If you would like to comment regarding this topic, please do so in the comment section (the link can be found at the top right hand corner of this entry) :)
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Survey: Do all religions lead to God?
If you would like to comment regarding this topic, please do so in the comment section (the link can be found at the top right hand corner of this entry) :)
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Four Biblical Truths
The following is an online version of Lifeline's Four Biblical Truths, a concise guide to:
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Are you looking for a Church to belong? Have you asked yourself if you are in the right church? Or aren’t all Christian denominations the same?
These 4 Biblical Truths are offered to you as your right to make an informed choice
1ST BIBLICAL TRUTH
The SEPARATION of Christians is against God’s plan
Jesus prayed to the Father,
Today, Christianity is separated into over 25,000 denominations,
How did these divisions begin?
They began when individuals began to take the Bible as their sole authority and interpreted it by themselves.
2nd BIBLICAL TRUTH
SACRED SCRIPTURE was never meant to be read alone
The last book of the New Testament was only completed in 100 AD and the list of books to be included in the Bible was only finalised by 397 AD. Clearly, at least until that time, the early Church must have regarded something else as authoritative for the Faith.
This “something else” is Sacred Tradition. This includes the Bible, but also oral teachings and unwritten practices. Sacred Tradition helps us to interpret the Bible rightly, according with what the early Christians believed.
3RD BIBLICAL TRUTH
SACRED TRADITION is found in the Church built by Jesus
And where is this Church?
Through her successive leaders of Popes and bishops, the Catholic Church traces her roots and identifies with the Biblical church founded by Jesus Christ. All Protestant churches were founded by men not more than 500 years ago.
We are secure knowing that the father of lies will never succeed in introducing false doctrines into the Church that Jesus Christ founded. To claim that the Catholic Church, as the bearer of this promise, has deviated from the truth is to call God a liar.
4th BIBLICAL TRUTH
A SPECIAL AUTHORITY was given by Jesus to the leader of his Church
Without clear and visible leadership, the people of God would be left to do what they thought was best. This is a sure path to division and idolatry (Judges 17:6, 21:25).
St. Peter received special authority to arbitrate over Church disputes and discern authentic Tradition. Even St. Paul did not decide on his own but recognised this authority in a doctrinal dispute that broke out in the early Church (Acts 15:3)
Christ planned for the Church to remain till the end of time. Wouldn’t it be strange that He would give this visible office of authority to Peter and not intend for it to be passed on in succession?
Jesus’ promise that the Spirit would lead the Church into all truth (John 16:12, Acts 15:28) enables the Church to consolidate, grow in insight and clarify the teaching of the Apostles. It was the Catholic Church, exercising this authority that defined what we hold today to be indisputable: Christ’s human and divine nature, the Trinity and the books to be included in the Bible.
The Catholic Church has been accused of being slow to change. In fact she is always cautious to change and has changed nothing that has been received as doctrinally essential from the Lord. An honest examination of early Christian letters as historical documents reveal belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to the saints, prayers for the Dead, Baptism of infants and Confession of sins; everything which you may have heard were innovations of the Catholic Church.
Today, you can plant your Faith firmly upon the facts of God’s Word. Just as you have a biblical faith that in no other name can you be saved except the name of Jesus, in no Christian denomination is there fullness of Truth except in the Catholic Church. In this Church alone is there Apostolic Faith, God-ordained Authority and the Sacraments of Salvation.
- Help Catholics defend the Faith
- Help others make an informed decision when choosing a church
- Engage fellow Protestant brothers and sisters in inter-religious dialogues
---
Are you looking for a Church to belong? Have you asked yourself if you are in the right church? Or aren’t all Christian denominations the same?
These 4 Biblical Truths are offered to you as your right to make an informed choice
1ST BIBLICAL TRUTH
The SEPARATION of Christians is against God’s plan
Jesus prayed to the Father,
‘The glory that you have given me I have given them that they may be one even as we are one’”
John 17:22
Today, Christianity is separated into over 25,000 denominations,
How did these divisions begin?
They began when individuals began to take the Bible as their sole authority and interpreted it by themselves.
2nd BIBLICAL TRUTH
SACRED SCRIPTURE was never meant to be read alone
The last book of the New Testament was only completed in 100 AD and the list of books to be included in the Bible was only finalised by 397 AD. Clearly, at least until that time, the early Church must have regarded something else as authoritative for the Faith.
This “something else” is Sacred Tradition. This includes the Bible, but also oral teachings and unwritten practices. Sacred Tradition helps us to interpret the Bible rightly, according with what the early Christians believed.
“So then brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter”
2 Thessalonians 2:15
Where can I find this Sacred Tradition? 2 Thessalonians 2:15
3RD BIBLICAL TRUTH
SACRED TRADITION is found in the Church built by Jesus
The Church is the pillar and foundation of truth
1 Timothy 3:15
1 Timothy 3:15
Jesus said, “I will build my Church and the powers of hell shall not triumph over it”
Matthew 16:18
Matthew 16:18
And where is this Church?
Through her successive leaders of Popes and bishops, the Catholic Church traces her roots and identifies with the Biblical church founded by Jesus Christ. All Protestant churches were founded by men not more than 500 years ago.
We are secure knowing that the father of lies will never succeed in introducing false doctrines into the Church that Jesus Christ founded. To claim that the Catholic Church, as the bearer of this promise, has deviated from the truth is to call God a liar.
4th BIBLICAL TRUTH
A SPECIAL AUTHORITY was given by Jesus to the leader of his Church
Without clear and visible leadership, the people of God would be left to do what they thought was best. This is a sure path to division and idolatry (Judges 17:6, 21:25).
Jesus said to Peter, “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven”
Matthew 16:19
Matthew 16:19
St. Peter received special authority to arbitrate over Church disputes and discern authentic Tradition. Even St. Paul did not decide on his own but recognised this authority in a doctrinal dispute that broke out in the early Church (Acts 15:3)
Christ planned for the Church to remain till the end of time. Wouldn’t it be strange that He would give this visible office of authority to Peter and not intend for it to be passed on in succession?
Jesus’ promise that the Spirit would lead the Church into all truth (John 16:12, Acts 15:28) enables the Church to consolidate, grow in insight and clarify the teaching of the Apostles. It was the Catholic Church, exercising this authority that defined what we hold today to be indisputable: Christ’s human and divine nature, the Trinity and the books to be included in the Bible.
The Catholic Church has been accused of being slow to change. In fact she is always cautious to change and has changed nothing that has been received as doctrinally essential from the Lord. An honest examination of early Christian letters as historical documents reveal belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to the saints, prayers for the Dead, Baptism of infants and Confession of sins; everything which you may have heard were innovations of the Catholic Church.
Today, you can plant your Faith firmly upon the facts of God’s Word. Just as you have a biblical faith that in no other name can you be saved except the name of Jesus, in no Christian denomination is there fullness of Truth except in the Catholic Church. In this Church alone is there Apostolic Faith, God-ordained Authority and the Sacraments of Salvation.
