Thankful for this year, looking forward to 2023

Dec 24, 2022

Merry Christmas! It is ‘merry’ because we have a God who continues to remind us that He is with us, even in our darkest moments: “The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen” (Matthew 4:16).

With the new hopes and resolutions that Christmas brings, we walk into the final week of the year 2022. Yes, the year brought with it many ups and downs but, putting aside the downs, it was a year which also brought us joy, newness and extraordinary blessings. The fact that we are still alive and can look back and see with gratitude all the varied experiences that the year had brought us qualifies it as a good year. It deserves to be celebrated with expressions of gratitude for God’s providence, and affection towards one another.

As we end the year 2022, let us look to 2023 with renewed lenses — hope, compassion and love for one another.
Wishing all of you God’s abundant blessings at Christmas and in the New Year! — Patricia Pereira

The only constant in life is change. But sometimes, the adage the more things change, the more they remain the same (Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, 1849) is true too.

January 2022 signified a change in the KL Archdiocese with clergy transfers. There were some who were excited, hoping for a breath of fresh air to revive their parishes. Many put the responsibility of their parish in the hands of the parish priest and, to a certain extent, the lay leaders.

We need to understand that we are all part of the Church; we are all responsible for the growth of the community.

That is what Pope Francis has been striving to do with the Synod. He is trying to get everyone to be part of this journey as Church. Sometimes, it is very easy to accuse others (priests, leaders) of not doing more. But, we need to ask ourselves, could we have said or done something?

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us remember the joy that the angels and shepherds expressed and be the Light to others. — Sandra Ann Inbaraj

Long ago, I stopped making New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I started selecting a single word to strive for or grow towards understanding.

For 2022, my word was ‘joy’. It was a feeling of exuberance that I felt after the pandemic. The focus on joy this one year has helped me understand that each day is an opportunity to find and treasure the blessings around me.
I admit there are times when I waiver in holding onto joy but it has helped me out of many frustrating moments, stressful moments and also in times of doubt.

I am also reminded that sometimes I need to slow down, pause to understand what is most important and shift my thoughts to the all-powerful God who shows us His mercy and grace.

I pray that I can take what I have learnt this year and apply it to the coming year and to always remember that my joy comes in knowing that God has a plan for me. My job is simply to trust and follow Him. — Amanda Mah
All Glory be to Jesus for the year that is and that which is to come.

Malaysia recently crossed the 1,000-day mark since the first MCO was issued. Besides the encumbrance of still donning face masks, the days of lock-downs and simpler lives are a distant memory.

As the world blossoms again, let us be thankful for the outburst of activities – jobs, social interactions, and new governments, at home and abroad.

The Church, with the the Synodal process, is also in uncharted territory — the invitation for her flock to participate and be in communion with its mission is a new starting point for discussions and theologising.
May we draw strength from God’s promise in Philippians 4:19, that He will supply all our needs ...... and look forward to a Jesus-filled 2023.

Wishing you and yours a Blessed Christmas and a healthy, joyful and prosperous New Year. — Gwen Manickam