Thursday, December 27, 2007

PM ,please listen to us

A Christian tells Pak Lah the truth

Francis Siah Malaysiakini Dec 24, 07 6:55pm

THIS is the Christmas season - a time where peace to mankind and joy to the world should rightly reverberate around us.

At Christmas, Christians are reminded that Jesus Christ is the center of God's plan for the world. His resurrection from the dead is further confirmation that Jesus is God's Son who will deliver on every promise. Jesus in the stable is not a fable. And because the message of Christmas is true, the implications are enormous for all who believe.

As a Christian, I think that Christmas is truly one of the most joyous and blessed seasons in the year. Let me exhort all fellow Christians to open our hearts and let the One who was born in a stable in humility, died on a cross in love, and rose from the dead in power, enter in!

As a Malaysian, I must confess that there were times when I fear for the degradation of religious tolerance in our multi-religious and multi-racial nation.

Two issues concerning Christians alone in recent days bear testimony to the fragile state of our so-called religious harmony which we have so proudly proclaimed to others but failed to commit ourselves to.

One is the 'crucifix' issue in our mission schools and the other which unfortunately cropped up during this joyous Yuletide season is the use of ‘Allah’ in the Catholic weekly, the Herald.

Indeed, these are difficult and trying times in the country and it is really up to us, Malaysians, how we wish to view these controversies and how we can best resolve them.

Stepping away from the Christian issues for a while, I have to say that I am somewhat disturbed by the actions and demands perpetuated by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf). While the concerns of the group and the Indian community in the country may be legitimate, it is Hindraf’s way and style of doing things which border on the extreme that is worrying.

Miba story warms the heart

However, out of the Hindraf issue, something positive has also emerged and it is this that truly warms my heart.

The Malaysiakini report of Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) president P Sivakumar's hard-hitting speech during the special meeting between Indian non-governmental organisations and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi caught my attention this past week.

According to Sivakumar, at the onset of his speech, he sought permission from Abdullah to speak without fear or favour and to tell him the truth.

To this, he said, the premier replied, "Yes, please tell me the truth."

The Miba president then laid bare the plight of the Indian community and in certain instances also told Pak Lah that his administration’s policies have marginalised the Indians.

Sivakumar said he wrapped up his speech by apologising to Abdullah if he had offended the latter with his remarks.

According to him, the premier replied: "Not at all, Thank you for telling me the truth."

Pak Lah is known as a deeply religious man and it is this virtue, more than anything else, that endears him to many Malaysians. He is expected to understand first and foremost the issues and concerns of the multi-religious facade of the citizenry he governs as the prime minister. It has been said that Pak Lah knows no politicking when he deals with religious matters. I hope that they are right.

In this context, I feel that Christians in Malaysia should also be open and tell the prime minister the truth whenever there is an opportunity to sit down with him at the conference table.

By and large, Malaysian Christians are a very tolerant lot. The clergy among the main Christian denominations with roots in this country are forbidden by their religious calling from partaking in active politics and this does make any sticky situation somewhat easier to resolve.

Now, let’s concentrate on the 'crucifix' issue.

Those who had their early education in mission schools in the country will probably share my sentiments. The schools started by Christian missionaries on our shores more than a century ago had only brought good tidings to education in this country.

Because the Christian missionaries were trained educators and educating the young was their vocation, their only desire and mission was to bring up ‘wholesome’ students. They succeeded and many Malaysians today are better off because they had benefitted from the knowledge imparted by the missionary educators.

Today, in the absence of these foreign missionaries, the local Christian clergy assisted by lay teachers are running these mission schools and most are government aided. Credit is due to the government for continuing to fund these schools. But the stature, status and wholesomeness of these mission schools have remained as they rightly should be.

As a product of the Christian mission school, it is only natural for me to come to the defense of my alma mater if any attempt, subtle or otherwise, is made to upset the equilibrium or change the status of these schools.

But the education I received from the Christian missionaries of yesteryears had also taught me not to blindly criticize others for their wrongdoing but to understand and reason with them in a sober manner as to why they acted as they had.

Barisan Nasional MP Syed Hood Syed Edros who suggested that crucifixes be removed from mission schools has explained that he was merely raising public concern. He said he raised the issue in Parliament in order to get clarification from the Education Ministry.

The MP for Parit Sulong had on Oct 29 suggested that crucifixes in mission schools be removed and church influence over these schools be stopped.

He said he was "ashamed and disappointed" that schools in an Islamic country like Malaysia are still under the control of churches and that they display icons like crosses and statues.

However, he told reporters later that he did not raise the issue in bad faith but had merely raised the “grouses of the public”.

Let me dissect the MP’s remarks. I don’t wish to jump to conclusion and blast him for his uncalled-for remarks immediately, even though I feel very unhappy about it. Let us look at the matter rationally.

Firstly, Syed Hood’s role as an elected representative of the people has to be recognised. His duty is to bring up the people’s problems and issues to the legislature. First point to him. Bravo!

Is the Parit Sulong MP sincere?

However, on a matter as religiously sensitive as touching on the removal of a holy symbol - the crucifix - Syed Hood, as a people’s leader, should have immediately explained to those who queried on the matter (if indeed that was true) that due respect must be accorded to the religious beliefs of others. He could have settled it there and then instead of bringing it up in Parliament. I’m sure this is not the first time that such a matter was brought up. Surely, as an MP, Syed Hood should be aware of issues that have been deemed sensitive in the past and avoid harping on them.

This is where I doubt the MP’s sincerity in bringing up an issue that is smacked with religious sensitivities. The general election is dawning and the guy may want to score some political points in order to get noticed. This could be true for I have not heard of Syed Hood Syed Edros (Robin Hood, yes) if he had not brought up the ‘crucifix’ issue.

And by the way, who is he (an ordinary MP) to say that he is "ashamed and disappointed" that schools in an Islamic country like Malaysia are still under the control of churches and that they display icons like crosses and statues.

I’m sorry but I have to tell the MP that he is too ‘small’ to talk about such matters. Wait until he becomes the prime minister (which I doubt he ever will) and have an audience with the Pope - then he can tell the Holy Father that directly and resolve the matter bilaterally with the Vatican.

If not, then I suggest that he keeps such remarks to himself for they are ‘harmful and dangerous’ in our multi-religious society - one we have worked so hard to proudly protect and nurture.

Indeed, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz's warning that action would be taken against Syed Hood if a police report is lodged regarding his remarks is most timely.

However as a Christian and eternally proud to be a product of a mission school, I am ready to forgive Syed Hood for his attempt at political heroics.