TESTIMONY OF THE EARLY CHURCHIt is within the power of all in every Church, who may wish to see the truth, to contemplate clearly the tradition of the apostles manifested throughout the whole world. We are able to list those who were instituted bishops by the apostles in the Churches, and [to demonstrate] the succession of these men to our own times. These men neither taught nor knew of anything like what these [heretics] rave about.
We point to the tradition of that very great, ancient and universally known Church that was founded and established at Rome by the two most glorious Apostles Peter and Paul. We point I say, to the tradition which this Church has from the Apostles, and to her faith proclaimed to men which comes down to our time through the succession of her bishops. And so we put to shame who, in whatever manner, whether by an evil self-pleasing, by vainglory, or by blindness and perverse opinion, all who assemble in unauthorised meetings. For it is a matter of necessity that every Church must agree with this Church on account of its superior authority. The faithful who preserve the Apostolic tradition would do as much.
St. Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons,
Against Heresies Book 3, Chapter 3 (125-189 AD)
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Centering Prayer
"Centering Prayer is a method of prayer, which prepares us to receive the gift of God's presence, traditionally called contemplative prayer. It consists of responding to the Spirit of Christ by consenting to God’s presence and action within. It furthers the development of contemplative prayer by quieting our faculties to cooperate with the gift of God’s presence.Centering Prayer facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer — verbal, mental or affective prayer — into a receptive prayer of resting in God. It emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God. At the same time, it is a discipline to foster and serve this relationship by a regular, daily practice of prayer. It is Trinitarian in its source, Christ-centered in its focus, and ecclesial in its effects; that is, it builds communities of faith.
Centering Prayer is drawn from ancient prayer practices of the Christian contemplative heritage, notably the Fathers and Mothers of the Desert, Lectio Divina, (praying the scriptures), The Cloud of Unknowing, St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila.. It was distilled into a simple method of prayer in the 1970’s by three Trappist monks, Fr. William Meninger, Fr. Basil Pennington and Abbot Thomas Keating at the Trappist Abbey, St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts."
Recently I have been trying out this method of prayer in an attempt to counter spiritual dryness which have been persisting for months. To my surprise, by just sitting still and keeping quiet I am able to connect with God much better than using conversational prayers. The downside to this is I do not have much "stamina" for centering prayer. I find it tough to be still for more than 20 minutes and I have noticed that during centering prayer the act of breathing becomes a conscious effort.
Anyone here experienced this phenomena?
Anyone here experienced this phenomena?
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Weekend With The Jesuits
About the Society of Jesus (a.k.a. the Jesuits):
The Society of Jesus (Societas Iesu in Latin) is a Christian religious order of the Roman Catholic Church in direct service to the Pope. Its members, known as Jesuits since the Protestant Reformation, have been called "Footsoldiers of the Pope" in part because the Society's founder, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, was a Basque nobleman and soldier before his conversion. Today, Jesuits number over 20,000 and comprise the largest religious order in the Catholic Church. Jesuit priests and brothers are engaged in ministries in 112 nations on six continents. Their work is focused on education and intellectual contributions, primarily at colleges and universities.
The Society of Jesus is consecrated under the patronage of Madonna Della Strada, a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary meaning Our Lady of the Way. The Way was what early Christians called their community in Jerusalem and surrounding Palestine. The Society is lead by Peter Hans Kolvenbach, Superior General, based in the Church of the Name of Jesus in Rome.
Last week I had the priviledge to spend the weekend (2 days and 1 night, to be exact) with the Jesuits in my church as part of the Religious Vocation Exposure Programme by Lifeline. Although my stay was short, through much interactions with the Jesuits I have learnt a lot about them. These are somethings which I have learnt:
- JESUITS LIVE AS A COMMUNITY
Not all Jesuits are priests, they can be Jesuit brothers or Scholastics (Jesuits who are undergoing the process of becoming a Jesuit priest) who might be currently working as a teacher or even a pharmacologist. The Jesuits is an independant community which meant that they have to find their own income (i.e. jobs/donations). Therefore whatever that was earned by its members will be put into the common fund, which will be used to buy necessities for the community's use. The most interesting fact I have discovered about the Jesuits was that, no Jesuit is allowed to own anything after he has become a member of the Society. By "anything", I meant from stuff like money to toothbrush. So owns it? Everyone. But of course due to hygiene purposes no one will be borrowing toothbrushes. ;)
- JESUITS HAVE NO TEMPORARY VOWS
Some Orders I know have temporary vows, which will be valid only for a period of time (e.g. one year). But for the Jesuits, vows are perpetual. By the way being a Jesuit meant taking the vow of chastity, obedience and poverty. When I first heard this, I once asked a Jesuit...
Me: So perpetual means... forever?
Jesuit: Yes.
Me: Forever, forever?
Jesuit: Yes.
Me: Forever and ever and ever?
Jesuit: Yes.
Therefore when one joins the Jesuit he will be required to go through the Novitiate for at least 2 years before he is given the option to take the vows.
- THE JESUIT NOVITIATE IS NO BED OF ROSES
According to a Jesuit I know, the 2 year Novitiate is like boot camp. Not that this is a bad thing, because one of the purposes of the Novitiate is to instill disicpline and humility. So for you aspiring Jesuits, be prepared for a full scheduled day from classes to cooking meals, everyday. That's not so bad compared to what they require to do to break pride. Humility is instilled through menial jobs they were sent to do for at least 6 weeks. Some I knew worked as paddy farmers in northern Thailand and another worked in a hospital; bathing patients and cleaning up feces daily.
- JESUITS ARE SERIOUSLY FUNNY
As I was having dinner with the Jesuits at SS2's Wai Sek Kai (Glutton Street), I made small talk with Father A...
Me: Well Father, what other languages do you speak besides English and Malay?
Father A.: *serious expression* I do speak in tongues.
Me: Oo.. kayy...
Besides Father A., Brother A. was another adorably funny character. Impressed at the depth of his practical knowledge, I said...
Me: Wow, you know so much.
Brother A.: There are a lot of things in this world that I do not know, you know? (<--by the way, that line was word-for-word)
Me: *chuckles*
All in all, being with the Jesuits was a memorable and good experience. There were many other things which I have experienced and have learnt but as Scripture says "...if every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." (John 21:25) Hehe.
On a personal note, I would like to extend a big THANK YOU to the Jesuit community in St. Francis Xavier's for their generous hospitality.
God bless.
On a personal note, I would like to extend a big THANK YOU to the Jesuit community in St. Francis Xavier's for their generous hospitality.
God bless.
