ENSURE THAT OUR FAMILIES ENJOY GOD’S FAVOUR

Today, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family by inviting families to live as one holy family in both harmony and peace.  Our Church dedicates this feast at the end of the year for families to look at how we have journeyed and moved as a family in the last one year. The reason for this feast, is also to show the importance of family obligations, relationships and holiness as the basic unit of Christian life and living. 

One of the important Hindu philosophies taught that one is to love and honour their first four instructors in one’s life; which are - “மாதா (matha), பிதா (pitha), குரு (guru), தெய்வம் (thaivam).” In English the phrase translates mother, father, teacher and God. To honour to mother and father have come first in their teachings whereas in Christianity, only the Fourth Commandment speaks about honouring father and mother. In any case, I have always emphasised to our children in Catechism to strictly observe this Fourth Commandment in their lives.

 

The author of the book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) also reminds us that it is not only for children but the commandment is also applicable to us as adults, to honour our parents. Every one of us must be obedient, revere and give a-due respect to our parents and even the elderly folks.  The author also promises that “long life comes to anyone who honour” (Sir 3:6) father and mother. We need to show our tender, love and care for our parents and our children will definitely imitate the example as they grow up and mature up, with more love and care. If we do not treat our parents well, surely the same treatment shall be rendered by the young ones to us. 

When we are obligated in carrying out our duties and responsibilities, then graces will be given to us. Let us learn to be more compassionate, kind and patient towards our parents and which would strengthen our family relationships. As head of our families, we need to guide our children with the Word of God and carefully observe especially the Fourth Commandment as the book Proverb says, “Give a lad a training suitable to his character and, even when old, he will not go back on it,” (Pro 22: 6). When we, as parents, do not read the Word of God and observe God’s commandments, then how are we going to train and teach our children the Christian way of life.  It is the responsibility of parents to live out their faith with reverence and respect for God and train their children the way of God. In turn surely, they will grow gracefully in maturity, wisdom and age (cf. Lk 2:40). 

 

In the Gospel (Lk 2: 22-40), Jesus shows His obedience to His earthly parents - Mary and Joseph - which comes from His obedience to the will of the Father. Jesus grew up in a family and He would have faced all kinds of challenges in many ways like our own children go through in their lives at home, school, college and work place. We just hope that they do not get influenced by the secular world and walk into the wrong direction of their lives.  

 

To enjoy God’s favour and His blessing, we need to place Jesus as the head of our families so that we become more loving, intimate, forgiving and understanding in our relationships. Let us ensure that our families enjoy God’s favour and His blessing as we imitate the Holy Family of Nazareth and nurture within ourselves, the holiness in each one of us and of our families.

CELEBRATE THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

Advent began on 29 November 2020 and we are finally in the Christmas season – a season that will last till 10 January 2021, when we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus. This Christmas is going to be one of mixed-feelings for many because we are still unable to participate in the Eucharistic celebration as Masses continue to be suspended due to the spike in numbers of COVID-19 cases, especially in the Klang Valley. The year 2020 will certainly go down in history as a Christmas without the Eucharistic celebration for those of us in the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese. Hopefully, with God’s mercy and compassion, we will be able to start afresh in 2021. 

For all of us, this Christmas will be different from all other years before, and for many of us, it will be the first time that we are physically absent from Church during Christmas Mass and will not be receiving the Eucharist. Yes! It is going to be an odd sensation for me too, as I celebrate Mass on my own at the main sanctuary of the Church without my congregation. I still remember the feeling I get every Christmas Eve Mass; I always feel overwhelmed, especially when the choir sings the classical melody - “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Unfortunately, the songs of the choir will not be echoing in our Church this year, and our Parishioners will not be able to admire the beautifully decorated Church premises.

 

However, despite the situation and circumstance, we still have to press on with our lives, and remember that the coming of our Saviour is the reason for this season. So, let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas. Celebrate with immediate family at home, praying and thanking God for all His blessings, and remain safe while strictly adhering to the SOPs set by the government.

 

I would like to share some good news with my dearest Parishioners on this Christmas Day. After praying and reflecting recently, I wrote a letter to His Grace Archbishop Julian Leow on 11 December 2020, requesting him to declare the Church of St Joseph, Sentul, a Pilgrim Parish. His Grace was in favour of this and has designated our Parish as a Pilgrim Centre for the Year 2021, in conjunction with the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the declaration of St Joseph as Patron of the Catholic Church by the Holy Father Pope Francis, who recently announced the Year of St Joseph and Plenary Indulgence from 8 December 2020 to 8 December 2021.