He had since explained that his intention was misunderstood and he always respect other races and religions. The MP also said that, in life, one has to make mistakes and learn from these, and if he has made one, then it can still be rectified.

Okay Mr MP. You are forgiven but please don’t ever bring up the matter again.

This is also my plea to others, particularly to one group of people whose leader is so proud of brandishing his almighty keris. Let me advise them that race, like religion, is about one’s faith. And faith, if it is strong, can never come under threat from others. So let’s stop playing politics with race and religion and Malaysia will definitely be a better place for all.

Thankfully, the issue ended on a happy note too.

Reacting to the matter, Deputy Education Minister Noh Omar said that Christian missionary schools would be allowed to display crosses and there was no reason to take down the religious symbols.

"We will continue with the current practice, which is a tradition started a long time ago," he added.

If our prime minister wants to know the truth over the recent ‘crucifix’ issue - that, in a nutshell, is the truth from a Christian in this country.

The ‘Allah’ issue in Herald

Much has been written and debated about the ‘Allah’ issue this week. I think this is a ‘non issue’ right from the beginning.

Unlike the ‘crucifix’ which is the supreme symbol of Christianity that all Christians should protect and uphold, using the word ‘Allah’ is something Christians can do without and easily give way if certain quarters feel offended by it.

Let me attempt a suggestion to resolve the matter as a Catholic in total loyalty and obedience to the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, to whom the Herald permit is issued to.

My fellow Catholics and some of the more vocal members of the clergy can debate and argue with the Internal Security Ministry till kingdom come over the usage of ‘Allah’. But that is not going to resolve the matter.

If everything happen for a reason, then there must be a reason why the ‘Allah’ issue came up over this Christmas season of peace, compassion and forgiveness.

Lim Kit Siang (peace to our ever vocal Mr Opposition) has urged Pak Lah to overrule Deputy Minister Johari Baharom and rescind his ministry’s order to Herald to discontinue its Bahasa Malaysia section “so that Christmas Day this year will not be celebrated under a cloud of burgeoning religious intolerance.”

But the issue does not call for a political solution. Rather than stating that Catholics are unhappy and Christmas this year is “celebrated under a cloud of burgeoning religious intolerance”, we should instead prove to others that Catholics are indeed a very tolerant people.

Here, let me exhort my fellow Catholics in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur to heed the request of the Internal Security Ministry and refrain from using the word ‘Allah’ henceforth in its publication. Just continue with the old fashion ‘God’ and ‘Lord’ which is perfectly understood by all. Then, there is the alternative of using the Hebrew/Jewish ‘Yahweh’ or the Latin ‘Deus’.

At times, it’s better to show and prove just how tolerant Christians in this country are. It’s not an act of cowardice or fear of speaking the truth. It’s all about the true Christian spirit - “when you are slapped on the left cheek, turn to the right one if you know that you’ve done nothing wrong”.

Working as a journalist for a good part of my adult life, allow me also to advise the editors at the Herald to practise ‘sensible journalism’. I’ve come to accept long ago that ‘responsible journalism’ in this country means that editors also have to be politically correct at all times.

‘Sensible journalism’ is about toeing the line of those who think they are powerful and almighty - allow them to think so as long as we know deep in our hearts that the Herald is about serving the Heavenly Lord and continuing to bring the Good News to all who believe.

If the permit is still there and Catholics can continue to have access to news and views about the local church via the Herald, what is the point in prolonging a non issue as the usage of ‘Allah’.

Remember, 'responsible journalism' in this country means being politically correct at all times and if we cannot agree on political correctness, then the option is 'sensible journalism' which allows others to think they are powerful and almighty as long as we can continue with our religious duties which is paramount.

It’s okay to let a few holier-than-thou guys in the Internal Security Ministry win. Our greater service is to our Lord, Master and Saviour.

So Pak Lah, this is the truth from a Christian as far as these recent controversies go. You are noted as a deeply religious person - so make me, a Christian, believe in your fairness and justice, Pak Lah just as a Muslim would believe in those virtues of Allah.


FRANCIS SIAH is a romantic Catholic (RC) who finds much joy in romancing with his God, Lord, Yahweh and Deus (no Allah, never mind). He can be reached at francis@malaysiakini.com



The Star Online > Nation
Thursday December 27, 2007

PM: Uphold spirit of tolerance


KUALA LUMPUR: Be moderate and do not be influenced by any kind of extremism, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.


He also called on the people to uphold the spirit of tolerance and mutual respect they have been practising in the multi-racial community.


“If moderation does not take centre stage, we will all be dragged into extremism, from the basis of religion, race or groups.


“This is what we should look out for, this is what gives us problems,” said Abdullah in his speech when attending a Christmas tea party on Tuesday hosted by the Christian Fed-eration of Malaysia and KL Archbish-op Datuk Murphy Pakiam.

Festive cheer: Abdullah speaking to some of the residents from Asrama Cahaya Convent at the Christmas high tea reception in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. On his left is Council of Churches of Malaysia secretary-general Dr Herman Shastri.


He added that the country needed the strength of tolerance and friendship that the people had for each other, to continue to grow and prosper.

He said Malaysia was a land of opportunity, where everyone knew how to respect one another and how to give and take. Abdullah also said everyone wanted a peaceful and harmonious country to live in, which should be the ultimate goal of every Malaysian.


“This is our responsibility that we have to carry out diligently, so that our country will become a peaceful country.


“I’m aware of religious issues that happen from time to time and we should solve these problems with a very high level of understanding, tolerance and respect,” he said.
Abdullah said he was very happy to be invited to the party, as he could see people of different religions, namely Buddhists, Hindus and Christians, getting together at the event.
“If we sit together and eat the same food, it symbolises friendship, tolerance and mutual respect,” he added.

The Prime Minister said Malaysians should continue to preserve the love, compassion, peace and stability that the country had taken 50 years to achieve.



© 1995-2007 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Our Christian leaders mustn't be hypocrites?

A message to our Christian leaders

Truth-Seeker
Malaysiakini Dec 24, 07 5:04pm

It is with great sadness I learn that Christian leaders are continuing their “business as usual” attitude despite the terrible injustices happening in our country. The Christian Federation of Malaysia will be holding its Christmas high-tea reception at the Rumah Uskup Agung in Kuala Lumpur on Christmas day. It will be hosted by the Roman Catholic Church’s archbishop of Kuala Lumpur and his guests of honour are Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife.

The presence of other cabinet ministers and foreign dignitaries will make it a good opportunity for Christian leaders to speak out against the unfair treatment of the good citizens of Malaysia whose only crime was to seek the truth to be revealed. They should speak out against mainstream newspapers that only report one-sided stories.

