Richard Ho Lung
Even as a boy I was uneasy with the manner in which my other schoolmates discussed Jamaica, America, pleasure, having fun, their future goals and expectations, women and girls, and love.
I was fun loving and enjoyed cricket, swimming, outings, partying. Being poor however, I never had the privileges of other kids, nor was I much welcomed in the company of rich kids. However, there were those special friendships that led me to probe intelligently what to do with my life.
The extraordinary kindness of Peter Lue of St. George's College who made sure that I had lunch and bus fare even when I could hardly afford it; his guidance to study hard and to do well; his encouragement to go to the Carib Theatre and enjoy good films; and, his undying friendship was healthy and beautiful.
TRUTH THE ONLY PURPOSE IN LIFE
Glenda Lyn of Wolmer's and myself had long telephone calls; she constantly reminded me as a teenager that truth was the only purpose in life, and that partying was inconsequential.
Then there were the Jesuit priests, Fr. Charles MacMullen and Fr. William Raftery, who gave much special attention, calling me to have special conversations with them about serving God and my fellowmen: "What else is there to do with your life? Nothing else can make you happy," they would say.
THE POOR ARE GOOD PEOPLE
My father William told me when I was eight years old or so: "The poor people of this island are good people. They are the ones who buy from our little shop. When you grow up you must help them. They gave us a living." My father at that time was not a Christian; he became a Catholic only at 71 years old, two years before his death.
I have learned over the years that true love means commitment even unto death. It means giving our lives to those whom we love unconditionally. "Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends." Jesus laid down His life for us, and we too must lay down our life for our friends.
My own love for Jamaica, especially poor Jamaica, is bound up with my love of Christ. Love of Christ means concretely for me, love of the poor - wherever they are - and in my everyday life, the Jamaican poor. This is what reveals Christ to me.
Jamaica is not true to herself today. Many are leaving this country, many valuable Jamaicans who need to lay down their lives for their friends.
There is fear. There is the failing economy. There is violence and the threat of death. But this is when we must stand together and struggle together for justice and peace. In the name of Jesus, our master, we must do this.
CHRISTIAN CULTURE
There is no other people I know who love their country more than Jamaicans. That's because we have enjoyed here a civilisation of love drawn from a Christian culture that has made us deep and serious and loving in all matters of daily life.
The island requires our love unto death. That's what will bring about her renewal and rebirth.
BROTHERS HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL
Our missionary brothers have come to Jamaica from far. We have been faithful, and intend to be faithful unto death. We love the people and are one with Jamaicans. We want to see our country loved into life, even at the sacrifice of our lives.
We call upon all Jamaicans, especially those who have potential leadership to love the island unto death in the name of Christ.
You were not born here by accident; you were placed in your mother's womb on the island with a purpose that has not yet been fulfilled.
Some day it will happen. But we must work together for a justice that brings peace. The old sinful ways will die and the new ways will be born. This is what has been promised, and so it will be.
Father Ho Lung is founder and leader of the Missionaries of the Poor.
