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.