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I need a new handphone and you can help

Yes that's my handphone (Sony Ericsson K300i) . I know it looks like it has been to war and back... Besides the fact that it shows severe signs of wear and tear, the joystick is also acting a little wonky (I have trouble navigating to the right side of the menu). Sadly the phone's warranty has expired and I am stuck with it 'till God knows when (literally).

So I implore you loyal readers to help me win a new Sony Ericsson W660i...

All you have to do is vote for my Harajuku Doll ...

Just SMS "GS11501" (without the quotes) to 28700. Each SMS costs RM0.50.

Thank you all! :)

[New Blog] Homilies of a Jesuit

homiliesofajesuit.blogspot.com

Excellent homilies. Highly recommended! :)

Harry Potter and the Hogwarts Dropout

No I didn't manage to get a free book from Kinokuniya but I WAS THERE in the wee hours of the 21st of July. I can now safely conclude that running up 6 flights of stairs to the 3rd floor is dangerous (especially if you have crazy kids behind, infront and around you stampeding). The sight of people falling over on to the floor makes you think twice if being the lucky 13 is really worth the trouble. I made way for the rest of stampede after 2 flights of stairs (gosh, it is a long way down... I think I might have the fear of heights!) All in all it was a surreal experience running up the flight of stairs amidst screaming Potter fans. Hey this is a once in a lifetime experience right? ;)

P/S: Sorry, no other pictures available other than the one on the left, still waiting for my friend to send the rest to me. :P

P/P/S: I was the "Hogwarts Dropout"! Just in case you guys didn't know... (Thank you Alan, for loaning me your birthday gift!) :D

30-minute Prayer / Harry Potter Book 7 Speculation

Today I was introduced by my spiritual director to the 30-minute prayer, which I was told is a good starting point for one to cultivate a consistent prayer life...

The 30-minute Prayer, a Step-by-step Guide

1. Begin by asking God for the grace. (E.g. "God give me the strength to pray")
   
2. [10 minutes] Examine your current concerns / events that have already happened / events that happened the day before. Talk to God about it
3. Read the Mass readings of the day at normal speed
   
4. [About 2 minutes] Close the bible/missal. Clear your mind of any thoughts. Passages that are meaningful to you will surface
   
5. Read the passage which surfaced in a slower pace
   
6. [10 minutes] Reflect and try to understand the message and what is God trying to tell you in relation to your concerns / events that have already happened / events that happened the day before
   
7. End with a closing prayer (e.g. prayer of thanksgiving)

---

On a different note, I am speculating that the two characters which were predicted to die will be Harry Potter himself and Voldemort.

Remember the horcruxes which Voldemort made to hide "a fragment of soul for the purposes of attaining immortality"[1]? I suspect that the last horcrux is Harry's lightning scar on his forehead. Doesn't it make sense now the reason why Harry feels throbbing pain on his forehead whenever Voldemort's near is precisely because Voldemort's soul fragment is calling out to the Dark Lord himself. Does this not also explain the special connection between Harry and Voldemort? How about Harry's ability to speak parseltongue?

An ending which I imagined...

*Harry directs wand to his forehead*

Hermione *thrusts towards Harry but held back by Ron*: Harry..! NO!

Voldemort: *snicker* Harry Potter... you wouldn't dare!

*Harry still directing his wand to his forehead, closes eyes, takes a deep breath and ... *

[Reader turns to the next page]

"AVADA KEDAVRA!"

What do you think? Is this how it's going to end?

[For Sale] 1GB Ipod Shuffle for RM300

Genuine Brand New Unit

Interested?

Email me: celestinetan[at]gmail[dot]com

Quickie: My Portfolio

If you noticed I have included a new link below the image header of this blog labeled: "my portfolio" - a new blog which I have created to showcase my design works.

So if you like my work and you would like me to do some designing for you, do drop me an email at celestinetan@gmail.com.

Birthday Poem

Meg wrote me a poem for my birthday, it's called Color Me Blind...

To whom it may concern,

Filling pockets with shamrocks and smoking,
cinnamon cigars to leave saffron aftertastes whilst;
sewing cornflowers onto buttons only to be,
stripped and cloaked purple.

Committing arson to watch July fireworks 'till,
midnight bells threaten, singing;
seven shades of white by the thirteenth sorry’ beneath,
a champagne horizon.

Painting scarlet letters to mute cello strings where,
Clare and Lucy sleep under prussian domes, whistling;
just when the Northern lights bursts so,
you would color me blind, in Halifax.

