Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Update
Have been busy with medical checkups this whole week - still am. Hypertension is already known, but now my suger level is found to be on the higher side (which explains why I get thirsty alot) and today we found there're things in my gallbladder and liver. I'm generally feeling very tired so am trying to rest alot these few days.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Prayers
The 2nd Bulldozer attack earlier this week in Jerusalem is reflecting the dire situation between Israeli and Palestinian peoples. It is extremely sad and we should be praying for them all. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7522347.stm
The unfortunate policeman who was shot last week about 50 metres where I stay has died. R.I.P. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7521592.stm
And when will all this end? When will there be peace?
The unfortunate policeman who was shot last week about 50 metres where I stay has died. R.I.P. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7521592.stm
And when will all this end? When will there be peace?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wonderful words of wisdom
Sr Christian Molidor works for the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) and sent me this lovely sharing:
CNEWA recently sent an appeal which stated that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were refugees....“Exiled to Egypt, penniless and alone, they depended on the charity of compassionate people.” I never thought of that. Later, I read a report from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees announcing that more than 4 million Iraqis have left their homes: 2.2 million have fled to neighboring countries, with the largest numbers in Syria (1.5 million people), Jordan (700,000 people), and Lebanon (50,000 people).
Those are just Iraqi refugees. Count the Holy Family (Well, they were already told there was no room at the inn…) among all the other refugees
and then….what happens? For me, the statistics blur into incomprehensible numbers, not touching me because I can’t understand the magnitude of this inhumanity. But I often try to reduce those numbing numbers into a voice I recall from a widow in a Jordanian refugee camp. She had nothing in her hut, but – obviously – an abundance in her heart.
I stupidly asked, “Wouldn’t it be great if we had all the money of a (named) famous rock star?” She calmly replied, “I have life. I have what I need. He hasn’t.”
So much for statistics!
CNEWA recently sent an appeal which stated that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were refugees....“Exiled to Egypt, penniless and alone, they depended on the charity of compassionate people.” I never thought of that. Later, I read a report from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees announcing that more than 4 million Iraqis have left their homes: 2.2 million have fled to neighboring countries, with the largest numbers in Syria (1.5 million people), Jordan (700,000 people), and Lebanon (50,000 people).
Those are just Iraqi refugees. Count the Holy Family (Well, they were already told there was no room at the inn…) among all the other refugees
and then….what happens? For me, the statistics blur into incomprehensible numbers, not touching me because I can’t understand the magnitude of this inhumanity. But I often try to reduce those numbing numbers into a voice I recall from a widow in a Jordanian refugee camp. She had nothing in her hut, but – obviously – an abundance in her heart.
I stupidly asked, “Wouldn’t it be great if we had all the money of a (named) famous rock star?” She calmly replied, “I have life. I have what I need. He hasn’t.”
So much for statistics!
HK blues
The pilgrimage of teachers and administrators of the Yau Ma Tei Catholic Schools ended with a lot of fun and jokes. They learned alot while on the trip that was specially tailored to suit their needs and ambitions. So it was a successful trip.
The flight back was wonderful - on a Boeing 777 - never rode on one before. It's a good choice for a long haul flight - spacious and comfortable. Hope all Far East flights on El Al will change to the 777 soon.
Arrived in HK to find the house without electricity, computer-servers' fuses blown, telephone central control blown, photo-copy machine blown, no water ..... it's like going to Gaza. Anyway the guys from the HK Electric are now trying to fix the electric cable leading into the house, while providing a temporary mobile generator. Other guys came to repair all the other things but they hinge on one vital thing - the electric cable. Wihtout electricity, all the equipment will blow again. So crossing lots of fingers here.
The Bookfair began today but I was too exhausted. Went for the inauguration only. Stayed back home trying to rest but got caught up with the repairing of all the equipment since no one was at home to follow them. It's going to be a long week.
The flight back was wonderful - on a Boeing 777 - never rode on one before. It's a good choice for a long haul flight - spacious and comfortable. Hope all Far East flights on El Al will change to the 777 soon.
Arrived in HK to find the house without electricity, computer-servers' fuses blown, telephone central control blown, photo-copy machine blown, no water ..... it's like going to Gaza. Anyway the guys from the HK Electric are now trying to fix the electric cable leading into the house, while providing a temporary mobile generator. Other guys came to repair all the other things but they hinge on one vital thing - the electric cable. Wihtout electricity, all the equipment will blow again. So crossing lots of fingers here.
The Bookfair began today but I was too exhausted. Went for the inauguration only. Stayed back home trying to rest but got caught up with the repairing of all the equipment since no one was at home to follow them. It's going to be a long week.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Pilgrimage
42 degrees! The pilgrims are still putting up a brave fight to visit the Holy Places despite the heat! We actually got to visit all the places we planned as well as a couple of bonuses - including walking down the Mt. of Beatitudes. It was a great expereince and no one regretted coming along.
Mt. Tabor was quite an expereince too. Many of the pilgrims became very involved with the Transfiguration text of St. Mark. They prayed , meditated and worshipped. It changed several lives .... literally.
Capharnaum, Korazim, Bethsaida, Geresa .... we visited them all, reading the relevant passages from the Gospel. It's good to see how each place spoke to different people, enlightening each one according to each person's stage in life and needs. This truly is the 5th Gospel - the Holyland! You guys should try and come at least once!
