My Sunday Scripture 2009.5.31.
When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Saint John 15:26-27.16:12-15
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My Reading Notes:
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We wish to know all truth on earth, or in the universe always. But our wisdom can not bear it. Jesus wanted to tell us all. However, we can not bear it. Thus He had sent the Spirit of Truth to us. Through the Spirit of Truth, we could reach all the needed knowlege, and we could know what we are going to do.
By the help of the Advocator, we can know a little more and more.
And my point is: Knowing is doing. To know more, we can dedicate more.
2009年5月31日 星期日
2009年5月24日 星期日
Consecrate them in the truth
My Sunday Scripture 2009.5.24
And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.
Saint John 17:11-19.
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My Reading Notes:
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I have found it difficult to understand. Jesus has consecrated himself for us.
and he meant consecrated us in truth. Is it that he has given us truth?
Yes.
Jesus has come to the world. He had guarded us against the son of destruction.
and He has given us the truth. In my understanding, the truth means love, or at least in the time being, it is love. We as a being on earth, the mission is to love each other. And this is what Jesus has taught us.
And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.
Saint John 17:11-19.
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My Reading Notes:
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I have found it difficult to understand. Jesus has consecrated himself for us.
and he meant consecrated us in truth. Is it that he has given us truth?
Yes.
Jesus has come to the world. He had guarded us against the son of destruction.
and He has given us the truth. In my understanding, the truth means love, or at least in the time being, it is love. We as a being on earth, the mission is to love each other. And this is what Jesus has taught us.
2009年5月16日 星期六
What is the mission for human being?
My Sunday Scripture 2009.5.17.
As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.
Saint John 15:9-17.
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My Reading Notes:
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This may be the most important teaching we got from Jesus.
It includes every thing we need to know, at least, for the present.
Love is so important for human being. That is the ultimate difference of a human and an animal. Love is the only remedy for human, if we wish to live in the planet.
And Jesus has set the standard for love. To lay down one's life, is the highest standard. This is the most beautiful thing could have happened on earth: to use up your whole, to serve your friends, to dedicate. And that is the meaning of life.
If we could see this point through the theory of evolution, there are two stages:
one, the animal stage. the next, human stage.
In the animal stage, the animals strike for a better living through killing.
Now we are in the next stage. We strike for a better living through love.
We must love each other. This is the "reason" that, I love you.
As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.
Saint John 15:9-17.
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My Reading Notes:
----------------
This may be the most important teaching we got from Jesus.
It includes every thing we need to know, at least, for the present.
Love is so important for human being. That is the ultimate difference of a human and an animal. Love is the only remedy for human, if we wish to live in the planet.
And Jesus has set the standard for love. To lay down one's life, is the highest standard. This is the most beautiful thing could have happened on earth: to use up your whole, to serve your friends, to dedicate. And that is the meaning of life.
If we could see this point through the theory of evolution, there are two stages:
one, the animal stage. the next, human stage.
In the animal stage, the animals strike for a better living through killing.
Now we are in the next stage. We strike for a better living through love.
We must love each other. This is the "reason" that, I love you.
2009年5月10日 星期日
Remain in the Power Source
My Sunday Scripture 2009.5.10
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Saint John 15,1-8.
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My Reading Notes:
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To day I attended a mass in St.Anthony's Church, The priest Simon Lam has a very good explanation of this scripture. He said it is just like an electric fan. You must plug it into the socket. If it is not plugged, it is useless.
We are one of the universe, but if we are not connected, we will lose our living power.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Saint John 15,1-8.
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My Reading Notes:
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To day I attended a mass in St.Anthony's Church, The priest Simon Lam has a very good explanation of this scripture. He said it is just like an electric fan. You must plug it into the socket. If it is not plugged, it is useless.
We are one of the universe, but if we are not connected, we will lose our living power.
2009年5月2日 星期六
A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
My Sunday Scripture 2009.5.3.
I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father."
Saint John 10,11-18.
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My Reading Notes:
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What is a Life? Here is the ultimate truth about life.
Life is composed of two parts. One is the shepherd, the
other is the sheep. The valuable life is the use of it.
If you are for the people, then you are dedicated, you
can use your whole life to fulfill that goal.
If you are not for the people, then you are nothing.
Life without a serving purpose, is not life.
I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father."
Saint John 10,11-18.
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My Reading Notes:
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What is a Life? Here is the ultimate truth about life.
Life is composed of two parts. One is the shepherd, the
other is the sheep. The valuable life is the use of it.
If you are for the people, then you are dedicated, you
can use your whole life to fulfill that goal.
If you are not for the people, then you are nothing.
Life without a serving purpose, is not life.
2009年4月25日 星期六
God is not only spiritual
My Sunday Scripture 2009.4.26.
Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have." And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. He said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And he said to them, "Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.
Saint Luke 24,35-48.
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My Reading Notes:
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This Scripture is of utmost importance, because many of the thoughts here are basic elements of our faith.
The first thing is the Resurrection.
And the point is: How could the Resurrection happen. Is Jesus a Ghost?
He told us not. He is got flesh, and feelings and could be touched and needed eating, just like us.
It is hard to understand. We used to think: God is "only" spiritual. But He is not.
And this is the important element of the trinity.
I can only have a little glimpse into the matter. However, the Sky had been slitted open, and we could see into it through this.
Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have." And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. He said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And he said to them, "Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.
Saint Luke 24,35-48.
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My Reading Notes:
---------------------
This Scripture is of utmost importance, because many of the thoughts here are basic elements of our faith.
The first thing is the Resurrection.
And the point is: How could the Resurrection happen. Is Jesus a Ghost?
He told us not. He is got flesh, and feelings and could be touched and needed eating, just like us.
It is hard to understand. We used to think: God is "only" spiritual. But He is not.
And this is the important element of the trinity.
I can only have a little glimpse into the matter. However, the Sky had been slitted open, and we could see into it through this.
2009年4月17日 星期五
Seeing and Beliving
My Sunday Scripture 2009.4.19
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.
Saint John 20:19-31
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My Reading Notes:
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I would try to use modern psychology to express my understanding.
We as a human being have different cognitional ablilities.
But our abilities are limited. We must admit we are a limited creature.
We are NOT all powerful, we are NOT all mighty. We can use our several (six?)
senses to probe into the world.
Above all these senses, there must be other senses which we either have not
acquired or processed.
So, seeing is not the only condition for truth.
and experimenting is not either.
Truth is more then that.
In the gaps of truth, we need Faith.
Faith is what the other creatures, (in this case, the God) could help us to see into things.
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.
Saint John 20:19-31
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My Reading Notes:
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I would try to use modern psychology to express my understanding.
We as a human being have different cognitional ablilities.
But our abilities are limited. We must admit we are a limited creature.
We are NOT all powerful, we are NOT all mighty. We can use our several (six?)
senses to probe into the world.
Above all these senses, there must be other senses which we either have not
acquired or processed.
So, seeing is not the only condition for truth.
and experimenting is not either.
Truth is more then that.
In the gaps of truth, we need Faith.
Faith is what the other creatures, (in this case, the God) could help us to see into things.
2009年4月12日 星期日
What is the meaning of Jesus
My Sunday Scripture 2009.4.12
On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him." So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.
