Breathtaking!!!

Lent- Musings from the Homilies

Scripture tells us that the Spirit led Jesus  into the wilderness  where He fasted for 40 days and  even though  Satan did his darn-est  to tempt Him,  and wild animals were a part of the landscape, but the Lord did not waver and He preserved  the period of fasting, because the Spirit and the Holy angels were with Him.

Lent, brings  to mind, the significance of that 40 days of fasting, the  location....wilderness away from the crowds and  the distractions,  the call of the world.....It is in itself a beautiful lesson  that  solitude , calm, quiet and space is required to forge togetherness with God. Space?? Yes space...you do not want anything in the way to  prevent you from holding hands with your God....and that holding of hands is so vital, because then His spirit will be able to communicate with you, fortify you, that you stand on solid grounds all the time. Where He is, the angels are..... and so you shall be sheltered. You would want Him to yourself,  mediate and just enjoy the  silence to connect with Him. The short silence after the Eucharist this morning, was movingly poignant , because bread had been broken and the body shared.. and .....hmm ..how should I describe that feeling ??? Warm ...yes warm holiness enveloping you,  arousing emotions and a prayerful state ... that you reach out to the Lord God on a personal capacity,...spontaneously thanking  Him..  that He gives you the Spirit of resilience, discipline,   to make this period of Lent meaningful.

Wild creatures not only abound in the wilderness...they are also within us, monsters of our nature and constitution . Lord, that you give us the strength to resist and overcome the  mountains of  weaknesses and negative excesses...that we have the strength to  turn our backs on the seductions of Satan. and the  devil in ourselves. .

Can we do it ourselves and succeed without prayers???  Even the Lord constantly prayed  and call upon the presence of the Father, all the time, yes, all the time... what more we,  mere humans??.  In the wilderness of  this earthly realm, no one can claim to be in  total control of his human nature......and being his own Script Master.  Let's just  look at something very, very basic   ........... fasting and abstinence from food and the  excesses of life....I don't know about you guys, but  over here,  strangely, the first few days of Lent were really quite  draining. The list of  "must do", drains away faster than water from a burst pipe! Your pledge of fruits only for lunch became big plate of rice...and funnily, you still get hungry, right after  that! Each time, you tell yourself.. Fast!, the stomach growls.... krooo  kroooing away......and a little voice  whispers in your ears...what's the harm???just a little...eat! eat! eat!  On days, when you tell yourself  firmly, veg, you suddenly develop  the cravings for meat. Hell! , and you are not even a great fan of the meaty stuff!! Without the Lenten pledges, we actually did a better job, abstaining from our vices, and the daily indulgences.  What's your say people? Satan and his  army of tempters  having a roaring  time at our expense??? . Thank God, for prayers huh???Believe it or not, prayers does sustains us, in many, many ways. We stumble and fall but kneeling and calling out to the Divine brings us upright again.

The significance of Lent goes far beyond mere daily abstinence, fasting and conquering of personal weakness.......but let us tackle the basics first, work within our limitations, before looking so far ahead... ...(you achieve far more that way,) .instead of attempting to conquer the whole wide world and falling flat on your face. Me? I am taking it slow, I would be satisfied if some of  my resolutions  has a tick at the end of  it.....it is better than making no efforts at all.

This is a time of  self renewal; .....a  treasure hunting expedition ..when you are given a chance to accrue marks for  yourself in the Book of Life. Slowly but surely....  you  accumulate and chalk up  enough of virtues   for that welcome into your heavenly home when your time on earth is finally done.  Have you stepped out of that starting point yet ??

ASH WEDNESDAY-

Ash Wednesday,  a reminder of our mortality...from ash to ash...a humbling thought ...that one day, we return to dust....and must return home to the Creator. This  period of Lent, opens the heart to new awareness,  charitable deeds, care ,acts of fasting, abstinence and doing good.... a good deed to self..... that  we allow ourselves a chance to redeem our not so worthy human nature........that we give ourselves a chance to live again. 

