Do not be afraid! Direct your hearts to Jesus and trust in Him

Sabahans have been urged to look to Jesus as they prepare to vote in the state elections. In a pastoral letter released today, August 9, Rt Rev Cornelius Piong, Bisop of Keningau Diocese, wrote on how the Church is a channel of Jesus’ presence to help her people focus on Him.

Aug 08, 2020

KENINGAU: Sabahans have been urged to look to Jesus as they prepare to vote in the state elections. In a pastoral letter released today, August 9, Rt Rev Cornelius Piong, Bisop of Keningau Diocese, wrote on how the Church is a channel of Jesus’ presence to help her people focus on Him.

“The current COVID-19 pandemic is very worrying for many people. Economic conditions are unstable and many have lost their jobs. Parents are worried about their children’s future.

“In Sabah, we are currently preparing for the state elections. There are many things worrying the leaders and the people. Will the elections be conducted fairly and democratically or conducted as usual, where the power of money is used to buy votes as well as other moves and strategies that are unfair and dishonest?

“We must remain always proud of our identity as the people walking together in Jesus Christ, committed to the Mission we live to put God first, and prioritise the needs of our fellow human beings and God’s creation, confident that only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

See below for the full text

As followers and disciples of Jesus I believe that we always listen to the advice of Church leaders so that in following Jesus our gaze is always focused on Jesus so that, we are safe in His protection and love.

The experience of St Peter and the disciples of Jesus in the Gospel today (August 8, 2020) teaches us how to be fearless, to direct our hearts to Jesus and believe in He who saved Peter and the disciples from the danger of death in the middle of the sea.

As with Peter’s experience, we too have experienced how terrifying life can be, how it can lead us to sink in constant fear and numbness if our focus and attention are concentrated more on the problems of the world rather than on Jesus, our Saviour.

The current COVID-19 pandemic is very worrying for many people. Economic conditions are unstable and many have lost their jobs. Parents are worried about their children’s future.

In Sabah, we are currently preparing for the state elections. There are many things worrying  the leaders and the people. Will the elections be conducted fairly and democratically or conducted as usual where the power of money is used to buy votes as well as other moves and strategies that are unfair and dishonest?

As followers and disciples of Jesus, we need to be confident that He is with us and accompanies us in whatever circumstances we face throughout our life and faith.

The Church, as a channel of Jesus’ presence always helps us to be awake and motivates us to always focus our hearts on Jesus.

In terms of worship, we are  encouraged to pray, to participate in the celebration of Holy Mass, Adoration, Holy Hour, Prayer Service and Communion, prayer groups, devotions, etc. so that the Holy Spirit can help, teach and remind us of the teachings of Jesus (John 14:26)

In terms of Faith Formation, we have the Word of God to read, to listen and to meditate on. We also have the teachings of the Church, seminars, recollections, retreats, various courses to improve our spiritual etc so that we shall have firm faith, witness and strength in enduring trials.

In terms of Social Responsibility, we as members of the Church, through the Sacrament of Baptism participate in the Prophetic, Kingly and Priestly nature of Jesus. We are required to participate in the fight for peace, justice and love. Like salt and light we carry the good influences and values of the kingdom of God where we are, (Mat. 5: 13-16; 25:40), so that our hearts, minds and actions are motivated by the love of Jesus.

Being always proud of our  identity as the people walking together in Jesus Christ, committed to the Mission we live to put God first, and to prioritise the needs of our fellow man and God’s creation, confident that only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, our lives are always directed to Jesus. So let us set our gaze to Him (John 14:6). May we not be deceived by satanic deception, lies, and death (John 8:44).

In whatever situation we face whether it is related to politics, disease, natural disasters, etc., let us practice and nurture the culture to always go to Jesus, listen to His Word and do His will (Luke 6:47-48). This practice will unite us with Jesus and His Holy Spirit so that we can understand and do good and right in every situation we face (John 15: 4-5). 

Thank you.

Togetherness is Happiness 

+Bishop Datuk Cornelius Piong August 9, 2020

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