The mainstream media never gave the Hindraf lawyers arrested under the Internal Security Act or any opposition leaders the opportunity to tell their side of the story. Why is it that we Malaysians never ever hear Bersih, Hindraf or opposition leaders speak, not even during election campaigns? What little opportunities these people have to speak are disturbed by raids because police permits were not granted for the occasion. Yet there is no shortage of permits available for BN leaders’ gatherings.

Christian leaders should question why newspapers downplay or neglect to report important news such as the recent amendment to the Federal Constitution to extend the term of Election Commission chairman Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman. Amending the Federal Constitution is a very serious matter. Here, it is being amended for one man and extends beyond a single general election. That in itself begs the question of the next general election’s fairness.

Knowingly or unknowingly, Christian leaders are proliferating this belief that they should speak up against injustices only when it concerns their faith and religion. As a Christian, I know this is not the message preached by Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus accused such people as hypocrites and “white-washed tombs” that are beautiful on the outside but filled with dead bones inside.

This Christmas, as we remember the birth of our saviour, I hope all Christians will speak up and pray for those unfairly imprisoned for standing up for the truth and for this nation to return to the path of righteousness. Let the church bells toll on Christmas day in honour of the sacrifices of all Malaysians who are being persecuted for standing up for truth and justice.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Christmas Greetings


Dear friends,

My heartiest greetings on this special occasion.

May God bless you and your family with good health,peace and love.

May the birth of Christ bring you the real meaning of life - ridding our lives of pride,greed,jealousy.selfishness and hate.


Merry Christmas And Happy New Year !, Free Merry Christmas Greeting Cards


Wishing you and your family a Happy and Joyful Christmas With A Prosperous New Year 2008

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

from

Dr.Chris Anthony


Christmas reflections 2007 - Finding Jesus among the masses

Jesus is born but have we found Him yet?

Once again we are in the season of Advent indicating that Christmas is just around the corner. Many of us may remember the once popular hymn during this season, “Oh Come Divine Messiah” whose lyrics go like this:

Oh Come Divine Messiah

The world in silence waits the day

When hope shall sing of triumph

And sadness flies away

Yes, those days life was very simple as we waited in silence with full of hope that soon good will triumph over evil thereby ridding our lives of sadness. Those words were so meaningful and bring back pleasant memories of Christmas of the yesteryears.

Christmas is a commemoration of God’s coming to us. He came for all of us – believers and non-believers alike. His birth should bring us hope and triumph which would dispel the sadness from our lives. But after years of celebrating Christmas after Christmas many of us are yet to see that triumph in our lives and our hopes may be giving way to despair. Has the Messiah really come?

The real problem today is that we are waiting for God to literally come to us. We celebrate His birth just like that of any one of us – offering prayers, eating, drinking and making merry. We celebrate his coming into the world but we do not welcome Him into our hearts and lives. Yes, He has come into the world and is very much in our midst but unfortunately we refuse to recognize Him therefore fail to welcome Him.

By being born to poor parents in an environment of extreme poverty Jesus is telling us where He dwells - among the poor and the down-trodden, the sick and dying, the hungry, the oppressed and in those we love and even in those we hate. In short He is among the masses.

Amidst our celebrations this Christmas, let us pause a while to look around us to recognize that Jesus who was born into the world two thousand years ago. He is among us in every person and in every trial and tribulation we encounter in our lives. Let us take a moment to look around to recognize Him in those who do not have joy and peace in their lives. Let us do the little we can to alleviate the pain and misery in their lives. Let us do whatever we can to give them the hope that triumph will one day wipe out the sadness in the hearts.

We too, like Jesus, must have the humility to come down from our positions of comfort and power to meet Him in the people around us. If we isolate ourselves from the masses by building a fortress around us with all our wealth and power together with greed, selfishness and pride, then we can keep waiting for Jesus all our lives but it will only be in vain.

To us then His birth into this world, that is Christmas, will be just another day to celebrate, eat, drink and make merry. It will never become the day when hope shall sing of triumph and sadness flees away.

Dr.Chris Anthony


Friday, December 21, 2007

What's in a name after all?

Johari: Only Muslims can use 'Allah'

Soon Li Tsin
Malaysiakini Dec 21, 07 5:31pm

The word ‘Allah’ can only be used in the context of Islam and not any other religion, said Deputy Internal Security Minister Johari Baharum.

Asked why a new condition will be imposed on Catholic weekly newspaper Herald when its annual publishing permit is next renewed, the deputy minister said this is to prevent confusion.

“Only Muslims can use ‘Allah’. It’s a Muslim word, you see. It’s from (the Arabic (language). We cannot let other religions use it because it will confuse people,” he said when contacted today.

“We cannot allow this use of ‘Allah’ in non-Muslim publications, nobody except Muslims. The word ‘Allah’ is published by the Catholics. It’s not right.”

The Herald, the organ of the Catholic Church in Malaysia, had been facing problems in renewing its publishing permit allegedly because of the word ‘Allah’ was used in referring to ‘God’ in its Bahasa Malaysia section.

The ministry has also allegedly told the publisher to remove the entire Bahasa Malaysia section or the permit will not be renewed when it expires in two weeks.

The Herald, which is published in four languages - English, Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil - has a circulation of 12,000.

Johari noted that other publications, such as Buddhist magazines, do not use the word ‘Allah’ when referring to God.

“The Herald can use other words but not ‘Allah’. That will confuse people,” he claimed.

Basis of decision

He said the decision was made based on a report submitted by the publications department of the ministry.

“Previously no one knew (about this). I made the decision based on a report submitted to me that was prepared by an officer,” he explained.

However, when asked why the Herald is being told to remove its Bahasa Malaysia section altogether - rather than demanding the weekly not to use the word ‘Allah’ - Johari was unable to comment.

“I’m not sure about this, I have to check again. As far as I know, they used the word ‘Allah’ and we cannot allow that,” he reiterated.

He further pointed out that the word ‘Allah’ cannot be printed on T-shirts or other garments and those who have done so have been warned by his ministry.

The use of ‘Allah’ outside of Islam has stirred controversy in Malaysia previously. Four years ago, the Bible in the Iban language was banned because it translated the word ‘God’ as Allah Taala, which resembles Islam’s name for God.

The ban was, however, lifted after protests from the Christian community.

What's in a name


God is God whatever we call Him

Malaysian Catholic weekly told to drop use of 'Allah' in order to renew publishing permit

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): A Catholic weekly newspaper in Malaysia has been told to drop the use of the word "Allah" in its Malay language section if it wants to renew its publishing permit, a senior government official said Friday.