Don't ask me, I have no idea what it means. Care to decipher? :)

22 years 0 days 1 hour 39 minutes and 53 seconds old

I am blessed to have friends and family who loves me and cares for me.

I am blessed because I know I am loved and cared for.

I am blessed to have found my current calling in studying psychology, though I am not sure what I am going to do in the future.

I am blessed because I am good at what I do. I am blessed with good health.

I am blessed with a fairly comfortable life, though there are challenges.

I am blessed because I live in this era where good music abounds.

I am blessed because I believe I have grown so far to be someone my parents would be proud of.

I am blessed because I have the luxury of holidays.

I am blessed because I have plenty of good books to keep me company.

I am blessed because I live in a convenient location for work, play and study.

I am blessed because I am becoming the person I am suppose to be.

I am blessed because I get to celebrate another year of my life.

I am blessed to be Catholic.

I am blessed because I know the reason for my beliefs.

Most importantly I am blessed because I know all these blessings which I have received come from God.

Happy 22nd Birthday Celestine.

[Pre-World Youth Day Event] THE COUNT DOWN UNDER

Saint Francis Xavier's Church, Petaling Jaya.
Friday 13th July 2007 @ 9PM

PROGRAMME

9PM Welcome & Ice breakers
9.30 Praise & Worship
10.30 Introduction to WYD
11.00 Break
11.15 Talk
11.45 Testimony
12.00 Adoration, Taize, Confesssion
1AM Break
1.30 Praise & Worship Unplugged
2.15 Testimony
2.30 Drama
2.45 Testimony
2.55 Divine Mercy Chaplet
3.15 Testimony
3.30 Registration for the walk
4.00 Briefing and sending off to station
5.00 Walk
7.00 Arrival at St. John's Cathedral
7.30 Return to Saint Francis Xavier's Church

Old Testament God VS New Testament God

It is mine to avenge; I will repay.
In due time their foot will slip;
their day of disaster is near
and their doom rushes upon them."

The LORD will judge his people
and have compassion on his servants
when he sees their strength is gone
and no one is left, slave or free.

He will say: "Now where are their gods,
the rock they took refuge in,

the gods who ate the fat of their sacrifices
and drank the wine of their drink offerings?
Let them rise up to help you!
Let them give you shelter!

"See now that I myself am He!
There is no god besides me.
I put to death and I bring to life,
I have wounded and I will heal,
and no one can deliver out of my hand.

I lift my hand to heaven and declare:
As surely as I live forever,

when I sharpen my flashing sword
and my hand grasps it in judgment,
I will take vengeance on my adversaries
and repay those who hate me.

I will make my arrows drunk with blood,
while my sword devours flesh:
the blood of the slain and the captives,
the heads of the enemy leaders."

- Deuteronomy 32:35-42 -

With imageries like these it is no wonder that some Christians say that the God of the Old Testament is less compassionate and loving compared to Jesus Christ in the New Testament. However most fail to notice that Jesus is equally strict, He talked about eternal punishment, cursed the fig tree and even said He came not to bring peace but division! On the other hand, the God of the Old Testament is just as loving. He didn't bring down ten plagues upon Egypt without giving Pharaoh numerous warnings. He accepted Abraham's bargain to save Sodom - but alas, there were not enough righteous people to save it. He wanted to punished Nineveh and had sent Jonah to warn them of their impending doom, but relented when the people of Nineveh repented. I would cite more instances but I think you got the idea I was trying to convey; seriously if that is not compassion and love, I don't know what else to call it.

God said "It is mine to avenge, I will repay ... I will make my arrows drunk with blood, while my sword devours flesh" and He did. The lance was drenched in His blood as it pierced His crucified self on the side. He avenge it upon himself and paid it in full. Isaiah was right: by his wounds we are healed. As in Hebrews, God is consistent, He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

What has changed?

Our perception.

P/S: Many thanks to Meg and Chian Shen for inspiring this post :)

What's the best thing God ever made?

According to Johnny Five, a homeless man in New York

"...the best thing God ever made was tomorrow."
- Johnny Five, homeless man in New York

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT HIM

What do you think is the best thing that God ever made?

[Music] When God Ran

Almighty God, the great I am,
Immovable rock, omnipotent, powerful, awesome Lord.
Victorious warrior, commanding King of Kings.
Mighty conqueror, and the only time,
the only time I ever saw Him run...

Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms,
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again.”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes,
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son, do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise when God ran.

The day I left home I knew I’d broken His heart.
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same.
Then one night I remembered His love for me.
And down that dusty road ahead I could see,
It was the only time – it was the only time I ever saw Him run...

