Seminary Community Outing

The seminary community (formators included) went for our community outing from September 21-23. This year we were at Desaru Holiday Chalet (Sat-Sun) and prior to that we went to MAJODI - Malacca Johore Diocese Pastoral Centre (Fri evening - Sat morning).

After tea at MAJODI, Plentong we had a telematch among us, Ahhh we were really like children. Then after evening prayer, we were treated with sumptuous Indian dinner at my classmate's house (Br. Cyril),the menu was ghee rice, chicken curry, wild boar 'paratel', two types of vegetable and prawn 'sambal'. Then we went on tour to Masai and Pasir Gudang towns, many found it was well developed as against their own assumptions. After that we went 'jalan-jalan' at Danga Bay - actually to digest!!.

The next day after Mass, we shot off to Desaru. There we had community games such as 'giant community monopoly', karaoke, 3hrs of beach volleyball (the game was so interesting that we didn't realize we were actually late for lunch!!).

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the brothers especially the various IC's for helping me organise this event and making it a successful and memorable one.

Here are some pictures:-

off we go!!

the team dance (oleh! oleh! oleh! oleh!)

enter flourman!! ( a new video clip by 'tepungtallica')

Hey, i think i can be the Santa Claus for this year's caroling!!

ouchh!!!

'ding aa..ling aa..ling'

either day dreaming or an interesting sermon!!

ada gaya tak!!

ahhh... what a consolation!!

leading the 'chicken' dance

Bila larut malam!!!.....

25th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I: Friday

My reflection for the readings of the 25^th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I: Friday
Haggai 1:15 – 2:9 / Luke 9:18-22

I feel today’s readings are very affirmative. Once again we see the phrase so often used by God to tell us that He loves us. It is not a phrase of I love you, but “Do not be afraid”. I think for me, this is the most touching phrase and the most used by God that I find in the scriptures to tell us that He is with us, that He loves us. We can find this phrase from the book of Genesis right up to the book of Revelation; if it is not directly said, it can still be found in different expression but always the same meaning of “Do not be afraid”!

Why is this phrase so many in scriptures? Why we need to hear this “Do not be afraid” so often? It is because we are fragile humans. We need affirmations and assurance. It is a reminder that we need to constantly put our trust in the Lord. In the 1^st reading where we find this phrase, the Lord seems to motivate the people to work, to rebuild the temple and their lives. He encourages and assures them of His presence and His decisions, for at the end of each sentences we read “It is the Lord of hosts who speaks”. Yes, the Lord speaks when we need to hear Him. In the 1^st reading, we find that the people needed to hear God and rightfully he spoke to them, to build them up, to encourage them.

In the Gospel today, we are now asked to speak. We are asked to answer a very important question; “Who do you say I am?” Yes, this question was directed to the disciples but Jesus is asking each one of us the same.

I remember during my recent 30 days retreat, I was to reply to this question. At the beginning of my retreat, I was with lots of questions, confused and carrying life’s crosses, I was asked to answer this question of “Who is Christ in my life?”, in these situations. Then in the mid of my retreat, I asked the same questions. At the end of my retreat, I asked the same question again. I notice a growth of faith, a clear understanding of who Christ is in my life, a development of God-experience in my life, when answering these questions during the retreat. In these reflections, Jesus is always telling me; “Do not be afraid”. Through today’s gospel I am reminded to always ask in moments of desolation and consolation this question of “Who Christ is in my life”! A Fundamental question of checking my faith and motivation. It also to remind me to constantly put my trust in the Lord and to have assurance that He is with me and I do not have to be afraid.

Christ through the gospel has already told me that just like Him, I too will have to face rejection especially from the ‘big-shots’. Notice in the gospel today Jesus saying; “The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death…” There are many ‘big-shots’ in our lives today, elders, chief priests and scribes, those hypocrites who do not practice what they preach, who do not admit to their mistakes, they will reject us, they will put us to ‘death’, but we will ‘rise’. If we are Alter Christus, (Another Christ), like Him we will rise again. We just have to put our trust in him and do His will.

