Yesterday was the most exhilirating moment of the Plenary Assembly here in Dar es Salaam so far. We got a day off to visit local churches and basic communities and see how they lived and prayed the Bible as groups. We left very early - 6.30am and my group of 16 were driven to Immaculate Conception Church in Upanga - surprise! it was manned by Franciscan friars (Capuchins). We concelebrated an early 7.30am Mass with a nice big crowd of locals and were treated to a lovely local breakfast (sweet potatoes, boiled eggs). There was the superior Fr Mario and two other friars working there. Tanzania has 150 Capuchin franciscans in all and many many franciscan sisters of various congregations. Even the bishop here is a Franciscan Capuchin.
Then we visited the museum of houses where we saw 23 different types of traditional houses used by the various tribes of Tanzania - very very interesting! Each type of hut tells of its culture and values. Very enlghtening!
Unfortunately 3 guys from my group fell sick and returned home after the museum trip. The rest of us continued to the arts and cratfts market where we saw people carving wooden statues. It was a very local scene. You could see the poverty of the people but also their joy! We then had a lovely lunch with the two basic community groups. Very very lovely simple people. They told us about their methods of prayer, their work in the community and Church. There were many youths and children in the group. You can see the Church in Dars as a vibrant young entity.
But my highlight was to see the Masai people. They were gathered in little groups under trees along the roads - tall slim people wrapped in striking red cloth. The men keep very long hair (corn-rowed) while the women are bald. And as warriors the guys carry sticks and of course are famous for their jumping (go check out a website to see what I'm talking about). Anyway its stuff you see in magazines and TV but yesterday I saw real life Masai! It was so exciting! But we could not stop the car to photograph them so I was a bit disappointed (I don't have a camera myself but ask the others to help me do it). Anyway it's become the joke of my group because every corner we turn I'll shout "Masai masai" and everyone starts taking photos! Our Thai Sister Chan is the really funny one! Anyway we stopped at a modern shopping Mall (like in the States or anywhere else in the world! Unbelievable!) to use the toilets and I found they sold Masai cloth. Jeannie Lee (Korean-American) bought it as a gift to me and I'm so happy I got a bit of Masai culture! I didn't buy the beaded necklaces though - they were expensive! Well at the end of the day as we were walking to the Church to say the rosary with the group and parishioners, I thought that was the end of my Masai adventure and I couldn't take a photo with one. Then right at the corner came a Masai warrior. I told our host to ask if he would take a photo with me but refused, After some coaxing he agreed. WOW! I'll show you the photo soon! It was so exciting and everyone in the group was so happy for me. Then as we walked on, chatting and laughing at this unexpected twist, another Masai warrior showed up! This time everyone else wanted their photos to be taken with him. It was really fun. Now the word among my group is "masai masai!"
We also ended the day by taking a walk along the shore of the Indian Ocean facing Zanzibar. Many guys in my group wanted to see and touch it and now they fulfilled their dream - and David Cotter from Scotland was overwhlemed because he saw a real life dhow (traditional sail boat - fantastic things!) sailing across the straits where we were. The other guys were also really excited and photos were taken like crazy! So everyone got what they wanted - David and his dhow, the ther guys touching the Indian Ocean, Jeanne and her gang with shopping (oh big time!) and I got my Masai. It was a really successful day and we all became so much closer after that. We're now known as the Upanga gang (sounds like "Survivors"!) and definitely we were the most successful field trip group among the 16 that was organised yesterday.
So I want to thank our wonderful hosts who made it all possible - Fr Mario and his friars, the Magdalene of Canossa group and the St Jude Thaddeus group for their wonderful organisation and hospitality and generosity - and God! for letting me see a real life Masai warrior! Asante ("Thank you" in swahili)
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Jubilee Year of St. Paul
So I've been receiving tsunami of emails asking me if I'm dying ..... well I'm not, and I'm here to bother you for many more years! Sei bei nei tai! Well on one hand I thank your prayers for me but please don't get carried away. Those of you who saw me on video-conferencing classes probably saw me drawn .... yes I was pretty sick a couple of weeks back. But the new medicine has kicked in, and the sea breeze in Dar es Salaam (never got to see the sea though! Just smell the salty breeze ... besides the peroleum, smoke and other pollutants!!!), the change of environment, meeting up old friends, is a good break. So maybe the tsunami of emails can slowly fade out .... talking about that, the tsunami several years back hit Tanzania here too. The people are poor but very courteous and welcoming. And I can see so many young people eager to join religious congregations.
The Jubilee of St Paul started last night. As our Plenary Assembly here was too busy with its schedule to organise anything, I initiated or own celebrations in our subregional group of NE Asia. It was very nice: a reading of Colossians.
Well I have to go to visit a parish today now so I'll have to go. Happy Jubilee!
The Jubilee of St Paul started last night. As our Plenary Assembly here was too busy with its schedule to organise anything, I initiated or own celebrations in our subregional group of NE Asia. It was very nice: a reading of Colossians.
Well I have to go to visit a parish today now so I'll have to go. Happy Jubilee!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Much better thanks!
I've not had an attack of asthma this whole week, so the change of climate and medicine worked! I'm feeling much better and people here are saying I'm more energetic and colour has returned to my face. Well that's a good sign! Thanks for all your prayers. Still I have to come back to Hong Kong for my other tests, so I guess I'll see you guys around!
Don't forget the Jubilee of St Paul is this Sunday! Do something special - start reading up on Paul's letters; say a prayer to St Paul. Come join our classes at Duns Scotus Bible Centre! Or come on a pilgrimage to Greece in August - There's still some places left! Call Katie at 28902682 for more info!
Here in Dars es Salaam the conference and hectic and everyone is feeling tired - the talks go on till 9.30pm after dinner! But still we're enjoying much of it and there's lots of discussions, networking and sharing of ideas and materials. You meet with old friends and make new ones as well. I guess this change of atmosphere has helped me recover from my health; and the sea air (the conference centre is near the sea) is refreshing although we never get to see the beach - it's dangerous outisde and we have armed guards in our compound to protect us!
Stay well and don't forget the Bookfair that's coming up!
Don't forget the Jubilee of St Paul is this Sunday! Do something special - start reading up on Paul's letters; say a prayer to St Paul. Come join our classes at Duns Scotus Bible Centre! Or come on a pilgrimage to Greece in August - There's still some places left! Call Katie at 28902682 for more info!
Here in Dars es Salaam the conference and hectic and everyone is feeling tired - the talks go on till 9.30pm after dinner! But still we're enjoying much of it and there's lots of discussions, networking and sharing of ideas and materials. You meet with old friends and make new ones as well. I guess this change of atmosphere has helped me recover from my health; and the sea air (the conference centre is near the sea) is refreshing although we never get to see the beach - it's dangerous outisde and we have armed guards in our compound to protect us!
Stay well and don't forget the Bookfair that's coming up!
Monday, June 23, 2008
African adventure
What an adventure to come to Africa! Yesterday I was worried that I have to carry my luggage alone, up the hill to New Gate to wait for the taxi to bring me to the airport. But the Missionaries of Charity called me up to say they will come to help carry my stuff. Actually lots of people were worried - it's pretty hot and my asthma and heart is going to take all that stress! So Jadallah our janitor came in the morning to carry one luggage up to Casa Nova first; then Mahjed our porter offered to carry all my other stuff at 6pm but the sisters came at 5pm instead to carry my stuff. Lucky they did. It was hot and tiring. They were more out of breath than I! The sisters kept praying that my trip will not encounter any problems - and it didn't!
Flew out to Adis Ababa at 1am. Arrived at 5am and everyone at the airport was very nice. It's a small airport but very clean and quaint - Ethiopic atmosphere! From there I met several delegates to the Plenary Assembly - there was Fr Joseph (Indian Missionary) from Togo and the 2 Lebanese delegates, and several otehr African delegates. We flew out of Adis to Dar es Salaam at 10.30am and found out that many other passengers are also coming for the Assembly. Very multi national! And lucky for me - while all the rest needed to line up for visas, I didn't have to. SIngapore passports do not need visas so I went through Immingration in 32 seconds! And found my luggage all arrived! Miracle! So far so good!
Will keep you guys up to date. Need to rest now.
Flew out to Adis Ababa at 1am. Arrived at 5am and everyone at the airport was very nice. It's a small airport but very clean and quaint - Ethiopic atmosphere! From there I met several delegates to the Plenary Assembly - there was Fr Joseph (Indian Missionary) from Togo and the 2 Lebanese delegates, and several otehr African delegates. We flew out of Adis to Dar es Salaam at 10.30am and found out that many other passengers are also coming for the Assembly. Very multi national! And lucky for me - while all the rest needed to line up for visas, I didn't have to. SIngapore passports do not need visas so I went through Immingration in 32 seconds! And found my luggage all arrived! Miracle! So far so good!
Will keep you guys up to date. Need to rest now.
On the way
As you read this, I'll probably be somewhere between Israel and Ethiopia. Will keep you all updated - maybe even with a photo if I can take one! Meanwhile please don't forget we still need to raise funds for the Kassis family and sponsorship for Sr. Maria Jiang / Fr. Paul Sun. We're still pretty short off our target! Please help. Thx!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Axios axios axios
Today we have a new Patriarch of Jerusalem for the Latin Church - Msgr. Fouard Twal. Yesterday evening the retiring Patriarch Michel Sabbah celebrated his Thanksgiving Mass at the Basilica of Gethsemani, joined by crowds of local clergy, religious and faithful. He then officially ended his mandate as patriarch of Jerusalem and will move to live at the Bridgettine nuns' convent on the Mt. of Olives.
