Procrastinate At Your Peril

Father... please... hurry... come quickly... my mom/dad/whoever is in critical condition... doctors are saying she/he may not make it... she/he needs anointing... please help...

Such a scenario happens every once in a while and when asked when did the person begin having such a serious condition and/or is bedridden, or was warded in a hospital, the answer is sometimes: "Oh... about 2 weeks ago," or "warded last week," or "quite some time back."

Then when asked, "why did you not ask for the priest to come earlier, so that the person could have his/her confession heard, and then receive the sacrament of anointing and where possible, the Eucharist, some become emotional and blame the priest for being insensitive, or for not being caring or concerned. Some even think that the priest is to be called only when the last rites are to be performed, and calling the priest early would seem like taboo, or "pantang larang" (Malay word for "taboo"), or as if it were a death sentence for the person involved, or something undesirable unless absolutely necessary.

But the reality is this: when something important occurs, would one wait till the last minute then only do something about it? For example, if one has a toothache, one would not wait till the the pain becomes worse or even excruciating, then only go to see a dentist. Likewise, when one discovers that one has got a disease which has not yet reach a critical level, one would not hesitate to seek early treatment to improve one's chances of survival. When we have an exam coming up, we would not wait till the last minute to study and prepare for it. Also, when one discovers that one had left the fire on at the stove or the tap on at home, after coming out of the house and driven a short distance away, one would quickly drive back to the house to switch off the fire or the tap to prevent disaster from happening, or ending up with a hefty water bill.

If we can take precautions for such situations and many more, then surely we ought to take precautions and inform the priest early, so that the priest could provide the necessary pastoral care to the person while there is time and opportunity to do so. When we procrastinate and delay in seeking the priest, are we possibly jeopardising the person's spiritual well-being and putting the Lord to the test? Thus, let us not wait till the last minute, since by then, it may be too late.

Art Thou Rumour Mongering?

One day, I was on my way to the sacristy to vest for Mass. An old lady came running to me with a concerned look on her face. I was quite taken aback to see such an elderly lady running in this way, and I motioned her to slow down, lest she hurt herself or even trip and fall. She looked like she was in her late 70's and even then could sprint pretty fast.

The lady took a few deep breaths and said in an excited and exasperated tone: "Father aaa... I heard you are going to be transferred to another parish. Really ah?" I looked at the lady with amusement, saying: "Really? How come I didn't know about it?" The lady exclaimed with much consternation: "But I heard the news from so and so, and so and so heard from so and so, and so and so claims to have heard it from a reliable source. Is it true? Are you going away?" I responded: "Did so and so get the news from the Archbishop?" "I don't know wor..." came the reply. So I said: "Why not ask so and so to see me, and then we make a call to the Archbishop to verify. Want?" The lady, with an uncomfortable look on her face said, "Better not wor... afterwards he scold us for wasting his time. He so busy wan." I chuckled and said: "Next time, don't just believe everything you hear lah. If the news does not come from a reliable source, or through proper channels, with proper announcements made, don't just take other people's words for it." The lady looked sheepishly and said: “Ok lor." Then she went off her merry way.

While watching the lady scoot off, I prayed that she had learnt her lesson and not just believe everything she hears, and then start spreading such fake news or even lies. This incident reminded me of another incident where a parishioner called me on the handphone and his voice sounded quite distraught. I asked him what the matter was, and he exclaimed: "Oh dear! Oh dear! oh dear! I just got news that Fr. so and so has passed away." I smiled, and sighed, replying: "Don't worry... Fr. so and so is still very much alive. I am sitting next to his bed and he is still breathing and moving." The parishioner was stunned to hear such news, and he apologised quickly before terminating the call.

So what do these incidences tell us? It reminds us of the need to be vigilant and careful in discerning what we hear, and only share such news if it is proven beyond reasonable doubt that it is true. May we watch our tongue and check our facts and sources thoroughly, so that what we share is true, lest we get caught embarrassing ourselves unnecessarily.

A Complainer or a Contributor Art Thou?

I sometimes wonder whether some of us are complainers or contributors. It seems easy and convenient to complain and demand many things from the church, especially where one’s convenience or comfort is at stake, and some even seem to have a sense of entitlement to various services and assistance that the church, in their mind, is expected to offer. But how many of us are contributing a fair and just share for the growth and mission of the church?


