DISCOVER EACH VIRTUE OF ST JOSEPH

As we celebrate the Year of St Joseph, it is our privilege to once again present the e-Pilgrimage - (a 7-day journey) - started last Monday, 22^nd February till today, Sunday, 28 February 2021 - focusing on the 7 virtues of St. Joseph, highlighted in the Apostolic Letter - “Patris Corde” or With the Father’s Heart. 

It is a continuation programme of last month e-Pilgrimage where we “transported” you to various sites around the Church compound explaining its historical and significant of the sites. This month, we have assigned a project to our catechism students to showcase short video clips to reflect each virtue of St Joseph, and how it applies in their own respective families.

 

With their parents and catechism teachers, CHILDREN, you did a marvellous job!!! Our children spoke highly of their parents and they also identified with each virtue of St Joseph in their parents. You have a many more things to discover about them, and also your teachers as well.

 

Before the Holy Father announced the Year of St Joseph, I only know very few virtues of St. Joseph through my studies namely a silent man, a just man and faithful man. After reading the Apostolic Letter of the Holy Father on “With A Father’s Heart” - I have discovered seven other wonderful virtues of St. Joseph. Reading his apostolic letter, it was like reading the Holy Gospel over and over again.

 

During my seminary days, we hardly touch and explore who St. Joseph was. We had a special subject on Mariology (Study of Mary) for a semester but little were taught on this man. We only know that he was silent and hidden mysteriously in God’s salvation plan.

 

In His Apostolic Letter, Pope Francis described the 7 virtues of St Joseph as “a beloved father,” “a tender and loving father,” “an obedient father,” “an accepting father,” a father who is “creatively courageous,” “a working father,” “a father in the shadows”.

 

St Joseph has been very silent in my spiritual and priestly life. Only lately, I have started reading about St. Joseph and reciting the Litany to St. Joseph. Today, he has become my spiritual father who is assisting me in my spiritual life. Gradually, I discover more and more of this new spiritual father of mine. I strive my very best to apply his virtues in my priestly ministry as well.

 

Joseph lived in a difficult but his faith was great. The first reading (Genesis 22: 1-2, 9-13, 15-18) today, we heard about Abraham as a father of faith and his son, Isaac as an obedient man in the Old Testaments. In the New Testaments, we hear that St. Joseph as a great father of faith and an obedient man who listened to the voice of the Angel and followed the will of God.

 

The Gospel (MK 9: 2-10) is about the Transfiguration of the Lord and the disciples heard a voice from the cloud, “This is my Son, the Beloved, Listen to him.” St. Joseph listened and obeyed to the voice of God and followed the Lord’s footsteps. Abraham, Isaac and Joseph are our model of faith and obedient, and we too, should listen and obey to the voice of God as we carry out our responsibilities especially during difficult times.

 

During this season of Lent, it will be excellent if we make efforts to discover each virtue of St. Joseph in our lives and grow in our faith like his.

EXPERIENCE LENT AS A JOURNEY OF CONVERSION

The Holy Father’s Lenten message this year is entitled “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem” (Mt 20:18). During this time of Lent, Pope Francis invites us to make a journey towards Jerusalem together - to experience Lent with “renewed faith, hope and love.” He also says that our Lenten observances of prayer, fasting and almsgiving will make us “live lives of sincere faith, living hope and effective charity” as we carry out the mission of Christ in the world. In this challenging and uncertain time, he wants us to pray fervently, practice charity and care for all those affected with the COVID-19 pandemic.

a)     The Holy Father explains that “faith calls us to accept the truth and testify to it before God and to all brothers and sister.” In order to accept and live the truth “revealed in Christ means, first of all, opening our hearts to God’s word.” Christ is the Truth, and through our fasting - which is a form of self-denial - helps us to discover God’s gift and leads us to the fullness of life. For all those who fast, make themselves identify with their own poverty and to treasure themselves to love both God and neighbour. In this way, we can “open the doors of our hearts to the One who comes to us, poor in all things, yet full of grace and truth,” (Jn 1:4).

