教宗良十四世復活節文告:呼籲世界領袖放下武器

圖片:Vatican Media

「復活節快樂!」

2026年4月5日復活主日中午,教宗良十四世從聖伯多祿大殿中央陽台用中文等十個語言表達了這個祝福。同時,他也宣布將於4月11日週六傍晚在聖伯多祿大殿為和平舉行祈禱活動,邀請眾人與他一起參與。

在歡慶主耶穌復活的日子,教宗於正午時分來到聖伯多祿大殿的中央陽台,降福羅馬城和全世界,並且頒賜他的第一份復活節文告。他開門見山地引用《復活節繼抒詠》,喜樂地宣報:「基督復活了!」

教宗闡明,「逾越奧跡是一場勝利:生命勝過死亡、光明勝過黑暗、愛勝過仇恨。這勝利的代價極為高昂,也就是:永生的天主之子基督(參閱:瑪十六16)必須死亡」。祂遭遇了不公的判刑、受盡折磨後,「死在十字架上,傾流了祂全部的血」。「祂有如真正被宰殺的羔羊那樣,親自承擔了世界的罪(參閱:若一29;伯前一18-19),如此解救了所有人,並與我們一起解救受造界,使我們脫離罪惡的掌控」。

那麼,耶穌是如何取得勝利?祂是憑藉什麼力量從死者中復活,而且不是恢復原先的生活,卻是進入永恆的生命?教宗解釋說:「這力量、這威能正是天主本身。祂是創造並孕育生命的愛、忠信到底的愛、寬恕並救贖的愛。」

接著,教宗提及耶穌受難前在革責瑪尼莊園的祈禱。那時候,祂對天父說:「我父!如果這杯不能離去,非要我喝不可,就成就祢的意願吧!」(瑪廿六42)教宗表明,耶穌就這樣以行動走完了「對話之路」:「為了尋找我們這些迷失的人,祂取得肉軀;為了解救我們這些受奴役的人,祂成為了奴僕;為了將生命賜給我們這些終將一死的人,祂接受在十字架上遭到殺害。」

「耶穌藉以復活的力量,完全是非暴力的。」教宗強調了這點,並指出這類似於一粒麥子掉到土裡、發芽長大,最終長成黃澄澄的麥田。這又像是人心被冒犯受傷後,抵拒報復的本能,卻滿懷憐憫之情,為冒犯自己的人祈禱。

為此,教宗說:「弟兄姐妹,這是為世人帶來和平的真正力量,因為它在各層級激發彼此尊重的關係:在個人、家庭、社會團體和民族之間都如此。它不追求片面的利益,卻尋求公眾的福祉;它不願加強自己的計劃,卻促進計劃的構思,並與他人一起實現。」

此外,教宗也指出,上主藉著祂的復活,更大力地促使我們「面對我們自由的劇碼」。「在空墓前,我們究竟是會如同門徒們那樣充滿希望和驚奇,或者是會跟看守者和法利賽人一樣恐懼,不得不撒謊」,只為了「不承認那被處死的耶穌真的復活了」(參閱:瑪廿八11-15)。

因此,教宗敦促眾人「在逾越奧跡的光照下,接受基督帶給我們的驚奇,以及祂無盡的聖愛給我們心靈帶來的改變」。「願手握武器者,放下武器!願那些能引發戰爭的權勢者,選擇和平!和平並非靠武器,而是藉著對話達成的!」

「我們正在對暴力習以為常,屈服於它,而且變得冷漠」。冷漠的全球化日漸加劇,良十四世為此引述方濟各教宗去年復活主日在同一個陽台向世人表達的臨終話語:「在每天殃及世界不同地方的許多衝突中,我們看到多少死亡的意志!」(2025年4月20日,《復活節文告》)

普雷沃斯特教宗說:「我們人人都害怕死亡,出於恐懼而轉身不顧,寧可不看。我們不可再冷漠以對!我們不可屈服於惡。聖奧斯定教導說:『你如果害怕死亡,就要熱愛復活。』(講道集124,4)我們也要熱愛復活,這為我們指出,邪惡沒有最後的話語權,因為它已經被復活主所擊潰。」

復活的主耶穌「通過死亡來賜給我們生命與平安」。教宗闡明,「耶穌賜給我們的平安不只是讓武器噤聲,還觸動並改變我們每個人的心靈」。為此,教宗鼓勵眾人歸向基督的平安,並宣布將於4月11日週六傍晚在聖伯多祿大殿為和平舉行祈禱活動,邀請所有人與他一同參與。

來源:梵蒂岡新聞網

香港教區主教周守仁樞機2026年復活節文告

Photo courtesy of Joseph Lam @josephlam.photography

2026年4月2日,天主教香港教區發布該教區主教周守仁樞機在今年的復活節文告中,指出復活節激勵我們不要放棄希望。他強調無論世界會變得怎樣,請不要讓自己或我們的年輕一代向絕望屈服,更不要讓他們選擇報復性的仇恨與暴力。要堅信愛的力量,它是希望的根基。

圖片提供:天主教香港教區

2026年復活節文告
天主教香港教區主教周守仁樞機

因為我們的逾越節羔羊基督,已被祭殺作了犧牲。所以我們過節,不可用舊酵母,也不可用奸詐和邪惡的酵母,而祇可用純潔和真誠的無酵餅。(哥林多前書 5:7b-8)

各位香港市民和居民,當我撰寫這篇復活節文告時,中東的戰爭和衝突,有可能會蔓延至世界其他地方,實在讓我們無法樂觀地預期衝突將快結束。

說實話,我不知道復活節當日我們的世界會變得怎樣。侵略者發動了極度破壞性的襲擊行動,受襲一方也生起了惱怒的仇恨,他們要拉世界到甚麼境地?但願不是走向核災難或活地獄。讓我們誠心祈求上主的救援。

然而,我們作為世界公民,既不能夠、也不應該坐以待斃,等待著這些嚇人的可能性變成事實。否則,我們也要為這災難性的後果負起責任、即使責任是怎樣微小的。因為每個人——無論是積極或消極、有意還是無意——都在身處的團體、社會、國家,以至鄰近地區,構成人類集體意識的一部份。因此,假如我們多數人對鄰居抱持負面態度並採取相應行動,這連鎖效應又將如何影響我們居住的地區、甚至全世界呢?

換句話說,我們能做甚麼來緩解自身社群內的緊張局面,進而影響全球的氛圍呢?我想,在這個充滿敵意的世界裡,我們幾乎都會認為自己只是微不足道的小角色,影響力微乎其微。面對巨大邪惡時,我們又能做甚麼呢?令人遺憾的是,我們大多數人可能感到極其無助,以致選擇不採取任何建設性的行動,而只是詛咒這片黑暗。

但感謝天主,我們還有復活節!主耶穌的復活意味著,良善、真理與愛最終會勝過邪惡。生命的芬芳最終會驅散死亡的惡臭。關鍵在於,我們要堅信生命與良善所帶來的總體益處,會勝過死亡與邪惡所造成的傷害。

相信生命與美善,意味著要同時在頭腦和心靈上擁抱它們,並透過行動實踐出來。若我們希望這世界有一個新開始,就必須遠離「奸詐與邪惡」的舊酵母。我認為,舊酵母也包括那任由絕望吞噬自己,又或是成為那嘲諷、仇恨與破壞性批評的民兵。我們必須遏止仇恨與暴力蔓延,特別是透過社交媒體的傳播,無論它們表面上看似多吸引。

要重申,暴力只會帶來暴力,絕不會帶來和平。人們要自問:當今世上,既然還有其他和平或破壞力較小的方法可用,或是我們尚未竭盡一切可能。那麼,是否還存在「正義戰爭」這回事?香港的情況又怎樣?根據「香港大學香港賽馬會防止自殺研究中心」的資料顯示,對比2023年,在2024年15至24歲年齡組別的自殺個案仍然高企,年輕成年男性的自殺個案則有所上升。可幸其他年齡組別的個案,在2024年有所下降。最新的數據亦預計2025年15至24歲年齡組別的自殺個案沒有增加。這可能源於社會意識有所提升,社會支援有所增加等因素。事實上,復活節激勵我們不要放棄希望,也不要向絕望屈服。這為我們年輕一代尤其重要。

當一切看似黑暗並且迷失時,要堅信光明就在不遠處。我們只需起步前行,並邀請夥伴與我們同行。天主是生命與愛,祂深愛我們每一個人、尤其是青年,祂絕不會拋棄我們。天使正透過大家身邊的善心人,向我們伸出援手,即使我們當下無法認出他們來。要知道,除非我們甘於就範,惡魔是無法吞噬我們的。每當我們投靠復活的主,祂那賦予生命的力量必能保護我們。

我在這裡籲請各家長與各學校,要保護我們的孩子,不要讓他們消耗生命,墮入讓人盲目的競爭文化當中——雖然有少數學生能夠適應這種文化。若我們不再執意讓孩子與同儕比較,而是讓他們與自己比較,從中得益更大。這需要由家長開始,因為他們的焦慮大多源於自己與其他家長比較,又或把孩子與別的孩子比較,擔心自己的孩子競爭力變得弱 。

透過「自我比較」去達致個人成長,能夠為青年提供更多的喘息機會與成長空間,也讓他們發掘自身的天賦與才能。這些改變所產生的連鎖效應,有助改變現有的壓抑文化,為兒童和青年帶來新鮮空氣,讓他們在希望中茁壯成長。我們要擺脫以下這種憂慮:青年可能因為在許多學校裡極高要求的校園文化,而訴諸自我傷害。自然流失的法則不應套用在我們的學生身上,為教育界更是不應該。每一個生命都具有尊嚴與價值,這都是超越成就的。