So friends, in moments of desolation and consolation asked the question “Who is Christ in my life?” Feel his love; feel his assurance and you will sure hear the words of “Do not be afraid, for I am with you!”

Mid-Autumn Festival 2007

Last night we celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival (Lantern or Mooncake festival). After dinner we had mooncakes, bubur cha cha, chinese tea and kuachi (Sun flower seeds) for dessert. Because of the rain, we couldn't have the 'moon sighting' but we had Br.Joseph to explain the history and meaning of the festival to us. We were privileged to celebrate with the Carmelite Sisters too. It was indeed a time of 'get-together'. A big 'thank you' to the brothers who helped me organize the event.

No, i am not showing off whatever little muscle i have!!

With Br. Surain (L)

With Br. Terence

The whole 'Jim Bang"

God CHOSE the foolish of the world to shame the wise. - Feast of St. Matthew

Feast of St. Matthew - Apostle & Evangelist.
Eph. 4:1-7, 11-13 / Ps.18(19) :2-5 / Mt. 9:9-13

Today is not my feast day but after going through the readings of the day, I would like to celebrate it as my feast day, for I can identify with St. Matthew very well. He was a tax collector and was despised very much by the Jews especially the Pharisee for his collaboration with the Romans and for his unjust exactions. But Jesus loved him and saw that He could make ‘the reject’ of society into ‘accepted’ in God’s eye. “The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone” (Ps.118:22 - i believe this text does not only tells us of Christ, but also, all of us who follows him). The meaning for the name Matthew is ‘gift of Yahweh’.

When I reflect back on my own vocation story, I too feel unworthy of this call. I always ask God, why is He calling me? I am a sinner, what can He do with me? Looking back at my old life, now I can see a lot of good changes in me, and so, yes, it is possible with God. I still have a lot to change and I know I have to be open to God’s Spirit to be continued to be moulded according to God’s will.

I get very angry when I hear people making judgements on who has a calling and who hasn’t without giving them opportunity and chances to journey or try the specific way of life in which they feel they are called to. The Gospel shows us that if we do that we are like the Pharisee. Are we? Do we give opportunities or be a stumbling block? We forget that we are accountable for the conclusions we make on another. It is sad to hear when priest and even seminarians be an obstacle to new vocations by making all sorts of judgements and opinions on another without giving them just opportunities and chances. These priest and seminarians seemed to forget their call story. St. Paul in his 1^st Letter to the Corinthians (1:26-29) reminds us priest and seminarians to; “Consider your own calling, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God”.

After the call story of Matthew, we find Jesus at dinner with the tax collectors and sinners. Through the Gospel of Luke 5:29 we know that it was Matthew who hosted the dinner as a token of appreciation and gratitude for being chosen to be one of the close companion of Jesus. This I believe is very human, as all of us too will throw a party when we have a reason to celebrate. In the New Testament we find stories such as these, for an example the lost sheep, the lost drachma and the lost son. In all of these stories we notice that there is a reason to celebrate and rejoice and a party thrown, after the sheep, drachma and the son was ‘found’. As for Matthew his reason is that he has ‘left everything’ and now he is ‘taking on a new life’, he has found a ‘treasure’. As a priest in the future, I too will be throwing a party, and it will be filled with ‘tax collectors and sinners’. Yes, the dinner is the Eucharistic Celebration; a feast of heaven and earth where saints and sinners are friends.

Dear friends, Jesus’ willingness to accept such a person as a disciple prepared the way for the acceptance of all kinds of people into the Church. So rightfully today is everybody’s feast day. All of us are called and St. Paul in today’s 1^st reading reminds us to lead a life worthy of our vocation. He says that each one of us has been given his own share of grace, given as Christ allotted it.

So let us pray that we live the life worthy of our calling and not be obstacle or a stumbling block to others and instead be a stepping stone for others to experience Jesus and to follow Him.

