Have not been feeling well - probably because of the cold. I wanted to go to the Holy Sepulchre as usual but when I woke up at 3am to prepare myself, I found my shoulders were very painful, all the way down the spine. So I stayed in bed till 5.30am and then went down to our own chapel for Mass.
1st Sunday of Advent today. The readings remind us to prepare, to await, to keep vigil.... for the 2nd coming of the Messiah. The first Advent candle was burnt today in our chapel. The atmosphere is setting in, and Christmas is going to be special for us here - in Bethlehem. Wish you got be here too.
Fr Vincenzo was over for lunch today. I asked him to help me get books on Hellenisation in Egypt. Hopefully he'll find something. My research has to do with that period of Egyptian history. Work is going ahead, but slowly as it is really very difficult. But like the Dean said, I learn alot while struggling through this difficult text, so it's worth it.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
spat at
It would have been a perfect ending of a day - two evenings back, when all the friars in Judea gathered at the Basilica of Gethsemani to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Order, and the renewal of our vows. But on the way back, we were accosted by a large group of Jewish students who spat at us in the face and everywhere else - en masse. The police who stood by did nothing but only gave excuses that they were only kids (some in their 20s!!!!). Which civilization would stand for that? What law and order?
We are still full of indignation that such anti-christian attitudes are so blatently and hatefully expressed by young Jews. Where did they learn that from? And the police and soldiers who did nothing to stop them..... Anti-christianity is not just in India and Iraq, people..... it's alive here as well.
We are still full of indignation that such anti-christian attitudes are so blatently and hatefully expressed by young Jews. Where did they learn that from? And the police and soldiers who did nothing to stop them..... Anti-christianity is not just in India and Iraq, people..... it's alive here as well.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
The centre cannot hold ....
The seige of Mumbai is terrible. We must pray for the rest of the hostages' safety. And the situation in Thailand is not getting any better. I am reminded again of Yeat's "The Second Coming":
Turning and turning in the widening gyre,
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
Where is the world heading?
Turning and turning in the widening gyre,
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
Where is the world heading?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Musky
Fr Vincenzo came over again yesterday morning to talk about the sponsorship programme that you have all generously contributed. He brought over several thank-you letters from the children but all are written in arabic. He himself will write you a few words on this blog soon.
Anyway you are sponsoring several children for schooling as well as daily meals. Fr Vincenzo is trying to get a deal with Nestle whereby he can buy powdered milk at half price in order to feed the children. Also our parish in Musky tries to organise activities to stimulate the children, providing a meat-meal several times a year to give them protein, and provide basic needs like mattresses, blankets. Apparently most of them sleep on straw strewn on the floor. A mother with 4 children comes to help clean the library for a few hours everyday - she's paid US$2 a day which is for them alot. A normal labourer gets US$8 a day.
So your offerings are being very well used, and many families are now benefitting from it. Perhaps this year, they will experience the joy of Christmas in a different way - with a full stomach and warm clothes.
So thanks to you all for your generosity and kindness. Know that the children in Musky are praying for you.
Anyway you are sponsoring several children for schooling as well as daily meals. Fr Vincenzo is trying to get a deal with Nestle whereby he can buy powdered milk at half price in order to feed the children. Also our parish in Musky tries to organise activities to stimulate the children, providing a meat-meal several times a year to give them protein, and provide basic needs like mattresses, blankets. Apparently most of them sleep on straw strewn on the floor. A mother with 4 children comes to help clean the library for a few hours everyday - she's paid US$2 a day which is for them alot. A normal labourer gets US$8 a day.
So your offerings are being very well used, and many families are now benefitting from it. Perhaps this year, they will experience the joy of Christmas in a different way - with a full stomach and warm clothes.
So thanks to you all for your generosity and kindness. Know that the children in Musky are praying for you.
A tribute
The end of the 30 day period of mourning for Fr Michele Piccirillo was marked by a Mass yesterday afternoon at St. Saviour's monastery.
The church was packed. Besides the numerous religious and priests and the Apostolic Nuncio, there were also Muslim and Jewish friends who joined in this memorial. The Custos presided the Mass but the Dean gave the homily. It was very touching - I don't believe there was a dry eye in the church. He recounted Fr Piccirillo's childhood, his formation years and his eventual work; his passion for art, literature and archaeology; his successes and failures; and the faith and dignity during his last days on earth. The dean spoke of Fr Piccirillo's quick temper and apparent obstinancy that often offended; but he also said something which I always held to be a truism in great people: such obstinancy, after time and usually after death, will be recognised as conviction, passion, perseverance and tenacity in keeping what great people know to be true, workable, indeed the will of God. So convinced and passionate are they to these works/mission/apostolates/dreams, they hang on to it tenaciously, fighting off opposition, because they know God will bring it to fruition. And they are always proven right in due time. This is the making of a hero; but people around will always see the worse of it, calling it obstinancy, strong-willed, unco-operative, selfish, loner, stubborn. What it all boils down is that these critics are filled with fear: fear of failure, fear of stepping into the unknown, fear of leaving the comfort zone, and above all, fear of trusting in God's providence, fear of conviction, fear of having an ideal. These are the sad people who make mediocrity a virtue. How often these few months have I seen this in Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, Fr Allegra, St John Bosco .... all some time or other were punished for their "stubbornness" by colourless/faceless people but only later flourished to sainthood through their tenacity and perseverance.
After Mass everyone went down to the Hall of the Immaculate where the last film shot with Fr Piccirillo was shown. it was done by RAI cinema (the italian media) and is not yet public: we got a preview. The hall was packed - standing capacity only. It was strange watching Fr Piccirillo talking in the film, we recognised his voice, his gestures, his jokes ..... but he is no longer here with us. In the darkness of the hall, you could hear people sniffling, wiping their eyes as they saw again this great man who gave his life to bring peace through archaeology, explaining with passion the discoveries and ongoing work of mosaics discovered in Israel, Jordan, Syria and Egypt. Today his disciples continue his work there.
And I think the greatest tribute we can give to him is to continue working. Working with conviction and passion, with total trust in God that it is His will, with a tenacity that will draw criticism from those who hold nothing but fear as their virtue, mediocrity as their dream and comfort as their ideal.