Saint John 20,1-9
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My Reading Notes:
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That Jesus had been in the world, though it was only a very short period of time.
He had been here with us. He had been suffered, died and reborn again.
He had been with us ever since. He had not leaved. He is here.
He had brought us a message.
He told us, what is truth.
He ordered us to love each other, and the enemies.
Before, we only know to love our love ones. But he had told us,
if we can love only our love ones, then there will be no merit.
We must understand this.
On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him." So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.
Saint John 20,1-9
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My Reading Notes:
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That Jesus had been in the world, though it was only a very short period of time.
He had been here with us. He had been suffered, died and reborn again.
He had been with us ever since. He had not leaved. He is here.
He had brought us a message.
He told us, what is truth.
He ordered us to love each other, and the enemies.
Before, we only know to love our love ones. But he had told us,
if we can love only our love ones, then there will be no merit.
We must understand this.
2009年4月4日 星期六
Who has crucified Jesus?
My Sunday Scripture 2009.4.5
The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were to take place in two days' time. So the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to arrest him by treachery and put him to death. They said, "Not during the festival, for fear that there may be a riot among the people." When he was in Bethany reclining at table in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of perfumed oil, costly genuine spikenard. She broke the alabaster jar and poured it on his head. There were some who were indignant. "Why has there been this waste of perfumed oil? It could have been sold for more than three hundred days' wages and the money given to the poor." They were infuriated with her. Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you make trouble for her? She has done a good thing for me. The poor you will always have with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them, but you will not always have me. She has done what she could. She has anticipated anointing my body for burial. Amen, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed to the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her." Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went off to the chief priests to hand him over to them. When they heard him they were pleased and promised to pay him money. Then he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" He sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there." The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover. When it was evening, he came with the Twelve. And as they reclined at table and were eating, Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me." They began to be distressed and to say to him, one by one, "Surely it is not I?" He said to them, "One of the Twelve, the one who dips with me into the dish. For the Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will have your faith shaken, for it is written: 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be dispersed.' But after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee." Peter said to him, "Even though all should have their faith shaken, mine will not be." Then Jesus said to him, "Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times." But he vehemently replied, "Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you." And they all spoke similarly. Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be troubled and distressed. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch." He advanced a little and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour might pass by him; he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will." When he returned he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." Withdrawing again, he prayed, saying the same thing. Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open and did not know what to answer him. He returned a third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. See, my betrayer is at hand." Then, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, "The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely." He came and immediately went over to him and said, "Rabbi." And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him. One of the bystanders drew his sword, struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his ear. Jesus said to them in reply, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs, to seize me? Day after day I was with you teaching in the temple area, yet you did not arrest me; but that the scriptures may be fulfilled." And they all left him and fled. Now a young man followed him wearing nothing but a linen cloth about his body. They seized him, but he left the cloth behind and ran off naked. They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. Peter followed him at a distance into the high priest's courtyard and was seated with the guards, warming himself at the fire. The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they found none. Many gave false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. Some took the stand and testified falsely against him, alleging, We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands and within three days I will build another not made with hands.' Even so their testimony did not agree. The high priest rose before the assembly and questioned Jesus, saying, "Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?" But he was silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him and said to him, "Are you the Messiah, the son of the Blessed One?" Then Jesus answered, "I am; and 'you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.'" At that the high priest tore his garments and said, "What further need have we of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as deserving to die. Some began to spit on him. They blindfolded him and struck him and said to him, "Prophesy!" And the guards greeted him with blows. While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the high priest's maids came along. Seeing Peter warming himself, she looked intently at him and said, "You too were with the Nazarene, Jesus." But he denied it saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are talking about." So he went out into the outer court. (Then the cock crowed.) The maid saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, "This man is one of them." Once again he denied it. A little later the bystanders said to Peter once more, "Surely you are one of them; for you too are a Galilean." He began to curse and to swear, "I do not know this man about whom you are talking." And immediately a cock crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had said to him, "Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times." He broke down and wept. As soon as morning came, the chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He said to him in reply, "You say so." The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, "Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of." Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. Now on the occasion of the feast he used to release to them one prisoner whom they requested. A man called Barabbas was then in prison along with the rebels who had committed murder in a rebellion. The crowd came forward and began to ask him to do for them as he was accustomed. Pilate answered, "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" For he knew that it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate again said to them in reply, "Then what (do you want) me to do with (the man you call) the king of the Jews?" They shouted again, "Crucify him." Pilate said to them, "Why? What evil has he done?" They only shouted the louder, "Crucify him." So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them and, after he had Jesus scourged, handed him over to be crucified. The soldiers led him away inside the palace, that is, the praetorium, and assembled the whole cohort. They clothed him in purple and, weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on him. They began to salute him with, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and kept striking his head with a reed and spitting upon him. They knelt before him in homage. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him out to crucify him. They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. They brought him to the place of Golgotha (which is translated Place of the Skull). They gave him wine drugged with myrrh, but he did not take it. Then they crucified him and divided his garments by casting lots for them to see what each should take. It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." With him they crucified two revolutionaries, one on his right and one on his left. ) Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself by coming down from the cross." Likewise the chief priests, with the scribes, mocked him among themselves and said, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also kept abusing him. At noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which is translated, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Some of the bystanders who heard it said, "Look, he is calling Elijah." One of them ran, soaked a sponge with wine, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, "Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to take him down." Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion who stood facing him saw how he breathed his last he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"
Saint Mark 14,1-72.15,1-39.
My Reading Notes:
My question is: Who has crucisified Jesus?
My answer is : We did.
In all our heart and soul, there is a trace of guilt. We had always done wrong.
Thought we can repent sometimes. But the actual crime was done by human beings.
This is the reason for Peter to weep.
He had denied God. And so was I.
We are a group of people living on earth. Jesus has brought us new hope.
And we had killed him.
Now is the time to rethink everything.
