Embracing the light of hope
This week marks the beginning of a series of significant events in both the liturgical calendar and the lives of many in Malaysia.
Jan 26, 2025

By Sandra Ann
This week marks the beginning of a series of significant events in both the liturgical calendar and the lives of many in Malaysia. Today, we celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God, with the theme I Hope In Your Word (Psalm 119:74). This is a reflection that invites us to renew our trust in God's Word as a source of guidance, strength, and hope. Especially in a world that often feels uncertain and fragmented, these words serve as a reminder to hold firm in our faith, finding stability in God’s promises (see Page 5).
Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Letter Aperuit Illis, emphasised the importance of the Word of God for all Catholics, encouraging us to not only read the Scriptures but to allow them to deeply transform our lives. The Sunday of the Word of God is an invitation for us to make God’s Word a living part of our daily journey. It is a call to see the Scriptures not merely as historical texts but as the eternal Word that speaks to us in the present moment.
In the coming days, our Chinese brothers and sisters will celebrate the Lunar New Year, a festival marked by family reunions, feasts, and prayers for health, prosperity, and peace. Beyond the cultural significance, the Lunar New Year is a reminder of the values of family, tradition, and unity that transcend individual communities and contribute to the broader fabric of Malaysian society.
In this season of celebration, we are reminded of the urgent need to strengthen the spirit of reconciliation and harmony in Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. Despite our differences, we all share common hopes for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of our families. The Lunar New Year is an opportunity to build bridges, foster mutual respect, and deepen our understanding of one another. It reminds us that unity is not just an ideal but a lived reality, one that requires our active participation in building a more inclusive and compassionate society.
This is especially pertinent in the context of the Jubilee of Hope, a season that calls us to embrace the hope that Christ offers, which is not a distant, abstract ideal but a tangible force that can heal divisions and inspire peace. It is a call to come together, to work for the common good, and to build relationships based on respect, understanding, and love. Hope, in this context, is a living, breathing reality that can be cultivated through our actions, words, and interactions.
As we transition into the following week, the Church will celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2, a moment when Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the Temple, fulfilling the Jewish law by offering Him to God. In the Scriptures, this event is a beautiful moment of recognition when Simeon and Anna, inspired by the Holy Spirit, see in the infant Jesus the fulfilment of God’s promises — the Light of the World. This feast highlights Christ’s divine nature, revealing that He is the light that guides humanity out of darkness.
The Presentation of the Lord is also the World Day for Consecrated Life, a day dedicated to celebrating those who have given their lives to God through religious vows. This day, established by St John Paul II, calls us to reflect on the importance of religious vocations — priests, brothers, and sisters who have chosen a life of service, prayer, and dedication. Their example challenges us to consider our own commitment to living out our faith with greater devotion and love. For us in Malaysia, these overlapping celebrations offer an opportunity to reflect on the various ways God is calling us to respond to His Word and His light. Whether through engaging with Scripture, celebrating the Lunar New Year, or recognising the commitment of those who have consecrated their lives to the Lord, we are reminded that our lives are meant to reflect God’s love and light to the world.
In a world that often seems divided and fragmented, the Church’s celebrations encourage us to bring Christ’s light into every aspect of our lives. We are called to be bearers of that light — in our homes, in our workplaces, and in our relationships. Whether through acts of charity, prayer, or service to others, we are invited to be reflections of God’s love.
Pope Francis often speaks of the Church as a “light to the nations”, a beacon of hope for the world.
As we observe these liturgical events, we are invited to make this light visible, especially in Malaysia, where the spirit of unity and mutual respect is essential for peace and social harmony. As we journey through this Jubilee of Hope, let us pray that, like Simeon and Anna, we too may recognise Christ in our lives, and that His light may guide us toward peace, unity, and love.
Let us pray for the continued faithfulness of those who have chosen the consecrated life. May their unwavering commitment inspire us all to live with greater devotion and trust in God’s promises. Let this season be one of spiritual renewal, a time to deepen our faith and trust in God’s Word. May it be a time of joyful celebration in the light of Christ, a light that can illuminate the path to peace, joy, and unity for all Malaysians. May we, as a nation, continue to live out the values of respect, love, and reconciliation that are so vital to the harmony and prosperity of our country.
Total Comments:0