Reflections from a Sunset Homily

The statement that most people are afraid of the " death" word caught my ears this evening. I don't know about you folks, but to Marie, death could actually be quite lovely,- blissful and peaceful. As a Christian, death, just means -going home to the Lord God. The return to the House of my Father in Heaven. I know, I would not be afraid when the time comes, because I believe, the Lord God, will surely be there to hold my hand and lead me home. I will not be alone even in that last few footsteps home...To those who are afraid of death, do not be, it is just the end of a mission and the time to return home..

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It had been a wonderful adventure so far, everyday is a lesson and Marie is still learning .. As one heads towards the sunset zones, one wonders whether the responsibilities that had been entrusted to oneself had been carried out well; whether one had instill goodness and instructed our children well , that fruitful seeds had been planted and nurtured -A strong foundation-that in their own journey, these off springs of ours will know how to climb mountains and conquer challenges? That they have acquired survival skills of the right kind??

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For Marie, the gift of Faith is of paramount importance.. Connecting one's children to God is a gift so precious, that it surpasses any treasures, one could ever give to them, because that gift will guide and light up their journey through life and see them reach home safely and in good hands. If one has God in their hearts, one will always strive to look towards the light as one journeys. True, as humans, there are times, many times, all the time....when we are tempted to place the pleasures of life first in our lives and enjoy them without a care for the world, and ...nights can be so exciting, we forget there is a tomorrow... right?? But believe me, people - the love of God always calls us back to reality and to the correct paths, in life. ...before darkness overwhelms....Herein the essence and value of spiritual faith , the gift that we must give our children, so that when that day comes and we look back at the horizon, we had just passed on, we will be able to see beautiful fruits and happiness in the lives of our children and know that , yes, we have indeed carried out the tasks that was entrusted to us - well.

Love you people and God Bless!!!

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....

Way of the Cross

Our pains and sufferings in life can never equal the magnitude of agony underwent by Christ Jesus, as he struggles through each station, in fulfilment of the Father's will and for our sake and salvation. We talk about helping the Lord to carry the heavy burdens of mankind and yet as we plog along journey's path, we find that it is He who reaches down and carry us when the terrains gets too rough and tough. We do not have the strength, nor the faith to trust in His mercy; more often than not, the self pity in us throws us into the pits of hell and we cannot find a way out until, the Lord soothes us with His presence.

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In whatever fights and for whatever cause, let us utilise this time of Lent, to reflect on the sufferings of our Lord which really is LOVE for us. This is no time for anger and harsh words in the face of unfortunate developments. Let the Lord speak, and let the Lord lead. God's love transcends over boundaries and space. The Father is one, though the children are like stars in heaven. Whatever colour, creed or practice, we are all creations of the same Creator, the One God and Father in Heaven. Acts of charity, doing penance and fasting is probably more effective than forcing issues, and resorting to the law, to get what we want. Ultimately, it is the Lord God, who decides. Let us spread peace and goodness and leave the rest to God.

Sunday, morning, my time with God

After a very hectic week trying to settle into my new work place, I am just glad to be with the rest of the community, thanking God and celebrating the Eucharist this morning. A time to remember the love of God, in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ...., just acknowledging His very Presence in our lives... and grateful thanks for all the showers of blessings and goodness in our lives. Dear loved ones, friends and all well wishers, all who prayed for Marie, thank you for your prayers and God Bless!

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When God is with us, nothing matters, He becomes the centre of our lives and the whole world and its cares, just doesn't exist any more- There is only God and self, and that feeling and belonging is extraordinary... Heaven is where God is, whether you are down here or up there. And again-If God is with us, who can be against us??? Truly! If I may thank the resident pastor - that was a great homily. Sometimes, it is just simple words, we may have heard it a million times and yet they do not register but when it is presented in a heartfelt way, -bingo! it gets into the system.

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Marie still needs your constant prayers good people, here's million thanks in advance!

