Love the Sinner...Hate the Sin...

“Cum dilectione hominum et odio vitiorum.

With love for mankind and hatred of sins.”

- St Augustine of Hippo, Opera Omnia, Vol. II, Letter 211

 

Today, July 18, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI took some time off to meet the controversial Malaysia Prime Minister Najib at the Castel Gandolfo, following the latter’s eventful London meeting with Queen Elizabeth, who just happened to wear an immaculate “yellow” dress...in a room at Buckingham Palace which also happened to be decorated with “yellow” flowers (coincidently, the signature color of BERSIH)!  Peaceful protestors in London, parts of the world and especially Malaysia continue to voice their demand for a free and clean electoral system – symbolized by the “yellow” BERSIH T-shirts!

Against the backdrop of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, across cosmopolitan Malaysia, pushing for this “leader” to take ownership and resign following the government’s disgraceful handling of the multi racial 709 BERSIH Rally, desperate efforts are being made by the ruling Malaysian government to establish diplomatic ties with the Vatican (coincidently, the flag is also significantly yellow); possibly, a last ditch effort to win back the almost 3 million Christian votes in the country (almost 30% Catholics), whose population approximates 30 million; comprising mainly peace-loving moderate Muslims.

This is just my simple reflection, to be in solidarity with Catholics and Christians in Malaysia, against the surrounding political events that is becoming more intense and dirty...and of course, this audience with the Holy Father.

For pilgrims in Malaysia, it is often difficult to stand up for one’s faith, especially when so many factors are in disagreement and the rest of the world is watching closely.  Even some “leaders” of the Church are experiencing this difficulty as well, given rising religious tension...perceived to be politically motivated.  Nevertheless, it is always necessary to put God and Faith first and perhaps, to pray, reflect and emulate what Jesus would have done under such circumstances.

Whilst the Malaysian government has publicized this visit to the Vatican as being historic, there was almost no mention of this ‘anti-climax’ trip to Rome during last weekend’s Eucharistic celebrations...not shocking at all, given that the Catholic Church has been present in Malaysia for a very, very long time and absolutely no serious efforts have been taken by this Government to establish any formal ties with the Holy See in the past.

Despite this recent visit having borne good fruit in the agreement to establish formal diplomatic ties between Malaysia with the Vatican, the pilgrims in Malaysia and the world over, are not convinced by the sincerity and integrity of this Malaysian Government.  As such, pilgrims in Malaysia continue to cry out to God for freedom, justice and mercy!  Certainly, our God continues to work in mysterious ways...which are way beyond our finite understanding.  We are called to trust in Him.

St Augustine has constantly reminded us to “love the sinner, hate the sin”.  In this case, it would perhaps be challenging for the pilgrims in Malaysia to make much sense out of this phrase, especially after what transpired on Day 709, whereby the people’s peaceful walk to push for a freer and cleaner electoral system was confronted with massive police high handedness and brutality, controlled media reporting, “yellow” crackdown, city lockdown and the Government’s twisting and turning of events ...even to the extent of media “doctoring” of photographs to seemingly portray “violence” by the peaceful citizens.  This is absolutely childish, shameful and disgraceful!  Why should this government be so afraid of a free and clean electoral process???  Obviously, it does not take brilliant intelligence to figure this one out...

How can pilgrims in Malaysia then “love” such a “leader” while simultaneously hating his long list of sins against the land and its people?  It certainly is a massive dilemma for Christians, when the Church teachings have always been centered along the lines of loving your neighbors...your enemies - love always trumping hate.

We know that Jesus is all about LOVE...yet sometimes, there is a feeling of “hate” within us...seeing and experiencing the reality that surrounds us.  As pilgrims, why do we sometimes so easily succumb to the feeling of wanting to “hate”?  Where did this emotion of “hate” come from?  Well, we know that Jesus certainly did not teach us how to “hate”.

