2021.02.23
以喜樂的心走福傳的路
福傳是什麼？對我而言，是一段不斷進行中的旅程。在這旅程中，和天主教會相遇。然後，不斷地認識自己，接受教理，慢慢領悟天主的愛。由內而外，由近而遠，在天主的臨在內祈禱、生活與行動，並將愛的生活方式傳揚出去。
回想自己過去的生命，對天主充滿感恩。在尚未進入教會的大門前，即使聽說過「耶穌是道路、真理與生命」，也從來不曾真正思考其中的意義。在喧嚷的社會中，充滿各種不同的聲音，傳播著不同的文化與次文化，販賣著不同的商品，世界裡有著不同的誘惑與謊言。也許是聖神的引領，讓我在幾次午休時間，獨自走進工作地點附近的聖堂(新竹市西門街耶穌聖心堂)，遇見了一位傳道員，認識了神父，領受了真道。或許，天主在我心中已種下了福音的種子，在神父的引導下，種子開始長大。「天國好像是藏在地裡的寶貝」(瑪13:44)我好似有種從地裡找到珍寶的心境，在充滿似是而非的混亂世界中終於找到真理的明燈。
不斷默想基督的苦難，在心深處不斷地皈依。不斷領受基督建立的聖事，領受教會分施的恩寵。尤其，每當在感恩聖事時，能置身在從天上到地下都滿盈的救恩活水中，心中有無盡的喜悅與盼望。如同安德肋說「我們找到了默西亞」(若1:41)時的心境；我有種「我找到了真理」的喜樂與平安。天主不是讓我出生在教友家庭，相信有祂的美意。
進了教會的大門後，不管走到那裏，總會遇見原先不認識的「家人」，一起分享由天而來豐富的生命。領受了天主所賜的恩惠，由內心自然而然地發出一種知恩報愛的心，願意為主做出更多的奉獻，並將喜悅分享給其他的人，「福傳」的種子油然而生。以「你們來看看罷！」的態度邀請別人也進入喜樂與平安的旅程。一位不常見面且大部份是透過手機來連繫的朋友，或許是感受到我「相信」的力量，在他住處附近的聖堂開始慕道，進而領洗成為教友。
有一個認知和兩種精神使我對信仰生活不斷地反覆思想。
一個認知：「信仰是一種關係」。主耶穌說：「天主的國就在你們中間」。(路17:21)「上主要你的是什麼：無非就是履行正義，愛好慈善，虛心與你的天主來往。」（米6:8）天主國的建立在於自己和天主的關係以及和近人的關係。關心個人、團體乃至於社會上的各種有關生命的福音如何能被實踐。我也曾經為此在認識的朋友中宣揚教會的訓導，為基督做見証。
兩種精神：
一、「實際的行動走向有需要的人」。在傳教士的身上，我看到了這種精神。此外，在擔任汐止天主堂聖母軍工作時所接觸到的對象上，特別在探訪未能進堂的教友身上，我看到他們對教會關懷的渴望，我也學習以這種精神去服務近人。「凡你們對我這些最小兄弟中的一個所做的，就是對我做的。」(瑪25:40)
二、「合一」。來自不同種族與文化的僕人們，因著天主的福傳事業工作時，往往需要一種「捨己」的精神，一心一意地為光榮天主努力。最終，福音能傳播給不同種族與文化的人。「一粒麥子如果不落在地裡死了，仍只是一粒；如果死了，纔結出許多子粒來。」(若12:24)
深深地覺得自己的信仰得來不易，一切都是因著天主的恩寵。由天主而來的內在滋養或知識，願意也應當轉化為實際的行動，再奉獻給天主。「應常歡樂，不斷祈禱，事事感謝」(得前5:16~18)。倚靠聖神的德能，以喜樂的心走福傳的路。
**
2021.02.24
After being baptized in 2012, I increasingly began to be attracted to consecrated life. I could not quite understand what aconsecrated life is like until I first time experienced the comunity prayer (Evening Prayer) with xxx Priests and Brothers. I was impressed by the brotherhood and truly felt at home at that gathering.
