So Sunday's rioting moved south yesterday (Monday) to Silwan Village .... more rioting, injured and arrests. Soldiers are still everywhere on high alert. They're still expecting problems.
Fr Matteo left this morning for Germany via Italy. He had finished his Licentiate (MA equivalent) and is brilliant in Aramaic and Hebrew. He's now off to Germany to study German for a year and then back here to continue with his doctorate. Good luck Matteo!
And today is the Feast of St Jerome, who lived here in Bethlehem and translated the bible into latin (from Greek and Hebrew and aramaic). It's our feastday of course, so we had a nice lunch - rice! And of course we remembered all the bible scholars who went before us marked with the sign of faith. St Jerome, pray for us!
My nose started bleeding (again. has been bleeding the whole week) after lunch. Feels lousy cos it was lots of blood. Got my beard all bloodied. Everyone is thinking my blood-pressure is high again.
Bro Rosario asked me to go for a walk after my bleeding stopped. It was about 4pm. Good thing we did because when we just walked past our school, we found a huge fire at our school's backdoor. Flames over 3 metres high. Crowds were surrounding, kids were shouting. I ran back to the monastery to get our doorman to get the hose from the garage but it wasn't long enough. So I ran up to the school rooftop and turned on the hose that's up there. Managed to douse out the flames. Someone had set a sofa on fire at our door. The school walls are now all blackened. Now you think it's a nice place to live here?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Feast of the Archangels
Today is the feast of the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. All are mentioned in the Bible and each have been identified with an event that reflects their name: the warrior, the messenger, the healer. You should spend some time praising God for all his creatures - including the invisible angels. Good chance now because Eternal Light webcast has broadcasting the vespers (evening prayer) of the Archangels sung by the Benedictine nuns on the Mt. of Olives. Go watch it at http://elwebcast.blogspot.com but please remember:
1) wait for it to download as it may take a little time. The video is HD so the high resolution will need some time to download.
2) You can click on the screen to become fullscreen. Reclick to reduce.
Monday, September 28, 2009
News on the riots
Here are some news reports and videos on the riots yesterday. The videos that you see were mostly taken in the Temple mount or just a few 30 metres away from our place.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/09/27/Israeli-police-quell-riot-at-Temple-Mount/UPI-12291254057524/
video: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=7bb_1254055716
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3782317,00.html
video: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/133607
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/Police+contain+riot+sensitive+Jerusalem+holy+site/2039539/story.html
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/09/27/Israeli-police-quell-riot-at-Temple-Mount/UPI-12291254057524/
video: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=7bb_1254055716
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3782317,00.html
video: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/133607
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/Police+contain+riot+sensitive+Jerusalem+holy+site/2039539/story.html
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Riots downstairs
Immediately after lunch, some of us rushed up to the terrace to see what was happening in the Lions' Gate area where riots took place. It's about 250 metres away from our monastery and we can see everything clearly. The soldiers had blocked the tunnel just outside our garage so there was a large crowd gathered there - locals and some tourists. It's strange that tourists can be so absolutelyy blissfully ignorant of what is happening or the danger they are in, even when hearing gunshots.
The street from the tunnel down to Lions' Gate (also called St Stephan's Gate because that was the gate he was dragged out of the city and stoned to death), was totally deserted except for a large troop of soldiers in riot gear. They charged twice into the large crowd outside Lions' Gate, dispersing them. But the crowds regathered.
Oops right now I can hear stun grenades exploding.
Anyway this blockage continued for an hour with several stun grenades exploding to disperse the crowds.
Oops again. Went out to the terrace because lots of shouting just outside our monastery. Some of our guys were there already watching what was going on below. Soldiers were charging inwards to the city. Lots of them. They turned into the street next to our monastery that leads to Herod's Gate. Then lots of gunshots and granades exploding - about 100 metres away. We could smell the explosives and smoke from where we were. Then the crowds outside our garage rushed off, the soldiers followed behind. One of them was shot in the arm. They called for medical help and charged down to Lions' Gate where the ambulance were waiting. Some of our guys got nervous and thought a stray bullet might hit us, so they went back into their rooms. But the rest of us stayed on to watch. And despite all this gunshots, there were still groups of tourists blissfully walking and taking photos!!!!! Their guides should be arrested for endangering the lives of tourists - walking right in the middle of a gunning zone. This is absolutely unbelievable!!!
The street from the tunnel down to Lions' Gate (also called St Stephan's Gate because that was the gate he was dragged out of the city and stoned to death), was totally deserted except for a large troop of soldiers in riot gear. They charged twice into the large crowd outside Lions' Gate, dispersing them. But the crowds regathered.
Oops right now I can hear stun grenades exploding.
Anyway this blockage continued for an hour with several stun grenades exploding to disperse the crowds.
Oops again. Went out to the terrace because lots of shouting just outside our monastery. Some of our guys were there already watching what was going on below. Soldiers were charging inwards to the city. Lots of them. They turned into the street next to our monastery that leads to Herod's Gate. Then lots of gunshots and granades exploding - about 100 metres away. We could smell the explosives and smoke from where we were. Then the crowds outside our garage rushed off, the soldiers followed behind. One of them was shot in the arm. They called for medical help and charged down to Lions' Gate where the ambulance were waiting. Some of our guys got nervous and thought a stray bullet might hit us, so they went back into their rooms. But the rest of us stayed on to watch. And despite all this gunshots, there were still groups of tourists blissfully walking and taking photos!!!!! Their guides should be arrested for endangering the lives of tourists - walking right in the middle of a gunning zone. This is absolutely unbelievable!!!
Riot
The news just announced that there was a riot in the Temple Mount (now the Dome of the Rock mosque). A group of Jews entered the Mount (which is forbidden according to Jewish Law so you can be sure its not a group of orthodox Jews that entered) for reasons unknown (usually they try to rebuild the Jewish Temple at this time of the year). Some 150 Palestinians started throwing rocks at the group and the Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades at the Palestinians and so we have a riot.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1117348.html and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1253820685140&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Now we have to be careful in the streets so we don't become casualties of crossfire. Muslim school kids no more than 10 yrs old are grouping and chanting "Allahu akbar" along out street.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1117348.html and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1253820685140&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Now we have to be careful in the streets so we don't become casualties of crossfire. Muslim school kids no more than 10 yrs old are grouping and chanting "Allahu akbar" along out street.
Shots
Can hear shouting and chanting from the Temple esplanade. Went out to the terrace to see what was happening. Lots of chanting and shouting but can't see much. Only lots of soldiers blocking the Lions' gate. Shots were fired.
We 're not sure what actually happened - whether Jews trying to enter the mosque (It's eve of Yom Kippur when the High Priest used to enter the Holy of Holies to pray for the forgiveness of Israel's sins), or muslims protesting over something. But it doesn't look good.
We 're not sure what actually happened - whether Jews trying to enter the mosque (It's eve of Yom Kippur when the High Priest used to enter the Holy of Holies to pray for the forgiveness of Israel's sins), or muslims protesting over something. But it doesn't look good.
Scratching my head
Wow so here's another testimony I saw on ACC TV on the computer - today being Sunday, I usually watch some religious broadcast in the morning. But this show is subtly anti-catholic and blatently evangelical. It's called "Influence Living". So this time there's a Catholic guy who messed up his life and marriage. Tried to commit suicide but "heard a name", so he goes to play golf instead and finds this lady with this name. She brings him to church and a certain Pastor Margaret invites him to come forward and accept Jesus. So his life changed and became evangelical. He said "I gave my heart to Jesus. I was born again" Several things got me thinking -
1) if he didn't find Jesus in the catholic church, it's not because Jesus wasn't there but simply he "didn't give himself to Jesus" as a catholic.
2) So why didn't he "give his heart" to Jesus during all the catechism classes and youth activities?
3) In his crisis he needed to fall back on his faith, but obviously all he learnt in catechism didn't provide a cushion to fall on.
4) Evangelism provided an easy way out for him - "Jesus loves you despite all your sins"; but what about being repentent for your sins? Jesus taught that too!