我籲請政府領導人減少使用「關鍵績效指標」(KPI),讓教育工作者有更多時間與空間,更好地陪伴學生。單靠增加經費來聘請額外的文職及專業服務,不能實質地減輕教育工作者的負擔。不斷追求「增值」,只會令人筋疲力盡和分心。

「關鍵績效指標」沒有強調好些重要的價值,這些價值卻對青年的健康發展非常重要。例如,他們的心理—靈性健康,以及他們對自身能塑造理想未來的信念。我們都希望在學生身上見證到復活的喜悅,而不是恒常的痛苦與絕望。

關鍵績效指標之外,我籲請政府及社會領袖,為違反了法律的青年提供重新開始的機會。這有助他們對社會重拾亟其需要的希望與信心。擱置了幾年的調查工作對他們仍然帶來風險,因此影響著他們的精神健康。犯罪紀錄、即使是相對輕微的、也削弱及阻礙他們發展事業。難道我們不能制訂一些法律條文,幫助那些犯下輕微罪行而又服完刑期的人繼續追求他們的專業嗎?我們可以幫助他們重拾對社會的信心,並重建對美好將來的希望。再一次說,復活的喜樂與希望對他們來說,不應是難以得到的奢侈品。

這復活節文告行將作結,我們可無從預知當大家讀到或得悉這文告時,世界會變得怎樣,但請不要讓自己或我們的年輕一代向絕望屈服,更不要讓他們選擇報復性的仇恨與暴力。要堅信愛的力量,它是希望的根基。

我們的主復活了!祝大家有一個充滿希望的復活節。

+周守仁樞機

Easter Message 2026
His Eminence Stephen Cardinal Chow
Bishop of Hong Kong

For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Corinthians 5:7b-8) To all the fellow residents and dwellers of Hong Kong, as I write this Easter Message, the wars and conflicts in the Middle East, with the possibility of spillover to other parts of the world, do not allow us to be optimistic of the conflicts ending soon.

Honestly, I do not know what our world will be like on Easter Sunday. Given the devastating acts of the aggressors and the maddening hate of the one being attacked, to where are they dragging the rest of the world? Not towards a nuclear disaster or a living hell, we hope. Let us earnestly pray for God’s deliverance.

Yet, as fellow global citizens, we cannot and should not wait helplessly for these horrific possibilities to become reality. If not, we could be counted among those partly responsible for the disastrous outcome, even if only for a very small part of it. For everyone contributes, positively or negatively, knowingly or unknowingly, to the human consciousness in his or her communities, society, country, or even neighbouring regions. Hence, if many of us feel and act negatively towards our neighbours, how would the chain effects affect the region or even the world in which we reside?

In other words, what can we do to ease the tension in our own communities, which will eventually affect the global sentiment? I think almost all of us would consider ourselves insignificant players with negligible impact in this overwhelmingly hostile world. What good can we do when we are facing immense evil? The sad part is that most of us may feel so helpless that we choose to do nothing constructive but curse the darkness.

But thank God that there is Easter! The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus means that goodness, truth and love will ultimately overcome evil. The fragrance of life will eventually dispel the stench of death. What is pivotal is our conviction in the summative benefits of life and goodness over the extent of damage incurred by death and evil. Believing in life and goodness means embodying it not only in the head but also in the heart and through one’s actions. If we want our world to enjoy a new beginning, we need to stay away from the old yeast of “malice and wickedness.” And I would include the old yeast of allowing ourselves to be consumed by hopelessness, or joining the militia of cynical, hateful and destructive criticism. Therefore, we need to halt the spreading of hate and violence, through social media in particular, no matter how desirable it might appear to be.

Again, violence begets violence, never peace. One should wonder whether there can be just wars nowadays when other peaceful or less destructive means are available, or whether just have not yet been exhausted.

How about Hong Kong? According to The Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at HKU, in 2024, suicide cases among the 15 to 24 age group, and among young adult males, remained just as high and rising respectively when compared with 2023. But the cases for the rest of Hong Kong decreased in 2024. Recent updates also indicate no increase in suicide cases in these age groups in 2025. This may be due to, but is not confined to, improved awareness and social support in our society. Indeed, Easter exhorts us not to give up hope or succumb to hopelessness. And this is particularly important for our younger generations.

When all seems dark and lost, have faith that light is not far away. We only need to get up and walk, and invite our peers to walk with us. The God of Life and Love, who loves everyone of us, especially our young people, will never forsake us. Angels are reaching out through the good people around us, though we might not recognise them readily. Please know that demons cannot consume us unless we allow them to do so. The life-giving power of the Lord of Easter can protect us whenever we take shelter in him.

Allow me to call on parents and schools to protect our children by not allowing them to go under the life-sapping and blindingly competitive culture, although a relatively small number of students may thrive in it. It will be more helpful if our children and young people are not intently compared with each other but with their own selves. This will need to start with our parents, whose anxiety largely stems from comparing themselves with other parents or comparing their children with the children of other parents, worrying that their children would become less competitive.

Emphasising personal betterment through self-comparison will provide our young people more room to breathe and space to grow, while discovering their own gifts and talents. Chain effects from such changes will help transform the existing suffocating culture, bringing fresh air for our children and young people to thrive with hope. Let us be free from the worry that our young people may resort to self-harming measures due to the highly demanding culture of schooling in many schools. The law of natural attrition should not be applied to our students, certainly not in education. Every life has its own dignity and value that rise well beyond achievements.

And I call on our leaders in the government to reduce the use of “Key Performance Indicator” (KPI) so as to allow our educators more time and space to better accompany their students. An increase in funding to recruit extra clerical and professional services alone cannot meaningfully ease the burden on our educators. Continuing demands for “value-addedness” are simply exhausting and distracting.

There are important values which are not emphasised with KPIs but are crucial for the healthy development of our young people. For example, their psycho-spiritual well-being and conviction in their ability to shape their own desirable future. I believe we all want to witness the joy of Easter among our students, not constant suffering and hopelessness.

Besides KPIs, I call on our government and civic leaders to give our young people who have been in trouble with the law a second chance to start anew. This will allow them to have the much-needed hope and faith in our society. Investigations put aside in the past couple of years remain threatening to them, which in turn, has taken its toll on their mental health. Criminal records, even relatively minor ones, are crippling barriers to their career pursuits. Can we not identify some legal provisions to help those whose crimes are minor and who have served their sentences to continue pursuing their careers? We can help them regain faith in society and reconstruct hope for their desirable future. Again, Easter joy and hope should not be an unattainable luxury for them.

Before I finish this Easter Message, not knowing what our world will be like when we read or hear about it, please do not let ourselves or our young ones succumb to hopelessness, or worse still, resort to vengeful hate and violence. Have faith in the power of love that should form the basis of hope.

Our Lord is risen indeed! A hope-filled Easter to you all!

+ Stephen Cardinal Chow, S.J.

來源:天主教香港教區;香港天主教社會傳播處

教宗親自降福羅馬城和全世界:復活節是生命的慶節

圖片:Vatican Media

鳴謝:《天主教真理電台》提供轉播

「親愛的弟兄姊妹,復活節快樂!」教宗方濟各於4月20日復活主日坐著輪椅來到聖伯多祿大殿中央陽台,以這句話問候聚集在廣場上的人們。他這次呼吸道疾病發作以來靜心養病,極少出現在公眾視線,而且將逾越節的各項慶典委託給幾位樞機來主持,並未事先通知是否出席。因此,他的這次出現讓人們格外欣喜。

復活主日彌撒結束後,受託主祭的科馬斯特里(Angelo Comastri)樞機、共祭神長們和參禮信友並未離開,而是抬頭仰望聖伯多祿大殿的中央陽台,甚至是舉起手機鏡頭,期待教宗能夠出現。不負眾望,教宗親自出席並降福了羅馬城和全世界。頒賜降福後,人潮並未散去,此時教宗乘坐白色敞篷車來到廣場,現場信眾又驚又喜,興奮地高聲歡呼。途經之處,家長們紛紛將孩子舉起,遞給教宗降福。教宗的座車並未止步於聖伯多祿廣場,而是開上廣場前的和解大道,兜了一大圈才返回梵蒂岡聖瑪爾大之家。

希望不再虛無縹緲

在降福羅馬城和全世界前,教宗發表了他今年的復活節文告,並將稿件託付教宗禮儀長拉韋利(Diego Giovanni Ravelli)總主教來宣讀。教宗在文告中表示,「在耶穌的受難和聖死中,天主親自承擔了世界的一切罪過,以祂的無限慈愛擊潰罪過。」「天主的羔羊得勝了!為此,我們今天歡呼:『基督、我的希望,已經復活!』(復活節繼紓詠)」從此以後,「希望不再虛無縹緲,望德不叫人蒙羞」(參閱:羅五5),而且這份希望「使人負起責任」。

「多少人對天主寄予希望,將自己脆弱的手放在祂強而有力的大能手中,讓祂把自己攙扶起來,邁上旅途:與復活主耶穌一起,成為希望的朝聖者。」

生命的慶節

「復活節是生命的慶節!」教宗如此強調,並重申在天主眼中「每個生命都是寶貴的」。教宗由此念及母胎中的胎兒、老人、病患的生命,「他們在越來越多國家被視為要被丟棄的人」。同時,教宗也關心那些遭受家庭暴力的婦女和兒童,以及受到輕視的最弱小者、邊緣人士和移民。

