Staff Recollection "Encountering the Risen Christ, Renewed for Service”

On 28 April 2026, staff from various departments under Rev. Fr. Dominic Santhiyagu gathered at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary for A Day of Recollection centred on the theme, “Encountering the Risen Christ: Renewed for Service.” The recollection, animated by Bro. Melwin Dawson, a seminarian, brought together staff from the host parish, St. Chastan and Imbert Church, St. Joachim Home for Priests, the Archive Office, and the First Instance Ecclesiastical Tribunal, Penang Diocese.

The day began with a simple yet profound reminder: those who serve in the Church are not merely employees or functionaries, but disciples called to encounter the Risen Lord. The recollection was framed as an invitation—not only to step away from daily routines, but to return, to encounter Christ anew, and to be renewed in mission.

Faith Begins at the Empty Tomb

In the first session, participants reflected on John 20:1–9, the account of the empty tomb. The Gospel reminds us that faith often begins not in certainty, but in mystery. Like the disciples who “saw and believed,” Church workers too are invited to trust even when understanding is incomplete. This reflection resonated deeply with the realities of ministry. There are moments when service becomes routine, when spiritual dryness sets in, and when one questions whether Christ is truly alive in one’s work. The empty tomb thus becomes a mirror: is our ministry animated by the living Christ, or have we fallen into mere habit and obligation?

Mercy in the Midst of Wounds

The second session turned to John 20:19–31, where the risen Jesus appears to the disciples in a locked room. Fear and uncertainty had confined them, yet Christ enters with the greeting, “Peace be with you,” and reveals His wounds.

These wounds, far from signs of defeat, are signs of love and mercy. The reflection invited participants to recognise their own wounds—whether personal struggles, disappointments, or burdens carried in ministry. Rather than hiding these wounds, staff were encouraged to bring them before Christ, allowing His presence to heal and transform them. Only a heart touched by mercy can become a channel of mercy to others.

Renewal on the Road to Emmaus

The third session focused on the journey to Emmaus. The two disciples, disheartened and walking away from Jerusalem, symbolise those moments when ministry loses its meaning and hope fades. Yet Christ walks with them, even in their discouragement.

It is in the breaking of the bread that their eyes are opened, and their hearts begin to burn once more. This powerful encounter highlights a central truth: renewal in ministry does not come from external motivation or efficiency, but from a personal encounter with Christ. When Jesus is recognised, discouragement gives way to renewed purpose.

Listening to the Voice of the Good Shepherd

The final session, inspired by Good Shepherd Sunday, emphasised the importance of listening. Authentic service flows from attentive discipleship. The question posed was both simple and challenging: Whose voice am I listening to?

In the midst of busy schedules and multiple responsibilities, it is easy to lose the habit of listening to Christ. Yet only by attuning ourselves to His voice can our service become life-giving rather than burdensome.

A Call to Authentic Witness

The recollection concluded by drawing together four key movements of the spiritual journey:

• The empty tomb – where faith begins

• The locked room – where mercy restores

• The road to Emmaus – where encounter renews

• The Good Shepherd – where service flows

The central message of the day was clear and compelling: the Church does not need more busy people; it needs people who have truly encountered the Risen Christ. From such an encounter flows authentic, joyful, and life-giving service. As participants returned to their respective ministries, they carried with them not just reflections, but a renewed call—to serve not out of obligation, but from a living relationship with Christ, who continues to walk with His people and breathe new life into their mission.

                                                                                             Written by: Ms. Jacinta Denis