Second story: A rich, latin american lady, catholic in upbringing. As a teenager she felt that the church kept saying "it's God will" though children are dying around the world. "If God is like that, I don't want it." That's what she said. Her discontent with the answers to her consternation of pain and poverty around her grew. During Mass one day, she said "If this is all there is to you [God] - all the rituals and traditions, I don't want it." and left the Catholic church. Then she met up with evangelical friends who got her to be born again. She said "I got the message of salvation. This is what I want - it's centred on the living God. Things around change, you change your ideas, but the word of God never changes. You will never be fulfilled until Jesus comes to you. I needed a saviour. I was in darkness."
My reflection of this is:
1) She's rich so if she feels bad for the poor and suffering, she could have done something subtantial to clean her conscience - giving alms is a biblical precept, you know! Stop blaming the church if you're tight-fisted. You are after all the church!
2) The Catholic church has been preaching the message of salvation since Day Zero when they found the Tomb empty .... halooooo lady? What have you chosen not to hear while you were catholic?
3) If she's convinced the Word of God doesn't change, then she should accept that it's the same Word she should have heard in the Catholic Church
4) If she felt she needed a saviour so late in life, then wow she only realised she was a sinner that late in life! No wonder she didn't feel at home in the Catholic Church, which preaches that you're a sinner from day one of your life. Not a sinner? - No need for a Saviour!
5) "This is what I want" ... like haloooo? Christianity is not about what you want to hear or do, but what God wants. Christianity is no longer christianity when it is tailored-made to suit each one; because then God is our servant, not our Lord! He does and says what we want. That type of religion is "me-ianity". and "I"-ology. Wake up, lady! It's what you need, not what you want that matters in christianity!!!
Then the presenter came on and said "She found the peace she wanted in Jesus Christ. Free from rules and regulations, just follow Jesus and do what he wants." Very ironical because if you really follow Jesus, then you have to follow the rules and regulations that he imposed!!! Like hallooo???? "Do this in memory of me"? "Love your neighbour as yourself"? "Go forth and sin no more"? "You are Peter and on this rock I will built my Church"? Actually I think she found the peace she wanted in what she wanted to hear, not what she needed to hear.
Boy that was a sure lot of catholic bashing on that show. But to be honest, it does challenge us catholics what are we doing or not doing in our faith formation. Why are people like that being churned out of catechism? Scratching my head for answers.
1) if he didn't find Jesus in the catholic church, it's not because Jesus wasn't there but simply he "didn't give himself to Jesus" as a catholic.
2) So why didn't he "give his heart" to Jesus during all the catechism classes and youth activities?
3) In his crisis he needed to fall back on his faith, but obviously all he learnt in catechism didn't provide a cushion to fall on.
4) Evangelism provided an easy way out for him - "Jesus loves you despite all your sins"; but what about being repentent for your sins? Jesus taught that too!
Second story: A rich, latin american lady, catholic in upbringing. As a teenager she felt that the church kept saying "it's God will" though children are dying around the world. "If God is like that, I don't want it." That's what she said. Her discontent with the answers to her consternation of pain and poverty around her grew. During Mass one day, she said "If this is all there is to you [God] - all the rituals and traditions, I don't want it." and left the Catholic church. Then she met up with evangelical friends who got her to be born again. She said "I got the message of salvation. This is what I want - it's centred on the living God. Things around change, you change your ideas, but the word of God never changes. You will never be fulfilled until Jesus comes to you. I needed a saviour. I was in darkness."
My reflection of this is:
1) She's rich so if she feels bad for the poor and suffering, she could have done something subtantial to clean her conscience - giving alms is a biblical precept, you know! Stop blaming the church if you're tight-fisted. You are after all the church!
2) The Catholic church has been preaching the message of salvation since Day Zero when they found the Tomb empty .... halooooo lady? What have you chosen not to hear while you were catholic?
3) If she's convinced the Word of God doesn't change, then she should accept that it's the same Word she should have heard in the Catholic Church
4) If she felt she needed a saviour so late in life, then wow she only realised she was a sinner that late in life! No wonder she didn't feel at home in the Catholic Church, which preaches that you're a sinner from day one of your life. Not a sinner? - No need for a Saviour!
5) "This is what I want" ... like haloooo? Christianity is not about what you want to hear or do, but what God wants. Christianity is no longer christianity when it is tailored-made to suit each one; because then God is our servant, not our Lord! He does and says what we want. That type of religion is "me-ianity". and "I"-ology. Wake up, lady! It's what you need, not what you want that matters in christianity!!!
Then the presenter came on and said "She found the peace she wanted in Jesus Christ. Free from rules and regulations, just follow Jesus and do what he wants." Very ironical because if you really follow Jesus, then you have to follow the rules and regulations that he imposed!!! Like hallooo???? "Do this in memory of me"? "Love your neighbour as yourself"? "Go forth and sin no more"? "You are Peter and on this rock I will built my Church"? Actually I think she found the peace she wanted in what she wanted to hear, not what she needed to hear.
Boy that was a sure lot of catholic bashing on that show. But to be honest, it does challenge us catholics what are we doing or not doing in our faith formation. Why are people like that being churned out of catechism? Scratching my head for answers.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
New turn
ok... so things are getting exciting here. I've been reading and rethinking alot about my research topic these past 3 months and think I'm ready to change it. It should be more viable and I'd be more happy. But I was pretty scared to bring it up to my moderators. So I tested the waters with my 2nd moderator when he asked me to go out for a walk two days ago. I brought up my proposal and he agreed that it's a better choice for research than what I originally intended. So one hurdle over.
Yesterday my 1st moderator returned. Met him along the dark corridor and he asked how the research was coming. I told him I wanted to change the topic. He heard me out and agreed. So wow! Here goes the new research! Wish me luck.
Yesterday my 1st moderator returned. Met him along the dark corridor and he asked how the research was coming. I told him I wanted to change the topic. He heard me out and agreed. So wow! Here goes the new research! Wish me luck.
Friday, September 25, 2009
trudging into the weekend
So it's the 25th of September already. Time flies. Autumn is upon us and we switch back to solar time tomorrow night.
I'm still terribly rushed. Yesterday I had a call for an emergency meeting at 9am, then another unscheduled meeting at 9.30am; then a scheduled one at 10am, then off to pick up someone from Notre Dame Centre at 11am to St. Peter Gallicantu Church, then another unscheduled meeting at 12pm. My feet are swollen, my lungs are collapsing .... I've been feeling so sick from all this rushing (they all took place in different places 1km to 2 km apart) that I've lost my appetite. Some guys have been telling me to go see the doc but I'm refusing. No use knowing what I have if I have no time to cure it.
Fr Giovanni Loche came back yesterdy - he's our director of the library. And so did Fr. Cyriac our 3rd year indian student. The house is getting crowded again.
The carmelite nuns from Nazareth sent me several pomegranates from their garden and two slices of cake. Yum yum .... nuns are good cooks! Thing is Im too tired to enjoy them. Maybe it'll keep till the weekend. I know it's Yom Kippur this weekend but I won't think my eating will offend my Jewish friends.
ok, back to studies again. trudge trudge trudge
I'm still terribly rushed. Yesterday I had a call for an emergency meeting at 9am, then another unscheduled meeting at 9.30am; then a scheduled one at 10am, then off to pick up someone from Notre Dame Centre at 11am to St. Peter Gallicantu Church, then another unscheduled meeting at 12pm. My feet are swollen, my lungs are collapsing .... I've been feeling so sick from all this rushing (they all took place in different places 1km to 2 km apart) that I've lost my appetite. Some guys have been telling me to go see the doc but I'm refusing. No use knowing what I have if I have no time to cure it.
Fr Giovanni Loche came back yesterdy - he's our director of the library. And so did Fr. Cyriac our 3rd year indian student. The house is getting crowded again.
The carmelite nuns from Nazareth sent me several pomegranates from their garden and two slices of cake. Yum yum .... nuns are good cooks! Thing is Im too tired to enjoy them. Maybe it'll keep till the weekend. I know it's Yom Kippur this weekend but I won't think my eating will offend my Jewish friends.
ok, back to studies again. trudge trudge trudge
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Science of Fasting
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is a day of fasting - and the Israeli medical world is providing lots of advice on how to fast correctly. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1253627555169&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
I think we can learn something from this, since we fast for 40 days in Lent.
I think we can learn something from this, since we fast for 40 days in Lent.
