Category: 下午茶會

因緣際會認認天主教樞機主教單國璽後，我常利用診所空檔之際，與他電話聊天。從小就不喜歡讀書、逃學無數的我，是當 時 老師眼中的問題學生。人生經歷多次轉折，如今當了醫師，面對病人的生老病死，感觸良多。日常生活遇到不解之處，自然就討教良師益友的單樞機，每次總得到父親般親切的答覆。昨天是他老人家九十大壽，我稍加整理其中印象深刻的對話，讓社會大眾了解單樞機鮮為人知的一面—智慧、仁慈與幽默。
我曾問：「我至今仍不是天主教徒，如何祈禱？」單樞機說：「天主的回應大都是看的，而不是聽的。你每天在公園當環保義工，撿垃圾必須彎腰，種樹苗自然就需跪在地上，這都是一種敬天的表現。你也參加義診，照顧弱勢，聖經上說：『凡為我最小弟兄做的，就是為我做的。』只要持續保持善念，做善事，天主必聽得到也看得到，不必刻意。」
我請教「如何面對死亡？」他說：「很多人忌諱死亡，懼怕到甚至稱為『死神』。我講個歷史故事：以前羅馬有位若望保祿二十三世教宗，因年事已高，病入膏肓，全國最好的醫師群費力地從鬼門關將他搶救回來，他回神後第一句話就是『死亡妹妹牽我的右手，小天使牽我的左手，正快樂地將我帶向天堂，唉！醫師們，你們怎麼又把我拉回來呢？』死亡隨時會來，將每一天視為人生的最後一天，積極生活。人生好比舞台，每天彩排死亡劇本，一旦無常到來，你才會自在無懼地迎向它！」
一般人印象中的宗教事務繁瑣且嚴肅，我問單樞機可曾碰到什麼逗趣的事情？他說：「嚴肅歸嚴肅，該輕鬆的時候也該放鬆。我有個關於姓名的趣事：台灣有三位主教同時姓劉，有次開會我叫『劉主教』，三位都分不清楚。後來我笑說，這樣好了，年長的稱『大劉』，次長的叫『二劉』，最小的就是『三劉』，三位皆反對。要不然改成住北部的稱『上劉』，中部的叫『中劉』，南部的自然就叫『下劉』，不知各位意下如何？眾人聽完大笑，開會的氣氛也變得特別融洽。」
有一次，我關切地問：「單樞機，電話那頭的聲音，今天特別虛弱，怎麼了？」「不瞞你說，我肺癌有復發的跡象，主治醫師又加了另一種抗癌藥物，吃了會噁心，瀉肚子，全身無力。我已是『老廢物』一個，既然天主旨意如此，我全然接受，只祈求加諸於我的痛苦，能換得天下蒼生些許的平安。」
【聯合報╱莊聰吉／醫師（屏縣潮州)】
【 2011/11/28 聯合報】

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT
DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE
THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND , TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE .
THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH
THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.
AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING,
HE WROTE ON A STONE: 'TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE'
THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM,
'AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?'
THE FRIEND REPLIED
WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.
BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US,
WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT'
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
THEY SAY IT TAKES A MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL PERSON,
AN HOUR TO APPRECIATE THEM,
A DAY TO LOVE THEM, BUT THEN AN ENTIRE LIFE TO FORGET THEM.

1]Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.
2] So a Car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rear view Mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on.
3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.
4] All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.
5] Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!
6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!
7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.
8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"
9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.
10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE.

有個小女孩問媽媽 人是怎麼來的？
媽媽說：神造了亞當和夏娃
他們生孩子 繁衍許多代 就有了我們
幾天後　小女孩問爸爸同樣的問題
爸爸說：很久很久以前
我們是從猴子一點一點 變來的
她被搞糊塗了　又跑去問媽媽
媽　你說人是神造的
但爸爸卻說我們是猴子變的
怎麼會這樣?
媽媽說：寶貝　很簡單
我說的 是我們娘家這邊的人
爸爸說的 是他們家那邊的