For example, every once in a while, I hear of complains that the church toilet is dirty or some part is damaged, but how many are willing to help maintain proper cleanliness; or contribute to the cost of ensuring that the toilets are clean or even to the cost for repairs to be made? Some also complain that the weather is so hot, and that the church should be air-conditioned, but when such persons are asked whether they would be willing to contribute to the purchasing, maintenance, repairs and other expenses such as electricity for such air-conditioning to function reliably, such persons all of a sudden become mute or try to change the topic. Some even expect anything and everything concerning church to be free of charge, even though it is obvious that there are many kinds of expenses which need to be paid and money does not fall from the sky.

Also, I wonder whether there are some who are shirking in their duty and responsibility in offering a fair and just contribution for the upkeep of the parish. For example, supposing a parish has 10,000 parishioners, and supposing 5,000 are working adults (for the sake of simplification, students and those who are retired are not included, though if they are willing and able to help, then praise the Lord). Supposing each individual who is working contributes RM10 per month (not even a week, just a month, and what's more, what is RM10? For a person who has a salary of RM1,000, RM10 is only 1%. For those who happen to take home a much larger salary, RM10 is a mere pittance compared to what some seem to own, such as a fancy car, a big house, some luxurious club membership; branded clothes, bags and other accessories; holidays to exotic destinations; or even the latest and greatest gadget or gizmo). If everyone were to contribute a fair and just share, the parish ought to be having about RM50,000 (or more) a month in contributions for various parish expenses and mission efforts. But the reality is, how many of our parishes do get such contributions each month? Or have some persons become so used to conveniently offering pittance (some don’t even bother to contribute anything), instead of giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God?

So what does this tell us? Complaining is easy. People can demand the sky for their benefit, comfort and convenience. But how many are willing and generous in contributing fairly and justly for the good of all? Remember that money does not grow on trees, and just as funds are needed to support yourself and your loved ones, funds as also needed for various needs in a parish. Are you willing to be a generous and willing contributor, for the good of all?

Watch What Thou Sayest

We sometimes assume that certain folks do not understand what we say, especially when we use a foreign language in their presence. This sometimes happens when we are in the company of friends or acquaintances who belong to the same ethnic group as we do, and some of us find it easier or more comfortable conversing in the language of that ethnic group.  For example, few would expect an Englishman these days, who has been residing in London for most of his life, to be able to speak Bahasa Malaysia or the Malay language. But sometimes, what we assume may not necessarily be true, and we may end up embarrassed or red-faced.

One day, two students from Malaysia, studying at a University in London, were riding on a bus from their apartment some distance away from the university to a supermarket to purchase some supplies. When the bus arrived at a certain stop, an Englishman boarded the bus. The two Malaysians were seated near the centre of the bus, and as the Englishman walked past them to take a seat at the back of the bus, one student remarked to the other: “tengok itu babi lalu?” (Translated as “look at that pig passing by” and it was a derogatory statement towards the Englishman). The Englishman did not say anything as he walked past, took a seat near the back of the bus and sat down, and the bus moved on. Throughout the journey, the two students continued to make unbecoming comments towards people of other ethnic groups, especially those among their peers and even among their classmates. They even giggled at some of the comments uttered. Occasionally, they would glance at the other passengers in the bus to see if anyone could understand what they were saying. It is as if they got a thrill or kick out of saying such things, thinking that there would not be any responses or repercussions from others in the bus, since there seemed to be no one else in the bus that looked like they came from Malaysia or even Indonesia.

At a certain location, the Englishman got up and rang the bell, as he wanted to alight from the bus. To the utter shock, surprise and embarrassment of the two Malaysians, the Englishman said to them as he passed by: “tolong ke tepi, babi nak lalu” (Translated as "please move aside, the pig wants to go past). This is because the two Malaysians had partially blocked the centre aisle corridor of the bus with some of their bags and packages. Apparently, the Englishman had actually worked in Malaysia for several years and he had taken a keen interest in the Malay language, making effort to learn the language so that he could converse with the locals. Moreover, it seems that the Englishman was actually married to a Malaysian of Peranakan descent (Peranakans are persons of mixed heritage, especially of Chinese and Malay heritage), and his wife and he even taught their children to speak Malay at home, so that they could converse in Malay whenever they went back to Malaysia for a visit. Then the Englishman smirked and got off the bus, as the two Malaysians looked on in disbelief and exasperation.

