No reasoning is convincing

I care about my students. However, many of them are very lazy. They have problems handing in their assignments. They are now S4. It is too late to modify their study habits. I am partly to blame because I am too lenient and allow them to hand in their work late. Given that they have a busy schedule, I reason that as long as they do the assignments, I should allow them some flexibility. Diligent students benefit, I think. But obviously, lazy students will become lazier.

Eddie has been very hostile to me for reasons I don't know. Many other teachers also find him having an attitude problem and failing to hand in assignments. Yesterday, students were supposed to hand in the reading journal. He had not done it and he showed no intention of doing it even when I gave the class the lesson to finish their assignment. I stayed in the classroom after school, collecting assignments one by one. Only then did he start working. Students are supposed to cut 3 pieces of news about media, draw up a list of new words and write down the key points, not even a summary of the news.

At 5:20p.m., he and Martin, a Catholic, a repeater remained. They managed to collect only 2 pieces of news. I tipped them off, dropping hints on which page in SCMP they could get an appropriate piece of media news. It was getting late and my blood sugar level was getting low. So, I sent them home and told them to hand in their assignments before 8 a.m. this morning. In fact, a few other students needed to attend an extra History lesson after school. So, I let them off on the same condition too. This morning, I was exceptionally happy that Eddie was able to make it. But Martin failed to hand in his work. So, I went to class before school ended to detain him until 5 again.

Martin was not able to sit down to do his work properly. He sat near the window and his friends were his main distraction. He himself walked around the classroom, not doing anything important. So, I brought him to sit in front of me to finish his work. At last, he managed to finish at 3:45 p.m. Then, I insisted on detaining him in front of me so that he could at least spend some time to finish his portfolio which is due tomorrow. He started arguing with me, accusing me of being unfair. No reasoning was enough to convince him. Indeed, there is no point to refute his excuses. He did not appreciate the good will I have for him. I gave up and left the classroom.

My sweet Jesus, I understand now that no reasoning is enough to convince people of the love we have for them. Help me to radiate Your love more effectively so that they may appreciate. I pray that I do not distort Your face in front of men. Amen.

Comment from Eddie:
"Eddie has been very hostile to me for reasons I don't know" <??
你之前點對我你自己心照啦,, reasons i dont know幾好笑wor :P
F3果時係你針對我針對到出晒面喇你唔係唔記得呀?(第一堂rs堂我識刀唔識你,你第一句同我講就係叫我唔好影衰你,,咩意思?)
如果你真係對我無野既我屋企人刀唔會覺得你係有問題啦
你以前點對我我刀有忍喇,我睜係唔同你講野刀唔係好過份掛
唔好扮偉大喇唔該=D
f4 你針對martin佢刀覺得無乜野,但最唔鋸既係你屈佢..(prayer book果次)
如果你之前唔係咁既根本唔會搞到宜家關係咁僵
作為學生,我覺得作為老師既你唔應該係咁樣教書,,
針對人同屈人一定唔係教好學生既方法囉....(個人意見)

Comment from Martin:
我個日做完newscut之後去執野,你要我坐番上去
我同你講我咩都冇帶,包括portfolio,所以我問你可唔可以聽日先留
你話唔可以,冇野做都要淨坐,即係係度哂時間?
我今日有maths做咪留law
再之後你同我講話果度安全?(唔知我有冇聽錯)真係唔知你講咩sosad

Comment from JackyLi0808:
不同老師有不同教學方法
但我認為你的方法的確值得自我反思.
不同人的確有不同的處事方法
但為師應該以學生之心為先.
如果施以錯的教學方法或態度.
試問學生怎會對你認同  更如你所願  變好?
我深信我們 4L 是團結 , 肯上進的一班.  並不是你所提及的 " 無可救藥" .

April 30, 2008.

The Paraclete

Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit from the Father to whom he would soon return. Jesus described the Holy Spirit as ὁ παράκλητος, the Paraclete, which is usually translated into the Advocate, the Counsellor, the Helper. It is the Spirit of Truth (John 15:26). Again, the terms the Paraclete and the Spirit of Truth are found earlier in John 14:16-17. Though an author is free to concentrate the discussion of a topic within one region of his book, he is, as well, free to scatter the discussion throughout the whole book! Yet, my feeling is still the same. John 15-17 seems to me to be an insertion at a latter day.
After Jesus' ascension, his mission was taken over by the Holy Spirit. Only twice, at the conversion of Saul (Acts 9) and a vision in Corinth (Acts 18), did Jesus appear in the New Testament outside the Gospels and the Revelation. The Holy Spirit was an altered ego of Jesus. At first, it appears as a pure power, a great sound, a strong wind and tongues of fire. Gradually it takes up a personality, being lied to (Acts 5) and speaking to the congregation (Acts 13). It evolved from pure power to a person. Put it in another way, the believers' experience evolved. At first, they experience the Holy Spirit as a potent power. Gradually, they were able to relate to it as a person. In the Acts of the Apostles, the gift of tongues is an unmistakable sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Nowadays though, the working of the Holy Spirit is not so conspicuous. There are still occasions of the gift of tongues, but not frequent. Probably there are far too many believers and the experience of the Holy Spirit is being thinned out.
They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God (John 16:2).
Scholars nowadays tend to read this verse, like other prophecy statements in the books of Prophets such as Daniel, as a historical statement put into the mouth of Jesus. At the moment of writing, the believers were experiencing expulsion from the synagogues and persecutions. This probably took place around 100 A.D. Of course, Jesus can predict the future. And at this moment of persecution, the dreadful situation would bring to mind what Jesus had predicted during the Last Supper (John 16:4a). So, we have no way to decide whether it is a prophecy or a historical statement. Unless we have access to more internal or external evidence, we had better stick to a less complicated argument. Jesus did make this prediction above.

Come, Holy Spirit. You are the Spirit of Truth. Enlighten us with Your truth so that we may understand the teachings of the Lord properly and correctly. Melt our hearts of stone so that we may love God and our neighbours with passion. Give us the ear of a disciple so that we may listen carefully Your message. Give us the tongue of an evangelist so that we may proclaim Your good news to all. Dwell in us that we may fondly call out Abba. Amen.

6th Easter Sunday (Year A)

Today, I would like to reflect on the 2^nd reading from the First Epistle of Peter.
but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15).
What is the hope in me? If there be any, why do I need to defend it? We hope for something we don't currently possess, for a situation we are not in. It must be something or some state in the future. So, what do I want for the future? Nothing.
Perhaps I don't want to be disappointed. Therefore, I do not hope for anything, any state in the future. (I have to be careful. There perhaps are hopes which are have been so repressed that they never emerge from the subconscious.) Wealth, health and status are not what I hope for. Perhaps it is my children in whom I place my hope. Thank God, You have given me 4. Surely I hope they lead an upright and happy life. But they are independent beings. I cannot force my wish on them. (Though I have to admit that I am disappointed with some of their behaviours. But they are still young, aren't they? They may change.)
Perhaps I should hope for my own salvation, like any other Christians. The Church does not talk much about the doctrine of predestination nowadays. She gives that impression that all of us have the potential to reach heaven. Yes, we are baptised. But there is no guarantee that we will receive our salvation. In fact, only a limited number of people, the elected, are destined to be saved. Regrettably, many will be lost eternally through their own fault. Our life on earth is a testing ground. We need to prove our worth, that we deserve heaven. Maybe this was what Peter advised his community about. We should defend our hope of salvation. Perhaps we have taken our salvation for granted and forget the dangers threatening it and the sacrifice it is worth.
Peter advised his community to keep their conscience clear.
For it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be God's will, than for doing wrong (1 Peter 3:17).
Suffering is inevitable. It is God's will. Therefore, it is better to suffer with a clear conscience than with guilt. In reality, even if we are punished in all fairness, we complain. We cry foul. It is not my fault. It is not fair. We are still far behind in admitting our sins, in seeing the failures and defeats as God's chastening.
Blessed is the man whom thou dost chasten, O LORD, and whom thou dost teach out of thy law (Psalm 94:12).
Those whom I love, I reprove and chasten; so be zealous and repent (Revelation 3:19).

My sweet Jesus. You suffer for us to bring us salvation. May I work hard to defend this hope in You. May the heavenly Father continue to cleanse me of my worthlessness. Amen.

Religious self-defence

Most of my students are not Catholics. Of the 1200 students in Shung Tak, about 40 of them are Catholic and I do not know how many of them are practising. Therefore, I tell my students in RS lessons that I am not so much concerned about preaching the gospel and converting them. Rather, I am concerned about 'religious self-defense'. In this North-Western region of the New Territories, many unorthodox sects are very active. There are the Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses and Zion Church etc. The urban area is already occupied by the traditional churches. Therefore, they are eager to 'go west', to a virgin land uncontested. Many of my students have met some of these sects and some are already converted. Therefore, my aim is to equip my students with orthodox teachings so that they have a yardstick to refer to whenever they are approached.