And then He ran to me, He took me in His arms,
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again.”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes,
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son, do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise as He brought me to my knees,
When God ran – I saw Him run to me.

I was so ashamed, all alone and so far away,
But now I know He’s been waiting for this day.

He ran to me, He took me in His arms,
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again.”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes.
With forgiveness in His voice He said, “Son”,
He called me Son...
He said, “Son, do you know I still love you?”
He ran to me and then I ran to Him,
When God ran.

- When God Ran by Benny Hester

[Music] Pierced

[chorus]
Make me, take me, break me, I am pierced
Make me, take me, break me, I am pierced

Though I am wounded and unworthy
Though I am selfish and untrue
You are holy, You're the healer
You forgave me and made me new
Made me new

[chorus]

Oh, this love, how can it be
That my God would die for me
For my sins, His wounds did bleed
Jesus, you were pierced for me

[chorus x3]

- Pierced by Audio Adrenaline via ChristianRockLyrics.com

Just Heavenly Pleasures
Designing Dreams, Serving Pleasure

Now Open in Plaza Damansara

(Jalan Medan Setia 1, Damansara Heights, KL)

For more information CLICK HERE

[Music] Leaving 99

I'm lost and broken all alone on this road
The wheels keep turning but the feeling is gone
when I fear I'm on my own
You remind me i am not alone

when You say..

I'd leave ninety-nine
Leave them all behind
To find you
(For you alone) I'd leave ninety-nine
Leave them all behind
To find you

It's dark and lonely and the path is unclear
Can't move my feet because I'm frozen with fear
then you say, my child, my child
i am always here, i'm at your side

I'd leave ninety-nine
Leave them all behind
To find you
(For you alone) I'd leave ninety-nine
Leave them all behind
To find you

you're never too far down
I promise you'll be found,
i'll reach into the mud,
the miry clay
pursue you to the end,
like a faithful friend,
nothing in this world,
can keep me away,

I'd leave ninety-nine
Leave them all behind
To find you
(For you alone) I'd leave ninety-nine
Leave them all behind
To find you...
to find you..

- Leaving 99 by Audio Adrenaline via sing365.com

[Book Review #2] One Big Damn Puzzler by John Harding

Synopsis: "On an island paradise somewhere in the South Pacific, Managua—the only native who can read or write—is busily translating Hamlet into pidgin English when a plane interrupts his noble work. Strapping on his false leg, he makes his way to the landing strip to greet the unexpected arrival: William Hardt, a young American lawyer driven by his misguided ambition to win reparations for the island's inhabitants.

Hardt is not the first white outsider to pay a visit; the British came earlier, bringing their language, the small pigs that run wild in the jungle, and Shakespeare . . . and the Americans followed with guns, land mines, and Coca-Cola. But in this place of riotously logical ritual, Hardt's determined quest to do good could make him the most devastating visitor of all.

Profoundly moving and achingly funny, One Big Damn Puzzler brilliantly explores the collision of the twenty-first century with unsullied pagan reality—and establishes John Harding as one of the most imaginative contemporary chroniclers of the human condition."

- Book Description via Amazon.com

Remarks: Full of good sociological insights. One Big Damn Puzzler (OBDP) makes a very good read and gets you thinking (not just entertained) about the consequences of introducing new ideas to society, the rationale behind the customs/traditions we practice and whether our idea of progress is really aimed towards a better future.

I like the fact that each chapter can be counted as a short story of its own and each chapter is as funny as the next, my favorite was chapter 17 - when Lucy killed her mother. Many subplots in between which in my opinion is as good or (sometimes) even better than the main plot.

Excellent stuff, definitely movie material.

Rating: 4 out of 5

---

Click here for ONE BIG DAMN PUZZLER on Amazon.com

[Book Review #1] Father Joe: The Man Who Saved My Soul by Tony Hendra

Synopsis: Tony Hendra's memoir about his 40-year friendship with Father Joseph Warrilow (a.k.a. Father Joe), a Catholic Benedictine Monk from Quarr Abbey. Ironically this friendship which helped preserve Hendra's soul throughout his rather messy 40 years of life, was initiated by an act of sin - Hendra's affair with a married woman when he was 14.

Comments: I like every bit of this book except when it came to Hendra's career, where it just seems too messy and draggy to keep up with. I love its fun take on certain aspects of the Catholic faith, the breath of fresh air it gives with regards to the character of God and the little morsels of Father Joe wisdom which gets you thinking.

