Today's Catholic Vol. 32 No. 1 April 2020

CATHOLIC today’s

A monthly publication of the Archdiocese of Kuching, Sarawak

Permit No PPK 148/01/2013(031378)

Vol 32 No 1 April 2020

he has (Mk 16:6)

RISEN

“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.”

(Colossians 3:3–4)

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NEWS

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EDITORIAL

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

God loves us more than we will ever know

But God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! (Romans 5:8) Where do I begin? How should I begin? So much its social responsibilities. Also, with the suspension has happened around us in recent weeks that as of Church services, the Church, which operates I ponder on the words to carry God’s message on donations from the weekly Mass collections, across, it brings to my mind a video I was asked to is requesting the faithful to contribute through upload to my parish website, entitled, “The Power its online app, Sarawak Pay, for live telecasts of of Your Love”. Is that a coincidence? We are often Masses. reminded that God walks ahead of us.

We also show you the “back room” of where The MCO imposed by the government to the Social Communications team handles livesafeguard against the Covid-19 pandemic has streaming of Masses, the only available channel to left us with the decision to get our April edition of bring a church service to us now.

Today’s Catholic to you through the digital media.

Let us, as we celebrate a lonely Easter Triduum, Consider this a special edition made available to remember the Lord’s Passion and how he loved us everyone through the power of God’s love. more than we will ever know. How he died for our Our first e-publication carries Archbishop Simon sins. Let us also rejoice at his Resurrection.

Poh’s impassioned plea to contribute to the Catholic Welfare Services fund to enable a continuity of Happy and Blessed Easter!

CATHOLIC today’s THE TEAM PUBLISHER The Archbishop of Kuching ADVISOR Fr Felix Au EDITOR Ivy Chai ASSOCIATE EDITOR (Chinese) Magdalene Yeo EDITORIAL TEAM Freddy Bohari (BM) Victoria J Lim

(English Children’s Section) James Lo (Chinese) Cecil Yong (Chinese) Margaret Bong

(Chinese Children’s Section) STAFF Shannon Wei

Archbishop Simon Poh makes plea to contribute to Catholic Welfare Services fund KUCHING — Kuching Archdiocese Archbishop Simon Poh, in his Palm Sunday homily called on everyone to heed the directive of the government to “stay at home”.

Although it gave him joy to preside over all three Masses celebrated in English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia, it “broke my heart” he said, on seeing the “rows and rows of empty pews”.

The Masses were telecast live from St Joseph’s Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Archdiocese.

Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, the most sacred liturgical period of the Christian calendar.

This is the time when the faithful thronged churches throughout the world to reenact the final days of Christ, beginning with his Triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his Last Supper, his Crucifixion on the Cross, and waiting for his Resurrection at the Easter Vigil.

Archbishop Simon said, “For the first time in our experience, I realised that Holy Week will be celebrated without congregation in many empty Church buildings. Many of our Christians really longed to be in Church to worship during this most Holy Week.

“I was greatly encouraged to remember that all the

Archbishop Simon Poh presiding at Palm Sunday Mass (2019) at St Joseph’s Cathedral. On his right is Archbishop Emeritus John Ha. parishioners are the living stones being built into a spiritual house – the Church (cf 1 Pet 2:5). We ARE the Church – disciples of the Lord in Communion for Mission! It is not the building but when we are all joined as one heart and spirit, we are united as one Christian community of faith.

Indeed, we ARE the Church.”

He suggested every family put a palm leaf outside their door or window to signify

Palm Sunday, since the customary tradition to bless palms will not be possible this year.

“As families united in communion as one body of Christ, the Church, from our respective homes, let us make this Holy Week a whole week of Prayer as we seek God’s intervention on the COVID-19 pandemic and especially mercy and healing for our tanah air Sarawak, our nation Malaysia and for all countries throughout the world,”

he continued.

In such challenging times, Archbishop Simon had also felt the burden of having to make the decision to adhere to the government’s MCO directive to close all churches, especially for Holy Week. This contributed to a “great spiritual vacuum as well as a financial sacrifice that Christians in Sarawak and throughout Malaysia have made for the common good of our Nation Malaysia and especially in Sarawak

which is predominantly Christian,” he said, referring to their fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

As the Church is not supported by the State Government, closing the churches also meant the Church coffers as well as that of the Catholic Welfare Services that runs Home of Peace at Jalan Landeh for the homeless, and St Vincent de Paul Society that provides monthly help to poor deserving families, will be in financial deficit without the donations from Church goers during the 40-days of Lent.

Archbishop Simon laments the financial burden the MCO will have on many people, especially on daily paid breadwinners, and those out of jobs as a result of the MCO. Smaller parishes will feel the brunt of this financial deficit more than others.

As such, he is appealing to all who are able to help in alleviating the financial crunch of the Church to donate through the Sarawak Pay app for Online Mass Donations, or direct transfer to the Archdiocesan account. This will then be channelled to deserving parishes and organisations run by the Church.

Stay home. Stay safe. Stay at home and pray.

Ivy Chai

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

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Easter Message from Archbishop Simon Poh Alleluia, Christ has is risen!

Alleluia.

of suffering, physical and moral. It is no longer punishment, nor a curse.

It was redeemed at its root when the Son of God took it upon himself.”

Pope Francis in his Easter Vigil homily 2020 encourages us with hope, “We acquire a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us: the right to hope. It is a new and living hope that comes from God. It is not mere optimism… It is a gift from heaven, which we could not have earned on our own.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Risen Lord, I prepared this message during this Easter Octave— the days between Easter Sunday and Divine Mercy Sunday (2nd Sunday of Easter).

During these Octave Mass Readings, eye-witnesses share their personal encounters with the Risen Lord. The joy and hope are indeed the good news that are much needed during our MCO when we are unable to go to church.

Death and Resurrection of Christ at the heart of Easter The proclamation from the empty tomb: “He is not here for He has Risen!”

(Mt 28:6; Mk 16:6; Lk 24:6) is the very heart of our Christian faith. St Paul affirmed that “Christ died for our sins … he was buried … and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is useless and your believing is useless! (1 Cor 15:3–14 italics mine). And thus at every Mass: “we proclaim your Death, O Lord and profess your Resurrection, until you come again.”

Archbishop Simon Poh

I would like to record my gratitude to our very committed live-streaming team, priest-celebrants and liturgical members. These few individuals have been totally dedicated to serving at Masses in English, Mandarin and BM, scheduled back to COVID-19 and our Masses back throughout the MCO I have been praying period. Be rest assured that and reflecting on how we are all here to serve you.

COVID-19 has affected our lives as Catholics and COVID-19 is NOT as a Church. Now social Punishment nor distancing will have to be Chastisement from God our way of life in society As Catholics, we do and church until a vaccine not consider COVID-19 for COVID-19 is available pandemic as punishment or or until the whole human a curse from God because population has acquired of the sins of humanity “herd immunisation,” when today. Neither is COVID-19 catching COVID-19 will a chastisement from God. be not life threatening, be Though frightening, it is not as getting the common flu. to be interpreted as a sign Our Sunday Masses and that the end of the world gatherings will never be the has come, plus a lot of other same after this. In the next interpretations on the social few months, it is unlikely media. that we will be able to gather First and foremost, our in large congregations on Faith assures us that God, Sundays like before, for fear our Heavenly Father, always of creating new outbreak and desires for our good, “For clusters of COVID-19. Let surely I know the plans I have us be prepared emotionally for you, says the Lord, plans and spiritually. for your welfare and not for

harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jer 29:11). And “how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

(Matthew 7:11) The Good Friday Event reveals this love of a Father for us as his beloved children.

“In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Our heavenly Father offers his only Son as a ransom for the sins of humanity instead of punishing us.

The Preacher for the Pope, Fr Raniero Cantalamessa, on Good Friday 2020 directly referred to COVID-19 pandemic: “The cross of Christ has changed the meaning of pain and human suffering—of every kind

Offering our Daily Sufferings in Union with Christ My dear brothers and sisters, as your Shepherd, I exhort everyone, “Do not be afraid …. for the Lord has risen.” During this COVID-19 outbreak, we will face uncertain days ahead, even with life threatening infection. But let us not allow fear, anxiety to paralyse us, nor do we allow human selfishness to destroy our relationship. “Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.” As an Easter people, we believe that our Risen Lord is with us, we are to bring hope and serve with mercy.

Many of us do not have the medical expertise and resources to be on the frontline to help those who are infected. But wherever we are, we can take care of our elderly and young at home in our families. We help by staying at home, keeping the MCO to prevent further outbreak. As we did throughout Lent during this MCO, I invite all Catholics to continue to give alms and donations, to make sacrifices, embrace the...

As Catholics, we do not consider COVID-19 pandemic as punishment or a curse from God because of the sins of humanity today. Neither is COVID-19 a chastisement from God.

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TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

Easter Message from Archbishop Simon Poh ...inconveniences and difficulties willingly.

Above all we pray and intercede.

We realised that the one hour when we had prayed with Pope Francis on 27 March and our Holy Week experience, have brought solidarity and communion. So offer your joys and difficulties in union with suffering of the Lord for the salvation and life of the world.

As a community of faith, we can be absolutely confident that God will bring us through this tough time together. Amen.

Families as Domestic Church Another insight that touches my heart came from a cartoon where Satan triumphantly told God that he has managed to close all the churches.

God replied that though the churches may be closed, there are now thousands of domestic churches in every family home.

I would like to affirm all Catholic families that during MCO whenever you participate in Masses on-line as a family, you are bringing back prayer, family life and blessing.

Your family IS the Domestic Church—a church at home. You have already invited the Lord Jesus to stay and live within your homes.

We know that there is no perfect family, but when we are kind to one another, when we pray together, listen, encourage and take care of each other, our families will emerge stronger.

After MCO, do continue to eat around one dining table, pray at meals and night

prayer home.

together

at

Funerals during MCO Our hearts feel for the many families whose loved ones have died during the MCO period. We were unable to celebrate funeral Masses in Churches.

Funeral service was limited to the few immediate family members. This loss would be felt deeply by these grieving families without our support and wake prayers. I am grateful that our priests had always been available to do the funeral rites and to offer Masses privately for the repose of your departed loved ones. I pray that the resurrection of Jesus brings comfort and assurance of eternal life. May they rest in the Father’s embrace.

Economically Financially Challenged from COVID-19 MCOs With suspension of Masses during MCO, our parishes actually experienced a great financial burden as our monthly expenses, staff and catechists are no longer supported by your Sunday collections.

Despite this, our Catholic parishes have come together to share resources and made a commitment to continue giving full salary to ensure families of our catechists and staff can weather through these challenging times. In a way, our Lord, the Good Shepherd walks with us. Our Risen Lord does not abandon us in our darkest night for He is with us and comforts us (see Psalm 23).

I also anticipate a

I would like to affirm all Catholic families that during MCO whenever you participate in Masses on-line as a family, you are bringing back prayer, family life and blessing.

Your family IS the Domestic Church—a church at home. huge drop and deficit in our Annual Lenten Appeal for Catholic Welfare Services.

These donations support Home of Peace at Jalan Landeh for the homeless and St Vincent de Paul Societies in various parishes which provide monthly assistance to needy and deserving families. After MCO, parishes will also need to offer temporary financial assistance to many daily paid breadwinners to help them get back on their feet.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Catholics and friends, who have contributed to the e-Collection during live-streaming of Masses. On the part of the Archdiocese, we are committing RM350,000 from the Archbishop’s Disaster Fund to CWS to supplement the current deficit. Once again, I appeal to the generosity of our Catholics to give in cash and kind to support the Church’s mission and charitable work. Eat simply— Live simply—Donate generously!

REBOOT BUTTON —A New Beginning for Our One Human Family The Papal Preacher,

Fr Cantelamessa had focussed on a positive effect of COVID-19 pandemic when he spoke of the feeling of solidarity and unity around the world that has lessened the need for war and armed conflict. “The virus knows no borders. In an instant it has broken down all the barriers and distinctions of race, nation, religion, wealth, and power. We should not revert to that prior time when this moment has passed.”

It is a call for priority to focus on people and not on armaments.

I see this as a REBOOT BUTTON and an opportunity to refocus on our relationship with God and the human family.

Before COVID-19 pandemic, the world was actually obsessed with material progress, economical wealth and profit, consumerism, sports and entertainment.

COVID-19 has caused our entertainment centres, gymnasium, stadiums, factories, shopping complexes etc, to be closed.

We came to a new realisation that we are a global human family.

COVID-19 virus does not recognise the colour of our skin, our race, religion, political affiliation nor social

status. What happens to our brother or sister in another country also affects us eventually. We are all in this as one big human family, fighting to overcome this pandemic.

We have also become aware of the new and urgent focus on health, hygiene, food, clean water, alleviation of poverty, greater appreciation of the common working people in our society that we have overlooked (those who staked the shelves in supermarkets, the rubbish collectors, etc) and the need for a proper stewardship of creation of “Laudato Si”. Let us use this time of silence and slowing down as the opportunity to listen and let God back in our lives, our families and to reclaim our human dignity created in the image of God, as brothers and sisters of one human family.

EASTER BLESSINGS On behalf of the Archbishops Emeriti Peter Chung and John Ha, all the priests, religious, and editorial members of Today’s Catholic, I take this opportunity to wish all our beloved Catholics, friends and people of good will, peace and joy of Easter Season.

Our Lord Jesus is with us. Believe in Jesus as our Saviour and Risen Lord. May you have real freedom and hope in your hearts and in your families.

Alleluia! He is risen!

Yours humbly in the Risen Lord, Archbishop Simon Poh

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

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What has life been like under the

Movement Control Order (MCO)?

KUCHING — When the Malaysian government decided to impose the MCO as safeguards to control the COVID-19 pandemic, and to “flatten the curve”, many people found their lives disrupted and displaced.

It is interesting to see how some people cope with self-

imposed isolation.

Amid uncertainty of the future, there is always that element of hope. Every dark cloud has its silver lining.

Families now have time to bond with each other. Some are learning to cook. Others have time to pursue hobbies that had to be put on hold.

Some now have the luxury of that much needed rest.

Many are turning to God in moments of despair. Someone commented, “We have become very holy. We attend a few live-streaming Masses a day.”

We have compiled snippets taken from the mobile

WhatsApp, the most popular way to communicate and to relax and let go of some “steam” and boredom. Some posts drive home the stark reality of the grim situation.

Others may just brighten up your day and bring a smile to your face.

TODAY’S PAGE 6 CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

NEWS

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL PAGE 2020 7

A look at Live-streaming of Masses to compensate Church closures

KUCHING — With the announcement of the closure of all Churches and the suspension of Masses, began the frantic preparation to telecast Mass online to the Catholic community, even before the social

distancing and MCO came into effect. We take you “behind the scenes” of a live-streaming Mass by the Archdiocese of Kuching Social Communications team.

Through hiccups, sheer determination and telecast live on YouTube and Facebook. The numbers dedication, a feeling of fulfillment has set in. Masses of viewers are still going up. in English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia are now

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

Pastoral Letter to Catholics for Holy Week

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Catholics in Sarawak mourn the passing of Fr John Chia

KUCHING — The Archdiocese of Kuching received the obituary notice of Fr John Chia from Bishop Richard Ng, Bishop of Miri Diocese.

He wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Rev Fr John Chia Fu Hin on 31 March 2020 at 10:07am at Bintulu Hospital. He died of multiple organs failure.”

Fr John had been feeling unwell for the past two weeks. When his health did not improve after receiving treatment at the health clinic in Sg Asap, he was transferred to Bintulu Hospital on 29 March and diagnosed with severe pneumonia. He did not survive.

Fr John was born on 26 February 1971 in Kpg Medait, Limbang to Stephen Chia and Doreen anak Aba. The second of three boys, he was baptised on 26 August 1976. He entered the Miri Diocesan Seminary in 1990, after completing Form 5 in Limbang.

He was ordained deacon on 8 December 1996 in Bintulu, and ordained priest in Limbang by Bishop Anthony Lee on 1 May 1997.

Fr John served in St Michael’s Parish, Batu Niah from 1997 to 1999 and in St Edmund’s Parish, Limbang from 2000 to

2005. He was sent to Rome to study Liturgy at S. Anselmo Institute and graduated in 2008.

He headed the Liturgy Commission and was appointed to the following parishes on his return from Rome: St Anthony’s Parish, Bintulu from 2008 to 2012, St Edmund’s Parish, Limbang from 2013 to 2016 and Holy Cross Parish, Sg Asap, Belaga from 2016 up to the present.

“Fr John will be remembered as a hardworking and cheerful priest with a deep love for the people. He was constantly visiting the people in the longhouses and villages in the parishes he served to provide pastoral care and the sacraments. He was well versed in several languages and was close to the people. He was also popular with the youth and reached out to them through his motivational talks, songs and music,” added Bishop Richard.

“On behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful of the diocese, I offer my deepest condolence to the family of Fr John for their great loss.

No words can adequately express our sorrow and shock at his sudden passing. May we draw consolation and strength from the reassuring words

Fr John Chia of Jesus to Martha in last Sunday’s gospel. “‘I am the resurrection and the life. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ (John 11:25–26).

May he rest in peace,” wrote Bishop Richard.

Archbishop Simon Poh of the Archdiocese of Kuching also expressed his profound sadness on receiving the news.

He said, “Today we mourn and pray for the passing of one of our priests, Fr John Chia.

From the youth events that we had organised, I have seen Fr John ministering and connecting to the...

Continued on p11

Opening Mass for the Beginning of Religious Class 2020 at SMK DP Kedit

BETONG — On 20 January, all Catholic teachers and students of SMK Datuk Patinggi Kedit, Betong had the opportunity to celebrate the Holy Mass. The Mass was celebrated by the Rector of Sri Aman Parish, Fr Jerome Juleng to pray for the opening of the 2020 Catholic religious class and to strengthen the bond and unity in the love of Jesus Christ among the school children.

About eight teachers and 45 students from Form 1 to Pre-U are Catholics at this school.

Among the most frequent programs are the First Holy Communion and Confirmation Classes held every Thursday evening. The First Holy Communion Class is run

by Catechist Grace while the Confirmation Class is run by Brian Leonusia.

In his homily during the Holy Mass, Fr Jerome Juleng had the opportunity to remind

A compilation of activities on the day. students of a deeper in the implementation understanding about the of the religious classes meaning of the death at this school. At the and resurrection of Jesus same time, she also Christ in each celebration expressed gratitude of the Holy Mass. They are for the commitment encouraged to be united in and cooperation of Christ as a form of church all Catholic teachers, ministry. including Catechist Catholic religious Grace, Brian Leonusia coordinator of SMK and students who have Datuk Patinggi Kedit, given their cooperation Alphonsa Anthony, in religious classes. May expressed her gratitude God bless. and thanks to God for the school’s continued support Marcella Eva Menchon

TODAY’S PAGE 8 CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

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Abundant with gifts of the Holy Spirit after Life in the Spirit Seminar

The RCIA participants with facilitators, family members, friends and organisers.

KUCHING — From to yield the actions of the the Inner Healing and 14–16 February, 50 Holy Spirit in their life, Baptism of the Holy participants, facilitators, and to experience the gifts Spirit sessions, all the family members and of the Holy Spirit working participants experienced friends from the St in all the participants. being touched by the Joseph’s English RCIA The seminar topics Holy Spirit in one way Class attended a Life included God’s Love, or another. Praying and in the Spirit Seminar Salvation, New Life, speaking in tongues, (LSS) conducted by the Receiving God’s healing, and gift of joy Bread of Life Catholic Gift, Inner Healing, and love were some of the Charismatic Covenant Baptism of the Holy gifts that the participants Community.

Spirit, and Growth and received.

This seminar was Transformation.

There Towards the end very important for were also sharing and of the seminar, all the the catechumens and pastoring sessions. The participants confessed confirmation candidates Inner Healing session they had received some in preparation for included exposition of the of the nine fruits of the their baptism and Blessed Sacrament.

Holy Spirit which are: confirmation.

Apart This was a new Love, Patience, Kindness, from that, the LSS was experience for all the Gentleness, Peace, Selfalso open to all the RCIA candidates. They control, Goodness, Joy, participants to reconcile were also guided on the and Faithfulness. and forge a deeper importance of living in relationship with Christ, a community. During Benedict Kenshua Chai

Testimonies from RCIA participants My name is Kenshua, and soon to be, Benedict. At first, my life was not quite happy and full of constant pressure. But, after the LSS session, I feel that I am “reborn” as a new person. I felt peace during the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and this peace is incomparable to other times of temporary peace.

There are also many personal miracles that I have witnessed, such as receiving the gift of tongues, and spotting a rainbow next to the ACCPC. I believe that the Lord was truly there and was with me during my LSS session.

– Benedict Kenshua Chai Joining LSS helped me refresh and renew my faith in God, something that I look forward to where I block my time specially to seek God’s presence and to grow deeper in Him, in addition to Sunday Mass that I attend.

This LSS was special to me since it was the second time I was able to speak in tongues, five months after I received the gift for the first time. But the experience also left me with one question, ‘why can’t I stop crying when I speak in tongues?’ Nevertheless, I feel blessed with this gift and I pray that I may be able to discern what God really wants me to do with my life.

– Iviana Anak Jiga During the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I felt sad because my heart yearned for God to take my late Dad to join Him in heaven. In my cries I was also begging, but a voice in my heart said ‘Yes, he is with me.’ During the inner healing, I was sad for a moment because I was thinking about my late Dad who loved me. After that Sr Isabel talked about a father’s love, which made me feel even sadder.

It felt like a coincidence… so at the baptism of the Holy Spirit, my heart was still begging. I was crying.

After that, I felt better, and I said, ‘Thank you Jesus.’

– Telly Malinda

PAGE 9 TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

Mass to Pray for Healing

KUCHING — The Mass to pray for healing on 9 March at Blessed Sacrament Church, and at Holy Trinity Church on 10 March were both full. Fr Varghese Parackal from the Vincentian Retreat Centre in Perth, Western

Australia celebrated both Masses, with Fr Paul Ling and Fr Francis Dakun concelebrating at Holy Trinity Church.

Many who came seeking to be healed experienced some form of healing.

