My greatest gift of Christmas

Holy Family

Christmas was over, and I suddenly lost my eagerness in my daily life. Where did this desolation come from? I did receive some presents, but still I did not find the joy in them. Nevertheless, I had good times though my energy battery was at its limit almost daily during those months. Work suddenly became a part of my life without any notice, and made it almost impossible for me to catch up with because it took up much of my time. Thankfully, there are God, Mummy Mary and all my Friends, helping me in my difficult times. Sometimes, God sent me the unexpected miracles and my beloved ones to soothe my weary body which strangely lost all its strength and power. But after some reflections, I was glad to become frail and powerless because I could surrender everything to God and Mummy Mary. Without Iesu et Maria, I do not know where to go. Right now, I am laughing at my stupidity because not long ago I nearly messed up a date with a wonderful person. I guess miscommunication  is always and has been the part of my life. But at least she had her own happiness in her life. Despite being disappointed slightly, I was happy for her."Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) 

I confess that I am disappointed over my too little time for prayers and spiritual readings, but God has reminded me that He is there, watching my every move and accompanying me all the time because He knows that I need Him. Recently, I was at the extraordinary Mass. I remembered feeling my heart tingling with eagerness and excitement as the priest elevated the Most Holy Body, and Most Precious Blood of the Lamb. When I received the Host into my heart, my eyes gently drew the darkness onto my vision as they closed their lids. There, I saw a glowing crucifix. My mind proclaimed that it was a true treasure of my life. I guess I feel happy at that moment. Now, I understand the joy of Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Joseph when they received the Holy Infant Iesu into their lives.

It does not matter whether I am blind, deaf, handicapped, immobilized, or stupid. This is my greatest gift of Christmas: a complete surrender to God who has enthroned my heart as His Holy Temple. Praise the Lord, my soul. All my being, praise His Holy Name, and never forget how kind He is. 

"Our Lord needs from us neither great deeds nor profound thoughts. Neither intelligence nor talents. He cherishes simplicity." - Saint Therese of Lisieux

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving soon? Thanksgiving is the holiday in America on 22nd November. 

Today's Gospel was about the ten lepers healed by Lord Jesus (Luke 17:11-19). Only one of them realized and returned to Lord Jesus to express his gratitudes. Not just that, but he also praised God at the top of his voice. Lord Jesus said, "Were not all ten made clean? The other nine, where are they? It seems that no one has come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner." (Luke 17:17-18) Has it touched you? 

For me, yes, God truly spoke to me through this Gospel. Everyone in the world is the child of God whether baptized or not, since Catholics believe that God made Heaven and earth, of all that is visible and invisible. That's why God healed all the ten lepers even though one of them was the foreigner. So no one was excluded. I was once the foreigner too and even the naughtiest child in the school and family. Yet God did not turn me away but He kept calling me. 

Like the lepers, I was healed fully. Not in physical sense, but the very real ability to hear His Voice in the Gospel and Scriptures, which I had mentioned before. Even in the future, I will repeat this testimony of His works. Like always, He gave me the responses that caught me off-guarded. Long time ago, I started to appreciate everything He gave me. Even today, I will still praise Him. I had written this before, but I will repeat: If you are not interested in prayer, it is because you fail to appreciate the Saviour who died on the piece of wood for you so as to enable you to go to Heaven! 

Why don't you take the opportunity to go for the Holy Mass daily as your thanksgiving to God? Do you really love God that you prefer Him to everything you have? Remember, we come to this world with nothing and we will leave this world with nothing. If you think you have too little, then consider the grateful leper who also had nothing when he was healed and returned to Lord Jesus, but he gave the praise to God. Saint Peter of Alcantara said, "He does much in the sight of God who does his best, be it ever so little." I think that Lord Jesus was really touched by this little gesture as He gave him the blessing, "Your faith has saved you." (Luke 17:19)

My friend wrote her thought in facebook: it is good to give thanksgiving, but it is best to give thanksliving! It is quite true because it helps us to stand faithful to God every moment of life. Oh, praise the Lord, my soul! All my being, praise His Holy Name! And never forget how Kind He is! Remember to give thanks to God for everything.

I end this post with Lord's Prayer, Angelical Salutation, Gloria Patri, and my favourite song!