Fr Johannes RIP
Fr Johannes Sweetser ofm
Stowe (USA) 7th August 1966
†Rome (Italy) 22nd September 2009
Custody of the Holy Land
a faithful servant, a humble friar, a loyal friend
Stowe (USA) 7th August 1966
†Rome (Italy) 22nd September 2009
Custody of the Holy Land
a faithful servant, a humble friar, a loyal friend
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Back again
Wow so I've not blogged for the past 3 days. You can't imagine how busy I am ... no really. I've had so much to do I just don't know where to begin. Last night got home and fell straight to sleep without dinner.
Today is the feast of St. Pio (better known as Padre Pio). The house celebrated the Mass in his memory but I couldn't wake up in time for it. He was famous for his stigmata, and other gifts; but I think it's misplaced - he should be remembered for his compassion for the suffering and poor. And with that in mind, we prayed for our young friar Fr Johannes Sweetser who died yesterday. He was a famous exorcist in Rome and had many encounters with evil powers - one which warned him the time will come when he will be revenged. When Johannes got sick last year with a strange illness that eventually paralysed him, he knew it was time for the final fight. We could not help him much but to pray for and with him. His death is surely God's way of protecting him and rewarding him for his years of fighting for Christ over the evil powers. The stories he used to tell me (and showed some evidence as well) will scare you regarding the exorcisms he had done. Johannes, you did good! Rest in peace.
And Sinead came back to work .... which means more work. In fact today we spent almost 4 hours discussing and preparing a new project for our school.
Some friends from Sydney sent photos of the Martian dust ... all the red sand blanketing the city. It looks so weird: everything red and orange. But that's what happens to us in a sandstorm when the yellow desert sands blow into the city. Luckily we haven't had some this year. The rains have stopped but it's still pretty humid. Next weekend is Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. That's a day of fasting for the Jews and of deep recollection. Will tell you more later.
Today is the feast of St. Pio (better known as Padre Pio). The house celebrated the Mass in his memory but I couldn't wake up in time for it. He was famous for his stigmata, and other gifts; but I think it's misplaced - he should be remembered for his compassion for the suffering and poor. And with that in mind, we prayed for our young friar Fr Johannes Sweetser who died yesterday. He was a famous exorcist in Rome and had many encounters with evil powers - one which warned him the time will come when he will be revenged. When Johannes got sick last year with a strange illness that eventually paralysed him, he knew it was time for the final fight. We could not help him much but to pray for and with him. His death is surely God's way of protecting him and rewarding him for his years of fighting for Christ over the evil powers. The stories he used to tell me (and showed some evidence as well) will scare you regarding the exorcisms he had done. Johannes, you did good! Rest in peace.
And Sinead came back to work .... which means more work. In fact today we spent almost 4 hours discussing and preparing a new project for our school.
Some friends from Sydney sent photos of the Martian dust ... all the red sand blanketing the city. It looks so weird: everything red and orange. But that's what happens to us in a sandstorm when the yellow desert sands blow into the city. Luckily we haven't had some this year. The rains have stopped but it's still pretty humid. Next weekend is Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. That's a day of fasting for the Jews and of deep recollection. Will tell you more later.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Behind the Sun
So yesterday was the first day of Rosh HaShana, the Jewish New Year. And yesterday night began the muslim feast of Aid-il-Ftri, the last day of Ramadan. The muezzin was singing most of the night and morning; and most of us could not sleep. I was up at 4am to see what was going on in the streets. It was quite crowded but the drizzle began. In fact it showered 3 times today. A good sign. Perhaps it will rain throughout winter this year.
Yesterday afternoon at 3.15, the two muslim brothers/shop-owners opposite our house came back to our courtyard to cause trouble. Shouting and ranting that they are the boss of our monastery, they tried to break down our glass reception room and beat up our doorman with a broom. That is what these two guys do in Ramadan and fasting - to harass us Christians. Some other muslim friends came quietly to me later and tried to excuse the behaviour and asking for understanding. But how can you explain away this outright persecution? We can't even live in peace and security in our own house. Everyone here is afraid. But why?
Lately we've been discussing the word "born again". Well if you check out John chapter 3, you'll find that Jesus never uses this word. He uses "born from above, born of water, born of spirit". It was Nicodemus who used "born again" and by this he had the mistaken meaning of "crawling back into the mother's womb" to be born again. So we're wondering why some christians insist on using this misnomer for their own faith. Are they as mistaken as Nicodemus? Catholics are born of water and the spirit (baptism); they need not be "born again" like mistaken Nicodemus.
Am watching now a touching christian show called "Behind the Sun" of a muslim man who converted to Christianity and the consequences. All shot somewhere here in the Middle East. Very inspiring, real and touching. You should watch it.
Yesterday afternoon at 3.15, the two muslim brothers/shop-owners opposite our house came back to our courtyard to cause trouble. Shouting and ranting that they are the boss of our monastery, they tried to break down our glass reception room and beat up our doorman with a broom. That is what these two guys do in Ramadan and fasting - to harass us Christians. Some other muslim friends came quietly to me later and tried to excuse the behaviour and asking for understanding. But how can you explain away this outright persecution? We can't even live in peace and security in our own house. Everyone here is afraid. But why?
Lately we've been discussing the word "born again". Well if you check out John chapter 3, you'll find that Jesus never uses this word. He uses "born from above, born of water, born of spirit". It was Nicodemus who used "born again" and by this he had the mistaken meaning of "crawling back into the mother's womb" to be born again. So we're wondering why some christians insist on using this misnomer for their own faith. Are they as mistaken as Nicodemus? Catholics are born of water and the spirit (baptism); they need not be "born again" like mistaken Nicodemus.
Am watching now a touching christian show called "Behind the Sun" of a muslim man who converted to Christianity and the consequences. All shot somewhere here in the Middle East. Very inspiring, real and touching. You should watch it.
Friday, September 18, 2009
True friends
So our superior checked up what Layla el Khader was about. It's means "Night of Hope" and apparently the muslims celebrate the giving of the Koran, the forgiveness of sins and good things to come.
Today being the last Friday of Ramadan, the Old City is packed. We're expecting some 40,000 muslims to come into the Old City to the Dome of the Rock to pray. The City Gates are closed and only people with valid IDs and can prove they live inside may enter.
Tonight's prayers at the mosque will be complicated by the beginning of the Sabbath and Rosh HaShana (the Jewish New Year). Security is therefore unprecedented. It coincides with teh last day of Ramadan as well, so for the next 2 days, the whole country shuts down - big time. I managed to squeeze out and buy some bread so I'll have something to munch when the city does shut down for the next 2 days. It's tough when you're shut-in, studying and hungry at the same time.
As I was already awake this morning at 3am (with all the noisy festivities in the streets), I read my book but also watched TBN for half an hour. It featured a new christian movie called "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry" about an old man (Gavin Macleod = Captain Stubbins of the Love Boat) who befriends 3 boys and slowly reveals God/Bible to them while they get bullied by a school bully (of course). It's a 2009 release so try and get a copy of the DVD when its out. Good show about the faith. And there's Robert Guillaume as well (old.... remember "Benson"?). This movie sort of links friendship with faith .... which is another way of saying faith grows only with community. That's what "church' is all about = the bond of friendship and the power of faith. Or you could reverse that and say "the bond of faith and the power of friendship". Talking about friendship, heard Joel Osteen (*big toothy grin*) say "a true friend walks in when everyone else walks out", "[a true friend] rubs out your mistakes while others rub it in". Any chance you've been a true friend lately?
Today being the last Friday of Ramadan, the Old City is packed. We're expecting some 40,000 muslims to come into the Old City to the Dome of the Rock to pray. The City Gates are closed and only people with valid IDs and can prove they live inside may enter.
Tonight's prayers at the mosque will be complicated by the beginning of the Sabbath and Rosh HaShana (the Jewish New Year). Security is therefore unprecedented. It coincides with teh last day of Ramadan as well, so for the next 2 days, the whole country shuts down - big time. I managed to squeeze out and buy some bread so I'll have something to munch when the city does shut down for the next 2 days. It's tough when you're shut-in, studying and hungry at the same time.
