Views from the Pulpit

I was born in Selangor, Malaysia in 1963. I completed my priestly education at College General in Penang Seminary, where I studied both Philosophy and Sacred Theology and obtained a baccalaureate. Later, I pursued my studies further and obtained a Master’s degree in Systematic Theology at JDV in Pune, India. On 12 February 2003, I was ordained as a Catholic Priest. My priestly ordination motto is "TO LIVE A LIFE OF LOVE" (2 Jn 6). Since then, I have been serving as a minister in the Archdiocese

Thursday 27 August 2015

HARI MERDEKA and HARI MALAYSIA 2015

On 31 August, we commemorate and celebrate the freedom and Independence of Malaysia. We, as a nation, express our patriotism and love towards our country by raising the Malaysian flag on our vehicles, our buildings, homes and shopping malls and even along the streets!

We celebrate our lndependence Day this year with the theme “Malaysia, Sehati Sejiwa” (Single Minded Malaysia) to reflect the spirit of solidarity, understanding, togetherness and humanity of all the people in the country. However, after 58 years of Independence today “we are witnessing many distressing events in our country.” Presently we face political instability and chaotic and economic deterioration. Human rights, freedom of expression and the liberty of social media are increasingly controlled by the authority.

It is the duty of every citizen including the minorities, the migrants and refugees to defend the rights of humanity. With the many current issues such as the 1MDB and depreciating currency, many of the rakyat have lost their confidence in the ruling government. Furthermore, many are really “perturbed by the religious extremism and intolerance of certain individuals and groups” which create divisions and disunity.

The opposition leaders, NGO groups, religious institutions and individuals are challenging the present government for “fairness, transparency, accountability and integrity” through various forms. As a nation, we must keep the spirit of solidarity, understanding, togetherness, goodwill, and humanity among all races in this multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society.

We, the Church should respond to the Gospel invitation to be the “salt of the earth and the light of the world,” (Mt 5: 13-14), to be “faithful” and to play a “rightful role” in building up our nation. We must be led by the “teachings and direction of the Church” and uphold our “spiritual and moral values,” in order to enhance peace and harmony in our society.

Let us together pray for our nation to be truly united and live in harmony.

“Selamat Hari Merdeka and Hari Malaysia!”

(Adapted from the Archbishop’s National Day Message)

WITNESSING TO CHRIST : Through Service to Country

Come August 31, we will be celebrating our country’s Independence Day. There is much to thank God for our beloved nation as we see how Malaysia has emerged in the last 58 years of her development. However the rakyat is experiencing an unprecedented troubling time. Many groups and individuals have expressed their sentiments and grievances towards the present ruling government being oppressive, corrupt and unfair.

Our country is blessed with a multi-religious, multi-racial and multi-cultural population and as Christians we need to take the lead in interacting more with people of other faiths, traditions and cultures. The Church always invites everyone to aspire towards “unity in diversity” through dialogue, mutual respect, tolerance and understanding in order to bring about unity and harmony.

Since 1976, the Church in Peninsula Malaysia has been promoting dialogue with people of other faiths as a continuation of the work of Christ. It is our commitment therefore to continue His labour of love in our land, in gratitude to God for the gift of faith and in gratitude to all missionaries, men and women, religious and priests who tirelessly build the kingdom of justice, peace and love.

When we bring the message of the Gospel to people in our communities, work places, etc. we establish personal relationships with them just as how Jesus was in relationship with the poor and the rich, the oppressed and marginalised, the ostracised and outcast. We are invited to identify ourselves with suffering humanity and live the reality of communion by being in solidarity with them. What is our individual response? How can we motivate a strong patriotic spirit in the present generation?

Let’s pursue with the Vision and Mission of our Parish by strengthening our own faith community in the way of confessing and witnessing Jesus in our nation today. The time has come for us to rediscover the richness of engaging with one another as we work together for justice and peace in our country.

Let us come together on August 29^th in a spirit of prayer and fasting for all forms of respect of humanity, integrity and transparency to be exercised. Let’s stand up for justice and truth, reconciliation and peace.

“May the Lady of All Nations, the Blessed Virgin Mary, be our Advocate. Amen.”

7 PRACTICAL WAYS TO HAVE A GOOD LENT

Lent is a season of penance and spiritual warfare. The goal is pure hearts so that we can joyfully celebrate the resurrection of our Lord at Easter, the greatest feast of the liturgical year.

7 PRACTICAL WAYS TO HAVE A GOOD LENT.

1. HAVE A PLAN:

All our good intentions which we set right from the beginning of Lent begin to vanish because we don’t have plans. For an example, “I’m going to pray more” but this just remains as an intention. My advice, once you have determined what you are going to do, stick to it every single day. Often, we are overly ambitious and when we fail in our Lenten goals, we become discouraged and give up completely. This is a victory for the devil. Make your commitments practical, and your Lent will be the better for it.

2. READ A GOOD BOOK:

Do read good spiritual books, and there is no better time to begin this practice than during Lent. Reading Scripture or the writings of the saints is a great place to start.

3.EXAMINE YOURSELF:

Lent is an excellent time to take an inventory of the state of your soul. What are your predominant faults? What is keeping you from following the will of God with all your heart? Thorough examination of conscience helps you assess your spiritual health. Remember, Lent is not ultimately about giving up sweets or other things we enjoy. It is first and foremost about repentance, which means giving up sin and returning to God.

4.CONFESS YOUR SINS:

Lent is a great time to go for confession. Do remember the five requirements for a good confession:

1 Examination of conscience

2 True contrition for having offended God

3 Firm resolution to sin no more

4 Clear confession (don’t hold any sins back)

5 Penance for the sins you have committed

5.PRAY:

During this season we should especially focus our daily prayer on repentance and contrition for our sins that can guide us for rest of the year. Some suggestions for Lenten prayer –The Seven Penitential Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130 and 143, the Stations of the Cross, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary.

6.FAST:

During Lent, we especially remember the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. This is the greatest act of generosity in history, for Jesus who died for all. The generosity of God in Christ should impel us to be generous and merciful to others, especially those poor and in need.

This Lent, do your best. Strive to root out sin and cultivate holiness. “For though the upright falls seven times, he gets up again; the wicked are the ones who stumble in adversity,” (Prov. 24:16).

7 Tips on How to Confess Well