Sacrificial love leads to transformation

Jul 18, 2019

By Bernard Anthony
“The kingdom of God becomes visible, real and near, if we witness such sacrifice motivated by love. The sacrificial love shown by Mother Teresa and Archbishop Oscar Romero are examples of that. God becomes real. God is love, nothing is more powerful than God.”

Fr Stanley Antoni said this on June 29 at the Church of St Paul the Apostle when celebrating the parish triduum feastday, that began on June 27.

Fr Stanley, who is the Rector of College General, Penang, said the early Christians, were transformed by acts of love, caring and praying for one another. Simple sacrifices motivated by love, can overcome evil.

“How do we respond when there is injustice? Do we scream or demand or wait for that person to come to their senses? Do we try to dialogue? We need deep prayer to transform everything.”

Touching on St Paul the Apostle, Fr Stanley said Paul, despite challenges at that time, died freely and loved Jesus so much. His death transformed many. “Do we forgive or seek vengeance? If we harbour hatred, we become hateful and vengeful.

“If we hate someone and see that person today, what happens? Are we trapped in the past? Forgive, because God forgives us and be free. St Paul is asking us to love deeply and love freely. Love can overcome hatred.

Mother Teresa and Bishop Romero motivated by love, transformed their lives, conquered sin by love and sacrifice. How we can transform? By simple acts of love. Let us make Jesus real by our little acts of sacrifices in life, like washing the dishes or clothes. When we make sacrifices, love grows. Fr Stanley then asked all present to pray for that grace.

The Mass on June 29 was presided over by Fr Stanley with parish administrator, Fr Clarence Devadass concelebrating.
“This is the first public procession in the 62 year-old history of the Church of St Paul the Apostle. We have never had a procession in town before,” said Fr Clarence. A statue of St Paul the Apostle on a decorated float was taken on procession, passing through several roads of this small town, as the rosary was prayed. It ended with the Prayer to St Paul and concluding Blessing.