Stability and the Past

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” Heb 12:1

I trust that many of you have been following the Praydos weekday devotions

and have been blessed by them. Do feel free to go back to relisten or reread any

devotion that has been meaningful to you, or to catch up on days you may have

missed. These devotions may also be helpful resources for sharing in smaller

group settings.

There are some who already use other devotional materials for their daily

rhythm. If so, do continue with what you have found helpful, and feel free to use

the Praydos devotions as a supplement. It is encouraging to note that one or two

parishes are considering inviting their members to use these devotions during

Lent, a sign that the Lord is blessing them for wider use.

The purpose of any devotional material is to help us develop and sustain a daily

rhythm of life. There will be days when the Scripture readings or reflections may

not speak to us strongly. Yet we persist, because such practices cultivate

stability and faithfulness over time.

What may be distinctive about the Praydos devotions is that they are both local

and Anglican in tenor. We pray that as this ministry continues to take root,

others may come on board to contribute to the writing, so that it may serve the

Church faithfully for many years to come.

In recent months, there have also been various meetings engaging with the

earlier years of MPCC as we observe our 50th Anniversary. The build-up to the

Pioneers’ event on 10th Feb has encouraged us to focus on data gathering,

interviews, and the archiving of photographs. As I listen to these stories, I find

myself both encouraged and inspired as I reflect on the future of MPCC.

History is not always well treasured in Singapore, and this attitude can affect the

Church as well. Often, we view history in a utilitarian way — mainly for the

lessons it teaches us. Hence the familiar dictum: “Those who cannot remember

the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Biblically, however, our faith allows us to think beyond a simple linear movement

from past to future. Though the cross is a historical event, it also stands before

us as a timeless centre. Likewise, the communion of saints transcends time.

When I read St Paul or St Augustine, I experience them not merely as figures

from the past, but as fellow Christians in the same Body of Christ.

In the same way, when I speak with former MPCC leaders, I often sense a deep

kindred spirit grounded in shared faith and community. While God may have

worked in particular ways in the past, that past continues to shape and influence

the present — even if, at times, only as faint echoes.

I realise this may sound somewhat philosophical, or even mysterious, but this is

one reason why the past matters deeply to me — whether in the life of a local

church or across the wider Body of Christ.

Last year, I happened to bump into Tuck Loong and Audrey at a wedding

dinner, and we were seated next to each other. Throughout the eight-course

meal, one topic dominated our conversation: MPCC. It was clear to me how

deeply he had been blessed through his years here. He still loves this church —

not the building, but the people with whom he shared a journey of faith.

So it was not difficult for me to invite him back to share his memories and his

heart with us. Do welcome them back warmly.