Peace is the fundamental need of everyone

IPOH: Peace was the focus of prayers during New Year’s Eve Mass at St Michael’s Church. Despite the heavy rain before the Mass, many had turned up to usher in the New Year and to pray for peace in Malaysia, peace in the world and peace in their families.

This was also one of the intentions in the intercessory prayers, where the people also prayed for the country’s political leaders.

The need for peace was highlighted in the homily by Fr Robin Andrews, who celebrated Mass on New Year’s Eve. SMC parish priest Fr Anthony Liew concelebrated. Fr Robin, who is SMC’s priest in residence, said this prayer for peace coincided with the 52nd World Day of Peace, 2019.

It reminds us of the fundamental need of every human being – peace. The peace the people pray for is the peace of God given to man by Jesus at his birth. This is the same peace experienced first by the shepherds who came to worship Jesus at his birth. The peace of God cannot disappoint, and is meant for all peoples, not just those of goodwill.

Pope Francis said the world will not have peace without mutual trust of each other, and we pray that the world will have peace founded on justice, truth, freedom and love. The Church also prays for the protection of Mary, Mother of God who we honour on New Year’s Day.

“Mary was given the great honour of being the Mother of God. The person she conceived is the Son of God. “Her chief characteristic is her union with Jesus, and her deep faith kept her close to God. At the Annunciation, she accepted God’s will to be the mother of Jesus.

At the Visitation, she carried God within her to Elizabeth. She gave birth to Jesus, and at Cana, witnessed his first miracle. She was with him when he died on the cross. “At the beginning of this new year, let us ask her to help us face 2019 with courage. We thank God for giving us Mary who is our hope,” he said. Fr Robin then wished the people a Happy and Holy New Year, along with SMC parish priest, Fr Anthony Liew.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online