Fr Varghese praying over a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Church.

The Mass at Holy Trinity Church was packed to capacity. ­ CATHOLIC WELFARE SERVICES COUNCIL SARAWAK Annual Lenten Appeal 2020 Without having masses due to the adverse impact of COVID-19, please help support as we continue to work in helping the poor and needy. Donations can be banked into:

Catholic Welfare Services Council Sarawak Maybank Account No: 511234019806 Kindly contact Ms. Cecilia at 019-8199708 / 082-241407 once you have made the donation. Tax Exempt Receipts will be issued. Thank you and God bless.

Stephanie Eddy Ligham sharing her experience at the seminar.

I experienced selfforgiveness during the inner healing on Saturday.

I know I have sinned in various ways. On Sunday I found the missing pieces to include in my prayer.

During the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, I remembered the word “I miss You” and at that very moment I felt truly touched by the anointing and I cried so bad. I felt God’s love and heard “I have forgiven you”.

Our hope and salvation is none other than God. I pray to God to strengthen His people in faith.

– Stephanie Eddy Ligham

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PAGE 8 CATHOLIC APRIL 2020 TODAY’S

The Return of the Prodigal Son Retreat

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL PAGE 2020 9

St Theresa’s Parish Pastoral Council prepares development master plan

Participants of The Prodigal Son Retreat.

KEMUYANG, SIBU — The Return of the Prodigal Son Retreat was recently conducted at the Sibu Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Kemuyang from 7–8 March 2020. A total of 194 participants came from different parishes in the Diocese of Sibu and some from Kuching and Bintulu also joined the Retreat. The Retreat was conducted by Dr Jeffrey Goh, Ms Angie Goh from Kuching and Fr Cruzito B. Manding from Cebu, Philippines. Fr Cruzito is presently attached to the St Joseph’s Mission Animation Centre, Sibu.

The Retreat was based on the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15: 11–32, the Return of the Prodigal Son written

by Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Missing 3rd Line written by Dr Jeffrey Goh (Volume 12 of his Christian Living Series) and the magnificent painting of The Return of the Prodigal Son by the great artist Rembrandt.

Dr Jeffrey began with the Prodigal Son. Although the parable is very familiar to all of us, he was able to bring out

the point that ‘Returning home’ is only possible if there is a ‘Leaving home.’

Participants were asked to describe the characters of the Prodigal Son and there were many suggestions from ‘ungrateful, stupid, reckless’ etc. and then only to be told they were describing themselves, whereby there was a moment of silence before all broke into laughter.

That is how we behave when we sin again and again and heed not the voice of the Father.

Participants were taught on the need to be grateful for all the blessings received. There is no need to be on pretences with our loving Father or put on a “mask” before Him. Then Fr Cruzito talked on the Elder Son. He began by teaching the participants how to pray using the psalms. The Elder Son who physically never left home and under all circumstances was seen as an obedient and filial son only to realise that spiritually he had long left home. He remained stoic and rigid and refused to acknowledge the younger brother and

KUALA LUMPUR — There has been a leap forward in catechising children as young as three years old by some churches in Malaysia in the adoption of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) since 2013.

CGS—named after the parable of Jesus, the Good Shepherd—is a Montessori approach to the religious formation of children between three to 12 years old.

CGS was developed in Rome by Sophia Cavaletti, a Hebrew and Biblical Scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori Educator, in 1954. Today CGS is available in more than 60 countries of different cultures and economic backgrounds.

CGS is rooted in Scripture and Liturgy, with an aim for the child to establish a close and lasting relationship with God. In CGS, the Catechists do not teach.

Rather they are there to guide the child in selfdiscovery. The Holy Spirit is the teacher. The CGS motto for the child is “Help me to fall in love with God by myself”.

It is with this in mind that the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (KLACGS) is organising two formations in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) in May/ June 2020. The two formations are: Level 1 Part 1 from 23–28 May 2020, and Level 1 Part 2 on 30 May–4 June 2020. The Level 1 Part

he even told the father “your son….” In fact the father was the one who had to come and reach out to him. Fr Cruzito went on to share his personal struggles when he was a young priest which was truly a lesson in humility. Many times we too became resentful with all the obligations and ‘duties’ which we think were unappreciated and forget to do them instead with love.

The first day session ended with Holy Hour and confession where participants were able to experience the unfathomable mercy of our Heavenly Father.

The next day the Retreat continued with the Talk on the Father figure. Angie drew the participants to focus on the different parts of the anatomy of the Father figure and the postures of the different characters in the painting. It was truly an unravelling of the figures one by one which Rembrandt managed to convey brilliantly in his work. The crunch came when we were told how...

Continued on p8

Rector Fr Vincent Chin (second right), Rector Fr Leonard Yap (third left in front), Pastoral Centre Building Committee Chairman Dennis Sung (second left in front) and members before the dialogue.

SERIAN — The development of his Pastoral Centre Building parish while Dennis Committee of St Theresa’s Sung voiced out the Parish Pastoral Council requirements of St invited the industry- Theresa’s Parish to be experienced priest Fr built on the land near the Vincent Chin, who is main church, such as a the Rector of St Peter’s Pastoral Centre, Priests’ Parish, Kuching to have a House with kitchen, dialogue with committee multi-purpose hall, car members to enlighten park, religious teaching them about parish centre, electricity supply substation and more. development matters.

Fr Chin advised Fr Vincent Chin was warmly welcomed on that the Parish Pastoral arrival to the church by Council prepare detailed the Rector of the Parish Fr information of each Leonard Yap and members intended item for the of the committee at 10.30 designer to prepare a master plan before am on 27 February. to the The Committee submitting Chairman Dennis Sung, authorities for approval.

The Committee Secretary Wilson Banyui and Treasurer Anthony Chairman Dennis Sung Tagok led the team for expressed his heartfelt the dialogue at the church thanks to Fr Chin for solving doubts of the meeting room.

Fr Vincent Chin shared existing projects.

Joseph Then his experience on the

Child with Good Shepherd.

2 formation is eligible only for participants who have completed the Level 1 Part 1 formation. The formation will be conducted by Anne Diamond and Marie Fernandez, CGS Formation Leaders from Australia.

The five-and-a-halfday formation is for adults to know the methodology

and knowledge of the underlying principles of CGS. They explore with participants the religious potential and religious needs of the three to sixyear-old child in relation to general development characteristics of the child.

The formation provides an opportunity for the adult to be formed spiritually and intellectually in Scripture and Theology, and the Spiritual Development of the child through the themes of Level 1 curriculum.

They offer guidelines and assistance to those setting up the atrium or learning environment for the three to six-year-old child; and how to prepare “album pages” and material making.

If you wish to be a CGS

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

catechist, the formation will deepen your own journey towards God and guide you in catechising children. If you are a parent, they will enable you to journey with your child, if your child is attending CGS. The formations are intensive and captivating.

You are invited to participate in the two formations. The contact person for CGS formation is Auselia (Tel: +6012 809 2908).

In Sarawak, the first CGS in Mandarin has commenced at the Holy Trinity Church at Kenyalang Park Kuching. For further details, please contact Jessica (Tel: +6016 816 5005).

Peggy Goh

TODAY’S PAGE 10 CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

BSC Sunday School Lenten Pilgrimage to Mount Singai

A group photo at the Pilgrimage Centre.

KUCHING — The pilgrims recited The Sunday School the rosary together, before of Blessed Sacrament Mass started around 11.00 Church (English & am, celebrated in English.

Chinese), organised The Mass was presided their annual Lenten by BSC Rector Fr Patrick pilgrimage to Mt Singai Heng, together with Fr on 14 March from 8.30 John Chong from Sacred am – 1.00 pm.

Heart Church, Kota Due to the Covid-19 Sentosa, 7th Mile. outbreak, many pilgrims Fr Patrick Heng read did not turn up for the Gospel from St Luke this year’s Lenten relating to the Prodigal Pilgrimage. son, and his Homily was However, the weather an explanation of the First remained sunny and hot, Reading and the Gospel. a blessing as it rained At around 12.45 pm, later during the night. most pilgrims began In three groups of descending Mt Singai.

20–25 persons, led The last few by at least two Faith pilgrims took their time Facilitators, pilgrims descending, especially made their ascension to some Faith Facilitators Mt Singai while reciting who made sure of the the Stations of the Cross. safety of everyone.

The first group The last group reached ascended around 8.30 the foot of Mt Singai am, while the last group at around 1.25 pm and reached the Pilgrimage everyone departed for the Centre roughly around journey home.

9.45 am.

Shannon Wei

Junior legionaries gather for Lenten retreat

Legionaries infront of the altar after the Holy Mass.

BUNAN GEGA — On 14 March, about 80 pilgrims from Kuching made their way to the Gethsemane Pilgrimage Centre, Bunan for a half-day reflection and fellowship. The retreat was organised by the Legion of Mary, Kuching Comitium.

The young legionaries took turns praying the Stations of the Cross accompanied by the senior legionaries. The retreat ended with a

Holy Mass presided by Fr Nicholas Ng, Spiritual Director of Kuching Comitium.

In his homily, Fr Nicholas urged the legionaries to develop an attitude of gratefulness and kindness towards their parents and siblings.

The legionaries had a meaningful retreat and renewed fraternity spirit among themselves during the lunch break.

Legion of Mary, Kuching Comitium

NEWS

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL PAGE 2020 7

Legion of Mary Kuching Comitium celebrates the Acies

KUCHING — An association of Catholic laity that serves the Church on a voluntary basis, the Legion of Mary Kuching Comitium, held its annual Acies Ceremony at 2.00 pm Sunday, 8 March at the Blessed Sacrament Church, Kuching.

The Acies (a latin word meaning “an army set in battle array”) is perhaps one of the most important and symbolic events in the Legion of Mary and is held nearest to or on the 25 March in conjunction with Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord.

With the Covid-19 virus looming in the air, over 200 legionaries braved the pandemic and got together in the renewal of the Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

While statements have been released, advising the sick and the elderly to stay at home to prevent the spread of the virus, the turnout was evident of the legionaries’ strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The act of Consecration is where legionaries declare their faith and complete devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The event began at 2.00 pm with a procession by the officials and members of all the praesidiums under the Legion of Mary Kuching Comitium.

After the procession, the legionaries knelt down for the recitation of the rosary followed by an opening address by Fr Nicholas Ng, the spiritual director of the Legion of Mary Kuching Comitium. Fr

The Act of Consecration is where legionaries declare their faith and complete devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Legionaries kneeling down in solemn recitation of the rosary.

The Acies ended Nicholas exhorted on the importance of the Acies with adoration of the Sacrament and the Legion’s devotion Blessed and Benediction. to Mother Mary.

For the Legion of Before everyone went Mary, the Acies has the home, the president purpose of renewing and of the Legion of Mary Comitium, deepening the Legionary’s Kuching Consecration to Mary at Joseph Wong, gave a least once a year. That closing speech thanking consecration is at the heart Fr Patrick Heng for of the Legion’s vocation. allowing the Legion of A true devotion to Mary Mary to use the Blessed Church means belonging totally Sacrament to Mary and that nothing for the Acies. He also is to be held back. This is thanked the organising demonstrated in the Act of praesidia, Our Lady Individual Consecration Undoer of Knots and after Fr Nicholas’ opening Our Lady Cause of Joy, address where the for making sure the legionary recites: “I am Acies carried on without yours, My Queen, My a hitch.

Legion of Mary, Mother, and all that I have Kuching Comitium is yours.”

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CECILIA NG LUAN KEOW on 15 April, 2020 in Singapore Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace.

From: Archbishop Simon Poh, priests and the faithful of the Archdiocese of Kuching

in Today’s Catholic

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PAGE 8 CATHOLIC APRIL 2020 TODAY’S

KUCHING — The Spiritual Healing seminar conducted by Fr Varghese Parackal from the Vincentian Retreat Centre in Perth, Western Australia, was essentially a “Life in the Spirit seminar”. With the theme “CHRIST is All in All”, the focus was on the healer Jesus Christ.

There were about 350 participants at the weekend seminar held from 6–8 March at the Blessed Sacrament Church hall.

Fr Patrick Heng, the rector and new shepherd of Emmaus Servant Community, the seminar organiser, gave a short welcoming speech. He encouraged everyone to “open yourselves to the Lord for wonderful things to happen.”

Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh, in his address, said that the “source of healing is Jesus. He is the Lord.

God is in control. Submit to the loving Father.” He went on to explain that at the very heart of the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is the Holy Spirit. We are to believe in the presence of Jesus.

Fr Varghese stressed the importance of remaining in prayer. To

...to become the Father with His unconditional love by our grief, generosity and forgiveness. Dr Jeffrey, the master storyteller, was able to draw laughter and tears from the participants from his many real life stories. The most difficult part of the forgiveness aspect was “to ask for forgiveness even when you have been wronged.”

The Service of the Cross was a tear-jerking finale as participants were told to take down the mask and refrain from making ‘speeches’ like the Prodigal Son— to just be themselves and bare all to Jesus.

Although the participants were discouraged from kissing the cross and embracing one another during the Sign of Peace as a precautionary measure against the threat of the Covid-19,

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL PAGE 2020 11

Many claim healing at Christ-centred Spiritual Healing seminar receive the Holy Spirit, he made reference to Matt 7:7 “Ask and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Throughout the whole seminar, Fr Varghese used the Word of God supported by stories and testimonies that were easily relatable to the participants. His teachings were interspersed with anecdotes that kept everyone on their toes and eager to listen to him.

Because we focus on living our lives in the flesh and not in the spirit, we face loneliness, abandonment, anger, sorrow, seeking and searching for love, and other calamities. “When we live our lives in the spirit, we have God with us,” Fr Varghese said.

The inner healing session was an eyeopener for many. Once they were able to forgive and let go of past pain and experience, they felt deep inner peace. They became a “new creation.”

Some of the testimonies received included healing from gastritis, wrist, shoulder, neck, leg, finger, knee and hip pain. Others were healed from insomnia

Return of the Prodigal Son Retreat Continued from p9

NEWS

but for the first time ever in the program, the participants were given the chance to write on a piece of paper whatever is still burdening them or the person that they need to reconcile and then burn the paper surrendering all to God. Coincidentally the Gospel reading that day was on the Transfiguration of the Lord. Participants were reminded that the Retreat was not meant to be a ‘feel good weekend’ but to strengthen them in their spiritual journey from knowing or remembering (memoria) to service (diakonia), to communion (kononia) and proclamation of our faith to those around us.

The Retreat ended with a prayer led by Fr Cruzito and together with all the participants, he blessed Dr Jeffrey and Angie in their ministry and vocation.

Martina Young

and fear, felt transformed and had more confidence in themselves. Family relationships improved, and some participants felt loved again; life was a gift and worth living.

Michelle, after a visit to her doctor, confirmed her lungs had shown improvement and she was breathing in more air.

Cynthia fell, slain by the Holy Spirit and felt heat on her left chest when she prayed for the cancerous growth in her to be healed.

Sophia who had earlier felt deserted, experienced Jesus standing in front of her, ministering to her soul. She woke up the next morning feeling joyfully fulfilled.

Fr Varghese’s message was clear. Jesus wants us to give our lives to God. To be a new creation.

Suffering comes from sin, and only sin can take away our peace. We are encouraged to let go of our sins and live our lives in the spirit. After all, CHRIST is All in All. Fr Varghese, whose visit was at the invitation of Archbishop Simon Poh, also celebrated two Masses to pray for healing for the Catholic community.

Ivy Chai

Fr Varghese ministering to the participants.

Special healing Mass

The Passing of Fr John Chia Continued from p7 ...young people with so much joy. I am sure that would have been how he had served and given his whole life to the people and parishes assigned. He will be greatly missed.

Kuching Archdiocese would like to extend our heartfelt condolence to Miri’s Bishop Richard Ng, priests, catechists, Catholics and especially the family of the late Fr John Chia...

“May Christ the Good Shepherd lead Fr John safely home and grant him a place in the Father’s House as we comfort each other with the assurance of our faith until we all meet in Christ. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant… Come share your Master’s joy.’ (Mt 25:21).”

Among the overseas priests who knew Fr John Chia and sent their condolences were Fr Bernadus Boli from Indonesia who wrote,

“RIP Dear Fr John Chia.

You had been very kind to us. We miss you a lot.

May you join the choirs in heaven participating forever in the heavenly liturgy with all the saints and angels. Pray for us.

May God bless you.”

Other priests who sent condolences and prayers were: Fr Theo Asa Siri and Fr Petrus Tripomo from Indonesia, and Fr Peter Le from Vietnam.

Fr Almas Archangelus from Pakistan wrote, “I met him in Rome in 2006 and we were in Sant’ Anselmo for two years together. I found him a very pleasant, accommodating, friendly and caring person.

Going to University together and stopping for a cup of coffee or glass of beer was fun.

He was a brother to me.

I wanted to meet him last month when I came to Malaysia, however it was not meant to be.

I feel we all who have known him, have lost a genuine friend. We will

miss you John, may our prayers lead you to enter eternal peace and pray for us from the heavenly realms.”

Fr Felix Au wrote from Taiwan, “I remember Fr John as a priest who seemed very happy in ministry.

He would smile most of the time and had a special gift with young people—he was able to effectively connect and relate to them.

The youths of Kuching were also privileged to have Fr John minister to them several times when he was invited as a speaker to our programmes.

With his gifts, he blessed the young with the experience of God’s love for them. I am sure John will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.”

Fr John Chia Fu Hin died at the age of 49 years. May his soul rest in peace.

Ivy Chai

PAGE 12

Psalms

FEATURE

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

Psalm 23

(Part 16)

By Archbishop Emeritus John Ha

Today’s Catholic is publishing a series of reflections by Archbishop Emeritus John Ha. This year, we will be reflecting on the Book of Psalms.

Part I One of the most favourite psalms is Psalm 23 (Psalm 22 in the Greek and Latin versions). Its portrayal of the Lord as shepherd is followed by the imagery of the Lord as host. Both imageries elicit in the hearts of people a profound trust and confidence in God and therefore bring them great comfort and consolation. For this reason, Psalm 23 is classified as a psalm of trust.

Comments After the superscription, A Psalm of David, verses 1–4 depict YHWH as “my shepherd” and verses 5–6 present YHWH as a generous host.

The Lord as Shepherd (vv. 1–4) The opening verse declares, “YHWH is my shepherd; I shall not want.” For sure, the pastoral experience of the people of God provided the inspiration for the use of the imagery of shepherd to highlight confidence and trust in YHWH. But the common appellation of the king as shepherd in the Ancient Near East might very likely have played a role too. The imagery depicted the king’s duty to protect and provide for his subjects. With a true and faithful shepherd, be it in the pastoral or royal sense, those under his charge can expect to have their every need taken care of and thus want nothing.

The imagery is transferred to YHWH in both its senses. The royal sense is very clear in Ezk. 34. YHWH decided first to take over the kingship over the people when their kings failed (vv.15–16). He later announced He would raise a new David, that is, a new king in the line of David, to rule over them (vv. 23–24). This royal sense is primarily tied to the people as a nation or a community. Psalm 23 moves from this community, the people of God in the covenant, to an individual, as evidenced in the predicate in verse 1: “my shepherd” (first person pronoun singular). Indeed, any individual member of the people of the covenant stands to enjoy the providence and protection of YHWH, the God of the covenant. Psalm 23 then personalises confidence and trust in YHWH as shepherd for every individual who prays it.

Areas of YHWH’s providence and protection are spelt out in the verses that follow. Naturally, the first area has to do with “green pastures” and “still waters” (literally, “waters of rest”) (v. 2). The two elements go together as water is needed for natural life. YHWH the shepherd not just provides fodder but also ensures its continuity.

The verb “lie down” conveys an ambience of comfort and security.

The “waters of rest” takes the ambience further by depicting a serene and undisturbed break from an exhausting journey. The clause, “He leads me”, suggests a journey. Under YHWH’s rule and guidance, the people of Israel were assured of continuous providence and protection and could therefore journey on in life with a sense of safety and in peace.

Given the much-appreciated rest from exhaustion, the sheep recovers lost energy and springs back to full life. Verse 3 expresses this thus. “He restores my soul.” But the term “soul” (nefeš in Hebrew) takes the life beyond its physical realm to reach the religious or spiritual sphere. The next two lines of verse 3 corroborate this point: “He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.” “Right paths” translates ședeq which in Hebrew has a moral and religious sense.

It is to be noted that verse 3b repeats “He leads me” of verse 2b and thus creates a parallel to it. This parallelism may be intended to

tie “beside waters of rest” to “in right paths”; if so, the “waters of rest” is intended to take on a religious or spiritual sense. YHWH as shepherd looks after His sheep physically and emotionally, morally and spiritually—that is, in all aspects of life. This is clearly “for his name’s sake”, that is, in perfect tandem with His “name”.

Verse 4 addresses YHWH the shepherd in a personal way through the pronoun “you” in the singular. It picks up the element of journey in verses 2 and 3. It asserts YHWH the shepherd’s unfailing presence and protection even, or better especially, in the most perilous circumstances: “walking through the valley of death.” Thus, “I fear no evil,” much in the same vein as “I shall not want” (v. 1), with YHWH as “my shepherd”.

The most fundamental grounds for no fear and no want lies in YHWH’s presence: “for you are with me.” Here, there is another personal application to the individual of the Lord’s presence among His people—the Immanuel: “the Lord is with us.” The Lord is present with His “rod and staff”, implements of guidance and protection.

Showered with abundant and unceasing fodder as well as refreshing water, and assured of unfailing presence, inexhaustible providence, clear direction and effective protection from YHWH, the sheep enjoys the highest degree of “comfort” throughout the journey.

The Lord as Generous Host (vv. 5–6) The journey that the shepherd Lord leads His sheep has a clear destination: “the house of the Lord” (v. 6).

In His house, the Lord exhibits His great hospitality. From what nature provides for food and refreshment, articulated in terms of “green pastures” and “waters of rest” (v. 2), the psalm in verse 5 depicts the Lord Himself “preparing a table” for the sheep. In addition, “my cup is overflowing.” This is the Lord’s own banquet.

It surpasses all the natural fodder that the sheep has been feeding on.

