By Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan, SJ
Everyone has their own background, with their own secret.
The reason why I was nominated to be the bishop could not be my righteousness or impeccability. That would be far from the truth for me. In addition, I know nothing about Latin or Italian; I really don’t feel I belong!
I had not been an outstanding student. And with my nagging health problem, my academic performance was more of a cause of worry than pride for my parents.
Today’s reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, “Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:13-14), this I can identify with a few moments of my life!
With poor academic performance and graduating from a mediocre university in my early life, what brilliant future could I anticipate?
But God was so incredible; He got me into the Society of Jesus! Many of my brothers have great brains and brilliant minds, but not me! That’s why I’ve never thought of being a scholar. To me, being a well-behaved Jesuit and priest was more than good enough!
But then I was appointed by my Superior General to be the Provincial of the Jesuit “Chinese Province”, regardless of my zero experience in the role of a superior! What’s the game? My work experience was mainly in the educational field, and nothing much about the Chinese Province. So why me?! Why didn’t He just let me take care of Jesuit education in the Province. Well, I could only let go of my own preference and brace myself for the appointment.
Still, the hand of God is always upon us. “Grace of the Office” means that God will grant the essential grace for you to fulfil whatever roles you have accepted from God, provided that you are willing and sincerely asking God for it. Trust that God will provide whenever you are willing to strain forward. Don’t let yourselves living listlessly with a resigned and helpless mindset. As I was nominated for the episcopal appointment, I found myself affected by that very experience and belief. It is a long road ahead. Once again, I will count on the providence of my LORD.