Similarly, the quiet and peaceful Mohandas Gandhi, who reads and appreciates Christian literature, shared with his followers, not so long ago, to “love the sinner and not the sin” with regards to their oppressors; the ultimate objective was to starve off more violence.  Pilgrims simply cannot fight violence with hatred...

Similarly, even in the corporate offices, within our own working environment, when we observe our bosses or superiors behaving in an extremely harsh and oppressive manner, we have the tendency to simply begin “hating”...not recognizing that this emotion will cause us to, similarly, lose our compassion, clarity of thought and stop appreciating the basic human dignity in the other person...no matter who they are.

This day forth, let us make it a point to go beyond ourselves and stop “hating” so easily...stop casting stones too freely.  When such feelings attempt to rise from within us, let us simply remember what our Lord Jesus has taught us in the Gospels and be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is quietly prompting us...deep within our being.  We are the Light of Christ that shines...penetrates and heals...not burn...

We know that Jesus came to rescue the single lost sheep, to welcome home the prodigal sinner.  Jesus sat, ate, drank, and even mixed with tax collectors, the lepers and prostitutes! Jesus came for the least, the last and the lost!  As pilgrims, we too endeavor to pursue that same mission in our journey.

Nevertheless, despite all that is said, there is still a fundamental prerequisite to hold “leaders” accountable for their actions or missteps in managing or governing the country, in the name of the people...the very people who voted them into office.  Where there is blatant abuse of power and funds, held in trust, for the people...justice must prevail.  In this instance, justice can only be voiced and heard at free and clean elections.

Would it be highly controversial to offer forgiveness to “leaders” whose governments are perceived by their own citizens as practicing and condoning violence, blatant corruption, religious discrimination, injustice, cronyism, nepotism, media control, criminal offences, widespread abuse of power etc?  Let the Almighty God alone be the Judge of that...this, we must believe and simply trust!

No, being a Christian pilgrim is never easy...what more in countries like Malaysia.  Loving your neighbors and enemies is never easy....standing up for justice, speaking up for the truth, finding courage to exercise voting rights, being prayerful, being in solidarity with people of different faiths...trusting that God will hear the cry of His people...trusting that the Church and the Holy Father will be obedient to the will of the Holy Spirit...that’s what Jesus has personally called each one of us to do. Love the sinner, period.

Leave the rest to God.  He will make all things beautiful in His time.  Judge not, that you not be judge.  As pilgrims, this is the paradox...this is the Cross we all have to carry if we are to obediently follow Jesus Christ...the Way, the Truth and the Light.  In dificult times like these, we simply must trust Him even more...

  

Veni Sancte Spiritus...Come Holy Spirit

   

“You are the light of the world.  A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house.  So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, Douay Rheims)

Following the highly publicized, shameful events arising from the 709 Walk in Malaysia, it was reported in the international media that Malaysia now intends to establish formal diplomatic ties with the Holy See; Vatican; meeting Pope Benedict XVI on July 18.

Unfortunately, the local archbishop is somehow controversially made part of the entourage of the ruling Government...under whose leadership, the world has come to witnessed shocking scenes of water cannons, tear gas, arrests, lockdowns, brutality, denials and lies.

Very simply, it would be easy to discount this as a non issue and claim that these events are not related, these are separate unrelated issues and that as Catholic Christians, we should just keep on praying, and praying, and praying...hoping, and hoping...

For over two thousand years, the Church has put in tremendous efforts to relate the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, to human life...to bring the Word of God back to the people...to transform individual human hearts, liberating them from the evil seduction of the secular world.

In preservation of basic human dignity, the Church sees that all people are sacred...made in the image of God.  As pilgrims all over the world, we are all bound together in a common humanity.

Jesus himself identified with the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized...offering them the hope of the Kingdom of God...eternal life.  Conversely, Jesus demanded love of enemies and renunciation of violence.  Jesus stood for human freedom...the freedom of love and goodness...freedom from the slavery of sin...a freedom experienced by the people when God is sovereign...the relation to God’s will is right.

