Saturnia is going to sit for HKCEE RS tomorrow. We spent some hours together, clarifying her queries. She is under pressure. Her school does not offer the subject. She has to do it all by herself. Her school allows her to take an extra HKCEE subject on conditions that she scores well in the exam. Of course, she has my full support. Now, this turns out to be another source of pressure. Her father is an RS teacher. She can't afford to score badly in the exam.
I have no remedy. Is it a good idea to pray to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment? This does not look too good. It looks as if we are making use of the Holy Spirit like an object, to satisfy our wants and whenever we please. When we don't see the need, we simply ignore its existence. We are not that bad, are we? Therefore, Jesus' prayer in Gethsemani seems more appropriate: Your will, not mine, be done!
Symphorian suffers rashes. Poor boy. They are so itchy. He can't help scratching them. They don't look like measles. Some days ago, another boy in his class suffered similar symptoms. Last time, one student died and his school was the first to close down before Easter to stop of spread of influenza. I hope it is not another bout of viral attack. Anyway, Symphorian will not return to school tomorrow, infecting other classmates. Yet, at home, he likes to play the game of infecting Saturnia. Poor Saturnia has to stay away, run away from him. She has two more subjects to sit for. She can't afford to fall ill these days.
My Advocate, I pray for my children. May they grow healthily in spirit as well as body. May Saturnia stay calm and have a clear mind to discern the meaning of the questions. Amen.
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Asking favours
I have put down the gospel of John for many days. It is time I returned to it.
On April 19, I mentioned the problem of translation in John 14:13-14. Today, I am puzzled by the translation of yet another verse in John 16:31.
Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? (RSV, Douay-Rheims)
Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? (KJV)
respondit eis Iesus modo creditis (Vulgate)
耶穌回答說：「現在你們相信嗎？（思高）
ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς Ἰησοῦς· ἄρτι πιστεύετε; (Nestle-Aland 27th edition)
The whole problem lies with the semi-colon in the Greek text. Semi-colon in Greek is the question mark. But in the early manuscripts, there were no punctuation marks. Just look at the Latin text. Without punctuation marks, it could be translated as:
answered them Jesus now you believe look comes hour and has come that you will be scattered every ...Alas! Even punctuation marks pose problem in translation!
The following table focuses on the word ASK. It is a reference for my future reflection. You may skip it.
We pray to Jesus and the Father. We seldom pray to the Holy Spirit. I think we should. Last Sunday, I was able to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. It has been some years. I nearly forgot the proper procedure. Thank Eddie for revealing my sin. I was able to reconcile with God. I hope one day we can be reconciled.
Dear Holy Spirit, my Advocate, I hope You are residing in me. Grant me Your 7 gifts so that I may bear the fruits of Yours. May I continue to walk in the path of Peace. Amen.
On April 19, I mentioned the problem of translation in John 14:13-14. Today, I am puzzled by the translation of yet another verse in John 16:31.
Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? (RSV, Douay-Rheims)
Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? (KJV)
respondit eis Iesus modo creditis (Vulgate)
耶穌回答說：「現在你們相信嗎？（思高）
ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς Ἰησοῦς· ἄρτι πιστεύετε; (Nestle-Aland 27th edition)
The whole problem lies with the semi-colon in the Greek text. Semi-colon in Greek is the question mark. But in the early manuscripts, there were no punctuation marks. Just look at the Latin text. Without punctuation marks, it could be translated as:
answered them Jesus now you believe look comes hour and has come that you will be scattered every ...Alas! Even punctuation marks pose problem in translation!
