My photos of Hong Kong democracy protests
- Mong Kong, Admiralty, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui 

My HK Democracy File

Praying for sick people, at St Paul's, Yau Ma Tei
- many photos

Australia set to seize assets of corrupt Chinese officials

The Australian Federal Police are poised to seize assets of corrupt Chinese officials within weeks, in an unprecedented joint operation with their Chinese counterparts

1 Maccabees 10: 

When King Demetrius was challenged for the throne by Alexander, Demetrius tried to get Jonathan's support for a possible war with Alexander.

Alexander then also sought Jonathan's support, and appointed him as high priest of Israel.

Demetrius again tried to win Jonathan's support, but Jonathan
and the Jews did not trust Demetrius.

Alexander and Demetrius went to war. Demetrius  died in the battle.

Alexander then became king. He married Cleopatra, daughter of Egypt's Ptolemy, thus securing a treaty with Egypt.

Jonathan met Alexander and Ptolemy, and was given great honor in their presence.

About 147 B.C. Demetrius son of Demetrius challenged Alexander for the throne.

This younger Demetrius also challenged Jonathan to fight.

Jonathan defeated the army of Demetrius. Alexander then gave Jonathan new honors.

Dear God, please help all countries live at peace with each other

Recording of this reading
for English students

Psalm 71:

In you, O Lord, I take refuge.
Please hear me and help me.

Be a rock where I can take refuge.
Rescue me from people who want to hurt me.

It is you, O Lord, who are my hope. In you I have trusted since I was young.

From my mother's womb you have been my help. My hope has always been in you.

Now that I am old, please do not forget me. Now that my strength fails, do not abandon me.

Now that I am old and grey-headed, may I continue to trust in you and proclaim your help.

To you I will sing with the harp.
All day long my tongue will tell of your goodness to me.

Lord, may the memory of your help in the past, give us strength to face the future

Recording

Acts 24:

After two years, Felix was succeeded by Festus. Festus arranged a new trial for Paul

The religious leaders repeated their accusations. Paul repeated his innocence

Festus wanted to gain favor with the leaders so he said to Paul "Are you willing to go to Jerusalem for a trial with the full council of religious leaders, at which I would preside?"

Paul knew his rights, and stood his ground, not wanting to go to a kangaroo court in Jerusalem. So he invoked his right as a Roman citizen: "I appeal to Caesar"

Festus replied "You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar (Rome) you shall go"

Jesus, please give us courage to stand up for our rights

Recording

Recommended: check these readings early morning, think about them during the day, check them again at night. This habit gives us extra energy, courage, motivation, peace and compassion for each day

Mark 6:

Not long after Jesus began traveling and teaching, King Herod arrested John the Baptist and put him in prison.

This was because John had told Herod he was breaking the Law by living with Herodias,  his brother's wife.

During a birthday party for Herod, the daughter of Herodias danced.

Her dancing so pleased Herod that he said he would give her anything she wanted.

Herodias told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a dish. Herod then had John beheaded.

Jesus, please give the world good leaders, and protect people from bad leaders like Herod

Recording

Pope Francis’ healing, loving revolution is unstoppable

ISIS is a wake-up call to learn more about Islam. I'm trying to learn more by watching videos like this one: Muhammad's life (with English subtitles ...and narrated in perfect English ...excellent for English students). 

This video has much information about the "Satanic verses", about the massacre of Jews ("the world's first Holocaust"), why Jerusalem is Islam's third city (after Mecca and Medina), how many wives Muhammad had (9+), the development of Sufism, how Muhammad used non-violent diplomacy (in one case sparing a whole city, Mecca, that had surrendered to him), the moving Last Sermon of Muhammad, how the Quran does not condone violence in 2014 

My weekly article in today's Ming Pao newspaper
with the topic: Time for Occupy Movement to move
is on Ming Pao website - click "Australian in HK".
Free access to article with recording today from about noon to 8pm HK time. Text without recording 

Last Sunday as I waited at a bus stop, a bridal procession was coming out of a church across the road from the bus stop. Much cheering and clapping.  Also at the bus stop was a four year old local Chinese boy, his mother and his grandmother. Said the little boy to his mother "Was it like that for you?"  (A very clever question for a 4 year old!). Mother, grandmother and others nearby all smiled

Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day of the week:

