LISTEN, REFLECT AND DISCERN GOD’S CALL

This Sunday, 8 May 2022, marks the 59^th World Day of Prayer for vocations with the theme entitled: “Called to Build the Human Family”. It is a day we reflect on the meaning of God’s calling and the meaning of the priestly vocation and religious life.The Fourth Sunday of Easter is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday or Vocation Sunday. Knowing who the Shepherd is, and recognising His voice, we are called to follow in His footsteps.

 

I joined the seminary at the age of 29. Life in the seminary was difficult and tough, but the priests and my fellow seminarians encouraged me and guided me into my life vocation.

 

When I expressed my desire to join the seminary, my whole family objected. My mother told me, “We need you in our home.” My dad was silent. My siblings were against the idea. However, I went ahead with my desire. 

 

The Late Cardinal Soter, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, then, didn’t accept my application. My Parish Priest, the late Fr Leonard John, initially discouraged me. He asked me why I wanted to waste my life by joining the seminary when the outside world was so beautiful. Gradually however, he encouraged and supported me a lot. After waiting and discerning for almost two years, I reapplied and I was finally accepted into the seminary in 1995. 

 

With all these objections, hesitations, reluctance and most of all the temptations of the outside world, I went into the seminary. On my second day in the seminary, I decided to leave because I found it wasn’t my calling to be a priest. I spoke to my rector of the seminary and I told him what I felt after two days of being in the seminary. He told me, “George, the gate is always open and you can leave anytime.” When I came back to my room, I told myself, “Why not stay a week more, then, I can make a decision whether to continue or discontinue my studies in the seminary.” This struggle was always there throughout my 8 years studies. 

I pushed and slogged through my years and after completion of my seminary formations, the late Cardinal Soter asked me when I would like to be ordained. I requested to postpone my ordination for at least a year or two but he gave me the date to prepare for my ordination within a month. I was then ordained in February 2003.

 

A few minutes before my ordination Mass began, the late Cardinal Soter, asked me, “Where would you like to be posted after ordination?” I replied that I would like to be in one of the Parishes in Kuala Lumpur. He didn’t say anything. At the end of the ordination Mass, he announced to the public that I would be sent to the East Coast of Peninsula Malaysia. I started my priestly journey here in Kuantan and Terengganu. I had no qualms serving here. After four years in the East Coast, I was sent to the West Coast and I am back here once again in the Church of St Thomas. After being a Priest for the past 19 years, I don’t at all regret the choice I made, and till today, I am a happy priest and I happily share in Christ’s mission.

Could anyone predict that a dull-looking caterpillar would one day become a beautiful butterfly? According to a proverb from the Far East, “a wise person, looking at the egg can see an eagle; looking at the seed, he glimpses a great tree; looking at the sinner he glimpses a saint.” That is how God looks at us. He sees a certain potential. God works tirelessly so that we can place our talents and gifts at the service of the Church.

Despite all these trials in every age, Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, still lives and is still alive and active in our midst.

 

To my dear young people; “Are you looking beyond your careers? Does every routine of life challenge you? Are you searching for something that is not really out there? Are you motivated by a deeper search? Jesus does not knock at every door of our hearts looking for someone to respond to priestly and religious life. If Christ our Shepherd happens to knock at your heart today, be generous enough to let Him in. “Dare you take the challenge? 

 

On this Vocation Sunday, the church encourages all young people to listen, reflect and discern God’s call to the Priesthood and Religious Life. 

 

As we pray today for an increase in vocations to priestly and religious life, let us pray for a better understanding and appreciation of the life that God has given to us. As a Church community, let us pray that more young people will be drawn to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and be generous in answering the call of God.

INSPIRE US TO BE WITNESSES

We will celebrate the great feast of Pentecost - the outpouring of the Holy Spirit - on the weekend of 4 and 5 June 2022. It is a time for us to focus on the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord - Isaiah 11:2-3) and the twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness/Benignity, Goodness, Longanimity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Modesty, Self-control and Chastity - Gal 5:22-23). Over the next few weeks, we will reflect and contemplate these Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, as we journey together towards Pentecost.

