HONG KONG (SE): On June 21, Dr. Mary Healy, an internationally renowned speaker and theologian, presented a lecture entitled, “Unravelling Today’s Temptations and Evil: Understanding the Lord’s Prayer”, at the Holy Cross parish in Hong Kong. The event, arranged by the Diocesan Pastoral Commission for Marriage and the Family, delved into the spiritual and moral challenges facing today’s society, emphasising the significance of the Lord’s Prayer to nurture a deep connection with God to combat secular struggles.
The renowned writer of biblical interpretations and teacher of scripture at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, came to Hong Kong on June 14 for a 10-day visit at the request of the Diocesan Commission for Marriage and the Family, CHARIS Hong Kong, the local division of Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Services, the Renewal in the Spirit Community, and the Joy of Life group.
Dr. Healy noted that despite technological advancements, there is a widespread issue of loneliness and a decline in faith, particularly in Western societies that are turning away from Christian traditions. She emphasised how Christians are blending into secular culture and the resulting impact on young individuals who feel isolated and disconnected in today’s interconnected world.
She believed that this crisis was caused by the lack of God and original sin, resulting in a society focused on narcissism and self-centredness. She stressed the importance of having a close relationship with God, referring to him as “Abba” or “Papa,” and urged people to develop this connection through the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
She scrutinised every line of the prayer, emphasising its ability to bring about change and its practical relevance in everyday life. She emphasised that by acknowledging God’s power, we gain a new perspective on our problems and discover freedom from anxiety.
She believed that this crisis was caused by the lack of God and original sin, resulting in a society focused on narcissism and self-centredness
“He is truly amazing. As God becomes greater, our own problems become smaller,” she noted, adding, “When we pray, we often like to inform God how big our problems are. Instead, tell your problems how big your God is.”
Dr. Healy explained the petition “Your Kingdom Come” and said the goal is not just to reach heaven but to bring heaven to earth through the actions of the faithful. She also emphasised the significance of seeking forgiveness for spiritual well-being, highlighting God’s endless mercy and readiness to forgive.
She discussed the transformative power of forgiveness in spiritual and physical healing. She emphasised that unforgiveness can block healing and shared a powerful example of a Vietnam War veteran who experienced physical healing after embracing forgiveness.
In the daily spiritual battle the faithful face against sin, Satan, and worldly temptations, she emphasised that God does not tempt anyone, but the temptation is from humans themselves. Human temptations are categorised into pleasure, possessions, power, and prestige, and they can become false gods. However, no one is tempted beyond their strength and God provides a way of escape. So she reminded participants not to believe that there is any temptation that we cannot resist.
When we pray, we often like to inform God how big our problems are. Instead, tell your problems how big your God is
Dr. Healy
The talk was attended by over 140 people, including diocesan chancellor, Father Lawrence Lee Len and Father Stephen Chan Mun-hung.
Father Chan thanked Dr. Healy, saying that he found it be a gift to hear the presentation, which served as a reminder to stay connected to God through the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer in our everyday lives.
Hubert Yim said he had attended a few talks by theologians for different communities since she came to Hong Kong a week previous. He is a student of her online class organised by the Encounter School of Ministry and was impressed by her teaching in healing and biblical studies. This has helped him become a better Christian and closer to God.
Dr. Healy gave another session at St. Francis’ University on June 23, focusing on Satan’s temptations and featuring a screening of the film “Nefarious: A Glimpse of God’s Enemy.”