The church was packed. Besides the numerous religious and priests and the Apostolic Nuncio, there were also Muslim and Jewish friends who joined in this memorial. The Custos presided the Mass but the Dean gave the homily. It was very touching - I don't believe there was a dry eye in the church. He recounted Fr Piccirillo's childhood, his formation years and his eventual work; his passion for art, literature and archaeology; his successes and failures; and the faith and dignity during his last days on earth. The dean spoke of Fr Piccirillo's quick temper and apparent obstinancy that often offended; but he also said something which I always held to be a truism in great people: such obstinancy, after time and usually after death, will be recognised as conviction, passion, perseverance and tenacity in keeping what great people know to be true, workable, indeed the will of God. So convinced and passionate are they to these works/mission/apostolates/dreams, they hang on to it tenaciously, fighting off opposition, because they know God will bring it to fruition. And they are always proven right in due time. This is the making of a hero; but people around will always see the worse of it, calling it obstinancy, strong-willed, unco-operative, selfish, loner, stubborn. What it all boils down is that these critics are filled with fear: fear of failure, fear of stepping into the unknown, fear of leaving the comfort zone, and above all, fear of trusting in God's providence, fear of conviction, fear of having an ideal. These are the sad people who make mediocrity a virtue. How often these few months have I seen this in Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, Fr Allegra, St John Bosco .... all some time or other were punished for their "stubbornness" by colourless/faceless people but only later flourished to sainthood through their tenacity and perseverance.
After Mass everyone went down to the Hall of the Immaculate where the last film shot with Fr Piccirillo was shown. it was done by RAI cinema (the italian media) and is not yet public: we got a preview. The hall was packed - standing capacity only. It was strange watching Fr Piccirillo talking in the film, we recognised his voice, his gestures, his jokes ..... but he is no longer here with us. In the darkness of the hall, you could hear people sniffling, wiping their eyes as they saw again this great man who gave his life to bring peace through archaeology, explaining with passion the discoveries and ongoing work of mosaics discovered in Israel, Jordan, Syria and Egypt. Today his disciples continue his work there.
And I think the greatest tribute we can give to him is to continue working. Working with conviction and passion, with total trust in God that it is His will, with a tenacity that will draw criticism from those who hold nothing but fear as their virtue, mediocrity as their dream and comfort as their ideal.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Magnanimous
Finally relief is being brought into Gaza. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7745783.stm
Yesterday the Japanese martyrs were beatified in Nagasaki. The reporter says the Japanese persecution of Christians in the 16th century were more violent than any other persecution faced by the Church. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7745307.stm
And this evening we'll all go to St. Saviour's monastery to celebrate the memory of Fr Piccirillo. Even today many of us find it difficult that he is no longer with us. We speak often of him, in fact only the day before Ephrem told me he cannot imagine Fr Piccirillo is gone. And so did Carmelo on a different occassion yesterday.
And Fr Vincenzo from Musky (Cairo) has arrived in Jerusalem and we spoke for quite a while yesterday morning. He thanks all of you for your kind help; he is now using your donations to "adopt" 5 children to go to school and feed the other hungry children in the area. I'll get a photo of him uploaded.
Meantime yesterday's gospel reading was interesting - it spoke of the widow who gave her all (2 copper coins) as the temple offering. But try and read this in context. A few verses earlier, Jesus chided the scribes for robbing the widows. Just imagine that this widow had her property devoured by these scribes, and being left with just 2 copper coins, she still offered it up to God. Now that is magnanimity - no holds barred. How do you measure to that?
Yesterday the Japanese martyrs were beatified in Nagasaki. The reporter says the Japanese persecution of Christians in the 16th century were more violent than any other persecution faced by the Church. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7745307.stm
And this evening we'll all go to St. Saviour's monastery to celebrate the memory of Fr Piccirillo. Even today many of us find it difficult that he is no longer with us. We speak often of him, in fact only the day before Ephrem told me he cannot imagine Fr Piccirillo is gone. And so did Carmelo on a different occassion yesterday.
And Fr Vincenzo from Musky (Cairo) has arrived in Jerusalem and we spoke for quite a while yesterday morning. He thanks all of you for your kind help; he is now using your donations to "adopt" 5 children to go to school and feed the other hungry children in the area. I'll get a photo of him uploaded.
Meantime yesterday's gospel reading was interesting - it spoke of the widow who gave her all (2 copper coins) as the temple offering. But try and read this in context. A few verses earlier, Jesus chided the scribes for robbing the widows. Just imagine that this widow had her property devoured by these scribes, and being left with just 2 copper coins, she still offered it up to God. Now that is magnanimity - no holds barred. How do you measure to that?
Monday, November 24, 2008
Christ the King
Yesterday was an extraordinarily quiet day. Almost everyone went to Jordan to celebrate Mass at the tomb of Fr Piccirillo. I couldn't go because I didn't have my passport - it's with the ministry for renewing my visa. Pity. Fr Piccirillo was a good friend and brother. Maybe next time round when I get my passport, I'll go over to Jordan. He's buried up on Mt. Nebo, the mountain where Moses saw the Holyland but could not enter.
Since Nadia's husband died, she has not been at work. The corridor was very dusty (she usually cleans it) and I thought it was a good day to clean it up - since no one was at home to slip when the floor is wet. So I mopped the whole upper floor as well as the staircase. It took almost an hour as the corridor is very very long. Was very tired after that.
Afternoon Ephrem our Gabonese student took a walk with me to the New City - we went to several 2nd hand bookstores and browsed through the books. He bought 3 but I didn't get any.
Yesterday's feast of Christ the King had some very good readings for reflection. Who is this king? He is the hungry, the naked, the thirsty, the imprisoned, the sick. It is a suffering king. And for us to enter his kingdom, we must carry our own crosses and suffer with him.
Since Nadia's husband died, she has not been at work. The corridor was very dusty (she usually cleans it) and I thought it was a good day to clean it up - since no one was at home to slip when the floor is wet. So I mopped the whole upper floor as well as the staircase. It took almost an hour as the corridor is very very long. Was very tired after that.
Afternoon Ephrem our Gabonese student took a walk with me to the New City - we went to several 2nd hand bookstores and browsed through the books. He bought 3 but I didn't get any.
Yesterday's feast of Christ the King had some very good readings for reflection. Who is this king? He is the hungry, the naked, the thirsty, the imprisoned, the sick. It is a suffering king. And for us to enter his kingdom, we must carry our own crosses and suffer with him.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
St. Gianna Molla
2 nights back I was unable to sleep and so at 2am I got up to do some reading. Couldn't concentrate much, so decided to watch EWTN on the net. Saw my old acquaintance Fr Rosica (He lived next door at Ecce Homo 15 years ago when I was also studying here; but I doubt he can remember me) presenting a short documentary on the life of St. Gianna Molla (1922-1962) - mother and doctor. Very inspiring. When she had her 4th child, it was discovered that she suffered from some problem that was life-threatening. It was recommended that she abort the baby in order to save her own life. But she refused. She insisted on saving the baby instead. The baby was born and she died a few days later. At her canonisation in Rome, her 4 children and husband were there - very touching and rare for living relatives of a saint to be present. I think the last time was the mother of St. Maria Goretti present at her daughter's canonisation.
What was inspiring was the fact that she was a normal working mother, taking care of kids while her husband was abroad in America to work. She was also a professional doctor in pediatrics. A working mother. How many of us can relate to her! Led by her faith that the good of others came before her own, she sacrificed her life in order to let her baby Giannina live.