Introduction to Lauds – Feast of St. Matthew (September 21)

Through today’s feast, we are invited to look back into our own call story. I am sure we can identify with St. Matthew very well, that we too are unworthy of this call. For the eyes of the world and critics we are the ‘tax collectors and sinners’ whom we find in today’s Gospel.

But God who came into the world not to call the virtous but sinners have call us to follow him. In the eyes of the world we might not be suitable but in God’s eyes we are his special ones. The rejects of society is the 'anawim' of Yahweh.

An important thing to note is that the meaning of Matthew is ‘gift of Yahweh’. Like Matthew we too are God’s gift.

As we pray our Lauds, we thank God for calling us and in the words of St. Paul in this morning scripture reading (Eph.2:19-22); for making us his fellow-citizens and members of his household.

We also pray for perseverance as we journey in answer to God’s call and also for those rejected by society and the church that God’s will be done in their life.

Our Lady of Sorrows - September 15

Here is my points for the novena sermon preached at the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour , Singapore today.

Theme: Mary, Model of Suffering

Scripture Reading

Jn.19:25-27 – Mary at the foot of the cross.

Suffering, pain and sorrow is so much part of human condition. We not only see it around us but we also experienced it. It is an unsolved mystery and no one has succeeded in finding an explanation on it.

Affliction can be a powerful means and opportunity for us to enter into a close communion with God. It is a mean of sanctification and also to mould our hearts and minds to be more compassionate and understanding to others.

Mary was not spared from walking the rocky road of suffering and pain. She was not exempt from the hardships and heartaches which are normal to all people.

Her suffering and sorrow which Mary experienced throughout her earthly life (e.g. difficulties at Bethlehem, frightening escape into Egypt, poverty at Nazareth, loneliness during the public ministry of Jesus) reached a climax on Calvary’s hill.

Mary just stood at the cross and able to go through the pain of seeing her only son die is because of her faith and trust in God. Once again Mary had to repeat her ‘Yes’ in her pierced heart which Simeon prophesized during the presentation of Jesus.

Gazing at Mary standing at the foot of the cross fills us with deep gratitude. Her posture of peace and strength speaks of a wiling sacrifice and reminds us that Jesus’ redemptive death assures us of our eternal salvation.

Jesus knew that we will all encounter suffering and pain in life’s journey. He also realized that with our limited vision, we would not comprehend the mystery of suffering, even though much of our suffering is caused by mankind’s inhumanity to each other and also by our own self-centeredness.

To comfort and console us, to aid and encourage us in our plight of suffering; from the cross, from his passion and suffering he gave us his Mother Mary as our very own; “Behold your Mother”.

Having herself endured unimaginable pain, she understands our sufferings, hardships, frustrations and pain. She is eager to bring us comfort and reassurance if we implore her powerful intercession.

As our Mother of Sorrows, our model and exemplar, Mary, through her powerful intercession obtains for us strength and courage, comfort and consolation and ultimately peaceful acceptance in times of sorrow and suffering.

Here is another clip of the same song 'Mary did you know' that i posted on September 8, but this is a reflection of the sorrows of Mary - clip from the movie The Passion.

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

What in fact is celebrated in this feast is not so much the birth of Mary as her divine motherhood. It is this that is apparent in all the texts of the Mass and the Divine Office. This is made clear by the prayer of the Mass. For an example taken from the opening prayer: ‘Lord God, the day of salvation dawned when the Blessed Virgin gave birth to your son…” A similar message can be found from the 1^st reading (Micah 5:1-4).

This feast is thus a celebration of Mary Theotokos (Mother of God) who brought the Saviour into the world. It is for this that she is honoured on this day. (Check out the prayers and the readings for today’s feast if you don’t believe me).

“For today a shrine is built for the Creator of the universe. The creature (Mary) is made ready as a divine dwelling of the Creator” – St. Andrew of Crete (Divine Office,III).

Watch and listen to this meaningful song that goes well with today’s feast ('Mary did you know?').