b)    Although hope may seem challenging in fragile and uncertain times, “Lent is precisely the season of hope, when we turn back to God.” During this time of ongoing challenges and uncertainty, he says that hope can seem lost. He links hope to the “living water” that Jesus promises to the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn 4: 10) and “receiving the hope of Christ, who gave His life on the Cross and was raised by God on the third day.” It is a hope of receiving forgiveness from the heart of the Father. We give hope to others simply by being kind - “a kind person appears and is willing to set everything else aside in order to show interest, to give the gift of a smile, to speak a word of encouragement, to listen amid general indifference” (Fratelli Tutti, #224).

c)     “Faith, hope and love - but the greatest of these is love,” (1 Cor 13: 13). Pope Francis says that “Love is a leap of the heart,” and “it brings us out of ourselves and creates bonds of sharing and communion.”During this season of repentance, the Holy Father wants us to “renew our faith, draw from the living waters of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God.” Therefore, in order to experience Lent with love, he encourages us to give alms cheerfully and care for all “those feeling abandoned and isolated and to help others to realise that God loves them as sons and daughters” due to COVID-19 pandemic. It is only with love that we will be enable to build a better society and humanity (Fratelli Tutti, #183).

The Holy Father concludes by saying:

“The call to experience Lent as a journey of conversion, prayer and sharing of our goods, helps us – as communities and as individuals – to revive the faith that comes from the living Christ, the hope inspired by the breath of the Holy Spirit and the love flowing from the merciful heart of the Father.”

Be assured of the blessings from the Risen Lord for us and for our families, as we journey together towards the light of Easter. 

(An Extract from the Message from the Holy Father for Lent 2021)

THE LORD FORGIVES AND HEALS US

6^th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2021

Today’s Gospel (MK 1: 40-45) and the Book of Leviticus (Lev 13: 1-2. 44-46) are related to the lepers and disease of leprosy. The Book of Leviticus (Chapter 13) explains in details about the diagnosis of leprosy. When a leprosy appears on a person’s skin, it begins with “a swelling or scab or spot” and slowly the spots spread all over the person’s body and hair begins to fall out. It even gets worse, where the victim’s nails and toenails start to rot and eventually falls off piece by piece. Leprosy keeps eating away his/her body till death consumes that life.

 

It is a contagious skin-disease that time and it was considered as unclean. Interestingly, in the Old Testaments time, once a person was suspected of a skin-disease, he/she would be taken to a priest, and he would examine the infected part of the person by isolating him or her for 7 days. If on the seventh day, the priest observed that there are signs of infection has spread then he would declare the person as “unclean”. Even, the Old Testaments says that the leper has to stay 2 meters away from the person. The victim would be living on his/her own or isolated (quarantine) from the community until he was made “clean,” (cf. Lev 13: 45-46).

 

Today, we can liken this disease with the deadly virus  COVID-19. It is a contagious-virus and it spreads like wild fire, today. A person who has contracted with this virus may or may not indicate any symptom fever, cough, etc. After a RT-PTR (Swab Test), then the patient will know the result either positive or negative. 

 

Just for a precaution, we are constantly reminded and alerted to observe the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) such as, wearing facial mask, ensuring physical distancing and practising hand washing frequently. The authorities have come out with many Dos and Don’ts, accordingly. The patient may be quarantined either at home, rehabilitation centre or hospital.  There is no specific medication but ventilator will be provided, if necessary, for those have respiratory difficulties. The person is not allowed to come out in public until he/she completes the required period of quarantine. With the new found vaccine, we just hope (God’s willing) this vaccine will bring to an end, one day, to the C19 virus as how leprosy is almost quite unknow today.

