There must be trouble at the Ras el Amud area (about 2km south from where I live) because helicopters were flying there this morning and now again in the afternoon. Israeli Jews have bought over property in that muslim village and are constructing huge apartment buildings in the midst of the rundown turn-of-the-century shanties. Well, before the arabs there start another (almost) weekly riot, they should ask themselves why in the world they sold the properties to the Jews in the first place. If it's sold, then it's the legal property of the buyers and they have every right to build what they want. It's all the greed for money.
Yesterday evening Fr Wojciech defended his doctoral thesis in front of a full hall. He studied Psalms 14 and 53 regarding the topic "The fool says there is not god". Pretty apt for a modern world. Couldn't stay for the whole defense - I left after 2 hours - because I had a meeting with the Custos at 6.15pm. Hurried up hill in the dark and drizzly night. Everyone else went to dinner at the Notre Dame Centre to celebrate Wojciech's doctorate. I came home alone after the meeting - no dinner. Found a pack of Lionsing "Emme" instant rice in my "wonder pack" (that's where I keep my goodies for a rainy day). Fantastic stuff! Know what to get me for birthday or Christmas?????
Have been having nightmares for the past 3 nights. Woke up each time frightened .... lots of work still unfinished, gotta finish them quick, no time.... nightmares. Or it could be the cold ... no heating for the past 3 nights. Whatever. It's wrecking my life. I'm a zombie during the day.
But there's a little good news - with all the heavy rains last week, the Sea of Galilee rose by 1 metre. Doesn't do much for my nightmares but I'm sure the rest of the country is happy.
In a couple of weeks Ash Wednesday will be celebrated. Prepared for Lent?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Dies irae
Yesterday was so exhausting ... was up and down the New and Old City from 9am to 6pm non-stop. And terribly hungry too. As I was too late for lunch at any of the 3 communities, i decided to go and buy something to eat instead. Only to find out it's the beginning of the Sabbath and all restaurants were closed ... well almost. The Chinese restaurant was open so I went to buy fried rice plus two fried eggs on the top. Guess how much it cost - fried rice US$15 and two fried eggs US$2.50. Could have eaten my shoe instead!
So my feet and back are sore from all that walking and meeting. Really worned out. But worse was yet to come.
So calamity of calamities. My Mac is playing up as well. It hanged 6 times last week and twice the day before. I lost the stuff I wrote. When I got my USB pen where i store my backup files, i found everything there was deleted! All my year's work gone! I was so distraught. I don't know how it happened but it did. Someone is sabotaging me. I keep my computer in the library so it's open to use by anyone if I'm not around. I went to see the Dean about this, but there's nothing anyone can do. I'll have to retype everything from the beginning. I don't trust computers anymore.
So yesterday was not a good day for me. Dies irae dies illa ......
So my feet and back are sore from all that walking and meeting. Really worned out. But worse was yet to come.
So calamity of calamities. My Mac is playing up as well. It hanged 6 times last week and twice the day before. I lost the stuff I wrote. When I got my USB pen where i store my backup files, i found everything there was deleted! All my year's work gone! I was so distraught. I don't know how it happened but it did. Someone is sabotaging me. I keep my computer in the library so it's open to use by anyone if I'm not around. I went to see the Dean about this, but there's nothing anyone can do. I'll have to retype everything from the beginning. I don't trust computers anymore.
So yesterday was not a good day for me. Dies irae dies illa ......
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Nice lunch
There is a very strong wind blowing outside. People are still wearing their thick winter clothes as the cold is still overwhelming. Hope it won't be another 2 degree night again.
This afternoon I was invited by Sinead to have lunch at their "house". There are 4 of them in the community - called the Koikonia of St. John the Baptist. All are consecrated laity and they do various work for the Custody of the Holyland. Sinead was the cook today - not bad I must say. There was the ubiquitous Irish potato of course, and a nice roasted chicken. There was also broccoli pasta. I enjoyed their company and learnt about their community. And the topic of conversation turned to the coming earthquake in Israel. They asked what preparations they ought to do.
So I'm putting up the advice for preparing for an earthquake by Jerusalem Post. Read them Sinead!
14. Aftershocks: Be prepared for secondary tremors (aftershocks). They can appear within minutes, days or even months following an earthquake and may collapse structures weakened by the main quake.
This afternoon I was invited by Sinead to have lunch at their "house". There are 4 of them in the community - called the Koikonia of St. John the Baptist. All are consecrated laity and they do various work for the Custody of the Holyland. Sinead was the cook today - not bad I must say. There was the ubiquitous Irish potato of course, and a nice roasted chicken. There was also broccoli pasta. I enjoyed their company and learnt about their community. And the topic of conversation turned to the coming earthquake in Israel. They asked what preparations they ought to do.
So I'm putting up the advice for preparing for an earthquake by Jerusalem Post. Read them Sinead!
1. Locate a safe place in your home, far from exterior walls. If your home has a MAMAD, it is preferable than any other room.
2. Show all members of the household where the main electrical breakers and main water and gas valves are, and how to close them.
3. Familiarize yourself with the emergency exits, if there are any.
4. Establish a meeting point for family members in case the earthquake takes place when you are in different locations.
5. Any object which can move, fall or break, is a source of danger. Make sure you perform thorough home preparations.
6. Earthquakes damage infrastructure - roads are demolished, electrical and telephone cables tear and water pipes burst. Rescue and relief units will have difficulty accessing every area, and certainly every house. Preparing an emergency bag will allow you to survive for 24 to 72 hours, until help arrives.
7. Most casualties in an earthquake are caused by collapse of shelves and heavy objects or by fire and gas leaks. Therefore, it is advisable to take the trouble today and do the following home preparations:
8. Attach bookshelves, cupboards and television sets to walls.
9. Reinforce supports of water boilers, heater tanks, gas bottles, air conditioners and their compressor units.
10. Store hazardous and flammable materials under lock and key and far from heat sources; place heavy objects as low as possible.
