LENTEN RETREAT

St. Anne's Church in collaboration with the Carmelite Fathers will hold a Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 8 from 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM. To join this retreat please contact our secretary at 2813 0206 or WhatsApp to Bro Edo, O. Carm at +62 87761217433.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

There will be an Adoration to the Blessed Sacraments on Sunday, March 2nd, at 02:00 PM in the Church. All welcome.

ASH WEDNESDAY and STATION OF THE CROSS

March 5^th is Ash Wednesday. If you have a dry palm leaf from last year Palm Sunday, please bring it to the church. We will burn it for Ash Wednesday use.

Mass for Ash Wednesday:

The Carmelite Chapel: 07:15 AM (Cantonese)

The Church: 09:15 AM (English), 08:00 PM (Cantonese)

Station of the Cross will be held every Friday and Sunday.

Friday, 08:00 PM in Cantonese

Sunday, 02:00 PM in English

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION

Meditation is universal spiritual wisdom and practice at the core of all great religious traditions. It is a way of simplicity, silence, and stillness. Let us practice together every Tuesday at 07:00 PM in our Church.

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

I recall a woman approaching me, requesting a prayer for her grandson, who had a speech impediment. At just two years old, he was unable to speak, causing immense concern for his family. I remembered him in my masses, especially during consecration, hoping God would grant him the gift of speech.

Praise the Lord, just two days ago, she shared the wonderful news that her grandson had begun to sing a few words of the "Happy Birthday" song at his grandfather's birthday celebration.

Effective communication is not just about possessing the ability to speak; it's about the trans-formative power of speaking well. This art involves conveying ideas and thoughts and igniting minds and hearts with clarity and engagement. In this transformative process, speech psychology underscores the importance of vocal delivery, including tone, pitch, volume, and pace.

During my minor seminary years, I was fortunate to receive public speaking training, which I am deeply grateful for. Every Sunday evening, we would gather for a two-hour program called "Academy." I remember the nervous excitement I felt as I prepared to speak before an audience, whether reading texts, delivering messages, or engaging in debates. These experiences were invaluable in shaping my understanding of effective communication.

Today's readings focus on the significance of speaking in relation to a person's character. As Sirach 27:4 reminds us, "The defects of a man are seen when he begins to speak." The first reading continues, "Praise no one before he has spoken, since this is the acid test" (Sirach 27:7). The Gospel reading concludes with a profound reminder: "For the mouth speaks from the fullness of the heart" (Luke 6:45). This verse underscores that speaking is not just about the words we utter, but also about the intentions and emotions that drive them.

Jesus cautions us to be mindful of our words, reminding us that our speech can bless or harm others. As we learned last Sunday, Jesus taught us to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:28). By choosing to speak words of kindness and compassion, we demonstrate our commitment to being children of the Highest (Luke 6:35).

Our words have the power to shape our lives and the lives of those around us. As the saying goes, "Beware of your thoughts, for they become words; beware of your words, for they become actions; beware of your actions, for they become habits; beware of your habits, for they become character; beware of your character, for it becomes your destiny."

Today's readings encourage us to cultivate wisdom in our speaking. It's not just about pronouncing words or conveying sentences; it's about the profoundly spiritual act of speaking. As Luke 6:44 reminds us, "Each tree is known by the fruit it bears." How we say, the words we choose, and how we convey them all reveal our character and our spiritual essence.

As Plato aptly said, "A wise man speaks because he has something to say; a fool speaks because he has to say something." Let us take a moment to reflect on our speech and ask ourselves: What have we said, and how have we conveyed it? This introspection is key to becoming more self-aware and mindful in our communication. 

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

What is our reaction when listening to John Lennon's song "Imagine"? Some of us might think that he attacks religion. We must acknowledge that religion can be a source of division and conflict.

However, it is not entirely true that his intention to write the song is to attack religion. Instead, he is promoting peace and unity beyond religious teachings. His vision is one of a world where people live together in harmony, without enemies and conflicts.