The Bible is such a rich repository. Taken out of context, many of the verses can be heretic! I remember watching an episode of 【珠璣集】, a precursor of Hong Kong Connection 【鏗鏘集】, in which members of the notorious cult Children of God were interviewed. They justified their prostitution with 'fisher of men'. They brainwashed members with Mark 10:15. The word of God is an invaluable gift from God but men can really turn it into tickets to hell! My God, have mercy on my students.
In the reading today, we can find seeds of heresy. It puts the believers in opposition to the world which is demonized, which belongs to Satan! It cultivates a we-they mentality. We are in the right and any sensible objections belong to the demonized world.
If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you (John 15:18).
How can the believers be wrong when their Master has been crucified by the evil they? If people misunderstand the believers, it is only too natural.
But all this they will do to you on my account, because they do not know him who sent me (John 15:21).
Here, we need an understanding of the historical context in which the gospel of John was written. The Johannine community was persecuted by the Jewish authority. They needed to stand united and consolidated in order to survive the persecution. What better strategy was there than confirming the believers that they were in the right and the opposition was evil? This confirmation was true to a certain extent but it is not the total truth.
Yes, the world is evil and infested with sins. But it is not beyond redemption. Otherwise, why did Jesus bother to take up human flesh? Why did he teach us to pray that God's kingdom come? Why did he call vulnerable men to be his disciples and entrusted the mission of building God's kingdom to them? Why did he bother to die on the cross for sinners? Therefore, no man is beyond redemption.
Biblical verses should not be read out of context, nor should they be read in isolation. To balance the 'only faith' position of St. Paul, we have James epistle which stresses work of mercy. To avoid falling into the extremity of the we-they mentality advocated in John, remember the teaching of Matthew and Luke.
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44).
Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you (Luke 6:28).

My sweet Jesus, enlarge our hearts to embrace opposites. Open them wide so that they may accommodate both justice and mercy. I pray for my students that they may be more receptive to Your message of love. Grant us the wisdom to discern Your true teachings in the Bible. Amen.

Feast of St. Mark

According to Church tradition, John Mark wrote the second gospel in the New Testament. Many speculate that he was the man who carried a jar of water and in whose house, Jesus and his disciples ate the Last Supper (Mark 14:13-16). He was also the young man who escaped naked when Jesus was arrested.
And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body; and they seized him,
but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked (Mark 14:51-52).
Probably, he was too green. He left halfway in the First Missionary Journey of St. Paul at Perga in Pamphylia (Acts 13:14). Therefore, St. Paul refused to take him along in his Second Missionary Journey (Mark 15:37-39), causing Paul and Barnabas to part company. Somehow, Mark became the interpreter for St. Peter in Rome. That was why he had the materials to write the gospel. Peter called him fondly "my son Mark" (1 Peter 5:13b). Today, we are reading Mark 16:15-20. However, most scholars agree that Mark 16:9-20 is an appendix. The reading today might not have been penned by him. So, I turn to a more interesting passage in 1 Peter 5:5-14.
Today's reading begins with a very meaningful advice.
Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5).
How wise St. Peter was! Humility is not inborn. It is not an ingredient of human nature. It needs to be learned, practised and put on. Moreover, humility covers our nakedness and vulnerability. It protects us from falling into self-destruction. Furthermore, it is probably the wedding garment required by the King in Matthew's parable (Matthew 22:12). So all of us, whether we be a PhD holder or a McDonald's waiter, need to be humble without exception.
In 1967, Dr. Thomas Anthony Harris wrote a self-help book called I'm OK, You're OK. Instantly, it became a bestseller and later, a classic. The book employs a technique called Transactional Analysis (TA) to help alleviate dysfunctioning relationships.
I'm OK, You're OK is the best situation in which both you and I benefit and grow from the relationship. Our potentials are realized.
I'm OK, You're NOT OK is the situation of victims of child abuse. It is not my fault. You have a problem. You deserve to be punished.
I'm NOT OK, You're OK is the situation of most people seeking psychological help, of true believers who always pray that they are sinners. Save me Lord.
I'm NOT OK, You're NOT OK is the worst situation in which life is no longer worth living. This is tragically illustrated by scenes of domestic violence in which a husband kills his family members and commits suicide to wrap up everything.
When I am in Situation 2, I am obviously not humble because I fail to recognize and acknowledge your value, your potential and God's grace in you. But neither is Situation 3. Although I am able to recognize my sins, my weakness and my incompetence, I fail to be humble exactly because I fail to acknowledge my value, my potential in God's eyes and deny the possibility of obtaining God's forgiveness and love. I am so proud as to say that God is wrong. I am irredeemable. Very soon, I may descend into Situation 4, into hell.
St. Peter said,
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you (1 Peter 5:7).
We should not misunderstand St. Peter. If our motive is to be exalted, then the humility we show is cheap. Rather, we humbly acknowledge our incompetence as well as our strength. We submit ourselves to the mighty hand of God, trusting that His plan is the best for us. Then, in due time, God will actualize our potential to the full. He will exalt us.
When St. Peter wrote this epistle, the early Church began to experience systematic persecutions from the State. Painfully, he saw believers falling one by one. He knew that it was beyond human strength to overcome such difficulties. No organized insurgence could overthrow the Roman Empire whose time was not yet due. Therefore, he urged us to humble ourselves under God's hand so that His Spirit might manifest smoothly with minimum resistance from us.

My sweet Jesus, I thank St. Mark for his hard work. He is not perfect but who can be? He failed several times and who hadn't? I thank You for giving us a saint whom we feel comfortable to imitate. May we learn and practise true humility so that Your image and likeness may shine through our humanity. Amen.

Your joy may be full

The more I read the True Vine discourse in John 15, the more passages which have previously appeared elsewhere prop up in front of my eyes. This serves to reinforce my hypothesis that John 15 is an insertion of a latter day. For example:
Abide in me, and I in you (John 15:4a).
He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him (John 6:56).
ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7b).
Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son;
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you (John 15:16b).
if you ask anything in my name, I will do it (John 14:13-14).
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12).
This I command you, to love one another (John 15:17).
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another (John 13:34).
In the reading today, I am touched by this:
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:11).
Am I joyful? Not much. While I enjoy reading the Bible, many of my students do not and this troubles me. The word of God cheers me up when I am depressed. It is a free gift from God. I suppose I am somehow transformed. But how do I make my students enjoy the word of God, letting it transform them? I have no ready answer. I have tried various ways such as work sheets, projects and video. Probably there are too many activities and I have not given my students enough time to quietly absorb the word of God. Probably, I focus too much on the mind and the intellect and forget the heart. Probably, my joy has not been adequately manifested to infest my students. My Lord, show me the way and empower me.
Physically, I am a DM, a sick man. A sick man is seldom a joyful man, isn't he? Yet, I try to live joyfully as a sick man. My sickness may be useful as a warning to my friends so that they may lead a healthy life. I try to render my help whenever I see my neighbour in need. I feel good about it because I am still capable to be helpful and I feel needed. I have learned to live with DM. Probably, I should not be too greedy to feel good and joyful all the time. I have to live with both joyfulness and bitterness.

My sweet Jesus, You are my source of joy. May Your mysterious joy and peace reside in me so that I am able to embrace both sweetness and bitterness in life. Show me thy way. Amen.

The True Vine

Before reflecting on the True Vine passage in John 15, it is profitable to recap where we are at this moment. The Last Supper begins with John 13. There, Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, revealed the identity of the traitor and foretold the 3 denials of Peter.  Continuing in John 14, Jesus told his disciples that he was returning to his Father to prepare rooms for them, that he was the way, the truth, the life, that he and the Father abide in each other and that he would send the Holy Spirit to them. John 14 finishes with
Rise, let us go hence (John 14:31b).
It seems that the Last Supper finishes here and they would proceed to the Garden at Gethsemani to pray. But no, three more chapters intervene before they left for a garden in the Kidron valley.
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples across the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered (John 18:1).
Let's look at the beginning of each intervening chapters but bear in mind that this division of chapters and verses was a late artefact more than 1300 years later!
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit (John 15:1-2).
I have said all this to you to keep you from falling away.
They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God (John 16:1-2).
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify thy Son that the Son may glorify thee" (John 17:1).
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples across the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered (John 18:1).
It seems to me that these 3 chapters have been inserted as an afterthought. They may be logically placed anywhere. OK, this is just a conjecture. I have to leave them for scholars to investigate. As for me, I will reflect on the True Vine discourse.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me (John 14:11a).
In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you (John 14:20).
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:4-5).
We are in Jesus and Jesus in us. We are the branches of Jesus. Earlier, Jesus said that he is in the Father and the Father in him. It makes a lot of sense to me. I can be reconciled to the Father and I feel good about it.
Jesus is the true vine and his Father is the vinedresser. Now, I have a problem in making sense out of it. If the Father is in Jesus, how is He the vinedresser to prune Himself? I am at my wits' end.
God is omnipresent. He pervades everywhere and occupies all space. Therefore, it makes sense to say that God is in me. God is omnipotent. He is almighty physically as well as morally. I assume that He has built-in mechanisms of moral self-perfection. So, it makes sense to say that God prunes Himself. If I understand correctly, Jesus wisely conjured up this vine and vinedresser image to convey the reasoning above. But I am afraid I have not exhausted all the meanings conveyed within this vine image.

