LISTENING – THE ART OF DISCERNMENT

The Universal Church commemorates World Communication Day on the Sunday before Pentecost (7th Sunday of Easter) every year. It was established by Pope Paul VI in 1967 to reflect on how social communication - the press, motion pictures, radio, television and the internet - enriches human lives with its values and challenges.

This weekend (29 May 2022) we celebrate the 56th World Communications Day. The Holy Father, Pope Francis has chosen a single word “Listen!” as the theme for this occasion. In every “dialogue, relationship and search for truth in life,” we need to learn and relearn to listen again - “listening with the ear of the heart.”

Listening is essential in our “human relationships”, “communication” and for “information”. Pope Francis asserts that “listening is a dimension of love” and we must always tune in to listening to God. True communication comes from listening - “Listening to several voices, listening to others, listening to the communities and listening to the Church” which leads to the art of discernment. The quality of listening is measured when we “pay attention to whom we listen, to what we listen, and to how we listen.”

Through numerous verses in the scripture, we learn that listening means not only perception of sound but is also a “dialogical relationship between God and humanity.” God continuously speaks to us and invites us to respond by listening to Him. St Paul affirms that “faith comes through listening,” (cf. Rom 10:17). King Solomon was wise because he asked God only one thing to grant him – a “listening heart,” (cf; 1 Kgs 3:9) and whereas St Augustine strongly encouraged us to receive the Word of God by “listening with the heart.”

Another kind of listening, which is the opposite - eavesdropping – means, listening secretly to a conversation, spying on or exploiting others for our own interests. Healthy communication comes in listening to the person face-to-face and approaching with fair, confident and honest openness. There are also a lot of people sharing fake news on social media platforms, and this needs to be avoided. A good journalist or individual should provide “solid, balanced and complete information” in reporting.

Listening to and hearing one another are the most precious gifts we can offer each other. The Protestant theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “if we don’t know how to listen to our brother or sister, we will soon no longer be able to listen to God either.” The first act of charity is freely giving our time to listen to others, as St James the Apostle reminds us, “Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak,” (James 1:19).

We pray that all people will discover and rediscover listening and discerning as essential for good communication and give their best of themselves in the Divine plan of God.

(An Extract from the message of the Holy Father for the 56^th World Communication Day 2022).

RESPONDING WITHOUT FAIL

Two weeks ago, I visited prisons in Marang and Dungun in the state of Terengganu. Joining me on this trip were Edmund Bedurus (a varsity student) and Dr Pakiam. Coincidentally, and interesting to know, Bukit Besi Prison in Dungun is known as Pusat Koreksional Dungun (Dungun Correctional Center) and not penjara. Instead of calling it a ‘prison’, it is called a ‘correction centre’ – which certainly sounds less harrowing and more comforting to the ears.

While at the prisons in Terengganu, I met two inmates – one was an African national and the other was a Malaysian man in his 40s. When we met, the man held a Bible in his hand and expressed his love for Christ Jesus, as well as his desire of wanting to become a Christian. Initially, I was a little hesitant to baptise him, however, after seeing him holding back his tears and utter the name Jesus a few times, I decided to have a deeper and longer conversation with him despite noise from the heavy rain outside. We talked, and I highlighted several verses from the bible to him. Finally, I baptised him with the name that he chose for himself (Simon Peter) and gave him his First Holy Communion. He was so happy and immediately wrote his baptism name, date and the fact that he is now a Roman Catholic, in his bible.

On Friday, 20 May 2022, I celebrated Mass with the Migrant Ministry at the Indonesian oil palm plantation workers in Sri Jaya in Maran, Pahang, which is about 100 km away from Kuantan. All these workers are currently undocumented, and they have been living in remote areas of the plantation with their spouses and children, for more than 10 years.

While I was there, I baptised eight children including several infants. These children don’t even have their birth certificates as it is challenging for their parents to get them registered. On behalf of the Church, I administered the necessary Sacraments to them, and I could tell that it brought much joy to the children and their parents.

There are about 10 adults living together who have not been married in the eyes of the Church. I am currently waiting for official letters declaring that they are free to marry and once these have been obtained, I shall then proceed to do the needful.