In other words, all the “green pastures” and “waters of rest” that the sheep has survived on throughout the journey find their culmination in this great banquet the Lord is laying on in His house.

More than just providence and food, the sheep’s experience of the shepherd’s protection with his “rod and staff” also finds culmination in the Lord’s house. He lays on the banquet “in the presence of my enemies” (v. 5). Indeed, the Lord has been protecting the individual from all hostile powers on his/her journey. Now in the Lord’s house, he/she is treated to a banquet, totally and definitively protected from these hostile powers. He can truly dine in peace and total safety.

The “comfort” enjoyed in the journey (v. 4) has so far come from the “green pastures” and “restful waters” the shepherd leads the sheep to. Now, in the Lord’s house, it comes from His personal “anointing my head with oil” (v. 5). The Lord’s gesture has two effects. Firstly, in the OT sense of an official appointment like a king or a priest, it confers on the individual who has arrived in the Lord’s house an official status that he/she is a member of it. Secondly, in the common experience of massaging with oil, it gives relief to the exhaustion and thus refreshes him/her.

The Lord’s banquet and gesture of anointing with oil the individual led by Him give him/her a lifelong assurance of the Lord’s “goodness and mercy” and “dwelling in the house of the Lord” (v. 6). Indeed, officially accepted as a member of the Lord’s household, the individual is entitled to a place therein and enjoy the bountiful life in it.

The two parts of Psalm 23, namely verses 1–4 and verses 5–6, constitute a unity through their focus on the Lord. As shepherd, He leads His sheep to His house where He is a generous host.

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

FEATURE

PAGE 13

My thoughts on a people-less Palm Sunday

by Fr Patrick Heng

We have no palm leaves!

And there began our frantic search for what to do for Palm Sunday. The feeling of excitement and unpreparedness set in a few days before Palm Sunday. We searched for palms from our own garden and we placed them on our altar, door, window, gate or the wall of our houses. Others placed them on the table where they will watch the live-streaming of Mass alongside a Bible, a cross and candles.

pandan leaves

palm & lalang dried palm leaves leaves Some, for the lack of palm trees, used pandan leaves, lime branches, or even dried palm leaves of previous years. Whatever it may be, we all want to do something for Palm Sunday and we shared over the social media what we did for our own “home Palm Sunday”.

Our thoughts, “we have no palms” echo the cry of our Mother Mary at the wedding at Cana, “they have no wine” (John 2:3).

Jesus’ hour is here and for me Palm Sunday 2020 became a beautiful occasion to be grateful to God for his blessings upon us.

An opportunity The Movement Control Order (MCO), however, has given us an opportunity to review our priorities, lifestyles, family values, faith, church and to come closer to God. There are many things of life and faith that we may have taken for granted. Now with the extra time on our hands, we may find ourselves attending Mass broadcast from all over the world two or three times a day, something that we would normally not do, or to do some spiritual reading.

Over the media, we may have seen what certain provinces and neighbourhoods in other countries are doing to show solidarity by way of music, dance and lights. Focusing on Palm Sunday, our small gesture of searching for a palm leaf became a symbolic manifestation of our faith and solidarity. The palm leaves we placed on our altar, door, window or gate showed that we are Christians. The palm leaves have also become a symbol that unites us all in our Lorongs, Jalans or Tamans. It is a symbol that unites all Christians—Catholics, Anglicans and all other Christians. It is indeed wonderful to see in a simple manner our unity and solidarity as Christians.

lime leaves

A Yearning To miss Palm Sunday Mass hit us hard. It has always been a memorable moment for us. How happy we were to take a blessed palm, joined the procession and to place the blessed palms in our home. But this year, at the parish level, the priests felt helpless, our church wardens missed the management of a large expected crowd; the choirs missed their usual practices while the altar servers missed their turns to serve as this year was for some of them, the last opportunity to serve Holy Week before they leave for further studies next year. Even those who sourced and prepared the palm leaves for the parish churches felt it. A WhatsApp message from Beatrice of Sri Aman expressed some of their feelings, “sedih betul, .. kalau tahun-tahun lepas, kami semua akan bergotongroyong cari daun palma untuk diberikan kepada gereja”.

The live-streaming of Masses showed empty Churches. The sense of an empty Church is more poignant when Archbishop Simon expressed how it broke his heart to see empty pews in St Joseph’s Cathedral, or when we see the Holy Father celebrating Palm Sunday with a handful of people in St Peter’s Basilica. How our hearts broke too as it now dawned on us that we will have to mark Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil at home. Our hearts pained for want of the Mass and the Eucharist. We cried at each Mass attended online. We wept when the Scriptures were read. We hurt to hear the sufferings of Jesus. We shed tears when listening to hymns which proclaimed how much God loves us.

We feel as John of BSC said in a WhatsApp message, “like sheep confined to the stable for an extended period”.

Pain and sadness are also felt by those who have poor internet access in the rural areas and they cannot follow the Mass online or to gather at their kampong churches. Garry, a frontline Covid-19 medical personnel who has to work 12 hours daily, lamented on Palm Sunday morning, “without any palm leaves on my FB or my home ….. viewing from my office, I can see palm leaves at a distance …. I realised just how much a part of it played in our lives and how much we missed it”.

This week is called Holy Week in which we celebrate the sufferings, death and resurrection of Jesus, journeying with the Lord Jesus from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Following the Decree from the Vatican, the Liturgical Rites on some days will be shorter, especially on Good Friday and Easter Vigil. This year, we do not have to worry about coming to Church early at 2.00 pm for the 3.00 pm Good Friday Service or the long (about three hours) Easter Vigil Mass. We can attend all these Liturgies from the comfort of our home, the domestic church.

We take this year as an opportunity to mark Holy Week with a difference. Some of the things we can do as our own personal spiritual preparations are: • to read and discover more about Holy Week through the various resources available on the internet.

• to read, meditate and reflect on the events that happened before Holy Thursday from the Gospel readings for the weekdays of Holy Week: Monday (John 12: 1–11); Tuesday (John 13: 21–33. 36–38) and Wednesday (Matthew 26: 14–25).

• to recall your own personal pilgrimage to Jerusalem (Holy Land) tracing the footsteps of the Lord Jesus in Jerusalem.

• to pray for the medical Covid-19 frontliners, those infected and affected by it and their families, and an end to the pandemic.

• to help the poor and those affected financially due to the MCO (see the Archbishop’s appeal: click here) • to prepare and clean our altar and get a Cross to venerate on Good Friday.

• to prepare and light a Candle at the Easter Vigil.

• to enjoy an Easter meal together.

Indeed, the hour is here! Over the last few weeks of Mass-athome, some have shared that they have felt the presence of God in their homes. It is truly amazing how God can work in our lives and how his presence can be felt even in our own lowly homes. May our homes always be a place of encounter with God and may you have a meaningful Holy Week.

FEATURE

PAGE 14

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

A feature on this Sunday’s Mass readings: 12 April 2020 – Easter Sunday

(Acts 10: 34. 37–43; Col 3: 1–4; John 20: 1–9)

This is a Taoist story of an old farmer. One day his horse ran away.

Upon hearing the news, his neighbours came to visit. “Too bad,” they said sympathetically.

“May be,” the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses.

“How wonderful,” the neighbours exclaimed.

“May be,” replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown down, and broke his leg. The neighbours again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune. “May be,” answered the farmer.

The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army.

Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbours congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. “May be,” said the farmer.

The moral of this story is that we may see things on the surface and not fully understand its deeper meaning which will be revealed later on. For the moment, we

“Even when people may say negative things about our current reality, have hope in Christ that more positive things may be revealed later on,” just to have accept it and when people respond in a negative way, we can reply, “May be.”

In today’s gospel, Peter and the beloved disciple went into the tomb and saw the same thing— the linen cloths lying on the ground with the cloth over the head rolled up by itself separately.

What they both saw was at the surface level—the body of Jesus missing as reported earlier by Mary of Magdala.

However, at the deeper level, unlike Peter, the beloved disciple saw

and believed.

John says, towards the end of today’s passage, till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of scripture that he must rise from the dead. They do not know yet that Jesus is to rise again until they have seen him, and even then some of them do not believe until much later, including Peter.

Peter, during his preaching to Cornelius in the first reading, was able to stress this core belief convincing by telling them that he is one of the many witnesses who have eaten

and drunk with Jesus after his resurrection. But early that Sunday morning, Peter only saw the surface level of the linen cloths.

We do not know why the beloved disciple was able to see beyond the surface level of the linen cloths that Sunday morning to the deeper level of faith. Maybe it’s because if robbers really took away the body of Jesus, they would have strewn the linen cloths and the head covering would not be rolled up properly; unless, of course, Jesus himself were the one

who arranged the linen cloths properly after his resurrection.

At the sight, the beloved disciple may have given himself a shrug and said, “May be.” He was opened to the reality that Jesus rose again from the dead. Later, he would encounter the risen Christ and believed more fully.

Like Paul in the letter to the Colossions, give it time—in the meanwhile let our thoughts be on heavenly things, not on the things of the earth; but when Christ is revealed, we will be revealed in all glory with him. Accept reality now at the deeper level and not on the surface level.

Look beyond the surface level and believe that our faith now will be confirmed further when Christ is fully revealed.

Even when people may say negative things about our current reality, have hope in Christ that more positive things may be revealed later on, just like the old farmer who was patient in accepting reality in the now and hope for a better future.

“May be.” photo: CNS

Highlights from Pope’s Urbi et Orbi message On 27 March 6.00 pm CET, the Holy Father announced his Urbi et Orbi message, a message normally reserved for occasions such as Christmas.

Here are some quotations that reflect his main points.

“One of the things that hurt us and our families most when we hear it said is: “Do you not care about me?” It is a phrase that wounds and unleashes storms in our hearts. It would have shaken Jesus too.

Because he, more than anyone, cares about us.””

“We find ourselves afraid and lost. Like the disciples in the Gospel we were caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm. We have realised that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other.””

“You are calling on us to seize this time of trial as a time

of choosing. … to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not.”

“The Lord awakens so as to reawaken and revive our Easter faith. We have an anchor: by his cross we have been saved. We have a rudder: by his cross we have been redeemed. We have a hope: by his cross we have been healed and embraced so that nothing and no one can separate us from his redeeming love.””

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

FEATURE

PAGE 15

SUFFERING: BEING INCOMPLETE BUT NEVER HELPLESS VICTIM!

by Fr Stephen Lim

Introduction Suffering is ubiquitous.

Obviously antagonistic yet suffering is intimate to all existence, if not life itself.

Though some of them are natural, others man-made, like the 1MDB scandal or symptomatic, like Covid-19, and the rest are unknown, but all strike without mercy. Its disparaging effects and aftershocks, though well-known and predictable, yet rendered defenceless all are sitting ducks.

All, as it were, pre-programmed to ripple, cripple, and to render our fragile existence all the more perilous. And all on our own account.

INIMITABLE HUMAN SUFFERING. Since time immemorial, humanity has been familiar with all sorts and every kind of suffering. That explains our long endurance, but as innocent victims of senseless suffering, it is literally, dying as if without end. Heinous, it is no school to teach or prison to punish but just to devastate all. Narcissistic, it is a slaughter house, it stinks, sinks and writes off without responsibility. It neutralizes and eliminates all resistance, strange but true, it never rests even when all returned to dust. Even with our basic resources in place still we cannot put things right.

The writing is all over the wall; exasperating all to despair that either life is just meaningless or Godless!

Defying and most irksome, senseless suffering evokes, provokes and conjures a wide assortment of literature; lamentations, protests and the rest. A sure iconic literature on suffering of the innocent is the ironic Book of Job. As the chosen one, Job had it all: a loving wife, home, seven sons and three daughters and an everexpanding estate. But hell broke loose on him for no apparent

reason other than an impromptu genuine compliment from God Himself: “There is no one on earth as faithful and good as He is” (Job 1:8).

That is all it takes to have messenger after messenger coming to shell shock Job with pointless but irrecoverable terror.

Without cure, his wife, literally, tells him to ‘curse God and die.’

(Job 2:9). Job simply has nothing; the only thing left is his child-like trusting reliance on God: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!” Just as all were taken from him rudely and swiftly, Job was also abruptly restored. Oddly, Job was still clueless why he was the innocent victim.

This is the distinctive trade mark of empty suffering; going through the mill is no warranty for an explanation, let alone an apology. Here, it is puzzling that we remain so adamant and insistent for an explanation on such a non-rational reality. But more perplexing still, somehow, this pertinent human but most elusive quest is significant, if not efficacious in our wellbeing.

Simply how else are we to cope with such dreaded reality? Being panic stricken itself will drive us to stifle, gag and even to force feed our incurable malaise with pills, sauna, massage, marathon, acupuncture, or health-diet hopping to tranquillize it. But there is just no cure, or money to buy if off. No quick fix like proven ‘Twelve Steps’ formula, nor workout with a personal trainer to domesticate it. But worse, there is just no end!

PARADOX IN BEING STILL: HEALING The whole irony is that, though our dizzy forced fighting and feeding is just hollow, yet we piously go through all its rites and rituals with utmost devotion.

Isn’t it true that we are either mad or just dumb! Or we are just naïve; all follow like sheep.

Or simply mass hysteria giving in believing and behaving that we are indeed helpless victims.

This is our actual human tragedy: perpetuating playing the fake victim. But imagine, a marine in combat zone, while in hot pursuit of an enemy was suddenly shot through the right arm. Will he play the helpless victim! Never.

Instead, his well-trained TopLife-Priority Response kicks-in; urgently and aptly attending to his wound first. It is this crucial Healing Priority Response that all need to nurture in our every encounter with suffering.

Precisely, it’s God-Given.

Stopping all forced fighting and feeding, including our fear is itself battle half won.

Apparently ridiculous, and impossible to comprehend, on its own accord, but bit by bit, our anguish subsides while all our bad reactions loosen its deadly clasp. In short, only when we quiet down to be in healing mode that kick-starts our built-in selfhealing mechanics. This is no surprise, all this while doctors and health experts tell us that nothing heals, except our human body.

Even all the latest technology in medical science only aids or enhances our already impeccable

Conclusion In suffering, it is most ironic to be still, yet so iconic in healing. Simply, like our own Gratuitous Life itself, can never be mastered or conquered, but in being found. Healing is never meant for us to explain, but amazingly just to encounter only essentially in letting go.

¹ Kennedy, E. The Pain of Being Human. (New York, The Crossroad Publishing Company, 1954), 13. ² Albom, M. Tuesday with Morrie. (London, Doubleday, 1998), 83.

Highlights from the Pope’s Urbi et Orbi message (continued) “‘Why are you afraid? Have you no faith’? Dear brothers and sisters, from this place that tells of Peter’s rock-solid faith, I would like this evening to entrust all of you to the Lord, through the intercession of Mary, Health of the People and Star of the stormy Sea. From this colonnade that embraces Rome and the whole world, may God’s blessing come down upon you as a consoling embrace.””

self-healing capability. Besides, being still opens us up to see our wound and vulnerability as a ‘Thorn ticket of being made for the Eternal’¹. No matter how inexplicable our suffering, we just have no excuse to despair.

Endowed with in-born and builtin self-healing spirited body, being God-made and never man-made, indemnifies us from becoming helpless victim.

Quiet down, and in trusting reliance on our self-healing property of our spirited body is so soothing. This is no magic or chance but all made fully obvious in our Pascal Mystery.

Also attested by innumerable living witnesses, including the likes of Morrie; “Learn how to die, and you learn how to live”².

Here we are never a master, but all, without exception, are beggars.

“Faith begins when we realise we are in need of salvation. …by ourselves we flounder: we need the Lord, like ancient navigators needed the stars. Let us invite Jesus into the boats of our lives.””

“Prayer and quiet service: these are our victorious weapons.””

“Embracing his cross means finding the courage to embrace all the hardships of the present time, abandoning for a moment our eagerness for power and possessions in order to make room for the creativity that only the Spirit is capable of inspiring. It means finding the courage to create spaces where everyone can recognise that they are called, and to allow new forms of hospitality, fraternity and solidarity.””

photo: CNS

“The storm exposes our vulnerability and uncovers those false and superfluous certainties around which we have constructed our daily schedules, our projects, our habits and priorities. … We did not stop at your reproach to us, we were not shaken awake by wars or injustice across the world, nor did we listen to the cry of the poor or of our ailing planet.

We carried on regardless, thinking we would stay healthy in a world that was sick.””

CHILDREN

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TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

TODAY’S CATHOLIC - APRIL 2020

Hi Kids!

This year, we begin the month of April with the Holy Week. Do you know what that is? It’s the week leading up to Easter! Before we begin, here’s a new look for the Children’s Page of Today’s Catholic. During this time of Movement Control Order, we are making this page available for you to download online! Have fun!

The Lord is risen!

The story of Jesus’ resurrection is taken from the Gospel of John (20:1-9).

Fill in the blanks with the words in the box below: On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala (1) came to the _________________ early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the _________________ removed from the tomb.

(2)

This was the Son of God

Read Matthew 26:14 – 27:66. It’s a long story but it tells of Jesus’ journey to the cross.

Find the words of the Gospel passage in the puzzle below: C

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BODY COURTYARD CROWN CRUCIFIED ELIJAH GOLGOTHA GOVERNOR GUARD LINEN PASSOVER

PRAETORIUM REED ROBBER SILVER SPONGE STONE THORNS TOMB UNLEAVENED WINE

So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the (3) other _________________ whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.”

So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both _________________, (4) but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw (5) the _________________ cloths there, but did not go in.

When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the (6) cloth that had _________________ his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.

Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had _________________ at the tomb first, and he (7) (8) saw and _________________.

For they did not yet _________________ the Scripture that he had to (9) _________________ (10) from the dead.

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BLESSED EASTER!

ran rise stone tomb understand

PAGE 8 CATHOLIC APRIL 2020 TODAY’S

NEWS

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL PAGE 2020 17

What do we mean by ‘spiritual Communion’?

“Sacraments are those signs that achieve in human hearts and lives what they signify to human minds,” University of Notre Dame theologian Jesuit Father Brian Daley once said.

At this time of the coronavirus pandemic, most are unable to receive physically the Eucharist, the sacrament of holy Communion at Mass. Some want to know what is meant by “spiritual Communion.”

Let’s start at the beginning.

God loves us. God constantly and continually creates and sustains us. God wants to be with us on the journey of life, wants to save us from sin and wants to bring us to the fullness of peace and joy where we will be with God and our loved ones for all eternity.

St. Athanasius put it best in the fourth century: “For the Son of God became man so that we might become God.” Baptism starts off this lifelong process. Other sacraments accompany us on life’s journey.

The Eucharist is the prime way Jesus instituted that connects us with the reality of God’s active

by Father Richard G. Malloy, S.J.

love in our lives.

That divine love transforms us interiorly and that divine love is present in and through our loving relationships with others. We open ourselves to awareness of God’s transformative love when we pray.

There is a tangible concreteness and comforting reality to Jesus the Christ, Lord and Savior, brother and companion, really present in the consecrated body and blood under the forms of bread and wine.

And the reality of that presence is known even when we cannot be physically present at Mass,

and maybe must witness and pray along with the Mass while viewing television. We can prayerfully trust the faith fact that Jesus wants to enter into our minds and hearts and achieve in our lives the reality of love, in much the same way as when we can receive the reality physically.

We also know that Christ is really present in four ways during the eucharistic liturgy: 1) in the word proclaimed, 2) in the people gathered, 3) in the consecrated bread and wine, and 4) in the person of the presider. So Mass via TV or internet leaves us with three of the four!

We often love across time and space. Just think. A spouse away on a trip loves across time and space. Parents who have died and gone before us are loved and love us across time and space.

From the depths of the reality that is heaven, we are loved.

At Mass, we are deeply connected with all our loved ones, and with all with whom we are in communion through all history. That’s what we mean by the communion of the saints.

Spiritual Communion is a trust and an awareness, a prayer and an acceptance, that God’s love is really present when we accept Jesus as we witness the sacramental reality of holy Communion, even when we can only be as present as our television screen allows.

God’s grace can work through and transcend electronic communication.

Through our spiritual Communion, the reality of Jesus and the Father’s transformative love, in and through the Holy Spirit, is operative and present in our minds and hearts.

CNS

This is an opportunity to really listen A young woman told me how she almost took her own life at 21. Not because she had no friends or family (she knew she did) but because she felt alone in her pain, isolated in the anguish she had carried so long, and convinced nobody could hear.

Strangely, her sense of isolation connects her with many, for many suffer thus.

Thank you, Catholic Women’s League, for making the theme of “isolation and loneliness” a priority this year and inviting me to reflect with you about it. Our planned “isolation and loneliness” gathering was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic response — but the isolation and loneliness continue.

Current circumstances highlight the question: How can we self-isolate without becoming isolated? Or were we already isolated, and the pandemic is wounding us where we need to be healed?

This Lent, how can we bring the lonely and isolated to the heart of the church where they belong?

There are two kinds of loneliness. People might be lonely because of loss or abandonment, capable of being in community but unable to because of their circumstance.

There was a time when people knew to bring such loneliness to God. Henri Nouwen, in his spiritual movement, “From Loneliness to Solitude,” taught us to give our loneliness over into communion,

by Mary Marrocco

to be transformed into the kind of solitude we all must enter in our quest to become human.

The second kind of loneliness comes from interior illness. It’s the loneliness of disconnection, fragmentation of the self and loss of meaning.

Another young woman tells me her friends see no meaning in life. How can we bring our loneliness to communion, to God, when we’ve forgotten how to be in it? This is not a loneliness of circumstance, but of being shattered.

Scripture teaches us the response to inner illness: listening. The people of God are called over and over to listen, listen, listen. The greatest commandment doesn’t start with love, but with listening: “Shema Yisrael” — Hear, O Israel! St. Benedict’s Rule, for those called into community, starts with the word “Listen.”

Now is the time; we have the way laid open before us.

At this moment, we can see that humanity has fallen ill with a novel coronavirus — which knows no boundaries and doesn’t differentiate between rich and poor. We are all in it. But perhaps

humanity has been ill all along: the lost sheep is all of us.

