CHRIST IS THE SHEPHERD, THE KING OF OUR LIVES

BY JULITA, 
PHOTOS BY JEROME, JOHN AND JULITA, SOCCOM TAWAU

Tawau : More than a thousand parishioners attended the Eucharistic celebration of the last Sunday of the Year, "Jesus Christ, Universal King" at Holy Trinity Church Tawau on Sunday, 23 November 2014. 

 

The solemn celebration was presided over by His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Julius Dusin Gitom, the Bishop of the Diocese of Sandakan, con celebrated by Fr. Johnny Raju at the 9.00 am Bahasa Nakaysia Mass.

At the same time 170 confirmands received their confirmation, 81 from the main parish and 89  from out-stations namely St. Thomas Bombalai and St. Stephen Tass.

Bishop Julius greeted the congregation by proclaiming that Christ is truly the King in everyone lives.  His Lordship, in his homily clearly explained that Christ is not only the  King of the universe but also a shepherd that has brought us to the father's home through the water of baptism, to the table of the Eucharist and receiving the eternal food,who healed and wrapped our wound for He cares and loves his flock. Christ  wants each one of us to be His children for He has chosen us . With this privilege, it must be understood that God wants us to participate in His eternal kingdom and acknowledge Him as our king in our personnel life, family and community.

Addressing the confirmands, the prelate said, "it is indeed a great and wonderful grace for you to receive yet another gift of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, that you may recognize him, live in him and acknowledge him as your King."

In conclusion, the prelate shared that unless Christ is in our heart, we may not be able to share with others what we do not have. The Holy Spirit will be our guide in life. We must struggle to place Him in our heart and be receptive to his love. 

He called on everyone to build a relationship with God every moment of our life through prayers as an individual, as a family or as one community. Prayer is a sign of faith and hope and that it is through this intimate relationship that we may know him and his kingship. Action is always more effective than words. Do what you say and live out your words that you are followers of Christ, faithful servants who know what the Father wants. 

After mass, all confirmands, godparents and family members adjourned to the Parish Hall for lunch with the Bishop.