This community needs our help, and we intend to give them proper recognition of their faith in Christ Jesus and the Catholic Church. They need to be welcomed in the eyes of the Church and we should provide spiritual assistance and not deprive them of the Sacraments and other celebrations, just because of their situation. We should also provide them with basic needs to enable them to hold on to their faith in the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis reminded us on the 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (29 September 2019) that we should welcome, rather than remain, unfavourable, insensitive, deafening our hearts towards migrants and excluding them. We should respond to their needs without fail.

AN EXPRESSION OF GOD’S LOVE

We had our Parish monthly BECCOT meeting on Wednesday, 11 May 2022 at 8pm. A total of 12 out of 18 BEC representatives were present at the meeting. This month’s NEWBEC (New Way of Being Church) reflection paper focuses on “The Family As A Sacred Expression of God’s Love.” It invites us to examine the idea of a modern family - the communication, interaction and faith-level of families.

Since 1994, the United Nations has observed International Day of Families (IDF) on 15 May every year.  IDF “provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families as well as to promote appropriate action”, throughout all countries. This year, IDF falls on a Sunday, and it will be appropriate for us to celebrate this day together as a family during Mass, by asking Jesus to protect and bless our families.

 

Although we aim to live a perfect family life, very often families face all kinds of challenges, obstacles and trials. Crucial aspects of parenting include the upbringing of children, providing education and basic necessities, as well as nurturing the relationship between family members, failing which, many families may find themselves fragmented, depressed, wounded and in danger of breaking up.

 

The Church calls the family a “little Church” or “domestic Church” and places Jesus at the center. Many families may find that the atmosphere within their home is dominated by negative influences such as prolonged use of digital gadgets which may hinder our moral and faith life. Parents are responsible for their children’s physical, mental and spiritual health by bringing God’s holiness into their lives. In the Book of Joshua, we learn that he made a firm decision for his family - “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” (Joshua 24: 15). We make our choice known - who are we going to serve - either the One true God or false gods?

We all need a family. Without one, we may find it difficult to call any place “home”. Home is where the heart is, where we live together, and share each other’s joy and sorrow. Every individual in the family should play a part by loving each other unconditionally, especially in times of tension, anxiety and uncertainty. During these times, we should turn our listening ears towards each other and be supportive, in order to build a strong and faithful family. Every member has a responsibility to strengthen family values and be courageous in practicing the virtues that lead to peace and harmony at home. 

 

This International Day of Families, it would be good if we would take the opportunity to walk down memory lane together by looking at family albums / wedding albums or by going out together for a meal or just sightseeing. Pursuing enjoyable activities together will surely enhance family bond and bring cheerfulness within the home. Let us make a difference in our families with the freshness of Christ’s love, harmony and peace. We seek the intercession of our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima to pray for our families - to refresh, revitalise and motivate us to pray and stay together always.

LISTEN, REFLECT AND DISCERN GOD’S CALL

This Sunday, 8 May 2022, marks the 59^th World Day of Prayer for vocations with the theme entitled: “Called to Build the Human Family”. It is a day we reflect on the meaning of God’s calling and the meaning of the priestly vocation and religious life.The Fourth Sunday of Easter is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday or Vocation Sunday. Knowing who the Shepherd is, and recognising His voice, we are called to follow in His footsteps.

 

I joined the seminary at the age of 29. Life in the seminary was difficult and tough, but the priests and my fellow seminarians encouraged me and guided me into my life vocation.

 

When I expressed my desire to join the seminary, my whole family objected. My mother told me, “We need you in our home.” My dad was silent. My siblings were against the idea. However, I went ahead with my desire. 

 

The Late Cardinal Soter, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, then, didn’t accept my application. My Parish Priest, the late Fr Leonard John, initially discouraged me. He asked me why I wanted to waste my life by joining the seminary when the outside world was so beautiful. Gradually however, he encouraged and supported me a lot. After waiting and discerning for almost two years, I reapplied and I was finally accepted into the seminary in 1995. 

 

With all these objections, hesitations, reluctance and most of all the temptations of the outside world, I went into the seminary. On my second day in the seminary, I decided to leave because I found it wasn’t my calling to be a priest. I spoke to my rector of the seminary and I told him what I felt after two days of being in the seminary. He told me, “George, the gate is always open and you can leave anytime.” When I came back to my room, I told myself, “Why not stay a week more, then, I can make a decision whether to continue or discontinue my studies in the seminary.” This struggle was always there throughout my 8 years studies. 

