GLOW AND GROW IN OUR CHRISTIAN WAY OF LIFE

Since I moved into this Parish, many Parishioners and friends have asked me if I have settled down. It can be a challenge, settling down and finding routine when adjusting to a new environment. It depends on the individual - how quickly one can find a way to settle in after moving to a new place.

In the midst of unpacking - taking things out of boxes, arranging them accordingly, cleaning and organising my parish house and office - I have taken some time off to visit a few of the elderly in their homes. It has been almost 17 years since I’ve seen many of them. Many have aged, and a number too have deteriorated health wise and are physically weak. They look so fragile, anxious and are unable to express themselves in words, and can only hold back their tears.

As a sign of hope, I administered the Sacraments of Reconciliation, the Holy Eucharist and the Anointing of the Sick. I spent a little time chit-chatting with them and their families, hoping to provide some much-needed company. I have promised to visit them again and will be sure to assign extra Holy Communion Ministers to regularly bring Jesus to them through Holy Communion. I will continue to make my house visits in the weeks to come, as I am looking forward to meeting my Parishioners, but I will be sure to strictly adhere to the prevailing SOPs.

This weekend (29-30 January) we will be celebrating Catechetical Sunday with the theme: “A Path to Holiness,” (1 Cor 12: 2) as chosen by the Malaysian Catechetical Commission (MCC). We will invite parents and catechism teachers to renew their commitment to faith education during Sunday Masses in English (8:30am) and Mandarin (10:30am). 

All catechism teachers and parents will be renewing their commitment as catechists of transmitting their faith onto their children. As they renew their commitment, they need to understand their crucial role of sharing their faith in Christ and His Church. The teachers will be commissioned by the Church to take their responsibilities of sharing the faith with our younger generation with passion and dedication. However, parents and guardians are the primary catechist of their children, and they will be invited to proclaim their commitment of passing their faith and Gospel values on Catechetical Sunday too.

It has been a tough time for both teachers and students to fully participate in online classes, as it is not the most effective way of imparting faith education. However, due to strict SOPs, and taking into account health risks, classes this year will continue to be held online instead of in-person. 

We appreciate all our catechists for their dedication and in giving their time and talent generously. We give all our support, encouragement and most of all our prayers so that they may provide effective learning to our students, as they begin their faith education formation for the year 2022. Together, let us grow and glow in our Christian way of life.

COME AND PAY HIM HOMAGE

Every year, the Ecumenical Churches and Christian communities throughout the world celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This year, the celebration began on 18 January 2022, and will conclude on the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January 2022. The Church invites us all to pray during these eight days, in response to Jesus’ prayer, that “they may be one” (John 17: 21).

Christians from across the globe are diverse. Although we come from different backgrounds, cultures and traditions, we continue to strive for unity, solidarity and being in communion in the One Body of Christ and to keep our gaze fixed on Him – “Our Lord and Our God” (cf. John 20:28). Let us work together to “pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Rom 14:19) of our faith in Jesus Christ. We give our support to one another in order to promote Christian unity and pay Him homage. 

 

The theme for The Week of Prayer this year is “We saw the Star in the East and we have come to worship Him” (Mt 2: 27). Like the Magi who came to Bethlehem and paid homage to the Infant Jesus, we too are invited to come and worship Him during the Eucharistic celebration. Since the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in our country, many Catholics have not returned to Church to fulfill their Sunday and other days of obligation. It is time for us to make our journey back to Church and pay homage to Christ Jesus and rejoice in Him, as the Magi did in Bethlehem. Let us take every opportunity to pursue God’s will so that He may lead our Christian communities with righteousness and holiness.

 

This weekend, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Universal Church celebrates the Sunday of the Word of God. The first-ever celebration was held on 26 January 2020. The Holy Father’s intention of inaugurating this Sunday celebration was to encourage all Catholics throughout the dioceses in the world to “study, learn and love the Holy Scriptures.” It is very important for us to know our Sacred Scripture and the Word - for it to dwell richly in the soil of our hearts - so that we may believe what we read, teach what we believe and practice what we teach.