What can we learn from this incident? Never assume that others do not understand what we say, especially when we use a foreign language in their presence. After all, it seems not only rude, and lacking manners, etiquette and decorum; we may find ourselves embarrassed and eating humble pie, when we discover that the person actually understood what we were saying. This is also the case in church, when we are in the presence of faithful from other ethnic groups, especially during certain activities or functions. May we be mindful and respectful of what we say in the presence of others and show good example to all.

Art Thou Reckless?

Nowadays, I see more and more people driving at high speeds, especially on the highway (North-South highway, LEKAS highway (some of the many highways in Malaysia), doesn't matter. You get Formula-1 wannabes). The speed limit is 90 Km/h or 110 Km/h, depending on which highway one is using, but these people seem to be going much faster than the speed limit. Sometimes, you get drivers who cut across from the left lane, right to the centre lane and to the right lane - almost in one motion, as if they are doing "sapu jalan tepi ke tepi" (driving the car as if sweeping the road sideways, in case you do not know the Malay language).

Why do people need to do such dangerous things on the road? Perhaps they are in a hurry; perhaps they want to show how canggih or sporty their vehicle is; perhaps they are suffering from acute diarrhoea and they need to get to the toilet quickly before they explode in their pants;  or perhaps some people have become more impatient, possibly due to the impact technology has on our lives and being quick, being fast seems a necessity.

When we are reckless on the road, accidents could happen. This picture I took while going to Jelebu to celebrate Mass at St. Augustine, a village church at Titi, is of a badly-damaged vehicle. This is a chilling example of what could happen.

Accidents could also happen to our souls, especially if we are reckless in the way we live. If we commit sins and refuse to be regular in our confession, then we could be reckless in our relationship with God. We do not know when we are going to "balik kampung" (depart from this world). Let us not wait until it is too late... Rather, let us strive to be closer to God and "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind. And love your neighbour as yourself."

Oops! A Boo Boo in What Was Said

One day after celebrating the morning Mass, a couple approached me and asked me to pray over them because it was their wedding anniversary. The wife requested me to pray especially for her because they were already married for 5 years, and despite many attempts, they had not been able to conceive. I prayed over them as requested, and wished them all the best.

Then one day, after about five months, I was invited to a party. I was having a chat with some people, when a woman approached me, with a noticeable bump in the "oven". The woman was the one I had prayed over, and she excitedly said to me: “Father, thank you so much. You know, because of you I am pregnant already!” Straight away, the people near me were shocked, some of their jaws even dropped, some with eyes bulging, there were even some gasps audible, when they heard such startling news. I looked at the woman in disbelief and bewilderment, and fortunately for me, the woman, horrified upon realising her carelessness in what she had just said, promptly and quickly explained to them that she and her husband had asked me to pray for them to have a child, and that they had successfully conceived. Upon hearing the woman's explanation, the people around laughed, some sighed in relief, and we continued enjoying the party and each others' company.

When you come to think about it. we sometimes get into misunderstanding and misconceptions, when we are not careful with words and deeds. Sometimes, our poor choice of words or unwise actions could even cause unnecessary problems for others, or even put them in a spot. May we watch what we say or do, since words once said, or actions once taken, may not be so easily retracted.

什么是圣人？

当我们还是学童时，所接触到的圣人故事，几乎都把圣人摆在一个超乎常人的层次。他们都有异常优良的品行，有的甚至从小就具备了。也有少数的大半辈子就如我们常人一般。然而，就在一个特殊的时刻（通常是很戏剧性的一个，牵涉到一个预像，甚至有可能是被天主摔下马），他们的品行就从此变得超好。

神迹的发生、英雄事迹和探险故事，不时都显得有趣，但有一点可以确定的是：圣人们都和我们常人不一样。

在第二次梵蒂冈大公会议后，强调了讲道必须以圣言为基础，通常占据一个中心点的圣人们退出了讲道活动。同时，减少了使用教会日历，使得一些天主教徒相信，圣人们都不再重要了。他们已不再是新式天主教教义的核心。

当然，圣人一直以来都是天主教教义的核心（对东正教而言也是如此）。要了解他们的地位，我们应看看他们是如何在教会里占有一席之地，而更加重要的是他们对于我们现今生活有何意义。


ALL BAPTIZED TO BE SAINTS 凡受洗的皆可成圣

凡加入基督徒团体的人，以及尝试活出耶稣生活、死亡及复活之成果的人，圣保禄皆称他们为圣。保禄写信给不同教会的“圣人们”，就是他所谓的任何受洗于耶稣的生活及死亡的人。在保禄的看法中，圣人就是那些被圣化的人。

