God, the Father as I know Him

We call God by many names and know that He is the one and only God, Father and Creator of heaven and earth, our universe and our world, physical and spiritual.The Supreme Father has always been God to me in the English Language and in my own language, my own tongue, in my thoughts, mind, heart and soul. I am not sure, I would like to call God "Allah" in the English Eucharistic celebrations, because that term is completely alien in my mind and will completely remove the unique Father, child relationship, I have always had with this Creator of my existence. Yours truly has always known God, as GOD and recognised Him as such. In every individual family and home, we have an endearing, term when addressing our fathers, we call him Papa, Daddy, or plain father, etc..etc..whichever term, that enhances and brings forth that special feelings, that special relationship between our fathers and us. In the English language Eucharistic celebrations, let us continue to address our God in the revered term, we had always known Him to be and that is GOD, the all Supreme.

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I do not want to be drawn into the controversy arising from the usage of "Allah" for our Bahasa speaking brethren, but again, if it is an endearing revered term, our Bahasa speaking brethren are so used to, and know God to be and they had been using this beautiful term for as long as they could remember, why disallow, why forbid now????It is just a preferred revered term, people recognised God to be. If it is a question of "Faith"- remember, what affects the faith of one religion, could similarly affects the faith of another religion. Works both ways. But instilling of faith, falls back to the parents and religious leaders of both sides and I believe our children's faith cannot be so shallow that they could be lead astray because of one particular terminology. Addressing fathers as Daddy, Papa, Pa, is shared among all races, depending on their choice of term-almost universally used and yet people know exactly who they are, they know their own identity. It does not lessen their unique roots in anyway ; it does not turn them into something they are not and it certainly does not take away any of their racial heritage and identity!

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I am also a firm believer that there should be a line drawn between politics and worship of God. Let us give our full worship to God, when in His presence, just one day of the week-Sundays, when we come before Him for peace, for healing grace, and to partake of his Love in the form of his Holy Body and Blood. . Let Eucharistic celebrations and worship be times, we take opportunity to give thanks and praise God for his goodness and for His blessings. Let us be clear on this aspect so that our faithful may continue to know church as a sanctuary for worship, and as a House of God.

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We have a very powerful homily from our very learned Father OC Lim this morning. Extraordinary and brillant to say the least and I would certainly want to hear him speak again but in another platform, a different platform. And if I may add, such powerful speakers and leaders are treasures and gifts every community would be proud to call their own....

The Voices of the Oppressed calls out to you, Oh Lord!!

The persecutions arising everywhere against Christians saddens me. What is it about this way of life that attracts hatred and vicious attacks. What is so wrong living a life of love that arouses the anger in others.? The ministry of care, the giving to neighbour, the poor, the homeless, the sick and the comfort to the lonely and unwanted?? Is it our belief that God is one, that his love transcends to all that disturbs the peace in people's hearts?? We will never know will we, we will never comprehend because we are so human.

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We fear pain, we fear death, we fear being driven out into the cold. Turning the other cheek, non retaliation and yet continue to love always , is such a tall order in the face of such adversities. And often I wonder aloud and asked God, why do you allow such atrocities to fall upon your people Lord?? Do you not hear the cries of your people, Lord, do you not see their pain and their tears?? Is it the time of darkness that must have its course of way?? Yes, you did warn us to watch for such signs and wars and unrest, for that will be sign that the end is near and yet Lord, our spirits are weak and we fall so easily Lord. Will you not send deliverance to your people who had fled their homes - out hiding in the wilderness,facing such hardships-the Christians of Orissa; and elsewhere in the world-those who had to endure such hardships because they chose the path of Christ Jesus???

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Let our prayers touch you Lord, that your mercy flows adundantly and heal the spirits of the persecuted , transformed the hearts of their aggressors that they may receive the spirit of compassion and care ; transform their hostility into love that they will in turn reach out and embrace the people of Christ Jesus that all may live together side by side in peace and harmony. Whichever way of life, we are all your children Lord- brothers and sisters coming from the same Father in Heaven. For the love of your people Lord, shower your peace and love upon those who have not yet known the saving grace, that their eyes and hearts may be opened to see and accept all man as children of One God and live together as One -in the grace of Peace.