 

The Word of God is close to us, indeed, “the Word is very near to you: it is in your mouth and in your heart for your observance,” (Dt 30:14). The Word of God is not beyond our reach nor distant from us. Therefore, we must discipline ourselves by reading and reflecting on the Word of God every day. When we choose to do so, the Word will take flesh in our hearts and will beautify our journey of faith and way of life.

 

We are still in the beginning of the year, and if we have not yet cultivated reading, studying and praying the Word of God daily, then we need to begin today! As we celebrate the Word of God Sunday, let us make a sincere commitment and discipline ourselves in welcoming the Word of God closer to our hearts, so that His word will illuminate the darkest areas of our lives. May His word dwell among us, always!

PERSEVERING IN MY PRIESTLY DUTY

We the priests, in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, commenced our assignments in our respective new parishes effective 10 January 2022. After receiving confirmation of our new postings, parishioners felt sad having to say goodbye to their outgoing priests. However, they were excited to welcome the incoming priests. For us priests, we are very enthusiastic in spirit - joyfully going forth to serve in our designated parishes.

I have been posted to this parish, the Church of St Thomas in Kuantan, Pahang. It is the second time that I’m serving in this parish. Prior to this, I served as the Assistant Parish Priest to Rev Fr Eugene Benedict back in February 2003 until June 2004. Following that, I was posted to the State of Terengganu for 3 years, as an administrator for all the Mission Centres. Now, I am back here once again, this time as your Parish Priest, taking over from my predecessor, Rev Fr Patrick Boudville.

 

For me, the East Coast is familiar ground with familiar faces, but I still have many things to learn, rediscover, explore and experience. I will miss the city lifestyle for sure, as well as the parishioners and friends whom I left behind. I will always cherish the support and love I received, but most of all, I am truly thankful to them for accepting me as I am. I will treasure the memories and experiences in my heart.

 

However, now that I have returned once again to the East Coast, I am eager and ready to serve my new parish community. I was touched by the kind gestures of several leaders who warmly welcomed me on my arrival. Although St Thomas Church is situated in Kuantan town, it serves a large and varied community including the orang asli, varsity students, the armed forces, East Malaysians, migrants (mainly Indonesians and Vietnamese) and the local Chinese and Indian communities. I am very excited to serve, and I look forward to meeting all of you during this weekend’s Masses.

 

Since I arrived in Kuantan, there’s been a welcoming and gentle East Coast breeze blowing in the salty air. I am hopeful that my ministry here will be an exciting and fulfilling one. I promise to persevere in my priestly duty and do God’s work faithfully. I certainly believe that God will bring everything to completion, as what St Paul says, “I am quite confident that the One who began a good work in you will go on completing it until the Day of Jesus Christ comes,” (Philippians 1: 6).

FULFILLING GOD’S WILL FAITHFULLY

 It is truly a blessing to have served in the Church of St Joseph, Sentul as your Parish Priest. I can hardly believe that time has passed by so quickly, in spite of the pandemic putting us on hold for many months. I am extremely grateful to every one of you and for the gifts of love and affection you have whole-heartedly shared in my ministry. Thank you for your kindness and generosity in living the faith with me, and for being instruments of joy and eagerness these past 7½ years. 

My greatest treasure is the willingness you had in sharing your lives with me, especially during the most important times of joy when celebrating the Sacraments - Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation and the Eucharist. Through the Sacrament of Marriage, I have seen couples grow in love and commitment to one another and by administering the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Anointing for the sick and the dying, I am grateful to have helped you heal spiritually and physically. I have experienced the sadness of praying by the bedsides of loved ones and grief of laying them to rest.

 

Throughout my time here I have enjoyed working with the various ministries of this Parish. It is reassuring to see all of you evolve in the life of the Church, and participate in the mission of Christ. Together we have built our Parish with great enthusiasm and raised the spiritual level of our parishioners. I have watched the children and youth of this Parish respond in faith and kindness, and that fills me with great hope and encouragement for the future. St Joseph’s community always strives to be united under the loving care of our Lord Jesus Christ. I have learned so much from so many of you, but the most humbling lesson I have learned is that you love your Priest, no matter how imperfect I may be.

