Herald Malaysia
KENINGAU – More than 1,000 faithful gathered at Dataran Keuskupan Keningau for the Chrism Mass, a significant liturgical celebration marked by reflection, renewal, and a call to deeper faith.
The Mass brought together clergy and laity from across the diocese, including several priests from Indonesia currently serving in Keningau, who concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.
In his homily, Bishop Cornelius Piong invited the congregation to reflect on a profound question from the Gospel: why Judas Iscariot chose to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, and why he failed to remain faithful.
“Why did Judas sell Jesus for only 30 pieces of silver? Why was he not faithful?” he asked, urging the faithful to examine their own relationship with Christ.
Drawing from this reflection, the bishop outlined three essential principles to help ensure that the failure of Judas is not repeated in their own lives.
“First, if we desire to remain united with Jesus, we must come to know Him,” he said, emphasising that a genuine relationship with Christ begins with recognising Him not merely as a historical figure, but as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Saviour of the world.
“Second, we must love Him,” he continued, noting that love for Christ is nurtured through prayer, listening to the Word of God, celebrating the sacraments, and acts of charity — the foundations of a living and active faith.
“Third, when we truly know and love Him, we will naturally desire to serve Him,” he added, pointing out that service is the fruit of an authentic relationship with Christ.
Reflecting further on Judas, the prelate suggested that although he followed Jesus, he may not have truly understood who He was. “Judas followed Jesus, but perhaps he did not fully recognise Him as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Saviour,” he said.
He also noted that Judas may have been driven by personal agendas and worldly desires, viewing Jesus through a limited, self-interested lens. “Perhaps his desires and thoughts were too worldly, and he saw Jesus only from his own perspective,” the bishop said, warning that such a mindset can distort one’s faith.
He stressed that this serves as an important lesson for all Christians, especially those called to leadership in the Church. Knowing God, he said, is essential to sustaining a faithful vocation.
“As followers of Jesus — and even more so as priests or bishops — it is crucial that we truly know the Lord. If we do not come to Him, listen to His Word, and pray, what will move us to love Him? There will be nothing.”
He cautioned against the danger of following Jesus in name while failing to live according to His will, noting that such a disconnect leads to a superficial faith lacking depth and authenticity.
“Following Jesus without aligning ourselves with His will is not enough. Even when we are busy, we must make time to come to know the Lord.”
Encouraging the faithful to cultivate a personal relationship with Christ, he said this communion of love is the source of strength and fidelity in the Christian life.
“Only by taking time to know Him can we grow into a true communion of love with Him.”
After the homily, the priests renewed their priestly commitment. Addressing the priests from Indonesia, Bishop Cornelius said that although their bishop is far away, they remain united in prayer.
The liturgy continued with three seminarians bringing forward the Oil of Catechumens, the Sacred Chrism, and the Oil of the Sick to the altar.
The Chrism Mass, one of the most important celebrations in the Church’s liturgical calendar, served as a powerful reminder of the call to renewal. It brought the faithful together in a shared expression of faith, inviting them to deepen their commitment to Christ. – Herald Malaysia