All good things must come to an end, so the pilgrims today will return to HK. But hopefully it's just a start to a new pilgrimage - the one that leads to heaven!
Mt. Tabor was quite an expereince too. Many of the pilgrims became very involved with the Transfiguration text of St. Mark. They prayed , meditated and worshipped. It changed several lives .... literally.
Capharnaum, Korazim, Bethsaida, Geresa .... we visited them all, reading the relevant passages from the Gospel. It's good to see how each place spoke to different people, enlightening each one according to each person's stage in life and needs. This truly is the 5th Gospel - the Holyland! You guys should try and come at least once!
All good things must come to an end, so the pilgrims today will return to HK. But hopefully it's just a start to a new pilgrimage - the one that leads to heaven!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Another week gone!
The weather has been holding up well but yesterday was incredibly hot - 42 degrees. We managed to see what we had planned but did it in a hurry as it was too hot to stay outdoors. The group of teachers that I'm guiding is very fun and we have sharings on the Bible passages and their vocation to teach several times a day.
It's a bit tough trying to get Internet access while living in a hotel because it has to depend on the price and also the free time that I have in between meals and bringing the group around. So hang on there, guys! The updates will be more frequent after tomorrow.
Don't forget to come to the Book fair in Hong Kong starting in a couple of days' time! We need help!
It's a bit tough trying to get Internet access while living in a hotel because it has to depend on the price and also the free time that I have in between meals and bringing the group around. So hang on there, guys! The updates will be more frequent after tomorrow.
Don't forget to come to the Book fair in Hong Kong starting in a couple of days' time! We need help!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Update.
It's been a couple days now that the blog wasn't updated. Am busy with a group. They're mostly teachers so our aim is to study the Gospel of Mark but in a pedagogical approach.
The weather is hot and the groups are not as many as in the previous months. Mostly italians and spanish. The Church of the Visitation (in Ein Kerem where Mary came to visit Elizabeth) is terribly difficult to reach now that they have dug up the entire road leading up (very steep hill) to the church.
However it was good to meet up with several old friends - friars that is - who are working in several of these sanctuaries. Today we go to the Dead Sea, Qumran and Jericho where we will celebrate Mass at our Church of the Good Shepherd. Then we will move on to Beth Shean (check out your Old Testament, guys!) and into Nazareth where we will spend 3 nights. Now don't you wish you were here????
Anyway in Nazareth we have free WiFi in the hotel so I don't have to pay. Right now I'm paying US$18 for 24 hours. A little expensive.
And I received all the stuff yu guys cared off with this group; also picked up some stuff left by the American group. All received and in good order! Thanks. OK will let you know tomorrow how the Dead Sea went..... in this 37 degree heat! Ouch!
The weather is hot and the groups are not as many as in the previous months. Mostly italians and spanish. The Church of the Visitation (in Ein Kerem where Mary came to visit Elizabeth) is terribly difficult to reach now that they have dug up the entire road leading up (very steep hill) to the church.
However it was good to meet up with several old friends - friars that is - who are working in several of these sanctuaries. Today we go to the Dead Sea, Qumran and Jericho where we will celebrate Mass at our Church of the Good Shepherd. Then we will move on to Beth Shean (check out your Old Testament, guys!) and into Nazareth where we will spend 3 nights. Now don't you wish you were here????
Anyway in Nazareth we have free WiFi in the hotel so I don't have to pay. Right now I'm paying US$18 for 24 hours. A little expensive.
And I received all the stuff yu guys cared off with this group; also picked up some stuff left by the American group. All received and in good order! Thanks. OK will let you know tomorrow how the Dead Sea went..... in this 37 degree heat! Ouch!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Salahaddin
Cleaned ut my room yesterday morning. Celebrated Mass at 6.30am in the Flagellation Chapel with the remaining 5 fathers. All the rest are back home on holidays. It was a very quiet morning. I wanted to go to the Holy Sepulchre but the thought of walking up the Way of the Cross in this heat was a big dissuasion.
Things have calmed down in my area after the closure of the City Gate due to the attack. But groups are still sparse and avoiding this area.
Decided to watch "Kingdom of Heaven" - beautiful film about the crusaders, Salahaddin and the lost of Jerusalem. It stars Orlando Bloom. It is set in the time of Crusader King baldwin the 4th, a valient but leper king. I needed to see because I felt it brought back to mind the historical conditions that are now influencing our lives in modern Jerusalem. While Salahaddin and his muslim army fought to control Jerusalem from the crusaders, there was still a code of chivalry, or honour and respect, for the enemy. nemies negotiated before they fought a war, usually as the last resort. As Balian (Orlando Bloom) says in the film "No one has a claim to the Holy Places; everyone has a claim to the Holy Places; we are not fighting to protect these stones, we are fighting to protect the people living in it". And this brought to mind what I always say to my pilgrims "It is not these stones that make the land holy; it is the people who make the land holy". And so this film speaks to me - because I'm living exactly over the very spot where all these things took place. I walk out and there are mosques and muslims everywhere, many know me and some are my friends; yet the shadow of 1000 years cover us all and we keep our distance, and throw suspicious glances behind our backs. The film enters the last part when Salahaddin negotiates with Balian as the Crusaders are trapped in the walled city of Jerusalem. Salahaddin offers safe conduct for all Christian men, women and child to leave Jerusalem for Cyprus (a historical fact) and balian is surprised. He tells Salahaddin "When the Crusaders took over Jerusalem (100 years before), they killed every muslim found in it. Why are you doing this?" Salahaddin answers "I am not those men. I am Salahaddin". Historically we know that Salahaddin (like Omar before him) was a great man who respected others. And today, here in the very streets where he once walked ...... so much hatred, anger and intolerance.