Along with studying and reflecting on the history of xxx, I am inspired by missionaries who go beyond geographical boundaries to share Jesus Christ to people in different cultures.
The more I attend xxx events, the more I desire to be one of xxx members.
"Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks". (1 Thessalonians 5:16~18) I am grateful for everything that has happened to me, especially for the encounter with xxx. With God's grace and the intercession of our holy mother, my dream can hopefully come true by joining xxx and carrying on the journey of evangelization.
**
2021.03.07
感想：我的母親其實是領過洗的基督徒，不過沒有把信仰傳下來。我自己發現整個馬來西亞的家族都是基督徒。大家彼此都知道因基督的救恩將來在天上能夠相遇團圓。這是我發現最大的喜樂。
在台灣，我從小沒有基督信仰，家人好像對於死亡沒有任何團圓盼望，從沒討論過。或順其自然(爸爸的想法)或是各自投胎吧(爸爸相信人有靈魂，也相信投胎)，再也不相見？
我接受了一份禮物，整個想法不一樣了。
我相信，我能選擇一種喜樂的方向，全家一定有團圓希望呀！
**
2021.03.27
究竟是先有雞還是先有蛋？往前推，終究是需要一個萬有真原來創造---造物主。造物主創造了人類及其他萬物。造物主在不同時間啟示給某些人，那些人寫出了聖經。家裏一進門的圖畫的主題是諾亞(厄)方舟(舊約時代)，船上留下了八口人。方舟已經被找到了，在土耳其的山上。整部聖經從創造的起源到世界的末日，環環相扣。主耶穌的降生開啟了新約時代。主耶穌以自己的血肉成為祭品，取代舊約時代的牲祭。祂是救恩的方舟，是真實的除罪羔羊。祂的死亡及復活戰勝了死亡及地獄。如果沒有這真理，不會有前仆後繼的跟隨者願意度奉獻的生活。
中國大陸是個無神主義的環境，真理卻能逐漸地傳遞，這是給我們所謂自由之地的人提供警醒的機會。
不管外在的信仰是什麼，內心深處一定要認定主耶穌是救主，將全家引入救恩的方舟。有實無名比有名無實更好。
**
2021.04.11
**
來源：LINE 群組
這首歌是德國神學家潘霍華最後之詩作 1944年12月
他因為反抗納粹而身處監獄 卻寫下這首充滿美善光明
和內在平安的詩 寄給他的未婚妻和家人 1945年4月
9日 年僅39歲的潘霍華在德國集中營被槍決
讓我與你們走過這些日子 並與你們踏入新的一年
所有美善力量都奇妙遮蓋 奇妙地安慰保守每一天
所有美善力量都奇妙遮蓋 不論如何都期盼那安慰
在晚上早上每個新的一天 天主都將會與我們同在
若祢給我們遞來沉重苦杯 滿溢著憂愁痛苦的苦杯
主啊 從祢良善慈愛的聖手 毫不顫抖心存感謝領受
主啊 若你願意再賞賜我們世上歡樂以及陽光亮麗
讓我們紀念過去美妙歲月 把我們生命完全交託
主啊 若祢願意再賞賜我們 世上歡樂以及陽光亮麗
今天請讓燭火溫暖地燃燒 是祢帶給黑暗中的我們
或許這會引領我們再相聚 明白祢的光 在黑夜照耀
所有美善力量都奇妙遮蓋 不論如何都期盼那安慰
在晚上早上每個新的一天 天主都將會與我們同在
寂靜深深地 圍繞我們展開 讓我們聽見 那豐富響聲
從周遭無形世界 向外擴展 凡祢兒女 盡都高聲歌頌
所有美善力量都奇妙遮蓋 不論如何都期盼那安慰
在晚上早上每個新的一天 天主都將會與我們同在
感人至深 就像一個祈禱 內在的避靜 在黑暗中的光明
期盼那安慰 那奇妙地安慰保守我們每一天的美善力量
感謝讚美天主 阿們
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ggLawQe2jc
**
來源：LINE群組
什麼稱為與時俱進？
朋友去過義烏國際小商城兩次，但時隔差六年，六年間他們的變化太多了，現在又有四年沒去了，竟然小商城實體店面幾乎全垮，迎來的是另一種商業模式。
當你還在享受foodpanda，宅急便的日子時，另一種消費行為模式，將在未來的時代遍及全中國，藉由日本記者的影片看看後疫情時代的中國大陸。
一份由日本人拍攝的最深入報導：
“疫情下的中國生命動力”
※為何現在科技先進的歐美大國，仍陷在新冠病毒的魔咒肆虐？！
※當你看了這份深入中國的工商業與社會生活報導，你將難理解：
“中國的年輕人們，正在改變世界！”
https://youtu.be/J7qbY_dfHcM
完整看完日本人所拍攝的後疫情時代中國大陸的改變；我的感觸太深了；不管從互聯網直播叫賣的經濟，到高科技無人車的使用；及防止病毒擴散的科技手段和作法；以及人民的信心⋯，都看到中國大陸的改變。
2002～2018我們這群台商在大陸深刻體會到了；如今好像又更加提升了；建議年輕人好好看看；知道未來的趨勢發展；年老的也可以稍微跟上時代的腳步⋯，強力推薦大家可以觀賞；同時思考深入一點！！
看了這個視頻後的感覺就是到另外一個世界旅遊一樣。
要中國不富強也不可能的。
**
2021.05.18
Dear xxxx：
I am happy to write a report to reflect on life with xxxx.
I came to the Holy xxx parish in the middle of March 2021, beginning to experience a new lifestyle. From Monday through Friday, during the daytime, I work at the old-people daycare center, learning to care for old people there, particularly those who are weak mentally. For the rest of time, I take part iin parish activities in the Holy xxx parish.