My favorite excerpt from the book was an extract itself by Meister Eckhart: "When the Father laughs at the Son and the Son laughs back at the Father, that laughter gives pleasure, that pleasure gives joy, that joy gives love, and that love is the Holy Spirit". Not sure how theologically accurate is that, but it did help give me a different perspective on the Trinity.

Though I admit there are some parts which I find rather irreverent (such as Jessica Christ) but it's in context, so I'll let it pass. ;)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

---

Click here for FATHER JOE: THE MAN WHO SAVED MY SOUL on Amazon.com

Books / April Recommendations

Oh Lord, I have amassed so many (unread) books...

1. John Harding // One Big Damn Puzzler
2. Nick Hornby // How To Be Good
3. Sue Townsend // Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction
4. Annie Proulx // The Shipping News
5. William Shakespeare // Macbeth (comic)
6. William Shakespeare // The Tempest (comic)
7. J. R. R. Tolkien // The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series
8. Peter Carey // Collected Stories
9. Harriet Evans // Going Home
10. Pope John Paul II // Memory and Identity
11. Pope John Paul II // Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way
    
12. Raymond Flynn // John Paul II

...and I have not included all the Penguin classics which I have collected along the way. Ugh.

CURRENTLY READING: Father Joe: The Man Who Saved My Soul by Tony Hendra - so far so good, looks promising. Reviews coming up!

---

April Recommendations:

• books & such by bookwormy // for booklovers
  
• twitter.com // micro-blogging is IN!
• Batdood // funny and down-to-earth. (check out his music player!)
• Eva Cassidy's Songbird // her first posthumous album
• The Reaping // starring hilary swank

Christus Resurrexit!

Quia surrexit Dominus vere
(For the Lord has truly risen!)

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

A very happy Easter to all! :D

Good Friday: The Peter Condition

Peter said, "Master, I'm ready for anything with you. I'd go to jail for you. I'd die for you!"

Jesus said, "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, Peter, but before the rooster crows you will have three times denied that you know me."

[...]

Arresting Jesus, they marched him off and took him into the house of the Chief Priest. Peter followed, but at a safe distance. In the middle of the courtyard some people had started a fire and were sitting around it, trying to keep warm. One of the serving maids sitting at the fire noticed him, then took a second look and said, "This man was with him!"

He denied it, "Woman, I don't even know him."

A short time later, someone else noticed him and said, "You're one of them."

But Peter denied it: "Man, I am not."

About an hour later, someone else spoke up, really adamant: "He's got to have been with him! He's got 'Galilean' written all over him."

Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about." At that very moment, the last word hardly off his lips, a rooster crowed. Just then, the Master turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered what the Master had said to him: "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." He went out and cried and cried and cried.

- Luke 22:33-34; 54-62 (The Message version)

Sin has a way to creep on us just as how it had crept onto Peter. We don't realize the magnitude of our sin until we've committed it. Worse still, like Peter we commit the exact sin that we thought we wouldn't. And we become so ashamed of ourselves that instead of asking Him for forgiveness, we run away from the God who looks at us with mercy and love. Our God is one who believes that action speaks louder than words and by hanging on the cross, He shouts LOVE and FORGIVENESS to you and to me.

"This is a form of religious oppression ... an affront to human dignity."

Statement by the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of Malaysia

Re: The Court of Appeal Decision in the matter of R. Subashini - Saravanan

We are deeply disappointed and feel aggrieved by the recent majority decision of the Court of Appeal that the non-Muslim wife had to seek recourse through the Syariah Courts. This is a form of religious oppression and an affront to human dignity. As the Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the country, a person of one religion should not be made subject to laws of and governance by another religion. We urge all to voice their grievances against this injustic through proper channels. Let us do all that is possible and also pray that justice and freedom of religion be restored.

Most Rev Datuk Murphy Pakiam
President, Conference of Catholic Bishops of Malaysia
Dates this 27th March 2007 in Kuala Lumpur

Holy Week: Redemptive Suffering

Through His death and suffering and by the virtue of becoming human, Jesus brought Mankind not only redemption, but also the capacity of making our suffering redemptive as well. Martyrs don't just die for nothing but in hope that their death will bring about the conversion of souls. So effective is redemptive suffering that St. Thérèse of Lisieux once said: "I would not suffer less".

