By Fr Thomas M/SOCCOM BSL
LABUAN – On Feb 2, during the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Labuan parishioners experienced a moment of renewal and hope. This renewal was not just spiritual, but also a reflection of the ongoing physical renewal taking place in the parish: the resumed construction of the new church building.
The timing could not have been more fitting. Just a few days earlier, wonderful news was conveyed that the construction would recommence on Feb 3. JL Era Baru Sdn Bhd, the new contractor, had assured that the building would be completed within 40 weeks. The excitement and gratitude were beyond words. The long-awaited new church was finally taking shape.
February, as the month dedicated to the Holy Family, further underscored the significance of this moment. Reflecting on the life of the Holy Family – Jesus, Mary, and Joseph – it reminds the central role that families play within the life of the Church. The Holy Family, in their simplicity and holiness, serves as the model for every family, and it is within the family that the seeds of faith are sown and nurtured.
Labuan parish, like the Holy Family, stands strong because of the family units that make it up – those who come together, not only in times of joy but in times of struggle, building one another up and supporting the mission of the Church. The new church building would be more than just a structure; it would be a testament to the strength of these families, a place where they could gather, share in their faith, and grow in love.
This year is also a Jubilee Year of Hope, a time set apart for deep reflection and renewal. As pilgrims of hope, the journey forward, guided by the promise of God’s steadfast love. We are invited to consider what it means to live with hope – to trust in God’s providence even when the road ahead seems uncertain or difficult. The construction of the new church, a physical manifestation of the future we are building together, is a symbol of that hope.
As part of the reflections on this journey of faith and hope, inspiration in Rembrandt’s powerful painting ‘The Flight to Egypt’, which we reflected during our worship on Feb 2. The image of the Holy Family fleeing into the unknown, relying solely on their faith and trust in God, resonated deeply within. Their journey, filled with uncertainty and yet guided by divine protection, mirrors our own pilgrimage of hope.
As we embark on the path toward the completion of our new church, we too are called to move forward in faith, trusting that God will guide us through this process. Just as the Holy Family relied on God’s providence in the midst of their journey, we are invited to place our faith in Him, trusting that He will see the construction of our church to completion, and that this new home of worship will be a place of protection, strength, and grace for our community.
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, the recommencement of the church construction reminds us that God is always with us, leading us through each season of life, whether it be one of waiting or one of progress. As pilgrims of hope, we are invited to trust in God’s timing, knowing that His plans for us are always good. We hold on to the belief that, just like the Holy Family’s journey, our journey, though sometimes fraught with challenges, will ultimately lead to something greater.
With the month of February coming to its end, the parish will continue with its dedication to the Holy Family and its call to live as pilgrims of hope, reminding ourselves of the beauty of our own journey. United in faith, we will continue to walk together, seeking the Lord, and growing in His love, until the day our new home is complete. Just as God has guided the Holy Family, He will be guiding us.