As I was already awake this morning at 3am (with all the noisy festivities in the streets), I read my book but also watched TBN for half an hour. It featured a new christian movie called "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry" about an old man (Gavin Macleod = Captain Stubbins of the Love Boat) who befriends 3 boys and slowly reveals God/Bible to them while they get bullied by a school bully (of course). It's a 2009 release so try and get a copy of the DVD when its out. Good show about the faith. And there's Robert Guillaume as well (old.... remember "Benson"?). This movie sort of links friendship with faith .... which is another way of saying faith grows only with community. That's what "church' is all about = the bond of friendship and the power of faith. Or you could reverse that and say "the bond of faith and the power of friendship". Talking about friendship, heard Joel Osteen (*big toothy grin*) say "a true friend walks in when everyone else walks out", "[a true friend] rubs out your mistakes while others rub it in". Any chance you've been a true friend lately?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Stigmata of St. Francis
Today is the Feast of the Stigmatization of St. Francis of Assisi. That happened almost 800 years ago when St Francis received the 5 wounds of Christ on his hands, feet and side. This morning we celebrated the Mass rather solemnly but no singing except for the final hymn "Salve Sancte Pater" to St. Francis. We were few - 8 in all - but we sang well.
At 5.30pm several of our novices will make their temporary profession of vows in Bethlehem. Many from our community will be going for the Mass. But because the last Friday of Ramadan begins at sunset today, they think they cannot reach back in Jerusalem in time for dinner so they'll have dinner in our Bethlehem monastery. My prediction is the streets in the Old City will be so packed they won't be able to squeeze their way back. Worse .... they might get attacked by the mob. Well let's hope for the best. Me? I'm locking myself in my room. Not taking any chances after these 2 weeks' of very bad experiences with the muslims. Will read my books instead.
Last Friday of Ramadan
Last night was the muslim feast Layla el Khader where muslims celebrate with exceptional verve ... much to our dismay because the festivities in the streets continued through the whole night till even at 6.30am when we started Mass this morning. The noise in the streets was so deafening most of us were awake by 3am. I went out to the terrace to have a look at the streets below and it was packed, packed, packed. Tonight we expect an equally sleepless night as it's the last Friday of Ramadan. I begin my teaching tomorrow but I doubt I'll be able to make it to school as the streets will be chocker-bloc. I'll have to skip the first day of school and my students will be very happy. In fact the Way of the Cross is cancelled because of the crowds.
This Saturday night/Sunday will be another sight - It's the Jewish New Year (Rosh HsShana) and also the Muslim Aid-el-Ftri (end of Ramadan). Very rarely do these two feasts coincide. So the Old City will even be more packed and security will be beyond imagination. Somewhow all this is not making me feel safe after what happened 2 nights back. I'm terribly gittery now when I see an arab crowd.
I had put myself on a course of prednesone this week .... without informing my doctor. I know it's not safe but my asthma was killing me and this was my last resort. So anyway I'm weaning off prednesone to 5mg 2 times a day for the next 3 days. Most of the wheezing is gone, as is the fluid in my lungs. But I know my doc will probably fly into a fit when I tell him I'm popping preds without his knowledge.
Anyway I'm reading 3 books at the same time these few days. Must read up as much as possible.
So back to studies.
This Saturday night/Sunday will be another sight - It's the Jewish New Year (Rosh HsShana) and also the Muslim Aid-el-Ftri (end of Ramadan). Very rarely do these two feasts coincide. So the Old City will even be more packed and security will be beyond imagination. Somewhow all this is not making me feel safe after what happened 2 nights back. I'm terribly gittery now when I see an arab crowd.
I had put myself on a course of prednesone this week .... without informing my doctor. I know it's not safe but my asthma was killing me and this was my last resort. So anyway I'm weaning off prednesone to 5mg 2 times a day for the next 3 days. Most of the wheezing is gone, as is the fluid in my lungs. But I know my doc will probably fly into a fit when I tell him I'm popping preds without his knowledge.
Anyway I'm reading 3 books at the same time these few days. Must read up as much as possible.
So back to studies.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Thief
Spent the last night traumatised by an outrageous robbery of a friend in the middle of the Ramadan crowd. I had earlier left my couple of friends to walk back to their hotel after showing them the night lights of Damascus Gate where thousands were literally coming and going. Then this young muslim guy started trying to wrangle and I thwarted his attempts by going to inform the nearby border police. But I didn't think he'd follow my friends back to the hotel and rob one of them at knifepoint. And calling the police didn't help one bit as they refused to come to the scene. It was literally a nightmare and I didn't sleep one wink until the next morning when I found out that my friend was ok.
And as its the 3rd last day of Ramadan, the crowds are getting bigger and thieves are getting bolder. You'd have thought all that fasting and prayers would have made them holier. I think I can safely say that most of us who've lived for some time here really think it's becoming a living hell. The situation is getting from bad to worse. Out of control. How can they expect to have a separate state and capital if outright lawlessness is prevailing throughout East Jerusalem?
And as its the 3rd last day of Ramadan, the crowds are getting bigger and thieves are getting bolder. You'd have thought all that fasting and prayers would have made them holier. I think I can safely say that most of us who've lived for some time here really think it's becoming a living hell. The situation is getting from bad to worse. Out of control. How can they expect to have a separate state and capital if outright lawlessness is prevailing throughout East Jerusalem?
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Who do you say I am?
Today's Gospel reading posed the question "Who do you say I am?" - words by Jesus to his disciples. Fr Alliata presided at Mass and preached the homily which made me think further. It's so true here that when Jesus asked his disciples (and ultimately us), our answer is "the Christ" - a faith-based Jesus who rose from the dead. But Jesus corrected this - "the Son of Man must suffer, die and be buried. Then he will rise from the dead." Jesus wanted our knowledge of him and encounter with him to be firstly historical, human and even painful. Only then can we understand the Christ of faith - the one who rose from the dead. No death, no resurrection. Too often christians jump straight to "Jesus is Lord" faith without faith, understanding or accepting the historicity of the Nazarene Jesus. One good example, a friend came over for a visit and said "I believe in Jesus - He's my God" but then turned and said "But Jesus didn't really walk in these streets, did he? I mean, these 'holy places' are all human legends. Jesus never really came to this place in Jerusalem, right? He's God, he's everywhere, he's invisible. He doesn't need to walk among us here in jerusalem." I rest my case. So who do you say Jesus is?
Dark, humid clouds blackened the sky early morning before Mass today. Then after Mass the drizzle broke .... and it grew into a shower! Alleluia! We have the first rain for 2009 ... and before the Feast of Sukkoth was celebrated!!! Hope it carries on for the rest of the week. It feels so good to hear and feel and smell the rain quenching the parched dry ground.
Yesterday was very tense in the Old City area - an off duty Jewish soldier went to pray at the Wailing Wall, then walked out and shot 2 arabs in the streets. Arabs in the area rioted. Soldiers came to stop it. And the shooter was arrested but released to house arrest.
Yesterday night the President also fainted after his speech in Tel Aviv. He's 86 yrs old and still keeps a rigourous schedule. Hope he keeps up because he's a source of stability in this otherwise rocky government of Netanyahu/Liebermann.
Just heard a testimony of the first woman winner of Wimbledon - an Australian lady, who was testifying to her faith. Brought up a Catholic but never knew anything about the faith. During her great career as Wimbledon winner, she joined a protestant prayer meeting and "found Jesus", "invited Jesus into [her] heart", "prayed the prayer of Salvation". Now my question is - hasn't the Catholic Church been teaching this all the while these 2000 years? How come she went to all the catechism classes and still didn't know Jesus? Received communion and still didn't invite Jesus into her heart? How is this possible? My attempted answers are:
1) Catechism went wrong. Teaching methods, materials and even teachers who are not bringing the message and EXPERIENCE of Christ to the students. Catechism became too knowledge-based and abandoned the devotional/sensed-based/affective/experiential aspect of faith. "Smells and bells" were dropped out for "Show and know" methods.
2) Catechism stopped too early. People begin to ask faith questions all along life's journey. Faith journeys do NOT end with catechism to prepare for Confirmation. Believe me, people, that was the last time your faith was ever formally formed and informed, and your faith has stopped growing since that time. Stunted faith. Catechism should be there at every age, available to anyone at anytime. If that Wimbledon winner (she's an old lady now) had a re-evangelisation programme/catechsim to attend, she wouldn't have "found Jesus" ... she'd had realised that Jesus was there beside here all the time.