Is it possible to live without enemies? Perhaps it is not. Living together with our enemies in a spirit of love is possible. Hmm, it sounds abstract and absurd.

Today's readings invite us to reflect on the issues deeply. The first reading shows how David made the right choice by respecting God's anointed King (1 Samuel 26:9). He did not take revenge against Saul. Instead, he forgave Saul's offenses. David acted beyond the norms.

The second reading tells us that the "First Adam" chose disobedience incorrectly, bringing death into the world. However, Jesus, the "Second Adam," fulfilled his Father's saving plan for humanity by accepting suffering and death.

Jesus manifests his teaching in an honest and convincing love.

Today's Gospel gives us Jesus' revolutionary moral teaching about correct choices in human relationships based on our obligation to behave like the children of a loving, forgiving, compassionate, and merciful Heavenly Father.

Jesus teaches us to practice the Golden Rule beyond what most societies teach and practice. He goes beyond dogmatic religious teachings.

He encourages us to pray for the strength to forgive and to overcome our natural inclination to hate our neighbours and all who offend or hurt us.

Without love and forgiveness, there is no peace and harmony. Unfortunately, until now, we have not been free from hatred, retaliation, revenge, and wars. It is even worse that some religions are behind conflicts and wars.

The more people practice their religions, the easier it is for them to create conflict with those whose religions are different from theirs.

Christians are called to practice Jesus Christ's fundamental teachings, namely, to love and to forgive, not to judge and not to condemn. Jesus came to the world to manifest God's love and forgiveness to all who act as God's enemies.

He commanded his disciples to do the same by loving and forgiving their enemies.

Meister Eckhart, a 13th-century German theologian and mystic, emphasizes that loving one's enemies is not merely a moral obligation but a spiritual necessity. He wrote, "To love one's enemies is to love God, for God is in all things... When you see your enemy, see God in him, and love God in him."

Eckhart encourages us to transcend our limited perspectives and see the divine spark within every person, including our enemies. He interprets Jesus' command to bless those who curse us as a call to inner transformation. "When someone curses you, bless them, and you will be blessed. For by blessing them, you are not changing the other person, but yourself," he wrote.

This is a very challenging task for all of us. Indeed, it is beyond dogmatic religious teaching.

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

While her husband's business was difficult, one of my former students got to work because she needed money for her family. She was just hired to work at a drugstore. She found a lot of manipulations there. The owner and the employees cheated on their customers for money. This disturbed her conscience, and she was deeply concerned. However, she could not leave the job.

She faced a dilemma of consci-ence: earning money for her family by practicing what is morally wrong or leaving the job that causes her family to suffer. After examining her conscience, she decided to stay for the time being. Once she gets a new job, though, she will immediately leave.

The story illustrates that our lives stand between bad and good, right and wrong, sin or holiness. The Fifth Sunday's readings basically discuss this: the contrast between man's way and God's way.

In Jeremiah 17:5-8, it is des-cribed that those who trust in human strength and turn away from God are like a bush in the desert, which suffers in times of drought and struggles to survive (Jeremiah 17:5). However, those who trust in the Lord are like a tree planted by water, flourishing and bearing fruit even during times of adversity (Jeremiah 17:8).

In contrast, in Luke 6:17,20-26, Jesus declares blessings on the poor, hungry, and persecuted while warning of woes to the rich, well-fed, and praised by others. This teaches that the values of God, such as humility, compassion, and faith, are often contrary to the values of the world, which prioritize wealth, comfort, and status.

Overall, the contrast between God's and man's ways is that God's way leads to lasting fulfil-ment and blessings while following man's ways can lead to spiritual emptiness and destruction.

Have you personally experi-enced that contrast? How should you deal with it? We must remember that God has given us the ability to discern between the two and live out virtues. We live in a world filled with cultures against our Christian values and virtues.

This should make us realize that being a complete and commit-ted Christian is more than knowing what is right or wrong and understanding values. Rather, we need to practice virtues. Why so?

Saint Thomas Aquinas teaches the importance of virtues for several reasons. First, virtues enable us to develop good habits and characteristics that help us make wise decisions, act morally, and cultivate a strong character.

