Mariapolis in Hong Kong will take place July 23-26 at the YWCA campground in Wu Kai Sha. I consider this activity a pilgrimage because not only is it a meeting for spiritual growth or a summer camp-like event, it is also a training activity for living with love for one another.

The topics of the talks in the event may be familiar to you and, indeed, you may be a better speaker than the presenters. However, none of these matters. What is important is that you attend with a humble heart, trying to unite yourself with the presenters. If you can do this, the Holy Spirit will work among all of you. As Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mt 18:20)

The way to experience the presence of Jesus in our midst in this case is not about how knowledgeable the speakers are: It is about whether the speakers and the audience can be united as one. When we all hold this belief in unity when speaking or listening, then we will have the same experience that the two disciples on their way to Emmaus did: “Were not our hearts burning (within us)?” (Lk 24:32)

To live out God’s will is to follow his instructions. We may think that we must be focused and serious when we are praying but it is fine even if we are not attentive in other times. This attitude is wrong. Wherever we are, we must be attentive and careful. “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt 5:48) It is especially true that we should live out the spirit of Jesus when we are interacting with others: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mt 25:40)

Listening to all these, you may start to think that life is too restrictive, not really free. I don’t blame you for having this thought because we are used to seeing the self as the centre in our own lives.

At the same time, the important point about Mariapolis is that we should learn from our heavenly mother: basing our daily living on following God’s will and serving Jesus (through his presence in our neighbours).