Sacraments

Reason #3

Ways We Meet Christ

2014-03-08

教會的七件聖事 -- 天主教教義 - 1210

新約聖事是由基督建立的，共有七件，就是:

1. 聖洗  Baptism
2. 堅振  Confirmation
3. 感恩(聖體)  Holy Eucharist
4. 懺悔  Reconciliation
5. 病人傅油  Anointing of the Sick
6. 聖秩  Holy Orders
7. 婚姻  Matrimony

教會的七件聖事 -- 天主教教義 - 1210

• 七件聖事涉及基督徒生命中的所有階段，以及一切重要時刻：
• 它們產生、滋長、治癒 基督徒的信仰生命，並賦予使命。
• 這樣，自然生命的各階段與靈性生命的各階段之間，有著某些類似之處。

教會的七件聖事 -- 天主教教義 - 1211

• 第一章 -- 我們將首先闡明基督徒入門的三件聖事：
• 聖洗、堅振 和 感恩（聖體）
• 第二章 -- 治療的聖事:
• 懺悔 與 病人傅油
• 第三章 -- 論及為信徒的共融和使命而服務的聖事:
• 聖秩 和 婚姻
• 感恩(聖體)聖事佔有獨特的位置；它是”聖事中的聖事”

[1] 聖洗  Baptist

• 我實實在在告訴你們：人除非由水和聖神而生，不能進入天主的國』(若三5)。
• 為天主教教徒入門聖事，通常由神父主持。按教會習慣，教友的小孩生下八天內就得領洗，成人慕道者則經望教期知道教義道理、要開始實習信仰生活後才領洗，臨終者若情況特殊可由教友代洗。
• 1210

[2] 堅振  Confirmation

• 是主耶穌基督親定的聖事，是堅定教徒信念的禮儀，它賦予人聖事的德能，使人「堅」強不怕外力的攻擊，「振」作精神，克服困難，負起傳揚福音的使命。
• 一生只領一次，通常由主教主禮。
• 堅振是使洗禮恩寵達到完美的聖事，它賜人聖神，使人更深入於天主子女的精神，更堅定地參與基督的奧體，並使我們與教會連繫得更密切，更負起教會的使命，幫助我們以言以行為基督的信仰作證。
• 1285

[3] 感恩(聖體)  Holy Eucharist

• 『我實實在在告訴你們：「你們若不吃人子的肉，不喝祂的血，在你們內，便沒有生命。
• 誰吃我的肉，並喝我的血 ，必得永生，在末日，我且要叫他復活」』(若六53-54)。
• 耶穌在最後晚餐時建立的，祂使自己真正臨現於餅和酒形態內，成為信友的食糧。
• 使凡領受這聖體聖事的人，彼此 成為兄弟姐妹，在基督內彼此結合，達到主與人共融的至高境界。
• 把無酵麵餅和葡萄酒由神父主禮在彌撒中祝聖後即視為耶穌的肉體和血。
• 教友向神父辦過告解（懺悔）後，或自己認為沒有大罪在身才能去領聖體。
• 教友領了聖體後，就結合了耶穌的血和肉和耶穌共融為一體，更能得到天主的寵光。
• 1322

[4] 懺悔  Reconciliation

• 『你們領受聖神罷！你們赦罪誰人罪，就給誰的赦免；你們存留誰的，就給誰存留』(若廿23)。
• 這是耶穌親自立的,祂在升天前將赦罪的權柄交給了教會,是一種赦罪儀式，使教會能繼續耶穌去尋覓罪人、領導罪人回歸父家的工作。
• 懺悔應發自信仰的動機。
• 如果這懺悔是源於愛天主之情，我們稱之為上等痛悔；但若是建基於其他動機之上，則稱之為下等痛悔，若我們因罪遠離了天主，我們可藉這聖事與天主及教會重新修好，獲得罪的赦免,是人與天主間的合好聖事。
• 1420

[5] 病人傅油  Anointing of the Sick

• 是耶穌特別關心病弱、衰老和臨終的人而立的。使領受此聖事的人得到恩寵和力量，在病中常能保持內心的平安，不失忍耐，一心依靠天主的照顧。
• 只能由神父或主教主禮為垂危病人施行的禮儀。
• 在病人身上抹聖油，念經文，要病人懺悔幫助他靈魂得救，同時也是祝福禮，病重時皆可執行。
• 因此，病者的親友有責任通知神父，使患病的教友儘快領受.
• 1499

