Showers of Grace

Marie certainly did not expect a homily as touching, heart warming,  encouraging and as learning as the one delivered by Father Raymond Michael at St Anne's  Senior Citizen mass, this morning. Remarkable ,  very much like a shower of grace.....

It was a  welcomed awakening ...reminding seniors to retain and maintain  their own identity and good spirits. be their own person... not to  stop doing their thing.....there is no need to retire behind the scenes.....just because of that golden badge. Being a senior, does not make one old....or less useful......you are old, only if you think you are old...Seniors are really at a time of their lives when they are bursting forth  in full bloom of life's wisdom, ..their relationship and experience with God and they have much to offer ....to impart .. knowledge, experience, expertise .....they are at a fortunate stage of their lives when they could offer services  and serve the Lord..........

Ya, it sort of brought  a lump to this writer's throat...the narration......the secret grand birthday wish of a 70 year old...neither riches nor wealth......he wished for ..but Psalm 27.. to dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of his life.and don't we, all who have journeyed thus far???....

The thoughtful action- blessings...sprinkles of  cool blessed water....they were like soothing balm on a burnt skin.... shower of grace which reassures the body, the spirit and the soul......simple act but so meaningful and appreciated. (yes, some seniors standing near this writer immediately, raised their hands to worship and thank God, when the waters touched them).
This writer was very sure, many a senior left mass, this afternoon, happier individuals, knowing they are very much a crucial part of God's family and society........and there are people out there ready to accept them and cheer them on. Truly, holiness is not about appearance....it is all in the heart....and from the heart. ... 

Thank you ....all you who have tried to shower happiness and encouragement on the needy.

The Living Bible

The Bible may have been written for people of that times, more than 2000 years ago, but from within lies living wisdom which stays relevant and current through out all times;   for every worldly question, there is an  answer, for every worldly trouble, there is compassion and  solace.....for every situation, a solution...for every lost traveller, ....direction...hope....The Old Testament with its stiff laws was a foundation , providing background and understanding and serves as  the source...of knowledge how it all begun... a useful  guide., a comparison., life's lessons..... The Beginning....the Before.. the After....It is never irrelevant.

The New Covenant has given us a Heavenly Father who is Love Himself and the  new convenant has done away with many old laws and practices....The Lord, He  came in the earthly presence of His Son to die for mankind and offer reconciliation. We were  redeemed, healed in our Father, children relationship .... and  .....we have the New Testament . No man can deny  the wisdom which comes forth from the pages of the Living Book of Life.....the Word of the Lord God....and the Lord's teachings...it had astonished the people of His time,..... steadfastly astonishing, empowering, strengthening   people throughout  the ages and will continue to shine its wisdom beyond the passages of time......... It is after all,  God inspired and God's wisdom never runs out of date...it remains current and living .....

6.30a.m. at St Anne's, Port Klang

It's good to be at St Anne's so early in the morning. The annual pilgrimage to St. Anne has always been happy occasions and this year it is exceptional. She had been urged out of bed by a strong force within her....and much  like a young school girl, she stole out of the house and  runs excitedly to a much beloved grandmother for blessings and spiritual words of encouragement..

It was a wonderful feeling to be in front of this beautiful Saint of family happiness, marriage, children.., devotion etc...etc...,in the early morning hours,  away from the pressing crowds,  ah , peace and a time of quiet and conversation with the beloved  grandmother  of our Lord Jesus. Somehow,  the atmosphere and feelings during her feast day is different., takes us to a higher level...Do you know people, how hard she prays that all our prayers are answered and on her feast day, she prays doubly hard for us????

People, Have you not heard of the numerous miracles God works for us, because we prayed to St Anne for her  intercessions?? Marie, has her own story as well, why it has become a family tradition to go to St. Anne's feast  yearly not only  to pray but also to offer thanksgivings...ah!...but that is a secret she shares only with St Anne and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

As Father Lawrence so powerfully and beautifully puts it...we should come in confidence...that our prayers have been granted, and we shall be so blessed. Faith is a beautiful thing.....didn't the Lord teach us, that when we pray, we should believe that the Father has already heard our prayers and that they have  already been granted ???Believe and it will be so......

Thank you St Anne for your prayers.

NB: This evening, mass is at 7.30p.m. See you there guys!!

Discern

There is no such thing as a perfect solution, there are still the pros and the cons..the  ability to discern and take full advantage of the good points is what makes the difference...

Change with the times

Many miles have I chalked up, many valley and hills...and when I thought I have seen all, suddenly..there comes  a new learning situation before me ...to learn and to adapt....

We are living in a changing world, a fast paced world which demands the mind set of tomorrow in order to survive the demands of today..

God's Hand

Lead the way, Lord...the beauty, the brillance, the wisdom and eloquence of words and speech. the talents given me Lord, accomplished, fulfilled, acclaimed let it stand firm,  tall and proud, in  blessed delight!!

Value the people in your life

TODAY'S WORDS OF WISDOM

Belief in self

If you want to do something, be  passionate about your wants....believe that you can and you will. Move to Actionize right away..

Importance of Communication

Marie was at her nephew's wedding and this very jovial pastor was conducting the wedding mass.. in .his sermon , a very special message to the bride and the groom....besides other words of wisdom...was....he could never understand women, and he doubts he will ever understand them......but then, God gave men ,  women to care, to protect, to love,  and to cherish...not to understand...as in dissecting but to feel as she feels ; to be able to see things as she sees.....Marriage is alot of , loving, compromise, acceptance, caring- and communicating.  Couples, after a few years of marriage, do not speak to each other anymore...it becomes ....ya-more of  ......questioning., than talking......did you do this and that???Why are you late...where were you?? Intimacy has flown, disappeared......conversation??...(old married couple...what is there to talk about ?? ) Sharing.?? (what is that??) ..In fact if you see a couple sitting in a restaurant or Kopitiam, just drinking their coffee and eating their meal, in silence...looking everywhere .... their surroundings, the table in front of them, their feet... etc....instead of their partner...chances are, they are a married couple...Sad, sad but so true...Work at reversing that trend people!

To be able to communicate with one another , with mutual understanding, care and love - converse,  be able to  speak to one another as friends,  a loving partner  is a  blessing but also a culture, couples should cultivate , if they want their union to be - one long and  joyous  marriage and partnership...

Blessed - the man and wife who  still hold hands and whisper sweet nothings into their partner's ears, even when looks have gone, wrinkles  and flabs have set in...... beautiful ..the harmony and peace of their sunset days..

Bonding

Breathe life into this barren land, oh God , turn it into a beautiful garden of  good thriving blossoms and fruits; smile thy favour  oh Lord, let every step forward be a joy of fulfilment!