This was an interesting blog entry that I came across in the aftermath of the church arson and related matters which happened several months back... Perhaps if Malaysians want to know how to live in harmony, it's best the look at how innocent kids treat each other without the prejudice imbued in them by corrupted adult minds...
I recalled the day after the attacks, a bunch of youngsters of different backgrounds, race and I assume, religion came together and gathered at Bukit Bintang's traffic light giving flowers to passers by... I wrote a blog entry on that as well which I will copy into this blog after this posting.
Why do I mention this incident? We can try to forget it as a crazy moment in the history of our nation and just dismiss it or we can accept that it is a festering problem that can only get worst... I still believe that we have to reach out and turn the other cheek, even if it hurts... As Mother Theresa said once, " You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God, it was never between you and them anyway..."
Let There Be Peace ....
Jan 12, 2010 05:40 AM
I may be crucified or excommunicated by this, but what the heck. I believe that this may be a solution for everyone. It's never a shame to concede for others. Merely living what the Lord wants us to.
Every year on January 1st, Catholics around the world would gather in cathedrals, churches and chapels to pray for peace. The prayers are offered not only for themselves but for all others, inclusive so to speak. I attended one such service this year where everyone fervently offered prayers for the church, the congregation, their neighbors, the country and generally for humanity.
How quickly things can change in this age. There seems to be a general feeling of hostility and mistrust between religions which if left unchecked would lead to the detriment of the nation. The arson attacks on several churches has shattered the long held belief that one of the safest place for Christians worldwide would be in a church.
We may choose to ignore it but the reality is the nation currently having a nightmare that threatens to become a reality. It would take just that one small spark to set off a powder keg of chaos. And unless we close ranks and unite, a tragedy could be just around the corner.
In these troubled times, a moment of reflection and a cool head is a necessity for each and every one of us. Do our words, deeds and actions contribute to the solution or are we fanning the flames further? Or are we content to just sit back and watch events unfold believing that it is the responsibility of others to solve this malaise we are in?
Lest we forget that Malaysia is our country, our nation to be proud of and to defend when in peril. It belongs to you as much as it belongs to me. Would we stand by the sidelines and watch our property be destroyed by others or would we take action to protect it?
We are in a crisis. A crisis of trust and acceptance or rather, lack of it. A crisis which can bring the edifice of this great nation to tumble down in ruins. A crisis that is like a hemorrhage that if not stemmed would bring our proud nation down to its’ knees.
We are brought up in a society that demands something for everything. I was told by an acquaintance as recently as last year that an acceptable solution and usually the only solution has to be a win-win situation. We are taught to ensure that whatever we have to offer is offered something to our benefit in return. But perhaps this time someone would have to concede defeat in order to allow the festering wounds to heal.
Our youth had made a stand by telling the nation that “Everything’s gonna be alright.” I was one of those who were lucky enough to have received a stalk of flower from our very own flower activists reminiscent of their popular predecessors who opposed the Vietnam war decades back. What struck me was attitude in which they went about saying reassuring everyone with a smile to go along with it.
Echoing their thoughts was the banner which they carried around. Obviously prepared in haste, it was colorful and striking. Many would even say that it was badly written but then that would be missing the point. For me, the banner was one of faith, hope and belief. That is what matters. People of different race, religious beliefs, backgrounds and whatever standard the society judges on came together to make their stand clear and their voices heard.
Every religion promotes peace, understanding as well as respect. It is unfortunate that among us, they are opportunists with hidden agendas who may play master puppeteer for their own interest. Islam is not anti Christianity and neither is Christianity anti Islam. But as the saying goes, it takes but one rotten apple to spoil the whole basket.
Let us all regardless of faith offer up prayers asking for calm heads in the swirling storm that is massing ahead. Also that the leaders of the nation as well as the religious leaders be given wisdom, discernment as well as an open heart to work hand in hand to solve this matter that will not cause further a further crack in the already fragile state the nation is in. Let us not allow these cracks to widen to an unbridgeable chasm before we decide to take action.