At the daycare center, experience and knowledge other than parish activities are gained. For instance, the syndrome and characteristics of Alzheimer Disease and related rementia. Furthermore, treatments for those diseases are also leraned by the means of books, DVD, and movies.
Community Prayer is held in the morning and in the evening. In addition, courses related to xxxx are given: history, spirituality and initial formation. All these courses together are leading me to becoming a xxxx missionary.
The Essential Traits of xxxx and spirituality have been given as follows:
Missionaries, Sent to the Nations.,
Universal Love in Christ.,
Religious Life at the Service of the Mission.,
A Preference for the Poor,
Following Jesus.
Keeping in mind the Essential Traits, I try to be aware of the ongoing orientation to the Mission. That is, I am dwelling in the formation for the missionary apostolate. I live and move in anticipation of becoming a missionary.
How can I live out and enjoy these Essential Traits of xxxx? I regard them as fragrance and melody. They can not be seen, but do exist. I enjoy the lifestyle right now as if I were surrounded by lovely fragrance and melody, deep joy in my heart.
Interacting with the old people at the daycare center, I encounter with different religious traditions and cultures. Some speak Taiwanese and Japanese and some can possibly speak only Mandarin while the others can speak both Mandarin and Taiwanese. Meanwhile, some of them are weak mentally to different extents.
I learn something new and something not familiar with in order to serve at the daycare center which can be regarded as the service of the mission entrusted to xxxx. All activities I participate in are preparing me for total commitment to xxxx.
How can I evangelize at a place where anything related to politics, religion and personal life can not be talked about? It is love that can go beyond any boundary and integrate people into a certain sign of oneness. This is an important thing I have to learn in a sprit of listening, respect and openness[2].
Conclusion:
Who says: "Be still and confess that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth. (Psalms 46:11)
Without the grace of God, I am but nothing and capable of nothing. The only thing I can do is to let the hand of God shape me.
It is not thou that sharpest God, it is God that sharpest thee. If then thou art the work of God, await the hand of the Artist who does all things in due seasons. Offer Him thy heart, soft and tractable, and keep the form in which the Artist has fashioned thee. (St. Ireneus)
I walk to the old-people daycare center every work day, passing through a very busy street on which many people and automobiles are going and coming. The busy scenery is, to some extent, like a symbol of the secular world in which I myself once have been through.
