IPOH: St Michael’s Church parishioners were given a very interesting plan on Bible Sunday on July 10. Parish priest Msgr Stephen Liew set out simple steps on how the Bible can make a difference in our lives and our faith, and how it can be lived out. In his homily, he said parishioners should not only read the bible, but also “prepare the soil of our hearts” by one or two simple acts.

They can choose to spend time listening to hymns or reading a passage of the Bible half an hour before bedtime, instead of watching TV. “Many of us live comfortable lives and often have television in our bedrooms, some even falling asleep whilst watching. “Today there are many violent scenes on TV and this unconsciously seeps into our minds whilst we sleep.

We do not wake up refreshed and often have nightmares. Such violent scenes linger in our mind, sometimes leading to domestic violence. “We wake up angry, and the first person we come across gets it,” he said. “Before you sleep, why not listen to a praise hymn or read the Word of God, and you will have a smooth night.”

The faith we proclaim must also be lived out in our lives and the reality of our faith is judged by the fruit we bear, he said. Our speech, actions and lifestyle, are all evidence of our faith, and if we are rooted in the Word of God, it will bear good fruit.. The secret of fruitfulness is not merely listening and receiving the Word of God, but also responding by living it. So we will live a life aligned to the Word of God. Once this is done, it will produce fruit.

“It’s a simple exercise, and if you can’t do it every night, try it once or twice a week, and then daily. It will lead to a harmonious and better life, full of love, joy and peace. “The question now is whether we can also be sowers of seeds that produce good fruit.” Sowing seeds of love in our family, seeds of justice in the streets, and seeds of truth and beauty will bear testimony of Jesus as the Lord in our lives.

Msgr Liew cited the example of the organizers of Bersih, who, although they faced difficulties, sowed the seeds of righteousness, justice and fairness. In doing so, they suffered, but in years to come, future generations will enjoy the fruit of the seeds they sowed. “We are also invited to be the sowers of fairness and justice, and to plant seeds of love and peace,” he said.