THE VISIT OF THE MAGI

“Where is the infant king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.” (Matthew 2:2)

Epiphany recalls the arrival of the magi to Bethlehem in search of the King of the Jews. Epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning ‘showing’ or ‘manifestation’ or ‘realisation’. Epiphany celebrates God's revealing or manifestation of Jesus as true God, the Messiah, and Saviour of the world.

The Epiphany of the Lord is when Christ was made known to the magi, who represent all the nations. 

The Magi were wise men who took a long journey to pay loyalty, reverence and offer gifts to the Newly born Babe-Jesus.The wise men brought their symbolic gifts to the baby Jesus – Gold (King), Frankincense (High Priest) and Myrrh (Suffering Servant).

Epiphany shows that Jesus is the Light of the world and through His birth we see the arrival of that Light into the world.

Christmas has brought gladness to our heart! Will we kneel before the manger and give to Jesus the gold of our heart, our life, our all?

2019 - MOVING AHEAD WITH THE SPIRIT

The Christmas season will last until the Baptism of the Lord on 13 January 2019. That is the time when we remove our Christmas trees and cribs, take down the decorations and get ready for the ordinary daily routine. Till then however, we can still enjoy our Christmas festivities.

Christmas and the New Year’s Eve celebrations are the best part of the season. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are considered to be the last holidays of the year, and we usually have non-stop parties with family, relatives and friends. We get dressed up in our fanciest clothes and enjoy the company of those nearest and dearest to us. Festivals are always a source of joy and happiness for everyone. Living in a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation, everyone enjoys the festivities and holiday season, as it is full of fun events.

As we desire to start the year 2019 on the right foot, let us forget the mistakes and failures of the past and move ahead with the spirit of enthusiasm and determination. It is a time for us to cherish the pleasant and unpleasant memories and opportunities that 2018 has brought us, and attempt to improve our lives in a positive way by supporting one another. We also thank the Lord for all the marvelous things He has done for us and may He bring joy, good health and prosperity to us all.

1 January 2019 will mark the 52nd World Day of Peace with the theme “Good Politics is at the Service of Peace”. Pope Francis emphasises the importance of political leadership in building a culture of peace and not damage the cause of peace. The Holy Father compels everyone to be “engaged in the work of advocating for and with those whose voices are marginalised, and to ensure the protection for future life and of planet - for the youngest and smallest - in their thirst for fulfillment.”

The Pope emphasises the responsibility and commitment of each person in politics, to protect and govern their nations by safeguarding the rights and encouraging dialogue between people and cultures. As Christians, we are invited to contribute towards the peace and human rights in order to build a more just society. We all need to be reminded of the words of Blessed Pope Paul Vl (1968), who said, “The world must be educated to love peace, to build it up and defend it”. Let everyone, including politicians, engage courageously to build a just and moral society.

Since the Pakatan Harapan government has been the new ruling party in Malaysia, we, the citizens, should work hand in hand with them to build mutual trust and respect with each other, in order to build our nation in apeaceful and just society. The new government under the leadership of Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Muhammad, are doing their very best to stabiliseand improve political corruption, economic inequality and social illnesses at all levels in our country. Every person including politicians should feel the duty to respect the rights of all citizens, not to mistreat migrants, and prevent the degradation of the environment. We hope to see the fruits of our labour one day.

MY DEAR PARISHIONERS, MAY THIS NEW YEAR 2019 BRING PEACE, HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS IN YOUR LIFE. HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.

FAMILY LIFE IN THE LORD

No family is perfect. In the case of imperfections and dysfunction we have to seek holiness in our families. Present days our families are facing challenges. Regardless of our family’s situation, all families are called to holiness. Despite our failures and imperfections, always cling on to hope because our family is in the Lord’s design.

The members of the family may get frustrated with each other. They may occasionally argue but ultimately, each of members should strive to love each other, humbly serve and be Christ for each other. Always remember family that learns together stays together.