保禄和其他早期的基督徒不断的写信、思考，及利用大部分的时间祈祷有关基督来临的意义，因为在当时他们全心期待耶稣将会很快地再次降临。

这就是为什么保禄宗徒选择了独身主义，同时也是为何他不鼓励奴隶寻求自由。为何要如此劳神呢？就在任何时刻，天主永恒的王国将在基督光荣来临时成立。如果世界将如此继续下去，为何要结婚生子呢？当奴隶及主人都将面对凯旋归来的基督，而祂将转化所有的关系成为充满爱和宇宙化的生活，为何还要在乎自己奴隶的身份呢？


MARTYRS 殉道圣人

早期的教会后来才开始明了基督的归来，并不会如他们所想的那样快就会发生。同期的罗马帝国视基督徒为社会安定的威胁。一些有关基督徒的传闻是真的：他们的确有说奴隶和主人是同等的，女人和小孩不是男人的附属品。而另一些传言却不是真的：基督徒被指责施行人类祭献、乱伦和食用人肉。

随着很多的基督徒被囚禁起来，不少正直的男人及女人因此殉道，自我觉悟的基督徒教会进入了新的阶段。那些有关耶稣的生活与勇气，以及对祂复活所带来的希望，同时启示了基督徒及非基督徒。虽然不足以说他们见证了这个信仰（但他们的确做到了）。他们显示了他们如耶稣一样，奉献一生于天主，甚至达到了那种可导致死亡的信赖程度。

每一位基督徒都立志要对自己的信仰衷心。他们的诚心都被考验，并且皆通过了。他们就是基督临在于团体的象征。

教会开始在圣道礼仪中追思那些殉道的弟兄姐妹。（这也是把圣人的名字归入弥撒规范里的习惯的开始。）

刚开始并没有正式的过程以册封圣人。当地的教会各自纪念他们的殉道圣人。过后在较大型的教会就会祭奠区域性的殉道者。渐渐地就形成了现今册封圣人的过程。


EXAMPLES OF WHOLE-HEARTEDNESS全心全意的典范

遭受迫害的时期结束后，基督化的教导就正式被接纳为一种宗教。

在那同时，越来越多的男男女女相信，要和主的全心相遇，不能在市区里找到，他们开始单独的或组成小组的去到沙漠，只为全身投入与祈祷。这就是修会的形成，而那原本只是平信徒的活动。（主教们看到修士们的全心投入，常常因此想要压迫他们更加活跃地服务教会。这使得当时领先的一位修会会长CASSIAN 写道：“修士该当避开主教和女人，因为两者都会导致他不得安宁。）

在沙漠中的修士们提供了教会另一种全心全意的模范：那就是弃绝此生的一切身外之物，尽其所能地全神贯注于天主的临在。

当这些在沙漠的神父和姆姆的生活与教导开始有了成果，他们也开始被看待成圣人。渐渐地也可看到，要全心奉献于主是可以有很多方式的。不论是平信徒、教士、男人、女人，结了婚或单身，贫穷或富有，都可以尝试。但要注意的是，这往往都会导致富人们把他们大部分的财物捐献出去。

在这些必须性的简化叙述之下，我们可以看到圣人的概念是如何在初期教会形成。从任何一位受洗者，到一个人的死亡，可以被证明他就如我们被要求的那样衷心，又或者是某人的一生可以展现出那种全心全意。

当教会开始接纳“挂名的基督徒”，也就是那些半衷心的人，而他们成为基督徒的原因都是模糊及复杂的，就成了需要指出那些人的基督性是真实和衷心的了。在这个过程中，可清楚地看出，不止有单一的方式可事奉天主。


THE ONLY REAL HUMAN 唯一真实的人类

ST ATHANASIUS 写道：“主降生成人，为使人可近似主”。这是一个触目惊心的说法。但就如圣保禄所说的那样，“我活着，却不是因为我，而是那活在我内的基督”。或如圣若望所说的，圣言使他的追随者“有力量成为天主的孩子”。或如耶稣，祈求祂和祂的跟随者可以和天父合一。

有时我们会受惑去思考有关藤与树枝的言论，这不过是一系列美好比喻中的其中之一。其实圣言和教会的传统是非常明确的。天主的生命提供了给我们，那原是无限的，却被我们的忘恩负义设限了。我们可自由地拒绝它，或半情愿地接受它。