Jesus was not a revolutionary social reformer, nor fanatical about the political powers that be...the corrupted Romans!  Jesus never intended to spill the blood of his enemies...instead He simply allowed himself to be crucified by the Romans...spilling his own Holy and Precious Blood for the love of mankind.

Although the Church believes that religion belongs at the center of everything, Father Thomas Bokenkotter adds that, “...it is not enough just to mouth pretty words about justice and peace in the pulpit.  The message must be put into action.”

As pilgrims on the journey back home, we are called to be doers of the Word and not just hearers only...we are called to be genuine and authentic witnesses to Jesus Christ in all that we do along our short journey through life.

Father Thomas continues to add that, “The Church commits itself to the work of social change and the struggle against all forms of oppression.  ...What is at stake is nothing less than the redemption of the human race.”

Along these lines, we recall the famous words of Blessed John Paul II,“(a) world of justice and peace cannot be created by words alone and it cannot be imposed by outside forces: it must be desired and must come about through the contribution of all.  It is essential for every human being to have a sense of participating, of being a part of the decisions and endeavors that shape the destiny of the world.”

These extract from the beautiful document, Justicia in Mundo (Justice in the World), at the Synod of Bishops (1971), further echoes very clearly...

“Unless the Christian message of love and justice shows its effectiveness through action in the cause of justice in the world, it will only with difficulty gain credibility with the people of our times. (#35)

The Church, indeed, is not alone responsible for justice in the world; however, she has a proper and specific responsibility which is identified with her mission of giving witness before the world of the need for love and justice contained in the Gospel message, a witness to be carried out in Church institutions themselves and in the lives of Christians. (#36)

Our mission demands that we should courageously denounce injustice, with charity, prudence and firmness, in sincere dialogue with all parties concerned.  We know that our denunciations can secure assent to the extent that they are an expression of our lives and are manifested in continuous action. (#57)”

Looking at what is happening around the world today...injustices continue to disfigure our land and age...the people continue their constant silent struggle...towards a life that is founded on real spiritual and moral values, justice, integrity and freedom.  The Church simply cannot be seen as remaining silent and distant.

Pilgrims must be able to connect biblical teachings and most importantly, experience these teachings to their own journey; be it in their everyday lives or at work.  The moment this vision becomes blurred, our simple journey becomes much more challenging, distracting and complicated...not to mention, our faith being put to the test vis-à-vis basic human rights.

Blessed Pope John XXIII in his encyclical, Pacem in Terris, Peace on Earth (1963), calls these rights “inalienable” and “inviolable” rights.  The source of these rights – they are natural rights which flow from the very nature of humankind.  The ultimate foundation of human rights is God.

Furthermore, the mystery of human solidarity and interdependence is such that whenever one human being is made to suffer, the rest of humanity simply suffers too and is weakened and threatened at the same time.

The assassinated Most Reverend Oscar Anulfo Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, reminds us that...

“The Church would betray its own love for God and its fidelity to the Gospel if it stopped being…a defender of the rights of the poor…a humaniser of every legitimate struggle to achieve a more just society...that prepares the way for the true reign of God in history.”

Amidst the distracting noises and cries of the world, let us also quiet our hearts and not forget the sublime words of St Teresa of Avila...

“Christ has no body but yours.  No hands, no feet on earth but yours.  Yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on this world.  Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.  Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world.”

Are we listening to what the Holy Spirit is whispering to us today, as disciples of Jesus Christ?

As faithful pilgrims, we can only pray that the awesome power of the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of the leaders so that truth, faith, freedom and justice will courageously prevail on July 18 at Castel Gondolfo.  Veni Sancte Spiritus!

 

Goodbyes Are Never Easy...