Second, virtues help us achieve happiness. By cultivating virtues, we can develop a deep sense of fulfillment, joy, and contentment from living a morally good life. Third, virtues are essential for moral development. Practicing virtues can develop our moral character, make us more compassionate, and strengthen our sense of justice.

Fourth, by cultivating virtues, we can become more like God, the ultimate source of all goodness and perfection. Finally, virtues are necessary for salvation. By living a virtuous life, we can develop the habits and characteristics necessary for eternal life with God. (*) 

OUR LIVES need awe. Can you imagine a world without wonder? That is the world God never created. He wants us to experience his wondrous deeds and find meaningful life out of His creation. Look at the children who are mostly happy to be exposed to nature. The world is always exciting and meaningful for them.

Unfortunately, many parents leave their children obsessed with computer games. They are isolated from the wonderful and real world. One danger is that they get used to linear thinking and are less creative, which is contrary to what our ancestors did.

They deeply experience the wonder of the world and strongly revere its creator. They encounter the mystery that repels ("tremendum") and the mystery that attracts ("fascinosum"). Those who experience that mystery are trembling and, at the same time, are attracted to it. Some of them create what is called religion.

"Wonder or radical amazement is the chief characteristic of the religious man's attitude toward history and nature," Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote in his book, God in Search of Man: A Philosophy of Judaism. Religion has created various cultures and made the world more beautiful. Look at religious places whose purpose is to revere and worship God, such as temples, churches, etc. Moreover, literary works such as the Scriptures demonstrate how religion has contributed to human life.

Today's readings narrate such experiences. The prophet Isaiah saw the Lord seated on a throne and the angels calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Sabaoth" (Isaiah 6:1-2a). He trembled and said, "Poor me! I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips living among people of unclean lips, and yet I have seen the King, the Lord Sabaoth" (Isaiah 6:5). However, the angels touched his mouth and forgave his sin (Isaiah 6:7). Then, he said that he was ready to be sent (Isaiah 6:8).

The gospel of Luke tells how Simon encountered Jesus at the Lake of Gennesaret. Jesus said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch" (Luke 5:4). Simon reluctantly lowered his nets (Luke 5:5). After catching a large number of fish, he fell at Jesus' knees and acknowledged his sin (Luke 5:8). He experienced the holiness of Jesus. Although Simon Peter asked Jesus to leave him, Jesus did not abandon him. Instead, Jesus said, "Do not be afraid. You will catch people from now on" (Luke 5:10).

As Isaiah experienced God's holiness and found himself sinful, so did Simon Peter. God cleansed Isaiah and sent him; likewise, Jesus also sent Peter to be a fisher of men. Now, God's wonders are still there. He calls us to see and enjoy them with awe. If we find ourselves sinful and need forgiveness, remember what God did to the prophet Isaiah and what Jesus did to Simon Peter.

It is important to live in awe for several reasons. First, without awe, the world loses its meaning and purpose. Second, without awe, our lives will be disconnected from God, the source of inspiration and creativity. Finally, we will not have inspiration and creativity, which makes our lives meaningful but not purposeful. (*)

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

Every last Sunday of the month, we gather at Shek O Retreat House, Hong Kong, for a special Bible study. This regular event is a cornerstone of our spiritual growth, as we read and explore the gospel of the following Sunday, preparing our hearts and minds for the week ahead.

On Sunday, January 26, 2025, we studied the passage of Luke 2:22-40 in which the evangelist describes the Presentation of the Baby Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple. After listening to and meditating on the words of God, one of the participants raised a thought-provoking question: "Jesus is God; why was Jesus presented to God in the Temple?" This question sparked a deep and insightful discussion, and we invite you to ponder it as well.

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:22-40) is not just a historical event, but a profound spiritual journey. It is rich in symbolism and spiritual depth, such as consecrating life to God and encountering and obeying God. These aspects are not just relevant, but essential to today's life. That's why we need to understand and carry it out.