在這日子,教宗期盼大家恢復希望,並且對他人有信心,包括疏遠的人、從遠方來的人、習俗和見解與我們大不相同的人,「因為我們都是天主的兒女」。

教宗說:「我渴望我們大家能再次期待,和平是可能實現的!」

心繫耶穌復活之地

放眼世界,教宗的目光首先落在聖地的聖墓。他寫道:「今年天主教徒和東正教徒在同一天慶祝復活節,但願和平之光照耀在整個聖地和全世界。」

「我關心巴勒斯坦和以色列基督徒的苦難,以及全體以色列人民和全體巴勒斯坦人民。蔓延在世界各地的反猶太主義氣氛日漸高漲,令人擔憂。與此同時,我的思緒轉向加沙地帶的民眾,尤其是基督徒團體,那裡的恐怖衝突不斷製造死亡和毀滅,造成悲慘且惡劣的人道主義處境。」

為此,教宗呼籲交戰方停火、釋放人質、援助百姓。人們「忍飢瘦餓,渴望有個和平的未來」。

惦記其它地方的受苦者

接著,教宗籲請眾人為黎巴嫩和敘利亞的基督徒團體祈禱,後者正在經歷「微妙的過渡期」。教宗敦促「整個教會以關懷和祈禱陪伴親愛的中東的基督徒」。

教宗也特別提及也門人民,他們的人道主義危機每況愈下。「我邀請所有的人通過有建設性的對話找出解決之道。」談到「飽受磨難的烏克蘭」,教宗祈求復活主基督為該國沛降「逾越奧跡的和平之恩」,並鼓勵有關各方繼續努力「達致公正且持久的和平」。

「在這喜慶的日子,讓我們也念及南高加索地區,並祈願亞美尼亞與阿塞拜疆之間儘快簽署並落實最終的和平協議」,以達成該區域熱切盼望的修和。「願復活之光啟發西巴爾幹地區和諧共處的意願,並支持從政人士採取行動,以免加劇張力和危機」。

此外,教宗也為非洲人民懇求「復活主基督、我們的希望賜予和平與安慰」。他們深受暴力和衝突所害,尤其是在剛果民主共和國、蘇丹和南蘇丹,以及薩赫勒地區、非洲之角和非洲大湖地區。

沒有宗教自由就沒有和平

教宗掛念「在很多地方無法自由宣認信仰的基督徒」。他強調,「在沒有宗教自由的地方,或者在沒有思想和言論自由,不尊重他人意見的地方,就不可能實現和平。」

在這時期,教宗邀請眾人「不忘援助緬甸百姓」。他們「早已經受多年武裝衝突的折磨,現在秉持勇氣和耐心應對毀滅性地震的後果」。「讓我們為罹難者和他們的摯愛祈禱,由衷感謝所有慷慨投入救援工作的志願者。該國多方宣布停火的消息,為全緬甸來說是個希望的記號。」

「我呼籲世界上所有負有政治責任的人,不可屈服於那令人封閉的恐懼邏輯,卻要運用手邊的資源來幫助有需要的人,根除飢餓,推廣那些促進發展的活動。這些是和平的利器,建設未來,而不撒播死亡的種子!」

教宗最後期許道:「在這禧年,願復活節也是個釋放戰俘和政治犯的大好時機!」「祝大家復活節快樂!」

來源:梵蒂岡新聞網

天主教香港教區主教周守仁樞機2025年復活節文告

圖片提供:Joseph Lam

2025年復活節文告
不要讓懼怕死亡使我們變得軟弱 !

他們就彼此說:「當他在路上與我們談話,給我們講解《聖經》的時候,我們的心不是火熱的嗎?」(路24:32)

復活節是基督的教會慶祝生命戰勝死亡、光明穿透黑暗、修和拉近分歧、希望取代絕望的時期。然而,面對著如今日益自我中心、咄咄逼人的專横文化,人們要保持希望,已經變得太奢侈、太難達到了。

在撰寫這文章時,美國總統特朗普宣布了針對全球各國和地區不同的關稅方案。全球情緒變得黯淡、擔憂和悲觀。人們愈來愈擔心全球經濟可能出現衰退。這跟困擾全球的區域戰爭、地緣政治緊張局勢和自然災害可能同時出現。至於那些經濟條件差、國際或社會地位低微的人民,永遠是最受苦的一群。

第二次世界大戰後各國多年來建立的所謂「國際社會」究竟發生了甚麼變故?公認的世界秩序在不同程度上支持著我們在商業、金融、跨境流動、國際社會政治事務等領域的運作,如今這些秩序又何去何從?然而,這些我們習以為常的國際條約和慣例,看似在我們眼前逐漸瓦解,同一時間又看不到任何可替代的世界秩序,能夠重建人們的信心。

我們留意到出現了根本性的改變,但面對這些改變時卻感到無助。我們能否影響國際情緒的演變軌跡?還是,我們必須扮演坐以待斃的角色,任人宰割?

耶穌基督,世界的救主和歷史的主宰,為我們眾人而死,無論基督徒與否。「至於我,當我從地上被舉起來時,便要吸引眾人來歸向我。」(若望12:32)然而,當耶穌在十字架上受難之後,這福音卻不被全部門徒所接受。許多人視耶穌會帶來個人風險而逃走。當耶穌被釘十字架後,一切關乎他的盼望與計劃,都變得毫無意義。

但有關他死而復活、那最不可能的報道,卻徹底地改變了整個敍述。那原本無意義的變成了有意義。原本無希望的變成了有希望。死亡的惡臭變成了復活的芬芳。看似是絕對和最終的事情,其實是等待上主生命之光介入前的黑暗時期。光明告訴世人,黑暗永遠不是絕對的,邪惡和死亡不會得意到最後。因此,為我們和世界來說,最重要的是,即使在最黑暗的時刻,也不要失去希望。

當我們內心有了希望之光,便可確信,大家團結起來時便可帶來改變。就像那些沮喪的耶穌跟隨者,當他們徹底失望地離開耶路撒冷時,卻與復活的基督相遇,之後他們

便懷著新得來的希望返回他們的團體當中,為基督的復活作證(參路 24:13-35)。他們帶著由復活而來的希望,幫助建立自己的團體。

在當前處境,人們開始失去希望,這轉變的速度驚人,對於奮力保持積極態度的我們又有甚麼意義?讓人憂愁的變化看來是不可避免的,而我們不知曉的新世界秩序似乎在形成的過程之中。

然而,因著基督復活的緣故,死亡成為了人類通往榮耀永生的門徑。我們可以繼續對那創造萬有生命的生命、對那在最黑暗時刻仍陪伴著我們的大愛抱持希望。因為上主就是那生命與大愛。我們相信,死亡與轉變都是引領我們走向更嶄新、更遼闊視野的門徑。

在死亡這邪惡的終極武器前,我們千萬不要失去希望。如果我們任由自己在邪惡的閙劇下失去希望,死亡便成為我們的終局。但基督的復活為我們揭示了一個截然不同的現實—— 當中充滿了希望和令人振奮的無盡可能,帶領我們走向生命。我們可選擇走上那一條路:死亡或復活。要相信希望的集體力量和人的意志力,也要相信我們作為全球公民的聯合行動,我們不僅僅是各自國家的愛國者。

生命與大愛的上主常與我們同在、啟迪我們、賦予我們力量,為了上善與更好的生命而同心合意,特別是為了那些最末後無靠、最失落無救和最卑微無助的人們。

最後,東西方的基督教會今年都在同一天慶祝復活節,這是慶祝我們共同傳承的最好機會。祝大家在這 2025 年以至往後的年月,都有一個蒙福而充滿希望的復活節 !基督的確復活了,亞肋路亞 !

+周守仁樞機

2025年復活節

按此下載中文PDF文件檔

Easter message 2025
Let not the fear of death weaken us! 

Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)

Easter is a time when Christian churches celebrate life overcoming death, light piercing through darkness, reconciliation bridging divisions, and hope replacing despair. However, in today’s increasingly egoistic and aggressively domineering culture, it has become too luxurious and unattainable for anyone to remain hopeful.

While this message is being composed, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced different tariff schemes for countries and territories around the world. Global sentiments have turned bleak, worrisome and pessimistic. There are growing fears of a potential global recession. This could occur alongside regional warfare, geopolitical tensions, and natural disasters that have been distressing our world. Those who will suffer the most are always those with little means and low international or social status.

What has happened to the so-called international community, which different countries have built up over the years since the Second World War? What about the recognised world order that has, in varying degrees, supported our approach to commerce, finance, cross-border mobilities, international socio-political affairs, and more? However, these conventions that we have mostly taken for granted seem to be dissolving before our eyes, with no apparent alternative world order available to instil confidence.

We can sense fundamental changes are happening, but we feel helpless in the face of them. Can we alter the course of changes that affect international sentiments? Or, must we play the role of sitting ducks, ready to be shot at?

Jesus Christ, Savior of the world and the Lord of history, has died for all of us, Christians or not. “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself” (John 12:32). Nonetheless, this good news was not well received by all of his disciples after his death on the cross. A good number of them fled as they perceived him as a personal risk. Every hope and plan that included Jesus simply became pointless after his death on the cross.

But the most unlikely reports of his rising from the dead changed the entire narrative. What was pointless became meaningful. What was hopeless became hopeful. The stench of death was turned into the fragrance of resurrection. What seemed to be absolute and final was, in fact, a darkened phase awaiting the intrusion of God’s life-giving light. The light that tells the world that darkness is never absolute and that evil and death cannot have the last laugh. Therefore, what is of utmost importance for us and the world is that we must not lose hope even in the darkest hours of the night.

With the light of hope within us, we can be certain that, collectively, we can make a difference. Like the dejected followers of Jesus who encountered the risen Christ as they were leaving Jerusalem in utter disappointment, they returned to their community testifying to his resurrection with newfound hope after their encounter with the risen Christ (cf. Luke 24:13-35). They helped in the building up of their community with Easter hope.