The concept of redemptive suffering is not at all masochism. It's genuine suffering in hope that one's suffering is redemptive for someone or something (e.g. a cause). This is the best analogy I could think of: a patient who is in pain is given painkillers, instead of using all of the painkillers he or she chose to save some of the painkillers for another who is in pain. So this is what happens with redemptive suffering, a person who suffers receives grace (which is unlimited by the way) from God and allocates some of the grace he or she receives for another person or cause, in hope that it will benefit somehow.

Any sort of suffering is redemptive, be it being caught in a jam, a toothache / stomachache / backache, the sweltering sun or even the bicep curl repetitions at the gym! Of course the amount of grace received is in proportionate to the amount of suffering one has to endure, simply because the capacity of receiving grace has also increased.

So the next time you find yourself cold and wet in the pouring rain, don't complain or grumble, offer up your suffering to God and for the benefit of someone (e.g. a friend) or a cause (e.g. the end of corruption). Frankly, I do not know how much grace I receive when I offer up my sufferings but one thing I know for sure, that whatever scraps of grace that's being conveyed to the cause or person will benefit somehow.

To all citizens of Malaysia: Read this!

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA
(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)
Address: 26, Jalan Universiti, 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457
Email: cchurchm@streamyx.com

CFM PRESS STATEMENT

The Christian Federation of Malaysia views with great concern the recent decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of Subashini v. Saravanan, where she, although a non-Muslim, was urged to submit to the jurisdiction of the Syariah courts to seek recourse from the break-up of her family, when her husband converted to Islam.

It is troubling to note, and indeed of great concern to all Malaysians, that what is clearly stated in the Federal Constitution, that the Syariah courts shall have jurisdiction only over persons professing the religion of Islam [Schedule 9, List 11 (1)], is now being extended, by court decision, to include non-Muslims.

The Christian Federation of Malaysia respects the Federal Constitution to be the supreme law of the country [Art 4(1)], and therefore, it must guarantee the right of all non-Muslim Malaysian citizen to find justice served in the civil courts of the country.

In view of this development, the Christian Federation of Malaysia joins with all other likeminded Malaysians in raising our concern to the government. Decision like this impact negatively on the social fabric of Malaysia.

We therefore, call on all elected members of Parliament to do everything within their means to defend our Constitution, and to safeguard the right of non-Muslim citizens to find remedy and justice in civil courts in maters [sic] pertaining to civil rights an [sic] liberties.

[SIGNATURE]
Bishop Paul Tan Chee Ing, SJ
Chairman,
The Executive Committee
Christian Federation of Malaysia

Dated: 22nd March 2007

---

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCANNED IMAGE OF THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT

Help others to be informed, copy and paste this on your blog.

(Illegal) Immigrants*

Are all illegal immigrants in Malaysia - thieves? robbers? rapists? If you said yes, here's my question to you: Have you met every illegal immigrant there is in this country? What are the statistics of these illegal immigrants committing crime? Does statistics show that there are more illegal immigrants than MalaysianS who commit crime - or is it the other way around?

What makes an immigrant legal and the other illegal? Isn't it just a matter of having documentation? So it's an administrative matter - therefore why is it a crime for being undocumented? Is whipping - as a punishment necessary? Would anyone in their right mind prefer to live undocumented and in fear?

Is it a crime to preserve one's life? Is it a crime to runaway from impending death in one's home country? Would anyone choose to live in a foreign land far away from their loved ones? Why can't refugees be allowed to take asylum in Malaysia? Would this act of mercy cause a sudden surge in our population and necessarily affect our economic/societal development in a negative manner? Or would this act of mercy help us resolve our need for foreign labor, as a developing nation?

We are all migrants, save for the indigenous of Malaysia. Jesus himself was a migrant and a refugee too. He was cradled by his parents and forced to flee to Egypt for fear of Herod who had issued orders to kill every child below two years and younger (Matthew 2:13-18). Had the Egyptians deported the Holy Family, Jesus would have been killed before His time and the world would have lost their Savior.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MIGRANTS IN MALAYSIA, VISIT:
TENAGANITA (http://tenaganita.disagrees.net/info/)

*I would like to thank Miss Irene Fernandez for inspiring me to write this post

Photo credit: "03.jpg" - picture of a "stateless child" by fotowarung

The Arrogance of Absolute Truth (?)

Recently I have been told that my stance on absolute truth, that is my belief that...

1. If anyone (Christian and non-Christian) goes to heaven, it is only because of Jesus Christ (refer to HEAVEN: Christians Only?) and no one / nothing else.
   
