Searching For God

Beautiful Creation of God...

2011-03-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

A beautiful sight of God's creation - Rainbow

Fukushima and miracle of the five loaves and two fish.

2011-03-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

Image via WikipediaOver the week-end, attended the Novena at St Francis Xavier and heard an interesting sharing.

The brother who preach the homily interestingly linked the recent Japan tragedy with the miracle of the five loaves and two fish. In that story, Jesus's disciples suggested sending the people away (because they do not have enough to feed the thousands) while Jesus told them to feed them themselves. With five loaves and two fishes, Jesus fed the everybody with baskets of balance.

So how does miracle of the five loaves and two fish and the Japan tragedy relates to us? As a child of God, living our lives with love is a must. We cannot turn a blind eye to others who are in need of our help. The Japanese are now in need of our help, friendship and act of love.

Though we are all facing our own challenges and limited resources, but whatever we have, we should contribute and play our part. So, it is up to us now to put forth our "five loaves and two fish" and together, we can create a miracle and help the affected Japanese pull through this dark hour.

Japan Gambatte !

A sad story of a "murder" done unknowingly

2011-03-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

Image via WikipediaI read with great sadness of a murder committed unknowingly by a mother.

A mother by the name of Wendy Tan has written to the Straits Time Forum to lament "Why working mum stopped at two, not 4". You can read the whole story here.

While Wendy is complaining on how tough life is for her and her husband to juggling career and family, she reveal a disturbing fact. That she "made a very hard decision to terminate the pregnancy" when she was third time pregnant. The reason : "We just did not have the energy to cope with a third because the first two had taken up all the energy we had."

While I can understand and appreciate her difficulties and struggle (which most of us faces today anyway), I can hardly understand the reason to terminate the pregnancy.

Perhaps, Wendy and her husband do not share the same value as me and many others who have commented. No matter how I try to see it, it is still murder.

It was an extreme cruel case of parents killig the unborn babies out of financial considerations. Is life (2 lives at that) really that worthless? Can we kill our unborn child without remorse due to financial considerations?

May God bless the unfortunate twins.

SGCatholics - Free Iphone apps

2011-03-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

Image via WikipediaIf you are looking for information on local Mass times and nearby churches on the go, there is a Iphone apps that will do just that.

SGCatholics is the product of vizTree who saw a need for a “simple and useful app for Catholics living or visiting Singapore”.   With SGCatholics, users would be able to see the churches nearest to them. They can then select the churches to view the Mass times. These would reflect the latest information on the archdiocese’s website.   The app also provides directions to the selected church through the use of Google Maps, which comes installed on the iPhone.

Mr Jeremiah Ng of VizTree says that SGCatholics is a way to thank God for the knowledge He had bestowed on the vizTree team as well as for the projects the company has received.   And as a service to the community, the developers are keeping SGCatholics, now available on iTunes, free.  

The developers say they welcome feedback on how to improve the app’s features and functions. 

No more excuses for missing Mass again.

Benedict XVI's book on Jesus of Nazareth

2011-03-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

VATICAN CITY, 10 MAR 2011 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office this afternoon, the presentation will take place of the second volume of Benedict XVI's book on Jesus of Nazareth: "From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection". The press conference will be presented by Cardinal Marc Ouellet P.S.S. prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, and Claudio Magris, a writer and German scholar.

The book has been published in seven languages - German, Italian, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Polish - and has nine chapters and an epilogue. The chapter headings and subheadings were published in the VIS bulletin of 2 March.

In an interview published by the "Osservatore Romano" Fr. Giuseppe Costa, director of the Vatican Publishing House which holds the copyright on the Pope's works, explains that there will initially be seven editions of the book with a print run of 1,200,000 copies, and that contracts have been signed with twenty-two publishing houses throughout the world. The work is also available in an e-book edition.

Fr. Costa dwells briefly on the history of the publication, recalling how nearly a year and a half ago Msgr. Georg Gaenswein, private secretary to Benedict XVI, consigned him the text, the last part of which was written in pencil "in the Pope's unmistakeable tiny handwriting".

On the subject of the translations, Fr. Costa explains how "the Italian, in particular, was not easy, because over the decades Joseph Ratzinger's books have been translated by various individuals and the challenge was to achieve a certain homogeneity of language. Furthermore, it was important to avoid the risk of the translations in the various languages failing to conserve, or even betraying, the author's ideas".

"Not all the publishing houses of the first volume have also printed the second", Fr. Costa notes. "The choice was made on the basis of various criteria including editorial and organisational structure, but also reliability. We chose publishers capable of promoting not just the book but also its contents".

In his preface the Pope announces a third book, which he intends to dedicate to the Gospel accounts of Jesus' infancy. This could not enter directly into the current volume, says Fr. Costa, which focuses on the figure of Jesus, His words and His actions. But, as the Pope writes in his preface, "I wish to remain faithful to my promise and present a small work on this subject, if I am granted the strength to do so".

As reported in The Catholic News (http://www.catholicnews.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5744:publication-of-second-volume-of-popes-book-on-jesus&catid=196:vis-vatican-information-service&Itemid=127)

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Suspected church burglar caught

2010-12-28T01:40:00.000-08:00

Police have arrested a 25-year-old man who is believed to have broken into the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd along Victoria Street, last week.

Read the full story HERE.

Merry Christmas and this is what Christmas is about....

2010-12-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

Image via WikipediaIt is heart warming to read this on the morning of Christmas Day.

The headline : More volunteers helping out in charities this year

More Singapreans are coming forward to give their time to help others. Charities across the island are seeing more volunteers helping to organise Christmas celebrations........

........Daryl Kang, team leader, said: "I find this event kind of meaningful. We actually help out needy families from Sunlove homes, and also we believe that the people who (let us) wash their cars ... are happy.".....

Read the entire report HERE.

Let's hope that the true spirit and message of Christmas is communicated to the young. I.E. the message of Peace, Hope and Love. Not shopping and partying.....

Just like Christ came to save and serve the needy and marginalised, may we also learn to serve those who are in need among us.

Merry Christmas!

Why a atheist is defending the Catholic Church?

2010-10-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

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As reported in the latest issue of Catholic News Vol 60, Bernard-Henri Levy has come to the defence of the Catholic Church and the Pope.

Levy said in an interview with ABC: "The Pope's voice is extremely important, and we are very unjust to this Pope. I am not Catholic, but I think there is prejudice and especially major anti-clericalism that is taking on enormous proportions in Europe."

Further, he also said that : "We have the right to criticise religions" but he said that he scale of the criticism was "out of proportion".

Read more aboyt the work of Bernard-Henri Levy at www.bernard-henri-levy.com

"Does God exist?"

2010-10-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

"Does God exist?" -- Social campaign on education

Below is one of the latest comment about the above video:
Even though Einstein was a man of Science he didn't express that Science is the way to thing's existence, he even express that Science has still limited knowledge.
So those of you, who don't believe in the existence of God, never claim that Science is the way, because in reality we still have much to learn.

New Creation pastor says sorry for controversial sermon

2010-06-16T01:22:00.000-07:00

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First it was Rony Tan of Lighthouse Evangelism and now according to Yahoo News:

"New Creation Church pastor Mark Ng, 48, has personally apologised for a controversial sermon he gave in 2008.

Ng is currently being investigated by the Internal Security Department (ISD) for giving the sermon in which he mocked Taoist beliefs. In a 10-minute audio clip posted on YouTube, Ng is heard joking with the congregation about Chinese rituals and in one instance, compared praying to Taoist deities to “seeking protection from secret society gangsters”."

Lighthouse Evangelism, New Creation and City Harvest (if you have not heard about their problems...where have you been?) are all so called "Mega Churches" and they all put the Christian faith in a bad light.

Forget about their "Prosperity Gospel" preaching which is rubbish in my opinion, their "interest in building mega business" using church funds, they all have people including pastors (senior ones for that) that have behaviour which is shocking to me...

They contribute to non-Christians who think that Christianity is about telling others that their beliefs is flawed but also making fun and jokes of other faith.

They actions has thus far been giving the wrong impression and hope that the authority will do something to these "mad" pastors (senior ones) to preserve our religious harmony and also protect other Christians (of non-mega ones) who formed the majority of the Christian community.

Let's hope that these crazy pastors think before they open their mouth as they are supposed to preach the Word Of God and not tell jokes and entertain. If laughter and applause is what they are looking for, they should become a stand up comic instead.

Read the whole story of "New Creation pastor says sorry for controversial sermon" Here.

If Little things annoy you...

2010-06-16T00:39:00.000-07:00

Following is an email that I received recently...

The L I T T L E Things -- Author Unknown

As you might know, the head of a major company survived the tragedy of "9/11" in New York because his son had just started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One went back to answer the telephone.

One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.

One couldn't get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot.

He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.

Now when I am stuck in traffic... miss an elevator... turn back to answer a ringing telephone... all the little things that annoy me... I think to myself...

this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment..

The next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light... don't get mad or frustrated; God is at work watching over you.

May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose.

Pass this on to someone else, if you'd like.

There is NO LUCK attached.

If you don't send this to someone, it's okay... God's Love Is Not Dependent On E-Mail.

Have a blessed day!

How Old is your Church?

2010-06-15T01:56:00.000-07:00

Image by drivebybiscuits1 via Flickr

HOW OLD IS YOUR CHURCH?

THIS IS A MOST INTERESTING QUESTION!!!
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WILL ASTOUND MANY OF YOU!

If you are a LUTHERAN, your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex-monk of the Catholic Church, IN THE YEAR 1517.

If you belong to the CHURCH OF ENGLAND, your religion was founded by King Henry VIII IN THE YEAR 1534, because the Pope would not grant him a divorce with the right to re-marry.

If you are a PRESBYTERIAN, your religion was founded by John Knox in Scotland IN THE YEAR 1560.

If you are a member of the CONGREGATIONALIST, your religion was originated by Robert Brown in Holland IN THE YEAR 1582.

If you are a BAPTIST, you owe the tenets of your religion to your founder, John Smyth, who launched this denomination in the city of Amsterdam IN THE YEAR 1605.

If you are of the DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH, you recognize Michaelis Jones as your founder, because he originated your religion in New York IN THE YEAR 1628.

If you are a PROTESTANT EPISCOPALIAN, your religion was an offshoot of the Church Of England, and your offshoot was founded by Samuel Seabury in the American Colonies in the 17th Century.

If you are a METHODIST, your religion was launched by John and Charles Wesley in England IN THE YEAR 1744.

If you are a UNITARIAN, then Theophilus Lindley is the founder of your church, in London IN THE YEAR 1774.

If you are a MORMON (LATTER DAY SAINTS) your modern religion was started by Joseph Smith in Palmyra, New York,IN THE YEAR 1829.

If you worship with THE SALVATION ARMY, your sect began with Willian Booth in the city of London IN THE YEAR 1865.

If you are a CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST, you recognize that your religion was begun by Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy IN THE YEAR 1879.

If you belong to one of the religious organizations known as
"CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE",
or "PENTECOSTAL GOSPEL",
Or "HOLINESS CHURCH",
or "PILGRIM HOLINESS CHURCH",
or "JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES",
Or any of the MULTIPLE THOUSANDS OF STOREFRONT CHURCHES, then your religion is one of the thousands of new sects founded by men WITHIN THE PAST 150 YEARS!

If you are a ROMAN CATHOLIC, Then you know that your Church was founded IN THE YEAR 33
BY JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD,AND IT IS STILL THE SAME CHURCH!!!

Sharing in the Abundance

2010-06-10T03:34:00.000-07:00

Image by Transguyjay via Flickr

Each of the readings this weekend reminds us of an important aspect of our Eucharistic Celebration. While all the accounts identify the meal as integral to the event, the reading from Genesis speaks of the priestly offering of bread and wine as Melchizedek professes his faith in the prayer of blessing.

In the Second Reading from Corinthians, we reflect on the words of the institution of the Eucharist: “this is my body,,...this cup is the new covenant in my blood.” They point to the sacrificial element in a Celebration that anticipates the second coming of Christ.

In Luke’s account of the feeding of the five thousand on the Mount, the generosity of the Lord extends to the physical and spiritual needs of people who eat of the loaves and the fish. In our case the Lord feeds and sustains us with the bread of life and wine when we partake of the Eucharist.