 

In biblical times, there was no cure to leprosy and it was the worst type of disease to contract. Only in the early 20^thCentury, the doctors were treating the leprosy patients with modern medicine and methods. In the Old Testaments days, the leprosy was known as punishment from God for the leper’s sins and he would be treated as an unclean, corrupted, condemned outcast of the society.  In Jesus’s time, it was so much different, yet Jesus daring and confidently moved in into the personal space of the leper with love and passion, He touched the leper, murmured His instructions and “Immediately leprosy left him and he was cured,” (MK 1:40).

 

Any kind of illness or decease is not something that we should be equating to punishment for sin. We all have to face these life realities of pain, suffering, illnesses, sickness or even death, as you know today. We simply cannot run away from these realities. It may frighten us but we should not afraid of them. We need to learn or cope with them and I am sure, through the mercy of God, He will forgive and heal us. Therefore, we need to rebuild our faith, confidence and trust in Jesus, as the leper did in the Gospel encounter of Jesus. So, say this sincerely, “If you will, you can make me clean.” We all need our Lord’s loving, forgiving and healing touch. In His Time and Will, that we may be cleaned and be purified in my mind and body, spirit and soul. So be still as He fights for you every single breath you take and exhale.

DISCOVERING THE VIRTUES WITHIN US

The Chinese community celebrates Chinese New Year (CNY) this year on a low-key basis, with a limited number of family members present, in accordance with the guidelines set by the government due to the current Covid 19 pandemic. This year, we celebrate the Lunar Year of the Ox, which is second animal in the Chinese zodiac. According to folklore, those born in the Year of the Ox are hard-working, sincere and resilient. However, whenever I think about the oxen, I reminisce about my childhood days of cutting fresh grass for my cows, bathing and milking them by hand, as well as cleaning up cow patties!

It is still fresh in my mind how we celebrated Chinese New Year in previous years. Even though we only have about 15 Chinese families in our Parish, our annual CNY Thanksgiving Mass was well-received by all Parishioners and celebrated with much festivity and revelry. We distributed oranges and angpow packets to everyone present, and after Mass, everyone would gather at the Church courtyard to watch the lion dance. On behalf the Parish of St Joseph, Sentul - my best wishes for a prosperous Lunar New Year. Stay safe and healthy always - gōng xǐ fā cái and xīn nián kuài lè.

In a few days, we will be entering into the season of Lent. It is a time that invites all of us to reflect on repentance or conversion (metonia). For the next five weeks, the Church strongly encourages us to prepare for the Paschal Mystery celebration through our personal examination and reflection, and practice the Lenten observances of prayer, penance and almsgiving, as we deepen our love for one another and God.

This 40-day Lenten journey gives us the opportunity to deepen our spiritual relationship with God and with our fellow brothers and sisters. Perhaps some of you may want to focus on a word or phrase from the daily reading and endeavour to write a spiritual journal. It may be a challenge at first - to reflect and put those thoughts into words and pen those words onto paper - but I believe that as you listen to His voice, the Holy Spirit will guide your spiritual journey. Whenever time permits, engage yourself by listening to spiritual talks, reading spiritual materials and attending Mass online. The Holy Spirit will lead you on a true journey of conversion when you encounter Christ through His living word and through spiritual communion.

As preparation during this Lenten season, we could closely follow the seven virtues of St Joseph and learn from him. Those virtues, as stated in his Apostolic Letter - WITH A FATHER’S HEART (Patris Corde) are - a beloved Father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father, a working father, a courageous father and a father in the shadows. Each day, try to discover these virtues within us and follow them in our lives, particularly during this season of Lent. We return to God “with all our hearts” (Joel 2:12) and grow in filial friendship with God.

CARE WITH FRATERNAL LOVE

5^th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Homily)

 

Most of us have trouble or difficulty to sleep at night which could be due to stress, illness, mind disturbance, etc. A sleep disorder frequently affect our ability to have a good and quality sleep. I would even say that to have a regular good quality sleep is a gift (from God) because I have encountered many elderly, sick and the dying who suffers from sleep deprivation contributed from the bodily pain and aches.