The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were to take place in two days' time. So the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to arrest him by treachery and put him to death. They said, "Not during the festival, for fear that there may be a riot among the people." When he was in Bethany reclining at table in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of perfumed oil, costly genuine spikenard. She broke the alabaster jar and poured it on his head. There were some who were indignant. "Why has there been this waste of perfumed oil? It could have been sold for more than three hundred days' wages and the money given to the poor." They were infuriated with her. Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you make trouble for her? She has done a good thing for me. The poor you will always have with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them, but you will not always have me. She has done what she could. She has anticipated anointing my body for burial. Amen, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed to the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her." Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went off to the chief priests to hand him over to them. When they heard him they were pleased and promised to pay him money. Then he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" He sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there." The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover. When it was evening, he came with the Twelve. And as they reclined at table and were eating, Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me." They began to be distressed and to say to him, one by one, "Surely it is not I?" He said to them, "One of the Twelve, the one who dips with me into the dish. For the Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will have your faith shaken, for it is written: 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be dispersed.' But after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee." Peter said to him, "Even though all should have their faith shaken, mine will not be." Then Jesus said to him, "Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times." But he vehemently replied, "Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you." And they all spoke similarly. Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be troubled and distressed. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch." He advanced a little and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour might pass by him; he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will." When he returned he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." Withdrawing again, he prayed, saying the same thing. Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open and did not know what to answer him. He returned a third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. See, my betrayer is at hand." Then, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, "The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely." He came and immediately went over to him and said, "Rabbi." And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him. One of the bystanders drew his sword, struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his ear. Jesus said to them in reply, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs, to seize me? Day after day I was with you teaching in the temple area, yet you did not arrest me; but that the scriptures may be fulfilled." And they all left him and fled. Now a young man followed him wearing nothing but a linen cloth about his body. They seized him, but he left the cloth behind and ran off naked. They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. Peter followed him at a distance into the high priest's courtyard and was seated with the guards, warming himself at the fire. The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they found none. Many gave false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. Some took the stand and testified falsely against him, alleging, We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands and within three days I will build another not made with hands.' Even so their testimony did not agree. The high priest rose before the assembly and questioned Jesus, saying, "Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?" But he was silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him and said to him, "Are you the Messiah, the son of the Blessed One?" Then Jesus answered, "I am; and 'you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.'" At that the high priest tore his garments and said, "What further need have we of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as deserving to die. Some began to spit on him. They blindfolded him and struck him and said to him, "Prophesy!" And the guards greeted him with blows. While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the high priest's maids came along. Seeing Peter warming himself, she looked intently at him and said, "You too were with the Nazarene, Jesus." But he denied it saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are talking about." So he went out into the outer court. (Then the cock crowed.) The maid saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, "This man is one of them." Once again he denied it. A little later the bystanders said to Peter once more, "Surely you are one of them; for you too are a Galilean." He began to curse and to swear, "I do not know this man about whom you are talking." And immediately a cock crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had said to him, "Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times." He broke down and wept. As soon as morning came, the chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He said to him in reply, "You say so." The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, "Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of." Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. Now on the occasion of the feast he used to release to them one prisoner whom they requested. A man called Barabbas was then in prison along with the rebels who had committed murder in a rebellion. The crowd came forward and began to ask him to do for them as he was accustomed. Pilate answered, "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" For he knew that it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate again said to them in reply, "Then what (do you want) me to do with (the man you call) the king of the Jews?" They shouted again, "Crucify him." Pilate said to them, "Why? What evil has he done?" They only shouted the louder, "Crucify him." So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them and, after he had Jesus scourged, handed him over to be crucified. The soldiers led him away inside the palace, that is, the praetorium, and assembled the whole cohort. They clothed him in purple and, weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on him. They began to salute him with, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and kept striking his head with a reed and spitting upon him. They knelt before him in homage. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him out to crucify him. They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. They brought him to the place of Golgotha (which is translated Place of the Skull). They gave him wine drugged with myrrh, but he did not take it. Then they crucified him and divided his garments by casting lots for them to see what each should take. It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." With him they crucified two revolutionaries, one on his right and one on his left. ) Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself by coming down from the cross." Likewise the chief priests, with the scribes, mocked him among themselves and said, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also kept abusing him. At noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which is translated, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Some of the bystanders who heard it said, "Look, he is calling Elijah." One of them ran, soaked a sponge with wine, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, "Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to take him down." Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion who stood facing him saw how he breathed his last he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"
Saint Mark 14,1-72.15,1-39.
My Reading Notes:
My question is: Who has crucisified Jesus?
My answer is : We did.
In all our heart and soul, there is a trace of guilt. We had always done wrong.
Thought we can repent sometimes. But the actual crime was done by human beings.
This is the reason for Peter to weep.
He had denied God. And so was I.
We are a group of people living on earth. Jesus has brought us new hope.
And we had killed him.
Now is the time to rethink everything.
2009年3月29日 星期日
If it dies, it produces much fruit
My Sunday Scripture 2009.3.29
Now there were some Greeks among those who had come up to worship at the feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me. I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it and will glorify it again." The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.
Saint John 12,20-33.
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
--------------------
If it dies, it produces much fruit. And this is the ultimate truth about life.
What if we never die. What if we are preserved and refrigerated. That means
a useless death. The real meaning of life is to produce.
Now there were some Greeks among those who had come up to worship at the feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me. I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it and will glorify it again." The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.
Saint John 12,20-33.
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
--------------------
If it dies, it produces much fruit. And this is the ultimate truth about life.
What if we never die. What if we are preserved and refrigerated. That means
a useless death. The real meaning of life is to produce.
2009年3月22日 星期日
People Preferred Darkness to Light
My Sunday Scripture 2009.3.22
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
Saint John 3,14-21.
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
--------------------
Jesus was sent to the world to save the world.
He had brought us light.
But people, always perfer darkness.
What is light?
Love is light.
It is so simple a matter, however, we have to use
so mush effort to learn it.
If we choose love, then we have light, then we are saved.
It is as simple as that.
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
Saint John 3,14-21.
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
--------------------
Jesus was sent to the world to save the world.
He had brought us light.
But people, always perfer darkness.
What is light?
Love is light.
It is so simple a matter, however, we have to use
so mush effort to learn it.
If we choose love, then we have light, then we are saved.
It is as simple as that.
2009年3月15日 星期日
Spiritual is holy and should never be intruded by Material
My Sunday Scripture 2009.3.15
Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, "Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace." His disciples recalled the words of scripture, "Zeal for your house will consume me." At this the Jews answered and said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking about the temple of his body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the scripture and the word Jesus had spoken. While he was in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, many began to believe in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all, and did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.
Saint John 2,13-25.
-----------------
My Reading Notes:
-----------------
Holy is the spiritual. Holy is the temple. Holy is the mind.
Spiritual matter shouln never be tainted by worldly and material
matter.
Every aim on earth should be considered this way.
It is not to neglect material matters, it is not to do away trades, and
markets. But we should always remember: we are living on the wisdom of God,not on money.
Only on such basic consideration, could we understand the phase:
"Zeal for your house will consume me."
Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, "Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace." His disciples recalled the words of scripture, "Zeal for your house will consume me." At this the Jews answered and said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking about the temple of his body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the scripture and the word Jesus had spoken. While he was in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, many began to believe in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all, and did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.
Saint John 2,13-25.
-----------------
My Reading Notes:
-----------------
Holy is the spiritual. Holy is the temple. Holy is the mind.
Spiritual matter shouln never be tainted by worldly and material
matter.
Every aim on earth should be considered this way.
It is not to neglect material matters, it is not to do away trades, and
markets. But we should always remember: we are living on the wisdom of God,not on money.
Only on such basic consideration, could we understand the phase:
"Zeal for your house will consume me."
2009年3月7日 星期六
This is my beloved son
My Sunday SCripture 2009.3.8.
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.
Saint Mark 9,2-10.
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
God has sent us His son, as our Savior. And God had requested us to "Listen to Him".
The utmost important thing is to know: What did Jesus say? We are to listen to
what?
I think that Jesus had taught us LOVE. Love is above everything,
we are to love each other, we are to love our neighbours and enemies.
We love not only our relatives. We must love each other and every one another.
It is important to learn this, as Confucius only told us to love our blood-related kins and that is the only way to foolishness.
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.
Saint Mark 9,2-10.
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
God has sent us His son, as our Savior. And God had requested us to "Listen to Him".
The utmost important thing is to know: What did Jesus say? We are to listen to
what?