[6] 聖秩  Holy Orders

• 『莊稼固多，工人卻少，所以你們應當求莊稼的主人派遣工人來收他的莊稼』(瑪九37-38)。
• 就是修道生升為神職人員的禮儀，是主耶穌基督以特殊方式授給人神聖的權力，繼續祂的訓誨、聖化及服務天主子民的使命。
• 神品以外 還有修士的聖召；聖召是天主給祂的教會之恩賜。
• 聖秩聖事的三個等級，即主教、司鐸與執事皆由主教授予。
• 神品分七級，神父級為七品。主教級為完滿的七品。
• 1533

[7] 婚姻  Matrimony

• 他們不是兩個，而是一體了。為此，凡天主所結合的，人不可拆散』(瑪十九6)。
• 是男女二人在基督的愛內，自由地將自己交給對方，願意共同勉力度一個更圓滿的基督徒生活；並在二人的相愛中，傳宗接代，負起教養子女的職責。
• 由神父為證人的結婚禮，婚配聖事的主體為新郎和新娘兩人。
• 由於婚姻確立夫妻在教會內生活的公開地位，故此婚禮宜公開舉行，安排在禮儀慶典中，在司鐸和其他證人及信友團體前舉行。
• 專一性、不可拆散性及對生育的開放皆是婚姻的要素。
• 天主教教友需在婚前六個月向本堂神父提出申請，以利安排婚前輔導課程及婚配相關事宜。
• 1601

References:

• 天主教教理 0001條至2865條
• 1066~1209
• 天主教法典 - 第一編 - 聖事840條 至1165條
• 北美華人天主教 - 天主教教義
• St. Teresa HK - 天主教會七件聖事簡論

3/18 1 Corinthians Chapter 14

Sisters and Brothers,
We are into the second week of the Lenten season. As we are watching Japan's disaster unfold and nervously hoping the nuclear crisis ease, clearly, we have very little control over our life. Once again, God demonstrated his mighty power through unprecedented nature force. How can any one not be afraid of the Lord.
On the other hand, I wondered why God let it happened. I may never know the answer, just like Job until God reveal to him. For I know our Lord is kind and merciful, he will listen to our plead. He will comfort us with his hands, although we may not see it in our limited time.
This week, we are continuing St. Paul's first letter to Corinthians chapter 14. Here, Paul addresses how we should be praying to the Lord.
"It is written in the law: 'By people speaking strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to me, says the Lord.' Thus, tongues are a sign not for those who believe but for unbelievers, whereas prophecy is not for unbelievers but for those who believe."
Let's do what Paul was doing: "I give thanks to God that I speak in tongues more than any of you, but in the church I would rather speak five words with my mind, so as to instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue."

in Christ,
Dan

2/18 1 Corinthians Chapter 10

Sisters and Brothers,

"The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?"
"Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf."

One of the most well known verse and really highlight the Lord's blessing to all believers. The song is echoing... one bread one body, one Lord of all. One cup of blessing which we blessed. And we though many, through out the earth. We are one body in this one Lord ...

Just then, Paul's reminder strikes again. Though we are blessed, we can not partake the Lord's blessing while worshiping demons. Paul repeated warn us not to committee idolatry. Let's be mindful and aware the difference between remembering and worshiping. May God give us wisdom and reject the temptation from Satan.

in Christ,
Dan

2/11 1 Corinthians 9

Sisters and Brothers,
This week, we are continue on chapter nine of St. Paul's first letter to Corinthians.
Here, Paul defended his position as an apostle and the right of teaching God's word. For us, there is absolutely no confusion in recognizing Paul's apostleship. Although it is not that clear in the early day of our church, especially what Paul did in his early life.
I would like to reflect one important point from this chapter:
"Do you not know that those who perform the temple services eat (what) belongs to the temple, and those who minister at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel"
It is so true whoever preach gospel should live by the gospel. As a matter of fact, we all Christian should live by the gospel. Isn't this is the best way of preaching Lord's commands if you really exercise the commands. Let's all encourage each other in following Lord's step as well as all the saints gone before us.