So who do you say "I AM"?
Dark, humid clouds blackened the sky early morning before Mass today. Then after Mass the drizzle broke .... and it grew into a shower! Alleluia! We have the first rain for 2009 ... and before the Feast of Sukkoth was celebrated!!! Hope it carries on for the rest of the week. It feels so good to hear and feel and smell the rain quenching the parched dry ground.
Yesterday was very tense in the Old City area - an off duty Jewish soldier went to pray at the Wailing Wall, then walked out and shot 2 arabs in the streets. Arabs in the area rioted. Soldiers came to stop it. And the shooter was arrested but released to house arrest.
Yesterday night the President also fainted after his speech in Tel Aviv. He's 86 yrs old and still keeps a rigourous schedule. Hope he keeps up because he's a source of stability in this otherwise rocky government of Netanyahu/Liebermann.
Just heard a testimony of the first woman winner of Wimbledon - an Australian lady, who was testifying to her faith. Brought up a Catholic but never knew anything about the faith. During her great career as Wimbledon winner, she joined a protestant prayer meeting and "found Jesus", "invited Jesus into [her] heart", "prayed the prayer of Salvation". Now my question is - hasn't the Catholic Church been teaching this all the while these 2000 years? How come she went to all the catechism classes and still didn't know Jesus? Received communion and still didn't invite Jesus into her heart? How is this possible? My attempted answers are:
1) Catechism went wrong. Teaching methods, materials and even teachers who are not bringing the message and EXPERIENCE of Christ to the students. Catechism became too knowledge-based and abandoned the devotional/sensed-based/affective/experiential aspect of faith. "Smells and bells" were dropped out for "Show and know" methods.
2) Catechism stopped too early. People begin to ask faith questions all along life's journey. Faith journeys do NOT end with catechism to prepare for Confirmation. Believe me, people, that was the last time your faith was ever formally formed and informed, and your faith has stopped growing since that time. Stunted faith. Catechism should be there at every age, available to anyone at anytime. If that Wimbledon winner (she's an old lady now) had a re-evangelisation programme/catechsim to attend, she wouldn't have "found Jesus" ... she'd had realised that Jesus was there beside here all the time.
So who do you say "I AM"?
Friday, September 11, 2009
3rd Friday of Ramadan
Today is Sept. 11, a sad memorial for all those innocent lives lost in the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. It's not a time to point fingers and accuse. It is a time to remember the gift of all those people who were once with us. They played their part, fulfilled their mission. Now they receive their heavenly reward.
This morning as usual I went to the Sisters of Ivrea to say Mass at 5.30am. Everything was quiet. But on the way back, I couldn't enter the Old City because the Israeli soldiers blockaded all the City Gates. I forgot to bring my passport and ID so they refused to let me in. It was only after several minutes when I found the captain and spoke with him that he ordered the soldiers to open the blockades and let me through. This is now such a hassle - people who live inside the Old City cannot even enter freely.
Anyway we've all decided today is a bad day to go out. With blockades up, it means many thousands of muslims will not be able to enter the Dome of the Rock and pray Friday prayers. That means demonstrations and riots. Stay at home and lock the doors!!!!!!!! Usually we won't make the Way of the Cross in order to avoid clashes with muslims in the street. This morning at 5.30am a Korean group (50 people or so) led by my Korean Catholic friend/guide Berardus arrived at our gate. They were being hassled by 3 muslim youths shouting insults at the top of their voices. Bad timing to be out in the streets - Fridays of Ramadan - regardless of the hour. I warned Berardus to get the 1st 5 Stations over quickly and move to the 6th Station which is safer for the people.
And being the beginning of the Sabbath, we can expect ultra-orthodox Jews protesting in the other side of the City.
I think I've got a breakthrough in my research ... a little light .... that means more work, more reading to proof my point.
This morning as usual I went to the Sisters of Ivrea to say Mass at 5.30am. Everything was quiet. But on the way back, I couldn't enter the Old City because the Israeli soldiers blockaded all the City Gates. I forgot to bring my passport and ID so they refused to let me in. It was only after several minutes when I found the captain and spoke with him that he ordered the soldiers to open the blockades and let me through. This is now such a hassle - people who live inside the Old City cannot even enter freely.
Anyway we've all decided today is a bad day to go out. With blockades up, it means many thousands of muslims will not be able to enter the Dome of the Rock and pray Friday prayers. That means demonstrations and riots. Stay at home and lock the doors!!!!!!!! Usually we won't make the Way of the Cross in order to avoid clashes with muslims in the street. This morning at 5.30am a Korean group (50 people or so) led by my Korean Catholic friend/guide Berardus arrived at our gate. They were being hassled by 3 muslim youths shouting insults at the top of their voices. Bad timing to be out in the streets - Fridays of Ramadan - regardless of the hour. I warned Berardus to get the 1st 5 Stations over quickly and move to the 6th Station which is safer for the people.
And being the beginning of the Sabbath, we can expect ultra-orthodox Jews protesting in the other side of the City.
I think I've got a breakthrough in my research ... a little light .... that means more work, more reading to proof my point.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Once in 100 years
Did you realise yesterday was 090909? (That's 9th September 2009 if you haven't figured it out yet!) It comes only once in a hundred years so if you missed it .... too bad!!!!! I remember 060606 very well. I was in some Israeli office and had to fill up a form and the clerk put down 06/06/06 and I said wow, this is something to remember; and the clerk also said wow, this is really unique. So he gave me the form to keep as a souvenir. Of course he didn't know what 666 means so I had a good laugh. I remember 070707 because I was in the library and mentioned this to some of the guys and they got all excited and started borrowing books in order to get the date stamped 07/07/07 on the books. And 080808 was very memorable because it was the feastday of St. Dominic and the dominican friars had a big Mass celebrated at the Basilica of St. Stephan (the Ecole Biblique) just outside Damascus Gate. Maybe you'll be ready next year for 101010?
The workers opposite us at the Omarriyya School have resumed overnight work, cutting stones until 5 am. The other guys here are using earplugs in order to sleep. Looks like it'll go on for another week.
Soon it will be mid-autumn and the Jewish New Year will begin. I wonder what bodes for us ....
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
What would you do?
Last night's asthma attack was big time - 3am or abouts. Couldn't breathe one bit. Finally took a walk on the terrace to clear the fluids in the lungs. Just as well because the town-criers were up and about banging their drums and shouting for everyone to wake up and eat before the fast begins.
The moon is waning and the air gets very cold in the early morning. I leave for the Convent of the Sisters of Ivrea at 5.30am. Usually after Mass at 6.30am they serve a little breakfast like yogurt, bread and cheese with coffee. I usually grab the bread and cheese and eat them along the walk home. But now it's Ramadan and even none muslims are not allowed to eat in the open, so I have to gulp my stuff before I leave the convent walls. I don't see us christians forcing other religions to fast with us during Lent...... so why are they forcing us?
Spoke with the guys at home here about how I was attacked. It surfaced that two other priests were attacked by the same arab shop keeper. And he comes into our monastery to assault us. The receptionist also showed me the dustbins and other things he broke in our house before he attacked me. I say that scum has to be resolved. Everyone else here is afraid but I said we can't live in daily fear of him ... not in our own house.... he gets bolder each time because no one stands up to him. What would you do?
The moon is waning and the air gets very cold in the early morning. I leave for the Convent of the Sisters of Ivrea at 5.30am. Usually after Mass at 6.30am they serve a little breakfast like yogurt, bread and cheese with coffee. I usually grab the bread and cheese and eat them along the walk home. But now it's Ramadan and even none muslims are not allowed to eat in the open, so I have to gulp my stuff before I leave the convent walls. I don't see us christians forcing other religions to fast with us during Lent...... so why are they forcing us?
Spoke with the guys at home here about how I was attacked. It surfaced that two other priests were attacked by the same arab shop keeper. And he comes into our monastery to assault us. The receptionist also showed me the dustbins and other things he broke in our house before he attacked me. I say that scum has to be resolved. Everyone else here is afraid but I said we can't live in daily fear of him ... not in our own house.... he gets bolder each time because no one stands up to him. What would you do?