I grew up in a small town of 1000 people where everyone knew everyone. One day when I was a young girl, I stole a toy from a department store there. I can’t even remember why I stole it, but, nevertheless, I did. When I told my mom later, she didn’t punish me, other than to say, “Don’t do it again.”
Shortly after, I was at the same department store shopping for a coloring book and colors. I realized that I didn’t have enough money for both, and I had to make a decision. Then, I remembered that my mom “let me get away” with stealing the last time, so why not just steal again? I bought the coloring book, and then walked back into the store, slipped the box of colors into my sack, and quickly walked back out. All the way home (which was only a block), I was chuckling to myself about how easy this was. I had no idea what was about to happen. When I got home, I told my mom (laughingly) what I had done, expecting the same response that she gave the last time. However, I was so wrong. This time, she had a different response, and I wasn’t prepared for it. If she had only disciplined me at home, I could have stood that. But, my mom drove me back to the store, made me give the colors back to the cashier (who was a good friend of my mom’s), tell her what I had done, and ask forgiveness. That was the most painful punishment my mom could have given me. At the time, I didn’t understand how a loving mother could do that to her child. But I look back at that day as a turning point in my life. From that day on, I have never had the desire to steal anything. My mom’s discipline made a lasting impact in my life. She has told me many times that it hurt her much more than it hurt me. I am grateful that she loved me enough to discipline me in such a way that I would not repeat the act of stealing ever again.

當門徒們體驗到奉耶穌之名得勝的滋味，而欣喜不已時，耶穌要門徒們注意：制伏魔鬼只是一種短暫的恩賜，並不保證能獲得天主的國；真正的喜悅與榮耀並非地上的成就，而是在天上，因為他們已蒙受天主揀選，並將他們的名字寫在天上
www.ccreadbible.org

送給兒子的備忘錄
我兒：寫這備忘錄給你，基於三個原則：
（一）人生福禍無常，誰也不知可以活多久，有些事情還是早一點說好。
（二）我是你的父親，我不跟你說，沒有人會跟你說這些事?
(三）這備忘錄記載的，都是我經過慘痛失敗得來的體驗，可以為你的成長省不少冤枉路。
以下，便是你在人生中要好好記住的事：
（一）對你不好的人，你不要太介意，在你一生中，沒有人有義務要對你好，除了我和你媽媽。 至於那些對你好的人，你除了要珍惜、感恩外，也請多防備一點，因為，每個人做每件事， 總有一個原因，他對你好，未必真的是因為喜歡你，請你務必搞清楚，而不必太快將對方看作真朋友。
（二）沒有人是不可代替，沒有東西是必須擁有。
看透了這一點，將來你身邊的人不再要你，或許失去了世間上最愛的一切時，
也應該明白，這並不是什麼大不了的事。
（三）生命是短暫的，今日你還在浪費著生命，明日會發覺生命已遠離你了。
因此，愈早珍惜生命，你享受生命的日子也愈多，與其盼望長壽，倒不如早點享受。
（四）世界上並沒有最愛這回事，愛情只是一種霎時的感覺，而這感覺絕對會隨時日、心境而改變。 如果你所謂的最愛離開你，請耐心地等候一下，讓時日慢慢沖洗，讓心靈慢慢沉澱，你的苦就會慢慢淡化。> 不要過分憧憬愛情的美，不要過分誇大失戀的悲。
（五）雖然很多有成就的人士都沒有受過很多教育，但並不等於不用功讀書，就一定可以成功。 你學到的知識，就是你擁有的武器，可以白手興家，但不可手無寸鐵，謹記！
（六）我不會要求你供養我下半輩子，同樣地，我也不會供養你的下半輩子，當你長大可以獨立時，我的責任已經完結。> > 以後，你要坐巴士還是賓士，吃魚翅還是粉絲，都要自己負責。
（七）你可以要求自己守信，但不能要求別人守信，你可以要求自己對人好，但不能期待人家對你好。 你怎樣對人，並不代表人家就會怎樣對你，如果看不透這一點，你只會徒增不必要的煩惱。
（八）我買了十多二十年的六合彩，還是一窮二白，連三獎也沒有中，這證明人要發達，
還是要努力工作才可以，世界上沒有免費午餐。
（九）親人只有一次的緣分，無論這輩子我和你會相處多久，都請好好珍惜共聚的時光，下輩子，無論愛與不愛，都不會再見。
Author unknown