   

Work in progress

Familiar with this gesture? Don't tell me that you are thinking of 

Gangnam Style! This is known as "work" sign in the common sign language

Being a typical adult, I found myself in the working world. Craving for adventure, I took up the job at some logistic company and experienced what it was like. Over the time period, I had a twirling mixture of emotions. Although I never like the job in the beginning, I had to stay for some reasons, and strangely developed the sentimental feeling over it. I kept myself taciturn and very focused in work as I offered up all my deeds to God in prayer. Perhaps it was best period that God blessed me so as to develop my humility, perseverance, scrupulousness, and temperance. I still remembered the quote of Saint Teresa of Avila: "The saints rejoiced at injuries and persecutions, because in forgiving them, they had something to present to God when they prayed to Him." Little wonder I felt as if I was drunk from overindulgence in happiness most of time. Recently, God gave me a miracle to turn my table around that I did not see any essentialness to stay in my job. Because of that miracle, I really felt so relieved as if my long time burden had been lifted from my shoulders. Most Holy Trinity has never failed my faith! Benedicamus Domino. Deo Gratias! Alleluia! So I resigned and am now waiting for the interview at new job. But I never feel any fear because I know God is with me. Right now, I should worry whether I am on the side of God or not. But I will still praise and love Him no matter what. I also thank Blessed Mummy and all my patrons for their intercessions. Gloria Patri, Gloria Fili, Gloria Spiritus Sancti! Amen.

At this point, I learnt that holiness could be attained in work achievements. Both holiness and love are inseparable. Because of love, Abba Father sent His only Beloved Son to redeem us, and teach us how to be holy and perfect like Him. In the past, everything was filled with misery, sorrow and fear. But now, the Lion of Judah has conquered all! Alleluia! Indeed, perfect love drives out all the fears. No wonder Lord Jesus, Blessed Mummy and all the Saints were so valorous in proclamation of the Kingdom of God.

I am content with what I have now. Even now, I am still having difficulties and trials. But nothing disturbs me because I am holding the Hands of Lord Jesus and Blessed Mummy everyday with  my watchful guardians.

Pater, in manus tuas commendo spiritum meum. Deo Gratias!

Can you hear me?

Can you hear me? Have you thought God is asking you this question right now?

Today's Gospel is about the healing of deaf man by Jesus. It is not about the physical healing to some degree, for we all are called to carry our crosses and follow Jesus. My deafness possesses the big part of my cross which I am so glad to have in my life. Yet I already recognized that Lord Jesus had already healed me out of my deafness years ago. No, I am not talking about my hearing sense (I still have difficulties hearing the sounds in spite of the assistance of my hearing devices), but rather the listening ability to God through prayers. In the past, I could not hear Him well, but now I can hear Him more clearly.

In the Gospel, the deaf man began to speak well as he got his hearing sense restored. Wow, I could not imagine the same for myself. Do you expect me to speak so fluently if I can hear, because I do not have much trainings since my birth? Likewise, can you expect the blind man to know everything he sees when he gets his sight back? It will take a while to master the new ability, unless God gives you special graces to improve instantly! Okay, let's cut to the point now. When I began to hear or rather listen to God, the transformation took place within me over time being. Oh no, I was not transforming into the superman. I just noticed some differences in myself despite some old habits still stayed back. My tongue was once venomous, but now it becomes reserved for God's Ears only, and acts as His instrument of faith, love and peace. 

Thank You, Abba Father for healing my ears so that I can hear Thee and Thy Word more clearly. Thank you, Lord for healing my tongue who was once poisonous so that I can speak of Thy great love and peace. Let it be an instrument of faith, love and peace. Gloria Patri, Gloria Filio, Gloria Spiritui Sancto! Alleluia! Amen!

"Some say it is unreasonable to be courteous and gentle with a reckless person who insults you for no reason at all. I have made a pact with my tongue; not to speak when my heart is disturbed." 

- Saint Francis de Sales 

"Conquering the tongue is better than fasting on bread and water." 

- Saint John of the Cross 

Happy birthday, Blessed Mummy Mary!

See how pretty She is! Ave Maria!

Happy blessed birthday, Blessed Mummy Mary! Today is the feast day of Her Nativity. Today, I feel as if my gratitude to Her has taken to new level, because She has been assisting us with Her constant yet powerful prayers of intercession for us daily since two thousands years ago. She is the outstanding model of faith so we should learn from Her how to trust in God completely. Should we dive into despair, we can go to Her for help. But importantly we should ask Her to inspire our trust in God in our difficult times rather than asking for miracles through Her perpetual succour. She had endured the most difficult times during Her lifetime, which we cannot contemplate easily. Yet She continued to remain faithful till today. Little wonder She is the perfect disciple of Christ. Through Her, I come to know Her beloved Son, Lord Jesus and love Him more ardently. 

Are we grateful to Her? Why don't we start praying the rosary to honor Her now? Do you know when we complete one rosary, we make a beautiful crown of roses for Her. When you say one Paster Noster, you make one red rose, and when you say Angelic Salutation, you make one white rose.

Following song, it is my favourite song that never fails to make my day! 

            

Highest form of prayer

‎"The Mass is the most perfect form of prayer." 

 - Pope VI

Death

Jacob's Ladder
 Jacob saw that the angels were ascending and descending on the ladder in his dream.