The following table focuses on the word ASK. It is a reference for my future reflection. You may skip it.
| καὶ ὅ τι ἂν αἰτήσητε ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου τοῦτο ποιήσω, ἵνα δοξασθῇ ὁ πατὴρ ἐν τῷ υἱῷ. | Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that glorified the Father may be in the Son; (14:13) |
| ἐάν τι αἰτήσητέ με ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου ἐγὼ ποιήσω. | if you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (14:14) |
| ἐὰν μείνητε ἐν ἐμοὶ καὶ τὰ ῥήματά μου ἐν ὑμῖν μείνῃ, ὃ ἐὰν θέλητε αἰτήσασθε, καὶ γενήσεται ὑμῖν. | If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, whatever you will ask, and it shall be done for you. (15:7) |
| οὐχ ὑμεῖς με ἐξελέξασθε, ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ ἐξελεξάμην ὑμᾶς καὶ ἔθηκα ὑμᾶς ἵνα ὑμεῖς ὑπάγητε καὶ καρπὸν φέρητε καὶ ὁ καρπὸς ὑμῶν μένῃ, ἵνα ὅ τι ἂν αἰτήσητε τὸν πατέρα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου δῷ ὑμῖν. | You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (15:16) |
| Καὶ ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐμὲ οὐκ ἐρωτήσετε οὐδέν. ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἄν τι αἰτήσητε τὸν πατέρα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου δώσει ὑμῖν. | In that day of me not you will ask nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, in my name he will give it to you. (16:23) |
| ἕως ἄρτι οὐκ ᾐτήσατε οὐδὲν ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου• αἰτεῖτε καὶ λήμψεσθε, ἵνα ἡ χαρὰ ὑμῶν ᾖ πεπληρωμένη. | Hitherto not you have asked nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (16:24) |
| ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου αἰτήσεσθε, καὶ οὐ λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ἐγὼ ἐρωτήσω τὸν πατέρα περὶ ὑμῶν• | In that day in my name you will ask; and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; (16:26) |
Dear Holy Spirit, my Advocate, I hope You are residing in me. Grant me Your 7 gifts so that I may bear the fruits of Yours. May I continue to walk in the path of Peace. Amen.
Monday, 5 May 2008
Ascension of Jesus
Last Friday May 2, 119 torch bearers ran the Olympic Torch Relay in Hong Kong. To many local residents as well as mainland tourists, it was an emotional event. After decades of semi-colonialization, civil wars, Japanese invasion and cultural revolutions, China is, at long last, able to stand on her feet and host this global sports event in Beijing. She will demonstrate, under the close scrutiny of media all over the world, that she belongs to the global community. She is willing to and is capable of contributing her service in the building up of this global village. Her slogan: One World, One Dream. Therefore, this is also a golden opportunity for us Chinese to transcend nationalistic sentiments which we have been relying so much in the previous century.
Luke supplies us with the Ascension tradition. The event was supposed to have taken place 40 days after Jesus' resurrection (Acts 1:3) on Mount Olivet (Acts 1:12). This is the official position adopted by the church down the centuries. However, Luke 24 is not very clear about the timing. Probably, Luke wanted to leave it to the sequel. Mark 16:14-19 also talks about Jesus' ascension. But scholars generally hold that this part of the gospel was an appendix at a latter day. So, we cannot make use of it to cross check Acts. John and Matthew are silent, though hints of ascension can probably be read from them.
Let's consider Matthew. Today, we read of the last 5 verses of Matthew. It is worthwhile to quote them in full.
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted.
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Matthew 28:16-20)
Though Matthew does not explicitly state that Jesus left his 11 apostles behind on earth, where else can Jesus be to stay with them always until the end of time? Had Jesus ascended to heaven in Matthew, he would have ascended in Galilee, not in Mount Olivet outside Jerusalem in the south. I have no satisfactory hypothesis to harmony the two traditions. Again, I can only leave the matter to biblical scholars.
The main focus in the passage is rather the Great Commission. Jesus commissioned his apostles to make disciples of all nations until the end of the world. Baptise them and teach them to observe Jesus' commandment of love. Down the centuries, Christians have been called to become bearers of this torch of truth. We are, indeed, torch bearers of all stripes. There are the rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, teachers and businessmen, athletes and entertainers, riders on horseback and sedentary on wheelchairs. This torch relay image is a very appropriate especially today.
My sweet Jesus, St. Paul taught us that we are athletes running a race to heaven. Our target is the laurel, the crowing glory of God. May we run this race wholeheartedly. Give us moments of rest to refresh our weary bodies so that we may continue ahead. Amen.
