EQUIP YOURSELVES TO CELEBRATE EASTER

A group of seven students, led by Professor Mohamad Hasmimie from Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah, visited our Church a week before Ramadhan for an exposure-based study program. We briefed them about the history and establishment of St. Thomas Church Kuantan and discussed the Catholic Church’s understanding of fasting and community service programmes. 

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, and this year, Ramadan began on 12 March. It is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered a time for fasting, worship, charity, good deeds, communal gatherings, and spiritual development in order to purify and cleanse oneself. Fasting during Ramadan is mandatory, and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. If observed diligently and steadfastly, it is considered a blessing. May Allah give all Muslims during this Ramadhan the strength and grace to observe fasting with full determination, and grow with Ramadan values such as forgiveness, kindness, compassion and generosity.

As we enter the Fifth Week of Lent, leading up to Holy Week, we are invited to reflect on how our Lenten penances and good works have helped us in our personal conversion and built upon our relationships with one another. For the past five weeks, we have been practising the three pillars of Lenten observance: prayer, penance, and almsgiving. These pillars help purify and strengthen our love for God and our neighbours. The season of Lent encourages us to live with simplicity and humility.

Do we love each other as deeply as we did at the beginning of our relationship? In our relationships, we all make mistakes and fail to reconcile, which is why we must be patient. Without patience, we may face friction and division in our relationships. Therefore, we should strive to be patient - constantly loving one another, and cultivate a forgiving attitude in the same way God forgives us. Remember, “All of us often make mistakes” (James 3: 2), so let’s be patient with each other and work together to build strong and loving relationships. Making simple and ordinary changes for the sake of our relationship can bring us closer together.

During Lent, remember to be charitable and merciful to those in need, especially the poor. Reach out and find a way to help them. We must persevere and remember the value of prayer in building ourselves up spiritually and mentally. Although failing to meet our Lenten aspirations may feel like a loss, we must not give up. We must remain determined to stay strong and focused, even when obstacles arise. By doing so, we can be confident that we will experience the transformation and renewal that we seek during this holy season. 

This weekend, we are reminded of the psalmist’s plea to God for a pure heart - “A pure heart create for me, Oh God!” (Ps 51: 12). This should be our ultimate goal during this holy season, so that we may be better equipped to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord at Easter.

KEEP PUSHING FORWARD AND NEVER GIVE UP

We are now in the fourth week of the Lent season (Laetare Sunday), and many of us are actively observing the three pillars of Lent: almsgiving (work of charity), fasting (self-denial), and prayer. However, some of us may have lost sight of the spirit of Lent. It is important to remember that Lent is a time of spiritual exercise and self-discipline. We should avoid becoming complacent, and resist slipping back into old habits and behaviours.

During this second half of Lent - which leads us closer to Pascha (Easter) - we focus on purifying our spiritual life. It is a time to engage in spiritual warfare against the forces of evil and “stand firm against the devil, and he will run away from you; come close to God, and He will come close to you,” (James 4: 7-8). As we experience Lent, we remain open to the voice of the Lord and avoid becoming hardened in our hearts, (cf. Ps 95: 8). God will guide us and reveal His presence to us in various ways.

Lent is a time when people often think of giving up something as a form of sacrifice. However, it is important to remember that it is not only about self-denial but also about giving up certain things to benefit others. For instance, we can save money from our meals or beverages and use it to support those in need. While it is beneficial to fast from negative habits such as gossiping, selfishness, anger, arguing, revenge, and using hurtful words, we should also strive to be kind, forgiving, compassionate, and patient towards others. By doing so, we can cultivate positive habits that can have a lasting impact on ourselves and those around us.

The excessive use of electronic devices has become a common issue in today’s world. On average, approximately 30% of adults are constantly online with their gadgets. Studies have also shown that spending 4.5 to 6 hours a day playing video games or watching immoral content on TikTok/YouTube/Facebook can increase the risk of depression, and contribute to other health issues.

