PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

You’ll never walk alone …

MOST OF US ENJOY HAVING PARTIES and banquets in the company of family members and relatives, friends and colleagues, especially during the festive seasons. There are parties to attend – on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc.

During such times we can always find excuses to have gatherings and parties. Often such get-togethers can bring about various forms of interactions.

We read in the Gospels of Jesus often having meals with others and there are several parables about banquets.

My favourite story is the dinner that Jesus had at Emmaus (Luke 24:13-36). The two followers of Jesus had been downhearted and forlorn, but the meal with Jesus revived their spirits and restored their souls, and they were full of hope once more.

Our hearts are warmed on reading this story. The most moving description was “when He was at the table with them, and He took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised Him”.

I wonder if you have noticed that Jesus had accompanied the followers (although they were not aware) as they journeyed back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples what had happened. Verse 36 says, “While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them, ‘Peace be with you.’” The Lord who dined with them in Emmaus had also come to Jerusalem!

We are often invited by the Lord to gatherings of His faithful when He feeds us with the living bread (His Word) and His body (Holy Communion).We are reminded by the Emmaus experience that His presence continues beyond these spiritual banquets: He accompanies us on our journey after the meal.We may be attending Sunday worship services feeling downcast and forlorn, or we may be worshipping with our hearts full of joy. Just remember that when we go our separate ways after the event, we do not walk alone.Our Lord is already waiting to accompany us on our journey. Isn’t this most comforting to know?

The Rev Dr Chong Chin Chung is the President of the Chinese Annual Conference.

QUOTE:

OUR LORD IS WAITING

“Our Lord is already waiting to accompany us on our journey. Isn’t this most comforting to know?”