The Herald, the organ of Malaysia's Catholic Church, has translated the word God as "Allah" but it is erroneous because Allah refers to the Muslim God, said Che Din Yusoff, a senior official at the Internal Security Ministry's publications control unit.

"Christians cannot use the word Allah. It is only applicable to Muslims. Allah is only for the Muslim god. This is a design to confuse the Muslim people," Che Din told The Associated Press.

The weekly should instead, use the word "Tuhan" which is the general term for God, he said.

Religious issues are extremely sensitive in Malaysia, where about 60 percent of the 27 million people are Malay Muslims. Ethnic Chinese, who follow Christianity and Buddhism, account for 25 percent of the population. Indians, who are mostly Hindus with a sprinkling of Christians and Muslims, are around 10 percent.

The minorities have often complained that they don't have full freedom of religion even though the constitution guarantees everybody the right to worship. The minorities cite the difficulty in obtaining permission to build their places of worship, and the Hindus have been particularly angered by the demolition of temples by government authorities in recent months.

The Herald, which has a circulation of 12,000 copies for its members, publishes reports in four languages - English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.

The Rev. Lawrence Andrew, editor of the Herald, said the weekly's use of the word Allah was not intended to offend Muslims.

"We follow the Bible. The Malay-language Bible uses Allah for God and Tuhan for Lord. In our prayers and in church during Malay mass, we use the word Allah," he told the AP.

"This is not something new. The word Allah has been used in Malaysia for a long time. There is no confusion," he said.

The 13-year-old weekly is still in talks with the authorities to renew its permit, which expires Dec. 31, he said, adding that they would appeal if the government refuses to budge on the issue.

Publishers in Malaysia are required to obtain annual permits from authorities under a printing law that has long been criticized by rights groups as infringing press freedoms.

There are more than 800,000 Catholics in Malaysia, Andrew said.

Che Din said Christians don't use the word Allah when they worship in English, so they shouldn't use it in the Malay language too.

There are four Malay words that must not be used by other religions, he said: Allah for God, "solat" for prayers, "kaabah" for the place of Muslim worship in Mecca and "baitula" the house of Allah.

The Herald's permit will only be renewed if they stop using Allah in their publication, he stressed.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Aren't we all children of one God?

Catholic weekly in quandary over permit


Malaysiakini Dec 20, 07 12:52pm

The organ of the Catholic Church, Herald is facing problems in renewing its yearly publishing permit allegedly over the use of the word ‘Allah’ in the weekly’s Bahasa Malaysia section.

According to Church sources, the government is not happy with the use of the word ‘Allah’ by the weekly when referring to ‘God’ in Bahasa Malaysia.

The use of ‘Allah’ outside of Islam has previously stirred controversies in Malaysia. Four years ago, the Bible in Iban language was banned because it translated the word ‘God’ as Allah Taala, which resembles Islam’s name for God, ‘Allah’.

The ban was however lifted after protests from the Christian community.

The Herald, which is published in four languages - English, Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil - has a circulation of 12,000. The weekly’s permit is due to expire in two weeks.

The Herald - which publishes news and information for Catholics in Malaysia - have previously received written warnings pertaining to the content of their articles primarily those which touch on religious and political issues.

Most recently, the Herald frontpaged both the Bersih and Hindraf rally which saw tens of thousands protesters hitting the streets of Kuala Lumpur.

Remove BM section

Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang in a statement yesterday said the Home Ministry has imposed a new condition for the renewal of the Herald’s publication permit - that the BM section of the weekly be removed altogether.

This is confirmed by sources close to the Catholic weekly.

Lim has described Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s administration as one which has promoted religious polarisation the most as compared to four previous prime ministers.

Examples that the DAP veteran included are the demolition of the Sri Maha Mariaman Temple in Kampung Rimba Jaya in Shah Alam one week before Deepavali.

“This was followed by the disrespect and insensitivity when the Umno General Assembly was held on Deepavali – imagine the protest and outrage if the MCA or MIC had held their general assemblies during the Hari Raya holidays,” he said.

In addition, during the party assembly, Umno Youth deputy chief and prime minister’s son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin blamed the Indian news vendors for taking a holiday during Deepavali which resulted in Abdullah’s speech as Umno president not being prominently reported by the media.

Lim also noted the incident when two Umno parliamentarians - Syed Hood Syed Edros (BN-Parit Sulong) and Mohamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) demanded the removal of the cross and demolition of Christian statues in mission schools.

“The PM must take urgent measures to arrest the worsening of inter-religious relations in the country and halt the growing number of incidents of disrespect and insensitivity felt by non-Muslim Malaysian,” he added.

No need for non-Muslim affairs dept

Meanwhile, Abdullah yesterday said it was not necessary to set up a non-muslim affairs department because an effective special committee is already in place.

He said this after Indian non-governmental organisations requested the government to set up the department to handle the affairs of non-Muslims in the country.

The premier explained that the existing committee in the PM's Department comprised of
Minister in the PM's Department Bernard Dompok (handling Christian matters), Works Minister S Samy Vellu (Hindu) and Housing and Local Government Minister Ong Ka Ting (Buddhism).

Abdullah also said that the National Unity Department has a similar committee with a minister (Dr Maximus Ongkili) entrusted with matters pertaining to solidarity, religions and beliefs.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Blast from the past - Christmas 2006

The world in silence awaits the day

We are again in the season of Advent and are preoccupied with preparations to welcome Jesus on Christmas day.

Most of us prepare to celebrate His arrival with elaborate festivities – luxurious food and wine, new clothes, Christmas trees, decorations and fireworks. House to house caroling and merry-making have become the hallmark of Christmas. To especially the children, it may a time for Santa Clause, gifts and “ang pow”.

It is also a time for sending Christmas cards to those we remember just once a year and to exchange greetings with friend and relatives. These days SMS and E-mail greetings are slowly replacing traditional Christmas cards among the young.

Many others take a more spiritual attitude towards Christmas. They believe attending elaborate church services, lighting the Advent candles, offering special prayers, singing hymns and going for confession as ways to prepare themselves for the coming of Christ.

Some of us resort to charitable acts, to share the joy with the less fortunate. Visit to old folks, orphanages and handicapped children are common practices during this season.

Then there are also those who make pilgrimage to the Holy Land and birthplace of Jesus to commemorate his birth.