I think that Jesus had taught us LOVE. Love is above everything,
we are to love each other, we are to love our neighbours and enemies.
We love not only our relatives. We must love each other and every one another.
It is important to learn this, as Confucius only told us to love our blood-related kins and that is the only way to foolishness.
2009年3月1日 星期日
The Kingdom of God is at hand
My Sunday Scripture 2009.3.1
At once the Spirit drove him out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.
Saint Mark 1,12-15.
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
What will happen in the near near future?
What will happen very very soon?
We will soon be on the hands of God.
Don't we forget this.
At once the Spirit drove him out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.
Saint Mark 1,12-15.
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
What will happen in the near near future?
What will happen very very soon?
We will soon be on the hands of God.
Don't we forget this.
2009年2月21日 星期六
You just rise, and pick up your mat
My Sunday Scritpure 2009.2.22
When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Child, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins? Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, "Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, pick up your mat and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth"-- he said to the paralytic, "I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home." He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this."
Saint Mark 2,1-12
My Reading Notes:
It is as simply as that: When you hear the word, pick up your mat.
You just do the same. You just rise, and pick up your mat, and that
is ALL you need to do.
Or you can refuse to rise and never pick up your mat........
When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Child, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins? Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, "Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, pick up your mat and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth"-- he said to the paralytic, "I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home." He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this."
Saint Mark 2,1-12
My Reading Notes:
It is as simply as that: When you hear the word, pick up your mat.
You just do the same. You just rise, and pick up your mat, and that
is ALL you need to do.
Or you can refuse to rise and never pick up your mat........
2009年2月14日 星期六
Jesus touched him
My Sunday Scripture 2009.2.15
A leper came to him (and kneeling down) begged him and said, "If you wish, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, "I do will it. Be made clean." The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, "See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them." The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.
Saint Mark 1,40-45.
-------------------
My reading notes:
-------------------
We do have sickness on earth. I can not explain this, though I could understand,
if there were no sickness, no evil, no bad things on earth, what would happened?
Bad things are necessary, and are part of the whole development.
Some were born with a difficult skin disease, and some were born with numerous
deflections. Actually, every single human being are born with some bad elements.
None of us are totally perfect without deflection. And we could die also.
The problems are: How are we to live through all these?
Can I live on with some or lots of deflection?
Now Jesus stretched out his hand.
What did Jesus give us?
A healing? may be. But on top of the healing, was Love.
Love is what Jesus had given us. He had brought love into the world.
With this special thinking power, we can handle ourselves and the
world properly.
A leper came to him (and kneeling down) begged him and said, "If you wish, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, "I do will it. Be made clean." The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, "See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them." The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.
Saint Mark 1,40-45.
-------------------
My reading notes:
-------------------
We do have sickness on earth. I can not explain this, though I could understand,
if there were no sickness, no evil, no bad things on earth, what would happened?
Bad things are necessary, and are part of the whole development.
Some were born with a difficult skin disease, and some were born with numerous
deflections. Actually, every single human being are born with some bad elements.
None of us are totally perfect without deflection. And we could die also.
The problems are: How are we to live through all these?
Can I live on with some or lots of deflection?
Now Jesus stretched out his hand.
What did Jesus give us?
A healing? may be. But on top of the healing, was Love.
Love is what Jesus had given us. He had brought love into the world.
With this special thinking power, we can handle ourselves and the
world properly.
2009年2月7日 星期六
He cured many who were sick
My Sunday Scripture 2009.2.8
On leaving the synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you." He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come." So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
Saint Mark 1,29-39.
---------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------
May be this is the most difficult part for me to understand.
I can not stop thinking. What are the relations between the oridinary universal law
and miracle. In the cases of miracles, the oridinary laws are secondary.
Faith is always the first place, while the universal laws are secondary.
I used fisrt and second here to mean their difference. I never dare to
repudiate any one of them. Both the universal laws and miracles are
given to us through the Almighty God.
Though I do not understand this, I believe in faith. And I believe
that faith could do anything.....whether that is within or not within
the range of the universal laws. And one more thing, the universal laws
are also gifts from heaven, we are never to disregard them.
On leaving the synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you." He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come." So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
Saint Mark 1,29-39.
---------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------
May be this is the most difficult part for me to understand.
I can not stop thinking. What are the relations between the oridinary universal law
and miracle. In the cases of miracles, the oridinary laws are secondary.
Faith is always the first place, while the universal laws are secondary.
I used fisrt and second here to mean their difference. I never dare to
repudiate any one of them. Both the universal laws and miracles are
given to us through the Almighty God.
Though I do not understand this, I believe in faith. And I believe
that faith could do anything.....whether that is within or not within
the range of the universal laws. And one more thing, the universal laws
are also gifts from heaven, we are never to disregard them.
2009年1月31日 星期六
evil spirits do exit
My Sunday Scripture 2009.2.1.
Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!" The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, "What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him." His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
Saint Mark 1,21-28.
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------
I can see that the evil spirit obeyed Jesus Christ.
And I can see that evil spirits do exit somewhere.
And sometimes they will dwell on people. In the Name
of Jesus Christ, the evil spirit could be driven out.
All we need is faith.
Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!" The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, "What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him." His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
Saint Mark 1,21-28.
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------
I can see that the evil spirit obeyed Jesus Christ.
And I can see that evil spirits do exit somewhere.
And sometimes they will dwell on people. In the Name
of Jesus Christ, the evil spirit could be driven out.
All we need is faith.
2009年1月24日 星期六
LIGHT is the issue
My Sunday Scripture 2009.1.25
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel. As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.
Saint Mark 1,14-20.
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
I have been wondering how easy Jesus picked up his disciples. I used to thought to myself, that it will be great if I could also pick up people so easily. He just said, come after me, and people followed. What is happening in that split second? And why people can decide on such important matter so fast? How could you choose your way of life in a second?
May be this is the ultimate secret about mind functioning. If people are to decide on some thing, time is not the issue. Then what is the issue? I will say, LIGHT is the issue. Jesus has cast out light, and you take it, and you reflect on it. All it need is a split second, and things done.
And I will always ask myself: Have'nt I got the light?
Contact me, if you ever wished to discuss more.
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel. As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.
Saint Mark 1,14-20.
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
I have been wondering how easy Jesus picked up his disciples. I used to thought to myself, that it will be great if I could also pick up people so easily. He just said, come after me, and people followed. What is happening in that split second? And why people can decide on such important matter so fast? How could you choose your way of life in a second?
May be this is the ultimate secret about mind functioning. If people are to decide on some thing, time is not the issue. Then what is the issue? I will say, LIGHT is the issue. Jesus has cast out light, and you take it, and you reflect on it. All it need is a split second, and things done.
And I will always ask myself: Have'nt I got the light?
Contact me, if you ever wished to discuss more.
2009年1月17日 星期六
What if the Messiah has not come
My Sunday Scripture 2009.1.18
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them,"Come, and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Kephas" (which is translated Peter).
Saint John 1,35-42
My reading notes:
It used to be a legend in the past that until oneday, the Messiah will come and save the world.
Some believe, and some doesnt.
Suppose Jesun has not come as the Messiah, what is going to happen on earth?