Friday, July 15, 2005
Danny Wilson - Mary's Prayer
This song is so Catholic! Haha. Not really, but this is one of those songs that keeps me in the happy dreamy mood. Bet it does that to you too! ;)
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Mary's Prayer
by Danny Wilson
Everything is wonderful
Being here is heavenly
Every single day she sends
Everything is free
I used to be so careless
As if I couldn't care less
Why did I have to make this mess
When I was Mary's prayer
Suddenly, the heavens roared
Suddenly, the rain came down
Suddenly, was washed away
The Mary that I knew
So when you find somebody to keep
Think of me and celebrate
I made such a big mistake
When I was Mary's prayer
So if I say save me, save me
Be the light in my eyes
And if I say ten Hail Mary's
Leave the light in heaven for me
Blessed is the one who shares
Your power and your beauty, Mary
Blessed is the millionaire who shares your wedding day
So when you find somebody to keep
Think of me and celebrate
I made such a big mistake
When I was Mary's prayer
So if I say save me, save me
Be the light in my eyes
And if I say ten Hail Mary's
Leave the light in heaven
Save me, save me
Be the light in my eyes
And if I say ten Hail Mary's
Leave the light in heaven for me
If you want the fruit to fall
You have to give the tree a shake
If you shake the tree too hard
The bough is gonna break
And if I can't reach the top of the tree
Mary, you can blow me up there
What I wouldnt give to be
When I was Mary's prayer
So if I say save me, save me
Be the light in my eyes
And if I say ten Hail Mary's
Leave the light in heaven
Save me, save me
Be the light in my eyes
And if I say ten Hail Mary's
Leave the light in heaven
Save me, save me
Be the light in my eyes
What I wouldn't give to be
When I was Mary's prayer
What I wouldn't give to be
When I was Mary's prayer
What I wouldn't give to be
When I was Mary's prayer
:: NOW STREAMING ON RADIO.BLOG ::
===
Mary's Prayer
by Danny Wilson
Everything is wonderful
Being here is heavenly
Every single day she sends
Everything is free
I used to be so careless
As if I couldn't care less
Why did I have to make this mess
When I was Mary's prayer
Suddenly, the heavens roared
Suddenly, the rain came down
Suddenly, was washed away
The Mary that I knew
So when you find somebody to keep
Think of me and celebrate
I made such a big mistake
When I was Mary's prayer
So if I say save me, save me
Be the light in my eyes
And if I say ten Hail Mary's
Leave the light in heaven for me
Blessed is the one who shares
Your power and your beauty, Mary
Blessed is the millionaire who shares your wedding day
So when you find somebody to keep
Think of me and celebrate
I made such a big mistake
When I was Mary's prayer
So if I say save me, save me
Be the light in my eyes
And if I say ten Hail Mary's
Leave the light in heaven
Save me, save me
Be the light in my eyes
And if I say ten Hail Mary's
Leave the light in heaven for me
If you want the fruit to fall
You have to give the tree a shake
If you shake the tree too hard
The bough is gonna break
And if I can't reach the top of the tree
Mary, you can blow me up there
What I wouldnt give to be
When I was Mary's prayer
So if I say save me, save me
Be the light in my eyes
And if I say ten Hail Mary's
Leave the light in heaven
Save me, save me
Be the light in my eyes
And if I say ten Hail Mary's
Leave the light in heaven
Save me, save me
Be the light in my eyes
What I wouldn't give to be
When I was Mary's prayer
What I wouldn't give to be
When I was Mary's prayer
What I wouldn't give to be
When I was Mary's prayer
War of the Worlds
I went to watch War of the Worlds yesterday at the new GSC (One Utama) with a couple of my friends and it was the best sci-fi movie I have watched. I've heard people say that the ending kinda suck, so I braced myself throughout the show expecting it. But as it turned out, the ending was a good closure (think M. Night Shyamalan ;)) to the movie.My verdict? Go watch the movie, it's worth the 10 ringgit.
Monday, July 11, 2005
No Longer A Teen
My transition from teenagehood into young-adulthood begun exactly an hour and twenty-two minutes ago. So now I am officially a twenty-year old. :) Strangely this year I feel indifferent on my birthday... Hmm. Must be the exam stress. Oh yeah, my exam's tomorrow (PY101) and Wednesday (EN102). Hehe. OK. Got... to... stop... blogging... now *peels hands off keyboard* and go study. Yayness. :Dp/s: thanks guys (you know who you are! :)) for your birthday wishes! I can't wait for the exams to be over. *sigh* ;)
Seeds/Birds/Rocky Places/Thorns/Good Soil
It was a very fruitful session for me yesterday at Potter & Clay. The topic was on the Word of God (a.k.a. the Bible) and the the key passage for the bible study was the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-8):
1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown..."
I've always thought that this verse refers to us Christians as the seed, and it implies that we need to grow tall (i.e. reaching God) and to be strongly rooted in God's word. But as I reflected on this passage, I realised that this verse might also refer us Christians as either the birds, rocky places, thorns or good soil! And the seed(s) refers to people that God brought to our lives (i.e. either in church/youth ministry) to be looked after.
Do we see ourselves like the birds who took advantage of the seed? In other words, are we welcoming new people for the purpose of their use, and not for the sake of their soul? Or do we see ourselves as rocky places without much soil, where fellowship and bible study are on the mere surface? So although our members might know the bible in and out, when trouble (i.e. persecution/times of trials) comes their faith withers because the fellowship is merely on the superficial level and not on a deeper, personal and more rooted level. Or are we like thorns which suppress the growth of our members because of our self-righteous or holier-than-thou attitudes, judging others without looking at ourselves first? Lastly are we like good soil, which allows people to transform from their seed capsules to beautiful golden wheat (i.e. life change)? Thus when people grow deeper in faith, naturally through word of mouth; multitudes come to have their own life changed.
Amen.
Amen.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
8 Simple Rules For Dating
This blog has been collecting dust for almost a month now. :D Here's something I plagiarize from a tract I got from Lifeline College & Young Adults Ministry entitled: 8 Simple Rules For Dating. It's based on the book "Christian Courtship In An Oversexed World: A Guide For Catholics" and Joshua Harris' "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" I think this tract is pretty cool! If you have any feedback, I'd love to read it. :)
Here it is:
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RULE #1: DON'T DATE IF YOU'RE NOT READY
Modern research confirms that our brains don't fully develop until age 25. Hold off till you're emotionally mature and financially able to enter into a committed relationship and discern marriage.
Rule #2: DON'T DATE FOR EXPERIENCE
It's healthy to develop friendships with persons of the opposite sex. Exclusive dating however, has the purpose of discerning marriage. When this purpose isn't clear, dating becomes a game where feelings get hurt and purity compromised. Experience in the game won't make you a better marriage partner. Instead, the emotional roller-coaster of intimacy and break-ups may build up instability or cynicism in your heart.
Rule #3: PREPARE YOURSELF
Do not become preoccupied looking for a life partner. Singleness is not a curse! Guard against temptation through prayer, Scripture reading and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Seek healing for emotional scars that may affect future relationships. Learn to love generously and unselfishly as your family and church responsibilities expand. Embrace singleness as a chance to serve the Lord.
Rule #4: BUILD FRIENDSHIPS FIRST
Don't rush. Don't date someone on the rebound. Take a good look at why he or she broke up from a previous relationship. If the person is a two-timer or jumped from one relationship to another because, "I didn't feel anything anymore", you're asking for trouble. Many want to play the romanticised role of the hero who rehabilitates the guy or girl but they end up getting hurt in the end.
You and I were create in the image of God and through baptism restored in His likeness. If your hormones control your head, you've degraded yourself to the level of an animal and set yourself up for future unchastitiy and marital infidelity.