I pushed and slogged through my years and after completion of my seminary formations, the late Cardinal Soter asked me when I would like to be ordained. I requested to postpone my ordination for at least a year or two but he gave me the date to prepare for my ordination within a month. I was then ordained in February 2003.

 

A few minutes before my ordination Mass began, the late Cardinal Soter, asked me, “Where would you like to be posted after ordination?” I replied that I would like to be in one of the Parishes in Kuala Lumpur. He didn’t say anything. At the end of the ordination Mass, he announced to the public that I would be sent to the East Coast of Peninsula Malaysia. I started my priestly journey here in Kuantan and Terengganu. I had no qualms serving here. After four years in the East Coast, I was sent to the West Coast and I am back here once again in the Church of St Thomas. After being a Priest for the past 19 years, I don’t at all regret the choice I made, and till today, I am a happy priest and I happily share in Christ’s mission.

Could anyone predict that a dull-looking caterpillar would one day become a beautiful butterfly? According to a proverb from the Far East, “a wise person, looking at the egg can see an eagle; looking at the seed, he glimpses a great tree; looking at the sinner he glimpses a saint.” That is how God looks at us. He sees a certain potential. God works tirelessly so that we can place our talents and gifts at the service of the Church.

Despite all these trials in every age, Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, still lives and is still alive and active in our midst.

 

To my dear young people; “Are you looking beyond your careers? Does every routine of life challenge you? Are you searching for something that is not really out there? Are you motivated by a deeper search? Jesus does not knock at every door of our hearts looking for someone to respond to priestly and religious life. If Christ our Shepherd happens to knock at your heart today, be generous enough to let Him in. “Dare you take the challenge? 

 

On this Vocation Sunday, the church encourages all young people to listen, reflect and discern God’s call to the Priesthood and Religious Life. 

 

As we pray today for an increase in vocations to priestly and religious life, let us pray for a better understanding and appreciation of the life that God has given to us. As a Church community, let us pray that more young people will be drawn to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and be generous in answering the call of God.

INSPIRE US TO BE WITNESSES

We will celebrate the great feast of Pentecost - the outpouring of the Holy Spirit - on the weekend of 4 and 5 June 2022. It is a time for us to focus on the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord - Isaiah 11:2-3) and the twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness/Benignity, Goodness, Longanimity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Modesty, Self-control and Chastity - Gal 5:22-23). Over the next few weeks, we will reflect and contemplate these Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, as we journey together towards Pentecost.

In the interim, let’s take every opportunity to read prayerfully the ACTS OF THE APOSTLES for our own spiritual enrichment. The book discloses to us the workings of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles in preaching the Gospel, and how the power of the Holy Spirit inspired the lives of the early Church leaders – “You will be my witnesses,” (Acts 1: 8). The Holy Spirit challenges us to transform ourselves by listening and discerning more to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and to be witnesses of Jesus Christ, “for the life of the world,” (John 6: 51).

May is a month of the Rosary. A week has gone by, and the holidays are over, so it is time for us to get into the momentum of praying, especially by reciting the Rosary. Our BEC leaders and heads of families should take the initiative to gather everyone together and pray the rosary. As we pray to Mother Mary, let us imitate her most inspiring virtues – “she kept all these things and pondered them in her heart,” (Lk 2:19) and put them in practice. We pray through her intercession that we may become more courageous and grow in our Christian virtues.

 

In the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, we notice Mother Mary making the first novena to the Holy Spirit with the Apostles in the Upper Room. After ardent prayer and silence for nine days, the Holy Spirit descends upon Mary and the rest of the Apostles through tongues of fire. We cling to Mary firmly with our Rosary beads and pray that we grow in the Spirit of being obedient to God. Mary was so obedient to the will of God and fulfilled it without any hesitation or fear by bringing our Saviour into this world. She gave her heart and soul to raise Jesus. She is a great example for all of us, especially to all mothers in the world.

This weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day. We are grateful and thankful to all mothers, and we appreciate their tremendous love and care for us. Mothers are a blessing to our families. They make our homes happy, and they unite us as a family. This Mother’s Day we remember and emulate how Jesus honoured His mother. Jesus taught us to respect and honour our mothers and be responsible sons and daughters.

TO ALL MOTHERS – THANK YOU FOR MAKING US FEEL SO LOVED AND CARED FOR EVERY MOMENT OF OUR LIVES. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!