Chinese New Year Mass celebrations- Happy Chinese New Year!

What better way to start off the Chinese New Year, than worshipping and thanking God! Today' s message is a reminder to all of us seeking a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year, not to fret , for the Lord God knows what we need and will surely provide abundantly for us. "And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be of anxious mind, for your Father in heaven knows that you need them" Luke 12:29-30 I don't know about you folks, but as I enter the year of the OX with anxiety, what with all the predictions of gloom and doom; I am immensely comforted by this timely reminder that God knows exactly what I need and will surely take good care of me.

Fate or Faith? As a person of faith, I naturally agree with our good Rev that Faith should dominate over the fate issue and yet, there is also the belief that fate is something pre-destined by God. Our paths has been set by God, and yes, we should walk in trust and faith, no matter how narrow and treacherous the pathway....for Higher Hands will surely lead us safely home. It is just that sometimes, the human in us, or rather in me, rebel and I ask , "why so many blind corners Lord?" why not just zap! and make straight every path, I walk in, so that I see clearly and travel smoothly? After all, all things come from You, God, and all it needs is for You to say the word and it shall be done...

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Do you folks ask as many "why" questions as me? It is not that I do not know the answer, I know the answers well enough, but yet there are times , I want to walk with certainty... No anxiety, no risks...just plain sailing... Really, I am envious of those whose trust and faith never weakens, and I pray for that day, when I too stop questioning , and just believe...

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I am particularly touched by the prayers for ancestors. Remembering them at the start of a new year..it is a wonderful way of honouring them and keeping touch with our roots...Honouring our fathers and mothers, opportune reminder in the morning of a new year. Yes, if we do that , surely, we shall gain the same honour and respect from our own children.Sometimes, it is simple acts and reminders like these that awakens the heart and soul; binds the hearts of the congregration and their families together. ... thoughtful words and prayers that heals wavering and anxious hearts and draw them into the comfort of the Lord God. Yes, certainly, we shall have a good year because God, Father, You are watching over us!

Psalms 27 - Sunday Homily -Father Michael

One thing have I asked of the Lord,

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord,

All the days of my life...

Indeed... and how lovely .......is Psalms 27... but let me give you the full reading, folks, that you may appreciate the full beauty of this incredible psalm- a total call to trust and believe in the Lord God and never be faint hearted., no matter what..wait for the Lord..

The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?

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When evildoers assail me,

uttering slanders against me,

my adversaries and foes

they shall stumble and fall

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Though a host encamp against me,

my heart shall not fear;

though war arise against me,

yet will I be confident.

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One thing have I asked of the Lord,

that will I seek after;

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to behold the beauty of the Lord

and to inquire in his temple.

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For He will hide me in his shelter

in the day of trouble;

he will conceal me under the cover of his tent

he will set me high upon a rock.

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And now my head shall be lifted up

above my enemies round about me;

and I will offer in his tent

sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make melody to the

Lord.

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Hear O Lord, when I cry aloud;

be gracious to me and answer me!

Thou hast said, Seek ye my face

My heart says to thee

Thy face, Lord do I seek

Hide not thy face from me.

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Turn not thy servant away in anger

thou who hast been my help

Cast me not off, forsake me not

O God of my salvation!

For my father and mother

have forsaken me,

but the Lord will take me up.

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Teach me thy way, O Lord;

and lead me on a level path

because of my enemies.

Give me not up to the will

of my adversairies;

for false witnesses have risen

against me,

and they breathe out violence.

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I believe that I shall see the

goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living!

Wait for the Lord;

be strong, and let your heart take

courage;

yes, wait for the Lord!

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Thank you Father Michael, for the beautiful sharing..

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Just my Thoughts

I was at a Charismatic seminar last Sunday,and I thought how much time and effort, the Charismatic brethren had put in to make this seminar a reality and a success. They worked so hard and sacrifice their weekend so that people could have a time of renewal and bonding with the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Father in Heaven. And I thought, how much more far-reaching, if invitations could be extended to Catholics of other parishes, outsiders, non Catholics, so that the number of attendees multiplies three fold and how much more powerful if the person/s leading the healing prayers during the praise and worship session, raises their voices so that each and every syllable, comes out loud and clear.

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I remembered in times past, whenever I was down, it was the words of the Prayers shared by person/s leading the praying that lifted me. During the praise and worship, when one prays , it becomes a powerful prayer, because, we are in the midst of worshipping God and He is pleased. Don't ask me - how I know God is pleased. My faith tells me, He is and will surely be pleased. Spontaneous Praying especially during public seminars requires a special gift. Not everyone could do that ...with conviction that is....so that hearts who gathered will reach up in one spirit to adore the Lord God, and receive healing in return. Only those with a gift and these brethen should be called upon to share their gift and oh yes, we do have a number of very gifted people in the prayer group. All hymns are worthy of praise to the Lord but in public seminars, more popular hymns, soul searching hymns, have special effects, more healing grace so to speak. "I surrender every thing to Jesus," always lighten my burden, "Welcome to the Holy Spirit" creates that special bonding...."Open my Eyes Lord" is such a beautiful song that makes me want to reach out and touch the feet of the Lord and so on and so forth.