Friendships take time and are built on common values and interests. If your relationship with the Lord is important, look for someone who shares that priority. Although there is no strict prohibition against non-Catholics, be aware and cautious of difficulties arising from differences in beliefs. Also, be careful of non-practising Catholics!
At this stage of relationship, expression of feelings should remain on the level of kindness and consideration as you come together as friends 2 or 3 times a week.
Rule #5: SEEK ADVICE
Find a God-fearing person of the same sex that you look up to, and go to him or her for guidance about the relationship. Family input and other's perception of the relationship are important to overcome your own possibly biased perceptions.
It's a naive product of our individualistic society to think that the family won't be involved in the relationship. Invite the other person to visit your family and vice versa. If you have to keep your relationship hidden, perhaps you already know he or she is bad news. Honour parents by introducing the person you are dating to them. Observe how the other person treats his or her own family, as it's likely to be how he or she will treat you when the romance tapers off.
Rule #6: AVOID OVER-DATING
In an exclusive dating relationship, 3 or 4 meetings in the week and phone calls every other day is find. Dropping half your life so you can be with a person every night of the week is a sign of co-dependency. Balance your life or the relationship will get smothering and stale.
Rule #7: DRAW PHYSICAL PARAMETERS
Ladies, respect yourself and set high standards. Pre-marital sex, heavy petting and kissing that lead to sexual arousal are out. Communicate your expectations. Don't submit to something you're not comfortable with. If he pressures you, he doesn't respect you; he's not interested in you but in your body. If you depend on physical pleasure to feel close to him and have not learnt how to express love in other ways, the relationship will soon fizzle out. It's an old saying that men trade love for sex and women trade sex for love. Once the guys scored, be ready to become yesterday's chewing gum.
Cohabitation, even without sex, puts yourself into temptation. If you started off as platonic housemates, move out. Never spend the night together. Even if "nothing happens", you've set a bad example for couples who may be morally weaker. You also open yourself to the accusation and scandal that Christians are morally loose.
Don't leave lots of your belongings at the other person's place which suggest you're already permanently part of his or her life. Giving each other expensive presents can also be manipulative and make it difficult for the other to really discern if you're the right person to marry.
Rule #8: AIM FOR A 2-YEAR COURTSHIP
Couples who have dated for more than 2 years score consistently higher on marital satisfaction. It lacks prudence for a woman to accept a marriage proposal from a man whom she's known for less than a year. If you're getting married for a lifetime, a few more months of waiting and discovering more about the other person will only help your discernment. Look beyond the roses and the romance to real virtues.
Ask yourself some other questions: Has the relationship led each of you closer to Christ? Can I see myself marrying this person? Would I like my children to grow up to be just like this person? Do I feel safe, honoured and respected around this person? Does this person bring out the best in me?
American sociologists find that divorce rates are lowest for those who marry for the first time at age 28 or later. Smart people don't assume that they are a special case to the general rule. Don't rush marriage because of the biological clock or because the baby's on the way.
Here it is:
---
RULE #1: DON'T DATE IF YOU'RE NOT READY
Modern research confirms that our brains don't fully develop until age 25. Hold off till you're emotionally mature and financially able to enter into a committed relationship and discern marriage.
For everything there is a season under heaven
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Rule #2: DON'T DATE FOR EXPERIENCE
It's healthy to develop friendships with persons of the opposite sex. Exclusive dating however, has the purpose of discerning marriage. When this purpose isn't clear, dating becomes a game where feelings get hurt and purity compromised. Experience in the game won't make you a better marriage partner. Instead, the emotional roller-coaster of intimacy and break-ups may build up instability or cynicism in your heart.
Don't go after your lusts but keep them in check
Sirach 18:30
Sirach 18:30
Rule #3: PREPARE YOURSELF
Do not become preoccupied looking for a life partner. Singleness is not a curse! Guard against temptation through prayer, Scripture reading and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Seek healing for emotional scars that may affect future relationships. Learn to love generously and unselfishly as your family and church responsibilities expand. Embrace singleness as a chance to serve the Lord.
An unmarried person is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord
1 Corinthians 7:32
1 Corinthians 7:32
Rule #4: BUILD FRIENDSHIPS FIRST
Don't rush. Don't date someone on the rebound. Take a good look at why he or she broke up from a previous relationship. If the person is a two-timer or jumped from one relationship to another because, "I didn't feel anything anymore", you're asking for trouble. Many want to play the romanticised role of the hero who rehabilitates the guy or girl but they end up getting hurt in the end.
You and I were create in the image of God and through baptism restored in His likeness. If your hormones control your head, you've degraded yourself to the level of an animal and set yourself up for future unchastitiy and marital infidelity.
Friendships take time and are built on common values and interests. If your relationship with the Lord is important, look for someone who shares that priority. Although there is no strict prohibition against non-Catholics, be aware and cautious of difficulties arising from differences in beliefs. Also, be careful of non-practising Catholics!
At this stage of relationship, expression of feelings should remain on the level of kindness and consideration as you come together as friends 2 or 3 times a week.
Do not be yokes with those who are different, with unbelievers. For what partnership do righteousness and lawlessness have?
2 Corinthians 6:14
2 Corinthians 6:14
Rule #5: SEEK ADVICE
Find a God-fearing person of the same sex that you look up to, and go to him or her for guidance about the relationship. Family input and other's perception of the relationship are important to overcome your own possibly biased perceptions.
It's a naive product of our individualistic society to think that the family won't be involved in the relationship. Invite the other person to visit your family and vice versa. If you have to keep your relationship hidden, perhaps you already know he or she is bad news. Honour parents by introducing the person you are dating to them. Observe how the other person treats his or her own family, as it's likely to be how he or she will treat you when the romance tapers off.
Without counsel plans go wrong, but with many advisors, they succeed
Proverbs 15:22
Proverbs 15:22
Rule #6: AVOID OVER-DATING
In an exclusive dating relationship, 3 or 4 meetings in the week and phone calls every other day is find. Dropping half your life so you can be with a person every night of the week is a sign of co-dependency. Balance your life or the relationship will get smothering and stale.
Forsake not an old friend, for a new one does not compare with him
Sirach 9:10
Sirach 9:10
Rule #7: DRAW PHYSICAL PARAMETERS
Ladies, respect yourself and set high standards. Pre-marital sex, heavy petting and kissing that lead to sexual arousal are out. Communicate your expectations. Don't submit to something you're not comfortable with. If he pressures you, he doesn't respect you; he's not interested in you but in your body. If you depend on physical pleasure to feel close to him and have not learnt how to express love in other ways, the relationship will soon fizzle out. It's an old saying that men trade love for sex and women trade sex for love. Once the guys scored, be ready to become yesterday's chewing gum.
Cohabitation, even without sex, puts yourself into temptation. If you started off as platonic housemates, move out. Never spend the night together. Even if "nothing happens", you've set a bad example for couples who may be morally weaker. You also open yourself to the accusation and scandal that Christians are morally loose.
Don't leave lots of your belongings at the other person's place which suggest you're already permanently part of his or her life. Giving each other expensive presents can also be manipulative and make it difficult for the other to really discern if you're the right person to marry.