 
“...Know that I am with you; I will protect you wherever you go, and bring you back to this land. I will never leave you until I have done what I promised you.” (Genesis 28:15, NAB)

Last weekend, thousands of brave Malaysians thronged the streets to demand for a free, clean and just electoral system...participating in the historic 709 BERSIH Walk.  Many unnecessary threats, intimidation and brutal suppression tactics were applied by the fearful ruling powers to prevent this historic march from happening...but God is great...He hears the cries of His people...similar to the days of Moses...

“...I have witnessed the affliction of my people...and have heard their cry of complaint against their slave drivers, so I know well what they are suffering. Therefore I have come down to rescue them...” (Exodus 3:7-8, NAB)

Nevertheless, the simple and peaceful people, from all walks of life, races, gender and locations around the globe, held on to a flicker of hope in their hearts...believed in the cause worth standing up for...CHOSE to walk the streets...protesting against electoral fraud, “un-cleanliness”, corrupt systems, bias processes...filth that requires CLEANING!...writing new pages and chapters in history.

However, what reportedly happened on Day 709 brought about flashbacks of scenes that appear to have been lifted out from the recent blockbuster movie, “Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon”...smoke, tear gas, stench of chemical, water cannons, menacing military trucks, roaming helicopters, elite cops, riot police, batons, handcuffs...lies, betrayals...ultimately the battle between good and evil!

These courageous simple pilgrims actually went beyond their own nervousness and fear of the worst...leaving their families and loved ones behind...to voice their right as citizens of the land.  In solidarity with the rest of other courageous pilgrims, these individual voices became united as one VOICE of the people...one CRY for freedom from slavery in all forms...one society rejecting INTIMIDATION...one peaceful WALK for a better tomorrow for Malaysia!

Some pilgrims have shared how nervous and fearful they were as the 709 Walk beacons...  Sleepless nights, intense prayers, fasting, quiet support from friends, companions, seeking hope, simply putting faith into action...  Many Christian pilgrims believed that this would be in solidarity with what Jesus would do.  As they left their homes, hugged and bid their loved ones goodbye that historic morning...endless thoughts went through their simple minds...tumbling and turning...the Evil One seem to be playing mind games.

Yes, many pilgrims did struggle with the notion of death...the possibility of arrests under the Internal Security Act, the parting, the leaving behind...the goodbyes...merely to stand up for things that matter...to them and their future generations.

It is never ever easy to part, say goodbye or farewell...especially so when we lose someone we love and care a lot for or simply lose something that has touched us or given our lives that much value or meaning.

There is obviously a deep feeling of loss, leaving somebody or something behind, separation and moving on to something else, a new phase of life...continuing with the journey.

Although goodbyes occur under different circumstances, be it for a justified cause, a change of environment, loss of job, end of a friendship, a divorce, financial struggles, some life crisis, terminal illness, family commitments, death of a loved one or dying and having to “leave” our loved ones behind...there is always a deep sense of loss, grief, sadness, emotional hurt, wrenching heart-aches, shock, cherished memories, good times, even the lesser times, anxieties, anger maybe, un-forgiveness, healing and perhaps a re-orientation or uprooting of our lives...or sometimes, even a “running away” from reality, truth and sorrows!

Life seems so unfair at times...yes, especially when these events happen to us...  Why me?  We often dwell in self-pity...struggling, finding it difficult to cope with the partings that life asks of us.

Whatever it is, it is simply not easy to say goodbye – time seem so short – suddenly, amidst everything else, we come to the realization that we are mere mortals, life is fragile or as some would say...too short.

Goodbyes are always overwhelming...  From the Holy Scriptures, we surely cannot imagine fully the emotions and emptiness that the Blessed Virgin Mother Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows would experience...knowing that her Son, Jesus has been born to die in the hands of the cruelty and brutality of mankind.  Mary simply pondered everything quietly...in the depths of her heart.