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A very powerful, very talented speaker, like Bro Vincent inspires, the Charismatic team amazing.... but...it is my firm belief that the Holy Spirit seminars should be held within the church grounds ....I speak from the viewpoint of people in need of healing . The house of God is where those who needs the grace of God takes refuge and comfort. I will leave the agreements and disagreements to the floor...

Let us all pray for the innocent suffering people of Gaza!

LET US PRAY for the people of GAZA, the Palestinians, the children, the women, the innocent people under siege and terror of a war, they abhor ! They do not deserve to suffer such horrific pains! Everyone has the right to live in peace in God's given lands. Humanity condemns the perpetrators of war , senseless attacks and bloodshed! Oh ! for the power of divine intervention that peace reigns and calm restored!

The End of a Life's Journey

The years rolled back and there you were roaring into the pathway of our village home in that gigantic motor-bike of yours admist the shouts of delight and welcome.from us kiddos. Admiration, of a favourite cousin brother. Much loved. I remembered how much we looked forward to your visits. It seemed like only yesterday, that you brought the girl of your dreams to our home-a beautiful swan of a girl, slender, long flowing hair, pretty as a picture, so lovely, we could only gazed in awe. How proud you were of her. You were ever charming, loud booming jovial voice, obliging and never failing to bring cheer to those around you. Why, just the other day, when we visited you in hospital, you were full of life, determined to live even as the doctor said the time was near. You wanted to know, why it had to be so fast. You wanted explanations! How strong you were!

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You were obviously in pain as you lay there in your hospital bed but when I asked you, the answer was always, I am alright, no pain....your mind was so alert, and your voice strong, so much so, I expected you to stick around a little longer. . But today, around noon, you were gone. It was Very Peaceful your son assured me, just slow breathe fading away.... You have gone to a better place , you have gone home. God calls you and He loves you...... Goodbye cousin Kiong, rest in the peace of the Lord.

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Thank you All, for your prayers!! Hey Folks, if you have something to tell someone, tell them now. Have you told that someone you love them? Have you told them how much you cared for them?? Have you said your thank you/s???. Have you shown appreciation??? Have you reached out to that someone and gave them a loving hug??? Have you apologised and make admends, any wrongs you have done???. Life is so short, folks, you will never know when God calls and whose life's journey has become a memory.. Love you all , Folks ....and thank you for all the joys and support, your friendships, shoulders to lean on...... the care, the assistance...Everything...Thank you and God Bless you Folks!!!

Fruitful day

The fruits of this day, I entrust into thy hands Oh God!

Eucharist celebrations - 4th January 2009

I will not touch on the very inspiring Scriptures readings, read this morning, especially the letters of St Paul. They are by itself, a beacon lighting up the dark skies. Nothing could add to the essence except the Word of God, and that is precisely what the very contents of the readings are based on.

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The good priest lamented that the faith of some cradle Catholics remain at infant stage, non of the zeal and fire of adult converts. To me, born Catholics are so blessed, because God already was with them from birth, sheltering and taking good care of them.. Most Converts do not know Christ from birth, their journeys were fraught with darkness and pain; without the priviledge of the guiding light. There was no one to turn to, when life lets them down and they could only cry alone. Born Catholics, has God by their side all the time. Parents of faith pray for their children every day of their lives, (yes, they do, ). Children are thus lifted up and comforted all the time, (remember the story of the Footprints) so there is really no real sufferings and nor the need to get all fired up. I guess that might be it. Hey people, we are talking about normal people, you and me . Discount the special group who are really God fearing, and truly has God in their hearts all the time.

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Being alone, and in darkness, suffering- is hell. When God comes into our life, a Loving Father and allows us to rest and take refuge in His bosom, it becomes the greatest gift, the greatest comfort and the greatest joy of our lives. From darkness to light, from alone to being with the Comforter, unloved to LOVED, how could we not praise and glorify the Lord God?

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Our time here on earth is indeed a pilgrimage to honour, to adore , to praise and to thank our Lord God, every step of the journey home. Praise the Lord!!!

I Place my Trust in Thee Oh God!

I woke up this morning grateful that I was able to handle the recent crises within myself; the magnitude of the troubling issue- tremendous that it left me floundering , sinking even ..... but everything happens for a good reason and now I am ready to move forward. The only regret I have is that the family will now have a heavier burden to bear but God willing, something will come up. . Though 2009 got off with a rocky start, God will not let down those who place their trust and faith in Him. God be praised and glorified for ever!!

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Pray for Marie folks, that the Lord lead her, guide her and provide well for her...if the God could clothe the lilies of the field..how much more will He provide for all of us....Thanks and God Bless...

Trust

OH LORD, IN YOU, I PLACE ALL MY TRUST.

HERE'S TO A WONDERFUL AND BLESSED 2009!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR PEOPLE!!!

Lets start off the year by Praising the Lord, Our God : Psalm 134:

Come Bless the Lord,

All you servants of the Lord

who stands by night in the house

of the Lord

Lift up your hands to the holy place

and bless the Lord..