Flee from sin as from a serpent that will bite you if you go near it
Sirach 21:2
Sirach 21:2
Rule #8: AIM FOR A 2-YEAR COURTSHIP
Couples who have dated for more than 2 years score consistently higher on marital satisfaction. It lacks prudence for a woman to accept a marriage proposal from a man whom she's known for less than a year. If you're getting married for a lifetime, a few more months of waiting and discovering more about the other person will only help your discernment. Look beyond the roses and the romance to real virtues.
Ask yourself some other questions: Has the relationship led each of you closer to Christ? Can I see myself marrying this person? Would I like my children to grow up to be just like this person? Do I feel safe, honoured and respected around this person? Does this person bring out the best in me?
American sociologists find that divorce rates are lowest for those who marry for the first time at age 28 or later. Smart people don't assume that they are a special case to the general rule. Don't rush marriage because of the biological clock or because the baby's on the way.
A patient man will endure to the right moment and then joy will burst forth for him
Sirach 1:23
Sirach 1:23
Monday, June 13, 2005
R. Kelly - "U Saved Me"
I was riding in my car one day
In the express lane rollin on the freeway
And suddenly the phone rings then I
Reached down beside me then i look
On the floor felt on the backseat
See I was drinking while I was driving
Never thinking bout what I was doing
I turned around and before i knew it
Here comes this truck now
Doctor said don't think he gonna make it
Family said make the funeral arrangements
Unplug the machine he's gone now
Then told my wife to be strong now
Then a small voice said told me
If you promise to stop drinking
I surrendered on that day
Now for ten years i've been straight
You saved me [4x]
Gave me a second chance
You saved me [3x]
You saved me
Now i've been sitting in this chair
Waiting on the phone to ring
Praying up to God that someone will call
Me with a job opening
Cause it's been so hard for me
Month to month struggling to eat
But still there was no answer
I stop believing in his word and
Got so mad at him and
When somebody said God's good
I just laugh at 'em
But in the nick of time his blessing
Rain on me
By his grace the phone ring
A lady said were hiring and
That's when I knew
You saved me [4x]
Now i was 18 out there on the block
Selling drugs
With a gun at my waist
And for people I had no love
See the streets was my home
Family and friends were all gone
Had no one to trust
And deep inside i was all alone
And a deal went bad one day
And it was enough to pause me
I was shot 4 times and before i
Knew it I was on my knees
Blood pushin out my body
My heart's beating faster don't know what i'm gonna do
I don't think i'm gonna last then
I begain to flash back on the things
I done in my past
Then I heard a small voice that said
I'll give you peace if you believe
I accepted Christ that day
Hallelujah now i'm free
You saved me [4x]
I was in the aisle of the grocery store
With a pain in my chest and I'm wondering
Where did it come from (I got tested)
And the results came back
And the doctor said i'm sorry but u got cancer
I could not beleive it so
I call my mama to calm my nerves
(mama) she got down on her knees
(mama) she said a prayer for me
(mama) just keep on thanking Jesus
(mama) he'll give you what you need
(thank you Jesus)
Now that was five years ago
I don't have that pain no more
Doc said you can go home
Cause all your cancer's gone
You saved me [4x]
You saved me (said you saved me)
You saved me (but you saved me)
You saved me saaaved me
Gave me a second chance (second chance)
Hallelujah saved me
Saved me saved me
Wooooooh You saved me
You gave me it was by grace You saved me
I'm so thankful that You looked down on me
Saw me standing there
I was at the end of my rope no where to go
And you gave me
No where to go (and you saved me)
I was down and out 2
I was doing drugs 2
I was running the streets 2
Never felt love
I was wilding out
You saved me
You stepped in ooh save me
You saved me
In the express lane rollin on the freeway
And suddenly the phone rings then I
Reached down beside me then i look
On the floor felt on the backseat
See I was drinking while I was driving
Never thinking bout what I was doing
I turned around and before i knew it
Here comes this truck now
Doctor said don't think he gonna make it
Family said make the funeral arrangements
Unplug the machine he's gone now
Then told my wife to be strong now
Then a small voice said told me
If you promise to stop drinking
I surrendered on that day
Now for ten years i've been straight
You saved me [4x]
Gave me a second chance
You saved me [3x]
You saved me
Now i've been sitting in this chair
Waiting on the phone to ring
Praying up to God that someone will call
Me with a job opening
Cause it's been so hard for me
Month to month struggling to eat
But still there was no answer
I stop believing in his word and
Got so mad at him and
When somebody said God's good
I just laugh at 'em
But in the nick of time his blessing
Rain on me
By his grace the phone ring
A lady said were hiring and
That's when I knew
You saved me [4x]
Now i was 18 out there on the block
Selling drugs
With a gun at my waist
And for people I had no love
See the streets was my home
Family and friends were all gone
Had no one to trust
And deep inside i was all alone
And a deal went bad one day
And it was enough to pause me
I was shot 4 times and before i
Knew it I was on my knees
Blood pushin out my body
My heart's beating faster don't know what i'm gonna do
I don't think i'm gonna last then
I begain to flash back on the things
I done in my past
Then I heard a small voice that said
I'll give you peace if you believe
I accepted Christ that day
Hallelujah now i'm free
You saved me [4x]
I was in the aisle of the grocery store
With a pain in my chest and I'm wondering
Where did it come from (I got tested)
And the results came back
And the doctor said i'm sorry but u got cancer
I could not beleive it so
I call my mama to calm my nerves
(mama) she got down on her knees
(mama) she said a prayer for me
(mama) just keep on thanking Jesus
(mama) he'll give you what you need
(thank you Jesus)
Now that was five years ago
I don't have that pain no more
Doc said you can go home
Cause all your cancer's gone
You saved me [4x]
You saved me (said you saved me)
You saved me (but you saved me)
You saved me saaaved me
Gave me a second chance (second chance)
Hallelujah saved me
Saved me saved me
Wooooooh You saved me
You gave me it was by grace You saved me
I'm so thankful that You looked down on me
Saw me standing there
I was at the end of my rope no where to go
And you gave me
No where to go (and you saved me)
I was down and out 2
I was doing drugs 2
I was running the streets 2
Never felt love
I was wilding out
You saved me
You stepped in ooh save me
You saved me
:: Now Streaming in Radio.Blog ::
Monday, June 06, 2005
My Short Story: "Damien's Story"
Disclaimer: The preceding story, including characters and situations, were completely fictional. Resemblance to any persons, dead or living, is purely coincidental.
Damien Fernandez could still remember that fateful Sunday afternoon 10 years ago on his eighteenth birthday. It was a simple yet fulfilling celebration. He had a scrumptious lunch with his family (his dad and mum; Mr. & Mrs. Fernandez and his sister; Danielle) and a chocolate fudge cake for dessert. After which his parents presented him a brand new red convertible as his birthday gift. Damien’s present was a Fiat Spider, a small but seductive car with curves sculpted at just the right places. He was elated and he beamed with excitement and joy. His sister however was not as enthusiastic as he was.
“Mama, it is unfair Damien gets a car but you refuse to allow me to use make-up and have my ears pierced!”
“Well Danielle you are only ten. I promise you will have all that once you are old enough.”
