A MISSION TO COMMUNICATE THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST

The Church in Malaysia has chosen a theme for the 2019 Catechetical Sunday – “Christ, Our Mission,” (Phil 1:21). Archbishop Julian Leow, Episcopal Advisor for Catechetical, who is presently overseeing Catechetics for Malaysia, said in his message that he desires that all baptised Catholics to be on mission and make Christ known to everyone.

The Universal Church celebrates Catechetical Sunday every 3rd Sunday of the month of September. However two years ago, the Malaysian Church decided to celebrate it every 4th Sunday of January.

On Sunday, 6 January 2019, we began the registration for catechism students for the year 2019. We had a total of 254 students registered for both languages (224 of them were for the English session and 30 were for the Tamil session).

On the catechism registration day, we also had an exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and a rite of commissioning and recommitment of catechists and students at our Church Hall. First, we commissioned 32 catechists (20 were from English and 12 were from Tamil sessions) and 10 RCIA facilitators (6 for the English session and 4 for the Tamil session) and one educator for Special Needs Children. They have recommitted themselves to serve in our Parish Catechetical Ministry once again for the year 2019. They have committed themselves to be on mission by communicating the message of Christ Jesus to their students. We thank and appreciate our catechists for giving their time and sharing their gifts in the work of catechesis.

Then, we invited the catechism students class by class to come forth and commit themselves to be present in every lesson and to be attentive to their lessons and show respect to their catechism teachers as well. We, as parents and catechists, hope our children will learn more about Our Lord Jesus and become the true disciples of Christ.

We ended the rite of commissioning and recommitment of catechists and students with the blessing of the Blessed Sacrament.

On Catechetical Sunday, 27 January 2019, we will initiate the rite of recommitment of parents, together with the rest of the parishioners. We want parents of catechism children, as primary educators, to commit themselves seriously to the faith formation of their children, and guide them in the faith of the Catholic Church. We shall also call upon all Parishioners of St Joseph, as baptised Catholics, to commit themselves to be always on mission in evangelising Christ, and to make Him known to others, through their words and deeds and to build friendships with one another.

As we celebrate Catechetical Sunday this weekend, it is a great opportunity for us to examine of our commitment as disciples of Christ, and take every effort to serve as catechists and faith educators and to share the faith of Christ with all those we meet in our lives. We commit ourselves to being steadfast in our faith in Christ and His Church, and to let others see Christ through us. So, let us live to make Christ known to the world as St. Paul says, “You must behave in a way that is worthy of the Gospel of Christ…” (Philippians 1:27).

On Sunday morning, 3 February 2019, all catechists, catechism students and some parishioners will be going to the Chapel of Infant Jesus, situated at the foot of Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor. It will an exciting pilgrimage for our children, as they will be joining the rest of the community in Kuala Selangor to celebrate the feast of Infant Jesus. May Infant Jesus and His Mother Mary, guide our children to grow gracefully in knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

St. Luke emphasises the importance of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit (cf. Luke 4:14-15 ) in our world and in our own individual lives as well. We cannot read the Gospel of Luke (or Acts) without seeing the importance of the Holy Spirit.

In everything Jesus did as a human, He did through the power and with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus allowed the Holy Spirit to be His constant companion and guide.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the first step that will enable and empower us to make a difference in our lives. When we decide to follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit makes the difference in our mission work.

Let us go to the Lord Jesus for a renewed heart, surrender our will and our being to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to empower us as we connect with others in helping them to find Jesus in their lives.

God gives us the challenge and the strength to bring Good News to the afflicted, to proclaim liberty to captives, sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed, and new beginnings to everyone who comes to Him.

“Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.” (Psalm 19)

JUSTICE, JUSTICE WE SHALL PURSUE

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU), is traditionally celebrated between 18 – 25 January (ie; between the Feast of the Confession of Peter and the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul). These significant dates were proposed by Fr Paul Wattson in 1908, inviting the churches to celebrate, partake in fellowship and pray for unity. Christian Churches across the world come together for special ecumenical celebrations and prayer services.