 

So, my dear Parishioners, it is going to be another hectic and happening year for us! It will be an opportunity to revamp our Parish and take it to greater heights! Once we start reopening our church for Masses and various activities, I hope Parishioners will be energetic, spirited and motivated to get involved in various ministries, formations and activities. The two key words we need to bear in mind when we launch the Year of St Joseph are, - welcoming and hospitable – especially towards pilgrims. St Joseph has been our Parish Patron since 1908, so let’s continue to pray and imitate the virtues of St Joseph, and through his intercession, may he bring success to the work of our hands.

 

On that note, I would like to wish you all a blessed and holy Christmas. May your lives be filled with God’s good gifts, abundant joy and heaven’s peace. “...the rising Sun has come from on high to visit us, to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow dark as death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79).

A SEASON OF GIVING AND SHARING

A week prior to Christmas, every year, the Parish Integral of Human Development Ministry (PIHDM) of the Church of St Joseph in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, holds the annual School Uniform Campaign cum Christmas gathering for underprivileged local and migrant school children living within the vicinity of Sentul. It has always been the Church’s tradition to support these school children especially during this time of year, as Christmas is a season for giving and sharing.Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Conditional Movement Controlled Order (CMCO), we faced numerous challenges in trying to organise the campaign this year. However, we are thankful to Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Dr. Edmund Santhara, the Deputy Minister of Federal Territories, for his support and generous contribution, which made it possible for us to proceed with this annual school uniform campaign.

Initially, the PIHDM decided to forego the School Uniform Campaign this year due to the pandemic, financial difficulties faced by many including our Parishioners, as well as the suspension of Mass celebrations and gatherings within the Church premises. Fortunately, Dato’ Sri Dr. Edmund Santhara has impelled, encouraged and motivated us to commit ourselves to this outreach. We thank him for his support and kind generosity towards this worthy cause. As we began making preparations for this event, a few other well-wishers have come along to support our project this year.

Dato’ Sri Dr. Edmund Santhara will be officiating the event, bringing Christmas cheer to the underprivileged school children, on Sunday, 20 December 2020 at Dewan Monsignor Anthony Thomas, Church of St. Joseph, Sentul at 11.00am. 

 

Due to the implementation of the CMCO, we have only invited 20 underprivileged school children to attend the event this year. The remaining 230 children will either be given vouchers and directed to the designated shop to redeem their uniforms, or will have their uniforms delivered to them, if they are unable to collect them personally. As per the usual practice, we distribute uniform sets worth RM150 for each student. This consists of two (2) sets of shirts, trousers or pinafores, a school bag, a pair of shoes and stationery.

 

In previous years, the PIHDM would usually organise a fund-raising project by reaching out to our Parishioners for contributions and support towards this meaningful event. Two months before Christmas, the PIHDM would begin their preparations and stage-by-stage fundraising exercise. We encourage Parishioners to “adopt a child” with a minimum RM100 donation, in order to support this event. Our target was to reach out to around 450 - 500 underprivileged children.

One month or so before the distribution of school uniforms, we would invite the children for a fitting session, to determine their uniform and shoe sizes. After purchasing the relevant sets, we would pack these accordingly, in preparation for collection day. The distribution of the Uniform sets is usually held a week before Christmas, and on that day, the children are treated to an afternoon of entertainment, carols, activities, games and fellowship to bring the joy of Christmas into their hearts.

We have successfully carried out this campaign without fail for many years because of the support and contributions of the kind-hearted Parishioners of St Joseph’s Church. In addition to the annual School Uniform Campaign, the PIHDM reaches out to our adoptees (poor families) by providing a monthly provision of essential groceries. These past four years, we have also celebrated World Day of the Poor and Parish Family Day on the third Sunday of November with these families and all our Parishioners.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Dato’ Sri Dr. Edmund Santhara, Datuk Seri Magiln Dennis D’Cruz (Chairman of Persatuan Pembangunan Progresif - PPP Malaysia), the PIHDM committee members, many individuals, sponsors and Parishioners who have worked tirelessly towards the success of this event. As we come to the close of the year 2020, despite the pandemic, we have truly had a fulfilling year working together with one spirit. The year comes to end with another memorable and significant event, as we share the joy of Christmas with those less fortunate than us. We have realised our Parish Mission for the year 2020, “To Embrace the 5Ls (Last, Lost, Least. Little and Lonely)” so let us look forward and walk towards the Year 2021, the Year of Saint Joseph, as announced by the Holy Father Pope Francis, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St Joseph as Patron Saint of the Universal Church.

JESUS IS OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT

We have finally come to the 4th week of Advent, the last week of our preparation for the Christmas celebration. It has so far an unpleasant Spirit of Advent and is a very difficult time of the year for me. I personally didn’t prepare much for this Christmas and hence I don’t have much to say this season, and my reason is primarily because of how COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down many of our spiritual exercises these past 10 months.