As usual Danielle does what she always does when she do not get what she wants. She sulks. Her brother on the other hand was grinning from ear to ear. Damien did not hesitate to take the car out for a spin around his residential area. Little did he know this would be his last time driving.
Damien relished every moment driving his new Fiat. Every turning was smooth even when he does corners. The engine was virtually silent and it was just him and the car. He felt liberated, he felt free – like a bird flying through the clouds. The caress of the wind on his face and on his hair felt like the soft touch of a hand. And the wind tickled his ears. Oh yes, Damien Fernandez was immersed in delectation.
Until… his cell phone rang.
Click!
“Hello, this is Damien speaking.”
“Hey Damien, this is Angela. Are you busy?”
Angela Wong. Damien knew her since high school and they have been going out for about 2 years now. A couple of days ago Angela had a disagreement with Damien when she mentioned she was considering to study abroad. Since then they have not spoken to each other.
“Oh baby it’s you. I am glad you called. Baby I am sorry for that silly argument we had. By the way, you sounded a little under the weather. Is everything alright?”
“Not really. I have something urgent to tell you.”
Damien grinned; he thought that this was one of Angela’s dramatic attempts to wish him ‘Happy Birthday’.
“What is it baby?”
“I don’t think we should be together anymore… But I hope we could still remain as good friends.”
“…”
“Hello. Damien…? You there? Hello?”
Click!
Damien fell silent, stopped his car to the roadside, put on his brake and ended the conversation with a simple push of a button. He was in tears but had no signs of visible emotion and his eyes were set upon this huge shady tree in the middle of the playground.
Damien locked his foot on the accelerator and the car gave a loud restrained roar, as if a lion in a cage. What happened next was unthinkable. He released the brake and the car charged forward towards the huge tree.
Just before the car hit the tree, there was an abrupt ear-piercing scream ensued by a deafening silence.
Damien’s world came to a crashing halt – literally. The scream did not belong to him. However it belonged to Danielle who at that time was resting under the tree after that scrumptious lunch. Danielle died on the spot. Her skull was crushed and her blood dyed her favourite emerald green dress crimson. As for Damien, he was much fortunate (or unfortunate, depends on how you look at it) and did not die as he planned to.
Although the death of his sister was purely an accident, Damien was convicted of reckless driving and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Needless to say Damien was suspended from driving for life. Ridden with guilt and shame, Damien refused to see any of his family or friends during visiting hours. Years passed and soon none of his family or friends came to visit him but they did send him letters which he never replied.
It has been 10 years since the accident and until now Damien could not forgive himself for that moment of rage. In spite of everything life has to go on and today Damien is on his way – home. But there is this restlessness stirring in him because he is unsure whether he would still be welcomed back home. So a week before his release he wrote a letter addressed to both of his parents:
Dear Papa and Mama,
I know it has been almost 10 years since you have heard from me but I would like you to know that I will be released in a week’s time. Papa, Mama I miss you both so much but I don’t know whether you would feel the same way. As a son I have not been filial and have never done my duties and I begged that you allow me to make it up to you in whatever way I can.
My heart is full of guilt, although it has been many years since Danielle’s death. Papa, Mama, please know that I am really sorry. I really am. I understand it’s hard for you to accept me, an ex-convict under your roof. So I ask that you give me a sign.
I will be taking the night bus home and it will pass by the house on the way to the station. If I remembered correctly, we used to have two lamps fixed on top of the pillars of our gate. Papa, Mama if you do not mind acknowledging me as your son please turn both of the lamps on and I will be at the gate to meet you. But if you do not want me as your son any longer then please do not bother to switch on either lamp. Don’t worry, I will find myself a decent job and a place to stay.
Love you always,
Damien.
As Damien recalled what he had wrote; streaks of tears flowed down his cheeks as he looked out of the bus window. It has been an hour since the bus begun its journey and Damien knew that in half an hour he will be either meeting his parents or go on his separate way.
The air-conditioning was working a little too well and it was nearly freezing, which was of no help to the already nervous Damien. All twenty two passengers were wrapped up in their sweaters, some resting their eyes, others SMS-ing while some read books. Damien was wearing his thick cotton sweater, a gift from his mother ten Christmases before. He got up looking a little shaky like a puppy left out in the cold and made his way to the front of the bus. He turned to face the rest of the passengers and cleared his throat for attention.
“Dear friends my name is Damien Fernandez and I am an ex-convict.”
At once all eyes and ears were on him. They were looking and listening attentively, as if this was a stick-up.
“I was sentence to 10 years in prison and now I am released to the society for good. I know that we do not know each other even remotely well but I would like to ask for a favour. ”
Still there was silence; the only sound one could hear apart from Damien’s shaky voice was the bus’ engine.
“Don’t worry, I promise it won’t cost you a thing. You see, I am on my way home but I am not sure whether my parents would still accept me. So I asked them for a sign which was to light up both lamps of the gate if they would like to welcome me. If not they could keep the lamps off to signal they would rather be without me.
I seek your help because I am afraid of the possibility that they might reject me. So please look out for my house, it’s the corner lot on your right along Jalan Riong and 57 is the house number. In about 10 minute’s time, you should be able to see it.
I will be at my seat covering my face with my two hands. Only if you see the lamps on, you are to come over to my seat and give me a tap on my shoulder. Otherwise, please leave me on my own to figure out how to deal with rejection. That’s all.
…Thank you.”
As he returned to his seat, they turned toward him, gave him a forced but genuine smile and a knowing look. Damien began to cover his face with both of his hands and laid his trust on his newly met acquaintances. All eyes (except Damien’s of course) were looking out the bus window in anticipation to catch the first glimpse of the house along the now (in)famous Jalan Riong. Damien knew it was anytime now and this will either make or break him.
The passengers gasped.
Upon hearing that, Damien’s heart sunk. His closed eyes started to tear like leaking faucets. But next he heard loud cheers composed of twenty three various voices (including the bus driver’s). The bus stopped moving. Damien was confused at this answer provided by his acquaintances. He just could not hide his curiosity any longer. He lifted his head and peered out the window.
He too gasped.
If he did not know better that it was still the month of January, Damien might have thought it was Christmas. No not that there was anything that resembled snow. Rather there were strings of multi-colored lights strung on power lines leading to the house of 57, Jalan Riong. As Damien’s eyes traced the path of the power lines, he saw not just two bright and glowing lamps atop gate pillars but a house which was lighted from top to bottom! Strings of Christmas-lights adorned the house from the rooftop to the pillars, even the windows and doors! It was a sight to behold!
But where are his parents? Damien got out of the bus and walked towards the open gate into the dimly lit garden. He stopped to his tracks. His mum and dad were standing at a distance smiling and waving bright orange glow sticks. In the midst of darkness, Damien saw more glow sticks warming up to a full glow. First it was 5. Then he saw 20. The numbers increased until all was illuminated.
There stood his mum and dad, aunts and uncles, cousins, best friends and school mates! Each and every one of them was smiling as they held on to their bright orange glow sticks.