Luke supplies us with the Ascension tradition. The event was supposed to have taken place 40 days after Jesus' resurrection (Acts 1:3) on Mount Olivet (Acts 1:12). This is the official position adopted by the church down the centuries. However, Luke 24 is not very clear about the timing. Probably, Luke wanted to leave it to the sequel. Mark 16:14-19 also talks about Jesus' ascension. But scholars generally hold that this part of the gospel was an appendix at a latter day. So, we cannot make use of it to cross check Acts. John and Matthew are silent, though hints of ascension can probably be read from them.
Let's consider Matthew. Today, we read of the last 5 verses of Matthew. It is worthwhile to quote them in full.
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted.
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Matthew 28:16-20)
Though Matthew does not explicitly state that Jesus left his 11 apostles behind on earth, where else can Jesus be to stay with them always until the end of time? Had Jesus ascended to heaven in Matthew, he would have ascended in Galilee, not in Mount Olivet outside Jerusalem in the south. I have no satisfactory hypothesis to harmony the two traditions. Again, I can only leave the matter to biblical scholars.
The main focus in the passage is rather the Great Commission. Jesus commissioned his apostles to make disciples of all nations until the end of the world. Baptise them and teach them to observe Jesus' commandment of love. Down the centuries, Christians have been called to become bearers of this torch of truth. We are, indeed, torch bearers of all stripes. There are the rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, teachers and businessmen, athletes and entertainers, riders on horseback and sedentary on wheelchairs. This torch relay image is a very appropriate especially today.
My sweet Jesus, St. Paul taught us that we are athletes running a race to heaven. Our target is the laurel, the crowing glory of God. May we run this race wholeheartedly. Give us moments of rest to refresh our weary bodies so that we may continue ahead. Amen.
Sunday, 4 May 2008
Feast of Ss. Philip & James (the Lesser)
Studying the Bible is fun. There are a lot of detective works to be done. That was the reason why I recommended the Bible to the Student Union Newspaper for those who want to increase their knowledge. In order to unlock the secrets in the Bible, I told them, you need to equip yourself with knowledge from a great diversity of subjects such as languages, mathematics, geography, chemistry, astronomy etc.
On May 3, the Catholic Church celebrates feast of St. Philip and St. James the Lesser. Little is known about the life of James the Lesser, to be distinguished from James, the brother of John, sons of Zebedee. James was a very ordinary name. Many people were called James (Jacob) in Jesus' time. In the early church, James, the brother of the Lord, commanded great influence. But according to the synoptic gospels, James the Lesser was the son of Alphaeus. So, he would not be the brother of the Lord. May be! Some people argued that Mary, the mother of James (Luke 24:10) was the sister of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Therefore, this James is entitled to be called the brother of the Lord. What a piece of detective work! Tradition also has James the Lesser authored the first Catholic Epistle. I can only leave it to biblical scholars to establish this authorship.
In the synoptic gospels, Philip is mentioned only once in the list of the Twelve Apostles. The gospel of John gives us more information about him. After baptism, Jesus decided to return to Galilee and he found Philip who came from Bethsaida (John 1:43-44). Then he introduced Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus. Philip was a model disciple. After finding the Messiah, he was eager to share this good news with his friends.
In the miracle of 5 loaves and 2 fish, Jesus posed a problem to Philip.
How are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat? (John 6:5)
Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little." (John 6:7)
First of all, they might not have the money. Secondly, even if they had the money, there would not be enough bread available in the neighbourhood. In fact, Andrew could only find a lad with 5 barley loaves and 2 fish (John 6:9). Feeding the 5000 with only 5 loaves and 2 fish was simply impossible. In hind sight, probably, the best answer would be "Lord, you know what to do." But how could Philip possibly know. He could only objectively state the situation at hand.
During the last Feast of Passover, some Greeks came to Jerusalem to worship. They approached Philip in order to see Jesus (John 12:21). Philip did not go with them alone. Instead, he came to Andrew and together, they brought the matter to Jesus. Philip would have done this all by himself. But he was humble indeed. He did not want to claim all the credit for himself.
