The Potter's Clay

Priest Threatens Ex-Seminarian

2009-08-16T16:36:00.007+08:00

This is a follow-up from the post before this that has got much attention especially from a certain group who have actually ignored what i have been trying to tell them before this. I didn't expect the attention but since i have it now, i should make use of it! hehehe. The Malay saying goes so well here; "Siapa makan cili, dia akan rasa pedas".

A close friend of mine received a call from a priest who actually have my number; but the priest chose to call my friend instead, and asked him to advice me not to write such things (i.e my opinion and experiences) on my blog. He said that many other priests are upset and they won't give me a chance when i apply again!!!

Hmmmm a threat? This is precisely what i was writing about. So am i suppose to sit down quietly and not say anything even when there are unjust and 'nonsense' happening? Am i suppose to 'suck up' or 'kowtow' so only then i will be accepted and be ordained?
Chance? what chance?
So it's not a 'calling' now, but chances??? Hmmmm.

Good that now I've got their attention. I was ignored, even after making appointments to meet the 'Big-Shot'. He didn't want to meet me to hear me or even give any explanations. Guess he has no answer, or maybe the guilt prevented him.

By the way, who said I was intending to apply again? After what my family and I have gone through, after witnessing politics within the holy, after seeing decisions made by priest who have 'funny' relationship with his worker, after seeing how the so-called 'respected one' could come up with an evil plot, I'm gonna apply again?? 'Kepala otak engkau'!!

Guess, i don't have what it gets to be a priest in this modern world; I just can't carry balls or suck up to anyone. That's not me and throughout my 7years and 5mths in the seminary I have never done that. I've always been out spoken. But when I questioned the credibility of a system that clearly is biased, I am now the bad guy and should be thrown out!! Hmmmmm.
I am scandalized by their lives and actions! This is not what I thought the priesthood would be. In fact priests of old were never like this at all.
They say I should not blog about this, but they can use the pulpit or meetings to 'fire' or 'whack' people? Tell me about getting personal! Duhhhh!!!
Such hypocrisy!

As I have said many times, i still respect and appreciate the priesthood. Thank God for the many holy and God-fearing priests who tirelessly minister their flock. I salute you, I pray for you. You are the hope of this trying times. You show us the face of God. Here a prayer for you and the rest who need to imitate you.

Prayer for Priests

by St. Therese of Lisieux

O Jesus, eternal Priest,
keep your priests within the shelter of Your Sacred Heart,
where none may touch them.

Keep unstained their anointed hands,
which daily touch Your Sacred Body.

Keep unsullied their lips,
daily purpled with your Precious Blood.

Keep pure and unearthly their hearts,
sealed with the sublime mark of the priesthood.

Let Your holy love surround them and
shield them from the world's contagion.

Bless their labors with abundant fruit
and may the souls to whom they minister
be their joy and consolation here
and in heaven their beautiful and
everlasting crown.
Amen.

No Vocation ???... My Foot!!!!

2009-08-11T01:13:00.007+08:00

I was so furious after reading an article where a certain Archbishop was asking parishioners gathered at a meeting to pray for more vocations and he also said that he hoped parents will encourage their children to religious vocations and that many young people will join the priesthood.

His actions and words don't go along. This very Archbishop who is considered as a government bishop (for he likes receiving awards from the government and thereafter keep quiet when there are issues that need to be spoken aloud), has actually 'killed' many religious vocations. Since taking over the 'throne' as an Archbishop he has rejected many applications of those who were applying for seminaries, he has terminated quite number of seminarians and even punished some by extending the years or making sure they go for some 'brain-washing' course. There were some who were pressured to leave. There were a few who was asked to leave because they couldn't speak certain language like the formattor. Some of them became victims because they didn't 'play the game' or to put it in a common saying; they didnt carry 'balls'. I'm sure Jesus too; if he had applied will sure fail to make it because he couldn't fit the criteria above! Jesus, you got to thank your Father for sending You much earlier and not in this present time! They are worst than the pharisees and scribes when You first came.

