GROW AND GLOW IN THE VIRTUES

e-Pilgrimage - Thanksgiving Mass (Homily)

We began the e-Pilgrimage via live streaming on 23^rd January 2021 from the Church of St. Joseph, Sentul, KL. We took a nine-day journey with the Evening Prayer (Vespers), Novena and Litany to St. Joseph in front of the Blessed Sacrament and followed Benediction. Today, we end with a Thanksgiving Mass in honour of St. Joseph. 

In the old days, 23^rd January was known as a liturgical celebration of Holy spouses of Mary and Joseph or the betrothal of Mary and Joseph since 1400. Officially, in 1989, permission was granted to celebrate 23^rd, with liturgical rank as a Feast Day. I only realised the Oblates of St Joseph celebrate the Feast of Holy Spouse, after we have started the e-Pilgrimage.  This is no doubt, how appropriate that we started on our e-pilgrimage, together. It is really good information to all of us.

Before I came to this Parish, I only pray to St. Joseph twice in a year - the first is on the Solemnity to St. Joseph, the husband of Mary (19^th March) and the second is on the feast of St. Joseph, the Worker (1^st May). I only know very little of St. Joseph. Since I was posted to this parish, I started to study his works and character, and eventually started admiring him to the point that I invoke his intercessions, quite very often. I have placed St. Joseph, in a special place in my heart and devoted to him. When the Holy Father, Pope Francis has declared the Year of Plenary for the Year of St Joseph this year, I was quite excited to find out.

I am sure, after a-9-day of e-Pilgrimage and novena to the amazing generous St. Joseph in this month of January, I hope you too, will place him in a special place in your heart and your home. I believe you too gradually will have a devotion for him. I also believe that the time has arrived for you and I, to consecrate ourselves to him. Consecrating to him means to “acknowledge him as our spiritual father” and “acquire his virtues” in our lives.

The Holy Father, on this Year of Plenary Indulgence through St Joseph, has highlighted 7 virtues in his Apostolic Letter with the theme entitled - “With A Father’s Heart (Patris Corde). 

-       A beloved father

-       A tender and loving father

-       An obedient father

-       An accepting father

-       A courageous father

-       A working father

-       A father in the shadows.

These virtues do not only apply to ALL fathers but for everyone to reflect, in our own lives.  In the first place we need to get to know St. Joseph and hopefully to “fall in love” with him and his works, and finally to practice the work of indulgences that speaks out to our hearts. On this year of Plenary Indulgence, we can obtain the indulgence, by being free from “all attachment to sin”. We also need to engage in the works of mercy so that we will be free from temporal punishment due for sin, (Code of Canon Law, no. 992).

In this, it is an opportunity to all of us to bring our faith to greater heights, as we walk in the footsteps of St. Joseph in our lives, as our spiritual father, once we consecrate ourselves to him.  Let us grow in his virtues and constantly invoke his intercession as we bring Jesus to one another.

Today, our Church celebrates the Catechetical Sunday. For parents and teachers, it is an opportunity to reflect on our dedication and on our responsibilities to share the faith knowledge and teaching of the Church with our children. It has come to almost a year of teaching online. I must say that it is very much different method of teaching compare to our physical class attendance and I believe that most of us have learned to adjust and adapt with this digital technology as today’s way of teaching and educating. 

Today’s responsorial psalms echoes, “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Teachers and parents, let’s not harden our hearts but listen to His voice and to be more responsible sowers and planters of seed of faith in the hearts of our catechism children.

In the meanwhile, for most of you who had experienced the e-pilgrimage to this Pilgrim Centre - Church of St. Joseph, do come and see this church in person and partake in a Thanksgiving Mass to this remarkable Saint, once lock downs are lifted.  

St. Joseph, Patron of the Catholic Church, pray for us!

OUR WORK OF NEW EVANGELISATION

Since Saturday (23 January 2021) St. Joseph’s Church, Sentul started a nine-day e-Pilgrimage with the Liturgy of the Hour - Evening Prayer (Vespers), Novena to St. Joseph, Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament via a YouTube link, available through the Church’s website.