Jesus, looking at him, love him and said to him, "You are lacking one thing...." (Mark 10:21) For me, the 'one thing' here would probably have been the consecrated life[1]. Therefore, I began the discernment of vocation and the vocation is embodied in the xxxx vision and mission. That is why I am on the busy street pondering the transformation in life now.
How precious is the opportunity to experience the difference between the secular and the consecrated life! How joyful is the moment right now! Thanks be to God!
My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.(Job 46:4) If 'You' is replaced with 'the consecrated life, these words are just to express my feelings.
God has done for me at a time when he has granted me an opportunity to experience a special journey. And I would like to regard the journey as if it were an invitation to a wedding feast.
You are beautiful, my love, oh, how beautiful you are! Your eyes behind your veil are doves. (Song of Songs 4:1)
The eyes behind the veil are of xxxx and Jesus shall have been looking at me with these two eyes. I am happy and ready to attend the feast with joy.
Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)
P.S.
[1] The Consecrated Life, deeply rooted in the example and teaching of Christ the Lord, is a gift of God the Father to his Church through the Holy Spirit. ...and the eyes of the faithful are directed towards the mystery of the Kingdom of God already at work in history, even as it awaits its full realization in heaven. (VITA CONSECRATA OF THE HOLY FATHER JOHN PAUL II)
[2]
19 We study other religious traditions and try to understand them from within. We try to discern God's presence in their faith, their history, their culture and their life.
20 During initial formation we look for friendly contacts with other Christian Churches, and wherever possible, with believers of other religious traditions. Our missionary presence among them expresses itself in a spirit of listening, respect and openness. (xxxx General Guidelines for Initial Formation Roma 1990)
In Peace,
John (of the Cross) Chen
**
馬來西亞幼稚園的新冠肺炎影片，好讓人感動～願今早你的心充滿柔軟和盼望
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_IV7NnStqM
**
2021.06.11
I am writing to express my willingness to join xxx Postulancy program.
After being baptized in 2012, I increasingly began to be attracted to consecrated life.
With God's grace, I have joined Aspirancy program, living in a xxx community since the middle of March 2021.
With the help of xxx fathers in Taiwan, I came to know xxx history, spirituality, the formation program, and missionary involvement around the world. These led me to be more attracted by the congregation. In addition, the more I attend xxx events, the more I desire to become a xxx religious missionary. That is why I am taking this opportunity to express my willingness to join xxx formation program.
"Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks". (1 Thessalonians 5:16~18) I am grateful for everything that has happened to me, especially for the encounter with xxx. With God's grace and the intercession of our Blessed Mother, my dream can hopefully come true by joining xxx and carrying on the journey of evangelization.
**
2021.07.18
一種思考：
我想可以從「戴口罩」來做一種思考。歐美個人主義盛行，強調自由。他們認為有病的人才要戴口罩。而，我們是認為戴口罩是保護自己也是保護別人，所以犧牲自己的自由。
打疫苗，有沒有讓整體的狀況緩和呢？如果我打疫苗，是不是也是保護別人？
**
2021.07.22
I am happy to write a report as follows:
Since the daycare center was closed because of the pandemic(the level 3 alert), I experienced a chang in 'the initial formation'. There was no need for me to go out and serve the old people any more. Instead, I stayed at the parish almost all the time, unless it was necessary to go shopping for food.
There was more time for me to study and to pray. There was more time for the spirituality session as well. Furthermore, indoor games and the Recorder became a part of the recreation, contributing to the harmony in the community.
Everyday movements and activities were restricted as if we had been forced to stay in an ark floating on invisible water. My mood sometimes rose with the wave of the pandemic and it was still unknown when the water would fade away. Things seemed to have happened unexpectedly. Though, "throughout our lives, a dynamic interplay takes place between God's guidance and our wholehearted response in creative fidelity".[1] What a high time for me right now to pray and to be aware of the importance of faith! It is said that creatures began to prosper because people were restricted at home. Is this not a time of purification for both the nature outside and my mind inside? God's plan is always the best, isn't it?
