I shall return

  

At first glance I share little in common with Ernest Hemmingway and General MacArthur; except we have all dined at the Manila Hotel! The latter is still remembered and loved in the Philippines because he kept an important promise. As the Philippines was being overrun by Japanese troops the Americans had to retreat but he promised to return and he did so and helped liberate the Islands from the tyranny of Japanese imperialism. A leader who keeps his promises is remembered. 

My wife and I were back at the Manila hotel yesterday for our 30^th Wedding Anniversary dinner. We were last there just before we got married. In the Champagne Room restaurant we were treated to a wonderful dinner complete with pianist who played ‘As time goes by’ the piece from the movie Casablanca. I restrained myself from repeating the immortal words ‘here’s looking at you kid’. 

The service was marvellous; very precise and elegant; some dishes prepared by chef’s at the table itself and it put me in mind of customs and practice in the time of Jesus. Often a household had servants and when the Master was having dinner there were certain non-verbal signs to indicate whether or not it was time to clear the table. If he crumpled up the napkin and left he was finished but if he folded it neatly and left it to one side and left the table it meant that he would return to complete his meal. 

We see this same signal given at the Resurrection where the witnesses to the empty tomb see the grave clothes strewn around but the napkin that covered his face folded up neatly by itself. The message was clear. I shall return. And so He will. Maranatha!