The Eucharistic celebration is truly a sacrificial meal in which the body of Christ is broken for us. It is also a celebration of the intimate union of all believers with the Lord and with one another as the body of Christ as Church because we share in the one bread and drink of the one cup. Likewise, it is an action we continue together as a community of believers, remembering the Lord and strengthening our resolve to live as his disciples.

We only comprehend in faith our integral and intimate union with Christ and with one another as his body. We are urged to reflect on our faith in the Lord in the Eucharist. However this faith extends itself to the whole community’s understanding and appreciation of itself as the body of Christ, its willingness to share in the sacrifice of Christ, and its response to the gift of the Lord.

The imagery in the readings also stimulates reflection: bread, wine, meat, feeding Body and Blood. These images are part of our daily lives. Likewise, they are personal, dynamic and essential to our very existence. The images while representing biblical tradition, reside within the experience of every family and community.

The celebration of the Body of Christ occurs not only in the Eucharist, but we also celebrate our union with the Lord in the ordinary circumstances of our lives. Furthermore, a connection exists between our appreciation of the Eucharist and our appreciation of the Church as a community.

Finally, the readings urge us to consider our responsibility of feeding others as did the apostles and the other disciples. The Lord uses his followers and the Church to witness his presence in our world. As a community, we can do for others what people cannot do for themselves.

We can provide for the physical and spiritual needs of others, nourishing them with his word. Just as the readings suggest the continued abundance of the Lord, we might explore and put into practice ways of sharing in the abundance we may have with others. It may be time spent with the aged, the sick and the lonely. It may financial or material resources to feed the hungry and the destitute. It may be prayers said with and for them. There are many varied and creative ways of reaching out to others.

We want to do this because we share in the intimacy with Christ in the Eucharist because we are the Church, his Body.

Taken from the bulletin of St Francis Xavier Serangoon

St Joseph Cathedral Shanghai

2010-06-10T03:23:00.000-07:00

Only managed to take a picture from outside this church...pity.

St Francis Xavier Shanghai

2010-06-10T03:19:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful church in Shanghai...

How Great Thou Art

2010-05-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

Amazing singer singing an amazing song....Can't wait to hear her singing for the Pope.

Call to unity

2010-05-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

If we look at the brokenness, strife, division and disunity that are prevalent in many societies and nations in our world today, we will understand and appreciate the relevance and urgency of the call to unity and the necessity to communicate this unity to families, communities and countries. This sense of urgency resonates in the readings of this weekend. We may see and experience the breakdown in communication in the home, the jealousy, competitiveness and prejudice in the work place and even in our faith community and the civil war raging in Thailand and many countries in Africa that ravages and destroys many people in the world.

In the First Reading, we feel the urgency of St. Stephen’s speech as he describes the infidelity of Israel to God. At the end of his speech, his opponents, unable to control their fury, rushed at Stephen, dragged him outside the city and stoned him to death. After asking Jesus to receive his spirit, Stephen asked for forgiveness for his executioners. Implicitly, Stephen’s prayer attempts to overcome the disunity between himself and his persecutors. Forgiveness is therefore essential in restoring relationship and fostering unity in the family and the community. And it is done by communicating it in our disposition and efforts to bring reconciliation and peace to others.

Then the reading from Revelation takes up another dimension of unity. Here the accent is on the second coming of Christ and your longing for its happening. What this suggests is that the final event in the experience of the Christian is the enjoyment of the presence of the Lord. At the same time, this yearning for complete unity and intimacy with God urges us to work at unity and communicate it in action to others since it is the basis of our experiencing union with Christ.

The Gospel reading then urges us to transmit Jesus’ call to unity to others. In order to communicate this message authoritatively and credibly, we must live this unity among ourselves in the family and the community. This unity must reflect the love and unity that is in the Holy Trinity. It is characterized by an unconditional and unrestrained giving of self to others for it is this free and trusting giving that breaks down all bias, prejudice and suspicion that threaten to separate and isolate us. As ordinary people without expertise in the use of print media or electronic media to communicate this message, we can be just as effective as the printed word or picture by being the message of peace and unity ourselves to others. There is truth and power in the words of a song in My Fair Lady which cries out, “Don’t talk of love. Show me!”

We are a Eucharistic people because we share the one cup and the bread of Christ that binds us together. It is the sacrament and the instrument of the unity of God and his relationship with us. When we partake of the Eucharist, we are pledging to live this unity with Christ and others in our family and the community so that we communicate the peace and unity of God’s kingdom to the world.

Taken from the bulletin of St Francis Xavier Church - Serangoon

Following Jesus

2010-04-20T02:56:00.000-07:00

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The Eucharistic meal is above all else a meal. It is easy to lose that sense when we are fed with a thin wafer that barely resembles bread. However it reflects a great reality. As did the apostles in this weekend’s Gospel reading, we recognize the presence of Jesus among us in the invitation he extends to us to eat and drink of him. We are nourished for the task that awaits us which is nothing less than FOLLOWING HIM.

Following him is not necessarily easy. It is not supposed to be. The popular notion but a mistaken one is the impression that all one has to do to follow Jesus is to believe in him and every emotional, physical and financial difficulty we may have will be resolved.

No, this is ‘prosperity gospel’. The ‘sugar-coated pill’ and the “instant noodle mentality”. The problem with this view of Christianity is that it ignores an essential aspect in the life of Jesus’ disciples: the CROSS.

Of course, Jesus wants us to be happy, but the source of our happiness does not lie in money, power, possessions or status. The source of our joy and peace can only be Jesus. If the focus of our life is Jesus, then we will gladly embrace the CROSS for his sake.

What constitutes the CROSS that Christians must bear with faith and hope? It is not the trials and tribulations of daily life or even major upheavals such as disease and natural catastrophes. These are not consequential but they are experienced by nearly all of us, Christian or not.

On the other hand, the CROSS is the suffering and persecution, and perhaps even death, that occurs as a result of our trying to follow Jesus in the manner he obeys his Father and does what he wills.

This is shown clearly in the experience of the apostles later as they face their Jewish detractors. There is opposition and hostility from them as the apostles try to proclaim the Good News.

It is never easy to stand in the face of a challenge, but the apostles deem obedience to what they know is to be from God and more important than the opposition and possible persecution they have to face. When Peter declares his love for Jesus on the banks of Lake Tiberius that blessed morning when Jesus appears to him and the apostles, he means what he says.

It is no wonder that Jesus, knowing his love for him, tells him to “follow” him, knowing that Peter will suffer and die for his sake.

In this connection, perhaps we need to ask ourselves if we really and sincerely love Jesus to the extent of following him and carrying the CROSS. If we do, then just follow Jesus.

This article is extracted from the bulletin of the Church of St Francis Xaiver - Serangoon.

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Believing in Jesus

2010-04-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

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Today’s readings emphasise believing in Jesus, the Risen lord. He is powerfully present in the community and manifests himself to the disciples. In the new age, the disciples carry on the ministry of Jesus and rely on the presence of the Holy Spirit. In our time, belief takes on a different tenor for we believe in the testimony of others and without the signs seen in the early days of the Church.

The early Church was a community which was credible and attractive to others because it gave testimony to the presence and action of the Lord. This resulted in a great increase in the number of believers in the early Church.

In the reading from Revelation, John reflects on the meaning and significance of his union with Christ and the union of Christians in the Lord. It is a union in suffering and glory. According to John, Jesus and the Christian do not pass through suffering into glory. Rather, for Jesus and the Christian, suffering and glorification occur in the same moment. In other words, in the suffering is the glorification.

The reading also reminds us of the presence of the Risen Lord in our ministry. John’s vision stresses the presence of the Lord among us. The glorified Lord is always with the Church as he interprets the meaning of events and gives new life to hispeople. Jesus is present and active in our lives and in the community.

In the two appearances of the Risen Lord to his disciples as recorded in John’s gospel, Jesus invites the unbelieving disciples to a new level of belief. In the first episode, the frightened disciples were filled with joy when they heard the words of peace spoken by Jesus. They believed in his new presence among them and
because of this renewed faith, they were sent forth to continue his mission. Believing is therefore more than an affirmation of faith in Jesus. It is actively continuing the mission of Jesus. The Risen Lord assures us that he will continue to be with us in his Spirit. It is in the reality that we celebrate the Easter liturgies.

The second appearance of Jesus to his disciples speaks of believing in Jesus.. The story of Thomas’ “unbelief” reminds us of ourselves. Thomas would not believe in the presence of the Risen Lord on the testimony of others. We remember Thomas being mentioned several times in the gospel. At the time of Lazarus' death in Bethany, Thomas said,“Let us go and die with him.” During the Last Supper,he had some difficulty understanding Jesus. “Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Thomas seemed again to struggle in his faith and needed a sign of his own choosing – a sign that would confirm Jesus’ death and resurrection. However, the doubt of Thomas was the prelude to a great confession of belief: “My Lord and my God.”

Today’s readings end with a clarification of what believing in Jesus is all about. When we believe in Jesus, we have life in his name. The reading identifies for us the focus of our belief and urges us to believe in Jesus. And our belief can only be an effectual sign if it is expressed in relationship with and service of others within and beyond our community.

The above article is taken from the bulletin of the St Francis Xavier Church - Serangoon.

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City Harvest Church responds to questions over non-disclosure of Suntec deal

2010-04-04T17:14:00.000-07:00

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City Harvest Church has sought to clear the air surrounding the confidentiality of its deal to co-own Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

In a two-page notice to its members on Sunday, it explained that it had signed a non-disclosure agreement.

This makes the megachurch a party to the Shareholders Agreement.

It has to keep confidential all matters and details relating to the Suntec transaction, including the share price and the percentage of shares acquired.

The church also said there is a "strong and unfounded allegation" floating online that the Management Board and Reverend Kong Hee are "deliberately concealing a number of embarrassing facts from its members".

You can read the full report HERE

Well, I think the missing fact is this...

As the reading of this Easter week's reading (Colossians 3:1-8) clearly tell us: "that is why you must kill everything in you that is earthly: sexual vice, impurity, uncontrolled passion, evil desires and especially greed"

It should be things in heaven that we should be looking for....

A church should not be turned into a business enterprise and tax free funds collected in the name of charity should be used towards helping the needy....

How do you think?

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What a ex-Mega Church goers have to say...

2010-03-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

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I read with interest the comments of 1 ex-mega church goer named Takumi who commented in an online article. This is what Takumi has to says:

"It is not the amount of money collected that should be under scrutiny, rather the way it is collected. Being from an ex mega-church member, I’ve seen firsthand the methods they employed to achieve their aims.

1) Admonish members who do not tithe as lacking faith, often implying that God is watching and displeased. Works wonders with regards to the faithful and devout.

2) Conduct regular campaigns on top of monthly tithing which ‘encourages’ members to donate beyond their means as a ‘test of faith’. The more you donate beyond your means, the ‘greater’ your faith. You get to go up on stage and be praised and congratulated by the senior pastors and the audience. Works wonders for people with low self esteem.

3) Implying (implicitly or otherwise) that God will repay(in monetary riches or equivalent) manifolds your sacrifice. This is essentially lying as nowhere in the bible does it state that God will financially reward those who donate to the church. The verse that has any remote resemblance goes like this: “for those who have, more will be given.” Those who do not know the true meaning of that verse should leave the church immediately. Craving for monetary riches is completely opposite to what the bible teaches. Anyway this works well for members who are there for the ‘prosperity’ aspect.

4)Using appropriate smoothing music (violins and pianos work best), hypnotic chanting and silent introspective prayers (indoctrination in effect) in harmony with the above tactics can create the essential feel good, faithfulness or guilt associated emotions that can make these members emotionally or psychologically vulnerable to persuasion and/or coercion.
Works well with everyone. It has been proven experimentally that , when we are exposed to certain auditory/visual stimuli, our emotions can be manipulated subconsciously. This method has been routinely employed by politicians, salesmen, hypnotists and of course church pastors.

Add in mass indoctrination, force of habit and peer pressure, you can understand why their members willingly hand out their hard earned money to these pastors without bothering about how it will be spent.

It is a pity that none of these tactics has any legal implications simply because their claims (of god and rewards) are not based on evidence and therefore cannot be challenged."

Takumi commented in an article regarding the investment of City Harvest Church which you can read about Here

Woman who sued church is bankrupt

2010-03-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

Remember Madam Amutha Valli Krishnan?