My sweet Jesus, You, or better Your fruits, are sweet indeed. Let me continue to abide in You so that I may be able to bear fruit. May I continue to go through the winepress and fermentation so that I may be transformed into a good wine suitable for offering to the Father. Amen.

The Peace of Christ

Genesis opens with chaos. When God began His creation work, He brought harmony over chaos and He declared that His creation good 7 times in Genesis 1. When the first Adam fell, he was alienated from himself, from his fellow men, from the creation and from God. There would not be peace.
At the birth of John the Baptist, his father Zachariah prophesized that God would guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:79). When Jesus was born, the choir of angels sang that there would be peace on earth among men with whom God is pleased (Luke 2:14). Yet, when Jesus began his mission, he declared that he did not come to give peace on earth but division (Luke 12:51). It is because his peace is different from that the world gives.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you (John 14:27).
Modern Olympic Games are supposed to uphold world peace through athletic competitions. Yet, the recent Olympic torch relays demonstrate well that there is no peace in sight. People politicize this event to attack the ascending China in the global arena. Peace of this world has to be negotiated through compromises. Compromises depend on the circumstances which are such an unstable thing. When circumstances change, it is no longer tangible to honour a compromise. Thus, the peace achieved would not endure.
Christ achieves peace, not through compromises, but through his blood. His death on the cross reconciles not only sinners to God, but also Pilate to Herod (Luke 23:12). The vertical bar of the crucifix connects sinners to God, the horizontal men to their enemies. While peace on world remains on the horizontal, it takes the vertical to firmly ground peace in God. Therefore, the peace of Christ is achieved with his cross!
Christians are called to be instruments of God's peace. We reconcile ourselves to our enemies and together to God. Can our principal be reconciled to the teaching staff? Can we together be reconciled to God? Oh, it looks like an impossible mission! In the academic meeting yesterday, John offered several opportunities to the principal for him to emerge. Yet, the principal made no response, showed no expression on his face. He looked petrified.

My sweet Jesus, make us ready to reconcile to You and to colleagues holding different views. Help our principal to emerge from his office. With continued bickering, Shung Tak will be grounded to a standstill and plunge. Oh, I am too pessimistic. Give light to us who sit in darkness and the shadow of death and guide our feet into the path of peace. Amen.

Making room for God

Consider the following Q&A session. Do you think Jesus has answered the question?
Q. Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world? (John 14:22)
A. If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me (John 14:23-24).
I think Jesus would score poorly in any public examination. He usually tells us things that he desires us to know, rather than answering our question. Probably it is our fault. We pose the wrong questions. We should be asking more important questions instead. But Jesus would score low marks for a second reason. His logic was also wrong.
Consider the proposition:
"If a man loves me, he will keep my word" (John 14:23).
OK, he keeps my word because he loves me. Fine. But he can also keep my word for other reasons. For example, he may be forced to keep my word because someone points a pistol at his forehead. Or he keeps my word in order to win my trust and later my money.
Therefore, the statement
"If he keeps my word, he loves me" is logically wrong, as have been demonstrated in the above cases.
The statement in John 14:23 above is of the format P à Q,
where P = (he loves me) and Q = (he keeps my word).
From lessons we learn in elementary logic, ~P à ~Q is wrong,
where ~P = (he does not love me) and ~Q = (he does not keeps my word).
If someone loves my money and not me, he will still keep my word in order to get my money. We cannot safely deduce that if he does not love me, he will not keep my word. Unfortunately, this is exactly the logic of Jesus. He said,
"He who does not love me does not keep my words" (John 14:24a)
A legitimately logical deduction is ~Q à~P. That is:
"If he does not keep my word, he does not love me."

In terms of logic, this is logical. Alas, human life is so complex that such simple logic just can't handle. Read again. Can I really safely draw this conclusion? Can I really conclude that if he does not keep my word, he doesn't love me? Is it possible that he loves me so much that he refuses to keep my word? Of course, it is possible. I find logic too rigid, too simple to handle human interactions.
When I read this passage, I was more attracted to the image of Jesus, the Father together with the Holy Spirit came to me and make room with me (John 14:23b). This also brought up the image of the 3 visitors to Abraham in Genesis 18.
Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him καὶ μονὴν παρ' αὐτῷ ποιησόμεθα (John 14:23).
Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof (Matthew 8:8; Luke 7:6).
There is a strong sense of unworthiness in my heart, my soul and my whole being. I must make an effort to go to confession within this week.

My sweet Jesus, I thank You for Your accompanying me all along. I pray that I shall receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation this week. Amen.

5th Sunday in Easter (Year A)

We rely on Luke’s Acts of the Apostles to know something about the history of the early church which began her existence and mission in Jerusalem after the departure of Jesus, their Master. 120 believers led by the 12 apostles were the first generation Christians after Christ (Acts 1:15). The number expanded quickly after Pentecost. The members of the Jerusalem congregation were mixed: Hebrew-speaking Jews, Greek-speaking Jews and proselytes, that is, Gentiles converted to Judaism. The reading today tells us something about a division of labour as a natural outcome of expansion: the election of deacons.
The church does not take care of spiritual matters exclusively. She also takes care of mundane matters as well. Since her inception, the early church had to take care of widows. Mary the mother of Jesus was one. However, due to language problems, the Hellenists were neglected.
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution (Acts 6:1).
The church needed to address this problem. Otherwise, she would split and her development would be hampered. The church leaders must not lose sight of her primary mission, which was to preach the word of God. She should not be distracted by mundane matters. A division of labour was urgently needed. Therefore, the apostles set up criteria for the election of deacons to share part of their jobs. 7 men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom were elected (Acts 6:3). As a result,
the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).
The early Church has successfully handled a crisis. As a result, she was able to maintain her catholicity and grew healthily. To be sure, more crises would be coming as she expanded.
Lately, Pope Benedict XVI is visiting the United States. He is not embarrassed to meet with and apologize to the victims abused by American priests. He saw these scandals as a period of purification and healing for the American Church. On the other hand, what have the American Catholic Church done to those fallen priests? Of course the Mother Church will forgive them. But what sort of punishments or penance should those priests perform in order to purify and heal themselves and the Church? What actions should the Mother Church take to prevent potentially abusive priests from victimizing children under their care? Perhaps some structural changes need to be made.
Back in Tuen Mun, our parish priest, Fr. John Kwan, shared two pieces of his experience to show how the spiritual can be integrated with the mundane.
In the 1970s, there was no public hospital anywhere near Chai Wan where he was assigned to serve freshly after ordination. Once he had to accompany an elderly lady in an ambulance to the nearest hospital in Wan Chai. There was traffic congestion on the way. Luckily, the lady survived. Immediately, Fr. Kwan sensed that the Chai Wan community was desperately in need of adequate medical service. So, he joined hand with two pastors from 2 other Protestant churches in Chai Wan to fight for the building of an Eastern District Hospital. After several years, the building project went ahead.
After serving Chai Wan for several years, Fr. Kwan went to Berkeley to study. He stayed in a St. Joseph the Worker Church. Somehow, a businessman set up a Sex Shop in the community. The parish priest worried about the bad influences the shop had on the teenagers. He tried to persuade the businessman to move away but to no avail. At last, he organized a legion of elderly ladies to say the rosaries outside the shop during its opening hours. In the end, the Sex Shop closed down!
Fr. Kwan reminded the congregation that Christians cannot turn a blind eye to social problems that affect our neighbours. We need to stand up and speak up for them. The community of Tuen Mun also suffers problems. We need to pray and take appropriate actions to address them.

My sweet Jesus, You generously came down to suffer for us. You have consecrated our sufferings. Let them be Your means of purification and healing for our wounds. May we learn our lessons through our sufferings so that we can become Your instrument of peace, helping our neighbours who suffer similar pains. Amen.

Who is this Jesus?

