A HEART OF CONVERSION

Since Ash Wednesday (2 March 2022), the Holy Father Pope Francis, has invited all Catholics
throughout the world to pray for peace in the churches, in the communities and an end to war in Ukraine. When Russia invaded Ukraine, many Ukrainians started to leave their country or flee to the countryside with their families to save themselves. Some however, remained in the city to be with those who are unable to leave - to support and accompany them. The churches in Ukraine have opened to those who need shelter. We continue to pray that the Lord will calm everything in Ukraine, soften the hearts of all those within and outside the city, and for the conversion of Russia, during these difficult times.

It has already been two years since the COVID-19 pandemic spread throughout the world. In these two years, we have experienced several lockdowns and restrictions in crossing the states and international borders. We have not come to the end of this pandemic yet, but it has gone beyond our control now. Some of us personally have experienced the infection, and some have lost their loved ones, friends and relatives in this battle. We are slowly learning through bitter experiences of the past and present.

 

Presently, the numbers of Omicron cases are just spreading like wildfire among our families, working colleagues, students and children. Everyone is learning how to cope with this Omicron variant which symptoms are only visible after 4-6 days. The incubation period is approximately a week and those infected need self-isolation at once to stop spreading it to others. The experts have classified it as a normal flu but highly contagious. It seems like we all must live and accept it as part of our reality.

 

Everyone is trying their best to be more responsible and to ensure our health and safety is secure wherever we are, especially at our workplaces, markets, shops, places of worships, etc. We are aware that the more we are exposed to the surroundings, our chance of getting infected is higher. We are reminded to be at home or isolate ourselves regardless of how mild or severe our symptoms are so as to ensure we do not spread the Omicron variant. We hope and pray all of us to adhere to all the safety measures or SOPs wherever we are.

The Holy Father in His Lenten message reminded us to have a heart of generosity by “sowing the seeds and sharing goodness” abundantly in every person and to have a heart of conversion from the world of materialism. Our conversion may not occur overnight, but it is an ongoing process until to the end of our lives. We must have the desire to be transformed bit by bit every moment of our lives, especially during this Lent.

 

Evil is at work always, but we must not quit from observing the three pillars of Lent – prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Just remember the few key words from our Holy Father for this Lent which comes from St Paul’s letter to the Galatians (6: 9-10) – “let us not grow tired of doing good, do not give up”, and “do good to all” by making good use of present “opportunity” to patiently “sow seeds of goodness and kindness” and we will reap in due time.

SOWING SEEDS OF GOODNESS

The Holy Father has chosen the theme for Lent 2022 – “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all,” (Gal 6: 9-10). The Pope desires us to “sow seeds of goodness so that we may reap a harvest of salvation for ourselves and others in due time.”

During Lent this year, we are invited to obtain a conversion of heart and mind from the world of materialism, and to have a heart of generosity by “sowing the seeds and sharing goodness” abundantly in every person. Our sowing of goodness and kindness can be the size of mustard seeds (cf. Matt 13:31) but when they grow, they will “radiate a light” and spread “a fragrance of Christ’s love” to everyone, everywhere. Therefore, sow goodness for the benefit of others without any self-interest as echoed in John’s Gospel, “one sows, while another reaps” (4: 37).

The Holy Father reminds us that we should not get tired of observing the three pillars of Lent – prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. During Lent, we must not tire of uprooting evil/wrong doings from our lives, and preparing “the soil of our hearts by fasting, watering it by prayer, and enriching it by charity.” For years, evil may be rooted in us, but we need to stand firm in our faith in Jesus Christ and His words. We must persevere in spirit by doing good to others and in return, we shall obtain what has been promised by God – “salvation for ourselves and others.”

(Extract from the Lenten Message of the Holy Father for the Year 2022)

Reflecting on the message by the Holy Father for Lent this year, we realise that while we’re on this life-journey, we face hardships and often tend to give up because of discouragement and failure. We may get tired of doing good, especially when we don’t see or experience any promised harvest. However, St Paul encourages us to continuously sow good and kindness anyway. One day the Lord will say to us at the end of our days, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (MT 25: 21).