What is the Major Problem on earth?
What is that paticular problem, that if we could face that problem, and solve that problem, then all the other problems will be solved, and we will be saved?
The Major Problem on earth is Love. We do not know love it self. Not until Jesus,
love is a very unclear concept on earth. People do not love each other. People hate
each other. Never had any one thought of loving the enemies, and the neighbours.
It is Jesus who had brought the idea to us. And this is the only idea, that can save our world, and ourselves.
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them,"Come, and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Kephas" (which is translated Peter).
Saint John 1,35-42
My reading notes:
It used to be a legend in the past that until oneday, the Messiah will come and save the world.
Some believe, and some doesnt.
Suppose Jesun has not come as the Messiah, what is going to happen on earth?
What is the Major Problem on earth?
What is that paticular problem, that if we could face that problem, and solve that problem, then all the other problems will be solved, and we will be saved?
The Major Problem on earth is Love. We do not know love it self. Not until Jesus,
love is a very unclear concept on earth. People do not love each other. People hate
each other. Never had any one thought of loving the enemies, and the neighbours.
It is Jesus who had brought the idea to us. And this is the only idea, that can save our world, and ourselves.
2009年1月11日 星期日
He will baptise you with the holy Spirit
My Sunday Scripture 2009.1.11
I have baptized you with water, He will baptize you with the holy Spirit, (said John the Prophet)
----Saint Mark 1,7-11
-------------------------------------------------
My reading notes
We can say that, every thing has come to a change
after Christ had come to the world. John the Prophet had baptized the human beings with water, but after that, Jesus Christ baptized us with the holy Spirit.
The point is: do we have enough wisdom to handle the human affairs until now?
The channel for wisdom is opened. The remaining part is on our side.
I have baptized you with water, He will baptize you with the holy Spirit, (said John the Prophet)
----Saint Mark 1,7-11
-------------------------------------------------
My reading notes
We can say that, every thing has come to a change
after Christ had come to the world. John the Prophet had baptized the human beings with water, but after that, Jesus Christ baptized us with the holy Spirit.
The point is: do we have enough wisdom to handle the human affairs until now?
The channel for wisdom is opened. The remaining part is on our side.
2009年1月4日 星期日
How beautiful is the story
My Sunday Scripture 2009.1.4
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Matthew 2,1-12.
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
In fact this is the most beautiful scene for every child.
How did the three wise men follow the star going to the place
where the young child was born? And How beautiful was the
moment when they offered three diffenent gifts to the child?
The question is why. Why do such beautiful scene could occur
to our childhood?
Yes. This is our inborn feeling, feeling that someone did had
come to our world. And the world is different from now on.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Matthew 2,1-12.
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
In fact this is the most beautiful scene for every child.
How did the three wise men follow the star going to the place
where the young child was born? And How beautiful was the
moment when they offered three diffenent gifts to the child?
The question is why. Why do such beautiful scene could occur
to our childhood?
Yes. This is our inborn feeling, feeling that someone did had
come to our world. And the world is different from now on.
2008年12月28日 星期日
Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace
My Sunday Scripture 2008.12.28
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord," and to offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Luke 2,22-40.
-----------------
My reading notes:
This Scripture has been one of my favorite. Simeor was
a prophet, he had the vision that he will see the Messiah
before he dies. Now he had seen the baby, and he said to
God: Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace.
And this line is very very attractive to me. If one could
have the strength to say that, it means he had fulfilled
completely the task of his whole life. Only those who had
done so could have such a moment, feeling that their life
satisified and fulfilled.
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord," and to offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Luke 2,22-40.
-----------------
My reading notes:
This Scripture has been one of my favorite. Simeor was
a prophet, he had the vision that he will see the Messiah
before he dies. Now he had seen the baby, and he said to
God: Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace.
And this line is very very attractive to me. If one could
have the strength to say that, it means he had fulfilled
completely the task of his whole life. Only those who had
done so could have such a moment, feeling that their life
satisified and fulfilled.
2008年12月20日 星期六
the virgin shall conceive a son
My Sunday Scripture 2008.12.21
Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?"
Luke 1,26-38.
--------------------
My reading notes:
Recently I have read a book, the title was: "why do man have nipples? "
And this happened to be one of my question in my column.
However, the answer is not certain in that book.
I believe that in the very begining, man was created with both male and female
features in his body. And I had heard also when in some extreme situations
like drought , some animals can produce their next generation without sex.
Can a virgin produce a son? Yes, There are cases in the animal world.
But the point in not here.
The point is , by sending Jesus into our world, man's fate has been changed
completely.
Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?"
Luke 1,26-38.
--------------------
My reading notes:
Recently I have read a book, the title was: "why do man have nipples? "
And this happened to be one of my question in my column.
However, the answer is not certain in that book.
I believe that in the very begining, man was created with both male and female
features in his body. And I had heard also when in some extreme situations
like drought , some animals can produce their next generation without sex.
Can a virgin produce a son? Yes, There are cases in the animal world.
But the point in not here.
The point is , by sending Jesus into our world, man's fate has been changed
completely.
2008年12月13日 星期六
Testify to the Light
My Sunday Scripture 2008.12.14
A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.
John 1,6-8.19-28
---------------------
My reading notes:
Before Jesus, God had send John.
Johh was the one to testify that Jesus was coming.
And that Jesus will baptize us with Holy Spirit.
Now that John had still more: He said Jesus is the Light.
John was to testify to the Light.
Yes we are in darkness before Jesus. We human being was
in darkness because we did not know how to love, until
one day Jesus had come, and baptized us human being with the
Holy Spirit, and shed Light on us.
Rejoice, then.
A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.
John 1,6-8.19-28
---------------------
My reading notes:
Before Jesus, God had send John.
Johh was the one to testify that Jesus was coming.
And that Jesus will baptize us with Holy Spirit.
Now that John had still more: He said Jesus is the Light.
John was to testify to the Light.
Yes we are in darkness before Jesus. We human being was
in darkness because we did not know how to love, until
one day Jesus had come, and baptized us human being with the
Holy Spirit, and shed Light on us.
Rejoice, then.
2008年12月7日 星期日
He will baptize you with the holy Spirit
My Sunday Scripture 2008.12.7.
And this is what he(John the Baptist)proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me.........he will baptize you with the holy Spirit."
Mark 1,1-8
-----------------
My reading notes:
This is the most important event in human history.
the coming of Jesus Christ is the complete change of
human nature.
John the baptist said he will baptise us with holy spirite.
And this is true. Because he had brought us Love.
Who ever accepted Jesus into his mind will be smarter.
Let us prepare for a very very happy Christmas.
Because he did have come!
And this is what he(John the Baptist)proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me.........he will baptize you with the holy Spirit."
Mark 1,1-8
-----------------
My reading notes:
This is the most important event in human history.
the coming of Jesus Christ is the complete change of
human nature.
John the baptist said he will baptise us with holy spirite.
And this is true. Because he had brought us Love.
Who ever accepted Jesus into his mind will be smarter.
Let us prepare for a very very happy Christmas.
Because he did have come!
2008年11月30日 星期日
You can take
My Sunday Scripture 2008.11.30.
Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: 'Watch!'"
Mark 13,33-37
-----------------
My reading notes:
Yes, Jesus, You can give and you can take. Thank you for your reminder.
We Chinese always forget the other point. We all expect you to give, but seldom do we remember: You can give and you can take.
I was very sad last month. An old family member left me. I felt lonely. Though
he was 92 already, but I had failed to watch. I did not expect he could had gone so sudden. I was caught in the very unexpecting moment.
"You can take" is in the lyric of the "Les Meserable". I remembered the song suddenly this morning in Church. And I had had a deep emotional shock. How can I ignore this?
Yes you can give, but no body knows when you will take. I will be watchful.
Thank you Jesus.
Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: 'Watch!'"
Mark 13,33-37
-----------------
My reading notes:
Yes, Jesus, You can give and you can take. Thank you for your reminder.
We Chinese always forget the other point. We all expect you to give, but seldom do we remember: You can give and you can take.
I was very sad last month. An old family member left me. I felt lonely. Though
he was 92 already, but I had failed to watch. I did not expect he could had gone so sudden. I was caught in the very unexpecting moment.
"You can take" is in the lyric of the "Les Meserable". I remembered the song suddenly this morning in Church. And I had had a deep emotional shock. How can I ignore this?
Yes you can give, but no body knows when you will take. I will be watchful.
Thank you Jesus.
2008年11月23日 星期日
least brothers of mine
My Sunday Scripture 2008.11.23.
Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25,31-46.
----------------------
My reading notes:
What is the point here?
We see the least brothers every day, everywhere. One thing to remember, anything I will do for them, I am doing it for God.
And actually, they are God.
And some thing more to the point:
When we are trying to solve the problems for the world, we are doing it for God. And thus, we had found the aim of
human evolution. We solve different problems evey day, and we are evolving ourselves.
Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25,31-46.
----------------------
My reading notes:
What is the point here?
We see the least brothers every day, everywhere. One thing to remember, anything I will do for them, I am doing it for God.
And actually, they are God.
And some thing more to the point:
When we are trying to solve the problems for the world, we are doing it for God. And thus, we had found the aim of
human evolution. We solve different problems evey day, and we are evolving ourselves.
2008年11月15日 星期六
we must "earn" something
My Sunday Scripture 2008.11.16.
It will be as when a man who was going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one--to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master's money.
After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'
(Then) the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, 'Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.' His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'
Matthew 25,14-30.
----------------------
My reading notes:
From this scripture, I can see that this is a very important issue of the Western
culture. Its quite different from the East, though it is more or lest the same with
the Chinese Culture(before Confucius).
And the point is the goal for Mankind.
Human beings, like the servants in the parable, are useful to the Creator. He must work hard, not only to achieve his own goal, but the goal for the Creator. We must "earn" something for the universe.
In the East, the goal is spiritual improvement to the self only. It is nothing to do with the universe. And this thought, could also be found in Confucius. He thought that the main goal for human beings are morality, not to achieve anything.
Zhuang-zi the ancient Chinses Philosopher who is very much not the same with Confucius, has samilar idea with this scripture. In Zhuang-zi's mind, human beings are like candles. The candles must release light, that is the purpose of living.
It will be as when a man who was going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one--to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master's money.
After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'
(Then) the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, 'Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.' His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'
Matthew 25,14-30.
----------------------
My reading notes:
From this scripture, I can see that this is a very important issue of the Western
culture. Its quite different from the East, though it is more or lest the same with
the Chinese Culture(before Confucius).
And the point is the goal for Mankind.
Human beings, like the servants in the parable, are useful to the Creator. He must work hard, not only to achieve his own goal, but the goal for the Creator. We must "earn" something for the universe.
In the East, the goal is spiritual improvement to the self only. It is nothing to do with the universe. And this thought, could also be found in Confucius. He thought that the main goal for human beings are morality, not to achieve anything.
Zhuang-zi the ancient Chinses Philosopher who is very much not the same with Confucius, has samilar idea with this scripture. In Zhuang-zi's mind, human beings are like candles. The candles must release light, that is the purpose of living.
2008年11月9日 星期日
Jesus was angry
My Sunday Scripture 2008.11.9.
He knocked over the tables of the money-changers, scattering the coins, and ordered the people selling doves,
"Take all this away and stop turning my Father's house into
a marketplace!"
John 2:13-22
----------------------
My reading notes:
If we could see that the temple itself is God, and we should respect it.
Don't turn the holy place into a marketplace.......but we are doing it everyday.
He knocked over the tables of the money-changers, scattering the coins, and ordered the people selling doves,
"Take all this away and stop turning my Father's house into
a marketplace!"
John 2:13-22
----------------------
My reading notes:
If we could see that the temple itself is God, and we should respect it.
Don't turn the holy place into a marketplace.......but we are doing it everyday.
2008年11月1日 星期六
Where is God ?
........I was hungry and you gave me food
My Sunday Scripture 2008.11.2.
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne,and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'
Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'
And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.'
Then they will answer and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?'
He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.'
And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Matthew 25,31-46
----------------------
My reading notes:
To my humble understanding, God is everywhere. And this feeling is from Zhuang-zi
also. Zhuang-zi is the only Ancient philosopher of China who insisted there is a creator of the universe.
God is everywhere. But only those who has a loving heart can see God. God is in
those we care about. If we care about the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the ill, and those in the prison, then we are actually tending God himself.
We shall never feel lonely in the planet. Whenever we offer any help to the needed, we have God by our side.
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne,and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'
Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'
And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.'
Then they will answer and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?'
He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.'
And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Matthew 25,31-46
----------------------
My reading notes:
To my humble understanding, God is everywhere. And this feeling is from Zhuang-zi
also. Zhuang-zi is the only Ancient philosopher of China who insisted there is a creator of the universe.
God is everywhere. But only those who has a loving heart can see God. God is in
those we care about. If we care about the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the ill, and those in the prison, then we are actually tending God himself.
We shall never feel lonely in the planet. Whenever we offer any help to the needed, we have God by our side.
2008年10月25日 星期六
Zhuang-zi and Christ
My Sunday Scripture 2008.10.26.
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them (a scholar of the law) tested him by asking, Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest? He said to him, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."
Matthew 22,34-40
----------------------
My reading notes:
This is the most important doctrine Jesus told us. We must love God the Lord of the universe with our whole heart, whole soul, and whole mind. Plus the second teaching: Love our neighbours. Love our neighbor as ourself.
From this two points, one can find out the difference of Confucius and Christ.
Confucius did not represent Chinese thought. He had never had such thoughts as to love your neighbour, and to love God. His point was rather selfish, and limited. He could only see the relationship between the ruler and the ruled, the elder and the young. He promoted obedience rather then love. And this is not the worst elements of Confucius.
He was the one to forbid and cut and limit the Ancient Chinese thought, which was much much nearer to Christ then the feudal rulers. Zhuang-zi's idea of man-heaven union, was like the subconscious idea of Jesus's love of God, though he did not say so, but it is sure that he had felt it and meant it. We can say that Zhuang-zi and Christ had shared the same feeling.
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them (a scholar of the law) tested him by asking, Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest? He said to him, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."