Immature seminary formattors who keeps grudges because they or their seminary 'systems' have been questioned or challenged or their 'balls' were not carried, are responsible for the decline of vocations too. They do all the 'mess behind' and later in front at the pulpit they can ask parents to send their children to the seminaries. What is your answer to the parents who have sent their children and you have 'kicked' them out? What is your answer to the many who left everything behind including their financial responsibility to their family and now they have to start from scratch. Yes God will take care of them for sure but who is going to take care of the consequences of your actions? God? Yeah, you do the mess and let Him clean it!
There is a saying; "a seminary is the heart of the diocese". But what is a heart without the heartbeat? The heartbeat - life, that I'm referring to are the seminarians. It's sad to see at some seminaries there are more animals than seminarians!

I go all out for the priesthood. Yes the Church needs more priest. But we want priests after the heart of Jesus, not those who work for rewards, or power or for their secretaries, or need their 'balls' to be carried. If you have an ego problem why don't you go for the 'brain-washing' course you have been asking others to go?

After being asked to leave the seminary, i still went promoting religious vocation, but looking at the current situation i guess my advice to many seminarians or aspirants will be; 'just play the game' or in that common saying 'learn to carry 'balls'.
It's a good idea that parishes have vocation promotion team but soon we have to start a support group for those rejected seminarians / aspirants.

Anyway, the fact is, they need our prayers for the are mere human. So join me in this prayer for priests:-

O, Jesus, I pray for Your faithful and fervent priests; for Your unfaithful and tepid priests; for Your priests labouring at home and abroad in distant mission fields; for your lonely and desolate priests; for Your young priests; for Your dying priests.
Above all I recommend to You the priests dearest to me: the priest who baptised me; the priests who absolve me; the priests at whose Masses I assist and who give me Your Body and Blood in Holy Communion; the priests who have taught and instructed me; all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way.
O, Jesus, keep them all close to Your heart, and bless them abundantly in time and eternity. Amen
(Source- Unknown)

Accidental touch makes girl unclean for prayers.

2009-08-04T02:16:00.006+08:00

Hmmmm the above title would be a good headline for the newspapers!

This incident actually happened yesterday; a woman was having a 'break' in-between her prayer and while I was passing her, her tag our fingers slightly touched! For me it was nothing, so i just turned to continue my work but for this woman she was so uneasy that she quickly rose from her chair and told me "Adrian terkena jari kamu tadi, sembayang aku batal, aku kena basuh lagi" ("Adrian...touched your finger, now my prayer is canceled, i have to go and wash (purify) myself again.")

And i was like '@#$%' (no..its not a vulgar word! shame on you!!) I felt insulted of course! When she came back after some time (I guess after purifying herself -because, for the record, we had an accidental touch! and finishing her prayers) i asked her a question; Is it because the touched was with a man or because I'm not of her religion? And she answered that it was because i am a man.

I'm not sure of this religion but i guess they have a reason and some meanings for this sort of 'doings'. Hmmm I hope!
Thank God my religion or rather my relationship with God doesn't have any rigid rules that even an accidental touch can disrupt or even canceled the prayer.

Anyway i find the idea of purifying oneself before prayer is not after all a bad idea, Yes we have to be at right disposition when we're praying. I would like to quote St. John Mary Vianney whose feast day we celebrate today; "Prayer is nothing else than union with God. When the heart is pure and united with God it is consoled and filled with sweetness; it is dazzled by a marvelous light."

In honour of the 150th anniversary of the Death of St. John M. Vianney, Pope Benedict XVI declared that a Year of the Priests be celebrated starting June 19, 2009 until June 11, 2010. The faithful are especially called to pray for priests. I remember the pass weeks during the prayer for priests i was really scandalised. In the prayer especially in the 1st part there we're a lot of 'bodek-ing' ('buttering') on the priests and bishops. Some priests and bishop don't fit in that prayer!! I just felt like amending the prayer and if i did, it would just be a 1 sentence simple prayer. 'Lord Jesus, we thank you for the many faithful priests we have encountered, please bless them and we pray that the bishops and priests will be a faithful servant just as how You were faithful to Your Father.'

"Be still, and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10)

2009-07-30T23:38:00.000+08:00

I normally stop over at the church nearby to pray for a short while before i rush off to work. But today there was a strange feeling when i was in church. The quietness or rather the stillness I felt after a very long time was something that I just realised I have missed so much in my life. All I could hear at that time when I was in church was the 'Azan' (adhān) - call to prayer for the Muslims. And a little voice within me quoting the scripture text "Be still, and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10). It was indeed a beautiful experience

Then what did I do?

