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

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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

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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!

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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

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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.