Lord Jesus also affirmed this: 

"I tell you most solemnly, you will see Heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending." - Jesus of Nazareth (John 1:51)

What saddened me is that I failed to attend the funeral of the respected priest, due to my work commitment. Nevertheless, I offered up my prayers for the repose of his soul. I had never met this wonderful priest but I had heard good stories about him. However, it is not tragic event though the Holy Church might lose one shepherd. Rather it is joyful story, because he is not dying, but entering into the eternal life, which he had been working hard for. We have been promised the divine mercy by Christ Himself, so we ought to be confident that he has already received the citizenship of Heaven - sainthood.

This evening suddenly dawned upon me a reminder - a decision which I made years ago. Even in my teenage period, I already perceived that the death is inevitable for everyone. Rich or poor, everyone shares the same soil under the grass. I remembered one fateful night when I saw an important Person in my dream. The moment I woke up, I dropped everything and decided to follow my gut feeling to find this Man. Eventually, I came to the Holy Catholic Church which He established two thousands years ago and got to know Him as my Saviour and my God. His Name is Jesus Christ. I also got to know His Mother, Blessed Virgin Mary whom He loved so much.

Today, on the two hours journey to home, I looked back and pondered on my reflections which stirred up the mixed emotions. Yet there is no regret. I was overjoyed that I came to the decision to give up all my past dreams which I now find useless, and pin all my hopes in God and Mama Mary. Indeed, all the achievements such as trophies, highest degrees after the names, and financial power can only last on the earth but not forever. When we reach the door of death, everything crumbles into the dust. But there is only one goal that can reward the eternal prize: the sainthood - the crown of eternal life. God will certainly remember all the virtues we displayed to others, and surprisedly has very bad memory of our past sins when we reach the Heaven. So when I die (Oh no, I mean entering into eternal life), I want to  offer up something to God pleasing Him as my gratitude though I am nothing out of nothing.

“Where most men work for degrees after their names, we work for one before our names: 'Saint'. It's a much more difficult degree to attain. It takes a lifetime, and you don't get your diploma until you're dead.” 

- Mother Angelica

Eccentrically, I found myself happy for having stubborn faith in God despite all my sufferings and hardships. I do not even have deep knowledge of divine and lofty matters. The faith is just there. Maybe it was my instincts which insisted on the truism of God, whom I chose to obey. Or was it our mutual love which prompted me to take advantages of all opportunities to please Him?

"I believe, in order to understand; and I understand, the better to believe." 

- Saint Augustine of Hippo

Perhaps I should be happy as I sacrificed my own will and took in as my own the mind of the Holy Catholic Church. Through the Church, I studied Lord Jesus' teachings and learnt how to become a saint from Him. For long time, I never forget the Proverbs 1:7 - "To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the Lord God." 

What are your thoughts? Have you thought of the death yet? Are you ready to face God anytime? 

It is time for me to get lost into the Catholic spirituality.

Humility

Today, I read the wisdom of Saint Therese of Lisieux.

"There is no need for me to grow up. In fact, just the opposite: I must become less and less." - Saint Therese of Lisieux

I was also reminded of Saint John the Baptist as he preached that Christ must increase while he must go down. Perhaps God was reminding me of the importance of humility. I did not know whether to smile or cry. I do not mind being nagged for my mistakes, and having my voice being ignored, as the elders always have the final say and can say anything they want. But I cannot tolerant the irreverence I always witnessed in the Church, where our Abba Father's house resides all the time.

Again, I read Saint Peter's quote:

"Do what the elders tell you, and all wrap yourselves in humility to be servants of each other, because God refuses the proud and will always favour the humble. Bow down, then, before the power of God now, and He will raise you up on the appointed day; unload all your worries on to Him, since He is looking after you."(1 Peter 5: 5-7)

Fine, I do not need to waste time on senseless matters that take forever to solve. It is best to focus on the consolations of the Lord who always desire to come to us despite our unworthiness to receive Him. Saint Augustine was right. It is totally pointless to explain to those who do not understand, and it is not necessary to explain to those who truly understand.

I am glad to have timely consolations from the aforementioned saints through the graces of God. Praise Him for His Divine Providence.

Self-examination

Mirror, mirror, is it me, right?

Recently, my friend posted this quote on facebook: "We gain strength from temptations we resist."

While nodding my head, I somehow was reminded of Saint Paul's statement:

"All the runners at the stadium are trying to win, but only one of them gets the prize. You must run in the same way, meaning to win. All the fighters at the games go into strict training; they do this just to win a wreath that will wither away, but we do it for a wreath that will never wither. That is how i run, intent on winning; that is how I fight, not beating the air. I treat my body hard and make it obey me, for, having been an announcer myself, I should not want to be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

 Clearly, something was suggesting the importance of the self-examination. This is very important for the Sacrament of reconciliation, where the powerful graces are manifested of God's Divine Mercy and His Love. No wonder it is more powerful than the exorcism, that is attested by the exorcist priests' experiences.

Today, I came across two quotes in the book.