Damien’s eyes welled up with tears and he broke down crying like a child who was lost and now found. He sat down on the moist carpet grass with his legs curled; he folded his hands and placed them on his knees in place of a shoulder to cry on. He wept.
A little while later, he sensed a shadow hovering above him and shortly after he felt an embrace, and immediately he recognized that familiar scent.
“Hush son. Papa is here. Don’t worry everything will be alright. I just want you to know that neither Mama nor I ever held a grudge against you. And I want you to remember this: that no matter what, you –
Damien Augustine Fernandez will always, always be my son.”
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Corpus Christi Homily
by Father Simon Yong, SJ
Many people find the Eucharist boring; some find it meaningless. Music is not good. Sermon is terribly long and not appropriate. It’s too hot here and it’s cooler in CKK. People in SFX action and not friendly. It’s a short list of reasons why the Eucharist can become a meaningless, boring routine. So, let me tell you a short story of what the Eucharist was for some people. It happened in WWII. We know many Jews died then but what is often not spoken of were the deaths of so many non-Jews, amongst whom were many priests. The Catholic Church was hated by the Nazis because the Church stood up against Nazism. For that many priests had to pay with their lives as they were sent to concentration camps. In the camps the celebration of the Eucharist was banned. Even then some of the priests in a camp conspired to celebrate the Eucharist. They all had to work and so they made sure that the cart they used to carry their goods always break down in front of a bakery. And from there they managed to obtain bread and they smuggled in wine. With that they could celebrate the Eucharist.
The Eucharist meant a lot to them. Why? First, they would be punished with death if caught. Second, they brought so much of themselves into the celebration. Third, the Eucharist was where they encounter Jesus truly present to them in the concrete reality of their lives.
The 3rd reason “Jesus truly present” is why we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi. It actually originated from St Thomas Aquinas himself. He lived in the Golden Age of the Mediaeval period: the High Middle Ages. So it’s not a feast that came out of “pure devotional-ism” but came from a period of the Church blessed by such intellectual giants such as St Thomas Aquinas and St Bonaventure . Thus, it is a feast to remind us what the Body and Blood of Christ truly IS to each one of us, in and outside the celebration of the Eucharist and the crux of the teaching of the Feast: God is truly present to us in forms of bread and wine. People may ask why if God exist he doesn’t show himself. The fact is God showed himself 2000 years ago—the chosen people simply rejected him. But Christians who have accepted him believed that when he left, he continues to show himself and be present with us in a very different way. The point is how do we accept his presence to us and with us?
JND Kelly, a Protestant historian in his book Early Christian Doctrines (p440) said that “the Eucharistic teaching, it should be understood at the beginning, was in general unquestioningly realist, i.e., the consecrated bread and wine were taken to be, and were treated and designated as, the Saviour’s body and blood”. Beginning with St Ignatius of Antioch he cites a range of Eastern and Western Fathers who took Jesus quite literally when He said: “This is my Body”.
And you can’t get anymore real than what you heard in the Gospel. The Jews rejected Jesus he said “eat my flesh that you may live”. And to prove it that he wasn’t misunderstood, Jesus did not run after those disciples who left him and said, “No, no, you misunderstood me”. Instead, he turned to the 12 and asked “You, would you go as well”? So, for a long time, all Christians accept that Jesus meant literally that the Bread is him, and it is life. “As I, who am sent by the living Father, myself draw life from the Father, so whoever eats me will draw life from me”.
But, somehow in the 16th century, things changed, the Protestants beginning with Zwingli began to have problems with the reality of Jesus’ presence to us. For most Protestants, the Eucharist is a “bare and naked sign” which we give meaning to by our understanding. It is what we think it to be. But that is not the Church’s constant teaching which is why this answer from a Protestant minister to a Catholic priest can only reinforce what we ourselves know and believe from the times of the Apostles. He said: “If I believed what you Catholics believe about the Eucharist, I wouldn’t simply kneel, I would fall flat on my face”.
Many Catholics have lived—and died or fallen flat on their faces—for this sacred reality: the Presence of Christ in forms of bread and wine. The first two reasons I gave for why the Eucharist meant so much to those concentration camp priests apply still to us. First, many of us will never be asked to lay down our lives to defend the Eucharist. This means that we defend the Eucharist another way: through our reverence. How many people really show reverence for the Eucharist we celebrate? Habitually talking, regularly coming late or leaving before final blessing, eating, drinking or chewing gums during entire mass, SMSing when Eucharist is going on, receiving communion with a palm that has 4-D on it or someone’s telephone number written on it and dressing improperly. Some people will get angry especially about the dressing improperly part and accuse me of being judgemental. Usual storylah: “God will judge the person’s heart and not the outside”. And the same goes to people who react when the announcement like “Communion is reserved for practising Catholics only” and say “how can so judgemental and so unfriendly”. The point is this: our reverence is not a subjective reference to what you are feeling before God. The Malays will say “Perasan”…so self-conceited. You think we’re talking about you? In reality we don’t actually care if a person wants to dress up like a tart or a couple fondles each other BUT just don’t do it HERE because HERE we must contend with an objective reality that has taken place: JESUS, OUR LORD AND GOD IS PRESENT HERE AND NOW. Our reverence therefore is rather an objective reference to the fact that the bread is no longer bread. Yes, it smells like bread, tastes like bread but in reality, in substance it is the Body of Christ our Lord and God. That is the fact which calls for our response. And reverence is the only appropriate response we can give. Reverence is the reason why people adore the body and blood during consecration at Eucharist and also why people pray before the tabernacle outside of Eucharist. Reverence is the reason why people laid down their lives for the Eucharist. St Paul himself teaches reverence because he said that “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread and drinks the cup of Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord”.
Brothers and sisters, the first document of Vatican Council was on liturgy and it says that the Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life,” When respect or reverence for the Eucharist diminishes, the other sacraments also decline. For RCIA, when a catechumen is baptised, he is confirmed and these two sacraments find the fulfilment in the Eucharist. The sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick exist in order to restore a person to the Eucharistic table. Marriage is sign of the wedding banquet of the Lamb. And of course priesthood takes its meaning from the Eucharist. The drop in vocations can be tied directly to a decreased reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.
This is the year of the Eucharist. I believe the previous Holy Father is asking that we return to the source of our life Jesus in the Eucharist so that we may be nourished for firstly, fighting the good fight, to finish the race we have started and to keep the faith and secondly, so that we may all truly prepare for his coming and he comes to us when we die and he comes to us when He comes again in the final judgement.
All these bring me to the 2nd reason why the Eucharist meant so much for those priests in concentration camps. What have you brought to the Eucharist? Better still, whom did you bring into the Eucharist? You see, you can only bring the Eucharist away with you if you first bring yourself truly into the Eucharist.
This evening, some of our faith will be tested. Procession, monstrance and group of people following a clown carrying a piece of bread. Well, that is the Real Thing—the Body of Christ. But the 2nd Reading also says that we too are members of and we make up the Body of Christ. Therefore, it is appropriate that we want to be more and more authentically or TRULY the Body of Christ. That is why we eat the Body of Christ so that we can become the Body of Christ. And in the procession, it is the Mystical Body of Christ carrying the Real Body of Christ signifying our deepest longing to become more and more really the Body of Christ.