All these may be some of the ways to welcome the coming of the Saviour but is welcoming Jesus all about these external preparations and traditions? If we picture Christmas as the infant Jesus being born in a stable in Bethlehem and await a similar re-birth year after year, we are sadly mistaken.

God could have chosen his birth in a grandeur palace fitting for an earthly king, but he deliberately chose a humble stable among shepherds in the wilderness. This illustrates his humility which we too must emulate.

Jesus is not going to come to us literally as a new-born infant; he is already here in our midst. He is waiting for in our neighbours, those we meet everyday – the sick and dying, the hungry, the destitute, the oppressed, our elderly parents, our spouse, our rebellious children and even our enemies.

Jesus is waiting for us in disguise which we fail to recognize. He is waiting for us to prepare a humble stable in our hearts for these people in whom He dwells. This may be more difficult than organising all the elaborate rituals and celebrations but if we can do that Jesus would be born in our hearts day in and day out for the rest of our lives.

Dr.Chris Anthony

Monday, December 17, 2007

Helping others should be unconditional

Urban poverty is often compounded by the lack of family and social support.

CHONG SHEAU CHING

Star,December 17,2007

A WOMAN who had been donating a few hundred ringgit a month to a patient with a chronic illness recently complained to me: “I met X’s sibling the other day at a function. The couple are members of an exclusive club. They ordered a bottle of expensive wine right in front of my eyes! And I have been saving my money to contribute to X’s medical expenses all these months! Am I a dummy or what?”

The woman withdrew her monetary support for X, who is now struggling to pay for her medication. Her illness makes her tired easily and she cannot work for long hours in an office. No employer would hire her as he will have to bear her medical expenses. Her husband earns RM1,800 a month for the family of five.

Several of X’s siblings are well-to-do. Sadly, they do not help their sister. The few hundred ringgit that X needs every month could easily be covered by them if they pooled their money.

There was another case involving a computer donor. Y, who has a chronic illness, has attempted suicide several times. She wanted to die so that her elderly father would not have to work so hard to pay for her medical expenses. She was sent for a computer training program to enable her to work from home.

When the computer donor brought the computer to Y, she was shocked to find that Y was living in a two-storey house with an electric gate. The donor thought that she had been duped.

But Y was living temporarily with her elder sister, who had just married. That was the father-in-law’s house that the donor saw. Y’s family is poor, but her father saved enough to give a dowry to marry off the older girl so that she would not have to live in poverty. The groom’s family house was newly renovated to give a good impression to the bride’s extended family.

Sadly, no one chips in for Y’s medical needs, except for her elderly father, who is a driver.

X and Y are typical examples of poor urban women who are desperate for help. Most of their friends and relatives are just as poor as them. Those with well-off relatives are not getting the kind of assistance that the public thinks they should get.

Those of us who are involved in helping the poor find it hard to explain their situations to potential donors.

Most of these women have chronic illnesses that require expensive long-term treatment their families cannot afford.

The public thinks that government hospitals pay for everything, not realizing that even monthly charges as low as RM200 is a heavy burden for urban poor families with an income of RM2,000 and below for a family of five.

The misconception that people are poor because they don’t want to work hurts home-bound patients and disabled persons who want to work. They can’t find jobs that allow them to work from home.

I was in a shopping mall a few days ago. A group of foreign workers were admiring the Christmas decorations. One of them said to me: “Your country is rich. I wish I was born here!”

I smiled. A song that was very popular in the 1980s came to my mind – Do They Know it’s Christmas? It is a song that appeals to people not to forget about the poor and the disadvantaged in the season of giving.

I wonder why nobody is singing the song. Is this why people like X and Y are forgotten in the midst of such abundance?

Reflections

It Christmas time again and it a time of giving.The above 2 real stories should make us reflect on our charitable actions towards others who are in need.Many of us are kind and generous and willing to help those in need. When we realize that those we help are neglected by their rich relatives we get upset and angry.We stop helping them as we feel they are taking advantage of our generosity.Are we right in doing so?

Then there is the second scenario which we also encounter very often.We know they need help and we are in a position to help but hesitant because we are afraid that we may set a precedent for future abuses by others.So we refuse aid even to those in desperate need for fear of the future.Is it right for us to withhold help to those in need for fear of others?

What if Jesus had refused to come into the world to save us knowing that many of us will refuse to follow Him?


Sunday, December 09, 2007

Christmas reflections 2007 - Finding Jesus among the masses

Jesus is born but have we found Him yet?

Once again we are in the season of Advent indicating that Christmas is just around the corner. Many of us may remember the once popular hymn during this season, “Oh Come Divine Messiah” whose lyrics go like this:

Oh Come Divine Messiah
The world in silence waits the day
When hope shall sing of triumph
And sadness flies away

Yes, those days life was very simple as we waited in silence with full of hope that soon good will triumph over evil thereby ridding our lives of sadness. Those words were so meaningful and bring back pleasant memories of Christmas of the yesteryears.

Christmas is a commemoration of God’s coming to us. He came for all of us – believers and non-believers alike. His birth should bring us hope and triumph which would dispel the sadness from our lives. But after years of celebrating Christmas after Christmas many of us are yet to see that triumph in our lives and our hopes may be giving way to despair. Has the Messiah really come?

The real problem today is that we are waiting for God to literally come to us. We celebrate His birth just like that of any one of us – offering prayers, eating, drinking and making merry. We celebrate his coming into the world but we do not welcome Him into our hearts and lives. Yes, He has come into the world and is very much in our midst but unfortunately we refuse to recognize Him therefore fail to welcome Him.

By being born to poor parents in an environment of extreme poverty Jesus is telling us where He dwells - among the poor and the down-trodden, the sick and dying, the hungry, the oppressed and in those we love and even in those we hate. In short He is among the masses.

Amidst our celebrations this Christmas, let us pause a while to look around us to recognize that Jesus who was born into the world two thousand years ago. He is among us in every person and in every trial and tribulation we encounter in our lives. Let us take a moment to look around to recognize Him in those who do not have joy and peace in their lives. Let us do the little we can to alleviate the pain and misery in their lives. Let us do whatever we can to give them the hope that triumph will one day wipe out the sadness in the hearts.

We too, like Jesus, must have the humility to come down from our positions of comfort and power to meet Him in the people around us. If we isolate ourselves from the masses by building a fortress around us with all our wealth and power together with greed, selfishness and pride, then we can keep waiting for Jesus all our lives but it will only be in vain.

To us then His birth into this world, that is Christmas, will be just another day to celebrate, eat, drink and make merry. It will never become the day when hope shall sing of triumph and sadness flees away.

