Need to constantly build knowledge of God

Catholics, especially young people, feel the hunger for God and for forgiveness. Yet they are so caught up with the modern day rat race they forget to update themselves on their faith after confirmation.

Jun 12, 2014

IPOH (Herald Malaysia): Catholics, especially young people, feel the hunger for God and for forgiveness. Yet they are so caught up with the modern day rat race they forget to update themselves on their faith after confirmation. The result is often a shallow faith, and when faced with a crisis in life, they are overwhelmed with despair and hopelessness.

Martin Jalleh shared this with parishioners of St Michael’s Church (SMC) and Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church in two sessions on May 24-25.

The values of the Mass, prayer, silent reflection, contemplation, sacrifice and suffering are all fundamental in building up our Christian lives, yet many just brush it aside, said Jalleh.

Those who wish to live a truly Christian life with full faith in God, need to constantly nurture and build up their knowledge of God.

Each person however has to respond in ways that are relevant and significant to their age, he said.

The topics presented by Martin Jalleh were the promises and prophecies of the Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testament, Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit, the Feast of Pentecost from the Jewish and Christian aspects and the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

He also encompassed the explanation of Pentecost — and how fire is used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit because it stands for God’s presence, glory and love.

Fire is also a symbol of God’s cleansing and purification for us, of transformation, of God’s wrath and judgment. It shows the moving and evangelizing power of God.

“We can also pray for a new Pentecost through the rosary. Pope Francis, has also spoken on the faith of Mary, Mother of Christ and Our Mother, the one who always brings us to Jesus. “We can imitate the spirituality of Mary,” he said.

Another interesting point was how to bring others to Christ: “We need to rediscover the value of prayer, and the Holy Spirit’s action in our lives, and to receive Him, before we can go out to others,” he said.

At the very first Pentecost, many were converted by the apostles with the descent of the Holy Spirit.

“The Holy Spirit comes to us to turn us to God. To receive the Holy Spirit, we must have a personal relationship with Jesus, ask forgiveness, and also co-operate with the working of the Spirit in the community.

“Can we now neglect our obligation to Christ’s call to go and make disciples of others? We have to go out to make Christ known, and not just ask others to come in,” he said.

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