In the 1st week of Advent itself, we have started to set up Crib and light up the Church compound with Christmas light. The Christmas Crib was placed at the main gate next to the Shrine of St. Joseph, the Worker. It is meant to make things easier more convenient for people to pay homage at the Crib and leave the Church at once. We placed the figurine of Mother Mary and Joseph inside the Crib on the day of Solemnity of Immaculate Conception of Mary, a day that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, inaugurated the Year of St Joseph – just to mark that day as a special day for us, and also a special year for all of us. 

Fast forwarding, in 5 days’ time, we will be celebrating Christmas - celebration of the Word Made Flesh (Jn 1:14). In today’s Gospel (LK 1: 26-38), Mary has found favour with God. She has chosen to bear to God’s only begotten Son in her womb as she responded - “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to Your word.”

 

When we look at the life of Mary, we can imagine how tough she would have gone through her life when the child was conceived and how God’s Son was brought into the world. She was willing to take risk in her life and her own reputation to carry out the plan God had. Still a human, she was afraid and wondered how this plan but God affirmed her, “Do not be afraid!” Her faith in God’s plan was strong and constant, that she gave all of herself to His will. She was indeed the favoured one.

 

God’s favour came to Mary, because of her simplicity and humility. Through her faith and her “Yes” - the Word became flesh. This is indeed a great example that we can take after, and we need to be like more and more like this wonderful woman. We need to imitate her faith in God, by saying “Yes” in doing God’s favour in all things. Mary chose to submit to His plan by letting go of her own life, and so should we. More of God, Less of me.  In choosing to do God’s favour, our prayers should be - “Here, I am Lord, I come to do your will.” Our willingness and submission to the will of God will open for us, the Grace of God. 

 

As we look closely at the Mother Mary and her response to God’s favour, our faith requires this ongoing submission to God’s plan and conversion of our hearts.  So from now, till Christmas day, let us take a closer look at the life of Mary and how she has responded to God’s invitation and wills, throughout her life as we know.

 

We need to really understand Christmas during this COVID-19 pandemic. It is not how we want to spend on Christmas but rather how are we going to spend Christmas with our families. The holiday season is here and it is very good idea if we stay in, and spend that quality time with our loved ones. With the spirit of humility, let us pray that God’s favour comes upon us as we say - “not my will but yours” and cooperate with His plan by saying “Yes” to Him.

BE JOYFUL AND REJOICE IN THE LORD

3^rd Sunday of Advent – Homily

A close friend of mine has shared with me that he had a recent encounter with one of his siblings after more than 35 years of no contact, over a personal misunderstanding. He spent more than an hour, having a heart to heart talk with his sibling. He added this meeting, this Advent felt very different.  It is very moving!  The season has led his heart to have more concern and care this sibling, like an inner ecstatic rejoicing, as a result of a repaired relationships. As they started to heal, and rebuild block by block, towards a healthier relationship between them, their healing hearts also start radiate and emit the Joy of Christ.

Our Third Sunday of Advent is also always known as “Gaudete Sunday” – to rejoice and be glad because the Lord is near. As we are fast approaching Christmas, it is also time for us to repair any of our broken relationships, roll back all our worries, frustrations and hurt feelings and let GOD be in control of them. Advent season is also that time that gives us an opportunity to undergo another positive transformation. It prepares our hearts to welcome the Lord, again, into our lives, and one of the best way of healing is really to repent for our wrong doings and ask for His intimate forgiveness. Just ask sincerely, “God, I am sorry … forgive me for …”

Truly, it’s a guarantee that this season of Advent, will be extra special, because we make every effort to correct ourselves, and reconcile with our unfinished or unsettled “businesses”. Jesus will be born in our humble abode of our hearts, and the we will definitely feel the fiery joy of Christmas, lighting our paths in our the gloom of our hearts.  

We have arrived the 3rd Sunday of Advent, and John the Baptist shows us the Light and the Light is getting brighter and brighter as we come closer to Christmas. Today’s Gospel (Jn 1: 6-8, 19-28) speaks about the work of John the Baptist calls us “to bear witness to the Light.” Before the arrival of Jesus, people were living in darkness and waiting for the Light. When the Light came into the world, it dispelled the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome the Light. The Light of Christ can never be extinguished from our lives, and with Hope, Love and Jesus, the Light of our lives penetrates sharply and overcomes our spiritual darkness, and shining our paths, so that we may walk in the Light of Truth. That way, we can always see where we are walking, and hopefully reduce our slips, trips and falls.    

One of our life purposes, is to search for happiness. From time to time, we lose this happiness in our lives because we left the main highway, and pursue worldly things. We easily pick up bad habits and be distracted from our main highway to the Heavens, and before we know it – we are back in the dark cold surrounding.  Guess what, that could be temporary – and we can discipline ourselves and get back to the main road, by dropping unhealthy attitudes and behaviour. Push away our pride, selfishness – instead make way for humility and charitable heart. That way, you reopen that door in your hearts and let the joy of Christ, radiate back into our lives. It is hard and not easy, but it’s definitely doable, letting go and let God! Jesus will bring with Him, gifts of inner peace and joy, and that state of feeling safe?  That’s Jesus, and no one can and will separate us.