Placing the sign of  the cross to our foreheads with  ashes .....adds  a further significance..... a sign that we have burnt away  the negative side of us,  rid ourselves of the many weakness and unworthiness , the big "I" in our lives....it is an indication that we are repentant, that we are starting to walk once more in  Christ's enlightened ways. ... The old sinful self ,  is no more- it had been reduced to ashes and now  a new self emerges......

Ash Wednesday, a beautiful and meaningful start to the season of Lent and it begins today!

How to read the Bible the Catholic Way

Date:16th Feb 2012-Time 8.00p.m.

Venue: Auditorium. Wisma Lourdes- Church of  Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang

 Rev. Father Michael Chua -Parish  Priest

How to read the Bible the Catholic Way.

Does Catholic read the Bible differently  from their fellow Christian brethren???When notice of that workshop appeared in her parish bulletin, this Writer  was  pretty intrigued ,- right away,  she marked it down in her calender as a 'must  attend." If she was curious, so were 350 other parishioners  who joined  Parish Priest Rev Michael Chua for the workshop located at the auditorium of Wisma Lourdes last evening.

Just how  important is the  Word of God-The Living Book  in the doctrines , teachings and practices of the  Catholic church-what role does it play in the life of the church -as in the people of  faith?? Did the leaders of the Church fulfilled their obligation, instilling Catholics with  total Bible knowledge, (lets rephrase -"sufficient"  Bible knowledge-the way they should??? Were the other Christian sects and denominations right in proclaiming that Catholics do not know the Bible, that Catholics do not even read the Bible??? Huge, huge topic which certainly cannot be covered in a two hour information sharing session.  But if this writer could give her two penny worth of thoughts....It was definitely a lecture of worth, worth every second of time invested!  Excellent methodology, an eye opener and a most valuable learning experience!~!

In a nutshell, the Word of God, the Bible  stands FIRM in the center of the Church's teachings just as God stands in the center of our lives. The Word of God is more than the Bible, the Word is God made man. Sure Catholics have plenty of rituals and tradition, but those tradition were from the Bible itself. The Bible is the core, the foundation of the church teachings, whence the  background, the beginning, the history, the teachings, works of faith , miracles and the mission of preaching  the good news...  were recorded and documented to enlighten, motivate, teach  and guide, the  growing force of God's faithful.  Are you aware, People, that the Mass, the Liturgy, the Sacraments, the daily readings, hymns, responses  and  our Catholic prayers are all biblical, all from the scriptures???  Ya!

Catholics, are you aware that The Lord's Prayer, the -Our Father, the Hail Mary are  from the Bible??When you recite the rosary and reflect on the mysteries...those are all biblical? The way of the Cross, the divine mercy prayers...they are all very much scriptural.. Catholics...you, we are into the Bible more than we realise, only we do it differently, and not  in the manner of direct memorizing of passages, text. and or coming up with the bible references with one snap of fingers...but we could do that as well ,can't we brethren?? It is only a matter of daily devotion to extensive and intensive Bible reading, in our own private domains and before you know it, you have the Bible at  your finger  tips.

Students who take Bible Knowledge for examinations will tell you, it is no sweat memorizing the whole book of ACTS , the gospel of Luke, Mark or Matthew...They not only know how to quote the scriptures, they can reproduce, word for word the entire text. But no worries, People, no memorizing needed here, the word has a way of  growing  on you...

For the interested:-

The Bible classes at our Lady of Lourdes, Klang, starts on 1st March 2012 and it will continue every Thursday at 8.00p.m. -@ the Bernadette 2 Hall, Wisma Lourdes, until completion. All are welcome. It begins with :- 

A QUICK JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE.

Registration is now opened.

For those who wants to be BIBLE SAVVY  or at least know and understand the Bible, head for the registration counters, or check with the Parish's Bible Knowledge Team.

NB: to comment fully on the crux of the evening's workshop would take pages...due to the depth and worth of information and materials.- this blog  is just a light touch on the topic with plenty of personal views from the writer.  