THE woman who lost her suit against the Novena Church over what she claimed was a botched exorcism, is now a bankrupt after she failed to pay three churchgoers over $150,000 in legal bills.

Read the whole story Woman who sued church is bankrupt

Prelude to Triumph and Glory

2010-03-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

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This Sunday which commemorates the Passion of our Lord is a prelude to the three holiest days of the year during which we celebrate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. As a prelude is meant to introduce us to what is to follow, it offers us an overview of what we are about to experience. Hence our liturgy today must lead us into the celebration of Holy Week with renewed faith in and gratitude to God for his salvation for all mankind.

As palms are blessed and the Gospel story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem is proclaimed, Jesus is likened to a saviour-king figure and greeted with blessings and praise. As we listen to the enthusiastic welcome of Jesus of the people, we can’t help feeling the sense of eager anticipation of great things to come. At the same time, there is a sense of foreboding as we behold the envy of the enemies of Jesus who see in the tumultuous welcome of Jesus by the people of a signal for them to act quickly against Jesus. They are not caught up with the popular enthusiasm for they fume with jealousy and milk their beards as they bid Jesus to silence the vociferous multitudes. The readings and the psalm fit well into this pattern of the prelude. They each move from joy to sadness, from well-being to suffering, from glory to ignominy. They both highlight the saviour image of Jesus. In Isaiah’s Third Servant Song (First Reading), the servant who has been proclaimed in the earlier songs as beloved, gifted with the Spirit of God, consecrated, a light to the nations and a gentle minister of the Lord’s justice, is now shown the truly faithful servant.

This Servant has always been seen as a model for all disciples and for the people of Israel itself. They knew from their history that prophets were not listened to. They were ridiculed, rejected and even killed. This reality is manifestly acknowledged in the Third Servant Song. On Good Friday, as we walk the Way of the Cross and venerate the Cross, we will listen to, be touched by, and appreciate with profound gratitude to the Servant’s complete self-giving, bearing our sins for us and loving us to the point of being a “man of sorrows”, dying on the Cross.
This theme is then taken up in the anguish and pathos of the Responsorial Psalm 22, opening with the heart-rending, desperate prayer-cry of Jesus, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” This is Jesus’ prayer of complete abandonment to his Father – a prayer of utter self-giving to the Father – a fitting prelude to the Father’s glory.

Then in the Letter of Paul to the Philippians, we are also led through the abandonment to God accepting his Son’s sacrifice, receiving him with love and loving him into new, risen, glorious life. To prepare for the Holy Week by focusing solely on the suffering Jesus is not to prepare fully. The suffering is no end in itself. It is Jesus’ gift, received by the Father who transforms it into new life for all of us.

The Gospel reading dramatizes the roles of many of Jesus’ disciples: the warning to Peter about his impending unfaithfulness and his subsequent denial of Jesus, the sleeping disciples in Gethsemane, Judas' kiss of betrayal, the grieving women of Jerusalem, the conscripted Simon of Cyrene, the repentant thief, and Joseph of Arimathea who buried Jesus. And there is Jesus himself, God-made-man, the Master, the Servant, the Lord, sweating and betrayed, humiliated, scorned, bearing the weight of our sinfulness on his back and crucified.

But this is the Father’s plan of love. It’s the Father’s prelude to his Son’s glory.

This passage is taken from the bulletin of The Church Of St Francis Xavier.

City Harvest Church or City Harvest Inc?

2010-03-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

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They are back in the news....for the wrong reasons as usual.

City Harvest Church announced recently that they have purchased a stake in Suntec City for S$310 million.

The church was recently asked by the Commissioner of Charities about this business venture.

City Harvest did not create a separate business entity for the purchase.

There are concerns regarding this arrangement because the church's income as a registered charity is non-taxable.

It seems like there is a loop hole whereby one can strive towards one's own ambitions by building a business empire using tax free money. By their teaching of tithing, they get regular and steady income streams which are tax free.

As the church's collection are registered as charity and thus tax free, shouldn't the money be used for helping the poor and needy?

Well, in the case of some so called mega churches, it seems like this is the best way to enrich themselves and thus the need to turn the church into a business enterprise........with returns to justify more money to be paid to it's leaders.

Certainly, these people need to reflect on themselves and people who goes to such churches, stop giving yourself excuses and no it's not God's grace that made the leader's rich...it's you and your money.

This brings to mind the story just before Jesus started His ministry and was lead into fasting and prayer for 40 days in the desert. Jesus was tempted when shown all the riches and kingdom He would receive in return for worshipping the devil....

Well Jesus made His choice......how about you?

God save Me! - Miracle at works

2010-02-10T23:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this video.

Church seeks to expel bible college from premises

2010-01-26T00:19:00.000-08:00

A very sad piece of news indeed....read the full story HERE.

Whatever has happened to Christ's teaching?

Is this what sola scriptura is about?

A light and messengers of Christ to the world .

2009-10-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Jesus did not reach out to the people with words but with deeds. It only through our deeds, we know that we have faith in Christ.

Through our deeds, then we are a light to the world and messengers of Christ. Good deeds comes as a result of a total conversion in the heart....to one that is always of love, charity and compassion.

Yes, salvation is by faith but faith that has deeds for “if good deeds do not go with it (faith), it is quite dead”.

Does our Church preach to us about God's love, charity and compassion? I know almost all Churches claimed to do so but does you Church practice what she preaches?

Does your Church do her part in reaching out to the poor and needy by caring for them in terms of providing education, providing shelter (nursing homes, homes) and medical care such as hospitals and hospice?

Because "In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me." (MT25:40)

Does your Church lead by example to love God and your neighbour which is the commandments of Jesus ?

Are you living your life as a light and messenger of Christ to the world ?

Are you following Jesus's instructions to go out and spread God’s love by caring and loving people around you as as God loved you ?

God Bless.

What does the Gospels says....??

2009-09-29T02:27:00.000-07:00

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What is Jesus really teaching and doing in the 4 Gospels?

Perhaps Paul provided the best summary in 1 Corinthians - Chapter 13:13 when he said “As it is, these remain: faith, hope and love, the three of them; and the greatest of them is love.”

As Jesus Himself said (in MT 22:37-40): “'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets too.”

Jesus reaches out to everyone (including the tax collectors and prostitutes) especially the poor and needy regardless if they believed in Him. He help and cure them because of his Love for them. Many are converted because they felt loved by Jesus and followed Him.

So, if a Christian is someone who subscribed his faith to “the life and teachings of Jesus”, then Christians must live his life based the 2 commandments for: "Whoever fails to love does not know God, because God is love." - 1Jn 4:8.

As Christians, we place great importance in God’s Word and keep His commandments close to our hearts. However, words amount to nothing if we do not live by them or if we do not follow God’s will in our daily living. It is easy to profess what we believe in, yet our actions are not always in line with our profession.

Jesus did not reach out to the people with words but with deeds. Through our deeds, then we are a light to the world and messengers of Christ.

Only through our deeds, we know that we have faith in Christ. As James said in James Chapter 2:
17. In the same way faith, if good deeds do not go with it, is quite dead
18. It is by my deeds that I will show you my faith
22. So you can see that his faith was working together with his deeds; his faith became perfect by what he did.
24. You see now that it is by deeds, and not only by believing, that someone is justified.

We are called to remain devoted and faithful to God’s Word in our lives. The Last Judgment account in Mt 25 reminds us that it is our actual deeds of love that matter, not mere words.
In MT 7:21-27 , Jesus also warned us that not all who call “Lord…Lord…” will enter into Heaven. It is not lips service that He wants. He said a true disciple are those who hear the words and act on it. Not those who hear but do nothing.

Why would one who believed in Him and not follow His commandments?

What is Christianity?

2009-09-29T02:05:00.000-07:00

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According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity), Christianity is a monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in the New Testament. The Christian faith is essentially faith in Jesus as the Christ (or Messiah), the Son of God, the Saviour, the manifestation of God to humankind (Immanuel), and God (Yahweh or the “Lord”) himself.

A simpler version according to Macmillian English dictionary explained as the religion based on the ideas of Jesus Christ. Its followers worship in a church.

And Christians are adherents of the Christian faith (according to Wikipedia) and someone whose religion is Christianity (according to Macmillian English dictionary).

If above is agreed upon, then what is “the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in the New Testament”?

Shall talk about that in the next post.

Beautiful Churches

2009-09-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I updated this blogs...sorry. I'll be back soon.

In the meantime, here are some pictures of beautiful churches....

Charity through web games

2009-07-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

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Play a web game at ClicktoAid.Sg and help the disadvantaged. This new initiative is launched on Sunday by the South West Community Development Council (CDC) – in collaboration with local bank POSB – allows online players to do their bit for charity while trying to beat the highest scores.

POSB is contributing S$25,000 to the programme. With the CDC's dollar-for-dollar matching, a total of S$50,000 will be set aside to help 1,000 new Primary One students next year.

So visit ClicktoAid.Sg, play the game and do your part for charity.

Charities Week - Tough times....loving hearts

2009-07-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

Image by mbgrigby via Flickr

Despite the difficult economic situations, the collection for Charities 2009 showed that Catholics do have a heart of love. It shows that we do what we preach; i.e. to love your neighbour and reach out to help others and share what we have...

A touching note was received by someone who donated $6 in cash: "I would love to share more but as of the moment I can't. Will send more once I get a job. Hope this helps a little. Thanks!".

Although the number of donations envelops fall slightly, those who do give actually gave more than they did last year. A total of $ 4,488,132.00 was collected as compared to $ 4,386,405.00 in 2008!

Donors contributed to Charities Week in the spirit of solidarity, recognising that in these hard times, it is even harder for those who are dependent on financial assistance from the carious charity organisations.

Funds raised from the Charities Week 2009 will support the work of Caritas Singapore and its member organisations such as the Catholic Welfare Services, Family Life Society, Catholic AIDS Response Effort, Morning Star Community Services, Marine Parade Family Centre, Roman Catholic Prison Ministry and the Archdiocean Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People....

God bless all who gave generously to Charities Week 2009!

Catholics Come Home..........

2009-07-13T22:03:00.001-07:00

Caritas in Veritate - "Charity in Truth"

2009-07-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

Charity, or love, is not an option for Christians and “practising charity in truth helps people understand that adhering to the values of Christianity is not merely useful, but essential for building a good society and for true integral development”, the Pope wrote in a recent document, “Caritas in Veritate” (“Charity in Truth”),dated Jun 29 and released at the Vatican on Jul 7.

The Catholic Church preaches and live out the teachings of Christ I.E. Charity and Love for our neighbour. Read the entire story here.

Bible Sunday

2009-07-13T18:17:00.001-07:00

This week is the 15th Ordinary Week and we celebrate Bible Sunday.

The readings of the week are as follows:
[Amos 7:12-15] [Ephesians 1:3-14] [Mark 6:7-13]

We live our lives according to the Word of God. The "to do" list and the "to be" list are found in the Word of God. God has a challenging plan for us to follow while we are on this earth.

Our role model is Jesus. Importantly, we must be concerned with our character and do what is pleasing to God. St Paul has said that if we are moved by the Holy Spirit, God will produce in us the characteristics of "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control".

Whenever we read the Holy Bible, we are encouraged and motivated to live a better life today as compared to yesterday and we are filled with hope for tomorrow.

God's Word protects us from the Evil One by keeping us away from temptations and thus away from sins. His Word is a light for our path and a lamp for our feet.

His Word puts us in the right direction. His Word also heals our wounds and is an awesome inspiration to move on in times of difficulties.

Thank-you Lord!

2009-07-09T02:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, half a million dollars have been raised to help little Charmaine (see my previous post).

It is heart warming to know that there are so many people out there who kind and helpful....

True Christian spirit that we must love our neighbour and how else to show our love than to extend our help when someone else is in need?

Now, let's pray hard that little Charmaine will respond well to her tratment in New York and may God grant her a full recovery.

God bless all who has chipped in to help in one way or another.

Help this fiesty princess who has cancer

2009-06-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

Charmaine is only four and suffering from neuroblastoma, a form of cancer and is at her 4th stage of chemo now. Her condition is very serious as the cancer has spread to her bone marrow and bones.