Monday, September 7, 2009
Attacked
Last night we had the most beautiful full moon just resting on top of the Mt. of Olives. I went out on the roof terrace to have a look. And so did old Fr Loffreda who wanted to take a photo of it.
The weather continues to be cold and damp in the early mornings - typical autumn 10 years ago. Everyone's hoping it will rain .... you can feel it in the bones ..... like most of us old folks are getting awful pain in the joints. My ankle has gone back to level swollen again.
But this week is my turn to go to the Sisters of Ivrea for Mass. It's just less than a kilometre away in East Jerusalem from Herod's Gate. It's usually a nice walk except now we have to battle the Ramadan crowds coming into the Old City. It's like swimming against the current. There are literally thousands of muslims coming in to the Dome of the Rock to pray. I have to leave the house at 5.30am to get there for Mass, but the streets are already packed.
And coming home, I had a major altercation with the arab shopkeeper opposite our house. He and his brother are major nuisances; thieves, bullies, drug-pushers just to name a few of their fulltime jobs besides running their so-called "Siam restaurent" at no.4 Via Dolorosa. It's just a front for their other activities. They're also wanted by the police. Two weeks ago the son of the elder brother was beaten up by a a gang and is now hospitalised. So the elder brother who is about 50 yrs old grabbed me as I was entering the monastery and started attacking my head. I shouted at him, pushed him off and warned him not to touch me. Other arab guys at the gate also shouted at him and told him not to touch me. He started shouting ... his way of scaring us but I stood in his face and told him I wasn't afraid of him and he'd better not try anything like that again in our monastery (it took place inside the gates of our monastery). The other arab guys pushed him out of our monastery and the younger arabs apologised to me on his behalf. This also happened to another friar here last year but he was intimidated and didn't dare fight back. But I'm not going to sit back and let this trash push me and the community around anymore. So if anything should happen to me, you guys know who's responsible.
The weather continues to be cold and damp in the early mornings - typical autumn 10 years ago. Everyone's hoping it will rain .... you can feel it in the bones ..... like most of us old folks are getting awful pain in the joints. My ankle has gone back to level swollen again.
But this week is my turn to go to the Sisters of Ivrea for Mass. It's just less than a kilometre away in East Jerusalem from Herod's Gate. It's usually a nice walk except now we have to battle the Ramadan crowds coming into the Old City. It's like swimming against the current. There are literally thousands of muslims coming in to the Dome of the Rock to pray. I have to leave the house at 5.30am to get there for Mass, but the streets are already packed.
And coming home, I had a major altercation with the arab shopkeeper opposite our house. He and his brother are major nuisances; thieves, bullies, drug-pushers just to name a few of their fulltime jobs besides running their so-called "Siam restaurent" at no.4 Via Dolorosa. It's just a front for their other activities. They're also wanted by the police. Two weeks ago the son of the elder brother was beaten up by a a gang and is now hospitalised. So the elder brother who is about 50 yrs old grabbed me as I was entering the monastery and started attacking my head. I shouted at him, pushed him off and warned him not to touch me. Other arab guys at the gate also shouted at him and told him not to touch me. He started shouting ... his way of scaring us but I stood in his face and told him I wasn't afraid of him and he'd better not try anything like that again in our monastery (it took place inside the gates of our monastery). The other arab guys pushed him out of our monastery and the younger arabs apologised to me on his behalf. This also happened to another friar here last year but he was intimidated and didn't dare fight back. But I'm not going to sit back and let this trash push me and the community around anymore. So if anything should happen to me, you guys know who's responsible.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Non-violent riot
There was the usual Sabbath riot by the ultra-orthodox Jews yesterday but with a big difference - no violence. It was a peaceful in the sense that stones were not thrown; but they did throw dirty diapers though. The rabbis have been urging the protesters not to be violent. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1112042.html and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1251804496826&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
The Greek Orthodox Christians in the Old City have decorated the streets of the Christian Quarter with branches of leaves. It must be some feastday but I don't know which.
This morning there was a chill and dampnes in the air that felt like early winter 15 years back. It's strange because these last 10 years of drought and extreme summer heat, we've not had this type of climate. It feels like it would rain ... something that we've been praying and hoping for. But once the sun rises, this cold damp wind disappears and the searing heat returns. We're into autumn though, so the sun rises later and sets earlier. Palestine has already switched to solar time and Israel will switch only towards the feasts of Rosh HaShana (New Year) on Sept. 28th. It's strange to have two time zones within the same piece of land, and this is leading to some confusion.
Well back to work ... even on Sunday.
The Greek Orthodox Christians in the Old City have decorated the streets of the Christian Quarter with branches of leaves. It must be some feastday but I don't know which.
This morning there was a chill and dampnes in the air that felt like early winter 15 years back. It's strange because these last 10 years of drought and extreme summer heat, we've not had this type of climate. It feels like it would rain ... something that we've been praying and hoping for. But once the sun rises, this cold damp wind disappears and the searing heat returns. We're into autumn though, so the sun rises later and sets earlier. Palestine has already switched to solar time and Israel will switch only towards the feasts of Rosh HaShana (New Year) on Sept. 28th. It's strange to have two time zones within the same piece of land, and this is leading to some confusion.
Well back to work ... even on Sunday.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Mother Teresa's feastday
Yesterday I was called out on an emergency ... due to the change from daylight saving to solar time in Palestine, some people in Palestine who work in Israel (they haven't switched to solar time yet) missed out on Mass. So they wanted me to celebrate Mass for them.... last minute .... at 4.30pm outside the Old City. No worse timing is possible because literally thousands of muslims were cramming into the Old City to pray. I was stuck at Damascus Gate for 20 minutes in 5 meter long city gate trying to get out. Crushed. It was very frightening. Finally I managed to get out only to find the road outside was blocked with hundreds and hundreds of cars, trucks and buses bringing more muslims into the Old City.
This morning I had to go to Bethlehem for Mass too .... the feastday of Mother Teresa. The sisters invited me over to celebrate the Mass. But because of the time difference between Palestine and Israel, we had to coordinate well our timing in crossing the border. The Mass had some lovely readings that emphasised love. I reminded the sisters of their special vocation in their society and in the world - they live in Bethlehem, the place where the Word became Flesh and dwelt among us; Almighty God becoming a baby in a manger, the poorest of the poor. The sisters in Bethlehem should serve the original poorest of the poor - the baby Jesus; and pray for the rest of their sisters and the world here.
After Mass the superior showed me a video of Mother Teresa called "The Legacy". It was very touching. It focussed on her funeral, with flashbacks recalling her life and works. Then I had the loveliest lunch this year - fried rice noodles, fried fish cooked in spicy marinade (S.E. Asian style), fried veggies and figs picked fresh from the garden. Sr. Frances a filipina was the cook. And I got fresh chillies too from the garden. Sr Aroti the superior chopped up a chilli and onion, mixed olive oil, lemon juice and salt; and I had the loveliest condiment to go with the food. I left out the quails. The sisters doggy-bagged it for me, plus 3 large loaves of bread baked by the Salesians. The sisters get coupons to pick up free bread from the Salesian bakery. Going home was a nightmare as I had to wait 40 minutes at the Israeli Security checkpoint. We finally made it through and the road back to Jerusalem was smooth - being Sabbath the Jews don't drive (well, most anyway). As Damascus Gate was blocked with people and cars, I had to enter the Old City from the New Gate and walked 1 km back to the Flagellation. But the lunch made it worthwhile.
Found out that Jesus spoke to Mother Teresa 3 times in her life: the 1st was to found the society of the Missionaries of Charity, the 3rd was to found a movement to "adopt" priests (support and care for priests) called the Veronica Movement (now called the Corpus Christi Movement). Bet you can't guess what the 2nd time Jesus asked Mother Teresa to do!!! He told Mother Teresa to ask President Ronald Reagan for money to feed the poor! She went to the US and did just that. Reagan gave her US$50 million on the spot!!!!
Anyway this year being the Year of the Priest, I asked the sisters for something to read about Mother Teresa's speeches to priests. She and her sisters have a deep respect for priests because they consecrate bread and wine to become the poor Body and Blood of Christ - the poorest of the poor. This is a spiritual aspect already found in St Francis of Assisi 800 years earlier. So I'll be reading up on some of her writings this week.
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!
