16 February starts the countdown to Lent. This is the Sunday when churches change vestments from the colour green to purple. It is a time to start to prepare for Lent and think of all the hardships that Our Lord suffered for us.

But as we approach the season of Lent there is also hope. For we know the ending of the story. Christ did rise from the dead and gave the world hope.

We at BRHK hope and pray that the leadership of Hong Kong will let the message of Lent penetrate their thoughts and hearts and will change the direction that Hong Kong seems to be going. But somehow we doubt they will for Communists always seem to mock the faith and trust only in themselves. This is just a waste and pity for their days are numbered before they are called to their Judgment and have to answer for their lives.