Therefore, being more disciplined during Lent and reducing screen time is important. Instead of spending time on devices, it would be better to spend more time on spiritual pursuits such as meditation or daily prayers, and other beneficial activities like getting involved in charitable work. Remember, your time is your most valuable asset, and God would appreciate you using it wisely.

It is common practice during Lent, to give up unpleasant addictions or attitudes as a way of responding to Jesus’ invitation to deny ourselves and be one with His passion. However, it is imperative to continue being disciplined in our daily lives - both spiritually and physically - even after Lent is over. This will help us grow closer to Jesus Christ, become more worthy disciples, and prevent us from slipping back into our old ways of life. Let us strive to live a life of holiness, and remain committed to our spiritual and physical well-being.

EXPERIENCE GOD’S LOVING MERCY

The Psalms have always played a vital role in the prayer of the Church (Breviary) and the Lectionary (Readings for the celebration of Mass), inviting us to reflect daily. Last week, we explored the Psalms that occur in the Lectionary from Ash Wednesday, 1st and 2nd Sunday of Lent in Year B. This weekend, we will take a look at the Psalms that occur from the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and Palm Sunday in Year B.

 

Psalm 19 is a wisdom hymn that is read on the Third Sunday of Lent. It enlightens us about the purity and holiness of the commandments of the Lord, which brings gladness to our hearts. His precepts will never lead us to impurity; instead, they bring happiness, confidence, knowledge, and light to our paths even when we live in darkness. During Lent, we are reminded to keep the Word of God and obey His commandments, which will bring us peace and great reward. As it says in the responsorial psalm, “You, Lord, have the message of eternal life,” (Psalm 19).

 

On the fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday, Psalm 137:1-6 is read. It is a communal lament hymn expressing the sorrows of the Jewish people exiled in Babylon during the 6th century. The Holy City of Jerusalem was destroyed, and the magnificent temple built by King Solomon was left in ruins. Many people lost their loved ones in battle, and homes and homelands were destroyed, making it the lowest point in Israel’s rich history. It is important to remember the good times, even when we feel sad. We should hold onto the many joys and wonderful experiences we have had in the past, as the Psalm says, “Sing to us one of the songs of Zion.” When we read Psalm 137, we are reminded of the song “By the Rivers of Babylon,” which was famously sung by Boney M.

 

On the Fifth Sunday of Lent, we will read Psalm 51, a penitential psalm that echoes, “O God, wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.” The psalmist implores God to wash away our guilt and cleanse us from our sins. Our sins weigh heavily on us and can crush us, but we can be lifted up through God’s mercy. When we ask for forgiveness and repentance from our sins, we shall be granted the joy of salvation through His goodness and grace.

 

On Palm Sunday, as we begin Holy Week, we hear Jesus’ cry from the Cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Ps 22). Jesus experienced a moment of terrible despair, as God placed the sins of the world on His Son, Jesus Christ, who suffered on the Cross for our salvation. During Holy Week, let us ponder on those whom we may have abandoned, rejected or despised, and consider how we can be reunited with them.

 

“If you kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand their ground?” (Ps 130: 3). Let’s walk humbly and meditatively, praying the seven Psalms during Lent because they make us appropriate for repentance of sinners, to experience God’s loving mercy and to draw us closer to Christ Jesus.

LIVE, SERVE AND WITNESS HIM

Many Catholics struggle to maintain their daily prayer routine. They tend to feel more comfortable with devotional prayers like the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and other prayers. Of course, one can continue with one’s preferred prayer methods, as they play a crucial role in one’s personal relationship with God. However, it is also vital to allocate sufficient time to focus on God, particularly through meditation on Scripture, such as daily Mass readings and the Liturgy of the Hours (Praying the Psalms). 

The Psalms are an excellent way to connect with God through prayer. They reflect the deepest emotions of the heart. Particularly during the Lenten season - the six weekends leading up to Easter - certain Psalms are read. These Psalms provide a beautiful way to connect with God through prayer, inspiring us to express our love for Him and ask for forgiveness. For instance, Psalms 51, 25, and 116 are great examples to look at.