2. The Roman Catholic Church alone has the "the fullness of the means of salvation" (CCC 816) and the Holy Spirit "leads her toward the fullness of truth" (CCC 2625)

... sounds arrogant and self-righteous; and to be fair it does sound that way (to a certain extent) but believe me it wasn't meant to.

Perhaps it might be different if I were to say: "I believe gravity affects everyone regardless of one's belief in it" or that "Oxygen is essential to our survival." Why is that so? Simply because many of us have been taught these facts since our childhood and quite naturally, we take it as part of our reality although most of us have not scientifically tested these facts ourselves to verify whether or not it is true. We just assume that it is.

In the same way, as a Catholic Christian I have been taught to believe the listed statements as true. Frankly I am convinced of these truths to the point that I am eager to tell others about what I believe in and how they can share in the joy which I have found. But of course, I'll do it the St. Peter way, that is "with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15) :)

So please understand that my stance is not an invention of my own bigotry or arrogance, but a requirement for me as a Catholic Christian.

The Five Constipated Men in the Bible

There were five, five constipated men in the Bible, in the Bible!
There were five, five constipated men in the B. I. B. L. E.!

The first, first, constipated man was CAIN; he wasn't able!
The first, first, constipated man in the B. I. B. L. E.!

The second, second, constipated man was MOSES; he took two tablets!
The second, second, constipated in the B. I. B. L. E.!

The third, third, constipated man was SAMSON; he brought the house down!
The third, third, constipated man in the B. I. B. L. E.!

The fourth, fourth, constipated man was BALAAM; he couldn't move his ass!
The fourth, fourth, constipated man in the B. I. B. L. E.!

The fifth, fifth, constipated man was DAVID... Why?
He was on the throne for forty years!

Sainthood for Mother Marie Eugenie not Mother Teresa

For those of you who have received the following SMS:

“Mother Teresa is going to be declared a saint within three hours, in Rome. Your three petitions will be granted in her name, if you pray now. Send this to at least five people."

You may stop forwarding the message now and delete it from your cellphone. Blessed Mother Teresa is not going to be declared a saint anytime soon rather it's Mother MARIE EUGENIE [CLICK HERE FOR THE NEWS] who is going to be canonized. How do I know the message's a hoax? Besides the fact that I looked up Google News for the supposed canonization of Mother Teresa, there are several giveaways in the SMS itself:

1. If it's genuine you don't have to mention to "Send this to at least five people"; real news spreads fast and will do so on its on initiative
   
2. CNN and BBC would have made her canonization the headlines way earlier before anyone could say "Hallelujah!"

Chain messages such as these are one of my pet peeves; I guess I am just annoyed that it promotes superstition among the Catholic faithful... Anyway a point to note: our petitions are granted only through Jesus Christ (John 14:14) and no one else... because ultimately it is God who has the power to grant our requests. But of course, the saints may intercede also :)

That's all for today's public service announcement. Have a good day!

Can't resist but to take the quiz...

... Not sure if the results were sarcastic but whatever. :P

The Grudge

This evening at a family gathering over at my cousin's place, I was reminded of my mother's grudge against her brother-in-law as I see the two of them (still) not on talking terms for over 20 years. Which triggered an examination of conscience on my part, and I must confess that beneath this "churchy" exterior, I am a very bitter person. I have a chest load of grudges which I am clinging on tightly, although strangely I have mostly forgotten what started the grudge in the first place. But one thing I know for sure, these grudges that I have are devouring me one piece at a time.

As I reflect further, the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35) came to mind:

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.

"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'

"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.

"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

The parable above is an allegory of what Jesus had done to redeem us from our sins. He who is sinless was crucified by those who in the first place had sinned against Him, yet Jesus bore no grudge (note: even though He had every right to), instead He said "Father, forgive them ..." (Luke 23:34) Therefore what right do we have to bear grudges? If we ask the Lord to be merciful to us, to take pity on us and to forgive our sins, shouldn't we do the same for others who have sinned against us?

I sense a major spiritual overhaul on my end. Pray for me.

Music Review: Shawn McDonald's Live In Seattle

If there's one album that I must recommend, it has to be Shawn McDonald's Live in Seattle: it's live (duh!), unplugged (mostly guitar) and the thing I love most about it is its raw honesty. You can find many Christian songs that sing God's praise and his goodness, but rarely we hear songs about the struggles of the Christian journey - battling sin and seeking redemption - such as Shawn McDonald's; Hold On (one of my all-time favorites) is a song about keeping the faith.

I think what appeals to me most is his lyrics [CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST] which I find to be very close to home as a Christian. Of course, my weakness for unplugged music contributes to my love for the album. *Grins*

If you are Christian, loves unplugged music and lusts for all things acoustic, you will love this album. Why am I so confident? Simply because...