Charmaine's medical treatment will cost a lot of money. About half a million dollars as an upfront deposit to send her to New York for treatment.

If you can help, please do.

Read more about it at her mother, Cynthia's blog at www.ourfeistyprincess.com

and her god mother, Jolene's blog at http://ourfeistyprincess.blogspot.com/ and there's a link where you can read the medical report by NUH.

I urged all readers of this blog to say a prayer for Charmanine and do whatever you can to help her.

God bless you all.

Jesus Saves.............

2009-06-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Here's a joke that I received from a friend and would like to share with you:

Jesus and Satan were having an on going argument about who was better on the computer.

They had been going at it for days, and frankly God was tired of hearing all the bickering.

Finally fed up, God said, 'THAT'S IT!
I have had enough. I am going to set up a test that will run for two hours, and from those results, I will judge who does the better job.!

So Satan and Jesus sat down at the keyboards and typed away.

They moused.

They faxed.

They e-mailed.

They e-mailed with attachments.

They downloaded.

They did spreadsheets!

They wrote reports.

They created labels and cards.

They created charts and graphs.

They did some genealogy reports.

They did every job known to man.

Jesus worked with heavenly efficiency and Satan was faster than hell.

Then, ten minutes before their time was up, lightning suddenly flashed across the sky, thunder rolled, rain poured, and, of course, the power went off..

Satan stared at his blank screen and screamed every curse word known in the underworld.

Jesus just sighed.

Finally the electricity came back on, and each of them restarted their computers.

Satan started searching frantically, screaming:

'It's GONE! It's all GONE!

'I lost everything when the power went out!'

Meanwhile, Jesus quietly started printing out all of his files from the past two hours of work.

Satan observed this and became irate.

'Wait!' he screamed.

'That's not fair! He cheated!

How come he has all his work and I don't have any?'

God just shrugged and said,

JESUS SAVES

Church lifts sanctions on Fr Joachim Kang

2009-05-25T00:28:00.000-07:00

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"FATHER JOACHIM KANG is a priest of the Roman Catholic Archdiosese of Singapore and has always been." This is what Archbishop Nicholas Chia said in a statement that officially restored Fr Kang fully to his duties as a priest.

Read more about His Grace's message here.

It is hearth-warming to know that the Archbishop welcome Fr Kang with so much warmth and love.

In a recent interview with the press, Fr Kang has also expressed his eagerness to return to his priestly ministry work.

Let pray for Fr Kang and welcome him back.

Religious groups agree tolerance is vital in multi-racial society

2009-05-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

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The church may not water down its stand on homosexuality but hopes for better understanding when engaging the issue with other groups, according to the Bishop of the Anglican Church in Singapore.

Why did he has to say this? Well, this was a continuation from one of his senior pastor who used the pulpit to garner support for some of his church members during the recent AWARE saga.

The Bishop of the Anglican Church, John Chew, said there needs to be some fine tweaking of the way it is handled.

He said: "We have to recalibrate our perceptions, our understanding of the common space and how should we engage and how should we address one another. But the most important thing is that in the sense we are uniquely Singapore."

You can read about it here.

Well he is certainly right as many Christians has been pushing their own agenda without regards to truth and faith they preached. And more importantly, with no regards to feelings of people from other faith.

After all, all Christ wants from us is love each other as He has love us. And hopefully, Christians will heed the call of the bishop.

One in Christ

2009-05-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

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This is the Fifth Sunday of Easter and the readings are as follows:
1st Reading Ac 9:26-31, 2nd Reading 1Jn 3:18-24, Gospel Jn 15:1-8

In many ways we differ from one another. Thanks to God for the riches of this variety. How sad our world would be if we were all the same, for we would see only our own image. We differ in our faces, our characters, our personalities and occupations, our language and cluture, in so many things. Yet there is one thing that brings us here together. We belong to Christ, we are united in him. He wants this bond to be a close union: like branches on a tree, on a life-giving vine. We are one in Him with one another. We pray that this union may be close and effective.

Anglican Church and AWARE

2009-05-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

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On Thursday, Dr John Chew, president of the National Council of Churches of Singapore or NCCS (the umbrella Christian group), issued a statement to selected media calling for churches to "all step back and give AWARE space to settle its own matters".

The NCCS’s statement said among other things, that it did not condone the use of the pulpit to get involved in the controversy.

Senior pastor of the Church Of Our Saviour Derek Hong has issued a public apology for using the pulpit to give backing to the Association of Women for Action and Research's (AWARE) executive committee in their dispute with the group's previous leadership. Incidentally, Dr John Chew is also the archbishop of the Anglican church and pastor Hong’s Church Of Our Saviour is in Dr John’s diocese.

You can read about it at "Pastor apologises for misusing pulpit".

A little information and latest update on AWARE.

Ms Josie Lau and her exco have stepped down from Association of Women for Action and Research or AWARE in short. Ms Lau and some other exco came into power at AWRE in a hostile manner less than 2 months ago.

6 members of the exco are later revealed to be from an Anglican Church Of Our Saviour. This also spark concerns from some as AWARE is a secular NGO and religion should not be allowed to encroach it.

These are some of the concerns that people at the recent AGM said :

1. One Malay Muslim woman said she was not comfortable with an-all Christian and all-Chinese group representing a secular group like AWARE. And members of the Christian faith stood up and said the action of the new Exco set back constructive dialogue between Christians and secularists in Singapore.
2. "We are here because we were deeply troubled by how this executive committee came to power. We are here because we are deeply troubled by the usurpation of civic space, and the lack of respect for the values of pluralism, democracy that this new executive committee has demonstrated," said one member of the audience.
3. "AWARE is about inclusiveness, AWARE in helping women, helps everybody, male and female. And whatever their sexual orientation can be, it does not matter, because they are first and foremost a person. A human being and that's what AWARE is about," said another.

Although former AWARE president Lau said that : “Race, religion were never an issue. We welcome women of all races, culture, religion and come and serve on the subcommittee," clearly, the crowd was not won over.

Another sticking point that was revealed was the fact that under Ms Lau, AWARE spend $90,000 in the last month since they took power some two months ago while under the constitution, the exco is not allowed to spend more than S$20,000 and if they do, they must consult members.

Happy Easter !

2009-04-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

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I read in one of the forum recently that someone claimed that celebrating Easter is "against God" and only Passover should be celebrated. How ridiculous!

HOLY WEEK COMMEMORATES the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. The Church helps the faithful to focus on Jesus by highlighting the significant events that preceded Jesus’ death on the cross. These are done with special liturgies on Palm Sunday (when Jesus enter Jerusalem), Holy Thursday (the last supper and washing of feets) and Good Friday (when Jesus was cruxified).

How can these be "against God"?

Easter mark the start of a new liturgical season. Though not part of the Holy week, it is the first day of a new liturgical season. The first celebration of Easter takes place at Easter Vigil, celebrated on the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday.

And on Easter, we celebrate the risen Christ, the resurrection of our Lord. As St Paul said: "If Christ had not risen, our faith is a delusion, is empty! Our life does not make sense! Christ redeemed us by His death and resurrection. We believe in Jesus who was handed over to death for our sins and raised up for our justification." (Rom 4:25)

As Archbishop Nicholas Chia said in his Easter 2009 message:

"Through Christ's death and resurrection our sins are taken away and new divine life has been given to us.

And so, dear friends, as we live the Easter mystery, we have the light of the Risen Lord in us ONLY when we recognise, respect and love each other as brother and sister in Christ. "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the dark" (1Jn 2:8-9)

Christ is risen and He wants to light up our lives. Let us hare this joyful message with our fellowmen."

The inspring story of Anthony Payne and the love of his son Ralph.

2009-04-10T22:03:00.001-07:00

Here is an inspiring story of Anthony Payne taking part in his first triathlon to raise funds for the Asian Women's Welfare Association School - a school for disabled children.

Another reason for this being special is the fact that Anthony is taking part in the triathlon together with his 10-year-old son - Ralph Payne.

Well Ralph is not just another restless, playful and energetic kid but one with severe learning difficulties and is also unable to walk without help. His condition is so rare that no doctor has been able to diagnose his disorder.

Imagine Ralph and Anthony taking part in a triathlon!

In the triathlon on April 19, after completing the swimming segment, Anthony will be running while pushing Ralph along. And for the cycling leg of the race, he has modified a bicycle he had bought from Denmark.

A triathlon is so challenging and demanding that not many would be keen to take that on. And Anthony has been training only for the last two months for this physically demanding challenge. But what is his biggest source of inspiration?

According to Anthony: "When I'm out with the push chair and the bike, he (Ralph) looks back at me and gives me an absolutely beaming smile and that's all I need."

A simple enough reason to overcome even the most impossible odds.

It's all about love, unconditional love that a dad has for his child.

The father and son team are taking part in the triathlon not just to raise money for the school but also to change perceptions in Singapore about disabled children.

To support their cause, you can go to the website at www.donation.org.sg.

Renovation contractors' body doing God's work too

2009-04-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

Image by Dystopos via Flickr

After blogging about NTUC Fairprice Foundation doing God's work, now the Renovation contractors' body is also stepping in to help those in need by making their home improvement dreams come true. This despite their business being hit by the recession.

The news about loving and helping your neighbour during this season of lent is indeed inspiring and comforting.

Read all about the story here and God bless you!

It's Good Friday

2009-04-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

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It's Good Friday and Christians flocked to churches to mark the day they believe Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross and died.

The Catholics churches was stripped of all decorations and no music - on a day meant for prayer, fasting and abstinence.

There will be a celebration three days later on Easter Sunday, Christ is resurrected.

Charity and religious organisations are not wealth-generating engines

2009-04-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

Image by McMorr via Flickr

A reader of Straits Times, Mr Paul Chan has written to the forum stating "It can't be about top dollar for top talent". What prompted him to write was the special report, 'Medical charities the best paymasters' (March 30), stating pay brackets of up to $300,000 for heads of medical charities and up to $550,000 for chiefs of large religious groups.

This bring to mind the so called mega churches whose self proclaimed pastor is paying themselves handsome salary in the name of God. Well, I am not against paying pastor and church workers well but to the extend of living in luxury of semi-D and conti cars is far too much.

Read about what the buddhist says about paying clergy here.

The reason ? "Charity and religious organisations are not wealth-generating engines. It is against the principle of charity and spirit of religion if office-holders reward themselves excessively from donated funds meant for targeted beneficiaries". So where does your "tithes" goes to?

And one of the mega church even goes to the extend of using donations to build business and property investment. It is ok to build a church for worship purposes but it is another thing to risk funds that should go to helping the needy into investments. Returns are likely to be "boosted" about and reason why the pastors should be paid even more....

So let's hope all these people can wake up and if you are one of such people's supporter, please do reflect.

Read about the full article here and you post your comments.

NTUC FairPrice Foundation doing God's work

2009-04-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

The efforts of a small group of Singapore volunteers who help newly-arrived migrant workers received a huge boost on Monday.

NTUC FairPrice Foundation donated S$300,000 to the Archdiocesan Commission for Pastoral Care of Migrant & Itinerant People or ACMI. It is the largest donation ACMI has received in its ten-year history.

Read all about it here.

This donation send a message to us all that we should not forget our neighbour because when you do it to the least of one of my brothers, you do it to Me.

As Seah Kian Peng, NTUC FairPrice's managing director (group business), said: "Our priority is to the local workers first, but at the same time, we do not forget the foreign workers. And today's project is an example (of) how foreign workers are also an important group of the population that deserve our help."

If you too would like to help, you can contact ACMI and their website can be found at http://www.catholic.org.sg/acmi/

God bless you!

Celebrating Palm Sunday

2009-04-05T18:14:00.001-07:00

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This week we celebrate Palm Sunday and following passage taken from Catholic News:

In 1969, Pope Paul VI gave Palm Sunday it's full name - Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord.

Palm Sunday has two focal points. The first is re-enactment of the triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem; the second is the reading of Jesus' Passion.

Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey and his welcome by people waving palms is mentioned in all four Gospels (Mk 11:1-11, Mt21:1-11, Lk19:28-44, Jn12:12-19). The palm leaf is symbolic of triumph and victory in Jewish tradition.

The Church celebrates this event by holding a procession of clergy, acolytes and parish choir, and have the congregation wave palm leaves to symblolise the welcoming of Jesus.

