By Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu
In our faith tradition, the term “holy ground” is often associated with sacred spaces: graves, shrines, pilgrimage sites, and retreat houses—locations where we pray, reflect, and remember. However, if our faith only resides within the holy ground—through prayer, worship, sacraments, scripture reading, and spiritual retreats—without manifesting vitality in a “blessed place,” then this faith is merely a beautiful yet static picture—lacking energy, action, and life.
When Jesus Christ was born, he did not remain in a sacred place but entered the streets of human life, engaging with families, workplaces, fields, synagogues, and the lives of the people. His faith was not only showcased in prayer but revealed the divine presence in our world, within tangible experiences and through every encounter.
The Apostle James clearly stated: “Faith without works is dead” [James 2:17]. He further challenges us: “Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works” [James 2:18].
These words are direct and truthful. We may pray the rosary daily, attend Mass, and read numerous spiritual books and biographies of saints; we might even embark on annual retreats. Yet, if our lives do not become more patient, compassionate, forgiving, and service-oriented as a result of these prayers, our faith has yet to come alive. Prayer, liturgy, reading, and retreats are all sources of grace, but the purpose of these sources is not to hoard water but to let life flow. Faith can only become real in living life.
When Jesus chose to become human, He revealed to us that God’s salvation is not confined to heaven but is present in the world. He is not only found in the temple but in the marketplaces of Galilee, beside those in pain, at the tables of sinners, and among the outcasts. Therefore, true faith is not merely “praying to heaven” but also “reaching out to the earth”: extending hands to lift the fallen, to comfort the brokenhearted, to serve those in need, and to foster community and peace.
Holy ground is indeed sacred, but God waits even more in the blessed place—within our homes, communities, workplaces, schools, and parishes—to have us manifest his love. The faithful in Hong Kong do not lack prayer and reverence; many churches, charitable organisations, groups, and congregations guide believers in their spiritual growth in various ways. However, our world today demand that we translate our faith into action, radiating Christ’s light in society. So, how can we do this?
Live out your faith at home: learn to listen more, show acceptance, allocate “time for love” amidst busyness, and extend a hand of reconciliation in conflicts. The family itself is the first venue for evangelisation.
Exhibit integrity and compassion in the workplace. Do not use profit as the sole standard. Face work pressures with justice and integrity. Treat colleagues, subordinates, students, patients, and customers with respect. The workplace is one of the most challenging yet glorious grounds for faith.
Foster inclusion within the parish. Show genuine concern for absent members, welcome newcomers with warmth, and engage in service—avoid being merely an observer. The parish is not just a place for religious services, but a home built together by the faithful.
Practice charity in society. Attend to the vulnerable—those living in subdivided flats, the elderly living alone, the homeless, and grassroots families. Support charitable services, engage in visitations, and donate essential items. Express responsibility toward life and society through action, allowing faith to shine in society like a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.
Though the graveyard is holy ground, reminding us of our ultimate return to the Father, if our faith remains as static as a gravestone, even inscribed with the most beautiful prayers, it lacks the breath of life. Our faith should be alive, dynamic, and overflowing with love, much like the resurrected Christ. May we move from holy ground to the blessed place, from reverence to action, and from prayer to service, seeking him in the community and bearing witness to him therein.