Even as COVID-19 unites us in our vulnerability, it magnifies the crisis of isolation and loneliness, which Mother Teresa years ago called the greatest poverty.

It accentuates the urgency of learning again to bring our deep anguish to God, who carves out our hearts through suffering so we can find the opening to him who alone gives fullness of life.

Just at the beginning of “social distancing,” when we could step freely into drug stores, the person at the checkout made a mistake on my request. “I’m sorry,” she said humbly, “I didn’t hear you.

I’ve done that all day. I can’t hear anymore.”

It’s hard for us to hear anymore.

Hard to hear our own pain, let alone anybody else’s, and hard to hear what, deep down, we’re always listening for.

Listening to our loneliness may not be what we had in mind to do this spring. Yet we’re given an unprecedented opportunity to listen together. In our physical distance from each other, our ears can be wider open. We can listen not only for ourselves, but for one another.

Listen! What are you hearing?

What you hear is important for us all.

We can’t go physically to church to receive Communion, but we can listen to the Lenten Gospel readings. We discover Jesus touching the wounded where they need to be healed — and where the culture needs to be healed. He touches with mud the eyes of the man born blind (Fourth Sunday), whose cure revealed that everybody else was blind. He raises Lazarus from the dead (Fifth Sunday) and the religious authorities want to put Lazarus back in the grave.

It’s hard being changed.

Maybe we can never go back to “normal,” and maybe that is the word of hope. Today, people are dying, and we care. The vulnerable need attention, and we care. We are not battling one another, but are battling together.

Something has exploded to show us once again who we are.

We didn’t ask for the suffering, but we are experiencing it; we might as well take the opportunity to listen. You can’t love God in your neighbor if you don’t listen. There is no Christian life without listening.

We may be afraid to hear what’s hurting us, what’s asked of us, who we are underneath it all. Pain is a teacher, once we start to feel and hear it, especially if we can hear it together.

When we know our pain, then we also find our way.

“Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way” (1 Sm 16:1).

CNS

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YOUTH YOUTH 2020 2020

YOUTH

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

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TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

砂朥越古晉總教區 『因为你们已经死了， 你们的生命已与基督 一同藏在天主内了』 （哥3:3） Permit Permit No No PPK PPK 148/01/2013(031378) 148/01/2013(031378)

第384期 第384期

傅雲生總主教呼籲為天主教福利基金捐獻

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月刊出版者：古晉總主教 顧問：歐慶偉神父 Fr Felix Au 英語編輯 ：蔡爱薇 Ivy Chai 中文編輯 ：楊秀音 Magdalene Yeo 編輯組 ：羅國璋 James Lo

黃儀惠 Margaret Bong

杨清华 Cecil Yong Freddy Bohari (BM) Victoria J Lim (Eng) 工作人員 ：Shannon Wei

砂朥越天主教福利服務議會 2020年度四旬期募捐 由于新冠肺炎肆虐的影响，各教堂不举行弥撒，请支持 我们继续救助贫苦和有需要的人们。捐献可汇入: Catholic Welfare Services Council Sarawak 的马来亚银行户口 Maybank Account No: 511234019806 汇入款項后请联络Ms Cecilia (电话019-8199708 / 082-241407) 以便签发免税收据 。 謝謝大家的支持 。 天主保佑 。

傅云生总主教2019年在圣若瑟总主教座堂主持圣枝主日弥撒。他的右边是夏长福荣休总主教 。

(古晋讯）古晋总教区傅 云生总主教在圣枝主日弥撒 的证道时呼吁每个人遵守政 府「留在家」的指示。 傅总主教说，虽然他为 得以主持英语、华语和国语 的弥撒而感到喜乐，但是看 到一排排空荡荡的座位令他 心酸。弥撒是从总教区的主 堂圣若瑟总主教座堂直播。 圣枝主日标志基督教日 历中最神圣的礼仪周期—圣 周的开始。这是全世界信友 们涌到教堂再次体现耶稣在 世的最后几天，从祂荣进耶 路撒冷开始，祂的最后晚 餐，祂被钉死十字架和复活 前夕守夜等待祂的复活。 傅总主教说：「这是我 们的经验中我第一次醒觉， 圣周将在许多空旷的教堂举 行。在这最神圣的一周，我 们许多的基督徒实在渴望在 教堂崇拜。」 他又说：「记起所有 的教友们都是建立起神性之

屋—教会（参阅伯前2:5）的 生活的石头，我感到莫大的勇 气。我们就是教会—为传教使 命共融的主的门徒！不是建筑 物，而是当我们全体一心一德 地结合一起，我们便团结为一 个信德的基督徒群体。确实， 我们就是教会。」 由于不能举行祝圣圣枝的 传统习惯，总主教建议每个家 庭在他们家的门外或窗外放一 枝棕榈叶来象征圣枝主日。 「如家庭团结在共融为基 督的一个身体—教会中，让我 们从各自的家，在这个圣周寻 求天主慈悲，遏止肆虐全球的 新冠肺炎，特别为砂朥越，马 来西亚和全世界各国祈祷。」 在这样充满挑战的时刻， 总主教也感觉到必须作出遵守 政府的行动管制令，关闭所有 教堂，特别在圣周的决定的沉 重感。「这对砂朥越和马来西 亚基督徒造成一个神灵的大真 空和经济上的牺牲为国家的共 同益处，特别在主要是基督徒

的砂朥越。」他指的是对抗新 冠肺炎的努力。 因教会没有获得州政府的 支援，关闭教堂也意味着教会 的财政，以及经营兰迪路收容 无家可归者的平安之家的天主 教福利服务，以及每月为贫穷 家庭提供救助的圣文生德保善 会，若在四旬期的四十天没有 进堂教友的献金，都将出现财 政亏空的窘状。 总主教感叹行动管制令 对许多人造成经济负担，特别 是靠日薪养家，以及那些因为 管制令而失业的人们。比较小 的堂区比其他堂区更感受其冲 击。 因此，总主教吁请所有有 能力的人们帮助减轻教会的经 济窘状，通过Sarawak Pay app 作出线上捐献，或直接将捐款 汇入总教区的银行账号。这些 款项将按需要分派有需要的堂 区和教会组织。 （蔡爱薇报导）（译文）

聖體堂華語主日學四旬期 勿南格卡革責瑪尼園朝聖 （古晋讯）圣体堂华语 主日学在四旬期里，于2020年 3月14 到勿南的革责玛尼园户 外活动走苦路。总共有46位父 母和孩子们参与这次的苦路之 行。 整个活动从早上6时半出 发，到中午12 时半结束。 在四旬期内，我们受召 做更多的祈祷、守斋和爱德的 工作，去响应耶稣的召叫， 体验耶稣的苦难和分享祂的生 命。革责玛尼园之行让孩子们 有机会体验耶稣的苦路， 深 入体会以及了解耶稣的使命。

走完苦路和念慈悲经 后，圣体堂朝圣团和圣三堂 儿童礼仪团体，一起参与由 刘子健神父举行的弥撒。接 着，主日学的财政郭慧凤 姐妹移交给刘神父一封小 小心意。 刘神父说会把这 份心意和弥撒奉献金全交给 负责革责玛尼园的波曼斯 （Berkmans）神父充作那里 的发展基金。 朝圣团于享用当地教友 准备的午餐后踏上归程，此 次走苦路活动也完满地划上 句点。

聖母軍古晉督察區團舉行檢閱典禮 (古晋讯）由天主教平信 徒组成的教友组织圣母军， 古晋督察区团于3月8日下午 假古晋圣体堂举行年度检阅 典礼。 检阅典礼（源自拉丁字 Acies，意思是「列成战陈的 军队」）。这或许是圣母军 最重要和最具象征意义的活 动之一，于每年最近3月25日 圣母领报庆日的日子或同日 举行。 尽管空气中飘着新冠 病毒，两百多名圣母军军友 冒着大流行病，聚集一起， 重宣对圣母玛利亚忠诚的承 诺。尽管当局已发布声明，

建议病人和老人留在家中以 防止病毒传播，但出席人数却 证明了团员对圣母玛利亚的敬 爱。 该活动于下午两点开始， 古晋督察区团属下的所有支团 的职员和团员列队游行进堂， 随即诵念玫瑰经。接着督察区 团神师黄伟乾神父致开幕词。 黃神父重申检阅礼和军友们对 圣母玛利亚的忠诚的重要性。 对于圣母军而言，检阅 仪式的目的是至少每年一次更 新和加深军友对圣母的奉献。 这个奉献是圣母军的召叫的 核心。真正献身于圣母意味着 完全属于圣母，毫无保留的奉

献。这在神师致开幕词后的个 人奉献的举动，军友们宣称： 「我的母皇，我的母亲，我全 属于妳，我所有的一切，都属 于妳」更为明显。 检阅典礼以朝拜圣体及圣体降 福作结。在众人回家之前，古 晋督察区团团长若瑟黄其春 （Joseph Wong）致闭幕词， 他感谢王博弟神父（Fr Patrick Heng）允许圣母军使用圣体堂 举行检阅典礼。他也感谢筹备 此次检阅典礼的支团，解结者 圣母支团（Undoer of Knots） 和吾乐之源圣母支团，确保检 阅典礼顺利进行。（古晋督察 区团供稿）（译文）

奉献是圣母军向圣母玛利亚宣告他们的信德和完全的忠诚

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

傅雲生總主教復活節文告 阿肋路亚，基督已复活了！阿肋路亚

亲爱的复活主内的兄弟姐妹们， 我在复活八日庆期—复活主日和 上主慈悲主日（复活期第二主日）之 间的八天—写的这篇文告。这八天的 弥撒读经，亲眼见证者分享他们个人 和复活的主相遇的经过。其喜乐和希 望确实是行动管制令下，当我们不能 去教堂时最需要的好消息。 复活节的中心基督的死和复活 从空的坟墓的宣言：「祂不在这 里。祂已经照祂的话复活了！」（玛 28:6; 谷 16:6; 路24:6）这是我们基督信 仰的中心。圣保禄确定「基督为我们 的罪死了…被埋葬了…假如基督沒有 复活，那么，我们的宣讲便是空的，你 们的信仰也是空的!」（格前15:3–14 ）。因此在每个弥撒中：「我们传报 祢的圣死，我们歌颂祢的复活，我们 期待祢光荣地来临。」 新冠肺炎和我们的弥撒 我祈祷和反思，身为天主教徒 和作为一个教会，新冠肺炎如何影响 我们的生活。现在，保持距离将是我 们社交和教会生活必须遵守的，直到 有了新冠病毒疫苗，或是直到整个人 类都获得了「群体免疫」，当感染新 冠肺炎有如患上普通流感一样不再威 胁性命时。这之后，我们的主日弥撒 和聚会将不再相同。在接下来的几个 月，为了避免造成新一轮的爆发和新 冠肺炎群，我们像从前那样大群人在 主日聚首看来是不大可能。让我们在 情绪上和心灵上作好准备。 我要感谢我们勤勉的直播团队， 主祭神父和礼仪组员。这几位教友全 情投入，为于行管令期间紧凑的英 语、华语和国语弥撒服务。请放心我 们会在此为你们服务。 新冠肺炎不是天主的惩罚 作为天主教徒，我们不把新冠肺 炎大流行看作因为当今人类的罪而来 自天主的惩罚或是诅咒。它也不是天 主的斥责。它虽然可怕，但也不被当 作世界終穷来临的征象，加上社交媒 体的许多其他揣测。 首先，我们的信德保证，天主， 我们天上的父，总是为我们的益处。 「诚然，我知道我对你们所怀的计划 ──上主的断语──是和平而不是灾 祸的计划，令你们有前途，有希望」 （耶29:11）。和「何況你们在天之 父，豈不更將好的赐与求衪的人！」 （玛7:11） 耶稣受难日的事件启示了一位 父亲为我们、祂所爱的子女们的那份 爱。「爱就在于此：不是我们爱了天 主，而是祂爱了我们，且打发自己的 兒子，为我们做赎罪祭」（若一4:10 ）。我们天上的父将祂的唯一子为人 类的罪作补赎，而不是惩罚我们。 教宗的讲道神师拉涅罗·坎塔拉 梅萨神父（Fr Raniero Cantalamessa） 于2020年的主受难日直接称新冠肺炎 大流行为「基督的十字架改变了人类 痛苦与磨难—各种肉身和精神上的磨 难的意义。它不再是惩罚，也不是咀 咒。天主子亲自承担了苦难，使之彻 底得到救赎。」 教宗方济各在他2020年复活前 夕守夜礼的讲道中说：「我们获得一 个无法剥夺的基本权利，即：希望的权 利。它是新的希望、活的希望，源自于 天主。它不是单纯的乐观主义…它是

天赐的恩典，我们无法凭一己之力取 得。」 我们结合基督奉献我们每日的苦难 亲爱的兄弟姐妹们，身为你们的 牧人，我劝勉各位：「不要害怕…因 为主已复活了。」在这个新冠肺炎爆 发的期间，我们将面对未知的未来， 甚至威胁性命的感染。但是，让我们 不要被恐惧、担忧瘫痪我们，也不要 让人的自私摧毁我们的关系。「救世 的恩主，祢藉着苦难及复活，恢复了 我们的自由，求祢拯救我们。」作为 复活的人民，我们相信，我们复活的 主和我们同在，我们须以慈悲带来希 望和服务。 我们中许多人都没有医药专业知 识和资源到前线去帮助那些被感染的 人们，但是不管我们在哪里，我们都 可以在家里照顾年长和年幼的家人。 我们以待在家，遵守行管令预防病毒 传播来帮忙。就如我们在行管令四旬 期间所做的，我邀请所有天主教徒继 续自愿地奉献金钱、作补赎、忍耐不便 和困难。最首要的让我们祈祷和转求。 我察觉到，我们于3月27日和教宗 方济各一起祈祷，以及我们的圣周体 验已带来了团结和共融。因此，将你们 的喜乐和困难，为世界的救赎和生命奉 献和主的苦难结合，我们可以绝对相信 天主会带我们走过困难的时刻。阿们。 家庭为家庭教会 另一个令我感动的思绪来自一张 漫画，撒旦耀武扬威地告诉天主说他 已经成功将所有教堂关闭。天主回答 说，虽然教堂关了，现在有了千千万 万个家庭教会，在每一个家庭的家里。 我要向所有天主教家庭保证，在 行管令期间，每当你一家人一起参与 网上弥撒，你是在将祈祷、家庭生活 和祝福带回来。你的家庭就是家庭教 会— 一个在家里的教会。你已经邀请主 耶稣留下了住在你的家里。 我们知道没有完美的家庭，但是 当我们彼此担待，当我们一起祈祷、 聆听、鼓励和互相照顾时，我们的家 庭将变得更坚强。行管令后，继续一 起在家同桌吃饭、作餐前祈祷、晚祷。 行动管制令期间的葬礼 我们的心为那些家人在行管令 期间去世的家庭感到难过。我们不能 在教堂举行殡葬弥撒。葬礼只限几个 直系家庭成员参加。没有众人的支持 和守夜祈祷，逝者的家人悲痛之情更 深。我很感激我们的神父们都会为逝 者主持殡葬礼及私下为逝者奉献安灵 弥撒。我祈愿耶稣的复活带来安慰和 永生的保证。愿他们安息在父的怀抱 中。 新冠肺炎行动管制令在经济财政上的 挑战 由于行管令期间所有教堂都不举 行弥撒，我们的堂区实际上都经历很 大的财政负担，我们每月的开支、员 工和传道员得不到你们主日奉献的支 持。为此，我们的天主教堂区联合起 来分享资源，并承诺继续支付全薪， 以确保我们的传道员和工作人员的家 庭能安度这个富挑战性的时期。我们 的好牧人，我们的主，以某种方式与 我们同行。在我们最幽暗的黑夜，我 们复活的主不会抛弃我们，因为祂与 我们同在，安慰我们。（参阅咏23）

傅云生总主教

我也预料为天主教福利会的四旬 期募捐将大大减少及出现亏损。那些 捐款是支持兰迪路收容无家可归者的 平安之家，以及各堂区圣文生德保善 会为有需要的家庭提供每月的援助。 行管令执行后，各堂区也需要为许多 日薪工人提供暂时的财政协助，帮助 他们维持生活。 我要借此机会感谢所有天主教 徒和朋友们，他们通过弥撒直播作奉 献。在总教区方面，我们也从总主教 的灾难基金拨出35万令吉来填补目前的 亏空。我再次向众天主教徒呼吁慷慨 捐献金钱及物资，支持教会的传教与 慈善事业。吃得简单—活得简单—慷 慨捐助！ 重新启动按钮—我们独一的人类家庭 一个新的开始 教宗的讲道神师坎塔拉梅萨神 父，当谈到世界上守望相助和团结而 减低了战争和武力纠纷的感觉时，他 集焦于新冠肺炎大流行的正面影响。 「病毒不认识国界。转眼之间，它打 破所有的藩篱和区别，包括种族、宗 教、富贵和权势之分。疫情过后，我 们不该走回头路。」这是一个将重点 集焦于人而非军备上的召叫。 我当它为重新启动的按钮，及一 个重新将焦点放在我们和天主，以及 和人类家庭的关系的机会。在新冠肺 炎大流行之前，世界实际上是沉浸在 物质进展，经济财富和利益，消费主 义，体育和娱乐中。新冠肺炎已使我 们的娱乐中心、健身房、体育馆、工

厂、购物大楼等等关闭了。我们重新 明白，我们就是一个全球性的人类家 庭。新冠肺炎不认识我们的肤色、我 们的种族、宗教、政治派别或社会地 位。发生在另一个国家的兄弟姐妹们 的事，最终也影响我们。我们都在一 个人类大家庭内，为克服这个大流行 战斗。 我们也觉悟到新而急迫的焦点， 健康、卫生、食物、清洁的水、缓解 贫穷、对被我们忽略的社会中作普通 工作的人们（那些在超市整理货架 的和收集垃圾的人们等等）更大的尊 敬，以及《愿祢受赞颂》完好的管理 受造物的需要。让我们利用这个放慢 脚步的静默时刻作为聆听天主、让天 主回到我们的生活、我们的家庭中的 机会，同时重拾我们按天主的肖像受 造，作为一个人类家庭的兄弟姐妹的 人类尊严。 复活节的祝福 我谨代表荣休锺万庭总主教和荣 休夏长福总主教，全体司铎，修士修 女，及《今日教友》的编辑组成员， 祝所有亲爱的天主教信友，朋友和友 好人士，复活节的平安喜乐。我们的 主耶稣与我们同在。相信耶稣我们的 救主和复活的主。愿你们心中，你们 的家庭中享有真正的自由与希望。阿 肋路亚！主耶稣复活了！

傅云生总主教 （译文）

PAGE 21

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

聖詠

聖詠第廿三篇（一） 夏長福榮休總主教

最为人们所喜好的圣 咏，其中之一就是圣咏第廿 三篇（希腊和拉丁版为第廿 二篇）。它先是描述主是牧 者，接着描述主为主人的形 象。两个形象在人们心里引 出对天主深刻的信赖和信 心，因此而为他们带来了安 慰。为此原因，圣咏第廿三 篇被列为依恃圣咏。 评述 在标题—达味诗歌—后 面，第1到第3节描述上主为 「我的牧者」，和第5至第6 节描述上主为一位慷慨的主 人。 主为牧者（第1–4节） 开始的那一节宣称，「 上主是我的牧者；我实在一 无所缺」。当然，天主子民 的牧灵经验提供了应用牧者 的形象来突出对上主的信心 和信赖的灵感。但是，古代 近东普遍以牧者来称谓国王 也可能有其很大的影响。这 个形象描述国王保护和照顾 他的子民的责任。一个真实 和忠诚的牧者，不管是牧职 的或是王国的意义上，那些 他管辖下的人们可以期望他 们的每个需要获得满足，因 此而一无所缺。 这两种意义的形象被移 置到上主。其王国的意义在 厄34很清楚。当他们的国王 没有照顾他的子民，上主首 先决定接管王权（第15–16 节）。过后祂宣布，祂将兴 起一位新的达味，一位在达 味后裔中的新王（第23–24 节）。这个王国的意义基本 上是涉及一个国家或一个群 体的人们。圣咏第廿三篇从 这个群体，盟约中的天主子

主的

民，转移到一个个人，如第1 节中所见的谓语：「我的牧 者」（单数的第一人称代词） 。确实，盟约中的子民的任何 一个个别成员都有权享受上 主—盟约的天主—的照顾和保 护。于是，圣咏第廿三篇将咏 唱的每一个个别人对作为牧者 的上主的信心和信赖个人化。 上主的照顾和保护的范 围在接下来的数节列出来。自 然，首要的范围必是「青绿 的草场」和「幽静的水旁」（ 字面上是「安息的水」）（第 2节）。这两个因素在一起因 为水是自然生命需要的。牧者 上主不只提供饲料，也确保 它的连续性。「卧」这动词传 达舒适和安全的氛围。「安息 的水」藉着描绘一个旅途后的 宁静和不受干扰的休息加深了 这氛围。「领我」寓意一个旅 途。在上主的统治和引导下， 以色列子民获保证继续的照顾 和保护，因此而能在安全感和 平安中继续生命的旅途。 劳累后获得了极需的休 息，羊只恢复了体力，又回复 活跃。第3节因而如此表达， 「使我的心靈得到舒暢」。但 是，「心灵」这词（希伯来文 nefeš）把生命超越了形体的 领域达到心灵的领域。第3节 接下来的两行证实了这一点： 「祂为了自己名号的原由，領 我踏上了正义的坦途。」「正 义的坦途」是翻译自希伯来文 ședeq。含有道德和宗教的意 义。 要注意第3b节重复第2b的 「领我」，因此而创造一个平 行诗句。这个平行性可能是为 了把「幽靜的水旁」捆在「正 义的坦途」上；如果这样，「