in Christ,
Dan

2/4 1 Corinthians 8

Sisters and Brothers,
Happy Lunar New Year. We are officially starting the year of hare. This Friday, we will discuss St. Paul's first letter to Corinthians as our first bible study the year of hare.
In chapter 8, Paul answered the question regarding meat sacrifice to idols. Essentially Paul urges them to take a communitarian rather than an individualistic view of their Christian freedom. Many decisions that they consider pertinent only to their private relationship with God have, in fact, social consequences. Nor can moral decisions be determined by merely theoretical considerations; they must be based on concrete circumstances, specifically on the value and needs of other individuals and on mutual responsibility within the community.
Another important message Paul gave us is an statement of his own course. He will avoid any action that might harm another Christian. We know Paul was not just saying that but actually fulfilled with the expense of his life. Although not any one can be martyr, nor martyrdom is supposed to get promoted, we Christian do need to follow Lords command and be a true living Christian. Paul reminder and his life story give us a perfect example to follow. May Lord give us wisdom and strength to be your true followers.

in Christ,
Dan

1/28 1 Corinthians 7

Sisters and Brothers,
Thanks to Arthur opening their house to host the video watching activity last week. And thanks to Ming-Su providing this wonderful video. We are not knowing more about St. Joseph's life, but understanding the purity of loving God that really does the wonder.
But make no mistake, get to know the scripture is still the first step of understand God's command. Surly, we don't want to over emphasize on memorizing the wording instead of understanding and following Gods' will. With the help of prayer and with our dedication through Bible study, we would get closer to Jesus' true disciples, one day hopefully.
This week, we will continue our journey of St. Paul's first letter to Corinthians. In Chapter 7, Paul provided the advice both to the married and unmarried or widowed. Paul clearly explained what we should do and what we should not. The passage is ever more important in today's society. With all the wishy-washy civil movement, we tend to get lost unknowingly make wrong choices/decisions. Paul's letter, like the light tower in the stormy night, gives us a concrete instruction and guidance.
In addition, Paul also addresses the asceticism. Instead of promoting asceticism to combat the materialism, Paul call us to a more correct perspective and a better sense of our own limitations. Right after advising us not over indulge in sexual-ism, Paul pointed out the wrongfulness of exaggerated or distorted asceticism in sexual matter.
God create this world in such a balance and beauty. Apparently, overdoing in anything may well deviate from God's original intend. May we all be aware not breaking the balance and keep world in such a harmony. Let's pray to the Lord give us wisdom to follow thy in the right way.

in Christ,
Dan

1/14 , 1 Corinthians CH5

Sisters and Brothers,
We started our first 2011 Bible study last Friday. We are continuing our journey on St. Paul's first letter to Corinthians.
This week, we will be studying chapter 5. In this chapter, St. Paul urge us to clear out the old yeast. Let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness. This section fits our new year perfectly. Lets have a fresh start, clear out bad habits and renew our baptismal promises.
As a matter of fact, Fr. Marvin sent us his first homily of the year. I am posting his homily on the blog below. So we can all read and reflect on getting out the old me and starting a new me that follows Jesus' footstep.

in Christ,
Dan


Homily from Fr. Marvin Deutsch

Jesus Begins His Public Life
Monday, Week one Ordinary Time
Mark 1:14 - 20
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 left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little further 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.

The Gospel from Mark today tells us of the transition that had taken place in the life of Jesus. He began his public life after John the Baptist had been arrested by Herod. Before John had been arrested, he had baptized Jesus.(Yesterday's gospel). I would like to say a few words about the role of John the Baptist in bringing this transition about and what that transition meant..

From the gospels we all know who John the Baptist was. We see in Luke chapter 1, the Angel Gabriel in his appearance to Mary speaks of John being conceived 6 months previously in the womb of Elisabeth, Mary's cousin. Thus, many years later when Jesus was baptized by John at the Jordan both John and Jesus were about 30 years old. Before his arrest, John had been living and preaching in the desert near the Jordan River. Many people went out to see him and to listen to his words of repentance in preparation for the immanent coming of the Anointed One. John is considered the last of the Old Testament prophets. He was the link that closed out the old and ushered in the new.

When Jesus had left his home in Nazareth where he had lived in quietude with his mother, Mary, he went to the Jordan River to be baptized by his cousin, John. At first John, feeling his unworthiness resists Jesus' request to be baptized, but when Jesus insists, he does. It seems that John did not realize the full significance of his act. Jesus was not seeking the forgiveness of his sins because he had none. Jesus needed to be anointed by the Holy Spirit through John's hands and approved by his Father who commissioned him to begin his public life. In doing so, the prophecies in scriptures would be fulfilled. Jesus could not begin his public life by his own authority. Like the kings of old, he had to be anointed by a prophet and this prophet, of course, was John the Baptist. And the voice of the Father was heard in approval: "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." ((Luke 3:22)

In God's plan it was John's role through the power of the Holy Spirit, to anoint Jesus as the Messiah, the expectation of the ages, and after that to introduce him to his own followers. John said to them: "Behold the Lamb of God" (John 1:16) One of these was Andrew who went and got his brother Simon (Peter) and brought him to Jesus. Shortly after this episode, John was arrested by King Herod. John was not concerned for he knew his mission was over. He had said, "I must decrease and he must increase." With perfect humility he faded from the scene.