Just as always I got up after my short prayer, left the church to continue my journey to work (actually 'rushing' for lunch and then to work)

Only after having a 'slip-up' in my work at the office, I realized the voice within me was asking me to 'be still'. 'Why the hurry?'

The experience in the church might have nothing to do in the 'slip-up' at work (hmmmm maybe there might have something to do), but I'm reminded today that I might have missed out something great such as the presence of God just as how I missed out or rather over-looked something while at work!

Hmmmm what else have I been missing out?

Forgiven?? I don't think so. (Follow-up frm previous post)

2009-05-15T10:52:00.005+08:00

Just want 2 share with you a response from a dear friend regarding the previous post (dated May11, 2009).

"I still love u Adrian..regardless!! Being a priest doesn't make one any holier or better dear...(NAME...[Fr.]) always used to remind me at (NAME OF PLACE) .."There are good priests and there are bad priests". These lessons always help us understand that man is never perfect; not even priests.
(NAME...[Fr.])'s famous line, " We only really learn or understand the things we are willing to ACCEPT".
Perhaps its time to figure out your true worth dear..as a human being. Are you able to love and accept yourself now? Are you able to see and more importantly FEEL that God loves you regardless of whether you are a priest or not? Are you still able to Love with the same passion and drive? Can you accecpt that people still love you and see more than your roman collar?
Can you allow yourself to be angry and hurt that people have hurt you? Can you carry that hurt and pain for however long you wish until you are tired of it and want to let it go? (God is patient dear..after all He has all eternity! ha ha) and so am I... Answer these questions from your heart, not your head..la. Your heart is were God dwells.
Luv and big hug" (NAME)

A good reminder, a call for deep reflection, a knock on the head!
Thank you my dear friend.
Reflecting on it, i have come to realise that what i wrote in my previous post is not true at all; i.e. i have not actually forgiven those who are the cause of my crisis. Ahhhh i'm so frustrated and angry with them.
But i guess, its time to move on. Can I? Will I?
Hope this job thingy - a new chapter in my life, would be a good start.

1st Anniversary of Unjust Dismissal

2009-05-11T14:54:00.001+08:00

1 year has passed since i was unfairly asked to leave the seminary and till now there are no concrete reasons given to me and no answers to my many questions on my unjust dismissal and the seminary 'happenings' and 'scandals' which i have raised. It has been a very difficult year and in fact its actually 2years since the whole saga started. During this time i have also come to know the 'true colours' of some people and institutions.

In a few days time, a new chapter begins in my life; working life in JB. I still believe God is leading me. He has a reason for allowing me to go through those difficult times, and again there is a reason for this new chapter in my life. I pray that I may do His will.

During this 2 difficult years in my life, I have encountered many different people, especially my fellow lay people, for being there for me. I want to thank you for your prayers, encouragement and care which has been a strength for me to carry on in life. Many says; It is in time of crisis that true character is revealed. It is also in time of crisis you can know who your true friends are. Friends, who stick with you in good times and in bad. I thank all of you who have helped me in one way or another.

For those of you who are the devil's advocate and the cause of these 2 difficult years for me, i forgive you and i pray for you and for those who ostracised and rejected me because i am a 'nobody' now, i pray for you. Too bad, you did not see that I was 'somebody' made in the image and likeness of God.

As Catholics, do we have to accept everything the Church teaches?

2009-01-19T23:35:00.005+08:00

If you want to call yourself Catholic, but you want to pick and choose for yourself which of the Church's teachings to accept and which to reject, you give everyone else who calls themselves Catholic the right to do the same thing.

For example, you believe women should be priests...in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1577 states, "Only a baptized man validly receives ordination...For this reason the ordination of women is not possible!" You don't believe that...well, that's fine...[RIP] just tear that page out of your Catechism...you just made it a Catechism of your Catholic Church...not mine.

But remember, if you can throw doctrines out, so can everyone else who calls themselves Catholic. That gives Joe Parishioner over at St. Doubting Thomas Catholic Church the right to throw out the Church's social justice teachings...he doesn't feel like feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, and all that other "bleeding heart" stuff - Paragraphs 2401 -2463 [RIP]...he just made it a Catechism of his Catholic Church...not mine and not yours.

