This year is the 30th anniversary of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese. I feel very much honoured to be able to get involved in the preparation work to celebrate the group's anniversary. What a coincidence! I become 30 years old this year as well.
As a member of the publication group of the preparatory committee, I volunteered to write an article about the relationship between social service and social justice. Another member wrote an article about spirituality and social justice. We did that because we found that many people, especially conservative Church people, always regard social actions as trouble-making incidents and social activists as trouble-makers.
Our faith always reminds us of caring for the needy and the underprivileged, but it also reminds of upholding social justice. So, I find it strange for some conservative people to say that we should avoid politics and that we shouldn't take part in politics. It is important to note that taking part in politics is a basic human rights and it is not necessarily about winning any political elections. It is necessary for us to take actions to fight for the basic human rights of the marginalised and the oppressed when the government or those in power turn a blind eye to those people's suffering.
Therefore, I can't see any contradiction between faith and social justice. Rather, they are intertwined with each other. I would prefer to spending more time to help those in need to making any more excuses.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Spiritual Reflection_29 March 2007
We had a great CLC Feast Day last Saturday (24 March 2007) before the Annunciation. Fr. Sean gave us a talk about how to identify "indicative" and "prescriptive" statements in our General Principles.
He said that "indicative" statements are those which are "ideal" and we should find a way through our prayers and spiritual exercise to identify the "prescriptive" statements so as to make them become "reality".
I'm still trying to understand it but it has been difficult for me due to my lack of knowledge in theology and spirituality.
However, I would like to thank our President, Joseph Chor, who sorted out some clauses from the Preamble of the CLC General Principles. I began to understand more about which statements in the General Principles are "indicative" and which are "prescriptive".
Two clauses about "option for the poor" caught my attention. I sincerely hope that my CLC community will soon be able to discern the "prescriptive" statements about "option for the poor" in the General Principles, so that we will be able to do something for the poor, but not keep thinking this kind of actions as merely "indicative" statements. God bless!
He said that "indicative" statements are those which are "ideal" and we should find a way through our prayers and spiritual exercise to identify the "prescriptive" statements so as to make them become "reality".
I'm still trying to understand it but it has been difficult for me due to my lack of knowledge in theology and spirituality.
However, I would like to thank our President, Joseph Chor, who sorted out some clauses from the Preamble of the CLC General Principles. I began to understand more about which statements in the General Principles are "indicative" and which are "prescriptive".
Two clauses about "option for the poor" caught my attention. I sincerely hope that my CLC community will soon be able to discern the "prescriptive" statements about "option for the poor" in the General Principles, so that we will be able to do something for the poor, but not keep thinking this kind of actions as merely "indicative" statements. God bless!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Spiritual Reflection_11 January 2007
The Christian Life Community (Hong Kong) [CLC (Hong Kong)] is going to have its annual General Assembly (GA) tomorrow. Just a few days ago, our CLC's president Joseph sent us a very touching email asking us to try our best to take part in all sessions of the GA.
He pointed out that it was always those familiar faces who would show up in CLC activities. Thanks to Joseph's repeated and tireless reminders, I have realised that taking part in the community's activities is the best way to share our spiritual experiences and better understand each other's concerns.
Last year has been a very hectic year for me as I took part in too many different activities and works with different civil rights groups. But I hope I can take part in more CLC activities this year and kick off my spiritual exercise.
He pointed out that it was always those familiar faces who would show up in CLC activities. Thanks to Joseph's repeated and tireless reminders, I have realised that taking part in the community's activities is the best way to share our spiritual experiences and better understand each other's concerns.
Last year has been a very hectic year for me as I took part in too many different activities and works with different civil rights groups. But I hope I can take part in more CLC activities this year and kick off my spiritual exercise.
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