Things have calmed down in my area after the closure of the City Gate due to the attack. But groups are still sparse and avoiding this area.
Decided to watch "Kingdom of Heaven" - beautiful film about the crusaders, Salahaddin and the lost of Jerusalem. It stars Orlando Bloom. It is set in the time of Crusader King baldwin the 4th, a valient but leper king. I needed to see because I felt it brought back to mind the historical conditions that are now influencing our lives in modern Jerusalem. While Salahaddin and his muslim army fought to control Jerusalem from the crusaders, there was still a code of chivalry, or honour and respect, for the enemy. nemies negotiated before they fought a war, usually as the last resort. As Balian (Orlando Bloom) says in the film "No one has a claim to the Holy Places; everyone has a claim to the Holy Places; we are not fighting to protect these stones, we are fighting to protect the people living in it". And this brought to mind what I always say to my pilgrims "It is not these stones that make the land holy; it is the people who make the land holy". And so this film speaks to me - because I'm living exactly over the very spot where all these things took place. I walk out and there are mosques and muslims everywhere, many know me and some are my friends; yet the shadow of 1000 years cover us all and we keep our distance, and throw suspicious glances behind our backs. The film enters the last part when Salahaddin negotiates with Balian as the Crusaders are trapped in the walled city of Jerusalem. Salahaddin offers safe conduct for all Christian men, women and child to leave Jerusalem for Cyprus (a historical fact) and balian is surprised. He tells Salahaddin "When the Crusaders took over Jerusalem (100 years before), they killed every muslim found in it. Why are you doing this?" Salahaddin answers "I am not those men. I am Salahaddin". Historically we know that Salahaddin (like Omar before him) was a great man who respected others. And today, here in the very streets where he once walked ...... so much hatred, anger and intolerance.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
resurrection debate
The shooting near my monastery has led to the close of St Stephan's gate where it took place. It's a terrible shame. Right now there is a huge rally of muslim youths in the Golden Dome Mosque. I can hear them shouting as they move around the esplanade. I really don't know what to make of the next few days.
Another big news in the newspapers here is the "discovery" of a 2000 stone slab which mentions the resurrection of someone. Israeli newspapers immediately headlined it as a discovery that will threaten Christianity's uniqueness in claiming the resurrection to Jesus Christ. Unfortunately they don't seem to read their own Scriptures (our Old Testament) that this is NO BIG NEWS. From the Gospels we already hear that the Pharisees believed in the resurrection 2000 yrs back; even in the Old Testament the Book of Maccabbees, the Book of Wisdom and many other prophets mention the resurrection. The quesiton is not whether people believed in the resurrection 2000 years back (which we all know they did!) but rather we would pose the question "Do the journalists believe that JESUS resurrected?" That would made things real interesting! Check out http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7495006.stm
Well it's another day. I've got a group from Hong Kong coming and probably I'll return with them to HK a week later. Haven't quite decided yet if I want to make this long haul flight.
Another big news in the newspapers here is the "discovery" of a 2000 stone slab which mentions the resurrection of someone. Israeli newspapers immediately headlined it as a discovery that will threaten Christianity's uniqueness in claiming the resurrection to Jesus Christ. Unfortunately they don't seem to read their own Scriptures (our Old Testament) that this is NO BIG NEWS. From the Gospels we already hear that the Pharisees believed in the resurrection 2000 yrs back; even in the Old Testament the Book of Maccabbees, the Book of Wisdom and many other prophets mention the resurrection. The quesiton is not whether people believed in the resurrection 2000 years back (which we all know they did!) but rather we would pose the question "Do the journalists believe that JESUS resurrected?" That would made things real interesting! Check out http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7495006.stm
Well it's another day. I've got a group from Hong Kong coming and probably I'll return with them to HK a week later. Haven't quite decided yet if I want to make this long haul flight.
Another attack
Just 50 meters from where I live, downhill towards the Kidron valley - yesterday a gunman wounded two policemen. When will it end?
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/359931/1/.html
and
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330940669&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/359931/1/.html
and
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330940669&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Living in the Holyland
Yesterday was as usual hot. Ousama (my classmate 15 years back in Jerusalem) called me out for lunch so I went out at 1pm but forgot it was crazy Friday - Damascus Gate was packed with people going to the mosque. I managed to get out and walked up to New Gate where Ousama works at the Pontifical Missions Office. It was hot and I had a headache. But anyway we walked back to Damascus Gate (that's where St. Paul went out to persecute the Christians) and onto the Legacy Hotel. Lunch was fantastic as usual because the Legacy is simply great with service and the food is exquisitely done. Well we caught up with alot of chat, and he married Claudette and has 2 kids now. I met Claudette 15 years back when she was a student and she called Ousama during lunch to ask me to go visit their home. yes I will ..... but maybe later in the year. Man Ousama was just 19 years old back in 1993 and now he's got white-hair. Aiya .... age is catching up on everyone.