I like my new tshirt. LOL. (OK fine, I like to think I am always right :P) Oh by the way to all my readers...

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR!

May the Lord prosper you according to His plans! (Jeremiah 29:11)

Here's a Youtube Lunar New Year treat for all of you :) Cheers!

February Randomness

1. I discovered I have the uncanny ability to tell time accurately without looking at a watch and with an error margin of about 1 minute. Don't believe me? Ask me what time it is, the next time (no pun intended) you see me.
   
   
2. I've thought of (what I believe to be) the most irreverent message to be printed on a greeting card:
   (front) "If we are the Body of Christ"; (inside) "You must be the asshole."
   
   
3. It's 12.03am, my cognitive psych mid-term's is in less than 16 hours and I have one more chapter to study and five chapter's worth of notes to make. (And I am not counting officially revising and doing the online quiz)
   
   Darn it, I am blogging.
   

If I were a character in Southpark...

I might look just like this! :)

CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR VERY OWN!

[STICKY POST] Amazingly Fearless Race 2007

Note: Scroll down for the latest post. Thank you.

Promotional Poster

What is the Amazingly Fearless Race? Click Here and click here to find out.

To register contact John (012 390 9312) / Ignatius (012 385 1023)

Alternatively you may register with me via email, please include your NAME, CONTACT NO., LOCATION, CHURCH (if any) and send to celestinetan@gmail.com. Thank you. :)

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Credit: All stick figures courtesy of Belinda :D

Why Jesus had 12 baskets full...

While having supper at a mamak place somewhere in Port Dickson...

Me: Wow, your burger looks good. How much is it?

John: RM1.20

Me: RM1.20! So cheap lah. I wonder if the they had toast the buns. Can I touch them? I wanna know if it's warm.

John: NO!

Me: Why lah?

John: Because your hands are dirty.

Me: Hey, when Jesus multiplied the five loaves He touched them didn't He?

[Pause and thinks]

Me: Then again... come to think about it, it's no wonder Jesus had so much left-overs - twelve baskets full in fact. I guess the people were grossed out having the knowledge that Jesus multiplied the loaves by pinching them with His bare hands.

John: LOL.

Music Video

My rendition of Shawn McDonald's All I Need. Enjoy. LOL. :D



Credits:
Johnny (guitar)
Patrick (backup vocals)
Meity (choreographer)
Carmel (videographer)

Video shot @ Port Dickson, near La Salle House (?)

What's worse than shit?

Me: Shit lah... [grumbles under breath]

Holy Holly: *GASP* Cel don't use the "S" word!

Me: What..? It's not like the "F" word...

Holy Holly: Yes... but why don't you use other words such as "shucks"?

Me: Shucks? You know where that word comes from right?

Holy Holly: Err... no? Isn't it meaningless?

Me: Well, it's worse than saying "shit" ... it's actually a combination of "shit" and "f..."

...

Holy Holly: WHAT?! No it can't be. OK, I am not listening to you. [Closes ears] La~ la~ la~ la~

Me: ROFL!

Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Penang

NOW ONLINE // CLICK HERE

The Soldier with the Cut-off Ear

My sheep - yes, that's what I call my friends at cell group - are really funny, the following is a discussion we had following a question on the incarnational principle (i.e. the concept following the principle that God became man, in Jesus Christ):

Person A: Jesus carried through the incarnational principle by using everyday objects to conduct his miracles, for example, Jesus healed the blind man with mud made with spit. He could have easily clicked his fingers and say: "Be healed!" but he chose to take the trouble just to make his point.

Person B: Just like a illusionist who asks the audience to blow his fist to add to the dramatic effect! LOL.

Person C: Hey, but when Jesus healed the soldier with the cut-off ear he just attached it without drama lah!

[The group takes a moment to think for a while]

Person C: Oh... I know why already ... Because what happened to the soldier was an emergency lah. As for the blind man, he was blind all his life, so it wouldn't make much of a difference to be blind a little longer.

[Cell group LOL!]

The Hierarchy of Truths

An interesting discussion on the hierarchy of truths happened at cell group today:

PERSON A: Well, basically the hierarchy of truths was employed by the Catholic Church to categorize truths that are important for our salvation (e.g. the necessity of Jesus' death on the Cross for our salvation) and truths that are less important for our salvation (e.g. Purgatory) ... Besides if all truths were to be equally important our Protestant brethren would be counted as unsaved by us Catholics since there are truths that we subscribe to but they do not.