What does this mean for us struggling to remain somewhat positive amid current situations where hope is fading away at a distressing rate? Disturbing changes are apparently inevitable while a new world order unknown to us seems to be in the making.

But because of Easter, death has become the gateway to the glory of eternal life for the entire humanity. We can remain hopeful in the Life that creates all lives and the Love that accompanies us even in the darkest hours. For God is that Life and Love. We can believe that death and change are gateways leading us to newer and greater horizons.

Never lose our hope against death, the ultimate weapon of evil. Should we allow ourselves to become helpless with the follies of evil, death will also become our final destiny. But Easter presents us with a totally different reality — one filled with infinite exciting possibilities and hope leading us to life. It is our choice as to which path to follow: death or resurrection. Have faith in the collective strength of hope and human willpower, as well as in our united actions as global citizens, not only patriots of our respective countries.

The God of life and love will always be with us, enlightening and empowering us, united in heart and mind for a greater good and a better life, especially for those who are the last, the lost and the least.

Last but not least, Christian churches in the East and West are celebrating Easter on the same day this year — a perfect opportunity to celebrate our common heritage. Have a blessed and hope-filled Easter throughout 2025 and beyond! Christ is indeed risen, Alleluia!

+ Stephen Cardinal Chow, S.J.
2025 Easter

來源:天主教香港教區

2024年李斌生主教復活節文告:復活的主,請教給我們祈禱

圖片:澳門教區社會傳播中心

2024年復活節文告

復活的主,請教給我們祈禱

各位親愛的兄弟姊妹:

阿肋路亞!

基督的復活,令我們的信仰成為真實的(參閱格前15:14)。每當我們重新宣認這份信仰時,透過領受各種聖事,我們參與祂的死亡與復活(參閱羅6:5-8;若6:54)。但只是相信和宣認這份信德並不足夠,還需要透過祈禱,與天主建立關係。

為準備2025年的禧年,教宗方濟各欽定本年為「祈禱年」,並透過宗座福音傳播部出版《祈禱年輔助材料》,鼓勵信友們虔誠地活出祈禱生活。祈禱年是一份邀請,去與天主進一步建立關係,更是一個機遇去讓我們反思我們的信仰的質素。

在我們每天的生活中,在面對不同的處境,無論順逆,即使多繁忙,都要騰出祈禱的時間。「祈禱是讓天主在我們內心工作的方式,即使在最困難的情況下,也能明白天主想向我們傳遞甚麼訊息,祈禱是為了獲得繼續前進的力量。」(教宗方濟各,2022年1月9日《三鐘經》)

「主,請教給我們祈禱。」(路11:1)門徒們這個請求,反映出他們自己的不足,甚至渴求祈禱時所需的實際方法。祈禱不只是一個虔敬的習慣,而是「靈魂的呼吸」,而「呼吸」更是人類最基本的需求。(參閱教宗方濟各,2021年6月9日公開接見活動)每次的祈禱,都是與天主深入交融的機會,也是一個機會去聆聽天主對我們說話。

祈禱是唯一能觸及我們內在真理的途徑。當我們進入我們的內心,我們便找到天主的光;而這道光,將延伸到我們的生活中,從而活出天主的臨在。祈禱有如指南針般,指引我們(參閱《祈禱年輔助材料》);又如船錨般,避免我們被狂風巨浪吹走。

當我們恆常地祈禱,就是滋養着我們的生命,也能時刻活出天主的臨在。祈禱需要鍥而不捨,因為只有持之以恆的祈禱、只有熱愛祈禱的靈魂,才能轉化一個人的內心,繼而轉化團體、社會,以至整個世界。

響應教宗方濟各的呼籲,為迎接禧年,我邀請教區內各成員,促進個人祈禱和團體祈禱的中心地位。首先重溫教宗方濟各過去數年公開接見活動以「祈禱」為題的教導,透過默想走進祈禱的學堂。

堂區團體的祈禱。在堂區團體的層面,特別著重每次彌撒聖祭的每個細節,因為「教友們參與聖體祭……整個基督徒生活的泉源與高峰」(《教會》教義憲章,11);又或在堂區內組織「時辰頌禱」、朝拜聖體、團體修和禮等祈禱聚會,讓堂區內每一位成員,明暸並參與教會公共的祈禱生活。

家庭中的祈禱。家庭是祈禱的學校,亦是孕育子女祈禱的首個地方;亦只有透過家庭的牧靈工作,使家庭成為家庭教會,並在社會中作福音的酵母。(參閱《愛的喜樂》宗座勸諭,290)「一家人生活的空間可成為『家庭教會』,作為舉行感恩祭的場地,讓基督臨在,同坐一席……到這個家瀰漫著天主的臨在,家人一同祈禱,恩澤滿盈。」(《愛的喜樂》宗座勸諭,15)

青年人的祈禱。至於青年人在生活上,總會感到迷惘,以及遇到不少波折;我們更需要與青年同行,與他們一同發掘祈禱中所獲得的安慰。「青年在這裡經驗友誼和墜入愛河,也在這裡認識自我,一起分享音樂,參加娛樂活動和體育運動,甚至反省和祈禱。」(《生活的基督》宗座勸諭,218)

退省的祈禱。「耶穌就起身出去,到荒野的地方,在那裡祈禱。」(谷1:35)聖史的記載讓我們看到兩個必要的幅度:一)以一種非恆常的方式,與天主聖父進行個人對話的必要性;二)以一顆寧靜的心,細聽天主的聲音及發現天主的旨意。在祈禱年的機遇上,神修退省能給予一個機會,以一顆更新的內心去皈依。(參閱《祈禱年輔助材料》)

祈禱的教理。作為福傳過程中的一個關鍵步驟,教理能有助信仰的成長與成熟,並有着教育祈禱和祈禱中教育的任務,發展基督徒經驗的默觀層面。透過推廣教理的培育,讓信友理解祈禱的深意,從而活出祈禱的精神。

讓我們在「祈禱年」中,重新發現祈禱的中心地位,並培養成為祈禱的生命、祈禱的靈魂,從而擴展至日後的生活,均能透過祈禱,與天主更接近。願我們又仰賴天上慈母的助佑,像她一樣保持一顆誠懇及謙卑的心祈禱,成為希望的朝聖者,邁向禧年。

+李斌生主教

天主教澳門教區

2024 Easter Message 

Risen Lord, teach us to pray

Dear brethren,

Alleluia!

Christ’s resurrection makes our faith real (cf 1 Cor 15:14). Whenever we profess this faith anew, we participate in His death and resurrection, through the reception of the Sacraments (cf Rom 6:5-8; Jn 6:54). But it is never enough just to believe and profess this faith; it is necessary to establish a relationship with God, through the means of prayers.

In preparation for the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis has designated this year as the “Year of Prayer”, and through the Discastery for Evangelization, has published a guidebook to encourage the faithful to live out their lives of prayer faithfully. The Year of Prayer is an invitation to grow in our relationship with God, and an opportunity to reflect on the UN quality of our faith.

In our every day’s life, we may face different situations, either good or bad, or even in our busiest schedule, we must make time for prayer. “To pray is the way to let God act within us, to understand what he wants to communicate to us even in the most difficult situations, to pray to have the strength to go forward.” (Pope Francis, Angelus, 9 January 2023)

“Lord, teach us to pray!” (Luke 11:1) This request and pledge of the disciples certainly reflects an awareness of their inadequacy, and of the need for even practical guidance on how to pray. Prayer is not just a devotional habit, but a spiritual  “breath of life”, where “breathing” is the most basic human need (cf Pope Francis, Wednesday Audience, 9 June 2021). Every time we pray, it is an opportunity for a deeper communion with God, as well as an opportunity to listen to God’s words towards us.

Prayer is the way to get in touch with our deepest truth, where God’s own light is present; and this light will extend into our lives, so that we can live out the Presence of God. Prayer is like a compass that guides (cf Handbook for the Year of Prayer, “Teach us to pray”), and an anchor that prevents us from being strayed by the winds and waves.

Regular and constant prayer nourishes our daily lives, and helps us to live out the Presence of God at all times. Prayer requires perseverance, since when a soul loves and is persistent in prayer, the heart can be transformed and converted, and hence transforming others: our community, our society, and even the whole world.

In response to Pope Francis, I invite all members in the Diocese to promote the centrality of individual and community prayer, in order to prepare for the Jubilee Year. The first step is to revisit the teaching of Pope Francis on the theme of “Prayer” from his Wednesday Audiences in the past few years, and to enter the school of prayer through meditation.

PRAYER IN THE PARISH COMMUNITY. At the level of the parish community, we should be mindful of every detail of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, because “taking part in the Eucharistic sacrifice..is the fount and apex of the whole Christian life” (Lumen Gentium, 11); we may organize different prayer meetings such as the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation etc, allowing every member within the parish to understand and  participate in the public prayer life of the Church.

PRAYER IN THE FAMILY. The family is a school of prayer, and is the first place to nurture children’s life of prayer; only through the pastoral care for families can we enable them to be both domestic churches and a leaven of evangelization in society (cf Amoris Laetitia, 290). A family’s living space could turn into a domestic church, a setting for the Eucharist, the presence of Christ seated at its table…Here we see a home filled with the presence of God, common prayer and every blessing.” (AL 15)

YOUNG PEOPLE’S PRAYER. Young people are often confused and may encounter numerous ups and downs in their lives, it is more important to accompany them and discover with them that comfort originates from prayer. “Young men and women can meet one another, where they can share music, games, sports, but also reflection and prayer.” (Christus Vivit, 218)

RETREATS ON PRAYER. “[Jesus] went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.” (Mk 1:35) The Evangelist gives us an image of Jesus that points to two essential dimensions of Christian prayer: 1) removing oneself from the daily routine – necessary for seeking personal dialogue with the Father – and 2) a silent heart – indispensable for listening for God’s voice and hearing what He wants. In this perspective and in the context of the Year of Prayer, a spiritual retreat can provide an unparalleled opportunity for spiritual conversion and a renewal of heart (cf Handbook for the Year of Prayer, “Teach us to pray”).