Lea Tan from Church of the Holy Spirit, who had held her first palm leaf when she was an Elect, said, "I tend to feel guilty welcoming Jesus knowing that He will soon be crucified by us."

Indeed, the jovial mood then changes to one of sobriety as focus is switched to the cross and Passion of Christ. Palm Sunday memorialises the increasing hatred against Jesus from those who would not accept him.

The Passion Gospel is read by several readers; the priest normally takes the part of Jesus and the congregation, the Jerusalem mob.

Many Catholics consider this one of the most moving liturgy of the year. It tells the story of Jesus' crucifixion and helps the faithful to realise that we are accomplices in Jesus' crucifixion through our sins.

This sense of being involved is felt keenly by Agnes Tan from Chucrh of Christ the King. "Each time I say 'Crucify Him', I feel a sense of guilt," she says. "But I continue, as I take the 'guilt' as my penance and price for wanting a share of Christ's redeeming of my sins."

30,000 needy children and youth get help

2009-04-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Despite the economic downturn, SingTel Touching Lives Fund is determined to raise money for APSN Tanglin School, Autism Resource Centre, Fei Yue Community Services, Milk Fund, Singapore Children's Society and Students Care Service.

The money will go towards helping 30,000 needy children and youth. It was raised through various activities like golf tournaments and fun fairs.

In 2008, the fund managed to raise a total of S$2.2 million for its six beneficiaries and some S$14 million since the fund's inception in 2002.

Archbishop asks Catholics to give to those in need

2009-03-29T17:55:00.000-07:00

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"The Church gives us this period during Lent to encourage every Catholic to take time to reflect on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Archbishop Chia advised. “We are called to focus on charitable deeds to help us draw closer to God and our neighbours. It is therefore important that we set aside time for prayer and spiritual reflection through the use of the Lenten booklet,” he said. “We should re-examine our ‘treasures’ in life since these determine the priorities and attitudes of our heart.”

Jesus is concerned that we build treasures that do not decrease in value and that Jesus connected giving to the poor with laying up treasure in heaven. “He Himself cared for those in need by feeding the hungry,”

In reading the above from the Bishop's message and the various readings in the past week, there is a questions that keeps popping up - are you truely converted in your heart?

A true Christian is one that is converted in their hearts....to one that is full of love. Not one that preaches hatred and anti this or that.

I have seen many so called Christians that are a shame to our faith. Are you one one of them?

Or are you one who truly live a life of what the Bible preach i.e. to love your neighbour? Do you care for those who are in need?

Why we need to support Catholic charities ?

2009-03-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

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Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, the act of donating money or giving time and energy to a charitable cause is often hailed as something laudable.

What about us as Catholics? Do our social teachings have something special to say about giving money, time or talent to charitable causes?

First, though, it might be helpful to see what charitable giving is not. Charitable giving is not about gaining publicity or personal credit. Nor is charitable giving a means to compensate for wrongdoing, a way to help us to “score points for heaven”! Most importantly, charitable giving is not a way to escape from our responsibility for the well-being of others the whole year long.

In Scripture, we see the early disciples being “one in heart and soul”: “None of their members was ever in want, as all those who owned land or houses would sell them, and bring the money from the sale of them, to present it to the apostles; it was then distributed to any who might be in need” (Acts 4:34). What a beautiful description of a community!

Every Lent, Catholics in Singapore have an avenue to share our resources with those in need through the Charities Week collection. Proceeds go to organisations serving the needy in the name of the Church.

This is a good way of showing our solidarity with the less fortunate. But is there any special significance to channelling our resources, time and talent through Catholic charitable organisations?

Yes, there is. In his encyclical Deus Caritas Est (“God is Love”), Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that as a community of disciples proclaiming the Gospel of Love in a broken world, the Church also needs to have organised charitable works that Christians undertake as one body in the name of Christ. “For the Church, charity is not a kind of welfare activity which could equally well be left to others, but is a part of her nature, an indispensable expression of her very being.” (Deus Caritas Est, 25a).

So even though each of us can give individually to other religious or secular charitable organisations (and this is an important sign of our solidarity with them), there is a special significance in supporting Catholic charities. Catholic charities represent the organised charitable works of the Church.

In Singapore, our Catholic social organisations serve a wide range of needs, from helping the poor, the sick and the aged, to championing the causes of refugees and migrants. The Church’s social action work also includes those in which not many other organisations are involved.

As part of her tradition, the Church has always had a preferential option for the poor, serving those most neglected by society and this is something we can be proud of. The Charities Week programme is an important channel for us to act as One Body by supporting the Church’s social organisations.

In giving with our whole heart, we pray that we might also be open to how else God is moving us to respond.

Source : Catholic News.

A Triumph Over Death

2009-03-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

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In the 4th week of lent, the reading are as follows:
[2 Chronicles 36:14-17, 19-23] [Ephesians 2:4-10] [John 3:14-21]

In this week's reading, we see that faith tells us that the cross is neither tragedy nor defeat but a glorious triumph over death because “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

We already share in that triumph because God’s great love for us has brought us to life in Christ. God has also reserved a place for us in heaven that he might display the great wealth of his favour toward us.

Death has been robbed of its power, because in Christ, death leads to eternal life.en transformed into the Church. The Church becomes a place of worship when Christ gathers together his people, to join him in the worship of God the Father.

Blair stresses importance of interfaith dialogue

2009-03-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

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Former British prime minister Tony Blair is in Singapore for a visit. In a speech to some 600 people from around Asia, his key message was the importance of interfaith dialogue.

The Israeli-Palestinian issue is one that galvanises many Muslims across the world. Mr Blair believes this religious issue is often exploited for political reasons.

"I think the Israel-Palestine question is so important to resolve because if you resolve it, it's a huge statement to peaceful coexistence. If you don't, that is the single issue that can be most exploited by reactionary and extreme people in order to stir up hatred between Islam and the West," said Mr Blair.

Mrs Blair is a Catholic and Mr Blair has been attending Catholic Mass and converted to Catholicism upon leaving office.

Read the full story here.

"Bare Your Sole 2009"

2009-03-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

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For the first time in Singapore, a massive barefoot walk is being planned for June to help raise funds to build shelters for needy people around the world.

You can support "Bare Your Sole 2009" by giving cash donations and shoes. For every pair of shoes donated, shoe manufacturer Crocs will sponsor a pair of shoes for children in third world countries. The donated shoes can be placed in bins situated at the SMU concourse.

Some 100 students gave up their shoes to walk barefoot around the Singapore Management University (SMU) to attend classes on Thursday.

Some interesting news during this season of lent and something we as Christians can help to contribute to.

More details are available at http://www.habitat.org.sg/bys09.

Amutha Valli ordered to pay S$372,000 in costs in exorcism case

2009-03-17T03:21:00.000-07:00

Madam Amutha Valli Krishnan who lost her exorcism law suit against the Novena Church has been ordered to pay costs and disbursements amounting to some S$372,000.

Madam Amutha Valli Krishnan will have to pay the six churchgoers she tried to sue unsuccessfully, more than S$300,000 in lawyers fees and disbursements. She will also have to pay over S$72,000 in disbursements to the Church and the two defendant priests, Father Simon Tan and Father Jacob Ong.

She should thank God that the 2 defence lawyers did not asked for their legal fees. If they (Senior Counsel Jimmy Yim and Mr Tito Isaac) had done so, their fees alone will amount to between S$500,000 and S$1 million!

Beside she still has to wait for the Supreme Court registrar to decide if the disbursement and another sum of over S$92,000 - comprising largely of costs to get psychiatrists to testify for the defence being claimed are reasonable.

Good luck Madam Amutha Valli Krishnan.

Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up

2009-03-16T00:43:00.000-07:00

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This week's readings are as follows:
[Exodus 20:1-17] [1 Corinthians 1:22-25] [John 2:13-25

On this 3rd Sunday of Lent, we hear Jesus saying in the Gospel: “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” to the shock and disbelief of the Jews. How can that be done when it took a period of forty six years to build the temple!

Through the teaching of St. John in the Gospel we know that Jesus was speaking of his body. That is why he said “I will raise it up” and not “I will rebuild it”. His prophecy was fulfilled in his resurrection.

All that Jesus said of his body as the temple applies to us now since we have become part of him through baptism. Through Jesus, we are lifted out from the grave of sins to live a life of fullness by His grace.

So, we should realize that we have been transformed into the Church. During this season of lent, let us reflect on what is stopping us from being closer to God. Let us ask God to help us repent and change our hearts and help us get closer to God.

The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes awarded grants under the National Monuments Fund

2009-03-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

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Three religious landmarks are the first to be

The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes at Ophir Road is one of the first 3 religious landmarks here awarded grants for urgent repair works under the National Monuments Fund. The Church will receive S$449,000 for urgent roof and structural repairs to the belfry and roof. This Church is build since 1888 and is the first Tamil Catholic church in Singapore. Its design is modelled after the original church at Lourdes, France.

You can find more information about the Church here.

Fig tree?

2009-03-12T01:59:00.001-07:00

We read about the fig tree in the bible....is this the same fig tree?

1035 to join the Catholic Church at Easter

2009-03-08T01:24:00.000-08:00

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The Rite of Election was held over the weekend of Feb 28 and Mar 1. This year, 1035 will join the Catholic Church in Singapore during Easter.

Let's pray for these elects and candidates as they continue their RCIA journey towards Easter Vigil when they will become Catholics.

What makes Catholic Charities different?

2009-03-08T01:19:00.000-08:00

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For Catholics, the fundamental reason for giving is to respond to Christ’s commandment to “love one another as I have loved you”. Apart from this important rationale, there are exterior differences between Catholic and non-Catholic charities. Based on an informal poll of Catholics involved with both Catholic and non-Catholic causes, there are four main practical differences between the two.

Read all about it here.

Transfiguration of Jesus Christ

2009-03-08T01:07:00.000-08:00

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This week is the 2nd Sunday of Lent and the readings are as follows:
[Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18] [Romans 8:31-34] [Mark 9:2-10]

Jesus explained to his apostles in the midst of his public ministry that he is to suffer and die and then be raised up. Six days later he transfigured before Peter, James and John. This was a visualization of the meaning of the Paschal Mystery.

The Paschal Mystery is there when birth pangs give way to joy, when health overcomes sickness and reconciliation after repentance. As Christians our first sacramental experience of the Paschal Mystery is our baptism.

We were immersed in the darkness of the death of Christ and raised with him to newness of life. It enlightens us with a faith that “Christ had first to suffer and so come to the glory of the resurrection”.

Eventually our own physical death is the ultimate sharing of the Paschal Mystery which brings us to enjoy the fruit of the resurrection and everlasting life and that God the Father includes us in his plan of the Paschal Mystery.

The Paschal Mystery which fills our minds and hearts especially during the season Lent gives light to our darkest days and eases the burden of our greatest suffering.

It is Darkest Before the Dawn.

Journey with Christ

2009-03-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

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This is the first Sunday of Lent and the readings are as follows:

[Genesis 9: 8-15] [1 Peter 3: 18-22] [Mark 1: 12-15]

In the Gospel this week, we heard the Lord telling us :” ‘Repent and believe in the Gospel.’

Why repent?

Before the New Year, we are in the habit of doing spring cleaning when we clean and clear up our home to prepare and celebrate the New Year – symbolic of starting afresh for the New Year. We not only clean up our house from the dirt and dust but also get rid of things that we do not need.

Lent is a time like spring cleaning when we are called to respond (once again) to God. It is a time when we reflect on our life, repent by prayer, fasting and abstinence.

Lent is like the time when Jesus was lead into the desert to fast for 40 days....and we too, should fast, pray and reflect on our life in preparation to celebrate Easter when we remember Jesus who die on the Cross to save us.

Most of us though converted to Christianity is not always responding to God. We make perhaps some changes in order to avoid really big sins, but we are often not cooperative in giving over every aspect of our lives to God. This pattern happens throughout all of Scripture where we see people sin against God and turning away from Him time and again.

Sure, we tell God that we love Him and want to do His will but we go on leading more or less the same life that we did before.

During this season of Lent, may we come to respond to God consistently. Make God in Jesus Christ be the whole meaning of our life. May our prayer, fasting and abstinence help us change deeply so that we can be truly “Christ Like”

May we be truly converted in our heart and live to listen to Him and doing His will by giving over every aspect of our lives to God.