In today's gospel we see that Jesus in beginning his public life, wastes no time. He begins immediately to choose his apostles. He also returns to his home town of Nazareth to tell his countrymen of his transition. A few days ago we had the gospel reading from chapter 4 of Luke describing Jesus return to his home town. This episode explains very well what changes had taken place in Jesus and his life in the short period of time since he had left them. Jesus goes into the synagogue on the Sabbath and reads from Isaiah (Isaiah 61 in our bible) before the hometown people; he reads: "The spirit of the Lord is upon me and the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor etc. Today this reading is fulfilled in your hearing." In other words, I am the anointed one predicted by the prophets. The people are amazed at the change that has taken place in him…He has worked miracles and is attracting large crowds. Unbeknown to them, the change was brought about through the anointing of the Holy Spirit in his baptism at the Jordan. Now we see why that baptism was so important. Jesus had to receive the Holy Spirit in a new way in his humanity and he had to fulfill the scriptures. St. Paul (1 Cor 15:45) says that Jesus in his humanity became the "Life Giving Spirit" for us. We would receive the Holy Spirit through him. And thus today we have some great insights into what we will be reading and meditating upon as we continue throughout the Church year.
Fr. Marvin Deutsch, M.M.

Thanks from SJC Fr. Kimm

11/19 Preparation of Advent

Sisters and Brothers,
This Friday, we will have a special guest, Maria, to join us the study.
As we are coming to the beginning of Advent, Fr. Marvin is going to talk about the history and background of Advent.

According to present [1907] usage, Advent is a period beginning with the Sunday nearest to the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle (30 November) and embracing four Sundays. The first Sunday may be as early as 27 November, and then Advent has twenty-eight days, or as late as 3 December, giving the season only twenty-one days.

The preparation for the feast of the Nativity of Our Lord was not held before the feast itself existed, and of this we find no evidence before the end of the fourth century, when, according to Duchesne [Christian Worship (London, 1904), 260], it was celebrated throughout the whole Church, by some on 25 December, by others on 6 January.

Regardless the origin of Advent, it is a joyful time waiting for the Lord's coming.

in Christ,
Dan

11/12, 1 Corinthians CH4

Sisters and Brothers,
We are continuing St. Paul's first letter to Corinthians this week.
In chapter 4, St. Paul talks about judging people. On one hand, we shouldn't judge others for the Lord is the one judged. On the other hand, we should not be concerned being judged by people. As Paul said, "I do not even pass judgment on myself, .., the one judge me is the Lord". As long we live to the Lord's step, we will receive praise from God when time comes.
Isn't this is so true? Aren't all the fame short lived? You don't have any when God sends you the the world and you can't bring any when God calls you back. We not only shouldn't judge other people, we shouldn't concern too much how other people judge us.
I like the way St. Paul urges us to imitate him. What a clear and direct instruction. Sounds simple, but, in reality, it is very difficult to accomplish. How many people can do even one tenth of Paul's virtue. Luckily, like Paul said, he come s to us with love and gentle spirit. Isn't it comforting? May we follow Paul's step, be a servant of Christ and steward of God.

in Christ,
Dan

11/5 1 Corinthians 3 and on

Sisters and Brothers,
After celebrating all saint and all soul days, we are continuing on St. Paul's first letter to Corinthians.
In chapter 3, Paul continues to emphasize Jesus the one to follow. We, as Jesus' followers, are all equal, regardless what we do. As Paul said, Paul planted and Apollos watered. Neither the one who plants nor the one waters is anything. They are ministers like God's co-workers. No one is greater, neither inferior, to one another. Only God causes the growth.
Paul also explains our relationship to God. For we are the temple of God and the spirit of God dwells in us. This explains if we destroy God's temple, God will destroy us. Obviously, we will need to take care this God's temple and allow the spirit to be with us.
Let us empty ourselves and let the Holy Spirit dwells in us. So we will follow the foot step of Jesus and be an imitator of St. Paul.