Four full chapters in John have been devoted to the Last Supper (John 13-17). Of course, Jesus was the main character. He began with the washing of the feet of his disciples. Then followed a long series of counsel and prayers. These long talks are interspersed by six interruptions, all but one, in the form of questions. This is the style of the gospel of John. Discourse and stories alternate with each other. In the Last Supper, stories take the form of questions from disciples. Here is a quiz. Match the six questions/requests with the six parties on the right.

Questions/Requests	People
1. Lord, who is it (the traitor)?	A. John
2. Lord, where are you going?	B. Judas (not Iscariot)
3. Lord, ... how can we know the way?	C. Philip
4. Lord, show us the Father ...	D. Simon Peter
5. Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?	E. Some disciples
6. What does he mean by 'a little while'?	F. Thomas

When Jesus told his disciples that he would be returning to the Father to prepare rooms for them, he made a curious statement about the disciples.
And you know the way where I am going (John 14:4).
When his disciple(s) wondered how they could know the way, Jesus made the following famous statement, immortalized by Protestant churches in Hong Kong, enshrined on signs painted on the outer walls of residential buildings facing the main roads.
I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me (John 14:6).
In response, Jesus' disciple(s) requested.
Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied (John 14:8).
Then Jesus kicked off with a discourse on his intimate relationship with the Father. This theme has been repeated several times in the gospel of John already. Once Jesus cured a man who had been sick for 38 years on a Sabbath. The Jews were not happy. They were further offended when Jesus, in defending his action, called God his Father (John 5:18). Later, on the feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, Jesus further claimed that
I and the Father are one (John 10:30)!
No wonder the Jews were so determined to destroy this Jesus, this blasphemer and carpenter from Galilee who claimed to be their God, the God of their fathers.
Let's return to the request to show the Father. This demand had been made earlier by the Pharisees  when Jesus claimed to be the Light of the world. The Pharisees challenged Jesus' claim. Here, Jesus followed the Jewish requirement of having two persons to make a testimony true (John 8:17). Jesus claimed that the Father bore witness to his claim. So, the Pharisees retorted by asking where his Father was (John 8:19a). Jesus dismissed their request
Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father; if you knew me, you would know my Father also." (John 8:19b)
During the Last Supper, the atmosphere was warm and cozy. Jesus would explain to his disciples that whoever sees him sees the Father. The Father is in him and he the Father (John 14:9-11). Jesus further promised that those who believe in him would do similar and even greater things when Jesus ascended and seated on the right hand of God.
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father (John 14:12).
I usually prefer KJV or RSV. But the translations of the following 2 verses (John 14:13-14) disappoint me. Where is the object of the verb 'ask'?
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (KJV)
Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son;
if you ask anything in my name, I will do it. (RSV)
In both versions, the objects are missing. In context, it would NOT be Jesus that we ask. Naturally, it must be God the Father we ask in Jesus' name.
and whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, that will I do: that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you shall ask me any thing in my name, that I will do. (Douay-Rheims)
你們因我的名無論求父什麼，我必要踐行，為叫父在子身上獲得光榮。
你們若因我的名向我求什麼，我必要踐行。(思高)
In both versions, the objects are clearly identified: the Father and Jesus. Now, John 14:14 would sound funny. Ask Jesus for anything in his name?
et quodcumque petieritis in nomine meo hoc faciam ut glorificetur Pater in Filio
si quid petieritis me in nomine meo hoc faciam (Vulgate)
καὶ ὅ τι ἂν αἰτήσητε ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου τοῦτο ποιήσω, ἵνα δοξασθῇ ὁ πατὴρ ἐν τῷ υἱῷ.
ἐάν τι αἰτήσητέ με ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου ἐγὼ ποιήσω.(Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament)
In both versions, Jesus appears as the object of 'ask' in John 14:14. Therefore, it is no joking that we ask Jesus in Jesus' name. I can only leave this puzzle to theologians. As for me, should I not be careful in the translations I read?

My sweet Jesus, I thank You for enabling me to study the CBI courses. I thank the priests who have devoted so much time and effort in training us. I pray for physical as well as spiritual well-being. Pray that my soul be nourished with Your word. Pray that my students may benefit spiritually as well. Today is the 38^th anniversary of my Confirmation. I pray for Joseph my godfather, Eric & Felix my brothers in Christ. 38 years! Amen.

Notes on Acts 13

Today, I would like to put away John for a short while and jot down some notes on Acts 13.
The church of Antioch in Syria was flourishing. In Antioch, the followers of Christ were for first time called Christians (Acts 11:26). For the first time, the Holy Spirit spoke out for Himself instead of speaking through the disciples (Acts 13:2). He instructed the church to send Barnabas and Saul to evangelize the Gentile world. This is the famous first missionary journey of St. Paul. Saul was renamed Paul in Paphos of Cyprus (Acts 13:9). In Paphos, Paul defeated a magician called Elymas and converted the proconsul Sergius Paulus. Then, Paul and Barnabas continued the missionary journey to Antioch of Pisidia and preached to the Jews in the synagogue on Sabbath. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue invited Paul to deliver a sermon. Paul quickly reviewed the history of Israel from Abraham to Moses (without naming them), from Samuel to David (naming them). Then he focused on the mission of John the Baptist and moved on to Jesus. Today, we read Acts 13:26-33. This was Paul's interpretation of the passion and resurrection of Jesus. Here is an outline.

1. Those in Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus. Nor did they understand the meanings of the Prophets which they read very Sabbath. They condemned Jesus, inadvertently fulfilling the prophecies (Acts 13:27). Unlike Matthew who put all the responsibility for Jesus' death on the Jews, Paul seemed to be sympathetic towards them. Despite the fact that his own life was threatened by the Jews in Damascus (Acts 8:23-24), his language was less condemning.
2. Shall we blame the Jewish rulers? Paul said no.
   It was only out of ignorance that they condemned the Son of God. Through their ignorance, they worked out God's plan. Indeed, our wisdom and knowledge are no more than ignorance in God's eyes. Whether you are a PhD or a McDonald waiter, God is able to work out His plan through you when He finds you 'useful'.
   For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
   For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).
3. God fulfilled His promises to the Jewish fathers by raising Jesus from the dead (Acts 13:33). We shall deal with these promises in the reading tomorrow.

My sweet Jesus, I thank Ss. Peter and Paul for their missions to the Gentiles. It is Your wish to free all men from the bondage of sins. These two great saints have cooperated with You to bring us, Gentiles, salvation. May we follow their footsteps to bring Your good news to all we meet. Amen.

A father to be proud of

The top sports caster of Hong Kong, 伍晃榮, who had retired 3 years ago, died this evening in Princess Margaret Hospital. He is survived by his wife and 2 sons who were at his deathbed. The elder son made a public statement to the mass media. Being myself a father, I was very much impressed by one of his utterances: "It is a blessing to be his son. I am proud of my father." I think most, if not all, parents would very much like to hear this from their children. Mr. Ng can pass away without any regrets.

A man has not yet grown up even after getting married. Only after the arrival of the first baby has he suddenly matured overnight. Becoming a father puts more responsibilities on a man's shoulder and responsibilities spur a man towards maturity. You have to think twice, or even thrice, before you spend any money, make any decision and take any action.

Then my attention turns to the reading today. After washing the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples to follow his example to serve each other, to love each other. Then he said a curious sentence.
I am not speaking of you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the scripture may be fulfilled, 'He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' (John 13:18)
We know that Jesus was telling his disciples that one of them would betray him and that was Judas. I wonder if Judas was married and had children. The gospels are silent on this point. I further wonder if Judas had children, would he choose to betray Jesus? No matter what, Judas has been set up to serve as a warning to us all that we must think twice before we take any action. Not only will we regret. Our children will also be leading a shameful life for the rest of their life!
Earlier on, Jesus said the following statement.
Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him (John 13:16).
We are Jesus' servants. Our master was a carpenter and had rejected Satan's offer to acquire greatness. Yet, he has achieved greatness through his lowliness and obedience to God's will. Here lies his greatness, not through waging military might nor accumulating wealth, but doing God's will. He taught us that the poor, the mournful, the meek and the merciful are blessed (Matthew 5:3-11). I pray that my refraining from applying for SGM is doing God's will. So far, I see Mr. John Wong becoming more spiritually empowered. I see stronger religious atmosphere fostered in Shung Tak. Had I taken up the SGM post, I would not have achieved better. God's will be done. Amen.

My sweet Jesus, help me become a more responsible husband and father. Bless my parents and my children. May they live in Your peace forever and ever. Amen.

