Greetings from Malaysia!
As followers of Christ, we have been commissioned by Jesus himself to:
‘Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you’ (Mat. 28: 19- 20 ).
By the virtue of our baptism, we’ve been incorporated into the family of God, sharing in the life of the Holy Trinity. This means we should share with others the fruit of Salvation that we have received through baptism.
It amazes me to know that I am part and parcel of this global family, united in the love of God as brothers and sisters. And the mission of Christ is not limited to a particular people in a particular place. This mission is rather meant for all God’s children, scattered throughout the world, united in mind and heart to love and to serve, thus making Jesus Christ known far and wide.
This is a great source of joy, courage and motivation to me. As a Mill Hill Missionary Priest, I feel so happy to be a part of a global family: to go to the ends of the earth to proclaim the Good News of Jesus.
Taking a step in faith
As a missionary you go to unknown countries, to unknown people and unknown Cultures. In the face of lots of challenges and trials and opposition, I am working to fulfil the words from Jesus’ Sermon in my priestly ministry. Whether it’s here in Sarawak travelling to longhouses in a longboat, or trekking to villages in Cameroon, we ‘make disciples of all nations’ by bringing the love of Christ. Sometimes that’s through proclaiming the Word of God and administering Holy Sacraments. But sometimes it can just be offering a listening ear to the people to share their joy and sorrows.
Reaching out
My understanding of “Mission” is to ‘go’ or ‘be sent’ or to ‘reach out’. Mission is to give the Good News of Christ to the people who are in greatest need. It’s reaching out to poor and needy people in our Society to share the merciful love of God. By so doing we can build the Kingdom of God here on earth where every individual human person should feel loved, cared for and dignified.
Merely by reaching out to the people in the longhouses, we can make them feel they are part of the Universal Church. The people very often say “Terimakasih Apai (which means ‘Thank You Father’) for visiting us and ministering to us though we are far from the main Church’. But it’s also important to learn people’s language and Culture. I am interested in them and feel one among them, which respects their dignity.
This is the Mission that Jesus entrusted to his disciples before he ascended into heaven. Every baptized Christian has a duty to reach out to others in their own ways. I feel blessed and privileged to participate.
God Bless,
Fr Michael
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