Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Rainbow over my church on Ash Wednesday!
It was truly a miraculous marvel, since Singapore seldom has rainbows in the sky. It was all the more significant as it befitted the religious occasion. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and the start of Catholics' preparation for the passion of Jesus. The rainbow, as a sign of hope and God's covenant with Man, made my preparation more balanced. Here are some photos of it from various angles.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Utter blasphemy!
A real estate agent has made a religious candle with the face of Obama on it. His face is superimposed on a saint's body, making him out to be a holy person. I think this is a hyperbole. The agent must be a devoted fan to have done this, but thank God it is sold only in novelty shops. The shop is also aptly named Just For Fun. If it were sold in churches and religious bookshops, I would flip!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Father Bosco's New Year's Day Mass homily and Christmas surprise
He referred to the prevalence of people making resolutions at this time of the year, and pointed out the distinction between a resolution and a wish:
A wish is when you want to achieve something but a resolution is when you take steps to achieve that particular thing. Eg. "I want to pass my examinations." is a wish whereas "I will spend an extra hour everyday on my studies." is a resolution.
His homilies are very down-to-earth and relate to daily life, so that the congregation can really understand them.
At Midnight Mass, he presented us with a gift, a precious one. He sang Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas for us. He is a priest and yet he shared his gift of song with us. That gesture touched my heart. I cannot explain why but it just strikes a chord within me. His voice was rather good too though he was modest about it. :) The other priest who sang to his congregation, of whom I was one of the members, is Father Stephen Yim who sang a song on Father's Day.
A wish is when you want to achieve something but a resolution is when you take steps to achieve that particular thing. Eg. "I want to pass my examinations." is a wish whereas "I will spend an extra hour everyday on my studies." is a resolution.
His homilies are very down-to-earth and relate to daily life, so that the congregation can really understand them.
At Midnight Mass, he presented us with a gift, a precious one. He sang Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas for us. He is a priest and yet he shared his gift of song with us. That gesture touched my heart. I cannot explain why but it just strikes a chord within me. His voice was rather good too though he was modest about it. :) The other priest who sang to his congregation, of whom I was one of the members, is Father Stephen Yim who sang a song on Father's Day.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Healing Rallies
Bob Canton's rally at Risen Christ Parish: I saw the deaf hear and the lame walk. Tumours were shrunk. My hunger for the Spirit was filled. His power came over me to allow me to rest in Him. He allowed me an initial glimpse of His healing graces over my legs. He called me so incredibly to experience Him here.
Set Free rally at the above venue: The music was fantastic; my favourite songs such as Jesus We Enthrone You, Potter's Hand and Give Thanks were sung. Messages of assurance from the Spirit were given via promptings of the Word. Father Elias Vella's talk on the fears of the Devil was enlightening: humility, obedience, worship of God, unity and love. The Blessed Sacrament was brought around and I was touched tremendously by His true presence. I was made as His instrument to a sick lady too. Last but not least, He called me to be His messenger to a friend of mine, to be with her at the rally.
Set Free rally at the above venue: The music was fantastic; my favourite songs such as Jesus We Enthrone You, Potter's Hand and Give Thanks were sung. Messages of assurance from the Spirit were given via promptings of the Word. Father Elias Vella's talk on the fears of the Devil was enlightening: humility, obedience, worship of God, unity and love. The Blessed Sacrament was brought around and I was touched tremendously by His true presence. I was made as His instrument to a sick lady too. Last but not least, He called me to be His messenger to a friend of mine, to be with her at the rally.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Insincere Catholics
Rushing through our responses to the priest and our praises to God, isn't the proper way of participating at Mass. It is irksome when the person is not just a mere congregational member. No matter how horrible or tired we may feel, God deserves our praise and focus at Mass.
Another thing that irritates me tremendously is when people do not realise the significance of having ashes put on the forehead. It is obvious that this person I noted sees no meaning in it because the person laughed while conversing with another person, after having received the ashes. This is taking into consideration the remark made of the wish for more masses. The cause is the deficient influences in religious education from young.
Enough said.
Another thing that irritates me tremendously is when people do not realise the significance of having ashes put on the forehead. It is obvious that this person I noted sees no meaning in it because the person laughed while conversing with another person, after having received the ashes. This is taking into consideration the remark made of the wish for more masses. The cause is the deficient influences in religious education from young.
Enough said.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Father Bosco's Novena homily on 10/1/09
The Twelve Days of Christmas
(Legend holds that the beloved carol was actually a tool to help children learn Christian teachings. Here's what the gifts mean. When Oliver Cromwell came to power in England, Catholics were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Tradition holds that Catholic parents developed "The Twelve Days of Christmas" to teach children their beliefs.)
The partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus (the partridge will sacrifice its life to save its young).
Two turtle doves: The Old and New Testaments
Three French hens: Faith, hope, and charity, or the three gifts of the Wise Men
Four calling birds: The four Evangelists--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Five golden rings: The first five books of the Old Testament
Six geese a-laying: The six days of creation described in Genesis
Seven swans a-swimming: The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord)
Eight maids a-milking: The eight Beatitudes
Nine ladies dancing: The nine choirs of angels (Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and regular angels); or the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control).
Ten lords a-leaping: The Ten Commandments
Eleven pipers piping: The eleven faithful Apostles
Twelve drummers drumming: The twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed
(Legend holds that the beloved carol was actually a tool to help children learn Christian teachings. Here's what the gifts mean. When Oliver Cromwell came to power in England, Catholics were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Tradition holds that Catholic parents developed "The Twelve Days of Christmas" to teach children their beliefs.)
The partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus (the partridge will sacrifice its life to save its young).
Two turtle doves: The Old and New Testaments
Three French hens: Faith, hope, and charity, or the three gifts of the Wise Men
Four calling birds: The four Evangelists--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Five golden rings: The first five books of the Old Testament
Six geese a-laying: The six days of creation described in Genesis
Seven swans a-swimming: The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord)
Eight maids a-milking: The eight Beatitudes
Nine ladies dancing: The nine choirs of angels (Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and regular angels); or the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control).
Ten lords a-leaping: The Ten Commandments
Eleven pipers piping: The eleven faithful Apostles
Twelve drummers drumming: The twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed
Thursday, January 8, 2009
My quiet time's output
Life with me is not immunity from difficulties but peace in difficulties. My guidance is often by shut doors.
Joy is the result of faithful trusting acceptance of My will, when It seems not joyous.
Saint Paul, my servant, learnt this lesson when he said "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Expect rebuffs until this is learnt -- it is the only way.
Joy is the daughter of calm.
(taken from God Calling: January 8)
Psalm 147:13-14
'He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you. He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.'
My reflection: How lucky we in Singapore are! He has protected us from terrorism through our efficient law enforcers and government. Our last invasion was the Japanese Occupation in 1942 and we are provided for in terms of welfare through this recession. Any potential conflicts we had with other countries have not escalated to physical violence. Praise God!
Joy is the result of faithful trusting acceptance of My will, when It seems not joyous.
Saint Paul, my servant, learnt this lesson when he said "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Expect rebuffs until this is learnt -- it is the only way.
Joy is the daughter of calm.
(taken from God Calling: January 8)
Psalm 147:13-14
'He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you. He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.'
My reflection: How lucky we in Singapore are! He has protected us from terrorism through our efficient law enforcers and government. Our last invasion was the Japanese Occupation in 1942 and we are provided for in terms of welfare through this recession. Any potential conflicts we had with other countries have not escalated to physical violence. Praise God!
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