CATECHESIS ON PRAYER. As a key step in the process of evangelization, of promoting growth and maturation in the faith, Catechesis has the task of educating for prayer and in prayer, developing the contemplative dimension of Christians. Through catechetical formation , the faithful can understand the deeper meaning of prayer and thus live out the spirit of prayer.

In this Year of Prayer, let us rediscover the centrality of prayer and cultivate a life of prayer and a soul of prayer, which will extend to our future lives and bring us closer to God. May we also rely on our heavenly Mother, and imitate her to maintain a sincere and humble heart to pray, in order to become Pilgrims of Hope towards the Jubilee Year.

+Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang

Catholic Diocese of Macau

周守仁樞機2024年復活節文告:傳遞希望的陌生人

圖片:天主教香港教區

周守仁樞機2024年復活節文告

傳遞希望的陌生人

「他們就彼此說:『當他在路上與我們談話,給我們講解《聖經》的時候,我們的心不是火熱的嗎?』他們遂即動身,返回耶路撒冷」。(路加福音24:32-33)

逃離

原始復活事件的實際情況,跟今天我們看到色彩繽紛、明亮和充滿希望的復活節裝飾截然不同,它沒有那麼亮麗和有著希望。相反,在原始耶穌復活事件的敘述中,我們可以看到困惑、極度失望甚至是絕望。

例如,有兩位門徒離開耶路撒冷,前往家鄉厄瑪烏,他們對耶穌未能拯救以色列、反過來更被羅馬人殺害而非常失望(路加福音24:21)。既然再不能對耶穌寄以希望,兩人便決定離開他的團體。為甚麼要為一個失敗者、以及一個與他緊密相連的團體,而給自己的福祉和生命冒上風險呢?

著熱情的心

對那些不了解或不相信基督信仰的人來說,這兩位門徒決定離開是合情合理的。但對於我們基督徒來說,卻知道這不是故事的結局。復活的主在兩位門徒回家的路上向他們顯現,兩人當刻卻不認得他。主與他們同行、說明他們所愛的師傅就是他們期待的默西亞,並使他們記起與主耶穌的最後晚餐,他們便感到內心再次因對主的熱情而變得火熱。

兩位門徒決定動身返回那令人困擾和失望的耶路撒冷,與耶穌的信仰團體重新建立聯繫,對主復活的消息團體仍感到繚亂、難以置信、困惑而又喜樂。這消息好得令人難以置信。誰會相信這個完全不合邏輯、超乎預期的結局? !但這正是他們對主復活的經歷,原始的復活事件!

相信善的力量

因此,當我們慶祝耶穌復活時,我們不是去慶祝一個平凡的春日慶節。因為如果那是一個可以預期的驚喜,那它就再不是驚喜了。就如二千多年前上主在耶路撒冷外所做的一樣,祂現在也要告訴我們,邪惡的力量不能阻礙上主使生命從死亡中復活過來,也阻不了希望從絕望中冒起,或是正義戰勝不公。我們要相信,依循天主全知的計劃,在合適的時間,善終能勝惡。

返回去的勇氣

除了相信,願意懷著那份扎根於內心的希望回到備受困擾的地方,也是同樣重要。任何俗世的圖謀,都不能打垮那份對上主所懷有的希望,因上主是生命與愛的主。上主已經叫耶穌從死者中復活,亞肋路亞!當我們心懷這份希望,來面對那些在生命及感知世界中感到哀傷或對良善存疑的人時,便有力量去陪伴他們。兩位門徒雖然明知會面臨種種威脅,仍決定回到耶路撒冷,陪伴他們那深受困擾的團體。

分享微薄資源來互相支持的力量

我們或許都聽過「相濡以沫」這成語,它描述兩條魚在乾了的水池中掙扎,互相用口沫來潤濕對方身體以維持生命。有一說提出接著上天似乎給感動了,雨開始下來,拯救了這兩條在危難中的魚兒。

現今世界被自以為是的意識形態和像漣漪般擴散出去的戰事深深地傷害著,疲弱的地方經濟奮力掙扎以求復元,還有一些似是毫無能力創造希望的主流社會政治論述,面對以上情況,我們仍可在互相陪伴時去分享自己微薄的資源,好使所有人都能夠在等待雨水和拯救到來前保存生命。絕不要低估心存善念和希望去分享微薄資源的力量。

畢竟,在這風高浪急的大海中,我們都同坐一條船,除了生命與愛的上主之外,我們還可以互相依靠。我們的信仰讓我們知道,上主一直與我們同在,祂透過不同的人和方法來祝福我們、尤其是那些我們最意想不到的人。或許,當我們能夠對驚喜保持開放,就能夠保持希望。反過來,如果我們只容許自己所預期的可能性出現,生活和未來便會變得乏味和沉悶。

成為傳遞希望的陌生人

當門徒看到他們的老師死去,他們最初的反應是極度失望,可能還感到憤怒和被欺騙。然而,當他們打開心扉,聆聽那位與他們同行的陌生人時(路加福音24:15),希望和力量溫暖了他們的內心,更開始取代了困擾著他們的失望和怨懟。

我們是否能夠成為別人身邊的那位「陌生人」,讓他們知道我們為何仍然抱有希望,並與他們分享我們微薄的資源嗎?面對遭逢經濟不景、經歷各種不公義、又或被邊緣化的人,我們如何通過陪伴、共同努力以及相信協同善意的力量,為他們帶來希望?我相信天主必會倍增出於善意的微薄付出,令更多人得以飽餐,就如五餅二魚增餅的奇蹟,最後能讓眾多的人吃飽。(瑪竇福音14:13-21)。

願我們在這個艱難時刻體驗到希望,透過相互陪伴、分享實質和靈性資源,以及一同給予和平與無條件對話的堅持,好能為最終的治癒和復元做好準備!祝大家有一個快樂而又充滿希望的復活節!

+周守仁樞機

Easter Message 2024

The Stranger Who Brings Hope

“Then they said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?’ So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem” (Luke 24:32-33)

Running away

Unlike the colourful, bright, and hope-filled Easter decors we see today the actual happenings surrounding the first Easter were likely not so bright and hopeful. Instead, confusion, profound disappointment and hopelessness were readily identifiable in the original Easter narratives.

For example, the two disciples left Jerusalem for their hometown, Emmaus, with great disappointment in Jesus for failing to redeem Israel (Luke 24:21). Instead, he let himself be killed by the Romans. Since he proved to be a lost cause, they decided to leave his community. Why risk their welfare and lives for someone who had lost, and for a community so much identified with him?

Hearts ignited with a passion

The two disciples’ decision of leaving probably sounds sensible to those who do not know or embrace the Christian faith. But for us Christians, we know that it was not the end of their story. The risen Lord appeared to them on their way to their hometown without being recognised. Having walked with them, explained why their dear teacher was their expected Messiah, and reminded them of the last supper with him, they could feel their hearts were once again ignited with a passion for their Lord.

What they decided to do was to return to the troubling and disappointing Jerusalem, and re-connect with the faith community of Jesus, still dazzled with disbelief, joy, and confusion over the news of their risen Lord. That was too good to be true. Who would believe this outcome, which was totally illogical and beyond expectation?! But this was exactly the experience of the resurrection of their Lord, the first Easter!

Believing in the power of goodness

So, when we celebrate Easter, we do not celebrate a mundane Spring festival. For if the surprise was something that could be anticipated, it would not be a surprise at all. And God is telling us, as God did over 2000 years ago outside Jerusalem, that no evil power could stop God from raising life from death, hope from despair, and justice over injustice. What is needed is our faith in the triumph of good over evil in due course, following God’s omniscient plan.

Courage to return

Besides believing, our willingness to return to the troubling spots with the implanted hope in our hearts is equally significant. The same hope in the God of life and love who cannot be defeated by any worldly plots. God has raised Jesus from the dead, Alleluia! When we have this hope operating from our hearts, we may have the power to accompany those who are dejected or doubtful of goodness in their lives and their perceived world. The two disciples decided to return to Jerusalem to accompany their troubled community, knowing that they were facing definite threats at the same time.

The power of supporting each other with meagre resources

We probably are aware of the Chinese idiom “相濡以沫,” which is about two fish struggling in a drying-up puddle, while trying to keep each other alive and moistened by spitting on each other’s bodies. According to one source, it seemed that the heaven was moved, and rain started pouring down once again, saving the two fish from peril.

When we are faced with a world deeply hurt by self-righteous ideologies and wars with widened ripple effects, or a weakened local economy that is struggling to recover, or some dominant socio-political narratives that do not seem at all hope-yielding, we can still accompany each other with our meagre resources, so that all of us can stay alive while waiting for the rain and salvation to arrive. Never underestimate the power of sharing meagre resources with goodwill and hope.

After all, for those of us, seated in the same boat sailing over a challenging sea, we can have each other to count on, besides the God of life and love. And our faith tells us that God is always with us, blessing us through different people and means, particularly those we least expect. Maybe if we remain open to surprises, then we can stay hopeful. Otherwise, life and the future will be dull and boring if we only allow our envisaged possibilities to come into the picture.

Be the stranger who brings hope

When the disciples looked at the death of their teacher, their initial reactions were great disappointment and possibly anger while feeling cheated. However, when they opened their minds and listened to that seemingly stranger walking with them (Luke 24:15), their hearts warmed up with energy and hope, starting to replace disappointment and resentment that were disturbing them.