A science fiction Jesus

Imagine you are an intelligent alien coming from the fifth dimension. You occupy space in this universe. Scientists hypothesize that our universe consists of 11 dimensions! Human beings live within a subspace of 4 dimensions only. The earlier sentence means there is a kind of membrane that encloses all of your essence (I am using an analogy of a cell). The surface of this membrane is such that it reflects only ultra-violet ray and absorbs all others. This means that you are invisible to the naked human eyes. Since you exist in the fifth dimension, you pass through our world without being detected, much like neutrino. Imagine too that you speak with supersonic frequencies. Again, this means that you are inaudible to unaided human ears.  You want to communicate with intelligent beings in this universe. We humans are legitimate candidates. How would you communicate with us? We are unable to see you with our eyes, hear you with our ears or even touch you with our hands because they simply pass you through unobstructed.

So, you decide to 'downgrade' part of yourself to lower dimensions in which we exist. We don't know how you manage to do it. But this part of you appears in human form in a short duration of our time, in a particular location on earth and start telling us about yourself. This part of you befriends some of us. Their lives are never the same anymore.  They are transformed. After your departure, they write down your story in books we call Gospels. One of them is called John. To this day, we are still trying to decipher your story in the Gospel of John. Now, how does the plot above help us understand Jesus' words we read today?
And Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And he who sees me sees him who sent me (John 12:44-45).

When we believe in something, this belief will change our life. When we believe that Vitamin C improves our resistance and makes us healthy, we start taking Vitamin C which will change our body. When we believe that English helps us prosper in Hong Kong, we start learning it, using it and getting more opportunities to climb up the social ladder. When we believe that there is life after death, we will care more about our behaviour towards others so that we will not doing any stupid things hazardous to our future. We will be more considerate, more generous and merciful.
If any one hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world (John 12:47).
Jesus does not compel us to believe in him, to follow his advice. He does not pass judgment. He simply wants to save us from this fallen world. He respects our freedom. The choice is ours. We have only ourselves to blame at the end of the day. This is his advice.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another (John 13:34).

My sweet Jesus, You took all the trouble to reveal to us Your love. Because of this great love, You refuse to pass judgment on us. You respect and cultivate our sense of responsibility. We are lazy creatures encrusted in our comfort zones. Summon us like Lazarus out of our tombs so that we may see light and life. Strengthen our feet to come close to You. Amen.

Are my expectations unreasonable?

Jesus died a tragic death because he disappointed many powerful people. Just read what happened in today's gospel.
It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem;
it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon.
So the Jews gathered round him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." (John 10:22-24)
The Jews expected Jesus to be their Christ, one who would lead them up in a rebellion to drive out the Romans. Jesus disappointed them and they sent him to death.
Though Jesus' career as a Messiah among the Jews had been a failure, he had won enough disciples to dominate the Western world for nearly 2000 years. Many true believers are so devoted to him that they even give up their lives for him and his ideals. Nowadays, a number of popular management books, such as Jesus CEO, take cue from Jesus' life and draw out inspirations for business leadership. Though, I was not able to get my hand on this book, I am sure Christian leaders should not deviate too far from their Master. Therefore, I am entitled to expect certain traits from them.
Jesus said,
I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me (John 10:14). Further down, he said,
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27).
In other words, Christian leaders should know their team members who also know them. So, if the Principal always hides himself in his office, how can we teachers know him and follow him? If the Supervisor does not see the teachers and let him be seen, how can they know each other and share his vision? I doubt very much whether my boss knows what degree I hold, what weaknesses I have and what teaching experiences I had before I joined Shung Tak.
When Jesus appeared to his disciples after resurrection, he said,
Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you."
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:21-22)
In other words, Christian leaders should delegate and empower their team members to carry out the mission of their institutions. So, if the Principal wrote up the School Self Evaluation for External School Review all by himself, what can teachers contribute and be empowered? Of course, we teachers in Shung Tak should count ourselves lucky because many schools take months of long-hour meetings to write up the Evaluation. Our PhD Principal wrote up his version and submitted it to the External Assessors. In the end, we know little more than the routines of our own departments and committees. We are no wiser after the External School Review. Are my expectations unreasonable?

My sweet Jesus, I am a bitter man. Wash away this bitterness in my heart. I don't want it to spill over to my students. Grant me the wisdom to see the blessings You have in store for us in this situation. In Your mercy I trust. Carry us through, my CEO. Amen.

He who is a hireling

Once, I contemplated serving the Church as a perpetual deacon. I attended gatherings organized by Deacon Carl Tsang in our parish. I studied the handbook he gave me. I prayed hard to find out if it was truly a call from God. If it was not, my becoming a deacon would bring more harm than good to the Church. God answered. He gave me Symphorian who would take up at least 16 years of my attention or even more. God's will is clear. He doesn't want me to serve in the hierarchy of the Church. I should render my service elsewhere.
Priests come in different breeds. Some are very effective administrators, running parishes, schools, commissions well. Some are very holy spiritual directors. Some are candid men of justice, yet very approachable. Some are taking Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 9:22 to the extreme, driving people away. I should not pass judgment on how they perform. It is God's job to judge, not mine. I only have the duty to cooperate to my best in their effort to spread the good news. In short, I do not expect school supervisors to be effective administrators. I only lament that in many cases, the ways they handle a situation bear negative witnesses to the good news of Christ.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them (John 10:11-12).
These lines remind us of the late Archbishop Dominic Tang, a Jesuit, who had been imprisoned for 22 years in mainland China. Just imagine. Spending the prime of your life in prison for Jesus. What a great sacrifice and what a great glory! Archbishop Tang was a model of good shepherd.
In these areas of sacrifice and martyrdom, priests are experts and are inspiring. I remember in my youthful days, I was lucky enough to be shepherded by two P.I.M.E. priests, the more famous Fr. Tapella and the lesser known Fr. Lazarus. They were lucky too to be exempted from the duties as school supervisors. They had the opportunities to inspire us with their heroic sacrifices. The selfless offering of their lives reach out through us and their love ripples past us to less fortunate handicapped children. Their spirits live on. However, had they been administrators, they would probably have been very lousy and would have disappointed many. I think John had been too harsh on the hirelings. After all, they are human like everyone of us. They have strengths as well as weaknesses.

My sweet Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd. You have overcome death. You have turned the worst evil into a blessing of life. Let us humbly accept Your arrangement, trusting that You will bring forth good from evil. Thank You Jesus. Our priests have not yet abused minors. Amen.

Vocation Sunday (Year A)

Many Chinese had and have mistaken Christianity for a Western religion, forgetting that Jesus was an Asian, a Jew. This is no historical accident. The Greeks, under Alexander the Great, had missionary zeal in spreading and building Greek culture wherever they went. Then came the Romans. After the Romans had embraced Christianity, the Church took up the baton, sending out missionaries to evangelize the world from Europe. In the East, only the Mongolians managed to build up a huge empire spanning across Asia and Europe. But their days were short and did not leave many footprints on civilization. The Chinese Empire had very strong cultural roots and had influenced her immediate neighbours. But her civilization has been very inward-looking, especially since Ming Dynasty. So, the Christian missionaries encountered few rivals on the global theatre. They only had the local or regional elites to deal with.
The rise of capitalism created an affluent life in the West. Church attendance began to decline. So was the number of people responding to God's call. On the other side of the globe, many young people enter the seminaries and convents. For the first time in history, Asians are able to send missionaries overseas, even back to Europe. Nowadays, there are an increasing number of cardinals from the Asian Pacific region. Perhaps one day, we will have a Pope of Asian descent. By then, the Asian face of Christianity may be restored. Of course, the Catholic Church is Catholic. We should focus more on our similarities rather than our differences. St. Paul once said,
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches upon all who call upon him (Romans 10:12).
We are familiar with the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in John. Yet, Jesus also called himself the Door (John 10:9) before he called himself the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14). In fact, the gospel of John provides us with a rich repository of images of Jesus: the Bread of Life (John 6:35), the Light of the World (John 8:12), the Door (John 10:9), the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25), the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6), the True Vine (John 15:1), the King (John 18:37) etc. Whichever image Jesus/John projects, it leads to one thing: through him, we may gain life.
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10b).

My sweet Jesus, You came to bring us life. Yet, You do not do it all by Yourself but to invite many people to help You bring this life to all. I thank You and pray for Brian, my godson who is now seriously contemplating his vocation. May he find favour in Your eyes and grant him abundant grace to follow You through. Amen.