Double Standards

   The context of James :2 echoes the lament of the world today...double standards!! The distinction between the rich and the poor...just how many have cried that the world  judge and treated them by the amount of glitters they have on them....and yet they too, were just as guilty of practicing those very  double standards they  claimed to so  detest??.  

The automatic "look over..." quick scrutiny, we subjected others  when they approached us in the office, functions and places of happenings etc...maybe  even at religious gatherings??!!..the better dressed, the more affluent , the better known...are often given better treatment..., wide smiles and honeyed tones while the  shabbily dressed and meek looking are treated with less friendly demeanor and careless attitude???.   Now, I do not know about you, I do not know if you would be brave enough to own up....but as I listened to the words of St.James: 2, this morning, ...I had one or two flash backs of such incidences.. events, when I was a staff member.......the titled -Datos and Datin snapped   everyone to attention ,  the ordinary man on the street......got the ordinary treatment and the lesser looking,  the lesser treatment....And yet, how often do we cry ourselves sick .. Double standards !! - Don't we do that as well????  If we,  the ordinary people,  do not practice loving neighbor as ourselves...in ALL equality, that is... (In case you are not aware..we can practice  selective loving ; loving neighbor selectively , as well , )......then the   rhythmic beats of " double standards"   will continue  to drum on  insatiability. 

Do not draw distinctions and  refrain from passing judgements-of  appearance and material worth that is....Actually the Letters of  James does invoke an inner examination of self but then, really, it is not so easy to keep on the right track all the time....Humans that we are, let us pray, we remember that "flowers of the grass will pass away, because the sun rises with his scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls and its beauty perishes." James 1:11. This Writer- like that quote very much indeed, because it reminds her to be logical and not  be swayed  by physical beauty and anything that  disappears with time..Someone once told this writer, he is too dark, and she detected a slight twinge of regret there...but really,  inner beauty and worth, is best and she would go for those qualities anytime.  So would anyone with an ounce of  wisdom and fore-sight. Those qualities come  with added value and beauty as time advances...like good wine. ...

Let us reflect on the matters of the soul a little more and the  material aspect a little less....  To this Writer, that would be enough ...let love  grow naturally, constantly and consistently, without pressure. Do not try to perfect the face of Goodness over much lest you become too fatigue and wither away......It is better to  accept our own limitations .. and try to improve.....that way, we will not tire ourselves needlessly, trying to keep up with standards and  then give up altogether...but allow our goodness  to grow at comfortable pace that we keep on gathering strength...and remain steadfast  as active doers.and people of substance as we  journey on..

Wings of Eagles

 I have been told, these verses from Isaiah 40:31 are life lines and strength for many sufferers of all forms of cancer; many experiencing healing, just  reflecting and trusting in the promise encased in  these beautiful words......the healthy may not have physical cancers, but many , if not all of us,  have emotional cancers...lost and broken dreams....many still searching ....many still wondering, many still hoping and yet many still find more tears than laughter, along their pathways ........and often strength deserts them......

But they that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint

ISAIAH 40:31

I personally  found great strength , living strength in these beautiful words of certain fulfillment.   I would like to share it with you, my friends....so that you too may find comfort and reassurance......Reflect on this promise, in the quiet of your own space, all you who have emotional scars, emotional cancers.....all, you -out there.....searching for peace, calm and  contentment. Cry a little if emotion overwhelms, do not try to hold back those tears.........because those tears are a release of pain, suffering and anxiety......and it has the wonderful effect of emptying the negative out of your system......letting go...... cleansing and clearing your sight and vision, paving the way for  clarity and  hope to make its entry......for the Word of God to move in, heal and uplifts.  Whatever your wants.,  you who trusts and believe, be assured-God's Promise triumphs in the end...  

Novena Mass- Faithfulness

Parish Priest Michael Chua
with Father Andrew, Father David
and Father Lawrence

Receiving blessings

When the parish priest issued the invitation -blessings of married couples, there was a a big rush to the front of the church and it spoke volumes....We can never have enough of God's blessings.  To be perfectly honest, when the showers of holy water fell on this blogger, she felt a deep sense of blessed bliss...

