MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY OF THE SICK 2018

On Sunday, 11 February 2018, we celebrate the 26^th World Day of the Sick. It coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Holy Father has chosen the theme for this World Day of the Sick and it comes from Jesus’ words from the Cross to Mary, his Mother and to John, his beloved disciple: “Woman, behold your son... Behold your mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her into his home,” (Jn 19:26-27). These words from Jesus irradiates the mystery of the Cross, where Jesus manifests His glory and shows His love and compassion, which then becomes the foundation and rule for our Christian community.

With this theme, we come to understand that the Holy Father reminds us about Mary’s maternal care and her role for the sick people. She is always our Mother who gently and tenderly cares for our spiritual and physical needs. Her spiritual and physical care for us, and the healing power of Jesus, can never be underestimated. When we reflect on the people in the Gospels, they are always in haste to bring the sick to Jesus, so that the Lord will heal them from their physical infirmities rather than spiritual infirmities. All those who touched Jesus Christ with their faith were cured. Faith is one of the most powerful acts of the human person, since God Himself chooses to be moved by it. How strong is our faith in the power of our Lord Jesus Christ? Do we reach out and touch Him in faith every day? Do we allow Him to act in our lives through faith?

The Church has always been faithfully responding to the sick and suffering as it gives hope, tender care and mercy to them. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, uses the Church herself as an image of ‘field hospital’ which cares for the sick and suffering, when they are spiritually or physically in need for the healing touching of Jesus.

There are many doctors, nurses and care givers who give their service in hospitals, clinics and healthcare institutions. We also know there are parishioners, priests, consecrated people and volunteers who visit and offer their pastoral care to all those who are sick and home-bound. Not forgetting our immediate family members who have dedicated themselves to caring for our own chronically sick or differently-abled parents, grandparents, spouses, children or relatives. The love and care, given within their family circle, is an extraordinary witness of love for the human person. All this effort, contribution, service and willingness to give of themselves, is immeasurable.

The number of people who are going through pain, suffering and sickness in our families and communities are increasing. It is our duty and responsibility to give our pastoral care, and to reach out to them with the healing touch of Jesus. Many people, throughout the centuries have firmly believed the ‘touching’ of Christ through receiving the sacraments, brings about spiritual healing and redemption.

“When one member of the body is suffering, we all suffer,” (1 Cor 12:26). We are reminded of our role pertaining to the sick and suffering and value them as members within the body. The Church calls us to respond to their needs through hope, tenderness, love and compassion. We must assure them that they are not alone. Let us give bring hope and joy to the sick and suffering, and comfort them in their affliction.

IN NEED OF PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALING

During the time of Jesus leprosy was a terrified disease without a known cure. Leprosy was a very contagious disease. Lepers were not allowed to come into contact with others, living a lonely and isolated life. Like the leper in today’s Gospel (MK 1:40-41), we, too, are in need of healing especially from sin.

“There came a leper to Jesus and pleading on his knees: ‘If you want to, you can cure me,’” (MK 1:40). The leper knew Jesus was his only hope and he was determined.

We stand in need of a touch from the Lord Jesus, living a life of loneliness and isolation due to our sinfulness. Both physical and spiritual healing are centered on faith. We must recognise that Jesus has the power to provide the healing power. He is able to do all things at His will. We must come before Him in an attitude of worship and submission.

The encounter with Jesus changed the leper’s life forever. Jesus wants to touch your life today. I am no longer dead in sin, but alive in the Lord Jesus Christ! I am no longer an outcast, separated from God, but accepted as His child.

MY FAMILY, MY LOVE, MY LIFE…

Last year, during the Parish Pastoral Assembly, we realised that there was a need to form two important ministries – Parish Family Life Ministry (PFLM) and Parish Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Dialogue (PEIRD) in our parish.

So on 25 January 2018, a few married couples from our parish voluntarily came together to form the Parish Family Life Ministry. This ministry will be led by Michael Raj. The Parish Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Dialogue (PEIRD) will be formed by March/April 2018, under the supervision of Eleanor Bernard and Priscilla Gregory.

The Parish Family Life Ministry consists of Catholic Marriage Preparation Course (CMPC), Marriage Encounter (ME) and Evening for Couples (EfC – married couples below five years). The Parish Family Life Ministry will be launched officially on Sunday, 11 February 2018 during the 9.00am Mass, in conjunction with World Marriage Day and our Newly formed Parish Family Life Ministry will be organising some events and activities on that day. During the Mass – after the Profession of Faith – we will invite all married couples to come closer to the sanctuary to renew their marriage promises and commitment and a Marriage blessing will be given.

Immediately, after the 9am Mass, all the married couples will proceed to Dewan Monsignor Anthony Thomas (Church Hall). Our Parish Youth will prepare a few activities and a fellowship at the hall. We encourage all married couples to forward their wedding photographs to our parish email as soon as possible. The committee will compile them and present them in slide presentation on the day.