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe!, plans to give you a future full of hope.  When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you.  When you look for me, you will find me.  Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the Lord...” (Jeremiah 29:11-14, NAB)

Goodbye...“...originally “God-be-with-ye” or “Go-with-God” – was a recognition that God was a significant part of the going. When you dreaded or feared the journey, there was strength in remembering that the One who gave and cherished life would be there to protect and to console.  Goodbye was a blessing of love, proclaiming the belief that if God went with you, you would never be alone...

We cannot keep you from this journey.  We hurt deeply...you have made your home in our hearts.  Yet we know your leaving is essential...  So go, go with God...rest in the assurance that “God will lead you, will be with you, will not fail you or desert you.  Have no fear.  Do not be disheartened by anything.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)” – Sister Joyce Rupp, OSM

It’s been said that, as pilgrims of the faith, we ought not be afraid of the harsh partings that life demands of us...we must continue to live our lives...giving ourselves fully to love, growth...to people and events...standing up for the truth...in relationship with God and in solidarity with others; our fellow companions on the journey.

Emotions resulting from goodbyes – hurts, pains, regret and losses – need not necessarily destroy us, but instead, lead us to a better understanding of life...teaching wisdom, bringing about spiritual maturity, compassion and courage to continue and persevere on our remaining journey back home...towards a new world order, new life, eternal life in the glory of the resurrection.

Well, try telling this to one of the innocent citizen victim, who lost his life at the 709 peaceful rally, and his loved ones.  We pray that his soul will find rest and he will forever dwell in the perpetual light of God...we are certain that his journey will now take him to a place of shelter, comfort, nourishment...a place where the harshness of this land can never harm him.

Was the sacrifice worth it?  Only God will know and only He will bring about understanding, comfort and healing to all.  One outcome remains certain...the people will have no issue saying quick goodbyes and courageously stand up against further threats, blackmails, corruption, fraud, persecution, injustice...everything else that is not clean...this goodbye will surely come to fruition one day in the form of clean and fair electoral votes!  This 709 Walk translates to a new beginning for Malaysia...a new dawn!

“...he will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces...” (Isaiah 25:8, NAB)

As the tsunami waves of change continue to quietly cry out in Malaysia (and many other countries around the world), we pray that God will continue to bless and shower His blessings on the innocent people of Malaysia, keeping them safe always from the hounding enemies who are ever more intense and ruthless.

By your grace, continue to fan the fire within the hearts of pilgrims to love you more, celebrating life, with all its goodness and beauty, even when it is painful.  Pilgrim God, Source of Light, we acknowledge that you are the “light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower” – dispel this darkness and take the hands of your pilgrim people and guide them ever so gently through their journey safely towards a new dawn...Amen.

Courageous Pilgrims Everywhere...

 

Saluting the brave pilgrims...the people from various faiths...standing as ONE...in solidarity...for a better Malaysia...in their quest for freedom...

May God Continue to Walk With You All the Way!

Also dedicated to pilgrims everywhere...united in solidarity...struggling for freedom, peace and dignity!

 

Wishing everyone a meaningful Bible Sunday tomorrow...as we remember who we are and continue learning to become disciples, getting into the Word...deep into our hearts...and ultimately bringing the Word...out into the World...

  "So shall my word be, which shall go forth from my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall do whatsoever I please, and shall prosper in the things for which I sent it."
(Isaiah 66:11, Douay Rheims)

 

The Long Walk to Freedom...709 Malaysia

 
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31, Douay Rheims)

Pilgrims in Malaysia have just shared that the entire pro-government-editor-controlled mainstream media in Malaysia is expected to carry shocking and bold headlines (lies!) reporting that the BERSIH rally today was a disaster...failing to muster any support from the people (6,000 a local daily claim)...numbers and stories will again be twisted in favor of the fearful ruling government!

What else is shocking in Malaysia...well, certainly not “truly Asia”, as the government tourism brochure will claim...BUT a land where the poor people are simply held as slaves to injustice, conspiracies, fabrication, blatant denials, un-clean electoral system, suppression of religious freedom, other evil you can think of...just to stay in power.