You believe contraception is okay? Paragraph 2370 says contraception is intrinsically evil! [RIP] Joe Parishioner doesn't like what the Church teaches on the death penalty - Paragraphs 2266-2267 [RIP]. You don't like what it teaches on pages 55-60 [RIP]. He doesn't like what it teaches on pages 128-140 [RIP]

Can you see what's happening? I heard it said once that there is a shortage of vocations to the priesthood in the United States, but no shortage of vocations to the Papacy! If we don't believe in all of it, if we each appoint ourselves Pope and throw out a doctrine here or a doctrine there, then our faith is no longer Catholic.

(This article is from the 'notes' of Alphonsus Josemaria Soh's facebook)

Advent - To meet the Lord, we must be prepared for life, not just for death!

2008-12-20T12:00:00.000+08:00

Travellers wait for buses and planes, students wait for their exam results. Waiting is part of life. Life is not like instant coffee, there is always more to life than we can grasp its fullness at any one time.

Advent invites us to wait for the Lord and surely we must wait for the Lord who will come at the moment of our death. Hence Advent calls us always to be ready to meet the Lord at our death. But as Christians, we should be ready not just for the final coming of Christ but for His constant coming every day of our lives.

If we are alert, we can find the Lord popping up in the ordinary activities and possibilities of life. If I am watchful, He may be tapping me on my shoulder when I meet my 'sisters and brothers'. If only we have 'those eyes that see, those ears that hear' (Is. 64:4), we can meet Him in His supreme visit, which He makes in a thousand ways. To meet the Lord, we must be prepared for life, not just for death!

As a community waiting in prayer, we pray...

Prayer is WAITING and so is Advent.

2008-12-13T12:00:00.001+08:00

Prayer is WAITING.

Waiting, places the emphasis on the other person who is coming.

To wait is to express my powerlessness, my insufficiency because the other is in control. And that is how our attitude should be towards God. I cannot force God to come. All I can do is wait and be present. In simply waiting for God, I admit that God is important to my life.

As a people waiting in prayer, we pray...

Little Drummer Boy

2008-12-12T16:11:00.001+08:00

In my post yesterday, i shared about one of my favorite psalm and had linked it with one of my favorite Christmas carols i.e. Little Drummer Boy. Personally i feel this song is suitable to be sang at mass for offertory or presentation of the gifts during the Christmas season. Check out the words of the song and enjoy the clips.

Little Drummer Boy
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

Another version of the song.

Psalm 50 (51)

2008-12-11T12:00:00.005+08:00

Psalm 50 (51) is one of my favourite psalm. I am very happy that this psalm is said every Friday morning at Lauds. For me this psalm is like a child begging or non-stop asking (pestering) the father for something and the child will only stop when the father says yes or gives it to the child. Likewise through praying this psalm, I am the child asking God my father for His grace of forgiveness and His love.

I dare not and will not say that I am perfect for I am a sinner. By praying this psalm, I am able to feel and receive God's forgivenes, assurance of His mercy and His love.

I have identify a 'mini penintential service' in this psalm:-

a) Introduction - a song of hope and assurance of God's forgiveness (verses 1-2) - confident that God will forgive me.

b) Confessing of one's sins / acknowledging of sins (verse 3-6)

c) Act of Contrition - prayer for forgiveness (verse 7-12)

d) Penance - to bring others back to God (verse 13)

e) Thanksgiving (verses 14-17)

f) Intercession (verses 18-19)

What attracted me to this psalm is God's constant love, His great compassion and His assurance of His forgiveness (verse 1-2). That God is able to create a pure heart and able to give me a new spirit. Just like the 'drummer boy' (a Christmas song) who could only play his drum as a gift for the newborn King, I can only offer my broken spirit and my broken heart to God as a sacrifice (verse 17).

Advent invites us to straighten-up, as we WAIT.

2008-12-06T12:00:00.002+08:00

Christmas is fast approaching. We can feel the commercialized presence of Christmas already in our TV, Radio and Newspapers' advertisements and not forgetting the music and decorations in all the malls. Many in fact started either end of November or beginning December.

In the midst of this swelling excitement, worshippers in churches are reminded to be watchful, to repent, to do penance. Now, I am afraid that you are beginning to wonder whether Advent is a joyful season or a penitential period! It is true that Advent brings joy and feelings of excitement as we wait, but it also calls us to straighten up our lives.