11. Household emergency equipment: Prepare in advance some emergency gear and store it in an accessible place, such as the protected space. It should include: Food and water - a stock of drinking water (at least 4 liters per person) and preserved ready-to-use food (of the kind routinely stored in homes). Refresh the stock from time to time before it reaches expiry.
12. Essential equipment: A first aid kit, battery-operated light source and radio, essential medicines, spare eyeglasses, baby products.
13. Important documents: Hard or electronic copies of medical documents, identification papers, personal and financial documents, to be stored outside the house, as backup.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
No snow?
Yesterday was Fr Allegra's anniversary. Here in school we remembered him, first during Mass then we displayed a small exhibition of his life and works. Eternal Light Webcast was inspired by him and carries his name. What a great man ... left his country to go to China and translate the Bible into Chinese; faced insurmountable obstacles; got the job done but got exiled; died a painful death on Jan. 26th. There're so many stories I can tell you ..... but some other time.
The past few days was freezing cold. Last night was down to 2 degrees. But the rains have stopped and the sun is up .... but with a cold cold wind blowing. Feels like winter!
My back is holding up, with still a slight pain. But the feet are hoggible (try figuring that one out ... it comes from "Friends" Phoebe .... who else?). Am limiting my walking now. Swollen and hurt. And the bloat is still around.
The almond trees are starting to bloom, the tulips are popping up from the cold earth, looks like Spring is coming pretty early. In fact here in Israel, we're celebrating Arbor Day. Hmmmmm so no snow this year ... like last year.
The past few days was freezing cold. Last night was down to 2 degrees. But the rains have stopped and the sun is up .... but with a cold cold wind blowing. Feels like winter!
My back is holding up, with still a slight pain. But the feet are hoggible (try figuring that one out ... it comes from "Friends" Phoebe .... who else?). Am limiting my walking now. Swollen and hurt. And the bloat is still around.
The almond trees are starting to bloom, the tulips are popping up from the cold earth, looks like Spring is coming pretty early. In fact here in Israel, we're celebrating Arbor Day. Hmmmmm so no snow this year ... like last year.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Freezing
What a cold day it was yesterday! The sky was really weird, one hour hot and sunny, another a tempest. It fluctuated like this the whole morning. Felt like zero degrees. And small snowflakes began to fall at 8am but the sun killed anything dream of a snowfall. Anyway we were happy - during dinner I said "Now this is really winter" and many agreed.
Did some reading yesterday and tried to tie up the parts of my research mentally. But at my age, I forget so easily. Got to start writing things down on paper.
Banged my knee on the bed-corner last night - tried to save electricity by not turning on the lights. Scraped the skin off the knee and also it's all blue and black. But I love going to the window and listening to the rain and thunder. It's fascinating.
Have you been following the readings for the daily Mass? Very interesting stuff. And by the way, the course "Thy Kingdom come!" is now available. Sign up at dsbiblecentre@gmail.com to join!
Did some reading yesterday and tried to tie up the parts of my research mentally. But at my age, I forget so easily. Got to start writing things down on paper.
Banged my knee on the bed-corner last night - tried to save electricity by not turning on the lights. Scraped the skin off the knee and also it's all blue and black. But I love going to the window and listening to the rain and thunder. It's fascinating.
Have you been following the readings for the daily Mass? Very interesting stuff. And by the way, the course "Thy Kingdom come!" is now available. Sign up at dsbiblecentre@gmail.com to join!
whale
The rains have returned. Last night it started at about 9pm. The sky was red and there were distant thunder. It counts for nothing more than a usual shower for you guys but for us, it's a storm ... let's see what damage it'll do.
OK, so previous night during dinner at Terra Santa College, some guys commented that I've put on so much weight in one week because i wasn't like that last week. So they figured, was I bloated? In fact some guys at my place already told me that. That got me thinking. If you go back on my blogs, you'll notice that I bloat (swollen feet as well) about once every three weeks. I've noted that yesterday when they talked about it to me. I wonder why that is? It's very uncomfortable and I lose my appetite. Two days back someone here even called me a whale.
So in my bloated/swollen state, I feel very ill and cannot move much. So yesterday morning I didn't clean my room. Did some reading and tried to watch my usual Sunday Christian movie. There wasn't anything good; just a rerun so I watched instead "The history of Singapore" by Discovery Channel. Absolutely fascinating - Raffles, the turn of the century, the war ... so many interesting facts. And what clicked was the part when Singapore was thrown out of Malaysia, and the first aid offered to start up the independent state came from Israel. So that's the Singapore-Israel connection.
Guess I'll go back to do some reading. Not going out in the rain, that's for sure.
OK, so previous night during dinner at Terra Santa College, some guys commented that I've put on so much weight in one week because i wasn't like that last week. So they figured, was I bloated? In fact some guys at my place already told me that. That got me thinking. If you go back on my blogs, you'll notice that I bloat (swollen feet as well) about once every three weeks. I've noted that yesterday when they talked about it to me. I wonder why that is? It's very uncomfortable and I lose my appetite. Two days back someone here even called me a whale.
So in my bloated/swollen state, I feel very ill and cannot move much. So yesterday morning I didn't clean my room. Did some reading and tried to watch my usual Sunday Christian movie. There wasn't anything good; just a rerun so I watched instead "The history of Singapore" by Discovery Channel. Absolutely fascinating - Raffles, the turn of the century, the war ... so many interesting facts. And what clicked was the part when Singapore was thrown out of Malaysia, and the first aid offered to start up the independent state came from Israel. So that's the Singapore-Israel connection.