What is consecrating life? In its strict sense, it means a permanent state of life recognized by the Church to respond freely to the call of Christ in reaching the holiness or perfection of love. This involves making public vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, symbolizing a complete dedication to God. Pope St. John Paul II instituted this feast as a day of prayer for religious men and women and other consecrated persons, highlighting the importance of this act in our faith.

This commitment is not just for religious figures, but for all Christians. As baptized members of the body of Christ, we are called to consecrate our lives to God. The Eucharistic celebration invites us to join Jesus' sacrifice, and we consecrate our lives by offering ourselves to God daily. It is a personal commitment, a daily prayer, a conscious decision to give our lives to God, just as Mary and Joseph did with Jesus (Romans 12:1).

The Presentation of Jesus teaches us about encountering God. The parents of Jesus brought Him to the Temple because it represents a sacred space where people can encounter God. Simeon and Anna illustrate two devout and faithful persons who spent their lives encountering God in the Temple. As a result, both experienced God's reward. Simeon was given the opportunity to take the baby Jesus in his arms (Luke 2:28). Anna praised God and spoke of the child Jesus to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem (Luke 2:38).

Simeon's and Anna's encounters with Jesus demonstrate that we can meet God in others, especially in the vulnerable and marginalized. Moreover, their responses to the Holy Spirit's promptings encourage us to listen to God's voice and respond obediently.

Finally, the presentation pictures Jesus' obedience to His Father. He demonstrated His absolute obedience on the Cross, and we celebrate His obedience in the Eucharistic celebration.

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is a reminder of our presentation to God. It leads to three points. First, it prompts us to reflect on how we have presented our lives to God through baptism, confirmation, or other significant events. Second, it invites us to consecrate our lives again to God, seeking to live a life that is pleasing to Him. This is not just a suggestion, but a responsibility and a source of empowerment. Third, Jesus calls us to join His obedience when we celebrate the Eucharist. (*) 

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

Now, we live in a global world where nations across all continents are interconnected and interdependent through advancements in transportation and communication technologies. This has created a new culture called globalization, which motivates many international economic and political leaders to take advantage of its advantages. They believe that globalization will bring a better future for humankind.

Globalization has positive impacts on social, political, and economic development. Some effects on economic development include increased trade and investment opportunities, greater efficiency and productivity, the spread of new technologies and knowledge, and the potential for economic growth.

However, globalization also negatively impacts many sectors of life, such as widening income inequality and environmental degradation. Rich countries are getting richer, and the poor ones are getting much poorer. Globalization also facilitates the spread of terrorism in the international arena. It has brought various crises and has not successfully created the just society people dream of. It is a big challenge for the global community.

As part of the global community, Christians are called to fight against all inequality. In his exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (EG), Pope Francis states,

"Today, in many places, we hear a call for greater security. But until exclusion and inequality in society and between peoples are reversed, it will be impossible to eliminate violence. The poor and the poorer peoples are accused of violence, yet without equal opportunities, the different forms of aggression and conflict will find a fertile terrain for growth and eventually explode" (EG no. 59).

The readings on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time remind us of that call. The Book of Nehemiah describes the joy that the people of Israel experienced upon their return to Jerusalem. They enjoyed being one community and listened to God's words and wisdom.

Saint Paul teaches us about the Church, the mystical body of Christ. All members of the Church are united to be one body by and in Christ Jesus. "As the body is one, having many members, and all the members, while being many, form one body, so it is with Christ. All of us, whether Jews or Greeks, enslaved people or free, have been baptized in one Spirit to form one body, and all of us have been given to drink from the one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

It illustrates that the "DNA" of Christians is love and unity, and they follow Jesus to build one loving community. There is no discrimination against anyone in the community. Instead, they respect each member's uniqueness. Moreover, they help each other so that nobody is left without any care from others.

They learn how to do this from Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who comes to bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and new sight to the blind, free the oppressed, and announce the Lord's year of mercy (Luke 4:18-19). Jesus said, "Today, these prophetic words come true, even as you listen" (Luke 4:21).