"[Wisdom] is the reflection of the everlasting light and a spotless mirror of the power of God." (Wisdom 7:26)

"Every day, look into the spotless mirror that is Jesus Christ, and study well your reflection. In that way, you may adorn yourself, mind and body, with every virtue." - Saint Clare of Assisi 

I think I should be grateful for every temptation permitted by God into my life. Without having fought them, I would never know the precious gift of humility. As if it was yesterday, I still remembered reading the warning letter from the devil in my dream prior to my baptism. From then onwards, I strived  to master every Christian virtue. Even today, I am still learning how to be good Catholic child of God.

"Go, ask God to stir up warfare so that you may regain the affliction and humility that you used to have. For it is by warfare that the soul makes progress. Lord, give me strength for the fight." - Saint John the Dwarf

God's Supreme Love

Do you believe that the priests' hands are really Jesus' Hands? I do.

Today, I witnessed my friend's ordination to the Order of Melchizedek. I could sense the great joy not only from the congregation but also from the Heaven as this new priest responded generously to his calling given by God. I was also blessed to see many familiar faces. Seeing their faces was more than enough to fill up my joys.

Today's second reading in Mass for his ordination was quoted from Saint Paul in Romans which sent a powerful message to my mind.

"Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do. Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers should, and have a profound respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying. If any of the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should make hospitality your special care." (Romans 12: 2, 9-13)

I was amazed as God spoke to me over there. A perfect timing for my journey. Fatigue decayed my alertness of the body and spirit. Naturally, I went back home immediately after lunch for the rest. But my faith remained rooted in God and Blessed Mother. Today's reading brought me a sweet consolation. Deo Gratias!

My reflection enlightened me of God's supreme love as He let my friend possessed Jesus' Hands, the power to carry out the priestly duties to care for thousands of souls. I was also reminded of Saint Anthony of Pauda: "Christ's love for us so bound Him to us, that it motivated Him to descend down to our own wretchedness, as if He could not have lived in Heaven without us." It was almost as if I was challenged to think how much I really love the Lord God. Today's special day attested God's promise to us that He is always there with us. Even if we feel lost sometimes, God is always there, consoling us. It is just that we fail to notice that when we get affected by our own desolations. We also forget that we are the temple of Holy Spirit, meaning that God is there within our hearts all the time. I am really grateful for the gift of Catholic faith where I can find the real presence of Christ. All praise be to Jesus and Mary!

"Who can be more blessed or happier than the one in whom God has set up His dwelling place? What else can you need or what else can possibly make you richer? You have everything when you have within you the One who made all things, the only One who can satisfy the longings of your spirit, without whom whatever exists is as nothing." 

- Saint Anthony of Pauda

Bread of Life

Today's Gospel enlightened me to the new meaning of "Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie" in Pater Noster, Our Lord's Prayer. Today, Our Lord reminded us, "It is my Father who gives you the Bread from Heaven, the true Bread; for the Bread of God is that which comes down from Heaven and gives life to the world... I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry; he who believes in Me will never thirst." (John 6:32-33,35)

Our Lord gives Himself to us through the Eucharist everyday! Now, I have reached the new level of appreciation for the Holy Mass. Deo Gratias for the aspiring consolation today!

Recently, a friend of mine shared with me that his community mate started to kneel receiving Our Lord on the tongue every time as he wished to reserve the reverence for the Lord. What a delightful joy to hear that! However, it is not enough for just the reverence. It should be high reverence for our Eternal King who was willing to lower Himself to our hearts as His Eternal Throne, as He is our God, the Most High who transcends over everything. This is our supernatural reverence for Him! 

"What prayer could be more true before God the Father than that which the Son, who is Truth, uttered on His Own Lips?" - Saint John Chrysostom

Happy blessed feast day of Saint Maria Goretti

Virgin Martyr, Saint Maria Goretti

Her story is magnificent. She fought hard with her assaulter, Fra Alessandro Sereneli not because she was being attacked, but because she did not want him to commit a grave mortal sin that could result him a place in the hell. Interestedly, after her death, Alessandro repented and joined the Order of Minor Friars, Capuchin as a laybrother. But the most important part is that both Saint Maria and her mother had forgiven him. 

"Eating and drinking don't make friendship - such friendship even robbers and murderers have. But if we are friends, if we truly care for one another, let's help one another spirituality... Let's hinder those things that lead our friends away to hell." - Saint John Chrysostom

I always see her story as a great lesson of forgiveness and a great hope of Divine Mercy of God that prompts the conversion of the most hardened sinners. If God can forgive us despite the facts that we have hurt Him so much, why cannot we forgive the others whose inflicting pains are much less painful than what we had done to our God, the Most High and our Blessed Mother Mary? I am very confident that Fra Alessandro Sereneli had found his place in Heaven and became an official citizen of Heaven and a Saint!

"There will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine virtuous men who have no need of repentance." - Jesus of Nazareth (Luke 15:7)

O Blessed Maria Goretti, ardent defender of virtue of chastity, pray for us! O Blessed Fra Alessandro Sereneli, repentant sinner, pray for us, and the conversion of most hardened sinners! 

