrae meae loquantur mihi! defluxi ad ista et obscuratus sum, sed hinc, etiam hinc adamavi te. erravi et recordatus sum tui. audivi vocem tuam post me, ut redirem, et vix audivi propter tumultus impacatorum. et nunc ecce redeo aestuans et anhelans ad fontem tuum. nemo me prohibeat: hunc bibam et hunc vivam. non ego vita mea sim: male vixi ex me, mors mihi fui: in te revivesco. tu me alloquere, tu mihi sermocinare. credidi libris tuis, et verba eorum arcana valde.

這可說是聖人在皈依過程中,對天主的懇切自白。

對他而言,黑暗是指過往的罪惡生活,和他那沉淪和墮落的人性。但即使在淪喪當中,主基督在他的內心彷如一道微弱的光芒、微風細語地、邀請他改過、回頭。當聖人讀到《羅馬書》的章節:「 ...... 不可狂宴豪飲,不可淫亂放蕩,不可爭鬥嫉妒;但該穿上主耶穌基督;不應只掛念肉性的事,以滿足私慾......」(13:13)時,天主的話語就與他自己良心的呼喚,產生一種莫名的共鳴。一道光明進入了內心,所有懷疑和焦慮迅即煙消雲散。

如何善待神長


日前和堂區聖言宣讀組的成員小聚。

席間和一位弟兄談起我們香港教友招呼堂區神父的方式,是否來來去去都是「請食飯」?

他提到,有時神父生日,可以有多至近十個團體邀約神父吃飯,而每餐飯都可能鮑參翅肚、杯盤狼藉。我們的組員都已開始戲稱部分菜式為「奪命」甚麼甚麼了。久而久之,其實對神父的身體健康,分分鐘大有影響。在堂區服務多年,而又能保持神「形」兩者兼可康泰者,能有幾人?

這現象,或多或少與香港和祖國本身的文化有關。

救主曾言:「人子來了,也吃也喝」(路 7:34)。但主耶穌降生塵世只得三十多載,就要走上十字架。所以,從祂救贖計劃的神聖考慮("Economy of His redemptive plan"?)而言,大可以「ignore」(忽略)血肉聖言的「長遠」心腦血管風險。但現時教區的聖職人員,我們多麼渴望他們長命百年歲!由是觀之,則聖保祿宗徒的話似乎更加保險和隱陣:「我們是在瓦器中存有這寶貝」(格後 4:7)。

細想之下,其實我們可不可以做張均衡保健「checklist」給神父,每個團體選擇一項輪流負責,則既可保障神長們的安全,亦可在堂區中推廣健康生活方式的重要。豈不一舉兩得?
  1. 健康午餐或茶會

  2. 「謝主」彌撒

  3. 時辰祈禱

  4. 玫瑰經、朝拜聖體

  5. 守齋

  6. 行山、跑步、游泳、打球

  7. 為聖堂維修、清潔、打掃
想到這裡,我記起了以下兩篇 《Adoremus Bulletin》 (去年七月號)中,關於天主經「求你今天賞給我們日用的食糧」的解釋。

Pp. Benedict XVI : The meaning of "Our Daily Bread"