At last, in the Last Supper when Jesus told them that he would be returning to the Father to prepare room for them, Philip requested.
Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied (John 14:8).
The mood in the Last Supper was rather confusing. Jesus their master began with a surprise washing of their feet. Then the master talked about a traitor and Peter's denials. And what was worst, the master said he would be leaving them behind. While everyone else might have other thoughts in their mind for themselves, Philip was able to focus on Jesus' words. He wanted to see the Father to whom their master was going to return. He was able to capture the most important issue at hand.
Then Philip and some other apostles totally vanished from the scene. He had learned the mystery and matured.
My sweet Jesus, thank You for Your giving us great apostles to lay the foundation of the Church. They were ordinary men and You have transformed them into effective instruments of God. May we follow their examples to proclaim Your good news to all men. Amen.
St Philip and St. James the Lesser, pray for us. Amen.
On May 3, the Catholic Church celebrates feast of St. Philip and St. James the Lesser. Little is known about the life of James the Lesser, to be distinguished from James, the brother of John, sons of Zebedee. James was a very ordinary name. Many people were called James (Jacob) in Jesus' time. In the early church, James, the brother of the Lord, commanded great influence. But according to the synoptic gospels, James the Lesser was the son of Alphaeus. So, he would not be the brother of the Lord. May be! Some people argued that Mary, the mother of James (Luke 24:10) was the sister of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Therefore, this James is entitled to be called the brother of the Lord. What a piece of detective work! Tradition also has James the Lesser authored the first Catholic Epistle. I can only leave it to biblical scholars to establish this authorship.
In the synoptic gospels, Philip is mentioned only once in the list of the Twelve Apostles. The gospel of John gives us more information about him. After baptism, Jesus decided to return to Galilee and he found Philip who came from Bethsaida (John 1:43-44). Then he introduced Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus. Philip was a model disciple. After finding the Messiah, he was eager to share this good news with his friends.
In the miracle of 5 loaves and 2 fish, Jesus posed a problem to Philip.
How are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat? (John 6:5)
Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little." (John 6:7)
First of all, they might not have the money. Secondly, even if they had the money, there would not be enough bread available in the neighbourhood. In fact, Andrew could only find a lad with 5 barley loaves and 2 fish (John 6:9). Feeding the 5000 with only 5 loaves and 2 fish was simply impossible. In hind sight, probably, the best answer would be "Lord, you know what to do." But how could Philip possibly know. He could only objectively state the situation at hand.
During the last Feast of Passover, some Greeks came to Jerusalem to worship. They approached Philip in order to see Jesus (John 12:21). Philip did not go with them alone. Instead, he came to Andrew and together, they brought the matter to Jesus. Philip would have done this all by himself. But he was humble indeed. He did not want to claim all the credit for himself.
At last, in the Last Supper when Jesus told them that he would be returning to the Father to prepare room for them, Philip requested.
Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied (John 14:8).
The mood in the Last Supper was rather confusing. Jesus their master began with a surprise washing of their feet. Then the master talked about a traitor and Peter's denials. And what was worst, the master said he would be leaving them behind. While everyone else might have other thoughts in their mind for themselves, Philip was able to focus on Jesus' words. He wanted to see the Father to whom their master was going to return. He was able to capture the most important issue at hand.
Then Philip and some other apostles totally vanished from the scene. He had learned the mystery and matured.
My sweet Jesus, thank You for Your giving us great apostles to lay the foundation of the Church. They were ordinary men and You have transformed them into effective instruments of God. May we follow their examples to proclaim Your good news to all men. Amen.
St Philip and St. James the Lesser, pray for us. Amen.
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Debriefing students on the death of Mr. Ng
Today, I went invigilating HKCEE English in Tin Shui Wai. I distributed question papers and checked the attendance. After returning to Shung Tak, I shared with 4L what I saw. I let them discuss in groups before speaking out to the whole class what they thought about.