Lord Jesus is always a first Superhero in my heart that no one can replace Him.

Let us praise our Lord Jesus Christ for His great Divine Mercy! He is my Superhero because He can save or rather has saved thousands (millions, billions and trillions!) souls from the wickedness and snares of the devil. This is something that no other hero can do in the lifetime. Deo Gratias! 

Fragrance of a little prayer

I remembered that after one particular Mass, there was a bee chasing after me despite crowd and many flowers nearby. Don't tell me it's because of my body scent. But hey, don't try sniffing at me. Haha!

This reminds me of Saint John Vianney's quote: "The pure soul is a beautiful rose, and the Three Divine Persons descend from Heaven to inhale its fragrance." Little wonder, I often smell the fragrance at the holy place where the highest form of prayer is being celebrated. Not from the ladies' perfumes, but rather from the prayers of Heavenly Queen who is our dearest Mother, all the Angels and Saints whom I always see over there, as the representative of Christ miraculously brings His Body and Blood unto the altar table for our sacrificial worship to Most High. This is really the most powerful prayer as it consists of the universal prayers of even Our Lord Himself, Only One True Catholic Church, Blessed Mother, all Angels and Saints in Heaven. Lord Jesus said, "If two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by My Father in Heaven. For where two or three meet in My Name, I shall be there with them." (Matthew 18:19-20). It is as if we are witnessing the Heaven over there but it is a very real experience as we sing the Greater Doxology, Lord's prayer and Sanctus on the equalities with the Seraphim, Cherubim, and all Angels.

"When you are before the altar where Christ reposes, you ought no longer think that you are amongst men; but believe that there are troops of Angels and Archangels standing by you, and trembling with respect before the sovereign Master of Heaven and earth. Therefore, when you are in the church, be there in silence, fear, and veneration." 

- Saint John Chrysostom

Everyday, Our Lord humbles Himself to our even lowest states despite our unworthiness, and lands on our tongue before departing into our hearts where we can communicate with Him in a state of grace. What a wonderful privilege! My mind never fails to recall that I am an unworthy sinner yet found and called to His love. All the time, my unworthy hands clasp together tightly that they cannot be separated themselves, but my knees bend themselves, acknowledging His Majesticness, as my eyes are seeing  My Eternal King lowers Himself until He lands upon my tongue, and departs into my heart. 

There is another powerful prayer: the Most Holy Rosary of our Blessed Mother. When you say one Pater Noster, you make one red rose. When you say one Ave Maria, you make one white rose. When you say the rosary, you make one crown of roses for our Mother. Saint Francis of Assisi was seen spitting out roses from his mouth during his rosary prayers, whereas his two guardian angels took them, made the crowns and delivered them to the Holy Queen of the Rosary. It is even magnificent when mediating upon the Life, Death, and Passion of Our Lord Jesus together with the Holy Rosary. For recitation the Holy Rosary is the body of this prayer, and mediation upon Lord Jesus is the soul of that same prayer. Saint John Vianney quoted, "When our hands have touched spices, they give fragrance to all they handle. Let us make our prayers pass through the hands of the Blessed Virgin. She will make them fragrant."

"When the Holy Rosary is said well, it gives Jesus and Mary more glory and is more meritorious than any other prayer." 

- Saint Louis de Montfort

But why does prayer become the perfume to our soul and a fragrance that pleases God? It is because it grows love within our souls, for God and others. Saint Augustine said, Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul." Love just keeps growing and growing, that hate and envy cannot find place in the heart. No wonder love is the greatest among three virtues (love, hope and faith) for hope gives way to vision of our belief, and faith gives way to eternal life. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton said, "The closer a soul is to God, the more it grows in love for all the creatures made by Him, and especially for those with whom we are so much in love."

Feel inspired after reading this post? Then, take an opportunity to attend Holy Mass, make one hour adoration (if cannot, taking a moment will do), and pray rosary everyday, whenever you can. This is an encouragement inspired by the Holy Spirit for the Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament has been desiring for you.

"Take great care to go to Holy Mass, even on weekdays; and for such a cause be willing to put up with some inconvience. Thereby you will obtain every kind of blessing from the Lord." 

- Saint John Bosco

"You will gain more from one single Mass than you would from distributing all your goods to the poor or making pilgrimages to all the most holy shrines in Christendom." 

- Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

My gratitude to the Lord

Baptism of the Lord by Saint John the Baptist

As I was praying and reflecting on the 1st luminous mystery of the Holy Rosary: Our Lord's baptism by Saint John the Baptist, suddenly I was taken into deeper reflection and found my soul praising and exalting the Lord like King David: "Praise the Lord, my soul! All my being, praise His Holy Name! Praise the Lord, my soul, and do not forget how kind He is. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy. He fills my life with good things, so that I stay young and strong like an eagle." (Ps 103:1-5)


Taking a stroll in the park, my mind composed its own gratitude for the Lord as it expressed:

Thank you Lord for the gift of my eyes so that I can see your gloriously beautiful arts on the earth. It seems that I can see something that others cannot see. But importantly, I can see your Presence and celestial beings in the holy places. "Why are we so sad? Why do we blame God? Evils abound in the world so that the world will fail to seduce us into loving it."(Saint Augustine)

Thank you Lord for the gift of my ears. You make me deaf so that I can exceedingly appreciate hearing the praise of Your Holy Name, O Most Holy Trinity! We are what we eat but our souls are what we hear. My Savior God, how great Thou Art! I never forget that day when You spoke unto my ears: You are My wonderful child!"

Thank you Lord for the gift of my nose so that I can smell the fragrance in my prayers with the intercession of My Beloved Mother Mary. I would never forget that exact magnificent scent when You received me into Your Bosom as You poured Thy Holy Spirit upon me after pouring Holy Water upon me. "When our hands have touched spices, they give fragrances to all they handle. Let us make our prayers pass through the hands of the Blessed Virgin. She will make them fragrant." (Saint John Vianney)


Thank you Lord for the gift of my tongue. It was once poisonous like a viper but You have brought it to humility that it speaks so softly so that it can preserve me from misfortune of offending Thee and my neighbours, and is only reserved for Your Ears as it sings the praise and glory of Your Holy Name. "Conquering  the tongue is better than fasting on bread and water!!" (Saint John of the Cross)


Thank you Lord for the gift of my sense. Through my instincts and gut feelings, You called me and brought me to Your True Holy Catholic Church, which You set up two thousands years ago. I can still feel Your Holy Presence in the Holy Church even today.

Thank you Lord for the gift of my hands so that they can make beautiful artworks of Thee, my God. I almost lost my hand in an accident but You preserved it so as to show me that You are still preserving my true vocation in difficult times. O Lord my God, give me the graces to draw more and more sacred inspirations.

Thank you Lord for the gift of my heart. It was once defiled by the pride and lust. But You have made it humbly transforming into a heart of great love like Christ alike. You also made it as Your Holy Throne where I can feel Your Presence deeper within, and as the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Oh, let every beating of my heart would proclaim the praise and glory of Your Holy Name! My heart told me that it was so glad to burden my body with the cross and beg me to follow Lord Jesus. "Humility is the true appreciation of one's gifts." (Saint Teresa of Avila) "There is something in humility that strangely exalts the heart." (Saint Augustine) "Almost all of us love according to our own taste; very few of us know how to love according to the will of God." (Saint Francis de Sales)


Thank you Lord for the gift of my feet so that they can hasten bringing my body to the Holy Church where I can witness the miracles at the Holy Mass, and adore Thee in the Most Blessed Sacrament everyday. O Holy Spirit, teach me how to follow Thee in the footsteps of Lord Jesus! "Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. Let us not refuse the time to go to meet Him in adoration, in contemplation full of faith... Let our adoration never ceases." (Blessed Pope John II) "Do you realize that Jesus is there in the Tabernacle expressly for you, for you alone? He burns with the desire to come into your heart." (Saint Therese of Lisieux)

Thank you Lord for the gift of my stubborn faith in Thee, for I know that You will never fail me as I have seen Thy manifested signs of love throughout my life. O My Sweet Jesus, teach me how to become a saint after Thee. My dearly Blessed Mother Mary, teach me also. My Holy Guardian Angel, help me too. "God wishes everyone to be a saint, but in accordance with their own state of life - the religious as religious, the person in the world as a person in the world, the priest as a priest, a married person as a married person, a soldier as a soldier, and so on for every other way of life." (Saint Alphonsus: Practice of the love of God 8:10) "In order to be saints, you have to seriously want to be one. Saint Thomas Aquinas assures us that holiness is nothing else but a resolution made, the heroic act of a soul that surrenders to God. And he adds: spontaneously we love God, we run towards Him, we get close to Him, we possess Him. Our willingness is important because it changes us into the image of God and likens us to Him! The decision to be holy is very dear one. Renunciation, temptations, struggles, persecutions, and all kinds of sacrifices are what surround the soul that has opted for holiness." (Blessed Mother Teresa)

Another miracle into my memory

New image of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from 

the Heart of Jesus as a foundation of Mercy 

for us, I trust in You.

I was asked to repair this once worn-out statue by a president of my community a few months ago. By then, my determination was formed to give it a new image. However, as the time went by, I found myself in despair and anxiety as I did not have sufficient paints, and money to buy new paints. I was disappointed for not being able to do something about it, but unloaded all my heart, mind and strength unto my prayer. Yet, my memory of the statue began to fade gradually.