Ash Wednesday and Lent

2009-02-21T21:13:00.000-08:00

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"Yet even now," says the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments."

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter. Lent is a time of repentence and coming back to God. During this time, we are called to recognize how far we have strayed from God and return to him.

As on Good Friday, Catholics ages between 16 to 60 (except those physically and/or medically unfit to do so) are required to fast on Ash Wednesday. This means having only one full meal that day ... several smaller meals may be substituted - to sustain ones physical strength, as long as they together do not exceed one full meal.

This is to honor Christ and to focus on His passion and death and our relationship with Him.

During Lent, many Catholics choose to give something up as a sign of their repentence and a way to remember the importance of this time. This is based on very old tradition but giving something up is not required by canon law. What canon law requires is that we abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.

Find out more about Ash Wednesday here and Lent here.

How Now Shall We Live, by Chuck Colson.

2009-02-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

This is the 7th Sunday of Ordinary Time and the last one before the season of Lent.

This week's reading : [Isaiah 43: 18-19, 21-22, 24b-25] [2 Corinthians 1, 18-22] [Mark 2, 1-12]

This week, I would like to share this interesting article that I read from - How Now Shall We Live, by Chuck Colson.

Chuck Colson recounts the story of Kim Phuc in his book How Now Shall We Live. You may remember seeing a picture of Kim in her Vietnam village which had just been bombed with napalm. With arms outstretched, and all her clothing burned off, she was photographed running in terror and pain. She would have simply become another casualty of Vietnam had the photographer not poured water on her burns and demanded that she be taken to a more modern hospital in Saigon where she could be treated. Though some in the hospital considered her as good as dead and considered her a lost cause, a Christian doctor insisted and persisted until she received treatment. Some fourteen months and seventeen surgeries later Kim was released.

She, and her scars, were periodically paraded before cameras and used by her government as a visual aid to illustrate American aggression. Without a friend, Kim experienced extreme depression and loneliness. She discovered that her gods could not erase the heart anguish caused by her experience and disfigurement. Through a series of events and answers to prayer God provided a girl friend who was able to introduce Kim to Jesus. Kim’s testimony is, “It was the fire of the bombs that burned my body, it was the skill of the doctor that mended my skin, but it took the power of God to heal my heart.”*

In 1996 at the Vietnam Wall of Remembrance, on Veteran’s Day, Kim spoke to veterans and their family sharing how the love of Christ had transformed her life. She mentioned that if she were to meet the man who dropped the napalm bomb, that Christ’s transforming love would enable her to love and forgive him. From the audience a man quietly slipped up to the security guards and handed them a note, which read, “I am the man you are looking for.” Kim agreed to meet with him. As he approached Kim, she extended her arms once again, this time not in terror but in forgiveness. She hugged the man as he sobbed, “I am sorry, so sorry.” Kim responded, “It’s okay. I forgive, I forgive.”

Like in this Sunday’s readings, the photographer, the doctor, and the girl friend, all, so to speak, were involved lowering Kim to receive healing. Some participated by very physical acts of caring and healing while others participated by showing spiritual acts of caring and healing by taking time to demonstrate Christ’s love and point her to him. Kim in turn became a living icon of Jesus’ love and forgiveness giving freely of that which she received.

For many their outward appearance does not reflect physical scars, for they appear robust and healthy, however, often their inner self is wounded and racked with self doubt, feelings of being unloved, and anxiety and guilt for failing to meet even their own standards of righteousness. Like this pilot, even in the midst of doing our job, we can experience unrelenting feelings of condemnation, which if unresolved result in soul sickness. God never intends for us to live under this cloud of guilt and judgment. Jesus came to set us free and is readily available to heal and forgive. But he is counting on us, who know him, and who know how to access him, to remove the hindrances people encounter, and to hold on to the ropes of compassion and involvement and assist people in reaching him. And equally important he is counting on us to extend our hearts and hands, saying, “It’s okay. I forgive, I forgive.”

What strike me hard was Kim’s testimony : “It was the fire of the bombs that burned my body, it was the skill of the doctor that mended my skin, but it took the power of God to heal my heart.”

Why is going to church necessary?

2009-02-21T20:44:00.000-08:00

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Why do we go to Church?

To proved that we believe in God?

Here's what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says:

2177 The Sunday celebration of the Lord's Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the Church's life.
"Sunday is the day on which the paschal mystery is celebrated in light of the apostolic tradition and is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church."[110]
"Also to be observed are the day of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Epiphany,
the Ascension of Christ,
the feast of the Body and Blood of Christi,
the feast of Mary the Mother of God,
her Immaculate Conception,
her Assumption,
the feast of Saint Joseph,
the feast of the Apostles Saints Peter and Paul, and the feast of All Saints."[111]

2178 This practice of the Christian assembly dates from the beginnings of the apostolic age.[112] The Letter to the Hebrews reminds the faithful "not to neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but to encourage one another."[113]
Tradition preserves the memory of an ever-timely exhortation: Come to Church early, approach the Lord, and confess your sins, repent in prayer.... Be present at the sacred and divine liturgy, conclude its prayer and do not leave before the dismissal.... We have often said: "This day is given to you for prayer and rest. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."[114]

2180 The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass."[117] "The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day."[118]

2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor.[119] Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.

2182 Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church. The faithful give witness by this to their communion in faith and charity. Together they testify to God's holiness and their hope of salvation. They strengthen one another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

2183 "If because of lack of a sacred minister or for other grave cause participation in the celebration of the Eucharist is impossible, it is specially recommended that the faithful take part in the Liturgy of the Word if it is celebrated in the parish church or in another sacred place according to the prescriptions of the diocesan bishop, or engage in prayer for an appropriate amount of time personally or in a family or, as occasion offers, in groups of families."

What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel?

2009-02-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

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Interesting question and a certain "bored" has written an answer as below (quoted from SgForum) :

In the prosperity gospel, also known as the “Word of Faith,” the believer is told to use God, whereas the truth of biblical Christianity is just the opposite—God uses the believer. Word Faith or prosperity theology sees the Holy Spirit as a power to be put to use for whatever the believer wills. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is a Person who enables the believer to do God's will. The prosperity gospel movement closely resembles some of the destructive greed sects that infiltrated the early church. Paul and the other apostles were not accommodating to or conciliatory with the false teachers who propagated such heresy. They identified them as dangerous false teachers and urged Christians to avoid them.

Paul warned Timothy about “constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.... But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:5, 9-11.)

Paul said covetousness is idolatry (Ephesians 5:5) and instructed the Ephesians to avoid anyone who brought a message of immorality or covetousness (Ephesians 5:6-7). Prosperity teaching prohibits God from working on His own, meaning that God is not Lord of all because He cannot work until we release Him to do so. Faith, according to the Word of Faith doctrine, is not submissive trust in God; faith is a formula by which we manipulate the spiritual laws prosperity teachers believe govern the universe. As in the name “Word of Faith” implies, this movement teaches that faith is a matter of what we say more than who we trust or what truths we embrace and affirm in our hearts.

A favorite term in the Word of Faith movement is “positive confession.” It refers to the teaching that words have creative power. What you say, Word of Faith teachers claim, determines everything that happens to you. Your confessions, especially the favors you demand of God, must all be stated positively and without wavering. Then God is required to answer (as though man could require anything of God!). Thus God's ability to bless us supposedly hangs on our faith. James 4:13-16 clearly contradicts this teaching, “Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit. Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that. But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.”

Far from stressing the importance of wealth, the Bible warns against pursuing it. Believers, especially leaders in the church (1 Timothy 3:3), are to be free from the love of money (Hebrews 13:5). The love of money leads to all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Jesus warned, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). In sharp contrast to the Word of Faith emphasis on gaining money and possessions in this life, Jesus said “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). The irreconcilable contradiction between prosperity teaching gospel and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is best summed up in the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve God and riches.”

Court dismisses Novena Church exorcism case

2009-02-14T21:34:00.000-08:00

The High Court has thrown out the exorcism case against the priests and volunteers at Novena Church, after a trial spanning two years.

In a 61-page judgement on Friday, Justice Lee Seiu Kin held that Madam Amutha Valli Krishnan had not proved her case against the defendants for assault and battery, false imprisonment and negligence.

He accepted the defendants' version of events on the night of 10 August 2004 and found the contradictory parts of Madam Amutha Valli's evidence to be false.

Justice Lee also ruled that he did not find the actions of the priests had caused Madam Amutha Valli to suffer any damage.

Read more about it HERE

6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

2009-02-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

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“Take me as your pattern, just as I take Christ for mine” (1 Cor 11:1)

This week's reading are as follows:

[Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46] [1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1] [Mark 1:40-45]

In the first reading today, we read how a leprous man is considered unclean and must live in isolation outside the community.

In the second reading, Paul invite us to “Take me as your pattern, just as I take Christ for mine” (1 Cor 11:1) and “Whatever you eat, then, or drink, and whatever else you do, do it all for the glory of God”

The Gospel reading today, we see how a leprous man came to Jesus and asked Him for healing. The man said “If you are willing, you can cleanse me” (Mk 1:40) which really tell us that the man knew that Jesus is God and that He can cure him of his disease.

Being a compassionate man, Jesus of course cured the man. He told the man not to tell anyone but to show himself to the priest. Instead, the man proclaim freely and Jesus was no longer able to go openly into any town but to deserted spots. People from every corner is seeking Jesus…

How ironical that the leprous man who was supposed to be insolated is now back in the community when Jesus cured him. Yet, Jesus is now forced to be isolated because the man proclaimed freely how Jesus had cured him. What a reversal of situations….

So, with Paul’s invitation in mind, are we prepared to be like Jesus and Paul to serve our communities? Do we must provide comfort and aid to others during their times of physical duress?

And like the man Jesus cured, we are also called to share our own experience of spiritual healing, and more importantly to introduce the “Great Physician,” Jesus Christ to people around us.

Our sharing of experiences and our act of love by deed will result in people everywhere corner coming to seek out Jesus……and that’s evangelizing.

Happy Valentine Day

2009-02-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine Day to all of you and may God Bless you all.

Have a nice and romantic day with your Valentine.

Coincidence or a sign of Hope and Blessing.....

2009-02-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

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Our Blessed Mother appeared to a young girl, Bernedette, in Lourdes, a small town in France 151 years ago.......

Something happened in our Punggol seminary when they celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes 2 days ago........

Is this a coincidence or is it a sign of the confirmation of the affections and blessings of Our Lady on her seminarians there?

Find out what happened HERE

5th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Generous in Service

2009-02-07T23:47:00.000-08:00

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This week's reading :
[Job 7:1-4, 6-7], [1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23], [Mark 1:29-39]

Every day, news on TV, papers as well as the internet is filled with companies recording record loss, banks going bust, investment vanishes into thin air and people losing their jobs, family losing their home….all the doom and gloom.

In the first reading today, Job is complaining and lamenting about his misfortune in self pity. A picture of hopelessness is painted when he said : "I am allotted months of futility and nights of grief and misery ... Oh God, never will I see happiness again.”

In this world we are living today amid the economic crisis, the situation of Job can be very real to us too. No matter how bad is the situation, we should never give up. But to find purpose and meaning in our lives which will pull us out of the rut.

In the second reading, we see how Paul found the purpose in his life and despite being persecuted, shipwrecked and imprisoned, Paul found his fulfilment by zealously sharing his God experience with people: "In announcing the gospel I will do it freely without making use of the rights given to me by the Gospel."

Today‘s Gospel reading in Mark coupled with last Sunday’s reading, provide a composite of Jesus’ many acts of gracious healing. Jesus showed us that despite being the Son of God, He knew His mission and purpose which is to serve by preaching the Gospel and healing.

Another example was Peter's mother-in-law. Instead of lying back to recuperate after being healed, she immediately began to serve Jesus and the others with him.

Therefore whenever we feel down and feel the impulse to complain, the best cure for that is to go out and render service to others, especially the less fortunate.

And we should pray a lot like Jesus who went away to a quiet spot to pray to His Father. Only through prayers that we can communicate with our Father and be able to do what He command us to so.

Jesus's authority......