in Christ,
Dan

10/22 1 Corinthians 1-2

Sisters and Brothers,
After finishing Exodus from Old Testament, we are continuing the first letter from Paul to Corinthians.
Paul established this Christian community in about year 51, on his second missionary journey. While Paul was in Ephesus on his third journey, he received disquieting news about Corinth. The community there was displaying open factionalism, as certain members were identifying themselves exclusively with individual Christian leaders and interpreting Christian teaching as a superior wisdom for the initiated few. Not only that, many other questions regarding the Christian teaching were raised and false teachings were spread with ill practice.
To treat this wide spectrum of questions, Paul wrote this letter from Ephesus about the year 56. The letter illustrates well the mind and character of Paul. Certain passages of the letter are of the greatest importance for the understanding of early Christian teaching on the Eucharist and on the resurrection of the body.
Paul's authorship of 1 Corinthians, apart from a few verses that some regard as later interpolations, has never been seriously questioned. Some scholars have proposed, however, that the letter as we have it contains portions of more than one original Pauline letter. We know that Paul wrote at least two other letters to Corinth in addition to the two that we now have; this theory holds that the additional letters are actually contained within the two canonical ones. Most commentators, however, find 1 Corinthians quite understandable as a single coherent work.
The first problem Paul addresses is that of divisions within the community. Although we are unable to reconstruct the situation in Corinth completely, Paul clearly traces the divisions back to a false self-image on the part of the Corinthians, coupled with a false understanding of the apostles who preached to them and of the Christian message itself. As Paul wrote, “I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.” “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.”
Even nowadays, we are still facing the same issue in our society. We are often unconsciously falling into the trap of boasting. As Paul wrote, “Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God.
In chapter 2, Paul continued to explain that the wisdom is from God but not human being. “When I came to you, brothers, proclaiming the mystery of God, 1 I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom.” “I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling.” And this wisdom cannot be acquired by revealed by God through Holy Spirit. Paul made his argument that none of the rulers knew, otherwise, they would not have crucified the Lord our God.
With this understanding in mind, we human beings can be categorized into two different persons, a natural person or a spiritual person. “The natural person does not accept what pertains to the Spirit of God, for to him it is foolishness, and he cannot understand it, because it is judged spiritually. The spiritual person, however, can judge everything but is not subject to judgment by anyone. For the spiritual persons share God’s own capacity to judge, they will not criticize nor boast.
Doesn’t this sound easy, to obtain God’s wisdom for God is gracious and merciful? But the key is to empty our hard and let the Holy Spirit to lead us. Imagine, can we put anything into a bottle that is full? Let’s us empty ourselves so we can receive God’s wisdom through the Holy Spirit.

In Christ,
Dan

10/15 Bible Study for kids - book to Tobit

Sisters and Brothers,
We are hosting a special Bible study for the kids this Friday. The theme of the study is from Old Testament, the book of Tabit.
This is a fascinating story about a devout and wealthy Israelite name Tobit. He was suffered from the reverse of fortunate due to his blindness caused by the birds’ drop. Tobit was pleading the Lord to let him die. In the mist of pleading, he recalled that he had large sum formerly deposited n far-off Media. Then he sent off his son, Tobiah, to retrieve the money. Eventually, Tobiah brought back the money and cured Tobit’s blindness.
Often time, we don’t understand why God makes us suffering. For we think we are the good men, like Tobit. However, God made this happen to make his glory known. Just like God sent Raphael to assist Tobiah and obtain the cure for Tobit.
Let’s share this wonderful story with our kids. For we may not know God’s plan, as long we put our trust in him, God will take care of us. Thanks be to God.

In Christ,
Dan

10/8 Introduction to 1 Corinthians

Sisters and Brothers,
For the past few months, we have been reading the book of Exodus. At the end of September, we come to the end of this book.
After we journey through Exodus, we are switching back to new Testament. Starting this month, we will begin with St. Paul's letter to Corinthians. It is one of the most well known letters from Paul. Not only its' popularity, this letter is probably one of the most important teaching from God through Paul's testimony.
We are very lucky to have Fr. Marvin to come this Friday and give us an introduction. Let us cleansing our heart and let God's words dwell within us.

in Christ,
Dan

9/10 Exodus 34 and on

Sisters and Brothers,

Traditionally, Labor Day marks the end of summary. Starting Friday, we officially being Fall session of our Bible study.

