Be leaders with the heart of Christ

Fifty young people from the parishes of South Johore participated physically in the Eucharistic Celebration to conclude the Malacca Johore Diocese Young People Day (MJDYPD) November 21 at Majodi Centre.

Dec 17, 2021

Communion during Mass in Majodi Centre


By Francisco Overee
Fifty young people from the parishes of South Johore participated physically in the Eucharistic Celebration to conclude the Malacca Johore Diocese Young People Day (MJDYPD) November 21 at Majodi Centre.

During his homily, Bishop Bernard Paul focused on the kingship that Jesus exercised and how it is different from the rulers and leaders of this world. Leaders with the mentality of God view their authority as God-given and become servants. They do not control or lord it over people. “Look at the kings, the prophets and leaders sent by God to Israel, they were willing to die for their people.

“We must choose and evaluate ourselves in terms of leadership; what are the characteristics in me as a leader? Am I chosen by men or sent by God? Do I have the heart of God?” The Kingship of Jesus is shared with his people, he chooses a selfgiving leadership style, he gives his life for his people, washes them in his blood and stands for truth and the love of God. He makes his people a nation of priests, prophets, and kings. Bishop Bernard summarised his homily by asking “Who is the king of my life? Which kingdom is reigning in my life? What is reigning within will affect our actions on the outside. If the Kingdom of God is reigning within, then our actions will flow and conform to the actions of the Kingdom.”

Three things can happen when we reflect on this. First, if the kingdom within is not of God and relies on the world, then it is easy to sway from fashion to fashion, fad to fad and influencer to influencer. “We become chess pieces and others control us.” The second option is when the kingdom comes from our own selves; “We become control freaks, we want to overpower others and become the king ourselves. Power crazy.” The third possibility is when God anoints and calls us to be kings, “We become like David, like Jesus. They were leaders who loved and cared for Israel, for their community. They weren’t tyrannical, they were leaders, servant leaders. Their mission was clear – to bring about salvation, to serve and to share.”

If leaders are sent and anointed by God, there will be three signs that follow. First, they will not be afraid of the government of the day, rather they will fear the Lord. Second, they will stand unwavering for the truth. Third, they will not be swayed by public opinion or the opinions of “the strong men of the day.” They will follow what God says instead. “Leaders who are guided by God are daring! The world is looking for leaders like Jesus and David. Young people, don’t wait for tomorrow, start now. Follow the Law of love, don’t be afraid of man-made rules, skin colour or religious background. Look at whether they follow the Law of love, leading without fear or favour. Be leaders for all, wherever you are, leaders with the heart of Christ.”

The Eucharistic Celebration concluded the MJDYPD but the call of the Church to stand up and be a witness of what has been seen does not stop at MJDYPD! Christ continues to call all young people to share in His mission to stand for truth and work for the salvation of all people. MJDYPN is focused on bringing the yearly celebration of Christ the King and MJDYPD in conjunction with the World Youth Day as a time and space for encounter, enlightenment, empowerment and evangelisation and this annual event will strengthen the network of young people in this diocese as we look forward to the Malacca Johore Diocese 50th Year Jubilee Celebration in 2023!

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