by Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan S.J.
Recently, a couple of movies about exorcism triggered our fascinations about evil spirits and spirits of the deceased. These fascinations speak of an essential function of religion, to provide some much needed solace for the dead and the living. For some people, they are afraid that the souls of some deceased may wander around helplessly.
This reminded me of my recent trip to Beijing. A certain place in the city inevitably evoked memories and sadness in me. What I could do at that point was to offer my prayers for all whose lives were sadly terminated. It is true for most of us that we want our own fears, sadness and griefs to be addressed properly by praying, such as for the deceased. Religion is considered a natural agent which has the capacity to provide for these needs.
Religion, from an anthropological perspective, allows human beings to address issues and needs that are, at the same time, human and transcendental. No other domain, other than art, perhaps, can address these issues more effectively than religion, not even science.
Precisely because those issues are partly human and partly transcendental, religion is an excellent agent for issues such as life and death, spiritual and physical, to be safely attended. Hence, religious art in the form of visuals and music, besides prayers, is a popular medium for many to express their desires, feelings, and concerns.
We use readings, prayers, music, singing, and liturgical movements, which may include dancing, to express our psycho-spiritual needs and concerns. Having these conducted in a sacred time and space, we can find solace and healing. And through these sacred practices, we can have the energy and faith to look forward with hope. We cannot expect others to have hope and be positive unless we provide them with the platforms and aids to arrive at that point.
I believe we all want to move forward with a positive mindset for a brighter future together. However, the healing and trust-building processes will take time and even lengthy periods in some cases. It is easy to destroy trust, but it will take goodwill, patience and consistent efforts to re-build it. However, the fact remains that trust cannot be demanded by any sides.
Yes, it is understandable that we may run out of patience, and we want the trust to appear sooner. We can also appreciate the desirable reality of a community coming together, leaving behind what has been holding us back. And our prayer is that this beautiful aspiration will soon become our reality.
Finally, we need religion or religious faith to provide helpful channels to address our psycho-spiritual, affective and intellectual concerns. From them, we will receive comfort, healing, inspiration, support and energy to move forward.
Let not fears rule our hearts but our common desire for a brighter future, together!
- Stephen Chow, S.J.
