“All citizens should be mindful of the right and also the duty to use their vote freely to further the common good.” (Gaudium et spes – Church in the Modern World, n.75).
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We have witnessed an unprecedented political turmoil in our country for the past few years, with the will of the people expressed in the last general election being undermined by self-serving politicians jostling for power who had betrayed their own constituents and abused the mandate given to them. Many of us are still reeling from this shenanigan and have grown disillusioned over the democratic process.
But now that a new opportunity presents itself to us as a nation at the cross roads, an opportunity to right the wrongs and send a loud message to all politicians that they are answerable to the people who put them in positions of authority, it is incumbent on us to exercise not only our national duty but our Christian obligation to exercise our right to vote. Voting also expresses our love for our country and its people.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one's country.” (CCC 2240)
We must cast our vote through prayerful consideration and in accordance with our conscience formed by the Catholic faith. Let us also consider the following before making our decision:
1. Scrutinise the candidate and his or her party’s position on religious freedom and protecting the rights of minorities;
2. Ensure that they must be persons of integrity, free from corruption;
3. If the candidate is an incumbent, check his or her performance since the last general elections;
4. Is the candidate someone trustworthy and accountable to the electorate or has he switched political alliances for personal gain?
In preparation for this event, we the priests of Holy Family Kajang would like to call all parishioners to come together in prayer and to bring our concerns and discernment process before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Until GE 15 on 19th November, we will be having Holy Hour every consecutive Friday (11/11 and 18/11) at 8 pm. We do so trusting that our fate is in the hands of God. “If the Lord does not build a house in vain do its builders toil. If the Lord does not guard a city in vain does its guard keep watch.” (Psalm 127:1)
May the Holy Spirit, grant us the wisdom and fortitude we need in choosing those who will represent and lead us in our national and state governments. Therefore, we urge you, stand up, uphold the common good of our nation, choose wisely, and your vote will be a blessing for our nation.
God bless Malaysia!
Your loving shepherds,
Fr Michael Chua, Fr Philip Chua and Fr Bonaventure.
6th November 2022
Thirty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
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