On Sunday, 31 January 2021 the e-Pilgrimage will conclude with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Church. I would like to personally thank Shaun Paiva, Augustine Gerad, Dhivien Raj and Leonard Paiva for their time and assistance in broadcasting this e-Pilgrimage for the Year of St. Joseph, as part of our Parish’s January programme.

 

We will continue with more e-Pilgrimages as well as other spiritual events for February and March 2021, as a part of our preparation for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary on 19 March 2021. The 33-day preparation will be a spiritual journey for us all, and it will commence on 15 February 2021. There will be online activities and Parishioners can sign-up to join, via email. Through this spiritual programme of preparation and consecration to St. Joseph, we will discover more about him - his virtues and his paternal love for us, as our spiritual father.

 

For most of us, meeting in-person has been a near impossibility as the current pandemic has kept all of us from attending gatherings and activities in the Church and elsewhere. Once the authorities relax the MCO and CMCO, then we may possibly be able to invite Parishioners and the faithful to come and pay homage to St. Joseph at our Parish in Sentul, as our Parish has been dedicated a Pilgrim Centre.

However, till then, we will be busy and occupied with setting up the “House of St Joseph and Carpentry Workshop” in our Church’s courtyard, with assistance from the youth of the Church of Jesus Caritas, Kepong (Norman Bismer, Lorette Sylvia, Michelle Ann, Kamini Diana, Shaun Jerad). I was impressed with the Christmas Crib they built in their Parish last year, and that is why I invited them to build a house for St Joseph in our exhibition centre. We are also in the midst of setting up and collecting information for “St. Joseph’s Exhibition Centre” and while waiting for the Church to re-open its doors to Parishioners, we will continue to give our service and virtually display some of the exhibits, online.

St. Joseph has been accompanying our journey of faith since 1908. We have come to understand him in many ways and now, the time has come for us to consecrate ourselves to him and to know his wonders, as our Patron and spiritual father, especially during this year of St. Joseph. We will continue to keep our special devotion and attention to him throughout the year.

Parishioners of St. Joseph have been journeying with the vision: “Strengthening Our Faith Community” from 2015-2017. After strengthening faith of our families and community, we took ourselves to another level, with the vision: “Committing Ourselves to New Evangelisation” from 2018-2020. 

 

This year we bring our spiritual life and our parish to greater heights, as we take a year-long journey in line with the 150th Anniversary of St. Joseph, Patron of the Catholic Church and the Year of Plenary Indulgence, as focused on by our Holy Father, Pope Francis. 

 

Therefore, our Parish Vision and Mission for the 2021: 

CONSECRATING OURSELVES TO ST. JOSEPH IN THE WORK OF NEW EVANGELISATION.

 

St. Joseph, Patron of the Catholic Church, pray for us!

INTERCEDE AND GUARD US, WE PRAY

We are already three weeks into 2021, and yet our usual momentum and routine aren’t quite back to normal. Some of us may have expected the beginning of 2021 to be a fresh and spirit-filled start, but unfortunately it looks like there is going to be trying times ahead still, - at least for the first half of the year. The COVID-19 pandemic seems to be continuously bringing trials and hardships in our lives – physical, emotional, financial and even spiritual.

Currently, the wave of infections has rocketed nationwide, with an alarming 4-digit figures being reported daily! The Movement Control Order (MCO) has been implemented in every state in our country. We empathise with all the front-liners and their families, as they risk their lives to help those in need. The Minister of Health (MOH) is working hard to flatten the curve, and we know that all of them are very exhausted!

Despite all the efforts, the deadly virus is just spreading within our communities, and many are doubtful that the vaccine will be a solution to this global crisis. Almost everyone we know, seems to be putting their hands together, praying for God’s intervention to save the world from this pandemic. I always seek the intercession of my most favourite saints - Beloved Mother Mary and her most chaste spouse, St Joseph, to intercede and guard all of us and our families from this deadly infection.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis has declared Year 2021 as the Year of St Joseph - a celebration of the Patron Saint of the Universal Church. The world right now, is in dire need of his intercessions during this global crisis. When our Parish of St Joseph, Sentul was officially declared a Pilgrim Centre for this year, I drew up some plans for a few events for the next three months. However, looking at the current spike in the numbers of COVID-19 cases, I have a strong feeling that over the next 3 - 6 months we will still not be able to be physically present in Church for Masses and / or other activities. It would be highly unlikely that everything will be back to normal soon, and as such we need to deal with this reality as best we can.