We strongly invite all couples – old and new - to attend this great occasion and fellowship. When we gather in the hall after the Mass, some couples will be called to give their marriage and family-life testimonies, so be prepared! The sharing will uplift and enlighten the other couples. World Marriage Day will be an opportunity to celebrate couples and promote, strengthen and uphold the gift of marriage as the lifelong union of two people.

World Marriage Day is always celebrated on the second Sunday of every February. The main reason of this celebration is to honour and respect the husband and wife, as they are foundation of the family. It is a wonderful time to show how much you love, care and value your spouse. When you come together for this celebration, surprise your spouse with flowers, gifts or cards and thank him or her for the love and sacrifice.

As this year marks the 110th anniversary of our parish’s establishment, all married couples celebrating either their 25th, 50th or even beyond their 50th year of marriage in 2018 will be surprised at the end of the year with an exciting event.

“FROM NOW ON, YOU ARE HER LOVE AND SHE IS YOUR BELOVED. SHE IS YOUR TODAY AND EVER AFTER,” (TOBIT 7:11).

JESUS HEALS THE BROKENHEARTED

In the Gospel (MK 1: 29-39), Jesus heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. The disciples “immediately” told Jesus about her fever, and He “right away” reaches out in healing concern to help her from her sick bed. Jesus approached, grasped her hand, and helped raising her up. She got up and started serving the Lord immediately. The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law is a picture of the compassion and concern of Jesus.

First, it comes the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law within the intimate family circle of the home. Next, the “whole town” of Capernaum comes to the door of Peter’s home, bringing “all who were ill or possessed by demons” and Jesus heals them all.

The circle of compassion has grown to include neighbours and to include different kinds of sickness. It is the essence of healing and compassion not to remain within the inner circle but to go out in mission to the entire world, because they are built on self-giving love.

Jesus heals the brokenhearted and binds up our wounds. Lord Jesus, find us, heal us, so that we may follow you to save others. Amen.

CATHOLIC MASS ETIQUETTE

Make a commitment to yourself, your family and to God, by attending Mass every week. But, how exactly do you prepare yourself for Mass on Sunday?

Fast Before Mass. It is Church law that one fasts for at least 1 hour before receiving Holy Communion. The purpose is to help us prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. Don’t chew gum in in Mass. It breaks your fast. It is distracting and it is considered impolite. Every Mass you attend deserves your complete respect and reverence.

No Food and Drink in Church. Bringing a snack into church is not appropriate. The exceptions can be for small children. We need to set the church apart as a place of prayer and reflection.

Dip Your Fingers in the Holy Water and make a sign of the cross on entering and leaving the Church. The Holy Water reminds us of the Sacrament of Baptism and unites us with Christ.

Dress Modestly and Appropriately. Put on your SUNDAY BEST. As Catholics, we believe that God comes to meet us at every Mass. Ask ourselves, “Is this the best I can wear for Mass? Is this appropriate and respectful?”

Show Up Early for Mass. Would you arrive late to a dinner date? Of course not. The same applies when you attend Mass. Getting to Mass early allows you to pray and prepare yourself better. Make sure you are seated by the time the bell rings, and please don't stand outside the Church once the Mass starts.

Mobile Phones Should Never Be Used in Mass for Calls or Texting. Please keep your mobile phones and beepers turned off or set to vibrate mode during Mass. If you have an emergency situation, and need to answer the phone while Mass is going on, please walk out of Church to do so. If you are using the phone or iPad for readings or prayers - this is acceptable - but try to be discreet.

When We Enter and Leave Church, Genuflect or Bow Reverently Towards the Tabernacle or Altar. By doing so, we acknowledge that He is our Lord and our God. If someone is physically unable to genuflect, then a bow is sufficient.

Please Be Quiet While in Church. Once you enter the church, remember that it is not the time or place to visit and chat with those around you. If you must talk, do so as quietly and as briefly as possible. Remember that your conversation might be disturbing someone who is praying.

No Bulletin or Publication Reading During Mass. Imagine inviting a guest to your home and before or during the meal, they decide to read a magazine or glance at a newspaper instead of talking to you. That is what happens in God’s house when you read the bulletin or any other publication. Remember that it is important to prepare for Mass. Familiarise yourself with the readings in advance, and it will help you to understand and reflect on them.

Do Not Leave Early. We should stay till the end of the closing prayer and the recessional hymn that accompanies it. While there are certainly exceptions to this guideline, most who leave early don’t need to and ought not to.

Pray After Mass. It is a good custom, though not required, to offer a prayer of thanksgiving after Mass is over. We encourage you to leave church quietly so you won’t disturb others who want to stay and pray.

We need to keep all these Catholic Mass Etiquettes in mind before entering into church and participating in the Mass. This will allow us experience Mass in a more meaningful and prayerful manner, deserving of our Lord and Saviour.