Today Patriarch Fouard will solemnly enter the Holy Sepulchre (Tomb of Christ) in the traditional way: a procession from Jaffa Gate led by our kawas (the guys clad in Turkish costumes and carry heavy maces to open the way of the procession) and the Franciscan friars. Our Custos Fr. Pierbattista will be at the Stone of the Unction (where Christ's body was placed after the Crucifixion to be anointed with myrrh, aloes and incense) to welcome the new Patriarch while the rest of the friars will be singing the Te Deum. All the other Christian leaders will be at hand to welcome the new Patriarch as well, including the Orthodox patriarchs. Church bells will be ringing throughout. Actually the traditional installation/election of the patriarch is confirmed through the consensus of the people who shout "Axios axios axios" meaning "He is worthy" (3 times in Greek). I think the Orthodox still do this at the ordination of priests. Anyway these ancient traditions and customs are still so very alive here in the Holy City; it's like walking back in time. That makes this place so special!
So today Jerusalem is rejoicing because we have a new Patriarch. I shall be leaving for Adis Ababa transit for Dar es Salaam soon. It will be an 8 hr flight in all. And after that the Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Biblical Federation will start its hectic schedule. I've been invited to be a moderator at one of the sessions so I have an extra responsibility. It will be hard work all through the next 10 days.
Todays' readings is all about suffering and how Christ comes to redeem us from the ultimate suffering - death. If you are registered with "Under the Fig Tree" you would have lots of material to get you reflecting and praying. If not, write me for an invitation! We're down to the last 35 places left. Anyone just one quick thought - what would life be like without suffering? What if Adam and Eve didn't sin? I really don't know the answer; but here in the Holy City, we have a beautiful symbol of the passion of Christ. its the crown of thorns, but always the crown of thorns that blooms flowers. There is something hopeful, beautiful, precious and worthy in suffering. Perhaps to one who suffers, we should also say "Axios axios axios".
Today Patriarch Fouard will solemnly enter the Holy Sepulchre (Tomb of Christ) in the traditional way: a procession from Jaffa Gate led by our kawas (the guys clad in Turkish costumes and carry heavy maces to open the way of the procession) and the Franciscan friars. Our Custos Fr. Pierbattista will be at the Stone of the Unction (where Christ's body was placed after the Crucifixion to be anointed with myrrh, aloes and incense) to welcome the new Patriarch while the rest of the friars will be singing the Te Deum. All the other Christian leaders will be at hand to welcome the new Patriarch as well, including the Orthodox patriarchs. Church bells will be ringing throughout. Actually the traditional installation/election of the patriarch is confirmed through the consensus of the people who shout "Axios axios axios" meaning "He is worthy" (3 times in Greek). I think the Orthodox still do this at the ordination of priests. Anyway these ancient traditions and customs are still so very alive here in the Holy City; it's like walking back in time. That makes this place so special!
So today Jerusalem is rejoicing because we have a new Patriarch. I shall be leaving for Adis Ababa transit for Dar es Salaam soon. It will be an 8 hr flight in all. And after that the Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Biblical Federation will start its hectic schedule. I've been invited to be a moderator at one of the sessions so I have an extra responsibility. It will be hard work all through the next 10 days.
Todays' readings is all about suffering and how Christ comes to redeem us from the ultimate suffering - death. If you are registered with "Under the Fig Tree" you would have lots of material to get you reflecting and praying. If not, write me for an invitation! We're down to the last 35 places left. Anyone just one quick thought - what would life be like without suffering? What if Adam and Eve didn't sin? I really don't know the answer; but here in the Holy City, we have a beautiful symbol of the passion of Christ. its the crown of thorns, but always the crown of thorns that blooms flowers. There is something hopeful, beautiful, precious and worthy in suffering. Perhaps to one who suffers, we should also say "Axios axios axios".
Saturday, June 21, 2008
God's will
An extremely listless day - yesterday. The weather again was unrelenting. Nevertheless I made the Way of the Cross. It was a smaller group than usual - one group of Spaniards and another American I think. But I did meet a Mainland Chinese friend who's studying at the Hebrew University; he brought a few friends from Macau to visit the Muslim Quarter just as the Way of the Cross started. And I think the Bishop of Quwait was also present. There were no incidents yesterday - we had a heavy military presence escorting us.
Started packing my luggage for Dar es Salaam. Nothing much to carry but because of the new liquid restriction law for carryon luggage, it means I have to bring two luggage with me - one to be checked-in and the other hand hand-carry. What a bother. Today the 3 Lebanese seminarians are coming to help me clear up my room (they don't know that yet!). We had dinner at the Legacy yesterday - as usual it was superb food and service. You guys ought to come and experience the Legacy. It was previously the YMCA but is now renovated and newly managed by Nazarene Tours. Great job they did!
Anyway at dinner were the 3 Lebanese seminarians whom I will not longer see, as they have to move to Rome for their studies. They're William, Jihad and Ziad. They're all in their 1st year of Theology. We chatted alot and laughed alot. But none of us remembered to bring a camera so today they're coming over for photos.
Yesterday and today's readings deal with the terrible fate of kingship in ancient Judea. Athaliah the queen mother tried to usurp power and the rebellion led by Jehoida the Priest ended her rule (she was the only woman who actually ruled Judea). Then Joash the next king kills Zechariah the son of Jehoida the Priest (who had died) because he was criticised for idolatry; in effect it was another call for rebellion against the new king. Here we see religion and politics clashing. I think several things comes to mind when we read these passages: 1. The kingship was a bad idea, Samuel had already warned the people of the tragedy of having a king "like the other nations", and rejecting God as their only king. 2. Religion offers a system of check-and-balance for an otherwise all-powerful kingship in the ancient world. Be that as it may, our reflection comes back to ourselves: sometimes we find this struggle within our very selves - the desire to aggrandize, overlording others, exerting oneself; and the spiritual instinct to holdback, be humble, serve. No one can say which side of the balance is better for you. Only doing God's will is the best.
Started packing my luggage for Dar es Salaam. Nothing much to carry but because of the new liquid restriction law for carryon luggage, it means I have to bring two luggage with me - one to be checked-in and the other hand hand-carry. What a bother. Today the 3 Lebanese seminarians are coming to help me clear up my room (they don't know that yet!). We had dinner at the Legacy yesterday - as usual it was superb food and service. You guys ought to come and experience the Legacy. It was previously the YMCA but is now renovated and newly managed by Nazarene Tours. Great job they did!
Anyway at dinner were the 3 Lebanese seminarians whom I will not longer see, as they have to move to Rome for their studies. They're William, Jihad and Ziad. They're all in their 1st year of Theology. We chatted alot and laughed alot. But none of us remembered to bring a camera so today they're coming over for photos.
Yesterday and today's readings deal with the terrible fate of kingship in ancient Judea. Athaliah the queen mother tried to usurp power and the rebellion led by Jehoida the Priest ended her rule (she was the only woman who actually ruled Judea). Then Joash the next king kills Zechariah the son of Jehoida the Priest (who had died) because he was criticised for idolatry; in effect it was another call for rebellion against the new king. Here we see religion and politics clashing. I think several things comes to mind when we read these passages: 1. The kingship was a bad idea, Samuel had already warned the people of the tragedy of having a king "like the other nations", and rejecting God as their only king. 2. Religion offers a system of check-and-balance for an otherwise all-powerful kingship in the ancient world. Be that as it may, our reflection comes back to ourselves: sometimes we find this struggle within our very selves - the desire to aggrandize, overlording others, exerting oneself; and the spiritual instinct to holdback, be humble, serve. No one can say which side of the balance is better for you. Only doing God's will is the best.
Thanks from Sr. Maria Jiang
Sister Maria Jiang writes to thank all her sponsors.
Dear friends and benefactors,
I want to say hello to you!
I am sister Mary, my congregation is the Daughters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary which is in the diocese Baoding of China. This year I finish my theological study in Rome that is in the section of the biblical theology, I am very happy to be going to study it continuously in the Holyland through your help, when I heard this good news from Fr. Lionel, I am really grateful to you and I am sure to give my thanks in my prayer of my religious life and I am sure my congregation is the same to give thanks to you in the prayers.
Again thank you so much! I know your help is not only for me, but also for the Church of China, is really I wish you are all well and be bless always from the Lord!
Sorry, I stop here, although I have a lot of words to say you, but, for the difficulty of the English, I am forced to leave. I hope I shall study it well after this summer in England.
Bye, The Lord be with you anywhere!
Sr. Mary Jiang
Dear friends and benefactors,
I want to say hello to you!
I am sister Mary, my congregation is the Daughters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary which is in the diocese Baoding of China. This year I finish my theological study in Rome that is in the section of the biblical theology, I am very happy to be going to study it continuously in the Holyland through your help, when I heard this good news from Fr. Lionel, I am really grateful to you and I am sure to give my thanks in my prayer of my religious life and I am sure my congregation is the same to give thanks to you in the prayers.
Again thank you so much! I know your help is not only for me, but also for the Church of China, is really I wish you are all well and be bless always from the Lord!
Sorry, I stop here, although I have a lot of words to say you, but, for the difficulty of the English, I am forced to leave. I hope I shall study it well after this summer in England.
Bye, The Lord be with you anywhere!
Sr. Mary Jiang
Friday, June 20, 2008
Ice cream?
The weather is holding up the heat .... and everyone is feeling it. But its summer holidays anyway so people go to the beaches, or to the Dead Sea and enjoy the heat. The rest of us stay indoors.
Yesterday was a mad rush to get as much medicine as I can because today is Friday and the pharmacies are closed for 2 days (remember the weekend here is Friday - Saturday) and I have to leave for Dar es Salaam on Sunday. Managed to get what I needed. But couldn't come home in time to do something for the superior, and he wasn't at all happy.
Didn't have an asthma attack in the last 24 hours, so things are getting better. Of course the dry heat of the weather is also a big help. Hhmmm I wonder if I should get an ice cream today. Sounds tempting. When you have to consider that a cornetto costs HK$20 here, usually the thought of having an ice cream remains just that - a thought.