Sun: Africa        Mon: Europe & Russia     Tues: South Asia      Wed: East Asia  
Thurs: S.E. Asia & Pacific       Frid: South America       Sat: Central & North America 
  
Jesus, today, Tuesday,  please bless the people of South Asia

And praying for prisoners in one part of China each day of the month:

On this 21st of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Yunnan

This website's Tanzania File
(stopping Africans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from Tanzanian inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's South America file 
(stopping South Americans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from South American inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's Hong Kong file
(encouraging local drug addicts to come off drugs)

Sat nite protesters and police clash

  
Photos taken by myself last night at Democracy Protest on Nathan Road
near Mong Kok. A totally peaceful protest when I saw it 9pm - 9.30pm. 
More photos here

Bishops water down welcome to gays and the divorced

Pope's speech at end of Synod

1 Maccabees 9: 

King Demetrius sent another army against Israel. The size of this army was so large that many of Judas' soldiers deserted him.

Judas had only a small force to fight the king's army. Judas could have saved his life by running away from the battle, but he courageously chose to stay and fight.

Judas died in the battle and his troops fled. Judas' brother Jonathan succeeded him as leader of the Jews.

Jonathan gradually reclaimed control of most of the country
and again there was peace for a time.

Dear God, please give me some of the courage of Judas

Recording of this reading
for English students

Psalms 69-70:

Save me, O God, for the waters have risen to my neck. I am sinking fast and can't keep afloat much longer.

So many people hate me without cause. I have no more strength to resist them.

May my situation not cause anyone to lose faith in you. May people realize that it is for your sake that I am taunted.

Taunts have broken my heart.
No one shows me any compassion.

For food they give me poison. In my thirst they give me vinegar to drink.

Lord, do not hide your face from your servant. Answer quickly for I am in distress.

You are my rescuer, my help, O God. O Lord, do not delay to help me.

O God come to our  assistance. Lord make haste to help us

Recording

Acts 24:

When the religious leaders arrived, they put their case to Felix. 

They summed up their accusations by saying "The plain truth is that we find this man to be a perfect pest. He stirs up trouble among Jews everywhere, and is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect"

Paul replied "In regard to the Way, which they malign as a sect, I serve and worship the very same God worshipped by our ancestors. I live in hope that God will raise the dead. If that's my crime, my accusers are just as guilty as I am"

Felix postponed a decision. He met with Paul many  times, hoping Paul would offer him a bribe

Jesus, please help judges to avoid bribery

Recording

Mark 6:

Jesus went on a teaching tour of  the nearby villages. He sent out  his 12 special friends in 6 pairs, with authority over evil spirits.

He told them to take only bare essentials for the journey. He said "If any place does not welcome you, as you leave that place shake the dust from your feet as a sign to them".

The 12 apostles  preached repentance. They cast out many devils. They anointed sick people with oil and healed them.

Jesus, may every place welcome you and your messengers

 Recording

^{It is heartening to me, that the Vatican, is making some "gradual movement" into the reality of contemporary societies, to address and include aspects of life, and people that, until now, they have either ignored or shunned.}

Ebola and failing markets tell us that we need to work together

Brendan Hoban

Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day of the week:

Sun: Africa        Mon: Europe & Russia     Tues: South Asia      Wed: East Asia  
Thurs: S.E. Asia & Pacific       Frid: South America       Sat: Central & North America 
  
Jesus, today, Monday,  please bless the people of Europe & Russia

And praying for prisoners in one part of China each day of the month:

On this 20th of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Sichuan

This website's Tanzania File
(stopping Africans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from Tanzanian inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's South America file 
(stopping South Americans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from South American inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's Hong Kong file
(encouraging local drug addicts to come off drugs)

"He also criticised the government for stalling on talks with student leaders and putting protesters and police officers on a collision course" - very true, in this report

HK's Future - In Beijing’s Hands
Will it hammer the doors shut or seek to regain some credibility?

My HK Democracy File - with photos

Disturbing video of three HK policemen surrounded by protestors. Courage and coolness of the young policeman in blue -  extraordinary. Why did police reinforcements take so long to arrive?
What a sad and crazy situation to see the police becoming "the enemy" of the students.  Have people got to die before the HK government stands up to Beijing's attack on HK freedoms?  

China says no need 'so far' for army deployment in Hong Kong (but scenes as in video on left are an invitation ...)