After contemplating and reflecting on the current situation, I have now instead, plans for some spiritual exercises via live broadcast. Here they are:

a)    As a closing of the month of January 2021, we will pray the Evening Prayer (Vespers) and Litany to St Joseph for 30 minutes each day starting from 23 - 31 January 2021. We will conclude it with a Thanksgiving Mass on 31 January 2021 at 5pm.

b)   In February, we will be entering into the season of Lent starting with Ash Wednesday on 17 February 2021. We will broadcast live another spiritual exercise, commencing on the 1^st Sunday of Lent (21 February 2021).

c)  An online session on the Acts of Consecration to St Joseph for 33 days, which will commence on 15 February and end on the Solemnity of St Joseph, the Husband of Mary on 19 March 2021. I hope these 33-days of preparation will bring the spirituality of St Joseph into your lives.

d)   Before we begin Holy Week, we will have another session on the Virtues of St Joseph and his spirituality, reflecting mainly on the Apostolic Letter of the Holy Father, Pope Francis on “Patris Corde”(With the Father’s Heart).

As we journey in this Year of St Joseph, I hope and pray that the live broadcasts over the next three months gives you more insight and blessings upon you and your family.

St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church - pray for us and for an end to this pandemic.

LIVING OUT THE WORD OF GOD DAILY

3^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (homily)

It is almost coming to a year that I have not preached or proclaimed the Word of God from the pulpit during Mass. To prepare and even to deliver a homily, to date, it is not an easy task for me. It still creates some tension and pressure to prepare for it. After that, the stress will just leave and replaced by immense relief and peace of mind. A little hush hush, it is more difficult especially when it comes to the themes on repentance and forgiveness.  However, since it is a part of my priestly ministry, I always prepare a little bit further by spending more time in prayer. It’s always then that God always stretches His hand out to me and gives me the strength, to proclaim His Words, faithfully.

This Sunday’s Gospel speaks about Jesus, beginning His public ministry. He went to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel, inviting people to repent and believe in the Gospel. Repentance is not just about being feeling sorry, regret, shame, penitence or remorse, but it  is also about accepting or responding to the Word of God, ponder them in our hearts and act on conversations that we have with God. When we faithfully accept these Word of God, it opens and patiently transforms our hearts and, in His time, changes our outlook. It constantly renew our commitments in our words, thoughts and actions in our lives.

We celebrate the annual observance of the 3^rd Sunday of Ordinary Time as “Sunday of the Word of God,” a Sunday that we focus our hearts and minds in reading and studying, reflecting and putting into practice the Word of God in our daily lives. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Letter, “Aperuit Illis”, no.2, suggests  to us, “a day devoted to the Bible should not be as a yearly event but rather a year-long event, for we urgently need to grow in our knowledge and love of the Scripture and of the Risen Lord…” who reveals His Mystery of Salvation in His words, sacraments and all events in our lives. 

When we turn away from sinning, then the way we think about God and the way of our lives will fall naturally in a right way, in the correct way, i.e. towards God. The Word of God has the power to change our minds and save us from destruction, as the Word of God truly let us know God, our Father, better. The coming of Christ is at hand, we pray that the Holy Spirit continue to empower us to live the life of Jesus and to carry out His mission to the world.

RESPONDING TO GOD’S INVITATION

Some years ago, I did my hearing tested because my collegemates commented that I was a lot of the times, tone deaf. I thought I was losing my hearing. In that test, I had to sit in a closed up sound proof room, and I was requested to put on an available set of headphones. A sound/beep with different frequencies were sent through the headphones. What I needed to do was to press a button when I don’t hear any sound through the headphones. That will eventually plot out a range of sound my ears could hear. After the test, the audiologist said that my hearing was within the normal range expected, and I should not be concern. I only need to practice on my singing.