Coincidently, the scripter of chapter 34 describes the commandment again. After smashing and breaking the previous stone tablet, God had Moses to cut out two stone tablets for thy to write the commandment. We are taking this opportunity to refresh God’s law and re-examine how well we had followed them.

One may think there are a lot of repeats and redundancies in the instruction. Ironically, we human beings are relatively short memory. We constantly need the reminder and refreshment in what we need to do and what we need to follow. There is no question about this statement for we are making the same mistakes over and over again. This fact is seen clearly in the Bible story as well as our daily life.
Let’s review the Lords’ commandment once again and re-examine ourselves. Through scripture reading, may the Holy Spirit give us guidance in understanding God’s words. But most of all, open our eyes to recognize our sins and be repent.

In Christ,
Dan

8/27 Exodus 32 and on

Sisters and Brothers,
As new school year starts, we are continuing our journey on book of Exodus.
This Friday, we will start with chapter 32. The first paragraph describes a common weakness of human being. We tend to look for some kind of leadership to follow, regardless whether they are God’s will. When Moses is gone, the people of Israel wanted to have something to reply on. As a result, they made golden calf and worship it.
Obviously, this act offends God and people got punished. Apparently, God used Moses to assemble Levites and slay all the offenders. One thing interesting is about Aaron. It is not clear why Aaron is not punished. One is reasoning that Aaron was forced by the people to make this molten calf. Although this argument may be reasonable but I think there is more to it. God’s mercy is much greater than we can think. It is God who forgives Aaron, no matter what he did. And not only Aaron, we all have a special place in God’s mind and we will be forgiven as long as we are repent.
May God have mercy on us and give us wisdom to see our sin and repent.

in Christ,
Dan

8/20 Exodus 29 to 31

Sisters and Brothers,
After reviewing all the instructions of how the worship place needs to be built, we are continuing on scriptures that how the worship needs to be done.
Chapter 29 describes how to consecrate the priest, mainly for Aron. With that, “the Lord will consecrate the meeting tent and the alter and dwell in the mist of the Israelites”. What a promise from God to his people.
Chapter 30 describes how the incense should be made. We see the significant of incense to worship the Lord. The cultural important of using incense is clearly seen. Without surprise, there lies potential misunderstanding of the usage of incense among Chinese community. It is easy to be misled that using incense represents the worship of idols. In reality, it is a gesture of respect to those who gone to our Lord. A symbol to remind us those departures, although not with us on earth, but all in the kind of God waiting for us to join them after our journey on earth.
Not surprising, chapter 32 describes the famous golden calf. As Aron said, “You know well enough how prone the people are to evil”. With all the instructions Lord show his people, the same ritual was misused to worship the idol. No wonder Moses assembled all the Levites and slave all the kinsmen that violated the order. Sounds really cruel but wakening. We may be subject to the same cruelty if we are not to follow the Lord’s order. May our God have mercy on me and pull me out the wrong path.

in Christ,
Dan

8/13 Exodus Chapter 25 and on

Sisters and Brothers,
With the Lord's commandments written on our heart, we are continue our journey on the forth part of Exodus, the dwelling and its furnishings.
Starting chapter 25, a lot of detailed description on how the religious rituals need to be done. We see the beauty of these details, and on the other hand,the cumbersome rules to follow. Isn't life that way as well. Often time, we complained the flatness of daily living and looked for some excitements. During our endless searching, we also come to envy those who live a simple life. How can we be so self-conflicting? No wonder we have so much difficulty understanding this part of scripture.
May the Lord give us wisdom and guide us through out our journey in understanding your word, most of all, follow your commends.

in Christ,
Dan

Cornerstone photo sharing

7/30 -- Bible Study at Vincent's house and kids playing

3/20 -- Blessing and celebrating Lucia and Joe's new home

--- Click on the picture for whole album in the Picasa web or downloads.

8/6 Exodus Chapter 22 to 24

Sisters and Brothers,
After stating ten commandments, the scripture continues to stat the law of the Lord in every prospect, trusts, loans, social order, religious rules, reward of fidelity.
Many description may sounds odd today. However, by considering the society back them, many rules start to make sense. The meat of these scripture is not necessary the exact content but the spirit behind them. Have we completely put our trust in Lord and let the Holy spirit to lead us and understand this part of passage? Easy say than done, of course.
Chapter 24 starts to describe all the rituals. The first is the ratification of the covenant. And God handed Moses the stone tablets. The stone tablet contains God's commandments and instruction. Sadly, we don't have such stone tablet today. It would have been a beautiful symbol of God' law and powerful proof of God's commands. And luckily, we have the Bible that everyone can read and follow. Let's read, mediate, and live God's command as Bible say so.