Can we be that ‘stranger’ to others, sharing our reasons to remain in hope and our meagre resources with them? How can we provide hope to those suffering under a weak economy or different forms of injustice and marginalisation through our accompaniment, collective efforts, and trust in the power of collaborative goodwill? I believe God will multiply whatever meagre provisions are provided out of goodwill so that more can be fed, like the miracle of feeding the multitude with only two fish and five loaves (Matthew 14:13-21).  

May we experience the power of hope at this difficult time through mutual accompaniment, sharing of physical and spiritual resources, and a collective conviction for peace and unconditional dialogue paving the way for eventual healing and recovery! A happy and hope-filled Easter to you all!            

+ Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J.

來源:天主教香港教區

教宗2023年復活節文告:求天主讓血染世界的戰爭停止

親愛的弟兄姊妹們,基督復活了!

今天,我們宣告主基督--我們生活的主,祂是世人「的復活與生命」(參:若十一25)。今天是復活節,意思是「逾越」,因為在耶穌內完成了人類決定性的逾越:從死亡到生命、從罪惡到救恩、從恐懼到信賴、從悲苦到共融。因著祂,時間和歷史的主宰,我願意以內心的喜悅向大家說:「復活節快樂!」

親愛的弟兄姊妹們,願復活節為你們每一個人,尤其是病患、窮苦的人、長者,以及那些正在度過一段考驗和掙扎的日子的人們,成為從煎熬到安慰的逾越。我們並非孤獨無助:耶穌--那生活的主,永遠都與我們同在。願教會和全球歡欣踴躍,因為今天我們所懷的種種希望不會因碰撞死亡的鐵壁而粉碎,反而上主替我們打開一條通往生命的橋。是的,弟兄姊妹們,世界的命運在主復活的那天轉變了,而今天--今天也最有可能符合基督復活的日期--藉著恩寵,我們能喜悅地慶祝歷史上最重要及最美好的日子。

基督復活了,基督真的復活了,一如東方教會所宣告的。那「真的」是告訴我們,希望並非虛幻,而是真實的!人類的行程從基督的復活開始便以希望為標記,得以迅速前進,這是基督復活的第一批見證人以他們的經驗向我們表明的。四部福音都記載逾越節當天喜樂的匆忙:那些婦女「趕快離開墳墓,又恐懼又異常喜樂,跑去報告衪的門徒」(瑪廿八8)。而在瑪利亞瑪達肋納「跑去見西滿伯多祿」(若廿2)之後,若望宗徒和伯多祿兩人一起跑(參:若4),為了要到耶穌被埋葬的地方。然後,逾越節傍晚兩位厄瑪烏的門徒遇見了復活主,「他們遂即動身」(路廿四33),急忙在黑夜中攀越數公里的路程。復活的主使他們的心變得火熱(參:路廿四32),這種無法自禁的喜樂驅使他們這樣做。伯多祿因那同樣的喜樂,在加里肋亞湖岸邊,一看到復活的主耶穌,便無法再與其他的宗徒停留在船上,立即縱身跳入湖裡,快速地游向主耶穌(參:若廿一7)。總之,步履加速而變成奔跑,因為人類看到自己行程的目標、生命的意義:耶穌基督,而人類蒙召去加快腳步與祂--世人的希望相遇。

讓我們也加快腳步,在彼此信任的路途上成長:人與人之間的信任、人民與國家之間的信任。讓我們因復活節的宣告而驚喜,因那光照經常籠罩著這世界的黑暗與陰霾的真光而驚喜。

讓我們加快腳步去克服那些衝突和分裂,並向最有需要的人敞開我們的心。讓我們加快腳步走在和平與友愛的道路上。讓我們因眾多國家帶給我們具體的希望標誌而歡欣,它們為逃避戰爭和貧窮的人提供援助和接納。

然而,在這行程中仍然有這麼多的絆腳石,使我們朝向復活主的奔跑變得艱難和費力。讓我們向祂祈求:請幫助我們投奔於祢!請幫助我們敞開我們的心!

求復活主幫助心愛的烏克蘭人民在朝向和平的路途上前進,並求主將復活的真光傾注在俄羅斯人民身上。求主安慰受傷的人,以及所有因戰爭而失去親人的人,使被囚的人能平安無恙地回到自己的家。求主打開整個國際社會的心,好使他們能有所行動,以停止這場戰爭,以及所有使世界染上鮮血的衝突,從敘利亞開始--它仍然期待著和平的來臨。求主扶持所有在土耳其和敘利亞受嚴重地震打擊的人們。讓我們也為所有失去親人和朋友,以及無家可歸的人祈禱,願他們從天主那裡得到慰藉,以及從國家社會的大家庭得到幫助。

在這一天,上主,我們將耶路撒冷城--祢復活的第一個見證者--託付於袮。我因這幾天的攻擊事件表示十分擔憂,這些事件危害那令人期待的信任和彼此尊重的氣氛,這為重啟以色列人與巴勒斯坦人的對話是必要的,如此才能使聖城和整個地區享有和平。

上主,求祢幫助然在尋找社會穩定與團結的黎巴嫩,使它克勝分裂,所有黎巴嫩人民能一起為國家和人民的福祉而努力。

求祢不要忘記心愛的突尼斯人民,尤其是年輕人,以及那些因社會和經濟困境而受苦的人,使他們不失去希望,並同心協力建設一個和平與友愛的未來。

求袮將祢的目光轉向海地,多年來它遭受嚴重的社會、政治和人道危機的衝擊,求祢支持政治領導人和國際社會所作的許諾,即為尋求答案,以解決如此眾多和打擊飽受摧殘的海地人民的問題。

求祢鞏固在埃塞俄比亞和南蘇丹已開啟的和平與和好進程,並求袮使在剛果民主共和國的暴力停止。

上主,求祢支持今天在特別的情況下慶祝復活節的基督信徒團體,例如在尼加拉瓜和厄立特里亞的團體,並求祢記得所有那些被阻止自由地和公開宣認自己信仰的人們。請祢予以國際恐怖主義受害者袮的慰藉,尤其是在布基納法索、馬里、莫桑比克與尼日利亞。

求袮助祐緬甸走上和平的道路,並求袮光照那些肩負責任的人的心,好使飽受蹂躪的羅興亞人得享正義。

求祢安慰難民、被驅逐出境的人、政治犯和移民,尤其是最脆弱的人,以及所有忍受飢餓、貧窮的人,那些遭受販毒、人口販賣和各式各樣奴役形式之險惡影響的人。上主,求祢啟發國家領導人,好使沒有任何男性或女性遭受歧視,沒有人的尊嚴被踐踏;為使人權和民主完全受尊重,讓這些社會的創傷得以癒合,願所尋求的目標始終只有公民的共同福祉,但願安全以及進行對話與和睦共處的必須條件得到保障。

弟兄姊妹們,讓我們也重新體會路途上的滋味,讓我們因懷有希望而心跳加速,讓我們預嘗天堂的美好!讓我們今天汲取力量,在善的路途上前進,為了要與不會令人失望的那一位「善者」相遇。如果正如一位古代教父所寫的:「最大的罪是不相信復活的大能。」(尼尼微聖依撒格,〈苦修證道〉,I,5)今天,我們要相信:「是的,我們確信無疑:基督真的復活了。」(《繼抒詠》)。我們相信袮--主耶穌。我們相信希望與袮重生,我們相信人生的道路繼續前進。袮--生命的主,祢在我們的道路上鼓勵我們,並向我們重複,如同祢在逾越節傍晚向門徒們所說的:「願你們平安!」(若廿19、21)

來源:梵蒂岡新聞網

香港教區周守仁主教2023年復活節文告:敢於擁抱希望

2023年復活節文告
敢於擁抱希望

「耶穌於是對他們說:『唉!無知的人哪!為信先知們所說的一切話,你們的心竟是這般遲鈍! 默西亞不是必須受這些苦難,纔進入他的光榮嗎?』」(路24:25-26)

以「一顆遲鈍的心來信」基督復活所帶來的喜樂,會使我們遲遲才能看到希望。基督耶穌已經戰勝了那看似無可避免的死亡。他的復活為我們的信心帶來保證,死亡沒有、也不可能擁有最終話語權。因為復活意味著「任何受造之物,都不能使我們與主基督耶穌之內的愛相隔絕」(參羅馬書 8:31-39)。因此,我們的盼望是建基於天主驚人的愛之上,而這愛就在主基督為世上眾生而復活所彰顯的。

所以,不要讓艱苦或惡念侵蝕我們的心靈、壓倒我們的氣魄,免得我們淪為死亡的代理人。我們需要的是「正面和賦予生命的文化」,好讓在生活的困苦中,我們仍能以具建設性和可持續的方法來面對一切。此外,我們需要正向文化,正因它有助孕育出希望和轉型。

事實上,很多香港人在持續的困苦中仍不斷為希望而奮鬥。雖然經濟剛見轉機,但是這些處身社經下層的人士,仍需要所屬社群和「近人」來提供援助和心理性的鼓舞。他們不應被視為社會上的負擔,反過來說,他們其實是中介,為上主致送祝福給那些提供援助給他們的人士。

因此,當不需要依靠消費券的人士,慷慨地捐出從消費券而來的數千元時,受惠者的精神會為之一振。想一想,為需要額外金錢的人來說,這種分享行動,能夠給他們帶來多大的安慰、信心和希望。天主虛空了自己,好讓我們可以因祂的名、在祂的愛內永得安慰。