Guess I'll go back to do some reading. Not going out in the rain, that's for sure.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Nice day
Sadly the body of the Archbishop of Haiti was found under the rubble of the cathedral and residence. He was buried yesterday evening.
On a happier note, yesterday was quite an event. I went to Bethlehem (a taxi ride away .... ever wondered how many of you could say that?) to celebrate a Mass for the Missionaries of Charity. One of them, Sr Jane Frances, was leaving for her new mission in Lebanon and it was a Thanksgiving Mass for her 8 years here in Israel/Palestine. We blessed her and she brought all her belongings in 3 bags and left for Jerusalem.
After that I was caught up in an hour long jam at the Bethlehem check-point. One solid hour. No kidding. The soldiers were checking every single car coming out of Bethlehem and going into Jerusalem. Almost half the cars were turned back - not permitted to enter Jerusalem. The jam was caused by drivers arguing with the soldiers. I thought it must be pretty tough and I was bracing for a harsh interrogation when my taxi reached the security barrier. Then I recognised the soldier - his name was Linar and he was at the other barrier earlier to let me enter Bethlehem. Earlier he did not even look at my passport, he just asked where I came from and let me through, saying "Have a nice day, sir". So at the exit checkpoint, I called out to him and asked him if he remembered me from two hours back. He said he couldn't remember anyone because too many people were passing through. So I reminded him, and he said "So you actually remembered me from over there (the entry checkpoint)?" I said yes, and he smiled and said "ok you can go, and have a nice day, sir." He didn't even check my passport.
Once out of Bethlehem, I headed for Terra Santa College, because the community there invited our community (Flagellation Monastery) for dinner. It was nice. We prayed Vespers together and then had a lovely dinner. The Franciscan sisters who care for the kitchen were simply fantastic. Great food and awesome atmosphere. And of course nothing can substitute the incredible fraternity between our two communities (ours being the professors and theirs being the students). It was very relaxed and fun. And lots of laughs as well. Dinner ended at 9pm and I walked home - slowly because my back and feet hurt. Got home at 10.30pm .... pretty tired.
On a happier note, yesterday was quite an event. I went to Bethlehem (a taxi ride away .... ever wondered how many of you could say that?) to celebrate a Mass for the Missionaries of Charity. One of them, Sr Jane Frances, was leaving for her new mission in Lebanon and it was a Thanksgiving Mass for her 8 years here in Israel/Palestine. We blessed her and she brought all her belongings in 3 bags and left for Jerusalem.
After that I was caught up in an hour long jam at the Bethlehem check-point. One solid hour. No kidding. The soldiers were checking every single car coming out of Bethlehem and going into Jerusalem. Almost half the cars were turned back - not permitted to enter Jerusalem. The jam was caused by drivers arguing with the soldiers. I thought it must be pretty tough and I was bracing for a harsh interrogation when my taxi reached the security barrier. Then I recognised the soldier - his name was Linar and he was at the other barrier earlier to let me enter Bethlehem. Earlier he did not even look at my passport, he just asked where I came from and let me through, saying "Have a nice day, sir". So at the exit checkpoint, I called out to him and asked him if he remembered me from two hours back. He said he couldn't remember anyone because too many people were passing through. So I reminded him, and he said "So you actually remembered me from over there (the entry checkpoint)?" I said yes, and he smiled and said "ok you can go, and have a nice day, sir." He didn't even check my passport.
Once out of Bethlehem, I headed for Terra Santa College, because the community there invited our community (Flagellation Monastery) for dinner. It was nice. We prayed Vespers together and then had a lovely dinner. The Franciscan sisters who care for the kitchen were simply fantastic. Great food and awesome atmosphere. And of course nothing can substitute the incredible fraternity between our two communities (ours being the professors and theirs being the students). It was very relaxed and fun. And lots of laughs as well. Dinner ended at 9pm and I walked home - slowly because my back and feet hurt. Got home at 10.30pm .... pretty tired.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Lazarus and the rich man
I read a reflection on a Gospel passage this morning. It's the parable of the rich man who dressed and ate well and the beggar Lazarus at his door. Both died and the rich man went to hell and Lazarus to heaven. Now the author of the reflection noted that the rich man knew Lazarus when they were both alive, because he knew the poor man's name as Lazarus. The rich man did not fulfill his moral responsibility to help poor, sick and hungry Lazarus in life. Now that they're dead, the rich man still thinks Lazarus in a lowly position - he asks Abraham to tell Lazarus to serve him - to bring some water and to inform his brothers. This rich guy thinks he's still superior to Lazarus even in death! Wow .... now that's something to think about. Let's help the poor, sick and hungry while we're still alive .... because whatever you do to the least person, you do it to Jesus.
Pray for Haiti
No rain. It was predicted that rains will fall the past 3 days but nothing here in Jerusalem. It's pretty cold though despite the sun shining.
The Haiti earthquake is still on everyone's minds. It's so sad ... but moments of hope shine through. Israel's Search & Rescue Team did it again ... finding a man after 10 days. Israel really did well ... mainly because I think they're psychologically and emotionally toughened, and their desire to survive is overwhelming. Can you imagine yourself under piles of collapsed buildings? 10 days on ... hungry, thirsty, weakened. You can hear people saying "No more signs of life", "Call it off" and you're too weak to shout. And then the bulldozers come to level the place and you're buried alive ... choking from the earth, the dust, the weight of the beams and walls .... that very last hope to be saved is snuffed out ... and you close your eyes and ask "why?" as you slowly die.
The soreness on my back is still there .. even a bit of sciatica ..., still with swollen feet and asthma but it's nothing compared to the Haitians' suffering.