Therefore, we should always be joyful and rejoice in the Lord, (1 Thess 5: 16-24), and pray unceasingly. Pray today that we may have the courage to straighten up those rough, rocky and rugged spots in our lives and make way for the Christmas Light to shine strong and bright in our lives. Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice!

RENEW OUR FIDELITY TO PRAYER

On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (8 Dec 2020), the Holy Father, Pope Francis, released his Apostolic Letter “Patris Corde” (With a Father’s Heart) to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church in 1870. This year, the Holy Father has declared “The Year of Saint Joseph” commencing from 8 December 2020 until 8 December 2021, as a year of Plenary Indulgence.

The Holy Father has always had a special admiration for St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church. On 1 May 2013, under his Supreme Pontiff, he included the name of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the Eucharistic Prayer II, III and IV. In 1962, Pope John XXIII had already included St Joseph’s name in the Eucharistic Prayer I. Pope Francis has popularised the devotion to the Sleeping St Joseph, and he has placed a statue of the same on his desk for decades.

 

The Holy Father issued a decree on granting special indulgences to those suffering from COVID-19, health care workers, family members and many others “with prayer and good works, to obtain, with the help of St Joseph,” during the year of St Joseph. Since our Parish is dedicated to St Joseph, I would like to invite our Parishioners to make plenary indulgences with a spirit of detachment from sin, as well as participation in all events, activities and formations in our Parish. St Joseph has always been our Patron and a prominent figure for us. He stands as a great model of humility, kindness and simple virtues of life to exemplify the Christian faith. We should do our best to observe plenary indulgences throughout the Year of St Joseph by doing an act of charity, for example, by following the spirit of the Good Samaritan through spiritual and corporal works of mercy within our community, as well as society at large. We should encourage one another to discover and rediscover the values of St Joseph – namely, as a “beloved, tender and obedient father, a dignified, respectful and joyful worker” in our lives.

 

After faithfully and successfully completing our three-year Parish Vision - “Committing Ourselves to New Evangelisation” (2018-2020), I was thinking about what, the next vision and mission for the year 2021 could possibly be? The announcement of the Holy Father about the Year of St Joseph and the Plenary Indulgence, has inspired me and given me hope and direction in my Parish ministry for the year 2020/2021.

 

During this year of plenary indulgence, we, as the Parish community of St Joseph, should strive to be more hospitable in welcoming pilgrims, including people of other faiths to our Parish. As we walk passionately with St Joseph throughout the year, surely, we will “rediscover our filial relationship with the Father, to renew fidelity to prayer, to listen and correspond with profound discernment to God’s will.” 

 

The plenary indulgence is also granted to us when we commit ourselves to be more devoted to “love and prayer” just as it was in the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary and Joseph). We read the Holy Scripture, recite the Holy Rosary and various devotional prayers daily to St Joseph - for protection from all dangers, in all our sufferings, illness, rejection and distress. In the midst of the on-going Covid-19 crisis, the plenary indulgence is also granted to the sick, elderly, migrants, refugees, the dying, the homeless, and health care workers, as we seek the intercession of St Joseph, offering them to Jesus Christ. To start with, I encourage all Parishioners to read and discuss the document “Patris Corde” with your family or BECs.

 

As Parishioners, let us commit ourselves to praying faithfully - seeking the intercession of St Joseph - that he may obtain God’s blessings upon us and our families, as we make our journey together during the Year of St Joseph.

 

Enclose here is another prayer to St Joseph, added by the Holy Father at the conclusion of his Apostolic Letter, encouraging us to pray together:

 

Hail, 

Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.

 

Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.

Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.

MAKE A SINCERE CONVERSION

Second Sunday of Advent (B) 2020 - Homily

The Gospel of Saint Mark (MK 1: 1-8) explains to us that Saint John the Baptist, who was the last prophet sent by God, preached on a conversion and a radical change of life. John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah, warned that he has come to “Prepare a way for the Lord, making his paths straight.” How did he perform? He fulfilled that mission with his integrity.

St. Mark tells us that “John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” We being in the second Sunday of Advent, invites us for repentance and conversion. The Lord wants us to acknowledge and repent from our sins in preparation for the arrival of the Saviour into our lives this Christmas once again. It is a great time for us to make the genuine conversion and create a room and space for the good Lord to come in, by taking the example of John the Baptist. We can make this Advent season as a way for a true repentance.

 

We have 2 more weekends to celebrate Christmas with our families and communities. It is a right time to make our ways and paths straight from all the crooked ways. Let us not lose our sense of direction, a journey towards the nativity of the Lord. We need to let go whatever sins that are holding us and preventing us from coming closer to Jesus’ heart. 