The role of Judas

We have been reading the Living Bread discourse in John for nearly a week. Yet, the discourse ends in a discomforting note. Many followers gave up and left Jesus. It was a disastrous failure. Not long ago, Jesus was able to gather more than 5000 followers after the feeding miracle. Now, many left him because Jesus sounded like a crazy man. He said
I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh (John 6:51).
This teaching is a truth, a mystery beyond our understanding. Yet, this truth sounded too insane, bordering on cannibalism. (In the classical novel The Western Odysseus 西遊記, spider elves, fox nymphs and all sorts of demons would want to eat the flesh of the holy monk 唐玄奘 in order to acquire eternal life. Of course, they were defeated by the Monkey King, the most intelligent body guard for the holy monk. This is an interesting theme for anthropologists to pursue.) When Jesus turned to ask the Twelve Apostles if they would desert him like the others, Peter confessed that
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life;
and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:68-69)
Peter's confession sounded a bit negative and passive. The Twelve had abandoned everything to follow Jesus to pursue the Kingdom of Heaven. At stakes was everything they had given up, jobs and families. They had put their bet on Jesus. Where else could they go? Peter confessed that Jesus was the Holy One of God. Yet, Jesus revealed that one of the Twelve was a devil.
Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?"  (John 6:70)
What a contrast, the Holy One of God and a devil! That was why I earlier said that the Living Bread discourse ends in a discomforting note.
Judas was a devil. So, naturally, people will ask why Jesus selected him in the first place. Jesus would have chosen somebody loyal like Peter. Yet, he had chosen Judas. If the Twelve Apostles symbolize the 12 tribes of the Israel, does it imply that Jesus expected one of the 12 tribes would fail him in the future? What tribe would it be?
The 4 canonical gospels, without exception, portray Judas as the ultimate traitor. For the greed of 30 silver pieces, he betrayed his master with a kiss. Modern authors beg to disagree. This can be seen in many 20^th century movies which depict Judas as a pawn in a political plot or a disillusioned disciple. No doubt, Judas was instrumental in the arrest of Jesus because he had been very elusive and difficult for the Jewish authority to track down. Yet, was Judas indispensable for the death of Jesus? Should Judas be credited for accomplishing God's salvation plan?
Jesus would have escaped at several crucial moments. In front of the Sanhedrin, he would deny being the Son of God. In front of Pilate, he would deny being the king of the Jews. In fact, even if Jesus wanted to follow God's will to die for mankind, he would turn himself in to the Jewish authority without Judas.
Alas, Judas is indispensable in the story of salvation. He was truly human, like everyone of us. Without him, the band of Apostles would be too saintly to be credible. All of them were flawed like everyone of us. Simon Peter denied Jesus 3 times. James and John were hot-tempered and nicknamed 'Sons of Thunder'. Another Simon came from a terrorist gang called the Zealots. Thomas was a doubter etc. If they could be saints, so could we. But in reality, some may fall, like Judas, along the way. Judas is indispensable in warning us of our weaknesses.

My sweet Jesus, God granted us the opportunity to encounter You. We follow you. Yet, our weaknesses weigh us down. You have assured us that it is not a losing battle we are fighting. May Your Holy Spirit strengthen us to continue our way. Amen.

Jesus is our bread of life

Roughly speaking, the Chinese culture stresses the importance of the family over the individual. We are but 'little selves'. We are encouraged to sacrifice our 'little selves' for the 'big self'. Therefore, they focus more on filial piety and conformity. In contrast, the Western culture stresses individualism. People are born unique and enjoy human rights. They are encouraged to assert their creativity. Therefore, they focus more on the relationship between husband and wife.

The relationship between mother and children is physically very intimate. Everyone spent nearly 40 weeks in his mother's womb, was breast-fed by his mother for nearly 12 months or more. On the other hand, the relationship between husband and wife is also physically very intimate. The Bible teaches that in marriage, they become 'one flesh'. Now, which one of the 2 relationships is more intimate? The Chinese answer is obvious and enshrined in a historical story found in 【左傳‧桓公十五年】
祭仲專，鄭伯患之，使其婿雍糾殺之。將享諸郊。雍姬知之，謂其母曰：「父與夫孰親？」其母曰：「人盡夫也，父一而已，胡可比也？」遂告祭仲曰：「雍氏舍其室而將享子於郊，吾惑之，以告。」祭仲殺雍糾，尸諸周氏之汪。

Husbands and wives are open to choices (人盡夫也), while the relationship between parents and children is a given (父一而已). There is no choice. Therefore, the relationship between man and wife cannot be on a par with the relationship between parents and children. This is the Chinese position. It ensures the integrity and stability of family, society and the country.

The Biblical position is enshrined in the well known story of making a helper for man. God sees that it is no good for man to be alone. He made him a helper from one of his ribs. Man praises this Man Version 2 and calls her Woman.
Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."
Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh (Genesis 2:23-24).
This myth highlights the intimate relationship between husband and wife and becomes the Christian basis for the objection to divorce (Mark 10:9).

But is there a more intimate relationship than that between parents and children or husband and wife? The gospel of John tells us that there is. God wants to enter into the most intimate relationship with us. Like the familial or marital relationships, this relationship between God and us is bound in love. God so loved us that He downgraded Himself to become a man and died for us. He further downgraded Himself to become a piece of wafer for us to eat. Jesus is willing to be consumed by us and be absorbed in each and every cell of ours. In so doing, he is physically, not just spiritually, residing in us. He told the Jews the most shocking message they had ever heard.
He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him (John 6:56).
Among the 4 canonical gospels, John is the only one which speaks a lot in terms of 'abides' and 'abiding' (John 5:38; 6:56; 15:4-7, 7-10, 16). John offers us a contemplation of the deep relationship between Christians and their God. This, I believe, is the most intimate relationship man is able to build up on earth.

My sweet Jesus, I have not returned enough love to You. Our relationship is still very asymmetric. Help me reach out, love You through loving the little ones You sent me. Amen.

The Bread of Life

21 Italian students accompanied by 2 lady teachers arrived yesterday. Today, we had a reception in the Home Economics Room for them. We ordered pizza and prepared fresh fruits, salad and red bean soup to treat them. They preferred fresh fruits and did not like the starchy texture of the red bean soup. I brought along a bottle of red wine. The Italian students gratefully declined whereas our S6 students enjoyed a cup. The Italian students are more disciplined. After lunch, they visited the Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai. When school ended today, I saw them playing soccer with our students. Young people mix easily despite cultural differences.

On my way home on the LRT, I met one of them with the host family, mother and daughter. I greeted them without further ado, leaving them room for interaction. My impression was that the mother was more eager and active to speak with the Italian student. I am afraid the mother benefits more than her daughter. I hope the younger ones will take more initiative to interact and benefit more.

Jesus said,
I am the bread of life. Ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ἄρτος τῆς ζωῆς. (John 6:48).
Further on, he said,
I am the living bread ὁ ἄρτος ὁ ζῶν which came down from heaven ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς·; if any one eats of this bread ἐάν τις φάγῃ ἐκ τούτου τοῦ ἄρτου, he will live for ever ζήσει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα (John 6:51a).

My sweet Jesus, I thank You for Your mercy. You came down from heaven so that we may live forever. May I eagerly take the initiative to interact with You, through reading the gospel and receiving the Blessed Sacrament. Unlike the young people who mix so easily, I find myself unworthy to receive You. I understand that You have taken the trouble to come to me, to shorten our distance, to offer me chances of reconciliation. Grant me the courage to emerge from my comfort zone to embrace my cross. My cross is Your blessing in disguise to actualize my potentials. May this cross cleanse me of my weaknesses so that my feeble legs may carry me on in my remaining days. Amen.

Building relationships and mending fences

From cradle to grave, a man survives through relationships. No man is self-sufficient and is able to survive alone. In fact, from the moment of conception, a man, in the form of a fetus, relies on a healthy relationship with his mother who provides for all his needs inside her womb. If the mother is unhealthy or moody, miscarriages will result. Nowadays, with more knowledge and higher living standard, mothers can afford to nurture their fetus with the music of Mozart to improve its IQ and EQ until it comes to term.

Man is born immaturely because his brain will be too big to go through the vagina of his mother. Once born, this helpless creature will go through a long period of dependence to develop its flexible brain to meet the challenges in the future. There are family members, classmates, teachers and peers to accompany his growth until he ventures into the society. His network will expand and he will spend more than 40 years with his colleagues, his wife and children. Some men are successful and others may lead a life of disasters. Some are able to fully realize their potentials while others have theirs buried and even bring down the house. It all depends on relationships. So, how can you afford to antagonize most of your subordinates?

For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:40)
You were baptized to Jesus. You have worked hard to earn a PhD. You believe in Jesus. How do you translate this belief into eternal life? Can faith alone without work guarantee you an eternal life? You believe in Jesus who reconciles us to God. Will you not do the same to reconcile with your subordinates? You believe in Jesus who descended from heaven to become a carpenter and died on the cross to wipe out our sins. Will you not do the same to lower your pride and reach out to your subordinates and wipe out disputes and conflicts between you and them? You believe in Jesus who empowered his disciples to build up the Church. Will you not empower your subordinates to think in higher level, to work as a team and serve our students in a smarter way? Jesus has offered us many examples to do God's will and to relate with our fellow men. He knows our strengths and weakenesses. He has taken the initiative and invites us to carry our crosses to follow him. When will you wake up, carry your cross and emerge from your comfortable office?