‘Let us celebrate with joyful hearts the birth of the Virgin Mary, of whom was born the Sun of Justice…(Her birth constitutes) the dawn of hope and salvation to the world’

Reflection on Daily Reading- 22nd Ord. Time, Year 1: Friday

Colossians 1:15-20
Luke 5:33-39

3 points I gather from today's readings:-

In the the Gospel I see comparisons is being made. The Pharisees and scribes compares the actions and practices between John's disciples with the disciples of Jesus. In reply to them Jesus too makes comparison with the presence of the bridegroom and the absence of the bridegroom. He also make comparison with new cloak and old cloak. And he ends with another comparison between new wine and old wine. The comparison Jesus made at this text has exegetical and theological meanings which I am not considering in my reflection but looking just on the act of making comparisions! Sometimes it is good to make comparisons. We all do it. We make comparisons of the past incidents with the present situations. We make comparison with people. We even make comparison on our own selves, i.e. how I we were before and now how I am. (Eppadi Irunden Naa Ippudi aaiten - one of Vivek's statement in a comedy clip, this will be familiar to those tamil speaking). Sometimes it is good to make comparison, it is like a check-list. But it can be damaging too, some people like to dwell in the past and at times we think they are still living there. Through the gospel text I am being thought of the virtue of prudence. Yes, i have to be prudent; like Jesus, to make a comparison when there is a need, when its appropriate.

• My second reflection is from the first line of the 1st reading; "Christ Jesus is the image of the unseen God". Like Christ who is the image of the Father, am i also an image of God? Do people see Christ in me? Looking at my life and even after making 'comparison' of my life with the past, i still feel i have failed to show the image of God to others. This is an important aspect of a priest, he is called to be 'alter Christus' - other Christ. Through the grace of Ordination, a priest acts "In Persona Christi Capitis" (in the Person of Christ the Head) so all the more he should 'shine' Jesus in my life. By the grace of Baptism, each Catholic is an 'alter Christus' so each of us Catholics have the same responsibility to be the other Christ.

• The third reflection for today is from the hymn (1st reading text), the word 'all' is used many times. It reminds me of mission 'ad gentes' - to all people. Christ is for all, I am asked to bring Christ to 'all people', 'to all nations'
  

Introduction to Vespers - Week 2: Thursday.

Introduction to Vespers based on Psalm 71 (72).

I am sure when the Israelite composed and prayed psalm 72, they would have recalled how frequently they were led poorly by past kings and leaders. Through this psalm they asked that the new king be endowed with the qualities of a true leader; that is, he be just and take care of the poor, help the needy, have pity on the weak and rescue those oppressed. I am sure this is a familiar statement, we just heard it a few days ago at Mass. In the Gospel of Luke (4:16-22), we hear of Jesus announcing the same as his mission. And he fulfilled it.

This psalm is a reminder for us to imitate Christ in his mission and we pray for the grace to fulfilled it.

We also pray that our Leaders will 'walk the talk', will 'practice what they preach'.

Introduction to Lauds - Week 2: Thursday

Introduction to Lauds based on the Hymn (through the year).
There was this boy who was on an 8-foot tree playing, when he saw his dad below he just shouted "Daddy" and jumped down. His dad taken by surprise below, quickly stretch out his hand and caught hold of his son. Still a little shaken the father said, "Son don't do that, its dangerous! Next time warn me first, I might have missed you know!" "But dad, I know you will not let me fall", said the son.

This boy knew that his dad loved him and cared for him. He was aware that no matter what, his dad would not let him fall.

God is just like that my friends. If we walk the lonely road, he will be our constant companion. If we scale the mountain, he will not let our foot slip. If we walk the valley of darkness, he will be our guiding light. If we choose the narrow path, he will form a hedge of protection around us.
This morning hymn reminds us of this; "What need i fear, when thou art near... More safe am i within thy hand...The child of God can fear no ill...Thou art our trust, O King of kings".

The only certainty in life is God. With him, we can walk through the highways and byways of life with confidence and hope.

