Malacca Johore Diocese News Update #191

Sep 27, 2024

Greetings dear friends of MJD,
Eyes opening? Or eyes see no evil? Welfare homes of horror! It was reported that 402 children and teens at 20 welfare homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, masquerading as religious education centres, were allegedly being physically and sexually abused. A former minister asks: Why halal certificates, what about halal wealth acquisition or halal work culture? A leader claimed that the recent sinkhole incident on Jalan Masjid India was due to “divine retribution”. The Transport Minister shared that 63 qualified engineers left Malaysia Airlines Engineering Services for SIA this year. IPSOS stated that 71 per cent of Malaysian respondents agreed that under-14 children should be banned from using social media (Indonesia 79 per cent); the survey also found 51 per cent agreed to ban smartphones use by under- 14s. May we have eyes that see!

Moving Forward Times:

To the Youth of Indonesia, a minority amongst the majority Muslim nation, “I encourage you to sow seeds of love, confidently tread the path of dialogue, continue to show your goodness and kindness... and be builders of unity and peace.”

To the Youth of PNG: “Indifference — a fruit of hatred — is even uglier than hatred itself. You know that indifference is a very bad thing, because you leave others on the street, you are not interested in helping others. Indifference has the roots of selfishness. Take care of others and friendships amongst yourselves.”

To the Youth of Singapore: “A young person who doesn’t take risks is an old person. Be courageous, to take risks, make mistakes — they are acceptable. Realise the mistake — that you stepped forward, you did something, you did not fear. He reminded them not to become slaves of technology, and when engaging with others in diverse society to RESPECT.”

To the Youth of Timor Leste: “To combat the temptations of ideological colonisation and western anti-Christian influences, he warned: Be careful of the crocodiles who want to change your culture and your history. Don’t be deceived by the lure of comfort and life without commitment, nor by the appearance of happiness, in reality empty and illusory, that consumerism and materialism may promise. True freedom means choosing the good, not doing what you want. Respect and love it.”

A Thought For The Week: The Titanic
When the Titanic sank, it carried the millionaire, John Jacob Astor IV. The money in his bank account was enough to build 30 Titanics. However, faced with mortal danger, he gave up his spot in a lifeboat to save two frightened children.

Another millionaire, Isidore Strauss, co-owner of Macy’s, the largest American chain of department stores said; “I will never enter a lifeboat before other men”.

His wife, Ida Strauss, also refused to board the lifeboat, giving her spot to her new maid, Ellen Bird. She decided to spend her last moments with her husband.

Lessons from the Titanic: They did not flaunt their wealth nor position. They did not try to buy a passage in the lifeboats. They gave up their place for another. They did not compromise their moral values. We see the brilliance of human civilisation and human nature.

Announcements For The Week:

1. On October 6, at the Church of St Henry, Batu Pahat, a Mass will be celebrated to launch the diocese’s PROTEC 5 at 9.00am, with Fr Paul Wong and Fr Patrick Tyoh. After Mass, there will be an opening speech, distribution of PROTEC 5 posters for parishes followed by planting and blessing of trees; and a formation “Save the Trees - Every Bit Counts”, ending with lunch. All creation thank you for your commitment and action. All parish representatives and creation justice ministries, see you there!

QnQ? Q ask: Do we begin with religion, and then, slowly descend into spirituality?
We are taught first, then we catch on and finally, we have caught it. Very often, it is a journey from knowledge to perception, to comprehension, and eventually, to wisdom — seeing as God sees. Definitely they differ.



Religion Versus Spirituality

Religion: worships God
Spirituality: encourages oneness with God.

Religion: God is outside of you
Spirituality: God is within you.

Religion: separates people who have different beliefs
Spirituality: unites people regardless of their beliefs.

Religion: teaches people to be afraid of hell
Spirituality: teaches people to create heaven on earth.

Religion: based on fear and restriction
Spirituality: based on love and freedom.

Religion: feels like a single drop in the ocean
Spirituality: feels like being the entire ocean in a single drop.

Religion: based on the experience of others
Spirituality: based on your personal experience.

See the Holy Spirit @ Work: Coming together is a beginning; staying together is progress; and working together is success. — Henry Ford

Something To Tickle You: “If you can’t fly, then run, If you can’t run, then walk, If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” — Martin Luther King

Bishop Bernard Paul