A portion of the married couples
receiving their blessings

For those who came tonight and receive those blessings...hey people!

that's real stuff! God IS  in our  midst!! Bet all married couples and  religious left the church building more assured and blessed this night. Keep coming People, there is a miracle waiting to manifest in everyone's life, do not miss out on the opportunity!!


f

Farewell Father John Surain!!

 OLL will miss you!!

 A pic with Father Surain -
 for cherish remembrance 

You came, you shepherd, and you won our hearts! 

Thank you for good spiritual guidance, thank you for soul healing homilies! We shall miss you but  no fear, Kepong is just a long jump away, bet familiar faces will continue to crowd your pathways!!  Father Surain is leaving OLL for Jesus Caritas Church, in Kepong Baru, Kuala Lumpur, as their new Parish Priest. Peace of Christ be upon you- Rev and God Bless!!!

The Gist of Father Surain's concluding homilies

 as Asst Priest to OLL

Homily on Saturday 4th Feb 2012 -Peace: Worldly peace is so fragile, it can shatter any moment, any time, any place, but the peace of Christ, calms and soothes , even in the midst of  deep sufferings...It heals...it restores.....

Homily Sunday -5th Feb 2012- Patience : Patience invites foresight into our actions that mistakes are avoided and rashness dispelled and wisdom shapes our movements. The Bible says, God created the universe in seven days....that in itself shows patience....Sometimes the things we want and wished for,cannot be given to us straight away...for a reason..... a good reason-and those reasons will be made known in time... As humans, it is natural to question, but do not allow those  questionings to lead you into despair , have patience, trust.......Know this: He, God  is always with us and all will be well...Good food for the keeping!!

Farewell dinner

Parish Priest Rev Father Michael Chua
(blue shirt )  with parishioners

with Asst Parish Priest,
 Rev  Father David -middle (red collar)

Dedicated to the Class of K1-2012

I dreamt of litttle  angels last night,
gathering around me,
cuddling me closed;
Their brilliant smiles, like sunbeam
showering warmth,
 upon me.....
Wide eyed innocence, open heart
and mind,
Their carefree chatters,
happy  and delightful,
filled the air......

Good Heavens! My lovely children!
Bright, lively  faces;-
our hope,
the life of  tomorrow!!
Innocent and  trusting...
Eager to  embrace
the world of  ABC
and 123.....

Wonderful armours, powerful
wings-
these toys,
for that  exciting journey into
the world of the unknown....

Good luck kids, have fun!!

Sea of Candles

What a meaningful  start to the Feast day Novena of our Lady of Lourdes, Klang!!. A sea of lighted candles, sparkling, glowing  bright  greeted this Blogger when she entered the church compound  last evening. A storm thrashed just before,  bringing  down the little store which sold holy articles by the side of the church building. But the Lord is great.!! Parishioners  came in multitudes, they braved the heavy rain, ....they    filled up the church pew until, it was a tight squeeze. The wind and the rain did nothing to dampen the spirit of the faithful ; neither did it caused the candles to flicker out.....no sirs, they were all burning brightly, manifesting the power of our Lord God and the grace of our Holy Mother.

 A blessed candle works wonders in moments of darkness..... distress, need, confusion and fear. Would you believe Yours Truly, if she were to tell you that  praying with a blessed candle in such needy times, brings out the inborn trust...it sort of flood over you.. comforting you with the certainty  that God is listening  to your prayers??? You must have heard the saying???  God's light shines bright, , even in the darkest of the night. You are not alone, He is with you!!! Sure the candle has no power.. it is just an object, but associate it with the blessings and Higher Power..and something called faith moves in ...like a little bud...opening and blossoming into a beautiful flower......... If you are down below, it lifts you up and transport you to the surface again. If  darkness is swallowing you,... blessed light shines into your corridor and you see again...

The feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is special, because, the grace of the Holy Mother is immense and  powerful...Remember she was divinely honored to be the mother of the Redeemer,  and she waits to pray for you!!.