Two miracles were worked through her intercession - a Brasilian woman who was dying at childbirth and a Brasilian baby born without amniotic fluid (the atheistic doctor converted to the faith at this miracle).
So all working mothers, childbearing mothers, doctors ... you have a great patron saint who shared your pains and joys. St. Gianna Molla, pray for us.
Check out http://www.saintgianna.org/main.htm
What was inspiring was the fact that she was a normal working mother, taking care of kids while her husband was abroad in America to work. She was also a professional doctor in pediatrics. A working mother. How many of us can relate to her! Led by her faith that the good of others came before her own, she sacrificed her life in order to let her baby Giannina live.
Two miracles were worked through her intercession - a Brasilian woman who was dying at childbirth and a Brasilian baby born without amniotic fluid (the atheistic doctor converted to the faith at this miracle).
So all working mothers, childbearing mothers, doctors ... you have a great patron saint who shared your pains and joys. St. Gianna Molla, pray for us.
Check out http://www.saintgianna.org/main.htm
Touching story
Just saw a short clip of a personal experience of a certain Bro. de Cruz in Jamaica (Missionary of the Poor - a new congregation). He found a 3 yr old girl dumped in a trashcan in Kingston; malnourished. He gave her a piece of bread and brought her back to their care house for destitutes; left her to eat while he went to get volunteers to bathe the girl. When he got back, he saw she only took 2 bites of the bread. Brother asked her why - wasn't she hungry? She said yes but she wanted to keep the rest of the bread for her mother - the one who dumped her in a trashcan in the first place.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Bees
Several months back I blogged on the massive deaths of bees in the Holyland including our own hives. Now it's hitting Europe big time and finally something is being done. Who would have thought that the death of bees would affect the price of your food - rice, wheat, fruit? Without these insects to pollinate these plants, food production would decrease and hence the higher prices. The ecological web is being torn apart. Human stewardship over God's creation is now severely tested. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7739798.stm
Thursday, November 20, 2008
News
This news headlines speaks for itself - but you can be sure it'll not be found in your local (chinese / english) papers. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7739433.stm Israeli soldiers become targets for these settlers. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404784020&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
And meanwhile hardship in Gaza continues. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7739063.stm A would-be terrorist gets blown up probably by his own bomb. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404784596&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
And meanwhile hardship in Gaza continues. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7739063.stm A would-be terrorist gets blown up probably by his own bomb. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404784596&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Relief in sight?
The fighting in Gaza is hurting the people so badly in terms of food, medication and heating that King Abdullah of Jordan has stepped in to negotiate so that some relief and respite is possible. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404783836&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Let's hope some peace returns so that food and medication can get in.
Let's hope some peace returns so that food and medication can get in.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Food facts
This was sent to me from a doctor friend - interesting reading! Of course I can't verify if it's scientific fact - so just read it for interest and make up your own mind.
It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... All before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...
A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All o f the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).
Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.
Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries
Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.
Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.
It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... All before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...
God left us great clues as to what foods help what part of our body! God's Pharmacy! Amazing!
A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All o f the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.
Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.
Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them). 
Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility. 
Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries 
Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts. 
Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body. Tuesday, November 18, 2008
more on war
The war in Gaza worsens. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7735051.stm And the people are almost one week into lack of food and fuel. Read to what the Gazans have to say : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7727219.stm The border is closed.
Meanwhile the mob war in Tel Aviv is going to "spin out of control" as reports say. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7733818.stm Innocent bystanders are hurt in the blast.
The weather is getting colder day by day. The sun sets by 5pm and all is dark. I'm utterly exhausted after last week's sudden workload - feeling faint twice at my table from sheer exhaustion.
Meanwhile the mob war in Tel Aviv is going to "spin out of control" as reports say. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7733818.stm Innocent bystanders are hurt in the blast.
The weather is getting colder day by day. The sun sets by 5pm and all is dark. I'm utterly exhausted after last week's sudden workload - feeling faint twice at my table from sheer exhaustion.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Twist
Today's gospel reading has a twist which modern folk are not aware. St Eusebius of Caesarea, who lived here in the Holyland in the early 4th century tells us how it was first understood here in the Holyland in its history and culture.
The 1st two servants who made more money with the talents were doing something illegal because the master never told to invest it - they were only entrusted to care for the money. The 3rd servant who buried the talent in the ground did what was allowed by Jewish tradition but was punished by the master. But note, says the saint - the master was not a good guy: he "reaped where he did not sow and gathered where he did not scatter". In effect the master was rewarding his servants who did wrong, because he himself was of the same nature; while the good one was punished. Lesson to learn: if you want to be a good christian in this wicked world, the world will punish you and make you suffer. In other words, "The world loves its own and reject what does not belong to it" (rough paraphrase of John's Gospel); or a good Christian will have to "carry his cross" daily.
Another ancient explanation is: The 1st two servants who made more money with the talents were punished by the master because they were never told to invest it - they were only entrusted to care for the money. The 3rd servant who dug a hole and buried the talent did what Jewish tradition required (cf Matt 13 when the farmer buried the treasure and bought the land) and was rewarded by the master for doing the right thing.
But modern world capitalism/materialism has changed the parable's meaning: earn more, exploit more, make quick money regardless of the consequence.
The 1st two servants who made more money with the talents were doing something illegal because the master never told to invest it - they were only entrusted to care for the money. The 3rd servant who buried the talent in the ground did what was allowed by Jewish tradition but was punished by the master. But note, says the saint - the master was not a good guy: he "reaped where he did not sow and gathered where he did not scatter". In effect the master was rewarding his servants who did wrong, because he himself was of the same nature; while the good one was punished. Lesson to learn: if you want to be a good christian in this wicked world, the world will punish you and make you suffer. In other words, "The world loves its own and reject what does not belong to it" (rough paraphrase of John's Gospel); or a good Christian will have to "carry his cross" daily.
Another ancient explanation is: The 1st two servants who made more money with the talents were punished by the master because they were never told to invest it - they were only entrusted to care for the money. The 3rd servant who dug a hole and buried the talent did what Jewish tradition required (cf Matt 13 when the farmer buried the treasure and bought the land) and was rewarded by the master for doing the right thing.
But modern world capitalism/materialism has changed the parable's meaning: earn more, exploit more, make quick money regardless of the consequence.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Is there a tomorrow?
If this war doesn't stop in Gaza, the misery of the common people will be worse ... for both sides of the wall. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404732385&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
And we don't need to find more ruins of churches, dead buildings; we should be looking for living churches that are dying in order to save them - in India, Iraq and elsewhere. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7729718.stm
And we don't need to find more ruins of churches, dead buildings; we should be looking for living churches that are dying in order to save them - in India, Iraq and elsewhere. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7729718.stm
Independence Day
Today Palestinians celebrate Independence Day - even though they have no independent state. The streets are packed with Palestinians, and so with the Israeli soldiers. Last night fireworks were fired but only a short while. Gaza has run out of food but they still keep bombing missiles into Israel for the 2nd or 3rd day running. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404732385&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull This only causes the checkpoint to be closed and no food can enter Gaza. The checkpoint in Nablus is also closed so we cannot help buy fuel for the orphanage inside. There must be a way. God cannot be blind to such suffering.