Got back home to do some work. Actually I wanted to sleep but I remembered I had to do something for the superior. Oh and I found Jihad on facebook and wrote him - and he replied. Fantastic! On the otherhand Ziad and William have disappeared from the face of the earth! Habibi, mish mabsuut!!!!
Once in a while it hits me like a tonne of bricks that I am living in the place where IT all took place - where gospel-writers wrote about, christians died for, warriors fought for, saints sacrificed for .... here in Jerusalem, where it all happened. It is so awesome ... it's dumbfounding. Today's reading from the Gospel of Matthew reminds us that we are being sent like "sheep among wolves". that's exactly what I feel living here. The Gospel tells us of the persecutions Christians will face "scourged, dragged before governors....." it all sounds so familiar here today. It is not easy, believe me, to be a Christian in the Holyland. but it is a challenge. If they did that to the Christ, the same will happen to Christians. "Brother will betray brother to death; and the father his child. You will be hated by all men".
Got back home to do some work. Actually I wanted to sleep but I remembered I had to do something for the superior. Oh and I found Jihad on facebook and wrote him - and he replied. Fantastic! On the otherhand Ziad and William have disappeared from the face of the earth! Habibi, mish mabsuut!!!!
Once in a while it hits me like a tonne of bricks that I am living in the place where IT all took place - where gospel-writers wrote about, christians died for, warriors fought for, saints sacrificed for .... here in Jerusalem, where it all happened. It is so awesome ... it's dumbfounding. Today's reading from the Gospel of Matthew reminds us that we are being sent like "sheep among wolves". that's exactly what I feel living here. The Gospel tells us of the persecutions Christians will face "scourged, dragged before governors....." it all sounds so familiar here today. It is not easy, believe me, to be a Christian in the Holyland. but it is a challenge. If they did that to the Christ, the same will happen to Christians. "Brother will betray brother to death; and the father his child. You will be hated by all men".
Friday, July 11, 2008
attention!
As part of the Pauline celebrations this year, I'm starting a free online course on the letters of St. Paul. It's done in conjunction with the Catholic Bible Foundation of South Africa. Like all such courses, it requires your own initiative to do the readings and reflections. It's suitable for group sharings as well. But you need an invitation to join in. It will be hosted by our Duns Scotus Bible Centre. Only 100 places are available, so write me at gyclionel@gmail.com if you want to join. The website is called "Paul of Tarsus".
Our "Under the Fig Tree" website has only 20 more places left. This website is to help you reflect on the coming Sunday's readings; a wonderful preparation for the Sunday liturgy of the Word. It's more a Lectio Divina exercise. On the side column I've also added the Jewish Torah readings and reflection of the synagogue Sabbath service. Great insights into how the Jews understand their scriptures - but remember, it's a Jewish reading, not Christian. This column is meant to widen your biblical horizons and get to know better our Jewish brothers and sisters. So last 20 places left! Who wants to join in better write me now!
Our "Under the Fig Tree" website has only 20 more places left. This website is to help you reflect on the coming Sunday's readings; a wonderful preparation for the Sunday liturgy of the Word. It's more a Lectio Divina exercise. On the side column I've also added the Jewish Torah readings and reflection of the synagogue Sabbath service. Great insights into how the Jews understand their scriptures - but remember, it's a Jewish reading, not Christian. This column is meant to widen your biblical horizons and get to know better our Jewish brothers and sisters. So last 20 places left! Who wants to join in better write me now!
St Paul Pilgrimage
Final three places available for St Paul in Greece pilgrimage (Aug 7th - 18th). Quick sign up for it!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Met the Custos
Another hot day. But I enjoyed the morning because I got to meet with the Custos (hope you haven't forgotten who he is). The Via Dolorosa was blocked with a couple fo groups making the Way of the Cross so I decided to walk outside the City walls. It was hot but being the morning sun (9am), it was still bearable and many vendors took advantage to sell their wares. It was like the old days - packed with bedouins and people from the villages selling everything under the sun (all made in China). And of course the veggies are fresh. Besides the figs, I also saw mint, hyssop and other herbs for sale.
I had my 15 minutes with the Custos (actually 5 minutes extra as we started out early). We talked on serious topics, but also joked and laughed. It was good to see him. We figured how old we had become. He's got white hair - even his beard is white, and he's 2 years younger than I. Anyway it made my day just to be able to talk to him again. We were pretty happy to have met up.
Got home to do some work. The heat tires everyone out. I managed to connect the VC to HK for class today, and after that I fell asleep. Had this really weird nightmare that scared me. real weird. Like out of a TV show (no I haven't been watching TV. In fact I've never watched TV here in Jerusalem in all the years that I've been here.) It was so weird and the place looked like my monastery and loads of people, some of whom I recognised. Woke up in a shock.
By the way there'll be some changes in my summer vacation plans...... hmm bet you want to know. Only thing I'm letting out is I'm trying to avoid long haul flights. And by the way my nose was bleeding for 2 days. Weird ... maybe it's the heat.
Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the Chinese martyrs and today we celebrated the martyrs of the Holyland. Today we hear from Hosea about God's love. We read the famous verse that St. Matthew uses in his Gospel about God calling Israel out of Egypt just like a child. But the bad news is Israel continued to think it was the idols who did it. But God will not give up on Israel. He says the famous words "I am God, not man ....I have no wish to destroy". This not only says alot about God's life-loving quality but is an indictment on humanity's destructive nature. Time to stop all this destruction. We were created in God's image so we should have inherited this life-loving character as well. Instead we destroy and destroy and destroy.
I had my 15 minutes with the Custos (actually 5 minutes extra as we started out early). We talked on serious topics, but also joked and laughed. It was good to see him. We figured how old we had become. He's got white hair - even his beard is white, and he's 2 years younger than I. Anyway it made my day just to be able to talk to him again. We were pretty happy to have met up.
Got home to do some work. The heat tires everyone out. I managed to connect the VC to HK for class today, and after that I fell asleep. Had this really weird nightmare that scared me. real weird. Like out of a TV show (no I haven't been watching TV. In fact I've never watched TV here in Jerusalem in all the years that I've been here.) It was so weird and the place looked like my monastery and loads of people, some of whom I recognised. Woke up in a shock.
By the way there'll be some changes in my summer vacation plans...... hmm bet you want to know. Only thing I'm letting out is I'm trying to avoid long haul flights. And by the way my nose was bleeding for 2 days. Weird ... maybe it's the heat.
Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the Chinese martyrs and today we celebrated the martyrs of the Holyland. Today we hear from Hosea about God's love. We read the famous verse that St. Matthew uses in his Gospel about God calling Israel out of Egypt just like a child. But the bad news is Israel continued to think it was the idols who did it. But God will not give up on Israel. He says the famous words "I am God, not man ....I have no wish to destroy". This not only says alot about God's life-loving quality but is an indictment on humanity's destructive nature. Time to stop all this destruction. We were created in God's image so we should have inherited this life-loving character as well. Instead we destroy and destroy and destroy.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Figs are out!
It is sooooo hot today! I just want to melt.
And very frustrating as well because I couldn't connect to my video-conferencing class so had to cancel it. You guys who know this kind of stuff, go help out and see what went wrong at the Bible Centre! Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!
Anyway this morning I went off to Terra Santa College and continue working on some recordings. It was good to meet the bunch as I haven't seen them for over a month. They're a great team to work with. As usual we'd banter alot. Before I got home for lunch, I stopped by the Jewish supermarket opposite Terra Santa College (it actually is a huge monastery now and no longer functions as a secondary school) and bought some beansprouts. They cost alot here - like HK$10 for 500 grams. But I felt like eating some because of the heat - veggies taste better and cooler. I really didn't think I could walk back 2 km in the heat, so George our do-it-all guy here at Terra Santa College drove me back to the New Gate of the Old City.
The summer figs are now out - big, purple, juicy figs. It cost 20 shekels (HK$40) per kilo (I'm sure that was MY price while the locals will buy it for a cheaper rate). Anyway got a kilo and a half. Will share it at dinner.
Hosea's message this morning makes the connection between the rich and idolatry - the richer they become, the more they want to adorn the idols. The Israelites have forgotten who gave them the riches - Yahweh and not the idols. So God will destroy the idol altars. Then comes the exhortation "Sow integrity for yourselves! Reap a harvest of kindness! Break up your fallow ground! It is time to go seeking the Lord!" Hosea likens integrity and kindness as farming - it's something you must work hard for - to sow and reap. It is a process. It must be sowed, watered, grown and mature and then harvested. I think alot of our modern societies need integrity and kindness - but it doesn't come like instant noodles! We have to work hard for it.
And very frustrating as well because I couldn't connect to my video-conferencing class so had to cancel it. You guys who know this kind of stuff, go help out and see what went wrong at the Bible Centre! Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!
Anyway this morning I went off to Terra Santa College and continue working on some recordings. It was good to meet the bunch as I haven't seen them for over a month. They're a great team to work with. As usual we'd banter alot. Before I got home for lunch, I stopped by the Jewish supermarket opposite Terra Santa College (it actually is a huge monastery now and no longer functions as a secondary school) and bought some beansprouts. They cost alot here - like HK$10 for 500 grams. But I felt like eating some because of the heat - veggies taste better and cooler. I really didn't think I could walk back 2 km in the heat, so George our do-it-all guy here at Terra Santa College drove me back to the New Gate of the Old City.
The summer figs are now out - big, purple, juicy figs. It cost 20 shekels (HK$40) per kilo (I'm sure that was MY price while the locals will buy it for a cheaper rate). Anyway got a kilo and a half. Will share it at dinner.
Hosea's message this morning makes the connection between the rich and idolatry - the richer they become, the more they want to adorn the idols. The Israelites have forgotten who gave them the riches - Yahweh and not the idols. So God will destroy the idol altars. Then comes the exhortation "Sow integrity for yourselves! Reap a harvest of kindness! Break up your fallow ground! It is time to go seeking the Lord!" Hosea likens integrity and kindness as farming - it's something you must work hard for - to sow and reap. It is a process. It must be sowed, watered, grown and mature and then harvested. I think alot of our modern societies need integrity and kindness - but it doesn't come like instant noodles! We have to work hard for it.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Nothing going on
Another very hot day. Didn't do much. Read abit. Cleaned the bird cage. Packed some luggage. The Missionaries of Charity gave me some rice and lovely curry veggies. They really take good care of me - thank goodness. I couldn't go for dinner in the monastery last night because I had a meeting till 9pm. So I ate the sisters' food. It really tasted good.
