Herald Malaysia
PENANG, Nov 28 – On the second day of the Great Pilgrimage of Hope 2025, His Eminence Charles Maung Cardinal Bo, SDB, Archbishop of Yangon and former President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), delivered a stirring homily during Holy Mass, reflecting on Asia’s journey of faith and hope.
Cardinal Bo began by painting a vivid image of Asia as a “great mosaic, united in diversity.” He reminded the faithful that as people of Asia, we walk together, listening to one another. “The Asian Jesus is listening to Asia,” he said, “but often heard by very few.” Christianity, he noted, has left a profound influence across the continent. Saint Theresa, who “preached without preaching,” brought the passion of Christ to Asia, while education and welfare initiatives left a lasting impression of Jesus among the people.
“We are here to bear witness and proclaim that Christ may be known to more people,” Cardinal Bo urged. He invited the congregation to offer smiles to others, for “faith is a sweet message.” Echoing Pope Francis, he reminded that the joy of the Gospel must reflect in all of us. “Let the Good News start with a smile,” he said, adding that evangelisation begins as art flowing from the heart.
Drawing from Scripture, Cardinal Bo recalled the prophet Daniel, who never lost hope and saw vision in the midst of chaos. “Jesus comes to us in a gentle human and divine form,” he proclaimed. “We are gathered to see Jesus reaching us in Asia. In our synodal journey, we meet the Asian Jesus.”
He spoke of the challenges facing the continent, conflict, displacement, consumerism, and countless digital distractions, yet assured the faithful that the Son of Man continues to walk into our homes and hearts. “He whispers that the world will pass away, but His Word will never pass away.”
Cardinal Bo emphasised that Jesus’ love is a love that listens, heals, and remains when all else fails. “When our life is filled with love, then Jesus returns to us,” he said. He described Christ as present behind the tired mother, the migrant worker, and the young person absorbed in their phone. “He whispers: ‘I recognise this continent.’ But would we recognise Him, or are we too busy, too divided, and too afraid?”
His message, Cardinal Bo stressed, is strong in the midst of a diverse continent waiting for hope. “The Spirit invites us to listen to each other, even when sometimes the path is not clear.”
“I would like to share five points from the Gospel, to guide us in our synodal journey,” Cardinal Bo continued.
First, Listening: the first step is not listening with our ears but with our hearts. “Be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). Just like Daniel listened to God in the storm, in our parishes we need less noise and less silence of fear. Listen with our hearts. Imagine our meetings becoming shorter but more impactful.
Second, Leadership: service not status. The Son of Man’s kingdom is built on service. Real authority comes from humility. A true leader washes feet and does not point fingers. Leadership bends low to reach others who are in despair. The synodal journey is one of servant leadership.
Third, Diversity is a gift, not a threat. Asia is diverse in language, cuisine, and culture. Too often, classification of human beings becomes a scandal. Asia will be evangelised when we can shake off cultural barriers. The Church of Asia must be a bridge-builder, not asking who is right but what the Spirit says through each one of us. We must listen to others who come from different accents and backgrounds.
Fourth, Power: the poor are not forgotten. God chose the humble way for His Son to come into the world. We must reflect: where would Jesus live if He came back today? When we look at the slums, among the migrants, poor, and displaced, do we see Jesus? When the Church forgets the poor, it forgets Jesus. Let us remember to look at the barefoot, dusty feet, in whom Jesus is waiting for us.
Fifth, Youth: finding the Church alive and joyful. Like Daniel, Asian youth today are smart, creative, but also restless and searching. They want a Church that listens and not lectures, a Church that dances and praises. If the Church does not give them joy, they will seek it in the scrolling of social media. The Church must accept that the youth may not come to the Church, and the Church must go to the youth. We must open spaces where young people can dance, sing, and praise. We must walk with them as fellow pilgrims of hope, knowing that a Church that walks with the young never grows old.
“At the end, His dominion is everlasting and shall not pass away,” Cardinal Bo assured. “This is the roadmap of the synodal journey in Asia. All else will fade, smartphones and trends, but only the love of God remains.”
He reminded the faithful that in the synodal journey, Jesus comes in the smiles of a child, the service of a priest, the courage of a youth, and the presence of the laity.
“Our journey as one continent of faith calls us to be communities that listen before they speak, to embrace humble leadership, to celebrate diversity in Asia, to never forget the poor, and to ensure the young find the Church alive and joyful. Then Jesus will return to Asia. Our journey together as Asia is a journey in love, fellowship, and humility, for all humanity.” – Herald Malaysia
