Thursday, June 18, 2009

Altar Servers' Awards 2009

When it was announced that Shawn Wong from my parish had won the top award, I was not really aware of the full meaning of it, till I read the article in the Catholic News. I am so proud of him and can testify that he goes to the adoration room very very often. 3 seminarians are from my parish and if he is the fourth, praise God!

At the same time, I was not surprised to note that he shared the award with an altar server from CTK. Having served there for 9 months, I noted that the altar servers are impeccable in their posture and attitude at mass. They are definitely tops in this ministry!

Charismatic was so powerfully personal.

As the intercessory session went on, I realised that the reason why I am slained in contrast to others is not because I have more faith, but because I need to rest in the Spirit, to have Him granting me graces of healing, peace and rest. This is a revelation that humbles me.

Then Cassandra was prompted by the Spirit to convey this message to me. I had been nursing guilt in me, though God and the person concerned have forgiven me. The message through Cassandra was about God's crucifixion cleansing me and making me righteous. I am righteous in the Lord and am free because of His loving sacrifice! It was such an awesome feeling. Tears flowed down my face. This is all that matters to me.

Then, the song: Be Magnified was sung. It was exactly what I had been seeing God as! I saw His mercy as too small and my sin as too big to be forgiven. How could I? Praise God, glory be to Him for what He has wrought in me!

As the closing song: Empower Me states, I am empowered! He saw into my soul, my need to be freed and made whole again. He did it with His love on the cross. Amen, alleluia! God is truly good, not just then, but all the time. :)

Saturday, June 13, 2009

June retreat 2009 for choir

First session: what can I do to make you love me?
Mother Teresa: The personal love Jesus has for (me) is infinite. If (I) realise His personal love for (me), I will be able to face any failure and humiliation. He loves (me) even when (I) don't feel worthy. Turn to Him and allow (myself) to be loved by Him.
Manipulation to love is not true love.
Video: I Offer My Life
Symbolism: All the pain I went through at feeling like a failure, I offer to you Lord, as a pleasing sacrifice to be used for Your glory.
Video: There is None Like You
Symbolism: You are the only one who knows my deepest intentions, Lord. You are the only one who will never hurt me. You are the only one who truly loves me and never lets me down nor undermines me. Heal me with Your mercy and keep me safe in your arms, as I run to you and seek refuge in you.

My prayer: Lord, I did not realise enough how much you love me. You love me so much that you were willing to die for me. Hence I felt that I had failed. Forgive me. I was too quick to please people, with my own expectations. I forgot to let you be you in me. I allowed them to affect the ultimate conclusion of my performance. I forgot that I am called to be a different minister to them. I let my inferiority and low self-esteem rule. Holy Spirit, give me courage anew. I tried my best to direct the discussion, albeit the wrong one. O Lord, you knew my heart. There is nothing to be troubled about. Help me realise this. Amen.

Video: At the Cross.

Oh Lord You've searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me


At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this

"Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid."

Video: I Will Run to You

Your hand, it comforts me

You call me to Your purpose
As angels understand
For Your glory, may You draw all men
As Your love and grace demand


My prayer: My Lord, I truly realise that I am chosen by you for your plans. All came to you, not by my mouth but by another's. It does not matter whose, Lord, for all glory goes back to you. I let my pride get to me. It wasn't inferiority but a wounded pride. It was jealousy, really. Thank you Lord, for granting me this wisdom. Thank you.