2009-02-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

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This is the 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time and the readings are as follows:

[Deuteronomy 18:15-20] [1 Corinthians 7:32-35] [Mark 1:21-28]

One of the things about this week’s reading that strike me is how Jesus teaches with authority. His authority came from within, from who He was, Emmanuel, God with us, and from the truth he taught. He communicate the truth using parables and reinforced His teachings by His miraculous power to heal and do good. His exemplary life of love and charity made Him friends of all people including lepers, tax collectors and even prostitutes.

Jesus attracted followers by preaching the truth and living a life of love and charity. Love and charity that is consistent to all – no exceptions.
As followers of Jesus, do we strive to live our lives like Him..with love and compassion for people around us?

We must try to be more and more like Jesus in our thoughts, words and deeds, in how we relate to people and react to the various situations we face in life.

“Evangelization is the witness of an authentically Christian life, given over to God in a communion that nothing should destroy and at the same time given to one’s neighbor with limitless zeal” – By Pope Paul VI.

Are we really true Christians and followers of Christ? Reflect on our lives and there lies the answers….

Professing of Faith….

2009-01-29T17:18:00.000-08:00

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I have been told by some that when one professes one’s faith, they are “saved” as in salvation. This is line with the protestant theory that one is saved by faith alone.

However, not all faith will saves as only faith in Christ that leads to fruits of good work will. How would anyone who desire Christ and “saved” by Him not do any good works?

This really makes me wonder…. How can faith saves when it has nothing to show (at the time of professing)? I.E. no fruits yet? It would have made more sense if they are saved when there are fruits to show….when they meet the Lord at the Last Judgement.

Then again, who decide and judge that one is saved when one professes ones faith? Ourselves ? Our pastor / priest? Or is that the right of God? How did one come to claimed that one is “saved”?

Another flaw of claiming being “saved” when professing faith is that some may not really want to follow Christ…..a mere act that is at the spur of the moment……will such people be “saved” when professing their faith and then “unsaved” again later when they bear no fruits?

Being saved when one professes one’s faith seems quite unlikely in my opinion….what about you?

Willing servants of the Lord

2009-01-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

This is the 3rd Ordinary Sunday and the readings are as follows:
[Jonah 3:1-5, 10], [1 Corinthians 7:29-31], [Mark 1:14-20]

Firstly, Gong Xi Fa Cai !

This week, we celebrate the conversion of St Paul and we are challenged to ask ourselves – are we willing servant of the Lord?

Christ died on the cross for us so that we can receive salvation of God. Jesus died with open arms because He wants to embrace the entire human race….to save as many people as possible…in fact everyone.

In Christ, we are united as one family of God with Christ as our head and we need to bring more people to Jesus. This week’s reading tell us how Jesus invited the apostles to follow Him…and they did so immediately.

How about us? Who invited us to follow Him? Perhaps, our parents or loved ones….

Do we invite others around us to follow Christ?

We need to remember that Jesus call on us to share His Word with everyone. We need to do so immediately and not like Jonah who was reluctant to do his mission. Let us be willing servants of the Lord. Let us go that extra mile for the Lord to bring God’s peace to people who need it. We thank God for giving us the strength and grace to do His work.

And once again, Gong Xi Fai Cai to those who celebrate Chinese New Year which explains why this post came late....

2nd ordinary Sunday - “Respond to God’s Call”

2009-01-18T16:55:00.000-08:00

Image by Lawrence OP via FlickrThis week's reading as follows:
[1 Samuel 3:3-10,19], [1 Corinthians 6:13-15,17-20], [John 1:35-42]

In this week's reading, we see how Samuel responded to God’s call. John, Andrew, Peter and the other disciples responded to our Lord’s call. How about us?

In the Gospel reading, John the Baptist is able to identify Jesus as the Messiah and point his followers to Him. And we also see how Jesus invite them to “come and see”…. Are we also pointing out to people around us that Jesus is the Messiah and that they too, should “come and see”?

Being a Christian is about living out our faith of love as God has loved us. Reading the bible gives us inspiration and our sources of goodness and strength. The Holy Spirit helps us make changes in our lives through our faithful prayers. With God, we can live a life of love and share the joy of knowing Christ with others.

How can we attract people to “come and see” ? It is through our kind words and helpful deeds, others will come to know that we are Catholics. They will yearn to know Jesus and may even want to attend Mass on Sundays. Let us invite them to ‘come and see’.

Baptism of the Lord

2009-01-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

Image via WikipediaThis week, we celebrate the baptism of the Lord and the reading are as follows:
[Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7] [Acts 10:34-38] [Mark 1:7-11]

Last week, we celebrated the Epiphany Of The Lord where God reveals to us our saviour by a star. The 3 wise men followed the star and found our Lord.

This week, we celebrate the baptism of our Lord. The significance of this baptism scene is when the Holy Spirit comes down when Jesus came out of the water and a voice from heaven spoke: 'You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.'

At our own baptism, the Holy Spirits also come upon us and God too will treat us as His children, His beloved and His favour will rest on us too though we do not hear any voices then. If we believed that His favour rest on us too, we should strive to follow Jesus and be His true disciple which is to love God and to love our neighbour.

The baptism of the Lord reminds us that we are richly blessed in the Catholic Church by the Sacraments that the Catholic Church has instituted for God’s people.

These sacraments consecrate us in God’s grace and unite us with God.

We remember God’s steadfast love for His people and God’s covenant made with His people. Jesus is present in every of these Sacraments and he is given to us freely.

The baptism of the Lord showed us that Jesus was strengthened by God. We too can and need to be strengthened by God.

We need to overcome our human weaknesses by receiving the sacraments faithfully. That is the only way to keep the evil one at a distance. Like Jesus who is able to reject Satan and his temptations.

So, do you still want to reject the Sacraments?

Well, this officially put an end to our Christmas season and begin the new ordinary time. Hope that we all can reflect and make good use of the Sacraments that is given to us freely by God.

Are you in the 7%?

2009-01-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

Image via WikipediaA holy man was having a conversation with God one day and said,

'God , I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'

God led the holy man to two doors.

He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.

In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.

The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished.

They were holding spoons with very long handles, that were strapped to their arms and each found it impossible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful.

But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

God said, 'You have seen Hell.'

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one.

There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water.

The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, 'I don't understand..'

'It is simple,' said God . 'It requires but one skill.

You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves.'

Its estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title '7%'.

I'm in the 7%

Remember that I will always share my spoon with you !.

How Great Thou Art by Carrie Underwood

2009-01-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

Great song, great singer and how great is our God!

Epiphany Of The Lord

2009-01-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

Image via WikipediaThis week, we celebrate the Epiphany Of The Lord and the readings are as follows:
[Isaiah 60: 1-6] [Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6] [Matthew 2: 1-12]

What is the Epiphany Of The Lord?

Originally it was the Christmas feast of the Eastern part of the Christian Church. In the Western part the stress of Christmas was and is on the birth of Christ as the little human child.

In the Eastern part the stress is more on Jesus coming as the Lord and Saviour of all. This is the reality the liturgy stresses today: Jesus came to save and bring life to all. No one is excluded, no one is a stranger to him. May all come to know Jesus, alive here among us.

In the readings today, we see how the Magi (probably from Persia) followed the stars and found baby Jesus whom they came to pay their homage. There is a very important significance in this as the Magi are gentiles. This really means that God’s salvation plan is for all and no one is excluded which remind me of Jn 3:16 which so many of my protestants friends loved to quote. God indeed send His only Son to save the world and not only Christians.

God has given us Jesus Christ as the Gift who brings light to our dark world Jesus is born for us – He brings the joy, peace and hope to the world that needs them so badly.

How about us? Are we a light to our family members, relatives and friends?

By being a loving, gentle and kind person to our family members, relatives and friends we too can bring joy, peace and hope to them.

Another aspect to note is that in celebration of the Eucharist that we remember that Jesus offered the Gift of Himself to God. He is offered for our salvation. Thus by following the teachings of Jesus, we can also offer ourselves as near perfect gifts to God our Father.

Pope prays for peace in Gaza

2009-01-01T06:46:00.000-08:00

Image via WikipediaPOPE Benedict XVI on Thursday said he hoped 'violence, hatred and mistrust' would not prevail in the world in 2009, notably in the Middle East.

'Violence, hatred and mistrust are also forms of poverty - perhaps the greatest - that must be fought,' the pope said during a mass marking the Roman Catholic Church's traditional January 1 World Day of Peace, on the theme of fighting poverty and building peace.

Wearing white vestments and a gold mitre, the pope said: 'The deep desire to live in peace ... rises in the hearts of the great majority of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, once more placed in danger by the massive violence that has broken out in the Gaza Strip in response to other violence.'

'May this not prevail,' urged the pope, who may travel to the region next May, during the mass in St Peter's Basilica.

Pope Benedict had on Sunday denounced the violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, calling on the international community to help both sides abandon 'this dead-end road'.

The death toll from Israel's blitz on Hamas in Gaza rose to 400 on Thursday, the sixth day of its biggest military operation against the Palestinian territory in decades. Hamas also fired rockets into Israel as international efforts to secure a truce foundered.

The Vatican has yet to confirm that the pope will visit Israel and the occupied territories, reportedly set for May 8-15.

Last month a spokesman for Israeli President Shimon Peres said a Vatican delegation had come to Israel to discuss preparations for a possible visit.

The 81-year-old German pope also recalled his annual message for World Peace Day issued three weeks ago, in which he lambasted the global financial industry for creating an economic crisis with short-term thinking.

Pope Benedict warned that a number of low-income countries are marginalized from the world market.

He also accused rich states of holding poor countries hostage over fatal diseases, criticising global efforts to prevent the spread of malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS, which he said were a common cause of poverty.

And he condemned an 'unacceptable' arms race at a time when the world is marking the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. -- AFP

Charities see spike in take-up rate of free meals

2008-12-31T03:15:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

This is an interesting article taken from Channelnewsasia website. It is wonderful to know that there are love and charity in other faith and also how people from different faith can come together to share the teaching of the Gospel and to bring warm and joy to the needy within our community.

QUOTE:

While many may have been feasting during this festive period, those who cannot afford it have not been forgotten either.

The Buddhist Lodge has been giving out food, buffet-style, every day for the past 30 years.

Since the economic downturn, it has seen more people showing up -- at least a 35 per cent increase in numbers since the beginning of the year, with a significant number of them being foreign workers.

The Lodge serves up on average 1400 meals daily, and this number can go up to 6000 over the weekend.

Despite the downturn, the Lodge says people have not cut back on their donations, and this allows the Lodge to pass on excess to other charities.

One such beneficiary is the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Upper Serangoon.

The church started giving out meals from April this year. It distributes packed meals, ensuring no one goes hungry in the community.

UNQUOTE

Let's not forget to do our part as we celebrate and party to welcome 2009.....

<<<<<< HAPPY NEW YEAR ! >>>>>>

Feast Of The Holy Family

2008-12-30T00:55:00.000-08:00

Image by Lawrence OP via FlickrThis week, we celebrate the Feast Of The Holy Family. Indeed, this is one family that has much for us to learn from. The most important being their complete obedience to God and complete trust.

Like the Holy Family, we must commit ourselves to believing the word of the Lord. Just as Simeon recognized the Messiah, we in our daily lives can recognize our Messiah if we listen carefully to His Word and trust His Word.

When we believed that Jesus Christ is truly present and active in our lives, we will begin to act in a new way and our lives will change….

Our lives will change when we accept that we are created to serve our Lord and do His Holy Will - forgiveness, pardon, charity, joy, patience, peace, etc. and how the world will be completely different if everyone does the same.

God's great and loving investment in us must bear great fruits. We should seek God's wisdom so that he will directs us to commit every decision we make to God. God's words of encouragement and guidance are always available to us. We just need to pray and listen attentively because Jesus has told us through the Gospel that He will be with us until the end of time.

Ang Kim Huat celebrating Christmas

2008-12-25T17:22:00.000-08:00

Image via WikipediaWhile we are partying and feasting to usher in Christmas, Mr Ang Kim Huat is spending his time in Little India.

Spending Christmas in Little India?

Yes, Mr Ang Kim Huat is spending Christmas in Little India, providing meals for the homeless and unemployed migrants. Read the story here.

A fine example of what Jesus teaches us to do - love and charity - to love our neighbour like ourself.

It is heart warming to know that God is present among us and that the poor and needy are not forgotten during the celebration of His birthday.

