Feast of Athanasius

In the fourth century, the Church faced a new challenge from within. A heresy arose, denying the divinity of Jesus. St Athanasius (296-373), bishop of Alexandria, was one of the Church Fathers who championed against this heresy. Nowadays, we recite the Creed in Sunday mass without giving much thought about it. The Creed is actually the fruit of centuries of struggles in a fuller understanding of God. We take the divinity of Jesus for granted. But in the early centuries when kings and queens took side, it was a life and death struggle for bishops and priests caught in the cross fire. The Church celebrates his feast day today.
Let us return to Acts 9. Yesterday, I compared the three accounts of the conversion of Saul and unearthed some discrepancies which Luke did not try to harmonize.
Jesus appeared to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus. He was the first to call believers saints.
But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to thy saints at Jerusalem." (Acts 9:13)
Christians are called to lead a saintly life. We are not holy, nor are we perfect. But God sees such potentials in us. Therefore, let us lead a decent and saintly life, trying our best to maintain peace among our neighbours.
After conversion, Saul stayed in Damascus and clashed with the Jews to prove that Jesus is the Son of God. The Jews in Damascus attempted to kill Saul. Wasn't it barbaric? Alas! Such organized brutality has been the rule rather exceptions in human history. Of course, they failed because God had other plans for Saul who returned to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples. He had no success. Entered Barnabas and he brought Saul to the apostles (Acts 9:27). Saul began preaching in Jerusalem. This time, he clashed with the Greek-speaking Jews and once again, his life was threatened. The disciples sent him home to Tarsus (Acts 9:30). Luke turned his focus on Peter.
Peter came to the saints in Lydda and healed a paralyzed man, Aeneas. Consequently, all the people in Lydda and Sharon believed in the Lord (Acts 9:32-35). In Joppa, Peter raised a pious and charitable widow, Tabitha. Again, many people believed in Jesus as a result (Acts 9:36-41). The Church had enjoyed a relatively peaceful period of expansion.
This morning, after seeing my parents off for Chai Wan, I met Deacon Tsang to discuss my wish to become a Perpetual Deacon. Deacon Tsang was among the first batch of Perpetual Deacons consecrated in the Hong Kong Diocese. The Second Vatican Council has decreed the restoration of the Order of Perpetual Deacon in the Catholic Church to meet the demands for a more active role in the modern world. It is NOT a remedial measure designed to deal with the continuous decline of priesthood vocation. Like the 7 deacons established to share the work load of the apostles, Perpetual Deacons would take up more the service and charity works so that the priests might focus more on the service of the Word. In 1989, the Hong Kong Diocese conducted a survey among the religious to consult their views on the restoration of the Order of Perpetual Deacon in the Hong Kong Diocese. The result was fifty-fifty.
Meanwhile, second year students of the evening theology courses offered by the Holy Spirit Seminary were writing a paper on this survey. Deacon Tsang and his wife were among the first batch of laymen studying these theology courses. They probably sensed that Cardinal John Baptist Wu needed an extra boost from the laymen to help him make the decision. They applied to become Perpetual Deacons even when there was no such thing in the Hong Kong Catholic Hierarchy at that time! Thus, they became the first batch of Perpetual Deacons.
I switched our discussion to my worries about my health. Deacon Tsang was generous and candid in sharing his disabilities with me. My cross is a dwarf in front of this giant. From him, I understand that God will give us enough grace to carry them. He continued to share with me interesting stories in his Deacon career. He encouraged me to apply, telling me that there is a surge in interest among laymen to join. I will.

Dear Lord, I wish to serve You. Rid me of my vices and guide my steps on Your way. Amen.