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Starting from July, large-scale parades were usually followed by "illegal riots" and the demonstrators were confronted by the heavily armed police force. The conflict escalated: bamboo sticks, bricks and laser torches combated against batons, tear gas as well as rubber bullets. In the end, most peaceful assemblies ended with swearing, beatings and over-arresting. Anger and hatred resulted in unreasonably quick prosecution and long trials.
This generation of young people fights for a brighter future in this tough struggle, even though they know they would be prosecuted. At high cost they challenged the social system which assigned them a predetermined identity and destiny, only foe to strive for a more equitable and livable society. In the eyes of many, they are "spoiled children", swayed by foreign power and disturbed the peace of society. Their loss, disappointment and even despair of the future are neglected and not addressed at all. The strong advocacy of economic supremacy and patriotism suppressed their freedom of thought.
To understand the new generation, we must first listen and walk with them side by side. This forced me to deeply reflect on the old "golden verses" of the Scripture again. In these day of confusion and turmoil, I learn not to judge rashly, not to criticize rudely and not to cut off anyone simply from self-righteousness.
Paul the Apostle said, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Cor. 13:13) Without the faith in the Lord’s eternal power, we will be eager to fight back. Without the hope of the Lord’s impartial judgment, we will fall into the abyss of self-pity and depression. But if there is no love, we are nothing. Love from God and man can make the lost regain confidence (I am not alone) and rebuilds hope (I am not defeated). Faith and hope are personal spiritual qualities. Only love carries action. God's love for man is revealed on the cross of Jesus Christ, proclaiming eternally to us.
The call for helping the arrested and starved because of the demonstration made me remember, "For I was hungry and you gave me meal coupons and bread, I was thirsty and you gave me ion supply drink, I was a stranger and you offered me free ride, I needed clothes and you bought me basic protection, I was hurt and you healed me, I was arrested and you gave me legal advice." "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?" The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matt. 25:40)
There is faith, hope, and love. Our Lord Jesus demonstrated sacrificial love, told us to even love the enemy, and pray for those who hate us. There should also be these three in society and in the family: laws, principles and love. For those who are hurt and frightened, I believe that love and mercy is the biggest of all. This is also the straight away action of the good Samaritan in the Bible.
Servant pastor
Rev. Benedict Shum
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