Introduction to Lauds – Psalter: Week 2, Tuesday.

Scripture Reading: 1Thess. 5:4-5

“It is not as if you live in the dark, my brothers, for that Day to overtake you like a thief. No, you are all sons of light and sons of the day: we do not belong to the night or to darkness.”

It is truly a coincidence that today’s scripture reading and the 1^st reading of the Mass is the same.

St. Paul reminds us that we are children of ‘light’ and of ‘day’.

Picture a scenario of a place where there are full of people, for an example a party; and suddenly there is a blackout and everybody goes…Aiyoo…, feeling very disappointed.

What joy then, when somebody brings in a candle or a light to that place!!

As children of light and of day this is what we are called to be and do. To be a light that gives joy. It is not necessary to be a big bright light; we can just be a little light, a little light that shines brightly in a dark room. For it takes only a little light to brighten a large dark space.

We take heed then on St. Paul’s words that by being a light we are encouraging and strengthening others (Mass reading – 1Thess. 5:11).

So let us pray that our ‘light’ will shine.

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!!”

Semon for the Novena to Our Lady of Perpertual Help

This evening I gave the sermon for the Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help at the Church of Christ the King, Kulai, Johore.

Was happy to go there. I had the privilege to do my 1 month Pastoral at the Chapel of Christ the King in Selayang, Kuala Lumpur in the year 2005 and my Sunday pastoral at the Church of Christ the King, Ang Mo Kio, Singapore last year. In 2003 i visited the Church of Christ the King, Sg.Petani, Kedah and today in Kulai, Johore. Visiting churches dedicated to Christ the King always excites me. I have many icons of it, hope to own a statue too!! Not many people know that the Solemnity of Christ the King is my favorite feast. Hope to share about why i like this feast so much compare to the many great feast like Christmas, Easter, Corpus Christi, etc one day.

A statue in the Church.

This is a painting of Christ the King, Victim and Priest
Drawn by a Parishioner. It is on the wall, by the side of the Sanctuary in the Church.

A statue of Christ the King sitting on the throne.

Since the next Saturday (Sept. 8) is the Feast of the Nativity of Mary and the following Saturday (Sept. 15) is the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, I preached on the life of Mary linking it with the two feasts as a preparation for the celebrations of the feasts.

Here are the points of my sermon:-

# We make preparations for everything. To get married we make tons of preparation, to go for a job interview we make preparations to ready ourselves and also to make sure our curriculum vitae and references are all set, even to gather here for prayer we prepare ourselves both physically and spiritually.

# God too made preparations. To send Jesus into the world he had to prepare his 'instrument'. From the very beginning of Mary's conception the Holy Spirit was operative within her thus preserving her free from the defect of original sin. That is the meaning of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception which we celebrate on Dec8.

# From the 1st moment of her life, Mary was a perfect temple of Holy Spirit. I am sure this is a familiar statement, in St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians we are reminded that we are the temple of God, and the Spirit dwells in us.

# The Holy Spirit could mold and transform Mary freely. That is why she was attentive to the voice of God and accepted God's plan of becoming the Mother of God.

# But even after the great encounter with the angel Gabriel (Lk.1:26), Mary's life did not change into a smooth, perfect, easy life.

# She endured the difficulties in Bethlehem, she had a frightening escape into Egypt, living a life of poverty at Nazareth, facing loneliness and rejection during the public life of Jesus and painful oblation on Calvary.

# Mary went through all the basic human conditions, just like what we are going through. She understands our situations. She is indeed the perfect example in our own lives.

# When difficulties arose in her life, she did not loose her trust and hope in God. In fact she keep hey eyes focus on the promise of God and always pondered the mysterious will of God in her heart (Lk.2:19 , 51). She is teaching us to do the same today.

# Be assured, Mary understands our self-will & hesitation, our doubts & fears, our lack of faith & trust in the Lord. Through her powerful intercession, Mary will be constantly at our side to comfort and encourage, to reassure and to assists us.