Cet article vient partager le message de Monseigneur Julian Leow, archevêque de l’archidiocèse de Kuala pour cette entrée en temps de Carême. Voir ci-après la transposition écrite du discours.
“My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, ‘Salt of the Earth, Light of the World’ – this is our theme for the Lenten Campaign this year. We follow closely the call of Jesus to become “salt” that gives others a ‘taste’ of God’s love and mercy, and a “light” that gives hope and insight. Our “saltiness” and “brightness” must reach – first, to our families; secondly, to the community in which we belong to; and finally, to society at large. The theme for the Synod of 2023, is “Communion, Participation & Mission”, in-line with our Lenten campaign theme. Through our Communion as a people of one Faith, we experience the covenant that God offers us. Through the Synodal process, we participate by listening to each other and to the Holy Spirit; and then we go on Mission to become witnesses of God’s love, especially to the marginalised and the vulnerable.
My dear friends, the season of Lent is a time for conversion and renewal. Each week during this Lent, the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur will focus on an area of concern, with an accompanying activity and reflection.
During the first week of Lent, we are reminded that Lent is a time to reignite the Lost habits of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
During the second week, we focus on the elderly. In spite of being blessed with the wisdom of age, they are often the Last in society. Because of their age, they may be unable to participate actively in the parish. Therefore, we involve the elderly to reach out to other elderly and re-connect them back to the parish.
During week three, we focus on families. Every home is called to become a ‘domestic church’ in which family life is completely centred on the Lordship of Christ. However, many families these days are experiencing hardships and relationship issues. We must extend our support and care for families in need whoever they are so that they won’t feel alone in facing the challenges of family life.
During week four, we focus on Environmental Conversion. The environment is often the Least on our mind because we take it for granted. We assume that Mother Nature will always be in a pristine condition, but in reality, climate change has become a threat to everyone. In December, last year, we saw the devastating effects of climate change during the floods that ravaged many parts of Malaysia. This is a wake-up call for an environmental conversion. We all must play our part in caring for our common home.
During week five, we focus on Bonding, Community and Fraternity of the Youth. Young people are the Little ones who are often misunderstood and misjudged. But let us remember St Paul’s advice to Timothy: “No one should despise your young age, but be an example to all believers in the way you speak and behave, in your love, your faith and your purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12). I hope young people will build bonds with each other, and through their ideals and enthusiasm, be the catalyst for change!
During week six, we focus on the BECs. We can visit our neighbours in our BECs and listen to their stories and struggles. We may be able also to respond to their very needs.
My dear friends, may this season of Lent be a time of grace to deepen our prayer life, fast graciously and give generously to those in need. By keeping to these three pillars of Lent, we can truly become “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.” May we give flavour and illumine the lives of all we meet.
Pope Francis’s Lenten Message for us this year is “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all” (Gal 6:9-10)
MOST REV. JULIAN LEOW BENG KIM
Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur“