Obey God, bishop says

THE great obstacle in commitment to God and Christ is fear, says a Catholic Church bishop.
Alotau-Sideia Diocese Catholic Bishop Rolando Santos said Jesus was faithful to the Father and not afraid to lay down his life in obedience to His will.
“He carried his cross with courage and without hatred for his enemies,” he said.
“He forgave them on the cross when he asked the Lord to forgive them because they didn’t know what they were doing.
“Jesus is talking about courage and commitment in doing the Father’s will by doing what is right.”
Santos said the church in Papua New Guinea was observing the year of the laity, who were called to holiness.
“One of the more urgent signs of holiness in today’s world is effective love, solidarity and compassion for the poor and courage in pursuing justice and peace. We are not afraid to carry the cross of the Father and we do this humbly and faithfully.”
Santos said the cross symbolised faithfulness and commitment in doing the will of God and following Christ.
He said with the celebration of St Mary’s feast day on Sept 8, the Catholic faithful needed to learn and be inspired by her example.
“In her life we do not see her denouncing injustice, but she was there standing firm at the foot of the cross.
“An important sign of holiness today is standing at the side of the poor, of those who suffer and those who struggle for justice.”
The bishop encouraged Catholics to pray for Mary to intercede on their behalf for the grace of Jesus to stand with the poor and those victims of injustice, to be courageous and committed in carrying their crosses.