My sweet Jesus, I pray for my boss. You have crowned him with a PhD. May You awake him from his slumber and work for Your greater glory in his remaining days. Grant us Your peace so that we may work in fellowship to bear witness to our students so that they may share Your eternal blessings, forever and ever. Amen.

Why is it difficult to believe in Jesus?

After eating to their full satisfaction, the crowd sought Jesus who knew very well that they did not understanding the meaning of the feeding miracle. The crowd just wanted to solve their hunger problem which was their more immediate concern. According to the Hierarchy of Needs proposed by Abraham Maslow, physiological needs occupy the foundation of this hierarchy. Many advertisements nowadays still appeal to these basic needs to sell their products. Others have advanced along the hierarchy to appeals for security, love, status and even self-actualization.
Making use of every opportunity available, Jesus taught the people
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you (John 6:27).
Of course, all of us want to know the most effective and efficient way to solve the hunger problem, whether it be personal, regional or even global. Naturally, the crowd was interested to know how so that they, most of whom were likely to be peasants, hired labourers, displaced villagers etc., did not have to worry about food anymore in the future. They were eager to ask Jesus what they must do; even what God's work they must do so that they would have no worries about the problem of food anymore.
Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" (John 6:28)
However, Jesus gave an answer which did not ring.
Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." (John 6:29)
What? Believe in Jesus and the our personal hunger problem as well as the global hunger problem will be solved? Are we speaking the same language? I think we are not. The crowd was looking for physical food that fills the stomach. Jesus was talking about spiritual food that nourished the soul. He answered their question on another level, a high level even beyond Maslow's Hierarchy. Of course, we know from the Bible that when needs arose, God would provide. Once He fed 600,000 Israelites for 40 years. Not even the richest country in this world is able to sustain a military expedition of this scale (600000 x 365 x 40 x 3 meals and don't forget, the 600000 will grow in time.). This is not the point today. I was trying to say that Jesus (and God), like many of my students, failed to answer the question (according to our marking schemes).
Pope Benedict XVI wrote a book called Jesus of Nazareth, to rectify the errors of historical criticism among New Testament scholarship. This book also helps readers in general reflect on the true messages of the gospels. In the discussion of the first temptation of Jesus, he pointed out the error on our part to define the criteria which God must pass in order to prove His existence. If God fails these human defined tests, God is not God. We do not allow God to speak for Himself.
Why is it so difficult to believe in Jesus? I am sure there are many reasons. Superficially, we Chinese feel that Christianity is a Western religion, forgetting that Jesus was a Jew, an Asian. Next, we think that all religions are similar in the sense that they urge us to lead a moral life. Alas! Morality is relativistic. What is good in one culture may be evil in another. We Chinese will surely find Genesis 2:24 offensive. Then comes the scientific age. Many a modern man finds the miracles in the gospels incredulous. For one, my godfather, the late Mr. Chow Ti who was a biology teacher, always complained that the doctrine of virginal birth of Jesus was an obstacle for modern believers. Yet, the Church is unable to give it up. Lastly, the anti-witnesses of many Christians are doing a disservice to the Christ they profess to follow. Many people are disappointed with the behaviour of priests, nuns and Christians, the actions of the Church and her many institutions, including her schools. No wonder it is difficult to believe in Jesus nowadays.

My sweet Jesus, I count myself blessed to follow you. Regrettably, I have done You a disservice in conveying a distorted face of Yours to many people I meet. Help me in my remaining days to understand You better so that I may pass on Your love to my students. Amen.

Feast of St. John Baptist de La Salle

I began my teaching career as a substitute teacher in La Salle College after graduation from the university. That was not my ambition and I did not feel happy teaching those born with a silver spoon in their mouths because I was raised up in a low-cost housing estate. My dream was to become a social worker, helping the needy in the society. Those rich boys were not the needy.
I studied sociology and psychology in the university. I took part in social actions, collecting signatures from the public to object against the increase of telephone fees; taking to the streets and sitting outside government offices in Lower Albert Road etc. I was not at all radical. But these actions agreed with Christ's teaching:
And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:40)
When we fight for social justice, we are doing this in the name of Christ. Those La Salle boys belonged to the exploiting class rather than the exploited.
God has been very patient and merciful. He kept me in La Salle to coach me, to tame my arrogance. Gradually, I learn that God's will, not mine, be done. I learn that God works wonders even with trash; that He turns evils to blessings. I also learn that a good teacher is not a popular teacher; that nobody is indispensable and that you respect the principal's position, not the person (I thank the late Brother Raphael Egan FSC, my first boss, for imparting these insights in me). I am a slow learner indeed. I took 20 years to graduate from La Salle.
My dear La Salle boys, I feel privileged to have spent so many years with you, growing up together with you. Many of you are now professionals, contributing to the well-being of Hong Kong. I am proud of you. My dear ex-colleagues in La Salle, I feel honoured to have the opportunity to work with you. Each one of you is unique in your own way and is of excellent calibre as teachers. I pay my respect to all the Brothers I have met. They are noble souls and wonderful educators. Their dedication to the boys is admirable. May the La Sallian spirit continue to inspire us all in our daily life. St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us!
Today, we reflect on the beginning of the discourse on the Bread of Life in John. The 5000 sought Jesus after the feeding miracle. Who would not? Jesus would provide for your needs. In the 1950s when a lot of refugees fled China and came to Hong Kong, the Church provided them with flour and milk powder. A lot of people were baptized. Even today, some priests resent their motives and their presence in the Church. But Jesus did not. He did not chase the crowd away because of their lowly motives. Rather, he took the opportunity to show them a higher way.
Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal." (John 6:26-27)
Truly, I was idealistic and still am to a lesser extent. Thinking back, I probably have laboured for 'food which perishes'. My ideals may not be His. I have strayed into many blind alleys and wasted much of God's time. Even today, I am still drifting. My God, where do You want me to go? For the time being, I know I will continue to sing my song.

My sweet Jesus, there are still obstacles ahead. Help me clear the way and continue to bring Your peace to everyone I meet.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for me. Amen.

3rd Sunday of Easter (Year A)

Unlike Buddhism or Taoism, Christianity is a religion of a community. If you are a Buddhist or Taoist, you can locate a holy mountain; meditate in a holy cave to become a holy man, to achieve enlightenment. As for Christianity, one cannot gain salvation outside the community, the Church. Christians need one another to practise their faith. Therefore, you would never be the sole survivor on earth after a nuclear Armageddon. Your mission would be to seek out other survivors, in order to save your own soul.
In the gospel we read today, we heard of how two disciples encountered the risen Lord on their return to Emmaus.
But their eyes were kept from recognizing him (Luke 24:16) because of their preconception of Jesus. Seeing his mighty deeds and hearing his words of authority, they expected Jesus to liberate them from the colonial rule of the Roman Empire.
But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel (Luke 24:21a).
Jesus patiently explained to them the messages in the Old Testament concerning him. It was during supper that the 2 disciples were able to recognize Jesus.
When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them (Luke 24:30).
Just when they recognized that the total stranger was indeed the risen Lord, Jesus vanished. The 2 disciples rushed back to Jerusalem to report their experience to the 11 apostles and those who were with them.
who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" (Luke 24:34).
Luke did not tell us what happened to Simon Peter, the circumstances in which the risen Lord appeared to him. I can only imagine that Peter must have felt very apologetic to have denied Jesus 3 times. But he wept when Jesus turned back to look at him at the house of the High Priest before his trial (Luke 22:61-62). Peter was too far away and even if Jesus said he forgave him, Peter would not hear it. He was too emotional and ashamed at that moment. Now, he had probably recovered a bit from this traumatic experience. Jesus might have forgiven Peter on the first day of his resurrection. Whatever had happened, the most important thing we should keep in mind is the fact that Simon's experience, the 2 disciples' experience together with experiences of many other Christians who have encountered the risen Lord contribute, in each of their own way, the edification of our faith. These experiences of encounters are the building blocks of Christianity.

Mrs Teresa Leung passed away on Monday in the Holy Week, after complaining about a little chest pain on Passion Sunday. She is survived by her husband and three married daughters who were Shung Tak graduates. All three daughters work in the medical establishment and are no strangers to births and deaths. This time, it is different. It is their beloved mother. Yesterday, we attended her requiem mass.
After homily, Louisa, the eldest sister, spoke to the congregation in tears, thanking them for their condolence. She was not able to see or hear her mother anymore. Yet, she saw the contributions of her mother in the parish, her services among the parishers bear fruits. She shared with us that her daughter told her that grandmother taught her not to weep, to be strong. Louisa believes that her mother is speaking to her through her daughter. She feels her presence. Throughout her sharing, Louisa was not able to contain her sobs. She looks fragile but I feel that she is strong despite her tears.
Helen, the second daughter, spoke next. She shed no tears and her voice was determined and calm. She was grateful that her mother passed away swiftly with minimum pains during the Holy Week. She could see her mother go through the Passover with the sweet Lord Jesus. She is not disappointed. It has been Ching Ming and the weather has been gloomy with drizzle. Yesterday, it was sunny and hot. Helen sees this as an omen of Resurrection. She may rest assured that her mother has resurrected into the bosom of God. Rita, the youngest daughter did not speak. Yet, the whole celebration has been an enriching experience.