in Christ,
Dan

7/23 Exodus Chapter 19 and on

Sisters and Brothers,
What a dramatic scenery when Lord came down to Mountain Sinai. And what a pity none of the Israelites can go up to see the Lord except Moses. On the flip side, what a honor for Moses to see God face to face. No one can see the Lord again after Moses.
Really? Really! At least for fifteen hundred years until Jesus come. Best yet, disciples saw God's human form as Jesus, son of God, and listened to his teaching. Isn't it a lot better than handing out the ten commandments at the time of Moses? And God not only appeared himself in the human form, he also promised the salvation to all human races, not limiting to the chosen one, Jews.

in Christ,
Dan

7/16 Exodus 17 and on

Sisters and Brothers,
Once again, we are continuing on Exodus this Friday.
After Israelite left Egypt, God has been directing each steps for them. Repeatedly, we read Israelite complains every inconvenience encountered. And repeatedly, God provided comfort and fulfill their request. In chapter 17, we even read the God is fighting Amalek for Israelite. Of course, Israelite praised the Lord after each success and request being grant.
Despite God infinite grace, the messenger Moses has been stretch thin. Every single distribute is going through Moses. In chapter 18, we read Moses is consulting his father-in-law for advise. The scripture writer actually pave he way for ten commandments in chapter 20.
An classical dispute for our reconciliation sacrament is probably derived from this passage. After the ten commandments, God gave us rules to follow and the advocate is no longer needed. But in reality, although the communication channel is wise open between God to us, there is nothing wrong to have advocate despite God is for sure knowing our wishes.
It is interesting argument that can go either way. Let's pray to the Lord our God to give us wisdom in overcoming this obstacle. May God unite all Christians to we will follow thy will than our own steps.

in Christ,
Dan

Exodus 15 and on

Sisters and Brothers,
After the July 4th holiday, we are getting back to our regular Bible Study schedule and continue on Exodus chapter 15.
Chapter 15 appears to be the praising from Israelis after God has saved them multiple times. The poetic writing captures the facts of major activities.
The second part of chapter 15 comes back to the typical history/story telling style. Again, God uses his power to perform miracle by purifying water with wood. As we read on to chapter 16, more miracles were performed.
Through out the Exodus that describing Israelite journey to the promised land, countless miracles God had preformed to save his people. As we are journeying our life on earth, believe or not, God also uses his power to project us through out our journey. We may not see it as miracle, or even unnoticed, our savior is indeed at work.
Let's also praise to the Lord and thanks God for everything thy did.

in Christ,
Dan

Exodus 14 and on

Sisters and Brothers,

After studying the passover last week, we are continue on the story of Exodus.

Again, we see the power of Lord or God. At one hand, he made Pharaoh obstinate and had him sent his soldiers to pursue Israelites. On the other hand, he casted the dark clouds to hinder the Egyptians pursue and protected his people Israelites.

Chapter 14 is one of the most dramatic story that Moses opened up the water and let Israelites marching across the sea. Before God uses Moses to open the sea, people were untruest and regret following Moses. The reaction is kind of understandable for situation like this. As Human are weak and there is no strength without God. We also see dark side of human being.

In the old Testament, God uses his power to perform miracle and shows his people he is the true God. I sometimes wonder why God is no longer showing his power and lead his people? I may never know and there may never be an answer. Our earthy life is so short and our view is so narrow, we can not see the plan and fact God had done for us. Miracles are probably happening every day but we just aren't part of them. Even we were, we may never noticed.

Let's pray to the Lord our God to give us wisdom and open our eyes. As God had told us: "Blessed are those who have not see and have believed".

in Christ,
Dan

Exodus Chapter 12 and on

Sisters and Brothers,
This week, we are continueing on chapter 12. Famous event for the Iselies and the setting up of the first covnant.
Through the wonder and marical God produced, we will learn how small we are comparing to the creater.

in Christ,
Dan

Exodus Chapter 7 and on

Sisters and Brothers,

This week, we are continue our journey of how God saved his people from Egypt.

God had chosen Moses to be his servant and have Moses to command Pharaoh to let his people go. In spite of Moses' s protest, God insists Moses to accept the assignment and had Aron to help him in talking.

The famous ten plagues described in the Exodus seem to be similar to certain natural phenomena of that country; but they are represented as supernatural at least in their greater intensity and in their occurring exactly according to Moses' commands.

