|
 one
of us truly works alone. Whether in ministry or in industry those who are
successful have had the supporting team or individuals to help shoulder
their responsibilities; trusted co-workers to advice on major decisions
and the personal wisdom to recognize that they haven't done the job alone
no matter how others may see it or how tempting it is to singly take the
credit.
Since first being assigned
to the seminary as a formator eighteen years ago and as the Rector for
the last three years, I have had the consistent source of support from
various people - Bishops, priests, religious and lay people. I am really
privileged to have these zealous, enthusiastic and encouraging people who
assist me and the staff to help the local church to form seminarians to
be pastors in Peninsular Malaysia. This reflects the aspiration of the
local church to be a participative church, various people are sharing their
talent and time to germinate the seed of vocation to the priesthood in
our seminarians.
While the universal church
is gearing its energy to celebrate Jubilee Year 2000, the Church in Peninsular
Malaysia seems to be hit by a "second-wind", a concerted effort is being
made to bring out the best in all of us - the followers of Christ. The
various levels of P.M.P.C. formation sessions and the "road show" might
not have stirred the hornets' nest but has definitely made us to question
our faith, our religiosity, our discipleship and more acutely to ponder
our role in the ever changing and evolving society we live in. The Malaysian
government is leading us towards a "Wawasan 2020". A bright future is being
promised through various development programmes. The Peninsular church
is heading in the same direction but with a focus on the life and mission
of Jesus Christ. He came so that we "may have life and have it to the full".
The beacon "towards...a new way of being church in Malaysia" has started
to urge us to look deep into ourselves. Who are we in relationship with
God and society? Are we basking with the gifts of God or are we going through
the pangs of sharing, loving, forgiving and recreating? The Beatitudes
in the gospels have given us a challenging way to make real the Kingdom
of God here on earth!
These continuous waves of
vision and development both material and spiritual in nature have indeed
"hit" the seminary. The focus for the year, "Walking with Jesus - experiencing
Jesus in the Word, Sacraments and Persons" reflects the conscientious effort
of all of us to play our role not just in the future but to begin the process
of true transformation here and now. Rooted in the Word, enriched by the
sacraments convinced in the goodness of humanity we are walking with Jesus
towards the horizon of His Kingdom. The various articles, snippets and
photographs in Sinaran '97 try to express in words and images the transformation
we are going through to be energized members in the local church which
is sincerely sparing no efforts to be more relevant and real to Jesus Christ
and his mission.
Congratulation to the editorial
team for venturing into the topics related to a participative church with
the underlying theme "Walking with Jesus". Just as every road has its "ups
and downs" for the traveler to encounter during the journey; likewise,
"Walking with Jesus" too has its glorious, joyful and sorrowful moments.
With Jesus Christ who is ever present, everything is made possible for
the disciples to
"Follow Him on the road". |
|