The Haiti earthquake is still on everyone's minds. It's so sad ... but moments of hope shine through. Israel's Search & Rescue Team did it again ... finding a man after 10 days. Israel really did well ... mainly because I think they're psychologically and emotionally toughened, and their desire to survive is overwhelming. Can you imagine yourself under piles of collapsed buildings? 10 days on ... hungry, thirsty, weakened. You can hear people saying "No more signs of life", "Call it off" and you're too weak to shout. And then the bulldozers come to level the place and you're buried alive ... choking from the earth, the dust, the weight of the beams and walls .... that very last hope to be saved is snuffed out ... and you close your eyes and ask "why?" as you slowly die.
The soreness on my back is still there .. even a bit of sciatica ..., still with swollen feet and asthma but it's nothing compared to the Haitians' suffering.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Rap the monk
Japanese Buddhist monks now serve alcohol and rap mantras in order to lure younger followers - what will they think of next? http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/01/21/japan.monks.rap.religion/index.html
Looters loot the loot
Get a load of this!
The Ashdod museum put on a display of recovered ancient artifacts that were previously looted by thieves; and that very same exhibition was looted by thieves!!!!! hahahahahahahahahaahhahahaha .... oh oh better not laugh too much ... I might get a "painless migraine" hahahahahahahahaahhahaha
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1144104.html
The Ashdod museum put on a display of recovered ancient artifacts that were previously looted by thieves; and that very same exhibition was looted by thieves!!!!! hahahahahahahahahaahhahahaha .... oh oh better not laugh too much ... I might get a "painless migraine" hahahahahahahahaahhahaha
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1144104.html
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
My 1st Food Pack arrives!
Israel is getting gittery after sending aid to Haiti .... everyone here is thinking of the overdue earthquake. experts here made a study and think the next earthquake would be around 7.5 on the Richter scale, 16,000 will die and 90,000 will be injured, 10,000 buildings will collapse and 100,000 will be damaged. Not a nice scenario. But the thought in everyone's mind is: are we ready for it? http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1263147931421&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
The rains have returned ... though only a drizzle here I think it's heavier elsewhere down the lowlands. And it's biting cold... cuts through your bones. Some websites say it's 7 degrees others say it's 4 degrees. But it sure feels like below zero! The north has seen major stoppages because of the rain, and so has the coastal regions. But Jerusalem so far is drizzly and cold. No major stoppage ... yet. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1263147936547&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
The exams have started and the students are ready for it! No nervous faces around ... so they're pretty confident. That's good.
And I got my first package in 4 months!!!! And I didn't have to pay taxes for it and the Post Office released it without much trouble!!!! Yeahhhhhh it's from Sydney and there're lots of TimTams!!!!! Ate one pack immediately while opening up the rest of the box. Pineapple cakes, instant soup and socks - just right for this freezing weather. Mind you Fr Giovanni came over immediately to take some socks for himself.... it's not like I hoard everything to myself.... and he also took a pack of TimTams, a box of pineapple cakes and several packs of Instant Soup. It's like rationing for the next earthquake. Maybe it is ...... hhhmmmmmm
oh and talking about earthquakes ..... Sinead finally read my blog yesterday (pretty delayed) and this morning wagged a finger at me and said "You're laughing at my illness" and I said "YES", and we laughed. It's good fun.
The rains have returned ... though only a drizzle here I think it's heavier elsewhere down the lowlands. And it's biting cold... cuts through your bones. Some websites say it's 7 degrees others say it's 4 degrees. But it sure feels like below zero! The north has seen major stoppages because of the rain, and so has the coastal regions. But Jerusalem so far is drizzly and cold. No major stoppage ... yet. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1263147936547&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
The exams have started and the students are ready for it! No nervous faces around ... so they're pretty confident. That's good.
And I got my first package in 4 months!!!! And I didn't have to pay taxes for it and the Post Office released it without much trouble!!!! Yeahhhhhh it's from Sydney and there're lots of TimTams!!!!! Ate one pack immediately while opening up the rest of the box. Pineapple cakes, instant soup and socks - just right for this freezing weather. Mind you Fr Giovanni came over immediately to take some socks for himself.... it's not like I hoard everything to myself.... and he also took a pack of TimTams, a box of pineapple cakes and several packs of Instant Soup. It's like rationing for the next earthquake. Maybe it is ...... hhhmmmmmm
oh and talking about earthquakes ..... Sinead finally read my blog yesterday (pretty delayed) and this morning wagged a finger at me and said "You're laughing at my illness" and I said "YES", and we laughed. It's good fun.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
More rain
The rains continued to pour yesterday afternoon ... dark skies. Mind you we are all very happy. It's not enough to last us the whole year but at least the ground is wet. Unfortunately the lowlands are flooded, which actually used to be an annual event. Now it's been so rare and far-between people forget the dangers of desert trekking in winter and now one died, another missing, many injured and several cars are washed away. Too bad. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1143388.html
The rains have stopped this morning but the forecast is it'll re-rain tonight. We certainly hope so! The only ones not enjoying the rain are the canaries. Temperature is plummeting by 10 degrees. And snow is predicted for the higher mountains. It's like back to the good old days when winter was winter.
And my asthma has returned with a vengeance ... nothing to do with the canaries. Either it's the cold or something else. Terrible wheezing each time I lie down. I don't want to go back taking Prednesone. My feet and hands are swollen enough and I don't need other side-effects.
In the meantime every Catholic (Christian) in the world should be praying for the just outcome that the Church retain her properties and rights over the Holy Places that Israel refuses to release. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1143421.html
The rains have stopped this morning but the forecast is it'll re-rain tonight. We certainly hope so! The only ones not enjoying the rain are the canaries. Temperature is plummeting by 10 degrees. And snow is predicted for the higher mountains. It's like back to the good old days when winter was winter.
And my asthma has returned with a vengeance ... nothing to do with the canaries. Either it's the cold or something else. Terrible wheezing each time I lie down. I don't want to go back taking Prednesone. My feet and hands are swollen enough and I don't need other side-effects.