I am not a religious man by any lengths. I cannot speak on behalf of the Muslims in the country. Neither am I qualified to speak for my brethrens who share my faith. But I do have a plea to my sisters and brothers in the Catholic faith. In the interest of peace as well as the country we call home, perhaps it is time to take the first step towards reconciliation and healing. Please consider dropping our claims for the right to use the word “Allah” in our publications, printed materials and worship.
If there is one thing I am sure of about the God I have faith in is that whatsoever name we refer Him as, it would be meaningless if our hearts are filled with all kind of putrid hatred, hostility or anger. Would winning the ‘right’ to use the word “Allah” ensure that our prayers would reach the Lord in heaven? Would it be too much for us all to sacrifice for the greater good and more importantly for peace? Is there no sense of forgiveness in our heart that we are so hell-bent to take the fight to the distance over the word.
When I woke up on this day, the furthest thing in my mind was to write this plea to my fellow Catholics. But having attended the evening service today in church left me feeling somewhat melancholic. As I regularly attend this particular service, the church would normally be packed to the brim every weekend. However, today the church was half full. Is paranoia over safety keeping the absentees away?
Are we only going to act when services are called off due to threats or lack of a congregation? Would it be satisfying then to have fought for our rights to the word “Allah”? All it takes is for a few irresponsible persons to start a wave of attack which strikes fear into every Catholic. And when the provocateur gets to the nerves of their target, who’s to say what will or will not happen? Let us be mindful that in order to bring change to the world, we have to take the first step ourselves.
Many Catholics may be familiar with this song which is commonly sung on January 1st every year. Perhaps, we should reflect on the words rather than making rash decisions which we may live to regret.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brothers
In perfect harmony
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me…
God bless Malaysia and Malaysians…
Note: It warmed my heart to see that CHOICE KL took the non confrontational stance when the Coordinator, Mr Lincoln Lee sending out an email asking the Choicees to pray for everyone involved in the incidets. If memory serves me right, the intention was offered during Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang earlier this year...
I recalled the day after the attacks, a bunch of youngsters of different backgrounds, race and I assume, religion came together and gathered at Bukit Bintang's traffic light giving flowers to passers by... I wrote a blog entry on that as well which I will copy into this blog after this posting.
Why do I mention this incident? We can try to forget it as a crazy moment in the history of our nation and just dismiss it or we can accept that it is a festering problem that can only get worst... I still believe that we have to reach out and turn the other cheek, even if it hurts... As Mother Theresa said once, " You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God, it was never between you and them anyway..."
Let There Be Peace ....
Jan 12, 2010 05:40 AM
I may be crucified or excommunicated by this, but what the heck. I believe that this may be a solution for everyone. It's never a shame to concede for others. Merely living what the Lord wants us to.
Every year on January 1st, Catholics around the world would gather in cathedrals, churches and chapels to pray for peace. The prayers are offered not only for themselves but for all others, inclusive so to speak. I attended one such service this year where everyone fervently offered prayers for the church, the congregation, their neighbors, the country and generally for humanity.
How quickly things can change in this age. There seems to be a general feeling of hostility and mistrust between religions which if left unchecked would lead to the detriment of the nation. The arson attacks on several churches has shattered the long held belief that one of the safest place for Christians worldwide would be in a church.
We may choose to ignore it but the reality is the nation currently having a nightmare that threatens to become a reality. It would take just that one small spark to set off a powder keg of chaos. And unless we close ranks and unite, a tragedy could be just around the corner.
In these troubled times, a moment of reflection and a cool head is a necessity for each and every one of us. Do our words, deeds and actions contribute to the solution or are we fanning the flames further? Or are we content to just sit back and watch events unfold believing that it is the responsibility of others to solve this malaise we are in?