I think I shall go to the Way of the Cross today, even if I dislike confronting the inevitable nasty things that will happen along the way. I'll get to meet some people there that I have to say goodbye for the summer. Which reminds me this morning I went to see the Custos to say thanks for the support he gave during this academic year - it's a nicety that I do, but I'm really sincere. He offers room and board so I don't have to worry about it and can study better. And besides he's my good friend and its nice to say bye for the summer till I see him again in autumn (I hope. He asked when we will meet again and I wasn't sure, so he was alittle disconcerted.) I have many good friends - brothers - here in the Holyland and its really a treasure to stay around here with them. You guys know well my feelings - how much I like the Holyland; but its not just the land that I like. It's these nice people who make the land "holy".
Yesterday was a mad rush to get as much medicine as I can because today is Friday and the pharmacies are closed for 2 days (remember the weekend here is Friday - Saturday) and I have to leave for Dar es Salaam on Sunday. Managed to get what I needed. But couldn't come home in time to do something for the superior, and he wasn't at all happy.
Didn't have an asthma attack in the last 24 hours, so things are getting better. Of course the dry heat of the weather is also a big help. Hhmmm I wonder if I should get an ice cream today. Sounds tempting. When you have to consider that a cornetto costs HK$20 here, usually the thought of having an ice cream remains just that - a thought.
I think I shall go to the Way of the Cross today, even if I dislike confronting the inevitable nasty things that will happen along the way. I'll get to meet some people there that I have to say goodbye for the summer. Which reminds me this morning I went to see the Custos to say thanks for the support he gave during this academic year - it's a nicety that I do, but I'm really sincere. He offers room and board so I don't have to worry about it and can study better. And besides he's my good friend and its nice to say bye for the summer till I see him again in autumn (I hope. He asked when we will meet again and I wasn't sure, so he was alittle disconcerted.) I have many good friends - brothers - here in the Holyland and its really a treasure to stay around here with them. You guys know well my feelings - how much I like the Holyland; but its not just the land that I like. It's these nice people who make the land "holy".
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Last day of exams.
Last night was incredibly hot - I couldn't sleep because of the heat. But I don't want to open the windows because the mosquitoes are worse than the heat. Just have to settle with the lesser of two evils.
I saw Dr ben Daniel yesterday morning - or actually he called to ask me over to his clinic. He said he read my blog! Hmm I never knew my blog has a local audience too! Anyway it was good to see him because as a family doctor he has a way to make you feel comfortable. My asthma is still bad so he's got me on Flixotide (2 puffs twice daily) to supplement the Ventolin. This morning just before Mass I got a real bad attack and was brought out of the Church. The superior was pretty alarmed I guess as he came immediately after Mass to see how I was. And Sr Veronica said she was praying throughout the Mass that nothing happened to me. Well I'm still alive - fortunately or unfortunately. I've learned to live with it so I don't panic as much as those around me.
One female canary died this morning as I was watching it. Poor thing, she was brooding over her chick and the stupid male canary didn't feed her or the chick - apparently he hasn't learnt how to feed yet! So she died and I'm left with a 2 day old chick. Didn't know what to do so I put the chick into "Jughead"s nest as she's got a egg in there. She's a good mother and has 5 chicks this year. So I think she'll adopt this orphan. Otherwise it'll die of hunger.
Today is the last day of exams. many students are packing up and leaving either for their holidays or going to Germany or England to study languages. On Saturday night we'll have other students come to join our community in Vespers, then we'll have a barbecue in the courtyard to celebrate the close of the academic year. Me? I have to go to Tanzania for the Plenary Assembly of Catholic Biblical Federation for 10 days before returning to Israel to complete my work. It's going to be a long ride as I have to fly to Addis Ababa first (5 hrs) then a 4 hr wait, then a 2 hr flight to Dar es Salaam. I will be very exhausted and need to conserve some energy now.
Today's reading is Sirach's praise of Elijah the prophet. Elijah is said to "turn the hearts of fathers toward their children" - a verse repeated also by the prophet Malachi regarding Elijah. This theme is then picked up in the Gospels when speaking about Elijah but alluding to John the Baptist. Well what do you think "turning the hearts of fathers toward their children" mean? Done that lately?
I saw Dr ben Daniel yesterday morning - or actually he called to ask me over to his clinic. He said he read my blog! Hmm I never knew my blog has a local audience too! Anyway it was good to see him because as a family doctor he has a way to make you feel comfortable. My asthma is still bad so he's got me on Flixotide (2 puffs twice daily) to supplement the Ventolin. This morning just before Mass I got a real bad attack and was brought out of the Church. The superior was pretty alarmed I guess as he came immediately after Mass to see how I was. And Sr Veronica said she was praying throughout the Mass that nothing happened to me. Well I'm still alive - fortunately or unfortunately. I've learned to live with it so I don't panic as much as those around me.
One female canary died this morning as I was watching it. Poor thing, she was brooding over her chick and the stupid male canary didn't feed her or the chick - apparently he hasn't learnt how to feed yet! So she died and I'm left with a 2 day old chick. Didn't know what to do so I put the chick into "Jughead"s nest as she's got a egg in there. She's a good mother and has 5 chicks this year. So I think she'll adopt this orphan. Otherwise it'll die of hunger.
Today is the last day of exams. many students are packing up and leaving either for their holidays or going to Germany or England to study languages. On Saturday night we'll have other students come to join our community in Vespers, then we'll have a barbecue in the courtyard to celebrate the close of the academic year. Me? I have to go to Tanzania for the Plenary Assembly of Catholic Biblical Federation for 10 days before returning to Israel to complete my work. It's going to be a long ride as I have to fly to Addis Ababa first (5 hrs) then a 4 hr wait, then a 2 hr flight to Dar es Salaam. I will be very exhausted and need to conserve some energy now.
Today's reading is Sirach's praise of Elijah the prophet. Elijah is said to "turn the hearts of fathers toward their children" - a verse repeated also by the prophet Malachi regarding Elijah. This theme is then picked up in the Gospels when speaking about Elijah but alluding to John the Baptist. Well what do you think "turning the hearts of fathers toward their children" mean? Done that lately?
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Busy day
Today's reading tells us how Elijah left in a fiery chariot. Spectacular, but what is even more spectacular is that Elisha his successor asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Sounds like the disciple wants to be better than the master. Remember Elijah's words to God on Mt Sinai? - "I am filled with zealous zeal for the God Sabaoth" - Elisha wants to be more zealous, to love God more. That is the double portion of Elijah's spirit. Sure we should never be greedy or be unduly competitive or trying always to outdo others; but when it comes to holiness and love of God, there's no limit: we're all called to be perfect since God is perfect, and God's perfection is infinite. Ready to stretch your limits in holiness?
Yesterday I had to go to Bethlehem and do something for the Franciscan community there. But after lunch at the Missioanries of Charity's convent, I was brought to the monastery of the Perpetual Adorers nuns that came to the Holyland only 9 months ago. They're cloistered and adore the Blessed Sacrament 24 hrs a day. They recited None (that means "9" in latin, that is, the ninth hour prayer = psalms) and had a short procession in the Milk grotto. Their monastery is next to the grotto. Don't know where that is? Check out the internet! Then when I tohught I could go home, I was brought to the Bridgettine nuns on the other side of Bethlehem. They're semi-contemplative. We sang vespers together and after that they offered us drinks (it was very warm; well over 35 degrees). It was nice to meet them. Then Thiago drove me home. I am dead tired today. And my asthma isn't helping.
Yesterday I had to go to Bethlehem and do something for the Franciscan community there. But after lunch at the Missioanries of Charity's convent, I was brought to the monastery of the Perpetual Adorers nuns that came to the Holyland only 9 months ago. They're cloistered and adore the Blessed Sacrament 24 hrs a day. They recited None (that means "9" in latin, that is, the ninth hour prayer = psalms) and had a short procession in the Milk grotto. Their monastery is next to the grotto. Don't know where that is? Check out the internet! Then when I tohught I could go home, I was brought to the Bridgettine nuns on the other side of Bethlehem. They're semi-contemplative. We sang vespers together and after that they offered us drinks (it was very warm; well over 35 degrees). It was nice to meet them. Then Thiago drove me home. I am dead tired today. And my asthma isn't helping.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Ahab again
So what happened to Ahab? Today's reading tells us that God sent Elijah to announce the punishment of Ahab. Strange to see why Ahab gets all the blame when the murder plan was arranged by Jezebel, but we have to understand that it was Ahab's desire for Naboth's vineyard that started this whole murder affair rolling. If he didn't want it so badly, his wife would not have arranged the murder. So maybe that's what we have to reflect on today - we may hold alot of desires, many of which may seem trivial; but if we get too carried away, forget to prioritise, go overboard with it, it'll set up a snowball reaction that'll end up real bad. And when you look back, you'll see how disproportionate it all is: the desire compared to the result - a vineyard and a human life. So our human sense of justice is "punish the criminals". But that is not God's sense of Justice. Ahab repented and fasted and did penance immediately, and God forgave him. You see, God wants repentance not revenge; restitution not retribution. If only we could learn to be as forgiving as God.
Summer is rolling on big time here in Israel. The plums and apricots are out in full force. They are very sweet and juicy this year. It's great to have a plum when you're out in the hot sun - it quenches your thirst immediately; it tingles your tastebuds with its tender tart tang (love the alliteration?) Figs are out too but it's the first lot and usually they're not at all tasty even though they're huge. The July and August harvest is usually much better. There're also peaches and nectarines but they don't seem as tasty. Now they've got crossbreeds! - plumcot and peacharine. No guesses from which stock they were hybrided from!
So I'm working my head off trying to complete my textual analysis. I finally managed to borrow the book I need badly from one of the professors so I don't have to lineup for the one in the library. Gotta finish this as soon as I can; I don't want to drag this work for any longer than I can. Get it over and done with!