　　Dear Emma:
　　Well if you are reading this, I guess I did not make it home and therefore, I was not able to remind you again of how much I love you.
　　I love you so much baby and I will always love you. Although I may not be here right now, take comfort in the fact that I am watching over you right now.
　　I am not gone and I will always be with you in spirit. I know this time must be hard for you but I also know how strong you are.
　　Never forget that God knew what was best for us before we were even born. Take comfort in that. This happened for a reason. Although you may not believe it now, you will one day.
　　I want you to know just how important you are to me. I could not ask for a more caring, beautiful and loving wife. The memories that we have shared over the last few years have been the best of my life. Although it may seem like my life was cut short,
　　I lived a life that most can only dream of. I married the perfect woman. I have a beautiful daughter that amazed me every day.
　　I even had two great dogs - at least most of the time. I couldn't ask for anything more. If you feel sad, just think back to the memories that we shared. Look at our daughter and how beautiful she is.
　　Be strong for her. Remind her about her Daddy and tell her that I loved her more than anything else in the world. Her birth was the best day of my life and she was the best thing that ever happened to me. Her smile and laughter represent all that is good and beautiful in this world.
　　Tell her that Daddy is in heaven now and will watch over her and protect her every minute of every day. I love you Emma. But never be afraid to do what you need to do to be happy. It is so important that you continue to find happiness in your life. Although you may think this is impossible right now, have faith.
　　Much better times are coming. You and Kiley have a wonderful life ahead of you and I am so happy to have shared some of it with you.
　　I love you.
　　Your loving Husband,
　　Todd
Dear Kiley, My Sweetie:
　　Although you may not remember me, I want you to know how very much your Daddy loves you.
　　I left for Afghanistan when you were 9 months old.
　　Leaving you was the hardest thing I've ever had to do.
　　You are so very special to me sweetie - you are truly a gift from God.
　　The best day of my life was the day you were born.
　　Every time I saw you smile my heart would just melt.
　　You were my sweetie - my life was not complete until you were born.
　　I am so sorry I will not be able to see you grow up.
　　But remember, your Daddy is not gone. I am in heaven now smiling down on you every day.
　　You are so very lucky to have such a wonderful Mom to take care of you.
　　Make sure you are good for her and help her out whenever you can.
　　Always remember to say your prayers at night and be thankful for all your many blessings.
　　Never forget how important and special you are to so many people.
　　We love you so very much. When you get older and start school, do your best and try to learn as much as you can about the world you live in.
　　Always be nice and caring to others and you will discover that the world will be nice to you.
　　But when things aren't going your way, never forget that God knows what is best for you and everything will work out in the end.
　　You have such a bright and beautiful future ahead of you.
　　Have fun. Enjoy it. And remember, your Daddy will always be proud of you and will always love you.
　　You are and will always be my sweetie.
　　With very much love,
　　Your Daddy

有一個小女孩每天都從家裏走路去上學。一天早上天氣不太好，雲層漸漸變厚，到了下午時風吹得更急，不久開始有閃電、打雷、下大雨。小女孩的媽媽很擔心，她擔心小女孩會被打雷嚇著，甚至被雷打到。雷雨下得愈來愈大，閃電像一把銳利的劍刺破天空，小女孩的媽媽趕緊開著她的車，沿著上學的路線去找小女孩，看到自己的小女兒一個人走在街上，卻發現每次閃電時，她都停下腳步、抬頭往上看、並露出微笑。
看了許久，媽媽終於忍不住叫住她的孩子，
問她說：「妹妹，妳在做什麼啊？」
她說：「上帝剛才幫我照相，所以我要笑啊！」
沉思～
人們往往最容易犯的錯就是：
用自己腦袋中的觀念去解釋別人眼中的事物，
其實有多少事情是只有一種理解途徑的呢？
親愛的朋友們，
當你正在用這樣的方式解釋你的身邊發生的一切時，
你已經錯過了多少美好的經歷和心靈的體驗。
試著放棄固著的思維模式，享受多重的人生吧。