The first reading (1 Samuel 3: 3-10, 19), speaks about HEARING to the voice of God in our hearts and listening to the will of God. Samuel was with Eli, studying about God. One night, he heard a voice, three times and he wasn’t sure if it was Eli’s voice or God’s voice. He was so curious about the voice, and left quickly to go and consult Eli. Eli, being an instrument of God, helped Samuel to recognise the voice and he responded confidently to the voice - “Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening!”

 

Many of us find it so difficult to discern and perceive the voice of God in our hearts and what He is asking us to do. In today’s Gospel (Jn 1:35-42), Jesus asked the two disciples - “What are you looking for?” Andrew and John came and saw Jesus and there they found their vocation as His disciples. In that respect, Jesus is also asking every one of us, “what are you looking for” in our lives, today. What is our response to that call? What is that burning desire of God that is firing up in the depths of our hearts? Now, if we are searching for happiness and fulfilment in our lives, AND if that adventure includes Jesus in it; we will be taken on a very promising, fulfilling and exciting earthly life journey, whilst fulfilling God’s vocation and mission.

 

Jesus invites us, as how he invited Andrew and John “to come and see!” Every day, when we pray and read the Word of God, we are actually entering the Lord’s sanctuary and there He speaks and reach out into our souls. There, we will see and experience the true meaning of our lives, the true purpose(s) on our temporal existence on this earth. The Word of God speaks to us, over and over again. Each time we hear it, we will either understand them differently, or it confirms what we have already understood all the while, or we were just plain hearing and not listening.

 

Therefore, are we able to filter through today’s modern and digitized, fast paced world, to identify God’s voice in our hearts? Have we come into a state of silence in the mind, calmness and peacefulness in the heart, to enter a space only you (I) and Jesus are present, and NO one else. In that state of discernment, not only our hearing senses are used, but all the senses that God has graciously bestowed us. So, let us not look for or search for material or earthly pleasure in lives. As we commit ourselves in the Mission of Christ, let us willingly say this beautiful prayer every moment of our lives - “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will!”

COMPASSION DURING ADVERSITY

The Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD), Archdiocesan Orang Asli Apostolate (AOAA) and Parish Integral Human Development Ministries (PIHDM) of St Joseph’s Church, Sentul as well as the PIDHM from various Parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, would like to express our gratitude to all Parishioners and individuals for their solidarity with flood-affected families, particularly in the state of Pahang.

We have shown our care, support and concern for these flood victims by reaching out to them with much-needed aid. Despite the spike in numbers of COVID-19 infections in the Klang Valley, volunteers came from our neighbouring parishes (Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya) to join hands and hearts for the flood relief project organised by the AOHD AOAA. St Joseph’s Church was the Operations Centre for collection and distribution of items to the flood victims. Another group of Parishioners initiated an Operations Centre in Kuantan and the AOHD purchased the necessary supplies online, and delegated this group to distribute the items in the East Coast. The project has been very effective and efficient, as it reached out to many affected people and families, especially the Orang Asli community.

We started the project for the flood victims on 8 January 2021. The project was meant to last 10 days, but had to be cut short to only 5 days because of the announcement of the Movement Controlled Order (MCO) in certain states from 13-26 January 2021. Without much delay, our volunteers spent extra hours to sort out and transport the supplies to Pahang, before the MCO took effect. We packed the supplies (groceries, dried packaged and canned foods, toiletries, mineral water, washed and ironed clothes, cleaning supplies and other basic necessities) worth approximately RM120 into each plastic tub instead of boxes, so that the tubs could be reused to store water or dry food. We managed to send all the items by trucks to flood-victims in Mentakab and Kuala Rompin. We had a few reliable Orang Asli kampung leaders to assist us in distributing the goods in Kuala Rompin.