安息的水」是带有宗教或心灵 的意义。上主作为牧者在形体 和情绪上，在道德和心灵上照 顾祂的羊—就是，生命的全方 位。这明显是「为祂自己名号 的原由」，即是，完美地和祂 的「名号」前后契合。 第4节藉着以单数的代词 「祢」以个人的形式称呼牧者 上主。它取了第2和第3节的旅 途的元素。它宣称上主牧者不 间断的临在和保护，甚或更好 的，特别在最险恶的情况下： 「走过阴森的幽谷」。因此， 「我不怕兇險，」和「一无所 缺」（第1节）脉络相同，有 上主为「我的牧者」。 不怕和无缺最基本的依 据是在于上主的临在：「因你 与我同住。」这里，主临在祂 的子民中间有另一个个人的表 达—厄玛奴耳：「主与我们同 在。」主临在，带着祂的「牧 杖和短棒」—引导和保护的器 物。有来自上主丰富和不断的 养料以及清爽的水倾注，及确 保不间断的临在，取之不尽的 恩典，明确的指示和有效的保 护，羊只因而在整个旅途中享 有最高程度的「慰藉」。 主为慷慨的主人（第5–6节） 牧者主引领祂的羊走的旅 程有一个明确的目的地：「上 主的殿里」（第6节）。 在祂的宫殿，主展示了祂 的热情好客。从自然所提供作 为食物和饮料的，与「青綠的 草場」和「幽静的水」（第2 节）互相呼应，圣咏第5节描 绘主亲自为羊「摆设了筵席」 。此外，「我的杯爵滿溢。」 这是主的盛宴，超越了羊只一 直在吃的所有自然养料。换句 话说，羊只在旅途中赖以为生

天主愛我們比我們 能知道的更多 「基督在我们还是罪人的时候，就为我们死了， 这证 明了天主怎样爱我们！」 （罗5:8） 我要从哪里开始？应如何 开始呢？最近几个星期我们周 边发生了那么多事，致使当我 思考将信息传达的天主的话的 时候，使我想起他们让我上载 到堂区网站的一个题目为「祢 的爱的力量」的视频。那是不 是切合？我们常被提醒，天主 走在我们前头。 政府为防控新冠肺炎施行 的行动管制令，促使我们决定 将四月号的《今日教友》改由 数码传媒刊出。请当它藉着天 主的爱为每个人得以传阅的特 别版。 我们的第一份线上版本刊 载了傅云生总主教为天主教福 利服务捐款的热切呼吁，期望 它能够继续其社会责任。同

时，教堂崇拜聚会的取消， 依靠每周弥撒献金维持运作 的教会，也请求教友们通过 线上应用程式，砂朥越支付 （Sarawak Pay），为弥撒直 播捐献。 我们也向你们报导了社 会传播团队如何直播弥撒— 目前将教会的礼仪传送的唯 一管道—的「幕后」操作。 当此我们庆祝孤独的逾 越节三日庆典时，让我们记 住主的苦难，和祂爱我们， 比我们能知道的还多。祂如 何为我们的罪死了。让我们 也为祂的复活欢欣喜悦。 祝大家复活节快乐蒙 福！ 蔡爱薇（译文）

的所有「青綠的草場」和「幽 静的水」在主在祂的宫殿摆设 的盛宴达到高潮。 除了助佑和食物，羊只体 验牧者以「牧杖和短棒」的保 护也在主的宫殿达到最高点。 祂「在我对头面前」，为我摆 设了筵席（第5节）。确实， 主在个别人的旅途中保护他避 开邪恶的力量。现在在主的宫 殿里，他受着盛宴的款待，完 全和肯定地从邪恶力量中受到 保护。他可以真正地平安而完 全安全的进餐。 旅途中所享有的「安慰」 （第4节）至此是来自牧者引 导羊只去的「青绿的草场」 和「幽静的水」。现在，在 主的宫殿，它是来自祂亲自「 在我的头上傅油」（第5节） 。主的这个举动有两个效果。 首先，在旧约正式委任一个国

王或司祭的意义中，它赋予 来到主的宫殿的人一个正式 成员的地位。其次，用油按 摩的普遍经验是，它消除疲 劳，因此使他精神。 主为被祂引导来的人摆 设盛宴和傅油的举动，给予 他主的「幸福与慈愛」，「 住在上主的殿里，」（第6 节）常随不离和终生的一个 肯定。确实，被正式接受为 主的家的一个成员，一个人 在这家庭中拥有一个地位而 享受丰盛的生命。 圣咏第廿三篇的两部 分，即第1–4节和第5–6 节，藉着它们集焦于主而构 成一个组合。作为牧者，祂 引导祂的羊到祂的宫殿，而 祂是一位慷慨的主人。 （译文）

可能吧！」他敞开心怀接受 耶稣从死者中复活的事实。过 后，他会和复活的基督相遇并 更完全的信了。如圣保禄在致 哥罗森人的书信中，给予一些 时间 — 而现在，让我们思念天 上的事，不思念地上的事；但 是当基督显現时，我们也要与 衪一同出现在光榮之中。现在 就接受事实的深入层面，而 不是表面的层次。看穿表面层

次，并相信，当基督完全显 现时，我们的信德将进一步 获得肯定。 即使当人们可能说了关 于我们的眼前的事实的负面 的话，怀着对基督的希望， 更多正面的东西将会显现， 就像那位老农夫一样，耐心 地接受眼前的事实，期望更 好的未来。 「也许吧！」 （译文）

耶穌會士林進才神父

話

( 三)

2020年4月12日—复活主日

（宗10:34，37–43； 哥3:1–4；若20:1–9）

这是道教关于一个老农 夫的故事。有一天，他的马 跑了。他的邻居们听到了这 消息过来探问。「真不幸， 」他们同情地说。「或许 吧！」农夫回答。 次日早上，那匹马回 来了，还带回来了三匹野 马。「好神奇啊！」邻居们 赞叹。「或许吧！」老农回 答。 隔天，他的儿子试骑一 匹未驯的野马，被马甩下来 跌断了脚。邻居们又过来为 这不幸的事件表示同情。「 也许吧！」农夫回答。 又隔一天，军官来到 农村征兵。他们看到农夫的 儿子脚断了，就没有把他拉 去。邻居们为农夫因祸得福 恭贺他。「也许吧！」农夫

说。 这个故事的涵义是，我们 可能只看事情的表面而没有完 全明白它将启示的深入意义。 当下，我们只须接受它，而当 人们做出消极的反应时，我们 可以回答：「或许吧。」 今天的福音中，伯多禄和 （耶稣）所爱的门徒来到了坟 墓，两人都看到同样的场景 — 殓布放在地上，头上的那块布 捲着放在另一处。两个人看到 的是表面 — 耶稣的遗体，如玛 利亞玛达肋纳较早时说的，不 见了。 不过，在更深的层次， 不像伯多禄，耶稣所爱的门徒 看见并信了。在今天读经的 结尾，若望说，他们那时候还 不明白经书的教导：耶稣必须 从死者中复活。他们还不知道

愈顯主榮 耶稣必须复活，直到他们看到 祂，他们中有些人甚至仍然不 相信，直到后来，包括了伯多 禄。 在第一读经中，在向科尔 乃略宣讲时，伯多禄能藉着告 诉他们，他是耶稣复活后和祂 同吃同喝的许多见证者之一， 令人信服地强调这个核心信 仰。但是较早时的那个星期日 早上，伯多禄也只看到殓布的 表面层次。 我们不知道为什么耶稣所 爱的门徒能看到殓布表面层次 的后面。或许是因为，如果歹 徒偷走耶稣的遗体，他们会将 殓布乱丢，盖头布也不可能整 齐地捲好；当然，除非是耶稣 自己在复活后将殓布整理好。 看到此场景，耶稣所爱 的门徒可能暗自耸耸肩说：「

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王博弟神父在没有人參與的聖枝主日的反思 王博弟神父

痛苦：不完全但非無助的受害者 林云星神父 簡介 痛苦是无处不在。明显 是相抵触的，但痛苦却与所有 的存在，如不是生命本身，亲 密同在。虽然这些痛苦有些是 自然的，有些是人为的，例如 一马发展基金1MDB的丑闻， 或是有症状的，如新冠肺炎， 以及其他不知名的，但攻击起 来都是无情的。其伤害和后遗 的作用，虽然是人所熟知和可 预料的，然而却使所有毫无防 备的人成为容易攻击的目标。 如此，所有预先编程的扩散、 削弱，对我们脆弱的存在更危 险，且全在我们自己。

我们没有棕榈枝！ 我们开始疯狂地找寻圣 枝主日可以用的东西。兴奋 和措手不及的感觉在圣枝主 日前几天开始。我们在自己 的庭院园子里寻找棕榈枝， 将它们安置在家里的祭台 上，门上，窗上，闸门上或 墙壁上。有些人将它放在他 们看弥撒直播的桌子上，桌 子上还放有圣经、十字架和 蜡烛。 有些人没有棕榈树， 就用班兰叶，酸柑树枝，甚 至用去年的已经干枯的棕榈 枝。不管用了什么，我们都 要为圣枝主日做点什么，然 后我们在社交传媒分享我们 自己在家的圣枝主日。 我们「我们没有棕榈 枝」的念头回应圣母玛利 亚在加纳婚宴的呼吁，「 他们没有酒了」（若2:3） 。耶稣的时候到了，对我来 说，2020年的圣枝主日成为 我们为天主给我们的祝福感 恩的美好日子。 一个渴望 错过圣枝主日给我们很 大的打击。这日子一直是我 们难忘的时刻。领一枝祝圣 过的棕榈枝，参加游行，然 后将棕榈枝摆在我们家里， 那是多么欢喜的事。但是 今年，在堂区，神父感觉那 么无助，圣堂勤务员怀念控 制大群教友的场面，歌咏团 没有了他们例常的练习，辅 祭员们也错过辅祭的机会， 因为对有些辅祭员，今年是 他们明年出国升学前最后一 次在聖周辅祭的机会。甚至 那些为堂区搜採和准备棕榈 枝的人们也感觉到。从斯里 阿曼的比特莉斯发来的一 条短讯表达了他们的感受: “sedih betul, .. kalau tahuntahun lepas, kami semua akan bergotong-royong cari daun palma untuk diberikan kepada gereja”. (「好伤心…过去那些 年我们都会一起寻找棕榈枝 来给教堂用。」) 弥撒的直播显示空荡荡 的教堂。当傅云生总主教表 达他看到圣若瑟总主教座堂 空空的座位使他心碎时，或 是看到圣父教宗主持圣枝主 日，偌大的圣伯多禄广场只

有寥寥几个人，空荡荡的教堂 的凄凉感更深。当我们醒觉， 聖周四，耶稣受难和复活前夕 礼仪我们都得在家里过，我们 心也碎了。我们因想望弥撒 和圣体而心痛。我们每次参加 网上的弥撒而哭了。当读经时 我们饮泣。听到耶稣的苦难我 们伤心。当听到宣讲天主多么 爱我们的圣歌时我们流泪。我 感觉像圣体堂教友若望的群组 短信：「像被长期关在羊栈的 羊」。 那些在乡区互联网联系 差而不能参与网上弥撒，或是 不能在甘榜教堂聚会的人们， 也感觉心痛和悲伤。喀利，一 位新冠肺炎前线医药人员每天 必须工作十二小时，在圣枝主 日上午感叹说：「我的脸书和 我的家没有棕榈枝…从我的办 公室，我可以看到远处的棕榈 树…我忽然醒起，它在我的生 活中占了多大的位置，我多么 想望它。」 一个机会 尽管如此，行动管制令 （MCO）已给了我们一个机会 去重新评估我们的优先顺序， 生活方式，家庭价值，信德， 教会，而更靠近天主。有许多 生命和信德的事我们可能觉得 理所当然。现在有了多余的时 间，我们或许一天参与世界各 地的弥撒直播两三次，这是我 们平时不会做的，或是读些灵 修的书。 在传媒中，我们可能曾 看到其他国家的某些省份或小 区的人们做些什么事，或用 音乐、舞蹈和光来显示守望相 助。为圣枝主日，我们寻找棕 榈叶的举动成了我们的信德和 守望相助的象征性显示。我 们安置在祭台、门口、窗口或 闸门上的棕榈叶显示我们是基 督徒。这棕榈叶也成了团结我 们的巷、路或园的象征。这是 团结所有基督徒—天主教徒， 圣公会及其他基督教会—的象 征。在一个简单的方式看到 我们的团结和守望相助实在美 好。 2020年的圣枝主日帮助我 们做了一件事—我们能找寻自 己的棕榈叶。许多堂区，特别 是在古晋市区，每年为圣枝主 日采集棕榈叶是越来越难。但 是今年教堂没有供给棕榈叶，

有些人惊见自己的园子里就有 棕榈树。这是我们决定在2021 年，和往后，自己带棕榈叶去 教堂祝圣的机会。自己带棕榈 叶是可能的。我之前所在的圣 三堂，每个圣枝主日，教友们 都自己带棕榈叶来教堂祝圣。 有些人还多带些来和他人分 享。这样已经做了几年，我肯 定圣三堂的教友们比其他堂区 的教友更能适应2020年的圣枝 主日。除了分享的行为之外， 我们实际上也整顿了我们的园 子，修剪棕榈树，让新苗长起 来。 从圣枝主日，我们进入 圣周，我们庆祝耶稣受难、死 亡和复活的一周。圣周的焦点 是从圣周四到复活主日。按照 梵蒂冈的指令，某些礼仪会比 较短，特别是耶稣受难和复活 前夕守夜礼。今年，我们不必 担心要提早在下午两点就来教 堂参加三点的耶稣受难礼仪， 或是长达三、四小时的守夜弥 撒。我们可以在自己舒服的家 里，家庭教会，参与所有的礼 仪。 我们可以趁这机会以不同 的方式标志圣周。一些我们个 人的灵修准备可以做的事： • 通过互联网的不同资源， 阅读和发现更多有关圣周 的资料； • 阅读、默想和反思圣周弥 撒的读经； • 回忆你的个人耶路撒冷 （ 圣地）朝圣，跟随主耶 稣在耶路撒冷的足迹； • 为新冠肺炎的前线医护人 员、那些受感染的和受影 响的，以及他们的家人， 以及新冠肺炎早日过去祈 祷； • 帮助穷苦的人和那些因行 动管制令而经济受影响的 人们（请看总主教的呼吁: 点击这里） 确实，时机已到！过去几 个星期在家参加弥撒后，有些 人分享说他们感受到天主临在 他们的家中。天主如何在我们 的生活中工作，祂的临在可以 在我们卑微的家中被感觉到， 是真奇妙。愿我们的家常为和 天主相遇的地方，愿大家过一 个有意义的圣周。 古晋BDC圣体堂主理 王博弟神父（译文）

独特的人类痛苦 自从远古时代，人类已 熟悉各种各样的痛苦。这说明 了我们长期的忍受着，但是， 身为无意义的痛苦的无辜受害 者，直白的说，仿佛如无尽的 死亡。可恨的是，它不是教导 的学校或是惩罚的监狱，只在 摧残所有人。它自我陶醉于自 诩为屠房，它发臭，沉落，抹 杀而不负任何责任。它中和并 消除所有抵抗，奇怪但真的， 它从不休息甚至当一切回归尘 土。即使有我们的基本资源， 我们仍然不能解决它。墙上到 处都是文字；叫所有人为了生 命无意义或是没有天主而绝 望！ 无意义的痛苦最讨厌的 是，它唤起、挑衅和想象出各 种各样的文学作品；感叹的， 抗议的，等等。无辜者受苦 的代表性文字是具有讽刺意味 的约伯传。被选中的这一位， 约伯什么都有：一位贤惠的妻 子，美满的家庭、七个儿子， 三个女儿和不断扩展的产业。 但是，厄运毫无缘由地降临他 的头上，除了天主自己一句随 意而真心的称赞：「世上沒有 一个像他那样十全十美的」（ 约1:8）。 只为此，一个又一个带 信的人带来了一个又一个无意 义但又无法恢复的噩讯轰炸着 约伯。在没有办法下，他的妻 子直截了当地告诉他，「你倒 不如咀咒天主，死了算了」（ 约2:9）。约伯什么都没有了； 唯一尚存的是他像孩子一样的 对天主的依赖信靠：「上主賜 的，上主收回。愿上主的名 受到赞美!」（约1:21）就如他 的一切被粗鲁无缘由的剥夺， 一切也在转瞬间恢复。奇怪的 是，约伯仍然对他的无辜受害 一点头绪都没有。 这就是无意义痛苦的独 特标志；饱尝辛酸都不能保证 得到解释，更不用说道歉。而 我们对这样不合理的事实硬硬 坚持要一个解释令人困惑。但 更困惑的是，不知何故，这个 有关的人最难以捉摸的诉求对 我们的福祉，如非有效，是有 意义的。我们还能如何应对这 样可怕的事实呢？惊慌失措已 令我们窒息，说不出话，甚 至逼迫用药丸、桑拿、推拿、 马拉松、针灸或营养餐来镇定 我们不可救药的不适。但是，

它就是无药可救，钱也不能 买通。没有像已获证实的 「十二步」公式，也没有由 个人教练训练的健身法来驯 化它。更糟的是，它就是永 无休止。 静止中的悖论：治愈 整个嘲讽是，虽然我们 晕眩的强迫抗争和馈送只是 空洞的，但是我们仍然虔诚 的怀着最大的信心执行所有 仪式和礼节。我们不是疯了 或只是糊涂了吗？或者我们 只是幼稚；像羊跟着羊群一 样。或纯粹是集体的歇斯底 里，屈服于相信和表现我们 确实是无助的受害者。这是 我们实际上的人类悲剧：保 持扮演假受害者。但，试想 象一个在战斗区的水兵，在 紧张追击一个敌人时忽然被 射穿了右臂。他会不会扮演 无助的受害者！当然不会。 反之，他的受过训练的生命 至上的反应被激发，而先紧 急恰当地包扎他的伤口。所 有人在遇到痛苦时需要培育 的就是这个关键的治愈优先 反应。准确地说，这是天主 所赋予的。 停止了所有的强迫抗争 和馈送，包括我们的恐惧， 战争本身就打赢了一半。这 显然可笑，且不可能了解， 但我们的煎熬会自动地，一 点一点的地消退，同时，我 们的所有坏反应渐渐地松开 它要命的钳扣。简单地说， 就是只有当我们静下来进入 开启我们内在的自愈机制的 治愈模式状态。这没什么奇 怪，医生和保健专家一直都 在告诉我们，没有治愈的东 西，除了我们的身体。甚至 所有医药科学最先进的科技 只帮助或增强我们已经无可 挑剔自愈能力。此外，静止 开启我们去看我们的伤口和 脆弱，如「为永生准备的车 票—荆棘」[人间之痛-尤金· 肯尼迪著]。不管我们的痛苦 有多不可理解，我们都没有 绝望的藉口。赋予了天生和 固有的自愈灵性的身体，天 主所造，非人造，保障我们 不成为无助的受害者。 静下来，信赖依靠我们 灵性身体的自愈性质是那么 舒畅。这不是魔术或运气， 而是在我们的逾越奥秘中变 得完全明显。同时被无数个 生活的见证证实了，包括 如莫里等说的：「学习如何 死，然后你学如何活」[相约 星期二（米奇·阿尔博姆著 长篇小说）]。在这里我们都 不是主人，我们无一例外， 都是乞丐。 总结 在痛苦中，最讽刺的是 静，但治愈是那么标志性。 就像我们自己无偿的生命， 永远不能被主宰或征服，而 是被发现。治愈永远不是为 让我们解释，而是神奇地只 有在放手时遇上。（译文）

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

Mazmur

FOKUS

Mazmur 23

PAGE 23 (Bhg 16)

Oleh Uskup Agung Emeritus John Ha

Siri renungan oleh Uskup Agung Emeritus John Ha. Tahun ini, kita akan merenungkan Mazmur.

Bahagian I Salah satu mazmur yang paling digemari adalah Mazmur 23 (Mazmur 22 dalam versi Greek atau Yunani dan versi Latin).

Gambarannya mengenai Tuhan sebagai gembala disusuli imej Tuhan sebagai hos. Kedua-dua gambaran melahirkan di dalam hati manusia kepercayaan yang mendalam dan keyakinan kepada Allah dan dengan demikian membawa kepada mereka penghiburan yang hebat. Kerana sebab ini, Mazmur 23 diklasifikasikan sebagai mazmur kepercayaan.

Komen Selepas tajuk kecil, Mazmur Daud (David), ayat-ayat 1–4 menggambarkan YHWH sebagai “gembalaku” dan ayat-ayat 5–6 menyampaikan YHWH sebagai hos yang murah hati.

Tuhan sebagai Gembala (ayat-ayat 1–4) Ayat pembukaan mengisytiharkan, “YHWH adalah gembalaku; aku tidak akan kekurangan.” Yang pasti, pengalaman pastoral umat Allah memberi inspirasi bagi penggunaan imej gembala untuk mengetengahkan keyakinan dan kepercayaan kepada YHWH. Namun gambaran biasa bagi raja sebagai gembala di Timur Dekat Purba kemungkinan besar turut memainkan peranan.

Imej itu menggambarkan kewajipan raja untuk melindungi dan menyediakan bantuan untuk rakyatnya. Dengan seorang gembala yang benar dan setia, baik dari segi pastoral mahupun diraja, mereka di bawah kuasanya boleh menjangkakan setiap keperluan mereka akan dijaga dan dengan demikian tidak akan kekurangan.

Imej itu dipindahkan kepada YHWH dalam kedua-dua maknanya. Makna diraja adalah sangat jelas dalam Kitab Yehezkiel 34. YHWH mula-mula memutuskan untuk mengambil alih kepimpinan diraja ke atas rakyat apabila raja-raja mereka gagal (ayat-ayat 15–16). Dia kemudian mengumumkan Dia akan mengangkat Daud baharu, iaitu, seorang raja baharu dari keturunan Daud, untuk memerintah ke atas mereka (ayat-ayat 23–24). Makna diraja ini pada asasnya terikat dengan rakyat sebagai sebuah bangsa atau sebuah komuniti. Mazmur 23 beralih daripada komuniti ini, umat Allah dalam perjanjian, kepada seorang individu, seperti apa yang dibuktikan di dalam predikat dalam ayat 1: “gembalaku”. Sesungguhnya, mana-mana anggota umat perjanjian bakal menikmati bantuan dan pelindungan YHWH, Allah Perjanjian. Maka itu Mazmur 23 memperibadikan keyakinan dan kepercayaan kepada YHWH sebagai gembala bagi setiap individu yang menggunakannya sebagai doa.