Friday, November 14, 2008
No fuel and food
Gaza is out of food and fuel. The situation is getting bad. What can you do to help?http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7726943.stm
And we just heard yesterday that Nablus is also out of fuel, at least for the orphanage run by the Missionaries of Charity. Winter is in and very cold now - the children must be in a terrible state. We're trying to get fuel for them so that the heating in the orphanage can continue.
And we just heard yesterday that Nablus is also out of fuel, at least for the orphanage run by the Missionaries of Charity. Winter is in and very cold now - the children must be in a terrible state. We're trying to get fuel for them so that the heating in the orphanage can continue.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Rain
The rains have returned. The sky is dark and stormy. The temperature has dropped.
This morning the husband of Nadia (who helps out in the kitchen) passed away. He was paralysed for some time now and Nadia was struggling to bring her children to get an education. Steve her eldest son does odd jobs to help pay for his apprenticeship as a car mechanic. May God grant Nadia's husband eternal rest; and consolation to his family.
This morning the husband of Nadia (who helps out in the kitchen) passed away. He was paralysed for some time now and Nadia was struggling to bring her children to get an education. Steve her eldest son does odd jobs to help pay for his apprenticeship as a car mechanic. May God grant Nadia's husband eternal rest; and consolation to his family.
where do we go from here?
So Nazareth has a muslim mayor now - I can understand some fears from the christian community as tensions have risen the past decade. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404705415&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Meanwhile locals say Jerusalem is dying because the secular presence is slowly leaving the city due to many problems and the ultra-orthodox are moving in. It is not merely a demographic problem because it will have serious consequences for Christians and Muslims when ultra-orthodox Jewish rules are imposed. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7719845.stm
Meanwhile locals say Jerusalem is dying because the secular presence is slowly leaving the city due to many problems and the ultra-orthodox are moving in. It is not merely a demographic problem because it will have serious consequences for Christians and Muslims when ultra-orthodox Jewish rules are imposed. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7719845.stm
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Another day
Tight security around Jerusalem today as voting goes underway for the new mayor. Helicopters and soldiers just about everywhere.
Also same day, the Palestinians recall the death of Yasser Arafat. Photo here shows youth throwing stones at Israeli soldiers in the village of Teqoa (Tuqoa / Toqua) where the prophet Amos was born. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/middle_east_enl_1226403198/html/1.stm
And it was poppy day. Some british / australian tourists were wearing them in the streets today. Imagine all the lives lost during that war; the atrocities may have ended but the hatred still lingers.
Am feeling very unwell. Will try to rest now.
Also same day, the Palestinians recall the death of Yasser Arafat. Photo here shows youth throwing stones at Israeli soldiers in the village of Teqoa (Tuqoa / Toqua) where the prophet Amos was born. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/middle_east_enl_1226403198/html/1.stm
And it was poppy day. Some british / australian tourists were wearing them in the streets today. Imagine all the lives lost during that war; the atrocities may have ended but the hatred still lingers.
Am feeling very unwell. Will try to rest now.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Problems
Major problems in Gaza as fuel supply stops and the winter cold sets in. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7719872.stm
Problems in Jerusalem as a muslim cemetary is partly to be destroyed to build a Jewish museum. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7715921.stm
And at home the computer system - and most of the electricity - was downed the whole afternoon. No known cause so far.
Problems in Jerusalem as a muslim cemetary is partly to be destroyed to build a Jewish museum. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7715921.stm
And at home the computer system - and most of the electricity - was downed the whole afternoon. No known cause so far.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
More on the Unholy Fight
So here're the details of the fight .... It was the Feast of the Holy Cross for the Armenians and as usual for all rites, they make 3 rounds of procession around the tomb of Christ. Whenever a religious group does that, all other representatives do not enter the tomb as that moment it is being used by the celebrating rite - eg everyday at 4pm the franciscans make their procession and when they reach the tomb, the Greek Orthodox monk in charge moves out and lets our franciscan sacristan take over the charge.
So yesterday when the Armenians made their procession, the greek Orthodox sacristan refused to move out. A couple of Armenian monks tried to force him out and they got into a fight. Monks from both sides came to join in. Finally the Israeli police came to separate the two groups, but (as I was told but a muslim witness) an Armenian monk punched a policeman. The police immediately beat back the Armenians and arrested several monks on both sides.
It's a shame that it happened, especially at Christianity's holiest site. It plays into the hands of the enemies who use it to further blacken the name of Christianity. But the Christians themselves should reflect on their own behaviour ....
If you want to watch it, go to http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1225910073074&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and click on the video. Note when the police begin to beat up the Armenian, the video is cut. The beatup is shown instead in Skynews. http://news.sky.com/skynews/ The BBC version is alot clearer from a different angle. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7718587.stm
So yesterday when the Armenians made their procession, the greek Orthodox sacristan refused to move out. A couple of Armenian monks tried to force him out and they got into a fight. Monks from both sides came to join in. Finally the Israeli police came to separate the two groups, but (as I was told but a muslim witness) an Armenian monk punched a policeman. The police immediately beat back the Armenians and arrested several monks on both sides.
It's a shame that it happened, especially at Christianity's holiest site. It plays into the hands of the enemies who use it to further blacken the name of Christianity. But the Christians themselves should reflect on their own behaviour ....
If you want to watch it, go to http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1225910073074&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and click on the video. Note when the police begin to beat up the Armenian, the video is cut. The beatup is shown instead in Skynews. http://news.sky.com/skynews/ The BBC version is alot clearer from a different angle. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7718587.stm
Unholy brawl
Once again the Holy Sepulchre was the scene of an unholy brawl - didn't know when it took place today as I was there early in the morning. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1225910073074&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Solemn mass for Duns Scotus
This morning I was up at 3.30am to prepare to go to the Holy Sepulchre by 4.30am. But being sluggish and cold, I only managed to arrive there at 4.50am. Nevertheless I celebrated Mass in the Crusaders' chapel and then prayed the Divine Office at the Altar of Mary Magdalene.
Before I left the Basilica, the Missionary of Charity superior of Gaza stopped to chat - she was out for 3 days for prayer (if only you know how stressful living in Gaza is). The few sisters from the Jerusalem community were also there ... so the chat became a little longer. Anyway got home at 6.30am to clean the birdcage.
During dinner last night, someone said that the temp. would drop to 8 degrees! So I prepared my room for that! Turned out it wasn't as cold as expected - 15 degrees or so.