去年十二月的新聞報導指出,約有6,000人因2019年的社會事件而被捕,他們正等候警方決定是否起訴他們。他們甚麼時候才能看到曙光?會被當局起訴與否,這些決定會成為他們可以怎樣向前走的標記。無了期地等待,對他們本人、以至整個社會邁向療癒,都沒有幫助。或許有人會希望透過懲罰來尋求公義。然而,以慈悲和寬宏的方法處理那些較輕的罪行,才能為我們受傷的社群帶來希望和正能量。我們已經目睹,仇恨和暴力給我們深愛的香港帶來死亡的惡臭氣味。現在我們應該以慈悲和寬大的心,去讓復原中的香港增添生命的芬芳。

照顧長者、尤其是「遺老」和獨居長者,務必是優先要處理的事情。讓照顧者與長者聯繫起來,能夠讓長者深深地體會到他們自己是有所貢獻的,感受到被人欣賞,而與青年人連結一起時,則讓長者能夠看到那伸延的未來。這些都有助增強聯繫感,帶來希望和生命的意義。其實對比其他年齡層,青少年和長者是最合拍的。

這些日子,我們都要向離開或決定離開香港,去追尋理想的眾多朋友和家人道別。我們祝福他們的同時,也留意到在他們離開以後,社會不同範疇都出現了明顯又不易填補的空缺,也不知到何時才能補上。然而,當我們真誠地為一個更公平和更自由、人人得以安居的家園而祈求上主時,我們要有希望,確信在歷史中一直福祐著香港的上主,絕不會離棄我們。

最後,我們正是生活在焦慮和混亂的世界裏,它被糅合了權力遊戲、欺凌、責備、威迫和制裁等形式的政治思維根深蒂固地操控著。其實,我們追求的新世界,是講求公平及良性競爭、同理心、尊重、對話文化、仁愛,多元而合一、更好地分配資源,關心生態環境等等。當然,我們不會天真地期望將會有戲劇性的正面轉變,但是通過真誠和具策略的努力,總會有漸進式的發展,這就很好了。

我們要為後代締造希望。所以我們必須讓大家擁抱希望,相信將來會更好。祝願身處香港或其他地方的各位:復活節快樂!

 

周守仁主教
2023年3月25日
預報救主降生節

Easter Message 2023
Dare to Have Hope

“And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:25-26)

“Slow of heart to believe” in the joy of Easter makes us slow to have hope. Christ Jesus has overcome the seemingly inevitable grip of death. His resurrection assures us the confidence that death does not and cannot have the final say. For Easter means that ‘nothing will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Romans 8: 31-39). Hence, our hope has its foundation in the amazing love of God manifested in the risen Lord for all walks of life in this world.

What is advisable is not to allow hardship or evil thoughts to corrupt our hearts or crush our spirits, lest we could become agents of death. What is called for is “a positive and life-giving culture” that enables us to face hardships in life in some constructive and sustainable ways. Moreover, we need a positive culture so to become incubators of hope and transformation.

It is a fact that many people in Hong Kong are still struggling for hope amid their ongoing suffering. As the economy has just begun to pick up, many people struggling at the lower socioeconomic strata still need assistance and the psychological boost from their social communities and “neighbours”. These individuals should not be perceived as burdens of society but as intermediaries of heavenly blessings on those who come to their aid.

So, for those who do not need their consumer vouchers, there are those whose spirit will be lifted by the generous sharing of their few thousand dollars. Imagine how much consolation, confidence and hope their sharing can make possible for the ones in need of those extra dollars. God has emptied Himself for us so that we can be eternally consoled in His name and love.

From news reports published in last December, there were around 6,000 arrests due to the violent outbreaks in 2019. They are waiting to see whether the police will charge them or not. When will they see the light? Charge or no charge, they will be signs showing them how to move on. Waiting endlessly will not help them or our society to move toward healing. Some may want to seek justice through retributive means. However, it is through compassion and leniency on lighter offences that can give hope and positive energy to our wounded community. We have seen how hatred and violence have brought the stench of death to our beloved Hong Kong. Now, we should lean on compassion and magnanimity to reinforce the fragrance of life in our recovering Hong Kong.

Caring for the elderly, especially those “left behind” or living alone must be a priority. Connecting with those who care about them will enable them to feel a deeper sense of generativity for others, being appreciated by others, and being connected with the youth, the extension of their future. All these will contribute to a better sense of connectedness and hope, and the meaning of life. It should not be surprising that youth and the elderly are better fit for each other than the other age groups for them.

We have been bidding farewell to many friends and family members who have left or decided to leave Hong Kong for their aspirations. While we wish them all the best, their departure has created noticeable voids in different layers of our social fabric that are not easy to fill. And we do not know when those voids will be filled. But we can be hopeful that our God, who has bestowed His blessings over Hong Kong throughout our history, will not abandon us who call upon Him sincerely, seeking for a fairer and freer homeland for everyone dwelling in it.

Finally, we are living in an anxious and messy world dominated by an entrenched political mentality through power plays, bullying, accusations, threats and sanctions, etc. We desire a new world with level playing fields, empathy and respect, dialogic culture, loving kindness, unity in plurality, better distributions of resources, environmental consciousness, etc. Of course, we are not so naïve to expect dramatic positive changes, but incremental development with sincere and strategic efforts will be nice.

Our future generations need to have hope from us. We must make it possible for each other to have hope for a better future.

Happy Easter to you all in Hong Kong and beyond!

 

+ Bishop Stephen Chow, S.J.
25 March 2023
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

 

來源:天主教香港教區

周守仁主教2022年復活節文告 :《在死亡的氛圍中慶祝生命》

圖片提供:香港天主教社會傳播處

天主教香港教區
周守仁主教 
2022 年復活節文告
《在死亡的氛圍中慶祝生命》

「他看見就相信了。」(參若 20:8)耶穌鍾愛的門徒若望看到空墳,就相信他的主必定是從死亡中復活了。但其實這是有違常理的。人怎可能在空墳裡,甚麼也看不到的時候,卻看到新生命的可能性?他是被催眠了還是出現了幻覺?

若不是生命衝破了死亡,復活節算是甚麼?我們視死亡為關乎生命的終結。所以,當生命是「存在」,死亡就是「不存在」。也許我們對此生以後最大的恐懼,是生命結束了,一切變得虛無。你試過凝視虛無的情景嗎?有甚麼感覺?我們擁有一個自己可接受的身份去過活,原來是必不可少的,所以我們實在不敢想像自己會是絕對的虛無。

然而當若望看著空墳,他看到的不是空無一物。他覺察到的不是虛無。墳內沒有主的遺體,卻有包裹遺體的殮布,和放在耶穌頭上的汗巾。兩者仍然整齊地留在墳內。所以,若說有人匆匆地偷走了遺體,是最不可能的。反過來,若望記得主耶穌說過要從死人中復活。於是,他相信了。

環顧今日的香港和世界時,我們可以看到甚麼?我們可有看到苦難、仇恨、無助、無望、破壞和死亡?嘗試看得遠一些,去得深一點,我們還看到甚麼?

善心的人向烏克蘭難民伸出援手,提供臨時居所。各方熱切而低調的外交努力,正力求拖慢,甚或是制止針對烏克蘭的殘暴侵略行動。很多教友流著淚並懷著信念,誠懇地祈求天主介入,幫助受苦的烏克蘭人民和新冠疫情的受害者。

這些努力的核心觸及一個關鍵的信念,就是善能勝惡,因為復活的基督已戰勝了死亡,以及主宰著死亡的邪惡。我們目前所經歷的是邪惡的餘波,而到了末日餘波便不再存在。想像一下!

在香港,有市民捐出防疫面罩和新冠病毒檢測包,送給有需要的人。餐飲業向三餐不繼或營養不足的人派送免費飯盒。有人向掙扎求存的服務提供者多付小費以作鼓勵。這清單還可以繼續下去。

這些都是為著紓緩、安慰、重建、賦予希望、給予幫助、予人生命而作出的行動。然而,我們不應忘記這一切努力背後的意義:黑暗過後是光明,死亡之後見生命。

這是我們連續第三年在新冠疫情中慶祝復活節,現在更經歷著第五波疫情(或正走出這一波疫情),要說服自己應該去慶祝這節日,或許是有點天真。然而,我們真的應該慶祝耶穌復活,這是更貼近首個復活節的經驗。基督復活了,那些看見過他的人告訴我們,他從死者中復活了。(路24:23-25)

那些以為復活節不值得慶祝的人,其實是重複著多默的話:「除非我能夠看見他,用指頭探入他釘孔的傷口,我不會相信。」然而耶穌對多默說:「那些沒有看見而相信的,纔是有福的!」(若20:29)

各位朋友,基督復活了,阿肋路亞!緊握復活應許的人是有福的,因為我們都敢於盼望和相信。

祝願大家、我們有罪但神聖的教會,以及我們患了病的世界,有一個滿懷希望,充滿生機的復活節!

+周守仁主教

香港教區主教

二零二二年三月二十九日

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Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan
Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong
Easter Message 2022
Celebrating Life in the Midst of Death

“He saw and believed” (John 20:8). John, the Beloved Disciple, saw the empty tomb, and he believed his Lord had risen from his death. But this is counterintuitive. How could someone look into an empty burial space and imagine the possibility of a new life? Could he be under hypnosis or experiencing an illusion?

What is Easter, if not life rupturing death? We understand death as the end of everything related to life. So, if Life ‘is,’ Death ‘is not.’ One of the big fears we all have is that we will be NOTHING after this life. Have you ever tried staring into nothingness? How did you feel? Being someone with an acceptable identity is essential to how we live, so we dare not dream we could be absolutely nothing.
But when John looked into the empty tomb, it was not empty to him. Nothingness was not what he came to perceive. Although the body of his Lord was not there, the burial cloth that wrapped his body and the linen used to cover his head were neatly placed in the tomb. Hence, it was most unlikely that the body was stolen in a rush. Instead, John recalled what his Lord had talked about rising from the dead. And he believed.