Perkara-perkara bagi bantuan dan perlindungan YHWH digariskan dalam ayat-ayat yang menyusul. Sudah tentulah perkara pertama ada kaitan dengan “padang berumput hijau” dan “air yang tenang” (harfiah, “air istirehat”) (ayat 2). Dua elemen itu digunakan bersama kerana air diperlukan untuk kehidupan semulajadi. YHWH si gembala bukan sekadar menyediakan makanan tetapi juga memastikan kesinambungannya. Perkataan “membaringkan” menyampaikan suasana keselesaan dan keselamatan. “Air yang tenang” membawa suasana itu lebih jauh lagi dengan menggambarkan waktu rehat yang tenang dan tidak terganggu daripada perjalanan yang meletihkan. Ungkapan, “Ia membimbing aku”, membayangkan satu perjalanan. Di bawah bimbingan dan pemerintahan YHWH, bangsa Israel mendapat jaminan perlindungan dan bantuan berterusan dan oleh yang demikian dapat melakukan perjalanan dalam kehidupan dengan rasa selamat dan dengan aman.

Mengambil kira rehat yang amat dihargai daripada keletihan, domba-domba memulihkan tenaga yang hilang dan bangun semula kepada kehidupan sepenuhnya. Ayat 3 menyatakan ini begini, “Ia menyegarkan jiwaku.” Tetapi perkataan “jiwa” (nefeš dalam bahasa Ibrani) membawa kehidupan di luar dunia fizikalnya untuk sampai kepada lingkungan keagamaan atau rohani. Dua baris seterusnya dalam ayat 3 menyokong perkara ini: “Ia menuntun aku di jalan yang benar oleh kerana namaNya.” “Jalan yang benar” menterjemah ședeq yang dalam bahasa Ibrani

mempunyai makna moral dan keagamaan.

Ia perlu diperhatikan bahawa ayat 3b mengulangi “Ia menuntun aku” dalam ayat 2b dan dengan demikian mewujudkan persamaan dengannya. Persamaan ini mungkin bertujuan untuk mengikat “di tepi air yang tenang” dengan “di jalan yang benar”; jika demikian, “air yang tenang” bertujuan untuk memberi makna keagamaan atau rohani. YHWH sebagai gembala menjaga domba-dombaNya dari segi fizikal dan emosional, dari segi moral dan rohani — iaitu, dalam semua aspek kehidupan. Ini adalah jelas “oleh kerana namaNya”, iaitu, sejajar sekali dengan “nama” YHWH. Ayat 4 memanggil YHWH si gembala dengan cara peribadi menerusi perkataan “kamu”. Ia mendapatkan elemen perjalanan dalam ayat-ayat 2 dan 3. Ia menekankan perlindungan dan kehadiran YHWH si gembala yang tidak mengecewakan walaupun, atau lebih baik lagi terutamanya, dalam keadaan paling berbahaya: “berjalan dalam lembah kekelaman.” Maka itu, “aku tidak takut bahaya”, sama sekali dengan “aku tidak akan kekurangan” (ayat 1), bersama YHWH sebagai “gembalaku”.

Sebab paling asas untuk tidak takut dan tidak kekurangan terletak dalam hadirat YHWH: “sebab Engkau besertaku”. Di sini, terdapat satu lagi aplikasi peribadi kepada individu bagi hadirat Tuhan di kalangan umatNya — Imanuel: “Tuhan bersama kita”.

Tuhan hadir dengan “gada dan tongkat”, alat-alat bimbingan dan perlindungan. Dicurah dengan makanan yang melimpah dan tidak henti-henti selain air yang menyegarkan, dan diberi jaminan tentang hadirat yang tidak mengecewakan, bantuan yang tidak putus-putus, arah yang jelas dan perlindungan berkesan dari YHWH, domba-domba menikmati tahap “keselesaan” yang tinggi sepanjang perjalanan.

Tuhan sebagai Hos Yang Murah Hati (ayat-ayat 5–6) Perjalanan di mana Tuhan si gembala memimpin dombadombaNya mempunyai destinasi yang jelas: “rumah Tuhan” (ayat 6).

Di rumahNya, Tuhan mempamerkan keramahanNya yang hebat. Daripada apa yang diberikan oleh alam semulajadi untuk makanan dan minuman, yang digambarkan dalam kata-kata “padang berumput hijau” dan “air yang tenang” (ayat 2), mazmur dalam ayat 5 menggambarkan Tuhan Sendiri “menyediakan hidangan” untuk domba-domba. Selain itu, “pialaku melimpah”.

Ini adalah bankuet Tuhan sendiri. Ia mengatasi semua makanan semulajadi yang telah dimakan oleh domba-domba. Dalam katakata lain, semua “padang berumput hijau” dan “air yang tenang” yang telah menghidupkan domba-domba sepanjang perjalanan telah menemui kemuncak mereka di dalam bankuet hebat ini yang Tuhan sediakan di rumahNya. Lebih daripada sekadar bantuan dan makanan, pengalaman domba bagi perlindungan gembala dengan “gada dan tongkat” juga menemui kemuncaknya di dalam rumah Tuhan.

Ia menyediakan banquet “di hadapan musuhku” (ayat 5).

Sesungguhnya, Tuhan telah melindungi individu dari semua kuasa musuh dalam perjalanannya. Sekarang dalam rumah Tuhan, dia diraikan dengan banquet, dilindungi sepenuhnya dan secara mutlak daripada kuasa-kuasa musuh ini. Dia benar-benar dapat makan dengan aman dan selamat sepenuhnya.

“Penghiburan” yang dinikmati dalam perjalanan itu (ayat 4) setakat ini datang dari “padang berumput hijaus” dan “air yang tenang” di mana si gembala membawa domba-dombanya.

Sekarang, dalam rumah Tuhan, ia datang daripada “mengurapi kepalaku dengan minyak” (ayat 5). Tindakan Tuhan ada dua kesan. Pertama sekali, dalam makna Perjanjian Lama bagi pelantikan rasmi seperti raja atau paderi, ia memberikan status rasmi kepada si individu yang tiba di rumah Tuhan bahawa dia adalah anggotanya. Kedua, dalam pengalaman umum berkaitan urutan dengan minyak, ia memberikan kelegaan kepada keletihan dan dengan demikian menyegarkannya semula.

Bankuet Tuhan dan tindakan mengurapi dengan minyak individu yang dipimpinNya memberikannya jaminan sepanjang hayat tentang “kebaikan dan belas kasihan” Tuhan dan “diam dalam rumah Tuhan” (ayat 6). Sesungguhnya, diterima secara rasmi sebagai seorang anggota keluarga Tuhan, individu itu berhak untuk mendapat tempat di dalam dan menikmati kehidupan yan melimpah-ruah di dalamnya.

Dua bahagian Mazmur 23, iaitu ayat-ayat 1–4 dan ayat-ayat 5–6, merupakan satu perpaduan menerusi fokusnya kepada Tuhan. Sebagai gembala, Dia membimbing domba-dombaNya ke rumahNya di mana Dia adalah hos yang murah hati.

(Terjemahan)

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IMAN DAN HIDUP

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

Ciri pada bacaan Misa Ahad ini: 12 April 2020 – Ahad Paska (Kisah Para Rasul 10: 34. 37–43; Kolose 3: 1–4; Yohanes 20: 1–9)

Ini adalah satu cerita Taoist mengenai seorang petani yang tua.

Suatu hari, kudanya lari. Apabila mereka mendengar tentang berita itu, jiranjirannya datang untuk melawatnya. “Malang sekali,” kata mereka dengan penuh simpati.

“Mungkin,” jawab petani itu.

Pada keesokan pagi, kuda itu pulang, dan membawa bersamanya tiga ekor kuda liar lain.

“Sungguh hebat sekali,” kata jiran-jirannya.

“Mungkin,” jawab lelaki tua itu.

Pada keesokan hari, anaknya cuba menunggang seekor kuda liar, dijatuhkan oleh kuda itu, dan patah kaki. Jiran-jiran sekali lagi datang untuk memberi simpati di atas nasibnya yang malang.

“Mungkin,” jawab petani itu.

Sehari selepas itu, pegawai tentera datang ke kampung untuk merekrut orang muda ke dalam angkatan tentera. Apabila mereka

melihat kaki si anak itu yang patah, mereka tidak mempedulikannya.

Jiran-jiran mengucapkan tahniah kepada petani itu mengenai keadaan yang berjalan lancar dan baik.

“Mungkin,” kata petani itu.

Pengajaran daripada cerita ini ialah kita mungkin melihat keadaan pada permukaan dan tidak memahami sepenuhnya maknanya yang lebih mendalam dan akan didedahkan kemudian. Buat masa sekarang, kita hanya perlu menerimanya dan apabila orang bertindak balas dengan cara yang negatif, kita dapat menjawab, “Mungkin.”

Dalam Injil untuk hari ini, Petrus dan murid yang disayangi Yesus pergi ke kubur dan melihat perkara yang sama - kain kapan di atas tanah dengan kain kepala digulung dengan sendirinya di tempat berasingan. Apa yang kedua-dua mereka lihat adalah pada peringkat permukaan — tubuh Yesus hilang seperti yang dilaporkan sebelum itu

oleh Maria dari Magdala.

Bagaimanapun, pada peringkat lebih mendalam, tidak seperti Petrus, murid yang disayangi Yesus dapat nampak dan percaya.

Yohanes berkata, pada hujung bacaan pada hari ini, sebelum saat ini, mereka gagal untuk memahami ajaran dalam kitab bahawa dia mesti bangkit dari kematian. Mereka belum lagi tahu bahawa Yesus akan bangkit semula sehinggalah mereka sudah melihatNya, dan itupun ada di antara mereka yang tidak percaya sehingga lama kemudian, termasuk Petrus.

Petrus, dalam khutbahnya kepada Cornelius dalam bacaan pertama, dapat menekankan kepercayaan teras ini dan memberikan keyakinan dengan memberitahu mereka bahawa dia adalah seorang daripada ramai saksi yang pernah makan dan minum bersama Yesus selepas kebangkitanNya. Tetapi pada awal pagi Ahad itu, Petrus hanya melihat

peringkat permukaan kain kapan.

Kita tidak tahu bagaimana murid yang disayangi Yesus dapat melihat lebih jauh daripada peringkat permukaan kain kapan pada pagi Ahad itu kepada tahap kepercayaan yang lebih mendalam.

Mungkin ia adalah kerana.

Jika perompak benarbenar mencuri tubuh Yesus, mereka pasti telah melontar kain kapan dan penutup kepala tidak akan digulung dengan elok; kecualilah jika Yesus sendiri yang menyusun kain kapan dengan elok selepas kebangkitanNya. Melihat keadaan itu, murid yang disayangi Yesus mungkin telah mengangkat bahu dan berkata, “Mungkin.” Dia terbuka kepada realiti bahawa Yesus bangkit semula dari kematian.

Kemudian dia akan berjumpa dengan Kristus yang bangkit dan percaya dengan lebih penuh.

Seperti Paulus dalam surat kepada jemaat di Kolosi, berikan masa kepadanya — pada masa yang sama, biarlah fikiran

Legionari muda berhimpun untuk retreat Lent

kita memikirkan perkara syurgawi, bukan perkara duniawi; tetapi apabila Kristus diwahyukan, kita akan diwahyukan dalam seluruh kemuliaan bersamaNya. Terima realiti sekarang pada peringkat yang lebih mendalam dan bukan pada peringkat permukaan. Lihat lebih jauh daripada peringkat permukaan dan percaya bahawa keimanan kita kini akan disahkan selanjutnya apabila Kristus diwahyukan sepenuhnya.

Walaupun orang mungkin menyebut perkara yang negatif tentang realiti kita sekarang, berharaplah kepada Kristus bahawa lebih banyak perkara positif mungkin akan didedahkan kemudian, sama seperti petani tua yang sabar menerima realiti sekarang dan mengharapkan masa depan yang lebih baik.

“Mungkin.”

(Terjemahan)

Niat doa Pope Francis untuk bulan April BEBAS DARI KETAGIHAN

Kami berdoa agar mereka yang menderita ketagihan dapat dibantu dan ditemani.

Legionari-legionari berada di depan altar selepas Misa Kudus. bergilir-gilir dan baik hati kepada ibu BUNAN GEGA — terbabit Pada 14 Mac lalu, kira- memimpin ibadat Jalan bapa dan adik beradik kira 80 orang penziarah Salib diiringi legionari mereka.

Retreat itu ternyata dari Kuching telah dewasa. Retreat berakhir pergi ke Pusat Ziarah dengan Misa Kudus bermaknabagiparapeserta memperbaharui Getsemani Bunan yang dirayakan oleh yang untuk retreat setengah Paderi Nicholas Ng semangat persaudaraan hari dan mengeratkan selaku Pengarah Rohani di kalangan mereka pada waktu makan tengah hari. persaudaraan. Retreat Komitium Kuching.

Dalam homili beliau, itu dianjurkan oleh Legio Maria, Legio Maria, Komitium Paderi Nicholas menggesa Komitium Kuching legionari yang ada untuk Kuching.

(Terjemahan) Legionari muda memupuk sikap syukur

­

CATHOLIC WELFARE SERVICES COUNCIL SARAWAK (MAJLIS KHIDMAT KEBAJIKAN KATOLIK SARAWAK)

Rayuan Lent Tahunan 2020 Tanpa Misa yang tidak dapat diadakan bersama jemaat kerana impak buruk daripada COVID-19, kami memerlukan bantuan dan sokongan anda dalam usaha kami yang berterusan untuk membantu golongan miskin dan memerlukan bantuan.

Catholic Welfare Services Council Sarawak Maybank Account No: 511234019806 Sila hubungi Cik Cecilia di talian 019-8199708 / 082-241407 selepas anda membuat sumbangan derma. Resit Pengecualian Cukai akan dikeluarkan. Terima kasih dan God Bless.

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

IMAN DAN HIDUP

PAGE 25

Pendapat saya mengenai Ahad Palma tanpa jemaat Oleh Fr Patrick Heng kerana kita kini menyedari bahawa kita akan menyambut Khamis Putih, Jumaat Agung dan Malam Paska di rumah. Hati kita sedih sekali kerana merindui Misa dan Ekaristi. Kita menangis di setiap Misa yang kita sertai secara dalam talian. Kita menangis apabila Kitab dibaca. Kita sedih mendengar tentang penderitaan Yesus. Kita menitiskan air mata apabila kita mendengar lagu-lagu rohani yang mewartakan betapa Allah mengasihi kita. Kita rasa seperti John dari BSC yang menyebut dalam satu pesanan WhatsApp, “Seperti domba yang dikurung dalam kandang bagi tempoh yang begitu lama”.

Penderitaan dan kesedihan juga dirasai mereka yang tidak ada akses internet yang baik di kawasan luar bandar dan mereka tidak dapat mengikuti Misa dalam talian atau berhimpun di gereja kampung mereka. Garry, seorang kakitangan perubatan COVID-19 di barisan hadapan yang terpaksa bekerja selama 12 jam sehari, meratapi pada pagi Ahad Palma, “Tanpa sebarang daun palma dalam FB saya atau rumah saya … melihat dari pejabat saya, saya dapat melihat daun palma dari jauh … Saya menyedari betapa besar peranannya di dalam kehidupan kita dan betapa kita merinduinya.”

Kita tidak ada daun palma!

Dan di sanalah bermulanya usaha kita untuk membuat sesuatu bagi Ahad Palma. Keterujaan dan rasa tidak bersedia mula dirasai beberapa hari sebelum Ahad Palma. Kita mencari daun palma dari taman kita sendiri dan kita meletakkannya di atas altar, pintu, tingkap, pagar atau dinding rumah kita. Orang lain meletakkannya di atas meja di mana mereka akan menonton Misa yang distrimkan secara langsung di sebelah Al-Kitab, salib dan lilin.

Kerana tiada pokok palma, ada juga yang menggunakan daun pandan, cabang pokok limau kasturi, atau malah daun palma kering dari tahun-tahun lalu. Tidak kira apa pun yang digunakan, semua kita mahu membuat sesuatu untuk Ahad Palma dan kita berkongsi dalam media sosial apa yang kita buat untuk “Ahad Palma di rumah” kita sendiri.

daun pandan

daun limau

daun-daun daun palma palma & lalang kering Fikiran kita bahawa “kita tidak ada palma” mencerminkan katakata Bonda Maria pada majlis perkahwinan di Kana, “mereka tidak ada air anggur” (Yohanes 2:3). Masa Yesus sudah sampai dan bagi saya, Ahad Palma 2020 menjadi waktu yang indah untuk rasa syukur kepada Allah kerana berkat yang Ia limpahkan ke atas kita.

Satu kerinduan Kita amat terasa kerana tidak dapat menghadiri Misa Ahad Palma. Selama ini ia adalah waktu yang tidak dapat dilupakan bagi kita. Kita begitu gembira untuk mendapatkan palma yang sudah diberkati, menyertai perarakan dan meletakkan palma yang diberkati di dalam rumah kita. Tetapi pada tahun ini, pada peringkat paroki, paderi-paderi rasa tidak berdaya, warden-warden gereja kita merindui kerja mengurus jemaat yang ramai; koir merindui latihan mereka seperti biasa manakala pelayan altar merindui giliran mereka untuk melayan kerana, bagi beberapa orang daripada mereka, tahun ini adalah peluang terakhir untuk melayan pada Minggu Kudus sebelum mereka melanjutkan pengajian di tempat lain pada tahun depan. Malah mereka yang mencari dan menyediakan daun-daun palma untuk gereja-gereja paroki dapat merasainya. Satu pesanan WhatsApp oleh Beatrice dari Sri Aman menyuarakan perasaan mereka, “Sedih betul … kalau tahun-tahun lepas, kami semua akan bergotong-royong cari daun palma untuk diberikan kepada gereja”.

Siaran Misa yang distrimkan secara langsung menunjukkan gerejagereja kosong. Makna gereja kosong menjadi lebih sayu apabila Uskup Agung Simon menyatakan betapa ia menyedihkan hati beliau untuk melihat tempat duduk yang kosong dalam Katedral St Joseph, atau apabila kita melihat Bapa Suci merayakan Ahad Palma dengan segelintir jemaat di Basilika St Peter. Hati kita juga amat sedih

Satu peluang Bagaimanapun Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) telah memberi peluang kepada kita untuk meneliti semula keutamaan kita, gaya hidup kita, nilai-nilai kekeluargaan, kepercayaan, gereja dan lebih mendekati Allah. Banyak perkara dalam hidup dan kepercayaan yang kita mungkin tidak pandang serius. Sekarang dengan lebih banyak masa dalam tangan kita, kita mungkin mendapati diri menghadiri siaran Misa dari seluruh dunia dua atau tiga kali sehari, sesuatu yang kita biasanya tidak akan buat, atau membaca buku-buku rohani.

Dalam media, kita mungkin ada melihat apa yang dibuat oleh wilayah atau kawasan kejiranan tertentu di negara-negara lain untuk menunjukkan solidariti menerusi muzik, tarian dan cahaya. Dengan tumpuan kepada Ahad Palma, amalan kecil kita yang mencari daun palma menjadi simbol bagi manifestasi kepercayaan dan solidariti kita. Daun palma yang kita letak di atas altar, pintu, tingkap atau pagar kita menunjukkan bahawa kita adalah orang Kristian. Daun palma juga sudah menjadi simbol yang menyatukan semua kita di lorong, jalan atau taman kita. Ia adalah simbol yang menyatukan semua orang Kristian — Katolik, Anglikan dan semua orang Kristian lain. Ia sesungguhnya indah untuk melihat perpaduan dan solidariti kita sebagai orang Kristian dalam cara yang mudah.

Minggu ini dipanggil Minggu Kudus di mana kita merayakan penderitaan, kewafatan dan kebangkitan Yesus, berjalan bersama Tuhan Yesus dari Khamis Putih ke Ahad Paska. Menurut Dekri dari Vatikan, Upacara Liturgi pada hari-hari tertentu adalah lebih singkat, terutamanya pada Jumaat Agung dan Malam Paska. Pada tahun ini, kita tidak perlu bimbang dan datang ke gereja awal pada jam 2.00 petang untuk Ibadat Jumaat Agung pada jam 3.00 petang atau Misa Malam Paska yang panjang (kira-kira tiga jam). Kita boleh menghadiri semua Liturgi ini dari keselesaan rumah kita, gereja domestik.

Kita menggunakan tahun ini sebagai peluang untuk meraikan Minggu Kudus dengan satu kelainan. Beberapa perkara yang kita dapat buat sebagai persiapan rohani peribadi adalah: • membaca dan mengetahui lebih lanjut tentang Minggu Kudus menerusi pelbagai sumber yang ada dalam internet.

• membaca, bermeditasi dan merenungkan peristiwa yang berlaku sebelum Khamis Putih dari bacaan Injil untuk harihari biasa dalam Minggu Kudus: Isnin (Yohanes 12: 1–11); Selasa (Yohanes 13: 21–33. 36–38) dan Rabu (Matius 26: 14–25).

• mengingati ziarah diri anda sendiri ke Yerusalem (Tanah Suci) untuk menjejaki langkah Tuhan Yesus di Yerusalem.

• berdoa untuk barisan hadapan perubatan COVID-19, mereka yang dijangkiti dan terkesan kerananya serta keluarga mereka, dan berdoa agar pandemik ini berakhir.

• membantu golongan miskin dan mereka yang terjejas dari segi kewangan kerana PKP (lihat rayuan Uskup Agung: tekan di sini) • bersiap sedia dan cuci altar kita dan dapatkan salib untuk dihormati pada Jumaat Agung.

• bersiap sedia dan nyalakan lilin pada Malam Paska.

• sama-sama menikmati jamuan Paska.