Within a short period of time, many kind-hearted people came forward to provide the necessary to help families that were affected by the floods. Our help towards these people in remote kampungs would have eased their burdens in some little way. Since the MCO started, we have stopped receiving goods for this flood relief project. However, we seem to still be receiving donations of supplies from parishioners within the Archdiocese. These items will be stored for now, but once the MCO is lifted, we will transport them to the respective affected areas.

Our heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to all volunteers, donors and PIHDMs from various parishes in the KL Archdiocese, as well as individuals for coming forward and reaching out to assist these flood victims. We appreciate your kindness, support, and generosity in supporting this worthy cause.

During this Year of St Joseph, we are so blessed and privileged to be the Operation Centre for the flood sites. On behalf of AOHD, AOAM and PIHDM of St Joseph’s Church, I would like to thank all of you for the marvellous outpouring of help, especially your willingness and compassion to reach out to those most in need, even in this time of pandemic. Everyone involved has played a crucial part. We also thank Archbishop Julian Leow for his assistance and moral support. We believe the prayer of St Joseph has brought success to the works of our hands at this much-needed time.

When we prepare infants for their Baptism, the Church invites parents and godparents to be present and participate in the Infant Baptism Instruction, first. In the instruction, the Church reminds parents and godparents of their responsibilities in awakening their children’s faith and educating, guiding and teaching them how to love our Christ and to believe in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church (also known as the four marks of our Church). The Church expects them to journey with their children and godchildren till they reach their age of reasons.

I remembered, in one of the instances, these parents have shared with me how their child’s godparents have left their Catholic faith. They were asking permission to have new godparents of their children. Without going into the details of the outcome of that instance, let us reflect on how this came out.

Often parents choose godparents for their children among their closest friends, immediate relatives and so on without looking (to some extent, evaluate) at their faith and their lives.  Sometimes, it is because they promised their friends or families this special and permanent role, as a way to strengthen their current relationship/friendships, or to extent, it is to appreciate each other so much, that they are “bestowed” that role in their children’s lives.  Is this enough?  Should we not reflect further than these justification in godparent selection? Answer is, YES, we should. What is also mind shattering is that, in some other instances, parents presented their children for the Sacrament of Baptism, just for the sake of ritual that everyone does that as a Christian. Should we reflect on that?  YES, we should, as well.

 

The Church always reminds us of the role of the parents and godparents to give these beautiful kids, a Christian upbringing of faith until they become adult life. Frankly, even when we are already adults, we are still babies in the eyes of our parents. So, parenting, and godparenting, is a lifelong role and responsibility. We must always remember that. To help these parents and godparents, our Parish community must set good examples in passing on their faith and being witnesses of Christ in their own Christian living. This is to create that Christian environment (soil) for our children (plants) to grow up/older beautifully. As parents and godparents participate in the life of the Church, the faith of the little children too will grow in maturity.

 

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Firstly, this brings to an end the season of Christmas. Secondly, Jesus began His public life after being baptised at the Jordan River. Therefore, when a child receives the Sacrament of Baptism, he or she enters into the life of the Church and receives a call to a personal vocation. This Sacrament is the gateway for us to enter into the Church community and become members of the family of God - the Body of Christ. Therefore, we begin our faith journey and our relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. 

 

Today, the Church invites us to renew our own baptismal commitments by renouncing our sins and profess our faith in Jesus Christ and His Church so that we may be renewed as followers of Christ in holiness and in ministry.  We leave behind all the works of satan and all his empty promises and strive to live our personal vocation - to live a life of Holiness. Parents and godparents must play that very important role to live their faith in more responsible ways. Parents and godparents, must not forget their duties to pray for their children and godchildren every day. This is indeed a special way of how you protect them. So, remember to include them in your daily prayers.

 

When Jesus began His public ministry after His baptism, He started His mission here on earth faithfully, just to fulfil the Will of His and our beloved Father. He is showing us that we too can emulate the same, but carrying out our personal vocations and missions God has planned for each one of us. One thing in common, is that we need to bring the message of Christ to the whole world, to our neighbours, community, our family members, our friends, our work colleagues etc.  Be that instrument for God, and let God do the rest, through the Holy Spirit.