Do we see Today the fulfillment of Jesus' words? Do we not still see wars and conflicts, injustice and oppression? So many prisoners have not yet been set free. However, we believe that Jesus has brought the prophecy into reality. This is obvious from what Jesus did for the poor, the oppressed, and the captives.

Today, Jesus continues his work of salvation in His body, the Church. It is the responsibility of all Christians to build a loving community. We can do that because Jesus Christ has granted us a gift of love. (*) 

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

Without togetherness, where is our future? Togetherness is not just a necessity for us, social human beings, but a source of profound joy. The most intimate togetherness is found in the sacred bond of marriage, a union that brings immense happiness and fulfilment.

Writing about togetherness concerning marriage, Kahlil Gibran, in his book The Prophet, states, "You were born together, and together you shall be forever more. You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days. Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God."

The beginning of a marriage is usually celebrated in a wedding feast. This is very common in many different cultures and societies, and Jewish society is no exception. In Jewish culture, a wedding feast is a joyous occasion that symbolizes the union of two families and the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the couple.

The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time readings speak about togetherness and marriage. The prophet Isaiah illustrates the relation of God with his people as like that of the bridegroom with his bride. "As a young man marries a virgin, so will your builder marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride, so will your God rejoice in you" (Isaiah 62:5).

The gospel of John, filled with many symbols, speaks of Mary attending a wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. "Jesus was also invited to the wedding with his disciples" (John 2:2). They celebrated with the guests, who enjoyed the feast by drinking wine, a source of joy.

However, the feast was running out of wine. Knowing this, Mary told Jesus, "They have no wine" (John 2:3). We know what Jesus did afterward. In a miracle, he changed water into wine. Jesus provided six jars of wine containing 180 gallons. Mary and Jesus took part in the wedding party, and they actively got involved in their problem.

The wedding at Cana is not merely a social event. It is a biblical and theological celebration whose messages are relevant. What are the messages? First, Jesus fulfills what the prophet Isaiah proclaims, "As a bridegroom rejoices in his bride, so will your God rejoice in you" (Isaiah 62:5). This teaches us about the joy that comes from a loving relationship with God.

Second, we find Mary as a powerful intercessor between Jesus and those in difficulties. Through her intercession, we are reassured that Jesus hears our prayers and acts in accordance with her guidance, strengthening our connection with him.

Third, Jesus' miracle manifests his power to restore our lives, which lose heavenly joy and God's grace because of sin. It is the sign that Jesus completes his mission and points out the Last Supper, where Jesus gives his blood to his disciples (John 2:11).

Lastly, Jesus' restoration of our relationship with God, his Father, is a source of inspiration and motivation. As a result, we are encouraged to rebuild our togetherness with Him and to extend this to our neighbors, especially those in need.

Do we follow their examples as sons and daughters of Mary and Jesus' disciples? Are we sensitive to our community's needs? Are we willing to participate in building our Christian community? 

Let's unite to celebrate and care for our beautiful creation! Our Chairman, Fr. Dominic Chan, invites everyone to participate in a meaningful walk on February 23, 2025 to support the building of a new 1,000-seat church in Tung Chung along with other important initiatives.

Join us for '齊步同行 - A Walk to Nurture Creation'! 

For more information, please visit the website of the Diocesan Fund-raising Commission for Church Building and Development

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

We know many liberation movements worldwide, such as the movement of Mahatma Gandhi in India, Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States, and Lech Wałęsa in Poland.

Although these movements occurred in different locations and with various motivations, one similar principle or spirit is behind them. That is the spirit of solidarity.

Gandhi practiced nonviolent means in his movement, such as fasting from food and wearing a loincloth. These actions showed solidarity with the Indian people in their suffering.

Martin Luther King Jr. manifested solidarity with his enslaved and maltreated people. Lech Wałęsa became the leader of the Solidarity movement and Poland's second president.

Solidarity appears in unity of feeling or action among individuals with a common interest, mutual support within a group. Marie J. Giblin wrote, "Solidarity includes compassion, but it is more.