On Ash Wednesday - which marks the beginning of the Lenten season - Psalm 51 is recited as a lamentation psalm. David expresses his deep sorrow and regret for his sins in this psalm. It serves as a heartfelt example of repentance, where David acknowledges the weight of his wrongdoings. Through this prayer, we cry out to God to wash away our guilt and sins, and to cleanse us once again. The central prayer of the Psalm is, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10) as we usher into the season of Lent.

On the first Sunday of Lent, the psalmist - in Psalm 25:4 - asks for God’s guidance and teaching, saying, “Make me know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.” This Psalm was written by David, who had sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba. David sought repentance and desired to follow God’s wisdom and direction in life, rather than relying on his own understanding. As we continue our Lenten journey, we, too, need repentance and God’s guidance and seek to help us faithfully observe Lenten traditions of almsgiving, prayer and penance, and keep His commandments.

Psalm 116 is a reminder to put our trust in God, to seek refuge in Him, and to rely on His goodness. As we journey through the Second Sunday of Lent, let us pledge our faithfulness to God, depend on Him, and focus on His goodness. Despite feelings of heaviness and being afflicted in every situation, we must continue to trust Him. Let us be grateful to the living God who delivers us from all distress and gives us strength to walk confidently with Him. As the psalmist says, “I am sorely afflicted,” but we can still “walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living,” (Psalm 116: 9-10).

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us pray the Psalms as a way to express our guilt, distress, struggles, frustrations and anger. Praying the Psalms can be a useful tool to help us release our emotions. When we call upon Jesus, He will respond with, “Here, I am!”  and as we pray, we open our hearts and respond to God’s calling to live, serve and witness Him.

A TIME FOR PERSONAL CONVERSION

The Pope remarked that Lent is “a season of grace”, “a time of conversion,” and “a time of freedom.” He believes that the desert, as the Prophet Hosea describes, can become a place of our first love (cf. Hos 2: 16-17). The desert can also help us mature in our freedom by making “a personal decision not to fall back into slavery. In addition, it can provide us with “new criteria of justice and a community with which we can press forward on a road not yet taken.”

 

Our journey during Lent will be more meaningful if we acknowledge that even today, we are still under the rule of Pharaoh. This rule makes us tired and indifferent to our surroundings, and “the model of growth it offers only divides us, and takes away our future.” However, we must also remember that it is God who takes the first step towards us. Sometimes, we may find ourselves holding onto desires that keep us enslaved, much like “the Israelites were paralysed in the desert.” We must strive to break free from these attachments and embrace the freedom that comes with trusting God.

 

The Pope stated that during the Lenten journey, one has to struggle. However, it is “a time for action and also a time to pause – to pause in prayer to receive the Word of God, and to pause like the Samaritan in the presence of a wounded brother or sister.” He highlighted the importance of “the love of God and the love of neighbour,” which can help us to “cultivate new energies and be more sensitive towards one another.” Instead of perceiving others as a threat or enemy, we “can discover them as companions and fellow travellers.”

 

Pope Francis stated that if we use this Lent as a time for personal conversion, humanity will notice a burst of creativity and a flash of new hope. He called upon the faithful to be ready to take risks and find the courage to see the world as a process of “giving birth”, “giving new hope”, and “new energies”.

 

The synodal form of the Church, which we are rediscovering and cultivating in recent years, indicates that Lent is also “a time of communitarian decisions”. These decisions have the ability to change the daily lives of individuals and entire communities - to change the way we acquire goods, to take better care of the environment, and to strive towards greater inclusion of those who are often overlooked or go unseen.

(An abstract of the message of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for Lent 2024)

On Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes on our foreheads to mark the beginning of the Lenten season. This is a time of preparation leading up to the Easter celebration, which falls on March 31st this year. During Lent - with the help of God’s grace and steadfast spirit - we strive to let go of the attachments that imprison us and break free from our slavery to sin. This allows us to prepare ourselves to experience the Passover from death to life that Easter represents.