 

Therefore, we must follow the life of Jesus as we carry out His mission on earth because our Father will say to you what He said to Jesus Christ, “You are my beloved sons and daughters, in whom I am well pleased.”

CHARITABLE WORKS OF MERCY

Every year between the months of October and February, monsoon rains affect Peninsular Malaysia, especially in the East Coast. During these months, the weather is usually quite bad, causing floods and rough seas. This year, thousands of people in many towns and villages in the states of Pahang, Terengganu and Johor have been affected by these recent floods. 

With the collaboration of the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development, (AOHD), Archdiocesan Orang Asli Apostolate (AOAA) and Parish Integral of Human Development Ministries (PIDHM) of St Joseph’s Church, Sentul, plus a few Parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, we have endeavoured to work together to assist these flood victims. St Joseph’s Church, Sentul will be the Operations Centre for collection and distribution of items to the flood victims. To begin with, we will concentrate in Pahang - in particular a few kampungs in Sg Lembing, Muadzam Shah, Rompin, Pekan and Mentakab. There are lot of orang asli residents in these areas.

 

Our Parish PIHDM and Parishioners will work together to collect and pack goods and other necessary items for the flood victims before transporting them to the respective areas. We will collect items such as dried packaged and canned foods, mineral water, washed and ironed clothes, masks and sanitisers, medical aid, plus other basic necessities as well as monetary donations. We also expect the PIHDMs from other parishes to collect the above goods and items and forward these to St Joseph’s Church as soon as possible.

 

Starting this weekend, we invite the Parishioners of St Joseph’s to gradually forward the above-mentioned items to the Church. We will use our Parish Hall (Dewan Monsignor Anthony Thomas) as the Operations Centre. Due to the spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Klang Valley, we will have duty rosters in place to coordinate the collection and sorting of items.

 

As we celebrate the Year of St Joseph, it is good and timely that our Parish plays an active role in this outreach to help the flood victims. It is our responsibility as a community, to care for and provide basic necessities for individuals in need. We can alleviate the burden of our fellow Malaysians by reaching out to them through works of charity and mercy.

 

St. Joseph’s PIDHM, has been reaching out to the underprivileged in the vicinity of Sentul during this pandemic. We have been distributing groceries and provisions to them once a month. In addition to that, for the past three months we have been supplying packed lunches to 350-500 individuals. In the month of December 2020, we provided school uniforms, shoes, bags, stationery and some cash to 250 underprivileged school children. Without fail, the St Joseph’s Church PIHDM has reached out to the under privileged families, especially during the MCO and CMCO.

 

As Parishioners, let’s take the initiative to do our part in reaching out to those most in need. I am optimistic that many will contribute towards this charitable work, by donating the items needed to assist flood victims in the East Coast.

JESUS IS OUR RISING STAR

The Epiphany of the Lord (HOMILY)

Every time when I switch on my Waze or Google Map to get to a certain destination, sometimes, I would get interrupted, as the apps were trying to retrieve the latest data to provide me the route. Some little waiting is involved, the data collection and sometimes, the app provided confusing routes. The weak signals gave me dilemma and it would end up missing the turns or junctions, and driving on taking an alternative longer route.

We are so fascinated with the readings and reflections of the Christmas story that started in Bethlehem, when God revealed His Mystery of Salvation to mankind and yet to be fulfilled time to time. One of the Christmas mini-stories is what we celebrate today - The Epiphany of the Lord. It’s the story of the Magi visiting the newly born Baby Jesus in a manger.

These Magi travelled following the Star, guiding them into Bethlehem. These Wise Men came to pay homage and worship the Newly Born King of the Jews, by just following the Star. The Star made them rose their feet and embarked on their journey to meet the Newly born King. They had faith on the Star (like I have on Waze/Google Map). They followed the Star, night after night, to get to their destination and just imagine how patient they had to be. 

When they arrived at their destination, as I arrived at mine via Waze/Google Map, like I have arrived at mine via Waze/Google Map, that gave me the sense of achievement, and surely that would have given the three Wise Men that same sense of fulfilment. On top of that they brought with them, treasures of gold, myrrh and frankincense. How excited they would have been, to bring to the King, presents and I am sure all of you would be able to relate when you give your loved ones presents to open on Christmas day. Yes, it’s that same feeling of excitement and joy, these Magi had.