Let's pray that more people will reflect and learn the true meaning of Christmas and understanding what it means to received the priceless gift from God. That is the sacrifices of His only Son to give us eternal life.

Let's pray that more people will understand what is really means to be a Christian and true disciple of Christ i.e. to spread the good news by loving each other, caring with love and charity regardless of language, race and religion.

In the midst of our celebration, let's not forget about the poor and needy and know that God command us to help them out. What better way to spread the good news to these people by showing that the God is here to love and care for them through our actions?

God bless you all and Merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-23T16:47:00.000-08:00

Image by Nicolai Kjærgaard via FlickrA Merry Christmas to all the readers of this blog.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading the articles and do give me suggestions.

I apologized that for moderating the blog due to anti-Christ messages which contains only curse and swear that is spamming this blog by a certain cult member.

But I still welcome all comments even those with different views and doctrines and hope that 2009 will bring some interesting discussions.

On this ocassion of Christmas, I wish you and your family good health and God Bless You All.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

4th Week of Advent - We can make a Difference

2008-12-20T19:47:00.000-08:00

Image via WikipediaThis week’s reading are as follows: [2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12,14,16], [Romans 16: 25-27], [Luke 1: 26-38]

In the first reading today, we are told that despite his failures and weaknesses, God made David, a shepherd in Bethlehem, to become a great king in Jerusalem. David was an instrument of God in providing for his people and God established a covenant with David that ensured that his line will last forever.

In the Gospel reading, we are told of the beginning of our salvation plan by God. God chose the town called Nazareth in Galilee and a young girl specially chosen and prepared by Him to fulfill His plan for humanity.

Without Christ, there is no salvation. And God chose Mary whom we know as a prayerful and truly sinless girl to be the mother of His son – Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Archangel Gabriel appeared to her and told her: “You are to conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus”. Mary was frighten and lost (likewise, we too will be scared if the same happened to us) because she is virgin and wonder how then could she conceive “but the angel said to her, 'Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God's favour.”( LK1:40)

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God.” (LK1:35).

To that, Mary replied despite her fear and uncertainty : “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me accordingly to your word.”

It was Mary’s total faith, total confidence and total obedience to God that led to the conception of the Son of God through God’s creative Spirit.

To Mary, it was God’s will and not her will that she obey. Mary did not say (like what most of us will hear today) – let me think about it and I’ll get back to you later.

Both David and Mary had made a difference in God’s salvation plan. How about us?

Are we prepared to make a difference too? Or are we looking after only our own benefits?

In whatever state and circumstance in our life, we can choose to live out the will of our heavenly Father. We can stand forward and be relied on to share our faith in God, to help others in need with our gifts and to speak out against injustice and indifference.

In other words, we can make a difference. Merry Christmas!

Interview with God....

2008-12-19T01:57:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting clip which is touching....Go watch it and enjoy yourself.

Click Here

What is Christmas?

2008-12-17T23:00:00.000-08:00

Image by Rio Calle via FlickrIt is that time of the year again when we are all busy preparing to celebrate Christmas. What really is Christmas to you?

In today’s world, Christmas has become very much a public holiday, a time to get away, a time to party and a time to splurge on oneself after a year of hard work.

This is what the Archbishop Chia called “consumerism” mindset. The true meaning behind Christmas is lost even to us Christians.

Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ and to bring the good news to our neighbour. The good news about our salvation and love of God with the coming of Jesus Christ our Lord.

As the Archbishop said: “There is no Christmas without Christ and so Christ must be the center of our celebrations. This means that our celebration of Christmas must be a celebration of love: “God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son.”

And he continued to said: “let us prepare to celebrate Christmas in the proper way. Make Christ the center of our celebration. Share Him with others by reaching out in love especially to those in need. In doing this, Christmas will truly be CHRIST-mas for us.”

So as Christians, are we ready to go and reach out to our neighbours and share Christ with them? And if you are looking for excuses such as I don’t know how, here is an article that will give you some ideas….click here to read.

Lesson from our Blessed Mother

2008-12-17T00:13:00.000-08:00

Image via WikipediaAfter reading the homily of the Archbishop Nicholas Chia on our Blessed Mother (in the post before this), I gain a deeper understanding on Marian worship. As I have blogged before (click here to read about it), there are many misconceptions about praying to our Blessed Mother.

At the wedding feast in Cana, our Blessed Mother clearly showed us that she do care for us when she brings the needs of the wedding couple to Jesus. And as what the Archbishop said, “. Here we see the powerful intercession of Mary” and she continues to intercede for us and we must also pray and intercede for others like our Blessed Mother.

Our Blessed Mother has never seek fame and glory for herself. In all her appearances, she always point the people to her son Jesus Christ our savior. Her simple words ““Do whatever He tells you”, and her genuine love for others has converted more than any self proclaimed pastors (especially those Korean or American styled – courtesy of their wives) and is still converting.

So, let’s learn from our Blessed Mother and make her shining example be known to all.

To end this all, I love to share with you here a clip on Ave Maria....

"Do whatever He tells you" - Advice from our Blessed Mother

2008-12-16T17:15:00.000-08:00

Image via WikipediaOn the 6th of December 2008, the Lourdes experience was held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium to celebrate the 150th year of our Mother appearance to St Bernadette. You can read about the event HERE.

During his homily, the Archbishop Nicholas Chia has made a very interesting and powerful message that I would like to share with you here in full and I quote:

“AT THE ANNUNCIATION, God spoke through the Archangel Gabriel: ʻYou shall conceive and bear a sonʼ,” Archbishop Nicholas Chia reminded the worshippers during his homily.

Mary could not understand how she was to conceive as a virgin but when she learnt that it was Godʼs will, she consented, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your word.”

In her response, Mary is teaching us to have faith in God and to do Godʼs will and not our own will, the archbishop said.

In the flight to Egypt, Mary and Joseph carried out the word of God at a cost without complaining, making the long journey to Egypt and living there in exile.

Archbishop Chia explained that Mary teaches us that sacrifice is part of carrying out Godʼs will.

At the Presentation in the temple, Mary could not understand the word of God communicated through Simeon: “A sword shall pierce your heart”. She could not understand but she did not dismiss the message. Rather, she kept it in her heart. This, Archbishop Chia said, is to teach us that at times we may not understand the word of God, but like Mary we must not be impatient but take time to reflect on Godʼs message and patiently wait for enlightenment from God.

In the mystery of the Visitation, Mary carried Jesus in her womb and brought him to Elizabeth and John the Baptist. The message for us is that we too must bring Jesus, the Word of God, to our fellowmen by our word and example.

At the wedding feast in Cana, she brought the attention of Jesus to the needs of the wedding couple: “They have no wine left”. And Jesus changed the water into wine. Here we see the powerful intercession of Mary, Archbishop Chia continued. She continues to intercede for us, he added. And like her we must also pray and intercede for others.

Furthermore, Mary told the stewards: “Do whatever He tells you”. In the Gospels, these are the only words of Mary addressed to human beings. Other words by our Blessed Mother are addressed to God. So these words are of special significance. Maryʼs message to us is that we are to carry out Godʼs will in our life, Archbishop Chia concluded.

Unquote

Sources : Catholic News Sunday December 21,2008 page 11

The 3rd Sunday of Advent

2008-12-15T23:22:00.000-08:00

Image via WikipediaThis week's reading is as follows :

[Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11] [1 Thessalonians 5:16-24] [John 1:6-8, 19-28]

In the gospel of John, we are told that John the Baptist’s works must have a great impact as many people think and hoped that he is the messiah. Although he was at Bethany, on the far side of the Jordan, the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, 'Who are you?'

Instead of tempted by fame, glory and prestige, John speaks the truth and in his humility and says: “I am not the one. There is one coming after me”.

John preached repentance in preparation for the coming of Christ and proclaimed himself as “A voice of one that cries in the desert: Prepare a way for the Lord. Make his paths straight!' as prophesied by Isaiah.

What about us? Who do we identify ourselves in terms of? Do we realise that our roles in life are expressed in relation to others? Our talents and resources are meaningless unless others benefit from them.

Our accomplishments and status are empty if we do not look to the concern of others. We can only find fulfilment when we serve others in our families and in our communities, promoting their good above our own.

In short, our salvation depends not only on our love for God but also on our love for other people.

Perfume vials from Christ's era

2008-12-11T01:28:00.000-08:00

ROME - A TEAM of Franciscan archaeologists digging in the biblical town of Magdala in what is now Israel say they have unearthed vials of perfume similar to those that may have been used by the woman said to have washed Jesus' feet.

The perfumed ointments were found intact at the bottom of a mud-filled swimming pool, alongside hair and make-up objects,............

Read the entire story HERE

'Lustful Madonna offends God'

2008-12-11T01:20:00.000-08:00

POP star Madonna's antics are lustful, a stain on humanity and offensive to God, a retired Roman Catholic cardinal said on Wednesday during a mass for the late Chilean military dictator Gen Augusto Pinochet.

Madonna is currently on tour in Latin America to promote her album 'Hard Candy'. -- PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Read the entire story Here

Second Sunday of Advent - We Hope in Jesus

2008-12-07T19:17:00.000-08:00

Image via WikipediaThis is the Second Sunday of Advent and our reading this week are as follows:
[Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11] [2 Peter 3:8-14] [Mark 1:1-8]

In this week’s reading, we are offered the message of hope with the coming of Jesus Christ. We are called to dedicate our life to God and we are all exhorted to be holy.

In this difficult period of time facing many due to the economy recession and financial melt-down, we can place our hope in our Shepherd to carry us through our difficulties and to restore us with His tender love and care.

Just as John the Baptist has preached for repentance from sins to prepare ourselves for a new life to herald the arrival of Jesus, this season of Advent is a good time for us to reflect on our lives. Can we take stock of our short-coming and sins and do something about it to prepare ourselves to receive the coming of Jesus Christ?

Can we do something to “Make a straight highway for our God across the wastelands” (Is40:3) and “Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill be levelled, every cliff become a plateau, every escarpment a plain” (Is40:4) – “then the glory of Yahweh will be revealed and all humanity will see it together” (Is40:5)

All the valley are what we lack perhaps in our love, virtues and goodness and we should pray o the Lord to help us have more of that to fill the valley….

And every mountain are like our sins – obstacles to the Kingdom of God and we pray to the Lord to help us over-come our sins such as addictions, bad habits etc.. so that the mountains of sins will be leveled.

Let’s not get discouraged because of what we have done or failed to do but asked God for help so that we too can build this straight highway to God - bit by bit knowing that “The Lord is not being slow in carrying out his promises, as some people think he is; rather is he being patient with you, wanting nobody to be lost and everybody to be brought to repentance.” (MK1:9)

Farewell to Miss Lo Hwei Yen

2008-12-05T00:40:00.000-08:00

I do not know Lo Hwei Yen nor Michael her hubby personally. Yet, I felt sad for Ms Lo and her family over her tragic passing.

As I blog about the beautiful churches that I visited recently, at one of our own St Teresa Church was Ms Lo being send on her final journey home to God.

We pray that Ms Lo's soul will rest in peace and that God will heal the pain and loss of her family and friends.

Read about the story and comments by the general public HERE

To Michael and Ms Lo's family, my deepest condolences - God Bless You All!

Our Lady's Assumption Church - Bunbury WA

2008-12-04T00:18:00.000-08:00

This is the Church where we spend our last Sunday of Ordinary time celebrating Mass. This is a beautiful Church as you can see from the pictures below. Is it a coincidence that the reading that week is about MT 25:31-46? Ha..Ha..Ha..

The front view of Our Lady's Assumption Catholic Church

Inside the Church looking at the alter from the Church entrance

One of the thing that makes a Catholic Church very beautiful is the stained glass art which you can see lining both sides of the wall of this Church.

St Augustine Catholic Church - Pinjarra WA

2008-12-04T00:16:00.001-08:00

Pinjarra Uniting Church

2008-12-04T00:09:00.001-08:00

This is the Pinjarra Uniting Church

St Mary's Catholic Church - Denmark WA

2008-12-04T00:04:00.000-08:00

Also pass by St Mary's Catholic Church in Denmark WA.

All Saints Anglican Church - Mt Barker WA

2008-12-03T19:24:00.000-08:00

This is a old historical Church in Mt Barker and we met some nice people there who showed us around the Church as well as showed us the way to St Werburgh's Chapel later.

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