The Dignity of Women

Sep 18, 2014

Most Rev John Wong, the Archbishop of Kota Kinabalu presented the second session, a continuation of The Dignity of Women. Being aware of one’s dignity will lead us to our vocation, to be in mission, participating in the Salvific Plan of God, whether as a mother or as a single person. God wants to restore us to His likeness. Hence, the invitation to participate in His mission.

Our initial step as ‘Women of God,’ is to be disciples of Christ; be with Him and learn from Him. Thereafter, be an apostle, to bear witness and be ready to be sent forth. However, we find it difficult to share and spread the Good News because we are not with him — at most times, with others.

Holding on and sustaining our dignity as Women of God, the prelate urged the participants to listen to the Word of God, accept it in totality and manifest it in our life like Mother Mary. Mary said ‘Yes’ but once, and that changed the world. We too have said ‘Yes’ many times but we often fall back to our old ways.

In conclusion, he advised the participants to let go of self and let God take care of the rest. Give away your material body (ie, wanting to do your own will) and build up your spiritual body by doing God’s will. Whether we are called to the vocation of motherhood or to remain single, we are to devote our energy for the Kingdom of God.

The prelate shared on the Qualities of a Missionary in the third session. It encompasses the following:

HUMILITY in obeying the Voice / Will of the Father.

JOY which derives from the Gospel. The Gospel constantly invites us to rejoice.

MERCY – We (the Church) must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcome, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel.

THE BEAUTY of Varied Faces. This beauty should / would attract people to God and not force.

FACE TO FACE Encounter. The Gospel tells us constantly to run the risk of a Face to Face encounter with others — with their physical presence, with their pain and their pleas and with their joy which infects us in our close and continuous interaction.

OPENNESS. The Church is called to be the house of the Father, with doors always open.

PERSON TO PERSON. Being a true disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love and mercy of Jesus to others. Be a witness and companion to others all the way.