In the meantime every Catholic (Christian) in the world should be praying for the just outcome that the Church retain her properties and rights over the Holy Places that Israel refuses to release. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1143421.html
Monday, January 18, 2010
Forgotten sound
The predicted rains came last night. There was alot of thunder and lightening .... something that kids have never seen before! Then at 8pm I could smell the damp air on the wet stones. It was good. Actually it drizzled for a long time. But by midnight it became more regular. Mind you it's not half of what your tropical showers (let alone storms!) are like, but rains are so rare even a small shower raises the alarm of "flight delays or cancellations". Laughable? You bet, but after a 10 year drought ... nobody knows how to react when the rains come.
ok latest news is the whole desert area is closed down due to the rain. The Nitzana bridge has collapsed and there's flooding in the desert - wow.... talk about messianic signs!!! What would Ezekiel say??? http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1263147917096&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull And we're talking about 17mm of rain ok? Not like where you have centimetres of rain ... here it's millimetres!!!!!!
Right now it is very foggy and from my window I cannot see the Golden Dome. The kids are having fun in the rain and the teachers are chasing them into classrooms. The street is quite quiet. And the pattering of raindrops continue. It is a sound that many have forgotten.
Rain has leaked into our corridor from the large metal/glass door that leads to the terrace. Bro Rosario and I put newspapers to soak up the water and block the gaps under the door.
Looks like God is blessing us again.
ok latest news is the whole desert area is closed down due to the rain. The Nitzana bridge has collapsed and there's flooding in the desert - wow.... talk about messianic signs!!! What would Ezekiel say??? http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1263147917096&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull And we're talking about 17mm of rain ok? Not like where you have centimetres of rain ... here it's millimetres!!!!!!
Right now it is very foggy and from my window I cannot see the Golden Dome. The kids are having fun in the rain and the teachers are chasing them into classrooms. The street is quite quiet. And the pattering of raindrops continue. It is a sound that many have forgotten.
Rain has leaked into our corridor from the large metal/glass door that leads to the terrace. Bro Rosario and I put newspapers to soak up the water and block the gaps under the door.
Looks like God is blessing us again.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
2nd Sunday
Sunday morning - I was taking things slowly so as not to hurt the back again. Saw my usual Sunday Christian movie - though only part of it as I move slowly now and missed the first part. It was "Forever Strong" released in 2008. All based on true stories - it's about a troubled Rugby player sent to Youth detention for drugs and violence, then released and given a chance to play in his rival team. It involves several minor plots, including his relationship with his father who was a failed rugby player, death of one of his team-mates etc... ultimately it went down with a moral note (several moments of team prayer!) on personal choice in the face of tragedy. And one weird thing was though it was about a Salt Lake City Highland High School rugby team, there's a haka before every game!!!! Like halooooo? So apparently there's a NZ student in the team and he teaches them the haka, and which they perform before each game. The haka was explained somewhere in the film to draw the moral message of the film. Ka Mate Ka Mate Ka Ura Ka Ura!
The Pope's visit to the Roman synagogue this morning went off well despite two days of protests and boycotts. I'm glad Rabbi David Rosen had the courage to condemn the Israeli position : http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1143045.html
The plight of the Haitians is still on everyone's minds. We talk about it and we pray for them. Israel's IDF has set up a field clinic and even delivered a baby in Haiti. Good show. But when the monster quake hits Israel .... well .....
I'm feeling exhausted easily, probably because I have to sit and walk very straight. Need to rest or I'll sprain something else now.
The Pope's visit to the Roman synagogue this morning went off well despite two days of protests and boycotts. I'm glad Rabbi David Rosen had the courage to condemn the Israeli position : http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1143045.html
The plight of the Haitians is still on everyone's minds. We talk about it and we pray for them. Israel's IDF has set up a field clinic and even delivered a baby in Haiti. Good show. But when the monster quake hits Israel .... well .....
I'm feeling exhausted easily, probably because I have to sit and walk very straight. Need to rest or I'll sprain something else now.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Baby Abdo and mum
Friday, January 15, 2010
earthquake
There's alot of prayers here for Haiti. The whole infrastructure is gone, there is no government. Aweful.
And repercussions are being felt here in the Holyland ... everyone here is thinking if Israel will survive a massive earthquake. The last major quake was in 1927 at 6.2 on the Richter scale killing hundreds of people. And a major quake occurs every 80 years, so Israel is due for a monster one anytime now.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1263147896847&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
And no one is prepared ... not the government, not the hospitals, not the army, not the people nor our churches. I think we should start planning for emergency action at least in our own monasteries.
I was so exhausted this afternoon I fell asleep for 4 hours and got up at 6pm. Everyone was glad I finally managed to sleep. I've been terribly stressed last week, and then there was the slip disc and these few nights I've been working up to 1am. I'm a nervous wreck. So my body switched off today. After dinner Bro Rosario (who helped me when I slipped the disc) ordered me to go see the doctor - he's the Vicar of the monastery and now that our superior has gone to Lebanon, Rosario is effectively in charge. He didn't think I looked well and repeated twice "It's an obedience" - which means I have to go tomorrow even if I don't want to. Aiya .... spiritual earthquake.
Just a thought on today's 1st reading on 1Samuel where the hebrews asked for a king despite God's protests. They wanted to be "like the other nations". The power of peer pressure and "follow the herd" syndrome is pervasive in our lives. There's even the subtle competition of bettering the other person .... but all for nothing. We lose ourselves and let the faceless crowd determine our actions and goals. How pathetic. Nothing like an earthquake to shake us up and see reality as it is.