Will go to Bethlehem this morning to do something. Thiago will drive me there. I think the Missionaries of Charity will wait at the other side of the border for me. OK for now. Gotta get going!
Summer is rolling on big time here in Israel. The plums and apricots are out in full force. They are very sweet and juicy this year. It's great to have a plum when you're out in the hot sun - it quenches your thirst immediately; it tingles your tastebuds with its tender tart tang (love the alliteration?) Figs are out too but it's the first lot and usually they're not at all tasty even though they're huge. The July and August harvest is usually much better. There're also peaches and nectarines but they don't seem as tasty. Now they've got crossbreeds! - plumcot and peacharine. No guesses from which stock they were hybrided from!
So I'm working my head off trying to complete my textual analysis. I finally managed to borrow the book I need badly from one of the professors so I don't have to lineup for the one in the library. Gotta finish this as soon as I can; I don't want to drag this work for any longer than I can. Get it over and done with!
Will go to Bethlehem this morning to do something. Thiago will drive me there. I think the Missionaries of Charity will wait at the other side of the border for me. OK for now. Gotta get going!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Bookfair again!
Today's reading for Mass presents a man of principles (Naboth, he refused to sell his ancestral land), a man focussed only on his aim (King Ahab, he wanted Naboth's land), and a woman focussed on the means (Queen Jezebel, who churned out a scheme to take over Naboth's land). Now the king was not going to rob Naboth: Ahab was righteous insofar as he was willing to exchange the land either for another land or its equivalent in money. He offered a just exchange; all he wanted was Naboth's land. When he could not achieve his aim, he was distraught: for him, getting the land = success and not getting the land = failure. He was wallowing in what he perceived as failure. Queen Jezebel was focussed on the means of getting the land. She thought out the scheme and involved others to carry it out. It did not matter if it was a trumped up charge and an innocent man died. The end justified the means, no matter how unscrupulous the means was. King Ahab on the otherhand was so focussed on the end he didn't even ask how Jezebel got the land. Don't ask, don't tell. Ahab's conscience was clear...or seemingly so. Jezebel didn't even have a conscience.
Sadly it is the man of principles, who held on to God's Law and was righteous, who suffered and died as a result. He had a conscience to honour his ancestors and their property. It is almost disheartening to read that those who are obedient to God must suffer, while the unrighteous flourish and profit. But the story doesn't end here....you'll have to see tomorrow's reading! For now it's enough to reflect on ourselves and our society, on how people behave in their economic, social and religious lives - are we goal oriented? or means oriented (strategists)? or are we faithful believers of God? ... is it worth it?
OK so yesterday I broke my promise to Alexander because I didn't take half an hour off to walk in the sun ... I was so caught up with finishing my work because today the library opens and the other students will want to use the books that I'm also using. I have to give it to them today. Aaaaaghh it's such a struggle to get one page done when the books are not available!
The weather as usual is pretty hot in the 30s. Sr. Geronima is leaving for good in two weeks' time and a new sister, Sr. Justina will be coming to take over her place. Unfortunately I'm leaving for Dar es Salaam this weekend for a conference (10 days) on the Bible so I won't get to send Sr. Geronima off. Or William for that matter. He leaves on June 30th and I'm out of town.
Don't forget the annual BookFair starts on July 26th so I hope to see you all there!
Sadly it is the man of principles, who held on to God's Law and was righteous, who suffered and died as a result. He had a conscience to honour his ancestors and their property. It is almost disheartening to read that those who are obedient to God must suffer, while the unrighteous flourish and profit. But the story doesn't end here....you'll have to see tomorrow's reading! For now it's enough to reflect on ourselves and our society, on how people behave in their economic, social and religious lives - are we goal oriented? or means oriented (strategists)? or are we faithful believers of God? ... is it worth it?
OK so yesterday I broke my promise to Alexander because I didn't take half an hour off to walk in the sun ... I was so caught up with finishing my work because today the library opens and the other students will want to use the books that I'm also using. I have to give it to them today. Aaaaaghh it's such a struggle to get one page done when the books are not available!
The weather as usual is pretty hot in the 30s. Sr. Geronima is leaving for good in two weeks' time and a new sister, Sr. Justina will be coming to take over her place. Unfortunately I'm leaving for Dar es Salaam this weekend for a conference (10 days) on the Bible so I won't get to send Sr. Geronima off. Or William for that matter. He leaves on June 30th and I'm out of town.
Don't forget the annual BookFair starts on July 26th so I hope to see you all there!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Thanks from Fr Paul Sun
Fr Paul Sun, whom many of you are helping sponsor to study here in Israel, has written this thank you note to you all.
" Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I am Paul Sun Chunsheng, priest of Xianxian diocese who just finished my study of Biblical Theology in Rome and will go to the Holy Land to study for one year with your help. Thank you so much for your help. I will go there in the next October when all the things are ready for me, I am so glad for this, because this opportunity is very precious for me, and I will try my best to study there. Thank you again! And I will remember you in my prayers and in my celebrations.
Pray for each other!
Paul SunChunsheng "
" Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I am Paul Sun Chunsheng, priest of Xianxian diocese who just finished my study of Biblical Theology in Rome and will go to the Holy Land to study for one year with your help. Thank you so much for your help. I will go there in the next October when all the things are ready for me, I am so glad for this, because this opportunity is very precious for me, and I will try my best to study there. Thank you again! And I will remember you in my prayers and in my celebrations.
Pray for each other!
Paul SunChunsheng "
Harassed sheep
"Under the Fig Tree" has a new section on the sidebar called "Light from Judaism". It presents the (Jewish) weekly synagogal reading of the Torah (called Parasha), and two homilies by rabbis. Of course this cannot take the place of our catholic Mass readings, but it is meant to help you understand and appreciate the yearly cycle of readings established by the Jews, and their insightful thoughts and application of the Torah teaching. The links are all external and provided by the Chabad website. I'll also try to provide a background to each of our Sunday reading in the "comments" section, but only when I have the time.
Meantime Darko did a good job presenting his thesis and the commission of examiners were rigorous. Must admit I was totally exhausted during the defense and fell asleep - I don't think anyone noticed ... I was sitting way at the back of the hall. He earned a "Magna cum Laude" and there were refreshments in the Crusader Hall next door after the defense. Later everyone went out for dinner at the Zahara but I was too tired and had an asthma attack, so I decided to stay home instead.
The 3 new canary chicks died this morning. Don't know why - maybe too hot, or ticks might have attacked them, or the parents simply didn't know how to feed them. Anyway all are dead. I think I'll put the parents back into the large cage since it's mid-June and they'll stop breeding anyway. The other 6 chicks from the 1st batch are doing fine though.
Alexander Frolich just called to invite me to the beach in Tel Aviv wih his family - but I had to turn it down because I want to finish my work. He insisted that I take a break and made me promise that I take a half-hour walk in the sun today instead of staying everyday in my room. I think I'm becoming a hermit.
Today's Sunday readings mentions alot about sheep. Can you imagine us as the sheep "harassed and oppressed, without a shepherd" - yes we're pretty harassed and oppressed, if not by others then usually by work, time, demands, responsibilities but especially by false expectations. The phrase links this harassment/oppression with "without a shepherd", seemingly to say that of there were a shepherd, then there would not be harassment and oppression. It's the shepherd's duty to care of his sheep and make sure they are not harassed or oppressed. So where's your shepherd? Who's your shepherd? Willing to let him take over and lead the way?
Meantime Darko did a good job presenting his thesis and the commission of examiners were rigorous. Must admit I was totally exhausted during the defense and fell asleep - I don't think anyone noticed ... I was sitting way at the back of the hall. He earned a "Magna cum Laude" and there were refreshments in the Crusader Hall next door after the defense. Later everyone went out for dinner at the Zahara but I was too tired and had an asthma attack, so I decided to stay home instead.
The 3 new canary chicks died this morning. Don't know why - maybe too hot, or ticks might have attacked them, or the parents simply didn't know how to feed them. Anyway all are dead. I think I'll put the parents back into the large cage since it's mid-June and they'll stop breeding anyway. The other 6 chicks from the 1st batch are doing fine though.
Alexander Frolich just called to invite me to the beach in Tel Aviv wih his family - but I had to turn it down because I want to finish my work. He insisted that I take a break and made me promise that I take a half-hour walk in the sun today instead of staying everyday in my room. I think I'm becoming a hermit.
Today's Sunday readings mentions alot about sheep. Can you imagine us as the sheep "harassed and oppressed, without a shepherd" - yes we're pretty harassed and oppressed, if not by others then usually by work, time, demands, responsibilities but especially by false expectations. The phrase links this harassment/oppression with "without a shepherd", seemingly to say that of there were a shepherd, then there would not be harassment and oppression. It's the shepherd's duty to care of his sheep and make sure they are not harassed or oppressed. So where's your shepherd? Who's your shepherd? Willing to let him take over and lead the way?
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Yoghurt blues
Today's reading is on Elijah again - this time he goes to search for his successor Elisha. Elisha destroys whatever means of livelihood he has (the yoke and oxen) in order to follow Elijah: there's no turning back now because there's nothing to turn back to. Sometimes we need to be so convinced of our choices, we need to burn our bridges behind us in order to move forward. In terms of business strategy, it's foolish; but in religion, it's total dependence and faith in God. Ready to burn some bridges?
Bought some yoghurt yesterday - alot more expensive, almost 5 shekels from another store. Daylight robbery. But it feels very good to have something cool and substantial instead of a heavy meat-veggie meal during this hot season.
I'm back on schedule with my research but because of the shortage of reference books, I have to wait my turn. It's a bit frustrating and what to do?
Today is Saturday so I'll clean my room later in the afternoon. Then at 5pm Darko will defend his doctoral thesis and we'll go out for dinner after that.
Bought some yoghurt yesterday - alot more expensive, almost 5 shekels from another store. Daylight robbery. But it feels very good to have something cool and substantial instead of a heavy meat-veggie meal during this hot season.