The last few weeks have been an emotional roller-coaster ride for me: fear, excitement, exhaustion, trepidation and the overwhelming feeling of love and affirmation. My journey with you has been marked by many ups and downs, failures and successes, but I believe I have fulfilled God’s will faithfully. As I pause and reflect on my ministry here at St Joseph’s Church, I can see how God has guided me along the way and helped me lead us all towards Christ. I pray that God will continue to shower his blessings and love on this Parish. Please know that my prayers are with each of you always.

 

I am sure that the incoming priest will be ready to lead this parish community with devotion and enthusiasm, and continue the outstanding work of becoming one body and one spirit in Christ. We ask for God’s blessings and guidance on all the priests in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur - as we look forward to ministering in our new parishes - that the Lord grants us the wisdom, grace and strength to continue His work of New Evangelisation.

BREAK DOWN BARRIERS AND BUILD BRIDGES

January 1st is known as “The Day of Peace” and since 1968, Popes have issued many documents calling for peace. Pope Francis’ theme for the 55th World Day of Peace 2022 is: “Dialogue between generations, education, and work – tools for building lasting peace.”

The Pope called for a new relationship between the young and elderly, to address the problems of isolation heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that technological and economic development has created a division between generations, and our current crises shows the urgent need for an inter-generational partnership.

 

Pope Francis said, “Young people need the wisdom and experience of the elderly, while those who are older need the support, affection, creativity, and dynamism of the young.” When young people make a greater investment in education, accompanied by the promotion of “a culture of care” and “integral human development,” it will be able “to break down barriers and build bridges” and “shape free and responsible people.”

 

The Pope concluded his message by saying that the COVID-19 pandemic “has disrupted human relationships, economic opportunities and exacerbated inequalities.” The Holy Father’s document calls us to place the human person “at the centre of all political, social and economic activity.” Therefore, the Church and leaders of the world should “walk together with courage and creativity on the path of intergenerational dialogue, education and work.” 

 

As we look ahead into the New Year 2022, we want to be fully committed to living life reverently and faithfully, in a more directed way. What would we like to undertake for this New Year and the rest of our lives? What are the specific areas that we want to see ourselves grow, mentally, physically, emotionally, financially or spiritually? As we move along the year, we may face a lot of challenges that may be discouraging or unachievable.

However, we must be ready to have God in our lives - to remove negative thoughts from us. These thoughts include fear, greed, stubbornness, jealously, lust, dishonesty, egoism, pride and anger. They grab hold of our lives, and we find it hard to let go. In the process of removing our negative characteristics many of us may fail because change is difficult.

 

We should look at each negative character and transform them into something meaningful so that we become a more integrated and wholistic person. We must remember to keep working on peeling away layer after layer, all our negative characteristics. During this process, we should take courage to build a healthier character by putting effort into our spiritual life. God will remove every defective trait and steer us in a better direction.

 

Let’s make up our minds and hearts to build our faith life in this coming new year and make every effort to keep our faith strong and alive. The only way to strengthen our faith is to communicate with God through prayer, celebration of the sacraments especially in the Eucharist, and to continuously work in the right way of life.

 

At the same time, we must be determined to build relationships within our family and in our parish community. Our relationships and friendships are imperfect when it comes to face-to-face contact, and in today’s busy world it can be tough for families and parish communities to find time together and to give one another attention. We may find it difficult to dine together when celebrating holidays, get involved in the Church activities or go out together. However, it is important to keep our bond healthy, to share all our experiences with one another and always have an open and honest communication platform, rather than tear each other apart and create conflict.

 

Today, our mother Church celebrates the "Feast of Mary the Mother of God” which is a very appropriate way to begin a new year. This celebration reminds us that the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, is our heavenly mother. The Gospel today presents Mary to us as a model of that new life in Christ. We are all called to pray that God may bless each family this New Year with His peace and joy, and we in turn share his peace and joy with one another.

 

Today’s readings of the New Year speak of God’s special blessings. The first reading from the Book of Numbers (6: 22-27) provides us with showers of special blessings of the Lord for a successful New Year. 

 

1. The Lord will bless you and keep you safe!

2. The Lord will let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you! 

3. The Lord will look upon you kindly and give you peace! 

 

May the Lord fill our hearts with his peace and joy today and throughout this New Year 2022. Wishing you all a very blessed and peaceful New Year! Mary, Mother of God, grant her maternal care and protection from all distress.