 

We allow the Spirit of Lord to penetrate into our hearts and it’s also be our desire to empty ourselves from sins that is holding us back, disallowing Jesus to truly embrace us with His love. Let the love of Jesus alone live in the depths of our hearts.

 

During this COVID-19 pandemic, the global faces lots of challenges and trials; and people do get emotionally disturbed and physically exhausted, while waiting for the world to be healed from this deadly virus. We are really in the difficult time. We do not know whether we will be coming back to Church like the usual, and how we will miss the Christmas and New Year Masses, like the good ole days!!! We just hope and stay at peace till 20 December 2020, until the uplifting from CMCO to RMCO so that we are able to come back for the Christmas celebration in the Church once again.

 

Till then, let us make a sincere conversion and repentance as a preparation to come back to Church to celebrate Jesus in Eucharist, as communities this Christmas. Let us examine ourselves as we prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus back into our lives.

 

“LORD, let us see Your kindness and grant us Your salvation.” (Ps 85).

STAY COMMITTED BY REMAINING IN PRAYER

The Holy Father’s intention for the month of December is prayer. Through a life of prayer, “we change reality, we change our hearts.” He insists on us entering into dialogue with the Father through prayer because Jesus Himself never neglected his intimate dialogue with the Father. Prayer not only leads us closer to God the Father but through prayer we listen to Jesus, contemplate Jesus, we speak to Him as a friend and He transforms us. 

Pope Francis also stated that prayer and mission of the Church are “indissolubly united.”  Prayer not only nurtures our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but it also leads us on the mission of the Church. He summed up that “the mission of the Church is at the service of the challenges of the world, and it is not possible without prayer.” Our hearts change when we pray, and we can do many things when we are constantly in prayer. Prayer is essential for mission, it is the heart which opens us to love. When we are in the depths of prayer, it yields “thirty, sixty, and even a hundred-fold” (MK 4:20). In this season of Advent, we should constantly develop our personal relationship with Jesus, and by our life of prayer, we carry out our mission of the Church “to live a life of love,” (2 Jn: 6). 

 

We observe the season of Advent as a time of expectant waiting and a preparation for the celebration of the Incarnation - “the Word became Flesh and dwelt among us,” (John 1:14). Through Advent prayers we connect with God’s love and seek his assistance to make our hearts ready to receive the gift of His Son once again this Christmas. Prayer helps us to clear the path in our hearts from all kinds of distractions that hinder us from experiencing the presence of Jesus in our lives. Very often we give up our prayer life when we face destruction. When we don’t pray during difficult times, we become hardened and insensitive and it diminishes our spiritual life.

 

Many priests and spiritual directors have asked me about my prayer life. I don’t always give my best in cultivating my prayer habits especially with the Liturgy of the Hours (Breviary). Since early priesthood, I always spend time praying in my room. Initially, I prayed in my parish office, but often I got distracted either with my works or pastoral duties. I realised whenever I carried out my prayer sessions in my office, somehow this would be abruptly stopped or interrupted with other commitments. I know I always give priority to my pastoral duties rather than spiritual aspects. I always choose to work which is easier for me rather than to pray. That is the reality that I observe in my priestly life. However, the Holy Father has reminded me through his intention, that I need to change this reality of my prayer life being overshowed by my pastoral duties. I pray that I will have a change of heart - to be able to pay more attention to my prayer life, rather than being constantly engaged with pastoral commitments.

 

During this Advent season, a season of prayer, I hope everyone of us pays more attention to prayer - as a gift of God - as we prepare to welcome the coming of His Son Jesus once again into our hearts and homes. Our faith and belief tell us that God wants to be with us (MT 28:20) and stay with us always (LK 24: 29). Although prayer is a struggle for everyone, we must make a conscious effort especially during this time of year. Despite all that is weighing us down, stay committed by remaining in prayer, as we open wide our hearts to welcome Him into our lives.

OUR ADVENT JOURNEY BEGINS

We begin the season of Advent on 29 November 2020 with four themes, one for each week, leading up to Christmas – Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The 1^st Sunday of Advent will mark the beginning of the new liturgical year for 2020/2021.

The moment we enter these beautiful and exciting seasons – Advent and Christmas, we hear the most spiritually uplifting hymns and carols. These are the hymns and carols we hear once a year. During Advent, at almost every mass, we sing the hymn “O, Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, which has lyrics that are so soothing, peaceful and heartening. When we pay attention to the lyrics, it creates an atmosphere of worship and joy. This COVID-19 pandemic may dampen our atmosphere of worship and joy for the upcoming celebration and fellowship of Christmas. Due to the unprecedented, uncertainty of this global crisis, we may have a quieter celebration, just among our immediate family members at home.