I'm back on schedule with my research but because of the shortage of reference books, I have to wait my turn. It's a bit frustrating and what to do?
Today is Saturday so I'll clean my room later in the afternoon. Then at 5pm Darko will defend his doctoral thesis and we'll go out for dinner after that.
sick
This clip has been the centre of discussion at my side of the refectory several days back. It makes me sick. The anti-christianism is horrifying.
Viewer disgression is advised because of the strong language; and children are not advised to watch it because of the language.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSAvaYY-y7Q
Viewer disgression is advised because of the strong language; and children are not advised to watch it because of the language.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSAvaYY-y7Q
Friday, June 13, 2008
Elijah again
Today is the solemnity of St Anthony of Padua (or Lisbon, depending from where you are). For most of you it's just a memorial and for Franciscans worldwide it's a feastday. but here in the Holyland it's a solemnity (with Gloria and Credo during Mass) because St. Anthony is the patron saint of the friars of the Holyland. Most of our community went to the Solemn High Mass at St. Saviour's Monastery presided by the Custos (he wore his mitre today! we had a good laugh when he passed me by during the procession because he feels awkward wearing it). I celebrated Mass earlier at 6.30am at the Flagellation (as usual) and did some work before going up to St. Saviour's. I walk very slowly now so I left one hour ahead of the Solemn Mass. Went to visit our economo (treasurer) Fr Dobromir (he was my previous superior at the Flagellation), then went to the parish church of St. Saviour. It was crowded. Even the Orthodox Churches sent representatives for the Mass.
Many local Arab Catholics dedicate their children to St. Anthony today. They go up to the altar of St. Anthony and ask the priest for the blessing of St. Anthony; then they let the baby (usually less than a year old) wear the franciscan habit as a sign of dedication. Very cute!
I didn't concelebrate the Mass though. But I did get to greet the Custos in the sacristy - it's always nice to meet him even when he makes embarrassing remarks in front of everyone.... about me!
And it's in these big celebrations that you get to meet with people who live near you but you never get the chance to meet. So it was good catching up with old friends too.
Today's first reading of the daily Mass is again on Elijah. He goes up to Horeb and encounters God but note what God asks him - What are you doing here? Instead of giving the reason "I'm running away from Queen Jezebel" Elijah starts with "everyone else is bad, I'm the only good one left..." And this "conversation" is repeated. Well I've always thought that God is always asking us everyday, every moment "What are you doing here?" I wonder what answer we'll give - hopefully one that is relevant to the question! Or do we, like Elijah, have already a model answer that we launch no matter what the question is? So honestly what are you doing here?
WHAT are you doing here?
What ARE you doing here?
What are YOU doing here?
What are you DOING here?
What are you doing HERE?
Many local Arab Catholics dedicate their children to St. Anthony today. They go up to the altar of St. Anthony and ask the priest for the blessing of St. Anthony; then they let the baby (usually less than a year old) wear the franciscan habit as a sign of dedication. Very cute!
I didn't concelebrate the Mass though. But I did get to greet the Custos in the sacristy - it's always nice to meet him even when he makes embarrassing remarks in front of everyone.... about me!
And it's in these big celebrations that you get to meet with people who live near you but you never get the chance to meet. So it was good catching up with old friends too.
Today's first reading of the daily Mass is again on Elijah. He goes up to Horeb and encounters God but note what God asks him - What are you doing here? Instead of giving the reason "I'm running away from Queen Jezebel" Elijah starts with "everyone else is bad, I'm the only good one left..." And this "conversation" is repeated. Well I've always thought that God is always asking us everyday, every moment "What are you doing here?" I wonder what answer we'll give - hopefully one that is relevant to the question! Or do we, like Elijah, have already a model answer that we launch no matter what the question is? So honestly what are you doing here?
WHAT are you doing here?
What ARE you doing here?
What are YOU doing here?
What are you DOING here?
What are you doing HERE?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Cheated on yoghurt
Today's first reading is one of my favourite Old Testament stories - Elijah predicting the coming of the rains on top of Mt. Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea. It's a beautiful sight to be up there, where Carmelite monastery still stands. Elijah foretold the coming of the rains - a sign of life and new beginnings. And when it came, Elijah ran down the mountain and outran the chariot of King Ahab in the Jezreel Valley. He must have been pretty fit to outrun a chariot! This amazing prophet is a symbol of new life and renewal. He had his bad-hair days as well, like when Queen Jezebel wanted to kill him; but ultimately Hope prevailed. So hang on in there if you're trudging through daily routine. Who knows - Elijah might come your way!
Yesterday was a tiring day - don't know why though. Must be the weather. Everyone else was feeling down. I lost my appetite so I decided to have some yoghurt instead of dinner. That means having to go out and buy it at the nearest shop - which is at the 3rd Station of the Cross. The only thing they have is pineapple flavoured yoghurt so I bought 4 (they're pretty small) costing 3 shekels each (US$1). Later I found out they cost only half that price. Anyway the yoghurt was a good change - it was light and cooling in this oppressive heat. And I slept real early - at 6pm! Woken up at 11.30pm by a phone call ... apparently there were 3 other missed calls. I guess it was the HK group that was leaving for the airport; and also Bosco Leung who's backpacking through the Middle East.
Today after lunch, the dean came to my room and saw the chinese foot reflexology equipment that the HK group brought for me. Well other guys came in to try as well - you can imagine the scene as it was the first time they ever walked on a reflexology board!
Darko (remember him? the Croatian friar who's doing his doctorate?) will be defending his thesis on Saturday. Wish him luck! And after the defense he's inviting everyone here for dinner at the Zahara (a classy restaurent in East Jerusalem). It'll be nice to have dinner out. His parents are here for the defense! And so is his provincial (the friar in charge of the Croatian group of franciscans).
Yesterday was a tiring day - don't know why though. Must be the weather. Everyone else was feeling down. I lost my appetite so I decided to have some yoghurt instead of dinner. That means having to go out and buy it at the nearest shop - which is at the 3rd Station of the Cross. The only thing they have is pineapple flavoured yoghurt so I bought 4 (they're pretty small) costing 3 shekels each (US$1). Later I found out they cost only half that price. Anyway the yoghurt was a good change - it was light and cooling in this oppressive heat. And I slept real early - at 6pm! Woken up at 11.30pm by a phone call ... apparently there were 3 other missed calls. I guess it was the HK group that was leaving for the airport; and also Bosco Leung who's backpacking through the Middle East.
Today after lunch, the dean came to my room and saw the chinese foot reflexology equipment that the HK group brought for me. Well other guys came in to try as well - you can imagine the scene as it was the first time they ever walked on a reflexology board!
Darko (remember him? the Croatian friar who's doing his doctorate?) will be defending his thesis on Saturday. Wish him luck! And after the defense he's inviting everyone here for dinner at the Zahara (a classy restaurent in East Jerusalem). It'll be nice to have dinner out. His parents are here for the defense! And so is his provincial (the friar in charge of the Croatian group of franciscans).
Un bel di
A lovely animation of "un bel di" (One Fine Day) from Madama Butterfly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_xWKWIf-VE
or same animation but a funky version of "un bel di" by the Opera Babes (Karen England and Rebecca Knight)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpWRlJX1epA
Can't believe I first heard Madame Butterfly ("un bel di") in 1973 on "Classical Requests" hosted by Norman Lim on the radio - I was 10 back then. It was a big discovery for me - the world of classical music. Wrote in to the programme to request the "love duet of Butterfly and Pinkerton" and was such a thrill to hear Norman Lim say "And now for a request by Lionel Goh ...." From Butterfly I moved to other works by Puccini and of course Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana. And it was so simple back then .... just the radio running on two AA batteries: no Youtube, no Internet, no podcast, no DVDs. How the world has changed these 35 years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_xWKWIf-VE
or same animation but a funky version of "un bel di" by the Opera Babes (Karen England and Rebecca Knight)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpWRlJX1epA
Can't believe I first heard Madame Butterfly ("un bel di") in 1973 on "Classical Requests" hosted by Norman Lim on the radio - I was 10 back then. It was a big discovery for me - the world of classical music. Wrote in to the programme to request the "love duet of Butterfly and Pinkerton" and was such a thrill to hear Norman Lim say "And now for a request by Lionel Goh ...." From Butterfly I moved to other works by Puccini and of course Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana. And it was so simple back then .... just the radio running on two AA batteries: no Youtube, no Internet, no podcast, no DVDs. How the world has changed these 35 years.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Sneiad's discovery
Today we commemorate St Barnabas - the guy who took Saul (later St. Paul) under his wings. He must have been taking a big risk when he did that, because no one else wanted to take Saul; him being a notorious persecutor. Saul actually went back home to Tarsus without a mission or direction. While no one else seemed to trust the converted Saul, it was Barnabas alone who took the risk and went to Tarsus to look for Saul. Saul came under Barnabas in the initial years and began his first missionary journey with Barnabas. Barnabas disappears after the quarrel with Paul at the onset of the 2nd missionary journey and nothing else is mentioned of him. In a way its a little sad that the disciple tossed away his master - something no asian would dream of doing - and letting the master fade away in the background. I think the silence of Barnabas speaks alot of his character and faith. What is your image of Barnabas?
I'm back at work. But some other student needed a reference book I borrowed so I gave it to him; that means I can't do my work now, at least not half of it.
The weather remains hot and the HK group leaves today for home. Just as well otherwise they'll all be sick with the heat. Sneiad has found a cheaper way to cool her office - open the windows! Now she doesn't need the giant fan. Let's hope a cool breeze will blow today so it'll be a nice respite. OK back to work.
I'm back at work. But some other student needed a reference book I borrowed so I gave it to him; that means I can't do my work now, at least not half of it.