2014-09-30   PLA armoured vehicles, Jordan  (opposite Queen Elizabeth Hospital)

Hong Kong activists regroup following clashes

Carrie Lam confirms student talks schedule

Apple Daily - your support for the democracy movement has been unbelievable, but the first few seconds of this clip are misleading, showing police hitting protestors - taken from the video at left of this menu ("disturbing video") which shows the police displayed extraordinary patience and control ....and only hit people when people charged at them

Readings for Mission Sunday

Isaiah 2:

In the days to come, the mountain of the Lord's Temple will be specially blessed.

All the nations will come to it and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, that he may teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths".

When they learn the ways of the Lord, then the nations will hammer their swords into ploughshares, their spears into sickles.

Nation will not lift sword against nation, there will be no more training for war.

O House of Jacob, come,
let us walk in the light of the Lord!

 Recording of this reading
for English students

Psalm 117:

O Praise the Lord, all you nations.
Acclaim him, all you peoples!

Strong is his love for us.
He is faithful for ever.

Recording

Acts 11:

Some believers went to Antioch in Syria where they preached the Good News of the Lord Jesus to non-Jewish people. Many non-Jewish people became believers

Barnabas, a good man filled with the Holy Spirit, was sent to Antioch in Syria to encourage the new believers to remain faithful to the Lord

Barnabas brought Paul from Tarsus to Antioch. They stayed in Antioch one year, instructing a large number of people

It was at Antioch that the believers were first called "Christians"

Jesus, please help me be a good Christian

Recording

Matthew 28:

The 11 apostles went to Galilee,
to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them.

When they saw him they fell down before him in worship.

Jesus said to them "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Teach them to understand and live according to my words. And know that I am with you always, yes, to the end of time".

Recording

The Argentine pope knows there is a tendency in some seminaries to return to a pre-Vatican II style of formation and way of thinking, sources confirm. He’s cognizant of the fact that in seminaries in a number of countries, and in some national colleges in Rome, young men openly, and with a sense of pride, identify themselves as “John Paul II seminarians” or “Benedict XVI seminarians.”

c.f. this report from Brazil: Imposter Priests

About 20 years ago I wrote to a toothpaste company called "Darkie" and asked they stop using an offensive name. I received a reply telling me to mind my own business. But some time later, the name was changed to "Darlie".  Only recently did I discover that the company's name in Chinese is still an offensive "Black man". I have contacted them again and asked that this name also be changed. To be continued....

29th Sunday of the Year

Reflection by Daniel Daring:
Laying a trap for Jesus

If you pause for a while and think about Jesus’ answer you will be surprised by its hidden meaning. What does belong to caesar? Nothing. Everything belongs to God, including caesar who claims to be divine. “The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein
Chinese text          Previous reflections

'Eikon: Icons of the Orthodox Christian World' displays eerie power at Art Gallery of Ballarat exhibition

Graphic ISIS execution photos  01     02

Yesterday at Kowloon Park swimming pool I saw a life saver using an umbrella, not to keep out of the sun, but to keep dry! When swimmers and life savers enter the pool area, they pass under a shower, for hygiene reasons. But life savers are not going into the pool, they are going to their watchtowers ....so it's understandable they don't want to get wet. 

Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day of the week:

Sun: Africa        Mon: Europe & Russia     Tues: South Asia      Wed: East Asia  
Thurs: S.E. Asia & Pacific       Frid: South America       Sat: Central & North America 
  
Jesus, today, Sunday,  please bless the people of Africa

And praying for prisoners in one part of China each day of the month:

On this 19th of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Shanxi

New letter in English from a Tanzanian inmate in a HK prison 
"Drug trafficking into Hong Kong is a suicide mission"

This website's Tanzania File
(stopping Africans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from Tanzanian inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's South America file 
(stopping South Americans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from South American inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's Hong Kong file
(encouraging local drug addicts to come off drugs)

ISIS is a wake-up call to learn more about Islam - from articles like this one:
The Islamic State and ‘Religion of Peace’

For Some, Hong Kong Protests 
Make the Heart Grow Fonder !

Can Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying Survive? And who might succeed him?

My suggestion for HK's next CE !