 

Advent is the season of expectant waiting before Christmas. Advent is not a penitential season, unlike Lent – a period of self-denial, fasting and penance. It is not Christmas yet but we need to pay attention to the Advent - a period of penitential practices – a time to repent. When we now reflect on our journey during previous seasons of Advent, we realize that we placed a lot of importance on the commercial aspects of Christmas. We view this season as a season of preparation for feasting, shopping, parties, holidays, decorating the Christmas tree and putting together the nativity set for the celebration on 25 December.

 

I invite everyone to fully focus on the themes of Advent which already exist in the readings for Advent. It is a crucial time to reflect on our relationship with God, a time to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus. As we pay attention to the hymns, lyrics, readings, let us keep in mind the poor and needy, those less fortunate than us, and how we can make a difference and make room for them in our Christmas celebration. Let’s make a promise to do better to amend our sinful life as we await with great expectation the coming of the Lord.

 

No matter what is happening around us during this global crisis, we make room for the real meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus once again in our hearts and our homes. I encourage you to take every opportunity to focus on the readings and meditate upon them daily. It will also be good just to list down the hymns for this Advent and Christmas seasons and use them during your individual or family prayers. We too can light candles on the wreath at home until Christmas to proclaim the Child Jesus born of Mary is the Son of God, (LK 2: 9). As we make spiritual progress throughout the season of Advent, do cultivate your spiritual journal writing each day which will orientate you to stay focused on the mystery of the Incarnation - “the Word became flesh, and lived among us,” (Jn 1:14).

 

In these challenging times, whether we face loneliness, financial or job stress, grief, illness, etc., just be extra thankful to God this Advent and He will give us courage, faith and hope to carry us through the toughest of times. Let’s prepare ourselves well, both in heart and mind, for Christmas.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE COMING OF CHRIST

1^st Sunday of Advent - Homily 

The Gospel on this first Sunday of Advent invites us to “Stay Awake!”

 

During my seminary days, we began our morning prayer at 6am, followed by meditation for 30-minute and then we proceeded to the celebration of the Eucharistic. Each time when I enter into meditation I would always doze off, quite often. I tried to keep a discipline of staying awake, but failed many times. It took few years for me to learn the art of meditation. I cannot say that I am already a master at it but to date, I still struggle to stay awake. Each of these times, I would be feeling guilty for still not being responsible and serious with my prayer life and mediation. Frequently I had reminded myself to stay awake and not to fall into sleep during mediation.

 

It is indeed very in sync with today’s Gospel (MK 13: 33-37), “Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.” Jesus reminds us to stay and be active in our faith. He wants us to be ready and awake by building on a living our relationship with Him.

 

As we begin our journey in this season Advent - a time of new beginning for each of us - the Lord reminds us that we need a new beginning, by staying awake in our faith and to make our faith active and very much alive. We realise that our faith can be diminishing from time to time, and during those time, you needed to try to remind yourself to “wake up from our sleep”, be active and alive in our faith, and increase and improve the quality of our prayers/conversation with God. 

 

We don’t know when our Master will come. In case, He comes suddenly, He might find us asleep and not on guard for Him. Jesus warns us not to be sleeping. Therefore, stay awake and the Lord has a plan, a fitting and best plan, coming our ways. We must trust Him on that.

 

The season of Advent is a season of awaiting that prepares us to welcome the Mystery of the Word became Flesh (Jn 1: 14). Soon, we will be celebration the birth of Jesus, yet again. In the midst of all the distractions and indifference that run daily in our lives, our hearts and minds must be constantly be inspired in preparation for the birth of Jesus. Let us not sleep on guard, letting our daily busy lives distract us from our focus on the Lord, but continue to keep praying and converse with Jesus, reeling back our faith, so that our eyes will continuously be opened and be on guard. Jesus will come back, and He will come back at the most unexpected time. Stay Awake!

JESUS, THE KING OF OUR HEARTS

(Last Sunday in Ordinary Time - Homily)

There was a kingdom divided into two by a river. All the shrines, temples and worship places were situated in the east coast of the kingdom.  The king of the kingdom’s palace was located in the east coast. Whereas in the west coast of the kingdom was mainly covered with hills and forests. One day the king had decided to move his palace together with his staff to the west side. This had made his people curious as to why. They insisted the king to stay on the east because there wasn’t much life in the west side. The king with humble heart expressed, “I have to move to the west side regardless if there is life or not, because there shouldn’t be another lord or king in the same place. This puzzled the people. He explained that here were a lot of shrines and temples in the east and there was already one supreme lord and who is already reigning the kingdom. He was referring to Supreme God, who was ruling the hearts of the people in the east, and he realised he was not above Him. As an earthly king, with humble heart, he decided to move to the west.

