16-05-2025
Malacca Johore Diocese News Update #222
Implosion is expected within PKR; Petronas-Petros dispute continues; unhappy doctors march to Putrajaya, a DAP rep reminds a politician that the nation belongs to all, not just the Malays. May 16, 2025
Welcome dear friends.
Local takes: 'No man is an island. No man stands alone.' In a borderless and globalised world, can we remain untouched, untaught and unlearning? The US tariffs talks, if it fails, investors may divest and move elsewhere; supply chain disruptions, cost inflation and order cancellations occur; companies with investments here may relocate; Malaysia may become the dumping ground for cheap products. The US cited Malaysia's halal import restrictions and bumiputra equity requirements and others as trade barriers.
Other interesting ripples: Implosion is expected within PKR; Petronas-Petros dispute continues; unhappy doctors march to Putrajaya, a DAP rep reminds a politician that the nation belongs to all, not just the Malays. A MACC witness disappears on the way there. Plans to revive the direct train link from KL and Bangkok are underway, while Johor waits for Spore-JB RTS and the ETS from Gemas.
Conclave Times. There will be lobbying. Yet the Holy Spirit is at work too. Going right or going left, conservative or progressive, hierarchical or Synodal — we have yet to see. The prayers everywhere are for continuity and building upon the legacy of Pope Francis. Note the four absolute conditions highlighted by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, for the good and future of the Church — a good and charitable Church, doctrinally secure, governed according to the rule of law, and deeply united internally. The Cardinals had also reflected on the hermeneutic of continuity between the pontificates of St John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. There is a call on re-visiting the role of the Eucharist, the Church's evangelising mission, scandals, liturgy, and canon law. As you read this article, we may already have our new pope.
A Thought For The Week: ABQO. An employee, 'A', asked his manager for his task of the day. The manager asked him to cross a river. 'A' completed the task successfully and reported back. The manager said, 'Good job.' The next day, Employee 'B' received the same task. While crossing the river, 'B' noticed Employee 'C' struggling with the same task. He helped 'C' across and then reported back. The manager said, 'Very good job.' On the third day, Employee 'Q' received the same task but did some research beforehand. He consulted 'A', 'B', and 'C', documented the process, identified common mistakes, and created a guide for future reference. He then completed the task and presented the documentation to the manager, who said, 'Excellent job.' Finally, Employee 'O' was assigned the task. After reviewing 'Q's' guide, he realised the company was wasting resources on this repetitive task. Instead of crossing the river, he designed and implemented a bridge, eliminating the need for future crossings. The manager said, 'Outstanding job.'
Lesson from ABQO: A: Completed the task as expected. B: Completed the task and helped a colleague, demonstrating teamwork. Q: Created a knowledge base to improve efficiency, showing leadership and foresight. O: Innovated by solving the root problem, adding long-term value to the company. While doing what is expected brings satisfaction, going above and beyond — through helping others, creating resources, or solving underlying issues — leads to outstanding success. Initiative and out-of-the-box thinking are the keys to lasting impact.
Something's Happening Near You:
1. The diocese prepares for the Training of Trainers Programme on Synodality, the changes that are expected, the conversions needed, the spirituality required to sustain this new Pentecost. Ignorance is not bliss. 2. The PSO MJD will be conducting a Safeguarding of Minors Workshop on July 5 (9.00am - 1.00pm) at Majodi Centre for Tamil-speaking parents, youth leaders and catechists.
QnQ! Q asks? 'The voice that says 'You can't', where is it coming from?' 1. The voice that says 'You can't' isn't yours. it's your paradigm. (A paradigm is a group of habits and a habit is an idea that has been fixed in your unconscious mind through repetition.) 2. Your conscious mind has the power to reject ideas. But your subconscious mind doesn't — it accepts whatever you feed it over and over. That's why repetition is so powerful. Every time you impress a new belief or image on your subconscious mind, you're building a new paradigm. One that aligns with who you want to become. 3. But don't be surprised when the old paradigm resists. It'll whisper things like: 'Who do you think you are? You've never done that before. You don't have what it takes.' That's not your truth — that's your programming. 4. You can override it. You can rewire it. But it takes awareness, repetition, and belief. 5. Keep feeding your mind the truth about your potential — and you'll create the life you want.' - Bob Proctor. (Shift and repeat, that's the 'magic'.) The Holy Spirit @work: 'And He departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here.' St Augustine
Something To Tickle You: 'Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.' Michael Jordan
Bishop Bernard Paul
