Christians are called to preach the good news

Apr 06, 2015

By Bernard Anthony
“What is the meaning of today’s celebration for you? The Annunciation is when the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she is going to be the mother of God.”

Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow said this in his homily at the Annunciation Church on March 21 when he celebrated the parish feastday with Parish priest, Fr Andrew Kooi concelebrating.

“Do I rejoice like Pope Francis’ encyclical Joy of the Gospel? Do I rejoice when I hear the Good News that we have a Saviour born to lead us to heaven? Have you rejoiced or are you lukewarm, complacent in your faith?” the prelate asked.

Archbishop Leow reiterated that we have a responsibility as Christians, to announce and preach the Good News to others, especially to those who are still in darkness. “After 2,000 years, if people still have not heard the Good News, we only have ourselves to blame.”

“We can have many non-Christian friends, yet we never invite them to our Church or to RCIA or even ask them if they want to be a Catholic.

“We are the hands, the feet and the voice of Christ in the world today to spread the Good News to others. This is the command of Jesus and we must obey and go forth to be His light to others. It is Jesus that we must bring to them.” The prelate invited the faithful to receive the Eucharist and be strengthened. “As God gave us Christ, let us also bring Him to others.”

It was also coincidental that the new grotto of the Annunciation of the Lord, situated in the church grounds, was ready to be blessed by Archbishop Leow after Mass.

Fr Kooi said the statue of the Annunciation was imported from Jakarta. He thanked all those who had donated for the construction of the grotto and those involved in the feast day liturgy and preparation. He also expressed his gratitude to the many who came from far and near to celebrate the parish feast day. Dinner fellowship was held in the Church grounds.