Pope Pius X (1835-1914) officially accepted the idea and finally Pope Benedict XV (1854-1922), “encouraged its observance throughout the entire Roman Catholic Church.” All Christian leaders and communities are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “They May be One,” (John 17: 21).It is a prayer of Jesus desiring for unity among his disciples and his vision for Church unity. Thus, every Christian leader must make every effort to work towards unity in the church and also maintaining and restoring doctrinal unity as well unity in works of mission.

The WPCU 2019 theme is, “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue…”(Deuteronomy 16: 18-20). The theme was prepared by the Communion of Churches in Indonesia and the Indonesian Catholic Bishop’s Conference. This theme is selected because it gives a powerful message of promoting truth, equality and unity.We, as individual Christians, are supposed to promote justice, peace and protect the oppressed. Very often, all our hard work in uniting and building bridges with every one ends up with gaps between the poor and the rich. The gap is widening and many people are still living in poverty. We need to be witnesses to the world and to be Christ’s healing grace for the brokenness of the world.

The WPCU is also to create awareness among Christian communities about the common concern and response to the unjust reality and witness to the living unity in diversity. It is only when we unite ourselves that we may be able “to combat injustice” and “their situation and needs, and recognise this common need throughout the world.” 

The Kuala Lumpur North District Archdiocese, which consists of 7 parishes, organised the ecumenical gathering, which was held on Friday, 18 January 2019 at the Church of St Joseph, Sentul, Kuala Lumpur at 8.00pm. About 5 Catholic priests and 10 Pastors and representatives from various denominations around Sri Gombak and Sentul came together for the WPCU. There were about 350 parishioners who also attended this ecumenical prayer, celebration and fellowship. 

The KL North District has given us the privilege to host the WPCU service in our Parish for the first time. Our Parish Ministry of Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue Affair (PMEIA) has been working hand in hand with other PMEIA leaders from the KL North District parishes to make this event a memorable one. Syabas to all the committee members for successfully coordinating the event!

PMEIA is a relatively new ministry, which was formed in our Parish sometime in October 2018. In a short period our PMEIA has coordinated a few activities such as visiting mosques, welcoming their religious leaders and Muslim varsity students for dialogues and forums. Some of the religious leaders from other religions paid their courtesy visits to our Church. Our PMEIA will organize a few more events and formations pertaining to other Faiths this year. We need more parishioners to join in PMEIA activities and to participate in various formations, which will take place throughout the year.

This year being an Extraordinary Missionary Year 2019, let us move with the spirit of missionary activity especially in the area of ecumenical and interreligious dialogues within our communities where we live and breathe as well with the people of other Faiths. Jesus Christ prayed for unity of His disciples in His Priestly Prayer (John 17). In this week of Christian unity, let’s pray that we make our individual commitment to work together for justice and to make this world a just and peaceful household for all humanity uniting us by His love.

JESUS TRANSFORMS WATER INTO WINE

In this story of wedding at Cana (John 2:1-12), Jesus performs the miracle, transforming the water into the best wine. The turning of water into wine is for the purpose of revealing truth about God, the glory of Christ and His ability to transform water into wine. 

Running out of wine during the weeding was awkward and embarrassing for the couple, but Jesus fixed a problem and saving a family from embarrassment.

Jesus can change despair into hope, bitterness into peace, hatred into love, and sorrow into joy. Christ has the power to change our lives. All that we have to do is to get down on your knees and pray. Jesus will perform a miracle. When we invite Jesus at the very start of our journey and we will never regret it. 

When Jesus gives us directions or commands we must follow him –“DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU!”

Life has many troubles and problems, but what is important is that we need to invite Him into our lives and and He will make the difference. If Jesus can turn the water into wine He can certainly turn a sinner into a saint.

“Proclaim His marvellous deeds to all the nations,” (Psalm 96). 