In the interim, let’s take every opportunity to read prayerfully the ACTS OF THE APOSTLES for our own spiritual enrichment. The book discloses to us the workings of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles in preaching the Gospel, and how the power of the Holy Spirit inspired the lives of the early Church leaders – “You will be my witnesses,” (Acts 1: 8). The Holy Spirit challenges us to transform ourselves by listening and discerning more to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and to be witnesses of Jesus Christ, “for the life of the world,” (John 6: 51).

May is a month of the Rosary. A week has gone by, and the holidays are over, so it is time for us to get into the momentum of praying, especially by reciting the Rosary. Our BEC leaders and heads of families should take the initiative to gather everyone together and pray the rosary. As we pray to Mother Mary, let us imitate her most inspiring virtues – “she kept all these things and pondered them in her heart,” (Lk 2:19) and put them in practice. We pray through her intercession that we may become more courageous and grow in our Christian virtues.

 

In the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, we notice Mother Mary making the first novena to the Holy Spirit with the Apostles in the Upper Room. After ardent prayer and silence for nine days, the Holy Spirit descends upon Mary and the rest of the Apostles through tongues of fire. We cling to Mary firmly with our Rosary beads and pray that we grow in the Spirit of being obedient to God. Mary was so obedient to the will of God and fulfilled it without any hesitation or fear by bringing our Saviour into this world. She gave her heart and soul to raise Jesus. She is a great example for all of us, especially to all mothers in the world.

This weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day. We are grateful and thankful to all mothers, and we appreciate their tremendous love and care for us. Mothers are a blessing to our families. They make our homes happy, and they unite us as a family. This Mother’s Day we remember and emulate how Jesus honoured His mother. Jesus taught us to respect and honour our mothers and be responsible sons and daughters.

TO ALL MOTHERS – THANK YOU FOR MAKING US FEEL SO LOVED AND CARED FOR EVERY MOMENT OF OUR LIVES. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

COMMITMENT TOWARDS FAITH EDUCATION

On Sunday, 24 April 2022, we began our Catechism classes in-person, particularly for the Standard 3 and Form 1 to Form 5 students. What a surprise! After a long period of online lessons, all these students came back in full-force and with a spirit of enthusiasm, for their face-to-face classes.

Students and parents were invited for a quick breakfast in the community hall after the morning Mass, and then we all moved over to the St Giles’ room for a special blessing with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. After that, the Catechetical team, led by Dorcas Lee, gave a short briefing on the roles of parents and students in faith education. Students then proceeded to their respective classes. 

We appreciate the commitment shown by our teachers and students in attending in-person classes. All online catechism classes will cease by end of May 2022 and we hope that every student will embrace being back in class face-to-face. A total of 111 students have registered, including 15 orang asli students who will be studying in their kampungs, coached by our Parish Orang Asli Ministry.

The Catechetical Team greatly appreciates the generosity of BEC members who willingly commit to providing breakfast for our students and teachers who attend Sunday Catechism classes in Church. We hope parents, guardians and parishioners – the primary educators – will continue to support and pray for our students to be faithful and attentive in their faith education.

The Holy Father’s Intention for the month of May 2022 invites the Church community to “pray for all young people to live life to the fullest; may they see in Mary’s life, the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service.” 

During the pandemic, many of our young people have distanced themselves from church activities. We understand that many of them encounter tremendous challenges in their life, particularly in their relationships with their families and peer groups, lack of job opportunities, and most of all stumbling blocks in their spiritual life. These challenges have made it tough for them to grown personally and spiritually. The Church always welcomes you, and will help you find fulfilment, in order to live life to the fullest, (cf. Jn 10:10).

As of May 2022, the Health Minister has officially announced further relaxation of Covid-19 SOPs. However, we must remain cautious and always safeguard our health and well-being, especially when we are within the Church grounds. We continue to adhere strictly to the SOPs for our own good health and follow the guidelines given, until this virus is no longer a threat to us all.

May is the month of Mary. Remember to pray the Rosary for our Parish’s young people and catechism students, as we journey hand-in-hand with them while they find God in their lives. We also pray that they will imitate our Blessed Virgin Mary’s virtues to listen and discern God’s calling and His will through guidance of the Holy Spirit, as they dedicate themselves to the service of the Church.

HE LIVES AGAIN, ALLELUIA!