At 8.30am I left for the Basilica of the Agony (Garden of Gethsemani) which is down the valley on our east - a 15 minute walk from my house. Our Minister General and all the friars were gathering there for the closing of the 700th anniversary celebrations of Blessed John Duns Scotus. It was a solemn Mass with about 100 friars present. Add religious from other congregations, lay people etc... and the basilica was pretty crowded. The homily of the General was a reminder to all the friars that we should learn form the example of Scotus - otherwise we'd be experts and teachers of the Word of God but not living testimonies. I thought it was pretty good. As the Mass ended and the procession passed by me, the General stopped to shake my hands and said that we'll meet again. People around said it was a special stop because he didn't do it during the rest of the procession. Hhhhmmmmm...... Anyway I thanked him for sending me to the Holyland and his concern for my studies. On my way out of the Basilica, as the crowds were going out and the pilgrims were squeezing in, I bumped into him again and he shook my hands again and smiled as if to say "You know what I want to say" so again I thanked him and quickly moved on. Believe me .... there's going to be changes.
Yesterday morning I got out of bed thinking that it is going to be a watershed day. It's a turning point day. I thought that when I come home from my meeting with the Sec. Gen. I'll no longer be the same Lionel that left the house earlier. And I wasn't all wrong. Things are going to change.... like weather and the seasons, things move forward, things change.
Before I left the Basilica, the Missionary of Charity superior of Gaza stopped to chat - she was out for 3 days for prayer (if only you know how stressful living in Gaza is). The few sisters from the Jerusalem community were also there ... so the chat became a little longer. Anyway got home at 6.30am to clean the birdcage.
During dinner last night, someone said that the temp. would drop to 8 degrees! So I prepared my room for that! Turned out it wasn't as cold as expected - 15 degrees or so.
At 8.30am I left for the Basilica of the Agony (Garden of Gethsemani) which is down the valley on our east - a 15 minute walk from my house. Our Minister General and all the friars were gathering there for the closing of the 700th anniversary celebrations of Blessed John Duns Scotus. It was a solemn Mass with about 100 friars present. Add religious from other congregations, lay people etc... and the basilica was pretty crowded. The homily of the General was a reminder to all the friars that we should learn form the example of Scotus - otherwise we'd be experts and teachers of the Word of God but not living testimonies. I thought it was pretty good. As the Mass ended and the procession passed by me, the General stopped to shake my hands and said that we'll meet again. People around said it was a special stop because he didn't do it during the rest of the procession. Hhhhmmmmm...... Anyway I thanked him for sending me to the Holyland and his concern for my studies. On my way out of the Basilica, as the crowds were going out and the pilgrims were squeezing in, I bumped into him again and he shook my hands again and smiled as if to say "You know what I want to say" so again I thanked him and quickly moved on. Believe me .... there's going to be changes.
Yesterday morning I got out of bed thinking that it is going to be a watershed day. It's a turning point day. I thought that when I come home from my meeting with the Sec. Gen. I'll no longer be the same Lionel that left the house earlier. And I wasn't all wrong. Things are going to change.... like weather and the seasons, things move forward, things change.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Live prayerfully - pray livingly
The Minister General arrived at 6.25pm yesterday evening with the Custos of the Holyland, the Gen. Sec. for Formation, the Holyland Formation co-ordinator and Fr Enrique Bermejo - straight to the Flagellation Chapel where we were all gathered for Vespers. Fr. General presided and gave a short address to us all, remembering Fr Piccirillo who taught him (Fr. General studied his Licentiate here in our school in the 70s) and reminding us of the Synod of Bishops recommendation to use a wholistic approach to biblical studies.
During Vespers the Custos sat next to me and I was very happy - he made some funny remarks (whispered of course) before Vespers.
After Vespers we proceeded to the refectory for dinner. That's when the General (by the way it is not a military term!~ it simply emphasises his role as an international leader and not restricted to any one country or province) called me over and we greeted each other. As it was the dining room, it wasn't a place to talk much with him so I left it at that. But after dinner I caught up with him and we chatted with a few other friars. Fr General immediately recounted that in his address to the Synod of Bishops, he specifically mentioned Fr Allegra and his work. Then he went back to St. Saviour's monastery to pass the night.
And the dinner was stupendous - being Friday we abstain from meat so Bro Rosario our vice-superior came up with a seafood spaghetti that was fantastic; followed by the best baked salmon ever cooked by our cook Khalil. It was a fitting welcome meal for Fr General who is the successor of St. Francis of Assisi.
This morning we had Mass to commemorate Blessed John Duns Scotus, one of our most illustrious friar-theologians of the 13th century. After Mass I prepared to go to St. Saviour's monastery where the inauguration events of our school year will take place. Jadallah our handyman offered to drive me there since our superior, dean and guest speaker will also be in the car - he knows my left leg is not good and my asthma is severe enough to make my walk up to the monastery quite an ordeal. But I turned it down - imagine sitting in the car with so many bigshots! It took 35 minutes to walk up to the monastery but I made it. The hall was very crowded as our school includes our Philosphy and Theology departments (I think a total of 135 students), with other representatives from other academic institutions, the papal nuncio and many friends. Of course friars from all around the Holyland came also to pay their respects to Fr General.
The event began with an intro by our dean with last year's report of events. Then Fr Martinelli our guest-speaker spoke for an hour on St Francis and his spirituality and modern theology. We then had a break where everyone caught up with everyone else over drinks and snacks. The second part comprised a talk by Fr General on John Duns Scotus and finally a report by Fr Manns on the Synod of Bishops where he attended as an expert. On the whole I thought the talks this year were very instructional and relevant.
We got back home just in time for lunch - which was again great because the leftover salmon was mixed with macaroni - I loved it! And no salt too! I had 2 helpings!
Tomorrow Fr General will celebrate the High Mass at Gethsemani's basilica for the 700th anniversary of Blessed John Duns Scotus. I'll go for the Mass but will not concelebrate as I plan to celebrate it in the Holy Sepulchre at 5am tomorrow morning.
Anyway want to share with you a thought/message after all the talks these 2 days - don't divorce religion from your daily life. it is a false dichotomy and a destructive road. The person who works and eats and breathes and faces problems and laughs and cries is the very same person who kneels to pray to God. Don't relegate your religion to an hour a week at Mass while the rest of the week you live as if there is no God. Do what Duns Scotus did - think prayerfully and pray thoughtfully or in this case, live prayerfully and pray livingly. Everything is a unity despite the tensions that exists. They complement, not contradict.
During Vespers the Custos sat next to me and I was very happy - he made some funny remarks (whispered of course) before Vespers.