The first reading from book of Job (Job 7: 1-4, 6-7) speaks, “Lying in bed I wonder, when will it be day? … how slowly day/evening comes!”  Perhaps you and I can identify most with Job’s complaint about “nights of grief.” We can identify ourselves with that tossing and turning, lying awake, feeling frustrated and anxious without falling into deep sleep, but constantly disturbed by the effects of illness and pain.

In the gospel (MK 1: 29-39), Jesus is concerned with the illness of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. Simon Peter told Jesus about her fever, and Jesus straightaway approached her and helped her up from her sickness.  The Gospel went on saying that the whole town of Capernaum came to the door of Peter's home, and Jesus healed them all “were suffering from diseases of one kind or another… cast our many devils…” Here, we see Jesus’s humility and compassion in healing the broken-hearted who are standing outside Simon’s door.

 

On 11 February, the Church will celebrate the 29^th World Day of the Sick coinciding with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, and the Holy Father, Pope Francis invites us to pay a special consideration “to the sick and those who provide them with assistance and care both in healthcare institutions and within families and communities.” On this last day, the week of World Interfaith Harmony Week (1-7 February 2021), Jesus too, expects us not to remain in our inner circle but to carry out with the mission of the Church to bring hope and healing to our all neighbours. This includes the elderly, sick, dying, without prejudice of any race or religion, as we work towards fulfilling our desire for peace, an environment of compassion and harmony. 

 

We need to become that instrument of healing for our neighbours and society, at large. Let us remember them and our need for strength and for the healing power in mind and body, and spirit and sou

KEEP OUR FAITH ALIVE AND ACTIVE

We started the month of February with an extension of the Movement Control Order (“MCO”) till 18 February 2021 and this will coincide and affect two important celebrations this month, Chinese New Year (CNY) which falls on Friday, 12 February, marking the Lunar Year of the Ox and Ash Wednesday, which falls on 17 February.

Last year CNY was celebrated on a rather grand scale, with elaborate decorations, reunions and gatherings with family and friends, extravagant fire fireworks, and angpaus for the young ones. This year however, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to settle for an unprecedented low-key celebration. Many will not be able to return home to celebrate with parents and other family members as travel restrictions including interstate travel, have been imposed.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. Due to the extension of the MCO, we will not have Masses nor the imposition of the blessed ash at Church. However, Parishioners of St Joseph’s will receive the blessed ash through your respective BEC leaders. Further information on this will be given next week. Despite having no Mass during this time, I would like to strongly encourage Parishioners to observe the fast and abstinence on Ash Wednesday, at home with the family.

Many of us still remember this time last year, soon after the observation of Ash Wednesday and the First Sunday of Lent 2020, Churches in the KL Archdiocese suspended Masses due to the pandemic. A year later, COVID-19 still continues to disrupt our lives - physically, emotionally, economically and spiritually. Online platforms have become a new normal for meetings, gatherings and prayer sessions - especially during celebrations, and many of us have adapted to and accepted this reality.

As a community, we have been very patient and cautious as we avoid taking chances or risks in order to keep safe from this deadly virus. I am grateful to the ministries in our Parish for coordinating formations, events and activities online – keeping the faith alive and active, and keeping us connected to the Church. The Parish Integral of Human Development Ministry (PIHDM) continues to give the necessary and needful assistance to the underprivileged within our community and support to those who require physical and spiritual assistance.

Over the past year, many weddings and infant baptisms as well as Confirmation and the First Holy Communion Sacraments have been postponed. I hope that once the MCO is lifted we can start planning the resumption of these celebrations once again. However, until then, I am unable to make any promises or confirm any dates for these Sacraments. 

In the meantime, I would like to wish all our Parishioners celebrating Chinese New Year a blessed and prosperous Year of the Ox. Let us all pray for peace, solidarity and harmony in our nation, and let us always live our lives as testimony to the love and peace of Christ. “A blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you," (Deuteronomy 23:5).