Brunei’s Most Famous Catholic

January 23, 2026 Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: 1 Samuel 24:3-21; Mark 3:13–19

Children of God: Brunei has only a very small Catholic population, one of the smallest in Southeast Asia, and Catholics live quietly within a predominantly Muslim society. Yet even with such a small community, Brunei’s history remembers and honors someone often referred to as its most famous Catholic. 

This reminds us that even the smallest faith communities carry stories that matter and witnesses worth remembering.

Credited as Brunei’s most popular Catholic is Cardinal Cornelius Sim, the first and only cardinal from Brunei. His grandparents were the first Catholics in their village. He first earned an engineering degree before discerning a priestly vocation. 

He shepherded a tiny flock with humility and patience, and his recognition by the universal Church did not come because of numbers or influence, but because of faithful service lived consistently over time. He became a Bishop in 2005 and frequently acted as the representative of the Christian community in Brunei during government engagements locally and abroad, including with foreign diplomatic missions, local ministries and the supreme court.

The gospel story of Jesus calling his disciples is very popular. Jesus appointed 12 whom he named apostles.  From this small group would come a mission that would reach the ends of the earth.

What, then, are our inspirations for today as we listen to this moment of calling and choosing?
First, calling begins with being with Jesus before doing anything for him.

Jesus calls those he wanted, and they come to him. The initiative belongs to Jesus, not to the disciples. Presence comes before mission. Relationship comes before responsibility.

This reminds us that Christian life is not measured by size, popularity, success, likes and even shares. What sustains faith is closeness to Christ.

Second, being chosen does not mean being perfect, but being trusted.

Jesus gives the twelve the authority to drive out demons. This authority is given to ordinary people with weaknesses and limitations. The list of names includes diverse personalities and even Judas Iscariot who would betray him (Mark 3:16–19).

Jesus does not wait for perfection before calling. He calls, then forms, then sends. 

This invites us to look differently at ourselves and others. God continues to build his mission through small communities, imperfect people, and quiet witnesses who say yes.

Children of God: Today we are reminded that God’s work often begins small but never insignificant.