After Vespers we proceeded to the refectory for dinner. That's when the General (by the way it is not a military term!~ it simply emphasises his role as an international leader and not restricted to any one country or province) called me over and we greeted each other. As it was the dining room, it wasn't a place to talk much with him so I left it at that. But after dinner I caught up with him and we chatted with a few other friars. Fr General immediately recounted that in his address to the Synod of Bishops, he specifically mentioned Fr Allegra and his work. Then he went back to St. Saviour's monastery to pass the night.
And the dinner was stupendous - being Friday we abstain from meat so Bro Rosario our vice-superior came up with a seafood spaghetti that was fantastic; followed by the best baked salmon ever cooked by our cook Khalil. It was a fitting welcome meal for Fr General who is the successor of St. Francis of Assisi.
This morning we had Mass to commemorate Blessed John Duns Scotus, one of our most illustrious friar-theologians of the 13th century. After Mass I prepared to go to St. Saviour's monastery where the inauguration events of our school year will take place. Jadallah our handyman offered to drive me there since our superior, dean and guest speaker will also be in the car - he knows my left leg is not good and my asthma is severe enough to make my walk up to the monastery quite an ordeal. But I turned it down - imagine sitting in the car with so many bigshots! It took 35 minutes to walk up to the monastery but I made it. The hall was very crowded as our school includes our Philosphy and Theology departments (I think a total of 135 students), with other representatives from other academic institutions, the papal nuncio and many friends. Of course friars from all around the Holyland came also to pay their respects to Fr General.
The event began with an intro by our dean with last year's report of events. Then Fr Martinelli our guest-speaker spoke for an hour on St Francis and his spirituality and modern theology. We then had a break where everyone caught up with everyone else over drinks and snacks. The second part comprised a talk by Fr General on John Duns Scotus and finally a report by Fr Manns on the Synod of Bishops where he attended as an expert. On the whole I thought the talks this year were very instructional and relevant.
We got back home just in time for lunch - which was again great because the leftover salmon was mixed with macaroni - I loved it! And no salt too! I had 2 helpings!
Tomorrow Fr General will celebrate the High Mass at Gethsemani's basilica for the 700th anniversary of Blessed John Duns Scotus. I'll go for the Mass but will not concelebrate as I plan to celebrate it in the Holy Sepulchre at 5am tomorrow morning.
Anyway want to share with you a thought/message after all the talks these 2 days - don't divorce religion from your daily life. it is a false dichotomy and a destructive road. The person who works and eats and breathes and faces problems and laughs and cries is the very same person who kneels to pray to God. Don't relegate your religion to an hour a week at Mass while the rest of the week you live as if there is no God. Do what Duns Scotus did - think prayerfully and pray thoughtfully or in this case, live prayerfully and pray livingly. Everything is a unity despite the tensions that exists. They complement, not contradict.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Rahmbo is in.
Obama's message to Israel is loud and clear - he appointed his first official, as the Chief of Staff, Rahm Israel Emmanuel. Young, tough, no nonsense: Rahm ("Rahmbo" - he served in the Israeli army as a volunteer during the Gulf War) is known for his astuteness and staunch jewishness (see http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1225910057970&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1225910047157&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull ) Well Israeli news did not lose that and picked it up immediately. But I wonder what that signals to the arab world.
Yesterday as I was coming home from the New City, there were hundreds of soldiers at Damascus Gate. Looked like they were ready to stake out for long period because everyone had their dufflebags, food and even mattocks. Then I found out that there was a riot in Silwan (biblical Siloam and its pool - immediately south fo the Old City) because Israeli police tore down 2 illegal arab houses. Then much later I found out that north of the Old City another huge arab demonstration was taking place (I passed by there only hours before) to protest the building of an Israeli museum over an arab cemetary. Well you can imagine the security going around here. helicopters were flying above all afternoon.
Will have to teach a VC class now and then start work again on my paper. Our Minister General (that's the international head of our Order) is arriving this evening and I hear he's coming over to our place for dinner. He's here to open our school year but also to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Blessed John Duns Scotus, our 13th century Franciscan who upheld the Primacy of Christ and the Immaculate Conception - and consequently condemned and relegated to the back-waters of Theology until last century when the Pope declared Mary as the Immaculate Conception and hence exonerated Scotus; who eventually was beatified and his cause to sainthood is in progress. Tomorrow is his 700th anniversary of his death - so say a pray. He might just intercede a miracle for you .... who knows?
Yesterday as I was coming home from the New City, there were hundreds of soldiers at Damascus Gate. Looked like they were ready to stake out for long period because everyone had their dufflebags, food and even mattocks. Then I found out that there was a riot in Silwan (biblical Siloam and its pool - immediately south fo the Old City) because Israeli police tore down 2 illegal arab houses. Then much later I found out that north of the Old City another huge arab demonstration was taking place (I passed by there only hours before) to protest the building of an Israeli museum over an arab cemetary. Well you can imagine the security going around here. helicopters were flying above all afternoon.
Will have to teach a VC class now and then start work again on my paper. Our Minister General (that's the international head of our Order) is arriving this evening and I hear he's coming over to our place for dinner. He's here to open our school year but also to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Blessed John Duns Scotus, our 13th century Franciscan who upheld the Primacy of Christ and the Immaculate Conception - and consequently condemned and relegated to the back-waters of Theology until last century when the Pope declared Mary as the Immaculate Conception and hence exonerated Scotus; who eventually was beatified and his cause to sainthood is in progress. Tomorrow is his 700th anniversary of his death - so say a pray. He might just intercede a miracle for you .... who knows?
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Lost sheep, lost coin
Yesterday was a pretty rushed day. I had a VC bible sharing at 7.30am but 8am I had classes here so had to rush off. Finished at 11am and did some work on my paper then went off for a short lunch - because I had another vc lesson at 1.30pm. Had to leave halfway through lunch but that wasn't a good idea because our General Secretary for Formation from Rome was here for lunch and he had wanted to see me.
Since at 6pm he was giving a talk at St. Saviour's monastery, I thought I'd better go and see him. Went for the talk which was really good, and after that I had the chance to chat with him. He remembered his visit to our Bible Centre in February 2007 and the Wednesday evening class there, with all you guys present (meaning of course the regulars of our Wed. night lesson).
I decided to sleep early after that. Was simply too rushed for an old man like me.
Today I decided to take a day off - been having a bad headache for 2 days now. Took a slow walk out to the New City this morning at 9am and went way up beyond Ben Yehuda (the pedastrian Mall whre everything happens) to the petshop called "Jungle". Bought some seeds for the canaries, then went to the next petshop (the regular one that I go) to see the fish and birds and bunnies - that's my only chance to get near to pets now.
Next door was a non-kosher shop (wow .... there're only 2 of these in this area) and I found frozen wonton and xiao long bao (packed by chinese living here I think). Bought a pack (12 in a pack) each and steamed them for lunch since I had VC lessons right at lunchtime so I couldn't join the community meal. The xiao long bao was hideous - the skin was nice and transparent like har gow but inside was just dough and a little mashed shrimp which you can't even see but taste). The wonton was much better, with prawns, mushrooms, carrots(!). And it cost HK$40 for a dozen xiao long bao. Aiya..... anyway it was an experience.