My sweet Jesus, I thank the Leung sisters for their candour. They are strong indeed. May Your unspeakable grace be with their families always. Let us all be generous in sharing our encounters with You. May Your Church grow from strength to strength, boldly witnessing Your renewing Passover to the world. Amen.

Jesus' walking on the water

For us Chinese, we have a wealth of legends in which the miracles are far more spectacular than those recorded in the Bible. It is not easy for us to appreciate their significance unless we study the Bible thorough enough to gain a certain level of background understanding. Walking on the water seems ordinary enough. Even heroes in martial art novels are able to perform such fits. So, what is the significance of Jesus' walking on the water?
All canonical gospels except Luke tell this walking on the water story. This happened after Jesus had fed 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish. It took place at night. The disciples were rowing a boat across the sea while Jesus was praying alone somewhere on the land. They were struggling with the waves.
In Mark, the disciples were shown in a bad light. They had witnessed many miracles of Jesus up close, yet their hearts were hardened.

for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened (Mark 6:52).
In Matthew, we have an extra episode of Peter walking on the water to Jesus. He lost faith and sank. Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and rescued him. Peter would have performed the same miracle as Jesus did had he kept his faith. Yet he failed.
And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." (Matthew 15:33)
In John, the mood is totally different. John did not cast the disciples in such a bad light. Yes, like the other 2 gospels, the disciples were frightened to see Jesus walking on the water. This fear is interpreted as a fear in the presence of the divine. (In Mark, the disciples were frightened because they thought they were seeing a ghost!) Yet, Jesus did not blame them. He simply said "It is I Ἐγώ εἰμι; do not be afraid μὴ φοβεῖσθε." (John 6:20), confirming their feeling that they were meeting God. The story ends in a cheerful mood.
Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going (John 6:21).
In the gospel of John, the statement Jesus made, Ἐγώ εἰμι I AM , is a label referring to his divinity. It reminded the Jews the scene of the burning bush in which God revealed His name to Moses: I AM WHO I AM ᾽Εγώ εἰμι ὁ ὤν· (Exodus 3:14 LXX). Therefore, this episode is a theophany, God appearing to man. The scene calls up many OT images. For example, in Genesis, there were darkness and chaos and God was hovering upon the water. In Exodus, God accompanied the Israelites to cross the Reed Sea into safety and freedom. We need more background understanding of the bible in order to appreciate the significance of this and similar miracles.

My sweet Jesus, I adore You. You are my God and my Lord. Walking with You, we are not afraid of any turmoil. Our school is in deep trouble. Come to our aid and see us through. Amen.

From Ching Ming Festival to the Holy Eucharist

Ching Ming is a traditional Chinese festival to remember the ancestors. In the political arena of Chinese politics, Ching Ming Festival has been a convenient date for student unrests in the name of remembering the deceased political giants such as Chou En-lai 周恩來 and Hu Yao-bang 胡耀邦. Nobody in the political hierarchy dare to muddle with them. Sometimes, these student unrests drag on and results in massacre. It is difficult to imagine that such a traditional festival, celebrating the conservative Confucius ideology of honouring ancestors can be so subversive and explosive.

Christianity was once a revolutionary ideology when Christians were underdogs of the society. Love your enemies! Lay down your life for your friends, like your Master! Blessed are the poor and meek, not the powerful etc. When Roman Empire embraced this religion, it was probably out of utilitarian considerations. Such a religion would help rule the Empire. Once it became the official religion, the revolutionary elements in this faith were played down to support the status quo. It takes generations of martyrs to rediscover its full meanings and many more unsung heroes to make this faith meaningful and applicable to each new generation.
The contents of the Gospel, the Good News Christians preach were canonized by Peter within the life span of Jesus between his baptism and ascension (Acts 1:22). Therefore, all 4 canonical gospels contain records Jesus' baptism, Jesus' passion, resurrection and ascension. Other materials were presented to flesh out the whole story as understood by the evangelists to respond to the needs of the community they lived. Each gospel is therefore a reflection on Jesus' deeds and teachings to make them accessible, meaningful to their respective communities. From their experience, Christians of later generations draw inspiration. Therefore, only Matthew and Luke contain the nativity story, the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer etc. Luke also has many beautiful parables such as the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son etc. not found in the other gospels. The only other story recorded by all 4 gospels is the feeding of 5000.

The story of the feeding of 5000 was meaningful to contemporary Jews because it reminded them of how God had fed the Israelites in wilderness for 40 years with manna. This story is meaningful for Christians of all generations because it reminds them how the good Lord Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist to nourish their spiritual life. Now then, how do we make this feeding of 5000 meaningful to the people in the 21^st century?
The feeding story in John came from an insider. It tells us that it was Philip who said that they needed 200 denarii to feed so many people (John 6:7). There were 5 loaves of bailey bread. They came from a child and this was found by Andrew (John 6:8-9). John treats all miracles as signs which demonstrate God's presence among us. They also show us God's love and glory. This feeding miracle is yet another sign to show God's providence for the needy.
Nowadays, our world still suffers from global hunger. But will this feeding story fill the stomach of the hungry? Worse still, how do we make sense out of natural disasters such as the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami that killed more than 300,000 people? Christians have a hard time pondering over where God was. It is indeed difficult to be a modern Christian.

Dear Holy Spirit, You come upon the bread on the altar everyday to make them the body of Christ for us to consume. We are grateful to be nourished with this heavenly food. Enlighten us that we may know how to make the Christian story meaningful to our neighours. Help us live out this Christian story in our life. Amen.

Did Jesus baptize?

If we read only the Synoptic gospels (Mark, Matthew and Luke), we don't know whether Jesus ever baptized people like John the Baptist did. The 3 gospels do not contain any record of Jesus baptizing anyone. However, we cannot argue from this absence of record that Jesus had never baptized anyone. The absence of record does not imply absence of activity.

Entering the 21^st century, scholars and biblical popularizers (such as a number of BBC documentaries) suggest that in the 1^st century, Christianity had to compete for believers with many other religious movements such as the Baptist, the Qumran community etc. Acts of the Apostles talks about Simon the Magician as well as many disciples of John the Baptist as far as Corinth (Acts 18:25) and Ephesus (Acts 19:3)

The relationship between Christians and the disciples of John the Baptist would be an embarrassing one. No gospel denies the fact that Jesus was baptized by the Baptist. Therefore, in a sense, Jesus was one of the disciples of the Baptist. Put it in another way, the disciples of Baptist could demand respect from Christians because it looked as if Christianity was only a branch of the Baptist Movement. If we read the gospels' report of Jesus' baptism, we find that Mark, whose audience were Christians living in Rome, was direct and states that the Baptist acknowledged Jesus' superior status over him. Matthew, on the other hand, takes great pain to show that the Baptist himself wanted to be baptized by Jesus. Luke was ambiguous whether Jesus was baptised by the Baptist. During the time the Synoptic evangelists wrote their gospels, Christians were trying not to be identified with the Baptist Movement on one hand and absorbing their followers on the other.

When John wrote his gospel, the Baptist Movement seemed to have been a lost cause. John did not shy away from telling us that the first disciple of Jesus was Andrew. He was actually a disciple of the Baptist (John 1:35-40). In today's reading, we read of Jesus baptizing people in the land of Judea in the south while the Baptist at Aenon near Salim near Samaria in the north (John 3:22-23, 26). So, early in his ministry, Jesus was doing things similar to those of the Baptist. By the time John wrote his gospel, Christianity must have been quite well established while the Baptist Movement had withered. Of course, this is a bold assertion and needs scholarly affirmation. The last statement made by the Baptist in John is
He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30).
Then John reflects on the situation and makes the following conclusion:
He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth belongs to the earth, and of the earth he speaks; he who comes from heaven is above all (John 3:31). The Baptist belongs to the earth and speaks of things of the earth. Jesus is above all. This is the last nail driven into the coffin of the Baptist. It spells the end of the Baptist Movement. Jesus is above all because
the Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him (John 3:35-36).

My sweet Jesus, Glory and honour be Yours forever. You are the Son of God. Yet You are humble enough to take up our lowly humanity to die for us. In Your resurrection we trust. May our hope in You sustain us till we meet again in Paradise. Amen.