Let us then "Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight" (Mk 1:3).

Advent, a call to WAIT...

2008-11-29T12:00:00.005+08:00

We have come to the end of the liturgical year and tomorrow (in fact later in the evening) we begin a new liturgical year with the season of Advent. My personal prayer theme for this year's Advent is 'Waiting'.

As early as in mid-November, there were already people getting excited that even in their facebook status tags were on the theme of Christmas. I even noticed one guy who even used a Christmas Carol on his status just after Deepavali (which was on Oct 27 this year). Many now have begun the countdown to Christmas. So what are they doing? They are all 'waiting' for Christmas!

The Catholic church is so beautiful and wise. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the church did not just give us a day to celebrate Christ's birth into history instead has given us 4 weeks to prepare the great day i.e. Christmas.

The 4 weeks of Advent focuses on waiting for the Second Coming of the Lord in glory while remembering His first coming in history. In this way Advent is a preparation for Christmas. But the primary emphasis is on looking forward to the Lord's final coming at the end of time. This focus is geared to awaken the believer to a recognition of the Lord's daily advents into life now in what are often referred to as grace-filled moments.

At this time in my life, I too am waiting for God's answer and His divine intervention in the happenings of my life. "Lord, Your will be done. ...Amen".

Introduction to Lauds (Saturday - Wk 2 & 4).

2008-11-20T00:00:00.005+08:00

'When I see the heavens, the work of your hands, the moon and the stars which you have arranged, what is man that you should keep him in mind, mortal man that you care for him?' (Ps. 8:4-5)

Many times in life we have been advised by many to take a break and enjoy moments in particular to enjoy what God has created for us. We are called to consider the works of God's hand.

We have taken His works for granted and fail to see the beauty. The beauty of ourselves, others, the beauty of nature and the world of cosmos.

I am amazed always, especially is it is a clear night, that whenever I look up at the sky and see the moon and the stars, I wonder how superb the 'un-moved mower' is; to place all of them in its place.

I think I can understand Abraham Lincoln of what he said to his friend one night when looking up the sky, "I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down the earth and be an atheist but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God."

So friends, 'In the stars is God's creative ability shown.
In the moon that brightens the night sky is His deliverance assured.
In thunder and lightning is His power displayed.
And in the silence of the night is His peace felt.' (source unknown)

Come let us praise God, our creator and the creator of all things!

Memorial of St. Martin of Tours, Bishop (Nov 11)

2008-11-11T00:00:00.007+08:00

Today the church commemorates the Memoria of St. Martin of Tours.

When Martin was forced by popular acclamation to become the Bishop, in spite of his reluctance, this is what he prayed; "Lord, if your people still need me, I do not refuse to do your work; may Your will be done."
Many times we too have prayed that God's will be done in our lives, have we actually meant what we have been praying? Have we allowed God to have His way in us?

Allowing God's will to be done in his life, Martin has set an example as the Good Shepherd. We pray that we too will allow God's will be done in our lives and by doing this we may imitate Christ the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for others and give Him all glory and praises.

An unhappy St. Martin is made Bishop of Tours, as depicted in a 13th-
century window in Tours Cathedral.

Animals - God's gift.

2008-11-07T18:40:00.027+08:00

It's been 11days since i came back to Malaysia after spending 80days in Australia. I am happy to be back home but at the same time missing Australia and can't wait to go back to the land Down Under and be of service.

Since coming back home, I've started to do some catching up with the happenings of some friends and relatives and also to allow my tongue hang loose on our Asian delicacies! hehehe.

I am still praying that God's will be done in my life and hope the recent developments are all His will. I can still see His divine intervention and thank Him for that. I will always trust in Him for He is my God and Saviour.

As I mentioned earlier, I've been missing the place (i guess it's the 'promised land' for me), maybe because I am not doing anything here and the mind is just idle, unlike when i was there; where i was involved and could do something.

Ahhh before i forget, what made me to blog today was the idea of uploading all the animal pictures i took while in Australia. Just a few hours ago, i was in town and passed by a pet shop. The animals were all caged up and in bad and dirty condition. The one caught my eye was a parrot. It has nice colors but was so dirty. It was indeed a disheartening view after seeing various type of animals especially birds of all kinds roaming and flying freely. Below are some pictures of the various animals I encountered in Australia which I was able to take pictures of them.