And repercussions are being felt here in the Holyland ... everyone here is thinking if Israel will survive a massive earthquake. The last major quake was in 1927 at 6.2 on the Richter scale killing hundreds of people. And a major quake occurs every 80 years, so Israel is due for a monster one anytime now.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1263147896847&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
And no one is prepared ... not the government, not the hospitals, not the army, not the people nor our churches. I think we should start planning for emergency action at least in our own monasteries.
I was so exhausted this afternoon I fell asleep for 4 hours and got up at 6pm. Everyone was glad I finally managed to sleep. I've been terribly stressed last week, and then there was the slip disc and these few nights I've been working up to 1am. I'm a nervous wreck. So my body switched off today. After dinner Bro Rosario (who helped me when I slipped the disc) ordered me to go see the doctor - he's the Vicar of the monastery and now that our superior has gone to Lebanon, Rosario is effectively in charge. He didn't think I looked well and repeated twice "It's an obedience" - which means I have to go tomorrow even if I don't want to. Aiya .... spiritual earthquake.
Just a thought on today's 1st reading on 1Samuel where the hebrews asked for a king despite God's protests. They wanted to be "like the other nations". The power of peer pressure and "follow the herd" syndrome is pervasive in our lives. There's even the subtle competition of bettering the other person .... but all for nothing. We lose ourselves and let the faceless crowd determine our actions and goals. How pathetic. Nothing like an earthquake to shake us up and see reality as it is.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
No rain
The weather might have gone colder but the rains are not coming. Hamas has called for prayers for rain ... otherwise there will be no grain, olives and almonds this year. It is awful this drought. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1142695.html Pray that we have rain soon. I can remember back in 1993 how cold this time of the year was. Rainy, sleet, even snow. Now it's 20 degrees! Absolutely dreadful.
The students are preparing for the exams and so the atmosphere is a little tense. The library is packed with students studying, or in the case of final year students, finishing off their theses. Lots of end of the semester activities going on.
I'm walking again, but keeping my posture absolutely upright, and not turns or bends. But I'm deathly afraid of coughing and sneezing ... it hurts and feels like the disc is popping out again. I went to the library to return a book and spend some 20 minutes in the librarian's office chatting with Osvalda. Actually we were watching some favourite operas on Youtube. I introduced her to Andre Rieu's video version of the Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana (fantastic cinematography - very Catholic theme) and she introduced me to Philippe Jaroussky (contratenor) - try listening to his performance of Vivaldi's Stabat Mater. Unfortunately I'm no fan of baroque music so I lost interest. But I enjoyed my cup of cappucino that Osvalda got me!
And I finally found the Te Deum scene with Ruggero Raimondi as Scarpia in the "real time" production of Tosca (1992) filmed in the actual San Andrea della Valle church as in the libretto. I remember watching it on Italian TV here in Jerusalem when it was broadcast life. Absolutely fantastic. The cinematography, the voice, the stage direction was impeccable. But I'm not embedding it for you ... here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3lPxwct2sk There's another version with Sherrill Milnes as Scarpia also filmed in San Andrea della Valle ... and his voice is powerful!
So getting a slip-disc isn't all that bad ... I get to enjoy some nice operas that I usually don't have the time for. Mind you ... I've been offering all that pain for you guys!
The students are preparing for the exams and so the atmosphere is a little tense. The library is packed with students studying, or in the case of final year students, finishing off their theses. Lots of end of the semester activities going on.
I'm walking again, but keeping my posture absolutely upright, and not turns or bends. But I'm deathly afraid of coughing and sneezing ... it hurts and feels like the disc is popping out again. I went to the library to return a book and spend some 20 minutes in the librarian's office chatting with Osvalda. Actually we were watching some favourite operas on Youtube. I introduced her to Andre Rieu's video version of the Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana (fantastic cinematography - very Catholic theme) and she introduced me to Philippe Jaroussky (contratenor) - try listening to his performance of Vivaldi's Stabat Mater. Unfortunately I'm no fan of baroque music so I lost interest. But I enjoyed my cup of cappucino that Osvalda got me!
And I finally found the Te Deum scene with Ruggero Raimondi as Scarpia in the "real time" production of Tosca (1992) filmed in the actual San Andrea della Valle church as in the libretto. I remember watching it on Italian TV here in Jerusalem when it was broadcast life. Absolutely fantastic. The cinematography, the voice, the stage direction was impeccable. But I'm not embedding it for you ... here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3lPxwct2sk There's another version with Sherrill Milnes as Scarpia also filmed in San Andrea della Valle ... and his voice is powerful!
So getting a slip-disc isn't all that bad ... I get to enjoy some nice operas that I usually don't have the time for. Mind you ... I've been offering all that pain for you guys!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
"Painless Migraine"
The temperature dropped some 6 degrees - and you can feel the cold again. Morning glories are flowering ... they think its Spring! That's because of the sudden heatwave we had last week. And the canaries are fighting ... they think its breeding season! Very strange weather we're having.
And the earthquake in Haiti ... God have mercy! We must pray for them.
Sinead informed me that she has "painless migraine" that's affecting her vision. Now that's a first! How about "painless slip disc"?????? Oh oh, how about "painless toothache"? I can see people lining up for that! Oh wait ... I can better that one .... how about a "painless punch in the nose"? naww ... that'll take out all the fun!
Today's reading from 1Samuel is well-known and oft-repeated. It's the call of Samuel when he was a sleepy boy near the Ark of the Covenant. I was wondering about Eli the old High Priest who was wakened up 3 times. One would have thought that he would have felt offended because God was not calling him, the high Priest; instead God chose to speak to a little boy. And Eli didn't bear a grudge. Nor was he jealous. He simply let God be God. No "painless migraines" here!
And the earthquake in Haiti ... God have mercy! We must pray for them.