Fr. Benjamin Reeze: Give Us This Day Our Daily "Supersubstantial" Bread

裹腹之糧固然重要,但亦讓我們不致忽略天主之言(聖體、聖經)對我們靈性生命的滋養。

2008年10月7日星期二

多謝更正

一位弟兄在拙文〈Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence〉 中,提出了如下更正
所引的youtube上的赫儒文之歌第三調,是聖金口約安事奉圣禮的那篇“常年聖入詠”,而非上文所談論的“聖雅科弗事奉圣禮圣入詠”。上文所談到的那篇,在不使用聖雅科弗事奉聖禮的地方教會,事實上也有一年一次的使用機會,就是在大安息日的聖瓦西里事奉圣禮中。這兩篇聖歌的分別如下:常年聖入詠:我眾奧妙地相似著赫儒文,向施生命之聖三詠唱三聖贊,現在讓我們放下今生一切的掛慮。如此,我等將迎接萬有的君王,無形可見地為諸品天使所扈衛者。阿利路伊亚,阿利路伊亚,阿利路伊亚。大安息日聖入詠:一切血肉凡軀,都當寂靜無聲,并懷著敬畏和惶恐肅立,不再思慮世俗之事;因為萬王之王,眾主之主前來被祭獻,并被分施,作為信眾的食糧。眾天使之歌侶在他前開道先行,所有的統權者和威德者,多目的赫儒文和六翼的塞拉芬,遮掩了他們的面容,高聲歌唱:阿利路伊亚,阿利路伊亚,阿利路伊亚。

他亦引出這兩首樂曲的希臘原文--


原文對照

“我眾奧秘地相似著赫儒文”

Οἱ τὰ Χερουβεὶμ μυστικῶς εἰκονίζοντες, καὶ τῇ ζωοποιῷ Τριάδι τὸν τρισάγιον
ὕμνον προσᾴδοντες, πᾶσαν τὴν βιοτικὴν ἀποθώμεθα μέριμναν.

Ὡς τὸν βασιλέα τῶν ὅλων ὑποδεξόμενοι, ταῖς ἀγγελικαῖς ἀοράτως δορυφορούμενον τάξεσιν. Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἀλληλούϊα.

“一切血肉凡軀都當寂靜無聲”:

Σιγησάτω πᾶσα σάρξ βροτεία, καὶ στήτω μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου, καὶ μηδὲν
γήϊνον ἐν ἑαυτῇ λογιζέσθω· ὁ γὰρ Βασιλευς τῶν βασιλευόντων, καὶ Κύριος τῶν
κυριευόντων, προσέρχεται σφαγιασθῆναι, καὶ δοθῆναι εἰς βρῶσιν τοῖς πιστοῖς·
προηγοῦνται δὲ τούτου, οἱ χοροὶ τῶν Ἀγγέλων, μετὰ πάσης ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐξουσίας, τὰ
πολυόμματα Χερουβίμ, καὶ τὰ ἑξαπτέρυγα Σεραφίμ, τὰς ὄψεις καλύπτοντα, καὶ βοῶντα τὸν ὕμνον· Ἀλληλούϊα, Ἀλληλούϊα, Ἀλληλούϊα.

接著他又指出〈一切血肉凡驅當寂靜無聲〉的YouTube連結:

又,“一切血肉凡軀”見以下鏈接:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pr77XYguS8




因為聖使徒雅科弗事奉聖禮很少用(只有耶路撒冷聖統一年舉行兩次,另外某些地方教會一年一次)。而大安息日聖瓦西里事奉圣禮中的這一聖歌恒常以πλ. α'調式(也就是‘第五調式’)唱出,不會用其他調,所以網路上有關這一首的資料一定是比常年使用的赫儒文之歌要少的多。

在此特別向這位匿名弟兄致意!

講真的,小弟對希臘文可謂近乎一竅不通。但對著希臘字母,順著它們的標音來讀的話,這幾首禱文又的確可以跟得上。

互聯網的其中一個好處,是可以將具有共同關注的人士,從四方八面聚集起來。昔日這種過程本身,可能需要經年累月。但現時只須按一下搜尋器,就可以參考前人所留下的足跡。

小弟以為,這種發展,其實對歷史悠久的傳統宗派比較有利。

我們的確需要珍這種福分,善用天主給我們這工具,促進天家子女們的交談,互相俾益。

2008年10月6日星期一

The meaning of "blind obedience"

Blind obedience」原來並不指「盲目」服從或「盲從」--
... The expression "blind obedience" signifies not an unreasoning or unreasonable submission to authority, but a keen appreciation of the rights of authority, the reasonableness of submission, and blindness only to such selfish or worldly considerations as would lessen regard for authority ...
中文似乎應該稱為「義無反顧」才對。

參考資料:

The Catholic Encyclopedia on Obedience

Blind obedience?

Father John A. Hardon: St. Ignatius' Letter on Obedience