EXTRAORDINARY MISSION OF YEAR 2019

The Holy Father, Pope Francis has dedicated the month of October 2019 as an Extraordinary Missionary Month, promoting the greater commitment of “Missio ad Gentes” (missionary activity) and animating the missionary transformation of Church life and pastoral activity with new enthusiasm. 

Pope Benedict XV (1914-1922), who was known as a “Missionary Pope”, wrote the Apostolic Letter, “Maximum Illud”(that momentous), highlighting the essential task of every Christian to “Go into the whole world and preach the gospel to all creation,” (Mark 16:15).

This year marks the 100th Anniversary of this encyclical. The Holy Father, Pope Francis chose the theme “Baptised and Sent: The Church of Christ on a Mission in the World.” According to the Holy Father, the Extraordinary Mission Month of 2019 is to remind us about the Church’s mission of preaching the gospel and to make disciples throughout the world. This year will be an opportunity for every baptised Christian to renew our missionary enthusiasm and to develop a sense of duty towards the mission of the Church and pastoral care towards people.

The Pope wants us to live more enthusiastically the journey of preparation of the Extraordinary Missionary Month – October 2019. There are four dimensions:

1.      A personal encounter with Jesus Christ, living in his Church: in the Eucharist, in the Word of God, and in personal and communal prayer.

2.      To rediscover the value of missionary saints and martyrs as an expression of the Church, scattered throughout the world.

3.      To deepen the faith knowledge through Missionary formation: biblical, catechetical, spiritual, and theological.

4.      To practice missionary charity.

We shouldn't have a lack of interest in the sole purpose of missionary activity of the Church. Every baptised Christian should commit oneself to the mission of the Church, proclaiming the Good News and to walk in the same path Christ walked, living the life of holiness and to do good deeds. It is time for us to revitalise and refresh our faith and our Christian identity and to remain “permanently in a state of mission.” 

We, as parishioners of St Joseph’s Church, have dedicated three years (2018-2020) to a vision and mission by “Committing Ourselves into New Evangelisation.”Our parish vision and mission is also in the same sentiments of the Holy Father’s mission for the year 2019. However, we are in the same direction with the Universal Church – the call on mission. As a community, let us take heart the mission of the Church, evangelising the Good News with zeal and to assist one another in the community to grow even stronger in the spirit of missionary and evangelisation.

The Mission Year Epiphany Star

On the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord (5& 6 January 2019), all the parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, officially launched the Year of Mission 2019 and it will end on 31 Dec 2019. This Sunday, 13 January 2019, we will introduce the missionary dimensions in ordinary pastoral care, through the ritual of a Mission Year Epiphany Star. 

Here are the guidelines:

a.       Each parishioner is to take one Star home from the Christmas manger.

b.   Each parishioner is to write on the back of the Star what he/she intends to personally do in reference to the 4 dimensions of preparation that Pope Francis indicated:

i) Encounter with Jesus;

ii)Testimony of Mission

iii) Missionary Formation

iv) Missionary Charity.

c.      Each parishioner is to string and hang the Star at his/her door post like a door chime.

d.    Every time the parishioner sees the Star, he/she is reminded to strive to realise what he/she has selected to do throughout the Missionary Year 2019.

e.   Next year Christmas, parishioners are to bring back their Stars and place them back at the manger, to signify that he/she has been a bright Star bringing someone to accept Jesus as his/her Saviour (by 31 Dec 2019).

RENEW OUR COMMITMENT

On this Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus, we may ask why did Jesus need to be baptised?

Jesus’ baptism was a public announcement of his commitment to God the Father and as a consecration for His public ministry. The baptism of Jesus enabled God the Father to announce that Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah, the Promised One.

As he grew up he was just waiting for a sign – a sign to take up the next stage in His ministry where he had to leave his family to be a Preacher, Teacher, Healer and Wonderful Counsellor.

As baptised Christians, it is a time for us to recommit ourselves and to make decisions concerning our own lives, our families, our work, our Christian commitment and our service for God. Jesus is not going to leave us alone.