We need to do what is pleasing to the Lord and to do the needful for our fellow brothers and sisters. During this season, let us not live our lives in idleness without putting any effort in producing a fruitful and significant Lent. One thing is certain - we will never get tired of interfering in people’s affairs, but we may get tired of doing what is right and what is pleasing to Him (cf. 2 Thess 3: 10-13). 

Always remind ourselves that every goodness and kindness that we sow according to what pleases the Lord, will surely reap a harvest of plenty in due time. So, as we begin Lent this year, let us grow in God’s love and love for one another by making this season more fruitful and meaningful. 

May Mother Mary’s intercession obtain for us the fruits of the Holy Spirit, especially patience in sowing goodness and kindness. Have a Holy and Blessed Lent!

TOWARDS TRUE CONVERSION

We will be entering into the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, 2 March 2022 and it will end before the start of Holy Week on Sunday, 10 April 2022. Lent is a time of grace, a time of reconciliation and a time of growth as St Paul says, “well, now is the favourable time” and “a time of salvation,” (2 Cor 6:2). According to the Holy Father Pope Francis, Lent “is a time of recovery, renewal and conversion, a time to receive the love of God and rediscover the direction of life.” Therefore, the season invites us to observe well through almsgiving, prayer and fasting, and to look into the areas of our lives which may require extra self-discipline in order to enhance our spiritual life. 

What should I give up this Lenten season? Some of us may take this opportunity to go on a vegetarian diet during Lent, while some may want to abstain from movies, video games, surfing the internet, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp or other things which may otherwise consume much of their time. Others may choose to skip a meal or two a day, in order to keep this season holy. 

 

Whatever it may be, we should remember to find a way to exhibit our faith and our discipleship by practising these Lenten Observances – almsgiving, prayer and fasting. They are not meant to be undertaken simply to fulfil the so-called rules of Lent but instead, we need to pray from the heart; fast from the things that interfere in strengthening our relationship with God and our neighbour; and give alms with compassion to those in need. By doing these, we will make our Lenten journey a fruitful period of renewal.

 

Lent is a time to sacrifice the things that we enjoy and utilise our time wisely and fruitfully until Easter and thereafter. No matter how rough the road is, no matter the distractions, mistakes and sins we encounter throughout the journey - firmly gaze at Jesus and be determined in all things. Lent is a time for repentance, which means giving up sin in order to prepare to experience the Resurrection of Jesus. As we journey towards Easter, we set aside all our time by exercising self-discipline, self-examination, repentance and transformation. Certainly, with these preparations, our path will gradually become surer and clearer.

 

Lent is also a time to refocus our efforts and renew our commitment even though we may fail – “for though the upright falls seven times, he gets up again...” (Proverbs 24:16). We may fall many times but each time we rise and say to Jesus, “Yes, now I begin again.” Even failing in our commitments can help us grow in humility and provide insightful knowledge of our own spiritual existence. The practice of spiritual discipline helps us integrate our lives holistically.

 

This Lent, let us do our best to slowly root out sin and make a sincere effort to nourish our spiritual life so that Jesus is able to nurture and strengthen us. I am sure that when we engage in spiritual discipline, we will see our lives transformed.

 

Wishing you and your family a holy and blessed grace-filled Lenten journey towards a true conversion of mind and heart!

CONTINUE TO FIX OUR GAZE ON GOD

It’s been over a month now since I moved to Kuantan, and it certainly has been a hectic time for me. Just like the weather - which has been rainy (with continuous downpour for days), sunny, windy and humid - my days here have been filled with various tasks and activities which have kept me busy.

Our Parish leaders have been gearing up, planning several formations, events and activities for the first quarter of 2022. However, we have to put those plans on hold due to the spike in Covid-19 cases. In the meantime, the Parish Integral Human Development (PIHDM) of St Thomas, the Apostle, had received 200 mattresses and 200 pillows which the PIHDM members distributed to some of the flood victims in Gambang, Pekan, Muadzam Shah and Tasik Chini. These areas were badly affected by the floods which devastated the state last December.