Protesters still on Nathan Road

Before the G20 meeting in Brisbane (Nov 15-16) there will be the APEC meeting in Beijing (Nov 8-11). Some people are saying Beijing will be trying to settle the HK protest movement by then (CE to resign?) because HK protests during APEC not good for Beijing

 Feast of Saint Luke  ("Luke"/"Acts")

Luke 1: 

Dear Friend of God, there are  already many  reports written about Jesus.

These reports come from  people who were the earliest eyewitnesses and ministers of the Good News.

After checking the whole story, I also have decided to write a report, so that you may see for yourself the truth and accuracy of the Good News

Jesus, help me understand your Good News

 
Recording of this reading
for English students

Acts 1:

Dear Friend of God, in my first book (the Gospel of Luke) I wrote about everything Jesus did until the day he was taken up to heaven

For 40 days after his death, he appeared to his apostles many times, and taught them about the kingdom of God

He told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for what the Father had promised: "You will soon be baptized with the Holy Spirit"

Jesus, please baptize me with the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, increase your influence in my life

Recording

Colossians 4.14:

(St Paul writing from prison in Rome)

Greetings from my dear friend Luke, the doctor

Recording

St Paul in prison

2 Timothy 4.11:

(St Paul writing from prison in Rome)

Only Luke is with me
 

Recording

St Luke with St Paul in prison

Red tape leaves Australia with compassion deficit

Catholic Church returns to pluriformity of Vatican II

Synod on the Family:  Latest report from Janet

Fred the footballing sheep (YouTube)

Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day of the week:

Sun: Africa        Mon: Europe & Russia     Tues: South Asia      Wed: East Asia  
Thurs: S.E. Asia & Pacific       Frid: South America       Sat: Central & North America 
  
Jesus, today, Saturday,  please bless the people of Central & North America

And praying for prisoners in one part of China each day of the month:

On this 18th of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Shandong

This website's Tanzania File
(stopping Africans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from Tanzanian inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's South America file 
(stopping South Americans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from South American inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's Hong Kong file
(encouraging local drug addicts to come off drugs)

Hong Kong's Press Under Siege

One of the main reasons young Hong Kongers are in the streets is to fight for press freedom, which has been disappearing amid physical & commercial attacks on pro-democracy media outlets     

TVB's "self-censorship": Video of police bashing heavily darkened to avoid recognition of police

TVB reporters flay management
"CCTVB" is the local nickname for TVB,  "CCTV" being "China Central TV", based in Beijing

John W:
Time for Occupy Movement to Move
The present locations are unnecessarily causing friction with police ...and great hardships on many HK citizens

1 Maccabees 8:

Judas had heard about the Romans: how they had conquered many lands and yet acted in a friendly way to other nations.

Judas therefore sent  representatives to Rome,  and an alliance was agreed to with the Romans.

Judas' aim was to obtain protection and peace for Israel.

Dear God, may peace and justice be the aim of all leaders

Recording of this reading
for English students

Psalms 66-68:

O God, be gracious and bless us
and let your face shine its light upon us.

Let all the peoples praise you, O God. Let all the peoples praise you.

O sing to the Lord, make music to his name. Rejoice in the Lord, exult at his presence.

Father of the orphan, defender of the widow, God provides a shelter for the homeless.

God gives his people strength.

May all the peoples of the earth know you and praise you, O God

Recording

Acts 4:

The next day about 40 Jews held a meeting. They decided not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. They asked the religious leaders to arrange another meeting so that they could attack Paul

But the son of Paul's sister heard of the plot. He got into the barracks and told Paul. Paul got the boy to tell the captain. The captain immediately arranged for a large group of soldiers to take Paul to Caesarea to be tried by Felix the governor

Felix said "I will wait till your accusers come here too, then I will hear your case"

Jesus, please help people who are in danger of being murdered

Recording

Mark 6: 

Jesus and his disciples went to his home town of Nazareth. On the Sabbath he went to the prayer hall and began teaching.

People in the prayer hall were astonished at his teaching. "Who does he think he is?" they asked. "He is just a carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, Joset, Jude and Simon. His sisters also are here."  And they would not accept him.

So Jesus said to them "A prophet is despised only in his own country "

Because of their lack of faith, Jesus cured only a few sick people there. He was amazed at the lack of faith in Nazareth.