The weather remains hot and the HK group leaves today for home. Just as well otherwise they'll all be sick with the heat. Sneiad has found a cheaper way to cool her office - open the windows! Now she doesn't need the giant fan. Let's hope a cool breeze will blow today so it'll be a nice respite. OK back to work.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Pentecost
The past two days was the feast of Shavuot or Pentecost for the Jews. It marks the harvest of the grain, and of course the coming of the hot summer months. And it sure did come - the weather has been like 35 -37 degrees everyday. Waves of Jews were going down to the Wailing Wall to pray - amazing sight.
A small group of 17 people from Hong Kong arrived and I've been busy with them for these two days. It's led by Fr Benedict Lam. Fantastic group, very co-operative and disciplined, and eager to learn so many things. And they brought lots of the chinese pamphlets introducing the Holy Places in chinese - which is in great demand now.
The Jubilee Year of St Paul will soon commence, and I hope you're all ready for it. Let's get off on a right foot by preapring to know St Paul more, especially through his letters. Do join in talks, conferences and other activities scheduled in your diocese. And of course Duns Scotus Bible Centre has also arranged a range of activities to celebrate this unique event. Do join in ok?
A small group of 17 people from Hong Kong arrived and I've been busy with them for these two days. It's led by Fr Benedict Lam. Fantastic group, very co-operative and disciplined, and eager to learn so many things. And they brought lots of the chinese pamphlets introducing the Holy Places in chinese - which is in great demand now.
The Jubilee Year of St Paul will soon commence, and I hope you're all ready for it. Let's get off on a right foot by preapring to know St Paul more, especially through his letters. Do join in talks, conferences and other activities scheduled in your diocese. And of course Duns Scotus Bible Centre has also arranged a range of activities to celebrate this unique event. Do join in ok?
Sunday, June 8, 2008
seeking novelties
Another very hot day - wiltering! Did some work on my paper again, checked through some books in the library - oh, and yesterday morning I had a VC reunion with pilgrims from the Dec 07 grp and some from other grps. It was good to see everyone again. And I also learned how much they had journeyed in their spiritual lives after their pilgrimage: many involved in parish work or Bible study etc...
Yesterday morning Pavel also defended his thesis. Pavel is our polish student doing his Licentiate (Master's). He did a good job and the final grade he received earned him a "Summa cum Laude" which is the highest accolade you can get. For lunch he offered ice-cream and cherries ... real nice in this hot weather. Later in the evening he invited some professors and friends out for dinner at Amigo Emil, a local restaurent in the Old City. Lovely ambiance. I was invited too. I hope Pavel will come back to do his doctorate. I always joke with him because he spends alot of time in the library - I say he practically lives in the library. The only time we see him is prayers and meals. Well now he can leave the library and see some sun and breathe some fresh air (if you can find it in the Old City).
Khalil our cook boiled more herb tea (bay leaves, rosemary, lemon leaves ... ) for my asthma. It must be working because it is not so severe these two afternoons. It's the early mornings that kill me - like 3am I wake up and cannot breathe. I hate that.
This morning as usual I was at the Holy Sepulchre at 5am celebrating Mass and praying for you all. I decided to go up to Mt Calvary to pray instead of the Tomb as there was a huge crowd - mostly koreans. Somehow despite the gloomy darkness and endless noise, the Holy Sepulchre remains my favourite Church here in the Holyland.
And "Under the Fig Tree" has about 40 members now coming from North America, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Remember it's meant more for your own prayer and reflection of the Sunday Mass readings than a bible lesson. It's a simple way of preparing to encounter the coming Sunday's Liturgy of the Word and therefore making your Sunday Mass more meaningful. And you can always leave your questions, comments or reflections on the blog.
Yesterday's reading from 2Timothy struck me - "The time is sure to come when people, far from being content with sound teaching, will be earnestly seeking for the latest novelty and collecting themselves a whole series of teachers according to their own tastes; and instead of listening to the truth, they turn to myths". Now is that happening right now or what? Now before we start pointing fingers at other people and novelties in our faith expressions, let's honestly ask ourselves where we messed up in the first place; where we stopped treasuring the richness of our faith tradition and creating a culture of ignorance and indifference that eventually leads to seeking novelties to replace the empty space left by the rejection of these ancient treasures.
Yesterday morning Pavel also defended his thesis. Pavel is our polish student doing his Licentiate (Master's). He did a good job and the final grade he received earned him a "Summa cum Laude" which is the highest accolade you can get. For lunch he offered ice-cream and cherries ... real nice in this hot weather. Later in the evening he invited some professors and friends out for dinner at Amigo Emil, a local restaurent in the Old City. Lovely ambiance. I was invited too. I hope Pavel will come back to do his doctorate. I always joke with him because he spends alot of time in the library - I say he practically lives in the library. The only time we see him is prayers and meals. Well now he can leave the library and see some sun and breathe some fresh air (if you can find it in the Old City).
Khalil our cook boiled more herb tea (bay leaves, rosemary, lemon leaves ... ) for my asthma. It must be working because it is not so severe these two afternoons. It's the early mornings that kill me - like 3am I wake up and cannot breathe. I hate that.
This morning as usual I was at the Holy Sepulchre at 5am celebrating Mass and praying for you all. I decided to go up to Mt Calvary to pray instead of the Tomb as there was a huge crowd - mostly koreans. Somehow despite the gloomy darkness and endless noise, the Holy Sepulchre remains my favourite Church here in the Holyland.
And "Under the Fig Tree" has about 40 members now coming from North America, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Remember it's meant more for your own prayer and reflection of the Sunday Mass readings than a bible lesson. It's a simple way of preparing to encounter the coming Sunday's Liturgy of the Word and therefore making your Sunday Mass more meaningful. And you can always leave your questions, comments or reflections on the blog.
Yesterday's reading from 2Timothy struck me - "The time is sure to come when people, far from being content with sound teaching, will be earnestly seeking for the latest novelty and collecting themselves a whole series of teachers according to their own tastes; and instead of listening to the truth, they turn to myths". Now is that happening right now or what? Now before we start pointing fingers at other people and novelties in our faith expressions, let's honestly ask ourselves where we messed up in the first place; where we stopped treasuring the richness of our faith tradition and creating a culture of ignorance and indifference that eventually leads to seeking novelties to replace the empty space left by the rejection of these ancient treasures.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
spift
Strange weather - terribly hot afternoons about 37 degrees and suddenly as the sun sets a very cold wind blows. It's an westerly. And its cold! I had to cover the canaries like in winter again!
Now that Sr Irmina has left, I help Sr Geronima to dry the dishes while she washes. But tonight she decided to do the cleaning up of the food area. That left me with the washing up - which I wasn't prepared because I was wearing my habit and the long sleeves get in the way. Luckily Fr Bissoli was there to help with the drying up. We managed to finish the work before 9pm - which is a record!
Yesterday's Way of the Cross left me spift (no it's not a word but it's the only one I can think of right now). I know that tensions are pretty high this year during the Way of the Cross when we have loads of soldiers and police to accompany us, but today was impossible. Megaphones blaring to drown out our prayers from stations 1 to 8; and at station 7 there were youths whistling and shouting to disrupt our devotion. Why all this intolerance? We don't do this to them when they pray, why must they do it to us? I was spat on at the 2nd station by two kids as well, and they threw a bottle when they were far off. The level of intolerance is getting worse and I can see more problems cropping up unless we Christians stand our ground; otherwise we'll soon lose our rights, our land, our religion. For too long we have been passive and see our future drain away. And all we do is moan and groan about it. it's too lame. It's time to stand up and be counted. And you guys living in comfy-land, think for one moment of what we have to go through everyday. Then make a brave decision and COME TO THE HOLYLAND to show solidarity with us. So get moving already!
Now that Sr Irmina has left, I help Sr Geronima to dry the dishes while she washes. But tonight she decided to do the cleaning up of the food area. That left me with the washing up - which I wasn't prepared because I was wearing my habit and the long sleeves get in the way. Luckily Fr Bissoli was there to help with the drying up. We managed to finish the work before 9pm - which is a record!
Yesterday's Way of the Cross left me spift (no it's not a word but it's the only one I can think of right now). I know that tensions are pretty high this year during the Way of the Cross when we have loads of soldiers and police to accompany us, but today was impossible. Megaphones blaring to drown out our prayers from stations 1 to 8; and at station 7 there were youths whistling and shouting to disrupt our devotion. Why all this intolerance? We don't do this to them when they pray, why must they do it to us? I was spat on at the 2nd station by two kids as well, and they threw a bottle when they were far off. The level of intolerance is getting worse and I can see more problems cropping up unless we Christians stand our ground; otherwise we'll soon lose our rights, our land, our religion. For too long we have been passive and see our future drain away. And all we do is moan and groan about it. it's too lame. It's time to stand up and be counted. And you guys living in comfy-land, think for one moment of what we have to go through everyday. Then make a brave decision and COME TO THE HOLYLAND to show solidarity with us. So get moving already!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Thanks!
Many thanks to Lina Lee, Georgiana Chow, Aster Tam and Kong Pai Bor for their generosity in helping the Holyland; and thanks also to Stephan Tang and Angela Leung for helping the Kassis family. May I just add that the Kassis family was evicted from their Bethlehem home and now have to rent a house in a muslim village - not an easy life at all in this complicated country.
Once I have time to settle the accounts, I'll let you all know how much we've collected for our 3 projects. God bless you all.
Once I have time to settle the accounts, I'll let you all know how much we've collected for our 3 projects. God bless you all.
Thanks
Thanks to Jeannie So for helping the Musky kids and the Kassis family. Please remember that I'm still raising funds to help Musky, the Kassis family and the sponsorship of Fr Paul Sun and Sr Maria Jiang to study in Israel. Every little bit helps. Thanks again for your generosity!