Matthew 22,34-40
----------------------
My reading notes:
This is the most important doctrine Jesus told us. We must love God the Lord of the universe with our whole heart, whole soul, and whole mind. Plus the second teaching: Love our neighbours. Love our neighbor as ourself.
From this two points, one can find out the difference of Confucius and Christ.
Confucius did not represent Chinese thought. He had never had such thoughts as to love your neighbour, and to love God. His point was rather selfish, and limited. He could only see the relationship between the ruler and the ruled, the elder and the young. He promoted obedience rather then love. And this is not the worst elements of Confucius.
He was the one to forbid and cut and limit the Ancient Chinese thought, which was much much nearer to Christ then the feudal rulers. Zhuang-zi's idea of man-heaven union, was like the subconscious idea of Jesus's love of God, though he did not say so, but it is sure that he had felt it and meant it. We can say that Zhuang-zi and Christ had shared the same feeling.
2008年10月19日 星期日
To Caesar what is Caesar's
Return to Caesar what is Caesar's
My Sunday Scripture 2008.10.19.
They said to Jesus, "Master, we know that you are an honest man and truly teach God's way: you are not influenced by others nor are you afraid of anyone. Tell us, then, what you think: is it against the Law to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
But Jesus understood their evil intent, and said to them, "Hypocrites! Why are you testing me? Show me the coin with which you pay the taxes."
They showed him a denarius, and Jesus said to them, "whose head is this, and whose name?" They answered, "Caesar's."Then Jesus replied, "Therefore, return to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
Matthew 22: 15-21
----------------------
My reading notes:
How much we have given to Caesar? Almost most of ourselves. How much we have given to God? It depends.
Some people thought we need to have a balance between the earthly interest and the heavenly interest. But to my view, the two kinds of interest are not contradicted. When one finds oneself totally committed and dedicated, he will never have such problems. To pay tax is nothing to him, but to dedicate wholeheartedly, is the issue.
My Sunday Scripture 2008.10.19.
They said to Jesus, "Master, we know that you are an honest man and truly teach God's way: you are not influenced by others nor are you afraid of anyone. Tell us, then, what you think: is it against the Law to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
But Jesus understood their evil intent, and said to them, "Hypocrites! Why are you testing me? Show me the coin with which you pay the taxes."
They showed him a denarius, and Jesus said to them, "whose head is this, and whose name?" They answered, "Caesar's."Then Jesus replied, "Therefore, return to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
Matthew 22: 15-21
----------------------
My reading notes:
How much we have given to Caesar? Almost most of ourselves. How much we have given to God? It depends.
Some people thought we need to have a balance between the earthly interest and the heavenly interest. But to my view, the two kinds of interest are not contradicted. When one finds oneself totally committed and dedicated, he will never have such problems. To pay tax is nothing to him, but to dedicate wholeheartedly, is the issue.
2008年10月11日 星期六
Those invited were not worthy
Those invited were not worthy
My Sunday Scripture 2008.10.12
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 22,1-14.
Jesus again in reply spoke to them in parables, saying, The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those invited: "Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast."' Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.' The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, 'My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?' But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, 'Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.' Many are invited, but few are chosen."
My reading notes:
This is a difficult part of the scripture.
But the message seems very clear.
Those invited, one can guess from the parable, was the Israel people. They have refused the Messiah. As this is a parable, we can also think that among those who had refused God, could be people anywhere in the world.
And the result will come as a very unhappy one.
People are being invited, and honoured, but they refuse with a contempt.
.
They had insulted the kindness of the Creator.
Thus the result was obvious.
My Sunday Scripture 2008.10.12
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 22,1-14.
Jesus again in reply spoke to them in parables, saying, The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those invited: "Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast."' Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.' The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, 'My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?' But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, 'Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.' Many are invited, but few are chosen."
My reading notes:
This is a difficult part of the scripture.
But the message seems very clear.
Those invited, one can guess from the parable, was the Israel people. They have refused the Messiah. As this is a parable, we can also think that among those who had refused God, could be people anywhere in the world.
And the result will come as a very unhappy one.
People are being invited, and honoured, but they refuse with a contempt.
.
They had insulted the kindness of the Creator.
Thus the result was obvious.
2008年10月4日 星期六
Cornerstone
Cornerstone
My Sunday Scripture 2008.10.5
Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.' They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?" They answered him, "He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times." Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes'? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.
Matthew 21,33-43
My reading notes:
My question is: Do we human beings need a savior?
This is the question other philosophers have never answered.
(Including Zhuang-zi)
It is only in the Gospel that we learned we humans do need
a savior. Just like a house need a corner stone. We can not
imagine a house without a proper cornder stone. And all the
problems of the human race arises from here.
We tended to be weak and wrong. We need guidance from above.
This is what I have learned to day.
Leechard.
My Sunday Scripture 2008.10.5
Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.' They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?" They answered him, "He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times." Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes'? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.
Matthew 21,33-43
My reading notes:
My question is: Do we human beings need a savior?
This is the question other philosophers have never answered.
(Including Zhuang-zi)
It is only in the Gospel that we learned we humans do need
a savior. Just like a house need a corner stone. We can not
imagine a house without a proper cornder stone. And all the
problems of the human race arises from here.
We tended to be weak and wrong. We need guidance from above.
This is what I have learned to day.
Leechard.
2008年9月28日 星期日
The prostitutes are ahead of you
The prostitutes are ahead of you
My Sunday Scripture 2008.9.28
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders,
"What do you think of this? A man had
two sons. He went to the first and said to
him: "Son, today go and work in my
vineyard." And the son answered: " I
don't want to." But later he thought better
of it and went. Then the father went to
the second and gave him the same
command. The son replied: "I will
go, sir," but he did not go.
"Which of the two did what the father
wanted?" They answered, "The first."
And Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say
to you: the publicans and prostitutes
are ahead of you on the way to the
kingdom of heaven. For John came
to show you the way of goodness but
you did not believe him, yet the
publicans and the prostitutes did.
You were witnesses of this, but you
neither repented nor believed him.
Matthew 21: 28-32
My reading notes:
The point is, there are two kinds of
decisions or perceiving abilities.
People only do things as they
perceive truly in their mind. If they
do not perceive it , they will not
do it. The prostitutes and publicans
did perceive better than some of the
learned people.
So the important thing is to see into
the real inner meaning of everything.
If you don't see it, you will not do
it, even sometimes people will easily
promise to do things they don't really
wanted to do.
My Sunday Scripture 2008.9.28
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders,
"What do you think of this? A man had
two sons. He went to the first and said to
him: "Son, today go and work in my
vineyard." And the son answered: " I
don't want to." But later he thought better
of it and went. Then the father went to
the second and gave him the same
command. The son replied: "I will
go, sir," but he did not go.
"Which of the two did what the father
wanted?" They answered, "The first."
And Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say
to you: the publicans and prostitutes
are ahead of you on the way to the
kingdom of heaven. For John came
to show you the way of goodness but
you did not believe him, yet the
publicans and the prostitutes did.
You were witnesses of this, but you
neither repented nor believed him.
Matthew 21: 28-32
My reading notes:
The point is, there are two kinds of
decisions or perceiving abilities.