The Catholic Church may seem antiquated and quaint in her practices but really for those who love the Church, there’s a method to the madness called the Catholic Church. So, let us be proud of the immensity of this gift which God has given us: the gift of Himself.
Many people find the Eucharist boring; some find it meaningless. Music is not good. Sermon is terribly long and not appropriate. It’s too hot here and it’s cooler in CKK. People in SFX action and not friendly. It’s a short list of reasons why the Eucharist can become a meaningless, boring routine. So, let me tell you a short story of what the Eucharist was for some people. It happened in WWII. We know many Jews died then but what is often not spoken of were the deaths of so many non-Jews, amongst whom were many priests. The Catholic Church was hated by the Nazis because the Church stood up against Nazism. For that many priests had to pay with their lives as they were sent to concentration camps. In the camps the celebration of the Eucharist was banned. Even then some of the priests in a camp conspired to celebrate the Eucharist. They all had to work and so they made sure that the cart they used to carry their goods always break down in front of a bakery. And from there they managed to obtain bread and they smuggled in wine. With that they could celebrate the Eucharist.The Eucharist meant a lot to them. Why? First, they would be punished with death if caught. Second, they brought so much of themselves into the celebration. Third, the Eucharist was where they encounter Jesus truly present to them in the concrete reality of their lives.
The 3rd reason “Jesus truly present” is why we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi. It actually originated from St Thomas Aquinas himself. He lived in the Golden Age of the Mediaeval period: the High Middle Ages. So it’s not a feast that came out of “pure devotional-ism” but came from a period of the Church blessed by such intellectual giants such as St Thomas Aquinas and St Bonaventure . Thus, it is a feast to remind us what the Body and Blood of Christ truly IS to each one of us, in and outside the celebration of the Eucharist and the crux of the teaching of the Feast: God is truly present to us in forms of bread and wine. People may ask why if God exist he doesn’t show himself. The fact is God showed himself 2000 years ago—the chosen people simply rejected him. But Christians who have accepted him believed that when he left, he continues to show himself and be present with us in a very different way. The point is how do we accept his presence to us and with us?
JND Kelly, a Protestant historian in his book Early Christian Doctrines (p440) said that “the Eucharistic teaching, it should be understood at the beginning, was in general unquestioningly realist, i.e., the consecrated bread and wine were taken to be, and were treated and designated as, the Saviour’s body and blood”. Beginning with St Ignatius of Antioch he cites a range of Eastern and Western Fathers who took Jesus quite literally when He said: “This is my Body”.
And you can’t get anymore real than what you heard in the Gospel. The Jews rejected Jesus he said “eat my flesh that you may live”. And to prove it that he wasn’t misunderstood, Jesus did not run after those disciples who left him and said, “No, no, you misunderstood me”. Instead, he turned to the 12 and asked “You, would you go as well”? So, for a long time, all Christians accept that Jesus meant literally that the Bread is him, and it is life. “As I, who am sent by the living Father, myself draw life from the Father, so whoever eats me will draw life from me”.
But, somehow in the 16th century, things changed, the Protestants beginning with Zwingli began to have problems with the reality of Jesus’ presence to us. For most Protestants, the Eucharist is a “bare and naked sign” which we give meaning to by our understanding. It is what we think it to be. But that is not the Church’s constant teaching which is why this answer from a Protestant minister to a Catholic priest can only reinforce what we ourselves know and believe from the times of the Apostles. He said: “If I believed what you Catholics believe about the Eucharist, I wouldn’t simply kneel, I would fall flat on my face”.
Many Catholics have lived—and died or fallen flat on their faces—for this sacred reality: the Presence of Christ in forms of bread and wine. The first two reasons I gave for why the Eucharist meant so much to those concentration camp priests apply still to us. First, many of us will never be asked to lay down our lives to defend the Eucharist. This means that we defend the Eucharist another way: through our reverence. How many people really show reverence for the Eucharist we celebrate? Habitually talking, regularly coming late or leaving before final blessing, eating, drinking or chewing gums during entire mass, SMSing when Eucharist is going on, receiving communion with a palm that has 4-D on it or someone’s telephone number written on it and dressing improperly. Some people will get angry especially about the dressing improperly part and accuse me of being judgemental. Usual storylah: “God will judge the person’s heart and not the outside”. And the same goes to people who react when the announcement like “Communion is reserved for practising Catholics only” and say “how can so judgemental and so unfriendly”. The point is this: our reverence is not a subjective reference to what you are feeling before God. The Malays will say “Perasan”…so self-conceited. You think we’re talking about you? In reality we don’t actually care if a person wants to dress up like a tart or a couple fondles each other BUT just don’t do it HERE because HERE we must contend with an objective reality that has taken place: JESUS, OUR LORD AND GOD IS PRESENT HERE AND NOW. Our reverence therefore is rather an objective reference to the fact that the bread is no longer bread. Yes, it smells like bread, tastes like bread but in reality, in substance it is the Body of Christ our Lord and God. That is the fact which calls for our response. And reverence is the only appropriate response we can give. Reverence is the reason why people adore the body and blood during consecration at Eucharist and also why people pray before the tabernacle outside of Eucharist. Reverence is the reason why people laid down their lives for the Eucharist. St Paul himself teaches reverence because he said that “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread and drinks the cup of Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord”.
Brothers and sisters, the first document of Vatican Council was on liturgy and it says that the Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life,” When respect or reverence for the Eucharist diminishes, the other sacraments also decline. For RCIA, when a catechumen is baptised, he is confirmed and these two sacraments find the fulfilment in the Eucharist. The sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick exist in order to restore a person to the Eucharistic table. Marriage is sign of the wedding banquet of the Lamb. And of course priesthood takes its meaning from the Eucharist. The drop in vocations can be tied directly to a decreased reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.
This is the year of the Eucharist. I believe the previous Holy Father is asking that we return to the source of our life Jesus in the Eucharist so that we may be nourished for firstly, fighting the good fight, to finish the race we have started and to keep the faith and secondly, so that we may all truly prepare for his coming and he comes to us when we die and he comes to us when He comes again in the final judgement.
All these bring me to the 2nd reason why the Eucharist meant so much for those priests in concentration camps. What have you brought to the Eucharist? Better still, whom did you bring into the Eucharist? You see, you can only bring the Eucharist away with you if you first bring yourself truly into the Eucharist.
This evening, some of our faith will be tested. Procession, monstrance and group of people following a clown carrying a piece of bread. Well, that is the Real Thing—the Body of Christ. But the 2nd Reading also says that we too are members of and we make up the Body of Christ. Therefore, it is appropriate that we want to be more and more authentically or TRULY the Body of Christ. That is why we eat the Body of Christ so that we can become the Body of Christ. And in the procession, it is the Mystical Body of Christ carrying the Real Body of Christ signifying our deepest longing to become more and more really the Body of Christ.
The Catholic Church may seem antiquated and quaint in her practices but really for those who love the Church, there’s a method to the madness called the Catholic Church. So, let us be proud of the immensity of this gift which God has given us: the gift of Himself.
29th May 2005
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