Friday, 3 April 2026
Good morning, everyone.
When we reflect on the theme “Option for the Poor”,we often think about material poverty — people who lack food, money, or shelter. These realities are important. However, today I would like to invite you to consider another kind of need — the need for mental and emotional support.
Not all struggles are visible. Some people may appear calm and confident on the outside, yet inside they may be dealing with stress, anxiety, sadness, or feelings of isolation. In a school community, such challenges are more common than we may realise.
Recently, as we had the HKDSE English Speaking examination, many candidates came to our school for their examination sessions. Although they had prepared, many of them looked visibly nervous and worried. You could sense the pressure they were carrying.
At the same time, I noticed something meaningful. Many of our S6 students revised together, encouraged one another, and started the examination side by side. Even in a stressful situation, peer support made a difference. They were not facing the challenge alone.
This reminds us that the poorest person is not always the one without material things. Sometimes, it is the one who feels alone, overwhelmed, or unsupported.
In Psalm 34:18, we are reminded:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
If God is close to those who are hurting, then we too are called to be attentive and supportive toward others.
Choosing the “Option for the Poor” means being careful with your words and considerate in your actions. It means not laughing at someone’s mistakes or making remarks that may hurt others. It means including classmates who may feel left out and offering help to those who are struggling. It also means being patient when others are not at their best, remembering that you may not fully understand what they are going through.
It also means having the courage to seek help when you need it, and respecting others when they do the same. Through these small but important actions, you contribute to building a school environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported.
Mr Wong YC