By Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu
Some new beginnings do not ask us to abandon the past and start from nothing. Rather, after journeying through many stages, God brings us back to familiar ground, letting us see through the footprints of yesterday that he has always been present.
Recently, I accepted a new mission and returned once again to serve at Holy Spirit Seminary. The words “once again” carry a unique significance. This is not an unfamiliar place, but where I received my initial priestly formation.
Years ago, filled with anticipation and uncertainty, I learned here to discern God’s call. Now, having travelled further on life’s path, God brings me back. Stepping into the seminary, Psalm 23 rises within me: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want… he restores my soul.”
Looking back, I realise it was never truly myself leading the way. We often believe we choose our own path, but on reflection, we see the Good Shepherd has always gone before us—sometimes through green pastures, sometimes through dark valleys. At times he let me rest; at others, he called me onwards.
Returning to the seminary, I sense the Shepherd’s presence—not because the road ahead is easy, but because I am reminded: the Shepherd is still here.
The Prophet Isaiah’s words resonate deeply in my heart: “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food…” [Isaiah 25:6]. As I stand on this small hill on the Wong Chuk Hang peninsula, I reflect—is this not also a mountain overflowing with grace?
Here, I was formed, accompanied, and refined; here I learned to pray, to live in community, and to entrust myself to God. Today, the Lord grants me grace to return, to live and learn with a new mission. My heart overflows with gratitude and deep, indescribable emotion.
God never forgets the paths we have travelled. Chapters we thought closed, he may reopen with new meaning. St. Paul wrote: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” [Philippians 4:13]. These words feel especially real as I “start anew”. Starting afresh does not mean I am fully prepared, or possess sufficient strength; Paul reminds me it is not confidence in myself, but trust in God that matters. The one who calls is also the one who strengthens.
Therefore, returning to this mountain, my wish is simple.
I hope that I will not miss the new things God is preparing for me here simply because the place is familiar; that I will not merely dwell on how I encountered the Lord in the past and forget to seek him today. Even more, I hope to continue recognising the presence of the Good Shepherd within the seminary community, in those I live, work, and pray with daily, and in every person God brings into my life.
Returning to this mountain, my wish is simple: not to miss the new things God is preparing for me simply because the place is familiar; not to dwell only on past encounters with the Lord, but to seek him anew. Above all, I hope to recognise the Good Shepherd’s presence in the seminary community, among those I live, work, and pray with, and in everyone God brings into my life.
In the past, I came here for formation; today, I return to this mountain to learn to be pastored by him again. Perhaps this is the new beginning God gives me: not to forge my own way, but to let the Good Shepherd take my hand and lead me as he wills. Since he brought me here, I trust he will continue to lead.
“The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”