"How unsearchable are his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counsellor?" (Romans 11:34)
Recently, I happened to read the stories of some saints. I like the motto of St. Bonaventure: “Do common things well and be constantly faithful to small matters.”[2]
May I keep going forward under His "formation".
[1] #2, page 6, General Guidelines for Initial Formation Rome 2002
[2] Rather than being caught up in accomplishing “great” things for God, Bonaventure sought to glorify God in the faithful achievement of the ordinary. He lived his life by the motto: “Do common things well and be constantly faithful to small matters.”
**
2021.08.02↝↝
**
2022.01.09
這次能回到新竹參加德蘭姐妹的殯葬彌撒(2022.01.08)是個其妙的恩典，充滿感動。
首先，發現當天中午剛好是和姊姊碰面的日子，因此決定提早下新竹。
很早坐在聖堂裡，聽見聯合聖詠團練唱，實在是太好聽了，忍不住錄下來。練唱後，指揮的姐妹做祈禱，潸然淚下地要用最美的歌聲送德蘭姐妹進入天堂，我感受到聖詠團的愛。
追思時，勾起了我的母親曾替外國人幫傭及可能就讀國中補校的記憶，讓我感覺同時和兩位媽媽如此地接近。
我又想起爸爸曾經說媽媽臨終前，有唱詩班在病房報佳音，好像是在送媽媽最後一程，媽媽在12月26日過逝。
兩位陳媽媽先後在同一天過逝。
她們在天上一家的永愛中，唱著讚美詩。
感謝天主，願祂的手繼續帶領我們，祝褔我們彼此。
**
2022.01.25
Hello father,
I would like to share some reflections:
I remember I read a story about Pope Leo XIII (1810 – 1903). He saw or heard a vision in which the Lord gave the devil 75~100 years to show its evil power. After the vision the pope quickly wrote up Prayer to the Archangel Michael. The prayer had, for a period, been recited at the end of Mass.
Nowadays, we can see the moral corruption of the world that can possibly be attributed to the devil’s hard work. The definition of marriage has also been changed here in Taiwan. Referendum 2018 saw the victory of tradition, but the results have not been carried out (or have been deceitfully carried out). Therefore, the last chance of moral restoration has been destroyed by the political authority. Political figures or parties who stick to traditional moral standards will finally be faded out by democracy because our educational textbooks have been polluted. What a great movement that has changed the world! On the other hand, we heard about God’s wrath in the message of Our Lady of Fatima and Akita.
Where is God? God's grace is always there when people decide to repent and turn to him. When we as sinners look at the history of Church, we cannot help but feel humble. What we can do is to pray fervently ourselves because it has been more and more difficult to teach people God’s justice and the devil’s plans.
