Philip Packium
SEGAMAT, Johor – Faith cannot remain confined to prayer or private devotion; it must find expression in justice, compassion, respect for human dignity and care for creation. This was the central message of a Catholic Social Teaching (CST) session held at the Church of St Philip on Sunday, Sep 6.
Twenty parishioners took part in the session led by facilitator Martin Jalleh, who guided them through the fundamental principles of CST and their relevance to everyday Christian living.
Martin explained that CST is not an abstract intellectual discourse, but a living body of teaching rooted in Gospel values. Developed and articulated through Scripture, papal encyclicals and other Church documents, it helps Catholics understand how faith should shape their response to the realities of the world.
At the heart of CST, he said, is respect for God’s creation and, above all, the inherent dignity of every human person. Its principles flow from the conviction that each person is created in the image and likeness of God and must therefore be treated with justice, compassion and respect.
Faith, then, is not merely about “me and my God”. It also concerns our relationship with our neighbour and our responsibility towards the whole of creation. Genuine spirituality cannot be separated from how we treat the poor and vulnerable, respond to injustice, protect human dignity and care for our common home.
Two Scripture passages captured this call clearly:
“Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8
“Whatever you did to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did to Me.” — Matthew 25:40
Martin explained in clear and accessible terms how Catholic faith embraces every dimension of life. CST does not allow love to remain merely in words or good intentions; when understood and lived, it translates faith into visible and concrete action.
Embracing its principles can help Catholics develop a mature and integrated spirituality — one that connects prayer with service, worship with justice, and love of God with love of neighbour.
Participants found the session both refreshing and challenging, discovering that CST is not simply a collection of lofty ideals but a practical guide to faithful Christian living.
Summing up the heart of CST, Martin invited participants to see the splendour and struggles of creation through the eyes of Christ, judge with the wisdom and compassion of the Holy Spirit, and act in harmony with God’s plan.
It is a simple process, but one that can transform faith from something merely professed into something courageously lived. – Herald Malaysia