Tomorrow is back to work. Just a thought on today's gospel reading - the famous Luke chapter 15 with the 3 parables. Today we read the 1st two: the lost sheep and the lost coin. The emphasis seems to be on the finding of what was lost and the rejoicing that accompanies it. Well I'd like to think for a moment what it feels to be the lost sheep and lost coin; and then to be found again. I think it's great to know there's someone out there who cares enough for me, to come searching for me. Do you feel someone out there cares enough like that for you?
Since at 6pm he was giving a talk at St. Saviour's monastery, I thought I'd better go and see him. Went for the talk which was really good, and after that I had the chance to chat with him. He remembered his visit to our Bible Centre in February 2007 and the Wednesday evening class there, with all you guys present (meaning of course the regulars of our Wed. night lesson).
I decided to sleep early after that. Was simply too rushed for an old man like me.
Today I decided to take a day off - been having a bad headache for 2 days now. Took a slow walk out to the New City this morning at 9am and went way up beyond Ben Yehuda (the pedastrian Mall whre everything happens) to the petshop called "Jungle". Bought some seeds for the canaries, then went to the next petshop (the regular one that I go) to see the fish and birds and bunnies - that's my only chance to get near to pets now.
Next door was a non-kosher shop (wow .... there're only 2 of these in this area) and I found frozen wonton and xiao long bao (packed by chinese living here I think). Bought a pack (12 in a pack) each and steamed them for lunch since I had VC lessons right at lunchtime so I couldn't join the community meal. The xiao long bao was hideous - the skin was nice and transparent like har gow but inside was just dough and a little mashed shrimp which you can't even see but taste). The wonton was much better, with prawns, mushrooms, carrots(!). And it cost HK$40 for a dozen xiao long bao. Aiya..... anyway it was an experience.
Tomorrow is back to work. Just a thought on today's gospel reading - the famous Luke chapter 15 with the 3 parables. Today we read the 1st two: the lost sheep and the lost coin. The emphasis seems to be on the finding of what was lost and the rejoicing that accompanies it. Well I'd like to think for a moment what it feels to be the lost sheep and lost coin; and then to be found again. I think it's great to know there's someone out there who cares enough for me, to come searching for me. Do you feel someone out there cares enough like that for you?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Mary Robinson on Gaza: "It's almost unbelievable that the world doesn't care while this is happening."
As winter rolls in, the situation in Gaza turns for the worse. First it was the Gazans who fired rockets into Israel, breaking a truce : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7702311.stm
Israel responded last night with an incursion: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7709603.stm
Whatever the case, it's the people who have to suffer: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7708670.stm
Israel responded last night with an incursion: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7709603.stm
Whatever the case, it's the people who have to suffer: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7708670.stm
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
hold on .......
That muslim and christian scholars are coming together to agree on common ground is good and laudable; http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7706977.stm
but we cannot compromise on basic truths like the Trinity and the divinity of Christ and the reality of the Eucharist. And read this first http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7708169.stm before you tell me you agree on a common ground. And what about the persecution of Christians in Iraq? The question is: what is the bottom line for a common ground? Who is drawing that line?
but we cannot compromise on basic truths like the Trinity and the divinity of Christ and the reality of the Eucharist. And read this first http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7708169.stm before you tell me you agree on a common ground. And what about the persecution of Christians in Iraq? The question is: what is the bottom line for a common ground? Who is drawing that line?
Strategy to study
Yesterday was quite uneventful. I went off to St. Saviour's monastery to have my visa renewed but didn't have enough money to pay for it. Luckily there was someone there who helped me out, otherwise I would have had to go back - the walk up the hill is quite a task for me, not just because of left leg but also because I've been having bad asthma attacks these 2 days. Couldn't sleep the last 2 nights with the wheezing and coughing.
Anyway as things might have it, I met the Custos in the corridor while waiting to hand in my passport. He told me to meet him after a meeting with another father. So I waited - and then it was my turn. We had a good chat - he made me laugh alot yesterday - really funny. Oh well we also had a few serious issues to discuss but he was funny yesterday; alot more relaxed than in previous visits.
By the time I got back to the Flagellation, it was lunch. Ate a little as I have no appetite, with the pain in my lungs and all. (Haven't been down at the courtyard lately so the porter hadn't seen me for a week or so; when he saw me yesterday morning going to St Saviour's, he looked surprised and with hand gestures and arabic said "What happened to you? You became so thin. Are you sick?" ) And I couldn't study, just did half a sentence of analysis but I was too tired to focus. So I slept right through till this morning - well I actually took a sleeping pill for that. It took about half an hour to have effect, and I woke up 6 hours later.... And the ankle still hurts.
But this morning I was determined to get back to work so I locked my door, wore pyjamas and locked my clothes in the cupboard - that way I'll never leave the room. It works. Managed to get some work done this morning. Now I'll get back to the rest of the page.
Anyway as things might have it, I met the Custos in the corridor while waiting to hand in my passport. He told me to meet him after a meeting with another father. So I waited - and then it was my turn. We had a good chat - he made me laugh alot yesterday - really funny. Oh well we also had a few serious issues to discuss but he was funny yesterday; alot more relaxed than in previous visits.
By the time I got back to the Flagellation, it was lunch. Ate a little as I have no appetite, with the pain in my lungs and all. (Haven't been down at the courtyard lately so the porter hadn't seen me for a week or so; when he saw me yesterday morning going to St Saviour's, he looked surprised and with hand gestures and arabic said "What happened to you? You became so thin. Are you sick?" ) And I couldn't study, just did half a sentence of analysis but I was too tired to focus. So I slept right through till this morning - well I actually took a sleeping pill for that. It took about half an hour to have effect, and I woke up 6 hours later.... And the ankle still hurts.
But this morning I was determined to get back to work so I locked my door, wore pyjamas and locked my clothes in the cupboard - that way I'll never leave the room. It works. Managed to get some work done this morning. Now I'll get back to the rest of the page.
Free online course!
The Duns Scotus Bible Centre is offering another free online course - this time on the book of Apocalypse or Revelation. All you have to do is to register now (only registered students can enter the site) at dsbiblecentre@gmail.com and study at your own pace and leisure; individual for self-knowledge and spirituality or with a group for discussion and prayer.
This 16 week course will help you understand this apparently mysterious book; and you will find it not as difficult to understand as you had imagined. Each lesson is updated every 7 days.
This 16 week course will help you understand this apparently mysterious book; and you will find it not as difficult to understand as you had imagined. Each lesson is updated every 7 days.
Monday, November 3, 2008
First come, first served!
The rains didn't come as forecaste. It's bright and hot today. My visa runs out next week so I'll have to go renew it today. Hope it wouldn't be a hassle.