The celebration of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum this year proceeded smoothly, meaningfully and prayerfully in our Parish of St Thomas, Kuantan. It was truly an exciting celebration for all of us, as we were finally allowed to increase the seating capacity in Church. We had overwhelming crowds at every Mass and Service during the Triduum and in order to be able to accommodate everyone, we increased the seating capacity by putting up canopies at the open spaces within the Church compound. We strictly and diligently adhered to all safety measures throughout the celebrations. 

The celebration of Jesus’ resurrection to new life has turned out to be the greatest and most joyful celebration during this endemic. As for me, it was my second celebration of Holy Week and Easter Triduum with the St Thomas’ community. My first, was when I was posted as assistant Parish Priest, way back in 2003. I was then a newly ordained priest, and I felt nervous and anxious before and during the celebrations. With some experience under my belt, I am now more confident in celebrating the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Victorious King.

 

I was quite happy journeying with my Parishioners throughout this Lent season and preparing them spiritually. However, when Lent first started, I felt uneasy as my heart was not at peace. I couldn’t be physically present to kick-start the season on Ash Wednesday and on the 1st Sunday of Lent as I was in self-quarantine. I felt spiritually low but gradually I geared up and got into the momentum of the Lenten journey with the rest of my congregation.

 

After celebrating in a quieter manner the past two years, this year we had an opportunity to celebrate the glorious resurrection of the Lord Jesus by gathering together all our parishioners. The Parish Integral Human Development committee (PIHDM) took the initiative of inviting our indigenous people (orang asli) from Kuala Rompin for the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Masses. Approximately 40 orang asli and 30 migrants from Indonesia and Vietnam participated in our celebrations and we provided them with the necessary accommodation for the night in the Church compound. We also had our local varsity students and army personnel from East Malaysia attending and celebrating with us throughout the Holy Week and Triduum.

 

I personally felt great joy seeing new life emerge in our Parish community as many Parishioners have come back to Church in-person after a long absence during the pandemic. Let us move forward spreading peace, love and joy among all our Parishioners during this Easter season and beyond.

THE RISEN LORD IS SEEN THROUGH OUR FAITH

Easter! A season that all of us Catholics look forward to! We have worked hard and made every effort in improving ourselves spiritually, and now we should give ourselves a pat on the back for spending 40 days repenting and preparing for Easter, in a truthful and faithful way. 

However, some of us may have become a bit negligent in some areas of our lives and failed to root out sins. Although we should have been a little more self-disciplined to become more holistic, but unfortunately, some may have fallen short of our Lenten promises. Nonetheless, it is never too late to try and make it the bestseason, as we continue to strive to overcome of our sins, failures, worries and feelings of rejection, resentment, hurt, bitterness and anger.

We still have the opportunity to celebrate Jesus, who is now risen and alive today. Jesus is alive! He is risen as He had promised (Matt 28:6). He is with us despite whatever feelings and emotions we may encounter now. God has not abandoned us but instead, he has nurtured our spiritual life and strengthened us. This is true because Jesus Christ is risen in our midst and is one with us. He is not gone from our sight. He is seen through our faith. As we conclude this Lent and Holy Week, we realise that all our attempts, even our failed ones - to make the season fruitful, have somehow lifted our spiritual well-being to greater heights.

Easter has arrived - “Christ is risen! Indeed, He is risen!” It is the greatest fete for us all, especially after the low-key celebrations for the past two years due to the pandemic.

Our past weeks’ journey has brought spiritual renewal in us, as we raise our voices and sing, “This is the day the Lord has made, we rejoice and are glad,”(Psalms 118: 24). Easter is the most important season for us Christians. It is also known as a “Feast of Faith.” As St Paul says, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and our faith is in vain… and you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17).

Easter will last through to the celebration of the Ascension (26 May) and it will end with Pentecost Sunday (5 June). During the next seven weeks of Easter, the abiding and intimate presence of the Risen Lord will bring faith-filled joy into our community, surely! We pray for one another, especially for our young people – that they receive a message of hope in the resurrection of the Lord as they find a way to the Church once again and embrace the faith with love, joy and peace.

Let us bring the true spirit of Easter to those who are undergoing economic crisis, illnesses, loneliness, joblessness and emotional turmoil during this challenging endemic time. With you and for you I pray - that the Risen Lord blesses you and your family abundantly. I wish you a joy-filled Easter!