Sinead informed me that she has "painless migraine" that's affecting her vision. Now that's a first! How about "painless slip disc"?????? Oh oh, how about "painless toothache"? I can see people lining up for that! Oh wait ... I can better that one .... how about a "painless punch in the nose"? naww ... that'll take out all the fun!
Today's reading from 1Samuel is well-known and oft-repeated. It's the call of Samuel when he was a sleepy boy near the Ark of the Covenant. I was wondering about Eli the old High Priest who was wakened up 3 times. One would have thought that he would have felt offended because God was not calling him, the high Priest; instead God chose to speak to a little boy. And Eli didn't bear a grudge. Nor was he jealous. He simply let God be God. No "painless migraines" here!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
News
The tension between Turkey and Israel is brewing. Not a good sign.
And Israel and Egypt has agreed to build a wall between them .... more wall building ..... http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1263147868727&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
And the last survivor of the family that saved Anne Frank unsuccessfully and her diary has died. She was an employee of the Frank family and chose to protect her boss's family from persecution by the Nazis by hiding them and bringing food to them. Thus an unassuming heroine dies.
And less heroically, my slip disc was successfully manipulated back into place .... by myself. Wasn't easy, but having suffered this twice before, I knew more or less what I should do. So after two bedridden days, I decided to warm it up with the medibeads (great stuff) and actually sat in front of my "hot air fan" for 20 minutes till the muscles relaxed, then lying on my side, I slowly pushed and twisted my back until it got back into place. No more excruciating pain now. It still hurts only when I begin to sit or stand, and my right leg is slowly getting back its strength. I shuffle. But the sharp cutting pain is gone and remains only a dull pain. But sitting too long hurts. I'm still trying to stay put until I'm alot better. Not one painkiller tablet was taken during these 60 hours.
Monday, January 11, 2010
New saints?
Another saint soon - Blessed Mary MacKillop the 1st Australian to be canonised soon. I knew she was known for her headstrong and courageous character but now I learned she was persecuted, exiled and almost excommunicated. But in typical Australian spirit of survival she made it through and brought her congregation of nuns to serve the poor and the outback. A 2nd miracle has just been recognised by the Vatican and this paves the way for her canonization.
And talking about persecution, while I was bedridden yesterday I saw my usual Sunday religious movie ... this time it was the life of Redemptorist Blessed Fr Francis Xavier Seelos who served in Michigan and then New Orleans. Young, outgoing and creative, he was persecuted by his congregation and superiors for his new methods of education and great charity. Criticised and exiled from one place to another he finally died in New Orleans after a few months of his arrival.
Both blessed are known for their courage and love for the poor. Both lived in the early 19th century. Very inspiring christians ... try and find out more about these two Blesseds. And say a prayer for their intercession ... who knows you may the recipient of the next miracle?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Levy again
Gideon Levy does it again - blasting Israel with a scathing commentary at
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1141442.html Well in some countries, for having written an article like that, Levy would have been imprisoned. So thank goodness Israel isn't all that bad .... and Levy should be thankful too.
Though I'm totally out of action and confined to bed, I still update with the news!
Injured
Hurt my back real bad last night when getting up from my chair at the refectory. Slipped a disc. The pain is excruciating and I can't walk. They'll bring me to hospital today.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Makeup anyone?
Today's topic is "makeup". So, it's suggested that heavy eye-makeup such as the Cleopatra's was possibly beneficial for the immune system. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8447851.stm
And Neanderthals also wore makeup ... which makes them not so stupid (hmmm... never knew that wearing makeup was a gauge for intelligence)
So does that mean we're all into makeup now? Keeps you healthy and intelligent. Sounds like a good slogan for Max Factor and the like ....... Now there's that lovely story of Queen Jezebel making-up (2Kings 9:30) ... actually she was putting on war-paint! And she got thrown down the castle and died, blood spurting everywhere and her body trampled over by Jehu's horse. So much for makeup making you healthy and intelligent.
Well the weather has really gone off .... 3 days of over 20 degrees! It is hot! People are heading to the beach! In the middle of winter! And the rest of China and Europe is freezing over!
But seriously folks .... the big news is that some rabbis here want to issue a condemnation on Jews spitting at and harassing Christians. Well it's about time. But like everything else here .... you'll need to see the condemnation in order to believe. Otherwise like everything else here, it's empty words and rumours.
Friday, January 8, 2010
malaysian churches attacked
So Malaysian muslims are attacking our churches ..... see? You don't have to go very far to be persecuted for your faith! It's right at your front door! Stand firm! In the Holyland, God has always been called "Allah" by Christians (from Elohim, El) and the muslims here accept it. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8447450.stm
Rex
Someone send me a photo of Rex who's featured in the HKSPCA 2010 calendar. What's my boy doing there? Doesn't look much of a pinup with that grouchy face.
Have been feeling terribly overworked and stressed these 3 days. Very disoriented and dizzy.
Anyway the big news this morning is the discovery of an ancient shard of pottery which seems to challenge bible scholarship - namely it seems to prove that the Bible was written much earlier in history than commonly thought - about 400 years to be precise! Origins of the Bible must now be re-dated if this shard is proven to be real.
And a good piece of news, the almost extinct Mediterranean seal was spotted in Herzliya beach. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1141303.html
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Orthodox Christmas
Dreadful news from Egypt where 5 Coptic christians were killed by muslims on Christmas day. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8444851.stm
And BBC news reports on the boycott against the Greek Orthodox Church. Even Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian leader did not show up to welcome the Greek Patriarch ... very very strange. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8443290.stm
New spiritual mission 2010
Yesterday evening, as is traditional on Epiphany, we get our new "holy protectors" and spiritual mission.