PERSON B: That just seems like a cop out to me - just to include our Protestant brethren. I mean, if it's true, it should all be equally true.

PERSON A: No, it's not a cop out and yes, it is all equally true, it's just that some truths are more central to our salvation than others but that doesn't mean it cannot/does not contribute to our salvation. Think about it this way, the truths we embrace are like parts of a car which needs to be assembled together in order to function as intended.

PERSON B: Since you have used this analogy. Let's take the "wheels" of the car as the truths that are central for our salvation and the the "cushions" as truths concerning Mary - without which we could still arrive at our destination (i.e. Heaven) since the "wheels" are what we need. (HAHA!)

PERSON A: Yes, true... but think about it. It wouldn't be comfortable to drive without "cushions" (i.e. Mary) right? Also the car would be able to arrive at the destination even without "wipers" (i.e. the saints) BUT only on bright and shiny days would the journey be smooth, how about during stormy days? [Starting to get a little carried away] And not to mention stormy days are often dark and cloudy, if you do not have your "headlights" (e.g. the Eucharist) how would be able to arrive at your destination safely? And also if ...

The rest of the cell group: -_-" / LOL / ROFL / ^o^

Madonna and Child

- Image obtained from a postcard (all the way from Taiwan!) from dearest Brother Alberto -

A Chinese depiction of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Child Jesus - I am amazed at how much acculturation the Catholic Church in China has gone through in Taiwan.

One word: WOW.

Promo Poster

A prototype (hence the - "??") of the upcoming poster for HELP CSS. Suggestions for improvements?

Or is it already perfect?

LOL. :)

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Update @ 10.18pm! Revised and finalised poster :)

What is ours?

Many times when we lose something or someone we have the tendency to blame God and ask "Why?" - as if He owes us an explanation of some sort. Thus we fail to realize that the good things which we lost never really belonged to us in the first place. The truth is the whole world and what's in it belongs to Him (Psalm 50:12)

Job showed a profound understanding of this truth in the midst of his suffering with the following statement: "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!" (Job 1:21) The story of Job illustrates that if God allows suffering on a blameless man like Job, what less we who so often transgress against the Lord can expect? Of course there are occasions that God intervenes to alleviate suffering, which we call miracles. But when He does not, that is life, where pain and suffering is part and parcel of.

As I am writing this I am burdened with sore throat + cough and various worries; one of which was as a result of (being "forced to") taking up five "heavy-weight" subjects (Principles of Sociology, History of Western Civilization I, World Religions, Physics and Cognitive & Biological Psychology) this semester - God help me cope!

Come to think about it, the challenges that I am facing right now can be an opportunity for me to see the hand of God working in my life, He did say: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9) How can I say that my achievements are from God when I am all self-sufficient? It is when I finally pulled through the seemingly impossible that I am able to confidently acknowledge that it was God who had done it for me. And once again I am humbled by the realization that EVERYTHING that I have ever achieved and owned does not belong to me but to God alone.

Four days late - Happy New Year anyway!

... here are my (obligatory) new year's resolutions:

1. Maintain a CGPA of 3.5 and above
   Currently I am at 3.48 which is rather good I think, but of course I would prefer to have higher grade point averages - who doesn't?
   
   
2. Read at least THREE books a month
   It's manageable considering I did manage to read three books (An Exorcist Tells His Story, And When Did You Last See Your Father? and Christ the Lord) last month. *Beams!*
   
   
3. Sculpt great looking abs
   Though I might not get six-packs but I do hope to get better looking abs by the end of 2007 ;)
   
   
4. Go to gym at least 5 times a week
   OK - I am not going for BodyPump / weight-training for 5 days in a row. More cardio to burn off excess body fat (especially when I plan to drink one mug of milk everyday for protein) Step-machines - here I come!
   
   
5. Be punctual
   Father OC once said the following with a grin: "Celestine, one of these days you will be late for your own funeral." Mental note to self: 12.00pm means 12.00pm NOT 12.15pm.
   
   
6. Morning Prayer (Lauds) & Night Prayer (Complines) Everyday
   Catholic set prayers rock! Period.
   
   
7. Read the Bible cover to cover beginning from the New Testament
   I've done this before (from Genesis) but I stopped at one of the Pauline letters. Now I am doing it again - I need perseverance, pray for me people!

For those of you who are interested to know how you can make and keep your New Year's resolutions CLICK HERE [via Lifehacker]

All the best!

Signing off.