On this Solemnity of Jesus Christ, the King of Universe, invites us to reflect on the Kingship of Christ and our words and actions must reflect His Kingship and to be rich in our good works. Jesus Christ is our King, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and “He exists before all things and in Him all things hold together,” (Col 1: 17), who rules our hearts and minds. 

 

The Lord Jesus, King of the Universe doesn’t rule His Kingdom through violence and wars. There is no place for violence in His Kingdom but He rules with peace, justice and love. Jesus is different from any earthly king and He doesn’t have any interest in political power but He turned His Kingship into servanthood. We are not called to be kings but to be true “servant leaders” taking the footstep of Christ the King. Jesus “served with a heart of a king but He ruled His people with the heart of a Servant,” one who has His people’s interests above His own.

 

Jesus Christ, the King of Love, rules over all the earth till today with a heart of forgiveness and mercy, compassion and love in His service. “For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed Me; sick and you visited Me; in prison and you came to see Me,” (Matt 25: 35-36). In today’s Gospel, we identify Jesus in the poor, the needy, in marginalised, homeless, the lonely, naked, prisoner, etc. Do we identify them as how Jesus does?

 

The earthly kings, and their kingships and their kingdoms are only for certain periods of time but Jesus’ Kingship and His Kingdom are for ever because He rules with mercy, forgiveness, compassion and love. Hence, every one of us will be judged when we carry out the simple works of mercy accordingly. When we recognised these people with the heart of forgiveness and mercy, compassion and love, we have found Jesus in our lives. We see the face of Jesus when we care for them.

 

In a few short weeks, we will be celebrating Christmas and as we enter the season of Advent, a season of awaiting for the coming of King, the King of peace, let us open doors of our hearts and welcome, humbly, His majesty and His glory. 

 

Christ Jesus Victor, Christ Jesus Ruler! 

Christ Jesus, Lord and Redeemer!

BRING HOPE TO OUR FAITH

We have come to the end of our liturgical year for 2019/2020, with the Solemnity of the Feast of Christ the King this weekend. The season of Advent begins on 29 November 2020, with the new liturgical year and after four Sundays of Advent, we will be celebrating Christmas. 

Looking back on these past nine months, I feel very sad and disheartened, as most of our scheduled activities and events were disrupted due to COVID-19. Over the months, we were deprived of celebrating the Sacraments and involvement in Church formations and activities. I believe this year will pass by and leave us with a lot of bitter-sweet memories.

 

This new normal way of life, wherein we have to ensure adherence to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in everything we do, will go on until scientists and researchers find a vaccine for the virus. In fact, a few countries have predicted that a vaccine will be made available by the end of the year or early next year. We just have to wait patiently.

 

Initially, our Parish had planned quite a number of formations, activities and events for this year in line with our Parish’s Vision - “Committing Ourselves to New Evangelisation.” Sadly, everything got stalled due to the pandemic, and I guess that it has left a negative impact on our spiritual growth, as well as our physical, financial and emotional well-being.

 

We are still living in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic and life has become uncertain in many ways. However, we will continue to reflect on the same Parish Vision during the season of Advent even though we have journeyed with this vision for the past three years. The Parish Council members will look into various spiritual aspects of our Parishioners, especially on formations, renewal of our family life and providing opportunity for the youth to encounter Christ. As we continue in the same direction of “New Evangelisation”, we hope Parishioners will bring the essential elements and values of the Church into their own lives. Let’s be aware of our commitment to convey the joy of the Good News during this time of trials, and at the same time, bring hope to our faith, and light into our lives. 

 

Many of our Parishioners have enquired as to how this pandemic will affect the Church in the future. We truly cannot predict the enforcement of restrictions, but we need to remain hopeful and vigilant, preparing for the reopening of our Church doors, hopefully before Christmas. We have to keep our momentum going. I believe that as Advent approaches, we should keep our focus on the themes of each week - HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE - and that will lead us with confidence and conviction towards Christmas. When we do that, we may be able to experience a new birth, new spirit, and a renewed spiritual life, family life and community life, as well. We should not lose our enthusiasm, and instead, we should continue to pray for the courage to grow and glow in the spirit. Let’s continue to pray the Rosary, asking Our Mother Mary, with whom God prepared the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ, to intercede for us and for our Church.

BE THAT ENTHUSIASTIC STEWARD

(33^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Homily)

After the passing of our beloved late Cardinal Soter Anthony Fernandez, many Catholics and non-Catholics conveyed their tributes expressing their happiness, feelings, emotions, note of appreciations and praising of his accomplishments, etc. In fact, on November 1^st, 2020, Herald: The Catholic Weekly, our local publication has published on the front page with the headline - “We Have A Great Intercessor In Heaven”. In this issue, many of his works and deeds were highlighted, and also his faithfulness and fruitfulness in his ministry as a priest, Bishop, Archbishop and finally as a Cardinal since 1966.