厄则克尔先知讲述了天主圣承诺：“为消除你的铁石心肠，并给你一颗有血肉的心”。我们认为圣人都是不同凡响的人类，甚至超越凡人。但在厄则克尔先知的光照之下，我们可能会怀疑他们不是真的人类，而我们就有如胚胎一样，也不算是个完整的人类。我们是在一种半清醒的状态，并且冷漠无情，天主到底对我们人类有何打算呢？





THEY KEPT TRYING 他们不断地尝试

然而，我们感觉到有种隔阂：我们该如何成为那样子呢？之前我曾说过，圣人看起来都异常地好。我认为我们对圣人的印象都被美化了，起用意是为启发我们，而事实上这样的帮助不大。

它的帮助不大，举例来说，圣人从不感到内疚、羞耻或对自己的过错感到极度不安。

知道圣女小德兰有忧郁症的事实，是相当有帮助的。她时常认为她所相信的一切都是幻觉。圣人常被怀疑、忧郁、在祈祷中分心、愤怒和大动肝火等问题缠身。（有时甚至是对另一位圣人如此，如刁钻古怪的圣耶肋米，就称圣奥斯定为努米底亚蚂蚁）。

能使他们成圣的原因，不是因为他们一直有良好的行为，而是他们忠心地成为天主的仆人，是那种愿意把圣洗圣事看待得非常重要的态度。当他们感到自己不够忠心，并只有少数能时常感到自己的忠心时，他们就不断的努力，相信天主会补助他们的不足。


SAINTS AND SINNERS 圣人与罪人

圣人都曾犯罪。重要的是我们该知道这一点。当我们读到亚西西的方济各认为自己是个大罪人时，我们会认为那是个不切实际的谦逊。但方济各的确是忠于事实：和天主无限的慷慨仁慈相比，只会让我们显得冷酷及卑鄙。

这不是（如一些人所想的那样）因为我们为了金钱而出卖灵魂，那是因为天主的仁慈是那么的无限，如何事物与祂相比都会显得狭小，直到它能反映出主的荣耀。伯多禄对耶稣说：“主，我是个罪人，请远离我！”但他不是因为洞悉自己的罪而那样说，而是经历了主所展现的恩赐-当他的鱼获几乎把网给撑爆了。

当然，也有很多圣人并没有被册封。我们当中可能也认识一些。重点是别把圣人当成是不平凡的基督徒，而是认真看待基督教的基督徒。

我们全都被召叫成圣，我们全部都可以成圣。圣保禄所带来的讯息，运用在现在的人们身上，仍可算是事实：圣人就是那些被人圣化的人。我们通过祈祷和圣事，还有基督教的工程，就是接纳天主生命的恩赐，并用我们全部的生命来回应祂。


Communion of saints 诸圣相通功

最后一点:非天主教徒对于我们向圣人祈祷的事感到困扰。对他们来说，几乎就是崇拜偶像。我们不是该当直接向天主祈祷吗？这不就是把人类神化了、向他们祈祷吗？这可不是小小异议。

在这里可以提出几个观点。其中之一就是天主教徒没有义务向任何圣人祈求，当然我们该向天主祈祷。

当我们向圣人祈祷时，其实是在请求圣人向天主为我们代祷。这和我请求你为我代祷一样平常不过的事。这也是我们所谓的诸圣相通功。我们可以请求圣人代祷，就如我们可以请求大家互相代祷，因为我们相信他们还活着。

当被人询问为何可以轻易地讲述亚巴郎或其他长老时，耶稣回答说：“他不是死人的，而是活人的天主。”圣人是活的-他们就是活着的最终答案。


Canonization册封圣人

册封仪式是教会当局隆重的宣布，把一位已逝教友尊封为圣，并有节日、弥撒和职务来纪念。

在早期的教会，受欢迎的称誉，将决定谁可封为圣人。在第六世纪和第十世纪之间，因为圣人不断地增加和许多的不确定性，主教们开始插手和规定册封的程序。在973年就出现了第一个由教宗发出的正面证明册封的文件。

在现今的罗马天主教会，册封圣人是教宗的个自行动，必须经过复杂的调查过程。

对东正教而言，恭敬圣人是由自治教会的主教团所授权的。不过就算没有正式的授权，也是可以接受新的圣人。