Grateful thanks to The Holy Mother

How many times, have I come before you Mother, each time drawing comfort and care and each and everytime going away reassured of your constant love and prayers . How many times has my life turned around for the better, because you prayed to the Heavenly Father for me. There is never a time, you grow weary of me and there is never a time, a prayer was left unanswered. I see you lifting up all my prayers and placing them into Jesus's hands and somehow, new paths and blessings came my way. Mother, thank you for the new beginings, thank you for the new opportunities, thank you for the goodness showered upon me . Thank you for praying along with me that God sends His angels to watch over me, all the time. And He has, unceasingly. A daughter pledges love and gratitute, and pray that Mother,your love, care and prayers surrounds her always.

Let my heart sing unending praise and worship for the eternal grace and gift of God's evergrowing love and blessings and for the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother most Holy. Amen.

ASH WEDNESDAY

It is Ash Wednesday, today. To me, it is a time to ask for renewed love, for mercy, a time to ask for forgiveness for all sins committed , the many times, when the flesh was weak and God was placed second, maybe even- third or fourth, when the pleasures of the world controls our human form and God is momentarily forgotten.... It is a time when we reaffirmed that we are from God... his creation- that ...from dust we had come and from dust we shall returned. A time for renewal of faith and ties....A time of reconciliation with God above, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit, and all that we stand for and believed in, as followers of Christ Jesus, and as people and children of God..

The early morning is such a lovely time to come before God- before the mind gets cluttered with the cares of the world and commit ourselves to Him. An early start on Ash Wednesday, to begin the reflections of the interior, and the inner self ,in preparations for Lent. Lord, that you give us the strength to deny self for you, in thanksgiving for the Holy Body and Blood of your Son,our Lord Jesus Christ and your great love for us. Let us be more conscious of our actions and deeds, thorough out this period of Lent Lord,that we may become instruments of your love to the people around us. Amen.

Marie has been very fortunate to have very good friends and angels around her to pray for her constantly. Thank you People!Glory and Praise to God!

Just Musing

I was reading this article about the ridicule of the Lord Jesus and the Holy Mother by a private Israeli TV show all because of the excommunication lift on bishop Richard Williamson. This topic is probably too big for bloggers' comments , but then again, one could not help but wonder why and how this action could turned religious and resulted in malicious attacks on Jesus and Mary and from people of a nation, whose origins, so deeply rooted in the Bible. A nation so loved by God and yet they still do not believe that the Christ has come and will come again. They are still awaiting for Him to come.. Only Heaven knows why.
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Surely God would not allow such people to make a mockery of His Handmaiden, the Mother of His Son and question His very coming into the world- for the forgiveness of sins that Mankind may be reunited with God once more. Whether we are Catholics or Christians, we are people of Faith, people, who chose to walk with Jesus, in our journey home to God, the Creator. Of late, there were just so many attacks against the Christian religion, the Christian churches and communities. etc.. etc..and yours truly, wonders, is this scenario here to stay?? That's when one asks the WHY question WHY??. Are you watching Lord?

Stories and claims may abound,like those in the Da Vinc Code, etc..etc..to me, it has no impact ..what is important is the peace and comfort I get when I enter a House of God, when I pray in front of the ghetto, when I seek his Presence in the privacy of my own home or anywhere at all and feel His Divine presence and love . The beautiful feeling of being led and guided by the Spirit and light of God; When we surrender all to Jesus and lay all our burdens and baggages at His feet, do we not actually feel the burden easing off??... We asked our Holy Mother to pray and intercede for us. We leave our prayers into the hands of Jesus and many a times miracles happens! Wham! and there is no explanations! Doesn't that tell people anything?

It is perfectly ok, if people do not believe as we do, afterall, God gave them a free will and they have the perfect right to make their choices but malicious remarks, slanders and dishonour???!! That is totally something else!!! And I wish to goodness that Religion and Beliefs remain the exclusive sacred rights of every individual and that people respect and honour each other's religious beliefs and worship. Peace!