Return to God

Prophet Hosea was a prophet of the Northern Kingdom, a contemporary of prophet Amos. His ministry of prophet lasted roughly from 750 to 730 B.C, and ended a decade before Israel was conquered by Assyria. God told him to marry a prostitute to symbolize the relationship between God and His Chosen People. Today, we read the last chapter of Hosea, foretelling the return of Israel to God. They would give up their false hope of reliance on Assyria, forsake idolatry and be merciful to orphans.
Assyria shall not save us, we will not ride upon horses;
and we will say no more, 'Our God,' to the work of our hands.
In thee the orphan finds mercy (Hosea 14:3).
Politically, they would rely no more on the powerful neighbour Assyria who in fact would conquer them. All along, prophets had been urging people to turn to God for support rather than military might. A powerful army was an illusion. It would trigger an arm race and strain their resources until their economy collapsed. A powerful neighbour was even worse. She would have only one ambition: to conquer and occupy them. Only their God would give them true protection.
Religiously, they would no longer rely on false gods, idols which they made for themselves.
O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you.
I am like an evergreen cypress, from me comes your fruit (Hosea 14:8).
Isn't it funny? How can man rely on things he makes? They will tear and wear. Worse, at critical moments, technological hiccups will spoil his presentations. Nowadays, modern people cherish great confidence in their technology rather than in God. Belief in God looks so old-fashioned and superstitious. Technology has won the day and become a new breed of idols. Hosea urges us to forsake our reliance on them and see clearly who answers our plea.
Socially, they would be more considerate and caring towards the orphans, the needy. Exploitation of the lower class means social injustice. Hosea urges the people to rectify such injustice by taking care of the orphans. In so doing, they are obeying their God.
So, on three different levels, Hosea urged the people to turn to their one true God for effective protection, for reliable support and true love. God's ways are the only right ways. This is how Hosea ends his book.
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them;
for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them (Hosea 14:9).
The "Parent Drama" ended yesterday when he met the Principal and the 2 vice principals for one and a half hour. The Principal reiterated what actions she had taken to solve the problem. John pointed out the damages he had done to his child. He did not respond to them. Instead, he chose Brenda to be his saving grace to back down. He apologized for the rashness of his actions and thanked Brenda several times before her boss, without acknowledging her authority. Once more, he put Brenda on the table! I think he will be kicked out from the executive committee of the PTA soon.
Today, we held a hunger meal in Shung Tak for the first time. More than 140 students and all Catholic teachers together with Mr. Yuen participated. We ate simple bread and drank only a cup of water. Hymns were sung and prayers were said. There were video and PowerPoint shows and sharing of service experiences from students. This activity was quite successful and we will evaluate and continue next year.

Dear Lord, let us follow Your true ways and build a more caring school, a better society and a brighter world. Amen.