Gaza news
Good news for some Gaza students: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7436553.stm
but only because of world concern and Israeli court decision: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7432742.stm
Meantime the horror in Gaza. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7379993.stm Pray for the poor Christians in there.
but only because of world concern and Israeli court decision: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7432742.stm
Meantime the horror in Gaza. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7379993.stm Pray for the poor Christians in there.
Hot day
Yesterday was a very hot day - 37 degrees. It was stuffy as there was no wind and the sun was beating down mercilessly with no cloud to soften the sky. Ice cream and soft-drink vendors made alot of sales! And the night was equally hot and stuffy. I could hardly sleep. Luckily he roof is very high so it keeps the room a little cool. I was told that a hamsin (dry desert wind) will blow from tomorrow (meaning it'll last for a couple of days) - now that's not good for my asthma. I'll lock myself in my room. Luckily I have the "hot air fan" that doubles as a normal fan as well.
Sneiad (yes I know! - it's an irish name! imagine coming all the way to the Middle East here and finding an irish girl with that name - and speaks with an irish lilt as well!) is the secretary of our Secretary of our school - and she found her office so stuffy she asked for a fan. Well what Sneiad wants, Sneiad gets - the largest fan in the school! She showed it to me today ..... hhmmmm the largest fan in the smallest room ... I'll have to convince her to exchange fans with me. Anyway Sneiad belongs to a lay community called Koinonia of John the Baptist (Koinonia means community in greek).
Our beloved Patriarch Msgr. Sabbah will officially step down on June 21st. He will install his successor Msgr Fouard as Patriarch of Jerusalem, successor of St. James in the basilica of Gethsemani. Then the next day June 22nd the new Patriarch will officially enter the Holy Sepulchre and celebrate his first patriarchal Mass at the Tomb of Christ. The day after he'll officially enter Bethlehem and venerate the place of the incarnation. Lots of activities. I'll see if I can follow them all.
Today's 1st reading from the 2nd Letter of Paul to Timothy says "You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers are and how you have ... known the Scriptures..." I think this describes very well the fundamental criteria of a Catholic - to keep to the doctrines that we have been taught; to firmly believe them to be true; to know that our teachers ultimately go back back to the apostles themselves; and to know the Bible. 4 points in all. How would you rank yourself in each of these points? How Catholic are you?
Sneiad (yes I know! - it's an irish name! imagine coming all the way to the Middle East here and finding an irish girl with that name - and speaks with an irish lilt as well!) is the secretary of our Secretary of our school - and she found her office so stuffy she asked for a fan. Well what Sneiad wants, Sneiad gets - the largest fan in the school! She showed it to me today ..... hhmmmm the largest fan in the smallest room ... I'll have to convince her to exchange fans with me. Anyway Sneiad belongs to a lay community called Koinonia of John the Baptist (Koinonia means community in greek).
Our beloved Patriarch Msgr. Sabbah will officially step down on June 21st. He will install his successor Msgr Fouard as Patriarch of Jerusalem, successor of St. James in the basilica of Gethsemani. Then the next day June 22nd the new Patriarch will officially enter the Holy Sepulchre and celebrate his first patriarchal Mass at the Tomb of Christ. The day after he'll officially enter Bethlehem and venerate the place of the incarnation. Lots of activities. I'll see if I can follow them all.
Today's 1st reading from the 2nd Letter of Paul to Timothy says "You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers are and how you have ... known the Scriptures..." I think this describes very well the fundamental criteria of a Catholic - to keep to the doctrines that we have been taught; to firmly believe them to be true; to know that our teachers ultimately go back back to the apostles themselves; and to know the Bible. 4 points in all. How would you rank yourself in each of these points? How Catholic are you?
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Time for goodbye
Yesterday was a very hot day. Tried to do some work but only managed to check some information in the library. Also read parts of a book that I need.
The asthma is becoming such a problem, I think I need to go back on steroids to stop it. But I hate the side-effects. And I haven't still gone to see Dr ben Daniel - well the very thought of walking up the hill (1km) to see him just puts me off; and in this heat as well.
But there was a nice surprise yesterday morning - Fr Terence Crotty came to use our library. I met him at the Dominican Ecole Biblique when Fr Thomas Chui invited me over for dinner. Both he and Terence are students of Fr Adrian Schenker (the famous bible professor, remember? I invited them all for lunch at our monastery the day after.) Well Terence is leaving Israel soon and will be studying German this summer before going on to Fribourg (Switzerland) University to do his doctorate under Fr Schenker. Terence is very brilliant and very gentlemanly. He called my room a few minutes ago to say he's leaving and "I wanted to shake your hand". I went down to the library to oblige. I'm sure he'll do well.
Ooops William just called. Wants to pop by my room in 15 minutes. He's leaving Israel too by the end of the month. Will stop here with the blog and resume later when he leaves.
So William came and left. Another nice surprise today. He bought ice cream and we ate them in my room - we sat on my new stools...a little low but at least we can now sit! He's a very serious young friar with high ideals. That's good. If he's mediocre, then that's a problem. But he's very intense and he knows himself. I hope he'll be happy in Rome. We promised to catch up one last time after his exams and before he leaves Israel. Another goodbye.
So the exams are finishing and the summer holidays are beginning - time to say alot of goodbyes. In a way it's sad, but then again it's a new adventure for many: a new beginning.
The asthma is becoming such a problem, I think I need to go back on steroids to stop it. But I hate the side-effects. And I haven't still gone to see Dr ben Daniel - well the very thought of walking up the hill (1km) to see him just puts me off; and in this heat as well.
But there was a nice surprise yesterday morning - Fr Terence Crotty came to use our library. I met him at the Dominican Ecole Biblique when Fr Thomas Chui invited me over for dinner. Both he and Terence are students of Fr Adrian Schenker (the famous bible professor, remember? I invited them all for lunch at our monastery the day after.) Well Terence is leaving Israel soon and will be studying German this summer before going on to Fribourg (Switzerland) University to do his doctorate under Fr Schenker. Terence is very brilliant and very gentlemanly. He called my room a few minutes ago to say he's leaving and "I wanted to shake your hand". I went down to the library to oblige. I'm sure he'll do well.
Ooops William just called. Wants to pop by my room in 15 minutes. He's leaving Israel too by the end of the month. Will stop here with the blog and resume later when he leaves.
So William came and left. Another nice surprise today. He bought ice cream and we ate them in my room - we sat on my new stools...a little low but at least we can now sit! He's a very serious young friar with high ideals. That's good. If he's mediocre, then that's a problem. But he's very intense and he knows himself. I hope he'll be happy in Rome. We promised to catch up one last time after his exams and before he leaves Israel. Another goodbye.
So the exams are finishing and the summer holidays are beginning - time to say alot of goodbyes. In a way it's sad, but then again it's a new adventure for many: a new beginning.
Sichuan relief work: talk at Duns Scotus Bible Centre
Please note the following for our presentation on Sichua relief work:
Date: 06-06-2008, Friday
Time: 7:30-9:30pm
Venue: Room 1104 & 6 Leighton Centre 77 Leighton Road Causeway Bay HK tel: 852-28902682 fax: 852- 28902687
Dr. James Fung and I will share with you our experience in Sichuan and what we can do to give a continue support to help rebuilding their bodies, mind, houses and families.
Volunteers needed:
--professional psychotharapist to train the local teachers and volunteers in Sichuan to provide psychological support and counselling service for the victims.
--volunteers to accompany students, to play and learn with them. our job is to build up trust and friendship with them and provide care for them. It is not about counselling.
The next group of volunteers is expected to leave on Monday 9 June 2008 from Shenzhen and to stay around 10-14 days.
Anyone interested, please check your availability and validity of your travel document. Please noted that no insurance will cover your trip to Sichuan. All volunteers need to pay their own expenses and take their own risk.
Basic requirement for volunteers: Good health, mature, caring and fluent in Mandarin
Please help circulate this message.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 9663 1670
www.ying-wang.org.hk info@ying-wang.org.hk
Hope to see you on Friday.
Regards,
Maria Lee
volunteer and coordinator
Date: 06-06-2008, Friday
Time: 7:30-9:30pm
Venue: Room 1104 & 6 Leighton Centre 77 Leighton Road Causeway Bay HK tel: 852-28902682 fax: 852- 28902687
Dr. James Fung and I will share with you our experience in Sichuan and what we can do to give a continue support to help rebuilding their bodies, mind, houses and families.
Volunteers needed:
--professional psychotharapist to train the local teachers and volunteers in Sichuan to provide psychological support and counselling service for the victims.
--volunteers to accompany students, to play and learn with them. our job is to build up trust and friendship with them and provide care for them. It is not about counselling.
The next group of volunteers is expected to leave on Monday 9 June 2008 from Shenzhen and to stay around 10-14 days.
Anyone interested, please check your availability and validity of your travel document. Please noted that no insurance will cover your trip to Sichuan. All volunteers need to pay their own expenses and take their own risk.
Basic requirement for volunteers: Good health, mature, caring and fluent in Mandarin
Please help circulate this message.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 9663 1670
www.ying-wang.org.hk info@ying-wang.org.hk
Hope to see you on Friday.
Regards,
Maria Lee
volunteer and coordinator
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Another piece of news
Did you read this one?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7433063.stm
and the update on the Gaza students
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7432742.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7433063.stm
and the update on the Gaza students
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7432742.stm
The Butterfly
Yesterday at lunch Fr Alliata, who's moved over to sit opposite me, said that he had read somewhere that the future food of humans would be insects. That's because they contain twice as much protein relative to their size, and they have no harmful fats. We chatted up on this topic and then I said that there would be one insect that we would not eat; and that is the butterfly.
And Fr Alliata said, "that's because it's full of beauty but has no substance". Isn't that an interesting observation? Pieno di bellezza ma niente sostanza (in italian of course). I wonder how that would apply to humans? Chew on that!
...... e l'ultimo chiude la polta!
And Fr Alliata said, "that's because it's full of beauty but has no substance". Isn't that an interesting observation? Pieno di bellezza ma niente sostanza (in italian of course). I wonder how that would apply to humans? Chew on that!