**
2022.02.13
佛教的[無常]很美，無常就是改變，不執著，不妄想。水和葉子產生了茶；恐懼、虔誠和救世主就產生了神。緣起、緣滅。
道家的[陰陽]也很美，人最終化為一股天地正氣。
天主的信仰，天主是（有）不是（無）。靈魂來自天主吹的一口氣，無常只是暫時的，我們的將來是連肉身的復活而圓滿的。分離是為了再團聚。
天主的信仰是天主自己主動透過歷代『先知』和『天主子』耶穌『啟示』給人，而不是人自己想出來的。
聖母分別在墨西哥及哥倫比亞顯現給生活簡單的人。分別留下科學難以解釋的圖像。一個留在斗篷；另一個留在石頭上。給理性的現代人提醒超自然的存在。一併發生的奇蹟說明聖母在耶穌前轉求代禱的能力是遠超我們想像的。
基督教徒不信煉獄，不為亡者祈禱。當我和馬來西亞四姨說媽媽的信仰時，她說以前有提醒媽媽要去禮拜。她也無法再多說甚麼。
我們有聖母代禱，別忘了多祈禱。
最好每天念一串”玫瑰經”來恭敬聖母，把全家人，無論在世或已過世，及所有的愁煩都交給聖母。如果時間不許，至少每天睡前念3遍”聖母經”。
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Our Lady of Las Lajas 為我等祈
兩個多世紀前，一位美麗而仁慈的母后在一個幾乎人跡罕至哥倫比亞的峽谷中建造了一座宮殿。每年，有什麼神秘的魅力吸引著成千上萬的朝聖者？
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1754 年，印第安人、波托西酋長的後裔瑪麗亞·穆塞斯·德·奎尼奧內斯（Maria Mueses de Quiñónez）……在懸崖上發現了一個洞穴，並在其中躲避颱風。然而，她的痛苦並沒有減輕，因為據說在那些地方，魔鬼的幻影是司空見慣的。 ...瑪麗亞為了懇求保護而誦唸玫瑰經，這是該地區非常流行的祈禱。祈禱完，她感覺到有人碰了碰自己的肩膀，但轉身看向身後，卻不見人影……嚇得她從避難所逃了出來，儘管有一個神秘的吸引力在勸她不要離開那片區域。
幾天后，瑪麗亞回到山洞，背著她生來就聾啞的小女兒羅莎。到了地方，她坐下來休息；她才剛坐下，“啞巴”女孩就說：“媽媽，媽媽！看看這個懷裡抱著一個小男孩的白人女士。”第一次聽到女兒的聲音，瑪麗亞的心裡充滿了喜悅！但由於她在那裡沒有看到其他人，奇蹟的喜悅隨之而來的是恐懼。她帶著孩子離開了。
過了一段時間，瑪麗亞注意到她的女兒不見了。憑著母性的本能，她察覺到了自己可能身在何處：她無疑是去拜訪白娘子了！她急忙跑到石窟，發現羅莎跪在女士腳下，正和一個離開母親懷抱來招待她的孩子玩得很熟。瑪麗亞驚呆了，跪倒在地，凝視著天后！回到家，她寧願保持沉默，因為她害怕鄰居和親戚的嘲笑。
母女倆開始每天都去那個地方，向他們的女士獻上沿途採摘的野花和手工製作的蠟燭。 ......有一天小羅莎病重而死。瑪麗亞痛哭流涕，因為她剛剛失去了婚姻的唯一果實，失去了守寡的支持。然而，她毅然決然，滿懷信心，決定將女兒的屍體抬到白娘子的石窟。當她到達那裡時，她將屍體放在天后的腳下，回憶起她和羅莎經常用來裝飾她的蠟燭和鮮花，她請求她的女兒復活。聖母被瑪麗亞的母愛和孝順的懇求所感動，使孩子恢復了生機。
帶著極大的激動和欣喜，這位印第安婦女和她的女兒趕緊到伊皮亞萊斯鎮宣布這件事。 ...教區神父加布里埃爾·維拉弗爾特嚴厲警告瑪麗亞，如果是魔鬼的騙局，她將被魔鬼無情地扔進河裡……
幾天后，信徒組織了一次從伊皮亞萊斯到大約 7 公里外的洞穴的朝聖活動。信徒們帶著黎明的第一縷曙光來到了這裡，但從山洞裡發出的光芒比太陽還要耀眼，美麗非凡。不再有懷疑的餘地，因為所有人都欣喜若狂地凝視著奇蹟：聖母的畫出現在岩石上，正如《啟示錄(默示錄)》中所描述的：“一個女人披著太陽，腳下踩著月亮，頭戴十二星的冠冕”（啟 12:1）。她右手拿著玫瑰念珠，左手抱著孩子，旁邊還有另外兩個人物，傳統上認為他們是聖方濟和聖道明。此事發生在 1754 年 9 月 15 日。
...最近的研究和對石頭的鑽探表明，圖像的形狀和顏色滲透到岩石的內部。換句話說，如果我們剝去這幅畫的一層薄薄，我們會在它後面找到相同的圖像！而且，它在風雨中暴露了一百五十多年，沒有任何退化。
一個如畫的事實說明了這個永恆的奇蹟。有一次，一些當地的信徒，出於不謹慎的孝愛，決定用刷子和肥皂擦洗這幅畫，以“保存”它。堂區神父一聽說這件事就趕到了現場，但已經太遲了。清潔已成功完成，圖像……完好無損！最終，那些奉獻者的孝愛並沒有放錯地方。
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圖像出現後，這個地方成為虔誠的靈魂尋求超自然幫助的據點，在那裡獲得的恩寵成倍地增加。那裡建造了一個簡陋的小堂，很快就改建成教堂。但是越來越多的朝聖者，使得有必要第二次重建。
1916年1月，現在的新哥特式建築開始建造。 建築師僱傭了對建築一無所知的簡單農民，並設法將它“懸停”在安第斯山脈的一個峽谷上空。 不幸的是，由於哥倫比亞戰火紛飛，主教未能親眼目睹該項目的完成......