People only do things as they
perceive truly in their mind. If they
do not perceive it , they will not
do it. The prostitutes and publicans
did perceive better than some of the
learned people.
So the important thing is to see into
the real inner meaning of everything.
If you don't see it, you will not do
it, even sometimes people will easily
promise to do things they don't really
wanted to do.
2008年9月21日 星期日
The last will be first
The last will be first
My Sunday Scripture 2008.9.21.
Jesue told his disciples this parable,
"The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner
who went ot early in the morning to hire
workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay
the workers a salary of a sliver coin for
the day, and sent them to his vineyard.
"He went out again at about nine in the
morning, and seeing others idle in the
square, he said to them: 'You, too, go to
my vineyard and I will pay you what is
just.' So they went.
"The owner went out at midday and again
at three in the afternoon, and he did the
same. Finally he went out at the last
working hour---it was the eleventh---and
he saw others standing there. So he said
to them: 'Why do you stay idle the whole
day?' They answered: 'Because no one hired
us.' The master said, 'Go and work in
my vineyard.'
"When evening came, the owner of the
vineyard said to his manager: 'Call the
workers and pay them their wage, beginning
with the last and ending with the first.'
Those who had come to work at the eleventh
hour turned up and were given a denarius
each (a silver coin). When it was the
turn of the first, they thought they would
receive more. But they, too, received a
denarius each. So, on receiving it, they
began to grumble against the landowner.
"They said, 'These last hardly worked an
hour, yet you have treated them the same as
us who have endured the day's burden and
heat.' The owner said to one of them:
'Friend, I have not been unjust to you.
Did we not agree on a denarius a day? So
take what is yours and go. I want to give
to the last the same as I give to you.
Don't I have the right to do as I please
with my money? Why are you envious when
I am kind? '
"So will it be: the last will be first,
the first will be last."
Matthew 20: 1-16
(《牧靈聖經》譯文)
「天國好比一個家主，清晨六點多出門，為自己葡萄
園僱工人。他和工人講定：每人一天一個銀元，就打
發他們去工作。」
「到了九點多鐘，他看見街上有人閒著沒事做，就對
他們說：『你們也來我葡萄園，我會給你們合理的工
資。』他們馬上就來了。中午和下午家主人又出去了，
用同樣的辨法僱了工人。」
「近黃昏時，就是五點鐘的時候，他又到外面去看看，
見有人閒坐著，就問道：『你們為什麼整天都閒著沒
事﹖』他們說：『因為沒人僱用我們。』於是，家主
人對他們說：『你們也來我葡萄園做事吧！』晚上到了，
家主人吩咐管家：『把工人叫來，給他們發工資，從
後面僱來的發起，直到最先僱用的。』
先來領錢的是五點鐘才僱用的工人，他們拿了一個銀元。
等最先僱用的工人來時，以為會多拿一點，沒料到竟然
也是一個銀元。
他們就向家主人抱怨說：『後來的人只做了一個時
辰，而我們在太陽下做了一整天，你卻給我們一樣的報
酬。』
主人回答其中一人說：『朋友，我對你並不是不公平，
我們不是事先已談妥，工資是一個銀元嗎。拿了錢，就
走吧！我願意讓後來的拿的跟你一樣。難道我在自己的
家裏不能隨我意行事嗎﹖這不過是你嫉妒我善心罷了！』
是的，最後的將成為最先的，最先的又將成為最後的。」
My reading notes:
Different teachings may be obtained from the
parable. Just like attending a very important
class. The late one wished so much to come
earlier. But he encountered heavy rain on the
road. His friends told him, the class is not
important, you may get some notes the next day,
why bother to fight with the rain? The rain was
so heavy, water are coming to the height of
waist. But he managed to walk through the water.
He swam across the roads, and finally, he reached
the school. He was the last to attend the class.
But he was the first, definitely.
My Sunday Scripture 2008.9.21.
Jesue told his disciples this parable,
"The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner
who went ot early in the morning to hire
workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay
the workers a salary of a sliver coin for
the day, and sent them to his vineyard.
"He went out again at about nine in the
morning, and seeing others idle in the
square, he said to them: 'You, too, go to
my vineyard and I will pay you what is
just.' So they went.
"The owner went out at midday and again
at three in the afternoon, and he did the
same. Finally he went out at the last
working hour---it was the eleventh---and
he saw others standing there. So he said
to them: 'Why do you stay idle the whole
day?' They answered: 'Because no one hired
us.' The master said, 'Go and work in
my vineyard.'
"When evening came, the owner of the
vineyard said to his manager: 'Call the
workers and pay them their wage, beginning
with the last and ending with the first.'
Those who had come to work at the eleventh
hour turned up and were given a denarius
each (a silver coin). When it was the
turn of the first, they thought they would
receive more. But they, too, received a
denarius each. So, on receiving it, they
began to grumble against the landowner.
"They said, 'These last hardly worked an
hour, yet you have treated them the same as
us who have endured the day's burden and
heat.' The owner said to one of them:
'Friend, I have not been unjust to you.
Did we not agree on a denarius a day? So
take what is yours and go. I want to give
to the last the same as I give to you.
Don't I have the right to do as I please
with my money? Why are you envious when
I am kind? '
"So will it be: the last will be first,
the first will be last."
Matthew 20: 1-16
(《牧靈聖經》譯文)
「天國好比一個家主，清晨六點多出門，為自己葡萄
園僱工人。他和工人講定：每人一天一個銀元，就打
發他們去工作。」
「到了九點多鐘，他看見街上有人閒著沒事做，就對
他們說：『你們也來我葡萄園，我會給你們合理的工
資。』他們馬上就來了。中午和下午家主人又出去了，
用同樣的辨法僱了工人。」
「近黃昏時，就是五點鐘的時候，他又到外面去看看，
見有人閒坐著，就問道：『你們為什麼整天都閒著沒
事﹖』他們說：『因為沒人僱用我們。』於是，家主
人對他們說：『你們也來我葡萄園做事吧！』晚上到了，
家主人吩咐管家：『把工人叫來，給他們發工資，從
後面僱來的發起，直到最先僱用的。』
先來領錢的是五點鐘才僱用的工人，他們拿了一個銀元。
等最先僱用的工人來時，以為會多拿一點，沒料到竟然
也是一個銀元。
他們就向家主人抱怨說：『後來的人只做了一個時
辰，而我們在太陽下做了一整天，你卻給我們一樣的報
酬。』
主人回答其中一人說：『朋友，我對你並不是不公平，
我們不是事先已談妥，工資是一個銀元嗎。拿了錢，就
走吧！我願意讓後來的拿的跟你一樣。難道我在自己的
家裏不能隨我意行事嗎﹖這不過是你嫉妒我善心罷了！』
是的，最後的將成為最先的，最先的又將成為最後的。」
My reading notes:
Different teachings may be obtained from the
parable. Just like attending a very important
class. The late one wished so much to come
earlier. But he encountered heavy rain on the
road. His friends told him, the class is not
important, you may get some notes the next day,
why bother to fight with the rain? The rain was
so heavy, water are coming to the height of
waist. But he managed to walk through the water.
He swam across the roads, and finally, he reached
the school. He was the last to attend the class.
But he was the first, definitely.
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