Today and now – we renew our baptismal commitments, make our promise to serve God and His people wherever He calls us and to do whatever He asks us to do.

We may feel inadequate or a little afraid of getting involved in the Church od society. Be assured that God sends us His Spirit to fill us, equip us and empower us for His task in His Kingdom.

WORKING HAND IN HAND WITH GOD’S PLAN

A week has gone since the start of New Year 2019. Throughout this time, we have been sending and receiving many well wishes through email and whatsapp, which has been inspiring, motivating, encouraging, optimistic and exciting words of wisdom and prayers. Many of us have a personal collection of useful and favourite idioms of life, explanations of their meaning, scriptural words of encouragement and faith, as well as relevant life stories which we use to set goals as we move ahead. We often use these words, advice and prayers to bolster our life’s journey. 

As we begin the year, we may be feeling excited and enthusiastic, but at the same time, perhaps a little anxious. No matter what feelings we could have, we need to press forward with our lives. We will face many new challenges ahead but we need to build the strength and courage to face all those challenges patiently. There are many spiritual conducts and disciplines which we need to prioritise in our everyday lives in order to grow spiritually, as we foster deeper intimacy with God and with one another. Each day, we draw knowledge and strength from the Lord Jesus, as we put Him first in our lives to guide us on a more peaceful and fulfilling path.

Every one of us desires to have a grace-filled year and we surely look towards greater happiness and fulfilment at the end of year 2019. We can achieve many things this year, but if we do not have inner peace, then everything becomes meaningless. This inner peace and happiness doesn’t come with wealth, with our good physical health and with our personal millstone achievements, but instead it comes from a deeper connection with God.

Our true and greatest achievements can be realised when we are kind to one another - treating each other with respect and love, and not hurting one another, either with our words or actions - especially with our spouses, children, family members and friends. When we are kind and compassionate towards those nearest and dearest to us, then that will be our greatest achievement and success of the year. That achievement is something worth celebrating! 

If in the past we have been hurtful, kept at a distance or pushed away people from our lives, let us now try to forgive and love instead. Trust that the Lord has a plan for us, and that He wants us to bring down our walls and mend broken fences, healing the pieces of our lives which have been hurting, by enhancing our true relationship with God and our neighbours once again. When we work hand in hand with God’s plan, surely He will bring peace, success and happiness in our lives.

The celebration of Jesus’ birthday has brought great joy, peace and happiness in all our lives. Many of us realised that it is not only about our own happiness, but also the happiness and peace of all those around us. Life is all about creating happiness and it can be best achieved through self-improvement, self-acceptance and self-discipline.

We desire to do a lot of great things and put every effort into making all our goals and dreams a reality this year. Our kind actions and gestures towards others can make them feel loved, respected and happy. Making others happy is one of the best things we can do in order to have a great day ourselves. Even the smallest gesture of friendliness, kindness, gentleness, loving care and integrity can brighten the world around us.

This year can be the best of years as we place all our hope, trust and confidence in our Lord Jesus.“Treat others how you want to be treated, (LK 6:31) and God will bless you all!

THE VISIT OF THE MAGI

“Where is the infant king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.” (Matthew 2:2)

Epiphany recalls the arrival of the magi to Bethlehem in search of the King of the Jews. Epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning ‘showing’ or ‘manifestation’ or ‘realisation’. Epiphany celebrates God's revealing or manifestation of Jesus as true God, the Messiah, and Saviour of the world.

The Epiphany of the Lord is when Christ was made known to the magi, who represent all the nations. 

The Magi were wise men who took a long journey to pay loyalty, reverence and offer gifts to the Newly born Babe-Jesus.The wise men brought their symbolic gifts to the baby Jesus – Gold (King), Frankincense (High Priest) and Myrrh (Suffering Servant).

Epiphany shows that Jesus is the Light of the world and through His birth we see the arrival of that Light into the world.

Christmas has brought gladness to our heart! Will we kneel before the manger and give to Jesus the gold of our heart, our life, our all?