I'm in holiday mode - so am taking things easy. I think we're down to 8 friars in the house now. Well nothing much to share so I'll write again a little later.
I'm in holiday mode - so am taking things easy. I think we're down to 8 friars in the house now. Well nothing much to share so I'll write again a little later.
Monday, July 7, 2008
God's gifts or Simon Cowell is impressed!
OK after these depressing few days I thought I'd go up Youtube for some good news or smiles. Here's what I came up with - the big surprises of BGT ("Britain's got talent"). It gives you immense joy to find out that beneath all that human surface, there's tonnes of talent and God's gifts hidden somewhere in us. There's something good in everyone somewhere. And nasty Simon Cowell IS impressed ....
There's the incredible Paul Potts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DelJrP3P7tA&feature=related
and 13 yr old Andrew Johnston http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LExJ6oN4hUo&feature=related
and the fantastic 6 yr old Connie Talbot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWNoiVrJDsE&feature=related
But ok here's my favourite for these couple of years (not from BGT) is Nessun Dorma from Pavarotti and Friends - just listen to Michael Bolton! WOW! He hits the high C like a champ! And he's got timbre! Michael Bolton rocks! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4GhZ90BtxQ
There's the incredible Paul Potts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DelJrP3P7tA&feature=related
and 13 yr old Andrew Johnston http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LExJ6oN4hUo&feature=related
and the fantastic 6 yr old Connie Talbot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWNoiVrJDsE&feature=related
But ok here's my favourite for these couple of years (not from BGT) is Nessun Dorma from Pavarotti and Friends - just listen to Michael Bolton! WOW! He hits the high C like a champ! And he's got timbre! Michael Bolton rocks! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4GhZ90BtxQ
The nightmare continues
I'm still messed up with this Jerusalem attack .... because I live here; and these are people who live around me, people whom I might have possibly met while walking along Jaffa Road. While for the rest of us, it's over and history, I feel it's still so much alive - there are still people who have to live the consequences. I feel sorry for the policeman who's now being questioned. "Try to get into his head" was what the Commander recommended to the enquiry. Imagine yourself at such a situation as that policeman, what would you have done? Shoot the wounded man in cold blood? But if not, then this is the result: people accuse you for not doing more. The policeman did what he thought was best at that situation; and we must give him the benefit that he was making his best judgement. Imagine the sleepless nights that he must be going through, the nightmare of reliving the carnage.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330883497&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1215330883497&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Hosea's promise
Yesterday I managed to get down and do some work. I realised I have to go out and walk; it's necessary for my health. But the thought of walking up the hill at this 37 degree heat just turns me down. Fought the idea the day before and again yesterday. Luckily the only other student left here, Marco the Mexican (sounds like a circus act) kept badgering me to go out and walk. So after lunch I decided to go out - but not without a terrible struggle to stay inside my room where it is cool and quiet. Practically forced myself out.
The heat of the sun was so relentless but there was a lovely cool wind to offset it. It really must have been hot because all the vendors at Damascus Gate are gone; only the soldiers and the Turkish coffee vendor in his costume and enormous bronze jug are out and about. People huddle under the shade of trees, sleeping or chatting. Water and ice-cream vendors are doing brisk business.
I walked out from Damascus Gate to Jaffa Road where two days back the deadly attack took place. Soldiers are everywhere. They stop every arab passing by - pretty harassing; and a group of arab youths got into an argument with the two lady soldiers. It is very demeaning to be stopped at the crossroads and have your identity checked, but I can also understand why the Israelis do it, after the attack that left 3 dead and scores wounded. It's such a vicious cycle.
I went up to Ben Yehuda - the pedastrian mall of the New City to the pet shop. It's my only relaxing spot in the City - to see fish swimming, birds singing, rabbits hopping ... all in a tiny shop. I bought bird-seed for the canaries. Then I turned downhill to walk home (2 kms). Along the way I met Bro. Andrew our Nigerian Sacristan of the Holy Sepulchre - a very important person. Passed by a Thai fastfood place and thought of buying some fried noodles for dinner, but thinking of the salt, cholesterol and nothing nutritious in it, I kept on walking home.
Decided to enter the Old City through New Gate, and went to the muslim supermarket (yikes!) in the Christian Quarter. Bought some muesli and yoghurt and some apple-buns. I'm no longer buying the buns from the 8th Station because there it costs US$1.30 each - exorbitant! Reached the monastery gate and our porter Mahjed was there with his son Amir (I think he's 7 yrs old). Mahjed immediately took the 3 bags and brought them up to my room. Since my hospitalisation, the workers here have been very caring and concern, helping me in many things so I don't have to exert myself.
Today's first reading is from the prophet Hosea. God says he'll lure Israel into the desert and "speak into her heart". The desert has always been the place where Israel's relationship with God was at its best (cf the Exodus story). Perhaps this is the desert experience we have to go through in life. It may seem a good idea at that time but God knows what's best. And as I look around at the tension between the Palestinians and the Israelis, the pain and hardship here, maybe this is the desert we are going through right now. Later in the reading of Hosea, God says "I will betroth [Israel] with integrity and justice, tenderness and love". This is oh so much what we need right now. This is so spot on. Give us integrity and justice .... but we must go through the desert first.