Solidarity is not only a spontaneous movement of the heart that responds immediately but also a decision to take action to join with and to form a community with those who are suffering."

On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we celebrate God's solidarity with human beings. In God-made flesh, we see this solidarity.

In the letter to Titus, Saint Paul wrote, "God, our Savior, revealed his eminent goodness and love for humankind and saved us, not because of good deeds we may have done, but for the sake of his mercy" (2 Titus 3:4-5).

Further, he said, "Having been justified by his grace, we should become heirs, in the hope of eternal life" (2 Titus 3:7).

The Gospel of Luke tells the story of Jesus, who came to John the Baptist at the Jordan River. John baptized Jesus with water as a sign of repentance.

Does Jesus need to repent like us? He does not. However, he came to John and was baptized because he was in solidarity with sinful people. "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him, we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "Our Lord voluntarily submitted himself to the baptism of St. John, intended for sinners, to "fulfil all righteousness." Jesus' gesture is a manifestation of his self-emptying.

The Spirit, which had hovered over the waters of the first creation, then descended on Christ as a prelude to the new creation, and the Father revealed Jesus as his "beloved Son" (CCC 1224).

This feast reminds us of two essential things for our Christian life. The first is the mystery of God's solidarity with us. By emptying himself, Jesus came to the world and brought us back to heaven.

The second is the meaning and consequence of our baptism. It unites us with the Lord Jesus. Since Jesus takes solidarity with human beings, we, his followers, are called to do the same, meaning to be in solidarity with people, especially those who have not experienced Jesus' solidarity.

We can easily find them around us, such as in our families, workplaces, communities, and society. Are we ready to be in solidarity with them, especially those suffering from physical and spiritual conditions? 

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

Are you familiar with "The Star", a 2017 American animated biblical comedy film inspired by the Nativity of Jesus? Gina Rodriguez, one of the stars, says she joined the movie because she wanted the audience to remember the beautiful story of Jesus's birth.

The original story of the birth of Jesus told by Matthew mentions a star that, through its light, led the Magi to seek and find Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12). At the time Matthew wrote his Gospel, people believed that the star pointed to the divine realm that brought prosperity and protection.

Matthew writes that Jesus is the light. He wants people to know this and believe that Jesus is a divine light. This belief has profound theological and practical consequences in the life of the Church. Theologically, it shapes our understanding of God's presence and guidance in our lives. Practically, it calls us to live in a way that reflects this light to others, showing love, compassion, and justice.

The first words of the Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium) declare, "Christ is the Light of the Nations." It also states, "Because this is so, this Sacred Synod gathered together in the Holy Spirit eagerly desires, by proclaiming the Gospel to every creature, to bring the light of Christ to all men, a light brightly visible on the countenance of the Church." The Church, as the Body of Christ, is called to bring that light to all men through its members, who are to live and share the Gospel in their daily lives.

All people need that light. Saint John believes and proclaims that Jesus is the light: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). The Christian Trinitarian tradition sees Jesus as the inextinguishable light that brings joy to its presence in the saddest moments of life.

However, there are various attempts to stop the light from shining. Herod the Great, who lived in darkness and wickedness, wanted to take the light out of the world with his extraordinary political power. The modern world, with its materialism, consumerism, and secularism, has tried to extinguish the light of Christ and replace it with illusion and deceit. We must be aware of these attempts and strongly believe that neither power nor worldly distractions can extinguish his light.

Since he is the divine light, he enlightens all people, regardless of their religion, ethnic background, political interests, social status, etc. His light is not exclusive, but for all nations. He is born to the world for all people, making us part of a global community united by his light.

The Magi, wise men from the East, represent the people of the non-Jewish world who seek and worship Jesus, the light of the nations. Now, many people from different countries are looking for Jesus. The Church, through its members, plays a crucial role in making Jesus known to them, empowering us to be integral to this mission.

They carry out that responsibility by proclaiming the Good News in words and deeds. The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is a reminder for all of us. After knowing and experiencing the mystery of the celebration, we are to go and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the light of the nations. The Jim Henson Company has made a movie to introduce Jesus to millions of movie viewers. This should inspire us to find our own ways to proclaim Christ, the light of the nations, and share his light with the world. 