在這位具有“戰勝邪惡的特性，以及保護、支持和鼓勵她的孩子與魔鬼、世界和肉體的鬥爭”的母后跟前，……我們將能夠面對 任何風暴都不受干擾，充滿信心，因為沒有什麼能動搖我們！
(Google 翻譯並修正)
方濟會士介紹 Our Lady of Las Lajas
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Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
For early Protestant Church, it might be a common sense or a 'tradition', which should be hold, to pray to saints, somehow the tradition has been lost.
Martin Luther's teachings about Mary (a saint)
“Is Christ only to be adored? Or is the holy Mother of God rather not to be honoured? This is the woman who crushed the Serpent’s head. Hear us. For your Son denies you nothing.” (From Luther’s last sermon at Wittenberg in January 1546.) [Weimar edition of Martin Luther’s Works, English translation edited by J. Pelikan [Concordia: St. Louis], Volume 51, 128-129.]
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James 3:6
... it sets fire to the whole wheel of creation. (New Jerusalem Bible)
... setting the entire course of our lives on fire, ... (New American Bible)
... and inflameth the wheel of our nativity, ... (Douay version)
... It infects the whole being and sets fire to our world ... (CCB version)
... and inflameth the wheel of our nativity, ...(NAB-Vatican version)
... 燃燒生命的輪子。 (香港思高聖經學會網上聖經) 箴 16:27; 26:18-21;德28:10-30
思高版聖經注釋:『由地獄取出火來，燃燒生命的輪子。』意思是說舌頭如不加控制，不善為運用，就成了魔鬼害人的工具，使人一生的過程全受它的困擾。
James 3:6~10 (New American Bible)
In the same way the tongue is a small member and yet has great pretensions. Consider how small a fire can set a huge forest ablaze.
The tongue is also a fire. It exists among our members as a world of malice, defiling the whole body and setting the entire course of our lives on fire, itself set on fire by Gehenna.
For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species,
but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings who are made in the likeness of God.
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. This need not be so, my brothers.
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James 3:1-10
The tongue cannot be tamed
Only a few of you, my brothers, should be teachers, bearing in mind that those of us who teach can expect a stricter judgement.
After all, every one of us does something wrong, over and over again; the only man who could reach perfection would be someone who never said anything wrong – he would be able to control every part of himself. Once we put a bit into the horse’s mouth, to make it do what we want, we have the whole animal under our control. Or think of ships: no matter how big they are, even if a gale is driving them, the man at the helm can steer them anywhere he likes by controlling a tiny rudder. So is the tongue only a tiny part of the body, but it can proudly claim that it does great things. Think how small a flame can set fire to a huge forest; the tongue is a flame like that. Among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a whole wicked world in itself: it infects the whole body; catching fire itself from hell, it sets fire to the whole wheel of creation. Wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish can all be tamed by man, and often are; but nobody can tame the tongue – it is a pest that will not keep still, full of deadly poison. We use it to bless the Lord and Father, but we also use it to curse men who are made in God’s image: the blessing and the curse come out of the same mouth. My brothers, this must be wrong.
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Exorcisms & The Horrors of Possession | The UnXplained (Season 3)
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烏克蘭與俄羅斯有何深仇大恨？ 同祖先卻「恩怨千年」竟與他們有關
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