耶穌升天節
Fr. Fernando Cortz
今天我們慶祝主耶穌基督升天。宗徒大事錄和聖馬爾谷福音講述了同一個故事，但出發點不同。寫於不同時間，但每一篇都保留相同的見證，及保留教會的一個使命。每一段歷史都有助教會使命中的天國。
這個使命的成果是有形和無形的。
無形方面：幾個世紀以來給予教會的無數天使和聖人、恩賜和精神力量。有形方面：門徒和服務人員在昨天、今天和明天所完成的許多不同的偉大工作。
根據聖馬爾谷福音：耶穌伴隨著我們行神蹟。根據宗徒大事錄，聖神的力量激勵門徒宣講和見證神聖真理。在基督的工作中我們並不孤單。
厄弗所人書闡明了主的命令、使命以及我們與天主的合一的深度和豐富性。閱讀和默想聖保祿宗徒的話是值得的。在基督內，一切都是天父賜給教會的。根據賦予教會生命的聖召，僕人的工作將會有很多。天主的國與我們同在，在我們中間，透過我們傳達給世界。基督開始了救贖工作，釋放了俘虜，並用祂榮耀的人充滿了宇宙。我們是受益者。
在堂區牧民工作方面，這個奧秘邀請我們釋放我們心愛的兄弟姊妹的善良靈魂，我們將他們交在天主的手中。隨著時間的流逝，我們所愛的人超越了記憶的極限，我們人類的記憶活在永生的榮耀中。我們的希望是有一天能與他們一起升天堂，直到永遠。
主耶穌升天也顯示教會有成熟的潛力。復活的主不見了，直到時間的盡頭。然而，他仍然以精神和真理與我們同在。他允許教會在救贖歷史中前進。在這個世界的責任和考驗中，我們仍然忠於天主和祂的愛子，我們的朋友耶穌基督。讓我們帶著盼望和喜樂等待主的再來。願他發現他的教會忙於拯救和天國自由的工作。
Solemnity of the Ascension – Cycle B
05 12 2024 – Cantonese Mass – 3pm
Fr. Fernando Cortz
Today we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ into heaven. The Acts of the Apostle and Saint Mark’s Gospel recount the same story but each from a different point of interest. Written at different times, but each preserving the same testimony in order to preserve one mission and commission for the Church. Each history benefits the kingdom of God in the mission of the Church.
The fruits of this mission are visible and invisible. They are invisible in the uncounted number of angels and saints, gifts and spiritual powers given to the Church and upon its pilgrimage throughout the centuries. They are visible in the greatness of the many, varied works realized by the apostolates and ministries yesterday, today and tomorrow. According to Saint Mark, Jesus accompanies us in miraculous works. According to the Acts of the Apostles, the power of the Holy Spirit inspired them to preach and witness to the Divine Truth. We are not alone in the work of Christ
The depth and richness of the Lord’s command, the mission and our unity with God are illuminated in the Letter to the Ephesians. It is worth it to read and meditate on the words of Saint Paul. In Christ all is given by the heavenly Father to the Church. The works of the servants will be many according to the vocations granted to the life of the Church. The kingdom of God is with us, among us, and communicated through us to the world. Christ began the saving work, free the captives and filled the universe with his glorified Person. We are the beneficiaries.
On a pastoral note: we are invited by this mystery to release, free the good souls of our beloved brothers and sisters We show leave them in the hands of God. With the passing of time our loved ones ascend beyond the limits of memory, our human memory to live in the glory of eternal life. Our hope is to ascend with them some day into heaven forever.
The Ascension also indicates a potential for maturity in the Church. The Risen Lord disappears until the end of time. Yet, he remains with us in Spirit and Truth. He permits the Church to lead its life in the History of Salvation. Here, in the midst of the duties and trials of this world, we remain faithful to God and his beloved Son and our friend, Jesus Christ.
With hope and joy let us await the return of the Lord. May he find his Church busy in the works of salvation and freedom of the kingdom of God.