Sesungguhnya, masanya sudah tiba! Dalam tempoh Misa-di-rumah selama beberapa minggu yang lalu, ada yang telah memberitahu bahawa mereka merasai hadirat Allah dalam rumah mereka. Ia amat menakjubkan bagaimana Allah dapat bekerja dalam hidup kita dan bagaimana hadiratNya dapat dirasai termasuk di dalam rumah kita sendiri yang tidak seberapa. Semoga rumah-rumah kita sentiasa menjadi tempat pertemuan dengan Allah dan semoga kita menikmati Minggu Kudus yang bermakna.

(Terjemahan)

PAGE 26

IMAN DAN HIDUP

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

PENDERITAAN: MENJADI MANGSA TIDAK LENGKAP TETAPI TIDAK PERNAH TIDAK BERDAYA! Oleh Fr Stephen Lim Pengenalan Penderitaan ada di manamana. Ternyata antagonistik, namun penderitaan adalah intim dengan segala kewujudan, jika tidak dengan kehidupan itu sendiri. Walaupun sebahagian daripadanya adalah semulajadi, yang lain dibuat oleh manusia, seperti skandal 1MDB, atau simptomatik, seperti COVID-19, manakala selainnya tidak diketahui, tetapi semua berlaku tanpa belas kasihan.

Kesannya dan kejutan susulan yang buruk, walaupun diketahui ramai dan boleh diramalkan, menyebabkan semua tidak dapat mempertahankan diri. Semuanya diprogram awal untuk membuat riak, melumpuhkan, dan menjadikan kewujudan kita yang rapuh lebih bahaya lagi. Dan segalanya kerana kita sendiri.

PENDERITAAN MANUSIA YANG INIMITABLE Sejak zaman berzaman, umat manusia biasa dengan semua jenis penderitaan. Ia menjelaskan ketahanan kita yang lama, tetapi sebagai mangsa penderitaan tidak bermakna yang tidak bersalah, ia seakan-akan seperti nazak tanpa kesudahan. Keji, ia bukan sekolah untuk mengajar atau penjara untuk menghukum tetapi sekadar untuk menghancurkan semua. Narsisistik, ia adalah rumah penyembelihan, ia berbau busk, tenggelam dan pergi tanpa tanggungjawab.

Ia meneutralkan dan menghapuskan semua tentangan, aneh tetapi benar, ia tidak pernah berehat walaupun apabila semua kembali kepada tanah.

Walaupun dengan tersedianya sumber asas kita, kita masih tidak dapat memperbetulkan keadaan.

Tulisan ada di seluruh dinding; menyebabkan semua rasa kecewa dengan kehidupan yang hanya tidak ada maknanya atau tidak ada Allah!

Ingkar dan paling menjengkelkan, penderitaan tanpa makna mencetuskan, mendorong dan menghasilkan pelbagai jenis kesasteraan: ratapan, bantahan dan lainlain. Kesasteraan yang ternyata ikonik mengenai penderitaan orang tidak berdosa adalah Kitab Ayub yang ironis.

Sebagai insan terpilih, Ayub memiliki segalanya: isteri yang penyayang, rumah, tujuh orang anak lelaki dan tiga orang anak perempuan serta estet yang sentiasa berkembang. Tetapi neraka dialami tanpa sebarang sebab selain pujian tulen yang spontan dari Allah Sendiri: “Tiada seorang pun di bumi yang soleh dan jujur seperti dia” (Ayub 1:8).

Itu sahaja yang berlaku

untuk membuat utusan demi utusan datang dan mengejutkan Ayub dengan ketakutan yang tidak bermakna tetapi tidak dapat dipulihkan.

Tanpa penawar, isterinya, terus terang menyuruhnya “menyumpah Allah dan mati” (Ayub 2:9). Ayub sama-sama tidak ada apa-apa; satu-satunya perkara yang tinggal adalah kebergantungannya yang percaya seperti kanak-kanak kepada Allah: “Tuhan memberi dan Tuhan mengambil; berkatilah nama Tuhan!” Sama seperti segalanya diambil daripadanya dengan biadab dan cepat, Ayub juga dipulihkan secara tiba-tiba.

Anehnya, Ayub masih tidak tahu kenapa dia menjadi mangsa yang tidak berdosa.

Ini adalah tanda jelas bagi penderitaan yang kosong; mengalami keadaan itu bukan waranti bagi satu penjelasan, apatah lagi permohonan maaf.

Di sini, ia menghairankan bagaimana kita tetap begitu bertegas dan mendesak penjelasan mengenai realiti yang begitu tidak rasional. Namun lebih membingungkan lagi, entah macam mana, pencarian yang manusiawi namun paling elusif dan penting ini adalah signifikan, jika tidak amat berguna dalam kesejahteraan kita. Bagaimana lagi kita dapat menangani realiti yang begitu ditakuti? Merasa panik akan mendorong kita untuk mencekik, menutup mulut dan malah memburukkan lagi masalah kita yang tidak dapat dipulihkan dengan pil, sauna, urutan, maraton, akupunktur, atau diet kesihatan dengan harapan untuk membuatnya kebas.

Tetapi penawar tiada langsung, atau wang untuk membelinya.

Tiada penyelesaian cepat seperti formula ‘Dua Belas Langkah’ yang terbukti, atau bersenam dengan seorang jurulatih peribadi untuk menjinakkannya. Tetapi lebih teruk lagi, penghujung tiada sama sekali!

PARADOKS DALAM BERDIAM DIRI: PENYEMBUHAN Apa yang ironis ialah, walaupun perjuangan dan usaha kita hanya kosong sahaja, kita dengan taat menjalani semua upacaranya dengan begitu setia sekali. Bukankah ia benar bahawa kita adalah gila atau hanya bodoh! Atau kita hanya naif; semua ikut seperti domba. Atau sekadar histeria massa kerana percaya dan berkelakuan bahawa kita sememangnya mangsamangsa yang tidak berdaya.

Inilah tragedi manusia sebenar: terus-menerusi berlakon sebagai mangsa palsu. Tetapi bayangkan, seorang anggota marin dalam zon tempur, ketika mengejar seorang musuh, tiba-tiba terkena tembakan pada lengan kanan.

Adakah dia berlakon sebagai

Penderitaan ada di mana-mana. Ternyata antagonistik, namun penderitaan adalah intim dengan segala kewujudan, jika tidak dengan kehidupan itu sendiri.

mangsa yang tidak berdaya!

Tidak. Sebaliknya, Respons Keutamaan Hidup Tertingginya yang amat terlatih bertindak; dengan segera dan sepatutnya merawat lukanya terlebih dahulu. Ia adalah Respons Keutamaan Penyembuhan yang amat penting ini diperlukan semua untuk dipupuk dalam setiap pengalaman kita dengan penderitaan. Ia sememangnya diberi oleh Allah.

Menghentikan semua pertarungan dan pemakanan paksaan, termasuk ketakutan kita, adalah pertarungan yang separuh dimenangi. Ia nampak tidak masuk akal, dan mustahil untuk difahami, dengan sendirinya, tetapi sedikit demi sedikit, keresahan kita surut sementara semua reaksi kita yang buruk melonggarkan cengkamannya yang berbahaya. Ringkasnya, hanya apabila kita berdiam diri untuk berada dalam mod penyembuhan yang memulakan mekanik penyembuhan diri yang ada di dalam kita. Ini tidak mengejutkan,semuainisementara doktor dan pakar kesihatan memberitahu kita bahawa tiada yang menyembuhkan, kecuali badan manusia. Malah semua teknologi terkini dalam sains perubatan hanya membantu atau meningkatkan lagi keupayaan kita yang sudah pun hebat untuk menyembuhkan diri. Selain itu, berdiam diri membuka kita untuk melihat luka dan kelemahan kita sebagai “tiket duri untuk dicipta

bagi Yang Abadi”¹. Tidak kira betapa tidak difahami penderitaan kita, kita tidak ada alasan untuk rasa kecewa.

Dianugerah dengan badan yang memiliki roh penyembuhan diri yang semulajadi di dalam kita, dicipta oleh Allah dan tidak pernah dicipta oleh manusia, mengecualikan kita daripada menjadi mangsa yang tidak berdaya.

Diam, dan dalam kebergantungan yang percaya kepada ciri penyembuhan diri dalam badan kita amat menyenangkan hati.

Ini bukan magik atau kebetulan tetapi segalanya dijelaskan sepenuhnya dalam Misteri Paska kita. Ia turut disahkan oleh ramai saksi hidup, termasuk orang seperti Morrie; “Belajar untuk mati, dan anda belajar bagaimana untuk hidup”². Di sini kita tidak pernah menjadi tuan, tetapi semua, tanpa pengecualian, adalah pengemis.

Kesimpulan Dalam penderitaan, ia adalah paling ironik untuk berdiam diri, namun begitu ikonik dalam penyembuhan. Dengan kata mudah, seperti Nyawa kita sendiri yang diberi secara percuma, ia tidak dapat dikuasai atau ditakluki, tetapi dalam penemuan. Penyembuhan tidak pernah bertujuan untuk kita perjelaskan, tetapi hanya untuk dialami hanya pada asasnya.

(Terjemahan)

¹ Kennedy, E. The Pain of Being Human. (New York, The Crossroad Publishing Company, 1954), 13. ² Albom, M. Tuesday with Morrie. (London, Doubleday, 1998), 83.

TODAY’S PAGE 23 CATHOLIC APRIL 2020 Dari meja pengarang

BERITA

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020 PAGE 27

Allah mengasihi kita lebih daripada apa yang kita ketahui Tetapi Allah telah menunjukkan kasihNya yang besar kepada kita - ketika kita masih berdosa, Kristus telah mati untuk kita! (Roma 5:8)

Di manakah saya bermula? Bagaimanakah saya harus bermula? Begitu banyak telah berlaku di sekeliling kita sejak beberapa minggu lepas dan ketika saya merenungkan kata-kata untuk menyampaikan mesej Allah, ia mengingatkan saya tentang satu video yang orang suruh saya muat naik ke laman sesawang paroki saya bertajuk ‘The Power of Your Love’. Adakah ia satu kebetulan? Kita sering diingatkan bahawa Allah berjalan di depan kita.

PKP yang dilaksanakan oleh kerajaan untuk melindungi kita daripada pandemik COVID-19 telah meninggalkan kami dengan keputusan untuk mengeluarkan edisi April bagi Today’s Catholic kepada anda menerusi media digital. Anggaplah ini sebagai edisi khas yang disediakan bagi semua menerusi kuasa kasih Allah.

E-penerbitan pertama kita memuatkan rayuan Uskup Agung Simon Poh untuk memberi sumbangan dana kepada Catholic Welfare Services bagi memastikan kesinambungan tanggungjawab

sosialnya. Selain itu, ekoran penggantungan ibadat di gereja, Gereja, yang beroperasi atas sumbangan derma dari kutipan Misa setiap minggu, meminta jemaat untuk memberi sumbangan menerusi aplikasi atas talian, Sarawak Pay, untuk siaran Misa secara langsung.

Kami juga menunjukkan kepada anda “bilik belakang” di mana pasukan Komunikasi Sosial mengendalikan striming Misa secara langsung, satusatunya saluran yang disediakan untuk membawa ibadat gereja kepada kita sekarang.

Marilah kita, pada waktu kita merayakan Trihari (Triduum) Paska yang sepi, memperingati Kesengsaraan Tuhan dan bagaimana Dia mengasihi kita lebih daripada apa yang kita ketahui.

Bagaimana Dia mati kerana dosa-dosa kita. Marilah kita juga bersukacita di atas KebangkitanNya. Selamat Menyambut Paska Yang Berkat!

(Terjemahan)

CATHOLIC today’s THE TEAM PENERBIT Uskup Agung Kuching PENASIHAT Fr Felix Au EDITOR Ivy Chai EDITOR BERSEKUTU (B Cina) Magdalene Yeo SIDANG EDITOR Freddy Bohari (BM) Victoria J Lim (Halaman Kanak-kanak B Inggeris) James Lo (B Cina) Cecil Yong (B Cina) Margaret Bong (Halaman Kanak-kanak B Cina) STAF Shannon Wei

Uskup Agung Simon Poh mohon sumbangan dana kepada Catholic Welfare Services

KUCHING — Kuching Uskup Agung Kuching Simon Poh, dalam homili beliau pada Ahad Palma, menyeru kepada semua orang untuk mematuhi arahan kerajaan agar “duduk di rumah”.

Walaupun beliau gembira untuk merayakan ketigatiga Misa dalam Bahasa Inggeris, Bahasa Mandarin dan Bahasa Malaysia, ia “menghancurkan hati saya”, katanya, apabila beliau melihat “deretan demi deretan tempat duduk yang kosong”. Misa tersebut telah disiarkan secara langsung dari Katedral St Joseph, Gereja Ibunda Keuskupan Agung.

Ahad Palma menandakan permulaan Minggu Kudus, tempoh liturgi paling suci dalam kalendar Kristian. Ini adalah waktu jemaat berpusu-pusu ke gereja di seluruh dunia untuk memperingati semula hari-hari terakhir Kristus, bermula dengan kemasukan Yesus yang menang dalam Yerusalem, Perjamuan Terakhir, Penyaliban di atas Salib, dan menunggu untuk KebangkitanNya pada Malam Paska.

Uskup Agung Simon berkata, “Buat pertama kali dalam pengalaman kita, saya menyedari Minggu Kudus akan dirayakan tanpa kongregasi di banyak bangunan gereja yang kosong. Ramai orang Kristian amat rindu sekali untuk datang ke

Gereja dan beribadat pada Minggu Paling Kudus ini.

“Saya mendapat galakan yang begitu hebat apabila saya ingat bahawa semua anggota paroki adalah batu-batu hidup yang sedang dibina menjadi rumah rohani— Gereja (cf 1 Petrus 2:5). Kita ADALAH Gereja—murid-murid Tuhan dalam Komuni bagi Misi! Ia bukanlah bangunan tetapi apabila semua kita bersatu hati dan semangat, kita disatukan sebagai satu masyarakat Kristian yang percaya. Sesungguhnya, kita ADALAH Gereja.”

Beliau mencadangkan agar setiap keluarga meletakkan daun palma di luar pintu atau tingkap kita untuk menandakan Ahad Palma, kerana tradisi lazim untuk memberkati palma tidak dapat dilakukan pada tahun ini.

“Apabila keluarga bersatu dalam komuni sebagai satu tubuh Kristus, Gereja, dari rumah kita masingmasing, marilah kita menjadikan MInggu Kudus ini minggu doa tatkala kita memohon campur tangan Allah dalam pandemik COVID-19 dan terutamanya belas kasihan dan penyembuhan bagi tanah air kita Sarawak, negara kita Malaysia dan bagi semua negara di seluruh dunia,” tambahnya.

Pada waktu yang begitu mencabar, Uskup Agung juga telah merasai beban untuk membuat keputusan untuk mematuhi Perintah

Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) kerajaan untuk menutup semua gereja, terutamanya pada Minggu Kudus. Ini menyumbang kepada “kekosongan rohani yang besar selain pengorbanan yang telah dibuat oleh orang Kristian di Sarawak dan di seluruh Malaysia demi kebaikan umum negara kita Malaysia dan terutamanya di Sarawak yang umumnya adalah Kristian,” katanya, yang merujuk kepada usaha mereka melawan pandemik COVID-19.

Oleh kerana Gereja tidak disokong oleh kerajaan negeri, menutup gereja juga bermakna tabung kewangan Gereja serta Catholic Welfare Services yang mentadbir pusat warga emas ome of Peace di Jalan Landeh untuk mereka yang tidak ada tempat tinggal, dan Persatuan St Vincent de Paul yang memberi bantuan bulanan kepada keluarga miskin yang layak, akan mengalami defisit kewangan tanpa sumbangan derma dari jemaat Gereja pada Musim Lent selama 40 hari.

Uskup Agung Simon meratapi beban kewangan yang yang disebabkan oleh PKPO ke atas ramai orang, terutamanya pencari nafkah yang menerima gaji harian, dan mereka yang hilang pekerjaan disebabkan oleh PKP. Paroki yang lebih kecil akan merasai kesan daripada defisit kewangan ini berbanding paroki lain.

Maka itu, beliau

Uskup Agung Simon Poh mengendalikan Misa Ahad Palma (2019) di gereja St Joseph. Di sebelah kanannya ialah Uskup Agung Emeritus John Ha.

merayu kepada semua yang dapat membantu untuk mengurangkan beban kewangan Gereja dengan membuat derma menerusi aplikasi Sarawak Pay untuk Derma Misa Dalam Talian, atau pindah terus kepada akaun Keuskupan Agung. Ini seterusnya

akan disalurkan ke paroki yang berhak dan organisasi yang diurus oleh Gereja.

Duduk di rumah.

Jaga keselamatan diri.

Duduk di rumah dan berdoa.

Ivy Chai (Terjemahan)

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PERUTUSAN PASKA DARI USKUP AGUNG SIMON POH Alleluia, Kristus sudah bangkit!

Alleluia.

beliau sempena Malam Paska 2020 menggalakkan kita dengan harapan, “Kita memperolehi hak asasi yang tidak dapat dirampas daripada kita: hak untuk berharap. Ia adalah harapan baharu dan hidup yang datang dari Allah. Ia bukan sekadar optimisme … Ia adalah anugerah dari syurga, yang kita tidak dapat perolehi dengan usaha sendiri.”

Saudara-saudari yang dikasihi dalam Tuhan Yang Bangkit, Saya menyediakan perutusan ini sewaktu Oktaf Paska — harihari antara Ahad Paska dan Ahad Kerahiman Ilahi (Ahad Kedua pada Musim Paska). Dalam Bacaan-Bacaan Misa Oktaf ini, saksi-saksi menceritakan tentang pengalaman mereka yang peribadi dengan Tuhan Yang Bangkit. Kegembiraan dan harapan sesungguhnya adalah berita baik yang amat diperlukan pada waktu Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) di yang tidak mengizinkan kita untuk pergi ke gereja.

Kematian dan Kebangkitan Kristus yang menjadi nadi Paska Pengumuman dari kubur kosong: “Ia tidak ada di sini sebab Ia sudah Bangkit!” (Matius 28:6; Markus 16:6; Lukas 24:6) merupakan nadi utama dalam kepercayaan Kristian. St Paulus mengesahkan “Kristus mati kerana dosa-dosa kita … Ia dikuburkan … dan andaikata Kristus tidak dibangkitkan, maka sia-sialah ajaran kami dan sia-sialah juga kepercayaan kamu!” (1 Korintus 15:3–14).

Maka itu, di setiap Misa: “Kami memaklumkan KewafatanMu, Ya Tuhan, dan mengakui KebangkitanNya, sehingga Engkau datang kembali.”

COVID-19 dan Misa-Misa kita Saya telah berdoa dan merenungkan bagaimana COVID-19 telah meninggalkan kesan ke atas kehidupan kita sebagai jemaat Katolik dan sebagai Gereja.

Sekarang penjarakan sosial menjadi cara hidup kita dalam masyarakat dan gereja sehingga vaksin untuk COVID-19 ada atau sehingga seluruh populasi manusia sudah memperolehi “imuniti kelompok”, di mana penyakit COVID-19 tidak akan mengancam nyawa, lebih kurang sama seperti selsema biasa.

Perhimpunan dan Misa Ahad tidak akan sama selepas ini. Dalam masa beberapa bulan akan datang, kita tidak mungkin akan dapat berhimpun dalam kongregasi yang besar pada Hari Ahad seperti dahulu, kerana bimbang akan mencetuskan semula wabak dan mewujudkan kluster COVID-19 yang baharu.

Marilah kita bersiap-sedia dari segi emosi dan rohani.

Saya ingin merakamkan rasa syukur saya kepada pasukan penstriman secara langsung kita yang sangat komited, paderipaderi yang merayakan Misa

Uskup Agung Simon Poh

dan ahli-ahli liturgi. Beberapa individu ini mempamerkan dedikasi yang sepenuhnya kepada pelayanan di Misa-Misa dalam Bahasa Inggeris, Bahasa Mandarin dan Bahasa Malaysia, dengan jadual-jadual yang berurutan sepanjang tempoh PKP. Kami memberi jaminan kepada anda bahawa semua kami ada di sini untuk melayani anda.

COVID-19 BUKAN Hukuman mahupun Laknat dari Allah Taala Sebagai orang Katolik, kita tidak menganggap pandemik COVID-19 sebagai hukuman atau kutukan Allah Taala bagi dosa-dosa manusia pada hari ini.

COVID-19 juga bukan laknat dari Allah Taala. Walaupun menakutkan, ia tidak boleh ditafsirkan sebagai petanda bahawa akhir zaman sudah tiba, selain banyak tafsiran lain dalam media sosial.

Pertama sekali, Kepercayaan kita memberi keyakinan kepada kita bahawa Allah, Bapa Syurgawi kita, sentiasa menginginkan kebaikan bagi kita, “Sebab Aku tahu rancanganrancangan Aku untuk kamu, kata Tuhan, rancangan-rancangan untuk kesejahteraan kamu dan bukan untuk kecelakaan, untuk memberikan kepadamu masa depan yang penuh harapan” (Yeremia 29:11). Dan “apa lagi Bapamu di syurga yang akan memberikan yang baik kepada mereka yang meminta

kepadaNya!” (Matius 7:11) Peristiwa Jumaat Agung menunjukkan kasih Bapa bagi kita sebagai anak-anak yang dikasihiNya. “Inilah kasih, bukan kita yang telah mengasihi Allah tetapi Allah yang telah mengasihi kita dan mengutus AnakNya untuk menjadi korban penebusan bagi dosa-dosa kita (1 Yohanes 4:10). Bapa Syurgawi memberi Anak TunggalNya sebagai tebusan bagi dosa-dosa manusia, bukan untuk menghukum mereka.

Pengkhutbah bagi Paus, Paderi Raniero Cantalamessa, pada Jumaat Agung 2020 merujuk secara langsung kepada pandemik COVID-19: “Salib Kristus telah mengubah makna kesakitan dan penderitaan manusia — semua jenis penderitaan, fizikal mahupun moral. Ia bukan lagi hukuman, mahupun kutukan. Ia ditebus pada akarnya apabila Anak Allah sendiri memikulnya.”

Pope Francis dalam homili

Mempersembahkan Penderitaan Harian Kita dalam Kesatuan dengan Kristus Saudara-saudariku yang dikasihi, sebagai gembala anda, saya menggesa kepada semua, “Jangan takut … kerana Tuhan sudah bangkit.”