Yesterday evening our superior organised a 3rd Mass to be celebrated with Vespers. There were 12 of us for the Mass. Nice and simple - no songs. Yesterday's reading from Job was very powerful - Job was so sure he would see God face to face, it would be a happy moment for Job. The alternative reading from the Book of Wisdom tells us the meaning of death from a positive viewpoint - it is a relief from the burdens of this world. I know that death always brings about the pain of loss, and it's a necessary journey of katharsis for all of us. But with faith as Christians, we know there's something better waiting for us beyond death.
And I was thinking of some of my friends who died - like Boon Hwee who had a heart attack. He was only 18 and we went to secondary school and college together. And Kok Seng whom I heard died while on service, he was a military pilot. And all my family, relatives and friends. One day it'll be my turn to push up the daisies. I've been picking out my own plot in our franciscan cemetary on Mt. Zion but I don't know if I'll get it. It's first come, first served!
And talk about char siu bao without the char siu, yesterday was the big feast of Cardinal Newman - soon to be canonised. They opened his tomb so long venerated by pilgrims and found it empty! There were no bones in there! The mystery deepens.
Today is remedial exams for some of our students. They've been slogging the whole of last week. Me? I must get back to my work. It's so very difficult and demanding.
Yesterday evening our superior organised a 3rd Mass to be celebrated with Vespers. There were 12 of us for the Mass. Nice and simple - no songs. Yesterday's reading from Job was very powerful - Job was so sure he would see God face to face, it would be a happy moment for Job. The alternative reading from the Book of Wisdom tells us the meaning of death from a positive viewpoint - it is a relief from the burdens of this world. I know that death always brings about the pain of loss, and it's a necessary journey of katharsis for all of us. But with faith as Christians, we know there's something better waiting for us beyond death.
And I was thinking of some of my friends who died - like Boon Hwee who had a heart attack. He was only 18 and we went to secondary school and college together. And Kok Seng whom I heard died while on service, he was a military pilot. And all my family, relatives and friends. One day it'll be my turn to push up the daisies. I've been picking out my own plot in our franciscan cemetary on Mt. Zion but I don't know if I'll get it. It's first come, first served!
And talk about char siu bao without the char siu, yesterday was the big feast of Cardinal Newman - soon to be canonised. They opened his tomb so long venerated by pilgrims and found it empty! There were no bones in there! The mystery deepens.
Today is remedial exams for some of our students. They've been slogging the whole of last week. Me? I must get back to my work. It's so very difficult and demanding.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Today
All Souls' Day. Left for the Holy Sepulchre (Christ's Tomb) at 4.30am (Msgr Benedetto Rossi, who was here as part of the commission for Cesare's defense, left earlier at 4am). Celebrated Mass on Mt. Calvary at 5am - it was very quiet, no one around except an American pilgrim and Sr. Paracleta. Remembered all the souls on that spot where Christ was stripped off his garments, nailed to the Cross, died and was laid in the arms of his mother - everyone from family to relatives to friends and benefactors.
After that I went to the Crusader Chapel to celebrate the 2nd Mass. On All Souls' Day we can celebrate 3 Masses. I think some of us students will celebrate the 3rd Mass later in the afternoon today.
Last night as I was massaging my hurting left knee I realised that both my ankles had red spots all over - like blood vessels had burst just beneath the skin. It was alot! - and all the way up to the knees now. Getting scary. Small blotches everywhere. Any reason for that, you docs out there? Anyway the knee still hurts so I'm not going out for a walk - much as I want to on this sunny Sunday (still cold though). The forecast is rain this evening or tomorrow.
Must get back to work now.
After that I went to the Crusader Chapel to celebrate the 2nd Mass. On All Souls' Day we can celebrate 3 Masses. I think some of us students will celebrate the 3rd Mass later in the afternoon today.
Last night as I was massaging my hurting left knee I realised that both my ankles had red spots all over - like blood vessels had burst just beneath the skin. It was alot! - and all the way up to the knees now. Getting scary. Small blotches everywhere. Any reason for that, you docs out there? Anyway the knee still hurts so I'm not going out for a walk - much as I want to on this sunny Sunday (still cold though). The forecast is rain this evening or tomorrow.
Must get back to work now.
Yesterday
All Saints' Day. We celebrated the Mass with pomp - meaning singing the Mass of the Angels. Several of the fathers here left early for Jordan to attend the funeral and burial of Fr Piccirillo. But after being held up at the Israeli border (apparently the computer at the Immigration counters was not working!), most of the friars decided to return home as it was already too late for the funeral Mass on Mt. Nebo in Jordan (the mountain where Moses died). Only Fr Giovanni Loche and Prof. Pirone from our community decided to stick on and later in the day they were allwoed to cross the border. They had waited from 8am and they arrived at Nebo only at about 2.30pm!!! Just in time for the burial. At 4.30pm both immediately left for the border to return to Israel and got back home only at 10.30pm.
The previous evening at 5pm, Fr Cesare Mariano defended his doctoral thesis at our Aula Magna (Hall) - he was fiery and had some quick answers to the various comments and obsevations made by the commission of 4 professors. After that at 8pm he invited the whole community, his family and relatives and friends to a sumptious dinner at Al-Zahara restaurent - once one of the top restaurents in East Jerusalem. We had the usual Arabic salads, and then came the main dish - an entire lamb cooked in saffron rice. It was very very well done, and everyone enjoyed it very much. It was good to see Cesare again. Now he'll go back to his diocese in Italy and become a great professor! Good luck, Cesare!
My left knee was hurting very badly since I walked back from Terra Santa College for the Cardinal's talk. I was hobbling about the whole day and yesterday (All Saints) I decided not to go about but rested in bed instead (well for most of the day, since in the morning I did some gardening - pruned the geraniums for winter). I even managed to sleep for half and hour in the afternoon - pretty rare for me!
The previous evening at 5pm, Fr Cesare Mariano defended his doctoral thesis at our Aula Magna (Hall) - he was fiery and had some quick answers to the various comments and obsevations made by the commission of 4 professors. After that at 8pm he invited the whole community, his family and relatives and friends to a sumptious dinner at Al-Zahara restaurent - once one of the top restaurents in East Jerusalem. We had the usual Arabic salads, and then came the main dish - an entire lamb cooked in saffron rice. It was very very well done, and everyone enjoyed it very much. It was good to see Cesare again. Now he'll go back to his diocese in Italy and become a great professor! Good luck, Cesare!
My left knee was hurting very badly since I walked back from Terra Santa College for the Cardinal's talk. I was hobbling about the whole day and yesterday (All Saints) I decided not to go about but rested in bed instead (well for most of the day, since in the morning I did some gardening - pruned the geraniums for winter). I even managed to sleep for half and hour in the afternoon - pretty rare for me!
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