Jesus, please help me be happy about your gifts to others

Recording

My Islam File

Recommended by a reader

- video from the Carter Center

Previously I mentioned a young couple preparing for their wedding. I mentioned how the young man was wearing a shirt with the word "Obey".  Well, the wedding was yesterday, and during the sermon I displayed the tea shirt!  Some wedding photos

Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day of the week:

Sun: Africa        Mon: Europe & Russia     Tues: South Asia      Wed: East Asia  
Thurs: S.E. Asia & Pacific       Frid: South America       Sat: Central & North America 
  
Jesus, today, Friday,  please bless the people of South America

And praying for prisoners in one part of China each day of the month:

On this 17th of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Shaanxi

HK police seize 51kg of ice

This website's Tanzania File
(stopping Africans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from Tanzanian inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's South America file 
(stopping South Americans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from South American inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's Hong Kong file
(encouraging local drug addicts to come off drugs)

My HK Democracy File

My Islam File

Beijing's media assault
The dwindling but still determined protesters in Hong Kong now face a vicious media assault on everything they stand for by central party propagandists in Beijing

Hong Kong police beat protester in violent crackdown on demonstrations (video)

Hong Kong protesters remind us why democracy is worth fighting for

A really important article:
HK’s Endless Road to Democracy
At all times the big business establishment - whether the opium traders in the nineteenth  century or the property tycoons of today - have stood against representative government

1 Maccabees 7:

Some Jews who were disloyal to Judas joined with supporters of the new king, Demetrius, to plot the overthrow of Judas.

Nicanor, one of the king's generals, was sent to defeat Judas
and exterminate the Jews.

But when the battle took place, Nicanor himself died and his army was routed.

Once again the land experienced peace for a while.

Dear God, please protect us from people who are disloyal 

Recording of this reading
for English students

Today's Gospel

Psalms 61-65:

O God, hear my cry, you who are my refuge and help. In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.

Take refuge in God, everyone in trouble. Trust him at all times.

O God, you are my God, for you I long. My body and soul thirst for you, like a dry, weary land without water.

Your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.

On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night.

You are the Creator of the world.
You care for the earth, you give it water.

To you our praise is due,
wherever we are on earth.

Lord, my soul clings to you. Your right hand holds me fast

Recording

Acts 22-23:

To find out why the Jews were attacking Paul, the captain arranged a meeting of the religious leaders, and allowed Paul to speak to them.

Paul realized that the leaders had two groups: Sadducees (who didn't believe in angels or an after-life) and Pharisees (who did believe in angels and an after-life)

So Paul called out "I am a Pharisee. It is for our hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial". This caused the Pharisees and Sadducees to begin a violent argument that put Paul's life in danger

The captain ordered Paul to be taken back into the barracks. The next night, the Lord appeared to him and said "Courage! You have born witness for me in Jerusalem. Now you must do the same in Rome"

Jesus, please give courage to Christians who live in dangerous places

Recording

Mark 5:

A prayer hall official, Jairus, fell at Jesus' feet and pleaded "My little daughter is dying. Please come and lay your hands on her and save her life".

While Jesus was on the way to Jairus' home,  people arrived and told Jairus "Your daughter is dead. No need to trouble the Master any further".

Jesus heard this and said to Jairus "Do not be afraid. Just have faith". Jesus allowed only Peter, James and John to go with him.

At Jairus' home, everyone was weeping and wailing. Jesus said to them "Why all this crying? The child is not dead, but asleep".  Everyone laughed at him.

So he got them all to leave. Then taking the girl's parents and his 3 companions, he went to the place where the child was lying.

Taking the girl by the hand he said to her "Little girl, I tell you to get up". The little girl got up at once.  She was 12 years old.

Jesus, please give us more faith to pray for the sick .... even for children who have died!

Recording

For example, the Japanese bishops pointed out in their preparatory comments for the Synod that, “In developing a pastoral orientation, it is perhaps important to recall that the only time in the gospels that Jesus clearly encounters someone in a situation of cohabitation outside of marriage (the Samaritan woman at the well) he does not focus on it. Instead, he respectfully deals with the woman and turns her into a missionary.”

That does not mean that Jesus condoned living together outside of marriage. He knew, though, that her marital status was not the most important thing about the daughter of God in front of him and he dealt with her on that level. It may be that his approach enabled her gradually to make changes in her life.

Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day of the week:

Sun: Africa        Mon: Europe & Russia     Tues: South Asia      Wed: East Asia  
Thurs: S.E. Asia & Pacific       Frid: South America       Sat: Central & North America 
  
Jesus, today, Thursday,  please bless the people of S.E. Asia & Pacific

And praying for prisoners in one part of China each day of the month:

On this 16th of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Qinghai

This website's Tanzania File
(stopping Africans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from Tanzanian inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's South America file 
(stopping South Americans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from South American inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's Hong Kong file
(encouraging local drug addicts to come off drugs)

ISIS is a wake-up call to learn more about Islam. Please check the videos at this Islam File

My HK Democracy File

Three held after HK protest clash 
One of the 3, Ben, is a good friend of mine. Has been to my home several times. He's a regular volunteer at our Sunday night gathering for the poor.
Photos of Ben - click to enlarge!

Risk of Triad-Related Violence Grows in Hong Kong

Wow! - Synod on Family:
 Pope Francis gets to the Synod Hall early and greets every attendee daily, he walks among the small language groups as they discuss and ponder how to create a balance between church teaching and lived experience. 
He is always the last to leave

- from Janet's report: 13th Day 

1 Maccabees 5-6: 

As the years went on, several nearby countries made war
on Israel. But Judas and his followers used prayer and courage to defeat all enemies.

When King Antiochus heard of Judas' continued victories, he became severely depressed and realized he was dying.

The king's son succeeded him and he too sent a huge army against Israel. 

This army also failed to defeat Judas. The king then made peace with the Jews and for a time there was peace.

Dear God, please help all nations to live in peace

Psalms 52-60:

Lord, I will tell everyone about how good you are. You are our Creator. Everyone should love you.

Thank you for so often rescuing me from trouble. You uphold my life.

Sometimes I have so many troubles and cares that I can't get to sleep. Sometimes I wish I was a bird and could fly away to a safe place.

When I fear, I will trust in you, in you whose word I praise.

My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready. I will sing, I will sing your praise.

Each morning I will sing of your strength, and each morning acclaim your love.

O God, please help me to praise and love you every day

Recording

Acts 22:

Paul was taken into the soldiers' barracks. The captain ordered Paul to be tortured to find out the truth about his situation

But when they tied him down, Paul said "Is it legal for you to flog a  Roman citizen?

The captain said "It cost me a lot of money to acquire Roman citizenship".  Paul replied "I was born a Roman citizen"

Paul was untied without being flogged

Jesus, please help people who are being tortured today

Recording

Today's Gospel

Mark 5:

A large crowd gathered around Jesus near the side of the Sea of Galilee. In the crowd was a woman who had suffered from bleeding for 12 years. She had spent all her money on doctors, but they had been unable to help her.

She had heard about Jesus. She came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. "If I can touch even his clothes, I will be healed" she said to herself.

As soon as she touched Jesus' cloak, the source of the bleeding dried up at once. Aware that power had gone out from him, Jesus turned round and said "Who touched me?"

The woman fell at his feet and told her story. Jesus said "My daughter, your faith has restored you to health. Go in peace and be free from your illness".

Jesus, please help sick people touch you by prayer

Recording

Another South American Voice

Leonardo Boff has published a new book, Francis of Rome, Francis of Assisi which looks at two men with the same name, the earlier Francis of Assisi and the present day Francis, the bishop of Rome, and he marks up the similarities between them

(I have signed this petition)

10 years ago today

Chapter 8 tells how target cities were chosen for the atomic bombs. Top of the list was Kyoto, but it was spared thanks to the veto by War Secretary Henry Stimson who had visited Kyoto's beautiful temples and shrines in 1926. Stimson knew Kyoto was an educational and cultural centre, not a place of weapons production. 

These final pages of Chapter 8 tell how some in the US had serious reservations about using the atomic bomb on a civilian population. Among the group were Jewish scientists who had escaped from Germany and had spent years helping develop the bomb to defeat Germany. Only after Germany surrendered, on May 8, 1945, did the scientists learn that the bomb was intended for Japan.  These pages also show that the reason for using the bomb was not just to defeat Japan, but also as a warning to the Soviet Union.