Question #1: In which year were most of the candidates born?
Connie gave the correct answer: 1991.
Question #2: Some candidates were born in 1989, 1988. Suggest a probable identity for them.
Anita gave a cautious answer. She was very careful in her wording: They retook the examination. Then Jenny was brave enough to give one of the correct answers: They are repeaters. I supplied the other one: They are S6 students who want to score a better HKCEE English result.
Question #3: One candidate was born in 1971. She took English exams only; and another 1968 and she took many subjects. Suggest reasons.
They discussed among themselves but I let them keep their opinions.
Question #4: After half an hour, 6 out of 150 candidates began to leave. Obviously, they did not write much. Why did they bother to sit for this English exam?
After discussion, Tom said they did not like the subject. Steven or Kelvin, I can't remember clearly who, said they were forced to take the English exam. Actually, this is an open-end question. I myself have no answer. The whole process aimed to facilitate reflection on the purposes and difficulties of study. Study is a life-long process. It is essential for our growth but it is not an easy task.
Though yesterday was a holiday, the school administration held meetings to prepare debriefing students today on the death of Mr. Ng. Today, the first 2 periods became class teacher periods. The school social worker prepared some worksheets to help students release their emotion. I missed the action. But I was told that very many students were emotional and a lot of tears were shed. This is a healthy sign. However, a certain number of them were unable to express their emotion. They mocked others who wept. We should not blame them. Our schooling has almost always been focused on the brain, not the heart. More needs to be done.
After school, it was the teachers' turn to be debriefed. We spent one and a quarter hour in the Conference Room to review students' responses. Most of them are very positive, seeing the fragility and precariousness of life. Through this incident, they treasure more whatever they have in hand --- time, friends, studies and family members. Some students left their worksheets blank. Probably, they were not yet able to handle the incident, did not allow it to sink deep enough into their hearts. The school social worked promised to follow up.
Teachers raised concern over 根叔, a school janitor who worked alongside Mr. Ng in the D&T Room. On Wednesday, at the moment of the traffic accident in which Mr. Ng died, he was repairing a cracked window glass and a broken projection screen in 4L! Of all people in Shung Tak, 根叔 spent the most time with Mr. Ng. May the merciful Lord console him in his quiet depression.
Brenda used to be the Iron Lady in Shung Tak. Today, her eyes were swollen. She had been too much occupied with all sorts of administrative work and she regrets not spending sufficient time to have a good talk with Mr. Ng over the maintenance works in school. Another Ms Li, the Home Economics teacher, is a co-class teacher with Mr. Ng. She fondly remembers Mr. Ng's trademark loud voice. He was strict with students for safety reasons. She said that Mr. Ng had been a very cheerful father-figure to her. The other teachers did not say much. We adults keep our emotions firmly controlled and prefer to remain reticent.
My sweet Jesus, I will not argue with You why, at this moment, You removed Mr. Ng from us, from his family members. Life is a mystery which we may never fathom. May Your will be done. I am sure You are able to bring good things out of sufferings and evils. The time of pains is also a time of grace. May his death sink deeply into our hearts, touch our nerves and bring us closer to You, Lord of Life. Amen.
Question #1: In which year were most of the candidates born?
Connie gave the correct answer: 1991.
Question #2: Some candidates were born in 1989, 1988. Suggest a probable identity for them.
Anita gave a cautious answer. She was very careful in her wording: They retook the examination. Then Jenny was brave enough to give one of the correct answers: They are repeaters. I supplied the other one: They are S6 students who want to score a better HKCEE English result.
Question #3: One candidate was born in 1971. She took English exams only; and another 1968 and she took many subjects. Suggest reasons.
They discussed among themselves but I let them keep their opinions.
Question #4: After half an hour, 6 out of 150 candidates began to leave. Obviously, they did not write much. Why did they bother to sit for this English exam?
After discussion, Tom said they did not like the subject. Steven or Kelvin, I can't remember clearly who, said they were forced to take the English exam. Actually, this is an open-end question. I myself have no answer. The whole process aimed to facilitate reflection on the purposes and difficulties of study. Study is a life-long process. It is essential for our growth but it is not an easy task.