The heat of the sun was so relentless but there was a lovely cool wind to offset it. It really must have been hot because all the vendors at Damascus Gate are gone; only the soldiers and the Turkish coffee vendor in his costume and enormous bronze jug are out and about. People huddle under the shade of trees, sleeping or chatting. Water and ice-cream vendors are doing brisk business.
I walked out from Damascus Gate to Jaffa Road where two days back the deadly attack took place. Soldiers are everywhere. They stop every arab passing by - pretty harassing; and a group of arab youths got into an argument with the two lady soldiers. It is very demeaning to be stopped at the crossroads and have your identity checked, but I can also understand why the Israelis do it, after the attack that left 3 dead and scores wounded. It's such a vicious cycle.
I went up to Ben Yehuda - the pedastrian mall of the New City to the pet shop. It's my only relaxing spot in the City - to see fish swimming, birds singing, rabbits hopping ... all in a tiny shop. I bought bird-seed for the canaries. Then I turned downhill to walk home (2 kms). Along the way I met Bro. Andrew our Nigerian Sacristan of the Holy Sepulchre - a very important person. Passed by a Thai fastfood place and thought of buying some fried noodles for dinner, but thinking of the salt, cholesterol and nothing nutritious in it, I kept on walking home.
Decided to enter the Old City through New Gate, and went to the muslim supermarket (yikes!) in the Christian Quarter. Bought some muesli and yoghurt and some apple-buns. I'm no longer buying the buns from the 8th Station because there it costs US$1.30 each - exorbitant! Reached the monastery gate and our porter Mahjed was there with his son Amir (I think he's 7 yrs old). Mahjed immediately took the 3 bags and brought them up to my room. Since my hospitalisation, the workers here have been very caring and concern, helping me in many things so I don't have to exert myself.
Today's first reading is from the prophet Hosea. God says he'll lure Israel into the desert and "speak into her heart". The desert has always been the place where Israel's relationship with God was at its best (cf the Exodus story). Perhaps this is the desert experience we have to go through in life. It may seem a good idea at that time but God knows what's best. And as I look around at the tension between the Palestinians and the Israelis, the pain and hardship here, maybe this is the desert we are going through right now. Later in the reading of Hosea, God says "I will betroth [Israel] with integrity and justice, tenderness and love". This is oh so much what we need right now. This is so spot on. Give us integrity and justice .... but we must go through the desert first.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
William the breakdancer!
Missed yesterday's blog. It was a pretty miserable day. Everyone has gone for their holidays. There're less than 10 of us now in the house - including us two students. It's terribly quiet. Mass this morning (I presided but Fr Lino preached the sermon) was concelebrated by 3 others only. Well that's summer.
Fr Niccacci living next door to me isn't feeling well. Was in Hadassah hospital for checkup. He's become very thin and pale. I think he's overworked. He'll go back to Italy this Friday.
I heard from Osvalda that William is a great breakdancer! Apparently he was dancing away, wowing everyone at the party held on the 29th for the ordination of several of our seminarians. Well William was a streetwise kid in Lebanon before he joined us. Haven't heard from Ziad and Jihad yet. Miss those guys.
So I haven't had an asthma attack all this week either. Good news. But I also learnt that what I had 2 months back was instable angina pectoris with characteristics (occurring near midnight while resting, heavy snoring a week before [but now its all gone after medication - strange! I didn't know snoring could be a warning sign but it was terribly unusual for me to snore heavily because I usually never snore at all.] It might recur anytime again if not kept under medication and hopefully wouldn't lead on to a heart attack. One important advise to me was I have to be calm and not be anxious or worried .... yeah like how? Just look back at the last 2 months and all the unhappy things bombarding me. And my BP since Tanzania has been over 80. Wonder what's wrong.
Anyway am feeling a little miserable. The baby canaries died - even Jughead died. When I was in Tanzania, nobody fed them. Trying to work on my paper too. But today I'll go out for a walk in the New City. I'm feeling tired and overwhelmed. I need some fresh air.
Fr Niccacci living next door to me isn't feeling well. Was in Hadassah hospital for checkup. He's become very thin and pale. I think he's overworked. He'll go back to Italy this Friday.
I heard from Osvalda that William is a great breakdancer! Apparently he was dancing away, wowing everyone at the party held on the 29th for the ordination of several of our seminarians. Well William was a streetwise kid in Lebanon before he joined us. Haven't heard from Ziad and Jihad yet. Miss those guys.
So I haven't had an asthma attack all this week either. Good news. But I also learnt that what I had 2 months back was instable angina pectoris with characteristics (occurring near midnight while resting, heavy snoring a week before [but now its all gone after medication - strange! I didn't know snoring could be a warning sign but it was terribly unusual for me to snore heavily because I usually never snore at all.] It might recur anytime again if not kept under medication and hopefully wouldn't lead on to a heart attack. One important advise to me was I have to be calm and not be anxious or worried .... yeah like how? Just look back at the last 2 months and all the unhappy things bombarding me. And my BP since Tanzania has been over 80. Wonder what's wrong.