Dr.Chris Anthony

Friday, December 07, 2007

Removal of crucifixes,sign of religious tolerance?

Baptism of fire for 'remove crucifixes' MPs

Yoges Palaniappan
Malaysiakini
Dec 7, 07 5:43pm

The two Barisan Nasional (BN) parliamentarians who called for the removal of crucifixes in mission schools came under fire from the Christian Federation of Malaysia today.

In a statement, chairperson of the federation’s executive committee Bishop Paul Tan Chee Ing described the MPs remarks as “insensitive, unsubstantiated and baseless.” On Oct 29, Parti Sulong MP Syed Hood Syed Edros (left) and Sri Gading MP Mohamad Aziz suggested in the Dewan Rakyat that crucifixes in mission schools be removed and church influence over these schools be stopped.

Syed Hood said he believes that the school board in mission schools are partially administered by foreign churches, for example the Vatican City in Italy. He said he was "ashamed and disappointed" that schools in an Islamic country like Malaysia are still under the control of churches and that they display icons like crosses and statues.

Commenting on this, Tan said the comments were “most appalling and hurtful” and do nothing except cause misunderstanding and erosion of trust and respect among ethnic and religious groups in this country. “The reason for having brought up the comments and accusations “based on grouses from the ground” is not acceptable as in the first place, there is no compulsion for any one to study in a mission school if one does not wish to. “Moreover, one would expect that before any accusation or comment is made, one should verify the facts, especially with the management of the mission schools,” he added.

Tan was referring to Syed Hood’s explanation that he was merely raising the concerns of the people as an elected representative. The MP claimed that on a personal note, he had the utmost respect for all religions.

Love and sacrifice

Prior to this, Deputy Education Minister Noh Omar told the Dewan Rakyat that there was no need for mission schools to remove the crucifixes as that is part of their tradition. Meanwhile, Tan said the federation is appreciative of the education ministry’s recognition of the tradition.

“These crosses and religious images are part of the ethos and culture of mission schools which the ministry has repeatedly assured us will remain.

“Our mission schools have been founded with so much love and sacrifice consistent with Christian values and principles with a view to providing quality education to all students, regardless of race, religion and culture,” he added.

Following the ‘crucifix’ controversy, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz urged those offended by the remarks to lodge a police report against the parliamentarians involved.

Monday, December 03, 2007

Latin mass

Italian Diocese Refuses Latin Mass

Catholic Oline
12/1/2007

Catholic News Agency


Even though the 'Motu Propio' Summorum Pontificum, promulgated by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, reopened the celebration of the Mass of Blessed John xxiii to all the faithful upon request, some Dioceses are resisting the true diversity of Catholic liturgical expression.

ROME, ITALY (CNA) - Only months after a document issued by Pope Benedict XVI provided universal permission to celebrate the Tridentine Mass, An Italian diocese has forbidden its priests to celebrate any Latin Masses in the old rite.

Monsignor Andrea Giusto, the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Savona-Noli in the Liguria region of northwest Italy, issued the order. Currently, the see of Savona-Noli is vacant pending the appointment of a bishop.

In the absence of an appointed bishop, Monsignor Giusto said there is insufficient clarity about the licit celebration of the Tridentine Mass.

"I firmly ask the priests of the diocese not to give permission to groups that ask for the celebration and to ensure that in no church in the diocesan territory Masses according to the pre-Conciliar rite are celebrated,"Monsignor Giusto said.

The monsignor said a stable group of worshippers and their active participation were conditions for the proper celebration of the old rite. He claimed a solid liturgical formation and knowledge of Latin were needed, and condemns Masses organized 'by invitation,' "almost as if they were a show or a private event."

According to the Italian newspaper Il Giornale, the order was prompted by a Tridentine Latin Mass that was celebrated in an oratory neighboring the church of the Genoese Una Voce Association, a group that favors the traditional Mass.

The parish priest, Father Piero Giacosa, initially did not oppose the Mass but later criticized it. "The Latin Mass was a concession by the Pope, it is supposed to unite, it cannot become a way to do proselytisms or to please the nostalgics, mostly [from] outside the Parish," he said.

Gianno Romollotti, a man present for the Mass, described the event: "I saw people of a certain age, moved. There were also young men, new faces. It was not hard to follow the Mass, in the booklet there was an Italian translation. The criticisms? It is jealousy, we will repeat it on December 8."

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Visiting the sick a Christian obligation

Lack of time and training no excuse

I am sure the letter “Take time to visit our ailing priests " by J.D. Lovrenciear (Herald November 4) touched the hearts of many of us. It is time as Christians we seriously consider his appeals to visit not only the ailing priests and others as well.

Our hearts were really troubled to read the response “Let not your hearts be troubled! "(Herald November 25) by Fr Marshall Fernandez , a priest whom I had so much admiration and respect since I was young. However I thank and congratulate him for taking some time off his busy schedule to personally comment on a very important issue of visiting the sick in our midst.

I deeply regret the reasons he gave as to why he could not visit his ailing fellow priests and parishioners i.e. lack of time and not trained in chaplaincy. To my mind these reasons are unacceptable.

Telling BECs to visit the sick priests is passing the responsibility to others. For every one ailing priest, there may be scores of others among the laity. How many BEC members have the time and training to visit and counsel these sick priests and members of our parish?

All of us, clergy and laity, have the moral obligation to visit the sick and dying and their families, to provide the support in whatever way we can. I think it would wrong for us to resort to all sorts of excuses to abdicate our responsibilities to those around us.

It is not whether we have time or training that matters here. What is important is the willingness to help others that comes from love in the heart. All the time and all the training in the world will be meaningless if there is no genuine love in the heart for fellow humans.

Dr.Chris Anthony

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Why so many formations and retreats?

Do they make us better Christians?

It has become fashionable in our Catholic Church to organize various retreats, formations, recollections, reflections, seminars, rallies, convention and so on for the clergy and laity alike. You may call them by various names but they all more or less refer to the same - gathering of Catholics to discuss and reflect on issues facing us. Most of the time these sessions bring no concrete results whatsoever in the end.

A lot of time, enegy and money are spent to organize these events and as such it may be pertinent here to ponder to see whether they bring any real long-term benefits to us. Do they make us better Christians?

We are told that these formations are vital to be a good Catholic. There are some who even go on to say that we cannot reach God without attending these formations. Are these really true? Formations are good and are intended to make us better Christians but how better do we become after participating in such activities? There are many among us who attend so many formations and retreats but when we return we continue with our old selfish ways, refusing to talk to others, neglect elderly and indifferent to those in need in our midst.

