By Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan, SJ
But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found [Luke: 15:32]
Rejoice!
Several of my former students are now my friends. One of them was a bit of a troublemaker, uncooperative with a bad attitude, and had poor grades. He once made me very angry, and I told him off publicly!
As a grown-up, he says he treasures much the school days he spent. While he found me annoying at times, he is extremely grateful that I never gave up on him as a teacher and stood by him through his difficult teenage years!
After reviewing and reflecting, I discovered my limitations too. I did care for him, but the expression of it was done not in the best way, for which I wish to express my sincere apologies to him. It is never appropriate to give up on anyone. Only the person alone can give up on himself or herself.
He never gave up on himself. He runs his own business now and is a conscientious employer. He is generous towards charities and supports some good causes I am engaged in. It gladdens me to see the transformation of my former student whom I have accompanied.
The gospel of this Sunday reads, “But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.” (Luke 15,32)
The prodigal son repented and returned. This is a story of true repentance. We often stumble and fall because we don’t stand firm. Sometimes we regret repeatedly making mistakes. Regretting past mistakes means recognizing that there is another way to do things. Deciding to move forward is a matter of personal choice and self-determination. It is all about choices in life!
When there is no going back, let us nourish ourselves with our experience and move on. The people who stand by you will support you and wait for your return. As long as you do not give up, nobody can give up on you!