Though yesterday was a holiday, the school administration held meetings to prepare debriefing students today on the death of Mr. Ng. Today, the first 2 periods became class teacher periods. The school social worker prepared some worksheets to help students release their emotion. I missed the action. But I was told that very many students were emotional and a lot of tears were shed. This is a healthy sign. However, a certain number of them were unable to express their emotion. They mocked others who wept. We should not blame them. Our schooling has almost always been focused on the brain, not the heart. More needs to be done.
After school, it was the teachers' turn to be debriefed. We spent one and a quarter hour in the Conference Room to review students' responses. Most of them are very positive, seeing the fragility and precariousness of life. Through this incident, they treasure more whatever they have in hand --- time, friends, studies and family members. Some students left their worksheets blank. Probably, they were not yet able to handle the incident, did not allow it to sink deep enough into their hearts. The school social worked promised to follow up.
Teachers raised concern over 根叔, a school janitor who worked alongside Mr. Ng in the D&T Room. On Wednesday, at the moment of the traffic accident in which Mr. Ng died, he was repairing a cracked window glass and a broken projection screen in 4L! Of all people in Shung Tak, 根叔 spent the most time with Mr. Ng. May the merciful Lord console him in his quiet depression.
Brenda used to be the Iron Lady in Shung Tak. Today, her eyes were swollen. She had been too much occupied with all sorts of administrative work and she regrets not spending sufficient time to have a good talk with Mr. Ng over the maintenance works in school. Another Ms Li, the Home Economics teacher, is a co-class teacher with Mr. Ng. She fondly remembers Mr. Ng's trademark loud voice. He was strict with students for safety reasons. She said that Mr. Ng had been a very cheerful father-figure to her. The other teachers did not say much. We adults keep our emotions firmly controlled and prefer to remain reticent.
My sweet Jesus, I will not argue with You why, at this moment, You removed Mr. Ng from us, from his family members. Life is a mystery which we may never fathom. May Your will be done. I am sure You are able to bring good things out of sufferings and evils. The time of pains is also a time of grace. May his death sink deeply into our hearts, touch our nerves and bring us closer to You, Lord of Life. Amen.
Friday, 2 May 2008
Deep regrets
The sudden death of Mr. Ng Wai Leung, the D&T teacher, deals yet another blow on my heavy conscience. He knew of my health conditions and when he saw me limp as a result of a twisted ankle, he warmly told me to take care. Complications arising from DM would result in amputated legs. Mr. Ng will be fondly remembered in my heart.
Life can be cut short so suddenly. That's why I am annoyed to see students wasting their precious time. Since my days are numbered, I can only look ahead to work the most out of them, quietly.
Today is the Feast Day of St. Joseph, the Worker. He did not speak much. I must look up to him as a model and guide. He is also the Patron saint of the dying. I place the souls of Mr. Ng and mine in his hands. May both of us rest in the peace of the Lord. Amen.
As for Eddie whom I have offended and hurt so deeply, I will follow his request to leave him alone and treat Martin better. He cares very much for his friends. He has a large heart. May the Lord bless him more for me since it is already beyond my capacity to render him any more service.
My sweet Jesus, I am not a competent teacher. Show me my way out. Amen.