The clergy too are involved in their own retreats. They are away 3 days a month on their monthly recollection. In addition to that, they have their retreats, off days and vacation. In most parishes the priests are away on leave one or two days a week. In fact in some smaller parishes there are those who take off as long as 3 days a week. During their absence there is no priest to cater for Eucharistic celebrations, final rites and anointing, confession and counseling.

When the priests return from their monthly recollections, not a single word is uttered of matters that were discussed. It is as though they had attended some top security meeting of a secret society, which must be kept secret from even their own congregation. Despite the beautiful slogan, “We are the Church”, the laity is left completely in the dark as though they do not exist. Neither are there any positive changes in the attitude of the priests towards their job and the parishioners after every retreat or recollection.

Talk to any priest today, his main grouse will be that very few parishioners are coming for mass and participating in the various organizations. On the other hand, at the BEC meetings more than 90% of parishioners will complaint that their priests do not visit them. In fact these days many complain that their priests have lost touch with the people and are not interested to know their parishioners.

The people today, being more qualified and well versed in many fields, are not happy with the lack of dialogue and openness in the management of the parish. They are not happy with the financial accountability of the parish administration that is rather unprofessionally run. The knowledge and skills of the laity are not appreciated let alone utilized.

It is sad that slowly this indifferent attitude of the clergy towards the people is slowly being accepted as a norm. As the Eucharistic celebration forms the crux of our faith, our priests consider themselves as indispensable. They are happy to say mass, consecrating the bread and wine and nothing more. All other duties are being designated to the laity with the excuse as they do have the time as they are in short supply.

With the rapid scientific and socio-economic changes in the global world today, it is time for our bishops and clergy to review their strategies in building the Kingdom of God in our midst. Are they really serious in their mission to build His Kingdom? How committed are they to this task? There is a need to improve the clergy-laity relationship to a level where there is more mutual respect for one another. The present system of monologue should be replaced by dialogue on a more equal standing. We must bear in mind that we need one another and have equally important roles in building the Kingdom of God. As mere mortals and sinners, we are all equal in the eyes of God.

Recollections, formations and retreats are important but of greater importance is their commitment to mankind in the form of their congregation. Unless they identify themselves with the people there is no way they can build God’s Kingdom. Their retreats and recollections must bring them closer to the people, in whom God dwells, otherwise these retreats and formations would be just waste of time and money.

Dr.Chris Anthony

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

How Christ-like are we in our lives?

We call ourselves Christians but how Christ-like are we?

At a recent Confirmation mass, I was impressed with the homily given by Bishop Anthony Selvanayagam.He reminded those to be confirmed and the congregation in general, of the very depressing situation in the world today. He lamented that the vast majority of those who call themselves Christians do not know Jesus at all. This ignorance of Jesus among his own followers is the greatest challenge to Christianity in the third millennium.

We resort to all sorts of deeds to please God, deeds which God did not ask, attending church and receiving the sacraments diligently without fail, making pilgrimages to all the holy sites and shrines, burning candles and offering prayers, we fast and abstain, but we fail to do what God has really asked us to do – to love our neighbor.

In fact we need not go round indulging in rituals for God to grant us our petitions as He knows our problems better than we do and He knows what is best for us. According to the bishop,on the final day, God is not going to ask us whether we went to church, received the sacraments, fasted, and burnt candles or how many churches we prayed at. What He will ask us is how we lived by His words during our short stint on earth.

Bishop Anthony drew our attention to the Jesus’Sermon on the Mount regarding reconciling our differences with our neighbor before going to worship God. This is what Jesus taught us:

“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering(Mathew 5:23-24).


The Sermon on the Mount

Yes, many of us harbor so much ill feeling against others and refuse to even talk to them – our children, siblings, parents, relatives and friends. Often we leave them behind in pain and misery but go in search of God. The bishop emphasized that unless we reconcile our differences with them it is meaningless to seek God.

Bishop Anthony’s sharing should prompt us to reflect on our own actions as Christians. How do we treat the poor and oppressed? How do treat our own children and elderly parents? How do we treat the sick and hungry? How do we treat those who yearn for our love and affection? How do we treat those who sin against us? Are we willing to forgive and forget those who hate and even harm us? How generous are we with our wealth and possessions? In short how do we treat our neighbor?

There are three groups of Christians in the world today. Firstly there is a very large group who do not know Jesus truly for what He is. Sad to say, a large number of us belong to this group. We perform all sorts of rituals to please God to gain His blessings but fail to do what He really wants us to.

The second group consists of those who know Jesus reasonably well as they spend many years of their lives studying his words, but refuse to follow those words in their daily living. They are good preachers but not doers. The words of Jesus is meant for others not them. A large number of us, so called practicing Catholics, regrettably fall into this category.

The third group comprises of those who know Jesus and follow Him in a way He wants. They stick by His teachings in everything they do. Unfortunately only a few belong to this group of true followers.

It may timely for us to ponder on our own thoughts and actions to see which of the three groups we belong to. Do we live by the teachings of Jesus? Do we have Christ in our lives?
We call ourselves Christians, followers of Christ, but how Christ-like are we in our lives?



Dr.Chris Anthony

Monday, November 05, 2007

Let’s pray for religious tolerance

The Church must strive for religious rights and freedom

October 31, 2007 was a sad day for the residents of Kampung Rimba Jaya in Shah Alam and a black day for religious tolerance in Malaysia. It was the day when the100-year old Sri Maha Mariaman Temple in the village was demolished in a manner that showed total and blatant disrespect for the sensitivities of Hindu Malaysians.

Despite agreeing to move out to a new location, enforcement officers from the Majlis Bandaran Shah Alam(MBSA),and police armed with machine guns and knives brutally drove out the devotees and demolished the temple together with scores of houses. It is very disturbing that they did this a week before the Deepavali festival of Lights, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar.

Arrival of enforcement team

In the bloody fracas a number of devotees were injured including the temple priest, some of the residents and four lawyers, who went to volunteer legal aid, were arrested. The latter were intimidated and manhandled at gunpoint without any respect for their profession. This attitude and actions of our enforcement units are unbecoming of a nation that preaches racial and religious moderation and tolerance.


Enforcement officers


While all these were happening to our fellow citizens of the Hindu faith, what did we, as Christians do to empathize with them. Most of us continued to go about our daily routine oblivious to the problems faced by those around us. We even attended Sunday service as though nothing had happened. As usual, the plight of our Hindu brethren of Kg.Rimba Jaya, was not even highlighted during our services nor did we offer special prayers for them. We were totally
indifferent to the feelings of those in pain around us. Are we any different from the enforcement officers who unjustly inflicted pain and suffering to fellow humans?