 

Despite a majority of Malaysians are fully vaccinated, we are currently experiencing some of the highest number of daily cases reported since the start of this pandemic. A couple of weeks ago, the numbers were cited at a little over 2000 cases a day, but now we’re looking at over 27,000 daily cases, which is alarming! The daily newspapers have indicated a 160% rise in the number of infections in the last 2 weeks, especially among children below 12 years old. We can’t help but ask ourselves - how long will we have to face these challenges? Will we have a more committed, accountable and transparent government? Where is our life heading towards now?

 

In this past two years, Covid-19 has affected many lives, caused economic instability and joblessness and pushed many into poverty. People are trying their best to find alternate ways to make ends meet and slowly recover from this pandemic. Many experts and medical personnel have warned that the infection rate may rise, even double or triple the present total numbers of cases. The prolonged pandemic has affected us emotionally, physically, mentally, psychologically and spiritually.

Everyone is worried. Life is scary. We are hoping and praying that the Covid-19 vaccine will protect us from getting sick, but nevertheless, we must face this reality and move on with our lives with the virus living among us. Every one of us must be responsible and pay heed to the SOPs to safeguard ourselves, our family and our community.

 

Our God stands as a sign of hope and He will save us from all these difficulties, sufferings and turmoil. We may attain an answer in due time, but until then, let us continue to fix our eyes on God and be connected with one another. “Our endurance brings acceptance, acceptance brings hope and hope doesn’t disappoint us, for God has poured His love and mercy into our hearts,” (cf. Rom 5: 3-5).

SPIRITUAL SUPPORT, GUIDANCE AND NOURISHMENT

The 30th World Day of the Sick (WDS) was celebrated on 11 February 2022 with the theme - “Be Merciful, even as your Father is merciful,” (Lk 6:36) as chosen by the Holy Father. The WDS always falls in conjunction with The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and this year marks the 160th anniversary of the recognition of the Lourdes apparitions. The WDS was first inaugurated by Saint John Paul II in 1992, who encouraged people to offer prayers, care and concern for all those suffering from various illnesses, as well as their caregivers.  

Pope Francis invites healthcare workers and front liners as signs of merciful hands of the Father to “touch the suffering flesh of Christ” by giving their precious time and service to those who suffer. They need to carry out their duties with love and mercy, and extend their services beyond healthcare responsibilities. “Even when healing is not possible” the Holy Father encourages health caregivers to have “a sense of closeness” and “develop a capacity of listening and relating” to the sick and elderly.

 

The Pope also wishes for all healthcare institutions, palliative care, hospice centres and hospitals to give their greatest service to the sick and to those whom they care for, with genuine love and mercy. He encourages spiritual leaders not to be lacking in their pastoral duties when reaching out to those who are sick and living in isolation, as they require spiritual nourishment too. “I was sick, and you visited me” (cf. MT 25: 36) - when priests administer the Word and Sacraments to the sick, their journey of life will be strengthened, and their faith will grow in maturity.

 

In conjunction with WDS this year, we invited the elderly and the sick of our Parish to a special Mass and Anointing at 11.00am. About 150 parishioners participated in this celebration, coordinated by the Parish leaders. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick was done immediately after the Eucharistic celebration. After receiving the Oil of the Infirm - Oleum Infirmorum - they sat quietly in prayer before leaving the Church premises. Knowing that the sick are at a greater risk, SOP safety measures were strictly adhered to throughout the Mass celebration.

 

Although the number of cases due to the Omicron variant is high, we proceeded with caution and had the anointing of the sick and the elderly in order to provide pastoral care for them - spiritual support, spiritual guidance and spiritual nourishments. We celebrated with the Holy Father’s sentiments to console, affirm and strengthen them spiritually and physically. I am grateful to all family members, BEC coordinators and Parish Action Response Team (PART) for ushering and assisting the elderly and sick members of our Parish, from their homes, to be with us in Church on this WDS.

 

We seek the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, health of the sick - to guide us in our pastoral care for the sick and their family members, so that they may find meaning in their suffering. May they receive consolation and strength from Jesus Christ, her Son - who bears the pain of the world.