When I went to Australia it was the end of winter and when I came back it was Mid spring. The flowers and nature view was so beautiful. Don't worry, I'm not going to upload the many pictures I took for the obvious reason but might use it so later reflections and cards. Enjoy the pictures of the animals below:-

A Kookaburra

Magpie

Echidna

Rainbow

2008-10-25T12:53:00.006+08:00

I heard this song during mass with the children at Nowra and liked it very much especially the words. When i visited the classes, the year 1 students sang it for me.

Rainbow- by Andrew Chinn.

Chorus
Red and orange, yellow and green
Blue and indigo and violet and me
Side by side, together we grow
Underneath God's beautiful rainbow

Red is for your spirit of love
Seven gifts from God above
Orange for the warmth of your Sun
Shining down on everyone

Yellow is the colour of faith
The light of Christ in every day
Green is for the life you give
A call to grow, a way to live

Blue is for the sky and sea
Gifts from God, for you and me
Indigo is in between
A colour of God's gentle peace

Violet calls us all to forgive
Together we grow, together we live
Side by side and hand in hand
Together we grow, together we can.

St. Michael's School Visit - October, 22-23, 2008.

2008-10-24T10:56:00.002+08:00

Once again an opportunity to visit an Australian Catholic School. This time it's St. Michael's School, Nowra, NSW. On this visit, I met students raging from 5 years old to 12 years (School grading - Kindergarten year to year 12). For the younger ones, we sang some action songs and with the older kids, we had Q&A session after my sharing on Malaysia, Seminary life, the Priesthood and the Catholic Faith.

Below are some photos of my visit:-

Trying out the Vegemite.

The Celebration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick with Mass.

2008-10-21T12:56:00.000+08:00

Inconjuction of the 150th Anniversary of the Lourdes apparition and the Feast of St. Luke a special Mass for the sick with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick was held at Berry, NSW on October 21, 2008. Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Patrick Faherty (Parish Priest & Vicar General) and Con-celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ronan Kilgannon (Asst. Priest / Hermit - Kangaroo Valley).

Laying on of hands (James 5:14)

"...The grace of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick consists in welcoming Christ the healer into ourselves. However, Christ is not a healer in the manner of the world. In order to heal us, he does not remain outside the suffering that is experienced; he eases it by coming to dwell within the one stricken by illness, to bear it and live it with him. Christ's presence comes to break the isolation which pain induces. Man no longer bears his burden alone; as a suffering member of Christ, he is conformed to Christ in his self-offering to the Father, and he participates, in him, in the coming to birth of the new creation..." (from the Homily of Pope Benedict XVI at Lourdes on September 15, 2008.

Fr. Patrick praying over the oil

The Anointing (James 5:14)

+ Through this Holy Anointing,
may the Lord in His love and mercy
help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit..Amen.

+ May the Lord who frees you from sin,
save you and raise you up..Amen.

The Holy Eucharist
(James 5:15)

Reflection on a statue of BVM at Bomaderry Parish.

2008-10-07T00:01:00.007+08:00

My reflection on the statue of Our Lady and the Child Jesus at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Bomaderry, NSW. Australia.

I do not know what was on the mind of the sculptor of this statue but it did catch my attention when i visited this parish a week ago. There are many types of statues of our Lady with different titles or names given, sadly I do not know what this statue is called. At the end of my reflection, I would give this statue a name.
Here is my reflection:-

Mary has a gentle, motherly face with a proud expression just like any other mother who is proud of her child and wants to show him off (Lk.2:33). She is carrying the child Jesus firmly; protecting and preventing him from falling. In a way to tell us that the son is precious and she will protect us and look after us just like how she looked after her son (Lk.2:48 / Jn.19:26).

This statue shows us the humble handmaid of the Lord (Lk.1:38); Mary's dressing is simple unlike the many other statues where there are embroidery with jewels and shinning precious stones on her garment (Ps.45:13-14). Example of such statues are Our Lady of Fatima, Our lady of Velankanni, Our Lady of La Vang.