Comment from capricorntommy:
親愛的郭Sir：
你好，我兩年前還是你的學生，不知道你還記得與否，但你給我的改變很大。
最近我在msn看見某前度的同學的個人訊息中，顯示”永遠懷念肥佬吳”，我頓時意識到我一位老師已離世。無疑，”肥佬吳”這個花名形容吳老師甚為貼切，所以也無怪那位同學。
在祟德的六年時間，我自問沒有什麼真正的朋友。苦悶的初中時間，郭sir，袁sir，Mr. John Wong 等等已成為了我的好朋友，而郭Sir你對我的影響甚大，你把天主介紹了給我和很多的同學，提子汁變紅酒的脫氧作用，人口增長統計等等，證明了 神的真實。
我離開了學校以後，我到了另一間學校就讀預科課程， 神讓我真正認識了衪，就是 神對我說天主教並不能得到救恩，因為他們拜偶像（拜聖母及聖徒），那是衪恨惡的，衪呼召我成為一個基督徒，我就跟從了。在禱告的時候 神使我想起了你。我以為 神很欣賞你的善良，你可以幫助很多很多人認識到 神的。我在你的討論區當中看見有一些討論，如＜創世記＞只是詩歌，敬拜詩，其實不是完全正確的，因為七日創世是真的，不然＜出埃及記＞就不會說安息日記念 神七日創世的大能，很多資料都證明 神創造。我想跟你說的就是”時候不多，多作主工”。正如你所說，人生或許就是這樣的無常，生命也是，我真的希望所有人都選擇了正路。
最後，我有一個請求，你願意跟我保持聯絡嗎？我的e-mail address是capricorntommy@yahoo.com.hk ,我的手提電話是6*******,有空約我吃午飯,討論聖經吧!
祝 身體健康
你的學生
林秉虹(tommy)
Life can be cut short so suddenly. That's why I am annoyed to see students wasting their precious time. Since my days are numbered, I can only look ahead to work the most out of them, quietly.
Today is the Feast Day of St. Joseph, the Worker. He did not speak much. I must look up to him as a model and guide. He is also the Patron saint of the dying. I place the souls of Mr. Ng and mine in his hands. May both of us rest in the peace of the Lord. Amen.
As for Eddie whom I have offended and hurt so deeply, I will follow his request to leave him alone and treat Martin better. He cares very much for his friends. He has a large heart. May the Lord bless him more for me since it is already beyond my capacity to render him any more service.
My sweet Jesus, I am not a competent teacher. Show me my way out. Amen.
Comment from capricorntommy:
親愛的郭Sir：
你好，我兩年前還是你的學生，不知道你還記得與否，但你給我的改變很大。
最近我在msn看見某前度的同學的個人訊息中，顯示”永遠懷念肥佬吳”，我頓時意識到我一位老師已離世。無疑，”肥佬吳”這個花名形容吳老師甚為貼切，所以也無怪那位同學。
在祟德的六年時間，我自問沒有什麼真正的朋友。苦悶的初中時間，郭sir，袁sir，Mr. John Wong 等等已成為了我的好朋友，而郭Sir你對我的影響甚大，你把天主介紹了給我和很多的同學，提子汁變紅酒的脫氧作用，人口增長統計等等，證明了 神的真實。
我離開了學校以後，我到了另一間學校就讀預科課程， 神讓我真正認識了衪，就是 神對我說天主教並不能得到救恩，因為他們拜偶像（拜聖母及聖徒），那是衪恨惡的，衪呼召我成為一個基督徒，我就跟從了。在禱告的時候 神使我想起了你。我以為 神很欣賞你的善良，你可以幫助很多很多人認識到 神的。我在你的討論區當中看見有一些討論，如＜創世記＞只是詩歌，敬拜詩，其實不是完全正確的，因為七日創世是真的，不然＜出埃及記＞就不會說安息日記念 神七日創世的大能，很多資料都證明 神創造。我想跟你說的就是”時候不多，多作主工”。正如你所說，人生或許就是這樣的無常，生命也是，我真的希望所有人都選擇了正路。
最後，我有一個請求，你願意跟我保持聯絡嗎？我的e-mail address是capricorntommy@yahoo.com.hk ,我的手提電話是6*******,有空約我吃午飯,討論聖經吧!
祝 身體健康
你的學生
林秉虹(tommy)
May 2, 2008
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Woes of a teacher
I thank Eddie Kwok for his candour. In a comment on the blog entry yesterday, he revealed my sin. I owe him an apology. However, no apology will ever be able to heal a wound inflicted on a young and confused soul for nearly 20 months.