Anyway am feeling a little miserable. The baby canaries died - even Jughead died. When I was in Tanzania, nobody fed them. Trying to work on my paper too. But today I'll go out for a walk in the New City. I'm feeling tired and overwhelmed. I need some fresh air.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Two deaths, two lessons
Whatever is happening to human conscience? Medical workers walk by while a woman dies in the hospital corridor. What would Christ have done? How can they ever return to church on Sunday and praise the Lord after this terrible incident? Has religion and daily life parted ways? Has Christianity become a nice singalong show once a week and no longer carries the social message that Jesus preached 2000 years ago? Can it even be called Christianity anymore?
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/03/hospital.woman.death/index.html
And meanwhile Bozo the Clown died. The antics of this clown carried a moral message served with laughter. Don't underestimated this character .... the fact that the word 'bozo" has entered daily language and the dictionary shows the influence of the clown on countless generations around the world. But obviously his moral lessons never got to the hospital where Esmin Green died.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/03/hospital.woman.death/index.html
And meanwhile Bozo the Clown died. The antics of this clown carried a moral message served with laughter. Don't underestimated this character .... the fact that the word 'bozo" has entered daily language and the dictionary shows the influence of the clown on countless generations around the world. But obviously his moral lessons never got to the hospital where Esmin Green died.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Back again
Got back this morning to Jerusalem after a 20 hour tiring journey from Dar es Salaam to Tel Aviv. I had a lot of extra luggage to carry (books and gifts from other delegates) but luckily Fr Kamil of Egypt was on the same flight with me to Addis Ababa so he helped me carry my stuff. He's really very nice and very intelligent - professor of Old Testament. The Missionaries of Charity (Mother Theresa's sisters) in Dars came to see me on the 2nd day of the Assembly. When I got back to Jerusalem this morning I called the sisters here - they have been praying very hard everyday that nothing happens to me healthwise - to say that I'm ok and I didn't have any asthma attacks except that my BP was pretty high over 80 each day. Anyway Fr Kamil said we can say "no" to other congregations but never to Mother Theresa's sisters because they undertake the most unpleasant work and show great courage and perseverance. So I brought 3 large packs of cashew nuts back to them in Jerualem - gifts from the sisters in Dars.
There's so much to share with you but I need to rest now. WIll fill you guys up with snippets later. Anyway it was a very educative trip to Dar es Salaam and we delegates worked hard during the Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Biblical Federation. The conpanionship was great. Thanks to
1. Jeannie, Tim and Nick (Catholic Bible Movement youth) for the great fun and late night chats
2. Stan & Richard (Tanzanian seminarians)
3. The Masai boys (Novatus, Amadeus, "Masai", sacristan boy, Christina & the gang of TEC)
4. The Upanga group (password "masai masai!")
5. The Korean delegates (real fun especially Fr Michael)
6. Msgr Daniel, Femi and the African delegation
7. The Magdalene of Canossa and Jude Thaddeus groups for their hospitality
8. Anna and the reception gang at John Paul II Centre
9. The hardworking team of CBF (Dorothee, Andrea, Bettina, Sister, Bartholomew etc...)
And many many others who made Dar es Salaam such a wonderful and eye-opening session.
There's so much to share with you but I need to rest now. WIll fill you guys up with snippets later. Anyway it was a very educative trip to Dar es Salaam and we delegates worked hard during the Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Biblical Federation. The conpanionship was great. Thanks to
1. Jeannie, Tim and Nick (Catholic Bible Movement youth) for the great fun and late night chats
2. Stan & Richard (Tanzanian seminarians)
3. The Masai boys (Novatus, Amadeus, "Masai", sacristan boy, Christina & the gang of TEC)
4. The Upanga group (password "masai masai!")
5. The Korean delegates (real fun especially Fr Michael)
6. Msgr Daniel, Femi and the African delegation
7. The Magdalene of Canossa and Jude Thaddeus groups for their hospitality
8. Anna and the reception gang at John Paul II Centre
9. The hardworking team of CBF (Dorothee, Andrea, Bettina, Sister, Bartholomew etc...)
And many many others who made Dar es Salaam such a wonderful and eye-opening session.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
End of the Assembly
This evening's Mass was organised by our host the African delegation. It was incredible! Absolutely fabulous! There was the Wawata Choir with children dancing throughout the Mass; it was so lively and happy. Yes the people were so unlike our region where Mass is sombre; here they know how to celebrate! They have great rhythm!
And we completed our task of electing the new Executive Committee and tomorrow leaves us with only the approval for the final draft of our Statement of this Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Biblical Federation. It has been very tiring - for all 240 of us; but we all enjoyed it!
And so far I haven't had an attack of asthma. So Tanzania is a good place for me - hhmmm maybe I'll ask to be transfered here. Then I get to see the Masai everyday!!!! I can't upload the photos of the Masai here with this computer, but I'll do it when I return to Israel tomorrow.
Heard that Archbishop Gregory Yong of Singapore died. Will say a prayer for him.
And we completed our task of electing the new Executive Committee and tomorrow leaves us with only the approval for the final draft of our Statement of this Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Biblical Federation. It has been very tiring - for all 240 of us; but we all enjoyed it!
And so far I haven't had an attack of asthma. So Tanzania is a good place for me - hhmmm maybe I'll ask to be transfered here. Then I get to see the Masai everyday!!!! I can't upload the photos of the Masai here with this computer, but I'll do it when I return to Israel tomorrow.
Heard that Archbishop Gregory Yong of Singapore died. Will say a prayer for him.
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