This year my patroness is Blessed Mariam Baouardy - the "Little Arab" (the first arab "blessed" in history). She was a Carmelite nun here in Bethlehem. Born in 1846 on the eve of Epiphany in the village of Ibillin (still a christian village today in Galilee), she had a dramatic youth including near death by beheading by a muslim and miraculous healing by Our Lady. She became a Carmelite nun in France, then founded the Carmelite monastery in Bethlehem and Nazareth in accordance to visions of Jesus. Read more at http://www.melkite.org/sa33.htm
My verse for meditation is from the writings of Blessed Mariam Baouardy "Even if someone rises against you, I am with you always. You must never be afraid."
My virtue to practice this year is "patience when in trial".
And I must pray for the soul of Fr Antoine DeFauw. I knew him 20 years back when I was a student and he was actively involved in many Custodial projects - Casa Nova, Christian Information Centre, Status Quo, application for visas. He was a small man with a huge temper. But deep inside, he was kind and caring. May he rest in peace.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
From Fr Vincenzo
Fr Vincenzo sends his Christmas and New Year greetings to you all. He also send the photo (see right hand column) of the latest beneficiaries of your generosity.
Be assured of their prayers for you this year.
Epiphany
Happy Feastday! Epiphany is a very big feast here in the Holyland! And it coincides with the Orthodox Christmas.
Most of our community spent the night over at Bethehem for the evening and midnight prayers, then solemn Mass this morning. Others went after lunch today to join in Vespers and the procession in the Basilica of the Nativity. I think the crowds must have been immense.
I heard that many arab Orthodox Christians protested at the Greek Orthodox Patriarch's arrival at the Basilica for Christmas Mass. The Orthodox scouts walked out when he arrived and people shouted slogans and waved protest banners because they say the Orthodox Patriarchate is selling away land to the Israelis. Saw abit of this on BBC news. Now there's a rumour that Arab Orthodox want to become Roman Catholics because the Greek Orthodox Church does not care for their wellbeing. Well I don't know if that's a good reason to change rites!
Last night after dinner I moved the 3 Magi statues and their donkeys to the crib area and said "They arrived!". We had a good laugh and the superior said it's true, it's Epiphany and they have arrived at the crib. And he suggested several places on the Nativity scene to put the camels. That was fun.
This morning's Mass was pretty quiet since almost everyone was either in Bethlehem or were going there. There were only 4 of us and 5 laity including two Pious Disciples of the Lord (They have their convent at the 4th Station and come over when their priest is not available for Mass).
Can't help thinking of W.B. Yeat's "The Second Coming"
...... Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
Troubles my sight: a waste of desert sand;
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Wind shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
Troubles my sight: a waste of desert sand;
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Wind shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?
Awesome and aweful words...... especially when you live near Bethlehem and see the vicious hatred swirling around our desert sands.
Monday, January 4, 2010
4th Day of 2010
It was wonderful to have met up with the Singapore group organised by Dynasty Travels. They were fantastic and fun ... yes even the "senior citizens" (affectionately called the "orang tua").
Thanks for their invaluable help to the poor and needy here in the Holyland.
The weather has been strangely cold and hot. I'm sure many people will fall ill. I've got my Tamiflu ready!
Meanwhile this morning my feet got terribly swollen again. Felt like it was going to burst from the skin! Anyway it went down later in the morning as I walked about. Am applying chinese plasters on my swollen fingers. Seems to be working. Hurray!!!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Jan 2nd
2nd day of the New Year. Our community has dwindled down to less than 10 persons at meal times. I introduced Fr Tomislav to Jane Austen and he's now reading Pride and Prejudice after finishing Sense and Sensibility.
We got into a discussion about Victorian english and eventually leading to rhythm and scansion of the meters in poetic and narrative texts. It's incredible how much I still remember of iambic pentameters and alliteration and all that stuff I learned 30 years ago. I always loved literature.
So after citing several examples of Piers the Ploughman, and the Canterbury Tales and Shakespeare, I couldn't resist returning to two of my favourite passages from the Bard. The 1st from Macbeth and the 2nd from The Tempest.
MacBeth's speech
To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing."
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing."
Caliban's speech
Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices
That, if I then had waked after long sleep,
Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming,
The clouds methought would open and show riches
Ready to drop upon me that, when I waked,
I cried to dream again.
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices
That, if I then had waked after long sleep,
Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming,
The clouds methought would open and show riches
Ready to drop upon me that, when I waked,
I cried to dream again.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year
2010 began with Mass for me and the Polish nuns who take care of our kitchen and chapel. We celebrated Mass at midnight and ended some 35 minutes later. Instead of joining them for tea after Mass (we wanted to see Sr. Raymunda dance - she's the latest addition to the community and is 80 something yrs old). I went back to our refectory to join some of the guys who were awake ... but I was too late. They had already celebrated and went back to bed. There was still Panettone on the table and some champagne .... so just for the fun of it I took 2 mouthfuls of champagne. Got terribly headachy (I can't drink any alcohol). Went back to my room and couldn't sleep. Decided to clean my room instead till like 3am or something before I fell asleep. What a way to start the New Year.
The protestant churches rang the bells at midnight and the Lutheran's fired fireworks into the sky. But the rest of the world here which is predominantly muslim and jewish just slept through it all ..... they celebrate their new years on different dates.
Anyway New Year's morning was one terrible pain in the left hand and feet as the swelling has not subsided. So the guessing is it's either a problem with the heart or it's the side-effects of the prednesone for my asthma. Need to take calcium for bone-regeneration and lots of physical exercise to get the bones growing. So the New Year's resolution is to take one hour off each day from studies to do exercise like brisk walking. Sounds good - except there's so much work to do and taking a work could mean being beaten up by muslims.
Tonight we'll have vespers at 7.15pm with the singing of the Veni Creator Spiritus. Will pray for you all, that God will bless your 2010 with health, joy and blessings.
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