Day 2 ~ 8th Conference Catholic Women Of East Malaysia (26th August 2014)

BY BRENDA AND NORA

PHOTOS - HELEN JOHN

Morning Prayer

Sandakan : The 2nd day of the Conference, 26th August 2014 began with the first input session, titled “The Dignity of Women” facilitated by Rev. Fr. Rhobby Mojolou from the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu.  In his introductory, he engaged the participants to reflect on the 5 weaknesses and the 5 goodness practiced by each participant. He called on them to take pride in what they do and to always look at the positive instead of the negative side. 

He touched on the original solitude, the original unity and the original nakedness. Pride, the sin from which all others arise pushes us away from God. We all need to fall back to the Scriptures in moments of trials, tests and tribulations. God, through His words will direct us back to the right path.

He cited Genesis 3 : 16, To the woman he said, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." Participants were called to relate the verse to their dignity as Women of God.

Most Rev John Wong, the Archbishop of Kota Kinabalu presented the second session, a continuation of 'The Dignity of Women.' Being aware of one's dignity will lead us to our vocation, to be in mission, participating in the Salvific Plan of God, either as mother or remaining single. After the fall, God wants to restore us to His likeness. Hence, the invitation to participate in His mission.

Our initial step as 'Women of God,' is to be disciples of Christ; be with Him and learn from Him. Thereafter, be an apostle, to bear witness and ready to be send forth. However, we find it difficult to share and spread the Good News because we are not with him, at most times with others.

Holding on and sustaining our dignity as Women of God, the prelate urged the participants to listen to the Word of God, accept it in totality and manifest it in our life like Mother Mary. Mary said 'Yes' but once and that changes the world. We too have said 'Yes' many times but we often fall back to our old selves. 

In  conclusion, he advised the participants to let go of oneself and let God take care of the rest. Give away your material body (by doing your own will) and build up your spiritual body by doing God's will. Whether we are called to the vocation of motherhood or womanhood, we are to devote our energy for the Kingdom of God. 

The prelate, shared on the 'Qualities of a Missionary' in the third session. It encompasses the following;
HUMILITY in obeying the Voice / Will of the Father.

JOY which derives from the Gospel. The Gospel constantly invites us to rejoice. 

MERCY – We (the Church) must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel.

THE BEAUTY of Varied Faces. This beauty should / would attract people to God and not by force.

FACE TO FACE Encounter. Gospel tells us constantly to run the risk of a Face to Face encounter with others. With their physical presence with others, with their pain and their pleas and with their joy which infects us in our close and continuous interaction.

OPENNESS. The Church is called to be the house of the Father, with doors always open. 

PERSON TO PERSON. Being a true disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love and mercy of Jesus to others. Be a witness and companion to others all the way.

Archbishop John Wong presided over the Eucharistic celebration with Bishop Julius, Bishop Cornelius, Fr Rhobby, Fr Rudolf and Fr Claudius as co celebrants. In his homily, the prelate touched on  how the scribes and the Pharisees observed the law of Moses faithfully, adding on with their own interpretations. In Matthew 5 : 17, 'Jesus said that he has come not to abolish the law but to perfect it.'

The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice, mercy, faith and love. Indeed, this is the greatest commandment handed to us. We too try to keep the law but oftentimes, according to our own interpretations just like the scribes and the Pharisees.

Because of his falling in love with humanity, he gave us his law of love that governs all other laws. He is eager to pour out His love to all who come to Him.

He urged all participants to reciprocate the love of God by falling in love with Him. By that, our thoughts, our acts and speeches will be all for Him. We will be able to sacrifice and do everything for Him.