Fr. Albertus Magnus Herwanta, O.Carm

Now, we can hardly live without information and messages. Every second of our lives is connected to a message, and we are easily anxious when we cannot find it. For example, those who profit from the stock exchange constantly have to watch its changes. There are so many other messages people are attracted to.

The Fourth Sunday's readings are rich with profound messages. One such message is the One the Virgin Mary brought to her relative, Elizabeth. "In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth" (Luke 1:39).

She came not to bring a message regarding financial gain and political victory but a message of faith. She shared her faith experience of being chosen to be the mother of the Lord.

She came to bring Jesus to Elizabeth and her family. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Luke 1:42). Then Elizabeth called Mary a faithful person, "Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord" (Luke 1:45).

The Virgin Mary, filled with the Holy Spirit, brought Jesus to her relatives. This brings some important messages to us. First, those filled with the Holy Spirit cannot keep the power of the Spirit for themselves. Second, those who have received Jesus are called to preach about him.

Mother Mary, the first missionary, left her house to proclaim Jesus. She shared Jesus among her relatives and introduced him to people at the wedding feast at Cana (John 2:1-11).

As we prepare to welcome Jesus Christ, the Church reminds us of our baptism and its profound responsibilities. Being baptized means that we are united with the Lord Jesus. Like Mother Mary, we are to bring Jesus to others.

Second, we are called to be missionaries who proclaim Jesus in our lives. As Mother Mary leaves her house in Nazareth to bring Jesus to her relatives, we are called to preach Jesus to those who have not known Jesus yet, especially those living near us.

Third, good missionaries let their lives be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's power works in the missionaries. The Holy Spirit opens the way and equips his missionaries with all the graces they need.

Finally, we are called to be the missionaries of Jesus, proclaiming the most important message from heaven, Jesus Christ, the One who will come on Christmas. Are we ready to be the missionaries of Jesus, following the example of Mother Mary and bringing the message to our present -world?🎄 (*)

Fr. Albertus Magnus Herwanta, O.Carm

In a world wounded by crimes, conflicts, wars, and violence, is it possible to proclaim joy? Despite all these troubles, the Catholic Church is faithful in bringing joy. On November 24, 2013, Pope Francis signed his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (EG).

At the beginning of his exhortation, he wrote, "The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness, and loneliness" (EG no. 1).

This indicates that the Church keeps proclaiming the Gospel and walking together with the world's citizens, especially those who lose hope and joy. She teaches them, "With Christ, joy is constantly born anew" (EG no. 1).

Through her liturgy, the Church also shares her belief that God, the source of joy, is in the midst of the people. On the Third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, which invites us to rejoice. Saint Paul wrote to the Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).

How can we rejoice in the midst of natural disasters, wars, crimes, injustice, hatred, poverty, violence, and political strife? This is a challenge and an opportunity to reflect on the importance of joy.

What is joy? Trusting God's love and promises creates a more profound sense of peace and gratitude. Joy depends on our relationship with God, not on our circumstances. God has established a relationship with his people through Jesus Christ, whose birth we await. We must believe that Jesus is our source of joy and that a man is defined by joy.

From the beginning until the end of his life, he proclaims joy. Angels announced his birth as "good news of great joy" (Luke 2:10). He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21) and promised to make our joy complete. "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" (John 15:11). Finally, it was the joy of Jesus that led him to endure the suffering of the cross (Hebrews 12:2).

The Church is the body of Christ and always brings his joy. The words of God on the third Sunday of Advent give us a reason to rejoice. The prophet Zephaniah proclaims, "Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgment against you; he has cleared away your enemies" (Zephaniah 3:14-15).

So, let us shout for joy because Jesus, the source of our joy, is coming among us. We are called to share joy with those who live in sadness, sorrow, and pain so that they may experience the joy of God because "God made us for joy" (Henri J.M. Nouwen). (*)