Well, according to our pilgrim friends in Malaysia, the “exodus” has begun...as the people “slaves” take their first brave steps out of “Egypt”...

The “seemingly deaf, dumb and blind, un-mandated” leader of the Government of Malaysia was earlier today forced to cancel his “get-away” from the country and was utterly disgraced when, as reported by alternative internet media sites, thousands (Foreign News Agency Al Jazeera claims 20,000) of brave and disciplined civilians, of various ethnic and religious background, turned up, in solidarity, in pouring rain from the heavens, on July 9, 2011 for the BERSIH rally to push for free, clean and fair elections.

These people turned up because they carried hope...they believed. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, must surely be weeping for Malaysia...even if there was just one “sheep” who dare stand up for what is evil.

BERSIH is an umbrella group representing 62 Non Government Organizations, led by one of the eight women worldwide to receive the US Secretary of State's Award for International Women of Courage in 2009.  Thumbs up to her for being an obedient instrument of God!

As a woman was instrumental in bringing Jesus Christ into the world and similarly, many great prophets in the Bible...many women today continue to speak up and lead reforms throughout the world for the sake of freedom, equality, justice...ultimately, for life!

The 709 (July 9) March was peacefully aimed at pushing for a “cleansing of the electoral filth in the nation”, but the police, instruments of the powers that be, were deliberate and aggressive...tear gas and chemical-laced water cannons were used extensively to prevent the peaceful walk for fair and clean elections!

Similar BERSIH rallies conducted by Malaysians in many countries all over the world, amongst them in Seoul, South Korea, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Australia, Osaka, Japan, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Singapore, London, Paris, Switzerland, Taipei, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Ottawa, Canada, went on peacefully, some even congratulated, by the foreign police, for having organized such a peaceful demonstration!

In Malaysia, following pre-rally threats, road blocks and forced city lockdown, the supposedly guardians of the nation- the police, were busy ruthlessly baton-charging, firing tear gas and chemical-laden water cannons all over the city...including, believe it or not, into a Maternity Home...worst of all, amidst the scuffles, causing the death of a civilian!!

Reports indicated that the police have been relentless and oppressive in their efforts to bring down the marchers by sheer force, who are mostly civilians, even to the extent of locking up the public toilets in the city!

During the week before this historic day, the Government of Malaysia seems to have been badly infected with “xanthophobia” (the fear of the color yellow – BERSIH T-shirts)...resulting in the police crackdown on any persons wearing yellow...inciting hatred against the ruling party, they claimed...  It would seem that Malaysia requires police reforms as well...something that is only possible when the government changes hands...through clean and fair elections!

Nevertheless, the memorandum pleading for free, clean and fair elections in Malaysia was not presented to the King at the palace, because many of the pro-BERSIH leaders and social activists were intentionally arrested, including the youngest daughter of an Opposition leader; altogether, more than 1,600 people; men, women, boys and girls!

God is great, His protection was over the people who dared to walk for justice...today, the 709 Rally was a great success as it has awaken the people and raised their political awareness of the need for immediate electoral reforms...more than that, the people were able to witness the shameful display of raw power and “big bully dirty tactics” by the fearful “over-staying” government in their corrupt high handedness to suppress such reforms.

Today, begins a new dawn for Malaysia as the courageous citizens and fellow pilgrims rise, with God to defeat evil, corruption and injustice across the land...restoring the world that God has intended for all His children to live in, that we may love Him even more.

We continue to pray fervently for the pilgrims and the people of Malaysia as they await their new dawn...that God, the merciful, will always protect them and bring about justice, repentance and peace.

As we reflect through this experience of our fellow pilgrims in Malaysia and meditating on the Word of God this coming Bible Sunday, we should come to the realization that each of our journeys is different...each is unique...we need companions...most importantly, we need God...we need to listen to His Word...to know Him...