Todays first reading was of the pharoahs of Egypt enslaving the children of Israel, to oppress them in everyway, and to supress them incase the rise up against the egyptians. Further on in the Gospel acclaimation, we are reminded that the kingdom of heaven is promised to those who are prosecuted in the name of righteousness.
This recent saturday, 9th July 2011 was a historical date in Malaysia, whereby the people took to the streets never seen before, in a rally called Bersih 2.0. This rally essentially called for Electoral reforms in the Malaysian election process. Many Malaysians, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion took to the streets in downtown KL to stand for their rights for clean and fair elections.
The organizers insisted that it will be a peaceful rally. However the police and the government took a heavy handed approach in clamping down on the this said rally. Despite the Supreme Ruler allowing the blessings to be organized in a local stadium, the government refused the organizers the fundamental right to a peaceful gathering. Riot police were deployed throughout the city, and roads into the city center were closed.
During the rally, many protestors were arrested. People wearing yellow colored t-shirts were detained - as many as over 1500 were detained by the police. Riot police responded to the rally with tear gas and chemical water cannons despite no signs of provocation.
Worst still, the despicable act of tear gas was shot into a local hospital and water cannons aimed at people taking refuge within the hospital compound. Government politicians claimed these actions were necessary, and insisted that those attended taking part were limited to 5000 people. Organizers believe that at least 50,000 people were at the rally, based on pictorial evidence
Although we are no longer in the days of the Pharoahs of Egypt, but oppression continues to exist today, even in a country like Malaysia. the rally was an apolitical rally, proclaiming the basic rights of fair and transparent elections, so that our basic rights of voting is not tarnished.
As a catholic, i realize that it is my catholic duty, not only to stand up for my own right, but that of my fellow human beings to ensure that basic human rights are protected and exercised. Despite the potential repercussions of supporting such rallies, it is my duty to fight for the weak and oppressed.
Jesus himself warns that those who stand for righteousness will be prosecuted, and truly enough many of those attending the rally suffered at the heavy handedness of the government actions.
However i also realise that this not only exist in Malaysia, but in many countries around the world today. Pilgrims coming from africa, middle east, south america, and asia face differing sorts of prosecution in their own countries.
When we gather in Madrid, we thus stand united in Christ, hence we stand against such prosecution and oppression happening not only in our own countries but in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world. We will share a common promise to us, that the kingdom of heaven awaits us and we will be witness to this as we together form the Body of Christ.
Blessed Saviour
I pray in communion with my brothers and sisters around the world, especially those who face all sorts of prosecution for their ethnicity, religious belief. Those that face oppression and denial of their basic fundamental rights, those who stand in danger of their dignity as human beings.
Grant us the strength and will, to stand for our beliefs. Give us the courage to voice out agaisnt all forms of injustice, prosecution, and oppresion. Comfort those who suffer in silence, those who have been denied their rights to live as your beautiful creation.
Lord, bless our leaders today, despite their actions they have taken. Touch their hearts with your whispers of truth and mercy. Allow them to make a stand for justice and for your mercy. Destroy the barriers of fear, hatred and selfishness.
Blessed Comforting Mother,
Cuddle us like how you comforted your belived son in His time of fear and distress. Stand by us, like how you stood by Him at his crucifixion. May your loving presence prompt us to stand against the Pharoahs of today's world.
Amen
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