Enforcement team in action

Fortunately at least we had our Bishop Paul Tan, deputy president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), to criticize the high handed actions of the authorities in demolishing the temple and homes. He described this atrocious behavior as “insensitive and intolerant”.

This what Bishop Tan had to say : The fact that this huge loss is not caused by earthquake, tsunami or any other natural catastrophe but by governmental agencies has compounded the people’s misery and shock many times over. Places of worship are sacred places and the authorities must adhere to strict and proper protocals in taking action on such places”.(Malaysiakini,Nov.3).


Lawyers arrested and handcuffed

The bishop also criticized MBSA for the attack on temple priest Siva Sri Ramalingga Gurukal who was not armed and posed no threat to anyone. We share his views that this arrogant and violent actions by the MBSA in Kg.Rimba Jaya,is unwarranted if not checked, could encourage other local authorities to follow suit in future.




Demolished temple and homes
We must support the MCCBCHST in expressing our deepest regret and dismay over the MBSA’s actions. We call on the government to stop these mob-like actions of the MBSA and other local authorities.Let us also offer our aid in whatever way we can to those organizations that are working to help the affected residents of Kg.Rimba Jaya in rebuilding their temple, their homes and their lives as a whole.

We are denied our legitimate religious rights and freedom in our own land. We may be helpless in fighting for our rights against the powerful forces arrayed against us. The only way out of our predicament is through peaceful political means. We must strive to make people aware of their responsibilities in the coming general elections.

The Church has the moral obligation of not only to encourage its congregation to vote but to vote wisely so that we can bring about the necessary changes for a fair and just Malaysia where citizens of various races and religions can live in peace, harmony and mutual respect.

Dr.Chris Anthony


Sunday, November 04, 2007

Jesus and the tax collector

Sunday refection

4 November 2007 Luke 19:1-10

Jesus and the tax collector

Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the town and suddenly a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance; he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man.


He kept trying to see which Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd; so he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way.

When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him, 'Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I am to stay at your house today.' And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully.

They all complained when they saw what was happening. 'He has gone to stay at a sinner's house,' they said.

But Zacchaeus stood his ground and said to the Lord, 'Look, sir, I am going to give half my property to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody I will pay him back four times the amount.'

And Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of man has come to seek out and save what was lost.'


Reflection

In this story of Jesus encounter with Zacchaeus,a tax collector,our Lord is trying to stress on the virtues of forgiveness and humility. Zacchaeus was a sinner in the eyes of the people at large but still Jesus went down to him. That act of humility converted Zacchaeus to become a better person. One virtue of humility led to another, forgiveness.

This story of Jesus is very relevant to us even today. Many of may be well off in society but often we avoid those who sin for fear of being branded as bad. We also avoid mixing with the less the fortunate and marginalized.

We are afraid to allow our children to mingle with those from poor families and bad for fear of getting spoilt.We is very selective with whom they mix.

These actions of ours are definitely against the basic teachings of Jesus, who despite being the lord ,master and teacher, showed by example to go down to the sinner and marginalized in society. He was not afraid of what the people thought of him.

Similarly, we too should go down to those despised and marginalized. Only by our humility and forgiveness we can “covert” them to better humans. When Jesus, who is our God and Master can go down to the sinner, why can’t we mere humans, who are also sinners. We expect Jesus to forgive us sinners, but we as sinners ourselves are not willing to forgive those who sin against us. What hypocrites we are!

Dr.Chris Anthony

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Jesus “stolen” from church

Jesus cannot be locked up in the tabernacle

I read with interest the report “Sacred vessels stolen from church” which appeared in the Star, August 17 ,2007.

According to the report parishioners attending the early morning mass at the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Ipoh were shocked to find that its sacred relics were missing. Thieves had broken into the building and carted away the church’s tabernacle containing its five sacred vessels worth RM5,000.

The report suggested that the parishioners and the parish priest were more concerned with the loss of the five vessels in the tabernacle worth RM5,000, rather than in their contents which is priceless – consecrated hosts representing Christ himself.

This incident, is not just a theft, but is a real test of our faith by Jesus. His coming to us in Holy Communion should be the source of the strength and zeal to pass Him to those around us and not lock him up in the confines of the church and the tabernacle only to be visited whenever we have problems.

Jesus is always out there alive in the world, in our midst and especially in the people around us including the thieves who “stole” Him from the church.

Dr.Chris Anthony

Monday, October 15, 2007

The brave monks of Myanmar-2

We call ourselves Christians but how Christ-like are we?

September 26, 2007 was a tragic day for the people of Myanmar, a day of national tragedy and mourning. It was the day when the army opened fire on unarmed civilian protestors and Buddhist monks.

The ruling military junta did not hesitate to use force even against unarmed, peace promoting and modestly robed Buddhist monks. They were kicked and beaten as soldiers rounded them up and shoved them onto trucks. Doors of the monasteries were broken; things were ransacked and taken away.

The cowardly and brutal acts of the ruling military junta should be condemned by the whole international community. Definitely these acts of aggression against unarmed civilians and monks are inhumane and treacherous to the human race. On the other hand the actions of the brave people of Myanmar need to be praised and supported by all.

How did the world react to these atrocities being commited against innocent people? Yes, the world reacted but hesitantly and without enthusiasm as the military junta brutally and fatally crushed the peaceful unarmed pro-democracy protesters.The United Nations was divided and stood powerless to stop the massacre. It seemed to have lost it credibility. The rich and powerful nations,who often preach on human rights,appeared to have lost their moral responsibility towards the poor and oppressed in the world.Neghbors in Asia,particularly ASEAN,did not see the need to do anything other than merely offer half-hearted condemnation.

What is more distressing is that even the Christian community especially our own Church seemed to be silent on the issue. There was no strong condemnation from our top Church leaders in Malaysia and the world. Have we too lost the moral obligation to mankind like during the Holocaust?

It was dismaying that not a single word was mentioned on the plight of the Myanmars during our Sunday masses. We seem to be contended to pray and worship God in isolation, ignoring the pleas of our neighbour, the people and monks of Myanmar, as they were being brutally crushed while struggling for peace and freedom.

The least we could do was offer special prayers and empathizes with them but that too we failed. Everyday we pray for the Pope, our bishops, priests, ourselves and our families but conveniently forget the oppressed people in Myanmar who are most in need of our prayers.

We call ourselves Christians, the followers of Christ, it may be pertinent here to reflect how Christ-like are we in our daily lives?

Dr.Chris Anthony