Saint Pope John Paul II, “Familiaris Consortio” (Christian Family in the Modern World - 1981), reminds parents that their first task is to implant in each child a deep love for God. Parents are the primary teachers in the family, especially in matters of faith and morals. It’s so important and a powerful parents’ vocation.

With the Holy Family of Nazareth as our model and as we approach the New Year, let us resolve sincerely to act with love that binds life together and makes them perfect.

We can say together, “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us.”

BRING GOD’S GIFT OF CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE

Christmas is a season of gifts - and giving gifts is an important part of our celebration. Gifts are a way of telling others that we love and care for them. Christmas started with a gift. It was God who started it – “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life,” (John 3:16).

I am sure by now we would have decorated our homes with Christmas lights and ornaments, and purchased gifts for those who are dear to us. While waiting for Christmas, I hope you are not overwhelmed by Christmas parties, baking and cooking, buying gifts, and making sure you don’t forget to send Christmas greetings.

We live in a world that is so fixated by schedules and agendas. We sometimes forget the simple gesture of appreciating one another by being kind to the people we meet everyday. At times, our conversations and actions, perhaps even our jokes, have become unkind and cynical - be it at home, at work or even at church. We forget to say a kind or helpful word to our parents, spouse, children, siblings and friends. We seem to be unable to make eye contact or even smile. We are unwilling to make another person feel better. St Paul says, “Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you,” (Eph 4:9).

In today’s world, the use of harmful or bad words has become common. We hear it every where. How could the use of harmful or foul words be used so casually? When you utter them, you can never take them back. The unkind things we communicate can spoil the best of relationships. Is it possible to tell ourselves not to use them? Can we remind ourselves that every time we misuse the gift of speech, it affects the other person in a negative way. When we speak harmful or vulgar words, we then fail to respect others. We should avoid saying anything that degrades or condemns another person. Harsh and hurtful words can leave scars for many years. They can leave us feeling empty, betrayed and lost.

 

There are so many people in need at Christmas time – people wanting love, needing comfort, assurance, a little company and a little friendship. Perhaps there is someone we have not forgiven. Or whose forgiveness we must seek. Our hearts are full of many gifts we can give - love, kindness, peace, joy, patience, forgiveness, etc., (Gal 5:21).

Don’t forget Jesus this Christmas forHe is the reason for the season. Let us start each and every day as if it were Christmas and celebrate the joy, peace, happiness and goodwill with everyone in our lives. Let us make every day like Christmas and live the spirit in our hearts at every moment. Just remember the gift of Jesus in our lives, and thank Him because He is the best gift that we could ever receive. God reaches out to us in peace and we should start each day with joy, peace and happiness as we reach out to one another. Our gift to God is to bring God’s gift of Christmas – Jesus, to everyone.

As we rejoice and celebrate this wonderful season of Christmas, let us thank baby Jesus for coming into our lives and let us prepare ourselves to welcome Him into the homes of our hearts.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES!

WELCOME JESUS

After the Annunciation, Mary goes to her cousin Elisabeth’s home in the hill country of Judah. As soon as Mary’s greeting reaches Elizabeth’s ears, the baby in her womb “leaped for joy,” and she was “filled with the Holy Spirit.” (LK 1:39-49).

It is in Elizabeth’s final words to Mary that we find the key to understanding why she is honored, namely, because of her faith, humility and courage. Mary encourages us to submit to God’s

will and to be committed in the mission of the Church by presenting Jesus to others.

Today is the fourth and last Sunday of Advent. We will be celebrating Christmas soon. We have a living example of how to best receive our Lord Jesus when He comes once again this Christmas. In order to welcome Him, we need to be in a state of grace, and willing to stop sinning that turns us away from God’s love.

Are we ready now, after four weeks of Advent to welcome Jesus and Mary afresh into our lives this Christmas?

“Lord, make us turn to You, and let us see Your face and we shall be saved,” (Ps 79).