Nine times, the Lord made Pharaoh obstinate and would not let Israelites go. Here are these nine plagues:
Water to blood, Frog, Gnat, Flies, death of livestock, festering boil, hail, locust, Darkness

Often time, we made mistake and endured the suffer but our hearts are still obstinate. Let's pray to the Lord teaching us be mindful. Repent in time before the tenth plague falls on us.

in Christ,
Dan

5/21 Exodus 4 and on

Sisters and Brothers,

Last week, Fr. Marvin let our study and talked about the ten commandments.

It is clear the 10 commandments are the very basic rules God want us to follow. During the time Jesus was with his disciples, he often cited these commandments as the requirement to enter the kingdom of God. Exodus chapter 20 lists them all
20:1-6, the Lord our God is the only true God to worship
20:7, shall not take the Lord in vain
20:8, keep sabbath day
20:12, honor your father and mother
20:13, not kill
20:14, not commit adultery
20:15, not steal
20:16, not bear false witness
20:17, not covet your neighbor's house
20:17, not covet your neighbor's wife and possessions

This week, we are continuing onto chapter 4. God pick Moses to free this people from Egypt. From the scripture, we see how God uses his power in the land of Egypt. Although God is merciful, thy is also determined. There is no way except God's way.

Let us dwell in these passage and try to understand God will in our daily life.

in Christ,
Dan

5/7 Exodus

Sisters and Brothers,

After finished book of Genesis last week, we are continuing into the book of Exodus. This is the second book of Pentateuch.

From Greek word, exodus means departure. The whole book is narrated in the departure of Israelite from Egypt. God uses Moses to deliver numerous miracles and have him to lead Israelite across Red Sea to Mount Sinai. In there, Israelite, the descendants of Jacob, entered a special covenant with the Lord.

Through Moses, God gave to the Israelite the law, ten commandments. By following these moral, civil, and ritual legislation, we will to become holy and the promise of Savior for all mankind would be fulfilled.

in Christ,
Dan

Cited from New American Bible

The ending of Genesis

Sisters and Brothers,
We are approaching the end of Genesis.

Finally, the whole Israeli moved done to Egypt. Although Joseph was in such a high rank in Egypt, he was still wanting to go back to God's promised land. Before Joseph die, he put the sons of Jacob under oath and continue, "When God thus takes care of you, you must bring my bones up with you from this place" 45:25

It is not hard to understand why Israeli was suppressed by Egyptian. In their custom, the Egyptians don't even sit to eat with Jews. When Joseph was in favor with The Pharaoh, Egyptians won't do anything to the Jews. After Joseph's death, and mostly likely the old Pharaoh's death, situation changed. On top of that, all the Israeli's were more prosper than the Egyptians. Naturally, jealous gets in people's mind and started to persuade Pharaoh to do different things.

This is not new to our daily life. We all experienced one way or the other similar situation. Sometimes we get frustrated and even angry. Why God puts me in such a test for I am faithful. The story of Genesis and Exodus give a perfect answer. God never put us on any easy life. When you prosper, situations come to test you. Doesn't matter whether it comes from Satan or our Lord. We will need be faithful and endure the tests just like Israeli's in Egypt. Sooner or later, the Lord will send saver to free us, like Moses freed the Israelis from Egypt.

in Christ,
Dan

4/23 Genesis 46 and on

Sisters and Brothers,

This week, we are continue with the story of Genesis.

Jacob comes the Egypt after knowing Joseph is still alive and well there. In the mean time, when Jacob arrives Beer-sheba, God reveal to him his plan. Not only visiting Joseph, God asked Jacob move to Egypt and ensure God will go down with him.

It takes a lot of courage and trust to make such a move. For God had promised Jacob the land of Canaan, how could he ask Jacob to go down different path, especially Egypt? "Since all shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians" 46:34. Obviously, Egypt was not the first place Jacob would have picked to move his entire family even during the famine. Not only Jacob moved his there, eventually, he died in Egypt.

Come to think about our lives, isn't the same? We thought we figured out what God's planned for us. As we are working hard to pursue "God's plan", often time, we detoured to the different path. How do we know the new path is really God's plan or not? Obviously, it could be quite different from the original plan but eventually, we will get to the place. May not be the way we thought would be. Just like Jacob died in Egypt instead.

Let us pray to the Lord always give us the guidance. And may the Holy Spirit provides us wisdom to help us choosing the right detour path.

in Christ,
Dan