Recently, I was given a new project by my employer to work on. Unexpectedly, the much leftover paints were put on my hands for my own use after the completion of the project. I had countless wild thoughts running in my mind as I was tempted to paint my own wall mural at home. As I was completing the last part of work last Monday, suddenly I found myself wanting to collect the statue and bring it home for the repair, which I had never thought for a while. Perhaps it was my guardian angel reminding me. When I read the Psalms 138: "The day I called for help, You heard me and You increased my strength. (v.3) Though I live surrounded by trouble, You keep me alive - to my enemies' fury! You stretch Your Hand out and save me, Your Right Hand (v.7) will do everything for me. Yahweh, Your Love is everlasting, do not abandon us whom You have made. (v.8)", I got the feeling of deja vu! I found myself an indescribable joy as I recognized that God really heard me and answered my little prayer. I also noticed the profound comfort I had, as if all my worries disappeared, while carrying the statue to home.

The moment I hit the home, I gave a good scrubbing to the statue. While it was drying in my room, my whole body gave in to an exhaustion and carried itself to bed after settling everything. I could not remember whether it was a dream or a real experience, as I found myself getting up during the dark vision. There was an unexplainable feeling clinging to me while I was making way for the door. It seemingly came from the statue. When I turned around to check on the statue, my heart skipped a beat. I saw a spirit of the Lord emerging from the statue and was frozen in my track, which I believed to be the holy fear. But I managed to keep cool and exit the room. I could not remember what happened afterwards. But I regret for not kneeling before the vision of the Lord. I desired to possess that fear again. Oh, my holy guardian angel, teach me how to fear the Lord like you always do, so that I can keep on revering the Lord all the time, for my heart and mind are so small that I forget very easily.

At the moment of the night, I spent all my energy to repair the whole statue as I was reflecting on all the manifested divine interventions I had seen in my life. I realized that God made me a living testimony that He is good all the time as Mother Teresa of Calcutta taught me that the best way to show our gratitude to God was to accept everything, even our problems, with joy. Quoting Job in Old Testament, if we could accept good things from God, why could we not accept the adversity? Saint Augustine of Hippo convinced me by saying, "We ought to be persuaded that what God refused to our prayer, He grants to our salvation."

"Almost all of us love according to our own taste; very few of us know how to love according to the will of God." - Saint Francis de Sales

Chant of the Templars - Salve Regina

What a powerful song! The other times when I was listening to "Ave Maria" by the Gregorian, I was nearly on the verge of falling off the chair during the whole period! But this song moved my heart to tears. I wish I could have better hearing sense. 

Who is Jesus to you?

Dear Lord, thank you for a gift of life and making me a child of Yours. Amen.


"Before prayer, endeavor to realize whose Presence you are approaching, and to whom you are about to speak. We can never fully understand how we ought to behave towards God, before whom the angles tremble." ~ Saint Teresa of Avila

I remember that a friend of mine, the priest said, "We can forget easily... We can't feel being the saints because we forget our callings." Little wonder, I felt something missing in my journey as I found my spirit being dehydrated. Although I frequent the communication with God, my relationship with God does not appear in my mind. I forgot that I am the child of God, and I am calling to be vulnerable rather than to be in the control. I used to be so proud of my sufferings with my Cross but now I gave off the pessimistic aura, according to the friends of mine. Now, I begin to understand the meaning of dynamic relationship with God and see that the spiritual journey is getting more and more fun-filled meaningful experience. Time to hibernate and reflect. I should be grateful for this cloudy sensation as Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, "The best way to show my gratitude to God is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." Now, who is Jesus to us?

"But a soul that does not live by the love of God suffers in a different way. It is not happy because it does not correspond generously enough to divine love; it hears a call and feels an attraction to which it does not respond. God punishes it by preventing it from being at peace in the quiet of laziness which it creates for itself. How many times is God sent away in this manner!" ~ St. Peter Emyard

Shalom!

This reminds me of a quote of Saint Augustine of Hippo: "The purpose of all wars is peace."

How true is it!

Dark night of my soul?

"Why are you so sad, O my soul? Why have you become troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my help and my God." (Psalm 42:11)

Now, you know who I have been going out with.

A soulmate

A friend of mine posted this photo with the comment, "If he/she does not care about your soul, then he/she is not your soulmate." That is true. Make sure you are looking for the person who really cares about your soul whether you are making friends, or looking for serious relationship and marriage. St John Chrysostom said, "Eating and drink don't make friendships - such friendship even robbers and murderers have. But if we are friends, if we truly care for one another, let's help one another spirituality... Let's hinder those things that lead our friends away to Hell."

Little wonder, I am not into the relationship. Perhaps I should go for holy women. But don't forget God is our no.1 soulmate because He really cares for us and loves us so much that He is willing to die for our sins so as to enable us to go to Heaven where we can spend eternal time with Him. Saint Augustine said, "We ought to be persuaded that what God refuses to our prayer, He grants to our salvation."