So, Arise and Shine!! On this Epiphany, we rise together to worship our Lord Jesus. Our true worship begins in our hearts, and that’s where He dwells. That’s His home. Jesus is the Rising Star who shows, guides and leads us in our life journey. Through Him, we will discover and rediscover our faith, life and ourselves.

 

Let’s make Jesus, the Rising Sun, the centre of our lives. Let’s begins this Year 2021, walk with humility, simplicity and obedience with GOD. Let’s get to know HIM more as well.  Let’s worship and glorify the Lord in our hearts because He is our true love and true light. Let’s now take our faith to another level, and let’s act on them – again with much humility, humility AND humility. Let that be our true worship and way of life, and let that be pleasing to GOD. May the Light of Truth be evangelised to our sisters and brothers out there. May the fire of the Holy Spirit be in you, go out and spread the good news of our King of Hope, Joy, Love and Peace.  Blessed Epiphany to all of us!

 

PRESERVE THE HARMONY OF CREATION

January 1st marks World Day of Peace (WDP), a day which was established by Pope Paul VI in 1967. This year we celebrate the 54th World Day of Peace, and our Holy Father. Pope Francis, has chosen the theme - “A Culture Of Care As A Path To Peace” – by which the Holy Father stresses that peace is to be attained when every individual cultivates a “culture of care.” We have learned lessons from the “massive COVID-19 health crisis” which has affected many areas, including the domestic, financial and commercial sectors and has caused deep sorrow, hardship and suffering to humanity throughout the world. The Holy Father emphasises that everyone needs “to care for one another and for creation, in our efforts to build a more fraternal society.”

 

The Sacred Scripture presents to us, God, the Creator - the Source and Model of care for creatures - who invites us to be “genuine in caring for our lives and our relationship with nature” and “to preserve the harmony of his creation.” Jesus’ life and ministry reflects His Father’s love and care for humanity. We, as His followers and as a Church, should “go and do likewise” (cf. Lk 10:37), by carrying out our responsibilities of caring for one another and for creation through “the spiritual and corporal works of mercy” in order to build a fraternal society.

 

The Pope continues to emphasise on the commitment of “promoting the dignity of each human person, solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, the pursuit of the common good and concern for the protection of creation.” He also stresses that we foster “relationships” and “live together in families, communities and societies” rather than to be individualistic, exclusive and exploitative. The Holy Father also points out from his Encyclical “Laudato Si” that we are to be “fully aware that all of creation is interconnected” and “to effectively care for the earth, our common home.” In addition to that, he also invites us to have an authentic “sense of deep communion with nature” and grow in “tenderness, compassion and concern” and “care through solidarity”as a sign of love for one another.

 

The Holy Father also urges government leaders, organisations, business people, scientists, communicators and educators to promote the three inseparable principles of Social Doctrine of the Church - “justice, peace and care for creation.” He hopes that everyone grows in a culture of care, and work towards social equalities and fundamental human rights, all of which need to be respected. Every human being needs a conversion of heart and a changed way of thinking “in order to work for true peace in solidarity and fraternity.” He also stresses that resources spent on weapons, be utilised instead, “for the safety of individuals, the promotion of peace and integral human development - the fight against poverty and the provision of health care.”

 

“Education is one of the pillars of a more just and fraternal society.” The Pope highlights that “promoting a culture of care calls for a process of education” on peace, which “begins in the family, where we learn how to live and relate to others in a spirit of mutual respect.” He also invites schools, universities, religious leaders as well as the media, to promote “values, based on the recognition of the dignity of each person, each linguistic, ethnic and religious community.”

 

“There can be no peace without a culture of care.” We seek the intercession of Our Lady, Star of the Sea and Mother of Hope, to help us in our work towards love, peace and care for one another.

 

(AN EXTRACT OF THE MESSAGE OF POPE FRANCIS ON WORLD DAY OF PEACE 2020)