Lest we forget that Malaysia is our country, our nation to be proud of and to defend when in peril. It belongs to you as much as it belongs to me. Would we stand by the sidelines and watch our property be destroyed by others or would we take action to protect it?
We are in a crisis. A crisis of trust and acceptance or rather, lack of it. A crisis which can bring the edifice of this great nation to tumble down in ruins. A crisis that is like a hemorrhage that if not stemmed would bring our proud nation down to its’ knees.
We are brought up in a society that demands something for everything. I was told by an acquaintance as recently as last year that an acceptable solution and usually the only solution has to be a win-win situation. We are taught to ensure that whatever we have to offer is offered something to our benefit in return. But perhaps this time someone would have to concede defeat in order to allow the festering wounds to heal.
Our youth had made a stand by telling the nation that “Everything’s gonna be alright.” I was one of those who were lucky enough to have received a stalk of flower from our very own flower activists reminiscent of their popular predecessors who opposed the Vietnam war decades back. What struck me was attitude in which they went about saying reassuring everyone with a smile to go along with it.
Echoing their thoughts was the banner which they carried around. Obviously prepared in haste, it was colorful and striking. Many would even say that it was badly written but then that would be missing the point. For me, the banner was one of faith, hope and belief. That is what matters. People of different race, religious beliefs, backgrounds and whatever standard the society judges on came together to make their stand clear and their voices heard.
Every religion promotes peace, understanding as well as respect. It is unfortunate that among us, they are opportunists with hidden agendas who may play master puppeteer for their own interest. Islam is not anti Christianity and neither is Christianity anti Islam. But as the saying goes, it takes but one rotten apple to spoil the whole basket.
Let us all regardless of faith offer up prayers asking for calm heads in the swirling storm that is massing ahead. Also that the leaders of the nation as well as the religious leaders be given wisdom, discernment as well as an open heart to work hand in hand to solve this matter that will not cause further a further crack in the already fragile state the nation is in. Let us not allow these cracks to widen to an unbridgeable chasm before we decide to take action.
I am not a religious man by any lengths. I cannot speak on behalf of the Muslims in the country. Neither am I qualified to speak for my brethrens who share my faith. But I do have a plea to my sisters and brothers in the Catholic faith. In the interest of peace as well as the country we call home, perhaps it is time to take the first step towards reconciliation and healing. Please consider dropping our claims for the right to use the word “Allah” in our publications, printed materials and worship.
If there is one thing I am sure of about the God I have faith in is that whatsoever name we refer Him as, it would be meaningless if our hearts are filled with all kind of putrid hatred, hostility or anger. Would winning the ‘right’ to use the word “Allah” ensure that our prayers would reach the Lord in heaven? Would it be too much for us all to sacrifice for the greater good and more importantly for peace? Is there no sense of forgiveness in our heart that we are so hell-bent to take the fight to the distance over the word.
When I woke up on this day, the furthest thing in my mind was to write this plea to my fellow Catholics. But having attended the evening service today in church left me feeling somewhat melancholic. As I regularly attend this particular service, the church would normally be packed to the brim every weekend. However, today the church was half full. Is paranoia over safety keeping the absentees away?
Are we only going to act when services are called off due to threats or lack of a congregation? Would it be satisfying then to have fought for our rights to the word “Allah”? All it takes is for a few irresponsible persons to start a wave of attack which strikes fear into every Catholic. And when the provocateur gets to the nerves of their target, who’s to say what will or will not happen? Let us be mindful that in order to bring change to the world, we have to take the first step ourselves.
Many Catholics may be familiar with this song which is commonly sung on January 1st every year. Perhaps, we should reflect on the words rather than making rash decisions which we may live to regret.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brothers
In perfect harmony
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me…
God bless Malaysia and Malaysians…
Note: It warmed my heart to see that CHOICE KL took the non confrontational stance when the Coordinator, Mr Lincoln Lee sending out an email asking the Choicees to pray for everyone involved in the incidets. If memory serves me right, the intention was offered during Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang earlier this year...
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