God’s word should influence our lives

JOHOR BAHRU: “The Word of God sets us free from fear, hatred and division which freezes us to a life of sacrifice and fullness of joy, blessings and gratitude.” said Bishop Bernard at the concluding Eucharistic celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal on Sept 17.

He said, God’s Word should have an influence in our lives and in our deaths as we are called to let others encounter God in our good deeds.

Secondly, he said, having been forgiven much by God, we are called to spread God’s love and forgiveness by the practice of forgiving one another and reconciliation.

Finally, the Bishop said we are called to spread God’s Spirit of Unity. “We are called to wholeness within our self and the community and also with all of creation for the Spirit of God is the Spirit of Unity.”

Bishop Bernard raised three pertinent questions that challenged the participants of the two-day session to action and commitment:

The Lord is compassionate and loving, slow to anger and rich in mercy. Do you believe that the Merciful Father has forgiven you and freed you and is sending you to forgive and heal others?

Remember the last day in death and decay…the commandments and the covenant. Are you resolved to feed on the Word of God?

The word that sets you free.

In life and in death, each of us influences each other. Are you ready to be used by God to be His witnesses? Healers make a difference to the wounded around you.

Fr Christopher Lee, Ecclesiastical Advisor to the Diocesan Service team shared that they had only less than a month to plan the publicity, registration and the programme for this retreat.

He said, “There was an absolute trust in Divine Providence to bring in the people that the Lord has called to participate in the programme, and for finances.”

The team also worked hard, going to various parishes for registration. Within two weeks of publicity, over a thousand people had registered to attend the day and healing sessions at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, St Joseph, Plentong and Skudai Catholic Centre.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online