In his message to the faithful, Msgr. William Goh speaks of "new life" in Christ, a "personal" encounter with the Risen Lord and the joy of proclamation. For the prelate prayer, deep meditation of the Word of God and the life of the community to are fundamental overcoming temptation. He exhorts the faithful to mission with "patience and love".

Singapore ( AsiaNews) - "In our celebration of Easter, we are reminded once again that through the Paschal mystery, His death and resurrection has given us a certain hope of new life. The reality of the Resurrection reminds us of God's supreme reign over creation. Despair is overcome by Easter hope; hatred is overcome by love; injustice by forgiveness and death by eternal life" This is the message that the Archbishop of Singapore, Msgr. William Goh Seng Chye, will deliver the faithful on Sunday, April 20, during the solemn celebration of the feast. Addressing his "brothers and sisters in Christ", the prelate recalled that "it is the death of our Lord Jesus that has redeemed us, given us eternal life and salvation".

Archbishop William Goh wants to focus on three specific elements of reflection:  new life in Christ; our  personal encounter with the risen Lord; going forth with the joy in the proclamation of the Gospel. With the resurrection of Jesus, the prelate warns, "we are given a new life in Christ through the Holy Spirit". The "triumph" of God on the Cross "erases sin and death once and for all". In addition, the feast becomes an opportunity for "personal encounter" with the Risen Lord and is an opportunity for discovery "the Father's love" for his children.

"The condition for seeing God - says the Archbishop of Singapore - is to observe the Father through Jesus." "I encourage every Catholic - he adds - I encourage every Catholic not to be contented with merely an intellectual grasp of the faith, but to seek a personal encounter with Christ through a deeper prayer life and meditation on the Word of God". Finally, he recalls how the Gospel is a message of "joy" and "passion". This is why you can not evangelize, if "you first have not been evangelized" or have kindled "the flame of love for the Lord and for the Truth revealed to us".

Archbishop Goh urges Catholics to become "missionaries" of the Good News "with joy, kindness, patience and love." He issues a final thought to the newly baptized so that their "yes to Jesus this Easter be indicative of the fact that God has touched their lives.  I welcome you into the family of God, with love and happiness". In order to live the faith fully, he concludes, it is important to join groups for prayer and mutual support because "left alone, your faith will not stand in times of temptation, trial and suffering".

In Singapore, the local Catholic community actually consists of more than 200 thousand Catholics, representing approximately 5 % of the population (Buddhism is the most popular with 43 ​​%, followed by Christianity with 18%, 15% Islam, Hinduism and Taoism 11:05 %). The local church is going through a phase of growth and dynamism that led to the recent opening of a theological seminary, termed a real "milestone" for the local community.

 

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