Fans of Jesus

依 45:1, 4-6; 詠 95:1, 3-5, 7-10; 得前 1:1-5; 瑪 22:15-21

在今天的福音中，有些人來到耶穌面前，向祂提出了一個棘手的問題：問耶穌是否應該向凱撒納稅，以此想讓耶穌陷入他們設下的圈套。耶穌看穿了他們的意圖，轉而給了他們一個充滿智慧的回答：「凱撒的，就應歸還凱撒；天主的，就應歸還天主。」

這些話邀請我們去反省：究竟甚麼才是真正屬於天主的。當時的錢幣上刻著凱撒的肖像，但每一個人都是按照天主的肖像所創造的。我們的生命、恩賜和一切的才能，都是來自天主的禮物。因此，把屬於天主的歸還給天主的意思，就絕不僅是來參與彌撒或誦經祈禱而已，更是要讓信仰塑造我們：如何去待人接物，如何在一切事上善作選擇，以及如何將愛表達和落實在我們的日常生活中。

今天我們也慶祝「世界傳教節」的一百週年。今年教宗所選定的主題是：「在基督內合一，在傳教中共進。」教會的傳教使命，不應只是司鐸、修會會士，或那些前往遙遠國家的傳教士所承擔的工作。我們每一個人都蒙召去分享基督的愛。我們可以透過為傳教士祈禱、支持他們的工作，以及在日常生活中向身邊的人帶去友善，希望和關懷，而實踐這份使命。即使是一個微小的愛德行動，也能幫助別人認識天主的美善。

在第二篇讀經中，聖保祿提醒我們說：福音傳到得撒洛尼人那裏，不單是藉著言語，也是藉著德能、聖神和堅定的信念。這對今天的我們，仍然如此。人們未必總會聆聽我們對自己的信仰所說的一切，但他們卻能從我們的生活實踐中看見我們的信仰。當我們寬恕別人、接納感到孤單的人，或幫助有需要的人時，我們就是基督的見證人。而我們彼此之間的合一與愛，也成了傳教使命的一部分。

親愛的朋友們，世界傳教節提醒我們，實踐傳教使命不一定要前往遙遠的地方。我們可以從自己的家庭、堂區，以及每天與別人的相遇開始。當我們繼續今天的感恩祭時，讓我們祈求上主加深我們在基督內的合一，堅強所有傳教士，並幫助我們每一個人以慷慨和喜樂的心，與人分享祂的愛。願我們的生活光榮天主，並幫助更多人前來認識祂的愛。阿們。

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A: Mission Sunday

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; Psalm 95:1, 3-5, 7-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5; Matthew 22:15-21

In today’s Gospel, some people come to Jesus with a difficult question. They want to trap him by asking whether it is right to pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus sees through their intentions and gives a wise answer: “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar—and to God what belongs to God.”

These words invite us to think about what truly belongs to God. The coin bears the image of Caesar, but every human person is created in the image of God. Our lives, our gifts and our abilities are gifts from him. So giving to God what belongs to God means more than coming to Mass or saying our prayers. It means allowing our faith to shape the way we treat others, the choices we make, and the love we show in our everyday lives.

Today is also World Mission Sunday, and this year we celebrate its hundredth anniversary. Pope Leo XIV has chosen the theme, “One in Christ, united in mission.” The mission of the Church is not only the work of priests, religious brothers and sisters or those who travel to distant countries. Every one of us is called to share the love of Christ. We can do this by praying for missionaries, supporting their work, and bringing kindness, hope and compassion to the people around us. Even a small act of love can help someone discover the goodness of God.

Our second reading reminds us that the Gospel came to the Thessalonians not simply in words, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. The same is true for us. People may not always listen to what we say about our faith, but they can see how we live it. When we forgive, welcome someone who feels alone, or help a person in need, we become witnesses to Christ. Our unity and love for one another are themselves part of our mission.

Dear friends, World Mission Sunday reminds us that we do not have to go far away to begin our mission. It begins in our own homes, our parish and our daily encounters with others. As we continue to celebrate the Eucharist, let us ask the Lord to deepen our unity in Christ, strengthen all missionaries, and help each of us share his love with generosity and joy. May our lives give glory to God and help others come to know his love. Amen.