The seed of love transcends and makes a difference in us

Oct 12, 2019

By Sheila Rose
The Feast of Sts Chastan and Imbert was celebrated with a triduum. Priests from the Redemptorist Order: Fr Paul Kee from Ipoh and Fr Robin Lomangkok from Singapore, took turns to preside over the celebration.

On the theme, Martyrs as seed of mission, Fr Kee explained that saints are those who let God’s light shine through. He said that Sts Chastan and Imbert shone God’s light by touching the hearts of the people through their missionary work and upholding their conviction in their faith. “How do we let God’s light shine through us?” He explained that it is through our care, kindness, compassion and our gentleness that others encounter the light of Christ.

The next day, Fr Robin highlighted that the martyrs were open to God’s call to allow the seed of vocation to grow in them. Faith in God is the seed that bears meaning in our lives because faith touches our deepest desire of wanting to belong and be loved. The martyrs endured persecution because of their faith. We too are called — even though our primary vocation may differ (priesthood, marriage or consecrated life), but our universal vocation is to love God and our secondary vocation is to use our gifts in the service of God and to bear our cross patiently.

On the third day, Fr Kee urged the people to speak the language of peace. When our hearts are focused on God, we surpass any divide — racial or religious and unite in the voice of peace.

On the feastday of the martyrs, Fr Robin preached on the seed of love that transcends and makes a difference in the lives of others. He said that humility is the essence of love and it is rooted deep within us. He cited Russian philosopher, Fyodor Dostoyevsky that ‘love is hard work and long apprenticeship,” and Isaac the Syrian, that true love is based on humility that exudes the scent of paradise.

At the end of the celebration, parish priest Fr Dominic Santhiyagu thanked both Frs Kee and Robin for their vibrant homilies and jokes. Fr Dom also reminded the congregation of the 85th Anniversary of NBVM and the Silver Jubilee of SCIC next year. He urged the parishioners to come forward to participate in the events and offer their talents in the service of God and community. He hoped that the lives of the martyrs would remind the parishioners of their mission anchored in Acts 2:42 – being steadfast to the apostles’ teaching, partaking in fellowship, centred on Christ and being vigilant in prayer.