He had fulfilled his mission that God had entrusted to him as His servant and fellow worker in His vineyard for 54 years. I remember once when I came back from overseas, and I met him at a Monthly Clergy Recollection, he congratulated and quietly whispered to me, “I don’t have any degree or qualification, but I have completed faithfully the mission that Christ entrusted to me in His Church.” He had retired as an Archbishop then.

 

Yes! No doubt, he faithfully carried out the mission of God and mission of the Church in Peninsular Malaysia which had been entrusted to him till the end of his life as a true fellow servant of God in His vineyard. Without any tertiary qualification in education, he recognised and acknowledged God given talents, gifts, charism and the part that he had to play throughout His ministry. Today, the Church and the World can put our two thumbs up together and say, “Well done, you good and faithful servant!”

 

In today’s Parable of the talents (Matt 25: 14-30), Jesus illustrates that we each have a different part to play in the Kingdom of God. God has entrusted us as His servants to serve one another and His Kingdom on Earth as good stewards by using our talents, gifts and charism. In the Gospel, we see the three of them with different talents and each was given according to their capabilities and use them till their Master returns.

 

In our life, talents are referred as skills, gifts or capabilities. Some of us claimed that God did not give us any gift or talents. This is absolutely not true. All of us have been blessed with an enormous amount of talents and gifts to use in our lives. We need discover and rediscover those talents and gifts and invest them in our lives and ministries. We should not be afraid of using them in the way that God has led us to and invest them lavishly in serving the Kingdom of God. That’s what those gifts are actually for.

 

As a follower of Christ, we must be sincere in our stewardships by using our talents, gifts and potential into God’s plan. When the Lord arrives, he will praise us for our enthusiasm, faithfulness and efforts. We should not like the third servant who received one talent did not succeed because he didn’t utilise his potential instead he showed his wickedness and laziness.

 

The talents are not only for our own use but for benefit of others and for the growth of Kingdom of God. When we use them faithfully and successfully, surely on the last day, when God returns He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” 

 

Let us not compare ourselves with others or we bury the gifts within ourselves but let’s together be committed to use them for our families, in our work places, communities or nation. We go and play our different roles, and parts, for the greater Glory of God

OUTSTRETCHED HANDS

In 2017, Pope Francis declared the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time as World Day of the Poor (WDP). This year the Church will observe its fourth WDP on 15 November 2020. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has chosen the theme: “Stretch Forth Your Hand to the Poor” (Sir 7:32) and in his message, the Holy Father invites everyone “to keep their gaze fixed on the poor, especially during this global crisis.”

Pope Francis reminds us that “time devoted to prayer cannot be a reason for us to neglect our neighbour in need.” In relation to this, I remember reading about St Vincent De Paul (whose feast day falls on 27 September) saying that service to the poor has to be performed without any delay. When we set time for prayer and a poor man in need knocks at our door, do not hesitate to reach out to him. Rest assured that God is actually not neglected, nor our prayers interrupted, by our service to the poor. When we abandon our prayer session abruptly in order to assist the poor, our outreach is a continuation of that prayer. In other words, charity should always take precedence over anything else in our lives. That is why the Holy Father says “prayer to God and solidarity with the poor and suffering are inseparable.” In whatever circumstance, we should not neglect our service to the poor and we should always be in solidarity with them, especially during this pandemic.

 

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase across the world, we are constantly being challenged economically, financially, politically and socially. In this time of trial, it is really tough to keep our gaze fixed on the service to the poor. The Holy Father stresses that we should not be selfish, but instead he reminds us that “generosity that supports the weak, consoles the afflicted, relieves suffering and restores dignity to those stripped of it, is a condition for a fully human life.” We should not be indifferent towards the poor. Our eyes should always become capable of gazing at the goodness in them.

 

Pope Francis acknowledged the many “outstretched hands” in the form of front-liners (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, priests, volunteers, etc.) who have been caring for patients day and night during this difficult time. The Holy Father reminded us that “now is a good time, as we need each other to be an “outstretched hand” and “revive our sense of responsibility for others and the world.”

 

As we reflect on the WDP theme for this year, the Holy Father “challenges the attitudes of those who prefer to keep their hands in their pockets and to remain unmoved” instead of stretching out their hands to the poor. He warned against all those who have their hands outstretched, only to accumulate money in wrong and unpleasant ways. 

 

Pope Francis concludes his message by saying that our ultimate goal in life, is to love, and nothing should distract or separate us from this. He added that the outstretched hands can be enriched by “a smile, which is something that we can share with the poor and is a source of love and a way of spreading love,” as Christ’s disciple. Mary, the Mother of the Poor, always understands the difficulties and suffering of the poor. We too, are called to pray for them and to pray for the grace to enable us to outstretch our hands for their needs.

 

(Extract from the Holy Father, Pope Francis’ message on the 4th World Day of the Poor 2020)

Photo: 2019