Please join me in praying for one part of the world each day of the week:

Sun: Africa        Mon: Europe & Russia     Tues: South Asia      Wed: East Asia  
Thurs: S.E. Asia & Pacific       Frid: South America       Sat: Central & North America 
  
Jesus, today, Wednesday,  please bless the people of East Asia

And praying for prisoners in one part of China each day of the month:

On this 15th of the month,  Jesus please bless the prisoners of Liaoning 

This website's Tanzania File
(stopping Africans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from Tanzanian inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's South America file 
(stopping South Americans from being tricked into bringing drugs to HK)
- letters  from South American inmates  in Hong Kong prisons

This website's Hong Kong file
(encouraging local drug addicts to come off drugs)

Pope Francis:
Thank you Holy Spirit

Inspiring photos:

Link
Link		Links 01  02	Link
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Newness, harmony, mission

Engagements of Pope Francis

Zenit.org - reports from Rome

This website's kind bloggers
(past and present)
with archives of articles:

Bakhita
 Hazel C
 Daniel Daring
Inigo Joachim
Brian Lewis
 Judith Lynch 
  Martin Mallon
Chris McDonnell
Bill Mulcahy 
Des O'Donnell
Darlene Starrs
 TASMAD
David Timbs 
Peter Wilkinson
   Harry Winter 
  John Wotherspoon

This website tries to stop "tanks"
(war, global warming, exploitation of the poor, globalisation of indifference, liturgical "reform of the reform" & other anti-Vatican II forces etc)

  Weekly Archive  of main page menus

Previous archives 
2013  2012  2011 2010  2009  2008

Previous Bible Blogs of this website

Previous Smiles file

John W: Previous Daily Blogs

The unjust treatment
 of Bishop Bill Morris

Hans Küng:  Letter to bishops  

Revolution to stop authoritarianism 

Fr Joseph Ratzinger: 
Writings on Vat II 

Robert Mickens:  
Vatican Implosion

Nicholas Lash:     Vatican II: 
Of Happy Memory - and Hope?

Robert McNally:  
Crisis & Criticism in the Church 

Priests 9 Masses a day
 - need to ordain married men

Why are women not being
 ordained to priesthood?   (updated)

A Call to Action
Assn Catholic Priests Ireland
Bp Pat Power
Bp Geoff Robinson
Bruce Duncan
Catalyst for Renewal
Catholica
Catholics for Ministry  
Catholics for Renewal 
STANDUP4VATICAN2
The Swag
VII - Voice of the Church
We Are Church

Excellent articles on Mission
  Hugh McMahon SSC

Imposter Priests
- refusing to pass on the teaching of Francis' The Joy of the Gospel

HK Democracy File - essential reading

HK Asylum Seekers File

IS (ISIS) File - Essential Reading

Gaza File - essential reading

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1998 ICEL Sacramentary

Misguided Missal 

The new translation
Ghastly process/result

Ron Schmit:
 1962 Mass a condemnation of Vat II

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 Sacred Space  Daily prayer online.
Available in 19 languages

Jackie Evancho  - To Believe

Pray-as-you-go.org
Daily prayer with beautiful music

Whole text of 1966 Jerusalem Bible

The Last Supper -  Bohdan Piasecki 
(click to enlarge)

Bob Welsh - My Christmas Eve

 A Tale of Two Brains

The Story of Jonah 
as Told by The Cutest Little Girl
(gets even better as it goes along)

North Africa refugee boat - Link

Abortion Survivor’s Letter
 to the Abortionist

Tribalism lives on, 
for better and for worse

16 Documents of Vatican II

This website's 
Reflections on the 16 documents
 of Vatican II 

Why I collect rubbish for Pope

Taking a stand

Navigation Aids      

  Standing up to bullies

"Reform of reform" agenda

Too Western/European 

Abortion - a true story

The evil of compulsory celibacy

Link between compulsory celibacy
 and sexual abuse

"Same-sex marriage": 
two elephants in the men's room     

     Near Death Experiences

Globalisation of Indifference

Many thanks for checking
 this website each day

This site's full statistics
 for September 2014 

To publish an article on this site please contact Fr John Wotherspoon omi:   jdwomi@gmail.com  

If you find a broken link in this website,
  please contact: jdwomi@gmail.com

John W's other sites: 

www.doctorjesus.org

www.riccicenter.com 

www.simplebible.info 

www.china8.org 

  www.jesustower.com 

www.oneminuteenglish.com 

China Library
 - essential reading for anyone interested in China's Christian history