Her humility is also shown on her face. Here Mary is looking downwards, and if you stand directly below the statue, you see her looking at you, as though telling us to "do whatever He tells you" (Jn.2:5). This statue shows Mary barefooted.

Her right hand seems to indicate; "it's not me!", maybe in a way telling us to pay attention on Jesus. Her finger is pointing upwards, can she be telling us of her Magnificat? (Lk.1:46-55) (Mary's praises to God). It can also be that she is teaching or giving us some instructions.

The way Mary is carrying Jesus is to show Him to us. He is in the attention and not Mary. Jesus is in front (center stage) and Mary seems to be at the back. This is how Mary has always been, always 'backing' her son in His ministry. And today she is 'backing' us through her intercession for each one of us.

Let us look at Jesus now. Just like His mother, He too is wearing something simple and is barefooted. This shows the humanity of Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary and His humility (Phil 2:5-11).

The Child Jesus is sitting comfortably on the arms of His mother and is close to her heart. For Jesus it can be the meaning of the Gospel text of Lk.2:51 - "Jesus then went down to Nazareth with His parents and was obedient to them". As for Mary it can be the few text that tells us that Mary treasured and pondered everything in her heart (Lk.2:19, 51, 8:21).

Jesus is in a toddler age but He has a mature, confident look. He has a look of a person with authority and this shows that He is in control (Lk.1:31-33). His eyes is fixed on us (Mk.10:21) and His left hand is open, a sign of welcoming and giving of Himself. I am sure you have experienced when a baby or a toddler wants you to carry, or to go to you, he/she will open the arms so you can carry. Here Jesus is giving himself to each one of us and He wants us to accept Him (Jn.3:16-17, 10:10).

With His right hand, Jesus is carrying the ciborium. Notice that He is not holding it firmly. He is giving the ciborium to us; "Take this all of you..." (1 Cor.11:23-26).

The ciborium is in the center and seems to be resting on the womb of Mary. This idea rightfully fits in with the typology of Mary as the Ark of the Covenant which is one of the many traditional titles in the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

For me personally, I will name this statue as Mary, Women of the Eucharist since the very center of this statue is Jesus giving us the ciborium.

Sanctuary of the Church of the Sacred Heart, Bomaderry, NSW.

Reflecting on this statue, bring to mind my World Youth Day pilgrimage to Rome in 2000. While making this pilgrimage I went to many Basilica, Cathedrals, Shrines and Churches dedicated to our Lord, Mary and the Saints. I was always amazed at those statues they have there. Never have I seen statues of Mary and the Saints being exalted or exaggerated that they became the focus and not Christ. The statues of Mary and the Saints in these places always show their humility and greatness of God. These statue in a sense Christocentric for they direct us to God and not on themselves. These statues are a reminder for us to imitate their lives of always worshipping God and doing His will.

The Catholic church has many times been accused of Mariolatry or Idolatry which is not true, for we only honor them, Mary and the Saints and worship only the One true Triune God - The Father, Son and Holy Spirit through whom all good things come.

Church of the Sacred Heart, Bomaderry, NSW, Australia.

Introduction to Vespers (Psalter: Week 3, Sunday Evening Prayer II)

2008-10-05T00:01:00.005+08:00

Psalm 110 (111) which we pray this evening, can be said as a 'good finale' for the celebration of Sunday. As we meditate it towards the end of the 'Day of the Lord', it helps us to contemplate the Paschal Mysteries of Jesus that we have celebrated in the Eucharist earlier today:- "Great are the works of the Lord, to be pondered by all who love Him". In fact, the 'Day of the Lord reminds us that our Lord does wonders! Christ's resurrection, which we have contemplated at Mass today, is only the beginning of universal resurrection which all of us desire so much. For the Eucharistic celebration is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet.

By keeping His covenant ever in mind, God "gives food to those who fear him." The Eucharist which we celebrated today in union with the whole church throughout the world has made God's covenant present with mankind.

This psalm is also a reminder of how our God has done marvels for us. Therefore as we pray, we remember that "majestic and glorious are the works of the Lord, which is to be pondered by all who love him." Let us give thanks to the Lord with all our hearts, for "the Lord is compassion and love."

The quotations above are all from Psalm 110 (111).

1month parish exposure @ St. Michael, Nowra.