Marriage

This is what the marriage is for! (Marriage vocation)

When a man falls in love with a woman, both proceed to a dating season. Through dating, they get to know each other thoroughly before they decide to commit themselves for each other in marriage. When the man proposes to his girlfriend, he is inviting her to join his vocation and journey together with him towards God. Then they become one flesh through consumption of their marriage. When they manage to reach Heaven after the end of their lifetime, they will say to each other, "Thank you for saving my soul and helping me to get closer and closer to God every moment of my life." What a beautiful gift we have from God!

Don't be afraid to go for confession

I heard an interesting homily during Novena service yesterday. Here are some takeaways of mine.

"God has a very poor memory. He cannot remember your sins when you go for confession." - Fr Simon Pereira

"Usually the priests will give you penances and absolutions after confession. They have no right to criticize you for what you have done. If they scold you, you can scold them back. I give you permission for that!" - Fr Simon Pereira

You're My beautiful child too.

A quick sketch from my memory. I wish I have excellent photographic memory

This afternoon, I was on the way to the destination after lunchtime Holy Mass. In the train, I spotted this couple with a child seemingly to be their daughter. Their unique aspect made them different from other families: both parents were blind whereas their daughter looked healthy and normal. Yet they were not concerned about their disabilities. Instead, they were very happy as they enjoyed each other's company in their own world. Even the blind mother took out a comb from her bag and brushed her daughter's hair while using other hand to ensure the smooth combing.This reminded me of the Holy Family during the Nativity of Child Jesus. They showed us that their happiness and joy did not depend on the materialistic joys but rather on the unconditional love they had for their Child Jesus.

I thought, "What a beautiful children You made, my God!" Suddenly, I heard, "You're My beautiful child too!" Then, I cried.

"We should love God because He is God, and the measure of our love should be to love Him without measure." - St Bernard

Happy blessed feast day of St Benedictine (Roman Calendar 2012)

Saint Benedictine of Nursia

He is one of those saints who left me a deep impression of love for Lord Jesus.

Happy blessed feast day of Saint Joseph

Saint Joseph,

the blessed foster father of our Lord Jesus,

and blessed spouse of our Blessed Mother Mary

Although the feast day was over, I am still in the mood of honoring Saint Joseph because he had taught me how to value and put my loved ones and even those who hurt me, above me. The way how he protected and took great care of our Blessed Mother with their child, Lord Jesus, had left me a deep impression that I must protect and take great care of others as well. His humility made it alluring for me to give what I have, generously to others.

Oh, Blessed Joseph, teach me how to love all the men and women equally as my beloved brothers and sisters.

The power of the Holy Rosary

"The Holy Rosary is the storehouse of countless blessings." - Blessed Alan de la Roche

I am starting to appreciate the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary because through the Holy Rosary, I came to experience the life, death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus. It was almost real experience. What a greatest gift I have ever received from the Lord for my Lent journey. How true is the quote of Saint Louis de Montfort: "When the Holy Rosary is said well, it gives Jesus and Mary more glory and is more meritorious than any other prayer."

A great military leader of WWI, Marshal Foch wrote, "I think that I did not miss a single day in reciting it (rosary), including the most terrible times of battle when I had no rest night or day. How often did I see Her manifest intercession in the decisions which I made in choosing a precise tactic. Take, then, the advice of an old soldier seasoned by experience: Do not neglect the recitation of the Rosary for any reason."

Our Blessed Mother Mary promised,

"Devotion to My Rosary is a sign of predestination."

Happy blessed Ash Wednesday and Lent

Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.

Love knows no bound.

Her name is Katie Kirkpatrick, 21 yrs old. Next to her is her fiancé, Nick, 23. (lower right)

This picture was taken prior to their wedding January 11th, 2005.

Katie has terminal cancer and spends hours in chemotherapy.

Here Nick awaits while she finishes one of the sessions... (top left)

Even in pain and dealing with her organs shutting down, with the help of morphine,

Katie took care of every single part of the wedding planning.

Her dress had to be adjusted several times due to Katie's constant weight loss. (top centre)

An expected guest was her oxygen tank. Katie had to use it during the ceremony and reception.

The other couple in this picture is Nick's parents, very emotional with the wedding and to see their

son marrying the girl he fell in love when he was an adolescent. (top right)

Katie , in a wheel chair listening to her husband and friends singing to her. (lower left)

In the middle of the party, Katie had to rest for a bit and catch her breath.

The pain does not allow her to stand for long period of time. (lower centre)

Katie died 5 days after her wedding. To see a fragile woman dress as bride with a beautiful smile

makes you think... Happiness is always there within reach, no matter how long it lasts..... L

et's enjoy life and don't live a complicated life.

Life is too short...

Work as if it was your first day.

Forgive as soon as possible.

Love without boundaries...

Laugh without control

and never stop smiling.

Please pray for those suffering from cancer.

W

e all have close to our heart.

Keep this going.

Prayers are always answered.

Life is too short to argue and desperate.

Taken from Facebook