WHAT IS THERE to be grateful about 2020? It looks harsh, but that’s the truth. The pandemic has been one that none of us will soon forget. The numbers are mindboggling, with almost 75 million people infected of which 1.66 million have already lost their lives. It goes beyond numbers; the entire universe is facing the brunt of this virus. Wildfires, floods, typhoons and earthquakes have destroyed the lives and livelihood of thousands.
In Hong Kong, with the news of the outbreak the pandemic, John Cardinal Tong Hon, the apostolic administrator of Hong Kong, in a video message in the first week of February, exhorted us “to support and encourage one another in our efforts to fight this epidemic and to walk with the whole of society to overcome the challenges with faith, hope and love.” Indeed, the times have been hard and challenging, but thanks to mutual support and concern for each other, we have traversed this time together. Caritas Hong Kong, the Holy See Study Mission—numerous parish communities, religious communities, charity organisations and so many generous people in their individual capacities have joined hands in a concerted resolve to support the most needy.
Loss of jobs, financial struggles, fear of infection, trauma of having been infected and isolated, fears of possible lay-offs and a totally uncertain future still continue to haunt people, especially the poor of the society. Many families have laid off their foreign domestic helpers because a maid at home is no longer affordable for many. Lockdown in the city cast numerous “McRefugees” out on to the streets and left them with nowhere to go. Stories of Oblate Father John Wotherspoon and his charity organisation, Mercy-HK, in providing shelter homes for the homeless, and the of unrelenting works of mercy by the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity among the street sleepers continue to inspire and challenge us.
Churches had to struggle to to make many unexpected changes. It had its cold bitter moments and more than enough heartaches and headaches. Who could have imagined going through Holy Week and Easter, and later Advent and Christmas, with no common celebration of the liturgy? Conversely, who would have imagined attending Church services online? Thanks to unescapable circumstances, many parishes and communities have devised ways and methods to enrich their faithful with liturgical, biblical and catechetical services online.
Of course, Hong Kong will also remember 2020 for the implementation of the national security law (NSL). After year-long protests against the fugitive extradition treaty amendment bill and the subsequent pro-democracy movement, the NSL was the government’s way to deal with the mass protests. On December 10, the South China Morning Post (SCMP)carried a remark from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, who warned that Hong Kong’s national security law is having a “chilling effect” on basic freedoms. Bachelet voiced concern about the “rapidly shrinking civil and democratic space” in Hong Kong, the SCMP said.
But, for all of us, I am sure, 2020 had its joys and pains, its anxieties, extraordinary blessings and providence. It is a moment to thank God for leading us through all the experiences we had and for the graces that we have received. If we are still alive and we still have faith, 2020 was a good year! It deserves to be celebrated with expressions of gratitude, affection and a doxology… and even with another old ritual, drinks! Life goes on and let’s live on! jose, CMF