2008-09-29T23:01:00.008+08:00

Today is the feast of St. Michael the Archangel and it's fitting to blog about this present parish I am staying since Friday (26/09/08) night. I'll be staying in this parish until my return to Malaysia on Oct 27. This Parish of St. Michael was ectablished in 1863. Click here for more info about the Church and the other churches under its care. The pictures below are only on St. Michael. So what i have been doing the last few days here....Hmmm let me see....makan, makan, makan (meaning:- food or eat in the National language of Malaysia).

The night that I came to the Parish, I had a big dinner at the Bishop's house together with the priests of the diocese to celebrate the Sacerdotal Jubilee of about 5 priests. The next day after the sunset mass, we had a 'formal' Parish Feastday Dinner at a club. And on Sunday, together with the Parish Priest, Fr. Patrick Faherty who is also the Vicar General (VG), I went for a Spring Garden Luncheon Party. Now I'm looking forward to a 80th Birthday party of a parishioner on Tuesday! hehehe. Hope my family can recognise me when I am back!

Enjoy the photos:-

Church of St. Michael, Nowra

Sanctuary of the Church of St. Michael

Altar

Stations of the Cross

Close-up of the 12th Station.

Baptismal Font

St. Michael the Archangel.

An Aboriginal painting of the cross on the confessional room door.

Presbytery (Parish House)

My room is the top 1st window from the left.

SOMETIMES...life is very difficult.

2008-09-25T13:07:00.014+08:00

Listen, Lord, as I pray!
You are faithful and honest
and will answer my prayer.
I am your servant. Don't try me in your court,
because no one is innocent by your standards.

My enemies are chasing me,
crushing me in the ground.
I am in total darkness, like someone long dead.
I have given up all hope, and I feel numb all over.

I remember to think about the many things
you did in years gone by.
Then I lift my hands in prayer,
because my soul is a desert,
thirsty for water from you.

Please hurry, Lord, and answer my prayer.
I feel hopeless.
Don't turn away and leave me here to die.
Each morning let me learn more about your love
because I trust you.
I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.

Please rescue me from my enemies, Lord!
I come to you for safety.
You are my God. Show me what you want me to do,
and let your gentle Spirit lead me
in the right path.

Be true to your name, Lord, and keep my life save.
Use your saving power
to protect me from trouble.
(Psalm 143:1-11)

Children's Liturgy @ Unanderra.

2008-09-22T12:14:00.009+08:00

Children's Liturgy at Parish and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Unanderra, NSW, Australia. A few volunters take turns to 'break the word' for children age 5-11. They put in alot of effort to make the children's liturgy fun and meaningful. Seen below is Sr. Joan Goodwin RSJ with her special friend, Casper who made a special appearance yesterday to share the Gospel.

Introduction to Lauds & Vespers: Week IV, Friday.

2008-09-19T00:00:00.013+08:00

Lauds

O see in guilt I was born, a sinner was I conceived (Ps.51 [51]:7).

I am sure many will agree that life is full of fun, it is so unique and important, and it is fragile too; and yes, through sin, we have fallen short (Rom.3:23 - all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God).

But God who is full of love and mercy, has raised us up again and given us dignity through His Son, Jesus (Rom.3:24 - they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus). Click here for the full scripture text.

So we pray that we may with conviction, echo with St. Paul; "My real life is the faith I have in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal.2:19-20 - Scripture Reading for Lauds).

"Father, how wonderful Your care for us! How boundless Your merciful love. To ransom a slave you gave away Your Son. O happy fault, O necessary sin of Adam, which gained for us so great a Redeemer". (Exsultet - Easter Proclamation) Click here for the scripture text on humanity's sin through Adam and grace and life through Christ.

"God so love the world that He gave us His Beloved Son" (Jn.3:16). As a people celebrating His love, we pray...

Vespers

In my reflection for lauds, I shared how God through His love has raised us with dignity as His children. All of us have experienced God's saving act someway or another. Through the psalm this evening, we area asked to acknowledge and proclaim the loving acts of God:-

Age to age shall proclaim Your works, shall declare Your mighty deeds -Ps.144 (14 5).

The Lord is loving in all His deeds...let me speak the praise of the Lord - Ps.144 (145) part II.

Great and wonderful are your deeds - Canticle (Rev.15:3).

As witnesses of God's love for us, we pray...

Here is a video clip on the Exsultet