This morning I had to go to Bethlehem for Mass too .... the feastday of Mother Teresa. The sisters invited me over to celebrate the Mass. But because of the time difference between Palestine and Israel, we had to coordinate well our timing in crossing the border. The Mass had some lovely readings that emphasised love. I reminded the sisters of their special vocation in their society and in the world - they live in Bethlehem, the place where the Word became Flesh and dwelt among us; Almighty God becoming a baby in a manger, the poorest of the poor. The sisters in Bethlehem should serve the original poorest of the poor - the baby Jesus; and pray for the rest of their sisters and the world here.
After Mass the superior showed me a video of Mother Teresa called "The Legacy". It was very touching. It focussed on her funeral, with flashbacks recalling her life and works. Then I had the loveliest lunch this year - fried rice noodles, fried fish cooked in spicy marinade (S.E. Asian style), fried veggies and figs picked fresh from the garden. Sr. Frances a filipina was the cook. And I got fresh chillies too from the garden. Sr Aroti the superior chopped up a chilli and onion, mixed olive oil, lemon juice and salt; and I had the loveliest condiment to go with the food. I left out the quails. The sisters doggy-bagged it for me, plus 3 large loaves of bread baked by the Salesians. The sisters get coupons to pick up free bread from the Salesian bakery. Going home was a nightmare as I had to wait 40 minutes at the Israeli Security checkpoint. We finally made it through and the road back to Jerusalem was smooth - being Sabbath the Jews don't drive (well, most anyway). As Damascus Gate was blocked with people and cars, I had to enter the Old City from the New Gate and walked 1 km back to the Flagellation. But the lunch made it worthwhile.
Found out that Jesus spoke to Mother Teresa 3 times in her life: the 1st was to found the society of the Missionaries of Charity, the 3rd was to found a movement to "adopt" priests (support and care for priests) called the Veronica Movement (now called the Corpus Christi Movement). Bet you can't guess what the 2nd time Jesus asked Mother Teresa to do!!! He told Mother Teresa to ask President Ronald Reagan for money to feed the poor! She went to the US and did just that. Reagan gave her US$50 million on the spot!!!!
Anyway this year being the Year of the Priest, I asked the sisters for something to read about Mother Teresa's speeches to priests. She and her sisters have a deep respect for priests because they consecrate bread and wine to become the poor Body and Blood of Christ - the poorest of the poor. This is a spiritual aspect already found in St Francis of Assisi 800 years earlier. So I'll be reading up on some of her writings this week.
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Friday
Sadly the PM is okaying another 2500 settler homes and this time Obama is quiet about it. He finally knows his place in ME politics. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1112403.html and http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1251804487730&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
But the bigger upset today is over an art exhibition portraying a woman suicide bomber dressed like the Virgin Mary holding a child. It has caused outrage from Jews who lost their loved ones in suicide bombings and also from Christians who see this as blasphemous. The two Jewish artists don't even have the decency to come forward and explain their "art". You can see they don't dare use a muslim icon for their "art" but christian icon is ok in their eyes. To them, Christianity obviously is a religion that turns its other cheek, so there's no fear of consequence if they defile christian icons. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1251804486599&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
And talking icons, Madonna came, sang her concert and left. But not before making a pilgrimage to the grave of one of the Kabbalist founders. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1112438.html Now remember she was a Catholic but obviously she's decided to become a Jewess following the Kabbalist tradition these few years. Hmmmmmmm
And just a bit of home news - our superior is finally back from Lebanon after his operation. He seems to be in good spirits. And yesterday was also the dean's feastday - Blessed Claudio Granzotto being his patron saint. His Franciscan friar was a sculptor prior to entering the monastery. His holiness was well-known to all. In fact yesterday some friars here were saying a couple of our old brothers (Bro Biaggio and Fr Claudio Barrato) in their younger days knew Blessed Claudio and even witness the Blessed levitating in his room while praying.
And today being Friday, the streets in the Old City will be packed with worshippers going to the Dome of the Rock. And in the evening we're expecting ultra-orthodox jews to come into the streets of the New City to stop cars from being driven and attempting to close the carpark. Never a boring moment here.
But the bigger upset today is over an art exhibition portraying a woman suicide bomber dressed like the Virgin Mary holding a child. It has caused outrage from Jews who lost their loved ones in suicide bombings and also from Christians who see this as blasphemous. The two Jewish artists don't even have the decency to come forward and explain their "art". You can see they don't dare use a muslim icon for their "art" but christian icon is ok in their eyes. To them, Christianity obviously is a religion that turns its other cheek, so there's no fear of consequence if they defile christian icons. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1251804486599&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
And talking icons, Madonna came, sang her concert and left. But not before making a pilgrimage to the grave of one of the Kabbalist founders. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1112438.html Now remember she was a Catholic but obviously she's decided to become a Jewess following the Kabbalist tradition these few years. Hmmmmmmm
And just a bit of home news - our superior is finally back from Lebanon after his operation. He seems to be in good spirits. And yesterday was also the dean's feastday - Blessed Claudio Granzotto being his patron saint. His Franciscan friar was a sculptor prior to entering the monastery. His holiness was well-known to all. In fact yesterday some friars here were saying a couple of our old brothers (Bro Biaggio and Fr Claudio Barrato) in their younger days knew Blessed Claudio and even witness the Blessed levitating in his room while praying.
And today being Friday, the streets in the Old City will be packed with worshippers going to the Dome of the Rock. And in the evening we're expecting ultra-orthodox jews to come into the streets of the New City to stop cars from being driven and attempting to close the carpark. Never a boring moment here.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Laughter the best medicine
Here's a little something to lighten you up. It's kids' answers to some Bible questions. Got this from a friend.
1. IN THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, GUINESSIS. GOD GOT TIRED OF CREATING THE WORLD SO HE TOOK THE SABBATH OFF.
2. ADAM AND EVE WERE CREATED FROM AN APPLE TREE. NOAH'S WIFE WAS JOAN OF ARK. NOAH BUILT AND ARK AND THE ANIMALS CAME ON IN PEARS.
3. LOTS WIFE WAS A PILLAR OF SALT DURING THE DAY, BUT A BALL OF FIRE DURING THE NIGHT
4. SAMPSON WAS A STRONGMAN WHO LET HIMSELF BE LED ASTRAY BY A JEZEBEL LIKE DELILAH.
5. SAMSON SLAYED THE PHILISTINES WITH THE AXE OF THE APOSTLES.
6. MOSES LED THE JEWS TO THE RED SEA ! WHERE THEY MADE UNLEAVENED BREAD WHICH IS BREAD WITHOUT ANY INGREDIENTS.
7. THE EGYPTIANS WERE ALL DROWNED IN THE DESSERT.. AFTERWARDS, MOSES WENT UP TO MOUNT CYANIDE TO GET THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
8. THE FIRST COMMANDMENTS WAS WHEN EVE TOLD ADAM TO EAT THE APPLE.
9. THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT IS THOU SHALT NOT ADMIT ADULTERY.
10. MOSES DIED BEFORE HE EVER REACHED CANADA THEN JOSHUA LED THE HEBREWS IN THE BATTLE OF GERITOL.
11. THE GREATEST MIRICLE IN THE BIBLE IS WHEN JOSHUA TOLD HIS SON TO STAND STILL AND HE OBEYED HIM.
12. DAVID WAS A HEBREW KING WHO WAS SKILLED AT PLAYING THE LIAR. HE FOUGHT THE FINKELSTEINS, A RACE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES.
13. SOLOMON, ONE OF DAVIDS SONS, HAD 300 WIVES AND 700 PORCUPINES.
14. WHEN MARY HEARD SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS, SHE SANG THE MAGNA CARTA.
15. WHEN THE THREE WISE GUYS FROM THE EAST SIDE ARRIVED THEY FOUND JESUS IN THE MANAGER.
16. ST. JOHN THE BLACKSMITH DUMPED WATER ON HIS HEAD.
17. JESUS ENUNCIATED THE GOLDEN RULE, WHICH SAYS TO DO UNTO OTHERS BEFORE THEY DO ONE TO YOU. HE ALSO EXPLAINED A MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY SWEAT ALONE.
18. IT WAS A MIRICLE WHEN JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND MANAGED TO GET THE TOMBSTONE OFF THE ENTRANCE.
19. THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE LORD WERE CALLED THE 12 DECIBELS.
20. THE EPISTELS WERE THE WIVES OF THE APOSTLES.
21. ONE OF THE OPPOSSUMS WAS ST. MATTHEW WHO WAS ALSO A TAXIMAN.
22. ST. PAUL CAVORTED TO CHRISTIANITY, HE PREACHED HOLY ACRIMONY WHICH IS ANOTHER NAME FOR MARRAIGE.
23. CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE. THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY.
1. IN THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, GUINESSIS. GOD GOT TIRED OF CREATING THE WORLD SO HE TOOK THE SABBATH OFF.
2. ADAM AND EVE WERE CREATED FROM AN APPLE TREE. NOAH'S WIFE WAS JOAN OF ARK. NOAH BUILT AND ARK AND THE ANIMALS CAME ON IN PEARS.
3. LOTS WIFE WAS A PILLAR OF SALT DURING THE DAY, BUT A BALL OF FIRE DURING THE NIGHT
4. SAMPSON WAS A STRONGMAN WHO LET HIMSELF BE LED ASTRAY BY A JEZEBEL LIKE DELILAH.
5. SAMSON SLAYED THE PHILISTINES WITH THE AXE OF THE APOSTLES.
6. MOSES LED THE JEWS TO THE RED SEA ! WHERE THEY MADE UNLEAVENED BREAD WHICH IS BREAD WITHOUT ANY INGREDIENTS.
7. THE EGYPTIANS WERE ALL DROWNED IN THE DESSERT.. AFTERWARDS, MOSES WENT UP TO MOUNT CYANIDE TO GET THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
8. THE FIRST COMMANDMENTS WAS WHEN EVE TOLD ADAM TO EAT THE APPLE.
9. THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT IS THOU SHALT NOT ADMIT ADULTERY.
10. MOSES DIED BEFORE HE EVER REACHED CANADA THEN JOSHUA LED THE HEBREWS IN THE BATTLE OF GERITOL.
11. THE GREATEST MIRICLE IN THE BIBLE IS WHEN JOSHUA TOLD HIS SON TO STAND STILL AND HE OBEYED HIM.
12. DAVID WAS A HEBREW KING WHO WAS SKILLED AT PLAYING THE LIAR. HE FOUGHT THE FINKELSTEINS, A RACE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES.
13. SOLOMON, ONE OF DAVIDS SONS, HAD 300 WIVES AND 700 PORCUPINES.
14. WHEN MARY HEARD SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS, SHE SANG THE MAGNA CARTA.
15. WHEN THE THREE WISE GUYS FROM THE EAST SIDE ARRIVED THEY FOUND JESUS IN THE MANAGER.
16. ST. JOHN THE BLACKSMITH DUMPED WATER ON HIS HEAD.
17. JESUS ENUNCIATED THE GOLDEN RULE, WHICH SAYS TO DO UNTO OTHERS BEFORE THEY DO ONE TO YOU. HE ALSO EXPLAINED A MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY SWEAT ALONE.
18. IT WAS A MIRICLE WHEN JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND MANAGED TO GET THE TOMBSTONE OFF THE ENTRANCE.
19. THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE LORD WERE CALLED THE 12 DECIBELS.
20. THE EPISTELS WERE THE WIVES OF THE APOSTLES.
21. ONE OF THE OPPOSSUMS WAS ST. MATTHEW WHO WAS ALSO A TAXIMAN.
22. ST. PAUL CAVORTED TO CHRISTIANITY, HE PREACHED HOLY ACRIMONY WHICH IS ANOTHER NAME FOR MARRAIGE.
23. CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE. THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Love your "neighbour"
More chaos here. Ultra-orthodox attack the police yesterday in Jerusalem http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1251783300722&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull and now the Druze community also attack the police (for different reasons of course) http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1251804466957&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Meantime the Rabbis explain the verse "love your neighbour as yourself": "neighbour" means "Jewish neighbour". So any Jew who sells to an arab is breaking this commandment and should be punished. Worse, Ethiopic Jewish children are rejected from attending Jewish schools because presumably they're not jewish enough. The outcry against this racism within Israeli society has be the topic of hot discussion this week. Obviously Ethiopic Jews are not "neighbours" either. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1111343.html And municipal workers are not "neighbours" either because of the haressing tactics used to cow them into lower wages and working longer hours - in fact the workers have gone on strike today. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1111491.html Shocked? Well you shouldn't. When Jesus preached the Parable fo the Good Samaritan, he went against the common jewish understanding by showing that "neighbour" is the enemy, the Samaritan, the one who showed mercy. But obviously they didn't learn, so now 2000 years later it's still the same thing. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1251804468650&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
But the Haaretz article balances this view by reminding Israelis that as they moan about rising violence in Israeli society, they're closing their eyes to the violence they do against Palestinians everyday. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1111832.html But of course Haaretz has forgotten that Palestinians are not "neighbours". Makes me more wary when I go out now because I'm not "neighbour" either ...... will they sell me a bagel I wonder?
Meantime the Rabbis explain the verse "love your neighbour as yourself": "neighbour" means "Jewish neighbour". So any Jew who sells to an arab is breaking this commandment and should be punished. Worse, Ethiopic Jewish children are rejected from attending Jewish schools because presumably they're not jewish enough. The outcry against this racism within Israeli society has be the topic of hot discussion this week. Obviously Ethiopic Jews are not "neighbours" either. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1111343.html And municipal workers are not "neighbours" either because of the haressing tactics used to cow them into lower wages and working longer hours - in fact the workers have gone on strike today. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1111491.html Shocked? Well you shouldn't. When Jesus preached the Parable fo the Good Samaritan, he went against the common jewish understanding by showing that "neighbour" is the enemy, the Samaritan, the one who showed mercy. But obviously they didn't learn, so now 2000 years later it's still the same thing. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1251804468650&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
But the Haaretz article balances this view by reminding Israelis that as they moan about rising violence in Israeli society, they're closing their eyes to the violence they do against Palestinians everyday. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1111832.html But of course Haaretz has forgotten that Palestinians are not "neighbours". Makes me more wary when I go out now because I'm not "neighbour" either ...... will they sell me a bagel I wonder?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
September begins
In Israel and Palestine, school officially starts today. Streets are filled with children excited about returning to school, meeting new friends and playing. The all-night work here at the Omariyya school has finally stopped. Now we can get some decent sleep.
Autumn has arrived. The sun rises much later now - at about 5,40am. And the nights get pretty chilly - around 16-18 degrees.
Fireworks are set off after the canon has fired it's evening shot to announce the end of the fast. Muslims pack the streets in a festive mood. Soon the Jews will be celebrating their New Year, Yom Kippur and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles).
During breakfast this morning, someone mentioned that we're into September already. Another moaned and said time has flown so quickly, we're ending another year.
Yesterday there was a news report about two groups buying bus-advertisement space: one is Christian and the other is Atheist. The Atheist advert goes "There is probably NO God, so stop worrying and enjoy your life". Well my question is "Who said if there's a God, then we must worry and not enjoy life?" On the contrary our God is so good, he only wants us to be happy and enjoy the gift of life to its fullness. He loved us so much he sent his Only Son to die for us so we can be free, happy and fulfilled. So the slogan should be "There IS a God, so stop worrying and enjoy life!"
Autumn has arrived. The sun rises much later now - at about 5,40am. And the nights get pretty chilly - around 16-18 degrees.
Fireworks are set off after the canon has fired it's evening shot to announce the end of the fast. Muslims pack the streets in a festive mood. Soon the Jews will be celebrating their New Year, Yom Kippur and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles).
During breakfast this morning, someone mentioned that we're into September already. Another moaned and said time has flown so quickly, we're ending another year.
Yesterday there was a news report about two groups buying bus-advertisement space: one is Christian and the other is Atheist. The Atheist advert goes "There is probably NO God, so stop worrying and enjoy your life". Well my question is "Who said if there's a God, then we must worry and not enjoy life?" On the contrary our God is so good, he only wants us to be happy and enjoy the gift of life to its fullness. He loved us so much he sent his Only Son to die for us so we can be free, happy and fulfilled. So the slogan should be "There IS a God, so stop worrying and enjoy life!"
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