PadawaktuwabakCOVID-19 ini, kita akan mengalami hari-hari yang tidak menentu di hadapan, malah dengan jangkitan yang mengancam nyawa.

Tetapi janganlah kita membiarkan ketakutan, keresahan untuk melumpuhkan kita, dan janganlah kita membiarkan sikap manusia yang mementingkan diri untuk memusnahkan perhubungan kita.

“Selamatkan kami, Penyelamat Dunia, kerana oleh Salib dan KebangkitanMu, Engkau telah membebaskan kita.”

Sebagai umat Paska, kita percaya bahawa Tuhan kita Yang Bangkit ada bersama kita, dan kita diseru untuk membawa harapan dan melayani dengan belaskasihan.

Ramai daripada kita tidak memiliki sumber dan kepakaran perubatan untuk menyertai barisan hadapan dan membantu mereka yang mendapat jangkitan. Namun di mana sahaja kita berada, kita dapat menjaga warga emas dan anak-anak di rumah dalam keluarga kita. Kita membantu dengan duduk di rumah, mematuhi PKP untuk mencegah penularan selanjutnya.

Seperti apa yang kita buat sepanjang Musim Lent pada waktu PKP, saya menjemput semua orang Katolik untuk terus memberi sedekah dan derma, membuat pengorbanan, menerima kesusahan dan

Sebagai orang Katolik, kita tidak menganggap pandemik COVID-19 sebagai hukuman atau kutukan Allah Taala bagi dosa-dosa manusia pada hari ini. COVID-19 juga bukan laknat dari Allah Taala.

TODAY’S PAGE 23 CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

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TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL PAGE 2020 29

PERUTUSAN PASKA DARI USKUP AGUNG SIMON POH kesukaran dengan redha. Paling penting sekali, kita mendoakan dan berdoa sebagai perantara.

Kita menyedari bahawa doa selama sejam bersama Paus Francis pada 27 Mac lalu dan pengalaman kita pada Minggu Kudus, telah mewujudkan solidariti dan kesatuan (komuni). Maka itu panjatkan kegembiraan dan kesusahan anda dalam kesatuan dengan penderitaan Tuhan demi penyelamatan dan kehidupan dunia.

Sebagai komuniti beriman, kita boleh yakin sepenuhnya bahawa Allah Taala akan membawa kita bersama menerusi masa yang sukar ini.

Amin.

Keluarga sebagai Gereja Domestik Satu lagi fahaman yang menyentuh hati saya diperolehi daripada satu kartun di mana syaitan dengan megah memberitahu Allah Taala bahawa ia telah berjaya menutup semua (bangunan) gereja. Allah Taala menjawab, walaupun (bangunan-bangunan) gereja mungkin tutup, kini terdapat ribuan gereja domestik dalam setiap rumah keluarga.

Saya ingin menegaskan kepada semua keluarga Katolik bahawa sewaktu PKP, setiap kali anda mengambil bahagian dalam Misa atas talian sebagai sebuah keluarga, anda membawa balik doa-doa, kehidupan keluarga dan keberkatan. Keluarga anda ADALAH Gereja Domestik — gereja di rumah. Anda sudah menjemput Tuhan Yesus untuk tinggal dan hidup di dalam rumah anda.

Kita tahu tidak ada keluarga yang sempurna, tetapi apabila kita baik hati dengan satu sama lain, apabila kita berdoa bersama, mendengar, menggalakkan dan menjaga satu sama lain, keluarga kita akan tampil dengan lebih kuat. Selepas PKP, teruskanlah makan bersama di sekeliling

satu meja makan, berdoa sebelum dan selepas makan, dan sama-sama menyebut doa malam di rumah.

Pengebumian sewaktu PKP Hati kita bersimpati dengan banyak keluarga yang kehilangan ahli keluarga tersayang pada waktu PKP. Kita tidak dapat merayakan Misa Pengebumian di gereja.

Upacara pengebumian terbatas kepada beberapa ahli keluarga terdekat.

Kehilangan ini pasti amat dirasai keluarga yang bersedih tanpa sokongan kita dan doa-doa sementara menunggu pengebumian.

Saya bersyukur kerana paderipaderi kita sentiasa ada untuk menjalankan upacara pengebumian dan merayakan Misa secara peribadi untuk ketenangan jiwa ahli keluarga tersayang kita yang meninggal dunia. Saya berdoa agar kebangkitan Yesus membawa ketenangan dan jaminan tentang kehidupan abadi. Semoga mereka bersemadi dalam dakapan Bapa.

Cabaran dari Segi Ekonomi dan Kewangan dari PKP COVID-19 Dengan penggantungan Misa dalam tempoh PKP, paroki-paroki kita sebenarnya mengalami beban kewangan yang berat kerana perbelanjaan bulanan, kakitangan dan katekis tidak lagi disokong oleh kutipan Ahad daripada anda.

Walaupun demikian, paroki-paroki Katolik telah bersatu untuk berkongsi sumber dan membuat komitmen untuk terus memberi gaji penuh bagi memastikan keluarga katekis dan kakitangan kita dapat menempuh waktu yang mencabar sekarang.

Dalam satu segi, Tuhan kita, Gembala Baik, berjalan bersama kita.

Tuhan kita Yang Bangkit tidak meninggalkan kita pada malam paling gelap bagi kita kerana Ia bersama kita dan menenangkan kita. (lihat Mazmur 23) Saya juga menjangkakan penurunan yang amat besar dan defisit dalam Rayuan Lent Tahunan untuk Catholic Welfare

Keluarga anda ADALAH Gereja Domestik — gereja di rumah. Anda sudah menjemput Tuhan Yesus untuk tinggal dan hidup di dalam rumah anda.

Services (CWS).

Sumbangan derma ini menyara ‘Home of Peace’ di Jalan Landeh untuk golongan gelandangan serta Persatuan St Vincent de Paul di beberapa buah paroki yang memberi bantuan bulanan kepada golongan yang memerlukan pertolongan selain keluarga yang layak.

Selepas PKP, parokiparoki juga perlu memberi bantuan kewangan sementara kepada ramai pencari nafkah bergaji harian untuk membantu mereka bangkit semula.

Saya ingin mengambil kesempatan ini untuk mengucapkan terima kasih kepada semua orang Katolik dan rakan-rakan, yang telah memberi sumbangan kepada e-Kutipan sewaktu Misa yang distrim secara langsung.

Bagi pihak Keuskupan Agung, kami komited untuk menyumbang RM350,000 dari Tabung Bencana Uskup Agung kepada CWS untuk menampung defisit semasa. Sekali lagi, saya merayu kepada umat Katolik untuk bermurah hati memberi sumbangan dalam bentuk wang dan barangan bagi menyokong kerja amal dan misi Gereja. Makan dengan sederhana — Hidup sederhana — Derma dengan murah hati!

BUTANG ‘REBOOT’ — Permulaan Baharu bagi Keluarga Manusia yang Satu PengkhutbahKepausan, Paderi Cantelamessa, telah memberi tumpuan kepada kesan positif daripada pandemik

COVID-19 apabila beliau bercakap mengenai rasa solidariti dan perpaduan di seluruh dunia yang telah mengurangkan keperluan bagi peperangan dan konflik bersenjata.

“Virus itu tidak mengenali sempadan.

Dalam sekelip mata, ia telah merobohkan semua rintangan dan perbezaan kaum, negara, agama, kekayaan dan kuasa.

Kita tidak harus kembali ke masa lalu itu apabila waktu ini sudah berlalu nanti.”

Ia merupakan seruan untuk memberikan keutamaan kepada manusia dan bukan kepada persenjataan.

Saya melihat ini umpama BUTANG ‘REBOOT’ dan peluang untuk mengembalikan fokus kepada perhubungan kita dengan Tuhan dan keluarga manusia.

Sebelum pandemik COVID-19, dunia sebenarnya taksub dengan kemajuan kebendaan, keuntungan dan kekayaan ekonomi, kepenggunaan, sukan dan hiburan.

COVID-19 telah menutup pusat hiburan, gimnasium, stadium, kilang, pusat beli-belah dan sebagainya. Kita memperolehi kesedaran baharu bahawa kita adalah keluarga manusia global.

COVID19 tidak mengenali warna kulit, bangsa, agama, kecenderungan politik mahupun status sosial.

Apa yang berlaku kepada saudara atau saudari kita di negara lain lambatlaun turut mengesani kita. Semua kita terlibat dalam perkara ini sebagai keluarga manusia besar,

yang sedang berjuang untuk mengatasi pandemik ini.

Kita juga semakin sedar mengenai tumpuan baharu dan segera kepada kesihatan, kebersihan, makanan, air bersih, pembasmian kemiskinan, penghargaan yang lebih tinggi bagi golongan buruh biasa dalam masyarakat kita yang selama ini kita terlepas pandang (mereka yang menyusun barang di atas para-para pasar raya, pengutip kosong, dan sebagainya) serta keperluan untuk menjadi pengawas alam semulajadi yang baik seperti yang disebut dalam ‘Laudato Si’.

Marilah kita menggunakan masa hening dan perlahan sekarang sebagai peluang untuk mendengar dan membawa balik Allah Taala ke dalam kehidupan kita, keluarga kita dan menuntut semula martabat manusia yang dicipta dalam imej Tuhan, sebagai saudara-saudari dalam satu keluarga manusia.

BERKAT PASKA Bagi pihak Uskup Agung Emeritus Peter Chung dan Uskup Agung Emeritus John Ha, semua paderi, religius, dan sidang pengarang Today’s Catholic, saya mengambil kesempatan ini untuk mendoakan kedamaian dan kegembiraan Musim Paska bagi semua jemaat Katolik yang dikasihi, rakan-rakan dan semua yang berniat baik.

Tuhan kita Yesus ada bersama kita.

Percaya kepada Yesus sebagai Penyelamat dan Tuhan kita Yang Bangkit. Semoga anda menikmati harapan dan kebebasan sejati dalam hati anda dan dalam keluarga anda. Alleluia!

Dia bangkit!

Dengan rendah hati dalam Tuhan Yang Bangkit, Uskup Agung Simon Poh (Terjemahan)

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Ziarah Lent Sekolah Minggu BSC ke Gunung Singai

KUCHING — Sekolah Minggu Gereja Sakramen Maha Kudus (Inggeris & Cina) menganjurkan ziarah Lent tahunan mereka ke Gunung Singai pada 14 Mac lalu dari jam 8.30 pagi hingga 1.00 petang.

Disebabkan oleh wabak COVID-19, ramai penziarah tidak menyertai Ziarah Lent pada tahun ini.

Bagaimanapun, keadaan cuaca tetap cerah dan panas, yang dianggap sebagai keberkatan kerana hujan turun kemudian pada sebelah malam.

Dalam tiga kumpulan yang terdiri daripada 20– 25 orang, dan diketuai sekurang-kurangnya dua Fasilitator Keimanan, penziarah mendaki

Gunung Singai sambil menjalankan kebaktian Jalan Salib.

Kumpulan pertama memulakan pendakian sekitar jam 8.30 pagi, manakala kumpulan terakhir sampai di Pusat Ziarah kira-kira jam 9.45 pagi.

Penziarah menyebut doa rosari bersama-sama, sebelum Misa bermula sekitar jam 11.00 pagi, yang dirayakan dalam bahasa Inggeris.

Misa dirayakan oleh Rektor BSC Father Patrick Heng, bersama Father John Chong dari Gereja Hati Kudus, Kota Sentosa, Batu Tujuh.

Fr Patrick Heng membaca petikan dari Injil St Lukas mengenai Anak Sesat, dan homili beliau menjelaskan

Hati ke hati...

dari pena penulis jemputan,

Friar Don Don Ramerez, OFM Dari sudut bicara dari hati ke hati kali ini, saya ingin membawa kepada anda satu isu yang menjadi hangat diperkatakan ketika ini di dalam dunia iatu penularan wabak penyakit yang dikenali sebagai Novel Corona Virus 19 (n-Cov19) yang mana telah membuka mata setiap pelusuk dunia. Virus Covid-19 ini bukan hanya meragut ribuan nyawa tetapi juga mengubah tatacara dan corak kehidupan manusia di seluruh dunia khususnya dari segi interaksi sesama manusia mahupun proses perhubungan dengan Tuhan itu sendiri. Seperti yang kita sedia maklum, Perintah Kawalan Pergerakkan (Movement Control Order) di bawah Akta Pencegahan Penyakit Berjangkit dan Akta Polis 1967 telah dikeluarkan oleh pihak kerajaan bagi membasmi penularan wabak Virus Covid-19 ini selama 14 hari bermula 18hb Mac 2020 sehingga 31hb Mac 2020.

Sepanjang tempoh perintah kawalan ini, larangan menyeluruh pergerakan dan perhimpunan ramai di

seluruh negara termasuk aktiviti keagamaan, sukan, sosial dan budaya telah dikuatkuasakan di mana semua rumah ibadat seperti Gereja, Masjid, Tokong dan Kuil di arah tutup serta merta.

Selain daripada itu, antara faktor lain yang mungkin menyebabkan penularan wabak ini adalah melalui sentuhan (Direct Contact).

Dengan ini, kita telah di tegah untuk tidak berjabat tangan, berpelukkan atau bersentuhan secara terus di antara satu sama lain. Hal ini secara tidak langsung telah mengubah tatacara dalam ibadah kita di dalam gereja bagi mengelak penularan wabak ini.

Implikasi daripada penularan wabak ini, gereja-gereja Katolik terpaksa mengubah sebahagian tatacara dalam melaksanakan Misa bagi mengelakan jangkitan di antara jemaat. Antara pendekatan yang terpaksa di ambil adalah di mana para imam gereja mengkehendaki para jemaat untuk menerima Hosti atau roti sakramen menggunakan tangan dan menegah menyambut menggunakan lidah.

Tiada celupan jari ke atas air kudus sebelum masuk dan keluar

Foto kumpulan di Pusat Ziarah. bacaan pertama dan terakhir turun perlahan- sampai di kaki Gunung lahan, terutamanya Singai sekitar jam 1.25 bacaan Injil.

Fasilitator petang dan semua orang Sekitar jam 12.45 beberapa yang memulakan perjalanan tengah hari, kebanyakan Keimanan penziarah mula menuruni memastikan semua orang pulang. selamat.

Gunung Singai.

Shannon Wei Kumpulan terakhir Beberapa penziarah (Terjemahan) dari gereja dilakukan.

Tatacara ibadah dengan duduk berdekatan juga dikhuatiri akan menyebab menyumbang penularan wabak ini di mana peluang jemaat terkena jangkitan sesama sendiri adalah lebih besar. Dengan merebaknya wabak ini dengan begitu pantas, pihak gereja terpaksa akur untuk menutup gereja bagi memastikan tiada jemaat yang dijangkiti semasa menghadiri misa kudus dan secara tidak langsung menyumbang meningkatnya kes jangkitan wabak ini.

Sehubungan dengan pentingnya langkahlangkah penjagaan dan kawalan ini, sebahagian jemaat merasa kehilangan dan mengungkap keluhan “tidak ada lagi kegembiraan yang sama seperti sebelumnya”, “tidak melakukan tanda damai dengan bersalaman dan tidak dapat menerima Hosti di mana seakan hilangnya bahagian terpenting di dalam Misa itu sendiri”, “gereja ditutup seolah-olah tertutup sudah kerajaan syurga bagi kita”. Kita dapat merasakan betapa rindunya dan hausnya jemaat akan kehadiran Tuhan pada masa kita di uji sekarang.

Cabaran tahun 2020 adalah satu tamparan yang hebat bagi umat kristian di seluruh dunia.

Tatkala kita di uji di musim pra paskah ini di mana gereja terpaksa di tutup, sebahagian paroki mengambil langkah yang bijak dengan menjalankan misa secara dalam talian antaranya siaran langsung melalui facebook mahupun melalui siaran radio. Ini adalah satu cara di mana pihak gereja

terus menyebarkan firman tuhan dan memohon doa agar setiap kita terus hidup and teguh dalam iman walaupun badai menimpa.

Walaupun Tubuh yesus tidak dapat diterima secara nyata tapi kita masih boleh menyambut dengan iman dan rohani yang tinggi agar kita di beri kekuatan dan kepercayaan yang penuh akan Yesus walaupun kita di duga. Mungkinkah tiada sambutan hari ahad palma, khamis suci, jumaat agung mahupun paska pada tahun ini?

Persoalan ini masih menjadi pertanyaan bagi setiap umat katolik di seluruh dunia. Adakah sambutan paskah pada kali ini akan berbeza. Bagi saya tahun ini adalah tahun yang paling istimewa di mana kita menjalani bulan pra paskah dengan penuh cabaran yang sebenar.

Bayangkan Tuhan Yesus di duga dan di uji 100 kali lebih berat berbanding dengan apa yang kita hadapi sekarang.

Bukan lah bermaksud kita mengambil ringan atas bencana jangkitan wabak ini, tetapi seberapa dalam manakah iman kita di uji dan sekuat manakah kita percaya terus akan Yesus menjadi pertanyaan. Saya percaya kuasa Roh Kudus akan terus bersama kita dalam mengharungi musim ini.

Jangan jadikan dugaan kali ini sebagai pematah semangat dan iman kita terhadap Tuhan. Teruskan berdoa agar kita semua sentiasa dilindungi dan diberkati. Inilah masanya kita mendekati diri dengan Tuhan dengan lebih rapat lagi. Jadikan hati kita dan rumah kita bait suci allah yang sentiasa bersinar dan

bernyala. Inilah peluang yang amat baik bagi kita untuk berdoa bersama ahli keluarga di dalam rumah kita di mana meluangkan sedikit masa kita untuk memberi tumpuan dan doa kepada Tuhan. Lakukan Doa Rosario bagi memohon berkat dari Bunda Maria, Doa Hati Kudus bagi memohon belas kasih tuhan ke atas dunia, Merenung Firman Tuhan melalui bacaan injil harian, Doa Jalan Salib di musim pra paskah dan berdoa secara peribadi bagi memohon berkat Tuhan.

Oleh yang demikian, saya berharap agar umat kristian di seluruh dunia akan terus tabah dalam menempuhi fasa cabaran yang begitu hebat kali ini. Tuhan tidak pernah meninggalkan kita walaupun sesaat. Berilah penuh kepercayaan dan dasar iman yang cukup kukuh kepada Tuhan Yesus kerana kita harus percaya tiada yang mustahil dalam nama YESUS. Kita menyeru agar kuasa Roh Kudus tercurah ke atas kita semua umat kristian dan para malaikat kudus sentiasa membimbing dan menuntun langkah kita dalam setiap hari hari yang mendatang.

Marilah kita berdoa agar wabak virus nCOV-19 ini dapat dimusnahkan dan dimatikan daripada terus merebak agar kerinduan setiap umat yang merindukan bunyi loceng gereja terubat.

Amen.

Tuhan Memberkati Friar Don Don Ramerez OFM

CLASSIFIED BERITA

TODAY’S PAGE 23 CATHOLIC APRIL 2020

ARCHDIOCESE OF KUCHING

TODAY’S CATHOLIC APRIL 2020 PAGE 31

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

We are online!

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GEORGE HENRY CHIN AH ONN

LUCY ONG SAI HOON

Departed: 25 May 2007

Departed: 5 February 2003

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11: 25-26) Always remembered and fondly missed by all loved ones.

Tomb Maker Simon Sim See Huat

3RD ANNIVERSARY In ever loving memory of

“Man was created for immortality...”

30TH ANNIVERSARY

8TH ANNIVERSARY

ANDREW BONG YONG TECK

MARGARET CHIA CHIEW TIANG

Departed: 23 April 1990

Departed: 3 May 2012

ANNIE CHU MIN SHIE

15 Nanas Road 93150 Kuching, Sarawak Tel: 082-617616 / 0138117616 Fax: 082-627616 Specialise in: Construction & Cleaning of Grave Monuments Manufacturing Gravestones imported from China, Italy

In ever loving memory of

who was called home by the Lord on 23 April 2017 Eternal rest grant unto Annie Chu Min Shie, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

Amen.

You are so loved and greatly missed by: husband, daughter, son and daughter-in-law, grandsons and granddaughter, and all loved ones.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Gone are the faces we loved so dear, Silent are the voices we loved to hear.

Too far away from sight and speech, But not too far from our thoughts to reach.

Gone from our sight, gone from our home, Gone to the Father’s home above.

Days brought sorrow, months brought sorrow, Years brought the loving memories which no heart can speak.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls rest in peace. Amen.

~ St John the Wonderworker

Forever in our hearts and minds, Bibiana & Willie, Stephen & Teresa, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all loved ones.

JOSEPH ANTHONY HARRY

MAGGIE A TAMBIK

Departed: 20 March 1974

Departed: 26 May 1975

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11: 25-26) Always remembered and fondly missed by all loved ones.

1ST ANNIVERSARY

3RD ANNIVERSARY In memory of

AGNES HENG SOK GEK Born: 28 November 1928 Died: 9 April 2017

Two years have passed since you returned to the Lord.

Your humble and self-sacrifing love remains inscribed in our hearts.

With the gift of prayer and faithfulness to the Lord which we bequeathed from you, we anticipate the day we shall see you again in the eternal kingdom of our creator.

May your soul rest in peace.

ROZANA HARRY Born: 27 February 1956 Departed: 30 April 2019 “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11: 25-26)

Always remembered and fondly missed by all loved ones.

Dearly missed by children, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, grandchildren-in-law, and great-grandchildren.

Contact numbers you may need when a death occurs: (for the Archdiocese of Kuching) Catholic Cemetery Committee: Tel. 082-242634 / 016-8933878 Catholic Mutual Benefit Society: Tel. 082-244493 / 019-8563438 / 016-8954201 For use of funeral parlour at St Joseph’s Cathedral: Tel. 082-423424 (St Joseph’s Parish Office)

Published by: The Archbishop of Kuching, Batu 1, Jln Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching. Printed by: Bahagia Press Sdn Bhd (86546-K), Lot 225, Section 49, Jalan Padungan Utara, 93100 Kuching. Tel: 082-238900