When we look around Hong Kong and the world today, what do we see? Do we see suffering, hatred, helplessness, hopelessness, destruction and death? Try to look a little further and go a bit deeper.

What else do we see?

People of goodwill reach out to the refugees from Ukraine, offering them temporary housing. Frenzy but low-profile diplomatic efforts from different fronts are trying to slow down and, hopefully, to stop the atrocious invasion of Ukraine. With tears and conviction, many faithful pray earnestly for God’s intervention in the cases of the suffering Ukrainians and COVID victims.

The crux of all these efforts is an underlying but crucial belief that goodness will triumph over evil because the Risen Christ has conquered death and its master, the evil itself. We are experiencing the residual effects of that evil that will no longer exist at the end of time. Imagine!

In Hong Kong, ordinary citizens donate face masks and antigen test kits to those who cannot easily access them otherwise. Caterers are giving out free meal boxes to those who cannot afford to have nutritious food for themselves. People give bigger tips to the struggling service providers as encouragement. And the list can go on.

These are efforts to soothe, console, rebuild, give hope, be helpful, and be life-giving. Nevertheless, one should not forget the meaning behind these efforts – light comes after darkness, and life follows death.

In the midst of the Covid-19 for the third year in a row and facing its 5th wave (or emerging from it), it may be naive to convince ourselves that we should celebrate Easter. Yet, we should because this takes us closer to the experiences of the first Easter. Christ is risen, and those who have seen him had told us about his rising from the dead (Luke 24:23-25).

Those who think there is nothing to celebrate in this Easter, would be repeating the words of Thomas: ‘Unless I can see him and put my fingers in his wounds, I will not believe.’ But, Jesus responded to Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen yet believed.” (John 20:29).
So, my friends, Christ is Risen, Alleluia! Blessed are we who are holding onto the promise of Easter, daring to hope and believe!

A hope-filled and life-giving Easter to you, our sinful yet holy Church, and our ailing world!

+ Bishop Stephen Chow, S.J.
29 March 2022

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教宗方濟各2021年復活節文告

圖片:Vatican Media

2021年4月4日復活主日中午,教宗方濟各在聖伯多祿大殿的宗座祭台前發表了復活節文告,然後降福了羅馬城和全世界,頒賜全大赦。教宗在文告中指出,復活的宣告今天在全世界回響著,「所彰顯的並非海市蜃樓,所啓示的並非神奇的配方,所指出的並非一條逃生之路」,而是「涵蓋了一個事件,使人獲得永不落空的希望」,即使面對當前的複雜現實狀況。

以下是教宗方濟各2021年復活節文告全文:

親愛的弟兄姊妹們,復活節快樂!神聖而祥和的復活節快樂!

今天,教會的宣告在世界各地回響著:「那被釘死的耶穌,正如祂所說的,已經復活了。阿肋路亞!」

復活的宣告所彰顯的並非海市蜃樓,所啓示的並非神奇的配方,所指出的並非一條逃生之路,躲避我們正在驗歷的困境。新冠疫情仍在猖獗;社會與經濟危機十分嚴重,最貧窮者的情況尤其如此;儘管這樣,武裝衝突並沒有停止,而且軍備變本加厲,這是令人無法接受的。這是今日的惡表。

面對,或更好說,身處在這複雜的現實中,復活的宣告以幾個字就涵蓋了一個事件,使人獲得永不落空的希望:「耶穌──被釘死的那一位,已經復活了。」在此談及的不是天使或鬼魂,而是一個人,一個有血有肉的人,祂有面容和名字:耶穌。福音證實,這位耶穌因自稱默西亞──天主子,在般雀比拉多執政時被釘在十字架上,第三日復活了,正如聖經所載,並如同祂向祂的門徒們預先説過的那樣。

復活者是那被釘死的耶穌,而不是別人。天主父使祂的聖子耶穌復活了,因為祂徹底地完成了天父救贖的旨意:祂背負了我們的軟弱、我們的病痛、我們自身的死亡;祂分擔了我們的痛苦,肩負了我們罪惡的重擔。為此,天主父舉揚了祂,現在耶穌基督永遠活著,祂是主。

證人們提到一個重要的細節:復活的耶穌仍帶著雙手、雙腳和肋旁的創傷。這些創傷是祂愛我們的永恆標記。誰若受重大的考驗,在身體和心靈上,都能在這些創傷中找到庇蔭,透過它們獲得希望永不落空的恩寵。

對於那些因疫情而仍然受苦的人、病患,以及失去摯愛的人,復活的基督是他們的希望。願上主賜予他們安慰,扶助醫護人員承受勞苦。眾人,尤其是最脆弱的人都需要協助,他們有權利得到所需的照顧。在這我們眾人都蒙召抗疫的日子裡,這更為顯明,而疫苗則是抗疫的主要工具。本著「疫苗國際化」的精神,我呼籲整個國際社會共同努力,以克服在疫苗分配上的延誤,促進疫苗的分享,尤其與最貧窮的國家分享。

為那些失去工作,或遭遇嚴重經濟困難且失去相應社會保障的人,死而復活的基督是安慰。願上主啓發政府當局的行動,好使所有的人,尤其是最需要幫助的家庭,能得到所需的援助,足以維生。疫情不幸地使窮人的數目和無數人的絕望劇增。

聖若望保祿二世在訪問海地時曾説,「需要讓所有類型的窮人重新懷有希望」。今天,我正是要對親愛的海地人民説句思念和鼓勵的話,望他們不被困難所壓倒,而是懷著信賴和希望而展望未來。我特別念及海地親愛的弟兄姐妹們:我接近你們,關心你們,希望你們的問題最終得到解決。親愛的海地弟兄姐妹們,我為此祈禱。

許多青年人被迫長期無法前去學校或大學上課,以及與朋友們相聚,復活的耶穌是他們的希望。我們衆人都需要真實的、不只是虛擬的人際關係,特別是在建立個性與人格的年齡期中。我們在聖週五的拜苦路中聽到了孩子們的這個心聲。我接近全世界的青年,此時更接近緬甸的青年,他們努力促進民主,以和平的方式讓人聽到自己的聲音,曉得仇恨只能用愛來驅散。

願復活的基督之光成為移民重生的泉源,他們因戰爭和貧困而遠走他鄉。我們在他們的臉上認出上主前往加爾瓦略山時被毀和受苦的面容。願他們不缺少團結互助和人類兄弟情誼的具體標記,那是我們在今天慶祝的生命戰勝死亡的保障。我感謝那些慷慨接納逃難和受苦者的國家,尤其是黎巴嫩和約旦,它們收容了如此眾多的逃脫敘利亞戰亂的難民。

願正處在困境和不確定時期的黎巴嫩人民,體驗到復活主的慰藉,並在他們的使命中得到國際社會的支持,成為相遇、共處和多元化的土地。

願基督 – 我們的和平,使武器的喧囂在飽受蹂躪的敘利亞最終停止,上百萬的人在那裡生活在不人道的環境裡,也門的情況也同樣,那裡的事件無人問津,這令人無法接受,而在利比亞,那裡終於隱隱約約地看到走出十幾年爭執和殘暴衝突的道路。願各方為終止衝突作出實際有效的努力,使因戰爭而精疲力竭的人民和平度日,並推動那些相關國家的重建。

基督的復活自然也把我們帶到耶路撒冷。讓我們為耶路撒冷向上主祈求和平與安寧(參閱:詠122),好能回應它的召叫,成為相遇的場所,眾人都感到彼此都是弟兄,以色列人和巴勒斯坦人重新找到對話的力量,好能達致穩妥的解決之道,看到兩個國家肩並肩地在和平與繁榮中度日。

在這慶日裡,我的心思又返回上個月我懷著喜悅探訪過的伊拉克,祈願這個國家繼續走已經啓動的和平之路,好使天主的夢想──一個好客和接納祂所有子女的人類大家庭──得以實現。

願復活主的力量支持非洲的人民,他們看到自己的未來受到內部暴力和國際恐怖主義的危害,尤其在薩赫勒地區和尼日利亞,一如在提格雷和德爾加杜角地區。願人們繼續努力尋找解決衝突的和平途徑,尊重人權和生命的神聖性,本著和好及實際奏效的團結互助精神,進行兄弟情誼和建設性的對話。

世界上仍有太多的戰爭和暴力!上主是我們的和平,願祂幫助我們克勝戰爭的思維。願祂使那些交戰地區,尤其是烏克蘭東部和納戈爾諾-卡拉巴赫地區的俘虜平安無恙地回到自己的家,並啓發全世界的執政者去遏止新的軍備競賽。今天4月4日,是世界禁止殺傷人員地雷日。那是既陰險又恐怖的爆炸裝置,每年都殺死或傷害許多無辜者,並阻止人類「在生命的道路上一起前進,無須害怕毀滅和死亡的陷阱」。若沒有這些死亡的工具,世界會更美好!

親愛的弟兄姊妹們,在不同的地方,許多基督徒在慶祝復活節時受到嚴苛的限制,今年也同樣,有時甚至不能參與禮儀慶典。讓我們祈禱,願這些限制,以及宗教敬禮和信仰自由在世界上受到的各種限制都能被解除,每一個人都能自由地祈求和讚美天主。

在我們所經歷的重重困難中,我們絕不可忘記,我們是因基督的創傷而獲得了痊癒(參閱:伯前二24)。在復活主的光照下,我們的痛苦得以轉變。在有過死亡的地方,如今有了生命;在有過哀傷的地方,現在有了慰藉。擁抱十字架,耶穌便使我們的痛苦具有意義,現在我們要祈禱,讓這痊癒的療效散布到全世界。神聖而祥和的復活節快樂!

來源:梵蒂岡新聞網

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