One of the reasons why I don't want to teach RS in Chinese is clearly demonstrated in Eddie's case. Speaking in Cantonese, I may easily be carried away and speak some stupid things such as the remark I made to Eddie on the very first S3 RS lesson. I cannot remember the exact wording. But that is very minor. It was not what I actually said, but what Eddie heard that is the point. Eddie has been carrying my remark in his heart for nearly 20 months! If I were him, I would yell back immediately "It's none of your business. Go to hell." So, he really has been very tolerant to me already. What is worse, I do not know how many more stupid remarks I made to other students in my RS lessons. That probably explains why some girls do not like my RS lessons now! I might have hurt not just Eddie but many more.
A teacher has to be very careful all the time. With one careless remark, you trample a tender, promising soul under your feet to the effect that he becomes discouraged and disinterested in studies. It will boomerang and haunt you in the future. The first year in La Salle, I taught S2 English. I marked wrongly a grammar item in Thomas Ng's composition. Two years later, Thomas wrote according to my 'correction'. I crossed the item out. Thomas came and told me what I did 2 years ago. I was dumbfounded and I apologized for my mistake. To this day, I try my best to mark composition really carefully.
Eddie, I am sorry for my careless remark. I hope you will forgive me. Let me know if there is anything I can do to make up for the wrong I have done you. Please, don't let this stupid remark bother you anymore. Let's start anew. I will be more cautious in whatever I say.
My sweet Jesus, I need Your help. I understand now that there are a lot of wounds I am unable to heal. Be our healer. Amen.
Comment from Eddie:
老實講對唔住唔係大晒，我無必要原諒你
你果時同我講既每一個字我刀記得好清楚.....
仲要唔止係呢一句
記唔記得我遲到見家長,你幫ms lee做翻譯果時你同我and我老豆講過話我唔岩讀書,叫我出黎做野
你知唔知令到我有幾憎你?
你宜家講一千句一萬句對唔住刀補唔番
我知自己無可能原諒你
我寧願你放棄我唔理我,以後對Martin好d,,唔好再針對任何人
做咩事諗左後果先
okay?
One of the reasons why I don't want to teach RS in Chinese is clearly demonstrated in Eddie's case. Speaking in Cantonese, I may easily be carried away and speak some stupid things such as the remark I made to Eddie on the very first S3 RS lesson. I cannot remember the exact wording. But that is very minor. It was not what I actually said, but what Eddie heard that is the point. Eddie has been carrying my remark in his heart for nearly 20 months! If I were him, I would yell back immediately "It's none of your business. Go to hell." So, he really has been very tolerant to me already. What is worse, I do not know how many more stupid remarks I made to other students in my RS lessons. That probably explains why some girls do not like my RS lessons now! I might have hurt not just Eddie but many more.
A teacher has to be very careful all the time. With one careless remark, you trample a tender, promising soul under your feet to the effect that he becomes discouraged and disinterested in studies. It will boomerang and haunt you in the future. The first year in La Salle, I taught S2 English. I marked wrongly a grammar item in Thomas Ng's composition. Two years later, Thomas wrote according to my 'correction'. I crossed the item out. Thomas came and told me what I did 2 years ago. I was dumbfounded and I apologized for my mistake. To this day, I try my best to mark composition really carefully.
Eddie, I am sorry for my careless remark. I hope you will forgive me. Let me know if there is anything I can do to make up for the wrong I have done you. Please, don't let this stupid remark bother you anymore. Let's start anew. I will be more cautious in whatever I say.
My sweet Jesus, I need Your help. I understand now that there are a lot of wounds I am unable to heal. Be our healer. Amen.
Comment from Eddie:
老實講對唔住唔係大晒，我無必要原諒你
你果時同我講既每一個字我刀記得好清楚.....
仲要唔止係呢一句
記唔記得我遲到見家長,你幫ms lee做翻譯果時你同我and我老豆講過話我唔岩讀書,叫我出黎做野
你知唔知令到我有幾憎你?
你宜家講一千句一萬句對唔住刀補唔番
我知自己無可能原諒你
我寧願你放棄我唔理我,以後對Martin好d,,唔好再針對任何人
做咩事諗左後果先
okay?
May 1, 2008
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