...... e l'ultimo chiude la polta!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
"Under the Fig Tree" is launched!!!
Finally after months and months of struggles and blocks, I've finally decided to use blogger.com to host the long awaited "Under the Fig Tree" bible encounter sessions.
Each week reflections on the coming Sunday's readings are posted; you may read them, pray them, meditate on them, then you might also like to leave a comment or a reflection on the blog. You may also leave a question but I can't promise I'll have the time to answer every question.
For the moment the blog is open to invited members only - so if you want to join in this FREE bible encounter session with me, then email me your details especially if you were/are my student or came with me on a pilgrimage. I'll email you an invitation through Google or gmail. I think you might have to have a gmail account in order to access my blog. But it costs nothing anyway, so why not?
Remember this Under the Fig Tree bible encounter is limited to only the first 100 people who sign up!
Each week reflections on the coming Sunday's readings are posted; you may read them, pray them, meditate on them, then you might also like to leave a comment or a reflection on the blog. You may also leave a question but I can't promise I'll have the time to answer every question.
For the moment the blog is open to invited members only - so if you want to join in this FREE bible encounter session with me, then email me your details especially if you were/are my student or came with me on a pilgrimage. I'll email you an invitation through Google or gmail. I think you might have to have a gmail account in order to access my blog. But it costs nothing anyway, so why not?
Remember this Under the Fig Tree bible encounter is limited to only the first 100 people who sign up!
grow in knowledge
Well Jerusalem Day passed without incident - I think. The shops all closed early "to avoid trouble" - as the shop keepers say. I managed to buy 4 cornettos as the ice-cream seller closed. It was very hot yesterday and the sun was so bright I think I hurt my eyes as it kept watering and I couldn't open them for several hours. Next time I'll have to wear sunglasses when I go out.
Anyway I shared the cornettos (pretty expensive - 10 shekels or HK$20 for one) with Osvalda and the two sisters. As Sr Irmina is no longer around, Sr Geronima has to do all the kitchen work - cooking and washing - alone; so I help her after dinner so she can finish her job quickly and get some rest. After washing all the cutlery and dishes we had a quiet time eating ice-cream in the sisters' dining room. We talked about visiting the Negev desert one day. But it'll have to be soon as Sr Geronima is due to return to Poland soon.
My asthma has become severe every morning now and throughout the Mass I'm coughing and gasping. I'll have to see Dr. ben Daniel very soon.
St Peter in his 2nd letter (today's reading) says "But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ." The context of these words is that we're all waiting for the 2nd coming of Christ and what we should be doing before he arrives. Growing in grace would be trying to live the 10 commandments, the virtues and beatitudes, striving to be holy ..... everyone knows that. But growing in the knowledge of our Lord? I mean, not just through prayer but through serious and thoughtful study of the Bible, of the Catechism? I've said this a million times - it's unfortunate our religious education ends when we receive confirmation and catechism classes stop when we reach 12 or 15 yrs old. As we grow older and wiser in worldly things, we remain spiritually retarded; our knowledge of God does not grow beyond our childish religious ideas when we were 12 or 15 yrs old. Our religious knowledge does not correspond with our physical and mental age; nor with the social-economic knowledge that we've gathered through life. Well what is St Peter telling you today? - to grow in your knowledge of God ... how to do that? Time you got serious and start discerning.
Anyway I shared the cornettos (pretty expensive - 10 shekels or HK$20 for one) with Osvalda and the two sisters. As Sr Irmina is no longer around, Sr Geronima has to do all the kitchen work - cooking and washing - alone; so I help her after dinner so she can finish her job quickly and get some rest. After washing all the cutlery and dishes we had a quiet time eating ice-cream in the sisters' dining room. We talked about visiting the Negev desert one day. But it'll have to be soon as Sr Geronima is due to return to Poland soon.
My asthma has become severe every morning now and throughout the Mass I'm coughing and gasping. I'll have to see Dr. ben Daniel very soon.
St Peter in his 2nd letter (today's reading) says "But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ." The context of these words is that we're all waiting for the 2nd coming of Christ and what we should be doing before he arrives. Growing in grace would be trying to live the 10 commandments, the virtues and beatitudes, striving to be holy ..... everyone knows that. But growing in the knowledge of our Lord? I mean, not just through prayer but through serious and thoughtful study of the Bible, of the Catechism? I've said this a million times - it's unfortunate our religious education ends when we receive confirmation and catechism classes stop when we reach 12 or 15 yrs old. As we grow older and wiser in worldly things, we remain spiritually retarded; our knowledge of God does not grow beyond our childish religious ideas when we were 12 or 15 yrs old. Our religious knowledge does not correspond with our physical and mental age; nor with the social-economic knowledge that we've gathered through life. Well what is St Peter telling you today? - to grow in your knowledge of God ... how to do that? Time you got serious and start discerning.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Jerusalem Day
Yesterday morning I got up early as usual to go to the Holy Sepulchre - 5am. I know some people here think I'm crazy because it's Sunday so we should get up later etc.... but my thinking is: I'm here in Jerusalem where Jesus died, buried and rose. What a better way to spend Sunday morning then go early to the tomb like the women, before the sun rose?
I celebrate Mass at 5.30am then pray the Office of Readings and Lauds; then help out in the sacristy. Yesterday I helped carry the benches for people to sit for the solemn Mass at the tomb. Then Sr Ann, our cantor and organist, asked me to stay back for the solemn Mass to help sing because the usual friars in charge were on holiday so the choir has only 3 friars to sing the latin Mass - not enough voice. So I stayed back and helped sing the entire Mass. But when it ended at 6.30am I rushed off home because I have to feed the canaries.
I can't remember what else I did yesterday as I did abit here and there - was in the library twice, then my work on the computer then .... lost track. I have yet to see the doctor here now that I've received all the results from the hospital. Am too lazy to go all the way up to St Louis Hospital, but will have to ... soon.
I learned that Sr Irmina, the one who left us 2 weeks ago, is sick and will be operated on on June 5th - so pray for her ok? I thought something must be wrong because she left in such a hurry.
And last night was a pretty harrowing experience for some of us - it's Jerusalem Day (when the Israelis celebrate the re-unification of Jerusalem: 40 yrs back it was divided between Israel and Jordan but the Israeli army fought through Zion Gate and St Stephan's Gate into the Old City and reclaimed the entire Old City under the State of Israel. Of course the palestinians will not consider it as a re-unification of the City but rather a lost of territory). Anyway groups and groups of israeli students marched through the Muslim Quarter where I live, singing, dancing all through the night, all protected by soldiers and police. Many of the friars could not sleep. Me? I couldn't tell the difference. Was totally knocked out. Today the streets are also packed with Israelis. Groups making the Way of the Cross are having a difficult time. The cocky and brash arab shop-keepers who constantly harass us to show us who's the boss around here, are unusually silent and cowed today; all quietly standing by their shop doors while waves of Israeli students chant their triumph. Today they are reminded who is the actual boss around here.
Well, now for a short reflection. Yesterday's Gospel spoke to us about building houses on sand or rock. It's about foundations - both guys had the same need to build a house. Both guys had the same materials. But they differed in choosing the foundations. You can easily now transfer this mesage to your spiritual life, about your own faith foundation etc... but I'd like to through a different perspective to this - how about considering the foundations of your married life? or economic life (job)? or social life (friendship)? Are they based on need or wants? Are they based on enjoyment or necessity? Are they based on seflishness or selflessness? Are they based on God's will or your own will?
I celebrate Mass at 5.30am then pray the Office of Readings and Lauds; then help out in the sacristy. Yesterday I helped carry the benches for people to sit for the solemn Mass at the tomb. Then Sr Ann, our cantor and organist, asked me to stay back for the solemn Mass to help sing because the usual friars in charge were on holiday so the choir has only 3 friars to sing the latin Mass - not enough voice. So I stayed back and helped sing the entire Mass. But when it ended at 6.30am I rushed off home because I have to feed the canaries.
I can't remember what else I did yesterday as I did abit here and there - was in the library twice, then my work on the computer then .... lost track. I have yet to see the doctor here now that I've received all the results from the hospital. Am too lazy to go all the way up to St Louis Hospital, but will have to ... soon.
I learned that Sr Irmina, the one who left us 2 weeks ago, is sick and will be operated on on June 5th - so pray for her ok? I thought something must be wrong because she left in such a hurry.
And last night was a pretty harrowing experience for some of us - it's Jerusalem Day (when the Israelis celebrate the re-unification of Jerusalem: 40 yrs back it was divided between Israel and Jordan but the Israeli army fought through Zion Gate and St Stephan's Gate into the Old City and reclaimed the entire Old City under the State of Israel. Of course the palestinians will not consider it as a re-unification of the City but rather a lost of territory). Anyway groups and groups of israeli students marched through the Muslim Quarter where I live, singing, dancing all through the night, all protected by soldiers and police. Many of the friars could not sleep. Me? I couldn't tell the difference. Was totally knocked out. Today the streets are also packed with Israelis. Groups making the Way of the Cross are having a difficult time. The cocky and brash arab shop-keepers who constantly harass us to show us who's the boss around here, are unusually silent and cowed today; all quietly standing by their shop doors while waves of Israeli students chant their triumph. Today they are reminded who is the actual boss around here.
Well, now for a short reflection. Yesterday's Gospel spoke to us about building houses on sand or rock. It's about foundations - both guys had the same need to build a house. Both guys had the same materials. But they differed in choosing the foundations. You can easily now transfer this mesage to your spiritual life, about your own faith foundation etc... but I'd like to through a different perspective to this - how about considering the foundations of your married life? or economic life (job)? or social life (friendship)? Are they based on need or wants? Are they based on enjoyment or necessity? Are they based on seflishness or selflessness? Are they based on God's will or your own will?
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