EXTRAORDINARY MISSION OF YEAR 2019

The Holy Father, Pope Francis has dedicated the month of October 2019 as an Extraordinary Missionary Month, promoting the greater commitment of “Missio ad Gentes” (missionary activity) and animating the missionary transformation of Church life and pastoral activity with new enthusiasm. 

Pope Benedict XV (1914-1922), who was known as a “Missionary Pope”, wrote the Apostolic Letter, “Maximum Illud”(that momentous), highlighting the essential task of every Christian to “Go into the whole world and preach the gospel to all creation,” (Mark 16:15).

This year marks the 100th Anniversary of this encyclical. The Holy Father, Pope Francis chose the theme “Baptised and Sent: The Church of Christ on a Mission in the World.” According to the Holy Father, the Extraordinary Mission Month of 2019 is to remind us about the Church’s mission of preaching the gospel and to make disciples throughout the world. This year will be an opportunity for every baptised Christian to renew our missionary enthusiasm and to develop a sense of duty towards the mission of the Church and pastoral care towards people.

The Pope wants us to live more enthusiastically the journey of preparation of the Extraordinary Missionary Month – October 2019. There are four dimensions:

1.      A personal encounter with Jesus Christ, living in his Church: in the Eucharist, in the Word of God, and in personal and communal prayer.

2.      To rediscover the value of missionary saints and martyrs as an expression of the Church, scattered throughout the world.

3.      To deepen the faith knowledge through Missionary formation: biblical, catechetical, spiritual, and theological.

4.      To practice missionary charity.

We shouldn't have a lack of interest in the sole purpose of missionary activity of the Church. Every baptised Christian should commit oneself to the mission of the Church, proclaiming the Good News and to walk in the same path Christ walked, living the life of holiness and to do good deeds. It is time for us to revitalise and refresh our faith and our Christian identity and to remain “permanently in a state of mission.” 

We, as parishioners of St Joseph’s Church, have dedicated three years (2018-2020) to a vision and mission by “Committing Ourselves into New Evangelisation.”Our parish vision and mission is also in the same sentiments of the Holy Father’s mission for the year 2019. However, we are in the same direction with the Universal Church – the call on mission. As a community, let us take heart the mission of the Church, evangelising the Good News with zeal and to assist one another in the community to grow even stronger in the spirit of missionary and evangelisation.

The Mission Year Epiphany Star

On the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord (5& 6 January 2019), all the parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, officially launched the Year of Mission 2019 and it will end on 31 Dec 2019. This Sunday, 13 January 2019, we will introduce the missionary dimensions in ordinary pastoral care, through the ritual of a Mission Year Epiphany Star. 

Here are the guidelines:

a.       Each parishioner is to take one Star home from the Christmas manger.

b.   Each parishioner is to write on the back of the Star what he/she intends to personally do in reference to the 4 dimensions of preparation that Pope Francis indicated:

i) Encounter with Jesus;

ii)Testimony of Mission

iii) Missionary Formation

iv) Missionary Charity.

c.      Each parishioner is to string and hang the Star at his/her door post like a door chime.

d.    Every time the parishioner sees the Star, he/she is reminded to strive to realise what he/she has selected to do throughout the Missionary Year 2019.

e.   Next year Christmas, parishioners are to bring back their Stars and place them back at the manger, to signify that he/she has been a bright Star bringing someone to accept Jesus as his/her Saviour (by 31 Dec 2019).

RENEW OUR COMMITMENT

On this Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus, we may ask why did Jesus need to be baptised?

Jesus’ baptism was a public announcement of his commitment to God the Father and as a consecration for His public ministry. The baptism of Jesus enabled God the Father to announce that Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah, the Promised One.

As he grew up he was just waiting for a sign – a sign to take up the next stage in His ministry where he had to leave his family to be a Preacher, Teacher, Healer and Wonderful Counsellor.

As baptised Christians, it is a time for us to recommit ourselves and to make decisions concerning our own lives, our families, our work, our Christian commitment and our service for God. Jesus is not going to leave us alone.

Today and now – we renew our baptismal commitments, make our promise to serve God and His people wherever He calls us and to do whatever He asks us to do.

We may feel inadequate or a little afraid of getting involved in the Church od society. Be assured that God sends us His Spirit to fill us, equip us and empower us for His task in His Kingdom.

WORKING HAND IN HAND WITH GOD’S PLAN

A week has gone since the start of New Year 2019. Throughout this time, we have been sending and receiving many well wishes through email and whatsapp, which has been inspiring, motivating, encouraging, optimistic and exciting words of wisdom and prayers. Many of us have a personal collection of useful and favourite idioms of life, explanations of their meaning, scriptural words of encouragement and faith, as well as relevant life stories which we use to set goals as we move ahead. We often use these words, advice and prayers to bolster our life’s journey. 

As we begin the year, we may be feeling excited and enthusiastic, but at the same time, perhaps a little anxious. No matter what feelings we could have, we need to press forward with our lives. We will face many new challenges ahead but we need to build the strength and courage to face all those challenges patiently. There are many spiritual conducts and disciplines which we need to prioritise in our everyday lives in order to grow spiritually, as we foster deeper intimacy with God and with one another. Each day, we draw knowledge and strength from the Lord Jesus, as we put Him first in our lives to guide us on a more peaceful and fulfilling path.

Every one of us desires to have a grace-filled year and we surely look towards greater happiness and fulfilment at the end of year 2019. We can achieve many things this year, but if we do not have inner peace, then everything becomes meaningless. This inner peace and happiness doesn’t come with wealth, with our good physical health and with our personal millstone achievements, but instead it comes from a deeper connection with God.

Our true and greatest achievements can be realised when we are kind to one another - treating each other with respect and love, and not hurting one another, either with our words or actions - especially with our spouses, children, family members and friends. When we are kind and compassionate towards those nearest and dearest to us, then that will be our greatest achievement and success of the year. That achievement is something worth celebrating! 

If in the past we have been hurtful, kept at a distance or pushed away people from our lives, let us now try to forgive and love instead. Trust that the Lord has a plan for us, and that He wants us to bring down our walls and mend broken fences, healing the pieces of our lives which have been hurting, by enhancing our true relationship with God and our neighbours once again. When we work hand in hand with God’s plan, surely He will bring peace, success and happiness in our lives.

The celebration of Jesus’ birthday has brought great joy, peace and happiness in all our lives. Many of us realised that it is not only about our own happiness, but also the happiness and peace of all those around us. Life is all about creating happiness and it can be best achieved through self-improvement, self-acceptance and self-discipline.

We desire to do a lot of great things and put every effort into making all our goals and dreams a reality this year. Our kind actions and gestures towards others can make them feel loved, respected and happy. Making others happy is one of the best things we can do in order to have a great day ourselves. Even the smallest gesture of friendliness, kindness, gentleness, loving care and integrity can brighten the world around us.

This year can be the best of years as we place all our hope, trust and confidence in our Lord Jesus.“Treat others how you want to be treated, (LK 6:31) and God will bless you all!

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.